Review & Giveaway: THE CHRISTMAS OAKS by V.L. Locey (Laurel Holidays #1)

Buy Links: 

Amazon US | Amazon UK | KOBO | Nook | Apple | Universal Link

Cover Design: Designs By Sloan

Blurb 

Can the magic of Christmas, and the soft voice of a man who has seen too much, show Bryan a future where anything is possible?

Bryan Graham is shocked to find he’s inherited a hunting cabin in north-central Pennsylvania. From his grandfather of all people; a stubborn man who went out of his way to make Bryan’s childhood miserable. He’d vowed never to go back to the small, rural community of Kutter’s Summit, not that he didn’t have fond memories of the place. It’s just that he’d rather be celebrating a quiet Christmas back in Nashville with his cat and his contracts. 

A couple of weeks of hunting, cleaning, and handyman work, and he can hopefully put the place up for sale and move on with his life. He never expected to find his childhood friend Parson Greer living in the cabin. Parson is no longer a boy, but a handsome, wary man consumed by the demons of a faraway desert war. When a rekindled friendship shifts into something deeper, Bryan finds himself lost in emotions that a workaholic like him has never made time to experience before.

Carra's Review

When I first started reading this story, I was none too enamored with Bryan.  I wasn’t a fan of his flippant, flighty attitude which made it hard for me to warm up to him.  When he first encountered Parson, I sort of felt the same way about him as well but because of the curt, dismissive way he had about him.

As the story progressed, I found it much easier to understand and empathize with Parson, and I liked the effect he had on Bryan.  Overall feels though?  While I did like them together, I didn’t quite feel that spark, and I’m attributing that to Bryan’s personality—even with the softening effect Parson had on him.

The issues brought up in the story regarding Bryan’s past relationship with his now-deceased grandfather, as well as the effects of Parson’s military service are all dealt with in due time.  I completely agreed with Bryan when it came to his grandfather; even though others might have given reasons to forgive his grandfather’s behavior, Bryan had a right to his feelings since that had a strong effect on him personally.

The Christmas Oaks was a 3.5-star read for me, and does fit well with the season.  It does touch on some serious topics such as Parson’s PTSD and Bryan’s main client’s addiction problems, so that along with the adult language and sexual content means this story is meant for readers 18+.

About the Author

USA Today Bestselling Author V.L. Locey – Penning LGBT hockey romance that skates into sinful pleasures.

V.L. Locey loves worn jeans, yoga, belly laughs, walking, reading and writing lusty tales, Greek mythology, Torchwood and Dr. Who, the New York Rangers, comic books, and coffee. (Not necessarily in that order.) She shares her life with her husband, her daughter, one dog, two cats, a pair of geese, far too many chickens, and two steers.

When not writing spicy romances, she enjoys spending her day with her menagerie in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania with a cup of fresh java in one hand and a steamy romance novel in the other.

Facebook | Facebook Group | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

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Audiobook Release & Giveaway: FIGHTER by TM Smith (A Survivor Story)

Fighter – A Survivor story 

Dedication and smarts have given Blair Cummings a leg up in the Bureau. His job is all-consuming but rewarding. It doesn’t leave much time for a love life though, not that Blair believes in love. In his early thirties, he’s only ever been in one long-term relationship due to his inability to commit to anything other than his job and his family.

Born into a family that’s as successful as they are hateful, Howard Manning Tullor Junior ran so far away from his last name that he wound up in the arms of Satan himself. Freedom comes at a high price but it’s one Mannie is willing to pay, setting him on a path that leads him to a quiet, laid-back FBI agent.

Their attraction is unexpected, and yet, welcomed. Blair seems to have finally found something worth fighting for, but Mannie, still haunted by ghosts of the past, wonders if he’ll ever be able to move on. The two are working toward their future, but can a budding romance survive when past and present collide?

Available now on Audible!

Fighter Audiobook blog tour '12 Days of Giveaways'

Giveaways will run December 10th - 21st with a winner each day. All the different items included are listed below, but not necessarily in the order they'll be given away. 

