I loved my life. Sleeping around. No commitments. But my mother kept prying into my love life, wanting to see me happily settled down.
The remedy seemed to magically reveal itself when I stumbled onto Travis, my childhood best friend, on a dating app. When we were in elementary school, we promised to marry each other if we were still single at thirty.
Reconnecting, I proposed we give the pact a real shot. To my surprise, Travis agrees. Somewhere in the midst of planning our wedding, the unthinkable happens. Our feelings for each other become⦠real.
As the day of our fake marriage grows near, how do I tell Travis I want the real thing and for him to be mine forever?
I gave him a little smile. βI wouldnβt want to make my future mother-in-law uncomfortable, especially not so early in our engagement. And I donβt want to get you in trouble. Heaven knows we did enough of that as kids, right?βΒ
He inhaled a deep breath and let it out slowly, grinning. βThanks for understanding.β
βThatβs what partners are for, right?β
His voice was soft when he spoke. βYeah. Thank you.β
βAnytime.β Silence stretched between us, nervous tension, the air crackling. My heart thumped and thudded. I was sure he could hear it. The tension in my stomach fluttered and roiled, urging me to act.
I swallowed my nerves and leaned close, putting my hand up to cup his face, pulling him close very gently, and we met in the middle with a tender kiss.
The way our lips touched was so tentative. Travisβs sharp inhale was loud in my ears, as was the soft little noise of surprise he made when our tongues met. My entire body was alight, every nerve ending firing at the same time. Travisβs hand found my bicep and gripped me, holding on for dear life as we kissed so slowly. I couldnβt remember a kiss ever being that intense, even the hurried, sexy ones, and I never wanted it to end.
Travis broke the kiss just as gently and carefully as it had started. He backed away, loosening his grip on my arm, and slid back. βWow,β he whispered. βThat wasβ¦β
I nodded. βYeah.β
βI think Iβm going to like this arrangement,β he said, grinning slowly.
I couldnβt stop myself from laughing a little breathlessly. βMe too.β
*****
Author Info:
Riley Long is an author of gay romances novels spanning many genres from contemporary to paranormal. They live a quiet life in Virginia, with their husband, son, and two very silly pit bulls.
They spend their evenings writing, reading, and watching bad television (or not so bad television).
For fun, Riley participates in NaNoWriMo, GISH, and reads with her book club, the BAMFs.
They like things with silly acronyms.
Riley can tell you two different stories about getting covered in dairy products for a hug.
Art evaluator Miles Tate is finally about to start living his dreamβ¦ that is if he can get the funding in place to open his own art gallery in New York. But when an unexpected turn of events finds every one of Milesβ perfectly-planned dreams turned upside-down, itβs time to escape Manhattan and reluctantly take up a well-paid job in the tiny seaside town of Hopeβs Bluff, Georgia. For Miles, itβs his only chance to make some money, claw back what little dignity he has left, and figure out what the hell to do with his life.
But evaluating the art collection of a deceased estate isnβt made easy by the grandson of the dearly departed in question. Indeed, the young man who calls himself Rainbow is a hot-tempered, hotter-than-hell artist whose secrets run deep and passions run raw. He is talented, troubled, tempestuous and deaf… and possibly the one person who can save Miles from his own heartache.
Can Miles finish the job heβs been paid to doβ¦ or will two opposites find that they have more in common than they first imagined? Can the pair of them find the strength in each other to rebuild their livesβ¦ or will the traumas of their pasts drive them both away? Will Miles turn his back on the handsome, hurt, artistic genius heβs stumbled uponβ¦ or will he finally find true love in the arms of a Boy Called Rainbow?
Instead, I tried to compose myself, watching as he squeezed paint onto the palette and began mixing colors together.
An intense focus overcame his handsome features, his brow creasing, eyebrows dancing in deep concentration as he conjured up tones and textures until he was happy with the colors heβd created. Then he began to paint. He lathered the brush and took to the canvas like a man at the whim of a spirited muse. He made strokes both large and small. His eyes looked from my reclining body to the canvas and back again. Occasionally he switched tools, biting the brush between his teeth as he grabbed a spatula and slathered thick gobs of paint onto the canvas, before switching back to his brush. At times he abandoned the tools altogether, using his strong hands, his dextrous fingers, to smear and dab the paint before wiping his hands on his chest and abs, unwittingly turning his torso into an artwork of its own.
The vision of this beautiful, naked artist at workβ the sight of his talent unfurling from his hands, his creative genius spilling onto the canvasβ made me want him more desperately than ever before. My cock ached. My lungs burned as I tried to calm my heaving chest. I clenched my fists and he noticed, gesturing for me to loosen my hands and relax my fingers. I did as I was told, counting down the seconds until the painting was done.
As soon as he was finished, he stepped backβ his cock still hard, his brow beaded with sweat, his belly panting with the physical efforts of his creativityβ and looked from the canvas to me and back again once more.
He added several feathery brushstrokes to complete his work.
Then, after putting down the brush and palette, he took the canvas and spun it around for me to see.
I hadnβt really looked at myselfβ I mean, really looked at myselfβ in years. Practically the only reason I looked in the mirror at all in the mornings was to tie my bowtie and make sure my hair didnβt look like a birdβs nest. I suppose after being run out of home all those years ago, I didnβt really see much reason to look too long into the eyes of a man who could be so easily rejected by those who were supposed to love him the most.
But as I looked at the portrait of myself that Rainbow had so masterfully conceivedβ his eyes capturing a vision of myself I had never dreamed of, his hands so skilfully sowing the seeds of his creativityβ I saw something in myself that I hadnβt seen in a long, long timeβ¦ if ever.
The dazzling colors made me bold.
The rough strokes and fearless use of textures made me defiant.
The rawness of my naked body made me brave.
I saw a confidence in myself I almost didnβt recognize.
I saw uniqueness.
I saw beauty.
And all I could wonder wasβ had Rainbow used his paints to create my portraitβ¦ or unravel my mask of insecurity?
I stood from the chaise lounge and walked slowly up to Rainbowβs work of art, my eyes fixed, my heart spellbound.
