New Release-Review: PRIDE & PROTECTION by K.C. Wells

Pride & Protection

Southern Boys #2

by K.C. Wells

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What happens when an out-and-proud bear moves to a small Tennessee town, and takes a shine to the closeted cop?
Fireworks, that’s what.

When Del Walters agrees to go into business with his brother, he has one condition. Since he’s putting up the lion’s share, they’ll run the bike shop his way—and that means he gets to choose the name. And in a small Tennessee town, a business called Rainbow Racers, complete with a not-so-subtle sign, was always going to attract attention.

Unfortunately, it’s the wrong kind of attention, and after a few incidents, Del is forced to call on the local police to deal with the culprits. 

When Officer Taylor Cox walks into his shop, Del thinks Christmas has come early. An earlier encounter with the younger man left Del with a growing desire to know more about him. There’s only one problem—Taylor is in the closet, and there’s no way Del is going back into his.

When Taylor lays eyes on the sexy bear who owns the bike shop, he knows he’s walking into trouble. Not that he’s about to let Del know he’s interested: his view from the closet is just fine, thank you very much, and besides, that ship has already sailed, thanks to their first meeting. Now all he wants to do is forget Del even exists. But as time goes by, Taylor realizes how badly he is torn between protecting the persona he’s created, and giving in to his desires. And Del making it obvious that he wants Taylor isn’t helping matters.

Between an out-and-proud bear and a firmly closeted cop, something has to give. Problem is, it might be their hearts.

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Carra's Review

Age gap romances always catch my interest, particularly when one of the characters is right near my own age.  That this story is also set in a small southern town is also a draw for me, I’m a sucker for those southern accents usually sweet, polite southern ways.  But with all that also comes the not-so-sweet side of the south that lurks in those whose old fashioned, narrow-minded views can tarnish all that southern goodness—something we get a small taste of here.

To be honest, the negative side really wasn’t widespread in this story compared to what it could have been, and the conflict was primarily contained to a smallish selection of malcontents.  Things focused more on Taylor and Del’s fledgling relationship, and Taylor becoming more comfortable as a gay man, and acknowledging that he would never be happy staying in the closet.

Del was thoughtful and patient with Taylor, always willing to go at whatever pace Taylor set…which once he got a taste of things took off rapidly, even when his brain tried to back off in its attempts to keep the status quo.  Del and Taylor together ranges from sweet and cuddly to hot and naughty, all while Taylor comes to terms with what he wants his life to be.

Pride & Protection wound up as a solid 4-star read for me, and is a story I’d recommend for any M/M romance fan, especially if you love age gap romances.  Though this is the second book in the author’s Southern Boys series, you do not need to have read the first one to enjoy this one—though your interest will probably be piqued for Jake and Liam’s story even with the short amount of time Jake appears here in book two.  This story is for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.

About the Author

K.C. Wells started writing in 2012, although the idea of writing a novel had been in her head since she was a child. But after reading that first gay romance in 2009, she was hooked.

She now writes full time, and the line of men in her head, clamouring to tell their story, is getting longer and longer. If the frequent visits by plot bunnies are anything to go by, that’s not about to change anytime soon.

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New Release-Review & Giveaway: THEIR OBSESSION by K.A. Merikan (Four Mercenaries #2)

Buy Links: 

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link

Exclusive to Amazon and Available to Borrow with Kindle Unlimited

Cover Design: Natasha Snow

Length: 70,000 words approx.

Four Mercenaries Series 

Book #1 - Their Bounty - Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link

Blurb

--- Loved. Protected. Shattered. ---

Clover has found love with not one man, but four. He never imagined such a relationship could work, let alone that he’d be at the center of it, but a year later, his bond with the four mercenaries is stronger than ever.

Each man in Clover’s life completes him in a whole different way. Where Drake teaches him shibari, Boar always showers him with cuddles. Where Tank is strict and protective, Pyro takes Clover on wild adventures.

To truly become a part of the mercenary crew, Clover chose to train under the guidance of his men. He’s itching for action to prove to himself and to others that he can handle the toughest jobs.

