Audio Release Blitz + Giveaway: Rules of Play (The Script Club #2) by Lane Hayes

Author Lane Hayes and IndiGo Marketing host audiobook release blitz for Alexander Cendese narrated Rules of Play (The Script Club #2) ! Read more about the contemporary romance and enter in the $25 Amazon gift card giveaway!

Title: Rules of Play

Series: The Script Club #2

Author: Lane Hayes

Narrator: Alexander Cendese

Publisher: Lane Hayes

Release Date: July 16, 2021

Heat Level: 4 - Lots of Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 4 hrs and 48 mins

Genre: Romance, Brother's Best Friend, Geek/Jock, Friends to Lovers, Bisexual-awakening, Contemporary MM Romance

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Synopsis

The genius, the mechanic, and a new playbook…

George-

My brother’s friend is hot. If you’re into flannel-wearing lumbersexual former jocks who eat donuts for dinner and still scribble to-do lists on their palms. I’m not. I’m a serious scientist in my final of grad school. Okay, I admit I have few quirks of my own. I also have a broken truck and a boss who thinks I can help him find love. I’m in over my head. Help!

Aiden-

A few quirks? Really? George the weirdest dude I know. He wears capes in public, brings a book everywhere he goes, and loves all thing spooky. He’s also the smartest person on the planet—who somehow thinks I can help him write a How-To-Get-A-Date playbook for his boss. Yeah, that sounds suspicious. I know baseball; I don’t know anything about love. But I can’t say no. I’ve always had a soft spot for George. I just didn’t count on falling for my best friend’s nerdy brother. This is against the rules, isn’t it?

Rules of Play is an MM bisexual awakening story where opposites attract and shenanigans ensue!

Excerpt

“The Script Club?”

I grimaced. “Well, yeah. That name came later.”

“You really are a little weirdo, aren’t you?”

The twinkle in Aiden's eyes and his affectionate tone paired with an unlikely term of endearment were exactly what I needed to pull me from my infatuation-induced awkwardness.

I smacked his biceps playfully, then leaned against his side, staring up at the crescent moon in the twilight sky. “I am weird and I am proud.”

Aiden chuckled. “I like that about you. I like your idea too. It’s a good one. I should get in on that and collect a few new experiences before I quit the garage and move on to my next venture.”

“What would you do? I mean, what would you want to try?”

“I don’t know. Maybe something will come to me.” He set the half-eaten container of meatballs down and reached for his beer. “As for your boss…he needs a rule book.”

I shifted to face him. “What kind of rule book?”

“A dating rule book. It would be the equivalent of a sports playbook…a list of strategies and a backup plan if things go awry.”

“Okay, that makes sense. Step one, ask for a date.”

Aiden shook his head. “No. Don’t go in hot. Gotta practice a little finesse. It’s better to get to know someone—ask about their interests, share yours, and see if there’s anything there. Theoretically, that’s how I think it should work.”

“You’re right. They have to build a rapport.” I squinted. “He’s going to need an icebreaker.”

“Yeah, that makes sense. Hit me with your best shot.”

“Uh…what do you mean?” I stammered.

“Pretend you’re into me and you want to get to know me.” Aiden quirked a brow and wiggled his fingers. “Ask me something.”

“What are your interests?”

He made an obnoxious buzzer noise and rolled his eyes. “Wrong. That’s a date question. A lame one, too. Would you really walk up to someone and ask them what they’re into?”

“No, of course not.”

“Redo. You’re trying to get to know me, but you can’t be too forward, and you can’t make assumptions. Got it?” He waited for my nod of agreement and continued. “Pretend we’re standing at the coffee machine at work on a Monday morning. And…action.”

“O-kay…what did you do last weekend?”

Aiden smiled. “Good one. And my answer…not much. I went to that college ball game I told you about last week, watched a lot of basketball, made arrangements to schlep your Bronco here, and played pool with Kenny and a couple of high school buddies. You?”

“I studied and hung out with my friends.”

He stared at me long enough for me to wonder if I had meatball between my teeth.

“If that’s all you have to say, you just killed this conversation,” he deadpanned.

I chuckled. “I did not. It was your turn to ask me something. That’s how it works in real life. I’m not that big of a dork!”

“But what about your boss?”

Good point. “Newton is a big dork. Very big.”

“Right, so this is where rules come into play. You have to pay attention and take hints and clues to heart. Almost everything I mentioned about my weekend had a theme…sports. I told you what I’m interested in without announcing, ‘I like sports.’ If you really wanted to get in my pants, you’d ask me a sports-related question.”

I shot to my feet, whirling my cape like a true badass. “Who said anything about getting in your pants?”

Yes, I was entirely in favor of the idea, but I was pretty sure I hadn’t said it aloud.

“Isn’t that the end game?” Aiden flashed a devilish grin my way.

“No! I mean, maybe for you, but not for Newton. I don’t think he’s hoping for sex.”

“Then what’s the point?”

“Love!”

Aiden widened his eyes comically. “What’s that?”

“I don’t know,” I sighed in defeat, reclaiming my spot on the stoop next to him. “That’s why this is complicated.”

