Review: Sink or Swim (Shore Leave #2) by Annabeth Albert

Winning and losing are subject to sexy interpretation…

Navy chief Calder Euler loves to win big. His latest score? A remote mountain cabin. Checking it out is supposed to be a quick trip, but Calder’s luck abruptly turns when a freak injury and a freakier snowstorm leave him stranded.

Oh, and the cabin isn’t empty. A silver fox caring for two young girls claims that the property is his, but Calder’s paperwork says otherwise.

Felix Sigurd is on a losing streak, and his ex-husband risking the cabin in a reckless bet is only the latest in a series of misfortunes. He’ll tolerate the handsome stranger for a couple nights--even care for his injuries—but that’s it.

Calder doesn’t know a damn thing about kids, but making pancakes for Felix’s girls is a surprising delight. Trapped in the cabin, the four of them slip easily into the rhythms of a family. But when the ice melts, they’ll have to decide if a future together is in the cards.

Calder’s lucky win quickly evaporates when the real owner of the cabin walks in with his two nieces in tow. His luck continues downward when he injures himself and gets snowed in with strangers.

But on the upside, Felix is a very attractive man and seems to cautiously return Calder’s interest.

The snowed-in trope is one of my favourites. You’d think I’ve read enough by now to be bored of it, but you’d be wrong. Give me all of the cliché!

In Shore Leave, the storm forces Felix and Calder to make the best of the situation. That includes playing in the snow with the girls, reading stories, and cooking together.

                                               

The close quarters also set off feelings that neither man had expected. And it isn’t just the physical attraction - it’s easy to share space and their thoughts with each other.

When the storm ends and they have to return to the real world, Calder convinces Felix to have dinner with him - not a date, just for fun. It sets a pattern - hangouts, long phone calls, and thinking about each other when they’re not together.

This isn’t a particularly angsty book, and actually quite slow. I really liked the cozy feeling.

The big hurdle is how different the two men are. Calder lives in the moment and likes to have fun. Felix is cautious and has to put the girls first.

I loved how they balanced each other - Calder brings Felix out of his shell, and Felix gives Calder a taste of the slower life. They’re both equally protective and caring.

The two have to adjust and eventually figure out how to mesh their lives together. It was sweet how Calder set out to convince Felix that he was all-in for a serious relationship and the kids.

Speaking of the kids - very much so present in the book, and adorable. Madeleine and Charlotte were just kids being kids.

Felix and Calder eventually reach a tipping point, and make decisions for their future. Their happy ending is sweet, and left me with warm fuzzy feels.

If you’re looking for a drama-free family-focused MM romance, give ‘Shore Leave’ a read!

A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Release Blitz + Giveaway: Love's Gamble (City of Fountains #2) by Hayden West

Pride Publishing and author Hayden West host a new release blitz for, Love's Gamble (City of Fountains #2)! Learn more about the latest and enter in the $50 First Romance gift card giveaway!

Love's Gamble by Hayden West

Book 2 in the City of Fountains series

General Release Date: 12th October 2021

Word Count: 15,774 Book Length: NOVELLA Pages: 68

Genres:

CONTEMPORARY EROTIC ROMANCE GAY GLBTQI MYSTERY

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Book Description

Moving home can be worth the gamble…

What begins as one anonymous night with a stranger swiftly becomes more to retired parajumper Deacon “Lobo” Williams. Back home, he has an intimate and powerful encounter with a man he doesn’t even stop to learn the name of. Unable to keep it just one night, he comes back for more.

Blackjack dealer Joe Chavez is far more comfortable with his sexuality than the man he has begun seeing. There are plenty of demons for them both, but if they want to make this work, they will have to decide if love’s gamble is enough.

Reader advisory: This book contains mentions of PTSD, violence, attempted rape and reference to suicidal thoughts.

 

Excerpt

“Yes! Come on, Ben. You got this!”

Deacon “Lobo” Williams cut his gaze to his sister as she jumped up and down, screaming as her blonde hair bounced. The last thing he’d expected to be doing on his first night home was hanging out with Debra at a National Rodeo event in their town.

Smiling at her, he shook his head. “Know him, do you?” He turned his gaze to one of the few black men who was participating in this event. Ben Mooney was a steer wrestler and was the favorite to win this event.

“I do. His sister and I have been friends for years. She wasn’t able to come tonight so wanted to make sure he had some support.” She turned her baby blues to him. “Are you mad I made you come?”

He wasn’t mad, but he had been hoping for a quieter venue. He was edgy and knew it was from the lack of sleep he’d been getting. Nightmares and PTSD were shit and since he’d ditched his therapist, it was something he was wading through on his own.

I don’t need help.

Or so he continued to tell himself.

The crowd roared and she whipped back to the arena and screamed even louder. Pumping her fist in the air, she chanted, “Ben! Ben! Ben!” She put her fingers in her mouth and whistled.

He’d taught her that when she’d been in middle school, how to put two fingers in her mouth and release a piercing whistle. He had been so proud of her for that and, damn it, he still was. Her joy was contagious and he cheered along with her, not quite with as much enthusiasm, but loudly.

The moment the score populated on the marquee sign, the crowd got louder. When they settled down, the event continued. “Nope, not mad.” He never wanted her to feel like crap because his life had fallen into the shitter. “When did you meet his sister and where?”

She nudged him with her shoulder. “I met her in college and like I said, years ago.” Debra yanked his drink from him and indulged. “We worked the same late shift at a shitty gas station and grew close. I met Ben the first holiday I went to her house.”

He remembered the year she spoke about, one where he hadn’t been able to come home. As it was just the two of them now, having lost their parents three years apart after he’d reupped with the Air Force, he’d felt horrible.

