Michael's story continues from A Reservoir Man (2022) where we find him teaching at a university ready to retire. He unexpectedly meets a young man named Ron who becomes his protege and journeys in a haphazard adventure with him throughout America and Europe, each twist and turn of the road bringing unexpected adventures. The journey taken is one of joy, friendship and discovery.
Excerpt
“How long will the trip last? I thought I would be in Transcendental amazement by now.”
Michael was a little shocked. “Ron, we have only been driving for 2 hours.”
Michael explained to him that they would drive US 80 until they reached the borders of Nebraska and Wyoming, so he had to settle in. The corn fields were right down the road. Passing the corn fields, Ron observed how peaceful everything was. Michael suggested they pull over and park the car for a while.
While just sitting in the car, Ron saw two figures in the field, a man, and a woman. They suddenly disappeared among the corn and, from above, you could see the corn stalks shake violently. Ron chuckled.
“Oh God, looks like those people are doing it! It almost looks like he is doing it to the corn stalk!”
Michael tried to change the subject, “Look at those birds” he said, quickly. Ron was still caught up in his imagination. A few moments passed as Michael tried to rest his eyes and prepare for the next stretch of road. Suddenly he heard Ron crinkling a wrapper to a candy bar, which jarred him back to the moment. Michael sat listening to Ron crunch; he nearly threw it out the window.
“Can you not chew so loud, Ron?”
“Sorry. I love these things.”
A moment passed; the corn stalks were calm now.
About the Author
Louis J. Ambrosio ran one of the most nurturing bi-coastal talent agencies in Los Angeles and New York. He started his career as a theatrical producer, running two major regional theaters for eight seasons. He taught at over 7 universities in America. Ambrosio also distinguished himself as an award-winning film producer and novelist over the course of his impressive career.
It's that time again when the Read Around the Rainbow group get together to discuss the topic of the month.
This month we've chosen a slightly less contentious topic - Summer Reads. Does anybody else read that and immediately burst into song in the style of Summer Breeze by The Isley Brothers. 🎵 Summer reads make feel fine, blowing through the jasmine in my mind. 🎶 No, just me.
🎶 Oh, summer, summer reads 🎶
But do they make me feel fine? Well, honestly, no. It's not that they don't make me feel fine, I just don't register them at all when picking a new read. There's lists a plenty whenever a new season/event/holiday period arrives. I'll often check out lists of Christmas reads, definitely hit the Pride lists like a boss, maybe even a Halloween list or two. But beach reads just don't appeal.
Maybe I associate them with chick-lit (nothing wrong with chick-lit if that's your jam, I read enough Queer Romance that is probably the equivalent). Maybe it's because although I love a holiday near the sea I don't really have a 'beach holiday'. No lounging on a beach towel, sipping cocktails and getting a tan for me.
Lists for Queer 🎵 Summer Reads 🎵 do exist. A quick Google search provided half a dozen of them. So why do they not register on my radar? I actively search out Christmas/Winter stories in December, so why not Summer stories come July?
Maybe it's because I don't write them. Or I don't write what I expect them to be. No sun, sea, and sand. No budgie smugglers or pina coladas (and they always start me off on a different song).
I have written a novella set around Midsummer, which is the first day of summer, so I guess that counts.
“Come and honour the Oak King.”
The countdown to the company solstice picnic is one of Shawn’s favourite times of the year. The scents of sage, mint, basil, sunflower, and lavender fill the air as the workshop mixes up the final batch of Litha, their solstice soap. It’s celebration time! This year, Shawn has an extra spring in his step, and it’s all for the new buyer, Tim. Shawn’s fine having a crush on the gorgeous new straight guy. Until he isn’t.
As the clock ticks down to Picnic-Day, Shawn’s confidence and Tim’s sexuality become mired in doubt and second guesses. It’s a minefield of embarrassed glances and missed opportunities. Seems like they’ll never get together…
To cap it all, Shawn’s drawn Tim in the secret solstice gifting. What to get for the quiet man who turns Shawn’s legs to jelly and has the best underwear hanging from the washing line in his garden? And will that tempting rainbow of colour be forever seared onto Shawn’s brain?
Release Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway: The Stablemaster's Heart By Sarah Honey
Tales of Lilleforth, Book 2
Mother Jones has spent his life working hard, running the royal stables at Lilleforth, and watching on fondly as those around him fall in love and lust.
