New Release-Review & Excerpt: GET FROSTED by Amy Aislin (Christmas Falls) - Includes Giveaway!

Get Frosted 

Author and Publisher: Amy Aislin

Cover Artist: Morningstar Ashley

Release Date: November 21, 2023

Genre: Contemporary m/m romance

Tropes: brother’s best friend, Christmas, rivals to lovers

Themes: A story about home and finding the place where you belong.

Heat Rating: 3 flames   

Length: 58 000 words 

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

Goodreads

Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

Universal Link  |  Amazon US  |  Amazon UK

Blurb

For years, Mik has wanted nothing more than to put coal in Rudy Snow's stocking.

As former pro hockey players, they’ve been rivals for years. It started in Mik’s rookie season, when a reporter pitted him against his older brother's best friend. Rudy pushes Mik’s buttons like no one else, going out of his way to one-up him at every turn.

Now they manage pubs in a small town that takes Christmas to a level best seen in Hallmark movies, but not much else has changed. They’re still rivals, this time pitting gingerbread martinis against pomegranate sangria.

But when they’re forced to work together to plan a special holiday party, sparks ignite. Maybe it's a bad idea to put coal in Rudy's stocking after all. They both might just catch fire.

Then again, what better way is there to stay warm on a cold winter's night?

Christmas Falls is a multi-author M/M romance series set in a small town that thrives on enough holiday charm to rival any Hallmark movie.

All books in the Christmas Falls series:

Nov 14: Grinch Kisses by DJ Jamison

Nov 17: Snowbody Loves Me by Jacki James

Nov 21: Get Frosted by Amy Aislin

Nov 28: Silent Knight by Beth Bolden

Dec 1: Under the Mistle-Tome by Sammi Cee

Dec 5: Clausing a Scene by Casey Cox

Dec 8: No Elfing Way by Hayden Hall

Dec 12: Ready, Set, Glow! by Rye Cox

Dec 15: Scrooge You! by Brigham Vaughn

Excerpt

“You certainly know how to make a splash,” said a dry voice at his elbow, shaking him out of his irritation.

And setting into motion a new kind of annoyance that fizzled in Mik’s blood. “No one asked you,” he said to his brother’s best friend.

Rudy Snow raised one dark eyebrow, because of course he could do that. When Mik tried, he ended up with both eyebrows at his hairline.

“It’s certainly . . .” Rudy cast his gaze around, taking everything in. “Unique.”

“It’s majestic.”

“It looks like the Island of Misfit Toys. All you’re missing is a Charlie-in-the-Box.”

Crossing his arms over his chest, Mik clenched his teeth. “You’re not allowed to judge. You don’t even have a wreath on your front door.”

Rudy made a sound in the back of his throat, a rumbly laugh that made the back of Mik’s neck itch. “Do you often happen to find yourself outside my house, Miki?”

Mik’s stupid feelings went all gooey at the nickname. Or maybe that was just hunger. “It’s on my way to work.”

“Sure. If you take the long way.”

God. Why did he have to be so annoying?

And hot.

And annoyingly hot. All dark-haired and dark-eyed and scruffy-jawed, with a natural tan to his skin that perpetually made him look like he’d just come from the beach. He stood a couple of inches taller than Mik’s five feet eleven. At a year older than Mik’s thirty-one, Rudy was as fit now as he’d been when he’d played in the NHL, even two and a half years post-retirement.

Mik had considered himself lucky to be drafted to his brother’s team’s rival. With Mik playing for Washington and Josh playing for Pittsburgh, it had given Mik the chance to step out of his brother’s shadow and assert himself as his own person. And playing up the rivalry between their teams had been all sorts of fun at family get-togethers.

The problem Mik hadn’t anticipated had been twofold.

First, because Josh’s rookie year had been the gold f*cking star of rookie years, Mik had been instantly compared to him when he’d been drafted a year later, forevermore casting him in the role of Josh Gilmore’s little brother.

