Showing posts with label Secret Admirer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Secret Admirer. Show all posts

Release Blitz + Giveaway: Yours, Everlasting (Enchanted Folklore #2) by Beth Bolden

Yours, Everlasting (Enchanted Folklore #2) is officially out! Join author Beth Bolden and Gay Book Promotions in celebrating the new fantasy release! Check out the book's info and enter in the $20 Amazon gift card giveaway!

 

RELEASE BLITZ

Book Title: Yours, Everlasting

Author: Beth Bolden

Cover Artist: Sleepy Fox Studio

Release Date: April 6, 2022

Genre: Fantasy MM Romance

Tropes: Opposites attract, road trip romance, secret admirer

Themes: Good versus evil, staying true to one’s self, redemption

Length: 92 000 words

Heat Rating:  4 flames      

It is not a standalone story. It is book 2 in the Enchanted Folklore series and does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads

Buy Links - Available on Kindle Unlimited

Universal Link  |  Amazon US  |   Amazon UK  

Blurb

Evrard . . .Rhys . . .Evander . . .

Evander has gone by many names in the last thousand years. He’s lived almost as many lives, using his immortality and his unique shapeshifting abilities to become anyone and anything. His goal was simple: to eradicate the malevolent magic threatening all humankind.

After finally succeeding, Evander feels he’s earned a justifiable and peaceful retirement. But the past never stays buried, and he discovers that it’s been watching him . . .

Marcos, the Guardian of War, has waited, he’s observed, he’s admired, and he’s yearned. But now it’s time for him to step into the light and let Evander see him for who he truly is.

But fate is fickle, destinies aren’t set in stone, and as much as Marcos hopes Evander might be his, it will be the fight of his life to not only win Evander’s heart, but to defeat the evil that once again raises its sinister head.

Excerpt 

Marcos knew he would not tire easily, but Rhys—Evander, that was Evander under that unassuming exterior, a marvel that would never fail to astonish him—undoubtedly would.

After watching him for hundreds of years, both keeping near to him, and also keeping his distance, Marcos was still not sure how reduced his power was.

Marcos knew he’d retained some of the magic he’d possessed before, but unlike when he’d been the Guardian of Secrets, now, he was clearly more particular about how and when he used it.

“We should stop for a rest,” Marcos said, after they’d been walking all night and partway into the day, almost without pause.

They’d stopped once, to fill their waterskins at a cold, bubbling stream. They’d long since left Beaulieu behind, and they had not even passed through a single village. Out of choice, Marcos had assumed, but it still surprised him that Evander kept to the disguise of Rhys.

Surely now that Marcos had revealed himself, Evander would let the shape of unassuming, gruff Rhys melt away until he finally was himself again.

Except not once, as far as Marcos knew, had Evander taken his normal shape since he’d been banished.

But now, now that he was with Marcos again, surely the subterfuge was unnecessary.

Rhys glared at him. Even after all these hundreds of years, watching Evander be someone else, he was not used to seeing Evander stare out at him through someone else’s face. “Do you need to stop?” he asked.

“No, of course I do not,” Marcos said. “I am a Guardian, I could walk all the way up the North Mountain without stopping. But . . .”

“But I am no longer a Guardian,” Rhys interrupted him. “Your point is clear.”

But even if it was clear, Rhys was obviously annoyed that Marcos had brought it up.

He doesn’t trust you, he thinks you’re to blame, which isn’t all that surprising, and now he thinks you’re patronizing him.

It was not the most auspicious beginning, but Marcos still held out hope that maybe they could forge a partnership, even after all this time had passed.

He just had to stop himself from saying the wrong thing and angering Evander—he is Rhys, Marcos reminded himself—even more.

So far, he had not managed even that.

Rhys stopped when the sun reached its zenith in the sky, finding a shady grouping of trees, with a large fallen log they could rest next to.

“Is this sufficient?” There was still a bite to Rhys’ words.

“Perfectly sufficient,” Marcos said, taking care to make sure there was no additional inflection to his words that would anger Rhys further. He certainly was not going to be stupid enough to remind the ex-Guardian that he did not need to rest at all.

