Tag Team Review: Lost Souls Found (Requiem Inc. #2) by Kris T. Bethke

Dying is all in a day’s work. Love is more dangerous.

Ghostwalker Sam Jones has been half in love with Michael King since he started working at Requiem Inc. But Michael is his boss and a Guardian, to boot. Sam thinks they could make it work anyway, but Michael uses his position and his age to keep Sam at arm’s length.

When Sam continues to volunteer for the most dangerous cases, Michael has to intervene. He tells himself he’s just doing his job, but he’s always seen Sam as more than another operative, and he can’t bear the thought of not taking his chance. The connection between them has been strong from the beginning, and Michael’s telepathy adds unexpected depth and an edge to their new romance, but working together while they try to build their relationship might be the hardest part of their job if they don’t make some sacrifices.

averaged

R *A Reader Obsessed* - 3.5 Hearts

Bethke so far has been a consistent, well rounded, and much appreciated author, and I overall liked this sequel to Ghost of a Chance - just not as much.

I knew going in that though I loved the idea of Sam and King getting their story, the fact that this was 10 years in the making, was not something that would easily sit well with me.

Was King frustrating in his stubborn insistence that he and Sam had no future based on his seemingly one sided insistence that it would never work? Absolutely. Not only did King use their age difference (which is a mere decade), but he also played the card of being Sam’s boss to really hide behind his fears of possibly not being enough for Sam, and thus denied them a chance at happiness for years. Argghhh! However, I will give points to Bethke for making King eat plenty of humble pie, and I was satisfied with how that was handled.

Just so you know, this was more about Sam and King working through several issues, mainly how to mesh their personal and professional lives. King is not only an anchor but a telepathic guardian as well, and this double whammy means King is particularly hardwired to make sure all those who are under his care are happy, content, and safe. When it comes to Sam, that instinct is magnified at least 100 fold and quickly, King’s possessive and protective urges come to the fore causing problems.

So, like the first book this centers on two people who have a deep connection, work through their problems and fears, and come out the other side extremely happy and in love. I’m thankful that Sam and King talk and solve things maturely. Was it all a bit too easy? Yes…. but again, I’m ok with that. Extra bonus points that this was oh-so-smexy just like its predecessor! Avery’s story is next, and I look forward to it come May!


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

Sara - 5 Hearts

YES! This is exactly what I was hoping for when we first realize in Blake’s book that there is something between Sam and Michael. This is what I needed and boy did it deliver.

When Michael anchored Sam in Ghost of a Chance and they had that moment, I was lost. We know that Sam has feelings for Michael and we know that Michael has feelings for Sam but Michael has a whole book full of reasons why nothing can happen. First it was their age difference of 10 years, and then it’s because Michael is Sam’s boss and the Guardian for the Duncan Moor branch of Requiem Inc. but Sam knows what he wants and that is Michael King.

Sam had been half in love with Michael King pretty much from the moment they met. But he also knew it was a fruitless longing. The ten-year age difference meant nothing to Sam, but Michael held it between them like a shield.

I love how this started with Sam going into the spirit plane to help a reluctant soul cross over and Tom - the reluctant soul - later becomes someone to help Sam along the way with Michael. This whole world of ghostwalkers and their anchors is amazing to me. I love the idea of one person being able to literally be killed to enter a plane to help those who have died cross over into the light and the idea of one person being able to anchor them in this plane so they can come back and then be the one to take care of them when they are alive again is simply stunning. Even though Dom and Sam are nothing more than best friends along with being paired as ghostwalker/anchor for the last 12 years, the way they work together and trust one another is gorgeous.

Thankfully this is told from both Sam and Michael’s POV because this reader had one hell of a need to see where Michael really was with his feelings for Sam and we get that right away. Michael has a lot of responsibility when it comes to his operatives at Requiem Inc and being not only an anchor - with the anchor gene - but a Guardian with his telepathy he has that natural inclination to care and take care of people. To let himself be with Sam could be dangerous because of these things but make no mistake, Michael is into Sam with the same level of feelings that Sam has for Michael, he is just better at controlling his wants.

He considered each of his sixteen operatives family in one way or another. But his affection for Sam wasn’t brotherly or fatherly. It wasn’t even all that friendly. His body and heart wanted more from Sam, though he could never have it.

Goodness this book was so freaking fracking good. Honesty, I opened it just to peek and ended up staying up past my bedtime to devour this in less than 3 hours. I loved the bit of backstory we get with Michael and Sam when they first met and how the attraction was instant. I love that we know how much Michael wants Sam and how he tends to be different with Sam than the other operatives when it comes to taking care of him. We know that Michael would do anything to be able to have Sam and when the time comes for them to finally give in… good lord was it ever worth it.

I love first kisses, whether they be the timid light brush of lips on lips or the first kisses that are so filled with every emotion the only thing that can happen is a clash of mouth on mouth and passion so hot I had to stick my foot out of the blankets to get cooled off. These two have the passion in spades and that one kiss wasn’t enough for me and thankfully it wasn’t enough for Sam and Michael either.

Michael and Sam have been dancing around their attraction to one another for 10 long angst and UST filled years so I have absolutely no problem with Michael’s final acceptance and surrender to Sam. We know what he wants and how hard it is for him to keep his feelings in check so I was head over feet in love with Michael when he listens to what Sam says about dating a ghostwalker and finally takes a chance on love.

It was stunning to see how these two worked together and how miserable it made Michael. Yup, I loved seeing him fight his natural urge to take care of Sam even as his anchor when it wasn’t his place. This book really isn’t about finding love, these two have been in that zone for years but this was about finding the balance between their love and what they do within Requiem Inc.

