Release Blitz + Giveaway: Maybe This Time by Annabelle Jacobs

Annabelle Jacobs and Signal Boost Promotions celebrate the release of neighbor romance, Maybe This Time! Check out today's info and enter in the giveaway for a chance to win a back list eBook from Annabelle Jacobs!

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Length: 60,000 words approx

Cover Design: Natasha Snow

Blurb

Moving into a new home starts with a bang when Ryan Blackwell celebrates turning thirty. Being hungover means he’s bleary-eyed and clumsy the next day, but even in that state, he can appreciate how sexy and fit his neighbour is.


Matt Thomas isn’t looking for anything long-term—one and done is usually his life rule. Why settle down early, like his sister, when casual relationships are so easy? With Ryan living in the same building, chance encounters are inevitable. When one night together becomes two, a friends-with-benefits deal seems a natural progression.


There’s only one problem: sex with no strings relies on matching expectations, so Ryan can’t help worrying. His huge heart always wants more, but Matt’s been clear about his limits. As passion leads to caring, they’ll have to make some tough decisions—maybe this time, breaking some rules will be worth it if that means they’ll get to share a future.

Excerpt



Nudging him once more, Josh nodded at the other side of the road. “Talking of which….” All four of them turned to look at the guy jogging towards them. 

Wearing black shorts and a tight-fitting blue top, the guy looked fit. Broad shoulders, slim body, and firm thighs. Hard to guess his age from that distance as his hair was almost all a silvery-grey colour. As he got closer, Ryan got a better look at his face and… huh. Not that old—late thirties maybe.

The guy was either oblivious to the four men staring at him or didn’t give a shit. He jogged right past them and into Ryan’s building without saying a word.

Okay then. 

With a rental van and a car full of boxes, it was obvious one of them was moving in. Didn’t that warrant at least a polite hello? Apparently not. 

Liam chuckled, breaking the moment. “I’m guessing he’s not interested.” 

Shame. “Stop ogling my new neighbours and help me get all this shit inside.” The three of them groaned but got moving.

Author Bio

Annabelle Jacobs lives in the South West of England with three rowdy children, and two cats. An avid reader of fantasy herself for many years, Annabelle now spends her days writing her own stories. They're usually either fantasy or paranormal fiction, because she loves building worlds filled with magical creatures, and creating stories full of action and adventure. Her characters may have a tough time of it—fighting enemies and adversity—but they always find love in the end.

Twitter – https://twitter.com/AJacobs_fiction
Website – www.annabellejacobs.com
Email – ajacobsfiction@gmail.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ajacobsfiction

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Review: Between a Rock and a Hard Place (London Lads #5) by Clare London

Second Edition

Garry’s at the end of his tether. He’s waiting at Glasgow Airport to meet his friend Will, on their way to a holiday in a Scottish Highlands hotel. Now there’s a ten-hour delay to incoming flights, the seat in the lounge is more like an instrument of torture, and he’s beyond tired of airport food.

He’s also dreading having to apologise for the pass he recently made at Will, his colleague at a London bank, under the influence of too many beers and a long-held crush. Now Will’s been offered a new job offer on a continent thousands of miles away, Garry realises it may be the end of their close friendship—let alone anything more.

To add to Garry’s stress, he’s treated to the company of Emily and Max, two young people who think he needs educating in the ways of the world. Struggling with their well-meaning help and the startling mess from spilled ketchup and noxious-smelling sweets, he’s encouraged to re-examine how he feels about Will and to decide what kind of journey he’d really like them to take together.

First Edition published by Amber Quill Press/Amber Allure, 2010.

The airport lounge... not the most exciting place on earth, especially when you're waiting for a flight delayed by 10 hours. Not, perhaps, the first place one thinks of when they think romance (well unless like me you watch a gazillion Christmas films where there are inevitably snow-delayed flights and meet-cutes) but this short story captures a sweet story of friends to lovers - even though only one protag is present for a majority of it!

It's really a story of self-examination (of feelings people, a physical self-exam might be a bit much in an airport waiting area. Might.). Garry, stranded at Glasgow airport waiting for his BFF Will is contemplating the last time he saw Will and what it means for the future. Will is moving on, just when Garry realises it's the last thing he wants Will to be doing. Procrastination, examination, regret, fear... these all guide Garry's thoughts over the long wait. 

Garry's not really a kid lover so of course he gets lumbered with two whilst waiting. Two kids who pass on sage advice in the manner only kids can, all offered in a sticky surrounding of sweets and junk food. It's cute. 