“Is she coming here this year?”

“I don’t know, we typically head to Vegas together to watch him in the finals. I can ask her. Are you sure you’re going to be home this year?” She applauded the latest competitor before looking at him once more. “It would be pointless for me to invite her to meet you if aren’t going to be there.”

He pushed back the bitterness and forced lightness into his tone. “I’m sure I’ll be home.”

There must have been something in his tone, for she angled her body toward him. “Deacon? What aren’t you telling me?”

How he’d hoped to have this conversation over a tumbler of scotch or a few beers. More like both. Not here at a rodeo. And he needed it to be his version. He opened his mouth and closed it the second she shook her head.

“Don’t lie to me, Deacon. I’m your sister. I, of all people, deserve to know the truth.”

He brushed his hand along her face, allowing himself to remember it was okay to be soft and gentle. If there was one person in the world who could bring that out in him, it was his baby sister. His only sister. “I know. But can you wait until after we get home? It’s not really a discussion I relish having here.” And it would give him time to get his lie straight in his head so it fell from his lips in a plausible fashion.

She didn’t speak for a bit, just stared at him. Holding still, he waited until she found what she sought. If she insisted on doing this here, he would, he just didn’t want to. The truth wasn’t coming out. That was going to be his own private hell. The bad landing, the surgeries, the loss of his career. Nightmares and more. Yeah, no thanks, he wasn’t about to open up that can of worms because someone wanted to share.

“Okay.”

That was it. Debra faced the arena once more. He loved her. After everything had finished and people filed out, she put her arm through his and together they headed down from their seats. He watched her interact with people as they made their way to wherever she wanted to take him.

There were cameras and people milling around. She pushed up on her toes, waved and called out, “Ben!”

The lanky but fit black man walked up, an inherent swagger in his step that wasn’t something anyone could have taught him. It was natural.

Ben’s smile grew as he looked at Debra. “Debbie-girl.”

Deacon cocked an eyebrow at that. His sister had always told him how much she hated nicknames. But this one seemed to make her glow.

He watched his sister launched herself into Ben’s arms. Brotherly instincts flared at the thought of a grown man holding her like that. It didn’t get better when he kissed her cheek.

When Debra stepped back, she retained hold of his hand. Deacon noticed how her entire being sparkled.

“Ben, this is my big brother, Deacon. Deacon, Ben Mooney.”

His smile never slipped, nor did his hold on Debra’s hand. Ben offered his other hand. Deacon shook it, pleased with the grip.

“Nice to meet you.”

A brilliant smile showed off a slightly crooked smile. “And you. Your sister mentions you a lot.”

Debra blushed. Behind them, other women looked at Ben and his sister with a mixture of expressions. He ignored them, focusing on the two before him.

“She’s a good sister, I guess.”

Ben laughed, full-bodied and true. “I get that. God do I. I have one too. But this one has joined in all the trouble my sister causes. I look at her as my own sister now. Hope that doesn’t bother you.”

“Not at all. She can always use more eyes on her.”

“Hey,” she protested.

“We were going to grab some dinner. Do you have plans or would you like to join us?” The affection between his sister and Ben was blatant. They could talk later if she wanted, but right now, he was enjoying the sparkle in her eyes.

“If you’re sure it’s not an imposition, I would love to. Kind of a thing we do, but I know you just got back.” Deacon raised an eyebrow. Ben shrugged. “My sister, the other one, told me. I think she and Debra talk daily.”

“Sometimes more than once,” she snarked.

“Let’s go then.” Deacon liked him already and looked forward to getting to know him better.

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About the Author

Hayden West

Hayden West lives in the Pacific Northwest, enjoys being outdoors, and hanging out with friends when not working on the next novella to be released. Find Hayden at their website and blog.

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Blog Tour + Giveaway: Nuts (Ace's Wild #2) by SE Jakes

SE Jakes and Vibrant Promotions visit on the Nuts (Ace's Wild #2) blog tour! Discover more and enter in the Nuts eBook giveaway!

Nuts

Ace’s Wild Series

SE Jakes

M/M Romance

Release Date: 10.01.19

Blurb

Jagger’s the son of a bookmaker and fixer. Now, he’s the owner of an exclusive, underground club…and he’s also been put in charge of the family business.

Preston’s the son of a wealthy, powerful, blue-blood Boston family...or he was, until he was disowned for choosing his friendship with Jagger over his family. Ten years later, he’s a Special Forces Operator—and he’s still best friends with Jagger.

But things are about to change, for both men. Because after a long year of no contact, Preston’s coming home to Jagger for the first time since they shared a surprising kiss.

One night, one poker game, and one hand finds Jagger lucky—and skilled enough—to win a chance to fix things with Preston. But what’s at stake is far more than their friendship—it's everything…and both men are all in to fight for what's theirs.

***

For the first 90 days of this title's publication, all sales and page reads will be donated to The LOFT: LGBT Center (http://www.loftgaycenter.org/the_loft_history)

Ace’s Wild is a multi-author series of books that take place in the same fictional town. Each story can be read in any order. The connecting element in the Ace’s Wild series is an adult store owned by Ace and Wilder. The main characters from each book will make at least one visit to Ace’s Wild, where they’ll buy a toy to use in their story! The only characters who cross over to each book are Ace and Wilder. And with various heat and kink levels, there’s sure to be something for everyone!

Buy Link: http://bit.ly/NutsSEJakes

Excerpt

Finally, Preston crumpled the wrapper from his burger and said, “An FBI agent came to my hotel tonight.”

