Monday, October 31, 2022

New Release-Excerpt & Giveaway: BLEEDING DAWN by Layla During (Road to Rocktoberfest 2022)

by Layla Dorine

Publisher: Desolate Press

Cover Artist: Natasha Snow

Release Date: October 28, 2022

Genre:  MM Rocker Romance

Tropes: Friends to Lovers, Hurt-comfort, Found Family

Themes:  Rocker boys falling in love, Road Trip, Outdoor Concert     

Heat Rating: 3 flames

Length:  321 pages

It is a standalone story and does not end on a cliffhanger. Characters from a previous Rocktoberfest book, Tattered Angel, do appear and feature prominently. 

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Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon US   |   Amazon UK

Melt into the desert, bleed into the dawn, follow the melody, the music knows the way. 

Blurb

Identical in appearance, twins Winter and Tripp are as different as night and day when it comes to everything but the music they’ve spent the bulk of their lifetimes composing. Now they’ve attained the fame they always hoped for, and it’s as empty and meaningless as the remains of route 66, and about as broken too. Would help if Winter could see it. Tripp’s sure he’ll lose his sh*t completely the next time some random groupie leaps on the hood of his car and begs to take a selfie, but to Winter, every night is a party, he lives for the crazy hookups, lives for the crazy, period.

Another place they differ.

Tripp would kill for one season to slow down. Just three months where he and Zakk could melt into obscurity and be whomever they wanted, together. Only Zakk’s band, Tattered Angel, is on fire too and it’s starting to seem like the music he’s always loved is hell-bent on keeping him from exploring love of a different kind. Last year’s Rocktoberfest was an amazing triumph, this year, it’s starting to feel like the road to the desert is burning him alive.

Would be so easy to slip off across the sand, melt into a dune on the back of some strange, psychedelic serpent, never to be heard from again. If only there was a way to ensure Zakk took that last ride with him.

Bleeding Dawn is part of the multi-author The Road to Rocktoberfest 2022 series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but why not read them all and see who hits the stage next? Hot rockstars and the men who love them, what more could you ask for? Kick back, load up your kindle and enjoy the men of Rocktoberfest!

Excerpt

“Okay, I’m sitting, my supper will apparently have to remain raw a little longer.”

“It’s all for a good cause, I assure you.”

“It better be, I skipped breakfast.”

“So nibble a graham cracker and open your ears. Don’t try telling me you don’t have any when Winter said you have s’mores at least three times a week when you’re home.”

Huffing, Tripp yanked the drawer open and snatched the package from inside.

“Thank you. Now, they need small shows, we need some soft runs on the new material, so I was thinking…”

“No, hell no. F*ck you for even thinking we should go back on the road again. I just got a new couch. We haven’t even broken it in yet. Not a single divot.”

“Thought that’s what you and Winter would be writing the new songs on.”

“We have, doesn’t mean we’ve made a suitable imprint yet.”

“Okay, guess we’ll put off working the kinks out. Too bad. Jesse suggested we invite Riley and his crew to give them a chance to work on their new material. I hear Dez and Zakk have almost two albums worth of material. It’s a good idea, if you ask me. Oh, and get this, Saint’s Seduction reached out to Dez, again, and tried to get him to come back and play for them. The way I heard it; he never took the call. James gave them the flat ‘no’ Dez had conveyed to him the previous time and hung up on them.” 

“Can’t say I blame them, the guy is talented.”

“If you think so, why do you two end up foaming at the mouth every time you’re in proximity to one another? I can practically hear you snarling from across the room.”

Tripp sighed, 'cause he’d asked himself that for a couple of months now and what he kept coming back to was a relationship he didn’t know what to do with. 

He was jealous. 

Not of anything musical when it came to Dez’s ability and experience, but of the man himself and the time he spent with Zakk. Even the knowledge that Dez was dating Riley didn’t dull the possessiveness he felt towards a man he was barely lucky enough to see six times a year. 

