Boy Meets Boy Reviews: Deanna Wadsworth

Showing posts with label Deanna Wadsworth. Show all posts

Guest Review: Murder Most Deserving (Lacetown Murder Mysteries #2) by Hank Edwards and Deanna Wadsworth

An acoustic music festival comes to Lacetown, and with it, another dead body—this one found at Fleishman’s Funeral Home. Michael recuses himself from the autopsy, handing the job over to his arch-nemesis from a neighboring county.

Luckily Michael and local hairstylist Jazz are closer than ever. Between a trio of funerals, a blowout BBQ, and a couple of trips on Beulah, Jazz’s beloved scooter, Michael and Jazz do some sleuthing of their own. With the first gruesome murder still fresh in their memories, they can’t help but wonder if notorious murderer and famous author Russell Withingham might be targeting them from jail, where he’s awaiting trial.

The festival, however, brings in a veritable lineup of potential killers, including a familiar—and most unwelcome—figure from their past. As the murderer circles ever closer to Jazz and Michael, Sheriff Musgrave is quick to remind them that everyone’s a suspect until Sheriff Musgrave says they’re not!

but really more like 2.75

Reviewer: Annery

I’m sorry. I can’t sugar coat it. The sophomore slump strikes again and I’m pretty disappointed.

This is the second book in the adventures of Michael and Jazz and takes place about two months after Murder Most Lovely. In that book they, and their small town were lovingly portrayed, imperfections notwithstanding, however the new book seems to suffer from multiple personality disorder, never sticking to a tone or theme. I know this is a review for Murder Most Deserving but I can’t see reading it without reference to the other and it suffers in comparison.

The previous book read like a small town murder mystery/cozy albeit with explicit sex. Michael and Jazz were two, older gay men, with imperfect bodies, life baggage yet full of the hopes, dreams, and fears like anyone their age. They were adorable and I was rooting for them all the way. This book is also nominally a mystery, though I had to think a moment of who got murdered, it was that unmemorable, and there is no real investigation by any party. What we get instead quaint scene settings of Lacetown denizens and places that add nothing to the story, and longer stretches of either Michael or Jazz thinking about the other, how lucky they are to have each other, missing each other after a few hours of separation (though that’s probably accurate of new lovers), but most egregious of all IMO is a out of character portrayal of their sex lives. I don’t like doing spoilers so all I’ll say is that the last thing I expected in a story that otherwise reads like a cozy, with almost cartoonish villains, was spanking. To me it didn’t ring true but maybe I’m wrong.

I still like Michael & Jazz very much, and I’ll probably read the next one in hopes this volume was a fluke, they deserve better. As usual YMMV.

Review: La Famiglia (Men of Gilead #2) by Deanna Wadsworth

Forrester Giordano comes from a huge, nosy Italian family, and with their homophobic jokes and slurs, he’s decided to stay in the closet. He finds respite in his bookstore in the quaint village of Gilead—where he has a huge crush on one of his customers, Kyle Benson.

Kyle is determined to live his dreams, and though life isn’t easy being deaf, one by one he’s making them come true. He’s scored a great job practicing law, bought a cute bungalow where he can finally have a big flower garden, and he has a dog he loves, Jasper. Now he just needs one thing to complete his happiness: a family of his own to make up for the one he never had.

Forrester and Kyle’s relationship starts off hot and heavy, and neither man can deny the depth of their connection. When Forrester’s little brother gets mixed up with their heroin-dealing cousin and his mother falls ill, Forrester has a decision to make—maybe the hardest of his life. For the first time, he’s found a man worth coming out for.

Unfortunately nothing ever goes according to plan with la famiglia.

I’ve got to say that this has a lot going for it, as it boasts a gentle giant who owns a bookstore and falls in love with the gorgeous newcomer with a disability and a painful past. The only thing is, said gentle giant is in the closet.

Yes, lately I haven’t been able to enjoy this sort of set up as much as I used to, but I liked the first book The Rhubarb Patch and its small town setting, so I wanted to give the sequel a chance. For the most part it succeeds.

Forrester is a really down to earth guy, kinda the odd man out amongst his other 3 burly brothers, but he loves his big fat Italian family - he just can’t say with 100% that they’ll love him back if he reveals his true self. Unfortunately, he has some reason for doubt due to a fractious history with his now deceased dad who had a predisposition to spout off bigoted statements. Thus, Forrester fears there’s a possibility that the rest of his relatives feel the same way, and he’s not going to rock the boat if he doesn’t have to. However, Kyle quickly becomes more than a crush, and he knows he’ll have to make some tough decisions and soon.

Kyle, in turn is equally wonderful, seeing the best in Forrester, never pressuring him, knowing that coming out is a very personal choice. Kyle also knows what it feels like when said choices and autonomy are taken away and the feeling of fear and helplessness that comes along with it. His past is particularly awful, where he was horrifically betrayed by the one person who should've kept him safe, using Kyle’s disability against him in the worst way. Because of this, Kyle wholeheartedly supports Forrester regardless of the fact that he wants to be open about being with the protective big guy, but he’s willing to wait since he finally feels safe due to Forrester’s careful care and consideration.

