New Release-Review: PARIS AND THE REAPER by Layla Reyne (Soul to Find #2)

Paris and the Reaper by Layla Reyne is now live!

Paris and the Reaper

(Soul to Find #2)

by Layla Reyne

I was given the name Paris at birth.

So far, I’ve lived up to it; or rather, down to it.

Too pretty, too unfocused, too easy a target.

My father even tried to sacrifice me.

 

And then I was saved by a beautiful, haunted man.

 

Mac is a reaper; he delivers lost souls.

But when he came for mine, I wouldn’t let go.

And now I can hear other souls too.

I can help him. Love him, if he’ll let me.

 

Assuming we survive a conspiracy to bring Chaos through the veil.

 

Mac says souls get what they deserve.

If I do enough good, then maybe I can be worthy of his.

Maybe I can hold on to him and our bond—forever.

 

Paris and the Reaper is a soft, swoony, and suspenseful M/M urban fantasy romance. It features a grumpy raven shifter afraid to love and lose again and the sweet, cursed human who makes him want to risk it all.

  Download today!

Amazon US - Amazon UK - Apple Books - Nook - Kobo - Google Play - Layla Reyne's Store

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Carra's Review

First off, I would strongly recommend you read the first book in this series, Icarus and the Devil, and the short story, Jason and the Storm, before you read Paris and the Reaper.  This world the author has created is unique and complex so having those stories under your belt before diving in will give you a better sense of the overall world and the place of all the other characters in it.  You won’t find much backstory in this book, so reading the others first will keep you on more solid footing.

Both Paris and Mac were introduced in Icarus and the Devil, and now here they take center stage. Paris is compassionate and caring, though can seem impulsive when trying to prove himself.  Mac is the consummate protector, though innocent in his own way and with heartache in his past.  They match well together, and while the two are linked things between them are actually a slower burn than you may expect.

My one nit pick with this story is that the details are more surface-level.  Part of this I think is due to there being an assumption that you would have already read the other books in the series, so would understand what is going on (hence my advice to read those first before this one).  I really would have liked to have had things explained more in-depth than they were, particularly regarding the origin of the giants.

Even so, I was still entranced by the story and am looking forward to the next installment in the series.  Paris and the Reaper was a solid 4-star read for me, and I’d recommend to to M/M urban fantasy fans in particular…just please read the other stories first, trust me!  

About the Author

Layla Reyne is the author of What We May Be and the Agents Irish and Whiskey, Fog City, and Perfect Play series. She writes sexy, intense LGBTQIA+ romance featuring competent adults in kitchens, sports arenas, car chases, and other high-stakes situations. Whether it's adrenaline-fueled suspense, rival athletes, vampires and shifters in alt-realms, or love mixed with mouth-watering foodie goodness, queer folks finding happily-ever-afters is guaranteed.

 

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New Release-Review & Excerpt: FRICTION by Kindle Alexander (Gravity Series #1)

Friction

(Gravity Book 1)

by Kindle Alexander

Genre: MM Romance

Release Date: September 17, 2024

Cover Design: Lori Jackson

Photographer: Michelle Lancaster

Beau Brooks
The guy of my dreams sweeps me off my feet and over my handlebars, quite literally. But our budding relationship takes a turn when my troubled past resurfaces, shattering any hope for a future. Now, I feel like a hollowed-out version of myself. Memories of piercing blue eyes and sweeping blond hair are all that remain to get me through a day.

I know I have to make peace with my past to move forward into my future. But am I strong enough?

Dash Richmond
I’m the tenth child of affluent older parents, confident, and privileged. But the future they see for me isn’t how I want to live my life. A chance encounter with a guy my polar opposite changes my path indefinitely, leading me to the life I’ve always wanted.

When he’s ripped away from me, I vow to wait for his return. Now I’m stuck in limbo, unwilling to give up on him.

Can the friction of life destroy what they shared or is your first true love like gravity—an unending universal law?

The Gravity Series is an unforgettable whirlwind romance chronicling the love of two men over three decades. Friction heats up the scene with passionate alpha males who navigate the often-rocky road to love. Love’s rarely easy, but when it’s true, it’s a battle worth fighting for.

(The Gravity Series is an unforgettable whirlwind romance chronicling the love of two men over three decades. Friction heats up the scene with passionate alpha males who navigate the often-rocky road to love. Love’s rarely easy, but when it’s true, it’s a battle worth fighting for.)