But nobody, man or woman, has ever stoked that fire for him—right until the new royal groom barrels into his life. Vasily is all sunshine smiles, golden hair and laughter. For the first time, Mother finds himself attracted to someone, and he can’t help wondering what it might be like to court—and bed—his handsome new groom.
But Mother is over thirty, rough around the edges, and hardly a catch.
Vasily couldn’t possibly return his affections—could he?
Vasily Petrov, the fourth son of the king of Koroslova, is travelling incognito for a year. In Koroslova the old ways are the only ways, and a man being attracted to another man is unthinkable—especially if you're a prince. But in Lilleforth, Vasily has the chance to spread his wings and explore the side of himself that he can no longer deny, and he intends to make the most of it.
Except, he’s falling for his stablemaster—and worse, Mother doesn’t know he’s a prince, and Vasily doesn’t know how to tell him. And the longer he waits, the more he fears losing what they have when the truth comes out.
Ollie squealed and jumped backward as a tiny creature spilled out of a split in the side of an old mattress, disturbed by the bed frame that had been thrown atop it.
Mother Jones laughed, entertained by the sight of his lanky stable lad leaping a foot in the air like a scandalised maiden. “They’re only tiny, lad! Don’t tell me you’re afraid of a mouse ?”
Ollie wiped his hands down the front of his shirt and jutted his chin out. “No! I see them all the time in the stables. I was just surprised, that’s all. Who expects mattress mice?” He stepped close to the cart and, as if to show he wasn’t afraid, shoved the bed frame more firmly into place on top of the mattress. No more mice emerged, and he let out a sigh of relief. “That’s the last of it then?”
“Yes, lad. Now we just have to finish cleaning before the new groom arrives.”
“When does he get here? Who is he? Do you know him?”
“Day after tomorrow, and no, I haven’t met him. Chancell— Prince Consort Mattias hired him, and he comes from Koroslova. That’s all I know.” Mother put his hands on his hips and turned his face up to the sun, stretching out his back. The cottage had been vacant since its previous occupant, Felix—Prince Consort Felix of Lilleforth, now—had abandoned it to go and stay in the castle with his lover the king, and it had taken Mother and Ollie most of the day to set it to rights. They’d wiped away cobwebs, removed the thick layer of dust that had coated every surface, scrubbed the kitchen clean, and taken out the old furniture, which Prince Felix had declared not up to standard. He’d been particularly insistent that the bed be replaced.
Apparently, it squeaked.
Ollie rubbed a forearm across his forehead, leaving a streak of dirt behind. He really had worked hard. He always worked hard, and Mother made a note to give him a day off once the new groom arrived. He was just about to send Ollie off for some hot water and a stiff bristled brush for the floors when Ollie’s eyes widened. He straightened up and gasped out, “Your Highness!”
Mother turned and found Prince Felix sauntering towards them, his hands shoved into the pockets of an oversized coat. Underneath the coat, Felix was wearing an embroidered peacock blue doublet and fitted trousers, and he looked every inch a prince, which led Mother to suspect that perhaps he wasn’t meant to be here.
“Sire,” he said, ducking his head in a slight bow.
“Don’t call me that,” Felix said. “I’m still just Felix.”
“That might be so, but you’re also the prince consort. And that carries a title, sire.”
Felix wrinkled his nose, but his expression brightened when he saw the cart full of old furniture ready to be hauled away. “So, you’re done then?”
“Almost. Just the floors and a last clean through.”
Felix wandered over and stuck his head in the cottage door. “It looks good. When does the new man arrive?”
“Day after tomorrow, sire. Prince Consort Mattias chose him, so I’m sure he’s good at what he does.”
“Either that, or he’s a total disaster and Matty hired the lad to help him out, but hopefully he’s actually competent.” Felix’s voice held the hint of a smile, and Mother couldn’t deny that there was truth to what he was saying. The former chancellor was known for hiring people who needed help escaping a bad situation, although they usually turned out to be excellent at their jobs. He hoped that was the case here, because he could certainly use the help, having taken on the duties of caring for the royal mounts when Felix had moved to the castle. It occurred to Mother that this new groom would be the last person Mattias appointed before he moved to Evergreen with his new wife, the Princess Sophia.
It also occurred to him that today was the day of the farewell luncheon.