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Meet the Author

Lane Hayes loves a good romance! An avid reader from an early age, she has always been drawn to well-told love story with beautifully written characters. Her debut novel was a 2013 Rainbow Award finalist and subsequent books have received Honorable Mentions, and were winners in the 2016, 2017, and 2018-2019 Rainbow Awards. She loves red wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). Lane lives in Southern California with her amazing husband in a not quite empty nest.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Bookbub

 

Did you miss book 1 in the series? Get Following the Rules at Amazon

The geek, the jock, and a new set of rules…

 

Also available in Audio

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Cover Reveal: Roommate by Sarina Bowen

 

It's surprise announcement time! Sarina Bowen is releasing a new LGBTQ romance based in the popular True North series set in Vermont. Read more about Roommate below! And be sure to pre-order your copy today!

ROOMMATE BY SARINA BOWEN 

 COMING JANUARY 12, 2021 

Wanted: One roommate to share a 3-bedroom house, split the rent, and ideally not be the guy I can’t stop thinking about. 

I’m a man with too many secrets, so the last thing I need is a new roommate with a sexy smile and blue eyes that see right through me. Eight years ago, Roderick left town after high school. We’re not friends. I owe him nothing. But back then, I let one of my secrets slip, and he’s the only one who noticed. 

Part of me knows I should run far, far away. But the other part wants him to come upstairs and spend the night. But if I let him in, I could lose everything. 

Seeking: a room to rent in town. I’m tidy, have no pets, and I will feed you homemade bread. 

I should probably add: Gay AF, and has no filter. It’s no wonder my new landlord is so wary of me. 

A smarter man would ignore those hot glances from Kieran Shipley. The broody lumberjack wants more from me than another fresh-baked pretzel. But if I push my luck, I’ll end up back on the street. 

Too bad I’ve never been smart with my heart…

PURCHASE LINKS 

All Links in one spot: https://shor.by/roommate 

Amazon: https://geni.us/Amazon-roommate 

Apple: https://geni.us/Apple-roommate 

Kobo: https://geni.us/Kobo-roommate

Review: Santa Daddy by Keira Andrews

Mall Santas aren’t supposed to be hot

Hunter Adams is hopelessly adrift after college. He’s still a virgin, can’t find a real job, and has no clue what to do with his life. In desperation, he returns to his humiliating old job as an elf at the Santa's Village in his hometown's dying mall. The Santa on the job is an unexpectedly sexy lumberjack, twice Hunter's size and age. He makes Hunter feel very naughty—too bad he's grumpy and intimidating.

Years after the tragic death of his partner, Nick Spini has his beagle and long, hard days on his Christmas tree farm. That’s plenty. But he can’t refuse a loyal friend’s plea for help and finds himself filling in as Santa at the local mall. Despite Nick's attempt to stay aloof, the beautiful, anxious young man playing elf brings out his long-dormant daddy instincts.

When a surprise blizzard traps them alone in Nick’s isolated forest home, their attraction burns even brighter. Will they surrender to the sizzling connection between them and find the release and comfort they crave?

Santa Daddy is a holiday gay romance from Keira Andrews featuring an age gap, steamy m/m first times, daddy role-playing and light spanking, Christmas romance feels, and of course a happy ending.

That sad, old, scheduled for demolition mall had one last Christmas miracle left in her dilapidated Santa Village.

Sometimes instalove works for me. This was one of those times. True, if age gaps, kink and a grumpy lumbersexual are in the offing chances are high I'm going to enjoy it. But it was the fluffiness that won me over. And the dog. Who can resist a cute (somewhat bossy) beagle who LOVES all things bacon?

It began as just chemistry and heat but over the course of the story real feelings formed between Nick and Hunter despite the significant age gap between them. They are good for each other and that warmed my heart. They have fun together. Hunter softens Nick's rough edges with his sass and liveliness and Nick gives Hunter a sense of purpose and works wonders on his self-esteem.

Hunter is floundering and on the cusp of settling for a life he doesn't want. Nick, on the other hand, loves his tree farm and all that it entails but it's become daunting not to mention lonely maintaining it alone after the untimely death of his partner. It was unexpected that Hunter would find manual labor so rewarding but sometimes life throws you curve balls.

Curve balls in the form of a hot, lumbersexual daddy who owns a Christmas tree farm and works a Santa outfit like a Details photoshoot. Truthfully, I could've done without the daddy bit. It was awkward and I would've been fine with them being a bit kinky or liking it rough. Regardless, the sex was hot! Though I've come to expect nothing less from Keira Andrews. 

However, what made it memorable and a likely reread was the sweet way both these men found a home and a life in an unexpected place that they were willing to take a chance on. It happened fast for them and that appealed to me simply because it was clear how smitten they were and how much they wanted to be together.

Recommend to those looking for a low angst, lighthearted, kinky, sexy and fluffy holiday read.

A review copy was provided in exchange for an honest opinion.

Tag Team Review: Rough Trade (The Woodbury Boys #3) by Sidney Bell

Quick-witted hustler Ghost is no stranger to living dangerously; survival has always been the name of the game.

He’s just always gone it alone.

Now he’s got the wrong people breathing down his neck, and the only way out demands placing his trust in the unlikeliest of heroes: Duncan Rook, a gruff cop whose ethics are as solid as his body.

Cozying up to a criminal is hardly what Duncan’s reputation on the force needs—especially when that criminal is temptation personified. Ghost is Duncan’s polar opposite, and the last person he expected to fall for.

So then why does every imaginable scenario for taking down their common enemy end with Ghost in his arms?

averaged

Adam - 4 Hearts

I’ll admit that I’ve been very iffy on Ghost. In fact, I don’t think I even liked him much before book 3.

