Release Blitz + Giveaway: The Devil You Know by S.J. Coles

 
Author S.J. Coles along with Pride Publishing celebrate the release of The Devil You Know! Read more about the contemporary suspense and enter in the First Romance gift card giveaway!

The Devil You Know by S.J. Coles

Word Count: 98,131
Book Length: SUPER NOVEL
Pages: 402

Genres:

BILLIONAIRE
CELEBRITIES
CONTEMPORARY
CRIME
CRIME AND MYSTERY
EROTIC ROMANCE
GAY
GLBTQI
THRILLERS AND SUSPENSE

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Book Description

The law is about how you represent the truth. Love is no different.

Hilary Whyte believes that he has left his teenage troubles—and the person who embodied them—in the past. He has spent a decade building his career as a defense solicitor, believing that despite his troubled past, even the worst human beings deserve justice.

Now he has a promotion on the horizon as well as a fairytale wedding to his film star fiancé. On paper, life couldn’t be better.

But now he is being made to represent Dom Gosford, the boy who made his adolescence a living hell, on a double murder charge, and Hilary can’t be sure he is innocent. As the trial approaches, the two men are forced to travel a road of discovery, only to find that the truth of their connection goes much deeper than the question of who killed Lizzie and Dean Wood.

Reader advisory: This book contains a graphic description of murder and references to suicide, pedophilia, blackmail, pre-marital infidelity, and child pornography.

Excerpt

Hilary took a deep breath. His shirt, new on that morning, was sticking to the small of his back. He looked up at the Hart-Gosfords’ Mayfair townhouse and told himself, yet again, that it was just another case.

You can do this.

He straightened his back, let out the breath and pushed the intercom.

“Yes?”

“Hilary Whyte from Gunnerson and Gains to see Mr. Hart-Gosford.”

The gate buzzed and swung open. Hilary transferred his briefcase from one hand to the other so he could wipe his palms on his trousers as he climbed the steps to the front door. Before he could knock, it was opened by a short, stiff-necked man with a smart suit and a grim expression. The scar of an old piercing marred one eyebrow and another, more jagged, bisected the fleshiest part of his neck. The marks, combined with the crew-cut, made him more look like private security than house staff, though it didn’t surprise Hilary that the Hart-Gosfords felt the need for both.

“This way.”

Hilary resisted staring at the minimalist paintings and crystal sculptures as he followed the butler into a well-appointed parlor. It was best not to appear daunted by such things, even though just one of these pieces was probably worth more than he made in a year, even now.

Tall windows flooded the room with weak spring sunshine. Two women with the same shade of platinum hair looked up as he entered. The younger, who sat on the edge of a mauve love seat, wore a carefully schooled expression, the sort executed best by those who spent a lifetime practicing it. But Hilary detected strain in her slate-gray eyes. The older woman managed to look down her nose at Hilary, even though she barely grazed five feet in her thin-heeled patents. Her eyes, a shade paler than her daughter’s, were sharper than cut glass.

“Mr. Hilary Whyte, ma’am…for Master Dominic.”

“Thank you, Merriweather,” the younger woman said, her accent crisp. “Some coffee, I think. Coffee, Mr. Whyte?”

“Yes, thank you,” Hilary said, finally spotting the other figure in the room. Dominic Hart-Gosford stood with his back to them as he poured whiskey into a tumbler on a chrome sideboard. Even at this distance, Hilary could see that his hair had darkened since school, now a brown just this side of black. He’d also added yet more muscle to his six-foot-three frame. Hilary fought to keep his face neutral.

“You’re the solicitor Walter recommended?” the older woman said, examining Hilary like he was something she’d just stepped in.

“That’s right.”

“This is simply not acceptable—”

“Mother—”

“No, Amelia,” the older woman cut her off. “This simply will not do. You…Mr. Whyte. How old are you?”

“I’m twenty-nine, Mrs. Hart.”

She lifted an eyebrow. “I was not aware Walter Gunnerson had a sense of humor—or that he would have such poor taste as to use my son-in-law’s murder trial as a chance to exercise it.”

“I can assure you, Mrs. Hart, I am a fully qualified solicitor with years of experience in criminal defense.”

