It's FREAKIN' release day for Garrett Leigh's BOLD, Blue Boy #3!!!!

IT'S #3 IN THE BLUE BOY SERIES

*flailing Kermit arms*

It's Kai's turn to tell his story and I am so excited. So. Excited.

I love this series and if you haven't read any of it, what the hell are you waiting for? Seriously, porn stars, damaged heroes, hearts of gold. Tis lovely, absolutely lovely.

Garrett was sweet enough to bring along a teaser excerpt today to share, so without further ado . . . meet Kai and prepared to be teased.

***********

Kai slipped into Jack’s arms like a rag doll. Jack spun him around in a choreographed move and took his place at Kai’s back. The position felt natural, like it wasn’t the first time they’d ever fucked.

Jack played Kai’s body, probing and testing with his fingers. He found a sensitive spot, grazed it. Kai arched his back and fell forward. Jack was a little predictable, but he had some skills. Kai would give him that.

The snap of a condom pierced the air. Kai closed his eyes, bit his lip for the camera, and waited for the scene to play out. His hand on my hip, his nails digging into my skin. The thick head of his cock pushing into me…

Jack didn’t disappoint. He pushed into Kai with a low groan. Kai absorbed the sound, let it travel through him. Jack was no Levi Ramone, but he had a deep voice and his rumbly moans were kind of hot. Kai relaxed and panted out a few quick breaths. Jack wasn’t the biggest he’d ever had, but the sensation of being filled still took a few moments to feel good.

“You ready?”

Kai smirked.

Tops always said that, like they thought he’d be the one coming apart at the seams.

Don’t underestimate me.

***********

So. Huh? Huh? Huh?

Yeah, Kai. I gotta know more about Kai . . .

***********

Bold (Blue Boy 3)

Don’t underestimate me…

Dancer Kai is the sweetheart of Blue Boy Studio. Cute and petite, he’s the slender bottom every top loves to pound. But nothing is ever quite as it seems, and beneath his golden curls and giggles lies something else…an edge no one can quite put their finger on.

Is Kai bored? Or does he crave something more?

Blue Boy Studio is under new ownership. Veteran porn star Jude has seen it all before, and with the help of Kai’s mentor, Cam, they figure Kai needs a change. Enter Matthew, a fellow dancer and the newbie on the block.

Kai isn’t impressed. Matthew is hot, but Jude and Cam’s plans seem beyond his reach. Can Kai really do…that? He doesn’t believe it, but with Matthew along for the ride, it’s time to be bold and find out.


Release Date: August 19th 2014
Publisher: Loose Id
Cover Artist: G.D. Leigh

GO GET IT. Go. Seriously, GO! And, as always, enjoy!

Get your copy of Bold here!

Review: Casting Call (Gin & Jazz #6) by Morticia Knight

Will Carmichael, an impossibly handsome silent film star, longs for the broodingly intense director André Chenard. Can they find their way to one another despite the hidden perils of the prohibition era?

Will Carmichael lives a carefree and fun-filled life as one of Global Studio’s most popular motion picture stars. Young and stunningly attractive, he could have any man he wants. However, the only one he has any interest in is the only one who won’t have anything to do with him.

André Chenard is Global Studio’s newest director. A proponent of the newly introduced Russian method of acting, he aspires to create true art through the films he directs. Not interested in wasting his time on frivolous pursuits, he spurns Will’s constant attempts to catch his attention. Although André can’t stop thinking about the gorgeous man, his initial meeting with Will leads him to believe that he is too shallow for serious consideration.

Resigned to the fact that André will never be his, Will is determined to enjoy himself to the fullest at his favourite speakeasy and pansy club. When his carousing becomes out of control and he’s injured, André steps in to help. As a result, they each discover that there is much more to the other than they had originally assumed.

Right when it seems they have found their way to one another, an outside threat drives a wedge between them. As a result, they may have more to worry about than lost love—the threat could be to their very lives.

I so dig the setting for this series. I love the era, their clothes and the lingo. Every time Will called someone 'Old Bean' I just had to giggle. 

Will has been mooning over André for quite some time now but his first impressions didn't go over quite as well as he'd hoped and it seemed as though André just wrote him off. I did like how smooth and seductive Will kind of turned into a lovesick fool around André. It was super cute and made him a very endearing character.

These aren't characters I had paid attention to previously so, in the beginning, their love story was just OK for me. Not only was I not really into the couple, they didn't have much interaction together until about 25% or so. Which was too long of a wait for me, especially with characters that I just didn't care too much about. 

Once they were together? Whew. I definitely felt their chemistry and was so into them as a couple after that. Once they got over their misconceptions of each other they were a great couple and worked well together.

The little bit of suspense was very well done and perfect for this story, especially for a character like Will. It gave him more depth than the fun, easygoing character everyone thought him to be. Of course, as readers we knew there was more to him, but the way he was there for his family really cemented him as a great character to read about.

Although, this could be read as a standalone, I wouldn't recommend it. *whispers* Mostly because then you wouldn't be able to read about Jack. My favorite little cutie-pa-tootie. *pinches butt* 

Even though this is my least favorite in the series, it was still a very enjoyable read, set in an era that I rarely see in M/M romance and I will definitely be on the lookout for more. Did I see that there will be more to come? Hmm?