I kinda had to look t'other way and not delve into the 'why is this man making friends with feeding these strangers kids and not trying to find their parents/family/the police' and just accept it as part of the story. It's sort of given a vaguely satisfying explanation at the end if I squint a bit and blur the edges and remember it's just a story. 

As long as I didn't examine that premise too much I could enjoy the story as the cute, sweet, funny friends-to-more story this is. If you like cute shorts then go for it, a great  read for a Sunday afternoon cuppa break.

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

Release Blitz + Giveaway: Healing Him (The Den Boys #2) by A.T. Brennan

A.T. Brennan and Signal Boost Promotions celebrate the release of Healing Him (The Den Boys #2)! Check out today's info and enter in the giveaway to win a back list eBook from A.T. Brennan!

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Length: 71,000 words

Cover: Teresa Conner

Blurb

“I hated that I was like this, but after years of trying to work through it I was beginning to feel like I’d never be normal.” ~ Cody


Hiding the fact that I was in love with my best friend Isaac used to be the most complicated part of my day, until a chance meeting with a handsome stranger named Jonah sent my life into a tailspin. Scars from my past have stopped me from giving in to my desires for so long, but I’m done being afraid. I want both men. I just don’t know if I’ll be able to trust that anyone can love me.


“I knew it was a bit messed up, but there was no jealousy or envy when I thought of my men together.” ~ Isaac


I’ve loved Cody for as long as I’ve known him, but have always held back because of his past. Then I met Jonah and I knew there was no way I could choose between them. I want it all—the man I’ve loved for so long, and the one I’m quickly falling for. It’s not going to be easy, but nothing worthwhile ever is.


“I wanted to believe it was all true, but I couldn’t push aside the fear that I was just a distraction until the two of them got together.” ~ Jonah


After having my heart broken I never thought I’d find love again. I wasn’t looking for anything real, and then I met not one, but two men I can’t resist. Isaac and Cody are everything I ever wanted but didn’t know I could have. I want to believe the three of us can work, but a part of me can’t get past the fear that I’ll be the odd man out, again.


*This is Book 2 of The Den Boys series, but can be read as a standalone - no cliffhangers.

Excerpt

“So, start with Insidious?” I asked Cody as we flopped on his small couch.

“You’re evil.”

“What? We’ve seen it so many times you should know when the freaky parts happen. I could have said I Spit On Your Grave.”

“That movie was messed up, not scary.” Cody shook his head and took the beer I held out to him. “I’m never watching that one again.”

“True, how about The Grudge?”

“Fine, but I swear to god, if you change my ringtone to that creepy moaning noise, I’ll never speak to you again.”

I grinned and opened my computer to cue up the movie. We might be able to joke about that incident now, but at the time it had been anything but funny.

The first time we’d watched it together we’d only been friends for about a month. I’d waited until Cody had fallen asleep then downloaded the moaning sound the demon character made as his ringtone. Then I’d snuck into the bathroom, blocked my number and called his phone. We’d been at my place that night, and he’d flipped out.

I’d felt terrible at how badly I’d scared him. I’d thought he’d get a good laugh out of it and that would be the end of things, but he’d been so freaked out he hadn’t been able to sleep for hours.

That was the night I’d learned a little bit about Cody’s past, and why he hadn’t handled the joke well. It wasn’t so much the ringtone that had scared him, it had been waking up in my bed alone, scared and disoriented.

It had taken a few more months for Cody to open up and tell me more about his past, and every time he told me something new my heart broke a little bit more for him. Even now I’d learn about something he hadn’t told me yet, and I’d wish I could take away his pain.

The more time I’d spent with Cody, the more I’d realized that he was an incredible person. He wasn’t just sweet and kind, he was caring and fiercely loyal. He was also beautiful.

At five-nine he wasn’t short, but with his slender build and cherubic face he seemed so much younger than twenty-one. His big blue eyes were wide and expressive. He wore his blond hair shaved close on the sides but long on top, so it was constantly falling over his forehead and brushing the tops of his cheeks if he didn’t continuously push it back. Everything about him was so beautiful it was almost painful, and it hadn’t taken me long to fall in love with him.

If he’d been any other guy I would have asked him out on a date, and gotten to know him as a romantic interest instead of as a friend.

