Release Blitz + Giveaway: Something Like the Real (Song Out #4) by Hanna Dare

Welcome Hanna Dare and Signal Boost Promotions to the clubhouse! Something Like the Real (Sing Out #4) is out! And the gracious author is making sure everyone's a winner - there is a download link below to get a free copy of Life in a Nowhere Town (Sing Out #1) - free until June 10th!

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK


Length: 60,000 words


Cover Design: Natasha Snow


Sing Out Series


Life In A Nowhere Town (Book #1) (See Below)
California Schemin' (Book #2) Amazon US | Amazon UK
The Man Who Told The World (Book #3) Amazon US | Amazon UK

Blurb

He always has a plan…

Jesse Preston is exactly where he always wanted to be: in LA, recording an album. So why does he feel like he’s about to lose everything? One thing he’s sure of is that he needs to keep his bisexuality hidden… but he never planned on falling for someone. Not just anyone—a TV star who’s one half of a famous, and straight, celebrity couple.

One kiss can change everything…

Grayson Adler is used to pretending. He’s an actor after all. So when he’s asked to keep his break-up with his troubled co-star a secret he has no problem playing along. He also has no problem showing Jesse around LA. Grayson likes spending time with him, likes making him laugh, likes him more than he’d ever expected. But they’re just friends, right?

In a town where everybody’s got secrets, how can they be sure of what’s real?

This novel can be read as a standalone. It’s complete at 60,000 words, with no cliffhanger and no cheating. It does feature ping-pong, hats, dance breaks, and explicit scenes between adult men.

Excerpt

Grayson came to stand close and Jesse had to take a sudden intake of air as the force of Grayson's gaze locked on. His eyes—brown, or this close, revealed to be hazel and shot through with green-gold streaks—were on Jesse's and nothing could make him look away.

"I shouldn't have left things like that. I shouldn't have left."

"It's okay," Jesse started to say, but Grayson kept going.

"No. You need to know something. I don't have a girlfriend. I mean, I did, but Annabel and I broke up months ago. I'm supposed to keep it quiet so she doesn't have to deal with the press, and so the studio can keep promoting us as a couple on and off the show. Annabel's fragile right now so I don't mind it being a secret… except I don't like lying to you. I really don't like it. And I think I've been doing it a lot because you weren't wrong before. I was hitting on you, I just didn't realize it. This is stupid because twenty-four is too old to be having a sudden sexual awakening—except thinking back, maybe I've always been looking at guys along with girls? I just thought it was a professional interest in studying their bodies. And I did play the love interest of a boy on a family cable drama when I was sixteen. I really liked our kissing scenes, but I was going through a Method phase at the time, so I thought it was about inhabiting the character. My role was only a three-episode arc though, and I had a girlfriend, so I never really got to explore what it might mean—"

Jesse realized that Grayson showed no signs of slowing down or even taking a breath, so he did the most obvious thing and kissed him.

Author Bio

A writer-for-hire for more than ten years, Hanna Dare now writes what she loves to read: well-written, character-driven stories of men exploring their identities and discovering their own unique kind of happily ever afters… usually through sexytimes.

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You can download Life In A Nowhere Town (Sing Out #1) for FREE until Saturday June 10 HERE!

Hosted By Signal Boost Promotions

FREEBIE! Helping Hand (Housemates #1) by Jay Northcote

Need a "Helping Hand"? Well, Jay Northcote has a few for FREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Don't mind mind our enthusiasm.

Helping Hand will be free this weekend (2-4 Sept on Amazon)

Get it while it's hot!!!

Blurb


Jez Fielding and James MacKenzie—Big Mac to his mates—are in their second year at uni. After partying too hard last year, they make a pact to rein themselves in. While their housemates are out drinking every weekend, Jez and Mac stay in to save cash and focus on their studies.

When Jez suggests watching some porn together, he isn’t expecting Mac to agree to it. One thing leads to another, and soon their arrangement becomes hands-on rather than hands-off. But falling for your ‘straight’ friend can only end badly, unless there’s a chance he might feel the same.

This book is a complete story and can be read as a standalone.

