Friday, September 27, 2024

New Release-Excerpt & Giveaway: BEAUTIFUL DARK TEMPTATION by Roxas Winters (Arcadia U #1)

Beautiful Dark Temptation

by Roxas Winters

Publisher: Evernight Publishing

Cover Artist: Jay Aheer

Release Date: September 27, 2024

Pairing: MM

Tense/POV: First person/ Past tense/Alternating POV

Genres: Contemporary MM Romance, dark, mafia, college, 

Tropes: Mafia romance, enemies to lovers, forbidden romance, morally grey MCs, possessive MC

Themes: Bisexual awakening, in the closet, trauma 

Heat Rating:  4 flames

Length: 226 pages/ 76 000 words

It is a standalone story with a HFN ending. 

This is book 1 of the Arcadia U series. Book two is in edits.

Goodreads

Buy Links

Amazon US  |  Amazon UK

I’m not ready to lose it all for a beautiful dark temptation

Blurb

Tomás

I’ve lost everything. 

Forced into a prison masking as a school, I find myself in the crosshairs of more than one killer. My savior? The arrogant prick who wants to control me. Kieran is a nightmare wrapped in a seductive package and when he sets his sights on me I don’t know whether to fight him or kiss him. 

Kieran

I am the eldest bastard of one of the four founders of Arcadia University, and I will do anything to see my family fall. 

The secrets I’ve kept hidden behind my heart now threaten to bury me alive with the arrival of Tomás. He consumes my space, my thoughts, my nightmares. I hate him for how he makes me feel. This toxic attraction between us forces me to question what matters most—vengeance, power, love. But Tomas doesn’t fit into my world of lies and violence and I’m not ready to lose it all for a beautiful dark temptation.

Excerpt

Kieran

The front door opened and closed as I put my dish away. Getting under Tomás’s skin made me feel alive. I couldn’t kill him yet, but I could f*ck with him.

He straightened when he caught sight of me. A hint of pain crossed his features, but he quickly schooled it before he grabbed a glass of water. Without paying me any attention, he downed the water. I couldn’t help but take in his profile. The soft line of his jaw, the smooth suntanned skin, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed. I had the urge to cup his throat, feel his pulse. He lowered the cup and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. Why my d*'ck chose that moment to twitch made no sense. I wasn’t attracted to him. No way. My erection in the field had to do with the adrenaline rush, not him.

He rinsed the cup and put it away. “What?” he finally said. “You want to finish what we started?”

The image of him stretched out on top of me was what came to mind. My d*ck against his thigh. And the f*cker had grinded against me. I’d felt his erection too before he jumped off me as if his ass were on fire. Then he ran. 

If I expected Fox to let go of Dasher, then I had to stop reacting to this prick like I wanted to shove him out a window. I still didn’t know Tomás’s true bloodline. Murdering him would cause attention and right now, that would be more dangerous than letting him live.

“I think we got off to a rocky start,” I said.

He snorted. “Really? I hadn’t noticed.”

Cocky f*cker almost made me smile. “You’re a part of the four whether we like it or not. Means that we might be family.” Bile rose in the back of my throat. I already knew we weren’t blood related, but he had to belong to one of the four. 

That made him snap his mouth shut. I could see the want of his comeback. He vibrated with it. It took several seconds of silence for him to finally speak. 

“I’m not your family,” he said in a tone that seemed absolute. As if he knew without a doubt that he had no blood ties to any of us. “My family is dead.”

My brain buzzed with all the questions I wanted to ask him. Why was he here? Who sent him here? What was his background? Who are you?

He lifted his hand to wipe his face and winced. Dropping his hand to his side he scowled at me. “You’re f*cking psycho. It was just a game.” He made a hasty retreat to his room, holding on to his ribs. 

A game?

The asshole needed to learn the rules of this place.

I heard his door close but not the chair. I breathed in a moment, just letting myself calm down. 

Not happening.

Reaching his door, I pushed it open without knocking. It almost slammed against the wall. Everything I’d meant to say drained away at the picture of Tomás bare chested in front of me. His pants were unbuttoned and hanging low on his hips. Every bit of him exposed awakened something feral inside of me. A desire so deep, I feared releasing it. I suddenly forgot how to breathe, to talk, to make sense of sh*t. 

“What the f*ck?”

The angry sound of his voice snapped me out of my stupidity, and I remembered why I entered in the first place. “You think this is a game? Where the hell do you think you are? Who the hell do you think goes to school here? Because they aren’t friends, they aren’t life-long partners. They’re sons and daughters of assassins, drug dealers, mafia, cartel, and the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” I should’ve shut up. But I couldn’t. For some reason, I needed him to understand. “Nothing in this place is a game. It’s a test to measure your strength, and out there,” I pointed at the window, “beyond the campus, they’ll rip you apart. So if I were you, I’d really start thinking about alliances. Consider who has your back before someone drives a knife right through it.”

His eyes widened, his mouth opened and closed, and I felt that stirring inside of me that burned all my nerve endings. Then he had to make it worse. “Why do you hate me so much?” 

About the Author 

Roxas writes dark, forbidden MM Romance with morally gray characters you will love to hate. Beautiful Dark Temptation is her first novel in a planned series. 

