I’ve been out and proud for years, happily living my truth. Never did I imagine I would be asked to step back into the closet.
Until that night at the club.
After one too many cocktails, I ended up in a bathroom stall enjoying a hot and steamy tryst with a super sexy guy named Nate. We exchanged numbers and indulged in some spicy sexting.
But when I asked him to meet up again, he ghosted me.
I tried distracting myself by acting as a friendโs plus one to a wedding. Who do I see standing next to the groom, looking like a snack? Nate. He claims no one knows heโs gay and asks me to be discreet. Still, my years of hiding are behind me. Can I help him find the strength to come out to his family and friends? Or will his reservations be too big an obstacle to overcome?
โIโm so sorry about that,โ the hot guy said. โI was coming over to talk to you and I bumped into that guy who crashed into you and spilled your drink all over your shirt.โ
I turned to face him and looked into his crisp blue eyes. โItโs, um, itโs totally fine.โ
โItโs not fine. Can I buy you another drink?โ He glanced down. โOr, shit, another shirt?โ Before I could answer, he forged ahead. โIs there anything I can do to make it up to you?โ
Fuck, could he ever. We were so close to one another, I could smell his cologne, musky and woodsy. His arms and chest were straining the limits of his shirt and his artfully ripped jeans hinted at thickly muscled thighs. I bit the side of my lower lip. โI, umโฆโ Heat crept into my face, starting at my neck and spreading up to my ears.
He cleared his throat and took a tiny step closer to me, closing in on my personal space. โIโm Nate.โ His voice was low and husky. He licked his lips and his gaze traveled down to my chest.
โTheo,โ I murmured. โNice to meet you.โ
Nateโs gaze leaped from my chest to my eyes and then down to my lips. He swallowed, his sharp Adamโs apple bobbing in his throat. โIโm really sorry about your shirt,โ he said again, barely a whisper.
The heat roiled between us and I spoke without second-guessing myself. โDo you want toโฆโ I tilted my head in the direction of the nearest bathroom stall. Lust coiled in my stomach and groin.
โYes.โ His response came out sounding raw and eager. Nate dipped down and pressed his lips to mine fiercely, wasting no time in plunging his tongue into my mouth. I couldnโt stop the needy groan that escaped me as we stumbled into the bathroom stall. As soon as we cleared the entrance to the stall, I stuck out my hand and slid the lock home.
*****
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.
Jalen Daniels loves his job as a hockey coach to kids in the Philadelphia Powerโs 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 theyโve 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?
Nudging an elbow into my side, Ryder inclines Strikerโs giant head in Sawyerโs direction with a sly smile. “I was thinking about bringing a backup turkey to Thanksgiving.”
As expected, frustration flares in Sawyerโs features, and he huffs a heavy sigh. “My dog snatches the bird off the table one time and itโs all you guys can talk about.”
Grinning, Axel zips his bag shut and takes over stowing away Sawyerโs gear for him. “Donโt 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 Sawyerโs eyes. “Donโt worry, Iโve already had a talk with him about being a good guest and I am bringing a backup turkey just in case.”
โShould I bring one too?โ Blue eyes brimming with laughter, Calder rubs a towel over his damp blond hair. โOr stick with apple pie?โ
โI love pie.โ Axel hooks his arm around Calderโs shoulders. โDefinitely more pie.โ
โIf you had your way, weโd exclusively be eating pie for dinner.โ Laughing, I canโt resist the pull to turn my attention back to Jalen. For the first time all afternoon, heโs 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. “Youโre 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? Donโt be such a baby.”
A baby? I immediately bristle with the need to prove Iโm not one. The satisfaction on Axelโs face reveals his intention. He knows me too well.
“Fine.” Anticipation, embarrassment, and determination jangling my body louder than the music coming from the arenaโs speakers, I stand. My teammates do the same, and for a second Iโm afraid theyโll tag along.
Axel slaps my back. โThatโs my boy.โ
“Good luck, Leafy,” Sawyer adds, before tugging a ball cap with Strikerโs image over his dark hair.
Ryder gives me a gentle nudge forward. “Make us proud, man.”
โYouโve got this.โ Calder busts out two thumbs up.
