Review – Against the Rush

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Against the Rush, Book Review, Chantal Mar, Philadelphia Power series, Susan Scott Shelley

Against The Rush

Philadelphia Power, Book 1

by Susan Scott Shelley & Chantal Mer

Blurb:

Jalen Daniels loves his job as a hockey coach to kids in the Philadelphia Power’s youth league. Coaching in the same league he played in and volunteering his time to a charity that brings the game to underserved communities takes up a lot of his time. The rest is filled with playing hockey in a rec league and bouncing at a nightclub. Meeting Leif Larsson, star player for the Power and father of one of the kids he coaches, knocks Jalen’s busy life off balance and leaves him craving Philly’s favorite Swede.

Philadelphia Power defenseman Leif Larsson has devoted the last four years to being a dad and a hockey player, in that order. Focusing on being the best dad for his daughter and the best teammate and player for the team was all that mattered. But when he sees Jalen at a charity event, their connection is strong enough to push his heart into pursuing the talented, surprising, handsome man.

Amid the bustle of hockey season, the sparks between Jalen and Leif ignite into something bigger and brighter than they’ve ever experienced. But navigating a relationship when their conflicting schedules make meeting up close to impossible is harder on their hearts than they anticipated. Can they find a way to score a win for love?

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*****

Excerpt:

Nudging an elbow into my side, Ryder inclines Striker’s giant head in Sawyer’s direction with a sly smile. “I was thinking about bringing a backup turkey to Thanksgiving.”

As expected, frustration flares in Sawyer’s features, and he huffs a heavy sigh. “My dog snatches the bird off the table one time and it’s all you guys can talk about.”

Grinning, Axel zips his bag shut and takes over stowing away Sawyer’s gear for him. “Don’t forget, his yanking the tablecloth also lost us the stuffing and green beans.”

“The cranberry sauce was still edible.” Frustration fades under the amusement brimming in Sawyer’s eyes. “Don’t worry, I’ve already had a talk with him about being a good guest and I am bringing a backup turkey just in case.”

“Should I bring one too?” Blue eyes brimming with laughter, Calder rubs a towel over his damp blond hair. “Or stick with apple pie?”

“I love pie.” Axel hooks his arm around Calder’s shoulders. “Definitely more pie.”

“If you had your way, we’d exclusively be eating pie for dinner.” Laughing, I can’t resist the pull to turn my attention back to Jalen. For the first time all afternoon, he’s alone.

“Go talk to him,” Axel advises, and Sawyer, Calder, and Ryder nod in agreement.

Desire to go wars with fear of rejection and the worry I imagined our earlier connection. “What, right now? With you all watching?”

Axel fixes me with the no-nonsense stare reserved for the occasions when our team needs to be called out. “You’re one of the most fearsome defensemen in the league and a formidable champion of LGBTQ rights. Are you really going to let a little thing like us scare you away from talking to the first guy to ever captivate your attention? Don’t be such a baby.”

A baby? I immediately bristle with the need to prove I’m not one. The satisfaction on Axel’s face reveals his intention. He knows me too well.

“Fine.” Anticipation, embarrassment, and determination jangling my body louder than the music coming from the arena’s speakers, I stand. My teammates do the same, and for a second I’m afraid they’ll tag along.

Axel slaps my back. “That’s my boy.”

“Good luck, Leafy,” Sawyer adds, before tugging a ball cap with Striker’s image over his dark hair.

Ryder gives me a gentle nudge forward. “Make us proud, man.”

“You’ve got this.” Calder busts out two thumbs up.

“You guys suck.” But they just grin at me, and I smile back. I’m lucky to have friends who will goad me into being brave in the one area I’ve shied away from since the birth of my daughter. Being a dad has always come first, so I haven’t let myself indulge too far into romance. But there’s something about Jalen, and if I don’t act now, I know I’ll always regret it.

Nerves buzzing stronger than before a championship game, I head in his direction.

*****

Review:

Against the Rush is a slow burn romance between two guys who have a instant and strong connection but who have to figure out how they can make it work. Both are extremely busy with professional and family commitments that take up quite a bit of their time. But when you meet someone that you are drawn to so completely, you’ll just have to figure things out.

I liked both Jalen and Leif – they are sensible, giving, and loving. They approach life and relationships with careful thought and hard work. Are there bumps along the way, sure, but that’s pretty much life. Plus, they wear their hearts on their sleeves and it’s just the sweetest.

I will say my only complaint is that some of the writing is a little …. flowery? The similes and metaphors got just a bit out there for me. It only happened in a handful of places but if a reader is anything like my husband that’s going to be a big nope right out of the gate so I wanted to throw it out there.

Overall, though, readers who likes a slower paced, realistic love story will enjoy Leif & Jalen’s story. It’s full of real-life moments, relationships, and issues. There’s hardly any drama or angst, just a couple slowly getting to know each other and falling in love.

*****

Author Info:

USA TODAY Bestselling Author Susan Scott Shelley writes stories with heat and heart, where love always wins. Her romances give readers lighthearted escapes into happily ever after, celebrate the fact that love is love, and that everyone, regardless of how they identify and who they love, deserves to be accepted and cherished for who they are. In addition to crafting stories, she is a professional voiceover artist and enjoys lending her voice to a wide range of projects. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband and loves sports, science, running, and reading. Visit her at susanscottshelley.com.

Social Media and website links for Susan Scott Shelley:
Website: https://susanscottshelley.com
Newsletter: http://www.susanscottshelley.com/newsletter
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanscottshelley/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SusanScottShelley1

~

Chantal Mer never set out to write books. Yet here she is, and she’s having a blast. Happily ever afters for everyone makes her heart sing. When she’s not writing, Chantal can be found walking her adorable dog, going to musical theater with her daughter, observing the night sky with her husband and his telescope, and learning about the latest advances in video games with her son. Give her a book and a glass of wine and she’s in her happy place. Chantal lives outside of Philadelphia with her husband, two teens, and her sweet pup, Miss Toffee. Visit her at chantalmer.com.

Social Media and website links for Chantal Mer:
Website: https://www.chantalmer.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chantalmer/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chantalmerauthor

*****

Giveaway:

To celebrate their new release, Sarah & Chantal are giving you the chance to win 1 of 3 paperbacks of Against the Rush!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

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*****

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Review – Guys Like Him

Tags

Aimee Nicole Walker, Book Review, Guys Like Him, Redemption Ridge series

Guys Like Him

Redemption Ridge, Book 1

by Aimee Nicole Walker

Blurb:

Kieran Sullivan is broken when he arrives at Redemption Ridge. A wrongful conviction and twenty months in lockup will do that to a man. The ranch is a place for second chances and fresh starts, but for him, it’s an opportunity to discover who set him up. Get in, get answers, and get out. The plan sounds easy enough until Kieran meets an equine specialist whose sunny smile could warm the coldest heart.

Finley Ashe is a sucker for bruised spirits and sad eyes. The horse whisperer and broken-boy magnet is six months into a hiatus from love when Kieran, the king of emotionally unavailable men, gets assigned to work under his supervision. Mutual attraction is gasoline on proximity’s flame, testing Finley’s resistance in new ways.