Second, there was Pittsburgh defenseman Rudy Snow. And Pittsburgh defenseman Rudy Snow wasn’t shy about checking his teammate’s little brother into the boards during Mik’s first Washington versus Pittsburgh game.

“It’s no secret in the league that your brother and his teammate Rudy Snow are good friends,” a reporter had said to Mik during the post-game interview after that game. “What do you have to say to your brother’s best friend after that check in the second period?”

Um, nothing?

He’d barely known Rudy. Plus, checking was what hockey players did.

While both those things were true, that hadn’t been what the reporter wanted to hear. So Mik had smirked and said, “That he better watch out. He won’t get the jump on me again. In fact, next time, I’m going to swipe the puck out from under him and score. Just wait and see.”

Mik had later learned that Rudy had responded to that with a pithy, “He can try.”

And that was it. Instant rivalry.

Carra's Review

Okay, this was what I would consider a fun, sweet with a bit of snark, low-angst holiday romance.  It’s also got a touch of hockey in there as well, plus the rivals-to-lovers aspect to keep things interesting.  Though I’d probably classify their rivalry as more friendly and teasing ;-)

Mik and Rudy were excellent characters, I really liked them both and would never be able to pick a favorite between them.  They’re the perfect duo to develop from a long-time sorta friendship into more, and they go together so well.  The rivalry between them when they were playing hockey spills over a little into their holiday decorating, which makes for some fun exchanges as Mik’s competitive streak rears its head, Particularly when you add his Bigfoot obsession to that.

Most of the story is relatively lighthearted, though Rudy does have some things to work out for himself.  When he was younger he lived a pretty nomadic life with his parents, so he does need to reconcile this with what he wants for his life.  

Get Frosted was a great story, and I’m giving it 4.5 stars.  It’s one of those holiday stories that will make you smile, and I’d even say it’s a feel-good holiday romance.  

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.

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New Release - Excerpt & Giveaway: MU; LEGEND OF A LOST CITY by M.D. Neu

Mu; Legend of a Lost City

by M.D. Neu

Release Date: Saturday, November 11 2023

Publishing Company: Spectrum Books

Cover Artist: Spectrum Books

Word Count: 81,000

Primary Plot Arc: Speculative Fiction

Genres: Fantasy, Mystery-Thriller, Science Fiction

LGBTQ+ Identities (if applicable): gay with secondary characters who are non-binary

Keywords/Categories: Lost City, Atlantis, Mu, Underwater Fantasy, Under Sea Adventure, sci-fi, science fiction, fantasy, thriller, mystery, gay, non-binary

Blurb

For years, the whispers and legends of a lost city hiding in the Pacific Ocean were just that; legend. On the day Kaimi discovers his parents, the Queen and King of Mu, murdered, Mu’s most powerful weapon fired, sending a pulse rushing towards the North American west coast.

After the 2025 Great Pacific Pulse Event, or Pulse, vomited up much of humankind’s trash in the Pacific Ocean along the North American west coast. The mysterious occurrence causing the largest environmental disaster in human history, people are no longer certain there is nothing concealed in the depths of the ocean.

Scientist Karen Linn and billionaire investor Michael Donovan want to find out what actually happened that day five years ago. Will Michael’s life in the adult entertainment industry and Karen’s moniker in pseudoscience keep them as social pariahs, or are they on the cusp of finding a civilization that has been kept out of our grasp, deep in the world’s largest ocean? How does the event from five years ago tie into the murder of the Queen and King of Mu? 

What lies under the sea may be bigger than anyone can imagine, and neither civilization may be ready for the truth.

Excerpt

~ Chapter 1 ~

Five years ago.