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Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Cover Reveal: PARIS AND THE REAPER by Layla Reyne (Soul to Find #2)

 


Paris and the Reaper

(Soul to Find #2)

by Layla Reyne

Releasing October 22, 2024

Cover Designer: Sleepy Fox Studio


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.


Pre-order links


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


Add to your Goodreads TBR



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.



New Release-Excerpt & Giveaway: MIDNIGHT ON THE MIDWAY by Morgan Brice (Carnival of Mysteries)

Midnight on the Midway

(Carnival of Mysteries series)

by Morgan Brice

Publisher: Darkwind Press

Cover Artist: Dianne Thies

Release Date: September 18, 2024

Pairing: MM

Tense/POV: Third person, past tense, alternating POV

Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Mystery/suspense, Paranormal, Shifter, Urban Fantasy

Tropes: Meet cute, found family, suspect & investigator, fish out of water, supernatural carnival, psychics, caring veterinarian, paranormal mobsters, secret agent

Themes: Learning to trust, discovering the supernatural is real

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Length: 65 000 words

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

Goodreads

Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon US  |  Amazon UK

Supernatural secret agents, vampires, and veterinarians!

Blurb

Drake Carlson is an agent for the Federal Bureau of Supernatural Investigation. He’s psychic and gets visions of alternate realities. Drake is tracking magical Mafiosi involved in paranormal crime. On a rare night out, he goes to an arcade and ends up in a Skee-Ball competition with Garrett Thompson, a cute veterinarian, and they really hit it off. More arcade dates and a visit to the Carnival of Mysteries lead to hot nights and a growing connection, and Drake begins to think he and Garrett could forge a forever relationship.

Then a mobster with a sick dog kidnaps Garrett, and a vampire henchman puts Garrett under his thrall. Drake is going to need all the help he can get—from the carnival, his own psychic mojo, and some paranormally skilled friends to catch the mobster, rescue Garrett—and, of course, save the dog—on the way to his happily-ever-after.

Midnight on the Midway is a fast-paced MM paranormal romance filled with supernatural suspense, found family, a brave veterinarian, vengeful vampires, sarcastic ghosts, midway magic, a fearless fed, hurt/comfort angst, love-conquers-all tension, and a very happy ending!

Part of the multi-author, shared-world Carnival of Mysteries series. Can be read as a stand-alone.

Excerpt—in an escape room

The attendant left the room which was designed to look like a Victorian parlor, and they heard the door click shut behind him. Ominous music began to play, and after a few minutes, Drake picked up other sounds like chattering teeth, moans, and wails.

“They go all-out, don’t they?” He followed Garrett’s lead to handle the objects on shelves and tables, gently shifting them to disclose secrets.

“This place has a good reputation.” Garrett turned slowly to survey the room.

Drake resisted the temptation to dive in with his agent training and decided to let Garrett take the lead. “I’ve never done one of these. Where do we start?”

Garrett looked pleased to share his love of the adventures. “This one was rated spooky but not extreme. It’s not like one of those live haunted houses at the beach where actors follow you around and chase you. Some places do have characters, but this one doesn’t.”

“Have you done it before?”

Garrett shook his head. “Not this particular scenario. I did the UFO one here a couple of weeks ago with some friends from work. So I’m basing my expectations on that.”

“So we get to live out our inner Scooby Doo?”

“Pretty much. Trap doors may open, but you won’t fall through anything. Handle anything that’s loose and look for clues or codes. Gently tug on things to see if they move. If it opens, look inside. There will be doors to other rooms, so look for hidden openings as well as regular doors,” Garrett said. “It’s more fun if we work together, so don’t try to do it all on your own.”

Drake thought that working together on a project might feel awkward, or there could be a push-pull vying to be in charge. To his relief, Garrett proved to be competent and inquisitive without any one-upmanship.

They divided the room into search sections, moving clockwise so they eventually went over each other’s areas without getting in the way. Garrett found the first of several clues and seemed genuinely pleased when Drake found a secret door that opened to lead them into a long-abandoned dining room.

A sudden shriek raised the hackles on Drake’s neck. Garrett chuckled. “Gotta watch out for the sound effects. They’ll get you every time.”

Drake relaxed, chagrined, and reminded himself that this wasn’t the usual life-or-death stakes. As he searched behind paintings, checked under couch cushions, and peered inside the grandfather clock, Drake admired the clever set dressing and the ingenuity of the scriptwriter.

Real ghost hunts rarely went smoothly, and while the escape room was made to look like a creepy abandoned house, it lacked the smell of mildew, rodents, and disuse that came with the real thing.

“You’re pretty good at this.” Garrett bumped elbows with Drake. “I think you’ve got a knack for it.”

If you only knew.

About the Author  

Morgan Brice is the romance pen name of bestselling author Gail Z. Martin. Morgan writes urban fantasy MM paranormal romance, with plenty of action, adventure and supernatural thrills to go with the happily ever after. Gail writes epic and urban fantasy, with less romance, more explosions.

All of the modern-day Morgan Brice and Gail Z. Martin series crossover, so characters from one series appear in cameos and on page in important secondary roles in books from other series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but the more you read the more the expanded universe of friendships and connections becomes clear. 

Morgan and Gail believe that paranormal elements make any story even better, and her worlds are full of ghosts, psychics, shifters, creatures, vampires, monster hunters, and magic. 

She's also a huge fan of the TV show Supernatural. (Chibi art by Kamidiox)

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Tuesday, September 17, 2024

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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