“What’s your deal, Dasham?” Chae asked. Her tone gave away her dawning speculation.
Of course, I knew what Chae implied, but I had a lot to consider before I spoke my truth.
“My name means the number ten. I’m my parents’ tenth child. I’m also smart,” I answered absently and grinned down at my Sperry shoes. “I skipped a grade in elementary school and I’m on track to graduate high school a semester early with my associate degree.” I lifted my head enough to wink at Chae, trying to hide my smile. “I’m also sporty. I played Lacrosse for my school’s team but stopped because I’m graduating a semester early.”
I shifted my gaze to stare at the silhouette of Beau. My breath shuttered again at the nice-looking view.
“You know I work for his grandmother?” Chae asked, garnering all my attention. My head whipped her direction. Screw hiding because my dad’s resort rested on my shoulders. Chae had the answers I needed.
“Tell me?” I whispered.
“His name is Beau Brooks. He’s hot, obviously. Maybe he’d be interested in you because he’s not interested in any of us,” Chae teased, flipping her long dark hair over her shoulder and glancing back to the small circle I’d been sitting with.
“Not for a lack of tryin’,” Jessica added.
Hope built fast.
“His grandparents live here. He comes here every June and July but had to go back home in August for football practice. His dad’s a football coach and a massive jerk. He’s really mean. Nobody likes him.”
“Yeah, but he and his mom moved here permanently about a week ago,” Jessica said.
“You know exactly how long ago they moved here,” Ginny teased, calling Jessica out. “I bet you’re hidin’ in his bushes at night.”
“He quit football. Somethin’ happened. I don’t know what,” Chae explained.
“Everybody here hopes Josh can talk him into playin’ again. He’s supposed to be really, really good. I believe he’s a tight end or maybe a receiver. He makes lots of touchdowns but also blocks, so whatever position that is,” Ginny said, and glanced over at me for verification.
I only shrugged. How did I know?
“Josh is my brother. I overheard him and my dad talking about it. They live for football. I don’t,” Ginny said.
My gaze turned laser beam focused, willing Beau to look at me.
I understood my overwhelming attraction was my limbic system bolting like a speeding bullet causing my body’s extreme physical response. But when he did finally look my way, breath slowly left my lungs. After a moment’s stare, I decided there was no question that he was looking at me. Words like fate and destiny shouted from every fiber of my being.
This was the most significant moment of my life.
If souls were real, mine did loops around Beau’s, trying to rope us together.

Carra's Review

I found Friction to be quite a bit different than the other books this author has written.  We get to know the characters in their teenage years, and then into college age so I’d classify this first book of this series in the new adult range.  It also has a high level of angst, primarily tied to family issues that are blatant but also others that are insidious and unexpected.

I liked the characters well enough.  Beau is my favorite, and also the one who has to go through the most in the story so the sympathy levels for him are pretty high.  Dash is great, very focused and sure of what—and who—he wants and with a specific, detailed plan on how to get it.  

This is an immediate attraction story (aka insta-love), and while one could write off their relationship as a first-love/puppy love type of thing that we all know likely won’t last forever, there IS a connection between them that is obvious. 

I did feel like this story was a bit drawn out, and with this being a three book series it makes me wonder if that feeling is going to continue for the other two books.  For me, the angst level is much higher than I prefer so while I do want to see where things go for these two, I may put off the next books until I’m in the right frame of mind for this type of drama.  The writing style also felt quite different from previous series from this author, more in line with the younger characters which is not my usual fare either.

Beau and Dash are super compatible physically, so if you’re here for the intimate aspect you definitely won’t be disappointed…and given their ages they absolutely have the stamina thing going for them.  

Overall I did enjoy the story, though I’m not sure how I feel about how it ended and what it means for how the rest of the series will play out.  If you’re a fan of angsty M/M new adult romance, you’ll likely want to check this one out.

Best Selling Author Kindle Alexander is an innovative writer, and a genre-crosser who writes classic fantasy, romance, suspense, and erotica in both the male/male and male/female genres. It's always a surprise to see what's coming next!

I live in the suburbs of Dallas where it's true, the only thing bigger than an over active imagination, may be women's hair!

