New Release-Review & Excerpt: SOLSTICE by Eli Easton & RJ Scott (Lake Prophet Mysteries #1)

Solstice

by Eli Easton & RJ Scott

Series: The Lake Prophet Mysteries, Book 1

Genre: Mystery Murder Suspense

Blurb

From the dramatic peaks of the Olympic mountain range to the small town of Prophet, murder is only a footstep away.

Gabriel is a former undercover cop haunted by the things he's seen and done.  He returns to his small hometown of Prophet, taking on the role of sheriff, hoping to mend his fractured relationship with his estranged brother and rebuild his life.  But when a chilling murder occurs at Sentinel Rocks, a sacred Makah site on Lake Prophet, Gabriel's dreams of peace and reconciliation are shattered.  Gabriel navigates a web of intrigue, with a long list of suspects; from local tribal elders to fervent Solstice worshippers and even those hunting the elusive Bigfoot.  When the brutal murder leaves Duke, a loyal Labrador retriever, as the sole witness, Gabriel stumbles upon an unexpected ally —a local animal behaviorist named Tiber.

Tiber, a newcomer to Prophet, seeks refuge in this remote haven, attempting to escape his own inner demons.  Armed with his extraordinary ability to communicate with animals, he offers his expertise through video consultations, helping pet owners with their beloved companions.  While he attributes his skill to his academic background, his intuition and flashes of insight owe as much to his Navajo heritage as to science.

With the relentless rain washing away sins and good intentions alike, Gabriel and Tiber must begin to confront their own vulnerabilities and unravel the truth.

Available on Amazon and in Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon US - Amazon UK

Excerpt

A corpse.

A chill ran down my spine. I’d seen bodies in LA with horrific injuries that haunted me to this day, but there was something so wrong about this man laid bare to the elements, the mist of rain swirling around him, his skin gray as drops of water collected and ran down his muscled stomach. This was a man who looked after himself, built, strong, maybe a hiker, or one of the open water swimmers who loved coming to the lake?

His upper torso was exposed to the elements but navy jogging bottoms, covered the lower, and he wore running shoes and socks. He was on his back between the two upright stones, his arms and legs spread, and his sightless eyes faced us with his head turned our way. There was extensive bruising on his face, darker on one side, running from his cheek up into his hair, but it was so bad that from ten feet away it was impossible to ID him for sure even if the guy was someone I knew. 

“F*ck,” Devin muttered and took an instinctive step forward, but I held out a hand to stop him moving.

 “What about a pulse?” my rookie asked hurriedly. “Shouldn’t we check for that? Procedure for finding an unconscious person?”

“Normally, but it’s clear there’s no pulse.” The victim was unmoving and there was an X scored into the man’s chest, digging deep into his breastbone, and tearing his flesh apart. I could see the purple stain of lividity at the underside of one arm. He was very dead.

I stumbled back a step in shock. The mark was deliberate, considered. Please don’t let this be a serial killer with a propensity to carving Xs into their victim’s chests.

“…Sheriff?” Devin asked. “What now?”

Carra's Review

I have to say, Solstice is one of my favorite reads so far this year.  Between the excellent writing, intriguing characters, and the emotional wallop this story packs, I was thoroughly entranced from start to finish.  And now…I want MORE!

We spend a good chunk of the book without knowing Gabriel’s full backstory, but come to find out there is a reason for that.  While it might have drawn a tiny bit of frustration out, I understood it later on.  It’s the same with Tiber; we know he’s been hurt in the past, and while there are bits and pieces along the way, the full tale doesn’t emerge until much later on, and when it does it’s heart-wrenching.

The scenes involving animals were the ones that pulled most of my emotions out, and yes my eyes may have welled up a time or two.  Much of that could be attributed to Tiber’s almost otherworldly connection he has with the animals.  But I also felt an emotional connection to Mike, the victim, and I really felt his loss in a big way by the end as all the details come out.  

There are a few suspects to consider, and while I was mostly sure of who the ultimate culprit was, I had enough doubts to still be hanging on the edge.  I’m usually not a big mystery reader,—whodunnits are just not my thing—but this one really drew me in, first with the eerie cover and then with the writing, characters, and emotion.

