Release Blitz: French Kiss (Flying into Love #1) by C.F. White

Author C.F. White and Gay Book Promotions celebrate new release, French Kiss (Flying into Love #1)! Read more about the new series today!
 

RELEASE BLITZ

Book Title: French Kiss (Flying into Love #1)

Author and Publisher: C F White

Cover Artist: Kelly Martin KAM Design

Release Date: May 30, 2022

Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance

Tropes: Opposites Attract, Instalust, Age Gap, Forced Proximity 

Themes: Coming out, Found Family 

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Length: 58 000 words/232 pages

It is a standalone story and does not end on a cliffhanger.

This is the first in a new series of standalone novels. The second book is due out in June.

Goodreads

Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

Universal Link  |  Amazon US  |  Amazon UK 

Can a French kiss persuade an uptight Englishman to leave his city behind and start a new life in rural France?

Blurb

Clean-cut London businessman Dale Calverley doesn’t do relationships. 

Rugged French handyman Valentin Aubrey doesn’t do city men. 

When Dale hires Valentin to help him fix up his inherited farmhouse estate in rural France and sell to the highest bidder, sparks fly. 

Complete opposites, can they really expect their insta-lust to last beyond the storm that forces them together? 

But how can Dale walk away from a man so alluringly rogue as Valentin Aubrey? 

And how can Valentin expect a man so money-orientated to throw away his career and stay in the wilderness with him?

French Kiss (Flying into Love #1) is a Contemporary, Age-Gap, Hurt/Comfort, Forced Proximity MM Romance featuring an uptight English businessman with a preference for nameless hook ups and a rugged half-French handyman with a chequered past. 

Excerpt 

Stomach knotting, roiling, fluttering, Dale laid eyes on Valentin, axe held high over his head then swinging down to slice through chopped wood balancing on a tree stump. If that wasn’t the most spectacular thing Dale had ever seen in his entire life, he had no idea what was. He held his breath, lurking on the periphery and willing himself not to be seen. He wanted to watch. He wanted to gaze on that sight without fear. He wanted nothing more than to stare as though it was a show just for him. 

Valentin threw a chopped log onto a pile, wiping the sweat from brow with his plaid shirt sleeve and smearing mud across his face. He then set another on the stump and swung the axe. Voracious hunger surged through Dale as Valentin grunted, thrashing the blade down into the log. It was so barbaric. So feral. So wild Dale had to inhale a tantric breath. Flustered and ravenous, Dale lost all rational thought. He hadn’t seen anything like it before and his cock throbbed, unveiling his voyeuristic side and exposing him to his type.

He stared. 

And stared. 

And stared. 

Valentin stopped, then undid his shirt, wriggling it down his arms to drop to the ground, luscious, tanned torso now on display with those Angel-wing tattoos for Dale to feast upon. If Dale thought his heart had been pounding before, it then tripled pace. Valentin was so ripped. So defined. So masculine, and every outline of strength and sinew on his back, his chest, his stomach, his decorated arms as he lifted the axe and yielded it to cut through solid timber, had Dale’s pulse racing. 

Dale’s throat dried as animalistic desire raged through him, inflating both want and need. His dick stiff and rigid, demanding to see for itself, Dale could do nothing but stand and stare. 

Valentin glanced up, maybe sensing he was being watched. Was that a hunting instinct? He blinked, a cloudy rush of breath billowing from his lips as he exhaled into the mist. God, he was so savage. So rugged and raw. Dale should move. He should shake himself out and move. He should make up some utter bullshit of why he was standing there that wasn’t salivating over him chopping logs. He should pretend he’d heard something. He should, at the very least, stop staring. 

But what he wanted to do was take Valentin by the neck and kiss him. 

Valentin threw the axe to the ground, grabbing his shirt and sliding it on as he jogged toward him. “Dale,” he said, breath light and airy, so unlike the atmosphere between them, laden with desperation. 

Dale couldn’t speak. All words caught in his throat at the sight, at the scent, at the scorching skin exposed on Valentin’s chest that Dale wanted—needed—to touch. He’d never felt anything like this. Ever. It was so all-consuming. Mesmerising. Bewitching. It was so beyond any rationality and reason that Dale couldn’t comprehend what was happening to him. 