“How can you possibly have years of experience?”

“By dedicating almost every waking hour to my profession since I was eighteen years old,” Hilary replied without inflection. “Mr. Gunnerson supplied you with my trial record, I believe?” Mrs. Hart narrowed her eyes. “If that is not enough to reassure you, you are more than welcome to apply to the senior partners for a change of counsel. But, in the meantime, there is rather a lot to be done. So, if you don’t mind…” Hilary indicated the open door.

“I suggest you don’t get too comfortable,” Mrs. Hart said, then swept from the room.

“I’m sorry for my mother,” Amelia said, standing and clasping her manicured hands together. “This is a trying time.”

“I understand,” Hilary said with a careful smile. “But it will take at least a few hours for your mother to try to have me removed from this case. In the meantime, my time is best served speaking with your husband.”

“Yes, of course.” She glanced back at Dominic. He stood, gazing out of the window, his drink untouched in his hand. Hilary took in the broad shoulders, the trim waist, the controlled stillness in his stance and hurriedly suppressed the memories that threatened to surface before they could show on his face.

Amelia stepped forward, lowering her voice. “My husband is innocent, Mr. Whyte. Whatever you think you know, you must believe that.”

Hilary smiled but did not speak. Amelia left as Merriweather appeared with a silver tray of coffee and china cups and set it down.

“You sure you don’t need me, sir?” he said, his eyes on Hilary.

“I’m fine, Merriweather. Thank you.”

Merriweather withdrew, closing the door behind him, and Hilary fought the impression that the room had shrunk.

Dominic finally turned around. Hilary had told himself many times in the last few weeks that he’d forgotten what this man looked like—that he’d successfully wiped the image from his mind, along with the sound of his voice. But as he took in the eyes, blacker than midnight, the hard, almost cruel set to a jaw that would otherwise be considered handsome, it was like Hilary was again sprawled on the PE changing room floor, that same face hanging over his, bloodied lips twisted and mocking, his fist raised for another blow.

“So, it really is you.” Dominic didn’t speak loudly, but it was like a stone had dropped into the silence of the room. “I could have laid a considerable amount of money on never seeing you again.”

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About the Author

S. J. Coles

S. J. Coles is a Romance writer originally from Shropshire, UK. She has been writing stories for as long as she has been able to read them. Her biggest passion is exploring narratives through character relationships.

She finds writing LGBT/paranormal romance provides many unique and fulfilling opportunities to explore many (often neglected or under-represented) aspects of human experience, expectation, emotion and sexuality.

Among her biggest influences are LGBT Romance authors K J Charles and Josh Lanyon and Vampire Chronicles author Anne Rice.

Find S. J. Coles at her website and follow her on Instagram.

Giveaway

Enter for the chance to win a $50.00 First for Romance Gift Card! Competition hosted by Totally Entwined Group.  

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Guest Review: The Christmas Pundit (Laurel Holidays #2) by V.L. Locey

Will two complete opposites learn to cross party lines to benefit their beloved hometown and save Christmas?

Evan Griffiths is enjoying his tenure as the mayor of Cedarburg, Pennsylvania. While it may barely be a blip on the state map, it’s where he grew up, and he’s thrilled to be at the helm of the tiny rural community. With the recent election in the past, Evan can focus on his agenda to bring Cedarburg out of the fifties. Being the first gay mayor in the town’s history is a good start but there’s plenty more to do. His first big job is expanding the yearly Christmas Carnival to lure tourists to his fiscally challenged birthplace. Things seem to be moving along at a good pace then a ghost from Christmases past arrives on the morning bus.

As soon as Gideon Pierce returns to Cedarburg he picks up right where he left off back in elementary school—tormenting Evan at every turn. Only this time instead of shoving Evan down on the playground, Gideon is bedeviling him with snippy editorials in the local paper. Gideon is no longer the gangly, bucktoothed kid he used to be. When his gaze keeps touching on Gideon’s mouth and the appreciative fire in his brilliant holly green eyes, Evan is finding it harder and harder to keep his mind on witty replies to Gideon’s cutting viewpoints.