Length: 33,000 words approx
Cover art by Garrett Leigh



Buy Links

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B010EAQOKA
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B010EAQOKA
Universal Amazon link: http://mybook.to/HelpingHand_JayN

See our review of Helping Hand here.

FREE. FREE. FREE. A Serious Thing by Annabelle Jacobs

That's right folks, Annabelle Jacobs has a Christmas short out today and it's absolutely free on Dreamspinner Press and ARe only! A Serious Thing is the follow up to A Casual Thing. I'll be reviewing it soon... I loved it though. It was everything a Christmas story should be.

Patrick has a plan, and he’ll go to great lengths to see it through.

After three weeks apart due to work and school commitments, he and Will are finally getting to spend some time together. Patrick is staying with Will over the Christmas holidays, and he intends to tell him how he feels on Christmas Day. It’s going to be perfect.

But of course, Patrick’s plans don’t always go smoothly….

Excerpt: 

Will’s house looked less than welcoming compared to the rest of the street, and not for the first time, he wished he had someone waiting inside to greet him. Maybe he should get a dog.

Another thought struck him, and he smiled. Yeah, maybe he could do that too.

He texted Patrick to let him know he was home and asked what time he’d be round. The reply came back almost immediately.

Be there about six thirty. Just helping Ben with something. That okay?

Will glanced at his watch again—an hour and forty-five minutes. He’d rather see Patrick now, but at least that would give him time to shower and make a start on dinner. He’d like to cook something nice for them tonight.

Yeah, that’s fine. See you in a bit.

He pocketed his phone, opened the front door, then carried his bag upstairs to his bedroom and started to unpack. Something red poked out from under the end of his quilt, and he smiled when he plucked it out—one of Patrick’s socks. Will’s were all black, something Patrick mocked him for all the time. He stared at it for a second, remembering Patrick wearing them the last time he was there, then tossed the sock in the direction of his laundry basket. It was the only evidence that Patrick had been there, and Will found himself wishing for more. He wanted to look around his home and see Patrick’s presence all over it.

Soon, he thought, and he pictured the present he was going to pick up for Patrick. Hopefully soon.

  

Buy links: 

Amazon US - PLEASE BE AWARE THIS BOOK IS NOT FREE AT AMAZON UK OR COM

Amazon UK 

Dreamspinner Press 

All Romance Ebooks

  

Author Bio:

Annabelle Jacobs lives in the South West of England with three rowdy children, and two cats.

An avid reader of fantasy herself for many years, Annabelle now spends her days writing her own stories. They're usually either fantasy or paranormal fiction, because she loves building worlds filled with magical creatures, and creating stories full of action and adventure. Her characters may have a tough time of it—fighting enemies and adversity—but they always find love in the end.

Author Links: 

Twitter – https://twitter.com/AJacobs_fiction

Website – www.annabellejacobs.com

Email – ajacobsfiction@gmail.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ajacobsfiction

What's better than a Christmas story? A FREE Christmas story!!! Cold Feet by Jay Northcote is free this weekend.

Cold Feet is free from Friday 4th – Sunday 6th of December 2015

 

Best friends snowed in together. When the heat rises, will they get cold feet?

Getting snowed in at a remote cottage in Wales with someone he’d fancied for ages isn’t exactly how Sam expected to spend Christmas. His feelings for Ryan are pointless. Ryan’s straight—or so he thought.

Until now, Ryan’s kept his feelings for Sam buried. Why ruin a friendship over what might only be gay experimentation? Playing it cool seems safer, until a cold snap makes sharing body heat vital. In their Welsh safe haven, anything seems possible.

As Ryan’s reserve melts away, Sam wants more than stolen kisses under the mistletoe. But a sudden thaw means making decisions. They could face the New Year together—unless one of them gets cold feet.

Buy links:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QFN1NY8

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00QFN1NY8

Universal Amazon link: http://mybook.to/ColdFeet_JayN

Unicorn Favourites: Love is an Open Road: Week Nine.

