Friday, 31 March 2023

Starboard by Ava Olsen #kindleunlimited #giveaway

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Book Title: Starboard (Voyagers Book 2)

Author and Publisher: Ava Olsen

Cover Artist: Angela Haddon

Release Date: March 21, 2023

Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance

Tropes: friends to lovers, hurt/comfort, collaborators to lovers, close proximity, second chances, bisexual rep

Themes: coming out – bisexual rep, second chances, redemption

Heat Rating:  4 flames

Length: 262 pages

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

Goodreads

Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

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Dylan Aylmer is a Hollywood actor struggling to make a comeback.

Falling in love with his ghostwriter wasn’t part of the script.

Blurb

Dylan: I’ve lived my adult life under the Hollywood spotlight, but no one really sees who I am. I’ve gone down the dark path of drinking my anxiety away, along with my career, but now I’m searching for the light again. My struggle to stay sober has me releasing long held secrets. 

 A contract to publish my autobiography means laying everything in the open. When I meet Max, my ghostwriter, I’m not sure how our collaboration is going to work. He’s a university professor from New York with more degrees than I can count and I’m a guy from West Texas that barely finished college. And he may be my ghostwriter, but Max is anything but invisible. 

 Intimate confessions lead to heightened emotions and an unexpected love that fills up all my empty places. I don’t know what the future holds, but I want Max to be a part of it. 

I’m done hiding in plain sight. It’s time for this star to finally shine. 

Max: I’m an established university professor and a celebrity ghostwriter. Why ghostwriting? Because it pays. And I need the money. My ex-husband likes to threaten me with legal battles over custody of our daughter and while he has family reserves, I don’t. 

 So I take a summer ghostwriting contract, a celebrity tell-all. I expect to meet another self-absorbed actor, but Dylan Aylmer doesn’t fit any pre-conceived mold. His eyes are so haunted that I can’t look away and now I’m curious to unlock all his secrets.

What I find is not only a man trying to mend his broken soul but a beautiful person that is so much more than outward appearances. I swore I’d never be vulnerable to heartache again, but Dylan has me breaking all my steadfast rules. 

 Am I chasing a shooting star, soon to be gone, or is our love the kind that shines forever?

Excerpt 

“My part in this book deal is supposed to be kept confidential. There’s a reason it’s called ghostwriting. I hope to hell that reporter didn’t get my photo.”

The worst-case scenarios ran through my mind, but I forced myself to remain calm. We arrived at the gate and after we provided our ID, we were escorted to a private waiting area. At least in this section, there were two security staff on standby. Neither of us were in the mood for small talk and sat quietly until Warren entered the room a few minutes later.

“I had security escort that guy out of the airport. It’s all under control.”

“Are you sure about that? Did he get any photos?” I asked, concerned that my anonymity was no more.

“He didn’t, Max. And we’ve done our best to ensure your name is kept out of the press. That’s part of the reason why you’re working on a yacht in the middle of the Mediterranean instead of downtown New York. But Dylan is still a celebrity, and he gets attention, and yes there is always the possibility of news leaking. You’ve done this kind of work before, so why the concern now?”

“Usually everything is done virtually.”

“The in-person request was my idea,” Dylan replied. “Mainly because of the timing with my film and for other privacy reasons.”

“I agreed to the contract. It’s just that I have a thirteen-year-old daughter.” I ran an agitated hand through my hair. “You see where I’m going with this.”

“I do, but again, there’s no reason to be worried,” Warren replied. “It was one reporter and he got nothing.”

“If my ex-husband sees my name or my daughter’s in the tabloid news, he’ll flip out.”

“Husband?” Dylan asked with a raised brow.

“Ex. Is there a problem?” I said, turning in my seat to face him. Dylan better not have any issue with my sexuality, or I would walk out of the airport right now, contract be damned. 

“Nope,” he shook his head and smirked at me. “Just nosy.”

I let out a surprised laugh, despite my growing anxiety. 

“An honest answer from someone in show biz.” I placed my hand on my chest. “I’m honored.” 

Dylan’s smirk faded as quick as it came, and I could sense the shift in his mood. “I can tell that you really don’t want to do this, and I won’t blame you if you want to back out. You have priorities you need to consider.” 

The look of resignation on Dylan’s face touched something in me. That was highly unusual. My ex often accused me of being unfeeling because I didn’t let my emotions get involved in certain decisions, and maybe he was right. I tended to be more rational and analytical. So why this man, a stranger, should spark my empathy was beyond my comprehension. 