Gah! Michael, he just killed me in this. He was so raw and troubled with having to kill his boyfriend over and over again even though it’s his job, it hurts him to do it. Michael fought so hard to not love Sam but thankfully when faced with losing what he won’t let himself have, he gives in.

He’d thought he could handle it. If he’d realized just how hard it would be, he might not have gotten involved with Sam. He might have let Sam leave and move on with his life. Michael’s heart gave a painful thump at the thought. There was no going back, and he didn’t even want to. But that didn’t make any of it easy.

I have so many moments highlighted and I hugged my Nook at least a dozen times while reading this. I tried to put it down last night and go to bed but I had about 50 pages left and I had to pick my Nook back up and decided to finish. It was the best decision I could have made.

So, the end of this comes up with a great solution for Michael and Sam and I loved that Dom was going to suggest it before Sam brings it to the table. I adore Dom and his partner Levi and am so happy everyone has a chance to actually be settled and happy in this book. It was great to get glimpses of Blake and Derek and their bond is still strong.

I was hoping hard that we would get a story for Avery since we met him in book one. We know about losing his partner who he was bonded to and I can’t wait to get an entire story of just him.

Release Blitz + Giveaway: Come to the Rocks by Christin Haws

Celebrate the release of paranormal thriller, Come to the Rocks with author Christin Haws and IndiGo Marketing! Learn more today about the bisexual romance and enter in the giveaway to win a $10 NineStar Press giveaway!

Title:  Come to the Rocks

Author: Christin Haws

Publisher:  NineStar Press

Release Date: April 16, 2018

Heat Level: 1 - No Sex

Pairing: No Romance

Length: 20800

Genre: Paranormal Romance, NineStar Press, LGBT, paranormal, mermaids, thriller, bisexual

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Synopsis

Linnea’s only safe place is a spot on the rocky shoreline where the water can be rather vicious. It’s here where she meets, and falls in love with, a mermaid named Mren. As their romance blossoms, the escalating harassment from Linnea’s ex-boyfriend Mikey threatens the secret relationship. Mren has vowed to protect Linnea, but she’s confined to the water and Mikey is a land monster. Meanwhile, Linnea will do anything to keep Mren safe from him.

Anything.

Excerpt

Come to the Rocks
Christin Haws © 2018
All Rights Reserved

The rocks were cold and wet from the sea spray, slippery and dangerous to trek across, decidedly lethal to stand on at the water’s edge if the ocean was in a bad mood, which it often was.

Linnea did it anyway.

It was her place, the one place she could go where no one else dared. Often, her car was the only one parked on the sandy shoulder between the road and the rocks. Rarely did anyone drive by. Even on the nicest days, when the sun was bright and the water was happy, Linnea was often alone out on the rocks. There were much nicer stretches of shoreline, much safer spots that most people preferred to visit. To Linnea, the scramble across the rocks wasn’t treacherous; it was a brief adventure. Sitting on the edge with her feet dangling just inches above the constantly churning water, the mist of it coating her jean-clad legs until she could barely feel them from the cold, wasn’t reckless; it was a necessary meditation. In the most dangerous area of the cove, Linnea felt safe.

She would sit there most afternoons if she could as the sun sank toward the ocean, but always left before it touched the water. Most days, the overcast sky darkened and changed color with the impending sunset. The ocean was always gray, though, various shades of it that reflected the water’s mood. Lighter, almost silvery, when the water was happy and calm, which was almost never. Darker and angry, when the water was feeling vicious and would slap the rocks as hard as it could, hard enough to knock a grown man standing several feet from the edge right off his feet and into the sea where he’d be battered against the rocks by its rage. Most of the time, the water was a medium shade, an irritated, mood-swinging gray, and the waves would more lap than slap at the rocks, but on occasion, the water would lash out.

Linnea was never afraid of this.

Oh, she was never stupid enough to sit on the rocks when the ocean was angry, although she would either sit or stand at the edge of them and watch the water from a distance. It wasn’t very fulfilling for her to come to the rocks on those days. It was as though the water’s anger denied her peace and she’d spend her time there apologizing to the ocean and attempting to soothe the beast so she could move closer to it.

On an unremarkable Wednesday, Linnea sat cross-legged on the rocks, the darker-than-medium-gray water a little angrier than irritated, smacking the rocks soundly and frequently, but not too aggressively. Yet. The chilly spray settled over Linnea in a fine mist that froze her exposed skin and dampened the jeans and the flannel overcoat she wore in such a way that she didn’t really notice that her clothes were damp until she touched them. The gray sky met the gray water at the horizon in something of a hue change more than a definite line, and Linnea gazed across the water, thinking of nothing in particular.

And then something caught her eye.

A decidedly not-gray sheen appeared on the surface of the water for only a second or two, disappearing before Linnea could truly focus on it. Linnea stared at the spot, waiting to see if it would reappear.

It did, but not in the same spot.

The little glimmer of green and purple and teal lingered long enough for Linnea to know she was actually seeing something, that it wasn’t just a trick of the overcast light on the gray water, and only then did she realize that this little shimmer was closer to her than before.

Curious, Linnea dared to get up on her hands and knees so she could better see over the edge of the rocks at the water, squinting as the icy sea spray misted her face. Leaning as far over the edge, as close to the water as she dared, Linnea searched for the little glimmer again.

The gray water hid its depths and everything contained in it unless it was close to the surface. Linnea didn’t even know how deep the water was there. The face materialized in the water like an evening star gradually coming into its own brightness as the sky darkened into night.