Rhys settled down against the log. He looked tired. Perhaps if he changed forms, back to Evander, he might find additional strength. Maintaining a different form could be a strain on his power reserves.

Marcos would have suggested it but the silence that had fallen between them, and Rhys’ defensiveness every time he made even the simplest suggestion, kept him quiet.

He waited until Rhys closed his eyes, and then shut his own, sure that Rhys, who was obviously exhausted, would fall asleep quickly.

But a moment later, Rhys spoke up. “You did not mean to reveal yourself to me.”

Marcos had never been as accomplished a liar as Evander had been. He’d never needed to be. Fighting was often straightforward, with little need for deception, and he’d never gotten into the practice of telling falsehoods well.

He could lie, but it was unlikely Rhys would believe him, and the chances of Rhys being even angrier at the lie were considerable.

“No,” he said carefully. “No, I did not mean to reveal myself.”

Rhys looked like Rhys, and not anything like Evander, not like . . . not like the Guardian he’d known for so many years . . . but Marcos’ heart beat faster anyway when he opened his eyes and Rhys was staring at him—like he was trying to figure Marcos out, still.

About the Author 

A lifelong Pacific Northwester, Beth Bolden has just recently moved to North Carolina with her supportive husband. Beth still believes in Keeping Portland Weird, and intends to be just as weird in Raleigh.

Beth has been writing practically since she learned the alphabet. Unfortunately, her first foray into novel writing, titled Big Bear with Sparkly Earrings, wasn’t a bestseller, but hope springs eternal. She’s published twenty-three novels and seven novellas.

Author Links

Blog/Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |   BookBub

Instagram  |  Newsletter Sign-up

Giveaway 

Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway for a chance to win

a $20 Amazon gift card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hosted by Gay Book Promotions

Release Blitz + Giveaway: Ride or Die (Food Truck Warriors #6) by Beth Bolden

Author Beth Bolden and Gay Book Promotions returns with new release, Ride or Die (Food Truck Warriors #6)! Read more and enter in the $20 Amazon gift card giveaway!

RELEASE BLITZ

Book Title: Ride or Die (Food Truck Warriors #6)

Author: Beth Bolden

Publisher: Beth Bolden Books

Cover Artist: Cate Ashwood Designs

Release Date: January 20, 2022

Genre: Contemporary gay romance

Tropes: Bad boy, secret admirer, hookups versus relationships

Themes: Overcoming fear, found family, embracing change

Heat Rating:  4 flames  

Length:  80 000 words

It is not a standalone story. 

Goodreads

Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

Universal Link   |  Amazon US  |  Amazon UK

Can Ren’s bad boy heart be wooed and won?

Blurb

Ren Moretti likes his life—and his hookups—just the way they are: fast and loose.

He only ever hooks up with someone once, and relationships? Forget it. Never gonna happen. No guy has ever persuaded him to bend, break, or alter his one date and one night rule.

Until Seth Abramson.

Seth has always tempted Ren—but it’s not a secret that Seth won’t settle for just one night. A few dates won’t cut it, and he’s not interested in playing around. He wants it all, and he intends to win Ren’s heart.

But that’s the one thing Ren’s never given up. He guards it closely and fiercely, until one day, when he realizes it’s no longer his to protect, it’s belonged to Seth all along.

 Excerpt 

“You gonna order?” Ren asked. Hoping that he understood exactly what he meant. And he wasn’t talking about sandwiches.

“Oh yeah, I definitely am,” Seth said, and Ren’s stomach fluttered.

There was something so decisive and grown up about this guy.

Like he’d throw Ren over his shoulder and cart him back to his bedroom.

“What can I get you?” Ren asked.

Me. I can get you me. And you’d enjoy every second of it. Trust me. I’m delicious.

“That’s a real good question,” Seth said.

“I’m going to get lunch,” Lennox announced, and nobody was surprised to see him head off towards Ash’s food truck.

“Well, if you want a recommendation,” Gabe said, and Ren wished that his cousin would go do anything else right now, “you can’t go wrong with the Thai meatball crunch wrap.”

“Does everything have balls or buns?” Seth wanted to know.

Oh, Ren wanted to show him.