Wait…

Something clicked in his brain, along with a voice telling him to stay the f*ck outta his own way before he f*cked things up, again.

“Are you saying it would be us, Tattered Angel and Wild Child?” Tripp asked, excitement beginning to surge through him. 

“Yup.”

“And who the hell would book that insanity?”

“James and Russ are raring to be unleashed on the project, but there are a few hiccups to iron out.

“Like?”

“Who would headline?”

“We’ll rotate, everyone should be good with that.”

“Band members are, a few of the venues are not.” 

Why did it sound like he was chewing? He’d better not be eating anything good after the way this conversation had derailed Tripp’s meal.

“Hey, did you hear what I said about the venues?”

Tripp pulled the phone away from his ear, scowling at it for several seconds before warily drawing it close again. “My ears were working just fine until you bellowed in them!” 

“Then pay attention, damn. Now, what do we do about the venues.”

Grumbling beneath his breath, Tripp tried to figure out why he was being asked to problem-solve for an issue he wasn’t completely on board with being a part of yet. Still. It would provide plenty of opportunities to spend time with Zakk.  “Okay, so, we give them what they want and schedule the rest of the rotations around it.”

“Good idea on the surface, but when you see the emails I sent you about the locations, you’ll see why the issue came up.”

“Yea, okay, I’ll take a look. Next.”

“Besides the animosity between you and Dez?”

About the Author

LAYLA DORINE lives among the sprawling prairies of Midwestern America, in a house with more cats than people. She loves hiking, fishing, swimming, martial arts, camping out, photography, cooking, and dabbling with several artistic mediums. In addition, she loves to travel and visit museums, historic, and haunted places.

Layla got hooked on writing as a child and she hasn’t stopped writing since. Hard times, troubled times, the lives of her characters are never easy, but then what life is? The story is in the struggle, the journey, the triumphs and the falls. She writes about artists, musicians, loners, drifters, dreamers, hippies, bikers, truckers, hunters and all the other folks that she’s met and fallen in love with over the years. Sometimes she writes urban romance and sometimes its aliens crash landing near a roadside bar. When she isn’t writing, or wandering somewhere outdoors, she can often be found curled up with a good book and a kitty on her lap.

Social Media Links

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Sunday, October 30, 2022

New Release-Excerpt & Giveaway: HIS LOVER. HIS GOD. by Darragha Foster

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His Lover. His God.
By Darragha Foster

His Lover His God Cover

To paraphrase Poe: They loved with a love that was more than love. Hadrian, Emperor of Rome, loved Antinous in life, and after his lover's death, worshipped him as his god. This is a romantic, fictionalized account of one of history's greatest love stories. Antinous refuses reincarnation until he can be fully reunited with Hadrian. Almost two thousand years pass before he returns to modern Egypt to profess his undying love to Hadrian's restored soul. Can Antinous, a god, on the 1892nd anniversary of his passing and ascent, convince an ex-pat tour guide that they belong together...again?

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Check out more by Darragha on her Goodreads

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Excerpt

Prologue

After I died, but before I rose as a god, the last thing I recall of my life was Hadrian’s kiss. His embrace. His loving touch upon my cold, drowned, dead face. I no longer felt pain or anguish. Or fear. When he wrapped me in his arms, two things were apparent. There was no escaping his love. And I never wanted to escape. Here he was, Caesar…king…ruler of the Roman Empire by divine right, and I was nothing but a man born to run wild with bow and spear. Before his kiss, I would have spent my life hunting and fishing. I relished the outdoors and shunned polite society. My mother would have seen me wed. My father would have preferred me become a praetor. I was happier sleeping in a homemade shelter deep in the hills than wearing linen robes or on the arm of a mentor or woman ready to be made wife.

I chose not to be mentored. It was customary. I could learn much as an apprentice, and perhaps even more in an erastes/eromenos relationship. I did not want to hang on to the arm of an older politician with cold hands and a limp constitution, no matter what he had to offer. Nor did I crave the bed of a woman. When I met Hadrian—all that changed. He was magnificent. Strong. Dark and hairy as a bear. Though he was the most powerful man in the world, the sight of him did not frighten me. He made me hard. He made me desirous of his body inside mine. I wanted to do nothing more than open the flap of fabric covering his manhood and discover what pleasures lay therein.