But through violence and mayhem, Clover will be tried in ways he never wished for. Old enemies resurface, bonds are tested, and one wrong move can mean death.

*

THEIR OBSESSION is a dark gay harem contemporary romance, book 2 in the “Four Mercenaries” trilogy. The story contains scenes of explicit violence, offensive language, morally ambiguous characters and lots of scorching hot, emotional, explicit scenes.

POSSIBLE SPOILERS:

Themes: polyamory, mercenaries, bounty hunters, albinism, commitment issues, dark past, male bonding, human trafficking, size difference, danger, alpha male, found family, distrust, shared, victim and protector, revenge, organized crime.

Carra's Review

First off—read Their Bounty before you start Their Obsession.  There’s no way you can appreciate this story without knowing how everything started, and how the bond between these five men formed.  Then, be prepared for something darker and more emotionally disturbing than the first book.

Clover’s relationship with each of the mercenaries has deepened, and they’ve become a tight family since book one.  His link with each of them is unique, and here in book two we are treated to mostly to the further exploration of Clover and Drake’s intense connection…and what exactly they are both willing to do for each other.  The passionate bond between them is more than evident after a particularly emotional scene about halfway through the story.

Drake is pretty intense on his own, and his unfathomable past is brought squarely to the forefront here.  Revenge is the central theme that sweeps through and takes over, also taking Clover along with it.  Though Clover was no innocent when this series began, any hint of it is wiped away this time around—and the consequences of that make the conflict that erupts in this story even more significant, with repercussions that drive through the heart of their group.

There are scenes in this book that are disturbing and will open some readers’ eyes to the evil that exists in our world.  There are also scenes and moments that directly contrast that depravity (like the one I mentioned between Clover and Drake).  Everything about this story will have your heart in its clutches, and at the end?  Part of your heart is going to be missing while we all wait for the third installment of the trilogy to resolve the cliffhanger from which K.A. Merikan has us suspended.

4.5 stars for Their Obsession; I thought this was even better than book one.  It’s dark, every warning the authors give should be considered, and it is strictly for readers 18+ for adult language, sexual content, explicit violence, and everything mentioned in those warnings. 

About K.A. Merikan

K.A. Merikan are a team of writers who try not to suck at adulting, with some success. Always eager to explore the murky waters of the weird and wonderful, K.A. Merikan don’t follow fixed formulas and want each of their books to be a surprise for those who choose to hop on for the ride.

K.A. Merikan have a few sweeter M/M romances as well, but they specialize in the dark, dirty, and dangerous side of M/M, full of bikers, bad boys, mafiosi, and scorching hot romance.

FACEBOOK PROFILE - K.A. MERIKAN’S TWITTER (RUN BY KAT) - AGNES MERIKAN’S TWITTER - K.A. MERIKAN ON GOODREADS - PINTEREST - M/F ROMANCE BY MISS MERIKAN

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Review, Excerpt & Giveaway: IMPOSSIBLE THINGS by Beth Bolden (Star Shadow #2)

Impossible Things
(Star Shadow series #2)

Author: Beth Bolden

Publisher: Beth Bolden Books

Cover Artist: Cate Ashwood Designs

Genre/s: Contemporary MM Romance. Friends to lovers. Slow burn. Rock star romance.

Heat Rating:  4 flames

Length: 80,000 words

Release Date: June 10, 2019

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Buy Links - Available on Kindle Unlimited

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It’s never the end . . . it’s only the beginning.

Blurb

For the last ten years, Benji and Diego have not only been members of Star Shadow, one of the biggest boy bands in the world, but best friends. During the years of fame and fortune they've also held a front row seat to the callous cruelty of the music industry. As much as they've both wanted more from their relationship, it never felt worth it to trade what they have for something hot, heady and completely impossible.

But is it really?

After welcoming back their long lost member and making it through their reunion tour with a new lease on fame, life suddenly seems too short to continue settling for safety.

Benji and Diego could have everything they’ve ever wanted, but can they figure out how to choose each other? Despite every impossible thing the world intends to throw at them?

It’s never the end . . . it’s only the beginning.

Excerpt

“Are you okay?”

