Again on Audio by Morgan Brice

 

Audio Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway:
Again by Morgan Brice

Narrated by John Solo

Fox Hollow Zodiac, Book 2

The fast, furry, and furious! A lynx shifter, pursued by a cryptid trophy hunter. A wolf shifter desperate to rescue a lover who's not just his fated mate—but his one true pairing across past lives. And a love that transcends time.

Lynx shifter Noah Wilson narrowly escaped being captured by the Huntsman. While recuperating in Fox Hollow, he meets his fated mate, wolf shifter Drew Lowe.

Noah has to return to Canada to finish filming his TV projects, so he and Drew visit when they can and come up with creative solutions to their long-distance relationship. Noah and Drew are sure they're meant for each other and start making plans.

Drew's dreams make him wonder if he and Noah are more than fated mates—could they be a true pairing, destined to find each other lifetime after lifetime?

Then Noah accidentally records a murder, and the killer is on his trail. Can he elude a master tracker and reach the safety of Fox Hollow, or will he and Drew have to wait to find happiness in another life?

Again is a thrill-packed MM shifter romance adventure full of sexy shifters, hurt/comfort, one true pairing, reincarnation, sincere psychics, hunky mechanics, first responders, a sexy wildlife photographer, found family, and fated mates.

Universal Link

Goodreads

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You can also enter the giveaway on our Instagram post or click here for your chance to win an e-copy of your choice from Morgan or Gail's backlist!

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Excerpt:

“Liam was so brave,” Noah said quietly. “He figured out how to open the cages. And then he gave the Huntsman a real run for his money. When it looked like Russ might get shot, Liam practically bit the guy’s face off. He saved us.”

Buried inside Noah’s admiration, Drew could hear a kernel of guilt. Is it weird that I feel like I’ve known him forever, and we’ve barely met?

“Don’t blame yourself—for getting caught or not doing more. You survived. That was your main job,” Drew replied. Noah met his gaze, and Drew thought he saw a hunger for reassurance in the man’s beautiful eyes.

“I tell myself that, but I’m not sure I believe me,” Noah said ruefully. “Maybe that’ll get better with time.”

“I know you haven’t had the best introduction to Fox Hollow, but it’s a great town,” Drew answered, changing the topic. “I don’t know what you’re used to, but almost everyone here is either a shifter or has some other paranormal ability. The few who don’t have abilities are family to those who are. We get some tourists in the summer who aren’t in on the secret, but otherwise this is a very supernatural-friendly place.”

“Good to know,” Noah replied. “I live in Ottawa. Shifters definitely aren’t the norm.”

Drew knew a little about Noah from Sheriff Armel. Noah was a wildlife photographer and an independent television producer who created documentaries and nature shows. He was thirty, single, Canadian, and his other half was a lynx.

I like him. I think we could really get along well.

Mate, his wolf corrected.

Too soon, Drew protested. Let the poor guy recover. Normally shifting accelerated the healing process, but the Huntsman had drugged his victims with something that kept them trapped in their animal form. Now that he was human again, Noah probably wasn’t ready to change back right away.

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Check out Book 1 in the
Fox Hollow Zodiac Series

Huntsman

A grieving wolf. A hunted fox. Fated mates, thrown together by chance, and the looming threat of a fabled Huntsman who might tear them apart forever.

Fox shifter Liam Reynard is running from a killer. He uproots his life to find sanctuary in Fox Hollow, deep in the Adirondack Forest in New York.

When his car breaks down, sexy wolf shifter Russ Lowe comes to the rescue, and one touch makes it clear they’re fated mates. Neither man was looking for love, and both are still mending from past heartbreak. When mysterious fires and disappearances threaten Fox Hollow, Liam fears the killer is hot on his trail. Can he protect the town and his fated mate from the evil hunting him, or will an ex-lover’s betrayal cost Liam everything he loves?

Huntsman is full of sexy shifters, hurt/comfort, second chance love, sincere psychics, hot first responders, found family, and fated mates.

Book One in the Fox Hollow: Zodiac series.

Universal Link

Goodreads

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About the Author:

Morgan Brice is the romance pen name of bestselling author Gail Z. Martin. Morgan writes urban fantasy male/male paranormal romance, with plenty of action, adventure and supernatural thrills to go with the happily ever after. Gail writes epic fantasy and urban fantasy, and together with co-author hubby Larry N. Martin, steampunk and comedic horror, all of which have less romance, more explosions. Characters from her Gail books make frequent appearances in secondary roles in her Morgan books, and vice versa.

