Blog Tour + Giveaway: Darkness Master (Blackwood Pack #10) by Mary Rundle

Author Mary Rundle and Other Worlds Ink host today's blog tour stop for the latest paranormal romance, Darkness Master (Blackwood Pack #10)! Read more about the menage fated mates tale and enter in the giveaway to win a $20 Amazon gift card and a Blackwood Pack mug to one lucky winner!

Mary Rundle has a new MM paranormal romance out, Blackwood Pack book 10: Darkness Master. And there's a giveaway!

The Blackwood Pack saga continues...

This is part of a continuing series by Amazon International Bestselling Author, Mary Rundle – reading the previous titles is advised. Readers will enjoy catching up with members of the Blackwood Pack and reading about what is happening to them as the pack does what it does best ̶ caring for one another and helping shifters everywhere.

Pursuing his dream, Sawyer heads to LA for some sun, waves and surfing lessons. After a disappointing day of surfing, he heads back to his campsite and meets Alex, his Fated Mate, who runs away, valuing his freedom more than anything else.

After the death of his wealthy, domineering father, Alex is can finally shed a lifetime of restrictions. Leaving New York City, he sets out on a long, cross-country RV trip, unaware that an overnight stop in a Los Angeles campground will yield not one Fated Mate, but two! Shocked at meeting Sawyer, Alex rejects him, vowing never to be under the thumb of any Alpha mate.

Glenn, a career secret agent, is also in LA to seek help from his friend, Ghost, a surfing instructor, in his quest to find who is responsible for kidnapping Glenn’s mother and other rare shifters. After meeting up with Ghost, Glenn discovers his Fated Mate is Sawyer, his friend’s current surfing student.

After the three mates finally meet, each has to face up to some hard facts about their past and present lives before coming to an understanding that leads them to find love and happiness with each other.

Astounding surprises, rare and unique gifts, an action-packed mission, and many unexpected twists and turns make this passionate love story by Mary Rundle impossible to put down once you’ve read the first page.

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CAN | QueeRomance Ink | Goodreads

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Giveaway

Mary is giving away a $20 Amazon gift card and a Blackwood Pack mug to one lucky winner:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b60e8d47173/?

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Excerpt

Rolling over, Alex stretched, groaning as a sliver of early morning light hit his eye. Quickly covering his face with a pillow, he lay there for a while, dozing on and off until finally the memories from last night filled his mind. Oh shit! He needed to get going if he was going to escape the control of a mate. Sitting up quickly, he glanced at the time, biting his lower lip when he saw it was after eight in the morning. Moving the curtain aside a hair, he peered out, sighing in relief when he saw no one outside. Thank goodness for that, at least. Scooting out of bed, he headed to the small bathroom to get ready to meet the day.

After a shower, he dressed quickly and then, after securing everything inside the trailer, grabbed a protein bar and a bottle of juice for breakfast. Sitting down at the table, he studied the map of Southern California. There were only two other gay campgrounds, neither of which were close to the one he was presently at. That meant a day of travel. Something Alex wasn’t very happy about but it was a far better alternative than finding himself again under someone’s thumb.

Taking another bite, he chewed slowly while considering the two options, head south to Palm Springs or north to San Francisco. According to his research both were meccas for men like him and both were on his list to visit. His goal was to pick the one he liked most, then buy a house, somewhere he’d be free from the restrictions others had always imposed on him for as long as he could remember.

If there were any doubts about taking off on his cross-country trip, they were gone as Alex began to experience what he’d been robbed of in his youth. Vowing to never fall under another person’s control again, he was quite prepared to live the rest of his life alone, finding pleasure in random hook-ups instead of being crunched under the boot of a mate. Even though he’d heard talk at school about the pleasures guaranteed by finding a fated mate, Alex knew the price was too high, at least for him. His only regret—and it wasn’t a deal breaker—was that his choice would mean accepting a lifetime of loneliness.

Finishing his breakfast, he decided to head south, keeping to his original plan to check out Palm Springs first. Folding up his map, Alex stuffed it back into the folder before gathering up some water and snacks to take with him in the SUV. Glancing around the trailer once more to make sure everything was secured, he opened the door. Lifting his gaze, Alex stopped mid step as his eyes landed on the one person he was hoping to avoid.

Standing naked at the edge of the clearing after shifting, Sawyer stared at the slim man whose face he would never forget. His mate was even more beautiful in the daylight. When he saw Alex’s tongue tentatively licking his lower lip, his body flamed with desire, his now-hardened cock quivering against Sawyer’s stomach, demanding to be sheathed in his mate’s body. Never, in all the time he sought pleasure with strangers, did he ever feel the overpowering need to be one with another as he did now. There wasn’t any way he could deny what his body was telling him. Taking a step forward, Sawyer reached out his hand, wanting to touch his mate’s body…to bury his nose against his mate’s neck…to imprint his mate’s scent in his heart…to mark the man as his.

All of Alex’s plans to flee flew out of his mind as he gazed at the gorgeous, naked man in front of him. Shivers ran up his spine, his cock hardened, his legs trembled. Intense desire ran through his body, overtaking his mind until all he could think of was that man taking him, easing his need, filling him up with cum. Nothing else mattered now…his preparations to leave were replaced by images of him surrendering as the man’s cock entered his body, making Alex his mate. His jeans were too tight, the flannel shirt was suddenly too hot, the urge to tear off his clothes had his fingers reaching for a button but when the man moved towards him it was as if someone had dumped a bucket of ice cold water over his body allowing him to remember his vow to remain free. Panicking now, he held up his hands. “No…don’t come closer. I don’t want you. Leave me alone!” Turning around, he retreated back into the trailer, slamming the door behind him.