The M/M Romance Group on Goodreads hosts a Don't Read in the Closet event each year where they invite members to submit a photo with a story prompt. Interested authors then volunteer to write the requested stories, which are published for free for everyone to read. It's a fun/exciting/stressful process, and a great opportunity to read stories from favourite authors. And chances are, you'll also discover some new authors, who hopefully have a back-list of goodies to check out :)

This year's event was named Love is an Open Road and they started releasing the completed stories on June first. Here at BMBR, we've been following along on comment threads, anticipating the stories from our favourite prompts, and now greedily reading the stories as they become available.

Lorix: Death Chasing Metal Dreams by Kaje Harper

The stories that have come from the DRitC event this year have been amazing. I have read many stories I wouldn't normally have and loved them. I have found new authors and revisited authors I know I love and basically been blown away by the fiction produced. Of course not everything is to my taste - but to get to try all this stuff, for free, is such a wonderful opportunity. 

It is quite often said these days you don't get something for nothing, but in this event that is absolutely not true. Sometimes what you get is more than you dreamed. I know this is the case for me, and this week it was Kaje Harper's 90k novel, Chasing Death Metal Dreams, that blew me away. I totally and utterly loved it.

Let's not beat around the bush; I am a huge Kaje Harper fan, for many, many reasons, and they all held true in this story.

First - and possibly most important to me - characterisation. I know I harp on about this in my reviews, but it is characters that make the story for me. They are the people I empathise with, sympathise with, laugh or feel angry with. They are the core of the world into which I fall in the pages of a book. They are who I fall in love with. They are the story, and Kaje writes great characters. Better than great. Her characters come from the heart (and I should imagine a heck of a lot of research, because they are all so true to themselves). She can write elderly gentlemen, tough cops, grateful partners. She can write about the world weary or optimistic, about young and old. She never writes a boring characters. She never writes characters that feel like the same old, same old. Each voice is unique and genuine, and by gum do I wish I had that skill.

Carlos' voice in this story was absolutely no exception. In fact it is one of the best examples I have read of real character. Born male in a female body, Carlos knew from a very young age that he needed his outside to match his inside. I truly cannot imagine what it is like to not feel like me. To not be the person I really am. I may not (always) like the package I come in, but it feels like me from the tips of my toes, to the top of my head. 

I imagine writing a trans character and not turning them into a caricature or political statement is especially hard. Kaje writes about Carlos though,and she makes the character more than an f to m trans person. He is more than gay, he is more than a death metal musician, he is more than the Mexican boy sent to live with his aunt and uncle in America. He is more than a dental assistant, more than a tattooed musician, more than a scared 14 year old. He ismore than all those thing yet all those things are part of him. All those things combine to make him, him.

The focus of this story is Carlos dreams to be in a successful death metal band. He writes and plays guitar and lives for his music. The death metal scene though - it's not a place where being openly gay is, at least in Carlos' opinion, viable. 

Carlos is full of attitude. He loves his music, but he takes no shit. Not from fans, band mates or the general public. I could picture him so clearly, with his swagger, his presence, his attitude. He is fun. He is dedicated. Hard working. Focused. Ambitious.

He is brilliant. I loved every single moment spent with him.

Nate is the man he falls in love with - even if all Carlos was after was a quick fuck. Nate's twin brother is also in the death metal band scene and Nate helps him out roadying from time to time. Nate is out and proud, more the kind of guy who likes long term over one night. An artist who is still dealing with lies fed to him by his exes. Together Carlos and Nate are brilliant.

Kaje Harper takes their characters and the story and makes it feel real in a way many other writers would struggle to do (IMO). Never one for an easy get out or an unnecessary amount of angst (i.e. angst for angsts sake) the troubles her characters face feel real. They are led by emotion and circumstance, and not the desire to write a thrilling storyline. (Although obviously the desire to write the thrilling storyline is there, otherwise there would be no story, but it is written so damn well you forget that). I always feel I've learnt something when I've finished one of Kaje's stories. I also know I'm going to have a terrible book hangover.

Because this review is already going on a bit, I would just say - please read this story. It really is fabulous.

Optimist King's Wench: Full Exposure by Amy Jo Cousins and The Supreme Might of Love by Christina Tomlinson

Amy Jo Cousins, welcome to my neighborhood.

*pats sofa cushions*

Come. Sit a spell. Whisper more of your delightful words in my ear.

And this story is delightful. Cousins allows Riley and Evan's relationship to bloom and grow into a palpable thing of beauty right before our eyes.