Priorities shift, shields come down, and truths get exposed. Will the inevitable combustion redeem Kieran and Finley or consume them?

Guys Like Him is book one in the Redemption Ridge series. Though each story features a different couple, reading the series in order is essential. Guys Like Him contains mature themes and is intended for adults.

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*****

Excerpt:

Thick gray clouds hovered overhead, rolling like the anger churning inside him. For the past year, he’d expressed his eagerness to put the past behind him and start fresh. That’s what the prison counselors and the people with power over him wanted to hear, so that was the bullshit he fed them. But privately, Kieran tended to his bitterness like a stew on the stove. He knew when to adjust the heat and which ingredients to add to the pot to keep his resentment sharp. And the fucking drab sky and clouds only antagonized him more.

For twenty months, his entire existence had been gray—the floors and walls, the food, and the pallor of the inmates’ skin. The only break in the monotony were the prison scrubs. He would happily go the rest of his life without seeing the color orange again. Kieran had foolishly allowed himself to daydream about the vibrancy he’d see on release day, but he’d just gotten more of the same. Everything around him was wet and shiny from the rain, but it was more of a piss on his parade than a refreshing, clean slate. Kieran’s olfactory senses zeroed in on the motor oil brought to the asphalt’s surface by the shower. It was a scent he knew all too well, and it became a match to his pilot light. Rainwater splashed up on his feet and shins as he walked, but his wrath made him impervious to the chill. Kieran reached inside the padded envelope, removed the wallet, and stuffed it into his back pocket. Then he tossed the envelope with the cell phone into the trash bin. The device was dead, the contract canceled, and there was no one on the contact list he wanted to speak to anymore.

A slight breeze stirred the air, and Kieran closed his eyes and tipped his head back. Yeah, he’d enjoyed fresh air during breaks in the yard, but they never lasted long enough and were controlled by someone else. He’d lived long enough like a marionette, and there was no better time to embrace free will. The weather wasn’t what he’d hoped for, but he got to enjoy it outside the fences, and that was a victory he’d stop and embrace.

A rumbling engine caught his attention, and he opened his eyes in time to see a black king cab truck with a silver Redemption Ridge logo stop in front of the facility. The guy behind the wheel wasn’t a chauffeur, but he was there for Kieran just the same. A year ago, he set a plan into motion, and Cash Sweeney’s presence proved it had worked.

Kieran’s good behavior had gained him access to the K9 programs at Arrowhead, where he’d met Cash and his dogs from Redemption Ridge. The front passenger window rolled down, and a familiar black-and-white head poked out. Patsy, a border collie, was the first dog he’d met during the program, and it had been love at first sight for them. It turned out Kieran had a sixth sense when working with animals, especially the shyest ones. His talents had captured Cash’s notice, and he’d offered Kieran employment and housing on his ranch, where he rehabilitated horses and dogs. Kieran’s participation in the program and the subsequent employment opportunity hadn’t been divine intervention or luck; it was all part of his carefully orchestrated plan.

*****

Review:

This one is a slow burn, low angst romance and while it’s a complete romance it’s also an introduction to a larger storyline that will go over a couple more books at least. I think knowing that helps because some of it feels unnecessary and other parts are kinda left hanging. Definitely a standalone-but-not kind of situation 🙂

Kieran, just out of prison, has one thing on his mind when he gets to Redemption Ranch – get revenge on the people who send him to jail for something he didn’t do. And then he meets Finley. The draw is undeniable, but Kieran tries so hard to keep in mind why he’s really there.

Finley has always been drawn to men who are not good for him – the broken ones – and no one fits that bill more than Kieran. But past relationships have left Finley with a bruised heart and he’s not too anxious to do that again. If only he can resist his new ranch hand.

There’s a lot of fighting their feelings, inner dialogue moments in the early parts of the story so it takes a while for these two to finally give in to their attraction but it’s worth it when they do. (It also gives readers a chance to get to know a little bit about the ranch and everyone who lives there.) **Slight spoiler ahead but just a teeny, hint of one** Part of that includes the two of them trying to get more info on what happened with Kieran’s past. But a lot of the resolution of it happens offscreen, which I think some readers were frustrated with. I’m going to give the author the benefit of the doubt and hope that it comes into play more in a later story.

This is only the second of this author’s books that I’ve read and I’m looking forward to more. Her mains are likeable, interacting well together with a good combination of humor & heat, and she does well at giving us intriguing secondary characters. Finley’s mother, stepfather, and sister are a hoot, but the love between them is there for everyone to see. And the others at the ranch all seem like good guys, with pasts that could be a hotbed for complications & depth, and I’m so ready for more about them. Bring it on Ms. Walker!

*****

Author Info:

Ever since she was a little girl, Aimee Nicole Walker entertained herself with stories that popped into her head. Now she gets paid to tell those stories to other people. She wears many titles—wife, mom, and animal lover are just a few of them. Her absolute favorite title is champion of the happily ever after. Love inspires everything she does, music keeps her sane, and coffee is the magic elixir that fuels her day.

I’d love to hear from you.

You can reach me at:
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/aimee-nicole-walker
Twitter – https://twitter.com/AimeeNWalker
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/aimeenicole.walker
Instagram – http://instagram.com/aimeenicolewalker
Blog – AimeeNicoleWalker.blogspot.com

Want to be the first to know about my book releases and have access to extra content? You can sign up for my newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/dlhPYj

My favorite place to hang out and chat with my readers is my Facebook group. Would you like to be a member of Aimee’s Dye Hards? We’d love to have you! Click here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/AimeesDyeHards/

Connect with Aimee:
https://linktr.ee/AimeeNicoleWalker

*****

Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of Guy Like Him, Aimee is giving away 3 e-copies of the release!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

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*****

Review – Ineligible Receiver

Tags

Book Review, Emerson Beckett, Ineligible Receiver, Package Deal series, Rheland Richmond

Ineligible Receiver

The Package Deal series, Book 5

by Rheland Richmond & Emerson Beckett

Blurb:

A sexy and emotional story about how two best friends secretly fall in love but struggle to keep a heartbreaking secret from tearing them apart.

When I met Greg Foster, the straight tight end for the Portland Pirates, the rookie needed a friend to bring him out of his shell. There was more to the shy twenty-two-year-old bookworm than met the eye, and I was the perfect person for the task. My roommate and best friend, Christian, was involved with the Pirates QB, so a new friend to hang out with was good.

I pushed down my attraction to him and became the best friend he ever had. We bar-hopped all over Portland and played video games in our apartments. We even loved the same indy band from Seattle.

Then we fucked up when we fell in love. And by fucked up, I mean we got married even though we knew our marriage had to remain a secret.

No one knew about us. Not even our closest friends. And every time they asked, we gave them the same line… we’re just friends.

And ultimately, the reason for that secret would tear us apart. Now, here I was three years after meeting him, and wasn’t sure how to survive without him. He was the love of my life, and I was his.