Author Bio

A.T. Brennan, who also writes under the name Mandie Mills, is a romance and erotica author. A native of Ottawa, Canada, she enjoys picking up and moving from city to city every few years. A former member of the Canadian Armed Forces, current entrepreneur and freelance writer, she enjoys spending her days working on her many projects and her nights writing and not getting enough sleep. Currently she lives on Canada's East Coast with her family, both two- and four-legged. She enjoys collecting books and exploring the different sides of romance and romantic expression in her works.


You can visit her at www.mandiemillsauthor.com, or on Facebook at A.T. Brennan Author, and also at Author Mandie Mills.

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Review: The Perils of Intimacy by Rick R. Reed

Jimmy and Mark make an adorable couple. Jimmy’s kindness and clean-cut cuteness radiate out of him like light. Mark, although a bit older, complements Jimmy with his humor and his openness to love.

But between them, a dark secret lurks, one with the power to destroy.

See, when Mark believes he’s meeting Jimmy for the first time in the diner where he works, he’s wrong.

Mark has no recollection of their original encounter because the wholesome Jimmy of today couldn’t be more different than he was two years ago. Back then, Jimmy sported multiple piercings, long bleached dreadlocks, and facial hair. He was painfully skinny—and a meth addict. The drug transformed him into a different person—a lying, conniving thief who robbed Mark blind during their one-night stand.

Mark doesn’t associate the memory of a hookup gone horribly wrong with this fresh-faced, smiling twentysomething… but Jimmy knows. As they begin a dance of love and attraction, will Jimmy be brave enough to reveal the truth? And if he does, will Mark be able to forgive him? Can he see Jimmy for the man he is now and not the addict he was? The answers will depend on whether true love holds enough light to shine through the darkness of past mistakes.

I am going to preface this review with a disclaimer that there will be a bit of rambling and the rambling may be of a personal nature. Books that have characters with addiction hit a special place for me and that place is close to home. You’d think with as much addiction in my life that I have dealt with I would steer clear of books with the content but maybe it’s my own sort of addiction that keeps me coming back? I am not sure but the dedication of this book had me tearing up with its sincerity.

When is a meet-cute not a meet-cute? When you’ve met before.

This book starts off with a bang but it’s not the sort you associate with fireworks, more the sort of bang that hits hard but you never hear because of the silencer attached to the weapon. The silencer with this book is that of truth or the keeping of secrets.

You see, we begin this journey as Jimmy Kilpatrick is waiting on a handsome man at the diner he works at for breakfast. This guy is older than Jimmy’s 23 years but he wears his age well and after a brief debate on the availability of cinnamon rolls, Jimmy knows the guy has a sense of humor to go with his good looks and charm. What Jimmy also knows is that this guy is named Marc and he and Marc had a one night stand gone wrong two years ago.

Told in the first person present tense, we get Jimmy’s telling of who he was two years ago, a young man strung out on meth doing anything and anyone he can to get his next fix. He’d met Marc on a dating site and though he was there for sex and to take whatever he could get his hands on, there was something about Marc that got passed the meth induced fog of Jimmy’s brain and made him want more. When Jimmy has the chance for the more, he takes it by writing his number on Marc’s receipt in hopes he can get a second chance with the man.

Marc has his own issues though his lie within self-doubt and self-loathing as he approaches the not so old age of 40 and the woes of not being in a loving romantic relationship. He’s had his run of being promiscuous but the hookups always left him wanting, left him without his miracle of finding a man who would love him in return. His reaction to Jimmy at breakfast is instinctual and primal though he has doubts on why someone as young as Jimmy would want to see him. With a pep talk from his friend Don, Marc decides to give Jimmy a call and see where this possibly could lead.

You know how you see someone who you think looks like a person you know, and you think it could be them? But there’s something instinctive in you that tells you it’s not. The reverse is true too; when you see someone you know, you see the whole package, and you know, with pretty much certainty, that they are who you think they are.

You would think with a romance that could be based on a lie, this book would be a turnoff but it’s quite the opposite. This isn’t a romance where you look for the sex because sex doesn’t equal romance, this is a book about intimacy and the price we pay for being vulnerable because we want it and the price we pay for giving it away. Intimacy is romantic and is much more difficult to achieve than an orgasm and really it’s the intimacy that can make the sex hotter and the relationship better. It’s a push and pull that is frightening to both men as they deal with their internal struggles to find the level of intimacy they feel with one another and the trust to grab onto it.