Linnea found herself transfixed by the face as it hovered just under the surface, the waves rolling into the rocks sometimes obscuring it, but never really distorting it as it floated, perfectly still and undisturbed by the movement.

The face was beautiful in its otherness. Linnea had never seen one like it on land, that was for sure. Eyes, as silver-gray as the water when it was happy, stared back at her, blinking leisurely. Hair the same color fanned out and floated around the beautiful face, as though it radiated from it. The skin was pale and pristine, broken only by the slightly pink lips.

Linnea stared, and the eyes stared back.

In an instant, the water turned angry. Waves slammed into the rocks, obscuring the vision, driving Linnea backward to avoid a face full of water. She fell on her butt and rolled, painfully bouncing her elbows and spine and the back of her head on the unforgiving, wet rocks. Water rushed along the uneven, polished surface, seeping into her jeans and between her flannel overcoat and her shirt.

The shock of the sudden turn of the sea, the stinging cold of it, the pain from the fall only froze Linnea for a second. She scrambled back to her hands and knees and crawled to the edge of the rocks, daring the water to slap at her again as she searched for the beautiful image she had seen.

It was gone.

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Meet the Author

Christin Haws is a tragically unhip writer, rerun junkie, baseball floozy, and fat girl belly dancing. Though she mostly writes horror, she’s known to wander into other genres and combine genres because she’s never been very good at genre rules. She currently crafts her stories while located in a small town in the middle of a cornfield. Her obsessions with sunglasses, notebooks, and pens will surely be her undoing.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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Release Blitz + Giveaway: Beholden by Kris T. Bethke

Celebrate the release of JMS Books' Beholden with author Kris T. Bethke and Signal Boost Promotions. Learn more about magic law enforcement novella today and enter in the giveaway! You could win a backlist eBook from the author!

Universal Buy Link

Length: 42,000 words approx.

Cover Design: Written Ink Designs

Publisher: JMS Publishing

Blurb

Julian Thomas made the unpopular decision to become Beholden and focus his magic only on scrying. Because of it, he's the best at his job and the top scryer for the Department of Extranormal and Magical Affairs. Which why Investigations Agent Wes Caldwell goes right to Julian for help locating a missing person.


When Wes needs to use his magic to boost Julian's, they find a magical resonance between them that quickly leads to more. Julian doesn't want to move too fast, but Wes knows Julian is it for him. He's fine with waiting, as long as Julian stays close as they work through it.


But then Julian falls ill, and it's clear there's a magical reason. Wes will stop at nothing to find out what's plaguing Julian, and when they realize just how deep the plot goes, they have more questions than answers. Magic is increasing in the world, and no one can figure out why. Julian and Wes have found love, but will it be enough to get them through what's to come?

Excerpt

"Better?" Wes asked eventually. "Feel more centered and focused now?"


I nodded. Then I sat back a little so I could see his face. I wrapped my arms around his neck, and tucked my fingers down the collar of his dress shirt, not wanting to lose too much contact with his skin. "Yes, thank you."


"First things first," Wes said, his voice all business and his face serious. "Are we bonded?"


I sucked in a breath, surprised he'd made that leap. But he had to know that we weren't. If we'd made a bond, even an unintentional one, he would feel the pull as much as I did. "Of course not."


He just nodded his head, like that was the answer he expected. "But you feel better when you're touching me. When you can pull on my magic to augment your own?"


I released a sigh, and couldn't quite stop myself from snuggling just a tiny bit closer. I shrugged one shoulder. "Yes. Like I said, your magic fits with mine. So it's easy and natural to use you as a source. I'm sorry about that."


He glared at me like I had said something stupid. "Don't be ridiculous. There's nothing to apologize for. It's not like you did it on purpose. Right?"


That last bit was said with just a tiny bit of accusation. I tried not to be offended. "No, I didn't do it on purpose."


Wes just squinted at me. "So then, we have to figure out what's going on with you, what's pulling on your power. Until then, you just need to stick close to me so I can keep you stable."


I gave an indignant huff. "That's hardly practical. We've both got jobs to do. You seriously can't expect us to stay in each other's pockets because I have a little sense of fatigue. You're getting a little extreme there, buddy." I tried to pull away from him but he held me fast, and gave me a look that I couldn't quite interpret.


"You've got someone else that can keep your magic and your energy up?"


"Well, no," I answered honestly. I'd never met anyone whose magic fit so well with mine. "But that doesn't mean you can just drop everything and keep me stable. That thought is just-" I cast about for a suitable word and finally settled on, "preposterous."


Wes just gave a snort, sounding amused. "I can do whatever I want. And I don't want you lying in bed barely able to function. That serves no one. So you'll just have to be 'in my pocket' until we can figure it out and fix you. There has to be some magical means at work here. And I am an Investigations Agent. I'll investigate."


His tone was playful, cajoling, and I wanted to smile, but this was too serious. We barely knew each other and, my crush notwithstanding, he couldn't just drop everything to take care of me. He wasn't making any sense.

Author Bio

Kris T. Bethke has been a voracious reader for pretty much her entire life and has been writing stories for nearly as long. An avid and prolific daydreamer, she always has a story in her head. She spends most of her free time reading, writing, or knitting/crocheting her latest project. Her biggest desire is to find a way to accomplish all three tasks at one time. A classic muscle car will always turn her head, and naps on the weekend are one of her greatest guilty pleasures. She lives in a converted attic with a way too fluffy cat and the voices in her head. She ll tell you she thinks that s a pretty good deal. Kris believes that love is love, no matter the gender of people involved, and that all love deserves to be celebrated.