A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Love is a Stranger by John Wiltshire

How do you love someone who exists entirely in the shadows? How do you love a man who describes himself as dead? How do you get that ghost to love you back? Ex-SAS soldier Ben Rider falls in love with his enigmatic married boss Sir Nikolas Mikkelsen, but Nikolas is living a lie. A lie so profound that when the shadows are lifted, Ben realises he's in love with a very dangerous stranger. Ben has to choose between Nikolas and safety, but sometimes danger comes in a very seductive package.

Well, this was different and refreshing! Twists, turns, lies, action. Just fun!

Right away we're thrust into the affair between Ben and Nikolas.  It's hot and heavy and 'just sex'. Pfft. Okay, I haven't heard that before. I know, I know, I just said that this is different, and it is.  Obviously, what Nik and Ben have is more than sex, we all know it even if they don't. But there's one little snag in their relationship (other than 'just sex'), Nik is married.

It's clear right away that Nik is not who or what he seems. As Ben is dragged further and further into Nik's web, he's finding out more and more about his lover and who he really is. Maybe. Kind of. Okay, not really. But regardless of who he is, as far as his identity goes, one thing was the the same throughout, he loved Ben. No matter how hard he tried to deny or pretend otherwise, he was.

"'So, I have not really changed all that much Benjamin. I believe I am very much what I once was.' He looked across the table. 'Totally obsessed with you.'"

Unf. If that doesn't make someone just swoon, I don't know what will. Nik is an excellent character. He's witty, funny and, even though we don't know much about his identity, his actions and feelings towards Ben are very real. And he knows he's a liar and secretive. He totally owns it and he owns it well.

"'I lied. I always lie, you know this.'"

Ben was great, too. He stuck by Nik, he knew there were secrets and danger, but he stayed, he was there and he was honest. He's not dumb though. Ben is very aware of the kind of person Nik is and I liked that he didn't let him get away with the lies.

This is different that your run-of-the-mill suspense. There isn't just one suspense storyline, solved and done. There's a couple of... erhm... missions, I guess you could say, that Ben and Nik have to deal with. They're full of action, fast-paced and we're even left with a mini-cliffy! *gasp*

Awesome characters and some awesome suspense, but there were a few dull moments in between. I did get a little bored a couple times, luckily the feeling didn't last long, but I was bored nonetheless.

If you need a break from the typical M/M tropes Love is a Stranger is a great choice. I'd definitely recommend it and I'll be on the lookout for more of Nik and Ben.

I need a solid HEA, dammit!

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

Author Visit: Rhys Ford & The Devil's Brew

So today is a release day. The Devil’s Brew. A novella. Which are banes of existence because there’s no room. No room for murders… not the kind I like and oh, no room for really long sex scenes but to be fair, writing sex scenes always is shaky for me because I want them to be good. Nothing says meh like a Tab A Slot B scene.

Really. It’s supposed to be intimacy. Not building an IKEA futon bed.

Now the fun thing with The Devil’s Brew? I already had the characters and was building on a foundation I’d laid out over the course of a couple of books AND it was going to be a lead in for Tequila Mockingbird, the third Sinners book.

But what was even better? I could really just relax and enjoy the relationships. It was like a mini vacation. Okay, maybe not for Miki since I had him ratcheted up to high stress but for the whole story, I could explore some things I didn’t have time for in the books … because it would have bogged down those stories.

You see, sometimes the sweet and loving stuff has to be sacrificed for the bloodbaths. Hate to say it. But it does. One can’t make mushroom pizza without poisoning a few Borgias along the way.

Or so I imagine. I’ve never met a mushroom I didn’t like so chances are, I’d be sadly disappointed if one decided to turn on me and go all Scarface on my ass. It would be a sad sad day indeed.

Nothing says betrayal like a deleterious fungus.

Really. They’re like stealth serpents in the gardens. Fucking things.

Well, none of those in the novella. Instead, I got to show Miki’s point of view on everything from holidays to jewelry stores and fathers. Which was such a surprise. He’s got more issues than I’d thought and well, apparently he swears a hell of a lot too because even my beta readers were all… um dude, wow. It’s like an F-nuclear explosion in here.

I am not sorry. No regrets.

Because point of view on this was so key. Miki is the only one whose thoughts you see, although the story is in third person. And I could balance a bit of the uncertainty with his fierceness. Because yes, the boy is no one’s victim… unless perhaps his own.

Kane’s there to show him the way out of that darkness. Consider this a peek into the fifth book—the one coming up about Miki’s search for peace from his past but oh, it will be a past that comes and bites him on the butt.

Much like those fucking mushrooms §


ANNOUNCING: 

The Devil’s Brew by Rhys Ford (Book 2.5 in the Sinners Series)

Miki St. John’s life has been turned upside down but it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to him.

His best friend, Damien Mitchell, is back from the dead. He has a dog named Dude. And more importantly, he and his lover, SFPD Inspector Kane Morgan, now share Miki’s converted warehouse.

For the first time ever, Miki’s living a happy and normal-ish life but when Valentine’s Day rolls around, Miki realizes he knows next to nothing about being domestic or domesticated. Nothing about the traditional lover’s holiday makes sense to him but Miki wants to give Kane a Valentine’s Day the man will never forget.

Can he pull off a day of wine and roses? Or will his screwed up childhood come back and bite Miki in the ass?

Again.