“Dale?” Valentin searched him. “Are you okay?” 

Dale forced himself to nod, breathing out a deep and rumbling, “Mmm, hmm.” 

“Sorry if I woke you. There’s a storm heading for us. Needed wood for the fire. It might pass us, but it’s worth stocking up the fuel while we can.”

Dale inhaled. All he could smell was Valentin. His sweat. His musk. His beard. Dale never wanted to breath in anything else again. 

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Valentin frowned, then without a hint of warning he placed a palm to Dale’s forehead, his touch sending shockwaves sparking through him. 

Dale gripped Valentin’s wrist, digging fingertips into him, holding his hand where it was. “Valentin.” 

Valentin held his gaze. “Dale,” he breathed out. “I don’t want to make the same mistake twice.”

Dale dropped his arm to his side but refused to let go of Valentin’s wrist.

“Don’t make me.” Valentin’s voice was soft, shaky, filled with fear and worry yet had an undeniable growl of want. As though he was struggling to control himself. He trembled, glancing to their locked hands as he uttered with caution, “Je te veux.” 

About the Author

Brought up in a relatively small town in Hertfordshire, C F White managed to do what most other residents try to do and fail—leave.

Studying at a West London university, she realised there was a whole city out there waiting to be discovered, so, much like Dick Whittington before her, she never made it back home and still endlessly search for the streets paved with gold, slowly coming to the realisation they’re mostly paved with chewing gum. And the odd bit of graffiti. And those little circles of yellow spray paint where the council point out the pot holes to someone who is supposedly meant to fix them instead of staring at them vacantly whilst holding a polystyrene cup of watered-down coffee.

Eventually she moved West to East along that vast District Line and settled for pie and mash, cockles and winkles and a bit of Knees Up Mother Brown to live in the East End of London; securing a job and creating a life, a home and a family.

After her second son was born with a rare disability, C F White’s life changed and it brought pen back to and paper after having written stories as a child but never had the confidence to show them to the world. Now, having embarked on this writing journey, C F White can’t stop. 

So strap in, it’s going to be a bumpy ride.  

Author Links

Twitter @CFWhiteUK  |  Facebook  |  Blog

Instagram  |  Newsletter Sign-up

Hosted by Gay Book Promotions

Blog Tour + Giveaway: Gideon's Wish by Byran T. Clark

Author Bryan T. Clark and Other Worlds Ink visit today on the Gideon's Wish blog tour! Discover more about the contemporary romance and enter in the $20 Amazon gift card giveaway!

Bryan T. Clark has a new MM contemporary romance out: Gideon's Wish. And there's a giveaway!

He might be Mr. Right, but their timing is all kinds of wrong…

Gideon Miller is done letting his heart do the thinking for him. Been there, done that, still has the emotional scars to prove it. Besides, he’s leaving Los Angeles soon. There’d be no point in starting up a new romance now. But when he meets the off-the-charts sexy, ex-military man next door, Gideon starts to question everything…

Isaiah Williams needs a fresh start. With his time in the Navy—and a painful, toxic relationship—behind him, he’s ready to start a new life. Now all he has to do is figure out how to keep his matchmaking mother out of his business…and how to not fall for his sweet, nerdy, and entirely too attractive neighbor…

They’re complete opposites with nothing but trust issues in common. Their timing? Terrible. And yet…none of that matters when they’re together. Will love be enough to get Gideon and Isaiah to happily ever after? Or are they destined to remain star-crossed?

“Gideon’s Wish, a standalone, steamy, lightly angsty, M/M contemporary romance, features a loveable, openly gay handyman and the not-so-openly gay alpha male of his dreams. HEA guaranteed. Download today and get ready to fall in love with your next favorite read.”

Get It On Amazon

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Giveaway

Bryan is giving away a $20 Amazon gift card with this tour:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b60e8d47182/?

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Excerpt

“Your dad and I are so proud of you and the work you’ve done on the house. I admit, I thought your dad was crazy to want to take the loan out to do this…But it really looks nice.”