βThis is me?β At first the words came out as a question, but as he gave me the painting and I took it in my hands, the question mark vanished. βThis is me.β
*****
Review:
The villains in the story were a bit … over the top. Rainbow’s brother might as well be twirling his mustache and cackling (he does stroke his goatee, does that count?). The family has an almost fanatical hatred of Rainbow and Franklin is set on taking everything away from him now that their grandmother has died. It’s a little much and might come across as cartoonish for some but it is a vehicle to bring the mains together and team up with some of the more quirky townsfolk.
I do wish we’d gotten Rainbow’s perspective, get an idea of his feelings about his family as well as his feelings towards Miles. I think that he’d have a unique voice and also it would help readers feel like he’s participating fully in what happens. But being a single POV we have to infer a lot and it’s a bit of a missed opportunity.
I do like Miles. He’s a little frumpy in his personality but he’s got a good heart. The effort he puts into his relationship with Rainbow, to helping him and understanding him, is sweet. It may be a little fast, especially with how his last relationship imploded, but if you go into it knowing there’s a bit of insta-love I think it’ll be more enjoyable.
With quirky characters, outrageously vile villains, and a touch of magic thanks to Rainbow’s grandmother, A Boy Called Rainbow isn’t going to be for everyone. But I think that it’ll definitely be a hit with the right audience.
*****
Author Info:
Robin Knight is the author of gay fiction novels, novellas, and short stories, ranging in genre from gay adventure, gay romance, gay suspense, and gay comedies.
The heroes of Robin’s books love to spend their time jumping off the page, stumbling through misadventures, and falling in love.
Robin has worked in advertising, politics, journalism, and event management, but nothing is as fun as telling stories.
People and pets find their forever homes in this charming small-town romance from Babette de Jongh featuring:
*A single mom doing her best *Her young son who needs a helping hand *An animal trainer who might be the answer to their troubles *A bustling animal rescue where everyone gets a second chance *The magic of humans who know how to communicate with animals
Coming Home to Magnolia BayΒ
Welcome to Magnolia Bay Book 3
by Babette De Jongh
Genre: Small Town Contemporary Romance
Blurb:
Sara Prescottβs eight-year-old son Max wants a dog. But their apartment doesnβt allow pets, and the divorced single mom canβt afford the certified seizure-alert dog Max needs. Instead, she and Max volunteer at the Furever Love Animal Shelter. Max forms a special bond with Jett, a big black bully breed and three-time loser who keeps getting dumped.
Animal Trainer Justin Reed comes back home to Magnolia Bay and visits the shelter to find a dog actor for a TV series set in nearby New Orleans. Justin chooses Jett, but the shelterβs director rejects his application because Jett needs a finally-forever home, not a job with an end date. The shelterβs resident animal communicator proposes a win-win. Justin can use Jett as an animal actor if he also trains Jett as a service dog for Max.
Sara and Justin have no business indulging their mutual attraction. Sara is focused on her son, and Justin will be leaving soon. But Max and Jett have other ideasβ¦
βClose your eyes,β Reva said in an Iβm-about-to-hypnotize-you tone. βAllow the seat to support your body. Relax into it.β
Justin sighed, releasing a little of the tension heβd been holding on to. Maybe if the telepathy thing didnβt work, sheβd let him take a nap.
βPut your focus on your breath, on the sound of your breathing, on the feeling of the air moving into your body and filling your lungs.β
The sound of the carβs tires receded, and he found that it wasnβt so hard after all to focus on his breathing.
βNow, imagine that your body is an empty straw, and that your breath is moving through you, coming up from the soles of your feet when you inhaleβ¦then moving back down through your body from the top of your head when you exhale.β
She paused while he took a few slow breaths. βHowβre you doing?β
βMmm.β He might fall asleep if she didnβt hurry up with the animal telepathy bit.
βImagine what it would look like if you were sitting in a quiet room with Jett. Imagine it like itβs a movie scene youβre remembering. Youβre sitting in a soft, comfortable chair, and you see Jett walk up and sit in front of you. Imagine him giving you his attention as if heβs waiting for your next command.β She waited a few beats. βCan you imagine it?β
βYes.β But he couldnβt believe that imagining scenes in his mind had anything to do with animal communication.
βGood. Hold on to that scene in your mind. In a minute, youβre going to ask Jett a question. He might answer with words, or you might imagine a visual image like a snapshot or a short movie clip. Or he might send emotions or even the memory of a taste or a smell. Are you ready?β
βYes.β But even as he said the word, anxiety skittered through him. What if he couldnβt do it?
Even more disturbing, what if he could?
βAsk Jett to let you know where he is.β
Justinβs anxiety intensified. The visual image of Jett and him sitting together in a room had fled his mind, leaving nothing but darkness. Strange swirls of color and light bloomed behind his closed eyelids. βI donβt see anything. Just color and light and swirls of energy.β
βYouβre trying to see with your eyes. Thatβs not the way telepathic images come through. Itβll feel more like dreaming or like remembering something that happened a long time ago. Like remembering a place youβve been or the way someoneβs voice sounded.β
He quit focusing on the swirling energy behind his eyelids and tried to recapture the visual of him and Jett sitting together. A flash of somethingβlike a word he was trying to remember but couldnβtβcaught his attention but faded before he could catch it. He made a sound of frustration.
βThatβs okay,β Reva said in a calm, quiet voice. βJust start over.β
Once again, he brought that image to mind, of Jett sitting in front of him, waiting for instruction on what to do next. The snapshot morphed into a movie clipβ¦ Justin imagined Jett coming closer and propping his chin on Justinβs knee. Justin manipulated the scenario by reaching out and stroking Jettβs head. He imagined himself leaning forward and asking the question again. βWhere are you?β
Water. The word popped into Justinβs mind, immediate and clear. Then he remembered going to the river with his parents when he was very small. He remembered being afraid to step into the muddy waves. Afraid that heβd be swept away.
