Release Blitz: Earl Hathbury’s Vessel (Duty & Magic #2) by S. Rodman

 

RELEASE BLITZ

Book Title: Earl Hathbury’s Vessel (Duty & Magic, 2)

Author: S. Rodman

Publisher: Dark Angst Publishing

Cover Artist: Miblart

Release Date: August 14, 2022

Genre:  Paranormal Romance

Tropes: Hurt/comfort

Themes: Learning to love / trust

Heat Rating: 4 flames  

Length: 45 000 words

It is a standalone story, but part of a linked series. 

Each book follows a different couple. It does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads

Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon US  |  Amazon UK 

After years of cruelty, how do you learn to trust? To love?

Blurb

After years of cruelty, how do you learn to trust? To love?

It may be 2022, but the modern world has done nothing to protect me.

I live in the world of the British nobility, a secret society of magic, mages and vessels.

There are strict rules and customs and no freedom at all.

My name is Charlie, but to society, I’m just a vessel. A person who grows and absorbs magic within them, but cannot wield it.

As tradition dictates, on my eighteenth birthday, I was given to a mage. From that day onwards, every seven days for four long years, Earl Rathbone took my body to take my magic.

Earl Rathbone was a cruel and harsh master. But it was ‘the done thing’ and society turned a blind eye to my mistreatment.

Until the earl’s son finally intervened and whisked me away. Sending me to Archie. The Earl of Hathbury.

Archie is kind and sweet. The man loves books nearly as much as I do. He is nothing like Earl Rathbone.

Yet, giving Archie my body and my magic is daunting. But it is my duty and a necessity. As a vessel, I need a mage to regularly empty me or I could die.

To my great relief, Archie is understanding and gentle, and it’s not long before I start to fall for him. Finding my duty more of a pleasure.

Archie seems to enjoy our time together more than is proper, and I am hopeful.

But can Archie be trusted? Is he really safe? Will I ever be truly free?

Excerpt 

Sighing wistfully, I continued my meander around the grounds. I turned a corner around a tall hedge and found a swimming pool. I blinked in surprise. The old families usually considered them vulgar. Something only new money garishly indulged in.

It was quite tucked away and hidden by tall hedges. Whoever had installed it had known it was something to be embarrassed about.

It looked clean, if a bit tatty. It had obviously been here for a while. The pool was a decent size, surrounded by well-maintained grass. There were no sun loungers nor any other accouterments. I wondered if anyone still used it.

A few stray leaves floated on the surface, but the water looked clear. Calm and inviting. Sod it. I had nothing better to do. The day was warm enough that I’d soon dry off, even without a towel. I stripped down to my underwear, a pair of simple white briefs. Leaving my clothes carelessly strewn across the grass, I sat on the edge of the pool and dipped my toe in.

It was delightfully warm. A heated pool. Now, that was a pleasant surprise. Grinning, I slipped in. The water was divine. Feeling far too lazy to do laps, I merely bobbed around for a while. Then I floated on my back and closed my eyes. The feeling of weightlessness in the warm water, combined with the sun shining down and the birdsong, was wonderful. Maybe swimming could become my new hobby. I could come here every day. I’d soon get fit, I supposed. If I actually swam instead of floating around.

But this relaxation was lovely. Doing this everyday sounded far more alluring. I could call it meditation or something. Maybe do a bit of yoga at the poolside, so it didn’t feel quite so decadent.

Someone coughed, and it startled me so much I nearly drowned trying to get to my feet. Spluttering water out of my mouth and wiping it from my eyes, so I could see, I looked up.

It was Archie. Standing by the pool. Holding a folded white towel and wearing a white robe. His shapely legs were bare, and he had flip-flops on his feet. He had come to swim in his secret pool and found me in it.

I scrambled to the edge and heaved myself up. The poor man took a step backwards as I lunged out of the pool to stand before him, water streaming off of me onto the grass.

“I’m sorry!” I gasped, pushing my sodden hair out of my eyes with both my hands.

Archie just stared at me. A strange look on his face. His cheeks were heated, unsurprisingly. He was probably furious at me.

“It’s quite alright,” he said after a while, but his voice sounded strained.

“I’ll… I’ll leave you to your peace,” I stuttered and hastily scooped up my clothes that seemed to be scattered everywhere. Making it take forever to gather them. When I eventually had them all, I ran.

When I was far enough away, out of sight and hearing, I stopped, chest heaving. I dropped my clothes onto the ground so I could start dressing. As I glanced down, I saw my wet underwear was entirely see through.

Groaning, I covered my blush with my hands. Not that there was anyone to see now.

“Nice one, Charlie,” I said to myself. Just what his lordship wanted to see. I thought sarcastically. Great way to get to know your new master, invade his private pool and then flash him.

About the Author 

I love characters that are battered and broken by life, who through the course of finding love, discover they are strong.

I like to pour my dark past into my characters and hope I will be forgiven.

Despite everything, because of everything, I will always believe that love conquers all.

