Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Review & Giveaway: A CHRISTMAS KISS by Annabelle Jacobs

A Christmas Kiss - Annabelle Jacobs


Cover Design: Garrett Leigh
Release Date: November 18 
Length: 38,000 words

Buy Links: 



Blurb

Keeping secrets from your best friend isn't right, but it's easier than admitting you've fallen in love with him.

Sharing a late-night kiss with his best friend, Alex, is Riley's dream come true. Waking up to discover Alex was too drunk to remember anything is more like a nightmare. Scared the truth could destroy their friendship, Riley keeps quiet and pretends nothing happened.

Alex can't shake the feeling that he said or did something stupid on their group's drunken weekend away-why else would Riley be avoiding him? Although the explanation he finally gets sounds plausible, Riley's still acting strange, and trying to figure out why that is unearths emotions Alex has worked hard to bury.

Riley knows not telling Alex how he feels is probably selfish, but he wants one last normal Christmas before he has to come clean and face the potential fallout.

He should have known it wouldn't be that easy.





Carra's Review

I loved this quick and sweet holiday romance.  I'm a sucker for stories where best friends fall for each other, then throw in the holiday aspect and you've got me hooked.  

I really enjoyed all of the characters in this story.  Poor Riley is too skittish to tell Alex outright how he feels, and Alex has feelings from a couple of years locked up tight as well.  Their friends see it and try to nudge them along, but Riley is determined that he doesn't want to lose Alex's friendship-even if that means keeping his feelings to himself after that one try.  

After that one night-that Alex doesn't remember-things get pretty strained between Riley and Alex, and when you add to the the attraction they both have for each other...that neither tells the other about aside from that drunken night...the tension level gets pretty high.  But you know how these things go-sooner or later things are going to come to a head, and when they do, sparks definitely fly!

This is a wonderful, light read and even though it is a fast read time-wise, the story itself never felt rushed.  It helps that Riley and Alex have already been best friends for years, setting the stage for something more right from the start.

A Christmas Kiss was a 4.5-star read for me, and I definitely recommend this to all M/M romance fans-whether or not you're looking for a holiday read.  The holiday part just adds an extra bit to smile about (like the mistletoe their friends leave behind for them...).  This story is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and some M/M sexual content.



Author Bio

Annabelle Jacobs lives in the South West of England with three rowdy children, and two cats. An avid reader of fantasy herself for many years, Annabelle now spends her days writing her own stories. They're usually either fantasy or paranormal fiction, because she loves building worlds filled with magical creatures, and creating stories full of action and adventure. Her characters may have a tough time of it-fighting enemies and adversity-but they always find love in the end.




GIVEAWAY!




Spotlight-Excerpt: CHRISTMAS ON THE STRAND by Loretta Wheeler


CHRISTMAS ON THE STRAND
part of the Southern Breezes series 
by Loretta Wheeler

New Release-PLEASURE ME Box Set


PLEASURE ME

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Audiobook Tour-Review & Giveaway: HOW TO DEAL by T.M. Smith (All Cocks Stories #3), narrated by Joel Leslie


Welcome to the How to Deal Audiobook tour, hosted by TTC Books and more.


How to Deal is the 3rd book in the All Cocks Stories and is now available in Audiobook format in addition to E-book and Print




Jon Brennan comes from a long line of men in uniform; all born and bred to both bleed and wear blue. His family and the majority of his co-workers support him every step of the way, so he doesn't need to hide the fact that he prefers men over women. Between the job and his larger than life, loud and rowdy half Irish, half Italian family, there isn't much time for dating, much less finding a guy who can deal with the stress and demands placed on the shoulders of an NYPD detective.
Kory White is cocky and abrasive with most people, but it is all a facade he hides behind to keep his heart safe. As a child, Kory lost his mother to an act of violence. Soon after, he and his baby sister Kassandra were separated by the system. Kassandra was immediately adopted, but Kory spent the next 10 years cycling through foster homes before moving to the Big Apple. In an effort to keep everyone at a distance, Kory has meticulously built himself an alter ego: Hayden Cox, All Cocks cockiest model.
These two strong-willed men definitely prove opposites do attract. Both are stubborn and hard headed to a fault, Kory more so than Jon. But Jon is used to being in control, the one calling the shots, and Kory fights him at every turn. Just when it seems they have found a way to navigate the unchartered territory that is love, tragedy knocks on Kory's door yet again. Volatile and strong, even in the face of adversity, both men refuse to give up on each other - or their love.
©2015 TM Smith (P)2016 TM Smith

Buy links Audiobook: iTunes | Amazon Audio | Audible

Buy links E-book or Paperback: 


Carra's Review

The story:
After the overly brash and cocky attitude I had come to expect from Kory based on the first two books, I was curious as to how his story would play out here in How to Deal. But while I was expecting a nonstop smartass, I got to see the rest of Kory's personality instead. It was actually pretty entertaining since all that self-assuredness flew out the window when it came to interacting with Jon and Jon's family.