Jagger’s jaw tightened, but he refused to look at Preston. “That didn’t take long. Sorry.”

“I wasn’t sleeping before that happened anyway.” Preston tried to make light of it. But Jagger’s family business always hung between them, an invisible barrier. A shield. Something Jagger needed to protect Preston from.

“You could’ve used the time to catch up on all the correspondence you missed.”

“I keep up just fine.”

“Not with me.”

“I read and listened to all your messages,” Preston corrected, trying to ignore Jagger’s accusing tone.

“You just didn’t acknowledge or answer them.”

Because I didn’t know how to say what I needed. But instead of telling Jagger that, he shot back, “You said you weren’t coming alone.”

“You told me not to. I didn’t answer. And I see you’re still good at changing the subject.”

“You’re determined to start a fight. I figured I’d choose the topic.”

When Jagger murmured, “Asshole,” Preston finally felt like they were back on even ground.

“You need to know that, no matter what, I’ll do time before I let him—or any of them—touch you or your family,” Preston growled.

“I’d walk into the station and surrender myself before I let that happen. They’ve got nothing.”

“I know it’s all bullshit. I can deal with it.”

“You shouldn’t have to.” Jagger’s hand went to his shoulder. “Did he touch you?”

“No,” Preston said quickly, swore his cheekbone throbbed.

As if reading his mind, Jagger ran a fingertip along the barely there—and forever reminder of their bond—scar. “That’s the day I knew.”

“Knew what?”

“That we were ride or die.”

SE Jakes writes m/m romance. She believes in happy endings and fighting for what you want in both fiction and real life. She lives in New York with her family and most days, she can be found happily writing (in bed). No really…

Facebook page: Facebook.com/SEJakes

Twitter: Twitter.com/authorsejakes

Goodreads Group: Ask SE Jakes

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Newsletter: www.SEJakes.com/Newsletter

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Blog Tour + Giveaway: Surviving the Shadows (The Bearer of Truth #2) by Miranda Turner

Author Miranda Turner and Vibrant Promotions visit today with the Surviving the Shadows (The Bearer of Truth #2) blog tour stop! Learn more about the second in the urban fantasy series and enter in the $5 Amazon gift card giveaway!

Surviving the Shadows

The Bearer of Truth - Book 2

Miranda Turner

Genre: Gay Urban Fantasy

Release Date: June 14th

Cover Design: Lou Harper

BLURB

Gabriel has been gone longer than predicted, and Evander is growing increasingly worried each day that passes without his return. Confounded by their leaders’ lack of answers, Evander and the team begin to fear the worst.

In the midst of fruitlessly searching Miami for clues to the Daemon Abaddon’s whereabouts, Evander begins to have disturbingly vivid dreams. With a little help from a newly-returned and empty-handed Michael and Barabbas, Evander discovers Gabriel has been calling out for help across their nascent bond. With a little backup from an unlikely source, they set off to rescue Gabriel from the depths of the Underworld.

Gabriel is old friends with torture, and his captors haven’t been gentle. Despite growing weaker every day, Gabriel resolves to survive long enough for rescue, or to die fighting, until a Dark Seer begins to dredge up the terror of Gabriel’s horrific childhood, threatening to destroy his mind and soul. Nearing the end, Gabriel manages a last-ditch effort to contact help, reaching out to Evander in his dreams.

Against all odds, Evander and the team fight through the Underworld to reach Gabriel and come face to face with mortality. Sacrifices made for the bonds of brotherhood nearly break them, and Gabriel learns the hard way that embracing the darkness while fighting for the light may be the only way to survive.

From the underbelly of Reno to the glitz and glam of Vegas, Gabriel, Evander, and the men they call family will be tested, and the final confrontation with Gabriel’s maker may be the end of everything they hold dear.

http://getbook.at/SurvivingTheShadows

EXCERPT

“His aura has indicators that he practices or has practiced dark magic, but his underlying nature is fighting against it. Right now, his aura resembles an ouroboros.”

“A what?” Delsin asked.

“It’s a circle made out of a snake that is consuming itself. It’s supposed to symbolize wholeness or infinity, but in this case, our young magical friend over there is in trouble. If his magic continues to consume itself, there won’t be a renewal of life but a loss of something good and right as his magic perverts into something dark and unrecognizable.”

A visible shiver moved down Delsin’s body, causing him to wrap his arms around himself; clearly he’d been shaken by Nico’s words. “Can we help him?” Gabriel asked Nico.

Nico sighed. “Your savior complex is raising its ugly head again.” Delsin snorted, but Gabriel just stared Nico down. “Aren’t we supposed to be looking for your dad?” Gabriel stayed silent and lifted one eyebrow. “Ugh…fine, geez.” Nico stomped toward the teenage magic user with Gabriel and Delsin following close behind him, Gabriel’s face breaking out in a shit-eating grin.

Miranda Turner is a single mom of eight living outside a small, hippie town in the middle of Ohio. She’s surrounded by children, chickens, and one temperamental editor kitty who is silently judging her on a daily basis. She is a voracious reader and an editor who decided she had different stories to tell. She firmly believes a happily ever after is there for everyone, but she likes to make her characters earn it.

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author.miranda.turner/

Email: author.miranda.turner@gmail.com

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Release Blitz + Giveaway: Lucky Cowboy (Ace Cowboy #1) by Liz Borino

Lucky Cowboy (Ace Cowboy #1) is out today from NineStar Press! Celebrate with author Liz Borino and IndiGo Marketing! Learn more about the reunited childhood friends romance and enter in the $10 NineStar Press credit giveaway!