Social Media Links

Blog/Website  |   Facebook  |   Twitter

Instagram  |  Newsletter Sign-up  | TikTok 

Hosted by Gay Book Promotions

Release Blitz: The Schoolmaster’s Spy (Winsford Green #3) by Ruby Moone

The Schoolmaster’s Spy (Winsford Green #3) is out! Read more about the regency romance from author Ruby Moone and Gay Book Promotions!

 

RELEASE BLITZ

Book Title: The Schoolmaster’s Spy

Author: Ruby Moone 

Publisher: Self-Published 

Cover Artist: Meredith Russell 

Release Date: October 28, 2021 

Genre: Regency MM 

Tropes: School Crushes / King’s spy with trust issues & geeky school master 

Themes: Trust, love, finding a family, self-acceptance 

Heat Rating:  4 flames

Length: 93 000 words

It is book three in the Winsford Green Series and does not end on a cliffhanger.

Book 1 – Dances Long Forgotten

Book 2 – People Like Us 

Goodreads Series 

Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

Universal Link   |  Amazon US  |   Amazon UK 

Mark Dexter was the one boy that schoolmaster, Felix Brook, never forgot. Ten years later, he’s back… 

Blurb

With Bonaparte defeated, King’s spy, Captain Mark Dexter is furious at being sent to investigate the latest headmaster of his old school, rather than a smuggling ring on the south coast. Things look up considerably when he realises that the schoolmaster he admired above all others, Felix Brook, is still there. The man who listened to him, the man who cared about him, the man who is still out of bounds. With only half an eye on the job, Dexter puts Felix in a compromising position. The mission goes catastrophically wrong, leaving Felix to bear the brunt of the repercussions. With his commanding officer after his blood, and Felix running from him, Dexter is desperate to put things right.

Felix Brook, schoolmaster, is devoted to Hestingley’s school and its pupils. His life is quiet and unremarkable, but When Mark Dexter turns up at an Old Boys’ dinner, he turns Felix’s life inside out. In the decade since he last saw him, the wild, unpredictable schoolboy has become a devastatingly handsome man. Felix can scarcely believe it when Dexter makes his attraction clear, it’s like a dream come true. Until it all goes wrong.

Reluctantly thrown together at the Winsford Green annual Summer Fete, Felix and Dexter attempt to piece together what happened, rebuild trust, and deal with the searing passion that still burns between them. When the truth is finally revealed, Felix must not only prove his innocence, but hold tightly to love as Dexter’s world crumbles beneath him.

Excerpt

Felix yelled aloud at the shock of running into someone in the dark corridor. A firm hand clamped over his mouth and Felix clutched the strong arm that held him. When the hand eased a little, he was wondering frantically what to say by way of explanation for his presence, when a wave of sandalwood mingled with leather hit him. There was only one person in the world who smelled like that. Only one person with that underlying scent of manliness. He swallowed and stared at the floor, gathering his composure. Why would Dexter be here? Why? The conclusion he drew both terrified and exhilarated him.

The hand over his mouth lifted and Felix had to make himself not lick his lips.

“Brook?” It was him. Mark Dexter was standing in front of him, one arm holding him tight. Felix had regretted not taking up the earlier, blatant invitation with every fibre of his being. Castigated himself as an abject looby for not responding with at least a smidgeon of sophistication and behaving like the insular, lonely schoolmaster he was.

“You followed me.” He hadn’t a clue what else to say.

“Is that what you think?”

Felix had to look up at that. “Well, why else are you here?”

Moonlight shone through the window beside them, casting a ghostly glow over Dexter’s head, making his hair look darker and his eyes gleam.

“Why else indeed,” Dexter whispered and stepped closer. Felix’s instinct was to run, but he held his ground. This was probably the last chance he would get to spend time with him. Who was he fooling? Spend time? He didn’t want to spend time, he wanted to… Well, he didn’t know what in God’s name he wanted but it involved Captain Mark Dexter in his rooms. In his bed, leaning over him, kissing him, feeling the weight of him. Christ, he wanted him naked.

“Do you want me to leave?” Dexter was so close he could feel the warmth from his body.

This was it. All he had to do was say ‘yes’ and he was sure that Dexter would leave. He had done so last time.

“Mr. Brook?”

“My name is Felix,” he said, surprised at how deep and rough his voice was.

A smile spread across Dexter’s sculpted features. “Felix,” he whispered as though tasting the word on his tongue.

“You can’t be calling me Mr. Brook. That man was your teacher.”

“And this man, Felix?”

Felix shivered as Dexter moved closer. He touched his nose to Felix’s ear and the breath left Felix’s chest. His eyes fluttered closed, his mouth opened on a soundless word, and he leaned into the contact.

Dexter’s hand slid around Felix’s waist, and he pulled him a tiny bit nearer. He pushed his nose against Felix’s cheek and nuzzled. Felix felt the soft warmth of his breath, the scent of his skin, and the latent strength in the body that stood so, so close.

“Might this man, Felix, be my lover for tonight?”

About the Author

Ruby Moone lives in the wilds of Lancashire with her husband and writes historical and contemporary romance. At school, her teachers said that she lived with her head in the clouds and if she didn’t stop daydreaming she would never get anywhere. She never did stop daydreaming, and after years of happily living in the clouds, decided to write the stories down.