Benji glanced up and of course it was Diego. Of course it would be him who’d know that something was wrong.

He cleared his throat, his tongue suddenly thick in his mouth. The panic hadn’t faded entirely yet, and he felt too close to the edge still, but Diego reached out and cupped his shoulder with his hand. The fear retreated a little more.

If he couldn’t be honest with Diego, could he be honest with anyone?

“I was just thinking of the last bow, the one we took when we didn’t know it was the last one,” Benji admitted.

After a moment of hesitation—which Benji understood entirely, their friendship sometimes seemed like a walk through a minefield—Diego pulled him into a hug. His hands hovered over Diego’s shoulders before giving in and gripping him tightly.

They stood there together for a long moment, holding on to each other. Benji let his head fall down to Diego’s shoulder, but otherwise they didn’t move.

“It was hard, because we didn’t know it was over, but it was over,” Diego finally said, the sound of the stagehands beginning to take down the stage around them punctuating his words. “But it turns out that it’s not really over after all.”

Benji didn’t want to say that some mornings he woke up and for a split second he still thought it was over. That he sometimes had to remind himself that he wasn’t on his own again, that he wasn’t struggling with a career that didn’t fit quite right, that he didn’t miss his boys so much he ached, that he hadn’t ultimately crashed and burned.

“It’s hard to forget, sometimes,” he said, even though he hadn’t really meant to say anything at all.

Diego pulled back, and even in the dim of backstage, Benji could see the empathy in his eyes. “You know, you’re more than your achievements,” Diego pointed out softly.

It wasn’t like he hadn’t been told that before, but something about the earnest belief in Diego’s voice made him want to believe this time. The problem was knowing, with crystal clear clarity, what he was capable of. And never being able to settle for less than that, without that ugly voice yelling in his ear that he’d failed again.

“I know.” Benji’s smile was wry. “Theoretically.” Reluctantly, he let go of Diego. Too long holding him, too long of them holding each other, and he was going to want even more than he already did.

Diego laughed. “Yeah, that’s the whole problem. Theoretically. You’re rich and famous. You don’t need to work so hard all the damn time. You’ve made it, Benji.”

All theoretically true.

If only that voice would shut the f*ck up sometimes.

“Yeah,” Benji said, rolling his eyes. “I know.” He paused. He and Diego had been practically inseparable this tour, but it was ending tonight, and they had two weeks in LA before the recording sessions on the new album started. Even though they’d spent so much time together already, the idea of a two-week break from Diego hurt. It had never hurt before. Somehow, Benji knew, they’d crossed that point of no return. Friendship alone would never be enough again. Had it been the kiss? He could barely remember it, it had been so short and brief. Nothing like he’d always imagined. He’d wanted a do-over for the last six months, but maybe they needed more privacy for that.

“Hey,” he started again hesitantly, “we should get together when we get back to LA.”

Diego was leading the way back to the green room and didn’t look at Benji. “I’m not sure. I’ll probably be busy with Ana.”

Benji knew how much he loved his daughter, and how much he’d missed her on this tour, even though his ex, Vicky, had brought her to as many tour stops as she could. So he didn’t know what to say to that. Even though it was probably true, it was hard not to see it as a brush-off. Diego was good with people; he wouldn’t give a brush-off that felt like one. He’d make it sound legit, all to spare Benji’s feelings.

The question was why was he brushing him off, right after hugging and reassuring him? Benji didn’t know, and didn’t know how to bring it up, because they were walking into the green room, and Max was spraying the walls with a bottle of sparkling apple juice and Leo and Caleb were dancing to the Black Eyed Peas, their favorite post-show soundtrack.

Carra's Review

After reading Terrible Things, the first book in this series, it was impossible not to want to hear Benji and Diego’s story next (see what I did there?).  While you could read this one on its own, I would strongly recommend reading these stories in order to get the background of the band and see what they went through with Leo and Caleb’s story.

I loved Diego, and it was his character with whom I most identified.  I understood his need for a calm, quiet life outside the band and his desire for privacy—particularly where his family was concerned.  Benji…I found him to be a bit frustrating.  He’s very driven, though at times it can make it seem like he’s chasing popularity.  It’s clear though that he wants to be known for his music, not who he’s with.