The dripping crimson on his hands contrasted the polished blue stone floors in front of him. Iron permeated around him, the scent made him want to vomit. But he couldn’t leave or move, he was frozen by pain and action. Soft warm light from the energy crystals reflected off the walls and floor, filling the space with a bright, cheerful glow, reminding Kaimi of all the wonderful memories this chamber held for him. The birth of each of his younger siblings. The day he introduced Makani to his family, followed by the celebration of their marriage two years later. Watching as Nohealani and Malo were joined in the presence of their gods. Seeing each of their children brought forth and presented to the family and the gods upon their births.

So much joy. Now this.

A burble of air. A cough. A gasp of pain forced him to see what lay before him.

“Help!” His voice yelled out.

Everything sparkled in those memories, but now the red slowly muted not only the bright glow of the veins running through the floors but also his pristine white shirt. From this day forward, the crimson liquid and the pungent fragrance of death would taint each of his happy memories.

More memories pushed forward, forcing out what stretched before him. Kaimi witnessed the day Kai Malina received the gift of sight from the gods of Mu, and was welcomed by Mana Lani into the arms of the world of Spiritual healers and Māhū. Something Kaimi didn’t fully believe in, well, not as much as he did when he was younger, but everyone had been pleased. Even he found himself excited. Past images of joy played out in his mind. The music, the fire dancing, the tumblers and dancers, the fragrances of meats for the prepared feast. So much elation that day.

How had Mana Lani or Kai Malina not seen this coming? They are gifted with foresight. They are the Māhū. Perhaps they only see what suits them.

“No.” Kaimi whispered. “Please, someone.” His voice called out again. “Help!” He bellowed.

More family memories rushed as his mind continued to process the scene. The recollections of Nohealani, Ulani, Koa, Kai Malnia, and him running around when court wasn’t in session. Were they all there? He was barely more than thirteen, too old to play with the babies, but somehow, they had managed to engage him. How many times did he and Nohealani have to usher their younger siblings off to bed, or back to bed, after sneaking out of their sleeping chambers only to find them playing here?

A growing collection of scarlet pooled closer to him. Pouring from her body, the thick fluid marred the sparkle of her dress, crystals handstitched into the gown to reflect not only the light of the kingdom, but the light of her soul.

This can’t be happening. How did this happen? Who would do…

Troubling recent memories leaked into his mind as more crimson oozed through his fingers, even though his hands remained firmly in place. Rust continued to overpower every other scent around him. The disagreements about how and if to engage the above worlders. The concerns and potential for discovery by those who live in the sun. Koa arguing with both the Queen and King about how encounters with those above would be the end of them and their world here in Mu. The Queen believing now the time had come to reveal themselves, hoping their presence to be a positive influence on the world above.

“We can help them. Teach them.” She pointed to the ceiling. “We have so much to offer each other. Our worlds have been separated for too long.”

However, when challenged and asked, neither Kai Malina nor Mana Lani were able to interrupt what the Gods had to say on the matter. He wasn’t sure what their gods would say, assuming they commented at all. But if the Queen believed in joining the world above, who was he to argue the point? The rest of his siblings offered what he hoped to be agreement.

Well, not all. They didn’t argue in public, but in private we spoke freely with each other, even loudly when the need arose.

“I need assistants.” Kaimi called out, pleading with each word.

In the distance, the splashing of the tide pools outside the windows past the royal gardens filled his ears. Or were the sounds only his recollection bringing the noises to him? So many memories. Now this.—so much pain.—He peered over to the jeweled ornate windows, each crystal pane hand carved to reflect as much light as possible, while bringing the scenes of the world they once occupied to life with movement. Small shells from the creatures who filled the tide pools adding to the created images. A small breeze pushed the smells of water through the slightly opened windows, riding the air as more light shone through. The warmth on his skin and the taste of the salt water from the tide pools on his lips tingled all the way to his soul. He wished to be down there now, walking with Makani hand-in-hand, not here.

The blaring of sirens rang out, calling him from his thoughts, the piercing sound canceling out his calls for help. The puddles of red expanded around his knees and feet, beginning to soak his sarong.

A gift from Makani now ruined.

