Giveaway + Blog Tour: Rogue Magic by Kit Brisby

Make sure to leave a comment so you don't miss out on an opportunity to win a yoga mat from Kit Brisby & a $15 Riptide credit!

About Kit Brisby

Kit Brisby lives in Tampa Bay, Florida, with her two young sons and two rescue dogs. A graduate of the University of Florida, she's been writing professionally since 2002. Her career has taken her from writing think pieces on breastfeeding to writing erotica for the adult industry—and nearly everything in between. She works in digital marketing and helps businesses find and tell their stories.

Kit is always trying to find balance between working full-time, revisiting or writing books every night, and modeling badass behavior to her two boys. Sometimes the lure of Tumblr interferes with all of that balancing. She's just old enough to still be utterly enchanted by animated gifs.

A single mom and aspiring yogi, Kit is open about her struggles with anxiety and the importance of self-care. She also advocates for neurodiversity and acceptance of those on the autism spectrum. Few things get her as riled up as bisexual erasure.

Though she lives in the South, Kit is a NYC girl at heart, and makes a point of traveling to the city as often as she can to catch a few shows and eat as much ramen as humanly possible.

She reads avidly, and gravitates toward historical queer romance and young adult fantasy, especially when the stakes are high. She's a fan of awkward first dates unless she's participating in them, and is outspoken about embracing kink and sex positivity.

Connect with Kit:

• Website: www.kitbrisby.com/
• Twitter: @kitbrisby

About Rogue Magic

While trapped in a stalled subway train on his morning commute, PR rep Byron Cole flirts with Levi, a young waiter with adorable curls. But Byron's hopes for romance crash and burn when Levi saves him from a brutal explosion—with outlawed magic.

When Levi is imprisoned, Byron begins to question everything he's ever believed. How can magic be evil when Levi used it to save dozens of lives? So Byron hatches a plan to save Levi that will cost him his job and probably his life. If he doesn't pull it off, Levi will be put to death.

Byron discovers that he isn't the only one questioning America's stance on magic. And he learns that Levi is stubborn, angry, and utterly enchanting. Time is running out, though. Byron must convince Levi to trust him, to trust his own magic, and to fight against the hatred that’s forced him to hide his true nature his entire life. The more Levi opens up, the harder Byron falls. And the more they have to lose.

Now available from Riptide Publishing. http://www.riptidepublishing.com/titles/rogue-magic

To celebrate the release of Rogue Magic, one lucky winner will receive a yoga mat from Kit and a $15 Riptide credit! Leave a comment with your contact info to enter the contest. Entries close at midnight, Eastern time, on February 4, 2017. Contest is NOT restricted to U.S. entries. Thanks for following the tour, and don’t forget to leave your contact info!

Guest Review: His Scar by Erin E. Keller

A car wreck leaves Ryan with a facial scar he believes people find unsightly. But not Sean, a smiling tattoo artist who doesn't judge a book by its cover.


Sean manages to find the beauty in everyone, including gruff and defensive Ryan. He refuses to be put off by the hard mask behind which Ryan hides. But convincing Ryan to open his heart is proving to be quite a challenge.


When someone from Ryan's past offers him what he wants most in the world, Ryan has a decision to make. Which voice will he listen to --­­ his heart or his head?

Reviewer: Shee Reader

Our story begins by introducing us to an abrasive young man who has suffered a terrible car accident and wears an horrific (to him) scar on his face. Ryan can barely look at himself in the mirror, and is fully accepting of his boyfriend Patrick pulling away, though if he’s honest with himself Ryan knows there was never any great love between them, even before the scar. As Ryan is gearing up for his first day in a new job, he meets a handsome guy walking by who introduces himself as Sean, a tattoo artist opening up a studio near by. The reader can see Sean is interested in Ryan, but Ryan’s lack of confidence won't let him see it for a while.

There isn’t a lot of dialogue, and we only see the story from Ryan’s point of view, which seems fitting as he has closed himself off from the world as his entire focus becomes his scar and how soon he could have surgery to improve the appearance of his face.

The development of the relationship between Ryan and Sean was stilted and realistic, but didn’t flow overly well. It became much more easy to become wrapped up in the writing as the book developed. It was definitely a slow-burn that was rather gripping as the story drew to a close. The inclusion of Patrick (the ex), a fight, travel and the promise of surgery made the book more exciting as i got past half way through!

Ryan’s best friend Charlene (Charlie) is a side character, but is quite a little spitfire. I liked her immediately. Ryan I didn’t really like at first, and Sean seemed a little soft and one dimensional. As the story develops, both men became much more likeable. Ryan becomes more aware of his faults and Sean seems in fact to have a backbone, which I liked. Meeting Ryan’s family at home in Ireland was fun, though there was talk of snow, and I’ve only ever seen rain in Ireland even in the depths of winter!

All in all, I enjoyed the book, it was an easy rolling tale, but it would have felt much more enticing if the start had been as enthralling as the end.

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

Find on Goodreads!

Review: Catching Heir by Julia Talbot

Is he in love with an old hotel—or its new owner?

Professional snowboarder Cullen Patrick is successful and kinda famous. So when he inherits an old Colorado hotel from an unknown relative, he really should leave well enough alone.