Social Media links

Facebook Page  |  Facebook Group - Ruby’s Room  

Twitter  |  Instagram  |  Tumblr

Webpage and Newsletter sign up

Hosted by Gay Book Promotions

Review: The Gentle Art of Fortune Hunting by K.J. Charles

Robin Loxleigh and his sister Marianne are the hit of the Season, so attractive and delightful that nobody looks behind their pretty faces.

Until Robin sets his sights on Sir John Hartlebury’s heiress niece. The notoriously graceless baronet isn’t impressed by good looks, or fooled by false charm. He’s sure Robin is a liar—a fortune hunter, a card sharp, and a heartless, greedy fraud—and he’ll protect his niece, whatever it takes.

Then, just when Hart thinks he has Robin at his mercy, things take a sharp left turn. And as the grumpy baronet and the glib fortune hunter start to understand each other, they also find themselves starting to care—more than either of them thought possible.

But Robin's cheated and lied and let people down for money. Can a professional rogue earn an honest happy ever after?

When Robin and Marriane Loxleigh take London society by storm, it’s no secret that they are of humble origins. It’s also no secret that the siblings are angling for advantageous matches.

But Robin sets his sights on the wrong heiress, coming face-to-face with her curmudgeonly and overprotective uncle, Sir John Hartlebury.

Few tropes titillate me as much as a good enemies-to-lovers tale. Throw in Regency high society, a cast of interesting characters, and some damn good UST, and you can consider me thoroughly titillated.

                                   

I was rooting for Robin and Marianne from the beginning. Two upstarts able to turn le bon ton’s game on its head; more power to them! Plus, I adored how devoted they were to each other.

From the outset, Robin’s ambitions and Hart’s suspicions mean that the two are bound to clash. Hart is immune to Robin’s social charms, unlike the rest of London society.

But despite their frosty interactions, there’s an underlying tension between them that goes beyond the Marriage Mart.

I thought their mutual dismay at how attractive they found the other was hilarious. Even better was how Hart and Robin unsettled one another.

When the situation finally implodes - it was only a matter of time - the outcome was delicious. Hart and Robin really don’t hold back on working through that bottled-up tension!

Where this book really shines is that the physical relationship solves absolutely nothing. I really liked how the two men were still ideologically opposites for the majority of the book, which made their growing feelings for each other all the more complicated.

Hart needed quite a few teaching moments on hypocrisy, class, and gender (though the last could have been explored a bit more), and Robin didn’t hold back. It was great!

However, I did feel like there were some missing bits at the end. It seems like a lot changed, but was only summarized, in the epilogue. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but I ended the book feeling distracted.

That being said, Hart and Robin’s HEA was very well-deserved and was perfect for them. Recommended read if you’re looking for an MM Regency romance!

A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Review: The Englor Affair (Sci-Regency #2) by J.L. Langley

A Sci-Regency Novel: sequel to My Fair Captain

Anxious to escape the confines of Regelence society, if only for a little while, Prince Payton Townsend poses as an admiral’s aide to further investigate a dangerous conspiracy. Payton plans only to use his computer skills to help navigate the tangled web of mystery and deceit on planet Englor, then return home, but he finds himself drawn to the charismatic Colonel Simon Hollister.

Simon, however, is no mere soldier—he is heir to the throne of Englor, and his life is meticulously planned to include a bride and heir. Unlike Regelence, the Regency society on Englor disapproves of same-sex relationships, and Payton and Simon’s attraction plays out in a daring secret affair, one Simon never expected would grow into love.

Risking scandal and certain ruin if they are discovered, Payton and Simon uncover more about a common enemy and a deadly plot that imperils both their worlds. But in this game of interplanetary intrigue, love might be the ultimate casualty….

The second in this space opera series was just as fluffy and feel-good as the first only this time it's set on the Regency "companion" planet Englor and involves Lord Plague a.k.a. Payton and the future king of Englor, Simon. Payton accompanies Nate to his home planet posing as his aide due to his computer prowess. However he finds himself drawn to the military life and enjoys assists in the investigation into the shenanigans that occurred on Regelence in book one.

One rather problematic fly in the ointment is he soon finds himself enthralled with the giant ginger at the gym.

*pause for applause on the alliteration*

The tension between Simon and Payton builds much the same as it did with Aiden and Nate with the addition of Payton essentially investigating Simon as a possible suspect in the spy game. The tension and heat builds nicely between them. I am a fan of public and or semi-public shenanigans and these two are a fan of the each other. At the gym. Though there was enough actual relationship development to satisfy me as well.

As backwards as it sounds, I'm almost more invested in the investigation than these romances which may entice me to carry on with the series. I need to know who this villainous villain is! Plus, my curiosity was piqued by the Colton pining over Sebastian that was hinted at more than once in My Fair Captain so...

Aside from the subplot, I share a fondness for a size difference that Langley seems to favor and who doesn't like a bit of feel-good fluff set in space in a Regency time period from time to time?