Find her on her site https://kristbethke.com Facebook https://www.facebook.com/people/Kris-T-Bethke/100014524539852 or on Twitter https://twitter.com/kristbethke

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Tag Team Review: Squared Away (Out of Uniform #5) by Annabeth Albert

In the wake of tragedy, SEAL Mark Whitley rushed stateside to act as guardian to his sister’s three young children. But a conflicting will could give custody to someone else—someone Mark remembers as a too young, too hot, wild party boy. Even after six years, Mark can’t shake the memory of his close encounter with Isaiah James, or face up to what it says about his own sexuality.

Isaiah’s totally over the crush that made him proposition Mark all those years ago. In fact, he’s done with crushing on the wrong men altogether. For now, he’s throwing himself into proving he’s the best person to care for his cousin’s kids. But there’s no denying there’s something sexy about a big, tough military man with a baby in his arms.

As the legal details get sorted out, their long-buried attraction resurfaces, leading to intimate evenings after the kids are tucked in. A forever future is within reach for all of them, if only Mark can find the courage he needs to trust Isaiah with his secrets—and his heart.

average

Adam - 3.5 Hearts

From the first page it’s clear that Mark and Isaiah are complete opposites. Mark is a one-man fortress - stoic and completely self-reliant. Isaiah has more of a wild personality, preferring fun and living life in the moment.

These differences make it hard for the two to understand each other. Their relationship is made more difficult by the fact that Mark rejected Isaiah at a wedding six years ago, something neither man has forgotten.

But despite this history, the two pull it together for their nieces and nephew. The circumstances that bring them together are heartbreaking, but both men know that they have to put the kids first.

Grief is interwoven throughout the book, though it never becomes overwhelming. It’s a realistic depiction, showing how life has to move forward, regardless of the situation.

In working through their grief and trying to do what’s best for the children, the two MCs begin leaning on each other for support. It’s a shaky truce which slowly becomes a real friendship. Isaiah’s attentive to the pressures of Mark’s work as a SEAL, while Mark’s well-aware of the work Isaiah puts in to take care of the kids.

I really liked seeing how Isaiah and Mark began, and the kids, built a family as the story progressed. The kids play a big part in the book. They’re what bind the two MCs together, and a lot of the page time is devoted to them.

But that doesn’t mean the romance is lacking. It’s mellow and builds slowly, but the two MCs just click, building on years of secret pining.

Part of the reason the romance moves slowly is because of Mark’s sexuality - he’s both demisexual and grey ace. It makes for a different relationship experience, but both men are patient and take things step by step.

However, I could have done with less miscommunication or lack of communication between the MCs. It just got too repetitive at a point. Also, while I could understand Mark’s struggle, the hot-and-cold routine didn’t win him any favours.

That being said, I thought the happy ever after was really sweet. I was glad to see Mark, Isaiah, and their kids get the sunshine and roses they deserved!

Overall, this was an enjoyable read. If you’re looking for a slow MM romance with strong themes of family, I’d give ‘Squared Away’ a try.


SheReadsALot - 4 Hearts

Back in again more Annabeth Albert and I am not tired of this series yet!

Squared Away can be read as a standalone. It features not only an ace MC but a biracial MC as well. If you've followed along in the series, Isaiah (secondary character from book #2 - At Attention) the sex positive roommate has harbored a crush on his cousin's brother-in-law, Mark aka Wizard. The two have a rocky start and years passed. They hear about each other in passing but a tragedy brings them together. Both end up guardians for three kids (Isaiah's cousin's and Mark's sister's kids).

Second chance, sexual discovery, grief and men with kids... the themes are all in the win pile for me.

I loved this blended family. The kids weren't annoying. The love was very apparent for the kids. The men have to learn how to be a family on their own terms while having to deal with grieving, outside opposition from family members. Plus, Isaiah would definitely fall in the new adult category. He's younger and still figuring his life out. Committing to passion is a bit of a problem for him. But the one thing that he doesn't flit from? Those kids.

The romance is a slow burn of sorts. And it fits the characters especially with Mark's background in relationships. Each intimate scene was meaningful and passionate. The kissing was really, really good.

Why not 5 Hearts? Isaiah has no problem with Mark being demisexual and not being out. He said the right words to Mark, he did the right actions...mostly. There was a point in the book where he was upset that Mark wasn't more demonstrative. It was like he took 2 steps forward and 1 step back. He said he understood. Why was he rushing Mark?

The book wasn't too angst heavy. There were more internal struggles and a bit of miscommunication (more of not telling the other the full story/plans regarding the future)

And as I loved Dylan (MC of At Attention), the bits of him showing up again made this reader happy.

A recommended read for readers who enjoy slow burn, kids and second chance.

Audiobook Review: Getting His Man (Getting His Man #1) by B.G. Thomas

A love story worthy of an old movie… with a new twist.

Artie needs a hero, a man like those he’s always revered in Golden Age films. His drug-dealing jerk of a roommate got him arrested, and since his savior isn’t likely to sweep in and save the day, Artie calls a bail bondsman.

August has always imagined himself a hero from a black-and-white movie, but he’s never found a man willing to let him play that role—at least not until he gets the call from Artie.

Both of their dreams might come true, but not before August must use his skills as a bounty hunter as well as a bondsman. Artie is on the run for his life, and August must protect him and help him clear his name. Only then can they both finally get their man.

Listening Length: 5 hours and 52 minutes
Narrator: Kenneth Obi

Criminey


This really was all sorts of charming and cute and fun.

This starts out with Artie, who has the terrible misfortune of being caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. He’s quite the sheltered guy and a hopeless romantic, and truly just wants to find someone he can just be his goofy self with. Artie’s an adorable MC with a heart of gold, and one just wants him to get his HEA.

