Guest Review: Kel's Keeper by K.C. Wells

When Kel Taylor’s life changes irrevocably, he finds himself alone in the world. He might have rebelled a little against his parents, but that didn’t mean he was ready to lose them. Unable to cope with his grief and feelings of guilt, he turns to booze, but before he hits rock bottom, someone dives into the murky waters to save him.

Luc Bryant watched Kel grow from the little kid whose football broke a pane in his greenhouse, into the sexy young man who sent heat racing through him. That was when Luc stopped watching and distanced himself, because he didn’t want to be that kind of a man. And that’s how things continued, until he saw to what depths the boy had sunk. Luc will be damned if he’ll let Kel kill himself. What Kel needs is a friend, and Luc’s shoulders are plenty big enough to bear his burdens.

Kel doesn’t need a friend. He needs a pair of strong arms to hold him, a broad chest to curl up against, someone to listen to him, someone who cares for him… and a whole lot more.
What he needs is a Daddy.
He just doesn’t know it yet.

A stand-alone book that contains an age gap relationship between a sexy daddy and a virgin.

Reviewer: Shee Reader

The story opens with Kelvin making a surprise visit home to see his parents who had gone away for the weekend so he misses them. In a terrible turn of fate, he finds himself alone in the world. He descends into a downward spiral only to be rescued by his neighbour Luc.

Luc is older, more wealthy and likes his sex with side order of daddy kink. It’s a match made in heaven if they can get over themselves and communicate their needs!

The story is glorious and sexy, fun and emotional. I adored Luc and his trying-to-be-a-better-person-and-not-seduce-his-next-door-neigbour thing but fortunately, Kel knows what he wants and works out a way to get it.

I read this week in one sitting it was so enjoyable. The characters are delightful and I loved seeing Kel coming into himself.

Highly recommended.

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

Blog Tour: Kel's Keeper by K.C. Wells

Welcome author K.C. Wells & Vibrant Promotions who are here today promoting Kel's Keeper. Find out more about this Daddy/boy contemporary romance & read an excerpt too!

Kel's Keeper

KC Wells

M/M Romance, Daddy/boy, Age gap

Release Date: 09.01.19

Cover by Meredith Russell

Photographer by Ben Fink

Models: Adam Keith and Joe Ryan

BLURB
When Kel Taylor’s life changes irrevocably, he finds himself alone in the world. He might have rebelled a little against his parents, but that didn’t mean he was ready to lose them. Unable to cope with his grief and feelings of guilt, he turns to booze, but before he hits rock bottom, someone dives into the murky waters to save him.

Luc Bryant watched Kel grow from the little kid whose football broke a pane in his greenhouse, into the sexy young man who sent heat racing through him. That was when Luc stopped watching and distanced himself, because he didn’t want to be that kind of a man. And that’s how things continued, until he saw to what depths the boy had sunk. Luc will be damned if he’ll let Kel kill himself. What Kel needs is a friend, and Luc’s shoulders are plenty big enough to bear his burdens.

Kel doesn’t need a friend. He needs a pair of strong arms to hold him, a broad chest to curl up against, someone to listen to him, someone who cares for him… and a whole lot more.
What he needs is a Daddy.
He just doesn’t know it yet.

A stand-alone book that contains an age gap relationship between a sexy daddy and a virgin.

Amazon US

Barnes and Noble

EXCERPT

The time for worrying about Kel had long past. Luc had to do something.

After the funeral, he’d kept his promise and checked in on the boy regularly, and at first it had looked like Kel was coming through this. At least, Luc assumed he was. He didn’t get to see Kel all that much, but their brief conversations over the property boundary were proof that Kel was alive and well, if looking a little thin.



Then the conversations dwindled, as did the phone calls. Kel politely refused Luc’s invitations to eat with him. He refused Luc’s offers of assistance. And lately there had been far too many occasions when Kel didn’t answer his phone. No reply to texts. When Luc had ventured across to knock at the door, there had been no answer. Of course, he could have been out, but somehow Luc doubted that. When April gave way to May, Luc’s disquiet increased.



There were signs of life at the house next door, however. Walmart trucks came and went, and more than once, Luc dashed out to catch Kel before he closed the front door, but he was never fast enough.



Almost as though the boy was avoiding him, which if it were true, would be extremely ironic.



The day arrived when Luc wasn’t content to sit back anymore and wait for something to happen. It was time for the last resort—and that meant Christine’s spare key, the one he’d never gotten around to giving back to Kel. Thank God.