Jon is a fantastic character--laid back, easygoing, but then very alpha and assertive when it's called for...which makes for some pretty interesting scenes between him and Kory (who you'd expect to be the dominant top based on the first two books). Jon knows exactly how to handle Kory, no matter how Kory tries to short circuit their relationship.

There's drama and strong emotion-something I've now come to expect from this series (I'd be disappointed if it was missing)-which really drags the other side of Kory's personality to the forefront and lets us see him in a whole new light. Seeing his reaction to events that happen with Jon and how that really opens Kory up to emotion was moving and showed even greater depth to his character. He and Jon work extremely well together, giving us another strong match to celebrate in the All Cocks family. Because yes, they are all definitely a family.

The only thing that bugged me about this story-and the only reason this is 4 stars for me instead of more-is how things played out at the end with the sub-plot of Kory and his sister. In my opinion, how this is resolved is based way too much on coincidence which for me diminishes the believability of the situation's resolution.

How to Deal is another success in the All Cocks series, and just keeps me wanting to hear more and more about the characters in this unique family. 4 stars, recommended for fans of M/M romance 18+ due to adult language and explicit M/M sexual content.

The narration:
How to Deal is another in a long line of exemplary narrations by Joel Leslie.  He brings so much to these characters, and the accents and individual voices are magnificent.  The character voices are consistent, and also match the voices for the same characters in the previous book in this series he narrated.  Joel expertly infuses the narration of each character with emotion, which made it very easy for me to slip right into the All Cocks world while listening.  5 stars for Joel Leslie's audio interpretation for How to Deal!


Meet the Narrator!

Joel is a UK transplant, growing up with an American parents in a British commonwealth.  He is often cast for his unique ability to deliver native, authentic combinations of both American and British sounds.  His wit and comedic timing also appeal to producers.  He has developed a strong body of work for young audience, historical, fantasy, new-adult, romance and m/m fiction.  
His author’s have praised him as “a narrator among narrators, a man whose ability to create different characters rests on the power of his voice and his impeccable delivery”,  and a “true delight…" "legendary, and his professionalism, good humor, and charm make him a dream to work with”, "Anyone else would only be second best”.  
Joel records under two names, for mainstream and children’s fiction as Joel Froomkin, and for m/m and adult material under Joel Leslie and has consistent access to home studio for all production needs. 

{Image compliments of Author TM Smith (flying monkey) and Joel Leslie (Sexy Tinman) via GRL 2016 in Kansas City}

Narrator links: Audible | Website | Facebook | Twitter



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!




Author links

Amazon || ARe || Smashwords || Website || Facebook || Twitter 



Follow the tour: 

Nov 21st
BikeBook Reviews – Spotlight & REVIEW
MMBook Escape – Spotlight & Guest Post

Nov 22nd
ScatteredThoughts and Rogue Words – Exclusive Excerpt & REVIEW
HappilyEver Chapter – Inspiration/Gran Brennan & REVIEW

Nov 23rd
TwoBook Pushers – Spotlight only
OpenSkye Book Reviews – Spotlight & REVIEW
Books
let us live a thousand words – Spotlight & REVIEW

Nov 24th
LoveBytes – This or That Thanksgiving edition (Author and Narrator) 
GayBook Reviews – Narrator Interview & REVIEW
TripleA – Spotlight only 

Nov 25th
FangirlMoments and My Two Cents – Spotlight only
MorticiaKnight – Spotlight only

Nov 26th
GayMedia Reviews – Playlist & REVIEW
CathyBrockman – Spotlight & REVIEW
TDCBook Reviews – Exclusive Excerpt & REVIEW

Nov 27th
BayouBook Junkie – Playlist & REVIEW
TheO’Raven Chronicles – Spotlight only

Nov 28th
BookBoyfriend Heaven – Spotlight only
WickedFaerie’s Tales and Reviews – Exclusive Excerpt & REVIEW

Nov 29th
Man2 Mantastic – Spotlight only
PurpleRose Teahouse – Guest post 
MakingIt Happen – Spotlight & REVIEW

Nov 30th
DivineMagazine – Guest post & REVIEW
SinfulReviews – Spotlight only 
PrismBook Alliance – Spotlight & REVIEW
Heartson Fire Reviews – Spotlight & REVIEW



Re-Release-Review & Giveaway: THE CURRENT BETWEEN US by Kindle Alexander


The Current Between Us
Includes Deleted Scenes
Author: Kindle Alexander
Genre: M/M Romance
Re-Release Date: November 29, 2016


Gage Synclair, international, hard-hitting investigative photojournalist, is preparing for the final special report of his career…a story of deception and murder six long years in the making. And after ten years in some of the worst parts of the world, he’s ready to settle life down and open an art gallery in his hometown of Chicago. The only thing getting in his way, he needs to find a competent electrician to finish the job before his grand opening.