The way Ghost treated Church and Tobias. His disappearing act. His attitude. It just didn’t sit right with me.

But I am now a reformed man. I will root for Ghost - and Duncan - till the end of my days.

‘Rough Trade’ picks up where things left off in book 2. Ghost is stuck between Mama and Spratt, and his time is running up quickly.

As far as the crime/action plot goes, this book hits the ground running. The danger that Ghost is in is imminent from the get-go, and it never really slows down.

The twists and turns kept me very entertained. I’m a sucker for a good action plot, and ‘Rough Trade’ did not disappoint.

It’s got all the corrupt cops, crime lords (or, in this case, ladies), shoot outs, and close calls I could ask for.

But the real star of this book isn’t the crime angle, it’s the slow-build relationship between Ghost and Duncan.

Ghost’s predicament brings him to Duncan’s doorstep. And while Duncan knows that Ghost is nothing but trouble, his unshakeable morals won’t let him turn away.

The two men are complete opposites. Duncan is a by-the-book officer of the law. Ghost has spent his entire life trampling that book into the ground.

And yet these two are helpless to the web that slowly weaves them together.

But it isn’t easy. Ghost has lived a life of trauma, and fuck, did his backstory ever hurt. His only protection has been to build a shell of deceit and manipulation around himself. Duncan sees right through it, and won’t settle for anything less than the man he knows is underneath Ghost’s exterior.

It was almost painful to see Ghost’s struggle as he slowly fell for Duncan. But when he finally let himself believe that he deserved something good in life, Ghost showed up in a big way.

My only niggle: I thought Duncan could have been a tad more considerate of why Ghost was the way he was. But even so, there’s never any doubt that Duncan loves and accepts all of Ghost’s pointy edges.

It takes a lot of hard work, but Ghost and Duncan more than earn their happy ever after.

Overall, this was a great conclusion to the Woodbury Boys series. If you’re looking for romance, crime, and complex characters, give this series a try!

Optimist ♰King's Wench♰ - 5 Hearts

This book kind of wrecked me and I don't know what to say that wouldn't be considered spoilery, so I'm just going to spout some gibberish about my feelings and hopefully there will be something useful amongst the gibberish.

Gibberish with copious graphics. Like I do.

Rough Trade picks up where Hard Line left off and we finally FINALLY get inside Ghost's head. He's on the run and the action plot line takes up quite a bit of this story. He and Duncan join forces to try to figure out how to extricate Ghost from this situation with minimal collateral damage and without breaking the law. Parts of their hiding out I did think dragged but when it picked up it was fun and kept me on the edge of my seat. However, throughout all of it Bell developed a relationship sturdy enough to withstand a Cat-5 hurricane.

Ghost, for me, has been largely enigmatic. I assumed some things about his past that contributed to shaping him and unfortunately I was right about those things. Ghost has survived his own personal hell. (Trigger for mentions of childhood sexual abuse.) That sort of upbringing necessitated a certain tenacity and a set of survival skills that make him somewhat unpredictable; they are second nature to him. Unlearning them is no easy feat. The complexity of Ghost cannot be overstated.

What blew me away... well, a bunch of things actually, but once Ghost starts dealing with his past, some of that dialogue is stunning and the insightfulness of it dazzled me. Ghost's honesty stole my breath a couple times. At one point I was even talking to my kindle! Like a nutbag.

It's no secret that I (along with many others) have been enamored with Ghost from the start but after being inside his head, it's official. I love him. I never ever expected him to be funny. What a surprise that was. I cackled repeatedly at his snarky and highlighted like a fiend. The banter between he and Duncan was a delight.

Honestly, I also never expected Ghost to fall for a cop who's a giant either. Were Duncan a different sort of person this thing between them would've never gotten off the ground, but Duncan is eerily intuitive when it comes to Ghost. How he just knew not to do certain things and to do others made me respect him. The way that subtly changes the longer they know each other is what made me love him, love them. He is a positive influence and a caretaker at heart but mostly importantly, he believes in Ghost which is exactly what Ghost needs making his size a source of comfort rather than a source of intimidation.

I read romance all the time and there are a lot of phenomenal writers out there who can convince me that their couple are soulmates or of their compatibility or of their longevity, but I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Ghost and Duncan will never leave. Neither of them are built that way with Duncan being steadfast to the core coupled Ghost's loyalty and trust issues makes them rock solid in my mind. Maybe all their days won't be sunshine and daisies but they won't leave. They've fought too hard for each other for that to happen. This, I know. And as a romance reader, there's not a lot that beats that feeling. However, there is very little sex content. It just doesn't fit their narrative and I appreciate that Bell stayed true to that.

Instead we're treated to a multitude of quiet moments that meticulously construct a manifest intimacy between them that I found poignant. Slow burns aren't always my cup of tea but the way in which this particular relationship developed made them necessary to each other and that for a squishy marshmallow like me is what brings me back to the genre again and again.

I freely admit that I am biased when it comes to Sidney Bell simply because I feel a sort of kindredness with her writes. She is wordy. I am wordy. She seems to be fascinated with the human psyche as am I. Sometimes that sort of thing doesn't work for people but for me it does. All the words have a purpose: character development. She crawls inside her characters and turns them inside out, showing them warts and all. Neither Ghost nor Duncan are perfect. They make mistakes with each other, they have weaknesses and blind spots but there was never an instance wherein I didn't understand exactly why they chose to do what they did, both the good and the bad. Those choices are what made them fully realized characters, characters that will remain in my memory for the foreseeable future.