Luc grabbed it from the hook in the kitchen where he kept his keys, and went out of the house. Kel’s car was in the driveway, and judging by the state of the ground beneath it, Kel hadn’t moved it for a while. That only added to Luc’s sense of foreboding.



He went around to the front door, not bothering to ring the bell. After weeks of his knocks going unanswered, there seemed little point. Luc inserted the key into the lock, praying there wasn’t a chain attached on the other side. Thankfully, the door opened, and Luc stepped quietly into the silent interior. He peered into the sitting room, then the dining room, but there was no sign of Kel. When he entered the kitchen, the sight was enough to stop him in his tracks.



Dishes were piled high on every countertop. The dishwasher door was open, and Luc peeked inside. It was full of dirty dishes. The sink was full too, and the trash looked like it hadn’t been taken out for weeks.



Luc noted the pizza boxes and take-out cartons. At least he’s eating something. It was only when he took a closer look at one corner of the kitchen that the full extent of the situation hit him.



Bottles. Lots and lots of empty bottles. And most of it was the hard stuff, Luc was dismayed to see. There were empty cans and bottles of hard cider, and bottles of wine too. It appeared as if Kel had drunk his way through the contents of a bar.



Dear God, what state is he in, if he’s drunk all that?



Luc checked the rest of the first floor, but there was still no sign. He paused at the foot of the stairs, his nostrils flaring. The smell of stale alcohol was very noticeable. Luc mounted the stairs, his heart pounding. This is not good. This is way worse than I thought. Already he was kicking himself for not charging in sooner.



When he reached the door to Kel’s room, Luc paused, steeling himself for whatever lay beyond it, and praying fervently that the boy hadn’t choked to death on his own vomit. He pushed open the door and heaved an internal sigh of relief at the sight that awaited him.



Kel was in his bed, only the top of his head visible above the comforter, but he was clearly breathing. The room was in semidarkness, and the reek of alcohol was at its strongest, accompanied by the smell of stale sweat. Luc crossed the floor, put his hand to the lump beneath the covers, and gave Kel a light shake.



Nothing.



Luc gave him a stronger shake, and Kel’s groggy voice shattered the quiet. “Wha?”



“Kel,” Luc said urgently. “It’s Luc.”



“Go ’way.”



Like Luc was going to do that. “No, I’m not going anywhere. Remember?” He slowly drew back the comforter, only to have Kel seize it from him and pull it back over himself. Half-closed brown eyes regarded him with incredulity.



“How’d you get in here?”



“I have a key. You mom gave it to me. Remember, she asked me to check on the house?”



Kel propped himself up on his elbows, and the comforter slid lower, revealing…



Well, I certainly didn’t expect that.



Kel had a tattoo, a pattern of black swirls and spikes that covered his right shoulder, his pec and came halfway down his upper arm. There was also a lot more body hair than Luc had been prepared for. Before Luc could utter another word, Kel set his jaw. “I want it back, then I want you to leave.”



Luc slowly shook his head. “No. You need help.”



Kel’s eyes blazed, and he sat bolt upright. “You. Need. To. Go. Now.”



“And let you keep doing this to yourself? Kel, you’re better than this.”



Kel’s jaw dropped, then he snapped it shut. “You need to go,” he repeated through gritted teeth. “I don’t want you seeing me like this. I’m a pathetic excuse for a human being. Help me? You couldn’t help me. I’m a hopeless case. I’m worse than useless.”



Luc’s stomach turned over. What the fuck had happened? “I have no idea where all this is coming from,” he said, doing his best to keep his voice even. “I know you, Kel. You’re nothing like the person you just described.”



Kel stared up at him, a dazed look in his eyes, his mouth open. “Know me? You don’t know me! Even my parents didn’t know me!” His chest rose and fell rapidly, his breathing harsh and staccato. “If they did, they’d have shunned me for the abomination that I am.”



Abomination? “Kel, I—”



“I was not a good son!” Kel yelled, the cords of his neck standing out. “And if they’d seen into my heart, they’d have been horrified. I went against their teachings.” He brought his left hand down hard on his right pec, wincing. “This. This would have given them so much pain, and I still had it done, knowing that.” His eyes glistened. “And there was worse than this. So many things I wanted to tell them, but I couldn’t, because they’d have been so damned disappointed in me. And now it’s too late. They’re never going to know what I’m really like. And I can’t bear that.” Tears spilled over his cheeks, his shoulders shook, and he sobbed.