It’s just that shine that draws bondsman/bounty hunter August, to do things he knows he shouldn’t - and that’s to get messed up in the the troubles of someone he just bailed out. However, August can’t resist, nor let go of his protective instincts in helping Artie out, for he believes deep down that Artie is innocent and doesn’t deserve what may be coming.

What ensues is a bit of comedy of errors as Artie can’t seem to not stay out of trouble through really no fault of his own. He falls quickly for August, and when his situation seems dire, Artie only wants to save the tough handsome man of his dreams from the harm that inevitably seems to be ahead. August in turn, just wants to do what’s right and to make sure Artie gets out of this ridiculous and unfair predicament unscathed.

Rest assured, these two MC’s are very very likeable. When you throw in some sweet sexy, a bit of suspense, and Artie and August being absolutely perfect for the other, you have quite the nice read. Narrated by Kenneth Obi, he set the tone just right and brought Artie and August to life. This was definitely easy listening, and it had me laughing out loud, shaking my head at the various shenanigans, and going “awwww” a few times. If you want a no fuss romance with good dashes of humor, action, and tons of sugary goodness, then this is for you. Enjoy!


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

Release Blitz + Giveaway: The Contingency Plan by Addison Albright

Celebrate the release of The Contingency Plan from JMS Books with author Addison Albright and Signal Boost Promotions! Learn more about the arranged marriage novella and enter in the giveaway for your chance to win a back list eBook from the author! See our 4 <3 review HERE!

Universal Buy Links

Length: 8,040 words approx.

Publisher: JMS Publishing

Blurb

A sheltered prince. A sudden death. An unexpected choice. How will Prince Marcelo react to discovering he’s The Contingency Plan?

For eighteen years, there has been peace between Sheburat and the kingdom of Zioneven. The untimely death of a princess throws the marriage arrangement -- the final phase to complete the terms of the treaty -- into disarray, and the contingency plan is put into motion. Now the Crown Prince of Zioneven gets to make his own choice from among the princess’s younger siblings.

As a rare royal son in the matriarchal sovereignty of Sheburat, Prince Marcelo grew up knowing he would never marry. Never. Royal sons did not marry. Period. Except, Prince Efren isn’t from Sheburat, and he has other plans.

Excerpt

With everyone now in attendance, Queen Giselle stepped forward. “Your Royal Highness, Ladies and Lords, and people of Zioneven, please accept our warm welcome to Sheburat, and I hope you’ll accept our sincere apology for the chaos in which you find us today.”

Prince Efren inclined his head. “Of course, Your Majesty. On behalf of Zioneven, I offer our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your beloved daughter.”

“Thank you,” Queen Giselle replied. “Sadly, our loss yesterday affects more than simply causing us private pain.”

“Indeed.” Prince Efren kept his reply short, perhaps diplomatically leaving it to Queen Giselle to either further the conversation toward whether or not he was ready to choose his alternate, or to wait for a time when her grief would be less immediate.

His mother would put diplomacy first, Marcelo didn’t doubt that. The conversation may or may not happen today, but it would occur during this visit. Diplomacy always came ahead of personal concerns.

“Although disappointment caused by the cancellation of the wedding we’d expected tomorrow is unavoidable,” Queen Giselle said. “I hope you’ll find a small comfort in knowing that you may now make your own choice of your future bride from among my younger daughters rather than the arrangement made on your behalf at the tender age of five.” 

Again, Prince Efren inclined his head. “Sibling.”

“I’m sorry?”

“Sibling. The terms of the treaty specify I may choose an alternate from among Princess Marcela’s younger siblings. It didn’t restrict the choice to daughters.”

Marcelo stiffened. What in the world could Prince Efren mean by that? Men didn’t marry men. At least, he’d never heard of such a thing occurring in Sheburat. Marcelo wasn’t alone in his bewilderment. Everyone on his side of the room stilled. None of the faces opposite them exhibited confusion. Was that an acceptable option in Zioneven’s culture?

It was only by mere minutes, but Marcelo did qualify as a younger sibling to Marcela.

For the first time in Marcelo’s recollection, his mother faltered. “Do…surely…but…”

Marcelo turned his head toward her, his wide eyes silently imploring her to voice an objection. Kemble may have recently grown complacent thinking herself in the clear, but she’d at least spent her life knowing she was the likely backup plan.

As a royal son in this matriarchal society, Marcelo had grown up knowing he would never marry. Never. Royal sons did not marry. Period.

He’d been perfectly happy with that knowledge because he’d never experienced the attraction that men outside the royal family felt toward women. In fact, he’d enjoyed knowing he would not have to merge his life with a woman’s with the expectation of having to bed her. 

His gaze flicked back and forth between Queen Giselle and Prince Efren before settling on the prince. Prince Efren had kept his eyes locked with the queen’s, but as if sensing Marcelo’s scrutiny, his head turned to reflect Marcelo’s regard.

Marcelo’s heart thudded so vigorously in his chest, surely everyone in the room must hear it. His respiration quickened. That single word uttered by Prince Efren had shattered Marcelo’s understanding of everything he knew about the world and had expected in his life.

Queen Giselle remained frozen for a few more moments, her brows drawn together as she processed the unexpected direction of this discussion. She cast a brief, apologetic glance toward Marcelo, then lifted her shoulders in a barely visible shrug. “The treaty does indeed use that word. Prince Efren, the choice is yours.”

