Guest Review: Murder by Design by J.P. Bowie

An unexpected meeting in a bar gives Detective Sam Walker a real chance of finding long-awaited happiness. All he has to do is stay alive.

Detective Sam Walker gets a surprise phone call the day he wakes up with the hangover from hell. The caller informs him that his name is Justin and that they met the night before in a gay bar. Not only met, but kissed and traded phone numbers and Sam has no memory of it at all. Intrigued, Sam wants to meet Justin again, but any chance of that is delayed when he and his partner are assigned a murder investigation and told to take care of it ASAP.

Sam has a problem, a deeply personal one that he doesn’t talk about, but when he’s with Justin the problem seems to disappear and he’s convinced he’s been given a new lease on life. His elation is short-lived, however, when the case he and his partner are working on takes a dark turn.

Justin also has a problem…Maria Esteban, a fiery-tempered Puerto Rican who owns the fashion company Justin designs for. Theirs is a volatile relationship and when tragedy strikes, the finger of suspicion points at him.

Can Sam save Justin not only from a bigoted detective intent on cracking the case quickly, but from a new and unexpected source, too? Or is their love affair doomed before they can truly savor Sam’s newfound freedom from the past?

Reader Advisory: This book contains homophobia, the remembered assault and rape of the main character and attempted murder. There are some scenes of violence, as well as brief references to child slavery.

Reviewer: Annery

Sam Walker left Texas, fleeing a small town life that threatened to kill him figuratively, possibly literally, and a family that rejected him for being gay. He made his way to Los Angeles, and at 30 has carved out a career for himself as a Detective in the LAPD, found friends and been embraced by the family of his work partner Martin McCready. His life is nice. Fine. Really. Except he’s lonely. But all that is about to change.

After a night of drunken celebration Sam gets a call from Justin, a guy he chatted up at a bar, but doesn’t remember. Justin isn’t offended on account of Sam being a fantastic kisser. They exchange a few steamy phone calls, meet, and it’s all happy sailing. There really is no conflict between these two, they’re exactly what cranks each other’s engine. Actually Justin turns out to be the cure for Sam’s “ailment”, sort of like magic D but in reverse. Sure. It could happen. It could also be that time has healed Sam and that Justin is the person who tics his boxes. Just a thought. I didn’t hate the idea, because I’m a romantic at heart.

At this point you may be wondering “what about the mystery?” Well … there isn’t one. Not really. The prologue teases the case you think the story will be about, but the bulk of the book, probably 80% deals with a different case that Sam & Martin catch (a young hustler found murdered in a known cruising park), Sam’s relationship with Martin and his family, the casual homophobes at work, but also the staunch allies, Justin’s work woes, Justin’s relationship with his own family, and primarily with Sam and Justin’s romance, which is on the fast lane to love with zero bumps or stops. The Case, when it comes, is fairly straightforward, and perhaps a bit anticlimactic. But the rest of the story was nice. Cozy.

This is my first J. P. Bowie and I think the author, in this instance, just uses the template of a murder mystery to do some character & societal portraits. I liked that Sam & Justin don’t seem to be the result of what’s trending or hot in the romance world. In fact, they’re pretty traditional in their roles (save for the gay thing), and Justin’s speech, in particular, is peppered with old-fashioned expressions, like “Put me down, varlet,”, who says that? Granted, he is a designer, but he’s like 26? On the plus side I learned what a kirby grip is. I liked the other characters, particularly Martin and his family, and I liked the accurate sense of place.

If you're looking for something low-angst and well written to fill a couple hours this could be it. I don’t know if you’ll remember it later, but that’s what re-reads are for.

Review: My Highland Cowboy by Alexa Milne

Duncan McLeish owns a ranch. Unlike most ranches, this one is in the Scottish Highlands. Having inherited a failing farm from his grandfather, he turns it into a successful business. He has friends, he loves his home, but he’s lonely, and not even infrequent trips to Glasgow and Edinburgh slake that thirst to find someone. Then Drew Sinclair walks into his life.