Say that four times really fast.

If any of the above appeals give The Englor Affair a try, though you will likely need to read My Fair Captain first.

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

Release Blitz + Giveaway: Lucas by Elna Holst

Author Elna Holst and IndiGo Marketing host today's release blitz for Lucas. Find out more about the regency romance and enter in the $10 NineStar Press credit giveaway!

Title: Lucas

Author: Elna Holst

Publisher: NineStar Press

Release Date: April 13, 2020

Heat Level: 3 - Some Sex

Pairing: Female/Female

Length: 65100

Genre: Historical Romance, LGBTQIA+, FF romance, 19th century, Regency, the Romantic era, ladies, pastor, doctor, Austen continuation, epistolary novel, novel-in-letters, pastiche, queering the canon

Add to Goodreads

Synopsis

I thought ease would come, here, tucked away in the safe uneventfulness of Hunsford. It would seem I was mistaken.

In 1813, upon her marriage to Mr Collins, the rector of Hunsford Parsonage, Charlotte Collins née Lucas left her childhood home in Hertfordshire for Kent, where she is set to live out her life as the parson’s wife, in an endless procession of dinners at Rosings Park, household chores, correspondence, and minding her poultry. But Mrs Collins carries with her a secret, a peculiar preference, which is destined to turn all her carefully laid plans on their head.

Lucas is a queer romance, a mock-epistolary novel, and a retelling and continuation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, teeming with Regency references and Sturm und Drang. It is an homage to English literature—and a brazen, revisionist fan fiction. But, first and foremost, it is a love story. Read it as you will.

Excerpt

Heiligenschwendi, near Thun
February, 1852

Darling Izzie,

Enclosed you will find some old papers of my aunt’s—my twice dead aunt!—of the queerest nature. I trust you to burn them before you so much as read a line of them, for that was my downfall. My papa would have them burnt, and as you know, his directions must be followed. Luckily, he did not suspect the exact contents of my aunt’s escritoire, or he would have never trusted me with the office.

My dear, these belles lettres, as we may call them, are really too shocking for words. More shocking even than that vile rake Cleland’s effusions; for, as we know, that is but fiction, whereas, this! I blush to think on the likely veracity of these incendiary epistles. As you shall see—but I forget myself, you shall not see. You must burn everything at once, even this, my prefatory note, for if my papa or your mamma were to find out

— Well!

I long to see you, dear. Switzerland is rather dreary and dull this time of year, which, come to think of it, England is, too, but it has the decided advantage of your companionship. I am eager, very eager, to return and be once more

Your faithful and ever loving,
Lottie

Purchase

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

Meet the Author

Often quirky, always queer, Elna Holst is an unapologetic genre-bender who writes anything from stories of sapphic lust and love to the odd existentialist horror piece, reads Tolstoy, and plays contract bridge. Find her on Instagram or Goodreads.

Website | Instagram

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Honeythorn by Marina Vivancos

Omega Milan Pryor knows his duty. He must travel North through the continent towards the snow, the cold, and his new betrothed. They say that Lord Alpha Raphael Ledford, the man he is to marry, is as artic as the weather of his land. But Milan has always been an optimist. Perhaps he might find friendship in the arranged marriage. Even love.

It doesn’t take long for Milan to realize that all the rumours about Lord Raphael are true. Reclusive, distant, frigid. Milan finds himself unwelcome in what he must now call his new home. He’s used to fighting for what he wants—but can he survive a husband as cruel as Lord Raphael?

Being bonded to one who rejects you is a painful thing. Will Milan be able to win his husband’s regard? What terrible secret is Lord Raphael keeping, and will Milan be able to discover it before it’s too late?

Or will Milan perish along with his heart?

Honeythorn is set in an AU with a regency feel and a healthy side of steampunk tech. I really enjoyed the world the author built and she did a great job of working it all into the story organically so I got a good “visual” of the setting. And the setting is just as much a character as the MC’s and secondary characters. Rather than a gender divide between men and women, the society is split between Alphas and Omegas where the Omegas are not typically treated as equals.

The war has ended and to keep the peace the monarchy of each country has agreed to arranged marriages between the royal families. Milan, an Omega from the warm and sunny south is paired with Raphael, an Alpha from the cold and frigid North. The two of them are opposites personified. Milan may be an Omega, but he’s no shrinking violet and he’s determined to make the most of his new life and be a good Omega to the citizens of Raphael’s realm.

In the beginning their relationship was . . . not good. Raphael was really a dick, that’s basically the best way to describe it. There were enough glimpses of interactions with his subjects to show me that he was really a good guy underneath the prickly exterior, but his dynamic with Milan said otherwise. It was obvious he had a backstory that broke him, but being that the story is told completely from Milan’s perspective I didn’t get those pieces until much later.

So, the first half of the book was the push/pull of an arranged marriage between an Alpha and an Omega who had no hope of ever falling into like with one another much less love. Raphael comes across as just plain cruel for awhile and I have to say, it was a period where I enjoyed hating him along with Milan. You know how that goes? You and an MC get on the same hate train for another character? It’s fun.