Trent Cooper, electrical contractor, is surprised by the last minute request for a fast-paced electrical remodel, wanting nothing more than to get his foot in the door with Layne Construction. Being gay in the construction industry isn’t easy, nor is being father to his two young adopted children. Trent keeps his life in separate zones to avoid a short circuit. But when the gallery owner propositions him on the first day, Trent can’t help but think his worlds are a little too close for comfort.

Will their high-voltage passion spark everlasting love or will their lives break the circuit between them forever?







“Highly recommended read... what are you waiting for, get a wriggle on and discover for yourself what a great book it is!” - Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews

“...a really good M/M with great steamy romance, cute kids, a thrilling resolution and several unexpected turns” - Reader Review

“This is seriously hot romantic MM story. It has a nice mixture of mystery and suspense to add to the page turn-ability.” - Reader Review












I loved this story the first time around, and now with the second edition including deleted scenes at the end it’s even better!  

I absolutely adore both Trent and Gage.  Trent is fully dedicated to his two children, always doing things and making decisions with them in mind, ever the responsible single parent.  But he’s actually a bit lonely, not having anyone for himself.  Gage is very independent, doing his own thing instead of working with the family business.  He’s a very successful man, and a bit of a celebrity in his own right.  Once the two of them meet, they both fall hard and fast…and every interaction between them is incredibly intense.  Their chemistry together is off the charts, and their scenes together had me riveted to the pages (and not just the intimate ones).

Gage easily adapts to Trent’s world and falls just as quickly for Trent’s kids.  He is a natural with them, something that captures Trent’s heart.  Trent on the other hand is a bit unsure of Gage’s world, thinking he really doesn’t belong there-but it is blatantly obvious to anyone who reads this story that the two of them DO belong TOGETHER.  No matter how quickly they fall for each other, you can’t deny how utterly perfect they are for each other.

To me, it felt like Gage’s character went through some needed growth very quickly.  He goes from a man who has no problem propositioning Trent the day they meet to a man who wants to move at Trent’s pace because he realizes Trent is so very worth it.  He immediately recognizes that Trent is much more to him than just a quickie, and changes his focus as he feels the pull he and Trent have to each other.  Like I said, they are meant to be together, and I can’t imagine them not ending up with each other.

The only snag in my love of this story was the drama point involving the kids’ birth father.  The coincidence factor of that was a bit of a stretch for me to accept, and it’s the only reason this was not a 5-star read for me.

The deleted scenes added at the end give us some excellent glimpses into Trent and Gage’s future after the end of the story, and I loved seeing a favorite character from another book in this section.  We also get a quick intro to the main characters in the author’s upcoming new book, Painted On My Heart not just in the deleted scenes section but also with a sneak peak at the new story…which of course has me even more excited for that book.

4.5 stars for The Current Between Us, and I do highly recommend this story to M/M romance fans.  This story is for readers 18+ for adult language and some sizzling M/M sexual content (oh yes, Trent and Gage together might have you sweating as well!).  






a Rafflecopter giveaway












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

I live in the suburbs of Dallas where it's true, the only thing bigger than an over active imagination, may be women's hair!
Usually, I try for funny. Humor is a major part of my life - I love to laugh, and it seems to be the thing I do in most situations - regardless of the situation, but jokes are a tricky deal... I don't want to offend anyone and jokes tend to offend. So instead I'm going to tell you about Kindle.

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

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

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

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

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









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Book Blitz: STRUGGLE FOR MY SOUL by Andrea Renee Smith


Struggle for My Soul 

by Andrea Renee Smith


Synopsis

When Shelley's boyfriend dies, all Hell breaks loose. He and other Friends have to fight to save her soul from the evil that wants to claim her. Find out what demons await her and what her future holds.




Buy Links





About the Author

She is a homemaker, a wife and a mother. She has two Maltese she adores. She also takes care of her mother-in-law. She formerly worked as a Teacher’s Assistant.

She loves to read and write romance and other genres.

She has written a 4 book series called Cristibell. 
Four children's books and two adult books.
Her series is being published on Goodreads, Amazon along with her other books.

Connect with the author