So, if you enjoy slow burn romances between protagonists who are polar opposites that are fantastically well developed by a highly talented writer, give this series a try. All the Woodbury boys have been terrific and Rough Trade is not a standalone.

ARCs were provided by NetGalley in exchange for honest reviews.

Anniversary Shenanigans: Author Visit + Giveaway - Kaje Harper

Kaje Harper has returned to knock your socks off again this year. 

Perceptions

"Hey, Joe. How long's it been since we met?"

Joe squints at me, fiddling with his camera. "Feels like forever, feels like yesterday. Two months, maybe?"

"Mm." I tug my wide leather harness straighter across my chest, rotate my hips to get my black jeans seated low.

Joe bites his lip in appreciation, then laughs. "We're here for a photo shoot. Quit acting sexy."

"I thought that was the point." I sweep my hair further off my forehead.

"Only when I say go." He raises his camera. "Go."

I like posing for him. No, I love it. A hundred reps every day, for ten years, is over three hundred thousand times my biceps worked for this moment. And a shot a week for twenty years is over a thousand needle sticks and worth every one. I like thinking about all the men, and women, who'll see me as Mr. September and wish they knew me, wish they could touch my deltoids, my extensors, my pecs. I've worked damned hard for the appreciative stares I get.

Most of all, I like knowing he finds me worth his art. When he tells me to flex an arm, let out a breath, lift my damned head so my beard doesn't shadow the hollow of my clavicle, I feel his focus as an artist. And yet, I ache for his focus as a man.

Not yet, not yet.

We've danced that slow-building dance in a dozen cafés, at weekly ballgames, at little jazz venues where we share an unexpected common taste. Our eyes often meet and spark, and I look away. His foot bumps mine and I return the bump, but nothing more. His hand brushes my wrist, and I smile, but pull back.

Joe looks up from his camera display. "Those are great. Can we lose the harness now? I want something more… vulnerable."

Vulnerable. Ha.

I turn away, unbuckle, whip the harness off to land on the pile of our stuff, out of the frame.

"Wait," he says. "I want some shots of your back."

I follow his directions, my back to his sharp eyes, as I flex, arch, shift my weight. He murmurs, "Great. Yeah. More of that. Mmm." I have to grit my teeth. I want those words to mean something different. Then he says, "Okay, turn. And maybe start out kneeling?"

I pivot on one boot heel, arm across my chest, casual-like. The floor of the alley's gritty, so I squat instead of kneel. With my elbows on my knees, hands dangling, I try to seem relaxed, waiting.

He sees something else in me because he says, "Brent, are you okay?"

I raise my head to look at him, meeting his eyes. I know this pose shades my chest, highlights my arms. From a hundred helpful mirrors, I know what he sees in this moment. What I don't know is what he'll see when I stand, and the light hits my scars. Those arcs of ridged tissue under my pecs, still pale and red after twenty years, will tell their tale.

When I stand, I will discover if he wants me for me, or only for this body I've built to reflect my true soul.

When I stand, he'll discover the secret that should be the least important thing about me, but has been the rock previous relationships foundered on.

In a moment, just one moment more, I'll stand up in the light.

How's she do that with so few words, right? Be sure to let Kaje know what you thought of her fic in the comments.

About the author:

I live in Minnesota, where the two seasons are Snow-removal and Road-repair, the mosquito is the state bird, and where sometimes in winter it can be breathtakingly beautiful. Of course, the deepfreeze chill contributes to the breath-taking, but Minnesota's a kindly, quiet place and it's home to me now. I've been writing for far longer than I care to admit (*whispers - forty years*), mostly for my own entertainment, and currently am focused on M/M romance (with added mystery, fantasy, history, SciFi...) I also have a few Young Adult stories released under the pen name Kira Harp.

My first professionally published book, Life Lessons, came out from MLR Press in May 2011. My husband finally convinced me that after all that time writing, I really should submit something, somewhere. I was thrilled when it was accepted. I have a weakness for closeted cops with honest hearts, and teachers who speak their minds, and I had fun writing the four novels and three freebie short stories in the series. I've been just delighted by the reception Mac and Tony have received.

My first free book became the first story that I actually released - I put it up a month before Life Lessons just for the fun of getting it out there. Lies and Consequences began as a reaction to the November 2010 election. It looked like the repeal of DADT might be derailed by the political shift and I put the insanity of that law into the book. Then as I was finishing the first draft in mid-December the repeal passed. Which was great, but prompted a rewrite to a lighter and more action/romance book. This was a solo effort and I learned a lot from writing and releasing it and from the reviews. Check Smashwords for that one and many of my other freebies.

I now have a decent backlist in ebooks and print, both free and professionally published. A complete list with links can be found on my Books page. This writing thing is addictive. So read, comment, tell me what you like and what you don't, and help me make the upcoming books even better.

You can also email me : kajeharper ~at~ yahoo ~dot~ com

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Enter to win an audiobook of The Rebuilding Year narrated by Gomez Pugh! Giveaway ends 11/12 @ Midnight EST. Good luck!

It took losing nearly everything to discover what they can't live without.