I adored this book even with all the angst that comes with it. I am a self-proclaimed angst whore and I love the feeling of not knowing what will happen though I want to skip ahead to make sure everyone comes out okay. Jimmy knows he is lying to Marc as they go on a date and share personal details about their past, childhood and where they are now. He knows it’s wrong, he’s done the work the past 2 years through the Narcotics Anonymous program and made amends to those he’s harmed but he hasn’t done that with Marc because he’s never had the chance. He has that chance now. Jimmy keeps in touch with his sponsor Miriam who has a very special place in Jimmy’s heart as well as his roommate Kevin who is also in recovery. Though Jimmy knows this is wrong to keep his secret from Marc, he can’t let the opportunity of a second chance with the man he could possibly be in love with slip through his grasp when Marc is close enough to be wrapped in Jimmy’s arms.

I love that we got both POV’s in this story because it’s needed. We need to know how Jimmy feels and how he laments his wrong and we need to know where Marc was two years ago, why he let Jimmy who wasn’t his normal hook up into his house and how the betrayal made him feel. We need the internal dialogue from both men in this romance so that we feel the romance along with the amazing chemistry between them.

I am going to personally thank the author for his portrayal of addiction as it’s tough to write and keep it honest, but Reed does it here with brutally beauty that borders and encompasses a gorgeous intimacy. I want to thank the author for giving Jimmy the life he did including his addiction and thank him for showing what addiction truly is. I want to thank him for showing that it’s not wrong to love an addict and that while they have an addiction, their actions have nothing to do with the person they love and only to do with them. Addiction is so not black and white and I really got that Marc took what Jimmy did to him personally because it feels that way. As a person with a non-addictive mindset, it's hard to see that an addict doesn't think the way we do with rationale and forethought, they just do what they need to do without consequence. It doesn't make sense, I can say that from experience and it's maddening but the more I learn about addiction the more I realize it really is a mental health issue and it's heartbreaking how many people it holds in its ugly hands.

But today is a new day. Today is a new me. That’s the beauty I’ve found in recovery— that every day is a new beginning. We can slip. We can fall. We can even relapse. But each new twenty-four-hour period is a gift filled with hope and promise. A clean slate, right?

How can you love someone if you can’t love yourself? That’s the question for both men in this book who meet at dark times but want only the love the other can offer even if they don’t know how to get it and keep it. This book is told through a matter of days and myriad of emotions that held my heart in a vice wondering when the truth would be revealed. The depth of character in this romance is breathtaking and the growth was a pure pleasure to read. I am blown away by how the author weaved a stunning tale of a second chance romance with a level of forgiveness and acceptance of a lovers truth. This book was amazing and I’ll stop my ramble now.

Perils of Intimacy… read it.

A review copy was provided.

Audiobook Review: Lord Mouse (Lords of Davenia #1) by Mason Thomas

A Lords of Davenia Novel

Scoundrel by nature and master thief by trade, Mouse is the best there is. Sure, his methods may not make him many friends, but he works best alone anyway. And he has never failed a job.

But that could change.

When a stranger with a hefty bag of gold seduces him to take on a task, Mouse knows he’ll regret it. The job? Free Lord Garron, the son of a powerful duke arrested on trumped up charges in a rival duchy. Mouse doesn’t do rescue missions. He’s no altruistic hero, and something about the job reeks. But he cannot turn his back on that much coin—enough to buy a king’s pardon for the murder charge hanging over his head.

Getting Garron out of his tower prison is the easy part. Now, they must escape an army of guardsmen, a walled keep and a city on lockdown, and a ruthless mage using her power to track them. Making matters worse, Mouse is distracted by Garron’s charm and unyielding integrity. Falling for a client can lead to mistakes. Falling for a nobleman can lead to disaster. But Mouse is unprepared for the dangers behind the plot to make Lord Garron disappear.

Listening Length: 9 hours and 25 minutes
Narrator: Joel Leslie

Lord Mouse in audio.

Scrappy, snarky, dreamy and sassy Mouse in AUDIO?!

I just about loved Mason Thomas's debut novel, Lord Mouse. Mouse is snark personified, the cocky, cunning criminal who totally deserves his slice of HEA. He's the deviant underdog you want to root for. I'm #TeamMouse4LIFE and recommend this book to any fantasy lover out there.

After listening to Joel Leslie narrate Mouse and the cast of characters, it exceeded my expectations...and I was holding a high bar to begin with.

This was my first Joel Leslie, so I didn't know what to expect, as I'm still new-ish to the audio world. I take the time to find the right person to read in my ear. I was blown away from the moment I heard Mouse's brogue! I didn't imagine Mouse with a brogue in my wildest of dreams.