It definitely was the huge hit my emotions took during this story that cemented my overall rating for this book, which was a full five stars.  The romantic elements are downplayed here, mostly due to the characters’ pasts, especially Tiber’s, but there is a hint at something more to come so I’m really looking forward to see how things go between them in future stories.  This really was a fantastic read, and I highly recommend to any mystery or M/M romance fan.  For a first collaboration between these two authors, they really did an outstanding job!

About the Authors

Eli Easton

Having been, at various times and under different names, a minister's daughter, a computer programmer, a game designer, the author of paranormal mysteries, a fan fiction writer, and organic farmer, Eli has been a m/m romance author since 2013.  She has published over 30 gay romances.

Eli has loved romance since her teens and she particularly admires writers who can combine literary merit, genuine humor, melting hotness, and eye-dabbing sweetness into one story.

Website - Newsletter - Email - BookBub - Amazon - Goodreads - Twitter - Facebook Group

RJ Scott

RJ Scott, author of M/M romance.  Writing love stories with a happy every after - cowboys, heroes, family, hockey, single dads, bodyguards.

USA Today bestselling author RJ Scott has written over one hundred and fifty romance books.  Emotional stories of complicated characters, cowboys, single dads, hockey players, millionaires, princes, bodyguards, Navy SEALs, soldiers, doctors, paramedics, firefighters, cops, and the men who get mixed up in their lives, always 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 box of chocolates she couldn't defeat.

Website - Newsletter - Email - BookBub - Amazon - Pinterest - Goodreads - Instagram - Twitter - Facebook Group - Facebook Author Page - BingeBooks - Tik Tok

Audiobook Review & Excerpt: BOY SHATTERED by Eli Easton, narrated by Tristan Josiah - Includes Giveaway!

Boy Shattered 

by Eli Easton

Narrated by Tristan Josiah

Brian
You’ll make it out of here, Brian. I swear.
I had everything—school quarterback, popular with girls, and my dad was proud of me. I told myself it didn’t matter no one knew the real me. And then I nearly died. Landon saved my life. He’s the bravest guy I know. He came out a few years ago, proud and fierce, and he ran into gunfire to help others. Me, I’m a mess. Can’t even stand to be in a room with the curtains open. But here’s the thing about losing it all: You get a chance to start over and be someone new. Only how can I move on when the two shooters who attacked our school were never caught? And why do I feel like I’m still in the crosshairs?

Landon
Will you kiss me?
When I came across Brian Marshall,the hottest guy in school, dying on the cafeteria floor, I did what anyone would do. I tried to save him. His request surprised me, but I figured he needed comfort, so I kissed him on the forehead. When he survived and came back to school, he was broken in body and mind. He still needed me, and soon we were unlikely besties. But what I saw at school that day woke me up. I want to demand action on gun control, lead protests, raise my fist. I’ll tear the world down if I have to. And if I can get the man of my dreams and save the world at the same time? I’ll take it. Only I didn’t understand that the horror at Jefferson Waller High wasn’t over.

Universal Audio Link

Audible US
Audible UK
Universal Book Link

Goodreads

---

Exclusive Excerpt 

“Help. Help me.”

The words were low, and they snapped me out of the fog. I looked around. Over by the water fountain was a guy lying on his side on the floor. He was looking at me. He said it again. “Help me. Please.”

A fresh wave of adrenaline and sorrow washed through me. Oh God. It was Brian Marshall. Yesterday, he’d been the picture of youth and glowing health. Now he lay on his side, trying to raise his head off the floor to look at me. His bloody hands clutched his shirt. His face was white, so damn white, and a red pool was growing from his body like an oil spill.

I pushed myself up and staggered over to him. I fell to my knees beside him and put a hand on his shoulder. “I’m here. Can you lie back? Let me help you.”

Brian rolled onto his back with a groan of pain. But he looked up at me with his dark blue eyes filled with so much relief and trust. Like he just didn’t want to be alone.

Like he didn’t want to die alone.