Drew Sinclair is tantalizingly close to getting his clothes brand noticed in the industry. He and his business partner, Joy, design individual dresses, while on the side, Drew designs and produces a line of men’s lingerie. He visits Scotland to design dresses for his sister, Jenna, who is marrying Duncan’s best friend at Christmas. 

Duncan and Drew have nothing except their Highland upbringing in common, but they say opposites attract, and the attraction is immediate. Is this simply a summer fling, or can two men who live such opposite lives, miles away from each other, find a way to love? 

Reader Advisory: This book contains references to homophobia and references to death of a character’s parents.

My Highland Cowboy had so many of my love buttons in it, I don’t even know where to start. I love opposites who attract, but also complement, cowboys, snark, Scotsman, Brits, kilts and a well-earned HEA. Drew, Duncan and I got it all in the Highlands.

Duncan has inherited a ranch that he was able to turn into a successful destination vacation spot. His story is impressive and I couldn’t help but respect the guy for all he’s gone through. It’s not over the top, but I could get how it made him such a determined character from the beginning. He’s pretty shy overall in social situations but he’s got that quiet strength that is something I absolutely LOVE in an MC. Drew shows up at the ranch to stay for a bit as Drew’s sister is marrying Duncan’s BFF. Duncan is a designer from London with a passion for his work and a plethora of charming attitude he’s more than happy to share with everyone.

Duncan finds Drew . . . unsettling. Duncan is fine with his quiet albeit lonely life. He’s never really felt a spark with anyone regardless of their gender and he’s been with both men and women in his past. They were there to scratch an itch though and nothing more. Drew is attracted to Duncan from the get go, because HELLO, he’s a hot, tall, dark and handsome cowboy. The two get to know one another amidst the wedding planning and Drew manages to push a whole mess of Duncan’s buttons. 

This is where my favorite, and at the same time, least favorite things happened. Let me babble a bit here. Duncan has complete control over his life and is a successful businessman but his love life is non-existent. Drew has no trouble finding dates and getting himself a little something, but he’s very career driven at this point and his company is on the cusp of making it big. He’s got no time to be someone’s experiment, he’s worked way too hard to get where he is. Drew has the confidence that Duncan doesn’t have in the romance department and he’s not questioning who he is, at all. I kind of figured he’d be driving the bus on this one, but he didn’t. He turned out to be all practical and while he did pursue Duncan, he never pushed too hard and he never begged. I was so frustrated when he left the ranch. I already loved these dudes and I wanted them to be together! Like, right then!

That wasn’t a thing though and reading further on, I’m glad it wasn’t. Duncan had to own this, he had to be the pursuer. It really showed how much personal progress he made and it wasn’t just about Drew. Sure, Drew was the catalyst, but Duncan wanted this happiness too and he had to learn to be comfortable and confident in his own skin before he could attempt to make Drew happy.

So, it wasn’t an easy road to an HEA for these guys, but it wasn’t overly angsty either. Thankfully! The journey and the bit of back and forth made the HEA more believable and while it did evolve pretty quickly once the time came, the compromises were legit for their lifestyles and I was all kinds of happy for them.

**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**

Audiobook Review: Redesigning Max (Foothills Pride #2) by Pat Henshaw

Renowned interior designer Fredi Zimmer is surprised when outdoorsman Max Greene, owner of Greene’s Outdoors, hires Fredi to revamp his rustic cabin in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Fredi is an out-and-proud Metro male whose contact with the outdoors is from his car to the doorway of the million-dollar homes he remodels, and Max is just too hunky for words.

When Max comes on to Fredi, the designer can't imagine why. But he’s game to put a little spice into Max’s life, even if it’s just in the colors and fixtures he’ll use to turn Max's dilapidated cabin into a showplace. Who can blame a guy for adding a little sensual pleasure as he retools Max’s life visually?

Max, for his part, is grateful when Fredi takes him in hand, both metaphorically and literally. Coming out is the most exciting and wonderful time in his life, despite the conservative former friends who think they’re saving him from sliding into hell.

Narrated by David Ross
Listening Length: 2 hours and 55 minutes

Pat Henshaw is an easy read author with, from what I’ve read, uncomplicated love stories. That’s not to say that there isn’t depth, or that the characters don’t have complicated lives, I just find the relationship development straightforward and easy on the heart.