A few excruciating minutes pinned under a burning beam cost Ryan Ward his job as a firefighter, the easy camaraderie of his coworkers, his current girlfriend, and damn near cost him his left leg. Giving up, though, wasn't an option. He fought and won the battle back to health, over a painful year. Now, choosing a new profession, going back to school, and renting a room from the college groundskeeper should be simple.

Until he realizes he's falling in love with his housemate and things take a turn for the complicated.

John Barrett knows about loss. After moving twice to stay in touch with his kids, he could only watch as his ex-wife whisked them away to California. Offering Ryan a room seems better than rattling around his empty house alone. But as casual friendship moves to something more, and emotions heat up, the big old house feels like tight quarters.

It's nothing they can't learn to navigate, until life adds in unhappy teen kids, difficult family members, and mysterious deaths on campus. Rebuilding will be far from easy, even for two guys willing to open their minds, and hearts.

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We Unicorns thank Kaje for helping us celebrate our anniversary again.

Don't miss entering in our month long unicorn giveaway HERE! It ends 12/1/17!

Trivia Question: Name the paranormal series featuring a constable and clairvoyant. 10 pts 

Guest Review: Tender with a Twist (Rainbow Cove #2) by Annabeth Albert

One kinky wood carver. One younger chef looking to try new things. A series of lessons that bring both men more than they bargained for…

Curtis Hunt has made a name for himself as a chainsaw wood carver, winning national competitions and operating a small business in Rainbow Cove, Oregon. As winter whittles away his tourist traffic, his goal is just to survive the season and try to not get lost in grief for his dead lover. It’s been two years, but he’s sure he’ll never be over the love of a lifetime. However, his body has a certain restlessness that he doesn’t quite know how to calm.

Logan Rosner knows a thing or two about restlessness. It’s what drove him to Rainbow Cove to be a chef at a bar and grill run by his friends. And it’s what drives him to a single sizzling encounter with the local legendary lumberjack. Both men get far more than they expected and learn that first impressions aren’t always accurate…

But when Logan proposes a series of sexy lessons, Curtis must decide how much he’s willing to risk. He knows he can’t afford to get attached to Logan’s good cooking, his easy smiles, or his caretaking, but he keeps going back for more, even as deeper emotions become involved. Soon, Curtis must decide whether to risk his heart again or risk losing Logan for good.

Tender with a Twist is a 75,000 word stand-alone gay romance with a May/December theme, featuring a second chance at love, opposites attract, loads of sexy times with mild BDSM elements, and one emotionally-charged, guaranteed happy ending with no cliffhangers.

Reviewer: Lost in a Book

"One kinky wood carver."

That's all it took to decide I had to read it. I didn't stop and read the rest of the blurb, I went all MINE and never looked back. I probably should have since I had mixed feelings about the first book in the series but I had my sights set on a big, muscly, bearded, tattooed, growly, lumberjackesque, kinky as hell bottom. Hell to the yes.

Curtis was introduced in book one as being the broody friend of the police chief. He didn't have a lot of happy in his life and with the loss of his husband two years prior, he was just making it day to day. Curtis was a sub without a Dom. A pain slut looking for the relief that being dominated and pain brings. With luck finally shining down on him, he stumbles upon a Dom that may be just what the doctor ordered.

Logan; chef at Rainbow Tavern and aspiring Dom. At a leather night hosted by the tavern, Logan gets in an altercation with a big beefy drunk Dom. With his aikido training, Logan makes it clear that he isn't weak nor a sub. He is a Dom. *Yessir* Curtis just happens to be within hearing distance and has an extra skip in his step... all the way to kinky-sub-space-land at Logan's house that night.

”This was the place I craved. No more thinking, just existing from electric touch to electric touch, the pain both grounding me and setting me free to soar.”

What was supposed to be a one time thing led to Curtis agreeing to provide lessons for the very inexperienced baby Dom, Logan.

Now, here is where I have mixed feelings on the book. If I would have just kept reading the blurb, I would have known Logan was an inexperienced Dom. Alas, I'm a slacker and got distracted. It was very Kink/Dom 101 for the first half. This is to be expected considering the blurb but was also a reason why it dragged for me. I'm used to diving right into my kink books already in the submissive position ready to say "Yes, Sir" because the Doms are experienced. This is more my preference than the books fault. I enjoyed it more as the scenes became less teachy.

For much of the first half, Logan and Curtis' interactions and scenes were hot but sterile. They had many scenes without any emotion and zero kissing.

“You’re so all fired to get me trussed up. How about you tie me to the bed and fuck me until I can’t think?”

Like I said, hot. But, it was strictly about fulfilling a physical need. The shift in their relationship happened slowly and each scene became more intimate than the last. It became about more than getting off and somehow a friendship and then feelings snuck through the walls Curtis had built. I had a hard time connecting with them for a bit but was fully on board with their transformation by the end. They were perfect for each other. It was enjoyable to see that their bedroom dynamics didn't hinder the other parts of their lives but enhanced them. I liked that they weren't locked into their roles as D/s in the bedroom and would sometimes switch and allow themselves to be vulnerable. These tender moments had me rooting for them whether it was a flogging with fucking or forehead kisses and blow job. I believed them.

“Things were changing between us, encounter by encounter, moment by moment, and while it scared me, I also reveled in it.”