His father had been so angry, so dismissive of Justinβs fears. Heβd picked Justin up by the arms and thrown him backward into the cold water. It had hit him like a smack on the backside, then shot up his nose and down his throat when he went under. Anxiety swamped him, and he sat up, shaking his head to dispel the vivid memory. βThis isnβt working.β
*****
Catch up with the rest of the series:
Warm Nights in Magnolia Bay
Welcome to Magnolia Bay Book 1
Welcome to Magnolia Bay where: *The animals interfere in their owners’ love lives *Everyone (humans and animals alike) has an opinion about everything *The neighbor is as infuriating as he is gorgeous *And a sprinkle of hope is just the right thing to have you believing in love again
Abby Curtis lands on her Aunt Reva’s doorstep at Bayside Barn with nowhere to go but up. Learning animal communication from her aunt while taking care of the motley assortment of rescue animals on the farm is an important part of Abby’s healing process. She is eager to begin a new life on her own, but she isn’t prepared for the magnetism between her and her handsome, stubborn and distracting new neighbor.
Quinn Lockhart snapped up the foreclosed estate next door determined to renovate and flip the beautiful bayou property. It’s all part of a plan to make a financial comeback and reconnect with his estranged son. Definitely not part of the plan is the noisy petting zoo next door dragging down his property value. But getting rid of it becomes more difficult when he falls for the lovely and passionate Abby and bonds with an abandoned wolf dog who’s mournfully waiting for his family to return. For humans and animals alike, it will take all the courage they can muster to learn to love again. But that’s a journey worth takingβwith a little help from their furry friends.
You’ll fall in love right along with Abby as animals and humans alike find unexpected ways to connect, nurture each other, and thrive.
Babette de Jongh brings you a bright and hopeful romance filled with: *People and animals who get a second chance *A community that makes everyone feel at home *Friends-to-lovers romance that proves everyone deserves a forever home
Struggling widow Heather Gabriel takes a job at Magnolia Bay’s Animal Shelter to provide for her family. She isn’t ready to be anything more than colleagues with Adrian Crawford, the shelter’s new business consultant. But the shelter’s animal communication expert Reva Curtis knows there’s more attraction between Heather and Adrian than they let on, and she’s determined to bring them together. With the help of Heather’s three children and all the animals at Bayside Barn, Heather and Adrian soon realize they can have a future togetherβ¦if they can let go of the past.
Small town romance will never look the same once you’ve traveled to Magnolia Bay!
“Charmingβ¦a satisfying blend of romance and animal cameos.”βDEBBIE BURNS, bestselling author of the Rescue Me series
“Babette de Jongh’s books are crafted with heart and humor, roaring heat and cuddly love.”βJOANN SKY, author of the Biggest Little Love Story series
**Celebrate National Black Dog Day on Oct 1 with Hear Them Speak!**
Hear Them SpeakΒ
A Twelve-Week Course in Telepathic Animal Communication
by Babette de Jongh
Genre: Nonfiction, Pets, Animal Communication
Would you like to know what your animal companion is really thinking? If you’re holding this book, the ability is literally within your grasp. Hear Them Speak is an engaging and easy-to-follow twelve week course that guides you through the process of discovering your own superpowers of telepathic animal communication. With real-life examples to increase understanding and tasks to help you practice your emerging skills, animal communicator Babette de Jongh walks you through every step of the journey to claim your innate ability to hear them speak.Β
Babette de Jongh is a telepathic animal communicator, energy healer, Reiki Master, and award-winning romance writer who has taught ballet, yoga, elementary school, and animal communication. Whether it involves a happy-ending romance, a way of self-nurturing, or help in understanding our companions, the cohesive thread that ties all these things together is a desire to save the world, one happy ending at a time.
Babetteβs first romance novel, Angel Falls, won two Readersβ Choice awards. In Hear Them Speak, Babette helps humans better understand their animal companions. In Welcome to Magnolia Bay, a romance series from Sourcebooks Casablanca, a telepathic animal communicator conspires with the human charactersβ animal companions to help everyoneβhumans and animalsβfind forever love.
All this is only the beginning for a late bloomer who is just getting started. To find out more about Babette, everything she does, and everything sheβs up to these days, please visit her website at http://www.BabettedeJongh.com.
The hometown hockey hero and his best friendβs brotherβ¦
Vinnie
Hockey is in my blood. I learned to skate before I learned how to ride a bike. Iβve been on a wild ride, playing at the highest level for some of the biggest and best teams in the league. But now itβs over, and Iβm not sure what to do with myself.
So I’m going home to Elmwood.
But Iβll tell you what Iβm not gonna doβIβm not going to coach my buddyβs junior hockey league. No chance. I donβt know how to deal with kids, and besides, the other coachβwho happens to be my best friendβs brotherβhates me. With reason.
That may be old news, yet something tells me weβre going to have to deal with the past.
And that’s almost as scary as coaching teens.
Nolan
No, I donβt hate Vinnie, but he drives me nuts.
Heβs cocky, goofy, selfish, and yeahβ¦after all these years, Iβm still attracted to him. But Iβm a responsible adult now. I run my familyβs business, and with the help of my ex, Iβve made Elmwood Diner into a New England institution.
So maybe my life isn’t particularly exciting at the moment, and maybe Vinnie isnβt the worst. Nonetheless, I have no desire to rekindle a friendship with the hockey hero who no doubt will be on the first flight out of town the second he gets bored or gets a better offer.
And Iβm not coaching with him. No way.
Ughβ¦
I canβt believe Iβm doing this again.
You, Again is an MM bisexual, best friendβs brother, frenemies to lovers romance featuring old friends, a new quest, and a little hockey HEA!
Vinnie set a twenty on the table and stood. βThanks for the coffee.β
βItβs on the house,β I insisted, pushing the money toward him.
βNo, no. I support local businesses. Keep the change.β
His over-the-top wink practically begged me to roll my eyes, but I had more to say. We had to clear the airβ¦at least a little.