But apparently I needed the brogue and now after listening to nearly 10 hours of Joel Leslie having a blast and going balls to the wall with Thomas' characters, I can't imagine Mouse any other way. Leslie gave different variations of accents. There were Scot, Irish and Caribbean sounding folk for all the characters and I didn't even remember there were so many people in there.But this man did a distinct and different voice for them all. He wowed me through all the snarky parts. He nailed all of Mouse's great one-liners, gave emotion and camp at all the right parts.

In my original review, I broke down the book of what worked and why the story was so full of win--I'll keep it brief and the fangirl on a low setting. You have 10 foot tall personality in Mouse, a career criminal who might be short in stature but is one of the wiliest and craftiest men you might read. He commands and demands attention on each page he's on. Leslie got a great sense of that.

Mouse goes on the biggest job of his life, rescuing the kidnapped noble, Lord Garron. Mouse has to sneak into a heavily guarded city and keep the Lord alive all while not getting caught int he process. It's harrowing tale of crime, action, adventure and romance. Note, the romance isn't as evenly balanced, it takes a backseat to the suspense. And there isn't on page sex, but I didn't miss it int he least.

Leslie did a great honor to great text.

The story remains 4 Hearts for me. Strong start, good middle, the ending is slightly rushed. There was a big buildup about Mouse's dagger and Garron's reason for being held prisoner. And while the reasoning was good, the rushed 15-20% kind of loses steam. When I read Lord Mouse, I rated it 4.5 overall, averaging Mouse who is a 5 Heart character (and deserves his own rating) and the story combined.

For the audio? Joel Leslie made a great book better.

As this was a reread for me, my feelings on the story's weak spots remains: Garron needed more depth to his character. Leslie did a good job of conveying Garron's emotions for Mouse. Life threatening situations are calls for me to give insta-love a pass in romance situations. However, I still wish there was more from Garron, or maybe a POV change to get a grasp of when the moment of 'a-ha...Mouse is it for me.'

Since I rated the book 4.5, with Leslie's narration I could only rate the entire thing higher.

It was that good.

Highly recommended and I definitely plan to listen to more Joel Leslie audiobooks!

See our tag team eBook review HERE!

Release Blitz + Giveaway: Magnetic by Avylinn Winter

Avylinn Winter and Signal Boost Promotions promote Magnetic (Treacherous Chemistry #1.5) today! Check out the information and enter the giveaway for a chance to win an eBook of Volatile (Book #1)!

Buy Links: Pride | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Length: 14,000 words

Publisher: Pride Publishing

Treacherous Chemistry Series

Volatile (Book #1) - Pride | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Toxic (Book #2) - Pride | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Blurb

He’d been afraid of me, and I had used fear to keep him away until I couldn’t stand to be anywhere but close.


Dante Heron has lived a life surrounded by pointless affection and impossible demands. Driven to the brink by his parents in pursuit of fame and fortune, he has learned to circumvent anything that would force him to feel more than he can stand. Until Chris. But then, he drove away Chris just as surely as he’d chased off everyone else.


Lost and afraid of the truth of that rejection, Dante pines from afar—more used to suffering than facing his problems. However, his feelings continue to torment him and no matter how many times he wants to leave the past behind, it won’t let go.


Publisher's Note: Magnetic is a companion book to the Treacherous Chemistry series and should be read after Volatile to appreciate the story.

Excerpt

The spotlight nailed me to the parquet, blinding as I faced an audience I couldn’t see. Drops of sweat ran in rivulets down the nape of my neck, caught by the white starch collar before they could travel farther. The steadfast rhythm from the orchestra pulsed through my blood, holding me grounded while my fingers pressed against the harsh strings of my violin, moving from place to place in a dance my mind barely followed. I simply played, pouring out every last shred of emotion I had from the bottom of my core. Emptying myself of everything.

As always, I was close to losing control. One slip, one finger misplaced, and the night would be ruined.

I could hear Mother’s voice in the back of my mind. Don’t fail us. We have sacrificed so much for you. I opened my eyes and saw her sitting on the front row, a frown on her forehead. Father sat beside her, clasping her hand as if to soothe her annoyance. They were never content, never proud. I wondered if they ever would be.

The cello section initiated the final build-up, stroking their strings with utmost care. I banished Mother from my thoughts, letting myself be swept away, carried in the moment. I had to succeed—and I would. The beast was mine to temper, reined in with the tips of my fingers.

You can do it. This time it was Chris’ voice, gentle and reassuring. Inhaling a rugged breath, I almost lost my focus. I couldn’t think about him. Not now.