Ineligible Receiver is a friends-to-lovers and bi-awakening story and Book 5 in The Package Deal Series.

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*****

Excerpt:

“So, Texas Tech, huh? Did you finish your degree, or leave early for the pros?”

Greg took a sip of his beer, then nodded. “Yeah, I got my degree.”

“What is it?” He was going to make me pull it out of him.

“English Literature,” he said, running his big hand over his head.

“You like to read?” I was intrigued.

He nodded again. “Yeah, I love it. Kinda fits my personality.”

“The quiet one?”

He smiled, but not so shyly this time. “Yeah, that one. I’ve never been a partier or anything like that. I’m weird and like to stay home.” He rolled the bottle between his long fingers.

Interesting. “That’s not weird. What else do you do to relax?”

Greg chuckled. “This feels like an interview.”

All I could do was smile. He was so fucking adorable.

“Well,” I said, turning toward him, “just so happens I have a spot open for a new friend, and you seem like the perfect person to fill the position.”

Our eyes met, and my pulse sped up a little. The small smile that crossed his face forced me to smile. He was breathtaking, with green eyes, tanned skin, and that thick light blonde hair. I was really going to have to work to tamp down my lust for him.

“Well, I guess I better finish the interview then.”

I waited. And waited some more.

“Well?”

“That’s a deep subject.” He tried his damndest not to smile.

My eyes widened. “You’ve got dad jokes!” I pushed his shoulder. “What else you hiding in there, rookie?”

Greg laughed and visibly relaxed in front of me. This was good.

“Nothing, I swear.” He took another drink of his beer. “Go back to your interview.”

I had to smile at him. “What do you like to do other than read? That’s not something we could do together. Although, I guess we could. Maybe get a couple of velvet dinner jackets, some armchairs, and pipes to smoke. Would you like that?”

I watched his throat as he laughed at my suggestion. That beautiful smile and a tiny bit of his warmth was beginning to show.

“Uh, that’s not necessary. But it would make a cool picture to send to my brother.”

Okay, he has a brother.

“Brock is almost fourteen. He’s my best friend.”

I smiled. “Well, until now.”

*****

Review:

I was so looking forward to this story and while I loved finally getting Cooper & Greg’s side of things there were a few parts that bothered me enough that I’m regrettably going to have to give this one 3.5 or maybe 3.75 *s. I personally don’t like stories told as flashbacks. It’s disconcerting and stops me from being able to fall completely into the story but I kinda understand why it was done here since we are getting their side of stories that were already told during the previous books (and as such you probably need to have read the rest of them to really enjoy this one). It’s awkward, though, and I think it really doesn’t give them the time their story needs so the idea of them hiding things for so long doesn’t resonate as much. And because of the staccato pacing I didn’t feel for Cooper’s situation as much as I did for Greg’s and so when trouble came I wasn’t on his side like I probably should have been. I think if I had really felt the time passing maybe it would have been different.

Now saying that, while it is a ding it’s not an unforgiveable one and I loved seeing these two fall in love – there are all sorts of feels and heartbreak going on as they make their way to a HEA. Like all of the books up to this point, it takes a little help from their friends for them to get there and it’s a beautiful thing to witness. The support and encouragement that these guys show each other is amazing and exemplifies their closeness as a family. You wish that Greg truly understood that earlier but once his past comes out you can understand why he feels the way he does. It’s unfortunate that he couldn’t trust Cooper and the guys more but on the other hand Cooper does enable that a bit as they go along. And they do show Greg that they are there for him when it truly matters.

A rollercoaster ride of emotions, Ineligible Receiver gives readers, especially those that have been there from the start, a satisfying resolution for two of our favorite people. There may be tears and frustration and even a little anger, but there is also humor and silliness and a whole lotta love. The authors know how to give their readers characters to get behind and keep them coming back for more. (Speaking of, I’m definitely going to be there for Roughing the Kicker! Can’t wait to see what’s in store for Jesse and Dominick 🙂 )

*****

Author Info:

For as long as she can remember, Rheland’s had her nose stuck in a book, getting lost in the world of someone else’s creation (She still does). Her love for writing came from her love for reading. She could never have one without the other.

Writing has always been a hobby and a cathartic experience for her. There are many stories lost to the never to be completed or published pile but needed to be written at the time.

She’s just a girl that loved stories so much she decided to write hers.

Rheland would love to hear from her readers and learn more about y’all. So if you get a chance… Get in touch.

Connect with Rheland:
www.rhelandrichmond.com
https://www.tiktok.com/@rhelandrichmondmmauthor
https://www.instagram.com/rhelandrichmond/
https://www.facebook.com/rhelandrichmond.author.58
https://www.facebook.com/groups/RichmondsRiders/

Emerson Beckett is new to the publishing world. As an avid sports fan and lover of well-written M/M romance books, Emerson loves her new career as an author of gay romance. It’s even more fulfilling for her when she can combine the two.

The journey to becoming an author started with an idea while reading on the sofa. That idea became an email that ultimately resulted in Emerson using those teacher skills to edit novels for three phenomenal MM romance authors. The third referral led to an opportunity to co-write a book series with one of the most genuine and kindest people she’s ever had the pleasure of knowing- Rheland Richmond. Emerson is the co-author of The Package Deal Series, which includes The Quarterback Keeper, Pass Interference, Unnecessary Roughness, Two-Point Conversion, Illegal Motion, Ineligible Receiver, and one more upcoming book in the series. She plans to release her first solo book in 2023.

Besides being a retired teacher and author, Emerson lives in North Carolina and has been married to the same man for 32 years. She is the mother of three beautiful adults, one of whom is proudly part of the LGBTQ Community and completely responsible for her addiction to MM Romance. Even though the kids no longer live at home, they filled the empty nest with an Australian Shepherd, three cats, and a cute bunny rabbit.

Emerson would love to hear from her readers. So if you get a chance… Get in touch.

Connect with Emerson:
www.emersonbeckett.com
https://www.instagram.com/mm.author.emerson.beckett/
https://www.tiktok.com/@mmauthoremersonbeckett
https://www.facebook.com/author.emerson.beckett
https://www.facebook.com/groups/beckettsbookbrigade

*****

Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of Ineligible Receiver, Rheland & Emerson are giving away the e-copy of their choice from The Package Deal Series.

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

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*****

Spotlight – Once Rejected, Twice Shy

Tags

Faerell series, Once Rejected Twice Shy, Rejected Mates Collection, TJ Bell

Once Rejected, Twice Shy

Faerell Book 1, Rejected Mates Collection 

by TJ Bell

Genre: Paranormal Fantasy Romance

Blurb:

Faith Calhoun was almost forty when she walked in on her husband screwing someone else.

Talk about a terrible way to end what had admittedly not been an iconic decade of her life.

After serving him divorce papers—on her birthday—she heads straight to her favorite bar, where the ultra-hot bartender plies her with drinks to take the edge off.

They end up tumbling into bed together.