Reviewer: Shee Reader

This was a lovely festive book. I adored Evan from the outset, and his parents were such brilliantly engaging characters! I did find it a little harder to warm to Gideon (I was team Evan from the start and Gideon had been such a mean bully* when they were kids. *not really a bully).

Evan is Cedarburg’s first gay mayor. A situation that seemed like science fiction within my lifetime. I was so glad to read a story where Evan just *was* in his small town and that this could really be a real thing is amazing. There are plenty of town characters and the Christmas carnival was described so well, it was like being there! The local newspaper was so very fortunate to land the somewhat famous former resident and local-boy-made-good as the new editor. It’s a shame the arrival of Gideon was not such good news for those sensitive boys terrorised throughout their childhood though…

From surprise arrival to the small town gossip machine, Poor Evan’s happy, sensible, lonely, busy life was ruined*. *made infinitely better.

I loved the book sharing, the accidental meetings, the discovery that Gideon’s childhood had been a horror and the part Evan’s parents played in trying to keep Gideon safe. The whole thing was a delight, with longing looks, quiet evenings and snippy verbal battles, and of course, the totally necessary HEA.

All in all, it was a delight! Highly recommended.

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

Release Blitz + Giveaway: The Christmas Pundit (Laurel Holidays #2) by V.L. Locey

Author V.L. Locey and Signal Boost Promotions celebrate the release of the latest Christmas romance from holiday series, The Christmas Pundit (Laurel Holidays #2)! Read about the former rival to lovers romance and enter in giveaway where three winners will win an eBook of The Christmas Oaks! Good luck!

 

ALL BUY LINKS

Length: 52,362 words

Cover Design: Designs By Sloan

Laurel Holidays Series

The Christmas Oaks - Buy Links 

The Christmas Pundit - Buy Links

Blurb

Will two complete opposites learn to cross party lines to benefit their beloved hometown and save Christmas?

Evan Griffiths is enjoying his tenure as the mayor of Cedarburg, Pennsylvania. While it may barely be a blip on the state map, it’s where he grew up, and he’s thrilled to be at the helm of the tiny rural community. With the recent election in the past, Evan can focus on his agenda to bring Cedarburg out of the fifties. Being the first gay mayor in the town’s history is a good start but there’s plenty more to do. His first big job is expanding the yearly Christmas Carnival to lure tourists to his fiscally challenged birthplace. Things seem to be moving along at a good pace then a ghost from Christmases past arrives on the morning bus.

As soon as Gideon Pierce returns to Cedarburg he picks up right where he left off back in elementary school—tormenting Evan at every turn. Only this time instead of shoving Evan down on the playground, Gideon is bedeviling him with snippy editorials in the local paper. Gideon is no longer the gangly, bucktoothed kid he used to be. When his gaze keeps touching on Gideon’s mouth and the appreciative fire in his brilliant holly green eyes, Evan finds it harder and harder to keep his mind on witty replies to Gideon’s cutting viewpoints.

USA Today Bestselling Author V.L. Locey – Penning LGBT hockey romance that skates into sinful pleasures.

V.L. Locey loves worn jeans, yoga, belly laughs, walking, reading and writing lusty tales, Greek mythology, Torchwood and Dr. Who, the New York Rangers, comic books, and coffee. (Not necessarily in that order.) She shares her life with her husband, her daughter, one dog, two cats, a pair of geese, far too many chickens, and two steers.

When not writing spicy romances, she enjoys spending her day with her menagerie in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania with a cup of fresh java in one hand and a steamy romance novel in the other.

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Review: The Perfect Match by Matt Burlingame

Leaving his life in New York City behind, 33 year old Ira Hughes has moved back into his childhood home to help care for his ailing father. His overbearing mother quickly guilts him into looking after her interests in the family curio shop. That means dealing with her business partner Colton McCabe, the bully who made Ira's teen years a living hell. Ira is now forced to confront painful memories from his past. As he watches his father fight for his life, and his relationship with his mother become even more strained, he begins to find unexpected comfort in his time with Colton. Could it be that Colton is not the high school horror he used to be? Is the bane of his youth now becoming the love of his life?

Oh yay, oh yay - my first foray into Christmas cheer for the year and it was a winner! 