Never had I been more overjoyed than when he took me to his bed. I was his cupbearer, and thank all the gods, I became more. I was his constant companion. At night—in the dim glow of the oil lamps in his tent—he took me as if I were his wife. Over and over. He showered me with lavish attention, and from his lips, I drew sweet words of love. There was no embarrassment in him over our relationship. He did not give concern to any who knew of our love.

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About the Author:

Darragha Foster enjoys the twisted and unusual. She finds inspiration all around her. Even in the cold case at the grocer. Where she is no longer welcome. But that's another story...

Connect with Darragha:
www.darragha.com, www.authorjjandrews.com
@darragha (IG), darraghafoster (FB), Amazon
@darraghafosterauthor (TikTok)


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Friday, October 28, 2022

New Release-Review & Excerpt: ALISTAIR IN WONDERLAND by Ariella Zoelle - Includes Giveaway!

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Alistair in Wonderland
By Ariella Zoelle

Alistair 1800

Wonderland Ever After, Book 1

Alistair falls down the rabbit hole and becomes the new Alice. Can he save Wonderland’s magic by falling in love with his fated mate?

My life sucks until Bianco shows up. He’s a gorgeous albino who promises me a fun adventure while looking like a handsome prince from a fairy tale. I happily follow him down the rabbit hole in the hopes of getting up to some sexy shenanigans.

Imagine my shock when I discover he’s the famous White Rabbit from the books and one of the last shifters left in Wonderland! Even more surprising is finding out I’m a descendant of the original Alice, which means I’m the only person who can bring the missing magic back to their world.

That’s all well and good, but our incredible chemistry is highly distracting. It’s impossible to resist our intense attraction when I’m his fated mate, so why bother trying? But maybe there’s a way to have it all.

What if forming a mating bond with Bianco is the way to make all my dreams come true and save Wonderland at the same time?

Alistair in Wonderland is the first book in the Wonderland Ever After series. This sweet-with-heat MM paranormal fantasy romance features affectionate shifters, fated mates, and a magical gay romance. These books have hilarious characters to adore, a lot of sexy fun times, and no angst love stories that make you laugh and swoon. Escape into this Wonderland full of whimsy, where everyone gets a HEA without cliffhangers. Each book can be read as a standalone but is best enjoyed in order.

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Goodreads

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Excerpt

Chapter 1: Alistair Hargreaves

The sudden feeling of a man pressing close against my back made me stiffen in surprise. His deep voice had my d*ck’s immediate attention as he murmured in my ear, “You look like you want to run away.” His sexy British accent got me all hot and bothered, which outweighed my outrage at being manhandled by some entitled billionaire looking for a new boy toy.

His cologne was a dark, woodsy scent that stirred desire within me. The romantic in me wanted to breathe him in deep and give myself over to whatever sinful pleasures he wished to bestow upon me. The horny-virgin part of my brain was ready for him to bend me over the nearest table and f*ck me in front of everyone until I screamed his name while I came harder than I ever had in my life. I had never experienced such a visceral reaction to a person before. It was a little disorienting.

When I didn’t react, he reached out and wrapped an arm around my waist. He pulled me flush against his firm body as his lips ghosted over the tip of my ear in a way that made me go weak in the knees as my c*ck grew rock hard.

My gaze darted around the room to make sure everyone was ignoring us. Somehow, the world had gone into slow motion, as if I was a step outside of time, with the man pressed against my back. Satisfied that no one was paying attention, I finally found my voice. “Can you blame me?”

His dark chuckle reverberated through me, filling me with a lustful need to ride his c*ck until I came all over his stomach. “Not at all. It’s so dreadfully dull here.” I stiffened with a startled noise when he traced the shell of my ear with his tongue, putting me at risk of coming in my pants like a teenager with no self-control. “Shall we entertain ourselves with an adventure somewhere a little more private?”