That part’s not bad—in fact, it’s really, really good—except in the morning, he rejects her too, and somehow, that rejection is even worse than the first one. Especially when he insists he needs to remain in her life to ensure she’s protected.

From what? Her gossipy neighbors?

Oh, and let’s not forget all the strange occurrences that are getting harder and harder to explain away.

First, there’s a wolf in her house. A real, live, massive wolf. Then the house is attacked and nearly destroyed by some unknown—and unseen—enemy, and, get this, the wolf saves her. Then the bartender tells her he’s a wolf too. It’s like something out of her favorite shifter romance novel—except she’s living it!

And then there’s the icing on the cake: Mikail, the bartender-slash-wolf, tells her she’s a faery princess.

Maybe this week isn’t so bad after all.

If you overlook the reason he kept her identity a secret: the enemies she didn’t know she had want to kill her, and now that she’s been outed.

Her bad week is about to get a whole lot worse. 

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Google * Kobo * Smashwords * Books2Read * Bookbub * Goodreads

*****

Excerpt:

She rubbed her head. “I need a change.”

“Getting divorced isn’t change enough?”

“That’s only the tip of the iceberg. I need to do something else.”

“Like what?”

Why did Mikail ’s voice suddenly sound sharp? 

He swept her empty glass off the counter, replacing it with a fresh mojito. 

She stared at the hazy liquid and did not sip. “I should probably slow down.” Then again, it was her birthday, she had nowhere to go but home to an empty bed, and Uber was just one press of a button in an app away and—she lifted the glass and gulped.

“Good thing you have such high tolerance,” Mikail noted.

It was true; she had always been able to drink anyone under the table, including her husband, who had been so impressed by that feat that he’d asked her out. Their first date had been to a sports bar on dollar-shot night. 

“God, I don’t want to think about him.”

“Then don’t,” Mikail suggested. 

“I never brought him here,” she noted. That had been Luke’s choice, not hers. She glanced around at the slightly cheesy tropical decor. Luke liked sports bars and martini bars, and this place did not remotely fit into either of those categories. 

“There were so many signs,” she murmured, and apparently, she was going to think about him after all. 

“Faith, love, you don’t have to rehash—”

“My ability to win at drinking games was what attracted him to me,” Faith cut him off. “How is that a solid basis for a long-lasting relationship? And considering what I know about his family and his upbringing, dating me in the first place was nothing more than an act of rebellion.”

“If that were the case, why did he ask you to marry him?” 

She shrugged. “Who knows? I was good in bed? I was fun at parties? I looked good on his arm at charity events? Although I doubt it was that last one, since attractive socialites are a dime a dozen in his circles.”

“Maybe he really did love you,” Mikail suggested, although did he really just wince as he said it?

“He cheated on me. That isn’t love. That’s rejection.” 

“That’s—”

“I said I don’t want to talk about it.” Okay, that was harsh. She was the one who brought it up, after all. “Sorry.”

“Don’t apologize. You’re in a bad place right now. Letting out your frustrations in this way is far better than the alternative.”

“What alternative?” 

Mikail’s gaze shifted to the side for a moment before he became fascinated by scrubbing the bar top. “There are lots of alternatives,” he finally mumbled.

“You’ve been in my shoes,” she said so abruptly he startled before glancing down at her feet, which were encased in a super cute pair of lime-green sandals she’d splurged on as a birthday present to herself.

“They’re a bit small for me, although plenty sexy enough.”

She laughed while resisting the urge to fan herself with the cardboard coaster, the only thing within reach that would remotely provide a cooling bit of wind.

And there went that chilled breeze again, swirling across the back of her neck and dropping the temperature enough that she wasn’t fidgeting in her seat. 

Weird, although she shouldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth. This was Louisiana, after all. Cool breezes were not commonplace. 

He thinks my shoes are sexy. 

Faith’s taste ran to not-conservative footwear, which her husband more often than not found distasteful. He’d never told her the shoes made her sexy, not even on their wedding day, when she’d worn white heels with tiny blue bows on the back and ankles straps covered with tiny pearls. 

“I mean…” She flapped her hand, like that would somehow help her form the right words. “You’ve had your heart broken.” She narrowed her eyes. “You’ve been rejected. Like I have.”

He wouldn’t look her in the eye, which told her all she needed to know: the sympathy he doled out was real. 

Her relationship was in the toilet. Even if Luke got down on his hands and knees and offered to perform cunnilingus every day for the rest of her life, she wouldn’t take him back. She was done. Closing that chapter. Moving on.

And it was her birthday. Forty. A big deal. The start of a new decade.

Fresh, new beginnings.

She should celebrate. Do something spontaneous.

Or do someone. 

*****

Author Info:

TJ Bell is the naughtier alter-ego of romance author Tami Lund (although you should totally read Tami Lund’s book too, because they are really, really good). She writes paranormal, all the time. Her heroines are tough, even if they are broken, and her heroes tend to have a heart of gold under all that alpha. Hell, sometimes they aren’t even alpha at all; after all, who doesn’t love a solid beta hero?

When she isn’t writing snarky, steamy books, TJ Bell likes to take long walks on the beach with a tall glass of wine… oh wait, wrong bio. But still true.

TJ Bell lives in the (sometimes) beautiful state of Michigan, USA, where the weather is glorious approximately 30% of the time, with her even-more-snarky husband, snarky-in-training (and progressing impressively) teenage daughter, and her dog, Kaya, who wants to know if it’s dinnertime yet.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

*****

Giveaway:

$10 Amazon 

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

Review – Fairy Cakes in Winter

Tags

Book Review, Fairy Cakes in Winter, Lane Hayes, Michael Dean

Fairy Cakes in Winter

by Lane Hayes

Narrated by Michael Dean

Blurb:

A grumpy baker, a quirky ad man, and a recipe for forever…

Scott

So this cute guy sits next to me on the plane and proceeds to talk my ear off for hours. Not good. I don’t like talking and I don’t like strangers. But Theo’s sweet, smart, and sexy—the perfect distraction from business woes and personal worries.

Okay, things got overly friendly, but we’re adults and we know the score. I’m too old, he’s too nice, and we live on different continents.

Then, out of the blue, he shows up at my bakery with that pretty smile and a list of wacky marketing ideas—like how to make fairy cakes a thing.

I don’t like fairy cakes.

But I do like Theo, so…maybe?

Theo

The new me takes risks. The new me is brave and confident. The new me flirts with hunky, imposing bears on planes while traveling to a foreign country.

It’s going well, thank you.

However, my plans to do some sightseeing, drink tea, and eat my weight in biscuits every day get derailed when I realize there might be a way to help Scott and prove a few things to myself.

Don’t worry. I won’t fall for the grumpy baker. No way. He’s complicated and broody and—

Uh oh…it might be too late. Help!

Fairy Cakes in Winter is a bisexual, age-gap, grumpy/sunshine MM romance featuring a sexy baker, a sunny tourist, and a few dozen fairy cakes.

