Monday, April 29, 2019

New Release & Giveaway: WOUNDED SOUL by Annabelle Jacobs



Buy Links


Exclusive to Amazon and Available to Borrow with Kindle Unlimited

Length: 89,000 words approx.
Cover Design: Garrett Leigh @ Black Jazz Design


Blurb

One night can change everything…

Jesse Sykes has lived far longer than his youthful appearance suggests. Becoming a vampire after tragedy struck seemed the only option when his soul was shattered, after all he’s no stranger to having to hide what he is from the rest of the world. But eternal life isn’t without problems or heartache.

With a good job and great friends, Ian Moreton’s life would be almost perfect—if only he wasn’t in love with his best friend. His feelings are unrequited, and in an effort to move on, he takes a chance on a one-night stand with the handsome stranger he meets in a bar.

Jesse knows the risks of becoming attached to a human, but with neither of them looking for anything serious, where’s the harm? At least, that’s what Jesse thinks until his chemistry with Ian proves off the charts.

A second hook-up solidifies their connection…and brings Jesse to his senses. He scrambles to protect Ian from danger, but it’s already too late. With Ian unwittingly drawn into a world he knows nothing about, events are set in motion that will change both of their lives forever, and it’s up to Jesse to steer them safely through it.


About the Author


Annabelle Jacobs lives in the South West of England with three rowdy children, and two cats. An avid reader of fantasy herself for many years, Annabelle now spends her days writing her own stories. They're usually either fantasy or paranormal fiction, because she loves building worlds filled with magical creatures, and creating stories full of action and adventure. Her characters may have a tough time of it—fighting enemies and adversity—but they always find love in the end.




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Friday, April 26, 2019

Review & Giveaway: LIVING ON A DARE by Grace Kilian Delaney (A Shore Thing Novel)



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Exclusive to Amazon and Available to Borrow with Kindle Unlimited

Length: 170 pages
Cover Design: AngstyG

Blurb

Stuntman Draven O’Connor never turns down a dare—even if it means getting down on one knee to propose to his former college roommate and friend. The same man he’s been crushing on since the first day they met. The same man that has grown distant over the past year. And the same man who just agreed to be his fiancé.

Julien Bouchard is tired of living a lie. He spent the past year exploring his sexuality in secret, enduring countless dates with women to appease his mother, and dodging his best friend, Draven, who knows everything there is to know about him, except the one thing that could change their friendship. Ready to face his friend, he meets him at a bar and is greeted by an unexpected marriage proposal. The dare isn’t surprising; it’s the scorching hot kiss that sends Julien’s head and heart in a tailspin—and gives him an idea for the perfect plan.

But perfect plans are never go according to plan, and news of their fake engagement spreads to their families as fast as a wildfire, forcing them to confront their true feelings about each other and hope they don’t get burned.


Carra's Review

So, this story has me a bit on the fence.  This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and the writing style suited me just fine—the story flowed well, I enjoyed both Draven and Julien’s characters, and I love the friends-to-lovers trope.  There were some strong supporting characters as well, ones who sparked enough interest that I’d be interested in their stories too (Quinn, Julien’s brother, was particularly amazing).

Even though I liked the main characters, Julien did frustrate me at times.  First with his reticence in admitting his sexuality to Draven (especially after what happens in their first scene together once Draven pops the question), then with his interactions with his parents—his mother in particular.  And talk about frustrating—Julien’s mother made me want to get right up in her face to put her in her place since Julien couldn’t seem to fully unleash to do it himself.

There’s no question about the chemistry between Julien and Draven, and there are plenty of intimate scenes to illustrate.  It’s not just all physical between them though, they’re solid emotionally too.  The only major angst point really comes when Julien gets a dream job offer that would put the two of them on opposite coasts…which brings up my fence-sitting point.  

The last part of the story with the events that happen after the job offer felt like they were constructed to quickly insert drama to pull Draven and Julien apart and then put them back together again.  It didn’t feel true to the rest of the story for me, and left me feeling somewhat off-balance.  Am I happy with the way things finally ended up?  For the most part, yes.  I just wasn’t a fan of the devices used to get there.


Overall, Living on a Dare wound up being a 3.5-star read for me, and is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.  Quinn gets a story next, and I will most likely be checking it out since I really liked his character here. 