“You guys suck.” But they just grin at me, and I smile back. Iโm lucky to have friends who will goad me into being brave in the one area Iโve shied away from since the birth of my daughter. Being a dad has always come first, so I havenโt let myself indulge too far into romance. But thereโs something about Jalen, and if I donโt act now, I know Iโll 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.
Chantal Mer never set out to write books. Yet here she is, and sheโs having a blast. Happily ever afters for everyone makes her heart sing. When sheโs 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 sheโs 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.
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, itโs 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 proximityโs flame, testing Finleyโs 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.
Thick gray clouds hovered overhead, rolling like the anger churning inside him. For the past year, heโd expressed his eagerness to put the past behind him and start fresh. Thatโs 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 grayโthe floors and walls, the food, and the pallor of the inmatesโ 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 heโd see on release day, but heโd 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. Kieranโs olfactory senses zeroed in on the motor oil brought to the asphaltโs 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, heโd enjoyed fresh air during breaks in the yard, but they never lasted long enough and were controlled by someone else. Heโd lived long enough like a marionette, and there was no better time to embrace free will. The weather wasnโt what heโd hoped for, but he got to enjoy it outside the fences, and that was a victory heโd 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 wasnโt a chauffeur, but he was there for Kieran just the same. A year ago, he set a plan into motion, and Cash Sweeneyโs presence proved it had worked.
Kieranโs good behavior had gained him access to the K9 programs at Arrowhead, where heโd 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 heโd 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 Cashโs notice, and heโd offered Kieran employment and housing on his ranch, where he rehabilitated horses and dogs. Kieranโs participation in the program and the subsequent employment opportunity hadnโt 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 ๐
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 titlesโwife, 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.
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 Aimeeโs Dye Hards? Weโd love to have you! Click here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/AimeesDyeHards/
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 wasnโt 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.
โSo, Texas Tech, huh? Did you finish your degree, or leave early for the pros?โ
Greg took a sip of his beer, then nodded. โYeah, I got my degree.โ
โWhat is it?โ He was going to make me pull it out of him.
โEnglish Literature,โ he said, running his big hand over his head.
โYou like to read?โ I was intrigued.
He nodded again. โYeah, I love it. Kinda fits my personality.โ
โThe quiet one?โ
He smiled, but not so shyly this time. โYeah, that one. Iโve never been a partier or anything like that. Iโm weird and like to stay home.โ He rolled the bottle between his long fingers.
Interesting. โThatโs not weird. What else do you do to relax?โ
Greg chuckled. โThis feels like an interview.โ
All I could do was smile. He was so fucking adorable.
โWell,โ I said, turning toward him, โjust so happens I have a spot open for a new friend, and you seem like the perfect person to fill the position.โ
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.
โWell, I guess I better finish the interview then.โ
I waited. And waited some more.
โWell?โ
โThatโs a deep subject.โ He tried his damndest not to smile.
My eyes widened. โYouโve got dad jokes!โ I pushed his shoulder. โWhat else you hiding in there, rookie?โ
Greg laughed and visibly relaxed in front of me. This was good.
โNothing, I swear.โ He took another drink of his beer. โGo back to your interview.โ
I had to smile at him. โWhat do you like to do other than read? Thatโs 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?โ
I watched his throat as he laughed at my suggestion. That beautiful smile and a tiny bit of his warmth was beginning to show.
โUh, thatโs not necessary. But it would make a cool picture to send to my brother.โ
Okay, he has a brother.
โBrock is almost fourteen. Heโs my best friend.โ
I smiled. โWell, until now.โ
*****
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 ๐ )
*****
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.
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. Itโs 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 sheโs 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.
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 papersโon her birthdayโshe 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 partโs not badโin fact, itโs really,ย reallyย goodโexcept 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 sheโs protected.
From what? Her gossipy neighbors?
Oh, and letโs not forget all the strange occurrences that are getting harder and harder to explain away.
First, thereโs a wolf in her house. A real, live,ย massiveย wolf. Then the house is attacked and nearly destroyed by some unknownโand unseenโenemy, and, get this, the wolf saves her. Then the bartender tells her heโs a wolf too. Itโs like something out of her favorite shifter romance novelโexcept sheโs living it!
And then thereโs the icing on the cake: Mikail, the bartender-slash-wolf, tells her sheโs a faery princess.
Maybe this week isnโt so bad after all.