They meet on a photo shoot and ooze chemistry. It is a foregone conclusion that they will spend the weekend together. We're given glimpses of that weekend. Each window gives kernals of truths about each of these characters.

They compliment each other but neither are perfect. Riley is a bratty and moody rock star who reminded me of The Bieb. Evan is a sci-fi geek with a tendency to word vomit when nervous. Together they are extraordinary.

"What would you pay me to do to you, Riley Flood?" He whispered the words against that mouth, feels Riley's lips open to speak and Riley's breath on his face.

"Everything."


They take advantage of their weekend together, neither wants to part, but obligations call. Promises are made. And broken. Only a grand gesture can possibly rectify the situation.

This story captured my attention from the get go. True, it was the name drop of Neiman Marcus that made my eyes glassy and pupils dilate, but it was the writing that kept me invested and left me with squishy good feels.

The side of kinky power dynamics didn't hurt. I especially loved how sensual the writing was without being explicit and how tactile they are with one another. And that edging bearskin rug scene.

*stares into space*

Bearskin rug cheesy, you say?

Bearskin rug hot, Cupcake replies.

I will be on the lookout for more from this author in the future and my thanks to her and her team for contributing to the LOR event.

******************************************************************

Gladiator?
Roman soldier?
Ancient Rome?
God of War?

Frothing at the mouth?

Oh, that was me. My mistake. 

There's something about alpha power struggles that is so titillating. I also lurve me a big un bottom. 

A lot.

Titus is a gladiator who's recently earned his freedom. He's also caught the eye of Kasen, Roman Legate. Kasen antagonizes Titus at every turn.

In fact, these two are at each other so much and so often that they have garnered the attention of Mars on Olympus.

Mars decides he wants to be the creamy filling of that manwich, so he fashions an alluring disguise and goes after his men.

He becomes treasurer of Aquileia and hires newly freed Titus as his bodyguard.

Marius (Mars) has all sorts of hotness working for him. Young, nubile slaves that would look fantastic bouncing on Titus' lap, but he keeps getting cock blocked!!!!!

HE'S A GLADIATOR! HE HAS NEEDZ!!!!!

When Marius makes his move Titus is stunned and thrilled since he didn't think he stood a chance with the nobleman not to mention hornier than a colony of rabbits.

Marius has to use some pretty fancy skills (read: manipulation) to complete the triangle.

You know that saying, "there's a fine line between love and hate"?

Titus and Kasen may have drawn that line. 

I was hopeful for some hate fucking, but they realized their feels prior to the boinking. *sadz*

However, there was some rough sex and a loin cloth wrestling match!!!!!!

The writing and story arch were solid. The storytelling idea and how that worked out in the end, I really liked. Just the right amount of squishy goodness.

The author nailed the prompt and I thank her and her team for the contribution to the LOR event.

SheReadsALot: First Dance by E. Davies and Black Horse River by Robin Studwick

I saw stripper and I got excited. Anytime I see stripper tag attached to a romance I think:



I get my singles ready and everything. 

But this isn't that kinda romance.

This is Fluffy McSugarson with a bowl full of Aw! 

No sex (not necessary), full of college geek awkwardness and a stripper who likes to memorize poetry to help with his anxiety. 

I'm glad both main characters has similar anxieties and their conversations tapped into my barrel of aw! Because they were awkward kinda cute. I'm not really amazed by poetry memorization but I picture Danny (the stripper) and his Scottish accent reciting Shakespeare and I smile.

Maybe do some of this too:

Danny, you could have had a thong full of singles if you turned it into that kinda romance.

His loss. ;P

Sweet and funny at times. Not extremely memorable but there's something about this that made me root for the nerdy bookstore worker protagonist (Kyle) finally coming out of his shell and possibly meeting the other half to his nerd soul.

I'll round up

So I'm going to take my singles and hit the road. The search for that kinda romance with the essence of ratchetness continues.



My thanks to the author and the team behind the event.

********************************************************************************************

I've never watched the entire Princess Bride movie.



Do bits and pieces count? 



*holds out hands* It's on my bucket list of things to do. 