Author Bio

Grace Kilian Delaney is a LGBT writer, musician, animal lover, and author of the sweet and sexy bisexual romance Living on a Dare: A Shore Thing Novel. She spends her free time performing kitchen concerts to an audience of her two cats and a dog and loves long beach runs. Her previous books include Seven Minutes (Dreamspinner Press) and Waking Oisin (NineStar Press).


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New Release-Excerpt & Giveaway: DON'T FIGHT THE SPARK by Kasia Bacon (Soldiers and Mercenaries #1 - The Order Universe)


Don’t Fight The Spark 
by Kasia Bacon

Series: Soldiers and Mercenaries #1 (The Order Universe)
Release Date: April 26, 2019
Subgenre: M/M Fantasy Romance

Purchase Links





Author blurbs about Don’t Fight the Spark

“An irresistible gem of a love story. In just six short chapters, Kasia Bacon delivers all the goods: an adorably mismatched couple to root for, a seductive and dangerous fantasy world, and more than a spark of wit and charm. Read at your own risk: the second you finish, you’ll be afflicted with grabby-hands for Book Two.”
—J.C. Lillis, author of HOW TO REPAIR A MECHANICAL HEART and A&B  

“Bacon delivers a jewel box world of magic and true-lovers with a yaoi-manga aesthetic so vivid that I can practically see the screen tone.” 
—Nicole Kimberling, author of Sea of Stars  

Synopsis

As the Light Festival draws near, the Něssyrians craft paper lanterns, awaiting the most important holiday of the year. 

The Lyliňg Fighting House, too, prepares for celebration—by laying fresh sand onto the arena and setting up a match against their top pit fighter, the unrivalled Yüuzuki Ōren.

His last match. One he can’t win.

With the odds more than stacked against him, the gorgeous Barbarian is as good as dead. Unless his lover, healer Ĥaiatto Ẽkana, proves himself every bit as determined as he is clever and finds a way to protect the man he'd stop at nothing to save.



Excerpt

       “Are you wishing on a star, Yüu?” I perched on his chair and moved in to extract the empty crystal from his grasp. I replaced it with my fingers, lacing them around his.  

   His gaze found mine, piercing me with an intent stare as if trying to solve a puzzle. He acted collected, as always, but his golden eyes gleamed with something foreign: resignation and sorrow. “If I could offer a lantern for a blessing bestowed upon me this past year, it would be lit for you,” he said. “I’m thankful for every moment you’ve spent with me. For your every kiss. Every smile you’ve given me.”

The teasing grin died on my lips. I knew what Yüu was doing: exactly what Rhēn had suggested I did. Saying goodbye. Preparing me. Letting go. Giving up on us.

Without realising it, I clutched his hand as if it were a lifeline slipping away from me in deep water.


About the Author


A linguist and an avid reader with a particular fondness for fantasy and paranormal genres, KASIA BACON lives in London with her husband. When not tearing her hair out over a translating project, she writes stories about the shenanigans of emotionally constipated assassins and sexy Elves. Otherwise, she can be found shaking her loins at a Zumba class, binging on anime or admiring throwing knives on Pinterest. She has a mild coffee and lemon tart (gluten free) addiction. A lover of MMA and Muay Thai, she also enjoys nature and the great outdoors. She dreams of becoming independently wealthy, leaving the city and moving into her wooden mini-manor—located in the heart of stunning forests resembling those of the Elven Country depicted in her tales. 




Giveaway!

Win a physical copy of Don’t Fight the Spark or one of two Order Universe-inspired stationary sets.




Thursday, April 25, 2019

Review, Excerpt & Giveaway: COWBOY SEEKS HUSBAND by Leta Blake & Indra Vaughn



Buy Links: 


Length: 94,000 words approx.
Cover Design: Dar Albert


Blurb

Walker Reed's Louisiana cattle ranch is in debt after costly repairs from hurricane damage. To get the money, his family schemes to make Walker the star of a new bachelor reality series: Queer Seeks Spouse. How hard can it be to fake interest in a dozen handsome men for a few weeks in exchange for enough money to solve all of their problems?