So, despite the hiding and the secrets, the strength of this story lies with both MC’s. Their relationship may start a bit fast once their attraction is made known, but the growing feelings evolve and mature at a good pace. It of course doesn’t hurt that both characters are really really likeable, and this was full of family crazy dynamics, sexy and tender loving, and a good amount of hurt comfort. I admit for me, Wadsworth is a tad quirky where certain things stood out, but I’m invested in this series now and should there be more stories about the characters from this quaint town, I’ll gladly revisit Gilead again.

Thank you to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Sunday Funday Christmas: 2017 Advent Calendar | Stocking Stuffers - Week 4

This week's Stocking Stuffers include gems from Deanna Wadsworth, C.M. Taylor, Jessica Payseur, Kasper Quill & Chrissy Munder

ICYMI: Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3

Welcome Home, Soldier by Deanna Wadsworth

Clay and Daniel fell in love as enlisted men during Desert Shield, but Don’t Ask Don’t Tell meant they had to keep it secret. After Clay’s convoy was ambushed, PTSD changed him, and their relationship ended in a horrible fight on Christmas Eve.

Twenty-five years later, they’ve reconnected on Facebook, and Clay finds out Daniel will be alone on Christmas Eve. Impulsively, he sets out for Daniel’s hometown of Gilead, Ohio—where Daniel is now the mayor—to surprise him with a visit. But a blizzard strikes and Clay wrecks his car. All hope of seeing Daniel is lost—until a mysterious old man named Nick offers Clay a ride.

The weight of past wounds and the scars of war might make their reunion awkward, but Clay is willing to take the risk to win back his lost love. Despite a lifetime of disappointing holidays, Clay hopes that this soldier is finally coming home for Christmas.

Ann - 4 Hearts

I love second chance romance stories and Welcome Home Soldier is the definition in Christmas form. It’s the story of two men who fall in love for the first time at the wrong time. They are in the military during the DADT era and their entire relationship is hidden away taking advantage of stolen moments at every opportunity. I was so impressed with how the author had these two mature characters communicate when they meet again, with thanks to impulse and a kindly white bearded truck driver. Clay and Daniel went through an ugly breakup, and given the environment they lived in and their experiences, it’s no wonder. They weren’t able to be what the other needed at that point in their young lives, they needed to fight their demons and accept themselves before they could be together in a way that would last. Reading a story with actual communication can be so refreshing and it made me believe in an HEA for these guys.

Trading Tridents by C.M. Taylor

DecemberCon 2017. John Perlan, aka YouTuber “SmileyNibor,” has come to the con for one reason and one reason only: to see his idol, actor Derek Kitow. And since Derek has announced he’ll be dressed as the original Aquaman, Perlan decides to come as the Aquaman reboot. It helps that he already has the beard and the bod to make a convincing Momoaman.

But when Derek Kitow makes his entrance, he recognizes Perlan from his tiny YouTube channel and wants him onstage! Has Kitow been following him online? Could SmileyNibor’s hero also be a fan? And what exactly does Kitow have in mind by inviting Perlan to meet him after the panel?

R *A Reader Obsessed* - 3 Hearts

I’ve got to say that the fangirl in me really liked many a thing in this shortie, but for full disclosure I was a bit surprised by the bdsm elements that seemed to come out of nowhere.

Per the blurb, John is stoked to be attending the DecemberCon because his movie star crush Derek, will be there. In response to Derek announcing he’ll be dressed up as classic Aquaman, John thinks his Jason Momoa physique is the perfect counterpart to display the new movie version. He doesn’t expect Derek to already know who he is, and John is quite shocked when he realizes the actor wants a more personal meet and greet. *wink*

What ensues is a hot kinky interlude, as well as some comic book lore theorization. This was… unexpected but sexy. Overall, I enjoyed it despite my preconceived geeky notions of what this was going to be.

Ann - 3 Hearts

While this story really has nothing to do with the winter holidays except for the time of year, it’s still pretty darn cute. The author worked some great geeky humor into John, the Aquaman fanboy. His love for star Derek Kitow is something pretty much everyone can relate to and his story is the ultimate fantasy come to life for anyone who has ever had a ridiculous crush on the unattainable. I would have liked some holiday aspect in there just because that’s what I came to the DSP Advent party for, but that being said, I would like to read more by this author as I really like the writing style and the charm the author has.

All Creatures Great and Small by Kasper Quill

Growing up an orphan meant Charlie never celebrated Christmas. He’s committed to making sure his newly adopted cat, Max, doesn’t miss out like he did. Unfortunately, he discovers that giving Max the perfect Christmas might be easier said than done—and not without risk.

Charlie’s landlord, successful and wealthy real estate developer Aemon Scotfield, is charmed by the gorgeous redhead and his shameless alley cat. He finds himself compelled to help orchestrate a memorable celebration for Max—and Charlie—despite the mishaps that seem to just keep coming. As difficult as it will be to pull off the perfect holiday, the real challenge might be walking away when it’s over.

R *A Reader Obsessed* - 2.5 Hearts

Um… this was cute with plenty of animal/pet shenanigans but for me personally, there was very little character, relationship, or romantic development as things went from point A to B with hardly an explanation.

However, one gets the gist of some hurt comfort as Aemon indulges Charlie who’s never had a true Christmas that he can remember. The spirit of the holidays still permeates this throughout, ultimately leaving one feeling warm and fuzzy in all the right ways.

Annika - 3 Hearts

A sweet and fun read. And if you are an animal fan, this is the book for you.