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Add to Goodreads

*****

Excerpt:

The flight attendant directed traffic with a smile, pointing the college-aged twentysomethings hefting giant backpacks to the far side of the plane before picking up her microphone. She gave the usual rambling speech, asking passengers not to crowd the aisles or stuff winter jackets into the overhead bins…Yadda, yadda.

I listened with half an ear for important info, like when this tin can was expected to get in the air and what time we’d land in London. Not that it mattered. I’d been on the late flight from Seattle so often, I knew I was in for a nine-and-a-half-hour ride and that I’d arrive at Heathrow sometime in the late afternoon. I also knew I’d be too disoriented to care about anything other than grabbing something to eat on my way home.

I had to admit, I was one of those weirdos who kind of liked the hum of airplane noise, and there was something vaguely comforting in the routine I’d established over the past seven years. I shrugged off my coat and made sure my headphones were within reach—along with my iPad, reading glasses, and the Ziploc bag of homemade trail mix my sister had sneaked into my carry-on bag. Then I buckled up, settled in, and hoped like hell that the seat next to mine would magically remain open.

Of course, that rarely happened. And I highly doubted my wish would come true this time around ’cause A, cross-Atlantic flights were rarely empty, and B, I didn’t have that kind of luck. The best I could hope for was a quiet neighbor. I peered over at the empty window seat and sent up a quick prayer for it to stay that way before slipping my readers on to check messages on my phone.

My ten-year-old nephew informed me he’d already beat my high score on Madden, my parents asked if there was any way I might finagle a trip home in the spring, and my sister claimed she’d added more M&M’s to her trail mix this year. She also asked if I was okay.

I sent an exclamation sign to Emmett, a heart symbol to my folks, and a thumbs-up to Heather. None of those messages required a wordy response. I’d learned that it was best to stick to basic communication with my family. Emmett was happy with the occasional poop or wind emoji, and my parents liked hearts. Real words got tricky. My parents knew that coming home for Christmas had been a stretch for me. I couldn’t swing another trip too soon, and it was best to avoid circular arguments.

And questions that might spark conversations about an old ex and his new wife. Yep, a thumbs-up was much easier.

I added another for posterity and was about to switch my cell to airplane mode when a new message from Becca lit up my screen.

Call me when you land! I’ll pick you up. Btw, I made a gorgeous lemon meringue pie I’m dying for you to try. Safe travels! xo

*****

Review:

This is my first book by Hayes and I was pleasantly surprised – it was scorching, sweet, and funny.

Scott is deliciously grumpy and stoic. He’s had his heart broken badly enough that he’s not in a hurry to try love again. Too bad fate has him sitting next to bubbly, sweet Theo, who’s fear of flying has him talking Scott’s ear off. Before he realizes it, the flight is almost over and he didn’t mind it a bit. And definitely not when things get a little hot in an airport bathroom; after all, what can it hurt since they’ll never see each other again … until Theo walks into his bakery a couple of days later.

Not usually one to take chances, Theo finds himself acting quite out of character but there’s just something about Scott that draws him. And Theo knows he can help out the bakery. It’s a great opportunity to help him evaluate the direction his life is taking him … and get to spend even more time with the sexy baker. He just needs to remember that falling for him is a horrible idea.

With Fairy Cakes in Winter, Hayes gives readers appealing characters who find themselves in a realistic situation with minimal angst. It’s a slow, but definitely steamy, build to an enjoyable HEA.

Oh, I did this as an audiobook and I rarely listen to them – I had a horrible experience AGES ago that was so bad it still makes me hesitant today 🙂 – but Dean has a pleasant voice and does a fantastic job bringing Hayes’s characters & their interactions to life. Made me brave enough to get another one to try out!

*****

Author Info:

Lane Hayes loves a good romance! An avid reader from an early age, she has always been drawn to well-told love story with beautifully written characters. Her debut novel was a 2013 Rainbow Award finalist and subsequent books have received Honorable Mentions, and were winners in the 2016, 2017, 2018-2019, 2020-2021 Rainbow Awards. She loves wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). Lane lives in Southern California with her amazing husband in a newly empty nest.

My Readers’ Group, Lane’s Lovers: https://bit.ly/3aIbMYg
My Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3cICfaK
Blog: www.lane-hayes.com
Twitter: twitter.com/LaneHayes3
FB: facebook.com/LaneHayesAuthor
Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/lanehayes
BookBub: bookbub.com/authors/lane-hayes
Instagram: instagram.com/lanehayes3/
Goodreads: goodreads.com/LaneHayes
Tiktok: tiktok.com/@lane_hayes

*****

Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of Fairy Cakes in Winter, Lane is giving away the Winner’s choice of an audiobook or ebook of your choice from her published works!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

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*****

Spotlight – Illegal Motion

Tags

Emerson Beckett, Illegal Motion, Package Deal series, Rheland Richmond

Illegal Motion

The Package Deal Series, Book 4

by Rheland Richmond & Emerson Beckett

Blurb:

Callum Kennedy

I should have known behind that deep sexy southern drawl, and beautiful face lived the world’s biggest asshole.

I’ve tried my damnedest to put him behind me. But it was hard to do when I saw his face every night in my dreams and couldn’t forget how he worked my body over.

It was okay. I had my work as a vet, my equine rescue to manage, and my friends. I’d forget him or work myself to death trying.

Except there’s one problem.

Turns out he’s the new free-agent running back who just signed a one-year deal with the Portland Pirates. The infamous Declan Miller has turned my world upside down and reinserted his unforgettable self back into my life for the next year.

Declan’s the last person I want help from, but it looks like I don’t have a choice.

Declan Miller

When I walked into Alejandro’s Bar that night in late July, I never expected to meet someone my first night in town.

But the sexy guy with wavy dark blond hair and hazel-green eyes sitting alone at the bar caught my attention immediately. Or maybe it was the way he was sniffing his own shirt.

After a night of the best sex of my life, I knew I had to push him away. I wasn’t doing relationships anymore, and this gorgeous, funny man had the power to break me.

But when I find out my unforgettable hookup is part of my new friend group, Dr. Callum Kennedy wants nothing to do with me until he has no choice but to let me help.

Illegal Motion is an MM sports romance and the fourth book in The Package Deal Series about the hot single dads of the Portland Pirates football team.

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*****

Excerpt:

Before fully processing Jackson’s words, I heard that voice that sent shivers down my spine. Was I hallucinating? I looked at the beer in my hand and read the label. Nope, no hard liquor.

“Who’s from Kentucky?” The southern drawl drew me in like flies to honey and caused my spine to stiffen. There was no fucking way he could be here.

Jackson glanced at him. “I was talking about you, asshole. Come and meet my friend. He’s the vet I told you about with the horses.”

The scent of apples and vanilla hit me before I looked up into those deep brown eyes. My pulse sped up as I tried to calm my frazzled nerves. I just might fucking pass out.

Or punch the smug fucker.

Jackson was oblivious to my near stroke. I only had a split second to figure out how to play this moment, and I was sure it was probably the wrong way.

But the look on his face was priceless. His eyes widened as he took me in. I’d never been happier that I’d started working out at the gym. Maybe he was going to be the one to pass out.