If you overlook the reason he kept her identity a secret: the enemies she didnโt know she had want to kill her, and now that sheโs been outed.
โThatโs only the tip of the iceberg. I need to do something else.โ
โLike what?โ
Why did Mikail โs 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. โI should probably slow down.โ 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 andโshe lifted the glass and gulped.
โGood thing you have such high tolerance,โ 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 heโd asked her out. Their first date had been to a sports bar on dollar-shot night.
โGod, I donโt want to think about him.โ
โThen donโt,โ Mikail suggested.
โI never brought him here,โ she noted. That had been Lukeโs 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.
โThere were so many signs,โ she murmured, and apparently, she was going to think about him after all.
โFaith, love, you donโt have to rehashโโ
โMy ability to win at drinking games was what attracted him to me,โ Faith cut him off. โHow 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.โ
โIf that were the case, why did he ask you to marry him?โ
She shrugged. โWho 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.โ
โMaybe he really did love you,โ Mikail suggested, although did he really just wince as he said it?
โHe cheated on me. That isnโt love. Thatโs rejection.โ
โThatโsโโ
โI said I donโt want to talk about it.โ Okay, that was harsh. She was the one who brought it up, after all. โSorry.โ
โDonโt apologize. Youโre in a bad place right now. Letting out your frustrations in this way is far better than the alternative.โ
โWhat alternative?โ
Mikailโs gaze shifted to the side for a moment before he became fascinated by scrubbing the bar top. โThere are lots of alternatives,โ he finally mumbled.
โYouโve been in my shoes,โ she said so abruptly he startled before glancing down at her feet, which were encased in a super cute pair of lime-green sandals sheโd splurged on as a birthday present to herself.
โTheyโre a bit small for me, although plenty sexy enough.โ
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 wasnโt fidgeting in her seat.
Weird, although she shouldnโt look a gift horse in the mouth. This was Louisiana, after all. Cool breezes were not commonplace.
He thinks my shoes are sexy.
Faithโs taste ran to not-conservative footwear, which her husband more often than not found distasteful. Heโd never told her the shoes made her sexy, not even on their wedding day, when sheโd worn white heels with tiny blue bows on the back and ankles straps covered with tiny pearls.
โI meanโฆโ She flapped her hand, like that would somehow help her form the right words. โYouโve had your heart broken.โ She narrowed her eyes. โYouโve been rejected. Like I have.โ
He wouldnโt 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 wouldnโt 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.ย
*****
Author Info:
TJ Bell is the naughtier alter-ego of romance author Tami Lund (although you should totally read Tami Lundโs 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 arenโt even alpha at all; after all, who doesnโt love a solid beta hero?
When she isnโt writing snarky, steamy books, TJ Bell likes to take long walks on the beach with a tall glass of wineโฆ 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 itโs dinnertime yet.
A grumpy baker, a quirky ad man, and a recipe for foreverโฆ
Scott
So this cute guy sits next to me on the plane and proceeds to talk my ear off for hours. Not good. I donโt like talking and I donโt like strangers. But Theoโs sweet, smart, and sexyโthe perfect distraction from business woes and personal worries.
Okay, things got overly friendly, but weโre adults and we know the score. Iโm too old, heโs 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 ideasโlike how to make fairy cakes a thing.
I donโt like fairy cakes.
But I do like Theo, soโฆmaybe?
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.
Itโs 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.
Donโt worry. I wonโt fall for the grumpy baker. No way. Heโs complicated and broody andโ
Uh ohโฆit 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.
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 binsโฆYadda, 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 weโd land in London. Not that it mattered. Iโd been on the late flight from Seattle so often, I knew I was in for a nine-and-a-half-hour ride and that Iโd arrive at Heathrow sometime in the late afternoon. I also knew Iโd 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 Iโd established over the past seven years. I shrugged off my coat and made sure my headphones were within reachโalong 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 โcause A, cross-Atlantic flights were rarely empty, and B, I didnโt 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 heโd 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 sheโd added more M&Mโs 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. Iโd 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 couldnโt 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! Iโll pick you up. Btw, I made a gorgeous lemon meringue pie Iโm 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 ๐ – 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.
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!
I should have known behind that deep sexy southern drawl, and beautiful face lived the worldโs biggest asshole.