On the rare occasions Morgan isn’t writing, she’s either reading, cooking, or spoiling two very pampered dogs.

Series include Witchbane, Badlands, Treasure Trail, Kings of the Mountain and Fox Hollow. Watch for more in these series, plus new series coming soon!

Connect with Morgan/Gail:
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Twitter: @MorganBriceBook
Newsletter
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Release Blitz - Take the Plunge by Colette Davison

 

RELEASE BLITZ

Book Title: Take the Plunge

Author and Publisher: Colette Davison

Cover Artist: Morningstar Ashley Designs

Release Date: June 22, 2023

Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance

Tropes: Forced proximity, best friend’s brother/brother’s best friend, friends to lovers, bisexual exploration

Themes: Learning to trust

Heat Rating:  3.5 - 4 flames

Length: 65 000 words

It is a standalone story and does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads

Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

Universal Link  |  Amazon US  |  Amazon UK

One weekend could lead to forever if Jett can take the plunge.

Blurb

Jett didn’t expect to spend the weekend trapped in a remote holiday house with his best friend’s brother. As they try to pass the time, Kian’s bright enthusiasm starts to break through Jett’s gruff defences. When Kian offers to help Jett explore his desires with no strings attached, everything changes.

Fooling around when your heart isn’t on the line is one thing, but when the weekend ends, neither man wants their casual arrangement to end. Past betrayal has made Jett wary of trusting anyone, but even though Kian’s patience seems to be never-ending, Jett knows it’s only a matter of time before ‘no strings’ turns into ‘goodbye’.

Can Jett look past his fear and make the man who’s claimed his heart his?

Take the Plunge is a standalone contemporary M/M romance where a jaded man with a permanent storm cloud over his head falls for a sunshiny optimist. There’s forced proximity, an interfering best friend, swoony moonlight swimming, bi-sexual exploration, and lots of first times.

Excerpt 

My head is fucking killing me. My mouth feels like it’s been stuffed full of mothballs. I’m lying on my right side, and that arm is numb. A click echoes through the house. Was that someone closing a door? I wipe my left hand over my face and open my eyes. It’s too dark to see anything.

What the fuck happened last night?

Something whines. Door hinges?

Oh, right. I’m at Rufus’s holiday home in the middle of nowhere. Okay, so it’s not actually his. The house belongs to his granddad, but Rufus is allowed to use it when his granddad isn’t here fishing. The front door hinges have needed oiling for as long as I’ve been coming up here with Rufus and his family.

When we were kids, his family invited me here for a week every summer. Rufus, his younger brother, Kian, and I would go wandering for hours, exploring the woods, chasing each other through meadows of long grass and flowers, and sitting by the lake with our legs dangling in the water. I have lots of good memories of this tiny corner of Scotland.

But reminiscing won’t solve the mystery of my aching head.

The door closes. It’s either the middle of the night or so early the sun hasn’t come up yet, so I’m unsure who’s going where.

I, Rufus, Kian, and some of our friends are here for a weekend of drinking and lazing around. Well, they can laze around. I have work to do as soon as I find some paracetamol and a gallon of water to shift this headache.

A car engine turns on. What the fuck? Tyres crunch over gravel, and then it gets quieter. I try to turn towards the window, but something pulls against my right wrist. Someone groans. I try to move my arm again. Clink. Rattle. Something hard but also soft circles my wrist. What. The. Actual. Fuck?

I twist and flail around, groping for a lamp or a light switch. My neck clicks, and my back aches with the effort. Another groan, a little louder than before. I skid my fingers over a piece of paper before finding a bedside lamp. I flick it on. A golden glow fills the room, and I shut my eyes against the harsh light.

Another groan. “Well, that’s bright.”

Hold up. I recognise that voice.

My right wrist is tugged to the side. Clink.

“Huh,” the voice says.

I rub my eyes and prie them open. I’m lying face-to-face with Kian. Our right hands lie on the pillow between us. Pink fur circles our wrists.

“Huh,” Kian repeats. He lifts his wrist, pulling mine with him. “This must be someone’s idea of a joke.” He kneads his forehead with his fingertips. “So this is what a hangover feels like. I don’t recommend it.”

“Too late.”

“That sucks for us both.” He yawns and closes his eyes.