Merry Christmas! Prize
box (US only!)... You Got This! Personalizable journal (Hey... you totally got this! The same customizable disc-bound system from The Happy Planner® you know and LOVE… in notebook form! This Classic Happy Notes™ notebook is perfect for journaling, taking notes, making lists, and writing down your BIG IDEAS! Three dividers included so you can create different sections to fit your needs!

• 60 sheets of lined paper
• 3 dividers included)
• relaxation coloring book with color pencils& sharpner, chapstick, Kleenex with a motivational note, Incense w/holder, various Author swag, Captain Marvel pic, passport binder, 750 piece puzzle and a reversable canvas bag from 'Fresh off the Boat', ABC network.

*Full size 2020 Calendar (US only)
*Headphones w/Audible codes (Headphones US only, Audiobook codes can be either US or UK Audible)
*Full size 2020 Calendar (US only)
*Jay Aheer prints (International)
*Signed paperback copy of Fighter (US only)
*Starbucks Giftcard (IF your country has a Starbucks and I can forward you an e-giftcard, you can win!)
*Jay Aheer prints (International)
*Signed paperback copy of The Messenger (US only)
*direct from prime (International)
*3 best selling eBooks ---- Ann Lister (eBook copies of... Fall Again, Book 10 in The Rock Gods and A Rhythm You Feel, Book 1 in The Rock Gods: East Coast Label) Morticia Knight (eBook copy of In the Name of the Father)
*Storiarts Black Beauty fingerless writing gloves (US only)

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A military brat born and raised at Ft. Benning, Georgia; TM Smith is an avid reader, reviewer and writer. A Texas transplant, she now calls DFW her home. Most days she can be found curled up with a good book, or ticking away on her next novel. 

Smith is a single mom of three disturbingly outspoken and decidedly different kids, one of which is Autistic. Besides her writing, she is passionate about Autism advocacy and LGBT rights. Because, seriously people, Love is Love!

Website || Blog || Facebook Author || Facebook TRIBE || Twitter || Pinterest || Youtube || Goodreads

New Release & Giveaway: THE CHRISTMAS OAKS by V.L. Locey (Laurel Holidays #1)

Buy Links: 

Amazon US | Amazon UK | KOBO | Nook | Apple | Universal Link

Cover Design: Designs By Sloan

Blurb 

Can the magic of Christmas, and the soft voice of a man who has seen too much, show Bryan a future where anything is possible?

Bryan Graham is shocked to find he’s inherited a hunting cabin in north-central Pennsylvania. From his grandfather of all people; a stubborn man who went out of his way to make Bryan’s childhood miserable. He’d vowed never to go back to the small, rural community of Kutter’s Summit, not that he didn’t have fond memories of the place. It’s just that he’d rather be celebrating a quiet Christmas back in Nashville with his cat and his contracts. 

A couple of weeks of hunting, cleaning, and handyman work, and he can hopefully put the place up for sale and move on with his life. He never expected to find his childhood friend Parson Greer living in the cabin. Parson is no longer a boy, but a handsome, wary man consumed by the demons of a faraway desert war. When a rekindled friendship shifts into something deeper, Bryan finds himself lost in emotions that a workaholic like him has never made time to experience before.

About the Author

USA Today Bestselling Author V.L. Locey – Penning LGBT hockey romance that skates into sinful pleasures.

V.L. Locey loves worn jeans, yoga, belly laughs, walking, reading and writing lusty tales, Greek mythology, Torchwood and Dr. Who, the New York Rangers, comic books, and coffee. (Not necessarily in that order.) She shares her life with her husband, her daughter, one dog, two cats, a pair of geese, far too many chickens, and two steers.

When not writing spicy romances, she enjoys spending her day with her menagerie in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania with a cup of fresh java in one hand and a steamy romance novel in the other.

Facebook | Facebook Group | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

GIVEAWAY!

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New Release-Review & Giveaway: SANTA'S LAST GIFT by Sandine Tomas

Buy Links: 

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Length: 60,475 words 

Cover Design: Alexandria Corza

Blurb

The greatest gift might be what they already have.

After years away building his career, event planner Sebastian Chesnut returns to his small hometown of Fir Falls to reconnect with his mother, sister, and young nieces before his job takes him to London.