Rhys Ford’s The Devil’s Brew is now available at Dreamspinner Press and Amazon.


About Rhys Ford
Rhys admits to sharing the house with three cats of varying degrees of black fur, a black Pomeranian puffball and a ginger cairn terrorist. Rhys is also enslaved to the upkeep a 1979 Pontiac Firebird, a Toshiba laptop, and an overworked red coffee maker.

My Blog: www.rhysford.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rhys.ford.author
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Rhys_Ford

And at the Starbucks down the street. No really, they’re 24/7. And a drive-thru. It’s like heaven.

My books can be purchased, folded and first chapters read at Dreamspinner Press. http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com

Review: A Hunted Man (The Men of Halfway House #2) by Jaime Reese

After surviving ten years in prison, Cameron Pierce is attempting to put the past behind him. He tries to adjust to his newfound freedom with a place at the halfway house and a job. But one lesson he learned in prison keeps him guarded: hope is a dangerous thing.

Hunter Donovan, Assistant State Attorney, is a man of justice who loves a challenge. After a lifetime of putting his career first, a milestone brings him to a harsh realization—he's lonely.

Hunter's world changes when he meets Cam. The wary young man intrigues him and awakens a desire unlike anything he's ever experienced. When Cam's past resurfaces and threatens to rip them apart, their budding relationship is challenged and Cam's hope for a future begins to dim.

These outside forces hunting Cam will stop at nothing to send him back to prison. But they'll have to get past Hunter first.

I know the author was concerned about the length of this book, but all I have to say about that is, thank you! I loved losing myself in this full length novel and gladly will do so in the next one as well. While this was a very romantic story, it had full scale mystery and action as well. One aspect wasn’t used just to move the other along and so the balance made the book flow so well I never noticed the length until it was almost over; and then I didn’t want it to be. I would easily classify this as a mystery that happens to have gay main characters as much as I would an MM romance.

The mystery of what really happened to Cam and how he ended up with a prison record is wrapped in layers of who? and why? and wait, WHAT? As the story unfolds my heart broke for how wronged Cam was over and over and my respect for him grew. Something stunk about why Cam was railroaded when he was sent to prison, the whole time he was in and even after his release.

Through the whole book I was doing this:

1. Spidey senses are telling me all is not right with the release, I smell deception and nefarious activities!
2. Ok, so a little bit more of Cam’s past coming to light, but I don’t get the setup, there HAS to be more.
3. Oh hell, LOOK, there’s more!
4. No WAY, not him, no man would do that, would he???
5. He did, but why? WHY?
6. There’s a mole on the inside, it’s gotta be him, he’s got the perfect cover.
7. Well, shit, wasn’t him.
8. OHMYGAWD I NEED TO KNOW ALL THE THINGS!

So, yeah, I got completely sucked into the mystery, not to mention the badass ex-military hero action. That was good stuff and not over the top. Heroic AND believable and I loved it.

The secondary characters are strong in A Hunted Man and keep the story moving while adding depth to the main characters. Cam needs a support system like he’s never had before and thankfully that support starts with Sam who we met as Matt’s champion in A Better Man. Matt and Julian are back and I loved reading about them again. Especially Julian, I will always have a special place in my heart for Julian. While the Halfway House is a major setting it’s really a connection point so this story didn’t read as merely a continuation of A Better Man, but as a completely new novel with expanding storylines and possibilities.

Cam gets a job working for Lucy and Bill at the diner that Hunter frequents. I don’t think Cam could have been set up with a better job than the one at the diner or with better people that Lucy and Bill, they aren’t characters I’ll forget about any time soon. My favorite though is definitely Hunter’s dad.

I love that man.

When you meet him you can see exactly why Hunter is the caring and fiercely loyal man that he is. Collectively we read about A LOT of awful parental units in the MM genre, but you will not read a better father than Hunter’s dad, don’t even try. The conversations between Hunter and his dad are some of my favorite parts of the book and his acceptance of Cam had me choking up at the perfectness of Cam finally having a father figure in his life.

All that being said, I do love my romance, so let’s talk AAALLLLL about that.

Ahhhh, the romance in this story is off the charts hot, sweet and intense. Cam ends up getting loved pretty hard in this book and man did this guy need it. The reassurances and comfort Hunter gave him were powerful and while might have been too much for another character, for Cam they were perfect. He had a lot of time and loss to make up for and I think the impact of Hunter’s love made it possible for Cam to believe happiness was possible for him. Cam’s underlying theme, the thing he wants and fears more than anything is hope.

The quote at the beginning of the book is perfect for Cam:

“Hope. You can fear her, ignore her, resent her, but she will never abandon you when you need her most.”

Cam has missed so much when he was locked away and the author captured both his confusion and resilience so well. He spent his 20’s behind bars, incredibly formative years for a young man and he missed them all, all he could do was work on surviving and look forward to the day when he would be free. When he settles into the Halfway House and gets the job at the diner he has his first chance of normalcy in a decade. Then he sees Hunter, Hunter sees him and the really intense sexual tension starts.