“I’m going to hit the head before we board. Thanks for seeing us off, Warren.” Dylan shook his hand and walked away, leaving a vacuum of sorts. Like he’d taken all the oxygen along with him. 

Warren motioned to the exit. “Time for me to get going. And stop worrying, Max. Focus on the book. That’s the priority.” He paused and shook his head. “Look, I won’t bullshit you. There’ve been many times when I wanted to kick Dylan’s reckless butt to the curb. But he’s worked hard for a fresh start. He’s got a new movie role. And the book. I want to ensure both succeed, and Dylan along with it.”

“I’ll do my best,” I responded as Warren nodded and walked away.

Part of me wished I’d never have to work with Dylan, but the bigger part of me called me a liar. I didn’t even know the man and yet I was intensely curious about him, and that right there made the writer in me stand at attention. There was more to Dylan Aylmer than a model pretty face and a salacious past. 

It was those sad, hypnotic eyes. He’d cast a strange kind of spell on me, and I was determined to find out why.

About the Author 

Ava Olsen writes steamy and dreamy contemporary romances filled with heartwarming characters, cheeky banter and swoony moments. 

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Thursday, 30 March 2023

New Release - Summers Power by BL Jones

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Author and Publisher: BL Jones

Cover Artist: Art Lynx Covers

Book Release Date: March 30, 2023

Genres: MM Mafia Romance, Dark comedy

CONTENT WARNING: This book contains explicit sexual content between consenting adults. It also includes mentions of dead parents, mentions of dead spouses, violence, panic attacks, trauma, grief over past loss, mentions of child abuse, mentions of prior homelessness, mentions of past animal abuse, visit to prison to see an incarcerated relative. Also note this book has a HFN ending.

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Length: 338 pages 96,000 words

It is part of a duology and does not end on a cliffhanger

Goodreads

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Can two British gangsters who grew up archenemies find light in their shared darkness?

Blurb

The daylight between us, and the darkness we share.

Danger City has been ruled by the bloody iron fists of the Winters crime family for decades. 

When the Summers family waged war on the Winters in an attempt to take their power, violence reigned, taking no mercy on both sides of the conflict. The Summers were eventually defeated and as a result Max Summers lost everything.

Flash forward sixteen years, Max is a new man, no longer a gangster, but a simple primary school teacher still grieving the loss of his first love and trying his best to raise his children as a single father.

Cue his old rival Sam Winters re-entering his life when their oldest sons meet at school and become best friends.

During their time apart, Sam continued on the path laid out for him, climbing the organisation's ranks right to the top. He has become every inch the mighty and lethal crime boss he was born to be.

After their unplanned reunification, both men are forced to confront the nightmares of their joint past and the burgeoning desire which seems to be developing between them.

Can Max allow himself to fall in love with anyone again, let alone the man who was once his greatest enemy?

Excerpt

I never asked for this life.

In all honesty, if someone had told me when I was a child that one day I would be working as a primary school teacher, then I would have been horrified. I would have said my father—my father—wouldn't allow that to happen.

When I was a boy, I thought my father was the strongest, bravest, most important man in the world. I don't think that's particularly odd within itself, many sons look to their fathers.

It was just unfortunate for me that mine was a violent criminal. Worse, he was a violent criminal who failed to be the best violent criminal in Danger City. When he tried to take down the behemoth that is the Winters family, they ground out my father’s rebellion like King Arthur and his knights ferociously beat down the Saxons.

I often used to wonder what would have been different if I'd just tried harder to fight my fate. At the time it had seemed inescapable. But now I look back on my choices and realise all the times when I could have been stronger, taken more control of my own life. I have to tell myself over and over again that I was young and scared and I just wanted to please my father. To please him and survive him, a task many before me had failed to accomplish.

I've learnt the hard way that people can do strange and terrible things out of desperation. I don't believe anyone who hasn’t grown up as I did could understand what it’s like to live a life surrounded by different doors, and yet still know you’ll only ever have the key to one of them.

My father trapped me with his choices, his mistakes. I felt like I couldn't be anyone other than who he wanted me to be. Of course, now I know that wasn't true. But hindsight is, as ever, mostly useless.

I've tried very hard not to trap my children in the same way. I want them to have every choice. I want them to feel free to be themselves, even if the world disagrees. I want them to !ght back when someone tries to force them into a corner.