Iโve 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 couldnโt 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. Iโd forget him or work myself to death trying.
Except thereโs one problem.
Turns out heโs 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 donโt have a choice.
Declan Miller
When I walked into Alejandroโs 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 wasnโt 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.
Before fully processing Jacksonโs 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.
โWhoโs from Kentucky?โ 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. โI was talking about you, asshole. Come and meet my friend. Heโs the vet I told you about with the horses.โ
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. Iโd never been happier that Iโd started working out at the gym. Maybe he was going to be the one to pass out.
โDeclan, this is Dr. Callum Kennedy. Callum, this is our new running back, Declan Miller.โ
I know Jackson was expecting the standard greeting among strangers. And I wasnโt going to give this asshole the satisfaction of knowing heโd 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. โSo, youโre the new running back.โ
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.
โAnd youโre the vet Iโve heard so much about.โ
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 Alejandroโs. I would have been fine to play it as if weโd 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.
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. Itโs 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 sheโs 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.
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?ย
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.
Someone wants Police Chief Emilio Mendoza dead. And if his unknown assailant doesnโt kill him, pining for Sheriff Abraham Beecham just might.
Abe and Lioโs 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 doesnโt engage in situations he canโt control. Theyโve 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 authorโs Savannah universe. This book contains mature content and is attended for adults.
โAlex clearly doesnโt get his sportsmanship from his father,โ Abe quipped.
โKiss my ass, Beecham,โ I said softly in deference to the kids around us.
Abe leaned in until his hot breath ghosted over my ear. โGladly.โ
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.
โNow I really need to hear this story,โ Russ quipped, jerking me back to reality and saving me from breaking my own heart. I blinked away the fantasy, and Abeโs lips curled into a proud, wolfish smile. Unaware of the tension arcing between Abe and me, Russ continued chatting. โI knew you and Beecham went way back, Lio, but it sounds like thereโs more to it than I realized.โFew 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 ๐
*****
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 titlesโwife, 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.
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 Aimeeโs Dye Hards? Weโd love to have you! Click here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/AimeesDyeHards/
Ferris is straight, so why canโt he stop wishing his fake flirtations with his best friend would become real?
Tiago รlvarez
Flirting with Ferris is one of my favorite hobbies. He always playfully rejects me because heโs straight, but I donโt let that get my hopes down. Thatโs why Iโm 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.
Itโs obvious how much fun he has teasing me, so I wonder if maybe Ferris isnโt as straight as he used to be?
Ferris Valdemar
Iโve been telling Tiago no for so long that I donโt know how to tell him yes. But I really want to give in to my feelings for him that Iโve 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, youโll enjoy this satisfying HEA without cliffhangers. Each book can be read as a standalone or as part of the series in order.
I grinned at Ferris and swung for the fences by bringing out my cheesiest pickup lines. โThey say kissing is the โlanguage of love.โ Would you care to have a conversation with me about it sometime?โ
He was clearly trying to hold in another chuckle. โLet me guess. Youโre also fluent in French?โ
โYes, and Iโd be very happy to give you lessons.โ
โThanks, but Iโll pass.โ
I waggled my eyebrows at him, making him crack up. โAre you sure about that?โ
โAbsolutely. What other gems do you have?โ
I rubbed my thumb against my lower lip as I tried to exude sexiness. โYouโre so hot, my zipper is falling for you.โ
He chuckled at that one. โIs that so?โ
โOh, yeah. Roses are red. Violets are fine. You be the six. Iโll be the nine.โ I made a kissy face at him as he howled with laughter.
โIn your dreams!โ
โItโs a dream Iโd love to make come true with your help.โ
He had to wipe away the tears that gathered at the corners of his eyes. โYouโre unbelievable.โ
โWell, letโs see what youโve got, then.โ
โUnlike you, I donโt have an arsenal of terrible one-liners. And honestly, Iโm a little bewildered that you have so many of those memorized.โ
I cajoled him. โSurely, you must know at least one super-cheesy pickup line. Lay it on me.โ
โOkay, fine.โ He took a deep breath to calm himself from his earlier laughing fit. โFeel my shirt.โ
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.
โDo you know what itโs made of?โ 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. โBoyfriend material.โ
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, heโd 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.
Romantic Reads and Such 