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Author Bio

The first book I ever wrote was Dire Warning in 2017 and, much to my delight, it became an Amazon Best-Seller. Readers loved it and I was on my way to chronicling the Blackwood Pack, seven brothers who are gay wolf shifters in search of their fated mates—stories about love at first sight with twists and turns, angst and humor, romance and adventure and, of course, happy endings.

As my books began to be translated into other languages, I also became an Amazon International Best-Selling author and then achieved the honor of becoming an Amazon All Star due to their popularity. My tenth book, Darkness Master has just been published and audible versions of the entire series are in progress.

I love the M/M paranormal genre because it gives my imagination a lot of territory in which to roam. My mind can really run wild and come up with some amazing stuff when it doesn’t have to stay inside the box.

My readers tell me they feel like they’re members of the pack as the stories unfold…as if they’re right there in the middle of the action. Others tell me it’s like watching a fast-paced movie. My writing style pulls no punches…readers love it and are always clamoring for the next book.

Stories come to me as if channeled by my characters, all of whom I love (except for a few villains). They are eager to recount their lives, loves and adventures and are not inhibited when it comes to revealing steamy, sexy details.

I currently live in the Northeast and love the beautiful change of seasons, my husband, and our quirky calico cat, though not necessarily in that order. I’m always happy to hear from my readers and can be reached through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, email, or my website.

Author Website: https://www.maryrundle.com

Author Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/maryrundle69

Author Facebook (Author Page): https://www.facebook.com/maryrundleauthor/

Author Facebook (Group Page): https://www.facebook.com/groups/171112140176036

Author Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaryRundle69

Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryrundle69

Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14246427.Mary_Rundle

Author QueeRomance Ink: https://www.queeromanceink.com/mbm-book-author/mary-rundle/

Author Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Mary-Rundle/e/B0763CDQQ6

Blog Tour + Giveaway: Not Used To Cute by Becca Seymour

Author Becca Seymour and Gay Book Promotions host the Not Used to Cute blog tour today! Learn more about the contemporary hurt/comfort romance and enter in the $15 Amazon gift card giveaway!

RELEASE BLITZ

Book Title: Not Used To Cute

Author: Becca Seymour

Publisher: Rainbow Tree Publishing

Cover Artist: BookSmith Design

Release Date: August 22nd 2020

Genre/s: Contemporary M/M Romance

Trope/s: Hurt/comfort, big/small

Themes: Trust, homophobia

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Length: 46 000 words/225 pages

It is a standalone story.

Goodreads

Buy Links

Amazon US | Amazon AU | Amazon CA | Amazon UK

iTunes | Kobo | Nook

Will they find the courage to take what they want?

Blurb

A bar owner who’s not looking for a relationship. A lost soul who’s afraid to trust. When Elijah and Seb meet, sparks fly. But will either of them find the courage to take what they want?

Pouring his all into his business, Elijah is perfectly content running his bar. With its prime location and its infamous drag shows, Bar QK is the place to be. Elijah is used to meeting new and sometimes interesting people, but it’s rare anyone catches his interest for anything longer than a five-minute conversation.

It takes a wandering, unfiltered surfer, who’s tired of the chase and dog-tired of people taking advantage of him, to spark long-buried interest in Elijah.

While kindness runs through his veins, Seb doesn’t believe in fairy tales. He has a past he’d rather forget and has no real expectations for his future. He believes it’s safer to not make assumptions about anything or anyone; that way, he’ll remain safe.

It takes his elusive, aloof boss, whose mixed messages are more confusing than Ikea furniture instructions, to show Seb that opening his heart can be worth the risk.

When Elijah and Seb find themselves working on a common goal, the high stakes may be just the nudge they need.



Excerpt

“What happened?”

His words registered though made no sense.

“Just,” he clarified, “everything was fine. You smiled, then it all changed. I lost it.”

“Lost it?” I was convinced I’d been dropped into a conversation midpoint as I floundered to catch up. Elijah was direct, as I was, or usually was. I liked that about him. A lot. But he also had a habit of using clipped questions, or short sentences that took me a while to work out what he meant.

“I lost your smile.”

“Oh.” Oh! What the heck was a guy to say to that? Yeah, he’d asked a question that he wanted answered, but hot damn, that he’d lost my smile? I really hoped to God that that meant what I thought it meant. But far out, I wasn’t sure my heart could handle a man like Elijah.

From the moment we’d met at his bar, there’d been a connection. It was undeniable, but still, at work he kept his distance. Admittedly, he took time out to make sure I was coping and settling in okay, but he was the boss. And he occasionally brought me treats. And maybe we chatted about a few things other than work sometimes. It was his job. Right? Right? Okay, so perhaps he didn’t quite keep his distance at work.

And then when I’d told him about what had happened with the paint, he’d seemed to have lost his guard for a few seconds and had mentioned an “us.” At the time, a flurry of activity had burst free in my gut, pretty similar to the havoc currently taking place there. The thought that it was more, the possibility that he could actually likeme like me and that Harriet was right…. Then there was the mention of that kiss, which I was sure had happened and hadn’t been a figment of my imagination brought on by shock.

Heat crept through my body. I had no idea where it travelled from or was heading to, but my senses flared to life. The subtle shift of his fingers as they still made contact with my cheek, the fresh masculine scent of his aftershave hovering between the two of us, the controlled sound of his breathing, which actually deepened a little… all caught up with me and, honest to God, weakened my knees.

I wobbled a little, and he reached out his other hand, not realising I’d been leaning into him. He placed his hand on my hip to steady me.