Matt Nathanson has been managing the Treeline Estates since college. He loved the elderly former owner, and he stands to inherit the place if no one claims it in the next week. Of course, Cullen shows up, and Matt thinks it’s time to move on. He doesn’t want to like Cullen, no matter how engaging the guy is, or how hunky.

Cullen has grand ideas for the Treeline, but he doesn’t want to implement them without Matt, and he’s not sure he’s ready to give up snowboarding. Can Matt convince Cullen that putting down roots is worth it… and maybe catch his heir at the same time?

This was a sweet and light read from the Dreamspinner Press House Line that I am head over heels for.

Cullen Patrick is a professional snowboarder who out of the blue, learns his is the owner of the Treeline Estates that was owned by his estranged grandfather, Ben Patrick. Not just estranged, Cullen had never met the man and only heard the non-favorable tales from his late father. When Cullen decides he wants to check out the Colorado historic hotel, we get to meet Matt.

Matthew Nathanson has been the manager of the Treeline since Ben Patrick met him right as he was graduating college and hired him on the spot. Matt and Ben became fast friends and it was Matt who was taking care of Ben in his last years before his passing. Also, as far as Matt knew there were no living relatives and he would become the owner and manager of the Treeline but Cullen shows up smack in the middle of Matt renovation the hotel.

At first meeting, the men don’t really take to one another. There is an edge of indifference from Cullen and a feeling of jealousy and dislike from Matt. They are opposites on the surface, but a few late night kitchen chats, carbs and desserts shared, it leads the men on a path of friendship and more.

This was a fun read as we watch Cullen and Matt become friends and see one another as more than competition. Matt gets that Cullen isn’t just someone who wants to push him out of the job that he loves and Cullen sees Matt as a link to the grandfather he never knew. When a night of treating themselves after errands to renovate the hotel, the men begin their romance and it was sweet but oh so sexy.

Matt was a lovely man to get to know. I adored it when he would go full on Texas not only with his speech but his actions. He wasn’t stodgy at all and had his own moments of pure UNF and swoon right along with his partner, Cullen. The men really were fun and the whole deal with Ben’s old apartment was a blast to watch it transform.

The bits with Cullen’s friends coming out and the ex that showed up were a bit dramatic but fitting for the story. I loved how Matt handled it all and how Cullen dealt with Tony. Watching the men deal with the issue of an ex and not going all “I know what’s best for you” or some level of miscommunication was lovely to read. Matt and Cullen dealt with every problem or issue as adults in a committed relationship.

I liked that the story was light on the angst and the only true angst I felt was when they would say those three words to one another. I loved that Cullen found his home with Matt and at the hotel and went forward to make this historic location friendlier for what he loves to do, shred. Cullen was adorable when it came to food and I loved his enthusiasm for all things involving Matt. The romance was a joy to watch blossom and see how the men not only work together but plan their life together.

Find on Dreamspinner Press or Goodreads!

Audiobook Review: The Arrangement by Felice Stevens

Carter Haywood lives for the weekends—specifically the one weekend every month when he escapes real life, with all the pressures of work and caring for his special needs brother, to do whatever he wants, with whomever he wants. Sex is only a release; he's not looking for love, a relationship or even a second night with the same man, until he walks into a bar and finds someone who makes leaving it all behind impossible. After one incredibly passionate encounter, he breaks his rule and goes back. He needs to see this man again. And again.

Damaged goods. That's all Reed Kincaide sees and hears when he looks in the mirror. Anxiety and ADHD define his life and he’s learned to keep people at a distance, never letting them get close enough to know who he really is. When Carter proposes a monthly weekend of sex without strings, it's the ideal arrangement for him. Or so he thinks. Every month, leaving Carter proves to be more and more difficult. It’s not only the intensely hot sex they have in their hotel suite; Reed wonders about the secret life Carter refuses to share.

As months pass and they grow closer Reed finds himself falling for Carter, but he needs more than hurried hugs and farewell kisses. He wants it all. Letting Reed into his carefully constructed family life could upset Carter’s whole world, but it might be the risk he’s finally willing to take, if it means keeping Reed. Once bodies are engaged, the heart is sure to follow, and Carter and Reed discover that holding on to each other is the first step in letting go of the past.

Narrator: Charlie David
Listening Length: 7 hours and 1 minute

I read this book on my kindle when it was first published, and consequently jumped at the chance to review it in audio! I absolutely adore audio books and usually listen on my long commute, or whilst doing chores. So great, to be able to enjoy a book when I normally wouldn't be able to. If you’ve not given in to the lure of the audio yet, I urge you to do it!

Our two lovely men (Carter and Reed) are both carrying so much baggage, its a wonder they can make it into the hotel where they hook up! Carter is the sole caregiver for his little brother who had beed dropped off on his doorstep by their mother and abandoned when he was seven years old. Carter gives Jackson everything a surrogate parent can, working hard in business to provide for the therapists Jackson’s additional needs require, and putting his persona life on the back burner save for one weekend a month where he goes in to the city and finds a man to meet his needs for a night or two. On his special weekend, he is scanning the bar for a bed partner, when the gorgeous bartender catches his eye. Reed is in grad school, but works plenty of hours in the bar to support himself. He is immediately attracted to Carter and being so very busy with his studies, and believing himself too broken by his ADHD, anxiety and abandonment of his own, he accepts Carter’s arrangement for a sex only relationship just one month per weekend.