My son, Rory, started secondary school this year, and he’s made some interesting new friends. A best friend in particular who has caused me a great deal of anxiety.

When Rory asked if he could go over to his new best friend’s house after school on the last day of term before the Christmas holidays, I couldn't think of a reason to say no. Not that I would particularly want to. But the thought of facing the father of my son's new best mate is somewhat daunting.

When Rory first told me that he'd made a friend named Elijah Winters, I was only mildly alarmed. I told myself that Danger is a large city. There could be plenty of people running around with that name. It didn’t mean anything. Elijah could very well not be his son.

But another part of me knew. As soon as Rory said that name. Part of me knew there was no chance he could be anyone else’s son. I’d already accepted that fact, had let the sense of inevitability take over and the resignation sink in.

It made sense to me in a strange way that another one of the changes in my life had been invaded or influenced by Sam Winters.

About the Author

BL Jones is a twenty-something British author who spends all her free time reading and writing and taming her three little brothers. She lives in Bristol with a temperamental bunny named Pepsi. She’s been writing stories since she was five, rarely sharing them with anyone except her numerous stuffed animals. BL has had a difficult journey into discovering and accepting her own queerness, and therefore believes that positive, honest, and authentic stories about queer people are very important. She hopes to contribute her own stories for people to have fun with and enjoy.

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Tuesday, 28 March 2023

Cover Reveal - Fauxmance in the Falls by J.E. Birk 

COVER REVEAL

Book Title: Fauxmance in the Falls 

Author: J.E. Birk 

Publisher: Maple Mountains Press

Cover Artist: Cate Ashwood 

Release Date: April 20, 2023 

Genres: Contemporary M/M Romance, small town romance 

Tropes: Fake relationship, small town, age gap, alpha doctor, grumpy/sunshine

Themes: Redemption, coming out, found families 

Heat Rating:  4 flames 

Length:  Approx. 92 000 words and 331 pages

It’s the first book in the series and does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads

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Never date your dream doctor

Blurb

I'm here to destroy this town. How did I end up in a fake relationship with its hero?

I've spent my life proving to my grandpa and dad that I'm more than just the Lewis family mistake. So when Grandpa sends me to Devon Falls, VT to take some ridiculous leaf festival to court, I head straight there and get to work. 

But Dr. Jack Lancer keeps getting in my way.

 He's everywhere. Helping me out with my migraines, making me dinner, insisting people be nice to me even though I’m the enemy. Who is this guy? The next thing I know I'm pretending to be Jack's boyfriend to get him out of a bind. I swear he's putting kindness pills in my food or something.

Jack thinks he can fix me the same way he fixes everyone else. But I'm not broken. This podunk town will be when I'm done with it, though. And Jack? Well, he's about to learn the meaning of the term "collateral damage." Because I'll do anything to win this case and end this festival. 

Even if it means losing something that feels an awful lot like love.

Fauxmance in the Falls is an age-gap romance featuring a small town full of quirks, a grumpy lawyer and a charming physician, a fake relationship gone wild, some inappropriate use of a doctor’s office, and a healthy mix of humor and angst. It stars Benson Lewis, who first appeared in the book Counterpoint 

About the Author 

J.E. Birk was raised in Vermont and is now adulting in Colorado with intermittent success. She is a long-time lover of stories, and she writes and reads in worlds where imperfect characters find their happily ever after. Snag free bonus content and stay up-to-date on J.E. Birk's news and releases by signing up for her newsletter

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Monday, 27 March 2023

Cover Reveal - Enchanted Ink by Robin Lynn

COVER REVEAL

Book Title: Enchanted Ink

Author: Robin Lynn

Cover Artist: Art by Gio Guimaraes, Design by Katie Marlin

Release Date: June 1, 2023

Genres: LGBTQ Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Fantasy

Tropes: Fantasy/Magic/World-building, Tattoo artists, Hurt/Comfort, Meet-Cute, Secret Identities, Celebrities, HEA, Queer romance

Themes: Self-acceptance, trauma recovery, transformation, Demisexual representation.

Heat Rating:  3 flames      

Length: 60 000 words

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

Pre-Order Links

Amazon US  |  Amazon UK

When it comes to transformation, magic only fixes what's skin deep…

Blurb 

In a world where an artist's magic brings tattoos to life, ink gone wrong can spell lasting heartache for those unlucky enough to experience it. Jaded and cynical on both life and love, tattoo artist Ashton is about to find out that even the most deeply-etched scars can be transformed into something beautiful when the right person is holding the pen.