Luc knew what he was seeing. In an instant, he sat on the bed, drew back the comforter, and pulled Kel into his lap, his arms around him. It was no surprise when the boy threw his arms around Luc’s neck and buried his face in Luc’s chest, his knees up to his chest, harsh sobs racking his body. “It’s okay,” Luc whispered. “Let it out. It’s all right to let it out, Kel.” Hot tears soaked into his shirt.



“I… can’t… stop… it from… hurting…” Kel choked out between sobs.



“It’s supposed to hurt.” Luc held onto him, one arm around his back, the other around his legs, cradling him, aware of the tremors that jolted through Kel’s frame. “This is grief. You’ve held on to your emotions so tightly, but now you have to let go.”



Kel’s sobs increased in volume and frequency, and Luc remained silent, gently rocking him in his arms, a weeping young man dressed only in his briefs, curled up against Luc’s chest and clinging to him. Luc’s arms were full to capacity: Kel might have been shorter than him, but he’d obviously been working out at some point. Little by little the tears subsided, and Kel’s breathing became less erratic. Luc brought his rocking to a halt, his nose buried in Kel’s hair. Finally, Kel moved gingerly, as though embarrassed by his position.



Luc let go, and Kel sat on the bed beside him. He sniffed, then wiped a hand across his eyes. “I’m sorry.”



“You have nothing to apologize for. If you knew how long I’ve been waiting for you to show some emotion over their deaths….” Luc stroked Kel’s hair. “It’s perfectly normal. And nothing to be embarrassed about. Although….” Luc wrinkled his nose.



Kel swallowed. “I guess I smell a bit ripe, huh?”



“Just a little,” Luc lied. “Nothing a good shower wouldn’t put right. If you think you can stay upright for that long. You might be a little shaky on your legs.” He stood, and held out a hand to Kel, who took it and pulled himself to his feet. Luc watched him anxiously. “Well?”



Kel expelled a long shuddering breath. “I can manage a shower.”



Luc nodded in approval. “And while you’re doing that, I’ll go downstairs and make you something to eat.” He cocked his head to one side. “That’s assuming there’s food in your kitchen. Edible food.”



Kel bit his lip. “Yeah, about that…”



Luc rolled his eyes. “Get washed. I’ll go to my place and raid the refrigerator. Take as long as you like.”



For the first time since Luc had entered his room, there was a flash of the old Kel. “Is that Luc-speak for ‘you stink’?”



Luc laughed. “Shower, dirty boy. Then I’ll feed you. And then… we can talk.” He felt a good deal lighter. That had been a cathartic moment, and while Kel still had a way to go, the outlook was hopeful.



What puzzled him were a couple of things Kel had said. At this point Luc wasn’t sure if he was going to leave them for now, or bring them out into the open. Because sooner or later, they had to talk about them.

K.C. Wells started writing in 2012, although the idea of writing a novel had been in her head since she was a child. But after reading that first gay romance in 2009, she was hooked.

She now writes full time, and the line of men in her head, clamouring to tell their story, is getting longer and longer. If the frequent visits by plot bunnies are anything to go by, that’s not about to change anytime soon.

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Audiobook Review: Bromantically Yours by K.C. Wells

A friends-to-lovers novella that came from Out of the Shadows, because Nate and Dylan needed a story….

Nate and Dylan have been pals for a long time. So what if their friends think they’ve got a little bromance going? Doesn’t mean there’s anything more to it than that, right? And even if there is, Nate and Dylan are totally oblivious….

Until the night they share a drunken kiss—and everything changes.

Narrated by Daniel Henning
Listening Time: 3 Hours, 13 Minutes

Bromantically Yours was a sweet, no angst listen that was a pleasant enough diversion if not particularly memorable. The novella length story is a spin off to Out of the Shadows and I absolutely loved that book, but Bromantically Yours can be consumed as a stand alone. Although the buildup and introductions happened in Out of the Shadows are helpful because the reader/listener gets dropped into the bromance at the very beginning of this story as Dylan and Nate are off to the experimental races from the get go.

The author does a great job of making sure the connection between Dylan and Nate is strong and the loyalty they have to one another is unquestionable. I totally bought into them having more than “just friends” feelings going on even after the drunken kiss catalyst. There was no regret and little worry really after the fact. The expected angst wasn’t much of a thing, just anxious excitement as to what could happen next between them. So, while not the most believable thing, it did fit with overall tone of the story. The lack of conflict would not have worked in a longer story, but this was meant to be lighthearted and loving and that’s what the listener gets.