The tragedy that these two men had both been abandoned by their mothers gave a story a sad thread running through it, but the shared experience gave them something powerful to bond over was amazing.

Of course it all goes awry when Reed develops feelings for Carter and Carter runs a mile at the suggestion of a real relationship, and the idea that his sex life and his real life might crash in to each other. There’s a break up, tears, fatherly advice for Reed and fledgling independence of Jacks for Carter. Eventually we have our HEA, of course, this is Felice Stevens writing after all, but it’s not without it’s struggles.

Highlights include Carter’s amazing neighbour Helen, the plate painting Jacks does (I really cried and had to pull over at that since I was driving!), and Reed’s dad Walter. My personal highlight was the author’s explanation of, and description of living with mental health issues, in this case anxiety and ADHD. Superbly clear, honest and realistic.

It is such a beautifully crafted tale, that I want you all to get the story, the book was great but the audio is better. Charlie David’s characterisation is fabulous and his interpretation of the emotive stuff is outstanding. The only thing better than a great romance novel, is having that romance novel read to you by a wonderful narrator. This is exactly that.

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

Find on Goodreads!

Don't miss the Arrangement audio tour stop here!

Release Blitz + Giveaway: The Visonary by Charli Coty

Please welcome Charli Coty and IndiGo Marketing for The Visionary release blitz! See the book info below and enter in the NineStar Press ebook giveaway!

Title:  The Visionary

Author: Charli Coty

Publisher: NineStar Press

Release Date: January 30

Heat Level: 3 - Some Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 78600

Genre: Romance, NineStar Press, paranormal, age gap, gay, LGBT, ESP, erotic romance, private detective

Add to Goodreads

Synopsis

Colin Page, eighteen-year-old community college student, apple polisher and all-around goody-goody, has a secret. He sees things that aren’t there. Unfortunately, the Doc Martens on the floor of the mail vestibule in his apartment building really are there and attached to a dead body. Hunkered over the body is someone Colin had barely noticed before, Private Investigator Al Green. Most people scare Colin, but for some reason, Al doesn’t, even after he reveals that he knows about the hidden reality of their world.

Alonzo Green, despite his low-power mind, is determined to help right the wrongs he unknowingly contributed to. He’s also hopelessly smitten. He knows it’s wrong—probably even dangerous—to enlist Colin’s help with the investigation. And that’s before considering all Al has to fear from Colin’s fiercely protective and powerful mother.

Colin and Al put some of the pieces together, but as soon as one thing becomes clear, the picture changes. The search for the Big Bad takes them from Portland to Tacoma and Seattle, and eventually to San Francisco, but their journey into each other’s arms is much shorter.

Excerpt

The Visionary

Charli Coty © 2017

All Rights Reserved

Colin always hesitated before getting into the rickety old elevator. It didn’t seem safe to ride in something, even four floors, if you could see the individual boards―which looked suspiciously similar to two-by-fours―vibrating. Or maybe it had more to do with the dust, grime, and cobwebs coating every visible surface, or maybe the preconceived notion he’d had that college would be different from high school. He held his breath and stepped in as the door closed.

He looked around, and thought he was alone in the lobby until he’d made it halfway to the front door. Someone cursed, and Colin turned to see a pair of black Doc Martens lying on the floor, partially sticking out from the mailbox alcove. He recognized the white symbols hand drawn on the backs of the heels. The guy who owned those boots―Tattoo Guy―lived in the building, but he and Colin hadn’t done more than nod hello. Colin’s mom had warned him time and again not to talk to anyone in the building because he’d be dragged into some drama or other, and he needed to focus on school. Maybe Tattoo Guy was hurt and needed help. He couldn’t just leave.

He reached the juncture of the hallway and the alcove housing the tarnished little brass doors to everyone’s mailboxes and saw another familiar someone. The large man was hunkered down beside Tattoo Guy. He wore battered jeans and steel-toed boots with a hole in the leather of one toe. The neck of his dark-green T-shirt was stretched out of shape, and his black leather jacket looked a half size too small. Colin struggled to come up with a word to describe him but couldn’t think of an antonym to doppelganger. That man was everything Colin was not, especially tall and dark.

“What’s that purple mist?” Colin asked, startling himself. He never spoke to strangers, especially not about―

“It’s more a fog.”

Odd. The man didn’t seem surprised. It did remind Colin of pictures of fog rolling in around the Golden Gate Bridge. Only these misty tendrils were purple and gradually disappeared as they moved farther away from Tattoo Guy.

“Why won’t you answer me?”

“What else do you see?” He turned slightly toward Colin but remained hunkered down, studying Tattoo Guy but not touching him.

“Nothing.” Colin blinked, and that fast, it wasn’t true anymore. “Crap, his tattoo just moved.”

“The raven?”

“No. The flower.” The purple tendrils had decayed so much they’d stopped diverting Colin’s attention from the blood on Tattoo Guy’s arm and the back of his shirt. He was obviously more than hurt.

“The violet moved?”

“It slapped the cymbal. I heard it.” Colin thought about running, but his feet refused to move.

“Anything else?”

“Like what?”

“It’d help if one of them named the killer.” The large man stood slowly and brushed off his hands. A little over six feet tall and slightly bulky, his long shaggy hair and full beard shot through with gray made him look like a street person. “Some of these tats have mouths. Are they saying anything?”

“What?” Colin took a step back. “Aren’t you going to call the police?”