Not quite flush with him, it didn’t seem to matter as his body heat pushed against me. Warmth that was welcome and comforting pulled me in and made unbidden words spill forth. “You like my smile?” When his lips moved and it looked like he was about to speak, my filter vanished, was whisked away into the abyss and I was powerless to stop it.

“So does this mean you like me”—please stop—“because if you do, which is great, but are you sure? It’s just that you said I was, well you know, small and stuff, and I don’t know, everyone at work says you’re into big guys, or at least bigger than me.” Please, make it stop. I didn’t listen to myself, despite my last comment causing his brows to lift. “You just don’t seem like the kind of guy that would go for someone like me. It’s just, I’m not saying I’ve been bashed with the ugly stick or anything”—a nervous, awful laugh escaped my lips, carrying my words—“I know some people think I’m good-looking. Not that I’m vain or anything. Nothing like that. But I saw some of the men at the bar who I know you’ve hooked up with, and they’re nothing like me. They have a good few inches on me—in height,” I quickly added. “I’m packing, and”—for the love of all that is holy, make it stop. I prayed for a hole, a tsunami, a vortex—“anyway, I just, well, I like it when you smile, too.” I finally ran out of steam with no clue what I was talking about or even if I had a point or answered his damn question.

About the Author

Becca Seymour lives and breathes all things book related. Usually with at least three books being read and two WiPs being written at the same time, life is merrily hectic. She tends to do nothing by halves so happily seeks the craziness and busyness life offers.

Living on her small property in Queensland with her human family as well as her animal family of cows, chooks, and dogs, Becca appreciates the beauty of the world around her and is a believer that love truly is love.

Social Media Links

Twitter | Facebook | Facebook Reader Group

Website | Instagram | Goodreads

BookBub | Amazon | Newsletter

Giveaway

Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway for a chance to win

a $15 Amazon Gift Card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hosted by Gay Book Promotions

Follow the tour and check out the other blog posts and reviews here

Blog Tour: International Banker, Beach Boy (City Country #3) by Mia Terry

Today's the final blog stop for International Banker, Beach Boy (City Country #3)! Celebrate with author Mia Terry and Vibrant Promotions! Discover more about the latest from the series!

International Banker, Beach Boy

City Country Series, Book 3

Mia Terry

M/M Contemporary Romance

Release Date: 12.6.19

Cover Designer - Reese Dante

Blurb

A new m/m romance set around the beautiful beaches of Byron Bay, Australia.

Oliver Gilsworth is getting a much-needed beach holiday ahead of taking the next preordained step his life of privilege demands of him.

Rhys Clark has finally settled into his laid-back life of very early retirement from international surfing competition.

When Ollie meets his surf instructor, sparks immediately begin to fly, but neither man is particularly interested in a brief holiday fling, and for either of them to change course at this point in his life is impossible. Or, is it?

May contain traces of Byron Bay craziness and hot men swimming naked in pools. The final book in the Country City series but can definitely be read as a standalone. 

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082GLYLQQ

Series Link: http://bit.ly/CityCountrySeries

Excerpt

Everything in the place was designed to be enjoyed—and clearly, really-really enjoyed—by having sex on it. From the round couch, in the middle of the living room, that would fit either an enthusiastic couple or three or four participants, and the long bench seat in the multi-showerhead shower, they had designed this place for hedonism.

Probably there would be a good-looking guy among the guests who would be interested in hooking up and making the most of the facilities provided. The only problem was, as of about a year ago, Ollie had become a lot pickier about the casual sex thing. He’d never been indiscriminate about his partners, but he’d also not turned down a good time if the mood, and the standard of the man offering, appealed to him. However, about a year ago, something inside him had shifted, and being with a gorgeous guy for just the night became something he just wasn’t as interested in anymore. Maybe it was because the conquests had come easily for him in the past, maybe it was watching one of his best friends find real love, but his interest in one-night stands had dried up.

He had a horrible feeling that by the end of the weekend he was going to be really sick of the glowing happiness of his in-love friends. What might normally be a joyful thing to observe and usually even a little bit #lifegoals, possibly by the end of the week would just end up being a reminder of his perpetually single state. And there could be no denying it, both Jai and Luke, and Billy and Kris were absolutely sickeningly in love.

Well, at least if he was going to be jealous of other people’s happiness, and Ollie well knew of just how petty that thought sounded as it echoed through his brain, he would be jealous in lovely surrounds.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mia Terry grew up in what could be loosely termed rural Australia. However, she has to admit that the beachside town where she currently lives has more coffee shops and cultural events than many inner-city suburbs.

“My characters break free of the coffee shop scene more bravely than me. In their more remote rural settings, they get to experience the beauty and challenges that come from living in Australia's rural heart.

It provides them with a unique and challenging backdrop where they can connect and fall in love. The City/ Country series also shows the sometimes dirty, often sexy, fun that two hot Australian men can have.

I love reading m/m romance and I have adored writing it. I hope the readers enjoy the journeys of my different characters just as much as I did.”

Social media links

facebook.com/miaterryauthor

instagram.com/miaterryauthor

Release Blitz + Giveaway: The Grim Assistant (Tales from the Grim #1) by Jodi Hutchins

The Grim Assistant (Tales from the Grim #1) is out from NineStar Press! Celebrate the release of the new paranormal romance with author Jodi Hutchins and IndiGo Marketing! Learn more and enter in the $10 NineStar Press credit giveaway!