βUmβ¦hey, even if you donβt make it through summer, your presence alone is good for business for the whole town. βNHL Hero Comes Homeβ and all that bullshit. If you donβt mind the attention, and Iβm assuming you donβtβcome help out at the rink. Itβs easy and fun. You wonβt regret it.β
Vinnie rubbed his scruffy jaw thoughtfully. βOkay. Iβll do it.β
I smiled tentatively and raised my hand for a high five. βGreat.β
βBut only if youβre my assistant.β
βWhat?β I pulled my hand away before he could slap it, furrowing my brow. βNo way. Gavin is perfectly capable ofββ
βNope. It has to be you.β
I frowned. βWhy?β
β βCauseβ¦β Vinnie blew out an exasperated breath. βI want to fix this. Me and you. And I canβt do that if you ignore me.β
And just like that, the invisible wall between us shook in its foundation.
βWeβre fine,β I bluffed.
Vinnie arched a brow. βYouβre mad at me. I know why, and I get it. We donβt have to go into it now, but at the very least, we should call a truce βcause if weβre working with impressionable teens, you really oughtta be nice to me, Moore.β
My mouth opened in a perfect O. βIβve been perfectly civil to you. More civil than you deserve, Kiminski.β
βSee? That wasnβt nice,β he teasingly scolded. βI canβt believe Iβm the voice of reason here.β
I fixed him with a bored sardonic stare. βYou are never the voice of reason.β
βI kind of am now.β
βNo, you arenβt.β
βYes, I am.β
βNo, youβoh, my God.β I pointed at the door. βGood-bye, Vinnie.β
He snickered, flashing a lopsided devil-may-care grin my way. βWait up. Letβs seal the deal on this truce.β
βOh, brother.β
βIβm serious. Letβs shake hands, hug it out, kiss and make up, or all of the above.β
I regarded his outstretched hand suspiciously and cautiously slid my palm against his. βFine. Truce.β
βSee, that didnβt sound friendly. You ruined it. Gimme a hug,β he demanded, pulling me into a bear hug, squeezing me hard enough to crack a rib.
I let out an oomph of surprise and tried to wriggle out of his hold. He took the hint and loosened his grip. I knew it was all in good fun or at least meant to playfully rile me up, but when he bent to kiss my cheek, I turned my head just as he swooped in and bam! Our lips collided in an actual, honest-to-God kiss.
A fucking kiss.
I couldnβt speak for Vinnie, but I was too shocked to move.
Weβd been here before.
Sure, it had been almost twenty years ago, but I was positive neither of us was looking for a repeat. I certainly wasnβt. Any second now, heβd back up, swipe his hand across his mouth and make some ridiculous joke to right the balance. But he didnβt.
He softened his lips and molded them to mine, tilting his chin as if testing a new angle. And suddenly, this felt real.
Oh, no.
Ohβ¦no.
I pushed out of his arms, sucking in a gulp of air.
Holy shit.
My heart beat like a drum, and my mouth was bone dry.
βI thinkβI think weβre good now,β I rasped.
Vinnieβs shell-shocked expression gave way to something unreadable. He scratched his nape and stepped aside.
βYeah. Uhβ¦what time is practice?β
βThursday at three.β
He nodded and tried a smile that never reached his eyes. βCool. See ya, Nol.β
I froze in place as the door swung shut behind him, willing my heartbeat to calm the fuck down.
Did that happen?
It wasnβt real. I knew that, but he didnβt pull away. He lingered, he pressed closer, heβ¦he kissed me.
Reality check: Vinnie was a notorious prankster. He was always doing something to push boundariesβmake you laugh, make you mad, make you stop taking life so damned seriously. Silly was his fallback language. If lighthearted pranks and teasing kept some uncomfortable parts of the past at bay, I was all for it.
But I was still confused. Very confused.
*****
Review:
I’m going to say straight up that I’m pretty sure the reason I didn’t like this one as much as the other books by Lane Hayes that I’ve read is … me. I just didn’t like Vinnie as a character. He’s one of those overgrown guy’s guys that just irritates me to no end. He’s in his late 30s, still giving people noogies, playing practical jokes, and acts the class clown. Not that I’m against people having fun but that’s not my idea of fun and that colored my reading of the book. I get that he’s got a lot of issues – from his mother’s death to his father’s absentee parenting to coming to grips with his future and sexuality. But I just couldn’t let the rest go to really invest in him. When he was more serious, though, I definitely could see the appeal.
On the other hand, I loved Nolan. He’s a pillar of the community and his family, a fabulously loving & supportive uncle, and once he gets over the way things ended between them he’s there for Vinnie too. Even knowing it most likely means another broken heart.
I always enjoy Hayes’s writing — she gives readers robust characters (even when they aren’t my type), compelling stories, and satisfying HEAs. And I’m definitely excited to see what happens next – the little teaser with JC has me impatient to see him and Riley together. This one character being not my favorite in no way reflects on Hayes and her skills, it’s just a me thing.
*****
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.Β She loves wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). Lane lives in Southern California with her amazing husband and her fabulous pup, George.
The ice is my happy place. My sanctuary. The source of my happiest memories, and the promise of my future. Itβs also the reason Iβm living a lie.
As a kid you donβt think about the sacrifices youβll have to make for your dreams. After all, dreams are supposed to be happy, so all you see is the finish line, not what youβll have to give up to get there.
I surrendered a carefree childhood to hours upon hours of grueling practices. Abandoned life with my family in favor of a boarding school that would hone my skills to perfection. But my biggest sacrifice, the one I couldnβt predict Iβd have to make as a little boy, is denying who I am.
To the world Iβm the top rookie in this yearβs NHL draft. The most promising defender the league has seen in years. For years thatβs all I wanted to be, and now that Iβm hereβ¦
I knew my career would intersect with my personal life at some point, I just didnβt expect it to happen before I played my first pro game.
Thatβs why he is so dangerous. My lifelong dream is within reach, and now thereβs another I want to pursue. If only it werenβt such bad pucking timing.
βWhatβs your address?β I change the subject, pulling my phone from my pocket to open my contacts. βI need to get an Uber back to my car.β
βUh, uh. No address until I get your phone number.β He smiles triumphantly around a mouthful of coffee.
βDidnβt Tripp already give you my information so you could deliver me home last night? Which you clearly didnβt do.β I make a show of looking at the room around me.
Niko rubs the bridge of his nose. βHe gave me your address, which I lost while I was trying to copy it in the Uber app, so no.β
βTypical jock.β I canβt stop the corner of my lip from ticking up as I shake my head.