So badly that he deployed the smile that he usually saved for closing the deal. But then, he was closing the deal right now, wasn’t he? He could feel it in his bones.

Specifically one bone in particular.

“Yes,” Ren said.

“Straightforward,” Seth said, taking a step nearer, and now Ren could really get a good look at him. He was even sexier in higher definition and he’d made Ren’s mouth water even without the close-up look. “I like it.”

“See anything else you like?” Ren decided there was no point in delaying. They were both clearly interested. “Lucky for you, I just happen to be free tonight.”

Somehow, impossibly, Seth’s own closing smile was even more devastating than Ren’s own.

Ren was unmoored. Blown away. Blown apart.

What would it be like to be under him, when he smiled like that?

What would it feel like to kiss that smile off him?

He was going to get to find out. Ren could feel it. Could nearly taste it.

“Really straightforward,” Seth said, not sounding like he hated that at all.

“Why bother pretending that you don’t just want a sandwich?” Ren shrugged. “We’re both interested. I’m free tonight, and I know we’d both enjoy ourselves.”

“What about tomorrow, then?”

Ren had learned the hard way that it was better to always be honest about his intentions. But this guy, even if he didn’t do one-night stands, was so hooked that Ren knew there was no way he’d ever turn him down.

Ren could feel the other side of the hook, buried in him, tugging him even closer, and he dared anyone to try to resist that completely irresistible pull.

“What about tomorrow?” Ren asked archly. “Why do we have to worry about tomorrow?”

“I’m all about the tomorrows,” he admitted with a shrug. “I’m not here for just the tonights. I want to know there’s going to be a tomorrow, too.”

Ren frowned. “I don’t do tomorrows. Not when tonights are so freaking great.”

“Then I guess I’ll have to make do with just a sandwich.” Seth sounded genuinely regretful, which was why Ren didn’t even register the rejection right away. He’d been so goddamned nice about it. Like he hadn’t wanted to say no.

About the Author 

A lifelong Pacific Northwester, Beth Bolden has just recently moved to North Carolina with her supportive husband. Beth still believes in Keeping Portland Weird, and intends to be just as weird in Raleigh.

Beth has been writing practically since she learned the alphabet. Unfortunately, her first foray into novel writing, titled Big Bear with Sparkly Earrings, wasn’t a bestseller, but hope springs eternal. She’s published twenty-three novels and seven novellas.

Author Links

Blog/Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |   BookBub

Instagram  |  Newsletter Sign-up

Giveaway 

Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway for a chance to win

a $20 Amazon gift card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hosted by Gay Book Promotions

Guest Review: Secret Admirer (Love Notes #1) by D.J. Jamison


You deserve all the kisses you want ...

Benji,
I want you to know how amazing you are. You won't believe me, because I'm just your brother's best friend, but it’s true. Each day my feelings for you grow, confusing but undeniable.

With a few anonymous love tokens, I finally have an outlet for all the things I can't say. And with each gift and note, you smile. For me. Not your brother's straight friend, but something new. Something more. Something that will change everything if we can both find the courage to believe.

All I have to do is confess who I really am:
Your Secret Admirer





Reviewer: Shee Reader

Who doesn’t love an off-limits crush on your best friend’s little brother you’re meant to be looking out for, who’s secretly been crushing on you for years?????

This book is the absolute sweetest and even avoided the uncomfortable creeper angle that can exist in a younger love interest. Benji is an adorable nerd going away to college having been encouraged to attend the same college as his older brother Justin. Cue the brother getting a- can’t-be-missed internship in another city and leaving best friend Ace accidentally falling in love with Benji and sending secret notes and gifts. It is beyond cute in the best way possible.

Ace has only even been with girls but admired Benji being out and proud, and when Benji gets stood up, Ace wanted to encourage Benji that there would be a guy out there for him, but then deciding Ace himself wants to be the guy in question.

The secret admirer notes and little presents were beyond adorable, and watching Benji try to guess who the secret admirer would be was tying Ace up in knots. It was a delightfully written tale of hope, love and longing, with a dose of family strife on the side.

I really enjoyed it!