Title: The Grim Assistant

Series: Tales from the Grim

Author: Jodi Hutchins

Publisher: NineStar Press

Release Date: August 5, 2019

Heat Level: 3 - Some Sex

Pairing: Female/Female

Length: 71700

Genre: Paranormal, LGBT, romance, paranormal, friends-to-lovers, surfer, spirits, postal worker, teacher, vampires

Add to Goodreads

Synopsis

Postal carrier and amateur surfer, Samantha Diaz, lives an uncomplicated life. Well, other than helping her sister with childcare, crushing on her unavailable customer, Lauren Brennan, and catching as many waves as possible before hurricane season begins. Suffice to say, she isn’t looking for much more, but when Lauren invites her to a monthly game night at her house, Sam happily agrees.

When Sam sets out on an early morning surf, the last thing she expects to do is die, but a sudden thunderstorm thrashes offshore, creating a riptide that steals Sam’s life. She awakens to a snarky woman named Margo speaking cryptic nonsense. Not only does she claim to be one of the many Grim Reapers, or Grims, in the world, Margo makes Sam an offer: she’ll bring Sam back from the dead, as long as she becomes Margo’s temporary assistant. Sam accepts but soon realizes the deal was too good to be true, and the consequences she faces may be worse than the death she dodged.

Excerpt

The Grim Assistant
Jodi Hutchins © 2019
All Rights Reserved

The planks of the boardwalk were hot against Samantha Diaz’s feet as she bounded up the stairs, surfboard tucked beneath her arm, water trickling over her shoulders. The calm waters and equally serene beach left her with only the early morning anglers standing out at the ocean’s edge, casting their lines along the jetty.

“Same time on Friday?” her best friend, Josh Keller, asked as he ambled up the stairs after her, his bushy blond hair stuck to his face and neck. A trill from a bicycle bell filled the air, coalescing with the call of a flock of seagulls harassing a group of teens munching on breakfast. The oily aroma of freshly fried doughnuts mixed with the scent of crisp saltwater as Sam took a deep breath.

She smiled broadly. “Absolutely.” Beads of seawater dripped down her dark brows, and she swept her hand across her forehead in a feeble attempt to dry it. The pair crossed the boardwalk, heading down the long ramp to the parking lot.

Reaching her Jeep, Sam tossed her board in the back and grabbed a towel, drying her face and ruffling her unruly crop of black hair. People flooded the tall staircase, beach tags fastened to their large bags overflowing with colorful shovels and towels. She grabbed a dry shirt, pulling it over her head to cover her bikini top before putting her wallet in the damp pocket of her board shorts. Josh stood staring at her. “Damn, what I would do to get a tan like yours,” he mumbled sheepishly.

Sam chuckled, noting the red tinge forming along his pale, freckled shoulders, and then glanced at her own tanned skin. “I don’t know, man, I’ll always be jealous of your freckles,” she joked, elbowing him in the arm. “You want to grab some breakfast?”

“Sure, why not?”

Sam and Josh followed the influx of people. She was determined she would get herself a fresh bagel before heading home for a shower and babysitting her nephew. Cyclists pedaled down the bicycle lane on the wood, and early morning joggers were swiftly being replaced by excited children heading to the beach or the waterpark. The tiny hole-in-the-wall bagel shop Sam frequented was set back beside one of two amusement parks on the boardwalk, and she stepped into the short line. Depending on what time she had to be in to work, Sam’s summer mornings always started the same if Josh was available. She didn’t surf without him by her side unless there were lifeguards present. The last thing she wanted was to get caught in a riptide and end up miles offshore.

The two moved into the queue of people, and Josh turned to her. “How’s it going with Katie?”

Sam’s stomach sank at the mention of her older sister, and she shrugged. “I don’t know. The divorce is official, but now it’s all parenting plan crap and custody issues. She’s stressed out.”

Josh gave her a sympathetic grimace, causing her to wonder if he regretted asking her the question. “Yikes.”

“Yeah. They had a meeting with her ex’s lawyer, and I don’t know how it went yet.”

“Hey, Sam,” a voice called from behind her. Sam whipped around as her friend, Lauren Brennan, stepped into the line where Sam was already standing in wait. Lauren’s long chestnut hair hung over her shoulders, her wide smile reaching her vibrant green eyes.

“Lauren.” Sam’s tone came out a lot more breathless than she intended. Josh must’ve noted the change in her demeanor, so he nudged her in the back with his elbow.

“They have the best pork roll egg and cheese sandwiches,” Lauren said, curling her lips upward, a delicate dimple surfacing as she smiled.

Sam nearly sighed with longing, her heart rate quickening, and she swallowed back her feelings. The blue sundress Lauren wore hugged her body, the color accentuating her lovely summer tan. She’s off limits.

“They sure do. Order anything good lately?” Sam agreed.

Nodding enthusiastically, Lauren said, “Actually, I did! I ordered this new lesson kit online and a few other things for the classroom.” Sam had been delivering Lauren’s mail since the science teacher moved to Ocean City from New Brunswick two years prior. “And a few new books. Speaking of books, how’d you like the one you borrowed?”

“I absolutely loved it. Is it just me or is my taste in books rubbing off on you?” Sam said. Josh sighed indignantly. Sam held in a retort while she waited for Lauren to reply. Lauren blushed, and the sight had Sam nearly swooning. “I have to say your taste has rubbed off on me. My true love will always be gritty literary fiction, but you’ve got me hooked on those dark fantasies now.”

“Hey, I forgot about that thing I have to do,” Josh interjected. When Sam gave him a puzzled smile, he continued, “You know, the thing? I’ll see you Friday.”

“Oh, all right. Aren’t you going to get breakfast?” Sam asked. He shook his head and waggled his eyebrows, head jerking toward Lauren. His gesture wasn’t as discreet as Sam preferred, but she didn’t believe Lauren noticed. She knew he was leaving because of her interaction with Lauren. Before she could say more, Josh moved out of the line and hurried toward the ramp leading to the sidewalk.