Raphael’s cruelty was born of ignorance though and when shit officially got real for Milan and Raphael had his nonsense called out for what it was, he turned the corner and became the character he was meant to be all along. His backstory came out and so did the romance. It was hard won and well earned by the time the two of them started “courting”. There was some good steam before the romance came along, but the steam in the second half was so much better because the feels were finally along for the ride too.

Milan is a great character and once Raphael got his head out of his ass so was he. If enemies to lovers is your jam, then this book will be your crack. The enemy part was so well done and visceral, I really DID NOT like Raphael, but the second half romance was even better and sold me on Raphael eventually. I also swooned over how very protective of Raphael Milan was especially considering their Alpha/Omega roles. I think that’s what I appreciated about Honeythorn so much; while the trope is not new, the delivery was fresh and fun to read.

Quick little paragraph of love for the cover of Honeythorn. Look at it. Look how pretty it is! It also captured the mood of the book really, really well. That’s Milan and one of his beautiful suits right there, no doubt about it. And there he is sitting in his favorite room of the castle. I do appreciate the author making him so much more than just a pretty face with a side of sass. His intelligence and empathy towards others made me love him all the more.

The secondary characters were very strong and I enjoyed reading the interactions between them and the MCs. Secondary characters with that much depth can be helpful when getting to know MCs with so much story to tell so I’m being shown who they are and getting to know them at the same pace the secondary characters are and it makes it so much more interesting than being told who they are.

I would love a short follow up with Milan and Raphael (and their puppies) to see them settled into their HEA. Once the BIG conflict is solved there’s some downtime for them, but I wanted some more. Mostly just because I’m greedy and I was enjoying the warm fuzzies of their relationship.

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

Tag Team Review: Diplomatic Relations (Sci-Regency #4) by J.L. Langley

A Sci-Regency Novel: sequel to My Regelence Rake

Opposites don’t just attract... they sizzle.

A lusty special forces soldier who lives by his own set of rules, Dalton Fairfax decided long ago to stop wishing for his father’s love, and he found his calling. Now that he’s back home and between assignments, he finds himself at loose ends. When the opportunity arises to play bodyguard and help out his country, Dalton jumps at the chance. Not only does it keep him busy, but it just so happens that his charge is the man he saw on leave last month and hasn’t been able to get out of his head.

Heir to a dukedom and a conservative politician, Blaise Thompson strives to prove himself worthy of carrying on the family legacy as the next IN Councilman. However, his closest competitor keeps getting in the way and taking credit for Blaise’s ideas. Maintaining his stellar reputation isn’t easy to do while keeping his outrageous younger brother in line and foiling his rival’s personal attacks. He has no time for a guard and even less time for romance.

When a priceless antique goes missing, Blaise and Dalton discover that Regelence has larger problems than just IN plots. Now the only way to stop a scandal that threatens both of them is to compromise, and they are forced to confront the risk of losing everything… even each other.

Averaged!

R *A Reader Obsessed* - 4 Hearts

Again, consistent futuristic sci-fi with a historical vibe, I continue to enjoy the trope of the virginal young man and his efforts to stay so despite a deplorable rake who’s doing his darnedest to rectify the situation.

Here Dalton, the cousin of the Regelence princes who are prominent throughout this series, has sort of a reputation, one that he’s personally perpetuated due to some major unresolved issues with his dads. Though Dalton’s somewhat more respectable having served in the military, it’s hard to keep a good troublemaker down!

By the books Blaise, is an intergalactic diplomat in training. He’s had his whole life planned out for him, and that's just the way he likes it. However, when Dalton becomes his bodyguard, Blaise can’t help being bad right alongside him as they further uncover some unsavory things about the Intergalactic Navy who has its own sinister plan to rule the galaxy.

As always, the main mystery continues to flow through each installment, where small reveals are made towards exposing said tyrannical conspiracy. Though this wasn’t my favorite, Langley delivers on her theme of progressive high society and the men who love to break its rules. This had a nice dose of punch-you-in-the-guts feels, with a good dash of sexy.

Overall, I really just enjoy this royal family and all the shenanigans they get into and try to get out of. I impatiently look forward to their next adventure!

Adam - 3.5 hearts

These Sci-Regency books were some of the first MM reads I picked up, so this series is special for me. I was over the moon to hear that JL Langley was making her comeback with book #4!

‘Diplomatic Relations’ tells the story of rakish special forces soldier Dalton Fairfox and the more tightly-laced up-and-coming politician Blaise Thompson. The two very different men are thrown together by circumstance, and soon find that the connection between them can’t be denied.

It took me a while to get in to the book, as I re-familiarized myself with the various characters and what their connections to each other were, and how the different plotlines intersected.

Once I’d gotten that straightened out though, it was smoother sailing.

I love an opposites-attract romance, and ‘Diplomatic Relations’ delivers. Dalton eschews Regelence’s social norms and can’t be bothered with love or propriety. Blaise is the meek wallflower waiting for his knight in shining armour.