The conductor moved the orchestra into the last part of my solo and I followed, clinging to the sounds beneath my bow. It was a desperate chase to the finish—a chase that had been thrilling in the past, but everything had changed since Chris had left after those disastrous days in Athens. I had been so angry. I’d felt betrayed and abandoned with emotions I hadn’t been able to handle.

Pushing myself to the limit, I held on until the audience broke out in applause. It was a tame response, not the wild cheers from a delirious crowd.

I had failed.

At any other time, it would have been mortifying. My stomach would have dropped and my heart would have thumped loud and scared. But I couldn’t feel a thing once the music had ceased. I was already numb.

* * * *

“You have got to take this seriously, Dante,” Mother snapped as she caught me off-stage. Lara, my sponsor or manager, or whatever it was she called herself these days, trailed behind and winced at my dear mother’s tone.

“I am,” I replied, even if I knew it was far from the truth. I didn’t care anymore.

“I heard you miss several notes. Do not disappoint us like that again.”

“I won’t.” It was an automated response, designed to avoid conflict.

“I know you’re still sulking about that boy, but don’t you understand now why I told you to get a grip of yourself?” She folded her arms across her chest. “He’s meant nothing but trouble and he would have ruined your career.”

“Mrs. Heron, please, not here,” Lara interjected.

Mother pursed her upper lip but said nothing. She knew it was foolish to cause a scene while the members of the orchestra still lingered around us. Keeping up appearances was everything to her. Producing a loud huff, she took my arm and steered me through the narrow corridor, aiming for my private dressing room. Not for the first time, I wished it was truly private and not a room where Mother, Father and Lara could enter at will.

After finding out about Chris, my parents hadn’t let me out of their sight. It hadn’t mattered how many times I’d asked them to go home. They’d refused, bringing up painful memories of what I had lost. Lara had tried to persuade them to leave me alone, but even she balked when it came to my parents. I resented her for it, almost wanting her gone, as well, but she still made herself useful by cushioning their attacks.

I was old enough to shut the door in their faces if necessary, but some part of me still wanted their approval, an approval I’d never gained as a child.

Lara opened the tall door, letting us inside the dimly lit room. Scattered candles gave it a muted glow but there was nothing warm about the atmosphere. Rooms like these evoked unpleasant memories, at least if I discounted those moments spent with Chris.

I clenched my fingers around the fragile neck of the Stradivarius. I had to move on. It had been Chris’ choice to leave—even Lara had said so. In my desperation to save him from my parents’ wrath, I had pushed him too far away from me, and now he was gone. Swept away like dust in a harsh wind.

I was the wind, and it pained me. I was poison, destroying everything in my path, something he should have known from the start.

The door shut with a loud bang behind me.

“You know we do this because we love you,” Mother said, her voice laced with forced maternal care. She excelled at the act, but I knew better. It had taken years to understand that she only said these things to pull the strings even tighter around me, and when Chris had opened my eyes to real love, I had finally thought that I could break free. But he’d left and she remained.

“You don’t do it because you love me,” I replied, strengthened by Chris even if he wasn’t around. It came out of nowhere, pushed forward with rush of adrenaline.

“What did you say?” Her tone screeched and bellowed at my conscience.

I turned toward her, meeting her harsh glare. “I said that you don’t do it because you love me.”

“How dare you!” She shook with anger, her face pinched into a sneer. The carefully crafted mask of makeup cracked at the edges and she raised her arm as if to slap me. She had done it before. Many times. Red marks left by harsh fingers, bruises around my wrists where she’d held me. Years of living in fear of unjust discipline.

Breathing deep, I straightened my shoulders and stared her down, daring her to take that last step. She lowered her arm, perhaps realizing that in a physical fight she didn’t stand a chance against a grown man. I had never done anything in retaliation, but maybe she understood that this time would be different.

I was sick of her. I was sick of Father. I was sick of them ruining the small scraps of happiness I felt while playing the instrument I loved. It was the same every time—they would point out the mistakes, always saying that I should have played better. However, they’d never been able to take my passion away, no matter how hard they pushed me. It was the only reason I’d managed to keep playing. I had learned to accept their anger and disappointment. I had even learned to expect it, but their disapproval had ultimately taken Chris from me and that was a different story altogether. I should have been stronger. I should have stood my ground to keep Chris by my side when they’d flown all the way to Athens simply to break us apart.

“Be glad that we’ve supported you all these years. You would be nothing without us.” She waved me off, approaching the side table to pour herself a glass of chilled champagne. Even angered, she would only drink one serving—too controlled to loosen up.