And, while the sexual tension was SO good to read, I loved the charming banter between the two just as much. Cam finally was able to feel comfortable and safe with someone. Cam’s true personality evolved very naturally and I felt like I was really getting to know him as a person and not an ex-con along with Hunter. There are a lot of little moments that I loved and the connection between the two of them was perfectly done. Hunter really is a sweet romantic sap and while it’s obvious Cam eats up every word and gesture like a starving man, he can’t help but call Hunter on his sappiness bringing some needed levity to their lives and the whole messed up situation they are in. Cam really is very funny and charming, and reading his evolution throughout the book was heartwarming. While, at the same time, the mystery and potential for absolute disaster kept me on edge.

The overall package that is A Hunted Man has everything I love in a good book. No, scratch that, a really great book. This is definitely going to be a reread for me as soon as I see the date of release for the third in this series. Something with Jessie maybe? Aiden? I’ll take either (preferably both) but whatever comes next I will be right there, clearing the calendar, building a couch nest and holing up so I can read it all as soon as I get my sweaty little hands on it, just like I did for A Hunted Man.

A copy of this book was provided for an honest review

Review: Something Like Spring (Seasons #4) by Jay Bell

Nothing in this world is permanent. Friends, lovers, even family, can all disappear in the blink of an eye. Without these anchors, it’s all too easy to find oneself drifting.

Jason Grant doesn’t have much, aside from a beat-up old guitar and knack for getting kicked out of foster homes. His latest placement is set to be just another in a long line of failures. Then he meets Caesar Hubbard, a handsome guy who lives down the hall. For the first time in his life, Jason wants to stay, which means learning to be part of a family, and not letting his feelings—or his actions—ruin his first real chance of falling in love.

Something Like Spring introduces a new character to the Seasons story, one with a troubled past and an equally turbulent future. Jason must traverse a winding road fraught with emotional conflicts and tough decisions… a road that might just lead to a certain couple in Austin.

We all have our favorites. Our favorite authors, our favorite genres, our favorite themes. Wanna know mine? The Seasons series has them all.

I'm really starting to fall in love with YA. I love the innocence and the excitement young characters have for each other. Now, I wouldn't really consider Jason innocent because of things he's seen and gone though, but when it comes to love, he's pretty innocent. And it was adorable! He fell head over feet in love with Caesar. Quick. I loved their excitement with each other and all the newness of their relationship. Everything Jason did with and for Caesar was 100%. He was without a doubt committed to his boyfriend, his high school boyfriend who, he believed, he would be with forever and ever. It was so bittersweet, as we all know where this will be heading. Can a character find, stay and be with a boyfriend at such a young age? Not in this series, they can't. *rubs hands together* Bring it, Jay Bell! Hit me with your best, angsty shot.

I love to fall in love with characters, as we all do. This series in particular has a set of characters that I can't get enough of and Jason fits right in with the rest of them. He is such a realist but so hopeful at the same time. He hopes so hard to find people to love and to love him back. He wants a home and a family, he wishes for these things and he never really stops wishing for his own romance story.

"I would love to be out walking my dog and run into some cute guy walking his dog. Naturally that would lead to us talking. Then we'd start meeting in that same place every day, like little ten-minute dates. After weeks of this, maybe even months, we'd agree to meet without the dogs. Unchaperoned, so to speak. That would me romantic. Way more so than a party or a bar."

*sigh* He's such a sweet romantic. But, again, he's a realist. He knows what to expect of people and what not to expect.

"I don't want some guy I have to impress or one who feels like he needs to show off. I just want someone who loves me that I can love back. Simple as that. That's all it takes. I don't really care about honesty or being totally understood or any of the other stuff because being human is all about messing up and breaking trust and telling lies. I wouldn't want to be with someone perfect. Just some humble, totally normal guy will do."

I really liked this about him. No unrealistic expectations, just love me and let me love you back. That's all he ever wanted. And after mending his broken heart, he found this in William. It took some work (and by work I mean scheming that had me laughing out loud), but Jason eventually got what he wanted.  William was great and he was worth the wait. He was everything Jason deserved and more. They were sweet and loving together, but don't think this lands us in HEA-ville. Not yet, my dearies, not yet.

I can't bring up characters without mentioning Ben and Tim. Oh, how I love their love. I love how I could feel how much they mean to each other and how they are just meant to be. But at the same time, Ben and Jace's relationship was never made to feel less. Ben belongs to Jace just as much as he does Tim.

Not only do I love the characters I should love, but also the ones I shouldn't. Darn you for being so likeable Caesar! I should hate him, but he's so charming and cute, so instead of hating I just want to muss up his hair and say, "Oh, you. Get outta here ya big goofball."

I love books that span a long period of time. I enjoy meeting and staying with a character and then watching their journey unfold. At the end of Spring, I was able to look at where we started with Jason. He was a lonely, teenage boy, in and out of foster homes, purposely getting kicked out, having a hard time finding someplace he fit in and wanting love in his life. Then at the end, I sat back and marveled at how far he came from that lonely boy to the happy and loved man he is now. So much happened in his life, so many heartbreaking and wonderful things that turned him to a character that will have a special place in my heart. I just feel so honored that I had the chance to experience his story.

I love unpredictable stories, ones that take me away from the typical M/M romance tropes. I really had no clue which way Jason's book was going to go until about 95% or so when I had to pick my jaw off the floor. Then, I had no doubt. But up until that point I was on pins and needles in anticipation. Who will Jason be with? Who should he be with? I had no idea. Who do I want him to be with? He had two great loves of his life, two guys that I loved, so I didn't know what I wanted for him either. I was just as confused and conflicted as Jason. It made everything about his story so real to me, like I was right there with him. I couldn't believe the array of emotions I felt in such a short period of time. And then! Then when it all did come together. *dreamy sigh*

"You weren't my second choice. You were the right choice."