βDonβt avoid the subject,β he barks. βPhone number, or youβre walking. And stop pretending you donβt like jocks.β
βI donβt.β
βYou like me.β
βI tolerate you.β I drink my coffee to disguise what Iβm pretty sure is a grin.
βYou tolerate hockey. You like me. That smile youβre trying to hide says so.β He crosses his arms in front of his broad chest with a proud smirk.
I look at him from under hooded eyes. βStill not fucking you, Nikolas.β Flirting yes, fucking no.
βYetβ¦ Alexander.β His blue eyes seem to promise thereβs a distinction.
Jesus heβs going to give me a semi.
βAddress.β I tap the screen of my cell.
βPhone number.β
βAddress first.β
βSame time.β He slides his phone toward me and picks mine up, arching a sly brow as he waits for me to meet his challenge.
βFine.β We each tap at the screens, entering the information, and the moment my phone is back in my hand it starts to vibrate.
βJust checking.β He flashes me those coy dimples.
*****
Review:
Xander, still a little burned by a relationship gone bad, is comfortable in his life and pretty much only looking for a good time. Meeting a hottie at the bar for a night of great sex and a definite connection … not his usual but he’ll never see him again. Well, not until Xander finds him in his dad’s backyard and discovers that his one night stand is the newest member of his dad’s hockey team.
Niko is new to town and thrilled to see Xander again. But things are complicated – not only does he play for Xander’s dad but he’s also not exactly looking to broadcast his sexuality the first year of his NHL career. But that connection is still there and one night of great sex turns into more. Can they figure out how to balance their needs and wants?
I loved Niko’s teammates. They are a hoot and help support him as he figures out how to be a pro player, to settle into his new life. And Xander’s friend Tripp is definitely a highlight, with how he supports them in his own way and how he unabashedly enjoys life.
I enjoyed the start of Lenard’s Colorado Bulldogs series. There’s some drama, but not too much. Lots of steam, but there can never be too much. A grumpy/sunshine mix that can go bad but is a delight when done right (which it was). And entertaining secondary characters that are just begging for their own stories. A good mix of humor and heat, Bad Pucking Timing is a fun first book and I’m all for finding out what’s coming up next!
*****
Author Info:
Michele is a tomboy who writes contemporary romance (usually sports themed) that is both sweet and steamy. Her goal is to make you fan your face as you wipe a tear from your eye. Her books are part of a series but there are no cliffhangers so each can be read as a standalone. When she isn’t reading or writing she enjoys the outdoors, something that pops up in her books from time to time.
Ivan Gallagherβs first and only attempt at love nearly cost him everythingβhis reputation, family, and even his freedom. Needing an outlet for his pent-up passion, the gruff foreman turns his beekeeping hobby into a successful business. Just when heβs on the verge of taking his liquid gold to the next level, a granted favor transforms his orderly life into a sticky mess.
Rory Snyder was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, but wealth couldnβt spare him from loss and heartache. Finding himself at the center of a dangerous media storm, the social media influencer seeks refuge at Redemption Ridge. Too bad the Viking-sized Ivan seems impervious to Roryβs charms because he could use a sexy distraction from the chaos threatening to ruin his life.
Predawn collisions in the hallway lead to revelations, explorations, and something far sweeter than honey. Soon, living in the moment becomes living for the moment. But for how long? A future seems impossible for the humble foreman and the fortunate son until a common nemesis makes Ivan and Rory realize what they truly stand to lose.
The Fortunate Son is book two in the Redemption Ridge series. Though each story features a different couple, reading the series in order is essential. The Fortunate Son contains mature themes and is intended for adults.
Content Warning: homophobia, underage alcohol addiction, and intentional overdosing are briefly discussed in this book, though no graphic descriptions are used.
The big mountain of muscle doth protest too loudly, even if it was presented as stomping away from the conversation. Rory wasnβt really into the whole daddy thing, but it was sure fun as hell to rile people up. His brother had cringed when heβd applied the label to Cash when the silver fox had headed in their direction, but Rory suspected Ivanβs reaction had nothing to do with disgust. The guy reminded him of a Viking with his broad shoulders, narrow waist, and thick thighs. He wore his auburn hair in a fade with closely shorn sides and longer strands on top. The Vikingβs beard was a darker red, and Rory wanted to know what the rest of his body hair looked like. Heβd bet the hunk was furry in all the right places too. Christ, the man was even sexier up close. Amber eyes the color of expensive whiskey assessed him in a way that made Rory feel vulnerable. He couldnβt have that and decided to regain the upper hand with outrageous flirting.
Ivan. His name, build, and dark scowl belonged to a conqueror as heβd said, but his soft voice belonged to someone gentler like a scholar. Would his touch be rough and firm or soft and teasing? A Viking-sexual such as he could hope for both. Fascinated by the dichotomy, Rory was eager to follow the man who held his fate at the ranch in the palm of his enormous hand, but first he turned his attention to the dark-haired hottie whoβd entered the kitchen in time to overhear Ivan shouting his displeasure about having Rory foisted on him to settle a debt between Cash and Nick.
Dark brown eyes had studied Rory with unabashed curiosity. βWho are you?β
βIβm the favor.β
*****
Review:
I’ve chosen a lot of low angst stories lately, which just means that they are meant for a certain reader (or at least a reader in a certain mood). But readers who read Guys Like Himwon’t be surprised and, like the first book, there’s a lot more than just the mains involved. There are some complaints about that in reviews and I think that maybe we get used to connected but stand alone series, which this isn’t. Instead these are interconnected stories that focus on particular people in each book, but don’t end on a cliffhanger for the main two characters. Like the fact that there isn’t a lot of drama, I think that this means it won’t appeal to everyone. Personally, I loved getting attached to all the characters, not just the mains – I want all of them to be happy and content and finding the HEA they need. I’m look forward to seeing more of them, even if they have to share a book.
Here, though, we focus on Ivan (who I think pretty much everyone wanted to get to know better), a strong but silent type that just begs to be ruffled and whose secrets need to be exposed. His history just tugged at the heart strings and made him even more likable as a character. He’s obviously a nurturer who cares deeply but who’s also been hurt badly, and we see that even more so here.