The two couldn’t be more different. Yet from the moment they meet, the sexual tension is undeniable.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Dalton bringing Blaise’s scandalous side out, and seeing Blaise love every moment of it.

The relationship borders on insta-love, and was definitely insta-lust. But the romance was very sweet and sexy.

However, their relationship isn’t all about the physical side of things. They slowly but surely become friends, and both reveal things to each other that they’ve kept bottled up for years.

They may be opposites, but they find in each other the one man who just really understands. It doesn’t take long for Dalton and Blaise to count the minutes until they can next meet.

My only complaint is that the political intrigue aspect of the book was unnecessarily drawn out. Nothing really happens, so the build up seemed like repetitive page filler.

The angst, when it does come, was completely understandable. But it didn’t take too long to be resolved, and Blaise and Dalton end with a brilliant happy ever after!

Overall I really liked ‘Diplomatic Relations’. It wasn’t the grandest romance in the series, but I’m looking forward to seeing where it goes next!

Review copies were provided by the publisher in exchange for honest reviews.

Tag Team Review: Mr. Winterbourne's Christmas (Winterbourne #2) by Joanna Chambers

Lysander Winterbourne and Adam Freeman have been living happily at Edgeley Park for the last eighteen months. By day Lysander is Adam’s estate manager, by night, his lover, but neither man has spoken of their deeper feelings. Is this a happy-ever-after or just a convenient arrangement?

When the two men are invited to Winterbourne Abbey for a family Christmas, matters quickly come to a head. Snowed in at the Abbey with a house full of guests, they have to face up to shocking revelations, long-held secrets and a choice Lysander never expected to have to make…










Adam - 3 Hearts

When I originally read Joanna Chamber’s short story ‘Introducing Mr. Winterbourne’ in the 2014 anthology ‘Another Place in Time’, I was absolutely delighted. The only problem was wanted more than just the brief glimpse of the beginning of Adam and Lysander’s relationship.

Well my wish came true about four years later, in a delightful holiday package.

Eighteen months after agreeing to become Adam’s estate manager, Lysander is living a blissful existence. He’s completely head over heels for Adam. And Adam’s equally in love.

I think I swooned multiple times reading the first few pages from both men’s perspectives. They’re just so cute together. And while readers didn’t get to see that initial falling-in-love phase after the end of book 1, I had no doubt how both their world’s revolved around each other.

And they give each other something they need - Adam is the stability Lysander was looking for, and Lysander reminds Adam to enjoy life.

The only problem is that the two haven’t told each other how they feel, with both men a bit insecure about what the future will hold.

Things get a tad bit more complicated when Adam is invited to spend Christmas with Lysander’s family at Winterbourne Abbey. Family drama can definitely put a damper on the holidays!

This is where things took a bit of a downturn for me. At a certain point, the side stories of multiple secondary characters drowned out the romance. I could have done with less distractions.

Even so, I thoroughly enjoyed the continuation of Adam and Lysander’s love story once the book got back to the main plot. I was swooning again when the two got all vulnerable and lovey-dovey with each other.

And since Joanna Chambers definitely left some room for it, I’ve got my fingers-crossed for future installments in Mr. Winterbourne and Mr. Freeman’s tale!

Optimist ♰King's Wench♰ - 2 Hearts

BLLLLLEEEERRRRGGGGHHHHHHHH! ☹️😫😢

I wanted this to put me into a fluff coma, a Regency, peppermint scented fluffgasmic coma the likes of which would make even Kris Kringle take notice.

I'm not sure I have the words to express how disappointed I am that I didn't have that experience.

Lysander and Adam continue to have my attention as do their respective best friends, Perry and Jonny. I will be there with bells on if there are more stories in this universe.

Unfortunately, I couldn't get my bells to jingle for "Mr. Winterbourne's Christmas", mostly because they kept getting silenced by family drama and other secondary romance narratives.

I just wanted them to be together! To have a fluffy holiday time, maybe drink some wassail and sing carols in a bucolic and snow covered pastoral setting. Maybe they'd be snowed in and have to get creative in keeping each other warm and it would involve mistletoe and maybe ice skating on a pond or a sleigh ride even!

I don't ask for much. Well, maybe I do.

Instead they travel to the dilapidated Winterbourne Abbey and spend most of their time apart and angsting about how the other feels about them all while everyone and their cousin (literally) is feeling the holiday lurve.

I appreciate the inclusion and all but I guess my expectations differed so vastly from what was on the page that I was never able to right the ship.

I did like the kooky and plainspoken Mrs. Winterbourne though. She was the comic relief highlight. I also enjoyed the fluffy ending. It just wanted enough fluff to sate me. Sadly.

Obviously, my opinions are my own and YMMV.

Review copies were provided in exchange for honest reviews.

Review: My Regelence Rake (Sci-Regency #3) by J.L. Langley

A Sci-Regency Novel: sequel to The Englor Affair

Sebastian Hastings, Viscount Wentworth, is captain of the Royal Guard by day and scandalous rake by night. To protect the royal family of Regelence from the plots of the Intergalactic Navy, Sebastian makes it his priority to personally oversee their safety.