I didn't like the insta-love part of the story. I never really felt that there was a connection between Charlie (not Charles) and Aemon. Their relationship came out of the blue to me. As did the changes with Charlie. At the beginning he was so set in his ways he didn't even try new things to eat. And after nearly running Max over he changes at the spot. Sorry, I didn't buy that. If this would've been a longer novel, over a longer time sure I can see it, but not how it stands now.

Charlie was adorkable, trying so hard, yet never having a clue. One of my favourite moments was when he "watered" the tree.

Ann - 4.5 Hearts

The Christmas Spirit is alive and well in All Creatures Great and Small. I will squee for days over this story. For days I tell you! It’s freakin’ adorable with just enough snarky humor to keep it from being toooo sweet. Charlie is the most amazing little shitshow you’ll ever meet. He was orphaned at a young age and bounced around foster homes until he aged out. He’s put himself through school and landed himself a good job in IT. He’s never really done Christmas since his parents passed and when he adopts a shitshow of an alley cat, Max, his dream is to give Max the Christmas Charlie himself never had.

“Max deserved a tree. After all, it was our first Christmas as a family.”

Now Max is a cat, so by nature he really gives zero fucks, but Charlie is so excited to have his own little family now he goes all out. Poor Charlie has no clue what he’s really doing, but he tries so very hard and thankfully he gets a meet cute with his very posh landlord who is smitten with the awesomeness that is Charlie and who knows a thing or two about Christmas. The two of them have a real connection that was quick but it was too delicious to bitch about such things because I loved every little nugget the author tossed my way. Bonus points for wonderful secondary characters, knowing Charlie had a support system like he had warmed my cockles. I hope the author writes more soon, I need more Charlie and Aemon type characters in my life.

Sara - 5 Hearts

A ginger who rescues all the unwanted animals? Um… *looks in the mirror then at rescue dogs in my lap* This book was perfect for me.

I loved Charlie though is back story hurt my heat. I love his outlook on life and how he live his life as an adult. This book is funny and it made me smile more than a few times. I am not going to get into the plot of it because the blurb tells you what you need to know and this is short enough to read on ones lunch break but OMG this was adorable.

When Charlie crashes his bike because of a mangled cat what does he do? Why, what anyone else do and take it home. But when Charlie is helped by a gorgeous McHottie who Charlie thinks of as an angel turns out to be a sacred Amen of his own and this story stole my heart. The level of animals in this is outstanding and I want a Jackie of my own. Why do I imagine her voice like Jackée Harry?

Aemon and Charlie are so sweet and earnest. I love opposites attracting and Aemon sure did have some good lines for such a short story. He’s caught up in the magic of Charlie and wants to give Charlie a wonderful Christmas just as Charlie wants to give Max, the cat one.

With so many laugh out loud moments and a few major swoony ones too makes this is a perfect holiday read. I hope the author continues writing because I am intrigued and want more.

Wreck the Halls by Jessica Payseur

Business has been good at Paul’s Café in Madison, Wisconsin—until a few months before Christmas. When Nick opens Nick’s Restaurant next door, Paul watches his customers leave for cheaper food and an owner who smiles more. With his livelihood at stake, Paul lashes out, trying to drive away Nick’s customers, but Nick won’t go easy, and escalating sabotage threatens to ruin the holidays for both of them.

Paul thinks all he wants for Christmas is to see Nick’s Restaurant go under, but the more he tries to drive Nick away, the less he’s sure he wants him to go. Nick is everything Paul secretly craves, but by the time he realizes Nick is all he really wants for the holidays, he might have ruined any chance for them to get together. And there might not be a present in the world that can fix that.

Ann - 2 Hearts

I do love me a chef story and I do love me an MC who can be on the grumpy side, and while I got my chefs (well, restaurant owners) the grump was too much for me. Paul wasn’t happy that a restaurant opened right next door his actions were over the top. He was pissed for 90% of the story and that was the only thing I knew about him. He had no depth beyond his anger. I actually liked Nick at the beginning but he kept one upping the vindictive shenanigans and I just couldn’t get with his getting off on making Paul mad so I lost my love for him pretty quickly. If they had had even a few moments of connection here and there I might have been able to believe the ending, but holy cats these guys went from visceral hatred (at least from Paul) to comingling forever so fast I had literary whiplash. If I’m to believe in an HEA for these two, I would have to see a lot of couples therapy in their future.

The Last Gift by Chrissy Munder

College student Nick Reed works late shift at a convenience store and dreams of graduation, a job he can be proud of, and finding the man of his dreams.

But the man of his dreams is about to find him.

A change in his lab hours forces Nick to swap shifts with a coworker. But no one prepared Nick for Mr. 5:25—Aaron Hampton—a beefy blond who’s Nick’s perfect guy, but professionally and socially out of Nick's reach. Soon Aaron becomes the highlight of Nick's workday, and when the overly focused lawyer needs Nick's help with holiday gifts, Nick is eager to spend time with Aaron.

They become friends, share book recommendations, and are surprised to find themselves at the same charity run. But is that all? When Aaron learns Nick is heading back to his old shift, will he find the courage to ask for one last, very special gift?

R *A Reader Obsessed* - 3 Hearts

Nick is seriously crushing on one of the early morning customers where he works, and he can hardly concentrate on anything else. Despite what initially looks like them being completely incompatible, it’s quickly made clear that he and Aaron are able to connect on many other levels.