Then it was all clear, as it should have been from the beginning. I should have seen it coming, but the brilliance of the writing had me right in the moment. I wasn't thinking about before or after, just right now. Brilliant, I tell you, brilliant.

Which brings me to the last thing I love: emotional books. This series has emotion in spades. My good god! Just seeing Jace, Ben or Tim's name on the page for the first time in Spring got me all weepy. Why? I guess because I have such a strong, emotional connection to these characters that their mere presence brought me to tears.

There weren't too many any huge, dramatic issues in Jason's life but still, the littlest thing or gesture would make me cry. Again! Stuff I would never usually cry over. It was getting ridiculous by the end and I was getting annoyed with myself, but I couldn't help it. I just wanted so much for Jason that any bit of happiness he could grab onto hit me right in the chest.

Oh! One more thing. I live for epilogues. And this one? It's to die for.

The Seasons series pushes all the right buttons for me. Every. Single. One. I can't get enough of this world and the characters that live in it. It really is my ideal type of story. Now if only we could fit a slave boy somewhere in there... *taps chin thoughtfully*

Like I said, we all have our favorites. Favorites that we love to shout to the rooftops about and recommend to everyone we know. If they don't enjoy it... ah well, better luck next time. Right? Yeah, that's my usual reaction, too. With this series? I get a little put out if someone doesn't like it. Is that ridiculous? Yup. Do I know how silly it is? Absolutely! Will I stop getting offended when a friend doesn't enjoy this series? Probably not. I just love it too much for that.

Author Visit & Giveaway: Mark Cooper Versus America by Lisa Henry and J.A. Rock - Release Day Giveaway

Guess who's visiting today??? Coming at us through the magic of the interwebz, Aussie Lisa Henry and American J.A. Rock join forces to visit the BMBR clubhouse and tell us about their new release, Mark Cooper versus America.

Check out the post and then enter the giveaway below!

J.A. Rock: It’s no secret that authors steal seek inspiration from their lives. My friends and family all know to tell me if they absolutely don’t want me to use in my books the things they say and do or the stories they tell me. But sometimes as a writer you bear witness to the actions of an individual you don’t know well enough to feel obligated to ask permission to fictionalize. This is when you interpret them in a way they would probably find offensive  you know it’s your responsibility to create a respectful representation being a writer is the most fun thing ever. Because using reality as your foundation, you get to build something new. While secretly snickering about the stuff you stole paid homage to.

Blake in MARK COOPER VERSUS AMERICA is based on a student I used to tutor who would routinely show up to his scheduled session, sign in, and then “realize” he’d forgotten his textbook back in his dorm and ask to go get it. Then he’d never come back. I was e-mailing Lisa one night during work when this was happening. She suggested that the guy had probably gone to the bathroom and gotten locked inside, and that maybe I should make sure he was okay.

So that became a joke whenever the student didn’t show up for tutoring--that he was locked in the bathroom again and that he’d probably been there for days and was slowly starving, all the while wishing he could make it to his tutoring session.

This was in November of 2012. We didn’t know it then, but that was when fictional Blake was born. I have an e-mail exchange from 2012 in which I told Lisa she should put Blake in a book, and she declared, “Not only will I put him in a story, I will dedicate it to him!”

Now it’s 2014, and we have put Blake in a story (and dedicated it to him). Fictional Blake is probably nothing like the real life student who inspired him. And sometimes it’s even hard to remember that Blake’s RL inspiration didn’t actually get stuck in bathrooms--that was just a story we made up to amuse ourselves.

But that’s one of the most rewarding things about writing--blending imagination and reality, watching familiar people and settings take on new characteristics as we combine, alter, or recast them. Somewhere out there, that student I tutored is completely unaware of the story he sparked. Or if he is aware, then I’ve misjudged his interests and am impressed with his choice of reading material.

Blake, this one’s for you.

Lisa Henry: I have so much love for Blake. The fictional one, and also the real one who unknowingly inspired us. Let this be a lesson to you, kids. If you skip class, your tutor will write you into a book as a guy who can’t work a door.

But now I want to tell you all about Mark. Not Mark Cooper. Another Mark. A Mark I work with. A Mark who ages ago started badgering me about naming a character after him.

“Really?” I said to Mark who is technically my boss. “You want me to name one of my characters after you? One of my characters in a gay romance? In an explicit gay romance?”

And Mark just grinned and said yes.

So that’s how Mark Cooper got his name. He and Real Life Mark share a few qualities -- they’re both smart arses, they’re incredibly loyal friends, they both fire up when they get angry, and they’re both sweethearts underneath. And funnily enough, they both hooked up with Americans at university.

I can never remember if life is supposed to imitate art, or art is supposed to imitate life. But as long as long as one is imitating the other, I guess we’re doing okay. 

What an awesome story, Lisa and J.A.! It's so fun to read about where authors get their inspiration, and the story of Blake and Mark definitely appeals to our quirky tastes.

Lisa and J.A. have brought along an awesome giveaway in honor of their release day.