He cocked an eyebrow at Felix. “Speaking of which, isn’t there an occasion that you’re meant to be attending, Highness?”
Felix’s brow furrowed again. “It’s not fair,” he grumbled, scuffing at the ground and dirtying the toes of his dress boots. “We avoided all the bollocks with our wedding by having a handfasting, but it turns out I still have to observe the etiquette of being a prince because apparently, it’s a diplomatic faux pas not to have a big farewell for Sophia and Matty. I’ve had to be polite to guests for a week .”
“Well, you did marry the king,” Mother reminded him gently.
Enter the Giveaway:
To celebrate the release of The Stablemaster's Heart, Sarah is giving away e-copies of The King's Delight. Three winners will be chosen!!
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Check out Book 1 in the Tales of Lilleforth: The King's Delight
King Leopold of Lilleforth rules his kingdom well. He’s handsome, intelligent, and charming. It’s no wonder the neighbouring kingdoms are eager to provide him with a princess to marry. There’s just one problem—Leo has no interest in princesses. His tastes tend more towards handsome young men who enjoy a good spanking.
Felix Hobson left the kingdom of Lilleforth as a teenager to train as a groom. While he was away he learned a lot, and not all of it had to do with horses—although riding crops were definitely involved. Now an adult, Felix is home to take up the position of royal groom, where he hopes he'll have plenty of opportunities for a roll in the hay.
When Felix mistakes Leopold for a horse thief and attempts to seduce him, Leopold is delighted by the irreverent, attractive lad, and sparks fly. Their arrangement is all fun and games, right until they both fall hard and fast. But while what they have together is a delight, there’s no way it can last—can it?
They’ll have to navigate a visiting princess, an assassination attempt, and a kidnapping if they want a chance to find out.
Sarah started life in New Zealand. She came to Australia for a working holiday, loved it, and never left. She lives in Western Australia with her partner, two cats, two dogs and a life-size replica TARDIS.
She spends half her time at a day job and the rest of her time reading and writing about clueless men falling in love, with a dash of humour and spice thrown in along the way.
Her proudest achievements include having adult kids who will still be seen with her in public, the ability to make a decent sourdough loaf, and knowing all the words to Bohemian Rhapsody.
She has co-authored both the Bad Boyfriends, Inc and the Adventures in Aguillon series with Lisa Henry. Socially Orcward, the third book in the Aguillon series, was runner up in the Best Asexual Book category in 2021's Rainbow Awards.
Release Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway: Dead Serious Case #3 Mr Bruce Reyes By Vawn Cassidy
Crawshank's Guide to the Recently Departed, Book 3
Tristan Everett was finally getting used to the strangeness that was his life. Being able to see the dead and helping them solve their unfinished business and cross into the light wasn’t so bad after all, especially when he was accompanied by his best friend, dead drag queen Dusty Le Frey. His boyfriend, sexy Scotland Yard detective Danny Hayes, now knew the truth about Tristan’s “gift,” and they were about to move in together officially.
Life was good.
That is until Death—honest to god, Death (aka The Grim Reaper)—pitches up in Tristan’s kitchen with an unusual request: stop Dusty’s ghostly hookup Bruce from crossing into the light, which may result in dire consequences. i.e an accidental apocalypse.
Determined to do the exact opposite, and avoid potentially the end of the world, Tristan and Danny assemble their own ragtag gang of one prickly witch, one snarky psychic private investigator, one living drag queen with an affinity for feathers, and one dead one with an affinity for a deceased rugby player in tiny shorts. Together they must solve a forty-year old cold case, while juggling a dose of the flu, a broken leg, a supernatural storm, and an immortal death deity with the looks and temperament of a sexy but grouchy CEO.
“I don’t like leaving you while you’re this sick though.” Danny frowns again. “Maybe I should call Chan? I’m sure she wouldn’t mind keeping an eye on you until I get home.”
For a moment I almost say yes. The thought of Chan keeping me company if Danny can’t be here is very appealing. God, when did I get so needy? I’ve spent years on my own, having to take care of not only my dad but myself.
A resigned sigh escapes my lips. “Danny, I’m sick, not six. I don’t need a babysitter,” I say reluctantly. “Besides, she’s been rehearsing all week for her new number at The Rainbow Room, and as much as she loves me, I can’t imagine she’ll be happy if she catches the flu from me the day before opening night.”