My c*ck was desperately interested in what was being offered. I had never done more than kiss a guy before, but if the man was even half as hot as his voice sounded, I’d be down to let him do anything he wanted to me. Hell, if he was only a tenth as sexy as the fantasy version of him in my head, he could buy me with his millions for his personal collection. Screw having morals. At least I’d finally have sex.

Curious about the handsome stranger, I turned to face him. I had been prepared to see a gross ogre of a skeezy rich guy ogling me, but he was the most beautiful man I had ever seen in my life. He appeared to have been born from moonlight, stardust, and dreams come true. Dressed in a white suit with a metallic pink vest and tie, he resembled a prince who had stepped out of the pages of a fairy tale. His hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes were pure white, giving him a striking appearance. He had the most unusual dark pink eyes, which were bright with amusement at my stunned expression. Although they were probably contacts, they looked startlingly real.

The combined effect of his appearance and scent sparked my arousal into a roaring blaze. I didn’t disguise the fact that I was fully erect because when someone was that sexy, he was probably used to it. I swallowed hard as I gazed up at him in awe. “What kind of adventure?”

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Carra's Review

This was such a great read.  It was funny, sexy, sensual, and an amazing play on the Alice in Wonderland stories.  It starts out hot, and then just keeps you riveted through the very last page with wit and fun characters who I absolutely loved.


Alistair is sweet and funny, with an open mind and a ready-for-anything attitude.  His attraction to Bianco (a.k.a the White Rabbit) is immediate, and lucky for him it’s the same for Bianco.  More insta-lust than insta-love at first for sure…at least until the fated mate possibility comes up, prompting realizations on both sides.  One thing is absolutely certain—these two have Chemistry (and yes, the capital “C” is on purpose ;-) ).


The cast of supporting characters is wonderful, lining up with many of the characters from the Alice stories.  The translation from those original books to the characters found here is creative and resulted in an unforgettable cast whose own stories I am super-psyched to read.


The only wish I had for this book was that it would have been longer.  There really weren’t any dramatic barriers for the main characters to overcome, so when the climax of the story arrived (figuratively and literally), it felt like it went a bit fast.  It just felt a bit too easy…though with the setup provided for some of the other characters, the author may be biding their time for the drama.


Alistair in Wonderland was a 4.5-star read for me and I’m already keeping an eye out for the next book in the series with the King of Hearts and Cheshire (such a naughty cat!).  I’m even more intrigued for Hatter and Vivalter; the two of them here were almost ethereal in their interactions.  If you love fantasy retellings, shifters, magic, and lighthearted zero-angst stories, adding this one to your library is a no-brainer.  This story is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content. 

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About the Author:

Ariella Zoelle adores steamy, funny, swoony romances where couples are allowed to just be happy. She writes low angst stories full of heat, humor, and heart. But sometimes she's in the mood for something with a bit more angst and drama. If you are too, check out her A.F. Zoelle books.

For real-time updates on her writing progress, please join her Facebook group for exclusive teasers or follow her on Twitter or Instagram. You can also sign up for her newsletter to gain access to bonus chapters, previews of upcoming books, exclusive visual guides, and more.

Connect with Ariella:

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Friday, October 21, 2022

New Release-Excerpt & Giveaway: THREE OF A KIND by Nic Starr (Road to Rocktoberfest 2022)

Three of a Kind

(The Road to Rocktoberfest 2022)

Author and Publisher: Nic Starr

Cover Artist: Natasha Snow

Release Date: October 21, 2022

Genre:  Contemporary M/M Romance

Tropes: Rock star, Menage, Friends to Lovers, Second Chance

Themes:  Coming out, Insecurity

Heat Rating: 4 flames      

Length:  approx 45 000 words

It’s part of a multi-author series but can be read stand-alone. It features the same band who featured in the first Road to Rocktoberfest series. That book was called Wild Card and maximum enjoyment would be achieved by reading that one first.