About the Author 

Robin Lynn is a 36-year-old queer, autistic mother of two, an unabashed fangirl sometimes known as “Wings,” and a disabled former firefighter, paramedic, and registered nurse. She writes for queer audiences with the goal of reflecting and centering the lgbtqia2s+ community in more media, because everyone deserves to see relatable, imperfect main characters who mirror themselves simply existing and getting their happy endings. 

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Wednesday, 22 March 2023

Worth the Fight by Denver Shaw #kindleunlimited #giveaway

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Author and Publisher: Denver Shaw

Cover Artist: Steamy Designs

Release Date: March 21, 2023

Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance

Tropes: Opposites attract, sports romance/MMA romance, grumpy/sunshine, multicultural characters, found family

Themes: Protect who you love

Heat Rating: 4 flames 

Length:  56 600 words      

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

Goodreads

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A bad boy who lives outside the law. A compassionate soul focused on helping others. Sometimes rules are meant to be broken... for love.

Blurb

Caden
Helping my brother was my focus. He got into trouble and I’ve been using my skills in the ring to prevent loan sharks from breaking his kneecaps... or worse.
Until I met Noah.
He’s a good man who makes me want to be better. A man who doesn't lace up his gloves and step into underground rings. But I have one last fight coming. This time the stakes are higher than ever. What I have to do to save my brother could cost me the man I’m falling for.

Noah
I should have walked away and never looked back when I first met the MMA fighter with honey-gold eyes. Yet Caden’s charms are too appealing to ignore. As a social worker it's important for me to keep my nose clean.
And Caden is a red flag in every way.
Still, he’s hot as sin and I can't seem to stay away. I’m taking a risk by opening myself up to him, but I'm convinced beneath that bad boy exterior beats the heart of a good man who is worth the fight.

Excerpt 

I texted Austin that I was here and that he needed to get his skinny butt to the entrance.

I got back what looked like a seat assignment from him, but this place was a maze. There was a man nearby who looked like he knew his way around, or was someone that worked here. Even if he didn’t, he might know where the seats were. But my breath caught in my throat as I surveyed him: black pants, white shirt; tall, muscled; short, blackberry-colored hair and honey-gold eyes. On their own, his features were possessed by dozens, perhaps hundreds of other men, but there was a certain something about this particular man. He exuded an easy confidence, a sex appeal that drew me in. It had been years since I’d been in a serious relationship, months since I’d had sex, and looking at this guy made me seriously think, albeit fleetingly, that maybe I should put myself back out there and at least consider dating again.

I shook myself from the temporary brain paralysis the man had reduced me to. 

“Pardon me, sir,” I said, “I haven’t been here in a long time; I’m trying to figure out where seat F3J is. Do you have any idea?”

He smiled down at me. I felt the caress of his gaze roaming over me, but not lingering too long in one spot, which took him out of the ‘creep’ category and put him into the ‘typical male’ category that he probably couldn’t help being in anyway. Not to put too fine a point on it, but I did have on my burgundy suit, which perfectly molded to my body.

Was he gay, or at least bisexual?

“F3J,” he repeated, smirking about something. “F3J…well, I might be able to help you hunt it down. Are you…here with someone?”

“I am,” I said. “Young guy, skinny, mixed.”

“Anything serious?” the man asked, casually—too casually.

I laughed. “Um…no, he’s my nephew.”

“Oh!” He wiped imaginary sweat off his forehead. “I see. That’s good.”

“Is it, now?”

“Well, see,” he said, “I figured there was no way I was lucky enough to meet a single guy in a place like this. I mean, what are the chances a man like you is unattached?”

Well, he answered my question. He was definitely gay or bisexual.

I pursed my lips and gave him the look I gave the kids that tried to bullshit me at work. “Oh, you’re a little slick. What, just because I’m here without a guy, I must be unattached?”

He shrugged. “Are you?”

“Here without a guy?”

“No, unattached.”

I made him wait a second. “Maybe I am.”

“Here’s the thing,” he said, leaning in a little bit. He smelled like a minty aftershave and sweat, the clean sweat of a man straight after a workout. “I figured any man who was with you wouldn’t stay behind if you left the house looking like that. I know I wouldn’t.”