Title:  Lucky Cowboy

Series: Ace Cowboy, Book One

Author: Liz Borino

Publisher:  NineStar Press

Release Date: July 2, 2018

Heat Level: 1 - No Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 67300

Genre: Contemporary, Romance, contemporary, crime, cowboys, addiction, gambling, reunited

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Synopsis

Childhood friends and lost loves.

A former horse trainer turned stockbroker, Ryder Christensen planned to spend the rest of his life with Sal—the man he had grown up and fallen in love with. But nowadays, Ryder only has two things in that make him happy: his daughter, and his poker-playing. One night, he comes home to find his daughter dead. Then the loan sharks come knocking.

Back to square one…

Salvatore Lewis has spent the last six years running his late parents’ ranch in Tryon, North Carolina. Between work on the ranch and helping his brother recover from an accident, Sal has almost gotten his old boyfriend out of his head. So, the last thing he needs is Ryder strolling back into his life. Sal tries to stay away, he really does. But the magnetism between the two men is undeniable.

Danger closes in…

Within a month, Ryder’s taking care of Sal’s horses, and the ranch-owner can’t believe they’re getting a second shot at happiness together. But there’s more to Ryder’s sudden return than he’s letting on. As Ryder and Sal’s relationship blossoms, Ryder’s past in New York comes back to demand more than he has to give. Will Ryder be able to protect his new life from the threat that destroyed his old one?

Excerpt

Lucky Cowboy
Liz Borino © 2018
All Rights Reserved

Prologue
Ryder Christensen’s mind raced as he stared at the photo collage above the opulent coffin holding his daughter, Gabriella. The air grew thick and hot with every exhale in the cathedral. Between the priest’s homily and the eulogy, Ryder struggled to breathe. He couldn’t name even half of the people here. But that’s what happens when death is sensationalized. People read a tragic story and think they have the right to share in the grief. Ryder just wanted to disappear.

Finally, the service ended. One more event to get through and then… Ryder glanced over at his mom and dad and sighed.

“Looking for me?” a gritty voice behind him asked.

“No.” Never. Ryder never sought the man with dark glasses who towered over him.

“You should have been.”

Ryder growled low in his throat as he nudged the man out of the throngs of people leaving the cathedral. “You come today, of all days? Don’t you have any respect? This is my daughter’s funeral.”

The man—who had never given Ryder his name, maybe for fear it might humanize him—crossed his arms over his chest. “And whose fault is that?”

Asshole. Ryder clenched his hands into fists. He shot his gaze around to see if anyone noticed he was missing yet. As the bereaved father, Ryder had to be on hand for the condolences of friends, family, and strangers. If I relax my posture, I can convince them that’s what me and tough guy here are doing. With that, he released his fists and shrugged the tension from his shoulders.

“Word on the street is that you’re leaving town soon. You weren’t thinking about doing that without saying goodbye, were you?”

“I planned to stop to see your boss tomorrow.” Ryder caught his dad’s eye and raised his finger, signaling that he’d be right there, hoping with everything in him that his dad wouldn’t come over or draw attention to his whereabouts.

“Well, if you have the money now, I could save you a trip.”

Right, because handing over an envelope of cash at a funeral won’t raise anyone’s suspicions. “It’s in my car. Listen, I’ll—”

“You’ll walk me over there, hand me the money, and I won’t cause a scene.” The man moved so that the handle on his revolver glistened in the sun. A pointed reminder of just what kind of scene he could cause, if given the chance.

Ryder raised his hands in surrender. “Follow me.” He realized the futility of his words as soon as they left his lips. Keeping his focus on the uneven pavement under his unsteady feet, Ryder led the goon to his father’s pickup and opened the driver’s side door.

“Nice car.”

“I sold my nice car.” And my nice house. And my nice retirement fund… Ryder swallowed the bile of emotions the thoughts brought up as he extracted the thick envelope from the glove compartment.

“This is everything?”

Everything I have. “That’s what Boss and I agreed on.”

“Hmm. I hope for your sake he remembers that agreement. Later, Cowboy.”

Me too, Ryder thought as the goon tucked the envelope into his jacket pocket and strode toward his black, tinted-window SUV.

“Son?” Ryder’s father asked from behind. “Are you in trouble? Something your mom and I should know?”

Ryder scanned his face for any indication of how much his old man had heard, but Victor Christensen was never one to give too much away. “No, Dad, don’t worry about it. I took care of it.”

Victor nodded, though Ryder could tell he didn’t entirely believe him. “Why don’t we drive over to that luncheon together? Your mom took our car when the service let out. Too many people for her.”

Ryder passed his dad the keys and sat in the passenger seat. Manhattan always had too many people for his parents. “I imagine so. I appreciate you two coming, though.”

Victor made a noise from the driver’s side. “I’m going to pretend you didn’t imply that we’d miss our only granddaughter’s funeral. We’ll always be there for you, son.”

“I know, Dad. It’s just—”

“Nothing. We’ll go to this luncheon, sleep for a couple of hours, then head home.”

Home. It had been a long time since he called the small North Carolina town of Tryon home. Something painfully ironic about starting over in the place he grew up itching to leave.

Purchase

NineStar Press | Amazon | Smashwords | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

Meet the Author

Liz Borino has been telling stories of varying truthfulness since she was a child. As an adult, she keeps the fiction to the page. She writes stories of human connection and intimacy, in all their forms. Her books feature flawed men who often risk everything for their love.

When Liz isn’t writing, she’s waking up early to edit, travel, and explore historic prisons and insane asylums—not (usually) all in one day. Liz lives in Philadelphia with her two cats and her significant other.  Reach the author via  eMail.