It does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads

Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

Universal Link  |  Amazon US  |  Amazon AU

Amazon UK  |  Amazon DE  |  Amazon FR


What happens when friendship becomes love, and you’re presented with seemingly impossible choices while the world is watching?

Harvey, lead guitarist with Australian rock band, HyperOctane, thought playing at Rocktoberfest would be the highlight of his career. He didn’t expect a performance that would shape the rest of his life.

Ravi

Admitting his feelings for Harvey was one of the hardest things he’d ever done. Being rejected was crushing. He never thought he’d be living the same heartbreak years later after finally finding love.

Bo

He broke Ravi’s heart but he couldn’t ignore the feelings he had for Harvey. It wasn’t fair on Rav, and Bo knew it was for the best, but why did doing the right thing have to hurt so much?

Harvey

He wasn’t sure which was his biggest regret—hurting Ravi all those years ago, or more recently giving in to temptation and having a one-night stand with Bo. He’d always been close to his younger brother’s best friends, and now it seemed he’d messed things up with both of them.

Now all three of them must confront their feelings for each other. Why do things have to be so complicated?

Three of a Kind is a gay rock star romance featuring second chances, friends to lovers, and menage.

Three of a Kind is part of the multi-author The Road to Rocktoberfest 2022 series. 

Excerpt 

“I think we need to talk.”

Oh God. Ravi hated the sound of those words. They took him straight back to that night a year ago when Bo had said the very same thing then proceeded to break his heart.

“Okkaay.” He crossed to the dresser and opened the drawer. He fumbled with the contents as he willed his heart to slow down. Had Harvey sensed his feelings for Bo? Or maybe Harvey just wasn’t ready for everything that had happened between them. HyperOctane was knocking it out of the ballpark and there was so much opportunity open to him. I’m probably holding him back.

“I can see your thoughts spinning from over here. Turn around, Rav.”

He slowly turned and met Harvey’s eyes. Harvey patted the bed beside him. “Come over here so we can talk properly. There’s something I need to tell you.”

That little voice whispered in Ravi’s ear. He didn’t want to hear whatever it was Harvey was going to say. Just the idea of it sent a wave of nausea through him. Just when everything was going so well. F*ck, he’d been so happy lately. Still, knowing he couldn’t put it off, he forced himself across the room.

The mattress sunk slightly under his weight, echoing his equilibrium—he felt entirely off-balance.

“Why do I get a feeling this isn’t good news?” he finally said.

Harvey reached for his hand, his touch warm and familiar, but Ravi didn’t take comfort. He couldn’t, not until he knew what this was about.

“I’m not really sure how to put this.” Harvey squeezed his fingers, green eyes hooded, voice low. “I’ve never had to deal with anything like this before. It’s about Bo.”

And there it was. Just like that Ravi’s heart plummeted. “I think I know what you’re going to say. I’m sorry, Harvey.”

Harvey frowned. “I don’t think so. I—”

Ravi didn’t let him finish. He wanted to lay his cards on the table—be the first one to air his feelings, not wait for Harvey to confront him with accusations. “He’s such a great guy, and at first I was worried that our past would come between us and I didn’t want the friendship to be destroyed. I mean you and me, and Bo and Parker, we’ve been friends since forever and if Bo and I didn’t get along then it would have tough for you and Parker. I wanted things to go back to how they were before Bo and I hooked up.” Ravi sighed. “But when he moved in while you guys were playing up the coast, it was just so natural to slip back into how things used to be—you know, hanging out after work, doing household stuff.”

“It’s okay, Rav,” Harvey said, obviously hearing the panic in his voice.

Ravi forced himself to take a deep breath. Harvey didn’t look pissed which had to mean something, right? “But I want you to know, nothing happened between us.” He’d never do the wrong thing by Harvey, and he needed him to know that.

“But you wanted it to,” Harvey said softly, not a question. A statement.