I don't know if this story is close to the movie or not, but I'm going to hazard a guess there aren't kelpies in there. 

I liked the fantasy/historical edge. I liked the legend feel to it. Based on the story written, the tone was subtle and formal. It's told a young, virgin Scottish lord Fionn's POV. It worked for me. I see what the writer was going for keeping the tone like that, some parts read a little stilted because of it. 

Sweet story though. My favorite part is the sensual undertone of Fionn and Bran's sexual tension. It wasn't overt and it fit what was written of the men. Fionn lusts for his stablehand Bran. Always probably since he could have a cockstand. And he thinks Bran doesn't notice. But he wants him to notice.

*grins* He does. 

Men being together back in that time is forbidden but they ride away from prying eyes. Together, they discover the gifts of sweet yearning.

I do wish this was longer, just to see the fantasy world really. I found the kelpie angle unique. But I get to keep in tone with the legend theme, it wouldn't be required.

I'd read something else from this author in the future. I'm curious to read contemporary or paranormal from her, see what she can do. (Just leaving this bit here for future reference ;])

My thanks to the author and the team as always behind this event. The event tends wreak sweet havoc to my reading schedule (Ha!) too many good choices to choose from.

Review: Siren by Suki Fleet

Grey’s greatest fantasy involves a fairy, but not just any fairy—it has to be Siren.

Only problem is, Si can be too complicated for his own good sometimes.

Suki Fleet is a new-to-me author, I've recently read, loved, and pushed on everyone I know, her book This Is Not a Love Story. I also read and loved her Love's Landscapes entry this year, Metronomy,(though I'm HOPING it's part of a longer story to come). So when a request to read and review her new FREE short, I was all grabby hands for it.

Siren is a hot short about a man and the faery he wants. They are already friends but he wants more. And boy does he - and us - get more.

This book is steamy, it's yummy - it's short. I enjoyed every second I spent reading it...I'm hoping these characters are going to be part of something bigger. This short was wonderful, but the characters are too good to let go. There were too many unanswered questions - or maybe, introduced mysteries is a better way of putting it - that I wanted to know about. If this is a teaser for a longer story it's done it's job, I want to know all about Si and Grey.

Why has Siren no longer got any wings? What happened to him? How does Grey know Si...know what Si is? Does anyone else know? So many questions!

Suki Fleet really knows how to draw readers into a story.She gives you characters to care about and a beautiful way with words. I'm going to haunt this author's works because I feel that she is going to become an auto-buy author for me.

To find out more, check out Goodreads.

A copy of this story was sent in for review - it is however, free to everyone, so give it a go, you have nothing to lose!

Review: The Violet and the Tom by Eve Ocotillo

In what might have been the middle ages, had neither Alexander the Great nor Jesus the prophet died young, the Greek State is a powerful economic force in southern Europe, and slavery is a profitable and well-entrenched social institution. Nygell, a Lord of the Northern Isles, is given the gift of a Grecian slave by the King. Nygell wants no such responsibility.

A homoerotic romance. Set in an alternate universe with institutionalized slavery, thus consent is by nature dubious at best. Elements of BDSM.

What a fantastic twist on the typical slave and master story! I can't believe I hadn't read this sooner.

Can. Not. Believe it.

I went in not knowing much about it other than it's set in an alternate universe where citizens were able to own slaves. And, for me, I didn't need to know much more than that.  That being said, I hadn't read any spoilers and didn't know what I was getting into and it was wonderful! Don't do it. Read spoilers, that is.

Sylvan was purchased by the king as a gift for his son. *high five* Way to go, Dad! Not much can beat a gift like that, eh? Apparently there are a multitude of gifts better than a slave in Nygell's opinion. He wants nothing to do with a slave. But now he owns the poor boy. What's he to do?

The story is told from Sylvan's POV and he's been in slavery for years. It's all he's known. He's been through trainings and masters, all he wants is some attention and affection from his master for being such a good boy. And he is such a good boy. *pets*

I said in the beginning that the story isn't typical and in many (important) ways it's not. But, of course, there are some elements seen in every AU master/slave book that are in The Violet and the Tom. There's a master and his sweet slave who just wants to please. Ugh. My favoritest of all my favoritest things. In books, at least.