He knew she was referring to the latest pictures he’d sent her. Although he’d spent every bit of the twenty grand from the home equity loan they’d taken out for the project, they saved so much money in labor by him doing the work himself.

Gideon groaned into the receiver. He hated talking money with her. It was always ‘we can’t afford that.’ “Well, I wanted to talk to you and Dad about the master bathroom. I was thinking we should redo the bathroom before we put it back up for rent. I can pay for it with the money I’m making, and…” The sound of a door closing caused Gideon to look over his shoulders, out the window, and into the carport that he and his neighbor, Daisy, shared.

Jesus! Gideon’s lower jaw dropped as he stared at the young man coming out of Daisy’s house holding a trash bag. Shirtless, his gorgeous brown chest muscles were like two rounded mountains.

As the guy walked across the carport, Gideon’s eyes traced down his picture-perfect six-pack abs to a tapered waist and strong thighs. He had the classic military hair cut, trimmed short all the way around except for the top of his head.

“Hold on! Your father’s walking in. Talk to him about that. I love you!”

“I love you, too,” he tried to say before she was gone. As he waited for his dad to get on the phone, Gideon now remembered Daisy saying last week that her son, Isaiah, was coming home and would be staying with her until he got on his feet. Was this who this gorgeous specimen of a man was?

Gideon’s gaze fell below the guy's waist. Holy shit! What the hell is that swinging in his black nylon gym shorts? Obviously, commando under the tight shorts, the sheer size of it sent blood flooding into Gideon’s own groin.

The man’s warm chestnut skin tone complimented his black hair and thin, neatly-trimmed mustache that dropped to his jaw line. If this was indeed Isaiah, he was way better-looking than his brothers and in great shape. He was all kinds of sexy.

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Author Bio

Bryan T. Clark is a hopeless, perpetual, unceasing, relentless, unremitting, persistent, interminable romantic. He is a voracious reader who is blessed with an innate love of writing and who, after over 30 years, remains madly in love with the man of his dreams. So, it is no surprise then, that his passion in life is writing captivating and engaging romantic dramas about men who love men. He is committed to bringing his readers stories of real life, with multicultural characters, riveting plots, and of course, what we all desire…ever-lasting love. A multi-published, Rainbow Award winning author and a 2x LAMBDA Literary Finalist, he is also a funny, loving, family-oriented, and a proud member of the LGBTQ community. He is the founder of Cornbread Publishing Inc. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Bryan and his husband of thirty-six years have made their home and life in the Central Valley of California.

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

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

Author Twitter: https://twitter.com/BryanTClarkx2

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

Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53309216-far-away

Review: Shades of Henry (The Flophouse #1) by Amy Lane

One bootstrap act of integrity cost Henry Worrall everything—military career, family, and the secret boyfriend who kept Henry trapped for eleven years. Desperate, Henry shows up on his brother’s doorstep and is offered a place to live and a job as a handyman in a flophouse for young porn stars.

Lance Luna’s past gave him reasons for being in porn, but as he continues his residency at a local hospital, they now feel more like excuses. He’s got the money to move out of the flophouse and live his own life—but who needs privacy when you’re taking care of a bunch of young men who think working penises make them adults?

Lance worries Henry won’t fit in, but Henry’s got a soft spot for lost young men and a way of helping them. Just as Lance and Henry find a rhythm as den mothers, a murder and the ghosts of Henry’s abusive past intrude. Lance knows Henry’s not capable of murder, but is he capable of caring for Lance’s heart?

The Johnnies series is among my favorites. They’re reliable reads that’ll rip to you pieces and stick you back together. A spin-off with lots of character overlap sounded right up my alley.

So I was really rooting for ‘Shades of Henry’ to be a slam dunk. Unfortunately, Lance and Henry’s love story just didn’t work for me.

The set-up is classic angst-and-pain Amy Lane. Henry, Dex’s asshole brother, finally owns up to the truth and escapes his abusive relationship. He ends up on his brother’s doorstep, and agrees to help Lance run the porn star flophouse.

The two men have their respective demons. They come from entirely different backgrounds, but one thing draws them together - the need to love and be loved.