Ravi felt his face flushing. He wanted to deny it, but he couldn’t live with himself if he lied. He didn’t want to dishonour his true feelings for Bo, and Harvey deserved the truth. “I would never cheat on you.”

Harvey lips turned up in a gentle smile. “I know you wouldn’t.”

“Are you mad?” Ravi asked, then held his breath, not sure if he really wanted the answer.

About the Author

Nic Starr lives in Australia where she tries to squeeze as much into her busy life as possible. Balancing the demands of a corporate career with raising a family and writing can be challenging but she wouldn’t give it up for the world.

Always a reader, the lure of m/m romance was strong and she devoured hundreds of wonderful m/m romance books before eventually realising she had some stories of her own that needed to be told!

When not writing or reading, she loves to spend time with her family–an understanding husband and two beautiful daughters–and is often found indulging in her love of cooking and planning her dream home in the country.

You can find Nic on Facebook, Twitter and her blog. She’d love it if you stopped by to say hi.

Contact and Social Media Links

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Thursday, October 13, 2022

New Release-Excerpt & Giveaway: FOOTBALL ROYALTY by Eden Finley (Franklin U Series #8)

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Football Royalty
By Eden Finley

Football Royalty Cover

Franklin University Series, Book 8

If you never fooled around with someone of the same gender, did you even go to high school?

PEYTON

My whole life I’ve had the pressure of being Marcus Talon and Shane Miller’s football prodigy. I’ve been destined to follow in my NFL-playing fathers’ footsteps since the day I was born. I usually thrive under pressure, but as senior year looms, it all gets too much, and I need an outlet. The last place I thought I’d find my release is at Levi Vanderbilt’s graduation party. In his bed. With him.

It’s a one-time thing. An experimentation. And while it was fun, we agree that being with guys isn’t for either of us. I’m happy to accept that until he turns up in California.

I haven’t had to think about him for four years, but now I can’t get him out of my head.

LEVI

Coming to Franklin University for grad school to follow a boy I hooked up with once is the stupidest thing I could have done.

We said that high school didn’t mean anything, but the truth is, that night made me realize who I truly am, and since then, I’ve been trying to find that sense of freedom again.

I’m hoping it can be with him, but everything I’ve heard around campus points to Peyton not having the same life-changing revelation I did.

And if that’s the case, did I just move across the country for a straight guy?

Kill me now.

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Excerpt

We move closer in the coffee cart line, my wet shirt from my spilled coffee sticking to my skin.

“So, what will you have to drink?” My tone is airy and light, but in a forced kind of way and not at all calm and collected like the night we hooked up.

It’s hard to believe the guy with so much game back then grew up to be a bumbling idiot.

Peyton looks hesitant, like he wants to fight having me buy him a coffee, and I can’t say that I blame him. If all of his socials have anything to say, it’s not like he bats for my team. He’s always posting photos of him and his teammates with girls, and I’ve tried to search for homoerotic subtext in the photos with any guy other than his brother, but even I know that’s grasping at straws.

And last night, when I caught sight of Peyton at Shenanigans, kissing the bartender, it all but confirmed my suspicion.

While I lied through my teeth about our hookup only being fun but not earth-shattering, it seems Peyton didn’t have the same revelation I did: I’m gay AF.

“I haven’t decided yet, but I need to make this quick. My place is just off campus, and I’d like to change before my next class starts in an hour.”

Disappointment that shouldn’t belong here punches me in the gut. “Sure.” I hope my tone can pass for nonchalant, but I doubt it.

“You’re welcome to come back with me.” He eyes me, and every inch his gaze touches burns like fire. “You could probably fit my clothes now you’re not so scrawny.”

Damn. As easy as that, the tension leaves my shoulders. “I wasn’t scrawny in high school either, you d*ck.”

“You were scrawny, but you’ve definitely … uh … filled out.” He eyes me again but is trying to be subtler this time.

The totally wrong thing to say here is he can fill me out anytime because that wouldn’t go down well. I’d go down well. On him. But no. Straight boy is straight.