Lara gave me the smallest of nods, almost imperceptible to avoid Mother’s detection. She knew how hard this was for me, and more than anyone else, she wished that I would break free from my parents. In many ways I already had. When Lara had taken me in as a fragile thirteen-year-old boy to nurture my talent, my life had changed for the better. But she’d never had the power to protect me completely. My parents were always around in one way or another. Their words echoed across oceans.

I wiped off my instrument, handling the beauty with the reverence it deserved. It was the only relationship in my life that still worked, but a violin didn’t keep me warm at night. That role had been given to endless girls, but the vicious cycle of dead affection had dragged me down even further. I hadn’t noticed until Chris had entered my life and changed everything.

The reflection of a candle flame glimmered on the dark screen of my phone which stared at me from the table as if urging me to pick it up. I wanted nothing more than to call him, but it had been weeks and the more time that passed, the harder it became.

The first time I’d dared to call, desperate to hear his voice, Mother had entered the room, staring at me while Chris had uttered my name as if he’d been waiting for my call but had feared it at the same time. I hadn’t been able to say anything and her presence had reminded me of why I should just let it be. It was useless to stir up emotions when nothing would come out of it.

The second time I’d called, he’d never picked up.

Author Bio


Raised in one of the cold corners of the world, Avylinn spends her days either wrapped up in a blanket or basking in the precious sunlight. When she can’t choose herself, she’s holed up in an office working with climate research that has little to do with the worlds and characters she creates in her vivid dreams.


Always the emotional one, she has found her outlet in writing, voicing thoughts, emotions and fears through her characters that feel very much alive to her. And, what began as a hobby soon took more and more time in her life until she realized that she had left her old life behind and entered a new one where her emotions turned into a super power—ready to launch at her poor readers.


She recharges with the help of coffee, cinnamon buns, popcorn and occasionally a healthier alternative.


http://www.avylinnwinter.com/

https://www.facebook.com/avylinnwinter/

https://twitter.com/AvylinnW

https://www.wattpad.com/user/Avylinn

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Audiobook Review: Artistic Pursuits (Art Series #3) by Andrew Grey

Frank Jennings is an FBI agent looking for redemption. Leslie Carlton is an Interpol agent looking for a thief. Attraction flares from the moment they meet on a case searching for a stolen triptych of unique Tiffany windows, but after a single night of stunning passion, Leslie is called back to London to continue his search there.

When the case heats up again, Leslie returns to the States—and to Frank—but their investigation is complicated by their tumultuous feelings. Is it possible for two dedicated detectives to pursue each other while they’re tracking down stolen art and the unscrupulous man who steals it?


Narrated by: John Solo
Length: 6 hours, 39 minutes

Reviewer - R *A Reader Obsessed*

This was a perfectly serviceable romance, and fans of Grey will probably not be disappointed as he consistently delivers on what I’m sure many have come to expect. However, for me, there just wasn’t as much impact regarding the feels surrounding the main characters as compared to the first two books, but I do love me a G-man and having his love interest be his international counterpart? Even better.

Frank is a junior FBI agent who has had the misfortune of making a mistake that got a fellow agent shot. Determined to right some wrongs, he’s set on finding out who’s behind the thievery of some priceless Tiffany windows. Such a high profile case catches the eye of an Interpol agent, and for the first time, in a long time, Frank is intrigued by the beautiful alluring man that shows up offering his assistance.

Leslie has been trying to capture a collector who has evaded prosecution for years through convenient foreign government loopholes. He hopes that he and Frank can link this most recent robbery to his past cases, and he’s definitely not above mixing business with pleasure regarding his temporary partner.

The insta-lust, of course, is darn fast, and the progression into love is equally quick. In classic Grey style there’s a lot of pretty words and proclamations with flowery love scenes that are sexy, but at the same time, just a tad cheesy and over the top. Every once in awhile I’ve noticed Grey will throw a random bit of drama into his stories that can come out of nowhere. Here, it was a sudden macho preening on Frank’s part, making him a total asshat that was out of character. Leslie, however was strong and firm and didn’t take any shit from Frank’s male posturing. These two ultimately work through their issues and discover that they can play and work well together, but does that necessarily translate into a meaningful and lasting relationship despite an ocean separating them??

John Solo continues to narrate this series with good proficiency, differentiating characters, adding emotional weight and inflection, and actually lending a British accent to a main character. You’d think this would be a given, but believe me, it isn’t. Again, nothing overtly wrong with this latest installment, I just found it a tad boring. Though not my favorite in the series, regardless, I’m curious enough to finish it out and look forward to listening to Legal Tender.