Together, the two of them are sizzling hot; they definitely have the physical chemistry.  They also have the fact that they’ve been best friends for ten years going for them.  Where they clash is with the attention they get outside of Star Shadow—Diego is perfectly happy staying out of the spotlight and just enjoying his life and family, while Benji wants to make sure he’s front and center in people’s minds—even to the point of seeming jealous of Leo and Caleb.

One character I truly disliked was Benji’s agent/manager, Jay.  The way he treats the guys’ lives as a popularity contest is abhorrent to me, especially since it just feeds into Benji’s personal perceptions of himself and his friends.  Jay was beyond manipulative, and I just wanted to throttle him…and berate Benji for not just getting rid of the guy.

Overall Impossible Things was a solid 4-star read for me, and I’m definitely interested to see what’s going on with the final member of the band, Max, and Leo’s brother Felix…so I can’t wait for the next book!  This story is for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content. 

About the Author

A lifelong Oregonian, Beth Bolden has just recently moved to North Carolina with her supportive husband. She still believes in Keeping Portland Weird, and intends to start a chapter of Keeping Durham Weird.

Beth has been writing practically since she learned the alphabet. Unfortunately, her first foray into novel writing, titled Big Bear with Sparkly Earrings, wasn’t a bestseller, but hope springs eternal. She’s published eleven novels and four short stories, with Impossible Things, the next book of the Star Shadow series, releasing in June 2019.

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Review & Giveaway: SINGLE by RJ Scott (Single Dads #1)

Buy Links: 

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link

Length: 54,000 words approx.

Cover Design: RJ Scott

Blurb

Reeling from the painful rejection of a man he thought he loved, Asher is left holding the baby.

Ash wants a family, and is determined to continue with a surrogacy he’d begun with his ex. Bringing baby Mia home, he vows that he will be the best father he can be. Nothing in this world matters more to him than caring for his daughter, not even accidentally falling in lust with the doctor next door. Challenged by his growing attraction to Sean, and confronted by painful memories of his family, Ash has to learn that love is all that matters.

When ER doctor Sean moves in with his friends next door to sexy single father Ash, he falls so quickly it takes his breath away. The sex they have is hot, but Ash is adamant

his heart is too full with love for his daughter to let anyone else in. Why is Sean the only one who sees how scared Ash is, and how can he prove to his new lover that he desperately wants the three of them to become a family?

Carra's Review

The setup may seem familiar—single dad who is completely devoted to his child meets hot, caring guy but doesn’t want to compromise where his child is concerned.  But RJ Scott takes this and gives it her own touches to keep things fresh and appealing…not to mention she’s drawn me in to this new series, so now I’m excited for the next book already.

Both Asher and Sean’s character were just right.  The desire Ash had to start a family gave him the strength to push on even when his ex bailed on him.  The descriptions of of his physical and mental state while trying to care for a newborn on his own were spot-on (from what I know of friends and family who have had kids), and that contributes to his likability as a character.  Sean might very well be a just-about-perfect man (because nobody’s perfect, but Sean comes awfully close).  He’s kind, understanding, protective, giving, and definitely has the caregiver part down pat…which you might expect given he’s a doctor.  

I really liked that things developed slowly between them, and that Sean—who had been mostly the hookup type—was affected enough by Ash to find himself wanting something committed instead.  Slower relationship development didn’t mean less hot though—it just meant when those moments came up, the intensity left me just as breathless as the characters.

There is a good, solid cast of supporting characters.  Ash’s sister is a solid support system for him as he’s learning the parenting ropes.  I was a bit wary of his mother due to the reason behind their estrangement, but that eased off my mind as the story progressed.  And Sean’s housemates Eric and Leo, as well as some of the guys from Ash’s single dad support group, have my interest piqued for future stories in the series.