However, the clock is a ticking, and though it’s the worst time in Nick’s life to even contemplate a relationship, he can’t help but hope. What he doesn’t realize is that his and Aaron’s magical meeting time might not have been solely left to chance.

This is low angst, with a kiss at the end - a feel good story showing how the holidays can be just the needed impetus to find and grab onto love.

Ann - 4 Hearts

I absolutely love Chrissy Munder’s stories, especially her holiday offerings. The Last Gift was as adorable as I expected and she really packed a lot of connection into a short story. The concentration stayed on the two MC’s and I liked them both so much, so the focused page time was much appreciated.Aaron may have been the more established of the two in his professional life, but Nick was able to hold his own despite his age and lack of experience. The story is told from Nick’s perspective and while he may have not have seen all the signs (or thought they were too good to be true) the author did a great job of showing Aaron’s interest to the reader so they story stays angst free which is perfect for the holidays. The ending is just delicious and I swooned in Aaron’s direction pretty hard along with Nick.

Chelsea - 4 Hearts

Oh I liked that. I liked that alot. All the fluffy sweetest a short Christmas story needs!
Nick has developed a crush on one of his customers at the convenience store he works at. His crush, Aaron, is probably the sweetest guy ever! I adored this pairing, Nick was funny and came across as a rather normal college student while Aaron was totally adorable!

They had a nice steady development from infatuation to friendship then something more hopeful and of course this ended in the best way, with a kiss.

So cute!

Review copies were provided by the publisher.

Merry Christmas from the Unicorn Mafia!

Guest Review: The Rhubarb Patch (The Men of Gilead #1) by Deanna Wadsworth

City boy, sci-fi novelist, and recovering pushover Scott Howe doesn’t know what to expect when he inherits his grandmother’s house outside the quaint village of Gilead, Ohio—but it isn’t an enormous bald man in nothing but tighty-whities and orange rubber boots shouting at him to keep his weed whacker away from the rhubarb patch.

Scott has never met anyone like Phineas Robertson: homesteader, recluse… Republican. A tender—if unlikely—friendship grows over the summer while Phin and his schnauzer, Sister Mary Katherine, teach Scott about life in the country and the grandmother he never knew. Opposites attract, but widower Phin worries his secret will send Scott running faster than his politics, and Phin isn’t convinced he deserves a second chance at romance.

Scott is convinced—rural life, and his one-of-a-kind, older neighbor is the future he wants. Before he can settle in, his mother drops a bombshell that strains their already tenuous relationship, and a cousin who believes he is the rightful heir to the property puts Scott in danger. It’ll take a lot of compromises, and even dodging a few bullets before they’re out of the weeds, but nurturing something as special as true love always takes hard work.

Reviewer: R *A Reader Obsessed*

When I read the blurb, I thought to myself, this just might be some good comfort reading involving second chances at life and love, and overall I wasn’t wrong.

Scott is a people pleaser. So much so, he’s sacrificed his happiness over and over in basically all of his relationships. In an effort to perhaps reinvent himself and start anew, he totally takes advantage of his surprising windfall - he’s inherited a house from his paternal grandma whom he hasn’t heard from since he was a child. It’s a complete mystery as to why she left him her belongings, but he’s not going to look a gift horse in the mouth and quickly moves to her small rural town determined to make some big changes.

There, Scott meets his neighbor Phineas. A bit intimidating at first, and sorta comical later, he comes to appreciate Phineas’s clean living and self reliance. Scott is a duck out of water, but as he makes his grandma’s home his own and slowly learns more about her, he acclimates to the different lifestyle and starts to thrive.

This was mainly a story about growth. Scott needs a lot of it, especially never having heard of things like rhubarb or cobbler (no joke). He wondrously discovers new likes and dislikes and begins to make decisions for himself and not for others, while at the same time voicing his opinions instead of squashing them like he’s always done.

This book was also about Phineas since we get his point of view too. He’s had some serious losses, including Scott’s grandma who was his best friend. Understandably scared to put himself out there and love again, he doubts his own worthiness. However, life is a risk, and Phineas eventually realizes that happiness won’t come if he doesn't try.

Beware a slow burn regarding these two. Both want each other but are hesitant to take that next step. Scott has a lot of maturing to do and discovers some harsh truths while learning to stand on his own two feet. I particularly loved Phineas. He was the epitome of a gentle giant - sensitive and caring and protective - the kind of character I can read about all day. Though his story is often a sad one, he perseveres even though love is a scary thing to embrace.

As a warning, this has one of the most annoying moms ever, a sick aging pet schnauzer, and a quirky obsession Scott has with part of Phineas’s body. (The smex was hot, but every time he gustily went at Phin’s ‘titties”, it unfortunately took me out of the mood.) Throw in a little suspense, several good doses of drama-lama, and some tearful bittersweet scenes, and you’ve got quite the enjoyable story here. Some might find this a bit boring - the ins and outs of living a more laid back life and the daily goings on - but it’s no secret that I like that sort of thing. So, if you have to have constant action, plot twists, and fast forward momentum, this probably isn't for you, though the prior mentioned shenanigans might just be enough.

This was my first from Deanna Wadsworth, and it won’t be my last. It looks like a series is in the works here, and I know I wouldn’t mind at all revisiting Scott and Phineas! I definitely look forward to further stories and getting to know the other members of this quaint, small town community!

