Categories
Actor/Theatre adult - 18+ Angst Level Book Contemporary Enemies to Lovers Halloween Heat Index m/m Mid level steam/heat Mild level angst Novella 20-160 pgs (20k-40k words) Part of a Series Purchased

Unscripted by Nico Jaye (Heartsville)

unscriptedBlurb
Theater manager Teddy Carbone’s life has gone pretty much according to script… until now.

To his surprise, Teddy finds himself co-owner of the Oasis Theater with Carter Monroe, a corporate shark who’s looking at him like he’s chum in the water. Being in charge of the theater is one thing, but having to deal with Carter and his demands is another. With Carter’s proposed plan to sell the Oasis looming, Teddy must convince Carter the theater is worth saving. When he introduces the bright, bold world of the stage to Carter’s cold, all-business lifestyle, though, Teddy soon comes to recognize that the Oasis might not be the only thing he has a chance to save.

Review

Teddy inherits one half of the theatre he’s been managing for the last nine years. The other half goes to the original owner’s nephew, Carter. Teddy and Carter have never met, but in Teddy’s mind, the non-profit theatre is solidly in the black, therefore there’s no problem, right?

Well, Carter is a business man and as a business the theatre doesn’t make sense. So he sends papers telling Teddy to prepare for a sale. Teddy, in a mad dither, rushes into the city to confront Carter.

Carter, apparently besotted by the enraged Teddy, agrees to give the theatre a chance after giving Teddy some…

Carter eventually comes to the theatre itself and sees just how magical it really is and by the end we have a sure future for the theatre and a HFN for Carter and Teddy.

**

Novellas are tricky things and writing in a series with other authors can be tricky too. On the one hand, Nico Jaye is a great writer and this story flows nice and smoothly for the most part and I liked the enemies to lovers premise.

On the other hand, the other novellas in the series really emphasized a long courtship and really getting to know each MC involved– it almost felt a bit old fashioned at times. Carter and Teddy rush into a hook-up, then don’t see each other for a long time, then at the end they look like they might start their courtship. To me, it felt out of place with the rest of the series.

I also didn’t feel like I understood much of Carter or his motivations. I got a great picture of Teddy and his family – the theatre and his friends were well developed parts of his life. I wanted them to have their HEA but I can’t really say that I knew enough about Carter to say they got one. It can be hard to do a lot of character development in a novella, but I think Carter was a little under-developed.

It was still a very sweet book and I enjoyed it very much. I highly recommend this entire series!

3.5 of 5 stars

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Copy Purchased for Review

Amazon Link
http://www.amazon.com/Unscripted-Heartsville-Nico-Jaye-ebook/dp/B015YXITCS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1446398374&sr=8-1&keywords=heartsville+jaye

Categories
adult - 18+ Angst Level artists Book Contemporary Gay Halloween Heat Index Humor m/m Mild level angst Mild/low level heat Novella 20-160 pgs (20k-40k words) Part of a Series Purchased

Clique by Jayden Brooks (Heartsville)

cliqueBlurb

Adam Locke’s youthful looks aren’t the blessing everyone seems to think. At twenty-eight, he’s a successful photographer with his own studio and respected by his peers—but that doesn’t seem to matter to the men who catch his eye. Instead, he’s brushed aside like an underage twink with a daddy fetish.

When a hot, bearded stranger stops him from accidentally walking into traffic, Adam looks up and finds the man of his dreams. Unfortunately, his first meeting with Brandon ends with him being dismissed as a kid. Again. Adam can’t help his annoyance. He also can’t help staring (and drooling) whenever he spots Brandon walking through the neighborhood with a different dog.

He watches from afar, wondering about Brandon’s story—until the day he’s dared to take another chance. It’s just the push Adam needs, and finally, he catches Brandon’s interest. Now if only he could figure out the key to getting taciturn Brandon to open up and let Adam in. But Adam knows sometimes all it takes is a little patience for the last piece to click into place.

Review

Adam is sick and tired of looking 18 when he’s 28. He wants a “man’s man” but he’s nobody’s “boy”. When he runs in to dog walker, Brandon, he has hopes of finally being seen for who he is and getting what he wants. When Brandon rejects him, he’s crestfallen. But his buddy Mark, from Bookmarked, convinces him to fight for what he wants … and he’s richly rewarded!

**

This is another super cute story from Heartsville. This time Adam finally gets his man, the recalcitrant Brandon. I loved how they drew out the “dating” process and didn’t just jump right into bed with one another.