“Who the fuck would do this?”

Kian shrugs. “Probably Rufus. He never matured past sixteen.”

I sit, dragging Kian upright with me. “Where’s the key?”

Kian tugs me down again. “We can look for it after we’ve slept off these hangovers. Rufus will have it.”

I grunt. “I don’t want to go back to sleep. I want to get these damn things off. What the fuck are they anyway?”

“Handcuffs.”

“I can see that.”

“Why’d you ask, then?”

“Why are they pink? And furry?”

About the Author

Colette’s personal love story began at university, where she met her future husband. An evening of flirting, in the shadow of Lancaster castle, eventually led to a fairytale wedding. She’s enjoying her own ‘happy ever after’ in the north of England with her husband, two beautiful children and her writing.

Social Media Links

Blog/Website  |   Facebook Page   |  Facebook Group: Colette’s Cosy Corner

BookBub   |   Twitter  |   Goodreads  |  Instagram: @colettedavison

Mailing List  |   Newsletter Sign-Up

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Release Blitz with ARC Review - The Star by Beth Bolden

 

RECENT RELEASE BLITZ

Book Title: The Star (Charleston Condors Book 1)

Author and Publisher: Beth Bolden

Cover Artist: The Book Brander Boutique

Release Date: June 7, 2023

Genre: Contemporary MM sports romance

Tropes: Best friend’s little brother, bisexual awakening, roommates-to-lovers

Themes: Unconditional support, brotherly/familial love, team-as-found-family

Heat Rating:  4 flames    

Length: 107 000 words

It is the first book in a new series, which is a spinoff of the Miami Piranhas, but reading those is not necessary before starting this series.

Goodreads

Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

Universal Link  |  Amazon US  |  Amazon UK

Blurb

Tight end Landry Banks knows the score when he signs with the Charleston Condors in a rebuilding year.

New owner. New coach. New players. New rules.

But one rule hasn’t changed: Don’t hook up with your best friend’s little brother.

Rookie quarterback Riley Flynn knows what it takes to make it in the NFL. He’s in Charleston to prove himself—to the world and to his teammates, but mostly to his older brother, who’s never believed he could be a star.

The last thing he expects is for his brother’s best friend Landry to welcome him with open arms and an offer to become roommates.

Riley’s always believed Landry was straight—but the way Landry keeps checking him out leaves him suddenly unsure. And Landry’s hot looks certainly don’t help squash the crush he’s always had on his brother’s best friend.

Revisiting his teenage crush isn't part of the plan. But as he and Landry fall into a rhythm of thrilling plays on the field and sizzling tension off it, there's no denying their connection.
 
Riley isn’t willing to trade becoming the next big NFL superstar for love. But with a man like Landry Banks waiting to catch anything he throws at him, maybe he can have both.

My Two Pennies' Worth 

A side series from the recent Miami Piranhas series. This stars Logan's straight big brother, Landry. 

When Landry's best friend asks if he'll take his younger brother, Riley, under his wing he doesn't realise that Landry is undergoing a bisexual epiphany. Mainly due to meeting Riley again for the first time in years. And having Riley in his house, cooking Landry meals, and wandering around in nothing but a towel is not helping. 

This is another series where there are plenty of LGBTQ+ characters and acceptance is easy. It presents a lovely low angst sports romance for those occasions when you want sports but you don't want the toxic masculinity and outright homophobia.

Plenty of (American) football action for those who like that in their stories. And high heat. 

Tropes: sports (American Football) // best friend's younger brother // 8 year age gap (31/25) // enforced proximity 

Excerpt

“How many years do you and Aidan have between you?” Landry answered Riley’s question by asking one of his own.

Riley leaned against the counter, clearly at home with a knife in his hand. Even a big shiny chef’s knife. If Landry tried to use that, he’d probably accidentally cut off a finger. At the very least, an emergency room trip would’ve been in his future. But not Riley. And more than anything else, that confirmed what Riley had just claimed.

They didn’t know each other very well, despite the fact Aidan had been his best friend forever.

“Almost eight years,” Riley said. “So yeah, when I wasn’t the annoying little brother anymore, you guys were gone and busy with your own lives. I get it.” He shot Landry a look. Were his eyes full of heat, or was that just Landry’s currently overactive imagination? “I guess we’re gonna be making up for lost time now.”

Landry swallowed hard. “Guess we are.”