Thanks to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

GIVEAWAY + Blog Tour: Too Good To Be True by Deanna Wadsworth

We're happy to have Deanna Wadsworth drop by today to promote her latest release, TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE A 1NightStand Story

Hi, Deanna, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Tell us a little about yourself and your current book by answering this question:

What did you want to be when you grew up?

Okay, I will tell you, but you have to promise not to laugh…..

I wanted to be a clown.

Don’t ask me why, because I have no clue LOL.

When I was very little, any time someone asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I said I wanted to be a clown. Now, I did not have clown toys, I did not dress up as a clown for Halloween nor had I ever been to the circus. But until I was about ten, I told people I was gonna be a clown.

Weird, right?

But hey, I own my weirdness.

In my teens I wanted to be either a park ranger or a journalist for a newspaper. I liked to play in the dirt and be outside, and I liked to write stories. I even dwindled away hours writing romance novels. But instead of doing either of those things, I went to beauty school.

Weird, right?

Maybe it was lack of parental encouragement or a practical part of my brain telling me that I needed to get a real job, not an impossible one. After all, jobs as a park ranger like the old days are harder to come by, and who would ever pay me to tell stories? LOL But it all came full circle back to my roots because I spend a lot of time outside in my garden—never could stay away from nature too long—and I eventually became a writer.

Now about that clown business….

Book Name: Too Good To Be True
Series: 1 Night Stand
Book: This is Deanna’s 5th offering in this series. Characters from her previous stories have cameos, but book can be read as a standalone.
Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Cover Artist: Fiona Jade

Pages or Words: 36,000 words

Categories: Light suspense, M/M Romance, Romance

Release Date: June 17, 2016

Blurb:

Disgraced former FBI agent Tim Burkhart desperately wants to reclaim his life and find happiness. Relocating his fledgling private security company to Miami—where his ex-wife moved their two daughters—hopefully is a start. When he’s hired to provide protection for an antiques dealer on his way to Scotland to sell a priceless ancient dirk, Tim believes the break he’s been waiting for has finally arrived. Maybe now he can make enough money to hire a lawyer and get shared parenting of his little girls.

Elliot James runs the antique shop he inherited after his grandfather’s death. Lonely and swimming in debt, he longs for a way to turn his life around but keeps making one mistake after another. Then he finds the ancient dirk tucked away among junk as he’s cleaning out his grandfather’s home. Placing it up for sale, he is thrilled when an out of country buyer purchases the priceless antique. The buyer wants the dirk immediately and sends Tim to ensure Elliot safely delivers it on time.

The moment Tim and Elliot meet, however, everything falls apart. Between break-ins, shoot-outs, stalkers, totaled cars, and the cops, it seems Tim and Elliot will never get to Scotland by the deadline. Despite all the obstacles, an unexpected attraction pulls them together, offering each man a glimmer of hope. But if they don’t deliver the dirk on time, they won’t get paid and neither of them will be able to pick up the pieces of their lives.

Will they complete this job and find a happily ever after, or is all of this really too good to be true?

Excerpt:

Staring down the sights of his Colt 1911 and into the panicked eyes of the young man, Tim said, “Keep your hands where I can see ’em. I want to know where Mr. James is and why you’re in his store.”
Out of the corner of his eye, Tim saw a flash of metal. Instinctively he dropped to the floor. The sharp crack of a bullet shot through the store, shattering something on his left.
The guy behind the counter made a run for the door.
Tim rolled behind the armoire, gritting his teeth when the door slammed shut and the first guy got away. Careful to stay out of sight, Tim assessed the shooter who’d come from the back room. He looked as young and inexperienced as the one who’d run. Tim recognized the weapon in his hand—a 9mm semi-automatic Beretta. Though Tim’s .45 could out-shoot the little pea-shooter at the range, he had no interest in finding out who was the better shot in real life.
“¿Adónde vas? ¡Esperame!” the shooter yelled to his retreating friend.
Wait for me. Tim knew enough Spanish. The guy planned to make a run for it, too. He clambered to his feet. Before he could tackle and subdue him, the kid aimed his Beretta in the general direction of the armoire and fired off a volley of shots.
“Shit!” Tim dove behind a stack of rugs to dodge the bullets.
The gun went silent.
Tim rolled fast onto his back, his 1911 aimed, only to watch the kid flying out the door behind his friend. The door bounced a few times until it closed, the bells clanging.
“Shit! Shit!”
The scraping sounds in the back room, louder than before, drew his attention once more.
As fast as he could, he crept around the counter, his heart pounding. Both hands on his gun, trigger finger resting on the frame and trigger guard, he took a quick peek into the room, ducking back before a possible third perp could make him.
In less than a heartbeat, his brain registered what he’d seen. He exhaled. Keeping his gun lowered but at-the-ready, he entered.
In the center of what looked like a storage room sat the man Tim had been hired to escort to Scotland. He’d been gagged and duct-taped to a chair.
Elliot James.
“Is anyone else here?” Tim murmured.
Mr. James shook his head wildly.
With a relieved sigh, he rushed over to the man and yanked the gag out. “You okay?”
“Yeah.” He gasped for air. “I’m fine.”
“Were there only two?” he clarified, eyes still peeled for danger.
“Yeah,” he managed, his face flushed and startling green eyes wide. Sandy-brown curls fell across the brow of a very frightened but very beautiful man. He took a few slow, ragged breaths, obviously trying to calm himself. “Just the two of them.”
Tim took a steadying breath of his own and slowly released the hammer on his Colt and flipped the safety up, never taking his gaze off Mr. James. “What happened?” He holstered the weapon then tore the duct tape from the man’s wrist.
“Aarrghh!” Mr. James jumped, the chair bouncing.
Tim winced when he noticed the arm hairs stuck to the tape in his hand. “Sorry ’bout that.” He paused over the other strip. “This one’s gonna hurt, too.”
Mr. James pursed his lips and nodded bravely. He let out a tiny hiss when Tim freed his second arm. That one didn’t take as much hair because a silver bracelet had protected most of the skin. Obviously, those punks had been amateurs in restraining.
“Sorry,” Tim said again.
Rubbing his wrists, he let out a breathy laugh. “It’s okay. Thank you for saving my life.”
“I believe that’s what I was paid for. I’m Tim Burkhart, your private security detail.”
Mr. James’s smile made his heart flutter. No, probably just the adrenaline. Tim didn’t get butterflies.
“Nice to finally meet you, Mr. Burkhart.”
“Call me Tim.” He stood and withdrew his phone. He gestured toward his bound legs. “You okay to get those? I gotta call the cops.”
“No!”
Tim almost dropped his phone when Mr. James shouted. He gaped at the man. “What do you mean no?”
Prying tape off of his khaki pants, the man paused. Those big green eyes grew even wider. “You can’t call the cops. My whole life depends on it!”