Daniel Henning is a new narrator to me and I very much enjoyed his tone and style. His pacing is easy on the ears and his words flow naturally. Unfortunately I didn’t feel he was a fit for this story overall. Dylan and Nate are supposedly straight but the narrator’s speech pattern is anything but stereotypically straight and became more effeminate and flamboyant as the story progressed. It took away from the whole plot point of two “straight” best friends falling in love (and lust). I would definitely listen to the narrator again with a book that his tone would match with, it just wasn’t this one.

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

Tag Team Review: Bromantically Yours by K.C. Wells

A friends-to-lovers novella that came from Out of the Shadows, because Nate and Dylan needed a story….

Nate and Dylan have been pals for a long time. So what if their friends think they’ve got a little bromance going? Doesn’t mean there’s anything more to it than that, right? And even if there is, Nate and Dylan are totally oblivious….

Until the night they share a drunken kiss—and everything changes.

2.75 average

Adam - 2 Hearts

This one of those cases where the book was fine, but I just wasn’t enamored with it.

Nate and Dylan have been best friends since childhood. They spend a lot of time together, certainly more so than they spend with potential girlfriends. It’s a bromance made in heaven.

That is until a drunken kiss tips the balance. Dylan and Nate both want to explore the chemistry between them, which means getting to know each other in a different light.

This novella is a spin-off from K.C. Wells’ Out of the Shadows. I didn’t read that book, but I had no trouble reading ‘Bromantically Yours’ as a stand-alone.

The book jumps right into Dylan and Nate’s love story from the first chapter. It’s possible that the build-up between the two of them happened during ‘Out of the Shadows’, but I definitely would have liked some background on the two.

Even so, it was clear from the start how much these two meant to each other, and how well they understood one another. It might have taken them a while to figure it out, but they were definitely two halves of a whole.

This is a very low-drama read. Nate and Dylan to come to terms pretty quickly with the fact that they were attracted to each other, and that they wanted to see where it might go.

Both men go head-first into their new relationship, with their friendship seamlessly flowing into a romance. While there were a few early-relationship bumps on the road, those were smoothed over easily.

Also, I thought it was very sweet how the two made sure that the emotional chemistry for a serious relationship was there before moving on to the physical side of things. There’s never any doubt that this is the real deal for both men.

However, in the end I felt like the book was just too predictable. There was neither any tension or sparkle to keep me that interested in Nate and Dylan. If you’re looking for a simple and easy friends-to-lovers romance, ‘Bromantically Yours’ might be up your alley.


R *A Reader Obsessed* - 3.5 Hearts

Ahhhh there’s nothing like watching porn together to bring two besties even closer.

This is a nice little spinoff from Out of the Shadows, featuring Dylan and Nate who have been attached to the hip since they were the wee age of eight. They know each other inside and out, are thick as thieves, and though everyone else sees their bromance and assume they’re a couple, the thought doesn’t register with either of them until that fateful night.

Props to Wells for a very well paced friends-to-lovers story. Dylan and Nate pretty much take their new dynamic heads on - confronting it, discussing it, and then experimenting with it. Oh yeah. There wasn’t really any angst or huge roadblocks to overcome, and it doesn't hurt at all that this was all sorts of sexy.

Perhaps this is a bit far fetched in reality, but we all read romantic fiction for a reason, right? So, put aside the fact that these two are supposedly straight, sit back and enjoy them finding in the other everything they want in a partner, lover, and long term relationship, and revel in this fairytale dream come true!


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

Audiobook Review: Out of the Shadows by K.C. Wells

Can he step out of the shadows and into love’s light?

Eight years ago, Christian Hernandez moved to Jamaica Plain in southern Boston, took refuge in his apartment, and cut himself off from the outside world. And that’s how he’d like it to stay.

Josh Wendell has heard his coworkers gossip about the occupant of apartment #1. No one sees the mystery man, and Josh loves a mystery. So when he is hired to refurbish the apartment’s kitchen and bathrooms, Josh is eager to discover the truth behind the rumors.

When he comes face-to-face with Christian, Josh understands why Christian hides from prying eyes. As the two men bond, Josh sees past his exterior to the man within, and he likes what he sees. But can Christian find the courage to emerge from the darkness of his lonely existence for the man who has claimed his heart?