Very early on, I found it difficult to focus on Henry and Lance’s story. I felt they were continuously drowned out by the flophouse.

It’s acknowledged from the outset that the residents of the apartment are young and hormonal. But there’s a difference between young and hormonal and just outright mind-numbingly immature.

The roommate drama and inanity was just distracting.

The other problem - a good chunk of this story (the murder mystery at least) occurs in Fish on a Bicycle, an entirely seperate book in an entirely seperate series. Neither of which I’ve read.

I kept feeling like I was missing parts of the story, or entering scenes mid-conversation. It didn’t help with being unable to immerse myself in the book.

That all being said, I did like the dynamic between Henry and Lance. Henry slowly lets down his guard and Lance learns to be a healthier version of himself - and each man does it to build a relationship with the other.

And I absolutely loved seeing my favourite Johnnies boys and their chosen family again.

In the end, I never really got into the book. Lance and Henry’s story was just washed out by other storylines and the way the book was written.

A review copy was provided.

Guest Review: Heart2Heart: A Charity Anthology (Volume 3) by Various Authors

Once upon a time, a group of authors wondered… What if the Heart2Heart app -- the dating app with a glitch that matched up the oddest, most perfect couples, and sponsored the charity date raffles that helped dozens of people find love -- offered a classifieds section, too?

Need a handyman who knows how to wear a tool belt? Have a closet of drag costumes that needs a new home? How about finally tracking down that guy who made the perfect drink, or who’s just the right height to reach the top shelf?

Join some of your favorite authors of gay romance as they bring you sixteen brand-new stories inspired by reader suggestions!

Once again, all proceeds from this collection will go to the authors’ favorite LGBTQ charities, to ensure that love in all its forms will be celebrated and protected every single day of the year!



Featuring stories from Annabeth Albert, Damon Suede, Piper Scott, Aimee Nicole Walker, Hailey Turner, Layla Reyne, Nora Phoenix, K.M. Neuhold, Lucy Lennox, Eden Finley, Lily Morton, Susan Hawke, Sloane Kennedy, Mary Calmes, May Archer, and Charlie Cochet

Reviewer: Shee Reader

The Heart2Heart Anthology is always a super read and this third volume is just as good as the previous two.

Once again, it’s a lovely mixture of stories by my well loved favourite authors, with a few less well known ones too.

Each story is centred on a different couple, but they are all linked using the Heart2Heart app, we heard different men each finding their happy ever after. I loved the idea that the app had gone haywire as the man who should have been ironing out glitches right before the launch, was busy getting his HEA and left the office at the worst possible time.

The unlikely matches were all true love (of course) and the stories were each a quick dip but overall the whole thing was so satisfying!

Highly recommended!

I received a free copy of this anthology in exchange for an honest review.

Release Blitz + Giveaway: Nightside: An Erie Vampire Tale by V.L. Locey

V.L. Locey and Signal Boost Promotions celebrate the release of Nightside: An Erie Vampire Tale! Learn more about the paranormal triad romance and enter in the Erie Collection eBook giveaway!

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link


Cover Design: Meredith Russell


Length: 50,236 words


Erie Series


An Erie Collection - Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link

Blurb

Being a new member of the undead sect has its ups and downs, something that newly embraced Akio Lee is finding out first hand. Being able to spend eternity with his beloved Vincente, the man who introduced him to life in the nightside, is a definite up. Having to feed on strangers? That’s one of the downsides, and something that Akio is finding difficult to swallow. But what other option is there for a recently wed vampire couple who need blood to survive?


Finding a new donor perhaps? One who comes into the lifestyle willingly, as Akio had done, and is open to the unique and sensual relationship that develops when three men have a blood bond. A man who can exist in both the nightside and the dayside worlds. A man like Ian O’Keeffe, the handsome caretaker of the manse Akio and Vincente now call home? Ian seems to tick every box Akio and Vincente have—he’s comfortable around vampires, he’s obviously into men, he’s drop-dead gorgeous, he’s more than a little mischievous, and he’s human. Mostly.


But will the outgoing handyman be willing to offer two vampires his vein, his body, and his heart?