“Already have. But I plan on starting an investigation of my own. The police are busy. If he doesn’t have any family to make noise―and I know he doesn’t―they won’t put much effort into finding out who killed him.”

“Why do you think someone killed him?”

“Murder is purple.” He slowly reached into his jacket and smiled as he brought out a pastel-green business card. “I’m a private investigator. Al Green.”

Purchase

NineStar Press | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords

Meet the Author

Charli misspent a large chunk of her youth on the back of a Harley, meeting people and having adventures that sometimes pop up in her fiction. She grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area during a drought, and found her true home in the soggy Pacific Northwest. Charli has survived earthquakes, tornadoes, and floods, but couldn’t make it through one day without stories.

Charli Coty is a pseudonym of the author known as Charley Descoteaux.

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Review: Harey Situation (City Shifters #2) by Bailey Bradford

This time, it’s a real bunny shifter and you know the saying about doing something like bunnies…

Oliver Biggerstaffer comes to Texas from Boston, looking for a job and a new life. He’s hoping the advertising firm he interviews for will hire him, and he can put his past where it belongs—behind him. No one will know who or what he is—a snake shifter.

Except he’s interviewed by Jagger Osterman, a bear shifter, and he meets a cute bunny shifter at the hotel where he’s staying. Oliver can’t hide his shifter status from them. And he doesn’t want to, once he meets them—especially the bunny, Peter Ruiz. It’s lust at first sight, but Oliver wants to take things slow as long as he’s staying at the hotel Peter’s working at.

Peter wants to get laid, and he wants to get laid now. The sexy snake shifter he’s attracted to has morals and ethics and things most of the guys Peter’s screwed around with before lack.

Oliver treats Peter like a person, not a body to have sex with, and if they can survive a series of weird accidents that might not be accidents after all, then Oliver and Peter just might have a happy ending all their own.

Reader Advisory: This book contains scenes of violence and kidnapping.

The City Shifters series is totally my jam in the shifter genre. I’m not a fan of stories that take themselves too seriously with an OTT Alpha and a textbook omega twink. I like stories with snark and a twist to the formula and that’s exactly what Bailey Bradford delivers with the City Shifters.

In Harey Situation we have a snake shifter and a hare shifter and probs my favorite thing that happens in these stories is how the author works in some animal characteristics into the human side of the characters. And yes, they are usually of a sexual nature and yes, I’m a fan. Some things are expected as in the reputation that rabbits have for stamina, but others are not. Like, what was the author going to give Oliver the copperhead to carry over into his human form???? I’m not going to give it away, because the fun is in reading it for the first time, but I will tell you that it was good stuff and made Peter a very happy hare. Appropriately enough Oliver the copperhead is a ginger, so shout out to all the many, many ginger fans out there.

I liked Peter and Oliver together. Peter is working his way through school in the hospitality industry and he’s used to being treated like nothing more than a pretty hole to lust and leave. He’s perpetually happy and horny so how he saw himself made me kind of sad for him even though he had accepted his lot and was just working hard to better himself professionally. Oliver Biggerstaffer, I’ll let the beauty of that name sink in for just a sec . . . . . . OK, so Oliver Biggerstaffer has come to Texas to interview with Jagger Osterman (from Book 1, Bearly There) to work in his advertising agency. There are shenanigans alluded to as to why Oliver had to relocate and as the story progresses, the truth comes out.

In that truth is the bit of mystery that comes with the story. It added some tension, but didn’t overtake the relationship growth between Peter and Oliver and for that I was grateful. It actually worked out well as the guys could get together earlier in the book and I got to get a lot of page time with them together and the mystery was a vehicle that made that possible.

As different as these two guys are, their characters balanced each other out and I loved the care and consideration Oliver gave to Peter. Peter wasn’t used to that kind of treatment, but he’s self-aware enough to know he’s got it good and he appreciates everything about Oliver. The two of them really read like they loved falling in love and it gave me all the squishy feels.

Harey Situation is loosely tied to Bearly There and you don’t need to read book 1 to get the gist of book 2, but I do recommend reading them both for the sheer fun of it. I’m geared up for book 3 when it comes along and I’m anxiously waiting for what the next shifters have in store for me.

For more information on Harey Situation, check it out over on Goodreads.

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

Review: 2016 Top Ten Gay Romance by Various Authors, Edited by J.M. Snyder

2016 Top Ten Gay Romance brings together the best-selling short stories published by JMS Books that year.

From first love to true love, from submission to sensual, from heat to sweet and everything in between, the couples in these stories are sure to keep you turning the pages as you fall in love with them.

With stories by Becky Black, T.A. Creech, Rebecca James, Shawn Lane, J.L. Merrow, A.R. Moler, Terry O'Reilly, Michael P. Thomas, Tinnean, and J.D. Walker, this head-over-heels collection goes beyond bedtime reading. Whether happily ever after or happy for now, there’s an ending for everyone in here!

Contains the stories: Me and My Big Mouth by Becky Black, Captive by T.A. Creech, Love Lost, Love Found by Rebecca James, Accidentally His by Shawn Lane, A Pint of Beer, a Bag of Chips, and Thou by J.L. Merrow, For the Last Time by A.R. Moler, First and Goal by Terry O'Reilly, It's Not Yule, It's Me by Michael P. Thomas, In His Line of Work by Tinnean, and And This is Ed by J.D. Walker.