“Declan, this is Dr. Callum Kennedy. Callum, this is our new running back, Declan Miller.”

I know Jackson was expecting the standard greeting among strangers. And I wasn’t going to give this asshole the satisfaction of knowing he’d affected me so deeply with his brush-off.

So I steeled my spine, stood straight up, and met his eyes. I held out my hand to shake his. I tried to be my regular cordial self, but I failed quickly.

I sighed. “So, you’re the new running back.”

Declan looked at my hand and brought his to mine to shake. I would have sworn there was an electrical storm from the electricity arcing through my body.

“And you’re the vet I’ve heard so much about.”

Our eyes stayed locked on each other as I withdrew my hand from his. I watched his face as he sifted through the memories of that night. His eyes dilated, and the sexy bastard gave me the same grin he had that night at Alejandro’s. I would have been fine to play it as if we’d never met before. I could ignore him.

But I frowned as the fucker let his eyes roam all over my body before he sucked in his bottom lip as he smiled at me. I would bet my truck that if I looked down, his cock would be hard as steel.

*****

Author Info:

Rheland Richmond

For as long as she can remember, Rheland’s had her nose stuck in a book, getting lost in the world of someone else’s creation (She still does). Her love for writing came from her love for reading. She could never have one without the other.

Writing has always been a hobby and a cathartic experience for her. There are many stories lost to the never to be completed or published pile but needed to be written at the time.

She’s just a girl that loved stories so much she decided to write hers.

Rheland would love to hear from her readers and learn more about y’all. So if you get a chance… Get in touch.

www.rhelandrichmond.com
https://www.tiktok.com/@rhelandrichmondmmauthor
https://www.instagram.com/rhelandrichmond/
https://www.facebook.com/rhelandrichmond.author.58
https://www.facebook.com/groups/RichmondsRiders/

Emerson Beckett

Emerson Beckett is new to the publishing world. As an avid sports fan and lover of well-written M/M romance books, Emerson loves her new career as an author of gay romance. It’s even more fulfilling for her when she can combine the two.

The journey to becoming an author started with an idea while reading on the sofa. That idea became an email that ultimately resulted in Emerson using those teacher skills to edit novels for three phenomenal MM romance authors. The third referral led to an opportunity to co-write a book series with one of the most genuine and kindest people she’s ever had the pleasure of knowing- Rheland Richmond.

Emerson is the co-author of The Package Deal Series, which includes The Quarterback Keeper, Pass Interference, Unnecessary Roughness, Two-Point Conversion, and three more upcoming books in the series. She will release her first solo novel in late spring 2023.

Besides being a retired teacher and author, Emerson lives in North Carolina and has been married to the same man for 32 years. She is the mother of three beautiful adults, one of whom is proudly part of the LGBTQ Community and completely responsible for her addiction to MM Romance. Even though the kids no longer live at home, they filled the empty nest with an Australian Shepherd, three cats, and a cute bunny rabbit.

Emerson would love to hear from her readers. So if you get a chance… Get in touch.

www.emersonbeckett.com
https://www.instagram.com/mm.author.emerson.beckett/
https://www.tiktok.com/@mmauthoremersonbeckett
https://www.facebook.com/author.emerson.beckett
https://www.facebook.com/groups/beckettsbookbrigade

*****

Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of Illegal Motion, Rheland & Emerson are giving away an e-book of the winner’s choice from the series!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

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*****

Spotlight – Wrecked

Tags

Merciless Few MC series, S. Courtney, Wrecked

Wrecked 

Merciless Few MC Book 1

by S Courtney 

Genre: MC Motorcycle Club Romance

Blurb:

Reaper

Crashed and burned
Wrecked….
My relationship, my life, my bike
All turned upside down
But I needed to get my bike back in gear
She’s the only one I need
No woman was going to ever change that
No woman was going to make me crash and burn again

My club is my sole focus
Until her…and that cute little tater tot daughter
I’m going to protect them from whatever, including family
Now I wonder…
If I open up, will she wreck my life? 

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

*****

Author Info:

S Courtney is new to the published writing community but has been a lifelong writer and began creatively writing in junior high. 

She is the author of the paranormal romance, the Bound Series, which includes Bound to You, Bound by Destiny, and Unapologetically Nessa which are available on paperback and kindle.

She is also the author of her contemporary romance, the Black Aces MC, a motorcycle club romance and the Sandman, a dark, slow burn paranormal romance.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

*****

Giveaway:

$10 Amazon

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://www.silverdaggertours.com/sdsxx-tours/wrecked-book-tour-and-giveaway

Review – Just Say When

Tags

Aimee Nicole Walker, Book Review, Just Say When

Just Say When

by Aimee Nicole Walker

Blurb:

Someone wants Police Chief Emilio Mendoza dead. And if his unknown assailant doesn’t kill him, pining for Sheriff Abraham Beecham just might.

Abe and Lio’s thirty-year journey has taken them from heated rivals to best friends with countless labels and pit stops along the way. Romance is the only avenue left unexplored but not from lack of love or desire.

Abe pushes people away before they can get too close, and Lio doesn’t engage in situations he can’t control. They’ve reached an impasse, and neither are willing to risk their friendship until fate intervenes, forcing them to reassess their priorities.

But when an unhinged enemy targets Lio, will their gamble be too little too late, or will their love truly conquer all?

Just Say When is a standalone romantic suspense novel within the author’s Savannah universe. This book contains mature content and is attended for adults.

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*****

Excerpt:

“Alex clearly doesn’t get his sportsmanship from his father,” Abe quipped.

“Kiss my ass, Beecham,” I said softly in deference to the kids around us.

Abe leaned in until his hot breath ghosted over my ear. “Gladly.”

I turned my head and looked at my best friend. His expression held a carnal promise that made me swallow hard. If I gave him the word, Abe would take me home, yank down my pants, and bury his face between my ass cheeks. I could practically feel his hot breath against my quivering pucker. His tongue would swirl and tease the rim before pushing in. Lust gripped my balls and squeezed. God, I wanted him so bad.

“Now I really need to hear this story,” Russ quipped, jerking me back to reality and saving me from breaking my own heart. I blinked away the fantasy, and Abe’s lips curled into a proud, wolfish smile. Unaware of the tension arcing between Abe and me, Russ continued chatting. “I knew you and Beecham went way back, Lio, but it sounds like there’s more to it than I realized.”Few people knew the full story because I was stingy when it came to Abe. Our relationship had been fueled by variations of hate and love for three decades, but there had never been a right time to explore whether those feelings could develop into something more profound. My heart wanted to say until now, but my brain knew better than to get my hopes up. Abe and I had both drawn lines in the sand, and neither showed signs of relenting.