Listening Length: 6 hours and 6 minutes
Narrator: Finn Sterling

I’m going to make this brief because there are plenty of great reviews out there already.

This for me embodied the no fuss, no muss, light on the angst romance that Dreamspun Desires excels at.

As per the blurb, Christian has been hiding from the world, afraid of ridicule and rejection. When fortuitous circumstance allows him the opportunity to get to know the handyman he’s been crushing on from afar, he never dreamed or hoped that he would ever get Josh to call his own. In turn, Josh sees beyond Christian’s physical flaws, as these two slowly get to know one another. With Josh’s easy going manner and quirky sense of humor, he draws Christian out of his self imposed isolation and discovers a person he wants in his life permanently.

This isn’t overly complicated, the relationship progression quite turmoil free. What it excels at is the slow build between these two that was simply sweet with good dashes of hurt comfort and sexy.

However, for me, the audio was a complete and utter fail. I don't know what Finn Sterling or the director or whoever produced this narration was thinking, but having him voice one of the main characters a few octaves higher than normal was absolutely baffling. So, everytime wonderful, gorgeous (inside and out) Josh spoke, he sounded like a woman (as much as a male narrator can), and it was so incongruous to what I was trying to picture in my poor brain, that it repeatedly threw me out of the story and ruined my overall enjoyment. As always, I know everything is subjective, so please sample this hard before buying. I can’t in good conscience recommend the audio and simply implore you to read the book instead.

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

See our tag team eBook review HERE

Audiobook Review: Personal Secrets (Personal #4) by K.C. Wells

Blake Davis and husband Will are delighted when Ed Fellows turns up at the hospital the night their daughter is born-even if he is covered in mud from playing rugby and drunk out of his skull. Teammate Colin is the Good Samaritan who drives him there, and when he takes Ed home, Colin finds himself on the receiving end of a blowjob. He has no problem with that whatsoever. He's been in lust with Ed since Ed joined the rugby team some 14 months ago. Only thing is, Colin's assumed up 'til now that Ed is straight. Except the man sucking him off certainly didn't seem straight....

Talk about the morning after the night before....Ed awakens to find a nearly-naked Colin asleep on his sofa. The problem is that for some reason, he can't get Colin out of his mind. Okay, so it wasn't the first blowjob Ed's ever gotten from a guy - or given, for that matter - but that was a long time ago, right? And why does Ed now want more?

With friends Rick, Angelo, Blake, and Will to advise him, Ed finds himself on a completely unfamiliar road, as he struggles to accept that maybe the line he is walking isn't as straight as he'd first imagined...

Narrated by: Cornell Collins
Listening Length: 6 hours and 37 minutes

Reviewer - Shee Reader

This book is a charming addition to the Personal Series, it’s a real joy to see brash Ed find his happily ever after. Of course the road is not a smooth one, but the ending is all kinds of sweet and happy, and Colin is a great match for Ed.

There are many areas of conflict and development: is Ed really gay? Will his family accept him? Is Colin out of his league? Will the homophobia from some of the rugby players end things before they’ve really begun?

Each thread is dealt with well, the writing is classy and the characters are so real I felt I could reach out and touch them.

The dialogue is smartly done and the checking in with established couple Blake and Will is a real pleasure. I adored Colin fan-girling over Will’s books. Such fun!

I didn’t really like Blake’s evil ex popping up, but approved of how Ed dealt with it. Similarly the new PA was a scary character but the team rallied around and all ended well.

The narration is again by Cornell Collins and he does a wonderful job. Each character has a clear identity and the performance brings the book alive beautifully.

Highly recommended.

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

Tag Team Review: Out of the Shadows by K.C. Wells

Can he step out of the shadows and into love’s light?

Eight years ago, Christian Hernandez moved to Jamaica Plain in southern Boston, took refuge in his apartment, and cut himself off from the outside world. And that’s how he’d like it to stay.

Josh Wendell has heard his coworkers gossip about the occupant of apartment #1. No one sees the mystery man, and Josh loves a mystery. So when he is hired to refurbish the apartment’s kitchen and bathrooms, Josh is eager to discover the truth behind the rumors.

When he comes face-to-face with Christian, Josh understands why Christian hides from prying eyes. As the two men bond, Josh sees past his exterior to the man within, and he likes what he sees. But can Christian find the courage to emerge from the darkness of his lonely existence for the man who has claimed his heart?