V.L. Locey loves worn jeans, yoga, belly laughs, Dr. Who, Torchwood, walking, reading and writing lusty tales, Greek mythology, the New York Rangers, comic books, and coffee. (Not necessarily in that order.) She shares her life with her husband, her daughter, one dog, two cats, two Jersey steers and a flock of assorted domestic fowl.


When not writing lusty tales, she can be found enjoying her day with her menagerie in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania with a cup of fresh java in hand.

Website | Goodreads | Amazon | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Blog

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Audiobook Review: Love You So Madly (Love You So #2) by Tara Lain

Ben Shane has it all...and he'd like to give some of it back. While he loves his job heading a foundation that funds worthy causes around the world, his engagement to one of America's wealthiest men leaves him feeling more like a trophy wife than a valued partner. The first warning that his relationship might not be designed to last is his irresistible lust for Dusty Kincaid, the golden-haired, bright-eyed handyman for his company.

Though Dusty is odd for a 23-year-old - no liquor, no sugar, and he can't even drive - the more Ben gets to know Dusty, the more he admires him. But is Ben going to give up a guy who drives a Ferrari for one who takes the bus?

He must be mad. Dusty knows he and Ben can never work. After all, Ben's perfect...and Dusty isn't. But Ben might surprise everyone with proof that he's only mad in love.

Listening Length: 4 hours and 36 minutes
Narrator: Ry Forest

Reviewer: Shee Reader

Ah this story was so great it made me smile for days! Ben is a charming guy engaged to a guy who doesn’t really seem to ‘get’ him. Ben loves his home that is mid remodel, but Alan wants him to sell it as soon as he can and live in his over-styled penthouse apartment. It’s almost like Alan doesn’t know who Ben really is, and anyway, what is Ben doing being engaged to a wonderful man and boggling the handyman at work. Clearly there isn’t a match made in heaven, but Ben and Dusty clearly are meant to be!

This is a lovely sweet tale that explores a few big issues and manages to resolve the relationship conflict without anyone doing anything terrible! It is low on angst and high on charm, with supporting families, outrageous philanthropists and a sweet as can be happily ever after. We also get to check in with the lovely couple from the first book in the Love You So series, which is great.

It’s a quick-quick-wish listen which is superbly narrated by Ry Forrest who brings all the characters sparkling to life.

Highly recommended.

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

Review: Just for Nice (States of Love) by H.M. Shepherd

Nick Caratelli flees the city in an attempt to escape a broken relationship and a career he never wanted. He plans to set up a bed-and-breakfast in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country—despite the fact he has no experience in renovating the old building. Luckily his handsome neighbor Sam approaches him with a curious proposal: he’ll help with the restoration in exchange for Nick babysitting his niece.

As they work to have the bed-and-breakfast open for business by summer’s end, their lives become interwoven without them even trying. Before he knows it, Nick is recovering from his loss and taking his place in the unconventional family that seems determined to form. But for Nick and Sam to be together in all the ways they desire, they’ll have to realize all the arguments against romance exist only in their heads….

Not too bad for a debut novel...

As per the blurb, Nick is getting over a bad break up and has decided to quit law and open up a bed and breakfast. He realizes too late that he’s a bit in over his head and really doesn’t have the knowledge to do what needs to be done. Perhaps fortuitously, Nick’s neighbor Sam, is in need of a babysitter for his niece and offers his handyman services in exchange. Attraction and feelings inevitably develop because of course they will!

I’m going to assume that the States of Love series has a word limit on how long a story can be and that the author was perhaps stymied by this. I wanted things more fleshed out. I wanted everything from Nick’s sexuality, to Sam’s past, and even the niece’s age, to be revealed with better timing and explanation than what I got. I felt like I was in the dark for three quarters of this book and just when things were finally coming together, a few months pass by in a flash, and we’re told the ending, rather than shown. To be honest, approximately 100 pages is just not enough to properly do a story justice most of the time, and though I absolutely adored the premise, this fell short for me.

Again, I liked what I got. Points go towards the very likeable MC’s and the hot sweetness when Nick and Sam acted on their attraction. I’m just really greedy, and I wanted more.