“Don’t sound like I’m gonna march you down to the cliff and push you right off,” Riley said, laughing. “I promise it won’t hurt too much to get to know me.”

Oh, it wouldn’t hurt at all.

What was going to hurt the most was keeping his hands off.

“Is that what all the boys say to you?” Landry teased before he could reel the words back.

Riley fluttered his eyelashes. God, he was temptation incarnate. “The girls, too. I don’t discriminate, baby.”

“Right.” Landry wanted to say, me too, as long as the guys look like you, but he didn’t because what if this wasn’t what this was? What if he was wrong?

Then there was the fact he knew enough about coming out that it wasn’t necessarily right to do it just because he enjoyed flirting so much with Riley—and wanted him to keep doing it.

“Though,” Riley said, shooting him another look from underneath those killer lashes, “I do tend to prefer the boys, so you’re not entirely wrong.”

Landry swallowed hard. “Is that…is that a thing? Can that be a thing? A preference even if you’re bisexual?”

“Of course it can. Sexuality is a pretty fluid thing when it comes down to it. Surely I don’t have to tell you that.” Riley had gone back to chopping lettuce, like their conversation wasn’t sending shockwaves through Landry.

He means: surely, your brothers explained that to you. Not that you personally are…well…fluid.

But maybe he was. More than he’d ever imagined he was.

“Logan and Levi are less on the fluid side of things,” Landry explained.

“Ah yes, your brothers. The ones who would’ve apparently found me irresistible.” Riley grinned.

They wouldn’t be the only ones.

Landry flushed. The way Riley was looking at him with those gorgeous eyes, like he could see right through him, down to the place where he was questioning everything, and unlike Landry, it was like he knew exactly what all this meant.

Even if he couldn’t possibly.

“Don’t tell me that isn’t normal for you,” Landry said, trying to equal Riley’s casual approach to the subject of just how fucking hot he was.

But Riley just shrugged. “Don’t tell me you wouldn’t love it if, every once in a while, people saw you as more than a pair of pecs and a head of blond hair? I kinda liked it better when I was that scrawny kid nobody paid attention to.”

Even if Landry ignored how he looked, giving his looks the barest attention in the mirror every morning, he knew people still watched him. Approached him. Felt like they deserved a piece of him.

“Yeah, I get that,” Landry said quietly.

Now, suddenly, it was hard to see Riley as just his abs and his biceps and those dreamy eyes.

About the Author 

A lifelong Pacific Northwester, Beth Bolden has just recently moved to North Carolina with her supportive husband. Beth still believes in Keeping Portland Weird, and intends to be just as weird in Raleigh.

Beth has been writing practically since she learned the alphabet. Unfortunately, her first foray into novel writing, titled Big Bear with Sparkly Earrings, wasn’t a bestseller, but hope springs eternal. She has published over forty novels and novellas.

Author Links

Blog/Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |   BookBub

Instagram  |  Newsletter Sign-up

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a $20 Amazon gift card.

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Release Blitz - Baxter's Right-Hand Man by Lane Hayes

 

Release Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway:
Baxter's Right-Hand Man
By Lane Hayes

The Baxter Chronicles, Book 2

The movie star meets his match…

Pierce

Welcome to Hollywood, baby! Perhaps you’ve heard of me. I play Baxter, the adventure-seeking, crime-fighting hero, adored by fans around the world. Nice gig, right? My job has its perks for sure—private jets, a chauffeur, and the best tables at the fanciest restaurants in town. It’s nuts!

Downside—it’s hard to know who you can trust.

But I trust Lorenzo. He’s funny, sweet, and very real.

Look, I’m not in the market for anything serious. Between my greedy brother and the old man who claims we’re related, I’m a little wary, but I could use a friend. 

And a sexy distraction.  

 

Lorenzo

What is happening here? Major movie star, Pierce Allen wants me. 

Me!

I don’t get it. I’m too fabulous and he’s too famous. 

No, wait. He wants something from me, like my help and maybe my body. This should be a no-brainer. However, closing the last chapter on a long-term relationship has left me feeling a little fragile, and the last thing I need is to risk another broken heart.

But I’m too intrigued to walk away. I can play the part of Pierce’s “right-hand man” and keep things light and friendly. No problem. 

I’m way too smart to fall for a movie star.

I hope.

Baxter’s Right-Hand Man is a MM, bisexual romance featuring a sexy, slightly egotistical movie star and the adorable diva who brings him back to reality.  