The first person POV was hysterical and I loved the idea of Adam carrying over his aunt’s vision. This was a very sweet book with a lovely HEA.

4.5 of 5 stars

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Copy Purchased for Review

Amazon link
http://www.amazon.com/Clique-Heartsville-Jayden-Brooks-ebook/dp/B0164EUFIW/ref=sr_1_sc_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1446355742&sr=1-3-spell&keywords=heaertsville

Categories
adult - 18+ Angst Level artists Book Christmas Contemporary Gay Heat Index Holiday Hopelessly Crying Hurt/Abuse lawyer m/m NetGalley Novel 140 pgs + (80K + words) Riptide Publishing Scorching/high heat second chance at love

Fortunate Blizzard by LC Chase

fortunate blizzardBlurb

There are worse things than being stranded in a blizzard.

Artist Trevor Morrison has always appreciated the little things in life, treating each day as a gift. And with good reason: he’s been on the transplant-recipient list for too long now. When he learns just how numbered his days truly are, he resolves not to take them for granted. But he won’t be unrealistic, either—which means romantic commitments are off the table.

Marcus Roberts seems to have it all. He’s handsome, financially sound, and on the fast track to partnership at a prestigious law firm. In reality, though, his drive for success has meant no time for friends or relationships. Add in the fact that his family discarded him long ago, and he’s facing yet another holiday season alone.

When the biggest snowstorm to hit Colorado in decades leaves Marc and Trevor stranded at the same hotel, a chance encounter and a night of passion leads to more than either of them expected. Finding comfort in each other is a welcome surprise, but time is not on their side. Either they find a way to beat the odds, or they lose each other forever.

Review

Trevor has just found out that his 7 year quest for a kidney transplant has most probably been denied for the last time – just in time for the holidays. He’s on his way back home to Connecticut when he gets stuck in a blizzard on the way to the airport. There he meets the workaholic lawyer, Marcus.

Trevor and Marcus have chemistry that is off the charts. They just click. They just seem to work. But… they can never be. Despite having so much in common and feeling so much for each other in such a short time, Trevor knows it would be cruel to get involved with Marcus and Marcus doesn’t have time for someone in his busy life does he?

I don’t want to give more of the story away… but… it ends on a very HEA.

**

This is one of those tear-jerking, lovely, holiday, mushy, soul-grabbingly sweet stories. I loved it!

I loved Trevor and Marcus as a couple. I loved Trevor’s family! I loved Marcus’ friends! I loved the way LC Chase found us a (somewhat) plausible resolution to a seemingly impossible problem.

If you are in the mood for sap, holidays, tears, and happiness – give this one a try!

5 of 5 stars

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Copy generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review

Riptide Presents

http://riptidepublishing.com/titles/a-fortunate-blizzard

Categories
Angst Level Book coming of age Contemporary Enemies to Lovers Gay Halloween Heat Index High School Homophobia Hurt/Abuse m/m Mid level angst Mild/low level heat New Adult Novella 20-160 pgs (20k-40k words) Part of a Series Purchased second chance at love

Another Shot by JH Knight (Heartsville Series)

another shotBlurb

The town of Heartsville means something different to everyone who lives there. For Aaron Forester, it’s a gay-friendly buffer between himself and the rest of the world. After being outed in high school and bullied to the point of violence, his family uprooted their lives and relocated to the small hamlet. He’s moved on from all that and now owns a popular café in the bustling shopping district. But after twenty years of happy living, Aaron’s past creeps up on him in the most unexpected way.

Brad Collins only has one regret and he’s carried it with him since he was a teenager. When he moves to Heartsville and gets set up on a blind date with the most adorable, engaging man he’s met in a long time, he couldn’t be happier. But Brad didn’t expect the guy to be the person he outed in high school—whom he’s now falling in love with.

Aaron and Brad hit it off instantly—in and out of the bedroom. But after a long overdue apology and a small serving of resentment, is their fledgling relationship worth another shot?

Review

Aaron goes on a blind date set up by his sister and meets an amazing man, Brad. They click. Right away. They take it slowly. Texts, phone calls, dates… then they get physical. In the morning… Brad’s gone. Just like that. Aaron is devastated.

When Brad finally contacts Aaron he has an awful story to share. The question is: Can Aaron let go of the past? Can he forgive and forget?

**

This was another great book in the Heartsville series. Aaron and his sister have a great relationship (we met both of them in Bookmarked) and when she sets Aaron up, he trusts her judgment. Later, when his world is crashing down, she has terrific advice that helps him to make the right decision. She’s a great character and I hope we see more of her.