One of the things that had me scratching my head and wanting to take a hammer to my kindle was the way everyone treated Logan. It was WAY OTT on the lack of confidence they had in Logan and his ability to adult. His friends and family were all guilty of this Logan-is-a-shrinking-violet-and-can't-take-a-piss-without-a-helping-hand mentality. The comments and behaviors lacked justification. His parents made me ragey AF and apparently never cut the umbilical cord. Another plot point was Curtis' hang up with the age difference. The age difference was STILL brought up in the "7 months later" chapter. *smdh*

Anyway, it was a well earned HEA with a sugary sweet ending where everything was wrapped up neatly in a pretty bow. If you're new to kink and are interested in D/s, pain, etc., this would be a good starter for you. I enjoyed Tender with a Twist more than the first book in the series and I'm glad I didn't skip it. Thank goodness for kinky wood carvers. Recommended.

Group Review: Hipster Brothel by K.A. Merikan

--- The lumberjack of his dreams is now available for rent. ---

Mr. B has always been a safe guy for Jo to crush on. He’s the cutest bearded lumber-god to salivate over. Add to that his friendly, outgoing personality, and Mr. B might just be the first guy Jo would be willing to kiss. Fortunately, Mr. B has been in a relationship for years, and Jo is no home-wrecker.

But when Mr. B breaks up with his partner and all of a sudden is single, available, and talks about his plans to be sexually adventurous, Jo isn’t so sure anymore if he has the guts to come out as bisexual.

After a sour breakup, Mr. B wants to show his ex that he’s independent, exciting, and can do very well without him. His best friend Jo is there to the rescue, and they come up with a great new business venture. One thing they lack to start their own line of artisanal boozy jams - money for the investment.

After a drunken brainstorming session, Mr. B finds a way to both gather the cash and show the middle finger to his ex. He will create a one of a kind Hipster Brothel - The Lumbersexual Experience - offering wood chopping lessons, pipe smoking, and a reclaimed wood bed where the magic happens. It’s bound to be a success… if only Mr. B can go through with it, because the mixed signals from Jo are making him wonder if his best friend is as straight as he always seemed.


POSSIBLE SPOILERS:

Themes: Hipsters, sex work, friends to lovers, bisexuality, post-breakup issues, coming out, first time, alternative lifestyles, lumbersexual bear, commitment

Genre: M/M contemporary romance

Length: ~50,000 words (standalone novel)

WARNING: Explicit content, strong language. A shameless amount of buzzwords. May cause second-hand embarrassment.

Averaged!

Sara - 5 Fluffy non-ironic Hearts

This was full of fluffy lumbersexual, hipster goodness and I want to marinate in the fluff until I drink craft beers and move to a train car in the middle of nowhere that has a hot tub and a tobacco bar.

Seriously. I hugged it out with my Nook just a few minutes ago because this book makes me wanna cuddle the fuck out of something and since Jo and Mr. B are in my Nook, we had to have a few intimate moments.

Straight forward with a simple review.

Mr. B broke up with his bearded silver fox boyfriend Mr. A. Jo has been BFF’s with B since they met at CrossFit over the WOD and both men are in way over their heads with the feels but neither of them lets it be known. When they have some homemade booze one night, they get the idea of turning the train car into a brothel with Mr. B being an escort and getting a chance to sow his wild bearded, barrel chested oats.

This place will be a steaming hot inferno of lust once I’m done with it.

But you see, there is a flaw in this plan because there is a steaming vintage cup of unrequited feelings going on with Jo and Mr. B and when Jo says he’s going to help B build the Lumbersexual Experience, Jo realizes he needs to test drive the tour.

GOODNESS! This was super freaking fracking hot but with the authors, you come to expect that. It was so hot but it was also so tender and full of emotion that you almost felt intrusive when the men get intimate. I say almost because regardless of how sweet their sex was, it was just dirty enough for my inner perv to tell my hopeless romantic to STFU and watch closely. Yep. Mmm Hmm. *grunts*

So anyway. These two were so cute and I just want to hug the hell out of Mr. B on numerous occasions with how sweet he is and how he treats Jo and Jo…JO JO JO! Lord, boy you had me twisted in knots with how floppy you were with you owning all of your sexuality and yet, watching you struggle and then come to a conclusion so like romantic movie style fruition I couldn’t be mad. I mean, when you tell Mr. B what you liked with your girlfriends and how you tell Juniper and what you do for Mr. B… how could I ever be mad?

Being with him was such a revelation that Jo clung to it every day, still overwhelmed by how he’d gotten so lucky.

That end bit was hot AF and again, super swoony and just so Mr. B and Jo that it was beyond perfect. But then there is an epilogue and OMG I need to go squish something because this book gave me all the fluff feelings.

DAWWW! This was just so GOOD! The puns were totes punny and really, the hipster bits were hilarious because… hipsters, and yet kind annoying because I do some of it. Maybe I am part hipster after all but I wouldn’t appreciate the decorations over the bed in the train car.

Okay. I am done. Gonna go find someone to hug the hell out of now and maybe pet while I pretend they are Mr. B.

Lorix - 4.5 Hearts

I love KA Merikan, this writing duo always write outside the box! I mean even the title of this book, Hipster Brothel, is unique. A Hipster Brothel. I love it!

Mr B is just your average sexy lumberjack type hipster, living in an old train car smoking his pipe, building bespoke furniture and dreaming of artisinal jams. I wish there be one of them in my village. He just made me want to hug him and not let go; a gorgeous bear of a man. He's also an out and proud gay.