But there's more, so much more to Sylvan and Nygell.

Stuff between them obviously wasn't working out because of the whole Nygell-doesn't-want-a-slave deal. Really put a damper on things. So, they had to find a solution. And, oh boy, they did. They so did. The way they supported each other and were devoted enough to stick it out together was just... everything. Not only that, but they were able to form a real relationship outside of the slavery. Something solid, real and lasting. Because they were able to do this first it really helped them deal with their constant struggles to make it work.

This is where I've got to keep it short. Sylvan and Nygell are amazing together and going through their struggles right along with them made their journey all the more powerful to read. I can't recommend this free read enough.

Review: Semper Fi by S.J. Frost

Though Marine staff sergeant, Cameron Brightman, is miles away from the Middle East and back in his hometown Chicago, memories of the war and lost love continue to haunt him.

**This is a free story, unedited, offered on S.J. Frost's website.**




Semper Fi, short for Semper Fidelis, is a Latin phrase meaning "Always Faithful"

Semper Fi is the story of Cameron Brightman, a marine staff sergeant and Gabriel (Gabe) Roland, a grad student at Chicago’s Art Institute. They meet in a gay bar in the Boystown area of Chicago while Cam is on a thirty-day leave from the Marines. Cameron and Gabe share an incredible night together but is this just a one night stand, or is there something special between them?

This is a sweet short story that you can read free on the author's website or download here

I was totally smitten with Cameron and Gabe from the start. The chemistry between them was there and I felt the mutual attraction. In this short story the sex between Cameron and Gabe was hot and felt realistic. Ok, so there was no swinging from the chandelier, but it was steamy and satisfying just the same. Also, if unprotected sex is one of your pet peeves, you have nothing to worry about here. They practiced safe sex yet it didn't interrupt the scenes or seem awkward in any way. I admire and applaud the author for this.

There's also a bit of humor in Semper Fi and that is something I always enjoy in any story.

If you’ve not read anything by S.J. Frost, I think you’re missing out. This free short story would be the perfect way to sample the author’s work risk free.

Review: Teen Wolf Fanfic - Binomial Coefficients by DevilDoll

Binomial Coefficients by DevilDoll

In which brainy freshman Stiles Stilinski wants star quarterback Derek Hale to join the math team, AKA math nerds in love.

Recently, I willingly jumped into the abyss of AO3 fanfics about that most amazing and adorable ship, #Sterek. Yes, Stiles and Derek from Teen Wolf. I've probably read a million (or two?) words on them since the beginning of the year.

And it's been glorious. 

Yes, there have been some ups and downs, but once in a while, you run into a fic that just grabs you and makes you cry out in jubilation.

Binomial Coefficients by DevilDoll is one of them.

I FREAKING LOVED THIS STORY!!!

*ahem*

Yes, this review required at least one shouty-caps statement. :D

I read this story last night, and I can't count the number of times I squeed out loud.

Binomial Coefficients is a high school AU in which opposites, however unlikely, definitely attract. Stiles is a freshman math nerd who convinces Derek the senior quarterback to join the math team.

It's awkward. It's funny. It's adorable. It's GLORIOUS.

I loved this story so freaking hard. The way the writer crafted their relationship was beautiful to watch, and the Stiles POV was perfect in that you could definitely see the feelings develop, even through the filter of his skewed perspective. Because, yes, Stiles is just trying not to get beat up by Derek when he proposes Derek join the math team.

Derek, on the other hand... Well. Let's just say he might be more than interested in having some one-on-one tutoring time with Stiles.

*wink wink*

If you're feeling down, this would be a fantastic little fic to pick you right back up. It's a freshman/senior relationship, but I wasn't bothered by the age difference in this story. There's some kissing, but mostly it's about feelings.

That said, the first kiss? I seriously swooned.

You can find this 20k word fic for free at Archive of Our Own.

Go. Go get it. And then read the freaking hell out of it!

Review: Sixty Five Hours by N.R. Walker

Cameron Fletcher and Lucas Hensley are advertising executives who have Sixty Five Hours to pull together the campaign of their careers.

Sixty Five Hours to get along. Sixty Five Hours to not kill each other. Sixty Five Hours to fall in love.