She moved forward in line, ordering her food and stepping aside while Lauren ordered hers. While they waited, Sam leaned against the railing. “I’ve got a new one I know you’d love,” she said.

“A dark fantasy? You’d better bring it by the next time you work. I ordered a bunch of stuff, so I should be seeing you sometime next week,” Lauren added, pulling her purse strap over her shoulder.

“Okay, I will. Maybe Boo will let me pet her this time,” Sam chuckled, referring to Lauren’s skittish cat. In the last two years, the cat only let Sam touch her four or five times.

“Don’t take it personally because she doesn’t even let Bethany pet her.” Yep, there was the pesky reminder of her unavailability. Sam laughed regardless of her feelings toward Lauren’s girlfriend. It wasn’t as though she didn’t like her for the sole reason of being with Lauren; Bethany and Sam had known each other in high school and the memories were anything but fond.

“Boo’s such a cutie. Maybe I’ll start bringing some cat treats again,” Sam offered. The young man behind the counter caught Sam’s attention and handed her the pork roll she ordered. “Thanks.” She grinned at Lauren, continuing their conversation. “That’s how I got Boo to let me close at first.”

“School starts on Wednesday, but you should come by one night and have a drink with us, maybe play some cards. I always try to plan a game night once a month, especially when school is back in session.” Lauren took her food from the man, then faced Sam as they moved out of the way of other customers.

“I’d love to,” Sam said honestly. Sam enjoyed Lauren’s friendship, despite having to tolerate Bethany in small doses. She and Bethany may have had their differences, but they were adults now.

“What about, say, next Saturday night? I’m heading to Newark this weekend for a family barbeque, but I’ll be home Tuesday.”

“Yeah, sounds perfect.”

They stood staring at each other for longer than etiquette warranted, triggering Sam to wonder if Lauren felt the same attraction as she did. She hastily dispelled the fleeting thought and smiled. She’s simply a friend and can’t be more. “Well, I’ll let you get on with your day. I’ve got babysitting duty with my nephew, anyway.”

“I’ll see you later this week, I’m sure. Don’t forget the book,” Lauren said. She turned, heading down the boardwalk. Lauren left, the sway of her hips causing her skirt to swish back and forth with each step, and once Lauren disappeared in the flowing crowd, Sam headed to her Jeep.

The drive back to her house was quick and she was fortunate she missed the tourist traffic. Although Ocean City, New Jersey, was a busy tourist spot during the summer, Sam couldn’t see herself living anywhere else. The tiny seaside town was home to her and her sister, the beach and the community far too important to leave behind and live in a larger city.

She parked her car on the side of the road, finding a spot relatively close to her sister’s little condo, and she ambled up the stairs, leaving her surfboard in the back of her Jeep. The steps leading to the porch creaked beneath her feet, the white paint peeling off the railing and the stucco face of the home. The three-bedroom condo was large enough for her sister and nephew to live in comfortably. Sam had been staying with Katie for a few weeks at a time to help with her nephew and to covertly keep an eye out for her sister’s mental health. The divorce was taking its toll on Katie, but Sam knew her sister would never ask for help.

“I’m glad you’re here. I’ve got to run and get gas before I head over to work,” Katie said as she bustled around the living room, grabbing a laundry basket full of clothing from the couch and tossing it on the kitchen counter. Already clad in blue scrubs, her black hair pulled back in a tight ponytail, Sam figured Katie must’ve been anxiously waiting for her to get there.

“Sorry. I stopped to grab some breakfast. Is the little man awake yet?”

Without glancing up from her task, Katie shook her head. Sam stopped, placing her keys on the island in the kitchen leading off the living room, and she really took in her sister’s appearance: red-rimmed eyes, wrinkled scrubs, head lowered.

“Katie.” Her sister finally met her gaze. “How’d the hearing go yesterday?”

Katie drew a breath and straightened. “Like crap. I don’t think we’re ever going to work out a parenting plan.”

“He didn’t agree to your terms?”

Katie scoffed, and her shoulders visibly slumped. “No. His lawyer told us he wanted more time on different days. Evidently, his schedule doesn’t work with what I offered,” she said, shaking her head and touching her fingers to her forehead. “At this rate, it’s going to go on into the new year.”

“He’s lucky you don’t fight for full custody, the fucking asshat.” Sam loathed her ex-brother-in-law for how he treated his sister and wasn’t shy about speaking her feelings toward him now the divorce was official.

Her sister shot her a reproachful glance before she headed to the refrigerator. Katie’s voice was low when she said, “Just because he and I didn’t work out doesn’t mean he’s a bad father. Ben has every right to know him and I don’t want to take his father away from him because John was unfaithful.” She threw a yogurt into her purse along with a package of granola before grabbing her keys from the counter. “I’ll see you tonight,” she said as she stepped out the front door.

Sam lounged on the couch, kicking her feet up on the coffee table as she closed her eyes. Her muscles were sore from surfing, and all she wanted was to rest her head before her nephew woke.

“Auntie Sam, Mama gone?” a little voice cut off her thoughts. Her five-year-old nephew came wandering down the hall, his little stuffed animal pig tucked under his arm, his free hand rubbing his face.

“Yeah, Mama had to go off to work. Do you want some breakfast?” Sam asked.

Ben eagerly bobbed his head.

Purchase

NineStar Press | Amazon | Smashwords | Barnes & Noble

Meet the Author

Jodi Hutchins is a healthcare professional by day and fanatical writer by night. They are also an avid reader, coffee connoisseur, helpless romantic, amateur artist, enthusiastic maker-upper of things, spouse, and parent. The frequent rain of western Washington doesn’t stop Jodi and their wife from gallivanting through the next trail head with their two children.