Kaimi forced himself to focus, his hands covered the wound before him. He glared up. As if seeing Koa for the first time. Koa stood over the body of the King on the floor. Koa stood and glanced down, offering no help. Red droplets on his white shirt and tan sarong created a similar pattern as the light crystals shown down on the kingdom when the light cycle recharged. At night, the crystals patterns were beautiful. Here, on Koa, the image made his stomach turn. Koa stayed quiet as he continued to hold the crystal pike in his hand.

Just as I found you. What happened? Why?

“Why?” Kaimi adjusted the pressure on the wound, trying to stem the flow of blood. The chest of the Queen raised and lowered slowly, but the inhalations were becoming much more irregular. He forced his stare up at Koa, his eyes moving from the weapon in his hands to the bodies on the palace floor.

“I… It…” Koa backed away, dropping the weapon to the ground, the clatter almost as loud as the siren still screeching to every corner of the palace, if not beyond. His head shook as he stared at his hands.

The main doors of the chamber burst open. “Koa!” A female voice called.

Upon hearing the doors, Koa made for the rear of the chamber.

“No!” Kaimi called out, wanting to rush after him, but if he did, there would be no one to care for the Queen or the King.

Universal Buy Link: 

https://books2read.com/Mu-Legend-of-a-Lost-City

Goodreads - Liminal Fiction - QueeRomance Ink

Giveaway!

Marvin is giving an ebook of Volaria to three different winners:

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About the Author

M.D. Neu is an international award-winning inclusive queer Fiction Writer with a love for writing and travel. Living in the heart of Silicon Valley (San Jose, California) and growing up around technology, he’s always been fascinated with what could be. Specifically drawn to Science Fiction and Paranormal television and novels, M.D. Neu was inspired by the great Gene Roddenberry, George Lucas, Stephen King, Alice Walker, Alfred Hitchcock, Harvey Fierstein, Anne Rice, and Kim Stanley Robinson. An odd combination, but one that has influenced his writing.

Growing up in an accepting family as a gay man he always wondered why there were never stories reflecting who he was. Constantly surrounded by characters that only reflected heterosexual society, M.D. Neu decided he wanted to change that. So, he took to writing, wanting to tell good stories that reflected our diverse world.

When M.D. Neu isn’t writing, he works for a non-profit and travels with his biggest supporter and his harshest critic, Eric his husband of twenty plus years.

Website - Facebook - Instagram - Goodreads - Liminal Fiction - QueeRomance Ink - Amazon

New Release-Review & Excerpt: PUMPKIN SPICE AND CHILL by F.A. Ray (Boyfriend Café #2) - Includes Giveaway!

Pumpkin Spice and Chill
By F.A. Ray

Boyfriend Café, Book 2

"Tie me up. Make me yours."

Albert

Accidents don't happen to me. I eliminate random chance with surgical precision, whether that's in my role as the manager of the Boyfriend Café or my role in the bedroom.

Having an earnest, soft-eyed stranger show up one day is not part of my plans.

The university is sniffing around the café, and David says he wants to help hold them off. But why should I trust someone I've just met, someone who's acting on pure intuition, someone who isn't part of the road map?

David is smart, kind and earnest. When he looks at me with those big, soft eyes, it makes me want to discard all my careful calculations. But I don't do spontaneous. My wealthy parents groomed me to be a perfect CEO, cold and calculating. So why do I want to throw out the rules for him?

David

I've heard rumors of a Boyfriend Café on campus that's staffed by a bunch of queer students. And I've also heard that the university is breathing down their necks, threatening to shut them down.

I know I'm still pursuing my law degree, but I'm sure I can help - if they'll just let me. Unfortunately, Albert literally slams his door in my face when I try.

I can't bring myself to give up, no matter how ardently Albert wants to shut me out. This guy has major control issues, which really shouldn't be a turn on, but here I am trying to get closer to Tall, Dark and Handsome despite every instinct telling me he has a closet full of ropes and handcuffs somewhere.