Whoa. The broken hearted rating has been brought out.
I promise I didn't just use it because I felt it needed dusting off instead I've used it because I don't know how to rate this anthology. I has myself a dilemma.

The risk with reading anthologies is in the likelihood of every story being a 4 or 5 heart read. Sometimes a reader can get really lucky and find anthology gold, I know for the most part I expect there is going to be a couple of stories that don't work for me. The problem with this anthology is there was only one story that really did work for me, and that is the JL Merrow one, A Pint of Beer, a Bag of Chips and Thou. It was a five heart read as far as I was concerned, and that alone made me glad that I'd had the chance to read this anthology. Unfortunately all the other stories rated between a 1 and 3 heart rating for me. Do you see my dilemma? If I average out the ratings it would come up at about 2 hearts.

But...
But... A Pint of Beer, a Bag of Chips and Thou is not to be tarred with that rating brush. It was a read most excellent, written with the subtle humour and wit that JL Merrow always brings to her writing.

For me the other stories have blurred into one. No characters stood out, no storyline captured my attention. Is it worth buying an anthology just for one story? I don't know - that is your choice to make. For me though, I'm glad I read it. It's also worth noting that, whilst I am a JL Merrow fan, I'm not always the biggest lover of her shorter stories, they don't always click with me. This one, though, really did.

A copy of this anthology was given in exchange for an honest review.
For more information see Goodreads.

Audio Blog Tour: The Arrangement by Felice Stevens

Welcome Felice Stevens' The Arrangement Audio Tour to the clubhouse! Check out the info below! See our review of the audiobook here!

THE ARRANGEMENT

FELICE STEVENS

M/M ROMANCE

AUDIO RELEASE: 12.26.16

COVER DESIGN: Reese Dante

PHOTOGRAPHER: Alejandro Caspe

NARRATOR: Charlie David

http://amzn.to/2jUlscc

BLURB

Carter Haywood lives for the weekends - specifically the one weekend every month when he escapes real life, with all the pressures of work and caring for his special needs brother, to do whatever he wants, with whomever he wants. Sex is only a release; he's not looking for love, a relationship or even a second night with the same man, until he walks into a bar and finds someone who makes leaving it all behind impossible. After one incredibly passionate encounter, he breaks his rule and goes back. He needs to see this man again. And again.

Damaged goods. That's all Reed Kincaide sees and hears when he looks in the mirror. Anxiety and ADHD define his life and he's learned to keep people at a distance, never letting them get close enough to know who he really is. When Carter proposes a monthly weekend of sex without strings, it's the ideal arrangement for him. Or so he thinks. Every month, leaving Carter proves to be more and more difficult. It's not only the intensely hot sex they have in their hotel suite; Reed wonders about the secret life Carter refuses to share.

As months pass and they grow closer Reed finds himself falling for Carter, but he needs more than hurried hugs and farewell kisses. He wants it all. Letting Reed into his carefully constructed family life could upset Carter's whole world, but it might be the risk he's finally willing to take, if it means keeping Reed. Once bodies are engaged, the heart is sure to follow, and Carter and Reed discover that holding on to each other is the first step in letting go of the past.

EXCERPT

“Um.” Reed consulted his watch. “My shift doesn’t end for another hour.”

“I’ll wait,” said Carter without hesitation. “And I’ll take that Grey Goose now.” He stroked Reed’s fine, thin skin. “But with a twist this time.”

Reed’s eyes widened, and his nostrils flared. Unconsciously he leaned forward and triumph surged through Carter.

Yeah, that’s right, baby. Smell me; you know you want it. Carter quirked a brow, and Reed jerked back to awareness and pulled his arm away. Shooting Carter frequent dubious looks, Reed made him his drink and proceeded to set it on the bar quick enough that Carter couldn’t make a grab at him again. He backed away and began to twist at the cords of his leather bracelet.

Chuckling to himself, Carter sat there for the next hour and sipped his drink, getting just the right buzz on to the point where he could forget everything else in his life except the man who’d be coming back to his room tonight with him.

He looked up from his now-empty glass to find Reed standing beside him, wearing a beat-up leather jacket. “I-I’m finished with my shift now, but I’m not sure—”

“Not sure about what?” Carter stood and slipped his arm around Reed’s waist, inside his jacket. His warmth enveloped Carter, and strangely enough, he wanted desperately to sink into Reed’s arms. Reed tensed, and Carter felt the flex and play of his muscles underneath his clothing.

“I want you, you know that. And you want me too; it’s obvious. It’s only sex.”

“Yeah, I know that, but still.” Reed chewed his lip, suddenly looking very young and vulnerable, and an uneasy thought crept into Carter’s mind.

“How old are you?” Carter asked and held his breath.

“Twenty-seven. I know I look younger, but…”

Relief poured through Carter. A nervous lover he could handle. Still holding Reed around his waist, Carter moved even closer, fitting their hips together, letting Reed feel the weight of his arousal through his jeans.

“I want you to fuck me,” he whispered into the startled man’s ear. “Make me scream.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Felice Stevens has always been a romantic at heart. While life is tough, she believes there is a happy ending for everyone. She started reading traditional historical romances as a teenager, then life and law school got in the way. It wasn't until she picked up a copy of Bertrice Small and became swept away to Queen Elizabeth's court that her interest in romance novels was renewed.