Averaged!

Sara - 5 Hearts

Wow. This book blew me away and it blew me away because it was such a quiet romance. I know in this line, the books can be predictable but this really wasn’t. It was a super sweet delicious slow burn with the most respectful hurt/comfort romance… just, le sigh. Okay. Le sigh.

I loved how the book opens with Christian’s POV, our self-made recluse who likes watching the handyman/gardener of his apartment complex work in the communal garden. It’s something Christian gives himself when he needs a break and at that moment, after reading that there will be renovations made to his property and someone invading his private space. Christian doesn’t do people, though we don’t know the why immediately but having a nice long look at a handsome man doing physical labor seems to settle him and I was happy to ogle with him.

Josh Wendell is the go to man that the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation has come to adding on the new kitchen and bathroom renovations to his list of duties. Josh is fine with that as he has always loved working with is hands but when a few co-workers suggest he might see the mysterious guy in #197, apartment #1, who is rumored to never leave his place. Josh is more interested in the why of it than the way people talk and decides if he gets to work on that apartment, he’ll have a chance to find out.

Told in the dual POV’s of Christian and Josh, we get to know the men on a day to day basis as Josh does the needed renovations. On his first day, he is greeted by a thoughtful gesture of coffee/tea and a note that if he is needed, he can contact Christian at the provided number. When Josh blows a fuse in the apartment and needs to contact Christian, he gets a sense that the resident in Apartment #1 isn’t out of the house and instead, locked behind closed doors.

The first conversations between the door with Josh and Christian were so sweet. They seemed to click right away and were comfortable with one another. The offerings of food and drink between them was adorable but when Josh shows up early one day and Christian is in need of help, Josh sees the real Christian and the story get deeper. With Josh seeing Christian’s scars, we get to learn what happened to him that has made him live his life alone and hidden for the last 8 years. It was pretty heartbreaking that forgetting one thing could leave a man riddled with scars and shame about his looks. But Josh isn’t what Christian was expecting and Josh sees beyond the scars to the man beneath.

When Christian realizes that Josh, the guy he’s come to chat with on a daily basis while he works in his apartment is the same guy he’s been drooling over as his handyman, Christian lets his attraction unfold though only to himself as he thinks Josh is straight and Josh thinks Christian is straight. Thank goodness a love for Harry Potter and fan fiction lead them to a list of favorite movies so that their sexuality can be straight, or not so straight.

Goodness, but I loved this book. It’s so very much relationship centered on how the men meet, become friends through their daily chats as Josh works and then more. Josh is enamored of Christian from their first chat but when he sees him, his scars and learns how Christian has survived he knows that beauty comes from the inside out. Not that Josh doesn’t think Christian is sexy AF because he does and so want to get lost in Christian’s eyes. But as Josh gets to know Christian, he knows he needs to be patient with him and knows he has to make Christian understand it’s the man, the whole man he wants and sees beyond the scars.

Josh truly is an amazing character. He is so patient, understanding and thoughtful when it comes to Christian. His friends are great side characters as well with how much they want Josh to be happy and they can see how being around Christian is changing him because of how much he likes him. A movie night of Dune allows the men to move forward in oh so many ways.

Christian is such and strong man. I can’t imagine being where he was in life to go through what he did and make the decision to walk away from everyone and everything he knew to live life truly in the shadows. Only through the inclusion of Josh into his life who makes him want more than he thought possible does Christian ache to feel the light on his face, the smile on Josh’s and their hands entwined as they walk down a public street together.

Wow. I am rambling aren’t I? I have learned to take that as a sign that the book was good and this was really good. It was super fluffy but always with an underlying heat between Josh and Christian that aided to the delicious slow burn romance. Both men were stunning in their fondness for one another while being fierce in determination to get what they want.

Out of Shadows is an extremely sweet and fluffy slow burn romance with the best sort of hurt comfort that won over this hopeless romantic. I adored the story of Josh and Christian and can only hope the author is considering giving us the true story of Nate and Dylan because I agree with Christian, there is a little bromance brewing there.

SheReadsALot - 3.5  Hearts

After reading however many Dreamspun Desires, I've found the cracky fluff can fall into certain categories. Some could be action fluff, slightly angsty fluff, very fluffed out fluff and sweet fluff.

Out of the Shadows by K.C. Wells falls into the latter.

It's so sweet I got a cavity after reading the beauty and the beast themed slow burn romance.