If you would like to win an ebook copy of Mark Cooper versus America by Lisa Henry and J.A. Rock, leave a comment on this BMBR post with some means of contacting you on the web (e.g., email, Twitter handle, Goodreads link, etc.). The contest will close at 10PM (Pacific time) on February 10th, and a winner will be contacted shortly thereafter.  Please respond within 48 hours or else we will select another winner.

Thanks for visiting the blog, Lisa and J.A., and happy release day!

Mark Cooper versus America is now available at Loose Id and other ebook retailers.

Review: Training Season by Leta Blake

Unquestionably talented figure skater Matty Marcus is willing to sacrifice everything for his Olympic dream, but his lack of discipline cost him the gold once before. Now the pressure’s on. He needs a coach who can keep him in line, but top coaches don't come cheap, and Matty can't afford to stay in the game no matter how badly he wants to win.

When a lucrative house-sitting gig brings him to rural Montana, Matty does his best to maintain his training regimen. Local residents turn out to be surprisingly tolerant of his flamboyant style, especially handsome young rancher Rob Lovely, who proves to be much more than a cowboy stereotype. Just as Matty requires a firm hand to perform his best on the ice, Rob shows him how strong he can be when he relinquishes control in the bedroom. With new-found self-assurance, he drives himself harder to go straight to the top.

But competition has a timetable, and to achieve his Olympic dream, Matty will have to join his new coach in New York City, leaving Rob behind. Now he must face the ultimate test. Has he truly learned how to win—on and off the ice—during his training season?

There was so much hype, hype and more hype surrounding this book that it made me kind of weary about reading it. It can’t possibly live up to all the love surrounding it, right? Well, it did! It so did.

Guh. As soon as Matty and Rob meet… BOOM! instant, crazy hot chemistry. Chemistry that I could just feel right away, burning up the pages with such intensity, and that was before Matty even knew that Rob was gay. They formed a genuine friendship with each other first and I love that. I freaking love that in my books. So, that sold this book for me right there. They just… had so much chemistry. There really isn’t any other way to say it.

Oh, Matty. How I love Matty. His character was so real to me and I loved being inside his head. He’s pissy, bitchy and can be a total brat. At the same time, he’s caring and loving and thoughtful and has this all-consuming need to be the best. Such a need that he’ll do anything to further his career, no matter what it does to his body or to his relationships. He wants what he wants, and he’s going to get it. Determination, this boy's got it.

Then! Then there was Rob. I thought I loved Matty… but Rob? *sigh* He’s just so… dreamy.  And sexy and loving and bossy. And he’s so completely in love with Matty, that parts of their story just gutted me. Completely crushed my heart. And his boyfriend he had at the end there? Good! That’s what Matty gets for doing what he did!

I’m not quite done gushing yet… the side characters! Oh, the side characters. Ben, Matty’s mom, Anja, Bill, and even that weird lady at the grocery store. All of them! They all had a purpose and were so utterly likeable. I want a separate story for each and every one of them.

The characters were there, the chemistry was there… why 4 stars? Well, while I liked the first 70% there seemed to be a lot of the same over and over. Sex, food, training, sex, food, training. And on and on. I was starting to get bored and had a feeling that this was going to be another one of those books that I just don't get. But then the last 30% happened and OMG! I was back. I was so back in this story. I loved how everything about Matty's career and his relationship with Rob was resolved. I loved that he didn’t really get all he wanted cause that’s what happens in life, you gotta make choices and with those choices comes heartache and sacrifices.  It was real and believable and I loved every angsty second.

Okay… the BDSM. I’m all about slutty, kinkiness in my books. 

ALL ABOUT IT. 

"Sometimes it was awesome to sit back and let another person take control. So long as they did really good, dirty, hot things to him."

Yup. I totally get it. But they went kind of far, kind of fast. We have Rob being a Mr. Bossy-pants and then that? Ya know, the corn maze? It was a little much for me to find believable. But, for reals, their sex was sssssssmokin’ hot. Just… damn.

Ropes and whips and felching, oh my!

*dreamy sigh*

*still dreaming*

This was some goooooooood stuff. Crazy chemistry, memorable characters, realistic drama, slutty goodness… this has it all.

Review: The Backup Boyfriend by River Jaymes

Professionally, Dr. Alec Johnson has almost reached his goals. As this year’s recipient of a humanitarian award with his ex, Dr. Tyler Hall, Alec’s work with the homeless is about to be recognized. Unfortunately, his personal life sucks because now he has to attend several events alongside Tyler—with his ex’s new boyfriend in tow. In an attempt to lift his mood and break out of his rut, Alec purchases a motorcycle he has no idea how to start.

Dylan Booth doesn't have time for Dr. Clueless and his fickle 1964 Harley, but the cocky mechanic can’t say no to the request for help. Having spent his teen years on the streets, and losing his best friend to HIV, Dylan decides teaching the do-gooder how to ride is the least he can do. But watching Alec flounder in his ex's company throws Dylan into protector mode, and the confirmed hetero introduces himself as Alec's new boyfriend.
The ex suspects Dylan is lying.
Alec claims Dylan’s plan is insane.
And Dylan’s not sure he can fake being gay.

But he’s a master bullshitter, and the phony PDA soon turns ultra-hot. Alec can’t afford to get attached, and Dylan’s learned everyone eventually leaves. Unfortunately, playing the backup boyfriend is starting to feel way too real…





     The Backup Boyfriend by River Jaymes is getting all types of positive accolades from glowing amazeballs reviews to "....but these go to eleven" ratings.