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Giveaway

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Blog Tour + Giveaway: Time for Love by Lynn Michaels

Celebrate the Time for Love blog tour with author Lynn Michaels and Vibrant Promotions! Learn more about the contemporary romance and enter in the giveaway for your own signed paperback copy of Time for Love!

TIME FOR LOVE

LYNN MICHAELS

M/M ROMANCE

175 pages

RELEASE DATE: 08.20.18

COVER DESIGN: JAY AHEER/ Simply Defined Art

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2wbO1Wd

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2Moh0kr

Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2PmUuGP

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BLURB

Surf and sand, beach and bar-tending, and practicing Taoism are the important things in Jeremy Ringer's life. Until a death in the family sends him across the state, and he realizes that it's not enough. By trusting the wrong people, he is pushed toward sexy police specialist, Oliver Mendosa.

Ollie Mendosa is only interested in one thing, the new police app he's developing. That is until he meets a victim of crime, surfer-boy, Jeremy Ringer. When his protective nature is brought out in full force, he can't resist the temptation of a summer fling.

Is it possible for these two men, from such different worlds, to overcome their differences and fears in order to find the love they both desire?

EXCERPT

Ollie couldn’t stop thinking about their witness, Jeremy. The guy was too cute and entirely too laid back. “What do you think about Jeremy’s case?” he asked Walker as they walked into the precinct.



“Never going to find his car. You shouldn’t have given him false hope.”



“Yeah, I couldn’t help it.” He stuffed his phone in his pocket.



Walker stopped and looked at him, grabbing his shoulder. “What? You do like the guy? I mean like-like?”



“He’s cute.” Ollie shrugged. He wanted to play like he was calm and laid back like Jeremy, but he wasn’t. Not at all. The old saying about butterflies in the stomach seemed more like a fact than a literary description.



“I was teasing, but... Seriously, ask him out.”



Ollie huffed. “You know I can’t. At least not until we close his part of this bullshit.”



“Nah. You’re just here for the data. You’re not a detective. Ask him out.”



Ollie shook his head. He wasn’t entirely sure if he wanted dating Jeremy to be a conflict of interest or not. He hadn’t dated anyone. Not in a long time. Not really, not ever. What was he doing, anyway? “He lives too far away. I’ll be back in New York in a month. Easy.”



“That’s an excuse. If you like him. Go out with him. Hell, maybe getting laid would do you good.”



Ollie snorted. “That’s for sure.” He knew exactly how long it had been since he’d gotten any. Hookups he could do, and in New York, they’d been frequent enough. Plus, he had Corey Bishop. A good friend and in for a good fuck if they were both unattached and needing release. It was nice to have a friend he could count on, have sex with occasionally, but wouldn’t ever ask or expect more than that from them. In Jacksonville? None. Nada. Nothing. La negative. Not even Corey, since he was back in New York.



Walker bumped into his side. “Go for it.”



Ollie watched him walk away. He bit at his lip. He did want to see Jeremy again. Wanted to see those sapphire eyes, wide open, as he came apart. Wanted to hear that sweet voice, not humming or singing, but calling out. Maybe calling Ollie’s name. “Maybe I will.” Maybe they could be a fun hookup while he was in Jacksonville. At least until Jeremy went back home. Even if it was a conflict of interest, hell, Ollie never gave a damn about what anyone else said, anyway. He made his own rules.

Lynn Michaels lives and writes in Tampa, Florida where the sun is hot and the Sangria is cold. When she's not writing she's kayaking, hanging with her husband, or reading by the pool. Lynn writes Male/Male romance because she believes everyone deserves a happy ending and the dynamics of male characters can be intriguing, vulnerable, and exciting. She has both contemporary and paranormal titles and has been writing since 2014. Her stories don't follow any set guidelines or ideas, but come from her heart and contain love in many forms.

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

Website: https://rubiconwriting.com/lynn-michaels/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sljasble

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Review: Tufted & Tatted (Peckers #4) by Jacques N. Hoff

Freed from the Australian zoo where he was the subject of forced breeding experiments, Atticus makes his way to the tufted puffin grounds in California, only to find he may not be free after all. Atty is a loner, but he doesn’t want to fight the pull of a flighty surfer who gives his inked skin a pleasant, uncontrollable itch. 

Scott has the sun on his face, the waves beneath him, and gratitude for every second of life he gets to embrace. Then Atty appears, and it’s like the universe has tuned his meditation bell to the perfect frequency.

The Tiki Pro surfing competition in Florida is calling to Scott, and Atty agrees to make sure Scott gets there safely. A cross-country road trip in the Hunny Wagon seems like a perfect way to live in the present and get tantric all at the same time.

But they aren’t making this trek alone.

The Peckers series is really fun. I’ve been missing them and it felt like a long wait for the next installment. The Peckers are shifter fun so you shouldn’t expect a lot of world building or paranormal politics. The novellas are character driven and stick to the relationship of the two MC’s. Let all the serious go and just enjoy the bird puns, the horniness and the HEA.

Atty was introduced previously and I was hoping the authors would give us his story. He gets sprung from his puffin breeding program prison and Irwin and Mickey are there as part of the Undercover Peckers team to help get Atty started out in his new life of freedom. Atty can’t help but appreciate a bit of the irony when he spots his mate surfing as he’s regained his freedom and almost as quickly lost it to his mate. Which, of course, he’s totally fine with because Scott is a hot surfer and the whole horny mate thing.