“Fine,” he huffs. “But you’ll call me if you need anything? I can pop home during my lunch break.”
“No, don’t,” I croak, listening to the howl of the wind and the constant downpour outside the bedroom window. “It’s probably not a good idea to go out in the storm any more than you have to.”
“I’m going to get you some water and some paracetamol. Do you want me to make you a cup of tea before I go?”
“’Kay.” My eyes close.
The bed jiggles again as Danny stands, his footsteps echoing as he crosses the room. Gathering up what little strength I have, I push myself up and flop unceremoniously onto my back, reaching out with one hand and fumbling on the bedside table for the box of tissues.
There’s a loud clatter, causing me to open my eyes as I knock the lamp over and several items, probably including my glasses, tumble to the floor. Feeling my fingers graze the cardboard box, I grasp hold of it and pull it over.
A quiet whine of misery escapes my mouth as the change of position shifts the pressure in my sinuses. Giving up on trying to actually blow my nose, I settle for jamming a tissue up each nostril to stem the constant drip.
Leaving the tissue box sitting on my chest, my hand flops back onto the bed and I lay diagonally across the mattress like a starfish. My eyes drift closed again, and I feel the flutter of the tissues “against my top lip while my mouth hangs open so I can breathe.
Danny re-enters the room. As always, he has impeccable timing. “You have never looked more sexy.”
Enter the Giveaway:
To celebrate the release of Dead Serious 3, Vawn is giving away a signed paperback of the winner's choice from the Crawshanks Guide to the Recently Deceased Series!
Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!
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Go back to where it all began with Crawshank's Guide to the Recently Departed, Book 1
Tristan Everett had always preferred the company of the dead because they were quiet and didn’t talk back. As a slightly awkward introvert working as a pathologist at the Hackney Public Mortuary suited him just fine. That is, until a freak accident with a rogue ice cube and suddenly he can see ghosts. No longer content to just lie on the table and let him figure out how they died, they’re now peering over his shoulder critiquing his work and confessing their most lascivious sins before skipping off merrily into the afterlife.
Suddenly Tristan finds himself thrown into a world of sequins and fake eyelashes, and worse still, he may have developed a crush on Scotland Yard’s brand new drool-worthy detective, Inspector Danny Hayes, who's been assigned to Dusty’s murder. Oh, and the killer now wants him dead too...
All he ever wanted was a simple life but suddenly he’s juggling work, a deliciously sexy detective, a stubborn ghost and a relentless murderer... and things have just gotten dead serious….
Vawn Cassidy is an MM author living in the UK. She’s often known for her world building skills and sense of humor. She loves to write in different genres and has penned contemporary romance, paranormal mystery/romance and dark historical with a supernatural twist.
You can sign up to her mailing list by visiting her website, she can also be found on social media.
For years, I've lived by one rule: Don't Mess With The Ex.
Blurb
For years, I've lived by one simple rule: Don't Mess With The Ex.
It was an easy rule to follow when Laurence Kensington III was on the other side of the country.
Now that he's shown up out of the blue to tell me we're still married? Not so much.
I followed my heart into a whirlwind romance with him once, and it ended in a heart-breaking annulment. Or at least, I thought it did. I don't know what to think of the news we're still hitched.
I've vowed to never be so impulsive or reckless again. But when he brings me a proposal that will help me achieve my dreams for Granville *and* refuse his entitled family something they want, I'm once more put to the test.
Laurie is as handsome as I remember, and so damn tempting. His sweet gestures, generous spirit, and open heart make it a challenge to stick to my rule.
But then, maybe messing with the ex wouldn't be all bad. Maybe it's time to write new rules.
Is it really so wrong to follow my heart if my heart was right all along?
Don't Mess With The Ex is Book 2 of Rules We Break, set in the small, quirky town of Granville, where nosy residents meddle in one another's lives, great friendships are made, and silly innuendos are a way of life.
My Two Pennies' Worth
I love a trip to Granville. If you've been keeping up with the series and connected series Tucker is Garrett's friend and Hunter's colleague. Tucker has a secret. 20 years ago he got married and then just as quickly an annulment. Or did he?
Lovely fake relationship story with a second chance romance and mutual pining. I like an older couple and Tucker and Laurie are both in their 40s.