Prince Colton Townsend is done pining after the roguish viscount and focuses his attention on his second love—horses. Following his dream of owning a racehorse breeding farm distracts Colton from his heartache… until Sebastian begins shadowing him.

When a good deed at a horse auction sparks public rumors, Colton just might get the man and the marriage he’s longed for. But Sebastian’s duties and secrets keep him walled off from those who would get close.

To reach Sebastian, Colton takes one last risk that might break his heart….

Seriously, this just keeps getting better and better!

It pains me to know that this might be the only series of its kind - a space opera steeped heavily in military royalty espionage, all against a backdrop of a society that holds to Regency rules. Unless somebody knows differently?? Anybody??

Regardless, this time around focuses on Prince Colton, who has finally resigned himself to the fact that Lord Sebastian Wentworth, aka a notorious rake, is never going to notice him, and that he simply needs to move on with his life. If only…

What Colton doesn't know is that Sebastian basically feels unworthy to even contemplate being his consort and thus, the situation is moot. However, it soon becomes apparent to Sebastian that the boy has grown into a damn beautiful man that he can no longer ignore, nor does he want to.

Luckily, many a circumstance and two wonderfully mischievous dads (and their various co-conspirators) work hard to bring Colton and Sebastian together. Such humorous levity that includes a fabulous ensemble cast, juxtaposes the more serious main mystery of the series, balancing things out wonderfully to make this a really fun and entertaining installment!

Fear not, there’s plenty of strict societal rules ready to be broken, with forbidden stolen kisses and fervent secret groping. This was especially extra fraught with feels, adding depth to the reliable hot UST and smexy smex, all intermingled with my favorite turmoil of insecurity, jealousy, and doubt. Yum!

So again, consistently delicious, sink-your-teeth-in goodness, blending scifi and historical genres perfectly on a futuristic planet all about men loving men.

Propriety that begs to be dismantled was never stripped so sweetly than in this series. Mmmm hmmm. I can hardly wait for the next!

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

Review: Introducing Mr. Winterbourne by Joanna Chambers

Lysander Winterbourne appears to lead a charmed life. Handsome, amiable, and a renowned sportsman, he is the darling of London society. As far as Adam Freeman is concerned though, Lysander is just another spoiled aristocrat.

A wealthy mill owner, Adam has no time for the frivolous world of the ton, but when his younger brother becomes engaged to Althea Winterbourne, he reluctantly agrees to be introduced to society–with the Winterbourne clan’s golden boy as his guide.

Resigning himself to a few days of boredom, Adam is surprised to learn that there is much more to Lysander than his perfect surface. But will Adam have the courage to introduce Lysander Winterbourne to his own secret self?

Simply Delightful!

This little story put a smile on my face with the first curricle mention. There's just something about this era that appeals to me, all that buttoned up stodgyness just begging to be ripped open like a kid a Christmas. *shivers* I love it. I also have an age difference kink and there is a slight one here. Plus, if it gets your motor running, Lysander is a virgin.

In my opinion, few others can deliver the Regency goods like Joanna Chambers and she did with this little dumpling. 

Adam and Lysander have an enemies vibe initially, though it's more like animosity on Adam's part since he's been shunned by the aristocracy for being a commoner. A commoner with enviable wealth, to be certain, but a commoner nonetheless. He assumes Lysander is another in a long line who've looked down their noses at him.

Lysander quickly dispels that notion and over the course of a day the two form a connection. The evolution happened right before my very eyes! Every moment they spent together was economic in the relationship development sense and along the way both of their personalities emerged through the dual perspectives as did their attraction to each other. 

Though they only know each other a day, I completely bought into their connection and loved every minute with them whether it be fencing, sharing a meal or dancing in the moonlight, I wanted more, more of the Lysander's sweet shyness and more of Adam's grouchiness and more of them finding common ground and becoming more comfortable as they discover they are cut from the same cloth. Some may naysay the speed of the sexytimes but CARPE DIEM, I say!

Through language and knowledge of the era Joanna Chambers created an atmosphere that immediately transported me to this world and I look forward to re-entering it with "Mr. Winterbourne's Christmas" soon.

Recommend to historical romance fans who like their enemies to lovers trope on the lite side.

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

Group Review: Band Sinister by K.J. Charles

Sir Philip Rookwood is the disgrace of the county. He’s a rake and an atheist, and the rumours about his hellfire club, the Murder, can only be spoken in whispers. (Orgies. It’s orgies.)

Guy Frisby and his sister Amanda live in rural seclusion after a family scandal. But when Amanda breaks her leg in a riding accident, she’s forced to recuperate at Rookwood Hall, where Sir Philip is hosting the Murder.

Guy rushes to protect her, but the Murder aren’t what he expects. They’re educated, fascinating people, and the notorious Sir Philip turns out to be charming, kind—and dangerously attractive.

In this private space where anything goes, the longings Guy has stifled all his life are impossible to resist...and so is Philip. But all too soon the rural rumour mill threatens both Guy and Amanda. The innocent country gentleman has lost his heart to the bastard baronet—but does he dare lose his reputation too?