Buy the book: http://decadentpublishing.com/coming-soon/

Meet the author:

Deanna Wadsworth might be a bestselling erotica author, but she leads a pretty vanilla life in Ohio with her wonderful husband and a couple adorable cocker spaniels. She has been spinning tales and penning stories since childhood, and her first erotic novella was published in 2010. She has served multiple board positions at her local RWA chapter and with Rainbow Romance Writers of America. When she isn’t writing books or brainstorming with friends, you can find her making people gorgeous in a beauty salon. She loves music and dancing, and can often be seen hanging out on the sandbar in the muddy Maumee River or chilling with her hubby and a cocktail in their basement bar. In between all that fun, Deanna cherishes the quiet times when she can let her wildly active imagination have the full run of her mind. Her fascination with people and the interworkings of their relationships have always inspired her to write romance with spice and love without boundaries.

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You can also find her young adult alter ego, K.D. Worth Facebook │Twitter

Buy Deanna’s books at Dreamspinner Press, Decadent Publishing or at any reputable eBook seller like Amazon or ARe.

Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4264579.Deanna_Wadsworth

Tour Dates & Stops:

17-Jun: Elaine White; 24-Jun: Bayou Book Junkie; 1-Jul: Happily Ever Chapter, MM Good Book Reviews; 8-Jul: V's Reads; 15-Jul: A.M. Leibowitz; 22-Jul: Kimi-Chan, Man2ManTastic, Book Lovers 4Ever, The Novel Approach; 29-Jul: My Fiction Nook, Boy Meets Boy Reviews

5-Aug: Dawn’s Reading Nook, EE Montgomery; 12-Aug: Making It Happen; 19-Aug: BFD Book Blog; 26-Aug: Wicked Faerie's Tales and Reviews; 2-Sep: Inked Rainbow Reads; 9-Sep: Havan Fellows; 16-Sep: Velvet Panic, Alpha Book Club; 23-Sep: Outrageous Heroes, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words; 30-Sep: Molly Lolly, Unquietly Me

Rafflecopter Prize: One winner gets a copy of TGTBT and three winners can win one of my previous Decadent Publishing titles!

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Review: Naughty Cupid by Deanna Wadsworth

2nd Edition

The name’s Lio, and you may have read the beginning of my story in A Cupid’s Wager. Well, hold on to your hats, because there’s more to tell about your favorite cupid working in the Gay Division of the Inter-Dimensional Association of Cupids.

Remember Ethan? That Aztec god of the winds who busted me shooting a closeted human with a gay lust arrow? Yeah, I haven’t been able to forget him either. Even though I have a rule against getting it on with other supernaturals—especially ones working for the Straight Division—my magic is drawn to Ethan and all his tattoos and piercings in a way I cannot control.

But after that night of mind-numbing sex, now I gotta face my evil ex-boyfriend and a suspension by the IDAC for “misplacing” arrows. They took my quiver, and I have to figure out how to get my arrow privileges back before they’re taken forever.

Ethan seems to think he can help me, but I don’t know how anybody can make this cupid believe in love again.

First Edition published as A Cupid's Wager by Dreamspinner Press, 2014.

It ended!

And now I'm sad.

Because this book? It was so much more than what I was expecting. I thought I'd pick up where we left off in A Cupid's Wager and there'd be more snarky, sexy fun.

And there was.

But it was a punch in the feels as well. (I was not expecting to need tissues.) It’s a broken man with a broken heart, a best friend with unquestionable loyalty, and a chance at happiness for someone who really deserves it.

It’s also snarky, and sexy, and completely entertaining.

Lio hides behind walls of humor and sarcasm. He refuses to take things seriously, keeps everyone at a distance, and has lost his faith in love. That's a big deal if you're a cupid. Deep down there is a part of him that wants to believe, but he's older and wiser than the young cupid he once was - the one that put their trust in the wrong love and nearly died in the process. It's a hard lesson learned, and a mistake he refuses to make again.