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Release Blitz + Giveaway: A Touch of Magic (Fae-Touched #1) by Isabelle Adler

Happy Memorial Day, USA!

Celebrate A Touch of Magic (Fae-Touched #1) with author Isabelle Adler and IndiGo Marketing! Learn more about the first story in the paranormal series and enter in the $10 NineStar Press credit giveaway!

Title:  A Touch of Magic

Series: Fae-Touched, Book One

Author: Isabelle Adler

Publisher:  NineStar Press

Release Date: May 28, 2018

Heat Level: 3 - Some Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 28800

Genre: Paranormal, contemporary, paranormal, criminals/mafioso, gambling, abduction, abuse, magician/magic users, violence

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Synopsis

After returning to the straight and narrow, Cary Westfield hopes to rebuild his life as a stage magician. Only thing is, the success of his new show is entirely dependent on a strange medallion inherited from his late grandfather—an amulet that holds a rare and inexplicable power to captivate the wearer’s audience.

Ty prides himself on his ability to obtain any item of magical significance—for the right price. When a mysterious client hires him to steal a magical amulet from a neophyte illusionist, he’s sure it will be a quick and easy job, earning him a nice chunk of cash.

As it turns out, nothing is sure when greed and powerful magic are at play. When a mob boss with far-reaching aspirations beats Ty to the snatch, Cary and Ty form an unlikely partnership to get the amulet back. The unexpected spark of attraction between them is a welcome perk, but each man has his own plan for the prize.

All bets are off, however, when it is revealed the magical amulet holds a darker secret than either of them had bargained for.

Excerpt

A Touch of Magic
Isabelle Adler © 2018
All Rights Reserved

Chapter One
Cary Westfield wasn’t a terribly catchy name for a magician, so the playbill read The Incredible Mr. Mars.

Ty studied the vintage style poster near the theater’s entrance, which depicted said Mr. Mars pulling a bewildered-looking white rabbit out of a hat. Despite the old-fashioned font and style, the poster was brand new. Mr. Mars was a relative newcomer to the live entertainment scene and had only been performing at the Garland Magic Theater for two weeks, but the shows had been consistently sold out. Granted, this wasn’t the largest or the most prestigious venue in San Francisco; however, considering the act in question wasn’t at all original or shocking, consisting of run-of-the-mill stage illusions and a bit of mind reading, it was quite a feat.

The mass appeal would have been something of a mystery had Ty not known exactly what was behind it. That was too bad for poor Cary Westfield—sudden and unwarranted success tended to draw the wrong kind of attention.

Ty followed the line inside. The usher took a look at his ticket and directed him to the back row. Ty took the aisle seat and waited as the lights dimmed. The darkness sharpened the smell of dust coming from the old upholstery, the whispers of the spectators, and most annoyingly, the glare of their cell phone screens. It would seem even the promise of magic couldn’t tear some people away from their social media. The emcee announced the magician, and the show began.

Contrary to tradition, Mr. Mars didn’t have an assistant. His tricks weren’t all that complicated, but Ty had to give him credit for showmanship. He supplied a running commentary for the performance, which was both witty and charming and elicited laughter from the crowd. Smart. People always loved it when a show made them laugh, so they were more likely to forgive the lack of surprise and excitement. Not that Ty was in any way an expert on magic shows, but he was, in a manner of speaking, an expert on excitement.

The magician’s looks didn’t hurt either. His smooth tan skin and fine features made the gaudy stage costume appear elegant. Ty absently noted the lean figure and the fluid movements, but he wasn’t there to admire Westfield’s form.

As Mr. Mars struck another impressive pose, pretending to strain to recite the contents of some woman’s purse, Ty slipped quietly into the shadows, making himself as inconspicuous as possible. Thankfully, the small theater had an appropriately small staff, even on a busier Saturday night, and no one spotted him as he made his way to the backstage passage. There was only one dressing room, and the lock on it was a joke. He let himself inside and closed the door softly. The runes tattooed into his fingertips with invisible ink prevented him from leaving fingerprints, so he could rummage freely without being encumbered by gloves. That shit always came in handy—bad pun intended.

The small room was cramped, serving both as a makeup nook and a storage space for various costumes and stage props. There was a vanity with a large backlit mirror. Ty looked it over, but saw nothing of interest besides a kohl eyeliner and a few mini-sized bottles of flavored vodka scattered all over the tabletop. Either the Incredible Mr. Mars needed some liquid courage before facing the crowd, or Mr. Westfield had a bit of a drinking problem.

It was more force of habit than curiosity. Ty didn’t really expect to find anything of value lying around. He retreated to a far corner, where he spotted an oversized armchair under a pile of old sequined jackets, and settled there, taking out his SIG. The show was supposed to run for at least forty more minutes, but that was okay. He could wait.

Purchase

NineStar Press | Amazon | Smashwords | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

Meet the Author

A voracious reader from the age of five, Isabelle Adler has always dreamed of one day putting her own stories into writing. She loves traveling, art, and science, and finds inspiration in all of these. Her favorite genres include sci-fi, fantasy, and historical adventure. She also firmly believes in the unlimited powers of imagination and caffeine.

Website | Twitter | eMail

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Audiobook Review: Ante Up by Kim Fielding

Love is a high-stakes game.

A century and a half ago, Ante Novak died on a Croatian battlefield—and rose three days later as a vampire. Now he haunts Las Vegas, stealing blood and money from drunken gamblers and staying on the fringe of the powerful vampire organization known as the Shadows. His existence feels empty and meaningless until he meets beautiful Peter Gehrardi, who can influence others with his thoughts.