I'm am a Christmas story junkie. I devour them by the Kindle load (other e-readers are available) and they get me nicely in the mood for the festive season! There is a certain comfort to a Christmas story that I adore as much as my pyjamas and a nice cuppa - and this book ticked all the boxes.

Ira is the kind of good-guy character I love. Selfless but not a push over; hardworking but not a dweeb... he is just right for a seasonal story. At times I wondered at his relationship with his mum, for a clever lady she seemed rather ignorant and, well, rather nasty if I'm honest. I admired Ira for the way he dealt with her - she was very unlikable a lot of the time. Mostly I liked how he gave Colton a chance despite their formative years.

Colton was lucky. He got to move on with his life despite his bullying ways during high school. I like how the author managed to help the reader understand the bully without giving him a free pass. Colton had moved on from the teenager he once was. Understandably it was hard for Ira to completely understand this, or to trust this but he gave Colton a chance. Colton was trying to make ammends, he was trying to be a better person and I genuinely like how this was portrayed.

This is a great feel-good story about Christmas and giving. It's about help and forgiveness... but it isn't about being a pushover or accepting excuses. I really enjoyed this and if, like me, you like all things festive I'd definitely add this to your reading pile

A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.
For more information see Goodreads.

Audiobook Review: Learning to Love by Felice Stevens

After ten years away from home, bad boy caterer Gideon Marks has a lot to prove. Getting the holiday catering job at his childhood synagogue is the first step in demonstrating to everyone he didn’t turn out to be the failure they predicted. What he doesn’t count on is Rabbi Jonah Fine, his high school nemesis and secret crush, stirring up old feelings Gideon thought long gone and secrets he’s buried deep for years.

An unexpectedly passionate encounter shocks Gideon, but he pushes Jonah away, convinced he isn’t good enough to be in a relationship and would never be accepted by Jonah’s father. But Jonah hangs tough—he won’t allow Gideon to hide or run away from life again. And when it comes to love, Gideon learns the most important lessons aren’t always taught in school.

Narrated by: Derrick McClain
Listening Length: 5 hours and 51 minutes

Guest Reviewer - Annery

***3.00 for the book, 3.5 for the Audio***

This is my third Felice Stevens read and I’m beginning to sense a pattern. The landscape is authentic and recognizable along with the usual cast of New York characters. In this case some nice Jewish boys from Brooklyn and their friends and family. I like to read about everyday people but this one was just on the ‘underwhelming’ side.

Usually when I do audios I follow along with the print just to ‘see’ the words or even highlight but in this instance I stuck strictly to my ears and the performance by Derrick McClain. I happen to like Derrick very much and once again he didn’t disappoint. There’s a clear distinction between characters and a nice but not over dramatized narration. He even does nice voices for the women in the story. I’m not sure he did any favors to the main MC, Gideon Marks. No fault on Derrick’s part but rather on who Gideon is or how he is written.

Gideon Marks has come home to Brooklyn from a self imposed Florida exile. He wants to make a success of his catering business but he also wants to rub it in the face of those who thought he wouldn’t amount to anything. He particularly wants to impress one Jonah Fine and Jonah is impressed. So what was my problem? Glad you asked. I had a few, though none of them were deal breakers, more like sand in your shoes. Not as bad as pebbles but annoying nonetheless.

The major stumble for me is Gideon himself and when you sort of dislike the main MC everything teeters. He had the standard issue fraught childhood, his mother and beloved grandmother were killed in an accident leaving him with an alcoholic father who was ill equipped to deal with Gideon’s needs which went beyond the usual teenage growing pains. What said needs were/are the reader can figure out pretty soon before being told. It’s very noble of the author to have a character with these issues and having him deal with them, but Gideon is a bit of an insufferable ass and with something like a boulder on his shoulder. For one thing all those nay sayers he’s come home to stare down are mostly in his head and while this attitude is perfectly believable and understandable in a troubled teenager it gets harder to swallow from an almost 30 successful businessman. It annoys me to no end to have people jump to conclusions about the intentions or motivations of others when their main complaint is being unfairly judged. Also when people do nothing but snap at others when they’re being shown nothing but kindness I want to reach in the book and slap them. I wanted to grab Gideon by his curly locks and drag him around a bit and hug him later.