He doesn't expect to find his high school boyfriend, Matty, has become a virtual member of Seb's family. Back then, Matty only offered a casual relationship, but Seb fell hard, and history is soon repeating itself. Seb’s afraid to hope for a second chance, no matter how much they’ve grown and despite the family they share. Instead, he focuses on creating a last perfect holiday, which won’t be easy with his sister’s ex planning to take the girls over Christmas.

Seb and Matty might not know what to do about their feelings for each other, but one thing’s for sure—it won’t be Christmas without the kids. Can these star-crossed lovers pull off a holiday miracle?

Carra's Review

There were plenty of individual things about this story I liked—the characters, the setup, the small town; but I’m still a little on the fence about one aspect of the story, the dilemma with Sebastian’s sister’s kids.  I’ll be the first one to admit I’m not much for kids in romance stories since I prefer the focus to be on the couple and their relationship development, but I am usually okay with kids if they don’t become the central focus.

For the most part, Sebastian and Matthew seem ideally suited for each other in this second chance story.  Well, except for the part of Sebastian getting ready to take a job on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean in the new year…so there’s the hurdle for them to overcome.  They’re just as drawn to each other and their chemistry is just as strong as when they were in high school, and though Sebastian knows there’s a time limit on anything between them he still pursues Matty to at least have a good time before he goes.

But regardless of how flighty Matty may have acted in high school, it is beyond obvious that his attitude and priorities have changed over the years.  He is fully devoted to Sebastian’s family, and even though he realizes Sebastian is only visiting, he falls right back into his old feelings as well.  It could still work, right?

As for the dilemma with the kids spending the holiday with their dad instead of Sebastian’s sister—I was looking at it from a neutral point of view thinking if I was their dad, I’d be wanting my turn with the kids for the holidays.  I get that the sister, mother, Matty, and the kids were really close-knit…but I’m also a “fair is fair, follow your agreement” person so I was a bit frustrated by them going back to this again and again.  While they did work out something in the end, the mini-drama around this part of the story was kind of “meh” for me.

Overall, I’m giving Santa’s Last Gift 3.5 stars, and that’s in large part due to how much I liked Sebastian and Matthew’s characters as individuals as well as how they just clicked as a couple.  This story is for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.

Author Bio

Sandine Tomas grew up an unapologetic bookworm, making friends with characters from the ancient past to the farthest reaches of the universe. Her career as a marketing writer has given her insight into the divergence between what a person thinks they want and what they truly need. Relationships are at the heart of her writing, and she enjoys creating characters who become so real that their stories beg to be told. Writing allows her to explore people and ideas from all sides, spinning a notion around like a gem until its facets glisten.

Twisting the old adage about writing what you know into writing what you feel, Sandine doesn’t shy away from raw emotions, turbulent circumstances, and above all, deep passions, fueled by humor, honesty, and trust. She enjoys instilling her characters with the flaws, courage, and idiosyncrasies that brings them to life.

Sandine lives in New York with her husband, two daughters and a Golden Retriever puppy named Noodle. An unabashed TV and film enthusiast, she happily binge watches her favorites until her eyes glaze over. Her other guilty pleasures include attending fandom conventions, sleeping in on weekends, and recharging solo by holing up with a caramel macchiato and an amazing book.

If you’d like to chat, reach out to her here or on Twitter (@sandinetomas) or Facebook (sandine.tomas).

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Cover Reveal, Excerpt & Giveaway: FOREVER by Kindle Alexander

Forever

Author: Kindle Alexander

Genre: M/M Romance

Release Date: Coming 2020
Cover Design: Reese Dante Book Cover Art & Design

Forever, the continuation of the number 1 bestselling novel, Always is coming soon.

Dr. Robert Adams grew up with more advantages than most—the son of a former vice president, he had two loving fathers, a twin sister he adores and wonderfully doting grandparents. Life is good until one afternoon when his dreams flat-line. And no scalpel can repair the guilt and grief he carries with him for the first time in his life.