An attraction flares instantly, bringing a semblance of life to Ante’s dead heart. But the Shadows want Peter too, and they’re willing to kill to get him. As Ante and Peter flee, they learn more about themselves and each other, and they discover that the world is a stranger place than either of them imagined. With enemies at their heels and old mistakes coming back to exact a price, how can Ante and Peter find sanctuary?

Listening Length: 5 hours and 52 minutes
Narrator: Andrew McFerrin

I’ll be the first to admit that vampires rarely do it for me these days. Also, I’m not a Kim Fielding expert, so I had very little expectation when I started this. Well, it's always a wonderful thing when something comes out of nowhere and surprises, because this was an absolute delight.

Ante is basically a loner vampire. He’s content with the small simple pleasures and surviving really, on just the bare necessities as he ekes out his existence using Las Vegas’s touristy partying population to his advantage. Preying on those mostly looking for a good time or on those few who won't remember a bad time, he takes blood, money, or both, but never doing any irreparable harm. One day, Ante spies an intriguing young fellow who seems to have an unbelievable amount of charm in getting his way, and Ante cannot get him off his mind. When he ultimately confronts Peter, Ante immediately knows that Peter is no mere human. Unfortunately, Peter’s specialness has also caught the eye of the Shadows, the sinister vampire organization that rules the paranormal underground, and they want Ante to bring Peter to them.

What ensues is kinda a cat and mouse game that culminates into one big standoff. However, for me, what this excels at is the characterization of Ante. Steady with a good dose of morality but never forgetting or forgiving his past sins, he wants to be better and do better, just for a chance at happiness with Peter. So basically, Ante finally gets a light lit under his ass to change the mundanity of what his life has been like for over the last 100 years. All too quickly the fight becomes real, as both he and Peter battle for the right to exist and live freely.

Andrew McFerrin narrates the audio, and I continue to really enjoy his renditions. He brings a sturdy stalwart, no nonsense vibe to Ante, but also makes him really likeable for his gentle practicality (except when Peter’s in danger). This just happens to juxtapose quite nicely with Peter’s boyish enthusiastic charm. Throw in great voice distinction amongst the many characters, and I was one happy listener.

So overall, this wasn’t big on flash and bang. At times sedate, at others, the pace picked up with bursts of suspense and tense action, all interspersed with some sweet tender funny, as well as some good sexy times that are always always appreciated. To me, Fielding created two MC’s that I wholeheartedly wanted to root for, and successfully melded together my love of romance, paranormal, and suspense into one highly enjoyable story!


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

Tag Team Review: Ante Up by Kim Fielding

Love is a high-stakes game.

A century and a half ago, Ante Novak died on a Croatian battlefield—and rose three days later as a vampire. Now he haunts Las Vegas, stealing blood and money from drunken gamblers and staying on the fringe of the powerful vampire organization known as the Shadows. His existence feels empty and meaningless until he meets beautiful Peter Gehrardi, who can influence others with his thoughts.

An attraction flares instantly, bringing a semblance of life to Ante’s dead heart. But the Shadows want Peter too, and they’re willing to kill to get him. As Ante and Peter flee, they learn more about themselves and each other, and they discover that the world is a stranger place than either of them imagined. With enemies at their heels and old mistakes coming back to exact a price, how can Ante and Peter find sanctuary?



Sara - 3.5 Hearts

I liked this addition to the Dreamspun Beyond line though I am still trying to find the balance in these stories of the fluff and fantasy.

Told from the POV of Ante Novak, a century plus old vampire, we begin our story in Las Vegas as we learn how Ante survives. He preys upon patrons of casinos that are usually drunk and takes them to bed, feeds off them and steals from them. It’s a meager existence but one he’s okay with as long as he has a single change of clothes, a book to read and doesn’t fry in the sun.

He’d never met a vampire who didn’t loathe Bram Stoker. In fact, the only author more universally detested by his kind was Stephenie Meyer. Fucking sparkles.

The secret Vampire Society called The Shadows is always around to offer Ante a job or two for pay even though he won’t join their mafia preferring to stay solo. But… one night when out on the prowl, Ante notices a handsome man who seems to have a sort of control over others with a few whispers. The man and his talents are intriguing to Ante who doesn’t see much out of the ordinary from his vamping ways and he decides to find out who he is.

Peter Gehrardi is a sort of con man extraordinaire who has no home, no family and is happy to gently persuade others to do what he wants or needs them to do. When Peter meets Ante, he’s attracted and one night together opens Peter’s eyes and mind to a world he never knew existed. This world and this new attraction to Ante is soon tossed upside down when The Shadows learn of a man who isn’t quite human and who has talents they want for their own.

Ante and his literal cold dead heart haven’t had a reason to live beyond the everyday survival for tens of decades and yet when The Shadows want to use Peter, Ante finds a reason to fight, a reason to flee and a reason to believe in a future.

“You’re really not going to drag me to the Shadows?” “No. I will do my best to protect you from them. That is why I came here.” “Protect me. And risk your own life?” “Unlife,” “But—why? We just met. Why would you give a shit about me?” “Because, Peter, after a century and a half, perhaps it is time I gave a shit about something.”

I liked the story of Ante, his backstory of how he became a vampire and his tie to Lee. Ante’s existence is solitary and sad and I was happy he found more in Peter than a good fuck and suck. His need to protect Peter at all costs and remembers that blood seeks blood, the duo find out there is more to the underworld of the unnatural than either of them knew existed.

The idea of the ghosts was great. I loved the idea of them and then we got to meet Patricia Long whose thoughts on Bakersfield and hell are spot on and all she teaches the couple beyond roman orgy baths. I really liked the authors take on the beyond in the line and had the biggest grin on my face when Ante and Peter arrive in California.