“What, so he’d own me?” I wanted to be righteously angry, but it was hard. Those eyes…

“No,” the man said. “But he’d never miss a chance to be with you. I think you’d probably own him.”

“Oh, okay. Okay.” I nodded slowly, smiling now. “You’re slick and smooth at the same time. Listen, can you help me find my seat or not?”

“Is that an interview question?”

“I’m not taking applications.”

“Give me your phone number, and I’ll take you straight there.” He winked at me.

I almost did. It was fun, and it had been a long, long time since I’d been flirted with by anybody that wasn’t an inappropriately forward client. That happened plenty. This, though, was a bona fide stranger who didn’t know me from Adam, and seemed like he thought I was looking cute.

But, let’s be honest here; the little fantasy I had a few moments ago about putting myself out there was just that, a fantasy. I ate takeout every night for dinner. I ate most of my lunches at the office. I had heard about days off, and I vaguely remembered having them…or maybe I only dreamed about that once. That stack of case files on my desk? It hung around the back of my head like it had astral projected itself to follow me around the world outside my office.

It was a nice thought, but no, sir; the next date I had time to go on would be the one day off I would get between the day my office burned down and the day they relocated me to another one and printed out all my files again—thank God for the cloud.

“It’s not that easy,” I said with my own wink. “But good try. You’ve got real skills. I applaud your smoothness.” I stepped away from him. “I’ve got no time for guys who hit on guys for sport.”

He feigned a wound to the chest, but he was still smiling. “Fair enough,” he said. “I’ll keep that in mind, then. I’ll at least give you a hint, though.” He pointed toward the ring. “F stands for ‘floor’—your seat’s near the ring. Enjoy the fight!”

Yeah, I felt a little bad about being so hard on him, but you’ve got to shut all that down hard if you’re gonna shut it down at all. A man like that, yeah, okay, probably he’d be good for a short-term thing. I could admit that. All that muscle and sweat…

About the Author

Denver Shaw is a girl who enjoys the simple things in life: the first sip of coffee in the morning, the changing colors of sunset, and clothes fresh out of the dryer- although she doesn’t enjoy folding them. When she isn’t reading romance stories, she spends her time plotting and writing them.

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Saturday, 18 March 2023

Love Among the Stars by Claerie Kavanaugh #giveaway

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Book Title: Love Among the Stars (Entertaining Love, Book 1)

Author: Claerie Kavanaugh 

Publisher: Half Caff Press 

Cover Artist: Cath Grace Designs 

Release Date: March 19, 2023 

Genre: Contemporary F/F Romance

Tropes:  Matchmaker, Celebrity 

Themes: Coming out

Heat Rating:  3 flames

Length: 40 000 words/ 250 pages

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

Goodreads

Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

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Hollywood's best matchmaker may have finally met her match.

Blurb

Genevieve “Eve” Davis is Hollywood’s best, most sought-after matchmaker. Just about everyone in the City of Angels owes her for their happily ever afters. She’s been in the business for ten years and has never made a false move. The only person she hasn’t been able to hit with Cupid’s arrow? Herself.

Then Jemma, Hollywood’s most recent “it” girl, appears on her doorstep. But rather than having an extra bounce in her step, she looks like a dog just crapped all over her brand-new designer boots. The date Eve set up for her was anything but a fairy tale beginning. In fact, it was a downright disaster. The first bad review Eve has ever had. If she can’t fix this, her perfect reputation will be torn to shreds.

Even worse, the deeper she digs for that secret ingredient that will help her find Jemma’s perfect match, the harder she falls.

Book one in the standalone sapphic celebrity romance series ENTERTAINING LOVE

Excerpt

When I finally drag myself home, it's nearly 1:00 AM. I'm asleep on my feet, but the Sandman won't claim me no matter how hard I try. That stupid reporter's grilling session keeps repeatedly playing in my mind. Could I have said something better? Different? More... Relatable? 

Even as I lay here, I can't help laughing. I sound ridiculous, so saying it out loud would make it worse. Right? After two hours of tossing and turning, I finally give up, kick the covers off, and wander into my living room.