Hot, sour anger rose up in me again. This shouldn’t be happening. Not to Brian, not to any of them. But anger wouldn’t help right now. I had to get it together. I had to help him. My eyes stung.

“It’s okay. You’re gonna be all right.” I tried to sound confident, but my voice broke.

He was clutching his stomach on the lower left side, his hands bloody and shaking like crazy. Fresh, dark red blood oozed through his fingers.

I gently pulled his hands away and lifted the bloody shirt. I had to fight not to retch. He’d been shot in the left side, above the visible curve of his hip bone. There was a blown-out area the size of a ping-pong ball. Through the gore I saw a glimpse of something shiny and tubular. Internal organs.

Oh my God.

Don’t look. Don’t think about it. Just help him.

I had no idea what I was doing. I didn’t know much about gut wounds except that he probably had internal bleeding and that it could be fatal. But he wasn’t shot in the heart or lungs, so he had a chance. Except for the bleeding. There was way too much blood.

I wished I’d taken a more extensive first-aid class. I wished I knew exactly what to do to save him. I remembered, from the cop shows my mom loved, that they always put pressure on the wound to stop the bleeding. I looked around but didn’t see anything close by, so I tore my T-shirt over my head, rolled it into a ball, and pressed it to Brian’s wound.

He cried out in pain and tried to double up. But he didn’t push my hand away.

“Sorry, I’m so sorry,” I said. “But I have to stop the bleeding.”

“Yeah,” Brian grunted, giving a growl of agony. He made himself relax back to the floor, breathing hard through his mouth. “I think it’s coming out the back too.” His teeth chattered.

“Right.” If the bullet went all the way through him, there’d be two wounds. I didn’t have anything left to use, but a few feet away there was a soft-looking pink purse. With silent apologies to the owner, who I hoped was still alive, I left him long enough to grab it. I pushed it under him, hoping it would stop the blood, and went back to pressing my T-shirt into his stomach with both hands.

“You’re gonna be all right, I swear to God.” My voice was firmer now. Resolute.

Brian looked up at me, his eyes full of pain and fear. Of doubt.

“Screw that, Brian. You are gonna make it,” I told him in a bossy tone, rage giving it an edge. “Don’t you hear the sirens? They’re already on their way.”

It was weird because I hadn’t been consciously aware of sirens, but as soon as the words were out of my mouth, I realized they were true. I heard sirens. They were coming.

“Cops, ambulances, fire department—they’re gonna be here in just a minute. You’ll make it out of here, Brian. I swear.”

I pressed the wound with both hands, leaning close. But Brian didn’t respond. His eyes were getting a little glassy, and he looked over my shoulder at nothing.

“Brian!”

He blinked and focused on my face.

Carra's Review

When you have a topic like school shootings the focus of a story, it can be tough for many people to read.  The subject matter is disturbing on so many levels, and for some readers pushes buttons that they don’t ever want to be pushed.  For me, living just under 15 miles from the school where the Parkland shooting took place, it’s common to see #MSDStrong bumper stickers and magnets on cars, or people wearing t-shirts in support of the school that’s right here in our community.  While I may not have children of my own, I do have some in my family—and the thought that this could happen to one of them is terrifying.

In Boy Shattered, the author puts you right in the thick of things with a depiction that goes beyond eerie, and might have you thinking twice about not just the possibilities in other schools, but in ANY setting where you don’t have total control of your own surroundings.  Going through that from both Landon and Brian’s points of view (especially Brian’s) made for a highly emotional read—not just regarding the shooting itself, but also how it affects them both afterward.

There’s a strong line of tension running through the book until close to the end since resolution is not immediate for the victims, something that is a powerful factor in Brian’s recovery.  There’s even more drama added in the form of conflict with Brian’s father and his beliefs (the word that comes to my mind is “infuriating”.  But alongside all that is the friendship and eventually romantic relationship that develops between Brian and Landon, and there’s an intensity between them that is supercharged thanks to the event that brought them together.  