The romance between Peter and Ante was subtle but romantic. Ante’s cold heart can still skip a beat when it finds the right one to be undeadly romantic for and Peter is amazing in how he cares for his vampire boyfriend. The Buffy references were a pure treat and the battle that occurs brought a touch of the dramatic violence to the story exactly where it was needed.

That epilogue though? That was pure fluff and made my heart happy. I wonder if the author has plans to write more in this universe because I would be up to read more in it.

Ante Up truly a romance where both Ante and Peter increase their risk and raise the stakes of the deadly game The Shadows want them to play. It’s a story where excepting one fully can give you more than a few nights of fun, it can give you everything you wanted complete with wine and strawberry jam.


Optimist ♰King's Wench♰ - 3 Hearts

This is my first paranormal cracky fluff. Unexpected is the best word I have to describe it. I found it more serious than what I've come to expect from the Dreamspun line. While it does have a sweetness about it I wouldn't categorize it as fluffy.

Ante is a Croatian vampire grifter living in Las Vegas. Despite there being a network of vamps-The Shadows-that are quite wealthy and influential he's declined their repeated offers of employment. Eschewing the glitz and glamour he lives in the shadows, placing no importance on the material, but he's lonely. His ennui is palpable, so much so that he seems to be flirting with suicide.

Peter is his opposite personality-wise; he too has some grifter tendencies. He's full of life, vivacious and LOVES to eat! A lot. Especially sweets. But he too is alone after having lost his mother and never knowing his father.

The sparks fly when they meet. Each can sense there's is something different about the other that they cannot define. However it's external forces that bring them together, ramp up the pacing in the last 30ish% and spur them to join forces in an effort to save one another.

I liked both Ante and Peter; both are well defined characters. Their connection, the symmetry between them and their HEA are believable and even endearing, but there was something missing for me that I can't pinpoint. Typically when I read the cracky fluff I feel bubbly, almost effervescent but that never happened with Ante Up.

Maybe it was the action plotline that distracted me or the numerous secondary characters. Maybe I wasn't able to downshift out of the heavier issues that pervaded the beginning of the story. I'm not sure.

What I do know is Kim Fielding's writing is still topnotch even though I didn't love this her voice continues to bedazzle me and I will continue to read as much of her work as I possibly can, if for no other reason than to experience the chills moments and sentiments like these give me.

"Our identity shapes us, but it is not our destiny." 

"My heart is yours. I am yours. Even if we have only one day, I am yours forever."

Recommend to UF and broody vampire fans.

 ARCs were provided.

Trivia Question: The book where 2 YouTube bloggers transition from enemies to lovers. 5 pts

Random winner will be chosen on (or about) Noon EST 11/16.

Review: More Than Luck (Legendary Pairs #2) by Casey Cameron

Drey Harper isn't looking for love; he had more than enough heartbreak after a betrayal cost him everything five years ago. Now at 40, he's the art director for the hit collectible card game Legendary Pairs. Between long hours at work and countless anonymous hookups, Drey's life seems pretty full...until the day he meets Lucas Cho.

In the world of Legendary Pairs, 24-year-old Lucas Cho is a superstar. He plays for big money and parties like a rock star, and his arrogant swagger gets him what he wants, at the gaming table or in bed. But when a chance encounter with Drey in a crowded bar leaves him wanting more, all his fortune and skills count for nothing.

The company thinks Lucas's glamorous playboy lifestyle is good for business, but it's going too far--Lucas is spinning out of control, and Drey has been sent to clean up the mess and save Lucas's sponsorship. With a major tournament coming up and Lucas's contract with Legendary Pairs on the line, it's up to Drey to keep him out of the bottle and walking that line.

For Lucas, the stakes have never been higher, but the game he's playing has nothing to do with cards and everything to do with the stoic older man who's captured his attention. Drey knows a relationship between them is out of the question--Lucas is too young, too reckless, too broken--but the more time he spends in Lucas's company, the more he wants what he shouldn't have in this steamy May/December romance.

Who knew a story about card games could be so interesting? Not me. Although I really enjoyed Book #1 in this series (which is a novella, but still great fun), I didn’t think I’d get into a full length novel about it, but I did.

I am totally sold on this world. I feel like I missed out on an entirely different universe that I wasn’t cool enough to be involved in. This book showed me how awesome these types of card games could be, if I had have been smart enough to be strategic.

Lucas and Drey start out quite hostile to each other, and it is because Lucas has damage, and appears to be a pretty superficial brat. Drey has no time for the hot mess that is Lucas. He has cards to design, and a daughter to raise, and an ex to brood about.

Lucas knows he’s a hot mess, but can’t seem to get out of his funk. He feels abandoned by his family, and is no longer enjoying being in the limelight. His relationship with his father is pretty intense, and this added to his overall angst.

I liked the plot, and the character development. Surly guys are my kryptonite so Drey as a character hit all my buttons. Lucas’ behaviour towards Drey was the icing on the cake. A bratty younger man who lives to annoy Drey, was perfect. Add to the dysfunction by making Drey babysit the party boy and this is a minefield of fun, witty, and frustrating.

I am a huge fan of how Drey’s bisexuality was worked in this story. It was a near perfect thing. His daughter was a great side character. I love it when authors throw in teens that have pearls of wisdom up their sleeve at the most inopportune times. I also loved that she brought out another layer of Lucas that wouldn’t have been known unless she was around. Great use of family to entice, in this story.

There isn’t a whole lot of drama in this story. Not in the way that annoys me, so this was a fun, easy read, with some nicely developed characters, and a fun world for them to play in.