Another hurdle is that though Jonah and Gideon knew each other since they were teenagers I don’t see how they would get hung up on each other. As far as I could tell they only saw each other at temple; they went to different schools and weren’t even friends. So how smitten could they have been to the point where Jonah seems to have been waiting for Gideon for ten years when they never had anything going?

In any case after some back and forth of Jonah being unbelievably patient with Gideon and letting him figure out that he is and always was into Gideon our love birds are living in bliss when we have the ‘out of nowhere’ righteous indignation from Gideon, subsequent stomping out, and some groveling from Jonah and forgiveness from Gideon. Thing is in my book Jonah had nothing to apologize for. Another instance of Gideon being a prickly diva. More stuff happens, Gideon confronts and makes some sort of peace with his past and Jonah solves his non-problems. Good people doing good things. Amen.

The theme here seems to be that your enjoyment of this book will depend on how much you like or hate Gideon. I don’t hate him but I can see us having words.

A review copy was provided.

Review: Down on the Farm (Ames Bridge #1) by Silvia Violet

Down on the Farm, a sexy, enemies-to-lovers, small town romance, is the first book in the Ames Bridge series.

After quitting his teaching job on the heels of a scandal, Beck Davis moves to the house his grandmother left him in Ames Bridge. He finds the town stifling, but it’s a quiet place to hide while he regroups. Or so he thought.

His neighbor Cal McMurtry shows up, demanding to buy Beck’s land. Cal is as infuriatingly sexy as he was ten years ago when he and his jock friends spent their summers taunting Beck.

Beck expects to hate Cal as he did back then, but Cal isn’t who Beck thought he was: he’s hardworking, passionate about revamping and diversifying his family’s farm, and—far more shocking—he’s gay, and interested in Beck.

But as much as they want each other, Beck has no intention of staying in Ames Bridge, and while Cal is technically out, he refuses to date openly. A real relationship seems doomed from the beginning, but love can be a powerful motivator for those willing to take a chance.

When Beck Davis returns to rural Ames Bridge, it doesn’t take him long to get into a spat with his neighbour, Cal McMurtry. The two have been at each other’s throats since they were teens.

But Beck can’t deny that Cal is still as attractive as ever. Things get complicated when it turns out that Cal is gay, and he finds Beck just as irresistible.

I love a good enemies-to-lovers story. The set-up for ‘Down on the Farm’ piqued my interest: the city boy and the cowboy who couldn’t stand each other as teens find love. I was expecting some angst, some sweetness, and a good amount of sexy. This book delivered!

I wasn’t fond of Cal at first. The way he treated Beck when they were younger was appalling. Cal had dealt with his conflicted sexual feelings by bullying Beck.

But, as the story progressed, it became obvious that Cal’s past wasn’t who he really was. He may not be the best with words, but he goes out of his way to make amends.

Once Beck decides to give Cal a chance, he realizes that he can’t stay mad at Cal forever. Beck and Cal slowly become friends. Both find that when they put aside the animosity, they just click in a way they’ve never with anyone else.

And underneath that tentative friendship, there’s a strong physical attraction that the two can’t deny for long. And once they finally gave in, these two were on fire.

The scene in the barn was particularly steamy!

The big stumbling block in their relationship is Cal’s refusal to be in a relationship out in the open. Cal may be out, but being in an actual relationship in a rural town has its challenges. Cal doesn’t want to deal with the hate, and he doesn’t want his farm to suffer.

It would be easy to get frustrated with Cal’s refusal to own his feelings for Beck, but I could understand where he was coming from. In the end, it takes a huge leap of faith, for both Beck and Cal, for them to get their happy ever after.

Overall, I enjoyed ‘Down on the Farm.’ The main characters are engaging, the country setting was romantic, the relationship was sweet, and the sex was hot. If you’re looking for something easy to read, give this book a try!

Audiobook Review Tour + Giveaway: See Me (Lightening Tales #3) by K.C. Wells

It's the final stop on the See Me (Lightning Tales #3) by K.C. Wells audiobook review tour! This drama filled tale is narrated by Joel Leslie and is a hot one! See Shee Reader's 5 Heart review below AND enter in the $10 Amazon gift card giveaway!