Rory is the opposite of Ivan and the perfect match for him. He’s more in your face, sassy and vibrant. From the moment they meet, and Rory challenges him with his cheek, you just know they are going to be a hoot together. And he doesn’t disappoint.
Funny and steamy and emotional and fun, The Fortunate Son is an entertaining read. From the way Rory and Ivan make amends with their families to their obviously going to fail attempt at keeping things short-term, I adored their story. They have their struggles but when together they are so open, caring, and just absolutely loving that it made my heart melt. And I can’t forget the rest of the characters – I loved seeing more of the others on the ranch (especially Dylan and Harry), but as always Hope stole the show and a little more of my heart. I can’t wait to see what is coming in book 3 because there are more guys that need their story told.
*****
Series Info:
Join us for Book 1 in the Redemption Ridge Series with Guys Like Him
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, itβs 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 proximityβs flame, testing Finleyβs 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.
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 titlesβwife, 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.
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It is a truth universally acknowledged that Brodie Bishop is the worst.
Vivian Trent is desperate. Her family doesnβt approve of her life as a single mom and the small town of Austen still wonβt accept her as one of their own four years later. Playing Elizabeth Bennet at the annual Jane Austen Festival is the perfect way to win over the locals and prove that sheβs thriving. But when Austenβs favourite festival hero is replaced by his tattooed, metalhead brother, how is she supposed to achieve perfection with such a bad boy playing Mr. Darcy? Heβs never read the book. Heβs brash and unpolished. Heβsβ¦ blond?!
You must allow me to tell you how ardently I dislike you.
Brodieβs used to being the town disappointment, so when Vivian turns her nose up at him, heβs not surprised. Hot librarian or not, sheβs way too uptight. But once the festival gets underway, they see new sides of each other. When he finds out her dark secret, suddenly sheβs much more endearing. Sheβs vulnerable, but strong. And the way she looks in that gown only blurs the lines between playing the part and falling for her for real.
But when her goal is within reach, can Vivian go off-book and choose Brodie, if it means risking everything she thought she wanted?
Cuppabeans was the only cafe in town, a cute little corner shop with a mint green and white striped awning out front, knotty pine framing inside, and a constant, thick miasma of warm, rich Arabica beans in the air.
Inhaling deeply as I stood in line, I tapped my foot and checked the time. It was fine. I still had a good cushion to get this done before I had to be at the library. I reached the front and ordered the largest size they had.
βName?β the perky teenage server called over the morning din.
βVivian,β I said.
βLydia?β she asked.
I emphasized each syllable so she could at least read my lips. βVivian.β
She nodded in a way that made my hopes plummet. I crossed my arms and stepped to the side to let the next person up. I blinked as I saw the man whoβd stood behind me. He wore black head to toe, including a thick pair of leather cuffs at his wrists, the dark shade contrasting with his fair skin. The only hint of colour on him popped from the tattoos covering his forearms and the wheat blond of his overlong hair. He left his black aviators on as he put in his order and came to stand beside me, crossing one long leg over the other as he leaned back against the wall.
I watched him in the mirror on the opposite side of the cafe. He crossed his arms and appeared generally standoffish, the sharp line of his jaw ticking as he clenched it. I watched the muscle move as discreetly as I could. By the look of him, he was hardly a Prince Charming candidate, but I could still appreciate a nice jawline. I was only human, after all.
But then a smirk kicked up one corner of his mouth and he tipped his sunglasses down, revealing that his eyes were locked on mine in the mirror. My heart squeezed in surprise. Not only from the frantic feeling of being caught staring, but the shock of how incongruously dark brown his eyes were against that hair, stark in his only slightly sun-kissed face. They tilted up slightly at the outer corners, reminding me of a cat. He nudged the shades off his face and turned to me with a matching feline languor.
I flicked my eyes to the ground, face flaring with heat.
βDonβt like tattoos?β he asked, his voice a slightly gravelly tenor. By that grungy, heavy metal look, heβd probably spent his life screaming into a microphone.
βI wasnβt looking at your tattoos,β I said with a sharp shake of my head. Hopefully, my neck wasnβt going blotchy with embarrassment.
βYeah?β he asked. In my periphery, I saw him lean closer. βWhat were you lookinβ at?β
I threw a desperate glance at the server and she held a cup up with a nod. Relief flooded me as I grabbed it and pivoted on my heel to escape this awkward encounter. But as I passed the man, I faltered, frowning down at the cup. It read Vanilla. βOh, come on,β I grumbled under my breath.
A snort drew my eyes back up to the man. His dark eyes sparked with a mocking amusement. βHey, at least she got the V right.β
I rolled my eyes and marched past him, ignoring the snicker that followed me out the door.
*****
Review:
I enjoyed the heck out of this one. Brodie is down right awesome – an honorable, sweet man wrapped up in a bad boy package. He’s so supportive of Vivian, validating her and her interests, and helping her when she needs it. But I will say the man has to have the patience of a saint to put up with her attitude, especially after the way he’s treated by everyone else. As she gets to know him, her attitude changes and she starts to appreciate him & support him as well, and It’s great to see, but I do wish we’d been given a little bit more resolution with his family. I’d have loved to see them supporting him and treating him well too. He’s a good man and we need to see more people recognize that as well.
Humorous, sizzling, and fun, The Wrong Darcy is a light-hearted, rom-com with that right touch of emotional turmoil to give it depth. Gynne is another new to me author and I’ll be looking forward to reading more from her.
*****
Author Info:
Robyn writes spicy contemporary romances about resilient women and memorable men. Having self-published numerous short romances over the years under different pen names, she is pleased to present her first full-length novel, THE WORST DARCY. When she’s not writing, you can find her catching up on her TBR pile, watching spooky movies, and woodburning crafts. She lives in the Greater Toronto Area with her husband and son.
I woke up in Vegas with a hangover and a ring on my finger.
At my last recollection, the bachelor party was off to a great start. During dinner I met sexy celebrity Chef Oliver who was far more intriguing than his surly public persona let on.