I didn’t get much of a vision of Brad, he seems nice enough and Aaron was a sweet-heart, but to me the important part of this story is Aaron’s healing and how he and his sister move through that together.

Aaron and Brad had great chemistry and I was pleased with their HEA, but I wished for more time with them as a couple, and more time getting to know Brad.

I’ve really been enjoying this series and I highly recommend it.

4.5 of 5 stars

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Copy Purchased for Review

Amazon link

http://www.amazon.com/Another-Shot-Heartsville-J-H-Knight-ebook/dp/B0164QH4CK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1446218689&sr=8-1&keywords=heartsville

Categories
adult - 18+ Angst Level Book College/University Contemporary Friends to lovers Gay Halloween Heat Index m/m May/December May/December Mid level angst Mid level steam/heat New Adult Novella 20-160 pgs (20k-40k words) Part of a Series Purchased

Bloom Box by Cate Ashwood (Heartsville)

bloomBlurb

If there’s one thing William Sullivan knows less about than how to run a business, it’s flowers. When Will is left carrying responsibility for the flower shop he’d leased for his cheating ex-boyfriend, he is sure it will lead him into financial ruin.
Just when he’s about to abandon all hope, in walks Milo Hart—young, overflowing with energy, and perhaps best of all, a genius when it comes to flowers. Will hires him on the spot and they begin a working partnership that might be Will’s only saving grace. The more time they spend together, the more Will’s feelings for Milo evolve and Will must choose between keeping things strictly business, or taking a chance to let love bloom.

Review

William just dumped by his long term boyfriend for cheating on him (over and over) and now he’s stuck with a lease on a flower shop that he’d bought for his boyfriend to run. He’s depressed, knows nothing about flowers, already has a job and is feeling very overwhelmed when Milo comes in looking for a job.

Milo is still in school, majoring in business, needing work for the summer. He used to work in a nursery and is a lover of flowers. Together he and Will manage to get the shop up and running and on time.

While spending so much time together they also fall in love. But Will is sure Milo will forget him when he goes back to school and can a 16 year age difference really work in the long run anyway?

**

There could have been a lot of angst in this story, but there wasn’t. It was sweet and moved along at a nice pace. Not too fast, not too slow. The sexual tension built and then released in a super hot frottage session in Will’s apartment!

Milo is a great character – open, brave, smart, funny and clumsy as hell! He and the more staid and sober Will are a good match, yin and yang.

I really enjoyed their story and was so happy with the ending – a very, very solid HEA.

I highly recommend this book and the series!

5 of 5 stars

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Copy Purchased for review

Amazon link

http://www.amazon.com/Bloom-Box-Heartsville-Cate-Ashwood-ebook/dp/B0161WJ59W/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1446218689&sr=8-2&keywords=heartsville

Categories
Fan Art Karrie Jax

Fan Art for Commander’s Spitfire by Bellan Summer

12193979_10156145522085414_379322835_oBy Karrie Jax

Categories
Action/Adventure adult - 18+ Angst Level Audiobook Baseball BDSM Book Contemporary Cop/Crime Fan Art Gay Heat Index Hopelessly Crying Hurt/Abuse Karrie Jax m/m Medical Military Novel 140 pgs + (80K + words) Part of a Series Purchased Scorching/high heat second chance at love

Commander’s Spitfire (Rescue For Hire book 5) Audiobook by Bellann Summer Narrated by Darcy Stark

commander's spitfireBlurb

Welcome to the world of Rescue for Hire. Meet the team members who make up a company that forms a family of heroes. For a year, computer expert Tony Grayson was another man’s dirty little secret. After months of pain from a huge betrayal, he can finally breathe again and sees a glimmer of a future. A rescue goes wrong bringing the boss’ brother Shane Miller – who’s big, dominating, and possessive – into Tony’s life. As far as Shane is concerned, the gorgeous Italian is his. Now he just has to lead the team for his brother, fix all the family drama, and put the pieces of Tony’s heart back together. Things finally get smoothed out, only to have his ex call, wanting Tony back. Tony’s decision could change lives and careers.
Can the foundation Shane has laid for their relationship be strong enough to keep Tony? The dynamics between a hard-edged bad boy and a hot-tempered, vulnerable yet gorgeous computer nerd heat up the sheets.