This story has no real angst to it, and I think it is a good thing. It leaves the plot development to the world around Fredi and Max, rather than creating drama within the relationship. This is my favourite type of relationship development. While life can sometimes be messy, I prefer characters who are adept at keeping their romantic lives as tidy as possible, while unwinding mess through discovery and action.

Fredi has been commissioned to revamp a rustic cabin that Max received as part of an inheritance settlement. It is in dire need of a professional touch, and Fredi is an award winning designer who is perfect for the job.

Max has decided that it’s time he came out and stopped hiding. He takes an instant interest in Fredi, and is subtle in his approach to flirting and making his intentions known.

I found Fredi to be a fun complex character. He doesn’t put up with crap from anyone, least of all the town bigots. But he is a little bit over-reactive when it comes to pulling out his Boner……..

This story had a nice easy flow. Some drama to keep it exciting, but the ease with which Fredi and Max communicated was what held my interest.

I’ve read this series out of order, starting with book four, but I don’t think it’s really necessary to read them in order. Each story stands on its own, with no wider story arc, but with enough intertwining to feel the familiarity of some of the characters.

That being said, I would still recommend these be read in order if you are starting from the beginning.

David Ross is always a pleasure to listen to, and I don’t think he could ever make a story sound bad. Top notch voice acting skills that makes him someone I look for when picking new audiobooks to buy.

I would recommend this for those who enjoy straightforward gay romance, with some nice depth and good character development.

A review copy was provided.

Buddy Read Review: Michael, Reinvented (Delta Restorations #2) by Diana Copland

Cute hipster and interior designer Michael doesn’t do love—not after his ex screwed him over. Sex is a different story, though, and the gentle giant who’s painting the mural in the old mansion they’re restoring might be perfect hookup material. Gil is just Michael’s type with his solid muscle, wicked sense of humor, and the hazel eyes that seem to see into Michael’s soul.

Trouble is, Gil does do love. He wants romance and forever, and he’s set his sights firmly on Michael. Michael’s not going there again.

Yet when Michael is the victim of a vandal who’s been plaguing the men working for Delta Restoration, Renovation, and Design, Gil is the first person he tells. No matter how he fights it, it’s becoming harder and harder to deny he’s crazy about the guy—even if that thought terrifies him. But the true fear sets in when the criminal behavior escalates, and Michael realizes he might have lost the chance to tell Gil how he feels—forever.

Michael, Reinvented is a perfect buddy read story and my brain sharing Unicorn, Jenni Lea and I saw horn to horn throughout.

Jenni Lea: 4 Hearts

Michael and Gil have been dancing around one another since they first met, way back in the first book, David, Renewed. Though they had an immediate attraction to each other, Michael has no plans of ever being in a relationship. Hiding behind snark and cynicism, Michael tries his best to keep Gil at arm's length. But Gil is determined to get to know the man behind the glasses and he's not going to let a little thing like a cold shoulder from Michael get in the way.

Now, I know that sounds a bit Creepy McCreeperson, but I can assure you that there is nothing about Gil that is creepy or domineering. Gil may be massive in size and stature, but that's only because he needs the extra strength to carry around the gigantic heart he has. Gil is the quintessential 'gentle giant' and I absolutely adored him.

Michael took a bit more to warm up to but, once I was able to see through his facade and gleaned that his insecurities and the hurt from the past he still held onto were the reasons for his tendency to lash out, I understood why he would act the way he did and grew to love him as well. He did frustrate me at times though, but not enough to make me not like him. And, though it took a near tragedy for him to pull his head out of his ass and admit how he felt about Gil, I admired his courage and dedication. 

This was a lovely addition to the Delta Restorations series. Diana Copland writes with a simple eloquence that makes reading seem effortless. I was never bored, never rolled my eyes and not once did I have to suspend my disbelief. These characters are realistic to the point I could see myself bumping into Michael at Starbucks or hiring the team to do some restoration work on my home. The scene with the Velveteen Rabbit brought tears to my eyes even though I've never read the book and I knew then and there that this story was going to be a win for me.