Marcelo’s stomach dropped as her words echoed through the silent hall even though he’d known in his heart that she’d put Sheburat before her son’s individual concerns. So, he felt no personal betrayal. It was who is mother had to be.

Prince Efren continued to stare at Marcelo as he firmly stated, “I choose His Royal Highness, Prince Marcelo. The wedding will proceed tomorrow as planned.”

Marcelo swayed as the blood drained from his face. How could this be? How did such a marriage work? Would he be expected to—

“Marcelo?” Suky’s whispered tone voiced her concern. “Are you unwell?”

She repeated the words, but from farther away. Or did her voice only seem distant? He wobbled as the people around him faded, and then, thankfully, this nightmare all went away.

Addison Albright is a writer living in the middle of the USA. Her stories are gay (sometimes erotic) romance in contemporary, fantasy, and paranormal genres. Her education includes a BS in Education with a major in mathematics and a minor in chemistry. Addison loves spending time with her family, reading, popcorn, boating, french fries, “open window weather,” cats, math, and anything chocolate. She loves to read pretty much anything and everything, anytime and anywhere.


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Audiobook Review: Late in the Day (The Vault #2) by Mary Calmes

Terrence Moss. Conrad Harris. Gold Team Leader. Darius Hawthorne. The Vault. Juggling all these names would bother some, but for Darius, it’s business as usual. When he closes a chapter in his life, he leaves a name—and the people associated with it—behind. He’s managed to keep a few colleagues, even fewer friends, and no companionship through his forty-plus years… but that’s now changing.

The newest chapter of his life is bringing serious change: a stable home, a recovered identity, an unlikely family, and now a chance encounter with the one man Darius ever loved: Efrem Lahm. The reasons they parted are still valid, and there’s no way they can trust each other. But Efrem has already decided he won’t let Darius go… and Darius will have to decide if he wants to take a chance with his heart this late in the day.

Listening Length: 5 hrs and 41 mins
Narrator: Greg Bordeaux

The big bad wolf finally meets his match. Or, in this case, is reunited with his match.

I’ve been waiting to read Conrad’s (who’s really Darius) story for a while. Ever since he handled Trevon and Landry’s cray-cray like a champ in ‘Mine’, I’ve been just a bit smitten with the mysterious hitman.

I listened to this book in audiobook format, and Greg Boudreaux did an excellent job. Absolutely no complaints from me on that end!

Being the Vault has changed Darius. He’s no longer the isolated one-man fortress he used to be. He’s got friends now, which might make him vulnerable, but he’s also a lot more human.

Like book 1 in this series, ‘Late in the Day’ is more about the main character’s journey than it is about the romance. I wasn’t entirely sure if that would work when I picked up book 1, but I really like this different approach by Mary Calmes.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Darius’ past and how he ended up as the Vault. Plus, it was great to finally find out who the man was underneath the rock-hard exterior.

That being said, the romance is no way lacking. Readers learn through flashbacks how Efrem and Darius fell in love, and what events transpired to drive them apart for so long.

The two are so obviously meant for each other. Both in the flashbacks and in the present, there’s a thread binding them together that can’t be denied.

For Darius, who’s spent so many years watching his back, Efrem is the only man he can let his guard down around. And Efrem never stopped looking for the man who owned his heart.

Plus, the two bring some serious heat. This isn’t a particularly steamy read, but the sexytimes that are there definitely don’t leave anything to the imagination!

My only complaint: I would have liked some more drama/action. Considering who Darius is, I was waiting for something to happen. It would have made an already very entertaining read even more so.

Regardless, this was a great read/listen! If you enjoyed book 1 in this series, I highly recommend ‘Late in the Day’!

Release Blitz + Giveaway: Deadly Dorian (Ward Security Series #3) by Jocelynn Drake & Rinda Elliott

Deadly Dorian (Ward Security Series #3) is officially out! Celebrate with authors Jocelynn Drake & Rinda Elliott and IndiGo Marketing! Learn more about the latest in the thriller series! Enter in the giveaway to win a $25 Amazon gift card!

Title:  Deadly Dorian

Series: Ward Security Series #3

Author: Jocelynn Drake & Rinda Elliott

Publisher: Drake and Elliott Publishing LLC

Release Date: April 13, 2018

Heat Level: 4 - Lots of Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 87K

Genre: Romance, Thriller/Suspense

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Synopsis

Someone is trying to kill Marc Foster.

Attempted poisoning was bad enough, but when the would-be killer messes with the brakes on Marc’s precious Porsche, the art dealer admits he needs help. He just wasn’t expecting help to be quite so dark and sexy.

Royce Karras loves his job at Ward Security. He’s making up for a lifetime of bad decisions and a bloody past he’d rather forget. But Marc isn’t the spoiled rich boy he thought he’d be protecting. Sticking close to Marc as his “boyfriend” gives Royce insight into his toxic family, but it also reveals a brilliant, compassionate man who completely disarms Royce. Against his better judgment, Royce finds himself falling.

But can they find a way to make it work when Royce’s past threatens to tear their lives apart? Their future hinges on a lost Renaissance painting, six Bichon Frises, and a pornographic Robin Hood.

No worries, right?

Excerpt

Marc Foster rose from one of the outdoor couches and came toward him with his right hand out. There was no missing how he shifted his left hand slightly behind his body, but Royce already caught sight of what looked like a bandage. He stood taller than Royce by several inches, his shoulders broad, his body slim. He wore a fashionable suit that probably cost more than a month of Royce’s salary.

But his damn face—that was going to be a problem.