But somewhere along the way, her reading shifted to stories of men falling in love. Once she picked up her first gay romance, she became so enamored of the character-driven stories and the overwhelming emotion there was no turning back.

Felice lives in New York City with her husband and two children. Her day begins with a lot of caffeine and ends with a glass or two of red wine. Although she practices law, she daydreams of a time when she can sit by a beach and write beautiful stories of men falling in love. Although there is bound to be some angst along the way, a Happily Ever After is always guaranteed.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Twitter:https://twitter.com/FeliceStevens1

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/felicestevens/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8432880.Felice_Stevens

Instagram: https://instagram.com/FeliceStevens

Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/felicestevensauthor?ref=hl

Newsletter: http://felicestevens.us8.list-manage2.com/subscribe?u=d43061d90bf2256eb322ed69f&id=586ac8fa57

Review: The Sorcerer's Guardian (Chronicles of Tournai #4) by Antonia Aquilante

Savarin, the most powerful sorcerer in Tournai, has honed his Talent through years of study and made magic his life. Among the wealthy and noble circles he moves in, no one would suspect the handsome, refined, and arrogant sorcerer’s humble beginnings, which is how Savarin prefers it. Tournai’s princes task Savarin with studying and strengthening the spells that protect the principality from magical attack. They are complex, centuries old, and exactly the type of puzzle Savarin is eager to solve. To his annoyance, the princes insist Loriot accompanies him.

Loriot worked his way up the ranks of the royal guard to captain and takes pride in his service. He must obey the princes’ orders to protect Savarin, despite believing his skills would be best used elsewhere. And despite his wariness of magic. UnTalented himself, he has learned not only the benefits of magic but also its potential for harm—and how to counter it. Loriot and Savarin clash during their journey, but there’s another reason for the tension between them, and passion develops into feelings neither expected. But Savarin must still fortify Tournai’s magical barrier, and his only solution endangers both him and the royal family.

Mild Disclaimer before I begin this review, I am totally biased to this series and am in love with it. Okay? Let’s go then.

This was different as the first three books each had a member of the royal family in it and in this, we have two men who are charged and trusted with not only the protection of the royal family but their secrets as well. It makes sense that Savarin and Loroit would be perfect for one another for who could handle the men who hold such power in Tournai.

The men are thrown together by order of Prince Philip and they know they must obey. Savarin is to make sure Tournai stays safe via his talent and Loroit to make sure Savarin remains safe... Period. Neither man is happy about it but their banter at the beginning of the journey was fun to experience. Underneath the banter is the building chemistry and a low level of UST that leads us to one hell of a first kiss *fans self* I knew the second these two gave in it would be electric but that scene and the setting was stunning.


This book was a reminder and a lesson in the slow burn of romance. *whistles* This story took on the practice of patience right along with Loroit as he waited and watched Savarin perform his magic. The romance was lovely and so respectful of their responsibilities to their positions and to the lives they lead back in Jumelle. When we do return home with the captain and the sorcerer we begin to see how much their affair means to the men and how they will begin to let their guards down and allow this relationship to blossom. Loroit learning to really trust magic comes with him learning to trust Savarin and Savarin learns that his talent does not have to be his whole life and that letting others in, thinking of their safety, their wants and love only make his talent strong. Both men have lessons of their lives, their loves and their loyalty to learn in this book and it was beautiful to witness.

It was so great to see the men from the first books in the stories and as always it was great to get the POVs of Phillip and Amory again. But I have to confess seeing Etan, Cathal and Phillip all use their talent made me giddy even though it was for something serious and possibly dangerous. The talent the royal family possess, the Tournai legend always makes me smile for how the men are when the use it. As Lord Flavin once said, they are Shameless (*ahem* Cathal) and it’s adorable. The other side characters as well as Julien and now Alain were so delightful and yet each time Savarin had moments with Alain I hugged my Nook… but the last time with the horse, just brought me to happy tears. Goodness.

This was just so good. This world, this land of Tournai and all it includes always draws me in and let's me get lost. Knowing bits of Savarin and Captain Loroit was helpful, but honestly it didn't take away from the romance of this couple. Two strong and powerful men learning to trust and love was breathtaking and I couldn't get enough. The softer sides to Savarin were swoon worthy and the fierce loyal of Loroit was gorgeous. They make this amazing couple and all that they give to one another made this hopeless romantic so stupidly happy.


I won't go into too much as there is a lot to learn with the series and yet still more I have questions about. The author does a wonderful job of weaving the storyline throughout each book yet making each one is own story as well. It's this continuously flowing story arc that I will never get tired of reading.

Find on Dreamspinner Press or Goodreads!

Review: Strip Shot: The Prequel to Behind the Velvet Curtain by Matt Converse

We've all seen strippers up on stage. Did you ever wonder how they got there? The answer might surprise you.

Michael is a scrawny kid from Ohio who moves to San Francisco with his boyfriend Kenny. He loves everything about the city, except the guy he's with. When things turn ugly, how will he escape and how will he survive on his own, completely alone in the big city?

Along the way, he meets an eccentric cast of characters in his own personal Oz. An unlikely and not so yellow brick road with unexpected twists and turns lead him to the stage, but what will he find when he gets there? Will he have what it takes to make it as a stripper? Sometimes, you only get one shot.