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See our tag team eBook review HERE

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

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

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

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

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

Averaged!

Sara - 5 Hearts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SheReadsALot - 3.5  Hearts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Review: David, Renewed by Diana Copland

When interior designer David Snyder buys a beautiful century-old house in eastern Washington, he is reeling with heartbreak and looking for somewhere to put down roots. Unfortunately his new home comes with a laundry list of problems: electrical, plumbing, heating… things David knows nothing about. When his mother offers him the business card of a local handyman, David pictures an overweight, balding man in his fifties. But Jackson Henry couldn’t be further from that stereotype.

Dark-haired, muscular, and handsome, Jackson left a large construction firm in Seattle to take care of his sick mother. However, his hometown still has an active “good old boy” network, and finding employment in construction is almost impossible for an openly gay man. Determined to persevere, Jackson takes odd jobs as a handyman. He’s exactly what David needs—in more ways than one.

David isn’t ready for his attraction to Jackson, not considering the way his last relationship ended. But as the two men get to know each other, it becomes clear that the heart often knows best, and it rewards those willing to listen.

I loved this character driven story and it wasn’t just the MC’s driving the bus. The entire cast had a real purpose with unique personalities and they all added to the pacing of David’s renewal.

David has left his boyfriend of five years after the Cheating Bastard got caught with his dick down a twinks throat and David comes to the realization that the Cheating Bastard was always a bastard on some level and his self-confidence has taken a hit. He impulsively buys a beautiful Craftsman home in the neighborhood he grew up in and quickly realizes his beautiful home is a money pit. His mom (who is awesome, as is his sister) gives him the card of a local handyman, Jackson Henry.

David is expecting an older, overweight guy sporting a plumber’s crack and instead he is pleasantly surprised and flustered to be confronted with an Adonis in a toolbelt and flannel. The whole getting-to-know-you portion of the book was so yummy. Most everyone loves this part of a relationship and David, Renewed does not disappoint. It was flirty and charming and still read very real. During this part the author also introduced the cast of characters that make me wish with all my nuggets that this turns into a series. I need Michael and Vic’s story. That has to be a thing. And Manny? Manny needs his story told too.

There is some drama thanks to Cheating Bastard, but it wasn’t over the top and it moved the story along as these things do. It didn’t feel forced at all which was good because as I said earlier, great pacing. It did bring David and Jackson together probably a little bit more quickly, but that was a good thing. The story was going there anyway, so it flowed right along. I also liked that the two of them declared their extreme like for each other while there was still plenty of story to be had so I got to get invested in their relationship as well as their courtship.

Jackson is completely swoon worthy and naturally charming while David is so very relatable and genuine, I couldn’t help but want them together. It wasn’t a sugar fest though, there was enough snark, dirty talk and stress to keep the book grounded with the two MC’s as well as the supporting cast. The scene is set for a series and it wouldn’t be one of those where half the “small” town just happens to be gay and they hop from one couple to the next. This ending is unique and calls on the skills of the group and would make complete sense as a series.

Annnnnd, I can’t wait, so I need Ms. Copland to heed the Call of the Unicorn and give Peach what she needs in more stories for the wonderful guys.


For more information and to get your copy of David, Renewed, head over to Dreamspinner Press.

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

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Release Day Review: Falling for Santa Claus by C.J. Anthony

When Jack Frost’s aunt dies and leaves him her house in the tiny town of Great Falls, Jack seizes the opportunity to escape the rat race of Chicago for the quaint village he loved as a child. On his first night he’s welcomed by a baseball bat and a trespassing warning from Nick St. James—longtime Great Falls resident and infamous curmudgeon.

Jack wants to give Nick the benefit of the doubt—he can’t deny his attraction to the big man—but after several run-ins with Nick’s grumpiness and closed-off heart, he’s ready to give up. Only after discovering the secret Nick’s been covering up for years does he vow to break through Nick’s walls to find the loving man hiding behind them.

And the Jizzmas in July just keeps on coming! He He He, see what I did there?