You cannot read this book and come away from it unaffected.  The subject matter is relevant and unfortunately ongoing in our lives today, and for some readers it may hit too close to home to be comfortable.  Be prepared for a brutal, uncensored eyewitness look at one of the horrors of our current society…but also know that the author shows hope and strength in the midst of it all.

5 stars, full stop.  This book is meant for readers 18+ for adult language, sexual content, and scenes of a graphic and disturbing nature depicting a school shooting.  This is a heavy read, just know that going in (and you’ll probably want to have something light and fluffy queued up to read next after it).

The narration: I really enjoyed listening to Tristan Josiah’s narration of this book.  The emotions were spot-on, and there was good differentiation in the character voices.  I felt just as much emotion from the events as they occurred in the story when listening to the audio version as I did when reading the ebook.  5 stars for the narration!

 

---

Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate the audio release of Boy Shattered, Eli is giving away an Audible Code for her other YA Story, Superhero.

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

---

About the Author:

Coming from a background in computer game design, Eli has written over 35 books in m/m romance since 2013. The Mating of Michael (2014) and A Second Harvest (2016) both won The William Neale Award for Best Gay Contemporary Romance, and Eli’s books have won many awards from the Goodreads M/M Romance Group’s Reader’s Choice Awards. She is best known for her Christmas romances, the Howl at the Moon series of rom coms featuring dog shifters, and her Sex in Seattle series, which revolves around a sex clinic in Seattle.

Connect with Eli:

Website - Facebook - Facebook Group - Twitter

---

---

Book Review & Giveaway: THE REDEMPTION OF RIVER by Eli Easton (Sex in Seattle #4)

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link

Length: 75,000 words approx.

Cover Design: Tiferet Design

Sex In Seattle Series

The Trouble With Tony (Book #1) - Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link

The Enlightenment Of Daniel (Book #2) - Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link

The Mating Of Michael (Book #3) - Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link

Blurb

River Larsen is a world traveler, truth-seeker, and tantric healer. He’s a master of loving all—and no one. Both his past and his spiritual path warn him against attachment. When he falls for his surrogacy client and coffee magnate, Brent McKay, River tells himself it’s a temporary idyll, a beautiful encounter they’ll both enjoy and move on from like mature adults. Only his heart misses that memo.

Brent McKay hasn’t been interested in sex since his wife died two years ago. When he goes to Expanded Horizons sex clinic in Seattle for help, he meets River Larsen, a sex surrogate specializing in reiki massage and tantric sex therapy. Brent never expected to be interested in a man, but River’s light-filled spirit, inner peace, and electric touch bring him back to life. Brent’s loyal heart is ready to commit again. But how can he convince River that love can last forever—if you just have faith?

The Redemption of River features a widower who surprises himself, a gorgeous hippy who thinks he’s a dandelion puff, an age gap, midlife discovery of bisexuality, foodie Seattle, a houseboat, dogs, a trip to Mumbai, and tantric secrets. (You know, the ones that let you have sex for hours. Those secrets.)

The Redemption of River takes place in part at the Expanded Horizons sex clinic and is thus book #4 of the Sex in Seattle series. It features a brand new couple and can be read as a stand-alone.

Carra's Review

First up—even though this is the fourth book in this series, and some of the characters/couples from the other books do show up here, you can still read this story as a standalone.  Next—if you’re not already familiar with tantric healing or tantric sex, you’ll likely find this thought-provoking enough to do some research on your own.  It definitely piqued my interest!

Brent endured a lot with the tragic passing of his wife, and this sets the background for the hurt/comfort aspect of the story.  I was intrigued by the idea of using tantric massage to help him with his physical issues; it was interesting to see Brent’s reaction to it and the budding connection between him and River.  River’s character feels very genuine, and it’s obvious how much he loves to help others.

The way the two of them so easily connect during their sessions and then later when they are finally together felt powerful; the strength of their bond was obvious and continued to grow throughout the story.  The temporary aspect of River’s situation and his nomadic lifestyle does leave an eventual expiration date hanging over them, making the reader wonder how these two will be able to find their happily ever after.

The physical intimacy here is different than what you’d usually see in a romance novel for the majority of the story.  The tantric practices that River introduces to Brent don’t always follow what most readers would expect for intimate scenes, but they make for intensely passionate scenes regardless.