Highly recommended
Excerpt
When Laurie and I got married the first time, it had been a speedy elopement at a courthouse. I hadn’t cared, beyond a flicker of guilt that my mother would be disappointed. I’d never been one to want a lot of fanfare. But seeing everyone come together for us—everyone believing in us—made my stomach flip with a mix of nerves and excitement.
Laurie and I are just beginning to get to know each other again, I reminded myself. All of this is a performance.
But it didn’t feel that way, especially when my mother stood and raised a plastic glass filled with champagne. “To Tucker and Laurie! I’m so glad you boys have found your way back to each other. I don’t have to tell you to treasure each day together after nearly twenty years apart.”
LeRoy called from the crowd, “Imagine the fun of making up for all that lost time though!”
Everyone laughed, and I turned toward Laurie, a joke poised on my lips. The words evaporated and my heart nearly stopped at the sight of him.
The man’s smile was fucking magic, his eyes glowing with promise. This wedding reception might be for show, but I hoped we’d be enjoying a hell of a wedding night anyway, because I was done fighting this pull between us.
My mother scolded us playfully. “I know I don’t have to tell you two to never get married in secret again,” she said, wagging a playful finger at us. “You’re just lucky Laurie is such a delight, or I’d really be in a tizzy.”
“She was in a total tizzy,” my dad called out. “Don’t let her fool you! I heard about it for a solid week!”
My mother waved him off, wrapping up the speech with something a little more heartfelt. “I’m so happy to be able to celebrate this night with you, Tucker. And you too, Laurie. I’m so happy to witness this new chapter for the both of you and to see you looking so happy.” She lifted her cup again. “Let’s all drink to the next twenty years that Tucker and Laurie will spend side by side as true partners. I know you two are taking it a day at a time, and that’s good. It’s how all the best marriages work. I have no doubt, seeing you together like this, that you’ve got a very happy life ahead.”
We all dutifully sipped our champagne. The ringing of a bell sounded, followed by the chant of “Kiss kiss kiss.”
Well, hell, I wanted to kiss him anyway. I wanted to kiss him every minute of every day. I always had, since the very first moment I saw him on Hunter’s lawn, but now I could finally give in to the craving.
I leaned in, brushing his lips with mine—and even with the whole room watching—sparks shot through me and I had to fight the desire to deepen the kiss. Laurie caressed my jaw, his touch so loving and sensual I wanted to drag him beneath the table right here.
“Awww,” my sister crooned, rudely interrupting our moment. “Aren’t you two just sickening?”
I pulled away with a little laugh and shot her a mock glare. “Jealous?”
She glanced at Laurie. “Well, to be honest, a little. Laurie is one fine man.”
“Hey!” Her husband, Rusty, wrapped a possessive arm around her waist. “Maybe we’ve been together all fifteen years of our marriage, but don’t even think about trading me in for a flashier model.”
She turned a killer grin on him. “Just making sure you appreciate me.”
“I could help with that.” Wes Potter strolled up, a flirtatious smile on his handsome face. He usually wore grass-stained jeans and faded T-shirts, but he’d cleaned up fucking nice in a suit that molded to his muscled arms and chest. “Care to dance, Julie?”
His stepbrother, Beckett, was a step behind him, a scowl on his cute, freckled face. “Don’t the grooms get the first dance?”
Wes turned with a shit-eating grin. “My bad. Laurie, care to dance?”
Laurie tilted his head, gaze panning up and down Wes’s fine form, while Beckett looked skyward and shook his head, as if he was not the least bit surprised by Wes’s shit-stirring.
“Don’t even think about it,” I practically growled as I pushed my chair back and grabbed Laurie’s hand. “He’s dancing with me.”
Laurie chuckled good-naturedly, allowing me to drag him around the table. “I’ll have to send Wes a thank-you card.”
“For inviting you to dance?” I asked in disbelief.
“No,” he said, smiling up at me as we took our position on the dance floor. “For making you jealous enough to go all caveman on me.”
“Shit, sorry,” I said, glancing around self-consciously. “I might have let all this go to my head.”
Laurie took hold of my jaw, guiding my gaze back to him. “All of this?”
“The celebrating, the toasts, the congratulations. It feels…”
“Real?”
I nodded.
Laurie leaned in to brush a kiss to my cheek. “For me, it is.”