*****

Review:

There’s a few complaints that this one really doesn’t stand on its own but I didn’t have any issues. Yes, we start the book with the main characters on the bring of moving from friends to a romantic relationship but the main block to their HEA still needs to be resolved – Abe’s issues with abandonment. His mom left him as a kid at the mercy of his abusive father, his grandmother died, and now he’s afraid that anyone he loves will also leave him. Lio knows all about Abe’s issues and is willing to wait for him, but he needs him to be open to addressing it before he will take their relationship any further. It’ll take some time and patience but Lio knows their future is worth it. I enjoyed how Abe & Lio worked their way to the new aspect of their relationship. It felt like they were willing to make sure that it was on a solid footing. But then someone puts that future in peril.

**potential minor spoilers ahead**

My understanding is that Walker is great at crafting a good mystery and I can see it. I didn’t guess where things were going until she revealed the threat. I do have to agree with some reviewers that the motive is potentially problematic and while I feel for what the main characters went through, given the who and why, I would have liked more compassion given to the person and their reasons. But if this is any indication of the kind of suspense element brought by the author I’m open to more.

I’ll admit I’m a pretty vanilla kinda girl and while I enjoy a spicier read, it’s not something I would be comfortable with in my own life so I tend to be a bit … unsure of how these scenes come across for others. To me, Wilson delivered the heat & then some, and I’m not really seeing anyone else complain, so if steamy and explicit m/m scenes are your jam, then read away!

A satisfying blend of tension, eroticism, and affection, Lio and Abe’s story was a good introduction to a new to me author and has me interested in what else she has to offer 🙂

*****

Author Info:

Ever since she was a little girl, Aimee Nicole Walker entertained herself with stories that popped into her head. Now she gets paid to tell those stories to other people. She wears many titles—wife, mom, and animal lover are just a few of them. Her absolute favorite title is champion of the happily ever after. Love inspires everything she does, music keeps her sane, and coffee is the magic elixir that fuels her day.

I’d love to hear from you.

You can reach me at:
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/aimee-nicole-walker
Twitter – https://twitter.com/AimeeNWalker
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/aimeenicole.walker
Instagram – http://instagram.com/aimeenicolewalker
Blog – AimeeNicoleWalker.blogspot.com

Want to be the first to know about my book releases and have access to extra content? You can sign up for my newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/dlhPYj

My favorite place to hang out and chat with my readers is my Facebook group. Would you like to be a member of Aimee’s Dye Hards? We’d love to have you! Click here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/AimeesDyeHards/

Connect with Aimee:
https://linktr.ee/AimeeNicoleWalker

*****

Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of About Last Night, Aimee is giving away a $10 Amazon Voucher and an e-copy of Just Say When!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cc0f2a57609/

*****

Review – Change His Tune

Tags

Ariella Zoelle, Book Review, Change His Tune, Harmony of Hearts series

Change His Tune

Harmony of Hearts #3

by Ariella Zoelle

Blurb:

Ferris is straight, so why can’t he stop wishing his fake flirtations with his best friend would become real?

Tiago Álvarez

Flirting with Ferris is one of my favorite hobbies. He always playfully rejects me because he’s straight, but I don’t let that get my hopes down. That’s why I’m so shocked when he agrees to my silly idea to drive our fangirls wild by pretending there might be something more to our friendship.

But I secretly have an ulterior motive in convincing my best friend that we should share our hilarious banter with the fans. I want to make him see that we could have something real if he gave us a chance.

It’s obvious how much fun he has teasing me, so I wonder if maybe Ferris isn’t as straight as he used to be?

Ferris Valdemar

I’ve been telling Tiago no for so long that I don’t know how to tell him yes. But I really want to give in to my feelings for him that I’ve been running away from for far too long.

When he comes up with his scheme to fake flirting with each other for our fans, it gives me the opportunity I need to come clean about my not-so-straight feelings for my gay best friend.

But how do I tell Tiago that I want to be more than just friends?

Change His Tune is the third book in the Harmony of Hearts series and part of the Sunnyside universe. This novel features a friends to lovers, bi awakening, fake dating, rock star, gay romance. If you love cute sweetness, sexy fun, and no angst stories that will make you laugh and swoon, you’ll enjoy this satisfying HEA without cliffhangers. Each book can be read as a standalone or as part of the series in order.

Universal Link

Goodreads

*****

Excerpt:

Chapter 1: Tiago Álvarez

I grinned at Ferris and swung for the fences by bringing out my cheesiest pickup lines. “They say kissing is the ‘language of love.’ Would you care to have a conversation with me about it sometime?”

He was clearly trying to hold in another chuckle. “Let me guess. You’re also fluent in French?”

“Yes, and I’d be very happy to give you lessons.”

“Thanks, but I’ll pass.”

I waggled my eyebrows at him, making him crack up. “Are you sure about that?”

“Absolutely. What other gems do you have?”

I rubbed my thumb against my lower lip as I tried to exude sexiness. “You’re so hot, my zipper is falling for you.”

He chuckled at that one. “Is that so?”

“Oh, yeah. Roses are red. Violets are fine. You be the six. I’ll be the nine.” I made a kissy face at him as he howled with laughter.

“In your dreams!”

“It’s a dream I’d love to make come true with your help.”

He had to wipe away the tears that gathered at the corners of his eyes. “You’re unbelievable.”

“Well, let’s see what you’ve got, then.”

“Unlike you, I don’t have an arsenal of terrible one-liners. And honestly, I’m a little bewildered that you have so many of those memorized.”

I cajoled him. “Surely, you must know at least one super-cheesy pickup line. Lay it on me.”

“Okay, fine.” He took a deep breath to calm himself from his earlier laughing fit. “Feel my shirt.”

It was a surprising command that I was all too happy to obey. I reached out and ran my hand up his tank to rest over his heart.

“Do you know what it’s made of?” Ferris asked. I shook my head. He then stunned me when he placed his hand over mine and interlaced our fingers as he pressed it against him while holding eye contact. “Boyfriend material.”

The moment of sexual tension was tense, waiting for one of us to give in to the magnetic attraction we had. I held his gaze as his words made me ache with a longing for that impossible dream. There was nothing I wanted more than to date my best friend, but it would never happen because he was straight.

Despite that, I could feel how fast his heart was racing as his cheeks turned pink. It was a mistake to imagine anything would ever develop between us, but it gave me hope that maybe someday, he’d give in to the intense chemistry we had.

Would my dreams of being with Ferris ever come true?

*****

Review:

The first two stories in this series were all about the insta-love (and the copious amounts of hot sex) but with Tiago and Ferris having been friends for years this one is different. Because of the build-up in previous stories, we pretty much dive right into the change from friends to lovers (so kinda keeping with that whole insta thing) and Ferris coming to grips with what that means. He’s spent a lot of time thinking he’s straight, laughing off Tiago’s comments and avoiding those niggling feelings that arise, so when he finally realizes that he could be bi there’s a bit of adjusting to do.

Tiago has been in love with his best friend for so very long, waiting and hoping that he’d feel the same. So it’s quite a surprise when Ferris finally admits that there is something there, but he’s patient and considerate, letting Ferris take his time to learn what he’s comfortable with. There’s plenty of sexy time but also a lot of humor and touching moments as the two of them figure out their new relationship.