The Redemption of River wound up being a solid 4-star read for me (and has now sent me off on a research mission for myself), and I know fans of this series will enjoy this new addition.  I’m a bit unsure on the title though; I don’t quite understand for what River would need to be redeemed… *shrugs*  Anyway, with the adult language and sexual content, this book is meant for readers 18+.

About the Author

Having been, at various times and under different names, a minister’s daughter, a computer programmer, a game designer, the author of paranormal mysteries, a fan fiction writer, and organic farmer, Eli has been a m/m romance author since 2013. She has over 30 books published.

Eli has loved romance since her teens and she particular admires writers who can combine literary merit, genuine humor, melting hotness, and eye-dabbing sweetness into one story. She promises to strive to achieve most of that most of the time. She currently lives on a farm in Pennsylvania with her husband, bulldogs, cows, a cat, and lots of groundhogs.

In romance, Eli is best known for her Christmas stories because she’s a total Christmas sap. These include “Blame it on the Mistletoe”, “Unwrapping Hank” and “Merry Christmas, Mr. Miggles”. Her “Howl at the Moon” series of paranormal romances featuring the town of Mad Creek and its dog shifters has been popular with readers. And her series of Amish-themed romances, Men of Lancaster County, has won genre awards.

Her website is www.elieaston.com
You can email her at eli@elieaston.com

GIVEAWAY!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

New Release & Giveaway: THE REDEMPTION OF RIVER by Eli Easton (Sex in Seattle #4)

Buy Links:

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link

Length: 75,000 words approx.

Cover Design: Tiferet Design

Sex In Seattle Series

The Trouble With Tony (Book #1) - Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link

The Enlightenment Of Daniel (Book #2) - Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link

The Mating Of Michael (Book #3) - Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link

Blurb

River Larsen is a world traveler, truth-seeker, and tantric healer. He’s a master of loving all—and no one. Both his past and his spiritual path warn him against attachment. When he falls for his surrogacy client and coffee magnate, Brent McKay, River tells himself it’s a temporary idyll, a beautiful encounter they’ll both enjoy and move on from like mature adults. Only his heart misses that memo.

Brent McKay hasn’t been interested in sex since his wife died two years ago. When he goes to Expanded Horizons sex clinic in Seattle for help, he meets River Larsen, a sex surrogate specializing in reiki massage and tantric sex therapy. Brent never expected to be interested in a man, but River’s light-filled spirit, inner peace, and electric touch bring him back to life. Brent’s loyal heart is ready to commit again. But how can he convince River that love can last forever—if you just have faith?

The Redemption of River features a widower who surprises himself, a gorgeous hippy who thinks he’s a dandelion puff, an age gap, midlife discovery of bisexuality, foodie Seattle, a houseboat, dogs, a trip to Mumbai, and tantric secrets. (You know, the ones that let you have sex for hours. Those secrets.)

The Redemption of River takes place in part at the Expanded Horizons sex clinic and is thus book #4 of the Sex in Seattle series. It features a brand new couple and can be read as a stand-alone.

About the Author

Having been, at various times and under different names, a minister’s daughter, a computer programmer, a game designer, the author of paranormal mysteries, a fan fiction writer, and organic farmer, Eli has been a m/m romance author since 2013. She has over 30 books published.

Eli has loved romance since her teens and she particular admires writers who can combine literary merit, genuine humor, melting hotness, and eye-dabbing sweetness into one story. She promises to strive to achieve most of that most of the time. She currently lives on a farm in Pennsylvania with her husband, bulldogs, cows, a cat, and lots of groundhogs.

In romance, Eli is best known for her Christmas stories because she’s a total Christmas sap. These include “Blame it on the Mistletoe”, “Unwrapping Hank” and “Merry Christmas, Mr. Miggles”. Her “Howl at the Moon” series of paranormal romances featuring the town of Mad Creek and its dog shifters has been popular with readers. And her series of Amish-themed romances, Men of Lancaster County, has won genre awards.