Universal Link

Add to Goodreads

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Excerpt:

“So…you’re here. In my apartment.”

“I guess I am.”

“This is weird,” Lorenzo mumbled under his breath.

“Do you want me to leave?”

He shook his head as he gathered some ingredients and set them on the counter. “Don’t be silly. I invited you.”

“Actually, I invited myself when you bragged about this soup.”

Lorenzo chuckled. “That’s true.”

“Can I help?”

“Do you know how to make a salad?”

I cracked my knuckles and made a production of rolling up my sleeves. “Dude. I am hands down the world’s best salad maker. Ever.”

Lorenzo raised a brow. “Here you go…lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, pepitas, avocado. Do you like those ingredients? Wait, before I attempt to feed you, are there any allergies I should know about? I don’t want to accidentally poison you and end up on the news.”

“Everything sounds good, and no allergies,” I declared, picking up the cucumber and smacking it on my palm.

“No playing with the cucumber, sicko. Here’s a bowl. Knock yourself out.”

I studied the lettuce and frowned. Tear or cut? Cut…probably. I reached for the knife he’d left on the cutting board and tried to decide where to start chopping—middle or end?

“Am I supposed to wash this first?”

“I did that already. But you do need to wash your hands.”

Right. I obeyed and spent more time than necessary drying them methodically as I peeked over his shoulder to watch him stir meatballs into broth.

“Smells good,” I commented.

Lorenzo quirked his lips in amusement. “You don’t know how to make a salad, do you?”

“Uh…I just haven’t done it in a while and the last time I did, I opened a bag and called it a day.”

“You can’t fail at this. Just chop everything and throw it into the bowl.” He squeezed my elbow and winked. “I believe in you, Pierce.”

I released a beleaguered sigh. “All right. Here goes nothin’.”

“So…did you happen to see the photo of us with the hunky firefighters on social media?” he asked as if to break an impending silence.

“No. Is it good?”

“Of you? Yes. I’m not sure how I got in the shot. Or how I ended up being called your assistant,” he huffed with mock annoyance.

My grin split my face in half. “Really? You work for me now? I like the sound of that.”

Lorenzo rolled his eyes. “I bet. My friends were freaking out. Don’t worry. I assured them it was the product of a weird confluence of coincidence.”

I let out a low whistle. “Confluence of coincidence. I’m gonna have to look that up. Um…I hate to ask, but do your friends know I’m here?”

He laughed. “No fucking way. First of all, I wasn’t sure you’d show up. Second, they wouldn’t believe me, and third…no offense, but…you’re not my type.”

I gasped and gestured behind me. “I’m gonna need help pulling that dagger from my back. What’s wrong with me?”

“Nothing at all. Your straight quotient is a tad high, though.”

I snorted. “I’m not straight.”

“No, but you probably like classic rock and have a thing for fast cars.”

“Well, yeah. So?”

“That’s…nice.”

I snickered. “By nice you mean…yuck. Right?”

“Don’t be so defensive. To each his own.” Lo smiled and pointed at the mess of lettuce in front of me. “Cut that a little finer.”

“Bossy, bossy,” I grumbled without heat, loving the melodic sound of his laughter.

We worked quietly, side by side, but it wasn’t a soothing form of silence. Not for me anyway. The air crackled with unspoken questions. What was I thinking? Why do I have butterflies? That sort of thing.

Seriously, I was a little dizzy, and my stomach felt wonky. There was nothing wrong with me, other than having a bad case of the stupids. It took a beat for me to recognize the signs for what they were.

I had a fucking crush on this guy.

That was so…weird.

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Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of Baxter's Right-Hand Man, Lane is giving away the Winner's choice of an audiobook or ebook of your choice from her published works!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

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Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cc0f2a57706/?

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About the Author:

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.

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

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Release Blitz - The Art of Husbandry by Jay Hogan

Title: The Art of Husbandry

Series: Mackenzie Country #1

Author: Jay Hogan

Genre: MM Romance

Tropes: Hurt comfort | Opposites attract | Forced proximity | Healing, grief, and loss | Small town | Country versus city | Fish out of water

Release date: June 1st, 2023

Amazon Universal: https://geni.us/A9e8LB

A world shattered. A hope kindled. A love ignited.