Roan Carmichael never got his Masters degree after his mother was diagnosed with cancer. With medical bills piling up, and a costly experimental treatment available, Roan signs on to be a suitor on Queer Seeks Spouse. While he hates having to leave his sick mother long enough to win the cash for her treatment, he's willing to do whatever it takes.

Can two men who are just in it for the money fake their way into real and lasting love? 

Cowboy Seeks Husband, the latest book by Vespertine authors Leta Blake and Indra Vaughn, features a cowboy, a hipster, opposites attract, steamy scenes, and heart tugging moments that will leave you wanting more.


Excerpt

“We’re going what?”

“Noodling.” Walker looked far too calm. And smug. Roan figured this probably heralded danger in brooding southern cowboys.

“And I need these.” Roan held up the waterproof bib overalls.

Walker smirked. He had his arms folded over his chest and was leaning against the doorjamb of the kitchen. Roan had been cornered there by Walker and John while making sour apple tea. “Technically you don’t, but I’m sure you’ll want to wear them.”

Roan narrowed his eyes. “But that means we’re going into the water. I know what lives in your water down here. Alligators. And venomous snakes. I googled.”

“Now, why would you do that?” Walker dramatically slapped his forehead, then leaned in closer as if to share a secret. Roan leaned in too, drawn to Walker’s firm, muscled body and cheerful brown eyes, despite his probable imminent death on this so-called date. “Here’s the thing: gators aren’t that aggressive really. You probably won’t even see one. They want to stay as far away from you as you do from them.”

“Really?”

“No. But it makes it easier to get in the water if you tell yourself that.”

Roan stared at him.

“But, seriously, I’m not scared of the gators, and if there was a real, true danger, you know they wouldn’t let us anywhere near the water.”

Roan swallowed hard. The morning light from the kitchen window highlighted the little wrinkles at the edges of Walker’s eyes. Probably from squinting into fields all day. The man even smelled like fresh-cut grass and fresh air.

“As for the snakes, yeah…well.” Walker shrugged. “You just have to make sure you don’t wander into a nest of moccasins. I’m sure the set nurse has antivenom on hand.”

“Water moccasins. The shoe snakes.”

“They don’t look anything like shoes.”

Roan put the waterproof overalls on the counter. “Oh my God, I’m going to die.”

Walker straightened, and the attractive, teasing grin fell from his face. “Seriously, though, if you don’t want to do it, just say so. I won’t hold it against you.”

“If you say bless your heart, I’ll know exactly what you mean,” Roan grumbled. Walker laughed, and God. He was so damn handsome. Feeling his face heat, Roan looked down at the dry bib overalls. They were pretty thick. Maybe the fabric would stop the snake bites. “Fine, I’ll come.”

“I’m mighty glad.”

“You should be.”

Between the threat of biting critter, the thrill of Walker’s sweet drawl, and the headiness of his eager attention, Roan’s head was a swirl. Leaving his tea behind untasted, he stomped away for some privacy to get changed, ignoring John who said, “That’s got to be the most reluctant acceptance of a date I’ve ever seen. Andy’s going to love it.”


Carra's Review

I’m not a fan of reality TV, especially shows like what this story features.  What’s good about this book is that it highlights what I’m pretty certain really does go on with these types of shows—doing whatever it takes for ratings because ratings=money.  Twist the truth, make things look like they are certain way with “clever” editing, provoke reactions…you know, all that good Hollywood stuff.  Yeah, so very much not my thing.  But the idea of taking a concept like those bachelor shows and making it M/M?  Yep, interest piqued…especially since I have liked what I’ve read from these two authors individually in the past.

This was a bit insta-lovey, and I didn’t quite feel a full connection between the main characters of Roan and Walker.  And where an actual television show would give each of the suitors more or less equal time with the bachelor, here the scenes are heavily weighted towards Walker’s time with Roan.  The heat factor is pretty low for much of the book, though there are a couple of places it can be found.

One of the things that irked me in a big way was one of the producers, Molly.  I just wanted to slap her silly.  Unfeeling, conniving, manipulative to the max, and just an annoying bitch.  Yeah, I think that sums her up.  On the other hand, there was Ben (one of the suitors), who I thought was a sweetheart (even after one indiscretion thanks to Molly), and I hope he’ll be getting a story of his own—though hopefully not in the context of a reality show.