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Audible US | Audible UK

Narrated By: Joel Leslie

Blurb

Adrian DeSoto spent most of his time in high school being bullied and beaten up, simply because he was perceived as gay. Always slight, effeminate, he was the perfect victim for guys like Martin Cavanaugh, one of the high school jocks. When it all got too much, Adrian was faced with two options, one more devastating than the other. Eleventh grade saw a new Adrian, one who hid his fears and pain behind a mask in a bid to survive.


Eleven years later, and Adrienne is one of the top drag acts in Orlando. She's fierce, funny, and exuberant. A face from the past gives her a shock, and after that there's only one thing on her mind - revenge.


Marty Cavanaugh has a particular kink. He loves it when a drag queen goes down on him. But that's as far as it goes. He won't admit to himself what's under that tight fitting dress. And then he meets Adrienne and his whole world goes into a tailspin...


Warning - Contains men in drag, honey! You have been warned.

Reviewer: Shee Reader


First, I’ve got to say I am so glad I got to review this audiobook. Joel Leslie does such a wonderful job with his performance that it was like watching a movie as the story unfolded in my head!

The blurb was perfect, and gave the reader just a taster of what to expect.

Adrian DeSoto spent most of his time in high school being bullied and beaten up, simply because he was perceived as gay. Always slight, effeminate, he was the perfect victim for guys like Martin Cavanaugh, one of the high school jocks. When it all got too much, Adrian was faced with two options, one more devastating than the other. Eleventh grade saw a new Adrian, one who hid his fears and pain behind a mask in a bid to survive.
Eleven years later, and Adrienne is one of the top drag acts in Orlando. She’s fierce, funny and exuberant. A face from the past gives her a shock, and after that there’s only one thing on her mind—revenge.

Marty Cavanaugh has a particular kink. He loves it when a drag queen goes down on him. But that’s as far as it goes. He won’t admit to himself what’s under that tight fitting dress. And then he meets Adrienne and his whole world goes into a tailspin….

I liked that Adrian had a friend from High school (Rick) and I’d love to see his story, since Rick was in love with his straight best friend in high school, but they were a couple in the story as we catch up with Adrienne in adulthood!

Marty is an unhappy man, lonely and closeted, and in no way prepared for the tornado that is Adrienne. I absolutely loved Joel’s characterisation of the queens, he was wonderful and the beauty of the story as we see Adrian and Marty get reacquainted, seek forgiveness from each other and develop a loving relationships just perfect. Marty’s mom is an interesting character too, and the ‘coming out’ scene with her and Marty’s (horrific) father is totally charming and emotional.

The journey our lovely men go on was realistic and emotive. The way Marty grew to love and appreciate both incarnations of Adrian was superb.

Highly recommended beautiful book, given the perfect performance by one of my favourite narrators!

I was given a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

June 26 - Open Skye Book Reviews, The Geekery Book Review

June 28 - Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Bonkers About Books, RAM PA Group, The Power Of Three Readers

June 30 - My Fiction Nook

July 3 - Making It Happen

July 5 - We Three Queens, Alpha Book Club, Boy Meets Boy Reviews, Love To Read Romance Books, MM Good Book Reviews, Rainbow Gold Reviews

Author Bio


Born and raised in the north-west of England, K.C. WELLS always loved writing. Words were important. Full stop. However, when childhood gave way to adulthood, the writing ceased, as life got in the way. K.C. discovered erotic fiction in 2009, when the purchase of a ménage storyline led to the startling discovery that reading about men in love was damn hot. In 2012, arriving at a really low point in life led to the desperate need to do something creative. An even bigger discovery waited in the wings—writing about men in love was even hotter….


K.C. now writes full-time and is loving every minute of her new career. The laptop still has no idea of what hit it… it only knows that it wants a rest, please. And it now has to get used to the idea that where K.C goes, it goes.


And as for those men in love that she writes about? The list of stories just waiting to be written is getting longer… and longer….


K.C. loves to hear from readers.