Review

To sum up the first four books :(each can be read/listened to as a stand alone, but the characters in the preceding books make entrances in the following books) Cade Miller (brother to Shane) has a company he created called Rescue For Hire. It’s dedicated to saving people in natural disasters and finding lost people, etc. Each member of the team is highly skilled in one particular area and together there is nothing they can’t do. (Like the A Team!) In each of the previous books, one team member – very alpha male – finds his life partner. They always know immediately that the man they’ve met is their “forever guy” at first meeting and the bulk of the book is their conquest of said man. They also have some rescues to perform and at least once a book, one of the partners ends up in mortal danger.

Shane is an ex military man who has come to help Cade with his company now that he’s become more of a family guy and wants less field time. Shane meets Tony – already a member – whose had his heart smashed by a closeted pro-baseball player (and brother to another team member’s partner).

Tony doesn’t want to get involved again so soon after breaking up with his ball player – so he resists – but it’s futile.

**

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These books are delicious fun! The men are unapologetically Alpha, and it totally works. Tony – who is no slouch himself- loves to be dominated and controlled and feels safe when someone takes over. He just has to let go first.

In the Audio format you get the bonus of having Darcy Stark for a narrator. He does each voice differently – giving each character a greater depth and giving the listener another perception and way to experience the character. In this case the man who steals the show is Shane. Oooo La La. Shane’s voice is panty-melting! It is deep and sensuous and controlling and masterful and…. Okay – you get the idea. Tony has a vague Italian heritage accent – punk-assed and spunky. Together – totally steamy!

I’m not so much into the spanking thing myself- but Shane makes it hot!

I highly recommend this series (in book or audio format) for fans of unapologetic Alpha males who control each and every situation but have a warm and gooey center for their life partner.

It’s a wonderful series and I recommend reading them/ listening to them in order to get the most from the series.

5 of 5 stars

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Copy Purchased For Review

Audible Link
http://www.audible.com/pd/Erotica-Sexuality/Bears-Pup-Audiobook/B00SBQI1NS/ref=a_search_c4_1_3_srTtl?qid=1446133067&sr=1-3

Categories
A Tour/Guest Post/Blitz

GRL 2015

What an amazing, amazing adventure!

(My notes from attending my first GRL in San Diego this October)

I was initially so afraid of this experience because as a person, I’m what you’d call an introvert, and that doesn’t mean I’m shy.

Taken from Wikipedia:
Introversion is “the state of or tendency toward being wholly or predominantly concerned with and interested in one’s own mental life”.[4] Introverts are typically more reserved or reflective.[5] Some popular psychologists have characterized introverts as people whose energy tends to expand through reflection and dwindle during interaction.[6]
Introverts often take pleasure in solitary activities such as reading, writing, using computers, hiking and fishing.
Mistaking introversion for shyness is a common error. Introverts prefer solitary to social activities, but do not necessarily fear social encounters like shy people do.

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Therefore I can totally BE an extrovert, but it’s exhausting. And that’s exactly what GRL was. But it was also SO AMAZING. I got to meet some truly gifted writers, editors, artists, friends and family and each and every one of them was kind and open and easy to meet.

There were so many highlights that I can’t really tap into them all, but some that stood out for me were these.

First: I got to meet some of my Face Book buddies in real life. Karrie, the amazing artist who fan arts for this site. Fellow bloggers Tracy and Dani. And a posse of women who share my love of reading: Jen, Jennifer, Lin, Joseph and Luna.

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(Karrie and Katie watching Sean “swoon now” Crisden sign some of Karrie’s amazing Fan Art.)

Second: I got to swoon at the feet of my favorite authors like Mary Calmes, Amy Lane, Rhys Ford, Jordan Castillo Price, Shira Anthony, Charlie Richards, Olivia Black, Kim Fielding, Eli Easton, Lane Hayes, Cate Ashwood, Amelia Gormley, Ethan Day, Reese Dante, Andrew Grey, Brandon Witt, Amber Kell, Marie Sexton, Tara Lain, RJ Scott and so, so many more!

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Third: I got to LOSE MY MIND over meeting Greg Tremblay and Sean Crisden! These two guys are the NICEST, FUNNIEST and SWEETEST guys you could ever want to meet. They were so accommodating of my fan-girlness and even spoke to us in those swoon-worthy voices they have!IMG_2763IMG_2765

Fourth: I got to lounge around on the deck with the ducks while watching the boats on the bay in San Diego with my honey!

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I cannot recommend this event enough. It was so wonderful that if you ever, ever get the chance to attend one – be you introverted or extroverted – I suggest making it happen. Totally worth it!

So, my most humble thanks to everyone behind the scenes who organized the event, to those who organized the non-event stuff and to my husband who tolerates and encourages my madness and manages to find the joy in it as well.

Love from Morgan!