Cowboy Seeks Husband was a good read, and for me comes in at 3.5 stars.  This story is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and some sexual content.


About the Authors

Author of the bestselling book Smoky Mountain Dreams and the fan favorite Training Season, Leta Blake’s educational and professional background is in psychology and finance, respectively. However, her passion has always been for writing. She enjoys crafting romance stories and exploring the psyches of made up people. At home in the Southern U.S., Leta works hard at achieving balance between her day job, her writing, and her family.



After living in Michigan, USA for seven wonderful years, Indra Vaughn returned back to her Belgian roots. There she will continue to consume herbal tea, do yoga wherever the mat fits, and devour books while single parenting a little boy and working as a nurse.




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Wednesday, April 24, 2019

New Release: MONTANA SKY by RJ Scott (Montana #6)-Includes Giveaway!



Buy Links: 


Length: 43,000 words approx.
Cover Design: Meredith Russell

Montana Series


Book #1 - Crooked Tree Ranch - Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link

Book #2 - The Rancher's Son - Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link
Book #3 - A Cowboy's Home - Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link
Book #4 - Snow In Montana - Amazon US - Amazon UK | Universal Link

Book #5 - Second Chance Ranch - Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link 


Blurb

When they spend time alone on a Montana mountainside will Tyler ever convince Martin that like sapphires, love is worth searching for?

Martin’s name was the very last on a kill list. The son of a murderer, he’s had no childhood; lost in a horrific holding pattern of death that turned his heart to stone. Thanks to the man who called him brave and spared his life, he no longer has to look over his shoulder, but he does have one question. Why did Justin let him live?

Tyler Colby has identified a major flaw in the seismic mapping system used to monitor earthquake activity. Sent to Crooked Tree by his employer, the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology, he is tasked with adding a new remote station to the network. The installation should be his entire focus, but the lure of sapphires and his attraction to a heartbroken young man called Martin is enough to make him want more.





About the Author

USA Today bestselling author RJ Scott writes stories with a heart of romance, a troubled road to reach happiness, and most importantly, a happily ever after.

RJ Scott is the author of over one hundred romance books, writing emotional stories of complicated characters, cowboys, millionaire, princes, and the men who get mixed up in their lives. RJ is known for writing books that always end with a happy ever after. She lives just outside London and spends every waking minute she isn’t with family either reading or writing.

The last time she had a week’s break from writing she didn’t like it one little bit, and she has yet to meet a bottle of wine she couldn’t defeat.

She’s always thrilled to hear from readers, bloggers and other writers. Please contact via the links below:






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Tuesday, April 23, 2019

Review, Excerpt & Giveaway: DON'T FIGHT THE SPARK by Kasia Bacon (Soldiers and Mercenaries #1 - The Order Universe)


 Don’t Fight The Spark
by Kasia Bacon

Series: Soldiers and Mercenaries #1 (The Order Universe)
Release Date: April 26, 2019
Subgenre: M/M Fantasy Romance



* The Order Universe short story The Poison Within will be free on ebook during release-week and the tour, April 22-25. The novella is exclusive to Amazon and can be read through Kindle Unlimited or bought through the links below:



Synopsis

As the Light Festival draws near, the Něssyrians craft paper lanterns, awaiting the most important holiday of the year. 

The Lyliňg Fighting House, too, prepares for celebration—by laying fresh sand onto the arena and setting up a match against their top pit fighter, the unrivalled Yüuzuki Ōren.

His last match. One he can’t win.

With the odds more than stacked against him, the gorgeous Barbarian is as good as dead. Unless his lover, healer Ĥaiatto Ẽkana, proves himself every bit as determined as he is clever and finds a way to protect the man he'd stop at nothing to save.


Author blurbs about Don’t Fight the Spark

“An irresistible gem of a love story. In just six short chapters, Kasia Bacon delivers all the goods: an adorably mismatched couple to root for, a seductive and dangerous fantasy world, and more than a spark of wit and charm. Read at your own risk: the second you finish, you’ll be afflicted with grabby-hands for Book Two.”
—J.C. Lillis, author of HOW TO REPAIR A MECHANICAL HEART and A&B  

“Bacon delivers a jewel box world of magic and true-lovers with a yaoi-manga aesthetic so vivid that I can practically see the screen tone.” 
—Nicole Kimberling, author of Sea of Stars  


Excerpt

I trailed a path of feathery kisses down the bridge of his nose and upper lip until my mouth met with Yüu’s equally eager one. Then I latched on with a moan I couldn’t suppress any longer.