Christian Hernandez (32) has been a self imposed recluse for the last eight years due to extensive burn scars he received on the right side of his face and torso. He lives in his Jamaica Plain apartment, working from home as his main source of social interaction. His highlight of the day is when he sees a young, trim handyman working in the communal garden outside his patio doors. A mandatory refurbishment to his apartment via his building association forces Christian to let someone into his home... his hot handyman.

Through many interactions via text and closed doors, the two men develop a friendship. Josh (25), the handyman is so full of life and sweetness, even Christian can't resist his pull. Christian slowly opens up to Josh, shares his self and expects ridicule. Instead, what he gets is something much more valuable: that he is more than just his scars.

Josh is dreamy. He sings, loves Harry Potter, has an awesome support system in his 3 best friends, and can fix things. Plus, he sees that Christian just has scars, that Christian isn't just his scars. He is very persistent and flexible into slowly re-introducing Christian to their town. This I think was my most favorite thing about this novel, time was given to Christian to say yes or no. And Josh never gave up nor did he pressure him.

Plus, the quiet slow burn was fitting for the characters. Everything within their relationship from strangers to friends to something more read natural and not forced. And when they finally enter the HEA and smexy times come into play, it was pretty sexy. (Yes, smutsters this one definitely fills the sex scenes limit of the house line with some hotness)

I'm not a fan of Josh's friends. Not because they weren't nice young gentlemen, because they are. They were very accepting of Christian into their fold. My issue with them is a majority of the time when they were on page, they spoke like middle aged women. I kept getting flashbacks of my older aunt and her friends cackling and gossiping. Not something I mind if I'm forced in their company, but it pulled me from the story. These guys were supposed to be in their mid-twenties and I wasn't buying it.

Also, the story is set in Massachusetts. And there is obvious research of Boston that shows in the novel. Josh sounded like a Bostonian tour guide he showed so much of the city. However, there were moments where a British turn of phrase popped up and threw off the American vibe it was going for.

I'm unsure what K.C. Wells writing style is. So I'd try another book by her again to see if I'm a fan or not.

If you're a reader who likes sweet slow burn in their cracky fluff, then I think Out of the Shadows is worth a try. It reads very quick and low angst, perfect addition to the Dreamspun line!

Tag Team Review: Satin (A Material World #2) by K.C. Wells

Can a touch of Satin bring a straight copper to his knees?

Detective Joel Hunter is on surveillance when he first lays eyes on Satin, the singer with the amazing voice, which is as beautiful as she is. But when the stake-out comes to an end, he can’t resist going back to the bar. He gets a shock when he learns what lies beneath the satin dress, but an even bigger one when he realizes he’s attracted to the owner of that sultry voice - Ross Dauntry.
Ross can’t figure out why the cop keeps coming back, even after he’s learned the truth. Is Joel attracted to him, or to Satin? Because the answer is important, and one way or another, Ross needs to know…

46,000 words. A standalone novella of satin and sensuality...
Although this story is in the same series as Lace, you will not find Dave and Shawn in these pages - Joel and Ross provide enough heat of their own.

Lost in a Book - 3 Hearts

The book was Meh... let's get to the good stuff which is the reason this has 3 hearts instead of 2.5...

The barre.

The flexibility needed.

The stretches one must do on the barre to "cool down."

The opportunity that presents itself when you have the ballet studio to yourself with another hot male watching you.

I'll give you a minute to visualize...

Did that help? It depicts the scene in the book perfectly... if you take away the clothes and add another naked male *ahem* directly behind him.

Anywhoooo, as I said, this book was just ok. I got distracted by the shiny cover and forgot that the first book in this series was just alright, too.

We start off with detective Joel Hunter. Joel is single and ready to mingle… with women. Unfortunately for good ol’ Joel, all of the women he has tried to date have hit the road with parting gifts of insecurity in his personality as well as his lack of bedroom prowess. Joel has been attracted to men but “hasn’t acted on it” and he is “definitely straight.” The story starts with Joel and his partner Trish doing a sting operation in the Paradise Club. At the club, Joel is captivated with the beautiful looks and voice of Satin. Once the sting operation is over, Joel continues to watch Satin and on one of these nights, Satin approaches Joel.

Satin is a female impersonator who is aptly named for the Satin “she” dons on stage. Satin AKA Ross performs for the club while trying to find work in ballet as a dancer. Ross is also jaded by previous relationships where he puts out and then the men get out. When Satin approaches Joel, they have good conversation and Ross invites Joel for coffee which he reluctantly accepts.