Synopsis: 

When life drowns you in lemons, to hell with making lemonade. I wanted to burn the whole world. But eighteen months from the day my life was torn apart, I’m tired of the anger. Tired of the nightmares. Tired of putting one foot in front of the other just trying to survive. Three months on a high country sheep station in the middle of nowhere is precisely the reboot I need. A chance to break free. To breathe again. To find a way forward.

I put my entire life on hold and head south to Mackenzie Country. But falling for the captivating young station boss was never part of the plan. Holden Miller might be smart and sexy and push all my dusty buttons, but we come from two different worlds. I’m not looking for a relationship. I’m not interested in love. I’m done with all that.

But Holden doesn’t care about my rules. Nestled safely in the arms of the spectacular Southern Alps, on an isolated sheep farm at the top of the world, Holden begins knitting my battered heart together one careful stitch at a time. And with every pass of the thread, every braid of the river on our doorstep, I catch a tantalising glimpse of something I’d almost given up on.

Happiness, and maybe even love.

If I have the courage to reach out and grab them.

Note: This book contains references to the past death of a child and PTSD

Excerpt:

“Hang on, Tuck.” I lowered the phone from my ear and squinted at the dusty blue Hilux pulling in at the kerb. It had Miller Station stamped on its door, windows rolled down, and music blaring.

The driver killed the volume, pushed his sunglasses up his nose, and leaned across the passenger seat to speak through the window. “Are you Gil Everton?”

“Yep.” I raised a tentative hand in greeting.

“Cool. I’m Holden Miller. Let’s get you on board.” His full mouth curved up in a high-wattage smile that made my stomach do a weird-arse, vaguely familiar flip.

Oh boy. Attraction. Just freaking dandy. Eighteen months with my libido on military-grade lockdown, and it chose that moment to wake up and get with the program. Not only that, but I already knew Holden was gay from my conversations with Emily. Go fucking figure. It was a wrinkle I sure as hell didn’t need in my reboot plan. I hadn’t been laid since Callie’s death and I wasn’t looking to change that state of affairs anytime soon even if I had been able to summon any interest, which I hadn’t . . . for a while. So, yeah, there was that. Which was why my reaction to any man was . . . surprising.

“Gil, are you still there?” Tuck called through the phone as Holden disappeared back into the cab and the driver’s door opened.

I raised the phone to my ear again. “Yeah, but I’m gonna have to—” I stopped abruptly as a ruggedly handsome dark-haired beauty with a mass of lazy brown waves bouncing around his ears emerged from the Hilux. And since I was a hot mess but not dead, I drew in a sharp breath and whispered, “Wow.”

“What?” Tucker interrupted my gawping. “What wow? Gil?”

I cleared my throat and mumbled. “Nothing. I’ll call you in a day or two. Say hi to Gail and the kids for me.”

“They don’t like you either.”

I laughed. “They love me.”

“Fuck it. You’re right.”

“Bye, Tuck.”

“Wait, Gil. Gil!”

I hung up on Tuck’s protest and shot to my feet, by which time Holden had circled to the back of the Hilux and was busy opening the hatch. It gave me a few seconds to appreciate the way his dusty jeans hugged a pretty spectacular arse, and an equally dusty black T-shirt showed off lean muscular arms sporting a golden tan.

Holden caught my eye and that broad smile widened, no doubt because I was standing there staring at him like a total idiot. “First off, let’s exchange numbers,” he said. “I think you only have Mum’s. I tried to call to say I was running late, but whatever I had in my phone didn’t work.”

“Oh.” Shit. Great way to start. “Yeah, I ah, changed my number, sorry. I updated your mum, but maybe you’ve got my old one.”

“No problem. Here.” He gave me his phone and I corrected the number he had stored and then he sent me a text.

I called him back to make sure we were right, and Billy Joel’s “Uptown Girl” rang out through the carpark.

I bit back a smile and raised a brow. “Really? I think I should be offended.”

He chuckled. “Don’t be. Besides, it was before I met you and it kind of fits, right? You’re from the big smoke. You’ve even got your Roberto Cavalli’s on.” He pointed to the label on my jeans and heat rose in my cheeks. “Pretty fancy for a sheep station.”

I narrowed my gaze and fired back, “But you recognised the brand which says you have an eye for those things.”

He grinned. “Of course. They’re a great jean. Just don’t wear them in the woolshed.”

I laughed. “Kind of goes without saying.”

“Are those it?” He nodded to four bags of varying sizes siting in a tidy line at my feet.