He had the most fascinating combination of features Royce had ever seen. Sharp was the first description that came to mind. He had thick, black, slanting eyebrows over piercing, blue eyes, bladed cheekbones and chin—all of it coming together to form a stunning, intense face that was completely belied by the softest-looking, fullest lips he’d ever seen. The dichotomy of severe and overly sensual startled, sending a punch of surprising lust into Royce’s gut. Marc wore his dark brown hair long on top, and it looked like he’d been running his hands through it, because it curled back off his face in soft waves with one strand falling over his eye.

It was the perfect length for gripping.

“Royce Karras?”

“Yes.” He wanted to say more, but he felt momentarily tongue-tied and shocked. Rich playboys were far from the kind of men he usually liked to get rowdy with, so his gut reaction to this one made him feel off. He’d never been much of a talker, though. He hoped the man didn’t want a chatterbox for a pretend boyfriend.

The smile that stretched those full lips revealed teeth that went along with the program: sharp and flawlessly white. But the smile softened his features, making him seem more welcoming.

And…somewhat devastating. Royce would have no trouble pretending to be attracted to this man.

Marc nodded then, his gaze running down Royce’s body.

Royce wondered what he thought as he took in his black vest over the white button-down shirt tucked into dark jeans. Black motorcycle boots completed the look. He’d also rolled up his sleeves, leaving the tattoos on his left arm in plain sight. He’d trimmed his black beard close to his chin. Normally, he wore the company’s polo or T-shirts on jobs, but Andrei had asked him to “hot it up” a little so he’d appeal to a rich playboy.

He watched that rich playboy now as he eyed him, then turned back to Quinn. Royce followed his gaze to find his coworker standing silently, watching them with a funny smile on his face.

“He will work,” Marc said in a no-nonsense tone. “My acquaintances won’t question me wanting him.”

That particular word choice sent a blast of heat to Royce’s groin, and he ruthlessly ignored it. But the image that had surged into his mind had been this gorgeous, haughty man kneeling before him, and that was harder to push aside. He’d look so pretty like that, his head back, mouth open, waiting on instruction.

Royce knew, without a doubt, that he could have this man on his knees, that he could easily overpower him despite his taller form. If there was one thing that always played out in Royce’s favor, it was the steely strength he carried in his compact body. It had been the reason he’d been a very successful shylock for a bloodthirsty bookie in Virginia. He came with the element of surprise—always underestimated, always triumphant in a fight. He didn’t have the special martial arts training of a lot of his coworkers, but that didn’t matter. There was something to be said for sheer determination.

“You aren’t going to question if he’s big enough to fight someone off for you?” Quinn asked. “He gets that a lot.”

Marc smirked and brought those astute blue eyes back to him. “I have absolutely no doubt this man can protect me. Anyone paying close enough attention would see that he could easily take them down.”

Royce hoped the lust coating his last three words was only in his own imagination. A quick glance at Quinn told him it was not. And the IT guy was finding this situation highly amusing as he lifted one eyebrow behind his black-framed glasses.

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Drake and Elliott Publishing LLC | Amazon

Meet the Author

Who are Drake & Elliott?

Jocelynn Drake and Rinda Elliott have teamed up to combine their evil genius to create intense gay romantic suspense stories that have car chases, shoot outs, explosions, scorching hot love scenes, and tender, tear-jerking moments. Their first joint books are in the Unbreakable Bonds series.

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Review: The Contingency Plan by Addison Albright

A sheltered prince. A sudden death. An unexpected choice. How will Prince Marcelo react to discovering he’s The Contingency Plan?

For eighteen years, there has been peace between Sheburat and the kingdom of Zioneven. The untimely death of a princess throws the marriage arrangement—the final phase to complete the terms of the treaty—into disarray, and the contingency plan is put into motion. Now the Crown Prince of Zioneven gets to make his own choice from among the princess’s younger siblings.

As a rare royal son in the matriarchal sovereignty of Sheburat, Prince Marcelo grew up knowing he would never marry. Never. Royal sons did not marry. Period. Except, Prince Efren isn’t from Sheburat, and he has other plans.

This is exactly what I like in my historical fantasies and to be honest, I’m so sad that this was only a mere 8000ish words.


As per the blurb, Prince Marcelo of Sheburat is basically a rare male in a highly matriarchal society. Not much is expected of him, let alone marriage or anything of import. Marcelo has long since resigned himself to a quiet life of celibacy and being a minor figurehead at most in his female dominated family. Sexuality and desire has not even been a blip on his radar until that is, his sister’s untimely death throws 2 kingdoms into chaos, as the question of who will now fulfill the peace treaty between two very different countries arises.


Created 18 years ago, the treaty between Sheburat and Zioneven had a contingency plan should the original terms become void on either side for any reason, and Prince Efren of Zioneven and his advisors have always had an alternate choice should that happen. No one is more surprised than Marcelo that he’s chosen instead of one of his many eligible sisters.


Admittedly, I loved the premise of this, and it was quite nostalgic of many a M/F historical I’ve read that played on arranged marriages and the obligations that such a setup entails. I’m only disappointed that we didn’t get a more detailed and drawn out look at Efren courting Marcelo for the potential of some delicious (all that is virginal) awakening that is just begging to be explored. Darn!! My poor self also would’ve happily read about the growing relationship between two strangers “forced” to work together for the good of their people - a partnership that eventually evolves into respect and love as Marcelo discovers what his new life has to offer under such tutelage and care. Oh yes!


Don’t get me wrong. This was lovely, but it left me wanting which I suppose is the best compliment! I know I wouldn’t say no to more of these two regarding their future or just a new edition expanding on all the potential this little story contains. More please!


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

Curious about the book? Don't miss The Contingency Plan release blitz HERE!