Sixty five hours. That's how long I wish I could have been reading about Cameron and Lucas. They were just that good together.

This had everything I love. It was sweet, sexy and the perfect amount of snark. 

"'How did I ever get so lucky?' he wondered out loud.
'Don't you remember?' I teased him. 'Six months ago you made me spend the weekend - and you showed me your feet.'"

And their weekend together was glorious to be a part of. Just wonderful! Cameron and Lucas complemented each other so well. There was so much chemistry between them and then they had their 'moments'. Oh, their moments. *swoony sigh*

I especially liked how Lucas never pushed Cameron to come out or for more than he could give. He was loving and understanding and just perfect. He gave Lucas the time he needed, which then made Cameron swoon just a little. And me, too.

And the socks! Oh, the socks.

"'Gay socks?'
He laughed. 'The socks aren't gay.'
I begged to differ. 'Well, they're not fucking straight.'"

I loved how they added a bit of quirkiness to Cameron's serious and confident exterior. They made him that much more likeable, if it were possible for me to like these characters any more than I already did.

There were so many little things that added to my enjoyment of this book. Not to mention the chapter titles, this one being my favorite: "I am... a complete fucking emotional sap. And I am... okay with that." <- this meant I was getting some emotional feels and I LOVE THAT! I got snarky and sweet the whole way through, and then Sixty Five Hours turned around and made me cry. Just perfection.

"'Well, crazy socks and foot fetishes... There was never a doubt. It was always going to be a perfect match.'
[...]
'Never a doubt.'"

D'aaaaaaawwwwwwwww!! *sappy grin*

Review: The Lion and the Crow by Eli Easton

This is a tale about two medieval English knights—Sir William Corbet, aka the Lion, and Sir Christian Brandon, aka The Crow. In a time when duty was everything, personal honor was more valued than life itself, and homosexuality was not tolerated by the church or society, how can these two men reconcile their deepest, most secret yearnings to love another man?

Sir Christian was raised in a household where he was hated for his unusual beauty and for the sake of his parentage. Being smaller than his six brutish half-brothers, he learned to survive by using his wits and developing a gift for strategy. He feels little loyalty to the system that’s abused him since birth.

Sir William, a large and fierce warrior, has pushed his unnatural desires down all his life. He’s determined to live up to his own ideal of a gallant knight. But when he takes up a quest to rescue his sister from her abusive lord of a husband, he’s forced to undertake a journey with Christian. It’s a partnership that will test every strand of his moral fiber, and, eventually, even his understanding of the meaning of duty, honor, and love.

 This story is offered for free as part of Love Has No Boundaries Event. This event is sponsored by the m/m romance group on goodreads.





What's better than a knight in shining armor?

 Two knights in shining armor. Together. Kissing.



Sir William and Sir Christian have both noticed each other in the past. But, of course, are not able to outwardly express their 'unnatural' attraction. But they find themselves on a quest to rescue William's sister from her abusive husband. Just the two of them.

I loved their hesitant, slow burn romance. Neither one knew if the other was interested, all they had to go by were the sneaking glances and tentative touches.  They were probably killing each other with suspense and lust because it was killing ME with suspense! And maybe some lust. Let's be real, by 'some lust' I mean 'a lot of lust'. So then it happened and all that crazy tension was released and...



Boom!

There was nothing tentative about their touches any longer.

"'Oil?'
'Linseed oil.'
'For cooking?'

Christian corked the jar and wrapped his arms around William's neck, standing on his toes to murmur in William's ear. "For easing your way into my passage."

Oh Christian, you saucy little wanton. I knew I liked you. 

This was an easy and predictable story, but still sweet and romantic. Their love and devotion for each other was obvious. They're a couple you can't help but root for right from the beginning. Yes, their struggles are exactly what you'd expect from a book set during this time period. Yes, they found a very convenient way to be together, but all that didn't make Christian and William's story any less enjoyable. In fact, I liked that I was able to read about and enjoy their romance without things getting all tied up in the where, what and how for too long.

Another hit from Eli Easton! Two for two makes her an auto buy author for me.

Oh and this one is free on Goodreads. Can you believe it? She just gives away this good stuff.