I know some of you are going to being throwing literary stones at me but I love, love, love the "Gay-for You "plot in books  in fact I will buy and read almost any book using that device and yes there are times when it is obviously just a device and not very believable.   I will own the fact that I am one of those readers that will go along with the story no matter what crazy scheme the author devices for why Super Hetero guy all of a sudden likes the cut of a mans' jib.... I just close my eyes and click my heels together and "believe" the trope but now that my opinion is totally devalued -- this is one of the most realistic portrayals I have read.  The story revolves around finding the person attractive not the gender and there is something in Alec that makes Dylan hummm... We have all been there that special feeling we get when you connect with another person at all levels and then realize "hey this person is very attractive."

And I just love the fake relationship shenanigans in books --- sooooooo gooooood. You know there will come a point when the relationship turns real and that anticipation is just as exciting for me as the build up to any sexual tension.

 Also the super brainy cute guy with the rough hot guy from the streets who runs vintage motorcycle repair chop.. Sexy motorcycle guy is a given on the hot meter.  Who doesn't want to parade that guy in front of the ex who left. I mean it is a walking talking "FU" without having to be crass. The fact that Alec and Dylan actually develop a friendship first is just the cherry on top of this fun sundae.

I love Dylan and the fact that I share the tendency to open my mouth and say whatever it takes to defend a friend even if what I say is stupid, just makes me that much more stubborn I will stick to the story to the end.. I don't live in the land of the Alamo for nothing. So I 100% buy that Dylan will do whatever it takes to give truth to his lie just to prove an asshat wrong.

Alec's reasons for going along with the charade are also believable . I mean come on I would be, and have been despondent for eons when dumped.  Hands up on how many of us were more crushed on being the dumpee as opposed to the dumper (ughh wait is that a legitmate word for this) anyway... then Tyler has the nerve to hook up with younger/thinner/hotter..... oh wait that is my phobia but still you get the point. So then Alec's decision to buy a bike when he did no research, didn't ask any questions and has no clue how to maintain the dang thing is really par for the course and again totally believeable in the realm of idiotic things our crazed up brains will think is alright when we are grieving.

There are many other plot points and character revelations that I really enjoyed, not all is evil in Tyler land, Alec's realization on what a relationship and the freedom of choice really mean and his whole discussion with his mom on that very topic is beautifully crafted by River Jaymes.

There are some really harsh truths shown by Ms. Jaymes. Rick and Noah's relationship; living on the streets and what a person  would do just for a bite to eat.. River Jaymes does not trivialize the reality of kids living on the street and what they have to do for money. She also points out all the benefits to Care clinics for HIV treatment and what they mean to those with access and sadly to the far too many without, yet all of this is done without it being preachy and coming across as a social service ad. It will break your heart but if you don't feel the need to act or contribute in some way then you really just don't have one.

River Jaymes has some very sensual and "artistic" sex scenes that I can not spoil but trust me it is a very "genius" take on the beauty of the human body. Yes.. Yes I am being cutesy with my words

Really the more I write the more I am afraid to ruin the journey for the readers. It is a good one.

A copy provided by the author for an honest review.

 

Review: Try by Ella Frank

Try – verb: to make an attempt or effort to do something or in this case…someone.

Sex. Logan Mitchell loves it, and ever since he realized his raw sexual appeal at a young age, he has had no problem using it to his advantage. Men and women alike fall into his bed—after all, Logan is not one to discriminate. He lives by one motto—if something interests you, why not just take a chance and try?
And he wants to try Tate Morrison.

Just coming out of a four-year marriage with an ex-wife from hell, a relationship is the last thing on Tate’s mind. He’s starting fresh and trying to get back on his feet with a new job at an upscale bar in downtown Chicago.
The only problem is, Tate has caught the unwavering and unwelcome attention of Mr. Logan Mitchell – a regular at the bar and a man who always gets what he wants.

Night after night Tate fends off the persistent advances of the undeniably charismatic man, but after an explosive moment in the bar, all bets are off as he finds his body stirring with a different desire than his mind.
As arrogance, stubbornness and sexual tension sizzles between the two, it threatens to change the very course of their lives.
Logan doesn’t do relationships. Tate doesn’t do men. But what would happen if they both just gave in and…tried?

Ok just read "Try" and I honestly can see why this book is getting so much buzz both negative and positive....I held off reading because I couldn’t get a grasp on the truth behind the reviews. Ella Frank is a very popular writer in Male/Female contemporary romance.   This was Ella Frank’s first M/M release and people seem to have very decided opinions about that fact. 

There was so much flack in the air it was hard to tell the die hard "see no wrong" fans from the antagonists who don't want any one crossing over.  So I decided to give it the one chapter rule and started reading and right away I was drawn into the story.  Despite the immediate presence of female nookie times  - Man giving up cursing is killing my writing, especially when doing these really erotic reviews.  I really liked the heat between Logan and Tate. I love that cat and mouse chase especially when one of them is saying "no, no" but his body is saying “take me hard”... then you get that very same hot scene between the two men.