If the universe loved me at all, he’d be bi, but that’s wishful thinking on my part.

We get to the front of the line, and I order another latte—or in this f*cked-up Franklin U system, a “study juice”—and point to Peyton. “And whatever he wants.”

“I’ll get the same, but with two pumps of caramel.”

“Is that allowed on your team diet?” I ask while I tap my card to pay.

“Who are you, my brother?”

“Eww, f*cking hope not.”

Peyton tenses.

Oh. Right. No mentioning the thing that was fun but not really but totally mind-blowing and the thing that changed the direction of my life. Not mentioning it. At all.

When I don’t elaborate, Peyton relaxes.

“Besides. I was at practice at 6:00 a.m. I need to survive the full day of classes somehow.”

“With a side of caffeine for your sugar?”

“Yep. It’s the only way I can make it drinkable.”

We’re given our order, and I let Peyton lead us.

We drink our coffees in silence because after all these years, there are no words.

“So, you’ve been on campus this long and I haven’t seen you?” he asks.

Oh, look at that, my throat is dry, and I need more coffee. I sip slowly and try to think of a reasonable excuse for that.

“It’s a big school.”

“I saw you last night at Shenanigans, didn’t I?”

I play dumb. “Oh, were you there?”

“I was. And you were right across from where I was standing.” Yeah, he’s not letting me get away with that.

“Okay, fine. I saw you there with your girlfriend, and I didn’t want to interrupt.”

Peyton laughs. “Not my girlfriend.”

Hope blooms in my gut … And then he keeps speaking.

“I don’t have time for relationships.”

“Ah. Player on and off the field, huh?”

He scoffs. “Hardly. I’m too focused on my career to mess with anyone’s emotions.”

Except mine. Which he’s unwittingly doing. Gah, I want to ask him straight up if he’s into dudes, but then I have to remind myself that Peyton Miller is not the reason I’m in California.

He’s not.

And I’ll prove it by being honest with him. “I knew we’d run into each other eventually, and I did see you last night, but …” I bite my lip. “I kind of chickened out of talking to you.”

“Oh, so you went with spilling hot coffee on me instead. I have to say, a simple hello would have worked.”

“I wanted to make it memorable,” I quip.

“First-degree burns are memorable, I guess.”

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About the Author:

Eden Finley is an Amazon bestselling author who writes steamy contemporary romances that are full of snark and light-hearted fluff.

She doesn’t take anything too seriously and lives to create an escape from real life for her readers. The ideas always begin with a wackadoodle premise, and she does her best to turn them into romances with heart.

She's also an Australian girl and apologizes for her Australianisms that sometimes don't make sense to anyone else.

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Friday, October 7, 2022

Review, Excerpt, & Giveaway: ABOUT LAST NIGHT by Aimee Nicole Walker

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About Last Night
By Aimee Nicole Walker

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The bicurious cop and his sharp-dressed man…

 Detective Christopher “Topher” Carnegie is unlucky in love. He either tries too hard, doesn’t try hard enough, or hasn’t found the right person yet. But recently, he’s started seeing Julian Fine, his sister’s best friend, in a new light. If there’s one thing a fabulous tailor knows, it’s how to take a person’s measure. Julian recognizes a straight man when he sees one, but that doesn’t stop him from falling head over heels for the unattainable man.

Just a few short days and one shared bed…

When a white lie backs Julian into a corner, Topher steps in to save the day. He’s worked plenty of undercover assignments before, but pretending to be Julian’s boyfriend during a family wedding might be his most dangerous mission yet. Julian challenges everything Christopher knows about himself, and soon, reaching for each other feels as natural as breathing. But can their newfound feelings survive the real-world challenges they face? There’s only one way to find out.

 About Last Night is a low-angst standalone romance within the author’s Savannah universe.

This book contains mature content and is intended for adults.

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Excerpt

 “You ran the stop sign back there,” the officer said. He narrowed his eyes and studied my face. “Are you okay?”