For Tech Sergeant Landon Russo, determination isn’t just a word, it’s a way of life. Joining the US Air Force allows him to prove his worth, and he takes the values of integrity, service and excellence to heart in every decision he makes. Until on one fateful night, in celebration of a much-deserved promotion, a simple misstep sends his life flying into a tailspin.

As both men fight to regain control of their lives, they’ll soon discover fate rules. Will they ignore the signs and risk everything or will they take a chance and trust they're destined to be together...forever? 

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July, 2013 Landstuhl, Germany

“Damn, Doc! You machine. You’ve gotta be exhausted?” 

Robert Adams glanced from reading the chart in his hand to the tall blond nurse who had come to a stop beside him. He’d met the guy weeks ago and had seen him around the hospital dozens of times since. Robert winced internally. If he hadn’t become such a self-absorbed ass and been the better person he was raised to be, he’d have made it a point to remember the man’s name. This was just another reminder of how he hadn’t even tried to fit in socially with the hospital staff. 

If he’d learned anything from the past eight or so months, self-beratement didn’t help adjust his rotten attitude. Robert had given up on any hope of absolution and had let this funky, f*cked-up mood consume his entire life. 

Yet another thing his fathers would be disappointed in him for. Why couldn’t he just try to be friendlier? The idea seemed almost impossible to achieve. With a heavy internal sigh, he gave up on the guy’s name and remembered that the nurse was always around the hospital too. 

“I think that’s preaching to the choir.” For the past month, Robert had been placed on duty at the Landstuhl Regional Military Hospital in Germany. From the janitorial staff all the way to the top brass, the whole team seemed to have great respect for one another. They were solid professionals who genuinely got along well with one another and they had had no problem welcoming Robert—a civilian—into their circle with open arms. He’d been the one to purposefully keep his distance. 

Another point in the hospital staff’s favor was that not one person had referenced either one of his fathers. They offered no awkward condolences on their untimely deaths. There was no talk of his dad, Avery Adams, being a great patriot to their country or the loss of his other father, his daddy, Kane Adams, so quickly after Avery’s death. Robert didn’t have to listen to all the ridiculous theories of soul mates—a perfect love intertwined with a connection so deep that death couldn’t break his fathers’ bond. Here at LRMC, Robert just got to be a man immersing himself in work. 

The scalpel hadn’t felt right in his hand for a good while now. He’d come to LRMC in merely a support capacity role. He took every shift offered in order to keep his plate so full, there wasn’t time to dwell on what had happened in his personal life. Especially his responsibility in his beloved daddy’s sudden decline and ultimate death. Pain lanced across his heart so sharply it forced the air from his lungs as the weight of what he’d done sat heavily on his chest. And just like that, the overwhelming feeling returned, threatening to force the air from his lungs and drag him under. 

He’d heard time eased loss, and perhaps it might, but he doubted the guilt would ever fade. If he’d done things differently, he wouldn’t be here in Germany chasing mystical signs, searching for anything to give purpose to this pain. The heavy weight of guilt. A f*cking bottomless pit of quicksand filled with deep sorrow, regret, and disappointment in himself that had him sinking deeper every time he tried to break free. Robert let go of the breath he’d been holding and scrubbed a hand down the length of his face. 

“You okay, buddy?” the nurse asked, hijacking his pity party. 

Robert glanced over, surprised to see the man still standing beside him. Apparently, this depression he fought robbed him of any reasonable thought. When the pain took over, it stole everything. How could he move forward when his head and heart couldn’t get past how badly he’d handled things? 

“Yeah, I’m fine, just a little tired. I’m doing rounds then heading out.” Forcing a grin, Robert tried for upbeat, hoping to hide the pain silently drowning him. And it seemed to work. The nurse gave an easy nod, accepting his answer. 

“I’m on duty tonight. Let me know what you need.” The guy squeezed his shoulder then gave him a reassuring pat on the back before leaving Robert standing there alone. 

“Right,” he muttered and forced himself back to the patient chart in his hand, refusing to wallow in the murky pit of guilt and regret that the conversation had stirred. He stared at the notes, not remembering a single thing he’d read from just moments ago. He had to do better. He had too. 

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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