I really enjoyed the ending as well. Some stories need to end with a bang. Some stories need a cliffhanger to make you gasp and salivate for the next book. Some need the over-the-top, mushy gushy HEA as a grand finale. But sometimes... sometimes all you need is a quiet reaffirming of the love between two people that fought tooth and nail to get where they are. These types of endings tend to resonate with me more than the flashy HEA.

All told, I would definitely recommend this series to anyone who is looking for a realistic story with likable characters and an interesting plot. I do suggest reading book one, David, Renewed, first though, as this book continues the storyline that was introduced there.

Ann: 4 Hearts

I was such a happy Peach when I found out that David, Renewed was going to be turned into the series Delta Restorations. There’re way too many great characters for them to be done. I was so anxious to read Michael’s story, he’s such a snarky little brat on the surface, I wanted to know more about him. It’s pretty obvious from David, Renewed that Michael is going to be pairing with Gil, it’s the perfect opposites-attract setup. That all being said, Michael, Reinvented shouldn’t be read as a standalone. This isn’t one of those series that moves from couple to couple with just a little mention here and there about past characters. This is a series about a group of men finding their happiness on their terms.

Michael, Reinvented is romantic but it’s also so much more. There is a heavy emphasis on friendship and community and there is an element of crime-drama that we got a taste of in David’s story. The vandalism that started in David continues in Michael and it does play a large part in the story. And while I would have loved more Michael and Gil time, the way the story was told it put the real emphasis on the friendships and motivations among all the characters. There was a lot of strength in that telling and it laid more groundwork for additional stories in the series organically. A lot more information about each character was revealed as Michael was integrated into the Delta Renovations crew more fully. We learned more about Michael too and his reticence in entering into a new relationship no matter how much he longed to climb Gil like a tree and cuddle him all night.

I loved that David and Jackson were a big part of Michael’s story and the beginning was delicious and just soooo, them. They set a good example for the rest of the guys. The continuation of their HEA and the big part they play in one another’s lives flowed throughout the story and as the story is told from Michael’s perspective we get plenty of his snark but also a glimpse into how much he’d really like a relationship of his own. Michael is the only one standing in his own way so the angst level is actually pretty low. Gil is a patient, patient man and it’s obvious he’ll be waiting for Michael as soon as Michael pulls his well-coiffed head out of his ass.

It takes a tragic event for that to happen, which while unfortunate, makes sense for Michael. Once he does realize what he could have, the relationship between Michael and Gil moves pretty quickly and by this time the book is just about over and that would be my only gripe. I want more Michael and Gil together. The series is pretty rational in its setups and the flow so the guys don’t necessarily talk about forever, but it’s implied. As a reader, I want to be a part of that journey, much like I was in David and Jackson’s story. I don’t feel like I know Gil enough and I really want to. Michael admits he doesn’t know Gil well since he’s never given him the chance and since we really only know Gil through Michael, we don’t know enough yet and I want to know. So, I hope the next installment of the series continues on with Michael and Gil’s story, I really like Gil and I want to know about his murals (don’t even get me started on the Velveteen Rabbit – there will be tears), his art, his dad and so much more. I also want to see more of Michael’s softer side and to see him settle into some happiness.

I love Diana Copland’s writing, it’s so easy to get caught up in her stories and characters. Everything just flows so well and I feel like anything I might be missing isn’t actually missing, it just hasn’t been addressed yet which is what is making the Delta Restoration series such a treat. It’s a whole world I get to see come together and evolve with characters I want to know in RL. I feel invested in their happiness which makes me all kinds of happy along with them.

**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**

Review: How the Other Half Lives (London Lads #2) by Clare London

Compulsive neat freak meets chaotic slob: Can their living space survive the conflict?

Martin Harrison keeps himself to himself and his Central London flat as neat as a new pin. Maybe he should loosen up and enjoy more of a social life, but in his mind, that’s tantamount to opening the floodgates to emotional chaos. He agrees, however, to join the flat-sitting scheme in his building and look after another tenant’s flat in exchange for a similar watch over his when he’s travelling for his work.