Their relationship begins “slowly” over a month’s time. They have coffees once a week and then they met for drinks which turned into “coffee” at Joel’s flat. Now, here is where it’s like a repeat of book one. The sex is hot but again, not realistic. Joel is still saying he is straight to I’ve-never-been-with-a-man-I-don’t-know-maybe-I-could-be-bi to this…

“Ross’s cock sprang up, hard and wet at the slit. It was an invitation Joel was unable to ignore. He bent over, and hesitantly at first, ran his tongue over the pearl of pre-come that glistened there.”

and then this…

“He slicked up a couple of fingers, and stopped Ross’s preparations with a gentle hand. “I think this is my job.”

That’s some talent right there. Taking a face fucking like a champ for his first time ever touching a male and then prep work, too. *smh* At least the scenes were hot even if reality had to be suspended!

Although both men have insecurities from past relationships, the main drama of the story is whether Joel will pull his head out and realize whether he is straight or bi and whether he wants to be in a relationship with Ross. The bad news for us as readers is that Joel isn’t the brightest crayon in the crayon box so he is constantly back and forth. Just when you think that he is in a relationship with Ross, Joel starts thinking and that doesn’t bode well. Joel goes from wanting to see where the attraction will lead and spending the night at each others flats to “I don’t want to lead him on” *bangs head* or “this is getting way too serious.” *rolls eyes* Joel is extremely clueless throughout which was irritating. The MC dialogue, their inner thoughts and “jokes” were awkward for most of the book. I liked Trish, Joel’s partner. She added the most depth to the story which shouldn’t be the case.

This will be the end of my journey for this series. I WILL NOT fall for another shiny cover with naked men in their pretty fabulous stupid manties. The sex was hot but not worth putting up with the lack of story and awkward characters. On a positive note, I'll never look at a barre the same way again...

Fantasy Living - 3 Hearts

Lost In a Book is a fantastic Buddy Reading partner, and I had fun picking this book apart with her…. I mean reading this book and sharing my thoughts with her……. Ummm…….Let’s move onto the review.

There were a lot of things I liked about this story. Ross has a man bun…. Hawt. I love a man bun. I do prefer man buns with a furry face and tattoos, but I’ll take the bun by itself too. Yum yum.

The sex was mostly sexy and titillating. I’d have to say Ross getting turned on while practicing his choreography was pretty blood hot. I could see him in his tights with a hardon.

Yeah, that was very nice.

Joel and Ross had great chemistry. There was a very sexy shower scene with Joel’s first time being rimmed. So sexy. But then it kind of got ruined when they moved to the bedroom. It was redeemed, but I wanted to lose myself in the shower sex. It ended abruptly, and I wish it hadn’t.

While Joel is reluctant to label himself and his relationship with Ross, he goes into his first guy on guy sexual encounter with gusto. I’ve never read a scene where a guy goes from never having kissed a man and calling himself straight (“definitely straight”) to going down on him. While it was hot, I’m not quite convinced. He was really nervous, and then he’s getting his face fucked (“shallowly”). It was an advanced move for an almost virgin situation, and I feel like I was robbed of the sexy awkwardness I was expecting.

The constant hot and cold with Joel was …… boring and annoying.

I kept getting to a point where I thought he was all in with Ross, and then he’d say something, or think something about them just being “friends” and I would get pissed. The mixed signals drove me crazy. It actually ruined the story for me. I was hoping that they would get to a point where the story could focus on solid relationship building, and it just didn’t get there.

The jokes…..

OMG the “jokes”

...... most of them fell flat. Like that awkward person at a party who doesn’t know when to stop because they’re so nervous about being social…. Yeah, it was painful.

I really liked Trish as a secondary character. She was witty, and supportive, and had enough personality to fit into the story.

I did not like Helena. I found her to be two dimensional and uninteresting. I don’t think her character was developed enough to deserve being Ross’ friend.

So some good stuff, and some not great stuff for me. I’m glad it was under 200 pages, because I’m not sure I could have coped with Joel’s hot and cold routine for much longer. But I loved Ross and would have preferred the story to be mostly from his point of view, rather than it being strongly on Joel side.

Recommended for those who enjoy a fairly light bisexual coming out story with a bit of angst, and some great sex.

A review copy was provided for an honest opinion.

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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