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



Review: Santa's Naughty Helper (Lawyers in Love #1) by Ari McKay

Shy lawyer Kevin Anderson is presented with an unexpected opportunity when he draws hunky litigator Erik Wilson’s name for their office’s secret holiday gift exchange. Kevin has pined for his friend for a long time, but he fears ruining their working relationship if Erik doesn’t return his feelings. The anonymity of the exchange gives him the chance to let Erik know someone is interested, so Kevin turns the gift into a game: twelve days of presents, each more suggestive, culminating with a Christmas Eve meeting—if Kevin finds the courage to see it through!

Erik is intrigued by his secret Santa, who has given him something to look forward to during the holidays for the first time in years. But as Christmas approaches, he realizes he doesn’t want a mystery man; he wants his best friend, Kevin. When his attempts to instigate something with Kevin fail, Erik accepts the dinner invitation of his secret admirer. Little does he suspect that Santa’s naughty little helper might be just the man to make all his Christmas dreams come true in a holiday friends-to-lovers romance that progresses from sweet to spicy for two sexy lawyers.


I do love summertime Jizzmas so very much. It’s my crack no matter what the calendar says to be honest, but the novelty of Christmas when temps are at their peak is a balm to my sweaty soul. The novellas are the best too, they’re generally the fluffiest and that’s what I’m after. Santa’s Naughty Helper is exactly that, a fluffy sweet novella that’ll just make you happy and anxious for cooler temps.

I’m also a huge fan of this author team and they write holiday stories that appeal to me especially. Last Leap of the First-Foot and Letters from Cupid come to mind first and On the Rocks is a must read. And while I enjoyed Santa’s Naughty Helper, it does show me how much these authors have honed their craft since this story was originally published. Kevin and Erik are best friends but their exchanges felt a little unnatural to me, they were telling me about everything instead of showing me, so the closeness between them didn’t flow as naturally as some of their later characters.

Kevin and Erik were completely charming though and it was obvious they are meant to be together. They are complementary opposites with Kevin being shy and unassuming while Erik has no problem being in front of an audience (or courtroom). They work together on projects often, balancing their skill sets nicely. Kevin is a top notch researcher and Erik is the man presenting the findings. Since these two are good pals, the angst level is very low so, I mean, you know these two are going to be a thing, so instead of being stressed about outcome, I was able to just enjoy the cuteness.

Kevin is Erik’s Secret Santa and he literally decides to go all out. Or in. And out. You know what I mean. This is his chance to come clean to Erik about how he feels and he decides not to let his shyness rob him of his chance to get his man. Kevin decided that gifting Erik with 12 days of Christmas goodies was the way to go and he upped the ante every day. The gifts quickly went from sweet to sexy, and not subtle sexy either. When Kev decides to do something, by God he does it. I gotta respect that.

Erik was on board with the gifties too which encouraged Kevin all the more, hence the absence of angst. If we take a quick step into the real world and these gifts were being gifted to your average Joe you’d have an HR nightmare on your hands, but thankfully the real world had no place here and Erik embraced the gifts with his horny holiday heart.

My fave part is the big reveal and I have to admit, I read it twice. I really like Kevin and the setup was just perfectly him along with his newfound courage. These two went from friends to in-love-lovers in literally one thrust. I had no trouble believing it for Kevin since he’s been crushing on Erik forever but I would expect Erik would need a smidge more time to process the new dynamics. But as I’ve said reality has no place here so Erik was right there with Kevin and that made me happy for my Kevin and his Christmas.





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

Review: Striking Sparks by Ari McKay

The stakes are high and the heat is on.

Beau Walker, owner of the Barbecue Shack, needs the help of Jake Parnell, his one-time rival and secret crush, in a televised barbecue competition. Beau is a proud man, but the stakes are high, and smart, sexy Jake is his only hope, even if being around Jake reawakens the attraction he’s fought for years.

Jake left his hometown, determined to build a life somewhere his sexuality wouldn’t hurt his family’s restaurant business—and far away from hunky, obstinate Beau Walker. Then his twin, Josh, is killed, and Jake returns to support his brother’s wife and children. Despite his reservations, he agrees to go head-to-head against Beau on national television. Between stress and grief, as well as pride and determination, only one thing is certain—the heat between Beau and Jake extends well beyond the kitchen.