A floor away in the same building, Russ McNeely is happy with his life as a freelance cook and a self-confessed domestic slob. He also joins the flat-sitting scheme, both to be neighbourly and to help keep his flat in order, as Russ also travels for his work.

For a while, the very dissimilar men never meet. Martin is horrified at the mess at Russ’s flat, while Russ finds Martin’s minimalist style creepy. But in a spirit of generosity, each of them starts to help the other out by rearranging things in their own inimitable way.

Until the day a hiccup in the schedule brings them face-to-face at last.

How the Other Half Lives is opposites attract done right. You really aren’t going to find two dudes more different than the MC’s in How the Other Half Lives. And I don’t mean the extreme tropey differences where one guys a biker and the other is a baker. Martin and Russ are both pretty regular guys living pretty regular lives, it’s just that the details in which they live their lives are total and complete opposites. Martin is a neat freak, Russ is a slob, Martin is a planner, Russ wings it, Martin is compulsively organized, Russ is a lesson in chaos. The two should drive each other completely nutters.

What the author got so right in this one is, they do drive each other a little nutters and the lust doesn’t make everything alright and the differences aren’t immediately written off as charming quirks. Nope, these characters are written as regular guys, so they react like real people and I appreciated that reality.

The meet/cute these guys have takes some time to develop and each chapter is told from a different perspective. One chapter is Martin’s and the next belongs to Russ and it worked well for this story. Each of their voices was completely unique and I liked getting both of their perspectives. I don’t think the story would have been nearly as charming without it. For a quick read, the development of the relationship was not at all rushed and I could believe that Martin and Russ were actually getting to know each other, irritate each other charmingly and slowly but surely falling in lurve.

The moments where the guys found themselves compromising by accident were my favorite. It made the whole story feel more real as Martin let Russ make his mark on his kitchen and Russ began to actually make his apartment a home rather than a storage facility. I don’t think either of them made the changes consciously, but just really wanted to make the other happy, and the honest reactions were worth leaving their respective comfort zones.

Overall, completely adorable and highly recommended for all the book hugs.

For more info on How the Other Half Lives, check it out on Goodreads.

**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**

Review: David, Renewed by Diana Copland

When interior designer David Snyder buys a beautiful century-old house in eastern Washington, he is reeling with heartbreak and looking for somewhere to put down roots. Unfortunately his new home comes with a laundry list of problems: electrical, plumbing, heating… things David knows nothing about. When his mother offers him the business card of a local handyman, David pictures an overweight, balding man in his fifties. But Jackson Henry couldn’t be further from that stereotype.

Dark-haired, muscular, and handsome, Jackson left a large construction firm in Seattle to take care of his sick mother. However, his hometown still has an active “good old boy” network, and finding employment in construction is almost impossible for an openly gay man. Determined to persevere, Jackson takes odd jobs as a handyman. He’s exactly what David needs—in more ways than one.

David isn’t ready for his attraction to Jackson, not considering the way his last relationship ended. But as the two men get to know each other, it becomes clear that the heart often knows best, and it rewards those willing to listen.

I loved this character driven story and it wasn’t just the MC’s driving the bus. The entire cast had a real purpose with unique personalities and they all added to the pacing of David’s renewal.

David has left his boyfriend of five years after the Cheating Bastard got caught with his dick down a twinks throat and David comes to the realization that the Cheating Bastard was always a bastard on some level and his self-confidence has taken a hit. He impulsively buys a beautiful Craftsman home in the neighborhood he grew up in and quickly realizes his beautiful home is a money pit. His mom (who is awesome, as is his sister) gives him the card of a local handyman, Jackson Henry.

David is expecting an older, overweight guy sporting a plumber’s crack and instead he is pleasantly surprised and flustered to be confronted with an Adonis in a toolbelt and flannel. The whole getting-to-know-you portion of the book was so yummy. Most everyone loves this part of a relationship and David, Renewed does not disappoint. It was flirty and charming and still read very real. During this part the author also introduced the cast of characters that make me wish with all my nuggets that this turns into a series. I need Michael and Vic’s story. That has to be a thing. And Manny? Manny needs his story told too.