It’s no secret I love July Jizzmas to hold me over til the official season starts and the setting of Falling for Santa Claus was perfect to get me in the mood. The small town that Jack moves to after his aunt passes away is basically Christmastown. It’s a tightknit community with all the good and bad that comes with it. Someone will always have your back, but they will also be all up in your business at the same time. It’s a little overwhelming for Jack at times, but he really loves it and before long he’s part of the fabric of the town too.

His aunt had a renter who lived in a house she owned nearby, one Nick St. James. Now to say Nick St. James is a curmudgeon is a kindness. He’s quiet, surly and can be downright rude. Nick and Jack dance around an obvious attraction, but Nick’s attitude makes me wonder why Jack bothers. Just because he’s the only other gay man in town (that he knows of, of course) doesn’t mean Jack should be treated rudely. Nick obviously has some issues but he doesn’t open up until the end, sort of, so I think when it was all said and done, I needed more of Nick-at-the-end-of-the-story to balance out Nick-through-the-rest-of-the-story.

The story is told through Jack’s eyes so we don’t get into Nick’s head at all. I needed in there so he could be a sympathetic character for me and so I could get more of a gist of the two of them together. Jack figures out a few of Nick’s secrets and it turns out Nick isn’t such a grumblebutt underneath it all. Which is nice but I needed a little more directly from Jack so that I could be happy for them both.

The way the blurb read, I thought this one was going to take a bit of a veer off into paranormal/fantasy land, but it doesn’t and I liked the way the author worked in the Santa Claus angle in a realistic way. Again, a little more from Nick and I would have swooned.

I did have one issue that I had trouble letting go of. The situation that trapped them together for a time needed some detail work to make it believable. Nick is a handyman and any handyman who knows anything knows there’s a bypass to automatic garage doors. Believe me, I know that’s a nitpicky thing, but it did take me out of the story in a moment of, “Oh, come ON, even I know how to fix that”. 

Letting that go though, the story will definitely put you in a Christmas spirit. The town of Great Falls and its citizens are great to read about and Jack is a good guy that I wanted to see happy. I do believe Nick is the one for him, I just wish I could have read about it.


For more information on Falling for Santa Claus head over to Dreamspinner Press.

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

Review: The Christmas Pageant by D. River

When Troy Swenson left the army to raise his little brother, he had no idea what he was in for. Now a high school history teacher at Brentsen Academy, he finds himself drafted into running the school's Christmas Pageant. There's just one problem: He has no idea how to do that.

Fate intervenes and sends him help in the form of Taylor Douglas, a parent of one of his students. Taylor is a handsome, funny guy and if Troy allowed himself to think such things he'd find him very attractive. However, Troy doesn't have time for romance. He barely has time to breathe as he struggles to keep the Christmas Pageant from falling apart around him.

What he doesn't realize is that Taylor is going to drag him out for fun no matter what feeble protests Troy offers. Troy finds friendship with Taylor easy. The problem for Troy then becomes, how does he keep the feelings he starts to have for Taylor in check?

I am a huge fan of Christmas stories and this one did not disappoint. There is a fine line, I feel, with Christmas stories. A line that separates cute from cheesy - now don't get me wrong, I'm a sap and I pretty much love 'em all, but there is some skill in pulling off a warm, cosy Christmas story that doesn't cross from one side to the other. This year, there has been a plethora of fabulous seasonal stories, and this is definitely one of them.

Troy is the kind of hero I like. Putting his brother before himself, even though he had to change his whole life around to do so, Troy is funny and honourable and hard working and... I just really liked him. I wanted him to be happy so I loved reading about him. Taylor Douglas is the same - a guy I really liked. Like always sounds so meh, but to me it's really important to like my MC's. Especially in a feel good story. What I liked most about him was that he wouldn't let Troy just concentrate on everyone else and made him think about himself a little.

D. Rivers is a writer I enjoy. He has a wonderful way with words and includes a cast of characters that just make a story. I'm always partial to surrounding characters as they can really make or break a story. The kids in the pageant, Troy's son... they all fleshed out a good story and added to it.

A great story that I recommend to everyone who enjoys Christmas stories as much as I do.

A copy of this story was given on exchange for an honest review.
For more information check out Goodreads.