“Laurie…”
He wrapped his arms around my neck, pressing close, and spoke in my ear. “No, listen. I know we’re starting over and you’re not ready to make any promises. But we didn’t get this the first time, and…maybe we deserve to enjoy it. Just a little? What do you think?”
I gazed into his eyes, full of love for me. Full of understanding too. I was still a little afraid, taking this step, but Laurie knew where I stood. He accepted me and my reservations gracefully, just as he’d accepted my rejection, as flimsy as it was.
Every step of the way, Laurie took me as I was, I realized, and was grateful for whatever I offered.
And it was time I offered honesty. He deserved that much.
“Let’s enjoy it,” I agreed, dipping my head to kiss him. “I want to enjoy every moment we have together from now on.”
“Good, then go fucking caveman over me anytime you feel the urge,” he said, eyes hot. “Don’t hold back anymore. Please.”
The note of desperation in that plea nearly did me in. The reception was far from over, and all I wanted was to get this man alone and finally relearn the lean, gorgeous body that I’d once known so well.
About the Author
DJ Jamison writes romances about everyday life and extraordinary love featuring a variety of queer characters, from gay to bisexual to asexual. DJ grew up in the Midwest in a working-class family, and those influences can be found in her writing through characters coping with real-life problems: money troubles, workplace drama, family conflicts and, of course, falling in love. DJ spent more than a decade in the newspaper industry before chasing her first dream to write fiction. She spent a lifetime reading before that and continues to avidly devour her fellow authors’ books each night. She lives in Kansas with her husband, two sons, one snake, and a sadistic cat named Birdie.
Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Hex and the City By Nazri Noor
Stolen Hearts, Book 1
Leon Alcantara is a real son of a witch.
The last in a proud line of witches, he’s come to test his small magic in the big city. Stealing enchanted artifacts pays the rent, but the competition is fierce. And handsome. And great at magic, too.
But Maximilian Drake and his dark, brooding glances are the least of Leon’s problems. A chain of anomalies surges through the city, strange distortions in reality that threaten both Dos Lunas and its people.
Suspected by the arcane authorities, Leon is forced to work with his nemesis to clear his name. But Max is so secretive over his shrouded past. Can he even be trusted? Leon must decide before the anomalies destroy the city — and his entire life.
“You,” he growled, panting as he clutched the edge of the doorframe.
“Me,” I replied, fingers somehow tangled in a bra strap. “Hi. Don’t be mad.”
He roared as he charged toward me. I panicked, vaulted over the bed, the two of us separated by the exact width of a California king.
I held up my hands. “Whoa, now, tiger. It’s okay. We can work together on this, you and me.”
“Like hell we are,” he snarled, jabbing his finger at me. “I’m not teaming up with someone who plays cowardly tricks the way you do.”
I cocked my hip to the side and stroked my chin. “I mean, you were the one screaming your head off not two minutes ago. Technically, sir, you’re the coward, here.”
The man lunged toward the mattress, his teeth bared. I yelped, skirting around the edge of the bed, aiming for the exit. He swerved immediately, never committing to scrambling over the bed. It was just a feint. He bolted at me like a stampeding rhino, so much faster than I expected him to be.
Huge hands grabbed me by the ends of my jacket. I let out a squeak, rallied what was left of my audacity — plenty to spare, in truth — and gave him my brightest smile.
“Hey, handsome,” I purred, horrified and yet delighted to see him again. Maybe I was horrified about being so delighted in the first place. I couldn’t help myself, my impulse to tease severely overriding my drive for self-preservation.
“No more of your little party tricks,” he said, his gaze piercing and steely. “Whatever you did to my brain — no more of that nonsense.”
My cheeks hitched. I knew that my smile reached my eyes. I really couldn’t help it. Being flirtatious came so naturally to me.
Did I say flirtatious? I meant playful. Yeah. Playful worked, too.
“I have other, more pleasant spells I could use on you, you know,” I told him. “At least now we both know you’re a screamer.”
I winked. The man exhaled softly, but sharply, the tiniest snort of annoyance. It was so easy to get a rise out of him, and somehow, in a somewhat frustrating way, he looked even handsomer in his anger. If he asked gruffly enough, if he batted those grim yet sad eyes, I’d probably hand the goods over.
“Hand over the goods,” he growled. My eyes widened. Wow. He was totally on-script. Incredibly sexy, too, the way his voice rasped around that very respectable threat.