“Okay?” I asked, then became aware of my wet face. I quickly wiped away the tears. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

The officer leaned over to look into my back seat before meeting my gaze. “Did you get into an argument with someone?”

“Nah, I dumped his dumb ass a few months ago.”

I didn’t see a flicker of reaction in his golden gaze, but his mouth curved into a wry smile. “Ouch,” he said. “Pretty sure more than a few of my girlfriends have said the same about me.”

I clasped my imaginary pearls. “Say it ain’t so.”

The officer chuckled and crossed his heart. “What upset you so much that you ran the stop sign?”

“Oh, I just drove by my aunt’s old place and was sad to see the new owners don’t love it as much as she did. It’s no excuse, and I’m sorry.”

Officer Hottie nodded and said, “I’ll need to see your license, registration, and proof of insurance.”

“You don’t want to frisk me for weapons?” One of these days, my mouth would get me into a lot of trouble.

The cop blinked a few times, and then a slow smile spread across his face until twin dimples peeked out from his cheeks. “Pretty sure you’ve shown me your weapons already.”

I knew he was talking about my sharp tongue and quick wit, but I couldn’t let him off the hook. “Oh, darling,” I cooed, “there’d be no doubt if I had.”

A series of beeps emitted from the radio hooked to his vest, followed by a tinny voice calling out codes and unit numbers. The sexy officer stood up straight and turned toward his patrol car. I glanced up in the rearview mirror and saw his partner, a super sexy Hispanic man, signaling for my new fantasy boyfriend to hurry up.

“You’re in luck,” the tawny cop said, startling me.

I clutched my nonexistent pearls again and said, “You sure move quickly and quietly for such a big guy,” I said.

“Like a lion,” he replied with a wink. “You won’t see me coming until I’m on you.”

“Promises, promises.”

Another flash of those dimples. “I have to answer another call, so I’m letting you off with a verbal warning.”

“Oh, good,” I purred. “Oral is my favorite.”

He shook his head and straightened to his full height, putting me at eye level with his big d*ck again. “Drive safely,” he called out as he retreated to his cruiser.

I shamefully stared at his ass in the side mirror and wiggled my fingers at them as they drove by with their lights flashing and sirens blaring a few seconds later. I released a sigh, relegated the handsome man to my fantasies, and drove to the store to grab a few staples before heading to my new apartment.

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Carra's Review

Okay, Julian and Christopher together?  It’s everything.  They are so incredibly sweet together, and there was really no angst here—and this came to me at just the right moment where I just wanted and needed a story just like that.  I’ve been a fan of this author’s books for a while, and this one showed me again exactly why.


Julian is funny and spirited, and an all-around likable character.  Christopher is a very accepting, go-with-the-flow guy who is family-oriented and protective.  The two of them play off of each other so well, and everything flows so naturally between them.  It’s almost like them being together is the obvious outcome, we just have to wait for that realization to happen.


Making things even better is the cast of supporting characters, in particular Christopher’s family—which includes Julian’s best friend.  The way they’ve embraced Julian as one of their own is heartwarming.  They make for a great support system while Julian and Christopher gradually make their way over a pretty spread out timespan from friends to fake boyfriends to the real thing.


About Last Night was a 4.5-star read for me, and if you’re looking for a lighter, fluffier, and fun feel-good romance you might as well prepare your one-click finger to do its duty.  Definitely sweet, thankfully no major conflicts or “big misunderstanding” type moments, just a couple who will make you smile.  They’re also pretty hot together, so I’d recommend this book for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.



Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of About Last Night, Aimee is giving away a $10 Amazon Voucher and an e-copy of About Last Night!
 
Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!
 

 
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About the Author

Ever since she was a little girl, Aimee Nicole Walker entertained herself with stories that popped into her head. Now she gets paid to tell those stories to other people. She wears many titles—wife, mom, and animal lover are just a few of them. Her absolute favorite title is champion of the happily ever after. Love inspires everything she does, music keeps her sane, and coffee is the magic elixir that fuels her day.

I’d love to hear from you.

You can reach me at:

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