Twenty-One year old Michael has always known he was destined to move away from his sleepy Ohio town and go somewhere exciting. With his boyfriend Kenny, they take off to San Francisco, California, and Michael feels like this is exactly where he was supposed to be.

Settling into his new environment proves to be a work in progress, but he meets some great people who help him come out of his shell, and forge his path to becoming a stripper.

One of the most notable parts of this story for me, is Michael’s sexuality, and his preferences regarding sex with men. I really appreciated that Michael had very clear feelings about penetrative sex, and this was demonstrated in both his interactions with men, and his own internal musings. Most, if not all, the gay erotic stories I’ve read over the last two years, have revolved around anal penetration, and I was really pleased that Michael’s preference for oral sex only, was made clear from the beginning, and remained consistent throughout the story. It was a refreshing reminder that not all people enjoy penetration, either receiving or giving, and that sex can be just as fun and sexy without it.

Michael’s confidence was really nice. He was comfortable in his own skin, and appeared to thrive in his environment once he settled into the city. There wasn’t really a chance to find out how he was in Ohio because the story begins as he and Kenny are leaving the State, and heading towards their goal of San Francisco. All I had to go on was his memory of events and how stifling he believed them to be. I would have liked to know more about how his behaviour was different in Ohio than it was in California.

Some of the scenes in this story didn’t quite fit into the overall plot, and I wasn’t particularly engaged in those parts of the story. Michael’s dreams didn’t interest me, and I would have preferred not to read about them. I do think the author has a knack for writing some creepy shit, but I think that would have served better not to be included in this story. It didn’t seem to take the plot anywhere that I could see, and became distracting, with no clear overall message.

This story needs a thorough edit. Some parts of Michael’s internal dialogue was repetitive, and unnecessary. I think a full edit and polish would do this story a lot of good. Another thing that was missing was the engaging of all senses. It would have created a more three-dimensional experience.

I liked Michael’s journey, and I thought some tightening of the storyline would have made him a less scattered character. His thoughts seemed to jump around alot, and it took a lot longer to get to the point of the monologues. I enjoyed the direction of the story, and the reason for Michael choosing the job he did. His confidence and easy-going nature made him a nice character to follow.

I was disappointed in the flippant and dismissive nature with the complex issue of domestic violence. I wasn’t sure if it was supposed to reflect Michael’s naivety about this issue, but it certainly did showcase how young and sheltered he was, even within the freedoms and growing potential provided by San Francisco. It was a major sticking point for me, and I’ve been rattled by it for a few days.

Overall this story had potential, and was interesting. I liked Michael’s character, and his journey to a big city. I would take a chance on the author in future, as his skills in writing develop, because the subject matter overall is something I am interested in reading more about. With the small horror element added in via Michael’s dreams, I can see this author doing really well in that genre, once the writing is tightened up.

A review copy was provided by the author for an honest review

Find on Goodreads!

Buy link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N9JPYQU

Review: A Fallen Heart (Zero Hour #2) by Cate Ashwood

After his last disastrous relationship, Joseph Ford has absolutely no interest in getting attached again. Concentrating on working as a trauma nurse and keeping his life as simple as possible are his only goals. Unfortunately, his plans could be derailed by the charming, sexy Nash.

Things are looking up for paramedic Ridley Nash when he transfers to Station 217. He gets along with the crew, likes his partner, and is finally on a team willing to accept him—gay and all. It’s everything he’s always wanted, but when he meets Ford, Nash knows his life is about to get very interesting.

As Ford and Nash find themselves stuck in the middle of a homicide case, things become more complicated. For the last year, the mutilated bodies of teenage boys have been showing up all over downtown. With no leads, the police are getting desperate. One of the victims is found alive, and he’s the best chance the police have to catch the killer—if only they can get him to talk.

Will Nash be able to catch Ford when he falls, or is there too much standing in their way to make it work?

There were things that I liked about this book and up to the last 20% it was looking like a 3 heart read. 

Nash is the best part of this book. He's an EMT with a heart of gold. He's laid back, cares about his job, his patients, does his best to get along with his co-workers, puts others at ease and has a generosity of spirit that's readily apparent. I liked him a lot.

He meets Ford who's an ER nurse and sparks fly. It's clear they're both attracted to each other but Ford keeps putting Nash off. This is where things started to come apart for me.

Ford's previous boyfriend was a dick. Ford's feels were hurt. I get that it's hard to get back in the saddle after getting kicked in the teeth. What I don't get is the globalization that he's defective and unloveable. He keeps making references to repeatedly picking the wrong guys, but never gives specifics. In order for this woe is me I'm too damaged to ever have a relationship trope to work for me I need specificity above and beyond because reasons. I need to feel it. I need the author to make me invest in a pervasive lack of self-worth otherwise I'm going to side eye its triteness.

He and Nash spend virtually all their free time together and things are going SO WELL! The strongest point of the book was their relationship development. The connection between them is clear, the sex was hot enough, Ford even gets along well with Nash's parents. There were any number of great moments and then Nash (very naturally) utters the L word and Ford freaks.

I can actually buy this reaction, because LOVE... WHOA. But when Ford trotted out the whole I can't do a relationship because I'm defective it felt like a lazy plot device that had me looking for the check. 

That coupled with the 180 from I can't to I can that happened at headspinning speed made it seem like an alternative fact of which I am not a fan.