“So sorry,” I told him. “But I really, really need this gig. If I turn this in, I get to pay rent, put food on the table. Maybe save up for a nicer pair of shoes.”
He cocked an eyebrow, his gaze shifting slowly down to look at my sneakers. I grinned, then planted the sole of my shoe square in his chest, kicking with all my might.
The man grunted as he stumbled backward, too big and strong for me to topple over. I turned tail and ran like hell, nervous, terrified giggling bubbling up from my belly.
Not three feet out the doorway, a heavy weight slammed into my back, knocking the air out of my lungs and my scrawny ass onto the floor. Face first, too. Ouch. I groaned, totally winded, the carpet imprinting on my cheek. Gross. I chuckled, or at least I tried to.
“You going to cuff me, big boy?”
“I’m not one of the Masques, if that’s what you’re asking.” He rolled me onto my back, his face dark with fury, the full weight of him pinning me to the ground as he straddled me with his hips. No cuffs, but still kinky. “I’m a finder, like you,” he continued. “Except I’m not as sloppy.”
Something inside me twitched with defiance, even more so when his hands came down to pin my wrists to the floor. I couldn’t help myself. “Excuse me. Sloppy?”
“You left the door open and unlocked when you came into the house. Based on our conversation downstairs, you didn’t even know the Smiths were out of town.” He allowed himself a smug grin. “And possibly most embarrassing of all, you sneezed. That was how I found you.”
I glowered. “And exactly how was I supposed to hold that sneeze back?” I bucked against him, suddenly angry. “It’s a perfectly natural bodily function.”
He bent lower, powerful thighs pressing tightly around my hips. I gulped and stopped struggling, worried about my other perfectly natural bodily functions.
Enter the Giveaway:
To celebrate the release of Hex in the City, Nazri is giving 3 e-copies of the release!
Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!
Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cc0f2a57720/?
About the Author:
Nazri Noor is a California-based author of Filipino and Malaysian descent. He can curse fluently in three languages, but only writes in English. He also speaks just enough Sindarin and Valyrian to impress absolutely no one. Nazri loves writing urban fantasy heroes who use wits, style, and their wildly unpredictable magic to save the day. They often fall in love, too.
Audiobook also available on Audible, Amazon, and Apple
Blurb
It’s Blair Brawsiski’s ride or die year. After a decade in the AHL, if he doesn’t get called up to the NHL this season, it’s time to hang up his skates and focus on other things. But between a second job and family priorities, his attention isn’t where it should be, and his dreams of making it to the big leagues are dwindling by the day.
Hiring a personal assistant to help out with day-to-day stuff? Probably the smartest move Blair’s made in a while.
But when that PA turns out to be an assertive baker who’s exactly Blair’s type? Blair can’t help but wish those dexterous hands would knead something other than pastry dough. Namely, him.
Charlie Shore needs extra income. Desperately. With his expenses about to go up, it’s find a second job or get evicted. Getting hired as Blair’s PA is perfect: flexible hours, decent wages, and a scorching hot professional hockey player who’s willing to let him use his gorgeous kitchen for his baked goods.
Too bad that hockey player is exactly Charlie’s type. Too bad Charlie knows better than to date his new boss…
My Two Pennies Worth
Gorgeous. A sweet low angst romance.
I loved Blair, he's such a sweetheart. Far too nice for his own good, though. He really needed to grow a backbone where his family was concerned.
Can definitely be read as a standalone. I haven't read book 2 & that didn't affect my enjoyment of this book. Although the couple from book one are in this so I am curious about their story.
Recommended.
Excerpt
“Charlie?”
The man on his porch turned and . . . oh. Okay. Charlie being Coach Shore’s cousin, Blair had expected him to look like Coach: big, burly, and bearded. But Charlie was short, slim, and clean-shaven. He wore a wool coat in a colour that was somewhere between ivory and tan, a dark green scarf, and a matching toque with a grey pompom. Dark blond hair peaked out the bottom of the hat.
He looked like an ethereal fairy from another realm.
Of course he was exactly Blair’s type, all cute and rosy-cheeked and elfin.
Blair let out a rueful laugh under his breath. As if he had time for dating with everything else going on in his life. Jen and Jerry would be married before Blair found a minute of free time.