Afterwards, my buddies and I set out to bar-hop at some of Sin Cityβs biggest hot spots. To my surprise, I ran into Oliver again as he was unwinding by tossing back drinks at a bar. What followed was a hot night of dancing and drinkingβ¦ and a very confusing morning.
Not only did we spend the night together, we got married. Oliver is quick to suggest divorce, but Iβm not ready to give up so easily. We may be opposites in every way imaginable, but thereβs a chemistry between us I canβt deny or ignore.
Can I convince Oliver to give our unlikely romance a chance? Or will what happened in Vegas end in Vegas?
My best friend, Grant, looked up at me, a strangely curious expression on his face, before turning the phone so that I could see the screen. On display was a paparazzi photo of two men kissing outside of a twenty-four-hour wedding chapel. The headline above boldly stated βChef Ridley Marries Mystery Man.β
βOh God,β I muttered, snatching his phone from his hand. I scrolled through the article and there were a half dozen more photos of us. We were kissing, holding hands, and walking arm in arm along the sidewalk. In one, Cam carried a bouquet of flowers. In another, we were taking shots out of glasses that were each labeled βGroom.β
My stomach turned sour again. βI did say I had something to talk to you about,β I murmured as I passed the phone back to him.
Grant pressed a palm to his face and slid it down. βWhat the fuck did you do last night?β
I held up my left hand, which still had the ring on it, and wiggled my fingers. βLooks like I got married.β
*****
Author Info:
Riley Long is an author of gay romances novels spanning many genres from contemporary to paranormal. They live a quiet life in Virginia, with their husband, son, and two very silly pit bulls.
They spend their evenings writing, reading, and watching bad television (or not so bad television).
For fun, Riley participates in NaNoWriMo, GISH, and reads with her book club, the BAMFs.
They like things with silly acronyms.
Riley can tell you two different stories about getting covered in dairy products for a hug.
To compensate for a lost honeymoon, Destiny Resorts offers Jackson a jilted groom vacation at their luxurious Las Vegas casino, courtesy of the sisters Fate. Jackson invites his twin cousins and Dillon to be his plus-threes, and the guys set out for a fun-filled weekend to help Jackson party away his heartbreak. But Dillon is surprised to find his best friend isnβt very heartbroken.
In fact, Jackson is being unusually attentive with Dillon. Flirty even.
It has to be Dillonβs imagination, right? Thereβs no way his straight best friend is interested in nerdy Dillon.
But after one night of too much fun and alcohol, Dillon wakes up in Jacksonβs bed… wearing a wedding band. WTF?
Sensations heβd never experienced beforeβbeing pleasured by someone who truly loved himβwashed over him, until a startling thought hit him.
You canβt fuck this up.
If he ruined this, he would break Dillonβs heart.
It would shatter his own, too.
When he saw the honesty, the vulnerability in Dillonβs eyes, felt it in his soul as he rose up and down on his cock, sudden fear whipped through Jackson, dampening the pleasure.
This was why heβd waited.
Right here, right now, was exactly why Jackson had denied the magnetic pull toward Dillon. Their souls had been trying to unite for years, waiting for Fate to give them the destiny neither couldβve foreseen. But if Jackson had acted sooner, he wouldβve destroyed Dillonβs heart and a friendship that meant everythingβto them both.
Recently, after being reminded of pleasure with men, heβd only felt emptier, more wanting than ever before. Because Jackson didnβt want gay porn, angry make-up sex, or hot three-ways.
He wanted Dillon.
Needing to reassure his husband, reassure himself, Jackson stroked Dillonβs hair, his gaze locked, emotions flayed open.
I canβt hurt you.
Jackson whimpered at the thought. Dropping his head back on the pillow, he squeezed his eyes closed, the intimacy suddenly too overwhelming.
Dillon pulled off, still gripping his shaft. βYou okay? Change your mind?β
The fear in Dillonβs voice kicked him in the figurative gut, and Jacksonβs eyes popped open. He caressed Dillonβs brow until the wrinkle disappeared. The fearful look Dillon wore broke his heart.
Youβre putting that fear there.
Sober, this was scarier than expectedβnot the sex, he wanted thatβrather, the magnitude of tonight.
βNo,β Jackson whispered. βI didnβt change my mind.β
βThen what is it?β Dillon let go and pushed onto one elbow, leaning against Jacksonβs leg. Dillon traced the prominent veins on Jacksonβs forearm, almost distracting him.
Heβd never keep secrets from Dillon again. βIβm scared.β
Dillionβs eyebrow arched in concern.
Fearing Dillon might change his mind or stop touching him, Jackson hurried to say, βI want to be here, like this. But this is, I dunno, significant? Our first time. Weβre really doing this. Itβs for real. It hit me for a second how important this is.β He stroked Dillonβs cheek, heart swelling with love. βI donβt wanna hurt you, or lose you, or disappoint you. Iβm afraid Iβll never be good enough for you.β
Rodgers Jackson McCaughey III had never said anything like that to anyone, even when concerned about losing past relationships.
But this was Dillon.
He didnβt have to be the person his parents wanted. He didnβt have to put on a front. There were no games, no expectations.
With Dillon he could just be Jackson.
βYouβre worried youβre not good enough for me?β Dillon scoffed. βHow do you think Iβve felt forever? The nerdy friend with a crush? The hanger-onββ
βDonβt,β he begged, not wanting his fatherβs degrading bullshit to tarnish tonight.
βYou know what I mean, Jacks,β he said softly. βIβm terrified youβll change your mind, too.β
Sitting up and forcing Dillon to his haunches, Jackson grabbed his arms fiercely. βNever! I love you. I want to be your husband. Iβm just…β
Dillonβs lips quiveredβwet and swollen from blowing me.