Her website is www.elieaston.com
You can email her at eli@elieaston.com

GIVEAWAY!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Audiobook Review & Giveaway: FALLING DOWN by Eli Easton

Buy Links: 

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Audible US | Audible UK

Length: 7hrs 33mins

Narrated By: Michael Stellman

Cover Design: Tiferet Design

Blurb

Josh finds himself homeless at 18, but he has a plan. He'll head north on the bus to New England and spend October there for his mother's sake. She always talked about going to see the fall leaves someday. And when the leaves are done and the harsh winter comes, Josh plans to find a place to curl up and let go. It will be a relief to finally stop fighting.

Mark spent his life trying to live up to the tough swagger of his older brothers until he pushed himself so far against his nature that he cracked. Now a former Marine, he rents a little cabin in the White Mountains of New Hampshire where he can lick his wounds and figure out what to do with the rest of his life. One thing was clear: Mark was nobody's hero.

Fate intervenes when Josh sets up camp under a covered bridge near Mark's cabin. Mark recognizes the dead look in the young stranger's eyes, and he feels compelled to do something about it. When Mark offers Josh a job, he never expects that he'll be the one to fall.

The snow is coming soon. Can Mark convince Josh that the two of them can build a life together before the flurries begin?

Trigger warning: Suicidal thoughts

Carra's Review

Falling Down is the first Eli Easton book I've read, and I find that now after reading it I want to move all of the author's books up to the top of my TBR list.  This is an excellent story that provokes the emotions and had me wanting to wrap Josh up in my arms to make him feel wanted and protected.

Josh's character made my heart break.  He feels rejected, beat down and basically worthless, and the running commentary in his head had me constantly worried about him.  I was hoping for him and Mark from the moment Mark offers him a job and home.  Mark has his own issues and is deep in the closet, but can't help the pull he feels to Josh.  The way his character is written makes it feels like he's a lot older than Josh than he actually is, even though he's actually not.

Their relationship develops slowly as Mark tries to keep his distance, but eventually neither man can ignore what each of them feels.  But even as their connection evolves, it still has both Mark and Josh's personal issues hanging over them.  When things finally come to a head when Mark's brother stops by to visit, I became concerned for Josh and I was holding my breath for the outcome-which means that this story was really provoking my emotional response.

A moving story of acceptance and discovering love and belonging, Falling Down was a 4-star read for me.  I highly recommend this to any M/M romance fan, and this one is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and M/M sexual content.  It does contain a character who is contemplating ending his life, so the adult themes may be a trigger topic for some readers.  The epilogue makes the entire story worth it, and having the dual points of view for Mark and Josh make this a much richer, deeper tale.

The narration: Michael Stellman is a new narrator for me, and I found his style to be more like a reading of the story than a performance narration.  There was a good level of emotion in the characters’ voices, but not a great deal of distinction between characters themselves (at least not at the level I’m used to hearing).  The pace of the narration was good, although the pauses between chapters or within a chapters were not consistent in length, and there were times when the intake of breaths that normally wouldn’t be noticeable were loud enough to be a bit distracting.  But overall, I did enjoy the narration and would listen to this one again so 3 stars for the narration.

About the Author

Having been, at various times and under different names, a minister’s daughter, a computer programmer, a game designer, the author of paranormal mysteries, a fan fiction writer, and organic farmer, Eli has been a m/m romance author since 2013. She has over 30 books published.

Eli has loved romance since her teens and she particular admires writers who can combine literary merit, genuine humor, melting hotness, and eye-dabbing sweetness into one story. She promises to strive to achieve most of that most of the time. She currently lives on a farm in Pennsylvania with her husband, bulldogs, cows, a cat, and lots of groundhogs.

In romance, Eli is best known for her Christmas stories because she’s a total Christmas sap. These include “Blame it on the Mistletoe”, “Unwrapping Hank” and “Merry Christmas, Mr. Miggles”. Her “Howl at the Moon” series of paranormal romances featuring the town of Mad Creek and its dog shifters has been popular with readers. And her series of Amish-themed romances, Men of Lancaster County, has won genre awards.