Blog Tour + Giveaway: Hug it Out by Davidson King

Welcome the Hug it Out blog tour to BMBR! Celebrate with author Davidson King and Vibrant Promotions! Learn more about the contemporary romance today and enter in the $10 Amazon gift card giveaway!

HUG IT OUT

DAVIDSON KING

M/M ROMANCE

RELEASE DATE: 03.29.18

COVER DESIGN: MORNINGSTAR ASHLEY @ Five Star Graphic Designs

BLURB

Riordan Darcy has spent the last fourteen years building a name for himself as a notorious assassin. He travels the world taking the lives of some of the worst humanity has to offer, leaving his signature on every victim.

Riordan becomes unhappy and withdrawn from the world after a job goes horribly wrong and he makes the decision to get out of the life he was forced into, so long ago. When his meddling, older sister gives him a birthday gift that’s impossible to refuse, his plans to leave his life of crime take a backseat when he’s forced to protect the life of a veritable stranger.

When professional hugger and TLC provider, Teddy Harris, is offered a month-long companionship contract, he’s hard pressed to turn it down. Cuddler by day and a video game reviewer by night, Teddy’s need to make people feel loved and cared for is what drives him. When he meets Riordan Darcy, professional challenge and personal temptation collide, making it nearly impossible for him to endure a whole month with the gorgeous, enigmatic man without falling head over heels in love.

When a mole is discovered within Riordan’s organization, relationships are compromised, and people’s lives are in danger. Time isn’t on their side, and they discover answers can’t always be found by hugging it out when someone is hell-bent on eliminating each and every one of them. Can Riordan and Teddy survive long enough to fall in love, or will they die trying?

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38531997-hug-it-out

AMAZON US: https://amzn.to/2GqNjbC

AMAZON UK: https://amzn.to/2GKqrHh

EXCERPT

When I opened my eyes, Riordan was watching me. He looked away quickly, but not fast enough. What did he see when he looked at me? A goofy gamer who loved to hug? Did he see the man behind the bunny suit? Maybe he wished I looked more like my friends and less like a nerd.

Odd that this was bothering me. Normally, I didn’t give a shit what people thought. Riordan was a client and I needed to remember that.

“I didn’t mean to be insulting, Teddy, or accusatory. It’s not every day I find out the man hired to keep me company is friends with Christopher Manos’ husband, a man who happens to be a well-known crime boss.” When he lifted his sunglasses and exposed his eyes, I felt better. The barrier was unnerving and reading people was better this way. “In my line of work, people are judged by those they associate with. Too many times, I’ve been right. Hang out with shit and you start to smell.”

Now it was my turn to react. “Snow is not shit. He’s an amazing guy. He may be married to a crime boss, but he’s not like that. He’s my friend because he treats me with respect. Now, I think I will be ending this lunch. You can put it all away. I’ll call a cab to take me home.”

Riordan jumped up when I did. His hands were inches from my arms, yet I could feel them as if they were on me. “Whoa, calm down. I wasn’t calling him shit. Wow.” He chuckled. “You’re a spitfire, huh?” He rubbed his hand over his buzzed head almost like he was nervous. “Here I thought you were all marshmallows and rainbows. It’s nice to see there’s a fire in your belly.”

“Look,” I said as I began putting the food away since it was obvious Riordan wasn’t going to do it. “I want to help you. Aisling hired me, and I know we said we’d give it a week, but I’m not sure it’s going to work. Perhaps you’d be more comfortable with someone else.”

I’d guessed Riordan was gay and called him paranoid. Both assumptions I would have never made with any other client. I also didn’t fight with clients. I was breaking all my own rules and cutting this short would be wise.

“You want to quit because we had a little spat?”

“It’s not a spat.” I tugged the blanket until he got the hint and moved off it. “I work for people who want me there. You don’t. This isn’t about you being a jerk about my friends or dropping me off to park.” I was mid-fold when I turned to give Riordan a sardonic look. “You do realize you pulled into a spot to let me out to find a spot, right?”

I could practically hear Riordan counting to ten as he closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. “I know. I had to deal with something. I can’t tell you, but…” He inched closer to me, eyes soft and sincere. “I don’t think you’re horrible. Our company is strange, but I like it. Let’s just do the whole month, it’ll be fine, I’m sure. I don’t want to start over with someone else.”

In a gesture almost too sweet, Riordan brushed a curl from my forehead and smiled. “I need you to not ask me about the things I do. I can’t tell you. Ever. But I promise I will relax more and stop being such a jerk.”

I could see the truth in his eyes. I knew calling it quits was probably the right thing to do. We were clashing left and right. He’d try to see things my way, but we’d argue again. But I was a fool sometimes and I really believed I could help him. “Okay. We can stick to the schedule for the month as planned. But if it doesn’t work, if we’re fighting or it’s stressful, we need to break the contract. Agreed?”

“Agreed.”

Davidson King, always had a hope that someday her daydreams would become real-life stories. As a child, you would often find her in her own world, thinking up the most insane situations. It may have taken her awhile, but she made her dream come true with her first published work, Snow Falling.

When she’s not writing you can find her blogging away on Diverse Reader, her review and promotional site. She managed to wrangle herself a husband who matched her crazy and they hatched three wonderful children.

If you were to ask her what gave her the courage to finally publish, she’d tell you it was her amazing family and friends. Support is vital in all things and when you’re afraid of your dreams, it will be your cheering section that will lift you up.

Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/DavidsonKingAuthor/

Author Group: King's Court: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DavidsonKingsCourt/

Twitter: @DavidsonKing11

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidsonkingauthor/?hl=en

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