Scott was an absolutely adorable and charming character. He suffers from anterograde amnesia since a car accident and has trouble remembering pretty much most everything new if he isn’t exposed to it repeatedly. Think 50 First Dates Lite. It could have been rather tragic, but Scott is such a positive, happy character with an attitude to be admired so the story steered clear of the maudlin and focused on the confidence Scott carried with him.

He did have a sense of loneliness about him that led to some of the sweetest moments. Because of Scott’s memory problems, he couldn’t fully process the whole “my BF is a shifter” thing. His brain wasn’t wired to be able to hang on to the information and go through the stages that humans seem to need to go through in the shifter tales to get to acceptance. Having no ability to create new memories kind of takes the wind out of those sails, so it added and interesting twist to the shifter dynamic. Atty was all about taking care of Scott and Scott was in awe of Atty’s attention. It as pretty freakin’ cute all the way around.

The lack of shifter world building aided this story well in that Atty’s decision for his future worked. You have to read it to see how the HEA happens for them, but I like that the door is left open to revisit the characters if the authors decided to treat us readers to more Scott and Atty. I certainly wouldn’t complain. The story is complete though and there is the introduction of a couple new character for future tales. I really need to find out what happens to Billy and Chuck. Billy needs his happy and an MC chicken named Chuck has gold written all over him.

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

Audiobook Review: Mahu (Mahu #1) by Neil S. Plakcy

Mahu -- a generally negative Hawaiian term for homosexuals -- introduces a unique character to detective fiction. Kimo Kanapa'aka is a handsome, mixed-race surfer living in Honolulu, a police detective confronting his homosexuality in an atmosphere of macho bravado within the police force. A man of intelligence, strength, honesty, resourcefulness, and intense dedication to the people of Hawaii, Kimo is a hard-boiled hero you will never forget. Fast-paced, intricately plotted, thoroughly enjoyable, this is a sexy, surprisingly moving mystery about discovering oneself as much as catching a killer.

Listening Length: 11 hours
Narrator: Joel Leslie

Reviewer: Annika

Every time I pick up a book narrated by Joel Leslie, my immediate reaction is always "Oh no, not him again". There's just something about his tone/intonation that sounds condescending to me, and I can't stand condescending people so it gets my back up.

At the same time, Joel Leslie is also brilliant at narrating books. He makes them come alive. Every time. And he has such a wide range of accents that he delivers without fail. So even though the first few minutes of his books are a bit of a struggle for me, I always end up enjoying his narration, without fail. Which is why I keep forgetting that oh no moment each time I pick up his books.

Mahu was a really good combination of coming out intertwined in a murder mystery.

A drunken night out changes Kimo's life in ways he never expected.

On his way home after hanging out and drinking with his friends, Kimo impulsively decides to go into a gay bar not far from his home. Going into this bar is his first step to admitting who he really is - a gay man. And he is fascinated by what he finds, and so turned on. But most of all he is scared. Leaving the bar he witnesses a crime. A crime he has no idea how to handle.

I found it refreshing that Kimo was honest with his partner from the beginning and didn't cover up or make excuses for what he did and didn't do that night outside the bar. That easily could've turned out to be one of those big and dramatic dragged out secrets that just explodes in the end of the book. The ones where you're thinking "Why wasn't he just honest from the beginning?" I was honestly waiting (resigning myself) for it to happen but it never did. Sure he didn't shout it from the rooftop or tell everyone, but he did enough to keep it from becoming dramatic.

I liked Kimo and his struggles felt real. Sure he came across as melodramatic and a bit too scared of himself at times, but honestly - who am I to judge others feelings and beliefs? (And yes, I know that Kimo is a fictional character, but the sentiment still applies).

Something that didn't work for me was that basically as soon as Kimo started to admit to himself that he was gay, every gay guy he meets turns him on - and he turn them on. It was never ending and just too much. I don't know if it was supposed to be because that he was allowing himself to see, after repressing that side of him for so long, but it just didn't work for me. I really don't mind exploring or cruising/hooking up or whatever, but this came across more like a teen boy just discovering what his dick could do - with as much self-control...

This book was written some 10+ years ago, and you can tell that while reading. There are a number of issues raised in this book, and you realise how much some things have changed in that time in regards to rights and opinions, and how many that are (sadly) still the same.


I loved reading about Kimo's first stumbling steps towards admitting to himself and others that he was gay. You can feel that his struggles and fears are real. By the end of the book he still has a very long way to go, but he is on his way, there's promise in that ending. It was a really good start to a promising series and it will be interesting to see what happens next.

A free copy of this audiobook was provided in exchange for an honest review..

Review: Past the Breakers by Lucie Archer

Casey North lost everything when his restaurant burned to the ground: his hopes, his dreams, his reason for living. With nothing tying him to LA, he packs up and moves back to his hometown of Land’s End. He takes up residence in a beach house and attempts to shake the depression he’s fallen into after his life collapsed. There’s just one tiny problem: the ghost haunting his kitchen.

Myles Taylor wasn’t always trapped in the Between. One minute, he was about to propose to his boyfriend of five years as they sat out on their surfboards, and the next, he woke up on the beach to find his long-dead uncle walking toward him. After his shock fades, he must learn to navigate his new reality as he searches for a way to move into the Great Beyond. But first he must deal with the man who’s invaded his territory.

With Myles tied to the beach house and Casey unwilling to leave it, the two must learn to cohabitate as the lines separating them begin to blur. They grow closer than either expected, but what will become of them once Myles finally escapes the Between?

New to me author Lucie Archer has delivered a slow burn romance with a ghost and it was a truly lovely story.