4.333 average!

Chelsea - 5 Hearts

Magical. Charles can do no wrong, seriously! Sweet, sexy, and beautifully romantic, this book had me doing nothing for a whole day until I'd completely devoured it.

I've never read a book by Georgette Heyer, but from what I hear people will be very excited to hear Band Sinister was inspired by Heyer’s writing. I obviously can't compare but all I know is every single character in this book was wonderfully crafted and that was KJ Charles and her alone (with the help of editors of course :-P). Once again the Charles writes amazing female characters and Amanda is one of my most favourite female characters ever! I would loooove to see a short story revolving around her love story.

Guy has not admitted his attraction to other men, therefore when Phillip starts revealing truths and demanding honesty, Guy finds his virginity in a somewhat shaky state.

“But, well. Would I like sodomy?”
“That is without a doubt the best question that has ever been asked . English was invented purely so that you could ask that.”

Let's just say I love a good deflowering and the build-up between Philip and Guy was superb. Slowly getting to know Phillip and his Murder was engaging and so much damn fun as well!!

The tension, ridiculously sexy climax and heart melting happily ever after has this book being an all time favourite and will definitely be reread many times in the future.

Adam - 4 Hearts

KJ Charles knocks it out of the park with another fun, sexy, and sweet MM historical romance.

Though they’re neighbours, Frisby siblings and Sir Philip Rookwood don’t mingle. A family scandal, and Sir Philip’s reputation, make any friendship impossible.

That is until Amanda Frisby ends up at recuperating at Rookwood Hall with a broken leg. Her brother, Guy, doesn’t leave Amanda’s side, intent on keeping her safe from Philip and his notorious friends.

But despite their mutual reservations, Guy and Philip can’t help but find each other captivating. In the midst of fields and trees, the country gentleman and the rake fall for each other.

Both have family histories that have made their interactions with society difficult. Philip’s response is a middle-finger to high society and all its expectations.

Guy, on the other hand, struggles between being the upstanding gentleman he’s expected to be, and the freer man he really wants to be. The kind of men Philip and his friends are.

The friends, by the way, were highly entertaining and added to the story.

Slowly, Philip brings Guy out of his uptight shell. What starts off as an uneasy truce becomes a tentative friendship, and then spills into something more.

I loved the progression of their relationship, and how both insisted on mutual respect and agreement before taking things further.

And they definitely set the sheets on fire once they got down to it!

The two actually communicate, which earned them bonus points from me.

And it was sweet to see how Guy and Philip filled the holes in each others’ lives. Both had people who meant to the world to them, Philip’s two childhood friends John and Corvin and Guy’s sister, but for each other they became the one that was just his own.

Overall, I really enjoyed ‘Band Sinister’. The MCs were well-rounded, the romance was sweet, the cast of characters was entertaining, and the HEA was beautiful. I’d love to read Corvin and John’s stories too!

Lost in a Book - 4ish Stars

Whoa! Anyone else have to reread the title page on this one just to make sure it was a KJC book? No murder? No angsty relational and/or time period peril? This is insanely lighthearted compared to her previous writes. It’s practically fit for teenage consumption if you throw a chastity belt on it. (Is that still a thing?) I couldn’t help comparing the feel of Band Sinister to her others and I think the Grinch KJ Charles’ heart has increased in size.

Ok, so I’m a huge fan of KJC whether we are chasing antacids with alcohol just to get through the angst/death or this spoon full of sugar featuring Sir Phillip Rookwood and Guy Frisby. The blurb does a great job setting the stage for this story so let's get this party started.

Rookwood and Frisby dislike each other greatly. It’s more of a my family has had awful interactions with yours and your family has ruined my family type dislike and not really between the two men. Unfortunately during that time period, past family shame is enough to cloud the rest of the generations. Much to Rookwood’s dismay, Frisby’s sister (Amanda) is injured on his property and will be recovering there for at least a fortnight. Guy is devastated about his sister’s injury and beside himself with the idea of staying in the same location as the Murder. Well, he is until the men of the house begin to seem actually human; kind, compassionate, sociable, and spirited.

Frisby becomes aware of Sir Phillip’s preferences and that sets off a sexual awakening long suppressed. Phillip is like a blood hound and is on the trail as soon as Frisby begins to question what he desires. The men get to know each other as Amanda heals and Phillip volunteers to teach Guy in all things pleasure.

There's some heat along the way with the MCs and the added spice of the other men in the house having the propensity to share. Throw in some family drama, town drama, a very lively Amanda, KJC’s trademark humor laced with snark, a HEA, and Band Sinister is an entertaining, low angst read. I have to mention that Amanda is a kick ass female character and I highly enjoyed when she was on page.

It took a bit of a time getting in the groove. Due to the slow start, I liked the second half more than the first. It was another enjoyable read by one of my favorite authors. I think I prefer the Tums and alcohol compared to the low angst sweetness but I can’t wait to read Corvin’s story and see him brought to his knees. I’ll definitely continue on if this is a series. Recommended.