... But therein lies the problem with this book. It is hot sexy times, angry words regretting and denying those time a lot of lust in public and then back to hot sexy times.  There was no real interaction between the characters outside of the "I want you/I hate you”. I  mean it is scene after scene.  I can’t believe I am saying this because usually I am the one telling the author to stop with the plot and get to the sex, but yes I was actually interested in some of the storylines introduced that went nowhere because Logan and Tate got distracted by each other and then cue the porn music. What is the opposite of 'blue balls'? Chaffing, yes I was rubbed raw by all the sex, lust and angry spats that  after a certain point I just wanted to relax with some nice relationship building. This book was the equivalent of me saying "baby not tonight can't we just cuddle and talk".  There is no denying that Ella Frank can show the heat between the two men but in an 300+ page book I need to know the men actually like who they are sleeping with. With no real interaction outside of their lust for each other how do you know the relationship will continue? You buy that Logan is hot smooth charm - You believe that Tate wants and needs him despite Logan being a man. Then you wake up tomorrow and the car won't start and the cat needs to go to the vet and life happens and these guys don't know how to communicate. This book could have easily been a 100 pages less and still have enough porn for pleasure and not drown out actual plot points.

I am rating the book 3 hearts because if you like undeniable chemistry and friction and great dirty talk for pages then this book is perfect for you, it is basically a very well written cockyboys movie. If only JB was in it.

  

Review: Spokes by P.D. Singer

Pro cyclist Luca Biondi lives for the race. For the star of Team Antano-Clark, victory lies within his grasp—if he can outdistance 200 other hopefuls, avoid suspicion from race officials, and keep his lieutenant more friend than foe. Luca also has secrets, and eyes for amateur cyclist and journalist Christopher Nye.

Christopher understands Luca’s need to keep their relationship under wraps, but chafes at hiding in the shadows of his lover’s career. He’s ready to cheer Luca’s victories, but he knows too well how triumph can turn to tears. While Christopher’s heart sees Luca the man, his inner journalist—and his editor—sees the cycling world’s biggest scoop.

From the jagged curves of the Colorado Rockies to the viciously steep Belgian hills, Luca can ride out any bumps—except rumors.

A few words in the wrong ear could crash everything. With miles between them, hints of scandal, and Luca’s fierce need to guard his reputation, a journalist might have to let go of the biggest story of his career or risk forcing his lover to abandon the race. Christopher and Luca face a path more treacherous than any road to the summit in the Italian Alps.

When reading a book there are so many reasons for feeling a connection to the story or characters. Sometimes they touch our hearts, other times our souls and then we have books like Spokes which tweak the curious part of my brain... that analytical part of us that wants to know more even on a topic I had zero knowledge or interest in before I started reading. The story was good and I really enjoyed the development of the relationship between professional Italian cyclist Luca and Christopher who is a part-time journalist for a cycling magazine. Luca (bellissimo) slight clue as to what I said but totally sexy right... that was Luca through the whole story.. he talked and I heard broken Italian accented English that had me sighing through most of the story like those silly tween girls at boy band concerts. That is why I love my literary crushes all of my silliness is only witnessed by me.

P. D. Singer did an amazing writing job not only did I  understand all of the cycling references I  wanted to know more about all of the intricacies involved in the sport. I felt like I was in some holographic image following along through all the beautiful trail rides in Colorado and in Europe Singer's words let my imagination soar through those mountains with the riders.

I do have to admit though at one point in the story she has Christopher struggle to keep up with the professionals and stated that it felt like he was using training wheels on a tricycle in comparison ......which made me laugh as I looked at my exercise bike currently being used as a coat rack... I did feel the urge to clean it off and use it.... Urge people not actual intention... let's keep this real.

Singer also includes a glossary of terms, but honestly I really didn't need it past the first chapter she does an amazing job of allowing the reader to figure what is what while reading without instructing or breaking character. It is like you are taking cycling for dummies and you get a great romance story while learning.

The story though is not diminished in any way. Luca is closeted, and yes like other athletes, if he comes out he risks losing his family, fans, career and teammates but unlike other sports in this one it could also mean his life. All it would take is one elbow or wrong push and he could literally go off a cliff. I had no idea how dangerous cycling was... I mean come on it is riding a bicycle. Yeah at over 40-50 miles per hour down mountain sides with no guardrails...not to mention deaths due to carless motorists. There is even a shrine to cyclists in Italy - il Santuario del la Madonna del Ghisallo-pilgrimages are made in remembrance of those who have fallen.. by the description of plaques and other items it is way too many.

There is also a thread to the story in which I thought Ms. Singer made a character error. She had Christopher constantly ask if he could quote Luca on a comment he made regarding his training or products he uses. I kept thinking this could be misinterpreted as someone who is using Luca for a story. It doesn't make Christopher look good and I couldn't tell if that is what Ms. Singer intended but I should have had faith it all makes sense to the storyline.

Two of the most fascinating things I discovered thanks to Ms. singer was that cyclists have to use lube to prevent bicycle shorts from chafing their nether region... in fact all activities in that area are delicate because they can not be sore while racing or it could impact their performance... that blew my mind.. it makes sense and yet... wow... like I had all kinds of questions regarding relationship activities especially for gay cyclists since professional cyclists seem to tour , train and compete almost constantly.

Even if you do not like or understand cycling you should read this book, it opened up a whole new venue of interest for me and for any cycling aficionados this will be pure nirvana.