Single was a 4.5-star read for me, and will definitely be enjoyed by any M/M romance fan.  I’m not usually one to pick up a book with kids in it, but Ash’s daughter Mia’s role does not eclipse the romance; she actually enhances the story without the over-cuteness I’ve sometimes found in other books with babies and children in them.  Though Ash and the others try to rein in the language with Mia around, there’s still enough adult language—and Ash and Sean get up to enough intimate contact—for this story to be for readers 18+.

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:

Email RJ | Facebook | Twitter | BookBub | Instagram | Pinterest

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Audiobook Review & Giveaway: THE OTHER BOOK by Roe Horvat

Buy Links: 

Audible US | Audible UK | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Length: 4hrs 26mins

Cover Design: Roe Horvat

Narrated By: Vance Bastian

Blurb

It was supposed to be just sex...Famous last words.

Tyler doesn't overthink pleasure and avoids complications. He knows it might be stupid to get involved with his closeted boss, but the temptation is too great. At first, the cold and beautiful Joel Sandstrom seems to loathe Tyler's guts.

Except one late night at the office, his reasons become clear...and his control breaks.

Every time they touch, Joel's stony face comes alive, harsh lines smooth out, and for a minute, he looks serene. Happy, even. Just sex - dirty, intense, spectacular sex.

During their covert encounters, Tyler discovers the power he has over the lonesome man, and it's a heady feeling. What if he could set Joel free and give him peace of mind? When Tyler realizes how much Joel needs him, he doesn't regret breaking his own rules.

Gay erotic romance. Contains explicit scenes and sexual interactions between more than two partners. For adult readers only.

Carra's Review

This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I was duly impressed by the writing and the solid storyline here, and the erotic intimate scenes were well off the charts *fans self*  It starts with an enemies-to-lovers vibe though as the story goes on it morphs into something more emotional.

Tyler is unapologetically himself, and enjoys a pretty free lifestyle—particularly when it comes to his intimate adventures—and has no problem taking charge.  Especially when it comes to his boss, Joel.  Joel seems very straight-laced at work, but has a huge weakness when it comes to Tyler.  Their clandestine encounters eventually become more…something Joel desperately needs thanks to the stresses in his life.

Make no mistake—this is absolutely an erotic romance.  There’s not only plenty of sex scenes, but you’re also going to find some with more than just Tyler and Joel involved.  The interesting thing is the scenes are not necessarily just gratuitous; the connections that form and the release they bring for Joel do serve a purpose (and yes, okay, they’re hella hot to read…not gonna lie).  

Not all erotic romance is just about the sex, and that is definitely the case here as Joel’s journey is an emotional one and highly personal—not just in the relationship he develops with Tyler, but also in his coming out and in his family life.  My only lament with this book is that it is told entirely from Tyler’s point of view; I would have loved to have heard Joel’s thoughts as things unfolded.  But even without Joel’s side this story is still moving and had me not wanting to put it down.

I loved this story, and it’s getting the full 5 star rating from me.  I’m also intrigued by Tyler’s friends Adam and Christoffer, I’m hoping they’ll have a story of their own to show how they got together as I’d love to read more about them!  The Other Book is meant strictly for readers 18+ for adult language and explicit erotic scenes, including some with multiple partners (so if that’s not your thing, you’ve been warned…but if it is your thing, you’re going to enjoy the ride!).  Be prepared for the heat, because this book does live up to its reputation ;-)

The narration: This is the first audiobook I’ve listened to from this narrator, and I thought Vance Bastian did a superb job of bringing The Other Book to life.  The more intense the physical scenes became between the characters, the more emotional the voices became to portray them.  The pacing was even and comfortable, and the voices different enough from each other to know which characters were speaking.  This will easily be an audiobook that I’ll be listening to again and again…5 stars for the narration!

About the Author

Queer fiction author Roe Horvat was born in the post-communist wasteland of former Czechoslovakia. Equipped with a dark sense of sarcasm, Roe traveled Europe and finally settled in Sweden. He came out as transgender in 2017 and has been fabulous since. He loves Jane Austen, Douglas Adams, bad action movies, stand-up comedy, pale ale, and daiquiri, with equal passion. When not hiding in the studio doing graphics, he can be found trolling cafés in Gothenburg, writing, and people-watching.

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