Jo, his BFF, is hipper and more stylish and nowhere as near as confident as his image would suggest. He's ignored his bisexuality, avoided the same sex relationship part of his personalty because it is easier to be straight. It's not as if he's faking his interest in the ladies after all. This works out just fine until he admits to himself that his feelings for Mr B are more than that of best buddies.

Being a huge fan of friends-to-lovers stories, this book was just my cup of tea. It really was. There was a little moment of angst that made me worry, but I should know better than worrying this writing duo would resort to cheap tactics to keep me reading.

I loved this story and have never wanted to visit a brothel until I read this book. Shame I'm not a gay man and the brothel was made up anyway...

Do yourselves a favour and read this book!

Chelsea - 4 Hearts

I personally find hipsters are hilarious individuals. It's so entertaining to hear about all the ways they make themselves unique as a group, but when it comes down to it, they're very creative! I loved all the hipster elements of this story, definitely entertaining.... boozy jams, rosehip donuts… so hipster.

This was an overall cute and fun friends-to-lovers story. I super loved these guy’s easy friendship and connection. I loved Mr B, like everyone else will! He's is the biggest, cutest, cuddly teddy bear ever. Sexy as hell as well!!!!!

Forget about wearing your heart on your sleeve, Mr B wears his on his forehead, so everyone can always see it! I loved how he was planning his wedding the moment after he found out Jo was bisexual, so cute!

Jo… now he is more complicated than Mr B but man, his style and general coolness sounds amazing!

Jo however is where this lost points for me. He just annoyed me too much with his fear of being labelled bisexual or gay. I mean I get it, he did justify it fairly well, but that doesn't mean I wasn't still annoyed.

Also, now that he wouldn’t be seen as a straight guy, his clothing choices would all be pinned to his sexuality, not his edgy fashion sense, and that struck right at who he was.
He was cool, and he was stylish, and it had nothing to do with who he slept with.

Maybe is was accentuated even more because Mr B is just so open, honest and vulnerable that I found it harder to read about Jo's actions.

Mr. B walked up to Jo with that wide smile, holding the flowers, still catching his breath after the bike ride, and before Jo knew what was happening, Mr. B leaned down and gave him a kiss.
His warm lips were gone in half a second, and yet time seemed to stop, everyone seemed to have gone quiet, even the music seemed muted. Was everyone looking at them?

The drama did work itself out fairly quickly and I do feel that Jo made up for all his stupid attitudes, so that's good. Oh and that HEA, that is the stuff of romances!!!!!

On a side note, of course this sex is hot. It's a Merikan story. And here we have a big ol’ bottom slut and I love those :-D.

This was a fun and pleasant read, I had a lot of fun reading it, nothing really struck me as amazing though.



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Review: Tow Trucks & New Year's Kisses by Lila Leigh Hunter

A Jag with out-of-state plates is the last car Scott DeLaney expected to find when answering a tow call as a favor to his drunken godson. But, the tall man in the fedora seems like a nice reward until Scott finds out the stranger's destination. Yes, he'd take care of the brooding man, but he has a selfish reason for it.

Finding himself in a ditch after dodging a deer is the least of Patrick Samuels's problems when his rescuer arrives, wearing a tuxedo and driving a hot pink flatbed. Perhaps his older brother’s scheme will benefit Patrick after all.

Who knew that a New Year’s kiss is far more efficient than any boardroom strategy to seal a deal?

I did it again! I saw a gorgeous cover and I went right on in without thinking twice. I mean really, do you see all that lumbersexual hotness up there? I just couldn't help myself.

This short New Year's story wasn't totally bad, but it wasn't particularly good either. It was OK.

Scott was enjoying a New Year's Eve party with his ex-wife, his daughter and her boyfriend, when the boyfriend (who has special plans for his girlfriend) gets called to work. Scott took the call for a tow so his daughter could have her special night.

I really liked Scott. I thought he was a great dad, an awesome ex-husband, and hot as hell. He had a good sense of humor and was just an all-around happy guy. 

Patrick, the guy who needed the tow, had much to be desired in the personality department. When Scott arrived to help the guy out, Patrick was just rude and so unlikable to me. I can usually grow to like a character who has a turn-around, but there wasn't enough page time for me to forgive Patrick.

I didn't really understand the decisions they made and why they moved so fast. I felt what they had was more insta-lust, which I could buy into. Things were left on "we'll see what happens" ground, but decisions were made that felt more solid than that. It was a weird combo and I wasn't feeling it.

This one fell short for me. But that cover... *bites lip* damn.

A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Find out more info on Goodreads.

Anniversary Shenanigans: Author Visit & Giveaway - Eli Easton

Excuse us as we prance around! Daffodil Dapple Mane, aka Eli Easton, has stopped by to celebrate our birthday with us!

Isn't her mane enchanting? And Daffodil didn't come empty handed. She brought stable gifts for all to enjoy! Check out her flash fic and then enter for a chance to win her latest release, How To Walk Like a Man! 

Hot Workout

by

Eli Easton

“One, two, three….” Feet wide apart and the stretchy band in my hand, I did a deep bend. My ass, not coincidentally, was aimed at Mr. Dark, Furry, and Gorgeous.

My gym visits had grown exponentially since Dirk became a trainer at “Butts R Us”.  I think my jaw dropped all the way through the earth and hit China the first time I saw him. He liked to work without a shirt, which gave beaucoup oogle opps of his muscled, hairy chest and toned abs. He was covered in tattoos and had a big, full, black beard in ‘lumbersexual’ style.