I'm supposed to be thinking about how to help him save the café, not what kinds of crazy toys he has stashed in his bedroom. Now if I could just stop imagining him in sexy leather gloves and me on my knees...

Pumpkin Spice and Chill is an MM grumpy/sunshine romance with a secret billionaire, a kind-hearted nerd, a closet full of "creative" toys, and spicy open door scenes. CWs available at linktr.ee/faraywrites.

Universal Link

Add on Goodreads

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Excerpt

“I can’t believe you’re real,” he says.

I huff a laugh. It should be me saying those words. Who am I compared to this genuine, sweet, bold man who’s turned my life upside down in the best possible way?

“Is it crazy that I want you again already?” David says. “I know we were up basically the whole night, but God, Albert, I just can’t keep my hands off you.”

A tremble of answering desire surges through me. I turn him until his hips hit the edge of my table, then hike him up onto it, heedless of the way my tools and half-formed artwork rattles.

“No,” I say, “it’s not.” Because I want him again too. Because I will never have enough of him. Because I will never grow tired of drawing out every sigh and moan his body can give me. It has become my life’s work, a project I will labor over for as long as he allows me, and I have no greater ambition in the world anymore.

I slide my hands along his thighs. They open for me, allowing me to fit between his legs so I can lean in close and press my lips to his neck. He responds instantly, sighing and grabbing at my shoulders. His fingers clench more tightly every time I lick along that tremulous skin pebbling under my touch, his nails biting at my shoulders through my shirt.

“Albert,” he groans, and I thrill anew at the way he says my name in moments such as this. “F*ck, I want you so bad. I can’t get enough of you.”

Everything inside of me sings in response. I have always been like this, wanting to give more than I take, wanting to offer more than I receive.

“Tie me up again,” David pants. “Make me yours.”

Carra's Review

F.A. Ray did another great job here in book two of the Boyfriend Café series.  Here, the quiet, steadfast Albert is the focus along with David, an aspiring do-good attorney (though currently a college student) who just wants to help when it seems the café might be running into trouble with the university.  There is plenty to enjoy in this story, with just a couple of nitpicks from me.

One thing that truly stands out—again—is the excellent writing.  The style, the descriptive and emotional passages, and the very layered characters all make for a strong story that pulls you in.  I also love that the café’s team has become a found family that can depend on each other and support each other.  

Albert though…he pushes too hard to handle a big issue all on his own.  Honestly though, I was surprised given what we learn about his family background that he wouldn’t have done things differently with his friend Rhett with the café from the start.  It’s something that niggled at the back of my mind in book one, but I willingly overlooked it there since the focus of that book was very different.  Here though, it seemed like such an obvious thing that should have been considered.

When it comes to Albert and David’s interactions, they are frankly just beautiful together.  Their physical scenes are fantastic, leaving you hanging on every word.  You can feel the gradual building from hookup to committed boyfriends as it slowly progresses through the entire story, never feeling rushed.  I do wonder though (another niggle here), when it comes to the skills Albert has in the bedroom how and when did he acquire them given he is still relatively young in college in this story?  I would have liked to have had that backstory given the tools and toys he already seemed to have extensive knowledge in using.

Albert and David are a wonderful couple, I really enjoyed their story and it was a very strong 4-star read for me. I’d recommend this to any M/M romance fan, especially if you enjoy sensual and emotional physical scenes—there are plenty to be found here.  Given that, plus the adult language, this book is recommended for readers 18+. 

Want to know what I thought of book one, A Matcha Made in Hell?  Check out my review here!

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Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of Pumpkin Spice and Chill, F.A. Ray's giving away 2 e-copies of the release!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

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About the Author:

F.A. Ray started writing as a child and never really stopped. They enjoy rock climbing and hiking in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, where they live with their partner and cat.

Catch up with F.A. Ray:
linktr.ee/faraywrites

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