Change His Tune is a slow-burn, low angst read but it’s very satisfying to be there as these two finally get a chance to find a HEA.

*****

Author Info:

Ariella Zoelle adores steamy, funny, swoony romances where couples are allowed to just be happy. She writes low angst stories full of heat, humor, and heart. But sometimes she’s in the mood for something with a bit more angst and drama. If you are too, check out her A.F. Zoelle books.

For real-time updates on her writing progress, please join her Facebook group for exclusive teasers or follow her on Twitter or Instagram. You can also sign up for her newsletter to gain access to bonus chapters, previews of upcoming books, exclusive visual guides, and more.

Website: https://www.ariellazoelle.com/
Newsletter: https://www.ariellazoelle.com/newsletter
Amazon Author Profile: https://amzn.to/3zzxJWg
A.F. Zoelle’s Books: https://amzn.to/3BAgypg
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/amazingafzoelle/
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/AriellaZoelle
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariellazoelle/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/ariellazoelle
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ariella-zoelle

*****

Giveaway:

To celebrate Ariella’s new release, we are giving you the chance to win the eBook of your choice from Ariella’s Published Works!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win! http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cc0f2a57521/?

~

Spotlight – The Professor’s Date

Tags

Lana Hayes, Script Club series, The Professor's Date

The Professor’s Date
The Script Club #5
by Lane Hayes
Narrator: Alexander Cendese
Publisher: Lane Hayes
Release Date: July 21, 2022
Heat Level: 4 – Lots of Sex
Pairing: Male/Male
Length: 05 Hours 58 Minutes
Genre: Romance, Nerd/Jock, MM Romance, Humor, Hurt and Comfort

Blurb:

The professor, the hair stylist, and a wedding date…

Tommy

Help! My sister is getting married and according to her, I need a date. And a makeover. I’m a busy man, though. I don’t have time to meet eligible bachelors, and the tape holding my glasses together works just fine. Until my hair stylist steps on them.

Yes, Noah, my dazzling dreamboat of a hair guru created a mini disaster, but I don’t mind at all. He’s a sweet, funny, kind jock who—

Screech! No jocks. I have nothing in common with sporty people.

Except…Noah is different.

Noah

I don’t date. However, I’m not opposed to offering fashion advice to a sexy professor in need. A haircut, a quick shopping expedition…

Boom! Mission accomplished.

Not so fast. I’ve misjudged the situation and my attraction to the geek with the tragic sense of style. Sure, Thomas is too smart for me by a long shot, but there’s something about him that makes it easy to forget my past. It might be his quietly commanding nature or his movie-star good looks. Or maybe it’s just him.

All I know is that I’m very tempted to be the professor’s date.

The Professor’s Date is an MM geek/jock romance featuring a nerdy professor, a soccer-playing hair stylist, and a quest for the perfect date!

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61371740-the-professor-s-date

*****

Excerpt:

“Would you happen to have any cyanoacrylate?”

I wrinkled my nose. “Cyano…what?”

“Superglue.”

“Oh, I think I have some in my SUV. If not, there’s a drug store on the next corner. Just give me a minute to clean up.”

Thomas held up a finger, squinting through his good lens like a drunk owl. “Thank you, but I don’t require assistance.”

“I’m responsible for this mini disaster. I won’t be able to sleep tonight if I don’t do something to help out.” I shook my head mournfully. “And I’m a mess without my eight hours, so please…”

He gave in with a sigh. “All right.”

I did a mini happy dance, hoping he’d crack a smile. No such luck. However, there was a decent chance he couldn’t see me and yes, I was vain and ridiculous, but it was better than thinking I’d irritated him beyond redemption. He’d liked me five minutes ago, damn it. Maybe even lusted after me. I wasn’t crazy. I noticed those shy, sideways admiring glances, and I preferred them to his current stoically distant expression.

I tidied my area at warp speed, sweeping up the largest clumps of hair before dousing my hands with sanitizer and pulling my man bag from the mini locker in the corner. I slung it over my shoulder, peeked my head around the partition to say a quick au revoir to Easton, then motioned for Thomas to follow me.

“I parked in the lot behind the coffee shop. This way.”

I kept up a steady barrage of inane conversation on the short walk to my ride, ranging from spring weather and the flowers in bloom at the park near my condo to my yearly allergy woes. You know…nonsensical filler designed to entertain the sexy stranger who’d gone ghostly quiet.

His silence made me nervous. I liked it better when we were discussing merman dick. I didn’t know how to restore that mood, but fixing his lenses was probably a good start.

I popped open the hatch of my white Explorer and yanked a giant duffel from under a portable net to reach a small plastic toolbox. In my haste to rearrange the bags, a soccer ball rolled toward me and bounced onto the pavement.

Thomas scooped up the ball before it got away, then held it from his body, his brow furrowed hard enough to leave premature lines on his forehead. “What’s this?”

“My equipment. Just…shove it anywhere,” I instructed, bending to sift through drill bits, wrenches, and tape measures.

“My vision is laughably bad, but this appears to be sports paraphernalia. American soccer, perchance?”

Now, that was kind of cute.

“You are correct, sir.” I plucked the ball from his fingers and wedged it into the open duffel, and returned to my task.

“Is it yours?”

“The ball? Yes, I—oh, I think I found it.” I tossed him a quick smile as I groped around the bottom of the box and pulled out…a dried-up tube of superglue. “Crap. We’ll have to go to the drug store for your cyanide.”

“Cyanoacrylate.”

“That’s it. I promise it won’t take long. In fact, I’ll buy you coffee afterward. We can sip lattes while we wait for the glue to dry.”

“Thank you, but that’s really not necessary.”

“I insist.” I shut the hatch, turning toward him as I locked my SUV with my key fob. He met my gaze, though his pronounced squint indicated he couldn’t see me well.

Thomas pushed his mangled glasses to the bridge of his nose and somehow managed to look fierce as hell. Call me crazy, but the steely professorial armor under his rumpled façade was hot. Very hot. I wouldn’t mind climbing him like a tree, mussing his newly shorn locks, licking his lips, and—

“It was nice to meet you, Noah.”

Screech!

He offered a vague smile and turned away.

Shit.

I watched his retreating form, admiring his broad shoulders while berating myself for being such an idiot. But I let him go. I had to. It was a free world, and he was a big boy. He certainly didn’t have to listen to me. It was just a little worrisome that he’d risk life and limb and walking into walls—

Bam! He collided with the side of the bank building.

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Author Info:

Lane Hayes loves a good romance! An avid reader from an early age, she has always been drawn to well-told love story with beautifully written characters. Her debut novel was a 2013 Rainbow Award finalist and subsequent books have received Honorable Mentions, and were winners in the 2016, 2017, 2018-2019, and 2020-2021 Rainbow Awards. She loves red wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). Lane lives in Southern California with her amazing husband in a not quite empty nest.

Website: https://lane-hayes.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaneHayesAuthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LaneHayes3

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7125719.Lane_Hayes

BookBub: http://bookbub.com/authors/lane-hayes

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Giveaway:

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