I am really looking forward to where this series might lead me. I think the world is great, and will appeal to a lot of people.

A review copy was provided for an honest opinion.

Audiobook Review: Seven-Card Stud (Wild Cards #2) by Ava Drake

A Wild Cards Novel

Temptation, peril, and dirty poker.

Love is a high-stakes game.

When Collin Callahan, British secret agent, goes up against math genius turned surfer bum Oliver Elliot, the battle is epic—and so is the attraction. They’re pitted against each other in an exclusive, ultra-secret—and ultra-illegal—poker match in Gibraltar, but when players start dying and they could be next, they find a common goal: catch the killer before it’s too late.

Evenly matched at poker and romance, they each wrestle personal demons that threaten to consume them as the stakes climb. It’s an all-or-nothing gamble with both life and love on the line as they fight to be the last seven-card studs standing.

Listening Length: 6 hours and 32 minutes
Narrator: John Solo

Reviewer: Shee Reader

Colin stands on his balcony looking out over the stormy Mediterranean sea and observes a jet ski heading right for a swimmer. Once the jet ski zooms by, the swimmer is nowhere to be seen. So Colin being the upstanding English gent he is, he takes off his loafers and sweater and dives into the ice water to save the swimmer.

Gun, the poker player, is Oliver the surfer. He can’t resist the lure of the waves even when it's cold and grey. On hearing a jet ski coming straight for him, he dives deep to avoid impact. When he surfaces he sees a fully clothed man getting into difficulties in the icy water, and resolves to save him. Then find out what the hell he is up to!

Thus, Colin and Oliver meet, both trying to save the other, but Colin didn’t really have the clothing for it, and their battle for one-upmanship commences. After a little dialogue, it becomes clear that they are both in the exclusive and probably very shady elite poker competition, Oliver to win the mystery prize, and Colin to infiltrate the contest sufficiently to find out the details of the contest and the organisers for his employer.

When top players keep disappearing or winding up dead, Oliver and Colin join forces to work out who is behind the whole thing. Oliver fears it could be his overly controlling father and Colin worries that the fact he isn't a real poker player could put both their lives in jeopardy. Both men give into the sizzling heat between them, hot sex notwithstanding, the love that develops was not expected by either man.

To me this story has pretty much everything! There’s family conflict, job pressures, lots of poker, sexy men falling into bed together, killers, shark attacks, computer wizardry, faked death, corpses in hotel kitchen freezers, and plenty of bad guys! There is intrigue galore and plenty of excitement. The twist at the end is super, and almost believable and the whole story is thoroughly entertaining.

Our main characters are American and English and the narrator did a super job at characterising them both. The world building was terrific and the majority of the supporting cast were superbly evil.

Highly recommended.

Find on Dreamspinner Press or Goodreads!

Review: The Bucket List (LoLLA #1) by Tricia Owens

When Quinn nearly dies in a skydiving incident, his life flashes before his eyes...and it's pretty boring. Even though he's moved to Las Vegas to rebel against his strict Mormon upbringing, he still hasn't done much to liven up his life. Quinn worries that he really is a dud, until a gorgeous man walks up to him and suggests an indecent proposal.

Gabriel has had a lot of sex. He's fantastic at it and he's good-looking, so he never lacks for people willing to jump into bed with him. But after a rough break-up, he's determined to make hooking up a secondary priority. It's too bad that when he first sees Quinn and his heart goes pitter-patter, Gabriel's first instinct is to make a bet with Quinn involving sex.

With one spin of the roulette wheel, Gabriel and Quinn embark on a series of sexually adventurous dares, each more exciting than the last. But what happens when one of them pushes for something more? This is book one of the LoLLA series, standalone novellas featuring lots of love/sex, low angst, and a Happily Ever After ending. Perfect for when you want a quick dose of happiness!

I am a bit twisted as to how I feel about this. I liked the opening of Quinn having a near death experience while skydiving to kick his butt to stop living in fear and take chances. I think we’ve all had something happen where we want to try to really live like that but Quinn was all talk - to himself - and no action. When he is working one night at the Lucky Strike Casino, a hot guy aka Gabriel walks in, places a bet at the Roulette table and makes a bet with Quinn. The bet? He wins and he gets to blow Quinn. From there, the place your bet for money and place you bet for sex continues between Quinn and Gabriel. Sounds kinda hot yeah? Not so much.

For me what makes it not hot is how Quinn reacts every time. Sure, it’s normal to do something way out of your comfort zone and then feel weird about it but the shame and confusion coming off Quinn would take me out of the sexy. IF shame was Quinn’s kink I could get on board but I never got that at all. He kept trying these things, even going so far to leave with Gabriel who is still a stranger and do something he didn’t ask for (his friend send the text to Gabriel asking for something and then deleted it so Quinn goes in blind), all for the chance to cross something off his bucket list. The hopeless romantic in me wants to think that at the primal soul lever, Quinn was connected to Gabriel enough to trust him but I can’t even go there. Again, his actions after told me a different story.

At half way through the book we get Gabriel’s POV which was odd but I hoped he could freshen up the story a bit. What we find is he is used to doing the sexy sex deal as it’s his go to but it leaves him empty. We also find out that Gabriel really likes Quinn and even though they lives in separate states, he wants to get to know Quinn. But Quinn, is so freaking odd about it all and keeps blowing Gabriel off which was turning me off and me just wanting the book to be over.

Once they finally get on with the more than sex, I was beyond ready to move on, so it felt anti-climactic to me.

The story had promise but I couldn't feel an ounce of chemistry between the men and while I liked Gabriel, Quinn bugged the hell out of me.

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