I was surprised by the thriller storyline and I would not have been mad if this plot had been more prominent. A serial killer has been wreaking havoc by carving up homeless kids and Joel somehow escapes. He and Ford form a bond immediately. All of their interactions were heartwarming and had me hanging on Joel's every word for clues. The case isn't solved and there is definitely a to be continued. I have a suspect in mind for who could be the ring leader, though I kind of hope I'm wrong. To be honest, I may read the next one just for the thriller aspect alone.

Also, I didn't read the first one in this series and had no trouble keeping up with who the secondary characters are, all of whom contribute to the narrative to varying degrees. 

I'd still recommend this to MM romance fans despite my lackluster reaction to it since mileage will inevitably vary on the trope I took issue with.

A review copy was provided.

Find out more on Goodreads & Dreamspinner Press.

Review: I Love You More Than Pierogi by K.A. Merikan

Marek and Adrian dated in high school, but a bitter breakup led them to choose different paths. Adrian is out and proud while Marek is in the closet. Adrian embraces his eccentricity while Marek clings to a conservative image. And while Marek worked hard to build a successful life and financial stability by climbing the corporate ladder, Adrian threw caution to the wind and has spent the last five years backpacking across the world.

Now Adrian is back in Warsaw, Poland, but while Marek thinks they will have a hookup and have a blast from the past, Adrian is just looking for a place to crash. Worse still, Adrian turns up at Marek’s advertising agency for help with his outrageous new business venture, and if Marek wants to get promoted, he might have to work with the guy who broke his heart.

Second chances in love... in a job... in life... I Love You More Than Pierogi is about being able to start over, no matter your choices in your past.

Adrian and Marek couldn't be more different. Adrian is out, adventurous, and willing to take risks. Marek is firmly in the closet, very cautious and conservative. After a bad breakup after high school, they spend years apart. While Marek was working himself to the bones trying to further his career, Adrian was out seeing the world.

When they met up again, they didn't automatically fall into old patterns like they assumed they would. I liked that about them. A lot of time had passed and they weren't the same people anymore. Even though they were together before, their relationship wasn't easy. They still had some of the same issues, along with some new ones. This almost had an enemies to lovers feel to me. They didn't seem to like each other much, despite not being able to stay away. The arguing got a little old for me, but when push came to shove they made the right decisions for themselves and each other.

For the first half I wanted to smack Marek more than a few times. His attitude toward Adrian seemed all over the place. Marek was so uptight and judge-y. He was hard for me to like a lot of times. Adrian was a much more likeable character. Being so open and easygoing, it's hard not to like the guy. But he wasn't perfect either. While he seemed to have taken the better path in life, he had his own mistakes, too.

The romance was light and so were the sexytimes. Especially for K.A. Merikan. Adrian and Marek were cute and sweet, but ya know... it's The Merikans.

I loved the setting. I've never been to Poland and don't know much about it. I especially enjoyed all the food! It sounds so different from anything I've had before. It definitely left me wanting to seek out some traditional Polish eats.

I Love you More Than Pierogi is sweet romance about second chances with a good dose of culture.

A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Find out more info on Goodreads and Dreamspinner Press. 

Did you see our I Love You More Than Pierogi blog tour stop here?

Blog Tour + Giveaway: Whiteout (Seasons of Love #1) by Elyse Springer

Welcome Elyse Springer and Riptide Publishing to the clubhouse for the Whiteout (Season of Love #1) tour! See our review here

Check out Springer's tour stop and enter the $20 Amazon gift card giveaway!

Hello! I'm Elyse, and welcome to the blog tour for my new release, Whiteout! This is the first book in the Seasons of Love series, and I can't wait to introduce you to Noah and Jason.

About Whiteout

Noah Landers wakes up one day with a headache and no memory of where—or who—he is. Jason, the man taking care of him, tries to fill in some of the blanks: they’re in a cabin in Colorado on vacation, and Noah slipped on ice and hit his head. But even with amnesia, Noah knows Jason is leaving out something important.

Jason O’Reilly is sexy as hell, treats Noah like he’s precious, and seems determined to make this the romantic getaway they’d apparently dreamed of together. But Noah’s more concerned that he’s trapped alone with Jason in the middle of a blizzard while his slowly returning memories bring hints of secrets and betrayal.

Noah’s not sure what’s the truth and what’s a lie.  But as he learns who he is—and who Jason is to him—he’s forced to reevaluate everything he believes about himself, about loyalty . . . and about love.

Now available from Riptide Publishing. http://www.riptidepublishing.com/titles/whiteout

About Elyse Springer

Elyse is an author and world-traveler, whose unique life experiences have helped to shape the stories that she wants to tell. She writes romances with LGBTQ+ characters and relationships, and believes that every person deserves a Happily Ever After. When she’s not staring futilely at her computer screen, El spends her time adding stamps to her passport, catching up on her terrifying TBR list, and learning to be a better adult.

She’s always happy to chat with other readers, and you can find her online at:

• Website: http://elspringer.com
• Twitter: @ElyseSpringer
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elysespringerwrites

Giveaway

To celebrate the release of Whiteout, one lucky winner will receive a $20 Amazon gift card! Leave a comment with your contact info to enter the contest. Entries close at midnight, Eastern time, on January 28, 2017. Contest is NOT restricted to U.S. entries. Thanks for following the tour, and don’t forget to leave your contact info!