Usually, I try for funny. Humor is a major part of my life - I love to laugh, and it seems to be the thing I do in most situations - regardless of the situation, but jokes are a tricky deal... I don't want to offend anyone and jokes tend to offend. So instead I'm going to tell you about Kindle.

I tragically lost my sixteen year old daughter to a drunk driver. She had just been at home, it was early in the night and I heard the accident happen. I'll never forget that moment. The sirens were immediate and something inside me just knew. I left my house, drove straight to the accident on nothing more than instinct. I got to be there when my little girl died - weirdly, I consider that a true gift from above. She didn't have to be alone.

That time in my life was terrible. It's everything you think it would be times about a billion. I love that kid. I loved being her mother and I loved watching her grow into this incredibly beautiful person, both inside and out. She was such a gift to me. To have it all ripped away so suddenly broke me.

Her name was Kindle. Honest to goodness - it was her name and she died a few weeks before Amazon released their brand new Kindle ereader. She had no idea it was coming out and she would have finally gotten her name on something! Try finding a ruler with the name Kindle on it.. It never happened.

Through the course of that crippling event I was lucky enough to begin to write with a dear friend in the fan fiction world of Facebook. She got me through those dark days with her unwavering support and friendship. There wasn't a time she wasn't there for me. Sometimes together and sometimes by myself, we built a world where Kindle lives and stands for peace, love and harmony. It's its own kind of support group. I know without question I wouldn't be here today without her.

Find out more by visiting www.kindlealexander.com or email me at kindle@kindlealexander.com

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Book Review: ANGEL'S SHARE by Layla Reyne (Agents Irish & Whiskey)

 

ANGEL'S SHARE

by Layla Reyne

Husbands Aidan Talley and Jameson Walker team up again as Agents Irish & Whiskey for their most precarious case yet in this established couple gay romantic suspense novel.

FBI agent Aidan Talley just wanted to spend the holiday weekend cheering on his husband’s basketball team. Instead, he’s investigating a cargo theft for the family business and coming face-to-face with a loose end from the case that almost tore him and Jamie apart.

Coach Jameson Walker may spend his days on the sidelines now, but Jamie refuses to stay there when it comes to his husband. When Aidan is cornered by his past, Jamie will do whatever it takes to ground him in the present, including stepping back into his hacker shoes for the Bureau.

Aidan and Jamie thought they’d seen it all, but the City of Angels has more than one ghost in store for them. As revenge and redemption collide, Agents Irish and Whiskey will have to trust in their love and their partnership to solve the case for the family they have, for the one they lost, and for the one they want to call their own.

Angel’s Share is the final book in the Agents Irish and Whiskey LGBTQIA+ romantic suspense series. While it can be read as a standalone, it is best enjoyed after reading the other books in the series.

Purchase Links

Amazon US - Amazon UK - Apple Books - Nook - Kobo - Google Play - Layla Reyne's Store - Universal

Goodreads

Carra's Review

One of the most satisfying things for me as a reader is when I can revisit existing couples to get one more glimpse into their lives.  The great thing about Angel’s Share is that we get more of Aidan and Jamie while the author gives us a fresh storyline.  That makes it so very easy to sink right back into the world of Agents Irish and Whiskey once again.

I love how they each keep each other grounded, knowing the other is there for them no matter what.  Their bond is as solid as ever without feeling overdone, and they are as hot together now as they’ve ever been.

It was great getting to see all of the supporting characters again as well.  The author has created a great network of characters from their different series that continue to be there to reinforce our guys every step of the way.  

In Angel’s Share you’ll find the suspense and excitement we’ve all come to expect in this author’s works, and for me I was totally engrossed in the story from start to finish.  This was a great way to wrap up things for Aidan and Jamie as things come full circle, though I’d never be surprised if they were to pop up somewhere else in this author’s other stories again.

5 stars for Angel’s Share, it’s a perfect end for one of my favorite couples!

About the Author

Layla Reyne is the author of What We May Be and the Agents Irish and Whiskey, Fog City, and Perfect Play series. She writes sexy, intense LGBTQIA+ romance featuring competent adults in kitchens, sports arenas, car chases, and other high-stakes situations. Whether it’s adrenaline-fueled suspense, rival athletes, vampires and shifters in alt-realms, or love mixed with mouth-watering foodie goodness, queer folks finding happily-ever-afters is guaranteed.

 

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