Jackson could hardly meet his eye but forced himself to. βIβm so damn afraid Iβll fuck it up.β
βThen donβt fuck it up, Jacks.β
Jackson laughed mirthlessly. He cupped Dillonβs face and kissed him hard. βIβll try.β
βThere is no try. Do or do not.β
He laughed harder, for real this time. βThat is honestly the first time someoneβs quoted Yoda before they sucked my dick.β
Dillon smirked. βOh, I have more up my sleeve.β
His heart skipped. βAnd that would be?β
βTalk no more. Show you I will.β
βThat is the worst Yoda Iβve ever heard!β With a hearty laugh, Jackson dropped back on the pillows, cradling his head in one hand. βBut I love what a dork you are.β
βYouβll love this even more.β
*****
Review:
**some mild spoilers**
I feel so bad for Dillon. To love your best friend, and pretty much have everyone know it, only to have him be with every one but you. I can totally understand why he struggles so much after waking up married to Jackson. There’s so much there and while there’s good, there’s a lot of hurt too.
Jackson, oh my goodness poor Jackson. That poor man has been through so much and he’s so lucky to have Dillon there for him. It’ll take patience and honesty but he knows a life with his best friend is worth just about anything.
Readers will get plenty of steam but even more emotion with Wadsworth’s newest. The characters have heart and I just felt for them every step of the way, anxiously waiting for them to figure things out and get the HEA they deserve. The author is new to me, as is the series, but I’m looking forward to more.
*****
Author Info:
Deanna Wadsworth might be a bestselling erotica author, but she leads a pretty vanilla life in Ohio with her wonderful husband and a couple adorable cocker spaniels. She has been spinning tales and penning stories since childhood, and her first erotic novella was published in 2010. She has served multiple board positions for different RWA chapters, including President of the Rainbow Romance Writers in 2017. When she isnβt writing books or brainstorming with friends, you can find her making people gorgeous in a beauty salon. An avid reader, she also loves gardening, cooking, music, and dancing. Often she can be seen hanging out on the sandbar in the muddy Maumee River or chilling with her hubby and a cocktail in their basement bar. In between all that fun, Deanna cherishes the quiet times when she can let her wildly active imagination have the full run of her mind. Her fascination with people and the interworkings of their relationships have always inspired her to write romance with spice and love without boundaries.
Do you believe in fate? Yeah, me neither until the sexy Navy SEAL I hooked up with three years ago suddenly reappears back in my life in the form of one of my best friends’ older brother. And now, they want me to share a room with him in the Keys.
βCan you share a room with Jesse tonight?β
How could I say no?
What Greg and Cooper didnβt know was Jesse and I met three years ago in Madrid. And when I finally hooked up with the handsome Navy SEAL, our night turned into a weekend of the best sex of my life. Jesse made me see stars twenty-four hours a day. We had a connection, but our timing wasnβt right. He was going back to America, and I was headed back to Italy to play soccer.
It was all for the best because I didnβt do relationships. Especially with a man nine years older and the total opposite of me. But I never forgot him, even though I tried.
Fast forward three years later, and we find ourselves thrown back together again in Portland. Iβm the new kicker for the Portland Pirates and Jesse Evans has reappeared in my life. And just as fate would have it, my dream hookup is Cooperβs older brother, and heβs moving his security firm to Portland.
Would he remember me? Did that weekend three years ago affect him as much as it did me?
I guess time would tell when we shared that room in the Florida Keys.
Roughing the Kicker is a bisexual age gap and opposites attract MM Sports Romance and Book 6 in The Package Deal Series.
βDo you mind sharing a room with Jesse? It would only be for the night. Theyβll have the other one ready tomorrow.β
I bit the inside of my cheek. Think Dom, think. But nothing useful came to mind except images of Jesse Evans naked. What was I supposed to say? No?
I inclined my head and somehow managed to form words. βSure. Uhβ¦ no problem.β
βAre you sure?β Greg held my gaze, searching my reaction for any indication that I wasnβt okay spending the night with that hot fucker. And honestly, I wasnβt sure I was.
Still, I swallowed and just let the first thing I could think of fall out of my mouth.
βYeah, itβs fine. I was just worried. I have sleep apnea and I might snore. Thatβs all,β I laughed maniacally. βDonβt wanna keep him up or anything.β
Donβt think about him being up. Donβt think about him being up.
Greg blew out a breath. The look of relief on his face would have been comical if I wasnβt a massive ball of nerves, but there was no way Iβd burst his bubble. He and Cooper didnβt have to invite me, but they did. And I needed to be gracious and not bust a nut right here in the airport. Or get on the next available flight back to Portland.
βOh, yeah, okay. Iβm sure itβll be fine. Jesse was in the military, so Iβm sure heβs used to all kinds of noises at night.β
I tried to control the squirming, but I couldnβt stop myself from fidgeting. I tried tamping down my raging, overwhelming lust for the former Navy SEAL . βYeah. Yeah, okay.β
Greg clapped me on the shoulder. βThanks, man. We really appreciate it.β With that settled, he walked away and went over to talk to Marcus.
Jesse Evans was the hottest man Iβd ever seen. He had muscles for days. Muscles I wanted to lick, andβno. Couldnβt go there or Iβd be sporting a huge boner. It seriously wasnβt fair for one man to be so damn tempting. He was tall and dressed like a runway model, with his perfect blond hair and his perfect smile. And then there was his commanding tone that just did it for me. I felt like I might have a heart attack right here at the airport and he was nowhere around to resuscitate me with vigorous mouth-to-mouth. Iβd die right here on the floor of the airport before I could get my hands on him.
Dropping my head back, I stared at the ceiling and prayed to Saint Rocco to protect me from myself tonight. All I wanted to do was to climb him like a tree and rub myself all over him.
I bet he could make me cum just by looking at me with that piercing and smoldering look that said hold your ass still while I rim you till you lose your damn mind.
And I would, too. Iβd hold still and let him have his wicked way with me in any goddamn position he wanted. God, now I was hard.
Fanculo la mia vita. Fuck my life.
*****
Review:
This is a good chance for returning readers to catch up with the rest of the guys, see Dom get his chance at love, and be introduced to what comes next. It’s low angst, insta-love, and STAH-EEMY (!)
There were a few things I had problems with – mainly around what happens in the second half of the story. Things that I felt weren’t realistic (or maybe that weren’t handled correctly, because I could see it happening in real life) but as a conclusion to the series I’m glad that we got the chance to see Jesse & Dom’s HEA.
*****
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.
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. Itβs 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 sheβs 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.
Romantic Reads and Such 