I gave a mute nod, because I was well-educated like that, and wiped my hot palms down the front of my jeans.

“Great.” He sauntered over in that loose-gaited way perfected by many farmers like they had all the time in the world. About a metre away, he stopped, lifted his glasses onto his head, and a pair of dark coffee-brown almost black eyes locked with mine.

And just, damn. I was in trouble.

Then he smiled. “Welcome to Mackenzie Country, Gil.”

About Jay:

Heart, humour and keeping it real.

Jay is a 2020 Lambda Literary Award Finalist in Gay Romance and her book Off Balance was the 2021 New Zealand Romance Book of the Year.

She is a New Zealand author writing mm romance and romantic suspense, primarily set in New Zealand. She writes character driven romances with lots of humour, a good dose of reality and a splash of angst. She's travelled extensively, lived in many countries, and in a past life she was a critical care nurse, nurse educator and counsellor. Jay is owned by a huge Maine Coon cat and a gorgeous Cocker Spaniel

Find Jay in all the places:https://jayhoganauthor.contactin.bio/

Release Blitz - Against the Rush by Susan Scott Shelley and Chantal Mer

 

Release Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway:
Against the Rush
By Susan Scott Shelley and Chantal Mer

Philadelphia Power, Book 1

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

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

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

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Excerpt:

At one table, retired players sign autographs. Another table has a handful of current Power players, laughing and teasing. We’re lucky the current players were available to join us, since their season opener is only two days away. The start of October has always been one of my favorite times of year because pro hockey is back and I’m filled with anticipation for all the possibilities that await my favorite team.

At the last table sits Leif Larsson, one of the Power’s defensemen. I sigh and bring my fingertips to my lips, covertly checking for any spital as I drool over him. He’s incredibly droolworthy with his head turned up as he talks to their starting goalie, Sawyer Garcia, and a representative from the charity, Hockey Included, which is the reason we’re here.

There are many hockey greats present. But I can’t take my eyes off Leif. Long legs in dark-washed jeans are bent at the knees, almost hitting the underside of the table as he leans forward when a small boy approaches. He says something to the boy—whose eyes round to the size of hockey pucks—as Leif signs a picture and the child’s stuffed Philly Power mascot, Striker. His languid smile paired with the tussled copper-colored hair make him look like he’s just rolled out of bed after a night filled with filthy talk and orgasms.

Thinking of those legs draped over my shoulders while I swallow down what’s between them sends a tingle to the base of my spine. A smack on my biceps interrupts the inappropriately timed fantasy. I gaze down to see my best friend and assistant coach.

You made it.”

“There was an accident on 95.” Monet scrunches her pierced brow. “You’d think no one has ever seen an accident.” Her hands wave and gesticulate as she speaks. I’ve been unintentionally smacked in the face more than once, so I take a step back. “Cars crushed, police on the scene, everyone standing around… Move on, people. There’s nothing any of us can do, so why must we rubberneck?”

I grunt my agreement. Monet is no nonsense, which is one reason we clicked so well the first time we coached together in the Philly Power Youth League. Five years later, we’re still coaching together, and there isn’t anyone else I’d rather work with.

I continue to watch the throngs of kids and adults as they line up for a chance to chat with their favorite players. “Looks like a good turnout.”

Monet was one of the driving forces in preparing the application to get the charity organization to Philly. Now, kids in communities that are unable to afford hockey have the opportunity to play and experience it. She stands on her toes and pushes her body into me. “Who are we looking at?”

“No one.” I blink and glance down at her, embarrassed that she’s caught me so blatantly ogling the father of a kid on our Pre-Mite team.

“Right…” She doesn’t believe my lame words, not that I thought she would. “Oh, I see.”

She drops back onto her leopard-print ballet flats. “Leif Larsson is pretty. I keep hoping he’ll pick up Thea one day so I can see him up close and personal.”

“Me too.” As the words leave my mouth, the man we’re gawking at turns his head like he can feel us staring at him. When his azure eyes collide with mine, I’m assaulted with want and desire so great I’m set to steal him away to a dark corner. Kissing and touching until he’s panting for me to take him. Our gazes hold for a split second before the corner of his mouth tips, flirty and provocative. When I wet my lips, the left corner of his mouth joins the right. The slight lift of his brows is an open invitation before the next person in line snatches his attention.

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Enter the Giveaway:

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

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

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Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cc0f2a57703/?

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About the Authors:

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

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

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

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

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