We meet pansexual Casey North as he is dealing with the aftermath of his Los Angeles restaurant Cinder being destroyed in a fire. The restaurant was everything to Casey so losing it spirals him downward into depression and to make matters even worse, his girlfriend leaves him. Casey decides the best plan is to take the insurance money, rent a house on the beach back in his hometown of Land’s End and try to put his life back together.

Myles Taylor was happy with his life as a professional surfer and happy to be renting a house on the beach with his equally professional surfer boyfriend, James. One perfect morning, Myles and James head out for a morning surf session where Myles planned to purpose only to have Myles wake up on the beach and seeing his late Uncle Joe walking toward him. Myles soon learns he is stuck in what is called the “In Between” after an accident out on the water. An accident that Myles can’t remember and Myles is now stuck to the beach house with minimal range to move about. For some reason, he’s attached to the house and needs to find a way to move on, but he doesn’t know if he needs to fix something in his life, or someone else’s.

I liked that we got both Myles and Casey’s POV’s in this book as it’s always a plus to see how the ghost is dealing with things. Myles is a good guy who is not just a surfer, he went to college for a business degree and has a good head on his shoulders. His uncle Joe was the man who raised him and everything to him until he lost his battle with cancer. The fact that Joe is not in the Between with Myles and only shows up sporadically makes Myles’ situation tough to deal with. You see, Myles has no idea why he is stuck and not able to follow Joe (who doesn’t know either) to the Beyond and he is frustrated that he can’t remember how he died. The meeting of Myles and Casey was comical even though Casey and his cat Jasper were a bit freaked out by the ghost in the house and things flying about.

But, Casey is on the edge with his depression and when he hears Myles moving things in the house he turns to this therapist who suggests he is hallucinating and prescribes new meds. On a whim, Casey seeks the guidance of a fortune teller who tells him he has a spirit in the house and gives him a book to help.

Myles isn’t happy someone has moved into the beach house that he considers his and decides he is going to scare Casey away. But when Casey comes back with the book and begins to talk to Myles, he decides having someone to talk to isn’t a bad thing.

I adore the way Myles sees Casey! We know that Casey has been depressed over the months since the traumatic experience of his restaurant burning and has let himself go. He’s put on a few pounds and shaving has become a chore so he sports a beard but Myles, Myles with the athletic physique sees nothing but a fuzzy stomach he wants to blow raspberries on and arms he wants to feel around him. Myles never suggests Casey change the way he eats to lose weight or even shave, he accepts him as he is and not just because he is the only one Myles can talk to. You feel the attraction the men have for one another even though they aren’t quite in the same reality of the living.

While the story deals with Myles being a ghost, we are also dealing with the mystery behind his death and the betrayal of his boyfriend James. Casey does everything that he can to help Myles and even contemplates what it would be like to be in a long term relationship with a ghost. The two are amazing together and the chemistry they have is wonderful to read. I loved how Myles met the neighbor and how it fueled his want for Casey to see him and when Casey does, it was sigh worthy. There were a bunch of sigh worthy moments in this that actually had me reading past my bedtime because once these two could see and hear each other, it was super romantic.

This truly was a lovely book where Casey and Myles build not only a unique friendship but a slow burn romance develops with clever ways of communication and a strength that comes from wanting more from both men.

The end wasn’t what I was expecting and while it may seem a bit over the top, this is a romance with a ghost so you have to take it for what it is. You know? For me, I loved the end and that epilogue was perfect.

Past the Breakers, is wonderful slow burn romance and aptly named with a POV from a surfer. The breakers are the waves that crash toward the shore line and in “surfer speak”, it’s where the surf dies. So, being past the breakers is the point where we pass the crash of the waves and watch what lies beyond our reach. With a romance between two men who have lost it all, who feel they are outside who they used to be, only to find one another again, it truly is a life and love past the breakers.

Review: Dawn Patrol (Tidewater #1) by Tami Veldura

A Tidewater Short Story. Contemporary, Stand alone, HEA.

Elias lives for the waves. He's been surfing off the Tidewater coast since he could crawl, and the connection he's forged with the ocean is fundamental. Every morning he shares a ritual swim with the local pod of dolphins. Elias is desperate to find a way to express what the sand and the sea mean to him, and local artist Theo could be just what he needs.

Theo's art has helped him move mountains. It granted him freedom from abusive family and supports his quiet lifestyle. He's ready for more. So when muscle-bound Elias commissions him for a mural on his bedroom wall, Theo has more than one reason to take the job. It's time to reach with his heart, an easy thing when Elias is so eager to share what's in his.

Water is essential when painting, and color is what brings the ocean to life. Elias and Theo were made for each other. It's only a matter of time before Tidewater brings them together.

This story was short and sweet. I really enjoyed the easy flow of the writing, and the uncomplicated characters.

Elias lives to surf and has found himself a Dolphin pod to play with early in the morning when he’s out on the waves. He wants to capture it somehow and coincidentally there is an artist on the beach sketching madly that he thinks may be able to put his vision on a wall in his home.

Theo is a little obscure. His past is hinted at but it doesn’t go much deeper than the reader being told he has used his art to get him away from his abusive family. This story is light, so that is as heavy as it gets.

The length of this story doesn’t really allow for depth of character building, but the glimpse I got was enough for me to enjoy both men in the moment.

I really enjoyed the atmosphere of the beach, and the connection Theo and Elias had during the short time I spent with them.

Short stories are a bit of a tease. I’d love for this to be longer. It was a nice refreshing reset for my tired mind, and I thoroughly enjoyed the writing style and the setting.

The author captured the beauty of the ocean, the freedom that comes with surfing, the wonder Elias had when the Dolphins joined him on his swim, and the way an artist’s mind works while capturing a scene.

If you like quickies with zero angst and an easy connection, then this is one I would recommend.