Okay, now this is so the kind of story that makes me happy. Enemies to friends to lovers with unrequited love just warms my heart and that is what Striking Sparks has to offer.


You don’t have to be friends to feel sparks...
Jake Parnell is one hell of a good guy. He has come back to Buffalo Lick, Texas after leaving 10 years ago to pursue an education and a life in Southern California. He’s done well finding a teaching job at a private school he loves while going for his doctorate. When the unthinkable happens, when his twin Josh - who stayed in their home town to run the family business, Parnell’s Pantry and who was married with 2.5 kids - gets in a car accident and dies, Jake returns home to do the honorable thing and help everyone out.

But Jake, while he was comfortable in California, he has reasons for not welcoming his own homecoming because he is not out in Texas. The only people that know Jake is gay is his immediate family and Beau Walker, his high school rival and the boy he crushed on for far too long. A crush really, that is so deep rooted, you might mistake it for disdain. A disdain that needs an overhaul because Jake finds out Josh was signed up to do a reality show with the Pantry againsy Beau’s Barbeque Shack and well that just means the two rivals are gonna be all up in each other’s spaces for some time.

It was strange that it had taken Beau Walker, of all people, to provoke a positive change before Jake burned himself out completely.

GAH! I really liked both Jake and Beau upon first meeting. I loved that they still fancy one another but neither of them wants to do anything about it. Well, they would if they could leave the past in the past and truly see the men they have become. The story Trisha tells Beau about Jake and prom made me so happy and then his flashback to the realization both he and Jake had was bitter sweet. But Beau, he is one hell of a good guy as well and he is there for Jake when he needs it, even if Jake swears he doesn’t.

Maybe if you kick my ass in the final round, you can spank it afterward.


The setting of the Gourmet Network barbecue cook-off, hosted by Chef Shane Brody and assisted by his husband Richard, was great to show off just who Jake and Beau are now. Jake’s confidence in his cooking was boosted by the attention of Chef Shane and Richard is just the person Jake needs to give him confidence in being who he is along with the rumor mill of the townsfolk in Buffalo Lick. The men, need a chance to really get to know one another and the competition gives them the ability. I have to say, when both Jake and Beau let down their guards and decide to try each other out, they get damn adorable and their flirting was a blast to read.

The relationship moves a bit quick but not so much if you consider they have known one another since high school and the hidden feelings they had haven’t gone away. They are just waiting for a chance, the change of heart to appear so they can move forward with what they really want and what they really want is one another. And really, they have waited long enough.

God, I feel like I’ve wanted you my whole life. You wouldn’t believe the crazy daydreams I came up with as a teenager about how it would be with you.

The supporting characters of the Parnells, the Walkers and the people running the show were all great additions to the story. I loved how Jake thought he had folks fooled but even his mama knew the truth and Beau’s family are so willing to help out when folks need it they melted my heart. Lexy was a strong woman, mother, sister in law and supporter of Jake’s happiness that I couldn’t help but like her and grieve for her as a widow. Really, everything in this made for a lovey read.

I have a tendency to ramble when it comes to this series because it’s so damn good and just the right amount of romance I crave. It’s perfect, it’s sexy, it’s funny at times with riding the line of cheesy but when you’re in love; you get to be silly with the one person that accepts you completely. Am I right?

Striking Sparks was my first book from this writing pair and it won't be my last. If they can make this vegan smile while reading about flesh cooking on grills, they’ve won me over. Jake and Beau were a wonderful couple and I am all for them not wasting any more of the time they have with one another.



Find on Dreamspinner Press or Goodreads!

Review: Sweethearts and Seduction Anthology by Various Authors

Who doesn't love love? From a shyly romantic first date to the settled delight between two long-time partners, these are stories of men falling head over heels in love and riding off into the sunset. What happens between first kisses and strolls off into the sunset? These authors are happy to show us!