Yüu’s kisses were always sweet and gentle to start with. They quickly became testing, inviting more engagement, only to turn bold and shattering in the end. He kissed like he fought: sounding his opponent out, cranking up the challenge, then leaving them breathless, stunned and completely obliterated.

I welcomed every such defeat delivered by his clever tongue, and this time was no different. Hot-cheeked and a tad winded, I forced myself to break the kiss, at last, gratified at Yüu’s growl of protest. “Let me take care of you, love,” I panted into his ear. “All right?” And with that, I pushed him backwards onto the chair.

Showing no signs of resistance, he allowed me to guide him into a half-lying position.

Once I had him situated right where I wanted him, I drew back slightly, pausing to study the ravishing view sprawled in front of me.

Oh yes. I knew and adored the wild look glittering in his golden eyes. That tightly-wound hunger. That unconcealed want. The way he observed me with parted lips, his body coiled in anticipation, turned my blood into liquid fire.

Without stalling anymore, I let my hands wander across his shoulders and chest, avoiding the bruises and trying not to frown at them. I took a brief detour to tease his dark, hard nipples before continuing my unhurried descent south, caressing every single one of his delicious abdominal ripples. By the time I passed his belly button, having arrived at the edge of the cloth covering his groin, the material below tented over a generously sized bulge. Twitching now and again, it taunted me into uncovering it. And in two pulls at the material, I managed to do just that.


Carra's Review

If there’s one thing of which I can be certain when I pick up a short story or novella by this author, it’s that I am going to get a complete story and come to care for the characters—no matter how short the story’s length is.  She is a master at packing a novel’s worth of story into a much shorter medium, and Don’t Fight the Spark is no exception.  Giving us another view into The Order universe, this story focuses on two characters who seem trapped in their positions in one of the fighting houses…which hadn’t been an issue for them.  Until now that is, when the stakes have climbed to a seemingly insurmountable level.

Yüu is an alpha warrior when fighting in the pit, the best at what he does.  His outlook is practical, if resigned, and he is devoted to Ĥaiatto.  Ĥaiatto is a healer, and though he has no magic of his own he is able to use magic stored in objects.  He’s sweet, and though he might not seem strong, he is brave when it comes to the man he loves and he’ll do whatever it takes to keep Yüu safe.  Though Yüu’s fatalistic view of what’s to come irked me just a bit (after all, he’s the big strong warrior, he should be ready to fight, right?), Ĥaiatto’s equally hopeful attempt at securing their future helps to balance things out.

I have to say, I love delving back into The Order universe.  From the start, it has been richly detailed and has continued to evolve and gain depth with every story.  Here we get to see another aspect of the Assassins’ Guild known as The Order, and get some page time with its Grand Master and some other members.

Though I felt a slight sense that the climax of this story was lighter than I was expecting given the grave outlook being pushed in the time leading up to it, the end result was still worth it…but I wouldn’t have minded a closer look at Ĥaiatto and Yüu’s relationship either leading up to where this book started, or at some point later in the future from where the story ended.  Don’t Fight the Spark was a 4.5-star read for me, and is another highly recommended M/M fantasy romance for fans of the genre.  This book is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and some sexual content.


About the Author

A linguist and an avid reader with a particular fondness for fantasy and paranormal genres, KASIA BACON lives in London with her husband. When not tearing her hair out over a translating project, she writes stories about the shenanigans of emotionally constipated assassins and sexy Elves. Otherwise, she can be found shaking her loins at a Zumba class, binging on anime or admiring throwing knives on Pinterest. She has a mild coffee and lemon tart (gluten free) addiction. A lover of MMA and Muay Thai, she also enjoys nature and the great outdoors. She dreams of becoming independently wealthy, leaving the city and moving into her wooden mini-manor—located in the heart of stunning forests resembling those of the Elven Country depicted in her tales. 



Giveaway!

Win a physical copy of Don’t Fight the Spark or one of two Order Universe-inspired stationary sets.