Her website is www.elieaston.com

You can email her at eli@elieaston.com

GIVEAWAY!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hosted By Signal Boost Promotions

Review, Excerpt & Giveaway: FAMILY CAMP by Eli Easton

Buy Links: 

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link

Exclusive to Amazon and Available to Borrow with Kindle Unlimited. 

Length: 219 pages

Cover Design: Reese Dante

Blurb

When Geo signs up for Family Camp, he envisions nature hikes, s’mores, and a chance to win over his recalcitrant new foster kids, Jayden and Lucy. He’s tried to become a dad for so long, and he hopes the three of them can be the family he’s always wanted. What he doesn’t anticipate is the prickly and gorgeous camp counselor who constantly comes to his rescue.

Travis spends a week every year at Camp Evermore, the camp his adoptive parents own. As a pro baseball player, his presence guarantees a full campground and excited campers. He has one rule: never, ever mess around with anyone at camp. His profession demands he stay in the closet. But one sweet and funny new dad is about to test all his resolve.

Sparks fly for Geo and Travis, and not because of the nightly campfire. Having been a foster kid himself, Travis is drawn to Geo’s sincerity and big heart and to his kids. The four of them just fit. But will this be a summer romance? Or can they find a way to be a family long after Family Camp is over?

About the Daddy Dearest series

The Daddy Dearest series will consist of stand-alone contemporary novels focusing on single gay dads who find hot romance. Expect laughs, sweet and sexy slow-burn romance, and lots of family feels!

Excerpt

Sixth inning. Geo was ready for the game to be over. It was f*cking hot on the ball field, all open and exposed, the sun baking down. And he was also not sure how much more Travis-watching he could take—him with his silky burgundy gym shorts and a sweaty Camp Evermore green shirt stretched over those muscles. His long legs were tanned and well-defined from hours at the gym.

Those thighs could f*cking crack walnuts. Dude.

Damn, but that was one fine-looking man. Geo knew he should lay off, though. Travis had made himself clear.

Only he hadn’t. At all. One minute, Travis seemed into him him. He sought out Geo’s company, like the way he kept coming by the cabin at night. And the next minute, he’d put distance between them, ignoring Geo or closing himself off behind a granite-like expression and those eye-hiding shades. And Travis had laid a clear line in the sand. Not at camp. Not gonna happen.

Yup. That was fine. Sure, Geo hadn’t been mutually attracted to a guy that hot in ages. Or ever, really. But Geo hadn’t come to camp to fool around. He had other priorities.

It did make him wonder though. Bridget had said Travis wasn’t out. A quick Google search last night had confirmed that. In fact, Geo had been shocked to discover there’d never been an out baseball player in the major leagues. Like, in the history of American baseball. Which was tragic. No wonder Travis was in the closet. It had to suck monkey balls living like that. Especially with all the women who threw themselves at him constantly. There were a dozen women on the sidelines right now that looked ready to have his babies. That had to be weird for a gay guy. Didn’t it?

Geo himself was always super uncomfortable when women came on to him. He felt compelled to blurt out “I’m gay!” in the first five minutes. It was just too weird otherwise.

Then again, Travis’s love life was none of Geo’s business. Maybe the guy was bisexual. Maybe he liked dating women just fine.

Jayden came up to bat. Geo focused on his son, clapping hard. “Come on, Jayden! You’ve got this!”

Jayden took a wide stance beside the plate, both hands gripping the bat, choked up a little. Travis had spent a few minutes with Jayden at the start of the game, showing him how to stand, and Jayden copied him exactly. The kid was a great mimic. He’d been nervous at first, tense and defensive. But by now he just looked focused. He stared, narrow-eyed, at Frank as Frank pitched an easy ball.

Geo loved that about this game, that everyone tried to give the kids easy wins, and no one took the competition seriously.

Jayden hit the ball hard. It flew through the air a short ways then plonked to the ground and skipped along fast. It was heading right down the center line, though a bit more towards third base and Travis’s side of the field.

“Go Jayden! Go!” Geo shouted. He went after the ball. In his peripheral vision, he saw Jayden round first base and keep running.