There is some drama thanks to Cheating Bastard, but it wasn’t over the top and it moved the story along as these things do. It didn’t feel forced at all which was good because as I said earlier, great pacing. It did bring David and Jackson together probably a little bit more quickly, but that was a good thing. The story was going there anyway, so it flowed right along. I also liked that the two of them declared their extreme like for each other while there was still plenty of story to be had so I got to get invested in their relationship as well as their courtship.

Jackson is completely swoon worthy and naturally charming while David is so very relatable and genuine, I couldn’t help but want them together. It wasn’t a sugar fest though, there was enough snark, dirty talk and stress to keep the book grounded with the two MC’s as well as the supporting cast. The scene is set for a series and it wouldn’t be one of those where half the “small” town just happens to be gay and they hop from one couple to the next. This ending is unique and calls on the skills of the group and would make complete sense as a series.

Annnnnd, I can’t wait, so I need Ms. Copland to heed the Call of the Unicorn and give Peach what she needs in more stories for the wonderful guys.


For more information and to get your copy of David, Renewed, head over to Dreamspinner Press.

**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**

Check out our author visit here!

Review: Tongue and Groove by Shae Connor

Sometimes home is what two hearts make of it. 

After fifteen years on the road, rock singer Saul Wilder doesn’t know if he remembers how to stay in one place. While healing from a vocal cord injury, he decides to restore the cozy but neglected Atlanta home his grandmother left him. When home renovation specialist Perry Abrams arrives to assess the job, Saul’s on board with mixing business with a little pleasure. The sex is scorching hot, but the more they learn about each other, the deeper they fall emotionally as well. Trouble is, Saul’s a traveling man and Perry’s a homebody, so finding common ground to share could put the brakes on their relationship before it has a chance to get started.

Dear Shae, Perry and Saul, 

I love you all so. 

I needed to read a true love story that focused on the relationship and characters with all the wonderful and wonderfully awful things that go with navigating flirting and first dates. You all gave that to me in spades. 

Thank you. 

XOXOXO 

Peach 

<*******************************************************************>

Saul is a rock star on hiatus as his throat is healing and during his recovery he heads to the house his grandmother left to him and decides to give it a well-deserved upgrade and bring it all up to date. He’s got a minor connection to the house but mostly his heart was with his grandma. He has no definite plans to keep the house, he’s on the road much of the year so what’s the point? It needs a onceover/upgrade and the bands manager refers him to Perry. Perry had a relatively new business as a designer and he also seems to push all of Saul’s buttons.

What follows is basically a modern courtship sans stereotypical characters. And THAT is what I loved. Saul may have been the rock star in this story and you would expect that Perry would have been pursuing him, etc. But, nay, twas not that way at all. Saul was the pursuer and Perry the pursuee (which is now a word BTW) and it was exactly what I wanted to read. I sometimes shy away from the rock star romances because they can sometimes read one-sided in the affection department and I really don’t like the imbalance when that happens. Perry was much more cautious than Saul and it worked for their personalities and the story really well. There was no manufactured angst, just one half being more reasonably realistic and it was nice to read some emotionally mature characters.

The bit of real conflict the guys had regarding preconceived notions of masculinity and femininity was woven into the story organically and I found it really interesting. In the realm of the Bigger Picture, it hits on the topic of sharing kinks and likes with a new lover and how important all forms of communication are. What isn’t said can be as important as what is and it takes some reading-between-the-lines to figure out how to share and be shared with without judging. I thought Saul handled it all with a good heart and Perry needed someone like Saul to be able to be himself without feeling marginalized at all by ridiculous notions of what constitutes strength and manliness. And just because something is ridiculous on paper doesn’t make it any less real when it comes to how someone feels and I felt both their frustration as they worked it all out.

As well, not gonna lie, the lingerie was freakin’ hot and I may have had less than altruistic reasons for wanting them to come to some common ground.

I loved the ending so much. Well, I loved the whole thing, but it wrapped up really well with just the right amount of warm fuzzies and reasonable compromise all around. Again, all because the characters were mature and kept true to themselves while still being open to being happy and more importantly, making someone else happy.

For more information on Tongue and Groove, check it out on Goodreads.

**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**