Ethan is powerful. He’s a proud and fierce warrior, an Aztec god of wind, and despite all of his tattoos and piercings, can rock kohl eyeliner like nobody’s business. He’s intimidating on the outside, but caring and tender on the inside. He's like a big, Aztec kitten.

He’s known the truth about his connection to Lio for longer than Lio can imagine, but denied it. The results of which cost Lio dearly. Now, he’s seizing his opportunity to make things right, and convince the cupid how real their love can be.

It’s hard to believe this story only spans about 5 days because of how patient Ethan is with Lio. Every gentle touch and whispered praise cracks open the safe around Lio’s heart. It’s instalove, all the way, but if there was ever the case of instalove working, it’s soul mates, amiright?

This was really well written and took me completely by surprise. I wanted more. Not because I thought it was lacking, but because I didn’t want to let them go.

It's more than Ethan trying to show Lio how to love again. It's about Lio realizing how important that is in the grand scheme of things. He is a cupid after all, and his arrows are on the line unless he can convince the higher ups that he takes his job seriously and wants to be a better cupid.

Ethan and Lio are great together, and the supporting cast is just as delightful - Walter is a bundle of epic, and Ethan's got a twin - a very fun loving twin.

I did experience a little frustration with this read. Ethan has a knack for withholding information from Lio. He's pretty good at putting off conversations or conveniently leaving key points out, and it left me, as the reader, feeling like I was just as much in the dark as Lio was.

But, it all worked out in the end though, so who am I to complain?

If you like a smidgen of mythology mixed in with contemporary paranormal, and you're looking for a fun read with feels, this is the book for you.

An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Find out more on Goodreads & Dreamspinner Press.

Did you check out our author visit and her GIVEAWAY here today?

Blog Tour + GIVEAWAY: Naughty Cupid by Deanna Wadsworth

Author Name: Deanna Wadsworth

Book Name: Naughty Cupid

Release Date: June 6, 2016

Today we're very lucky to be interviewing Deanna Wadsworth, author of Naughty Cupid

Hi, Deanna, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Tell us a little about yourself, your background, and your current book.

1) What’s the best line you ever wrote?
Oh wow…..hmmm, let’s see… How about a line in Naughty Cupid that I feel is rather profound instead? It’s too hard to pinpoint just one line I like, LOL
This thought is Lio’s, the cupid of the book:

I thought I’d found the fairy tale once, but just like trying to put together a puzzle, if one cut the pieces and forced them to fit, in the end the picture didn’t turn out very pretty.

2) Do you listen to music while writing? If so, what kind?
Nope, never, I like quiet. But I do have songs which remind me of my books

3) If Naughty Cupid were made into a movie, what actors would you like to see star?
Oh wow! How about Dwayne Johnson (The Rock) for Ethan and since this is fantasy, why not a young Brad Pitt for Lio?
That would be HAWT!

4) What genres do you write in?
Historical, contemporary, some erotica, and fantasy. But all of them are gay romance 

5) Where and when do you prefer to write?
I write at home mostly but I do venture out. I always take my computer or a notepad on vacation, just in case. And if I have time to kill at the day job, I’ll go to the library down the street or the cemetery. I know it sounds a little morbid, but cemeteries are peaceful and no one bothers you if you wanna sit in your car for an hour or so.

Blurb:

The name’s Lio, and you may have read the beginning of my story in A Cupid’s Wager. Well, hold on to you hats, because there’s more to tell about your favorite cupid working in the Gay Division of the Inter-Dimensional Association of Cupids.

Remember Ethan? That Aztec god of the winds who busted me shooting a closeted human with a gay lust arrow? Yeah, I haven’t been able to forget him either. Even though I have a rule against getting it on with other supernaturals—especially ones working for the Straight Division—my magic is drawn to Ethan and all his tattoos and piercings in a way I cannot control.

But after that night of mind-numbing sex, now I gotta face my evil ex-boyfriend and a suspension by the IDAC for “misplacing” arrows. They took my quiver, and I have to figure out how to get my arrow privileges back before they’re taken forever.

Ethan seems to think he can help me, but I don’t know how anybody can make this cupid believe in love again.

Pages or Words: 75,000 words, 178 pagesCategories: Alternate Universe, Erotica, Fantasy, Humor, M/M Romance, Paranromal, Romance

Goodreads
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Paul Richmond

Excerpt:

“You know the lust arrows only work if the person’s mind is open to it. I shot Raymond with a Class 4 gay lust arrow. They only have a little more juice than a few tequila shooters. They can’t make a straight man gay.”
“But that is what you are trying to do,” Ethan shot back.
“You know it doesn’t work that way.”
To prove my point, I materialized one of my long purple arrows.
Without warning, I stabbed Ethan in the heart with it.
“Oww!”
The arrow exploded in a burst of light and glittering purple dust, the blast blowing our hair back.
When the magic cleared, the stunned expression on Ethan’s face cracked me up. “Now, do you spontaneously wanna suck my cock?”
He gaped at me like I’d lost my ever-lovin’ mind. “What did you do that for?”
“Don’t get your panties in a wad. Class 4G lusts can’t make someone gay. You’re born that way. There’s even a Lady Gaga song to prove it.”
His big hand rubbed where I’d hit him. “You should not have done that, Lio. You have no idea what you just did.”
“I already shot an unauthorized arrow tonight, what’s one more? Besides, unless you’re gay, it won’t affect you.” I waggled my brows. “So what are you so worried about? Got sumthin’ you wanna confess?”
He actually growled at me.
“Build a bridge,” I told him. “If anyone has a right to be pissed off here, it’s me. The gaydar says Raymond is gay, yet you asshats over in SD decided to shoot him and a woman with true love arrows. Talk about a douche move. Forcing the man to lie to himself and everyone about who he is. And how is that fair to do to the girl? She’s a victim too!”
“The IDAC does not consider a gaydar to be a reliable source of information,” he said, completely ignoring the more-than-valid complaint.
Humans were born with a variety of sexualities, but there were only a limited variety of arrows to complement the IDAC’s narrow-minded ideas on sexuality. In a nutshell, there were gay arrows and the naturally more powerful straight arrows. Don’t get me started on the complexities of targeting anybody not gay or straight. I was glad not to be assigned to those fledgling subdivisions of GD because they often had to work with the jerks in SD. However, both primary divisions had arrows for love (red) and lust (purple), each with four different strength ratings—one being the most potent. In other words, the Class 1S love Ethan had been using was the highest strength straight love arrow—aka the most powerful of all arrows.
Hence his being so pissed at me.
“I’m not gonna sit here and argue politics with you. We both know I’m already in trouble for an unauthorized arrow launch. Make that two,” I amended, gesturing to his chest. “Why the fuck do you think I don’t have love arrow privileges anymore? Hell, the sparks our collision set off will raise questions too. I’m already busted. Fine! I’m ready to face whatever comes my way. When I set out to do this, I knew there were risks.”
“Set out to do this?” he repeated, looking utterly appalled. “You mean you have done this before?”
I swallowed, feeling like a child being scolded. “Only on unattached people.”
“I cannot believe you would do that to someone! A person’s decision to come out is deeply personal. You have no right, Lio! None!”
Yeah, but the Fates did, I supposed. Who put those bitches in charge, anyway?
I didn’t know what Ethan’s big fat beef might be—besides the one in his pants—but I had to get my ass out of this sling. “Like I said, I’m already busted. If you think Raymond isn’t gay, let’s just follow them”—I pointed to my unauthorized mark and the guy with him, both of them deliberately brushing hips and shoulders as they walked down the street—“and see what happens. If he changes his mind, I’ll admit the gaydar is inaccurate, I’ll turn myself in for interrupting your mark, and you won’t even get in trouble.”
He glared. “And if your arrow works, I suppose you get to walk?”
“If I’m right, and those two dudes get their freak on, you can do what you want with me.” Too bad that wouldn’t be those full lips around my dick. “But you give me back the gaydar and you don’t tell anyone I have it or that I was here.”
Ethan looked at the device in his hand as if it would explode or jump up and bite his cock off. His expression would’ve been funny if this weren’t so serious. He seemed to be weighing something in his mind, and I felt his anger retracting. Still, an aura of incredible danger and masculinity wafted about him. My heart thumped wildly, both from nerves and the exotic spiciness of his skin. Knowing his ferocious appearance was tempered with an innate goodness made me a little hot.
Okay, a lot hot.
Though it went against every rule I made for myself, I couldn’t stop picturing Ethan naked. Sure, I was as horny as any cupid, but something about this Aztec amplified all of my senses far more than usual—especially the ones below the waist.
“I cannot believe I am saying this,” Ethan said slowly. “But I will give you one chance. One. But if you ruin that man’s life, your ass is mine.”
“Talk dirty to me,” I purred.
He lowered dark brows. “You are not funny.”
“I think I’m a really fun guy. Especially when I’m naked.” I couldn’t help myself and gave him a suggestive wink. “And whoever said a little dick up the ass would ruin a man’s life? Ever try it? The orgasms are un-fucking-believable.”
Ethan curled his lip and growled at me like an angry cat.
“Jeesh, sorry I mentioned it.”
He seized my arm in a viselike grip. “Come.”
If I’d known going with Ethan would turn my world upside down, I would’ve grabbed my gaydar and run, taking my chances with my boss, the IDAC, and even the Fates. Because I wasn’t prepared for what was coming my way.
Not at all.

Buy the book:

DSP: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=7796

DSP Tiny URL: http://tinyurl.com/j6jkfjy

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Naughty-Cupid-Deanna-Wadsworth-ebook/dp/B01FWLQUZU

Amazon tiny URL: http://tinyurl.com/zureovj

All Romance: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-naughtycupid-2040740-143.html

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/naughty-cupid/id1113120647

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/naughty-cupid-deanna-wadsworth/1123824279

Meet the author:

Deanna Wadsworth might be a bestselling erotica author, but she leads a pretty vanilla life in Ohio with her wonderful husband and a couple adorable cocker spaniels. She has been spinning tales and penning stories since childhood, and her first erotic novella was published in 2010. She has served multiple board positions at her local RWA chapter and with Rainbow Romance Writers of America. When she isn’t writing books or brainstorming with friends, you can find her making people gorgeous in a beauty salon. She loves music and dancing, and can often be seen hanging out on the sandbar in the muddy Maumee River or chilling with her hubby and a cocktail in their basement bar. In between all that fun, Deanna cherishes the quiet times when she can let her wildly active imagination have the full run of her mind. Her fascination with people and the interworkings of their relationships have always inspired her to write romance with spice and love without boundaries.

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