Travis was going after the ball too, dodging low. He scooped it up. He was going to throw it to third base, keep Jayden back on second. Geo couldn’t let that happen.

He dove in front of Travis, crowding him, holding an arm out to block Travis from throwing the ball.

Travis snorted, bemused. “What are you doing? You’re on my team.” He backed up, trying to get away from Geo.

“Blood before bros, man,” Geo said with fake seriousness. He kept up with Travis, step for step, grabbing Travis’s right arm in a firm grip so he couldn’t raise the ball.

“Stop it!” Travis laughed. “Dork. That’s not legal.”

“Don’t care.”

They took three steps back, like they were dancing. Geo held Travis’s right arm, staring him down. Travis met his gaze, a goofy smile on his lips. Back and back they stumbled. Suddenly, Travis got a sparkle in his eyes. He wrapped his left arm around Geo’s waist and picked him up, swinging him around so he ended up behind Travis.

Geo was still finding his feet as Travis drew back his arm and sent the ball sailing.

Right to home plate. But Jayden got there first. Umpire Cindy made the motion with her hands, safe.

Geo laughed and raised his arms in triumph. “Yeah, baby! Great job, Jayden! Home run, whoo!”

Then he realized everyone was staring at them. On the sidelines, there were a dozen cameras raised, filming.

Oh. Er. Hmm. Geo wiped his face, feeling sheepish.

That’s when a piercing scream rent the air.

Carra's Review

What the author says the Daddy Dearest series will consist of is entirely accurate here in book one, Family Camp.  Single gay dad finding hot romance?  Check.  Sexy slow-burn romance?  Check.  Laughs, sweetness, family feels?  All check.  Be forewarned that some of those laughs are going to be on the corny side, because Geo is a pro at the goofy, ridiculous jokes.  And while I normally avoid stories with kids—it’s just not my thing—I took the chance on this one because I like the author’s previous books, and in this case it paid off.

Another thing you can check off?  Closeted professional athlete.  Travis is good at what he does (baseball, for those of you who gravitate towards stories with this sport), and still makes sure he gets the time for Family Camp.  Family is infinitely important to him, and yes—he joins in on the silly, corny stuff there that almost puts him on par with Geo’s corniness.  He and Geo do NOT hit it off from the start, mainly due to an assumption Travis makes based on something Geo says.  I’m not fond of assumptions used as a device in stories, so that part bugged me until they eventually get past it.

Things do build slowly between Geo and Travis, and while the relationship between them develops we get to see the one between Geo and the kids progress as well.  Travis is in the unique position of having been where the kids have been before himself, which plays into the development of the familial bond Geo and his kids are forming.

Given the setting and the slow burn aspect, things don’t get too crazy hot, but there are some sexy times along the way.  And while camp is only a week long, it didn’t feel that short in the context of the story to me at all.

Family Camp was a fun read, and I think readers who have more personal knowledge of the foster system will easily identify with many aspects found in this story.  This was a 4-star read for me, and I’d recommend this book to any M/M romance fan.  This book is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.

About the Author

Having been, at various times and under different names, a minister’s daughter, a computer programmer, a game designer, the author of paranormal mysteries, a fan fiction writer, and organic farmer, Eli has been a m/m romance author since 2013. She has over 30 books published.

Eli has loved romance since her teens and she particular admires writers who can combine literary merit, genuine humor, melting hotness, and eye-dabbing sweetness into one story. She promises to strive to achieve most of that most of the time. She currently lives on a farm in Pennsylvania with her husband, bulldogs, cows, a cat, and lots of groundhogs.

In romance, Eli is best known for her Christmas stories because she’s a total Christmas sap. These include “Blame it on the Mistletoe”, “Unwrapping Hank” and “Merry Christmas, Mr. Miggles”. Her “Howl at the Moon” series of paranormal romances featuring the town of Mad Creek and its dog shifters has been popular with readers. And her series of Amish-themed romances, Men of Lancaster County, has won genre awards.

Her website is www.elieaston.com

You can email her at eli@elieaston.com

GIVEAWAY!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hosted By Signal Boost Promotions