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

Blog Tour + Giveaway: The Highlander (The Order #2) by Kasia Bacon

We're so excited to host Kasia Bacon at the clubhouse! She's promoting the follow up to The Mutt and she comes bearing treats! Check out today's book info and enter in rafflecopter for a chance to win an ecopy of The Highlander! 

See out tag team review of The Highlander HERE!

I, Lochan of the famed Féyes clan, know all about fighting.

As a half-breed Elf, I have struggled against prejudice and feelings of inadequacy.

A recluse by nature, I have battled my aversion to touch and interaction with others.

To become an assassin of The Order, I have learnt to overcome the limitations of my mind and body.

But denying the power Ervyn Morryés holds over me might be the one fight I lose. The truth is—damn it all—the relentless Highlander brings me to my knees.

Note: This novelette is the second in the Order Series, and not a stand-alone installment. Reading THE MUTT is crucial for its full enjoyment.

Excerpt

I knew my insomnia worried him. Elven Army regulations regarded bedtime as a serious matter. A soldier's body—well-honed, fed and rested—served as their primary weapon. A tired soldier made errors. And errors claimed lives.

To escape further scrutiny, I backed towards my cot and hopped under the blankets.

Of course, Ervyn took it as an invitation. Not that he ever acted as if he needed one. He shrugged out of his heavy leather jerkin and pulled off his boots.       

“Come now.” In the near darkness, I heard a smile in his voice. “Let me tuck you into bed, mu'hrōnye.”

He’d fallen into the habit of calling me that. I asked the meaning of it once, but he simply laughed and distracted me by biting on the shell of my ear.

Ghor still hadn’t stirred. For once, I didn’t mind his snoring.

The narrow cot made for a tight fit for Ervyn and me.       

Something else felt tight, besides. The crotch of my trousers.       

Ervyn’s hand immediately rose to brush my cheek and jaw line. “I missed you,” he murmured.       

My pulse jumped a notch.       

He tended to say things like that, nonchalant, as if betraying one’s thoughts cost nothing. His impulsivity meant he rarely bothered to conceal his wants and intentions. Such a barefaced approach shocked the hell out of me, although I partly admired, partly envied his readiness to show emotion.     

My eyes slid closed at the warm, rough feel of his thickened fingertips: the draw hand of the archer. Somehow this heightened my pleasure. The smell of pine needles, leather and horses hit my nostrils.

His thumb skimmed my bottom lip.

I moaned, already so aroused I could kill with my hard-on. Which, in fairness, would be a handy skill to have for an assassin.

Touch me. More. I need you.       

But then he stalled and drew back a little.

Bastard.

I knew precisely what he was after. What he thrived on: my pleas and desperation.

I offered him both, having no shame left at that point.

“Please,” I whispered, clinging to him. I ran my tongue over my lip, extending it so it would swirl around the pad of his thumb, too. “Don’t stop.”       

He gave a satisfied grunt in response, and hearing him express approval almost made me spill myself inside my leathers. The realisation that I held the power to please him never failed to fill me with a thrill of lustful pride. The reason behind why I wanted—no, needed—to do so in the first place remained a disturbing mystery. But right then, wondering about it, or fighting it for that matter, didn’t feature high on my agenda. I was close to exploding even though we’d barely done anything yet.

“It’s going to be quick,” he warned, as if reading my scrambled thoughts. His breaths, stuttering right in my ear, cranked my want even higher. His body, taut and ready, trembled against mine.

Thank fuck I wasn’t the only one frantic.

I stifled a laugh. “You don’t say.”       

Gods, he had no idea.

Author Info

A linguist and an avid reader with a particular fondness for fantasy and paranormal genres, KASIA BACON lives in London with her husband. When not tearing her hair out over a translating project, she writes stories about the shenanigans of emotionally constipated assassins and sexy Elves. Otherwise, she can be found shaking her loins at a Zumba class, binging on anime or admiring throwing knives on Pinterest. She has a mild coffee and lemon tart addiction. A lover of MMA and Muay Thai, she also enjoys nature and the great outdoors. She dreams of becoming independently wealthy, leaving the city and moving into her wooden mini-manor—located in the heart of stunning forests resembling those of the Elven Country depicted in her tales.

Find Kasia online:

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Enter for a chance to win an ecopy of The Highlander by Kasia Bacon! Contest ends September 4th at Midnight EST! Good luck!

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