“Charlie?” he asked again, holding out a hand as he crested the porch’s top step. “I’m so sorry I’m late.”
“No biggie.” Charlie’s smile was wide and genuine despite Blair’s tardiness, and it triggered something loose in Blair’s brain.
Hand still in Charlie’s, he said, “Have we met before? You look familiar.”
“No,” Charlie said with a conviction that had Blair questioning himself. “But we’ve probably been to several of the same functions, most recently the pre-season barbecue at Coach Epps’ place. I work for the organization.”
“No kidding. Doing what?”
“I’m the baker for our NHL team. I make pastries for team breakfast, breads for sandwiches for lunch, and whatever else the head chef might need. Dinner rolls, desserts, that sort of thing.”
Now Blair recognized him. There were only a few times a year when the entire organization got together: the pre-season barbecue, the holiday party, and the end-of-season barbecue. But when you put the entire AHL and NHL teams in a room, along with coaches, management, and office and support staff as well as significant others and children, it made for close to two hundred people. And with Blair missing half of those due to other commitments in the ten years he’d been with the Orcas, it was no wonder he hadn’t officially met Charlie. Plus, not being a social creature meant that introducing himself to a crowd of strangers one by one was basically his version of a living nightmare.
He did remember once seeing Charlie from across the yard at one of the barbecues and wondering who the cutie with the smile that radiated warmth was. By the time Blair had set his plate down and turned back to make his way toward the man, Charlie had vanished.
And now here he was, on Blair’s doorstep.
What was he doing here if he already had a job, though? “Are you . . . seeking a new career direction?”
“No,” Charlie said with a quiet laugh. “Just a second job.” He cocked his head, and he might’ve looked guileless if there hadn’t been a hint of humour in his brown eyes. “Can I have my hand back?”
“Right.” Blair snatched his hand away, embarrassment tingling across the back of his neck. “Sorry. Uh. Come on in.”
About the Author
Amy’s lived with her head in the clouds since she first picked up a book as a child, and being fluent in two languages means she’s read a lot of books! She first picked up a pen on a rainy day in fourth grade when her class had to stay inside for recess. Tales of treasure hunts with her classmates eventually morphed into love stories between men, and she’s been writing ever since. She writes evenings and weekends—or whenever she isn’t at her full-time day job saving the planet at Canada’s largest environmental non-profit.
An unapologetic introvert, Amy reads too much and socializes too little, with no regrets. She loves connecting with readers. Join her Facebook Group to stay up-to-date on upcoming releases and for access to early teasers, find her on Instagram, or sign up for her infrequent newsletter.
Signs Of Love Series Special Cover Reveal & Giveaway: Pisces Hooks Taurus By Anyta Sunday
Signs of Love, Book 4
Pisces Hooks Taurus. He just doesn’t know it yet.
Zane Penn—creative, romantic Pisces—has it all planned out: he’ll land the perfect Meet Cute, fall in love, get married and live happily ever after. And he’ll do it all before his visa runs out.
Beckett Fisher—patient, down-to-earth Taurus—doesn’t believe in Love At First Sight. Or Happily Ever After. Or Zane’s grand plan, apparently.
Well, that just won’t do. Time to show the beautiful, princely professor that it can happen. Time to give him the bromance of a lifetime. . . .
. . . Time to ask why this feels like more than bromance.
Dreamy Pisces will need a devoted Taurus to figure these new feelings out.
"Pisces Hooks Taurus" is an opposites attract, marriage of convenience, slow burn MM romance with a sweet HEA. This New Adult, age gap, friends-to-lovers novel is the fourth book in the Signs of Love series.
A bit about me: I'm a big, BIG fan of slow-burn romances. I love to read and write stories with characters who slowly fall in love.
Some of my favorite tropes to read and write are: Enemies to Lovers, Friends to Lovers, Clueless Guys, Bisexual, Pansexual, Demisexual, Oblivious MCs, Everyone (Else) Can See It, Slow Burn, Love Has No Boundaries.
I write a variety of stories, Contemporary MM Romances with a good dollop of angst, Contemporary lighthearted MM Romances, and even a splash of fantasy. My books have been translated into German, Italian, French, Spanish, and Thai.
Audio Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Baxter's Right-Hand Man By Lane Hayes
Narrated by Nick J. Russo
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.
“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.
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!
Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cc0f2a57706/?
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.