Dirk’s dark eyes were sharp but frequently kind, like when I said ‘oops’ and knocked myself in the head or kneecap with a barbell and he was forced to help me to a bench. There was a twinkle in those eyes that had grown in the past few weeks that I’d been coming to the gym faithfully. Or maybe ‘flailingly’ is more apt. I hoped it was because he found me attractive and not because he thought I was ridiculous. 

Fuck it, my turquoise satin shorts might be tight, but I owned those suckers. “Four, five, fuck!”

In my quest to display the goods, I’d leaned forward too far and extended my knees too far back. Something in the back of my left leg snapped. I fell to the mat with the grace of a rhino and screamed.

“Not again!” These were the dubiously supportive words of Gigi, the other trainer on duty. She came rushing over, looking annoyed.

“I’ve got this.” It was Dirk. My hero. He waved Gigi off and knelt over me. “What happened, Brandon?”

“I think I really did it this time,” I admitted. My voice was steady but my eyes watered. It hurt like a bitch.

I vaguely pointed to my leg and Dirk grunted. “Let’s get you to the office where it’s quiet.”

He picked me up—yes, picked me up—and carried me towards the office. My arms went around his neck.

“Should I call someone?” Gigi asked loudly, sounding more worried now.

“I said I’ve got this.” Dirk winked at me.

He took me to the trainer’s office, which was small, smelled of an unforgivable lapse in the use of underarm spray, and was cluttered. But there was an old couch, and he laid me carefully down on top of it. “Roll over,” he said gently.

Despite my pain, I rolled like nobody’s business. Command me some more. I heard a stifled laugh and his hands, which were very warm, touched the backs of my thighs. Oh. My. God. That loud groan was totally about the pain. Right?

He narrowed in on the injured hamstring and touched it lightly. “Man, you really strained this muscle. You should stay off of it for at least ten days. No gym at all. In fact, walk on it as little as possible.”

No gym? “But….” I protested. How would I live without seeing Dirk?

His hands moved higher and his thumbs dug lightly into the tops of my thighs, tracing circles well above the pain and close to the hallelujah zone. His voice was rumbly. “You have to stop this, Brandon. If I ask you out, will you promise not to try to kill yourself? It’s bad for the gym’s insurance rate, you know.”

“Yes!”

Dear Lord, I’d say yes to anything with those thumbs where they were, but a date with Dirk? Possibly the hamstring had snapped entirely, leading to fatal internal bleeding, because I had to be in heaven right now. My butt slowly levitated upwards under the ministration of those thumbs.

Dirk laughed and gave me a swat on the rear. “Vixen. Come on. I’ll carry you out to your car. You should be okay to drive home since it’s your left leg. But remember stay off of it.”

He pulled me to sitting.

“Complete bedrest. I swear.” I crossed my heart, my eyes inviting him to join me in that bed anytime.

#####

Where can we find our own Dirk? Are we right? Let Eli know what you thought about "Hot Workout" in the comments!

Author Bio:

Having been, at various times, and under different names, a minister’s daughter, a computer programmer, the author of metaphysical thrillers, an organic farmer and a profound sleeper, Eli is happily embarking on yet another incarnation as a m/m romance author.

As an avid reader of such, she is tinkled pink when an author manages to combine literary merit, vast stores of humor, melting hotness and eye-dabbing sweetness into one story. She promises to strive to achieve most of that most of the time. She currently lives on a farm in Pennsylvania with her husband, three bulldogs, three cows and six chickens. All of them (except for the husband) are female, hence explaining the naked men that have taken up residence in her latest writing.

Eli currently publishes with Dreamspinner Press and has a few self-pubbed titles as well.

She also publishes thrillers under Jane Jensen.

Email her at eli at elieaston.com

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Would you like a chance to win an ebook copy of How to Walk Like a Man?

Deputy Roman Charsguard survived Afghanistan where he lost his best friend—his K-9 handler James. Roman was a military dog until two years ago when he developed the ability to shift into a human. It’s not easy to learn how to be a man. He found a place to live in Mad Creek, a haven for the secret world of dog shifters. Finding a reason to live has been harder. That is, until a certain human walks into the Mad Creek Sheriff’s office and starts making trouble.

Matt Barclay has the worst luck. First he was shot in a SWAT drug raid, then he was sent as DEA investigator to Mad Creek, a little town in the California mountains. Matt’s job is to keep a lookout for illegal drug farms, but nobody in the town wants him there. And then there’s Roman, Matt’s erstwhile baby-sitter. He’s the hottest guy Matt’s ever seen, even if he is a bit peculiar. If this job doesn’t kill Matt, sexual frustration just might.

The town is counting on Roman to prevent Matt from learning about dog shifters, Matt’s counting on Roman to be his work partner and tell him the truth, and Roman’s trying to navigate love, sex, and a whole lot of messy human emotions. Who knew it was so complicated to walk like a man?

To enter to win an ebook copy of Eli Easton's "How To Walk Like a Man", please leave a comment on this blog post and let us know your name and a means of contacting you (e.g., email, Twitter handle, link to Goodreads account, etc.)

The giveaway is open until 10:00PM (Pacific time) on 11/17/15. Shortly thereafter, we will contact a winner whom we will select using a highly scientific "names in a hat" method (or, you know, an internet randomizer). Please respond to the winning notification within 48 hours or we will choose another winner.