E-mail: k.c.wells@btinternet.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KCWellsWorld

Twitter: @K_C_Wells

Website: http://www.kcwellsworld.com



Narrator Bio


Joel Leslie is a UK transplant, growing up with American parents in a British commonwealth. A classically trained actor with an MFA in theatre from USC, he is often cast for his unique ability to deliver native, authentic combinations of American and British sounds. Among the m/m series he records are NR Walker’s Red Dirt Heart, Haley Walsh’s Skyler Foxe Mysteries, Sloane Kennedy’s Protectors, Adam Carpenter’s Jimmy McSwain Files, Perie Woolford’s Sam Dorsey’s Gay Popcorn, and Smith and LeNoir’s Blackballed trilogy. His great range and ability to bring characters to life with honesty, wit and versatility delights producers and listeners alike.

He is proud to have a strong following with m/m listeners and an ongoing relationship with some of the finest writers in the genre. He loves that every day he gets to share these beautiful, inspirational and empowering GLBT characters with the world. When not in the booth he spends his time chasing after two loquacious wiener dogs. He records projects outside of the m/m genre under the name Joel Froomkin. Visit www.joelleslienarration.com for more and friend him on facebook at Joel Leslie Froomkin.

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Review: Shards in the Sun (The Heart of Texas #1) by Trina Lane

The heart of Texas beats strong, fuelled by the love between two men whose lives are interwoven like the long grass of the hill country they call home.

Brandon Blackstun has spent the last decade moving on from the hellish halls of high school. With an invitation to his reunion in hand, he plans to show his former classmates that not only did the repeated occurrences of being slammed into lockers not cause brain damage, but he’s now a successful cover artist for the very books they buy off the shelves.

Tyler Synder was determined to not follow in his father’s footsteps as head of the International Corporation that bears the family name. Instead his heart is tied to the beat of his horses’ thundering hooves. He operates a breeding program for Tennessee Walkers and guest ranch a couple of hours from the urban luxury of Dallas where he was raised.

The two men might live very different lives, but the heat between them is hotter than any Texas sun. With the help—or meddling—of an unlikely pair of friends, the two explore a relationship that stirs something deep inside them. Distance and misunderstandings force Tyler and Brandon to consider whether the fulfilment they’ve experienced in each other’s arms is worth the sacrifice of the lives they’d built individually.

Texas may be the second biggest state in the union, but is it large enough to embrace the love between these two men or will their deeply hidden fears shatter the boundaries of their hearts?

Sometimes a book doesn’t work for you. This was one of those books for me.

Let’s see if I can keep this short?

We start out decent with Brandon attending his high school reunion with his BFF Jess and I was cringing with him. I haven’t attended any of my reunions because high school was crap for me but I get Brandon wanting to go back and show that he’s made something of himself. At his reunion, or rather at the bar before, he eyes a hottie cowboy that goes nowhere because he sucks at flirting and then we meet Javier, the dude who shoved Brandon’s head into lockers, who is now out of the closet. Javier seems to want to make amends with Brandon but… I NEVER liked Javier, is was slimy and just not someone I cared about and lucky me, got more of him in the book. Ugh.

When Brandon is out to dinner as friends with Javier, he sees hottie cowboy again and hottie cowboy, aka Tyler, happens to be Javier’s ex-boyfriend and drama happens. I am totally okay with the ex-boyfriend deal but um, why the hell did I need to know about Javier and his kinks when it has nothing to do with Brandon and Tyler???

Anyway. The drama with Javier and Tyler makes Brandon run away from Tyler but then they decide to give this “connection” a go even though they live 2 hrs away from one another. Blah blah blah…

I never felt the connection or chemistry with Brandon and Tyler and while each man should be interesting, they weren’t. Brandon works at a library but not a librarian and designs book covers in his spare time. That was kinda interesting but it fell off the page quick and Tyler is an honest to goodness cowboy but the pages and pages on his ranch were full of info dropping that I got bored and could care less. Together? Well, they weren’t too exciting together either. They were just so bland.

The dirty talk should have been hot, the sex, it should have been really hot but I skimmed the majority of it. It felt mechanical and stunted that I lost interest during foreplay.

Good lord. This was just, well… boring to me. It took me days to get through it and I kept finding other things to read, watch or do but read this.

I cannot believe the end and who I think will be the MC of the next book… just nope. No thanks.

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