Ever since Troy inherited the family roller skating rink, he's been struggling to keep it successful, both for his own sake and in memory of his parents. But on the eve of a loan that will allow him to revitalize the aging rink, his relationship with his boyfriend, Zane, is struggling. It's time for him to prove to Zane once and for all that he's The Best Thing on Eight Wheels, and their relationship comes first. Then, Ish, an archaeologist, and Kabal, a cop, live in different times and on different worlds, but a couple of times a year they can steal some small measure of time together, and their love only continues to grow despite the long silences. So it's with eager joy Ish journeys to meet his lover for A Time Traveler's Valentine, at least until Kabal announces that the nature of their relationship is about to change, forever. Nolan isn't expecting more than a normal date, so when his boyfriend, Sean, goes all out with an open bar and mysterious plans, he's intrigued. Turns out it's Tattoo Day—the anniversary of Sean's tattoo in honor of their relationship—and Sean has big plans to make the day forever memorable.

Jeremy and Bobby have a relationship that is stressed to the max. Working opposite schedules, the two barely have a chance to kiss hello and goodbye as they drop off to sleep or rush out to work. When their days off finally sync up, the two long-time lovers will spend Nights Burned Up in Flame as they reignite their romance and rediscover each others' hot spots. Thomas has the hots for fellow dog owner, Anton, but he's Dogged by insecurity, and outing himself to acknowledge his feelings seems like too big a risk. At least until Anton invites him out for coffee, where their bond has a chance to grow. As their dogs Biscuit and Muffin play, Thomas is ready to put himself on the line in the hopes that his friendship with Anton could be so much more. Finally, Phillip, CEO of the company BookTrader, may be openly gay, but he's also not above donating himself to a bachelor auction in the name of a good cause. But when he puts himself on the auction block, the person who seizes the moment is the last one Phillip expects. When the gavel drops, Phillip is Sold! in more ways than one.





The Best Thing on Eight Wheels by D.K. Jernigan and K. Piet 3.5 ♥s

Well, that was darn cute.

This was set at a roller rink, so that title? Ugh. So cute.

I always enjoy stories about established couples and this was really no exception. Even though we didn't get to see the beginnings of Zane and Troy's relationship, I still felt all the feels between them.  This was all about Troy's set up and proposal to his boyfriend so it was adorable, sweet and just romantic.

A Time Traveler's Valentine by Blaine D. Arden 3 ♥s

Hm. I'm still trying to figure out what actually happened in this short story. I know there was a cop and an archeologist. I also know that there was time travel involved and they could only see each other every once in a while. On scheduled days? I'm not completely clear. 

Even so, I still liked the relationship that Ish and Kabal shared and the pure joy they shared when they were together. 

Tattoo Day by Raven de Hart  3.5 ♥s

D'awwww! Another cute one to add to this little anthology.  Nolan is instructed by his boyfriend to meet him at a bar, which is only the first of his 'instructions'. Basically, Sean has some shenanigans planned for Nolan that just get cuter and cuter by the second. 

Nights Burned Up in Flames by Emily Moreton 1.5 ♥s

I didn't get the point of this story. 

Jeremy and Bobby are overworked and stressed and they barely get time to see each other. They finally find the time one night and (I guess) they have a little BDSM action together. Which is fine, more than fine, great even! I love BDSM! But it was weird. Bobby had some different reactions than what I would have suspected and I just didn't understand why. Why did he react that way to his boyfriend? I have no idea. 

Then it was over. *shrugs*

Dogged by D.K. Jernigan 3.5 ♥s

This was a bunch of fluffy, sticky sweetness. 

Thomas and Anton have been meeting on Friday nights to walk their dogs together. Never mind that their dogs are named Muffin and Biscuit. It only added to the cuteness. Anyway, Thomas always looks forward to their Friday meets because he's got the hots for the cute pet owner. One thing leads to another and they end up having a very sweet Valentine's Day together.

Sold! by Erik Moore 3.5 ♥s

Auctions and secret admirers made for a fun short story.

Although predictable, I enjoyed the way the auction played out and how Philip got a man he didn't even know he wanted. This was definitely the hottest story in the bunch and, yeah, is probably why it was my favorite. 


As with any anthology, some were better than others. All were cute and romantic and perfect for Valentine's Day. 

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


 


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