I paddle across the hardwood floor—it’s so much easier to clean up all the cat hair without any carpet getting in the way—and plop on my fluffiest white sectional littered with cowgirl-themed throw pillows. I grab my favorite one. The one with Montana's state flower on it--the Bitterroot, a beautiful purple blossom that looks like an orchids

I pick up one of the controllers, turn on the flatscreen and toy with a few buttons, but ultimately, it ends up back on the coffee table. I don't have enough energy to play another level of Black Ops, so I flip on a random TV channel instead. Kiki hops up beside me, and I run my fingers over the underside of her chin-- her favorite spot-- as the television lands on yet another red carpet. Of course, it does. I know this is Hollywood, but what are the odds that I can't escape the press even in my apartment? My parents had warned me before I moved out here, but I didn't fully believe them until now. They do have eyes everywhere.

Sighing, I pick up the remote again--maybe there's something good on HBO-but, as usual, Kiki's timing is impeccable. She headbutts the control right out of my grip just as the next guest steps into the frame.

"Welcome back to the premiere of Crazy About Cupid." The reporter waves his microphone in the air as if he's twirling a baton, and I can't stifle a snort. "Now that you've met the stars let me introduce you to the woman who started it all. I'm here with Genevieve Davis, owner and mastermind behind the world-renowned matchmaking company Matches Ever After. Genevieve, it's so nice to see you again."

The camera pans over slightly, and my heart skips a beat. The woman can't be much older than me. Thirty at most. She has long, wavy brown hair, complemented by piercing green eyes. Her skin is pale and smooth, with a few freckles scattered across the bridge of her nose. A dimple is barely visible on her left cheek when she smiles. Even standing an entire foot shorter than the reporter towering over her, she somehow commands the entire carpet's attention. The back of the dress is just as stunning with a low scoop that dips almost to the small of her back and hugs every single part of her deliciously curved figure in just the right place. When she turns to face the camera more fully, I barely see a tiny scar on her left cheek above her jawline. 

Kiki purrs softly, and the remote slips from my grip, landing on the cushions with a thump.

"Nice to see you too, Seth. And how many times do I have to tell you? Call me Eve; Genevieve was my mother."

They laugh, and I settle back against the pillows as my palms grow clammy. Even her voice sounds sexy. 

"Sorry, Eve," Seth waves a hand and tries to smirk at the camera as he corrected himself. I guess I'm just so excited. Rumor has it that you’re the reason we're even here tonight?"

Eve giggles and playfully swats his arm. " Oh, I'm not sure I would go that far." She adjusts the silk shawl draped over her shoulders. " I may have introduced Cole and Phoenix, but they put in the real work to make the relationship last, and they were the ones who allowed their story to be made into a movie."

Seth grins. "Of course, but one could argue that their story wouldn't exist if it weren't for you. How long have you been in the matchmaking business?"

Eve chuckles. "Seth, are you trying to make me discuss my age?"

The reporter feigns a gasp. "Who me? Never!"

Eve narrowed her eyes. "Sure, sure. Honestly, though I've been in the matchmaking game for as long as I can remember, even back in college, I loved setting up my friends whenever I could. I've always been a firm believer in the idea that everyone deserves their happily ever after. Even and especially Hollywood starlets. Love is hard to find in a business like this, and I will do anything I can do to help."

Seth nods along. "So true. What's most incredible, though, is that my sources tell me you've never once made a bad match?"

Eve shrugs, but I can tell by the mischievous gleam in her eye that she’s proud of that statistic. Hell, I would be, too. "So far, so good."

Seth whistled. "Well, you heard it here first, folks. If you live in the Los Angeles area and are looking for love, what better time to try Eve’s services? Go to her website at www.matcheseverafter.com, answer simple questions, and let the sparks fly."

With that, he moves on to the next guest, but my mind remains stuck on that address. A matchmaker who had never made one bad move? My mom always used to say if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. A statistic like that fits that bill. Still, is there any harm in trying?

As if on cue, Kiki promptly climbs off my lap, allowing me to grab my laptop. When I return and type in the address, Kiki leans over her shoulder and gently nudges my cheek.

"What is it, girl? Do you think this is crazy too?"

Kiki shakes her head, and her little collar jingles around her neck. I laugh. "At least somebody believes in me."

For the first couple of questions, I’m oddly nervous. Why is anybody's guess. It’s not like I’m staring at an actual person who will judge me. Computer forms don’t have feelings. Nonetheless, I take my time thinking out strategic and honest answers, and by the time I finally hit send, it’s nearly 5:00 AM.

Eventually, I fall into a fitful sleep, dreaming of baby cupids dancing around my head. Maybe love won't be so hard to find in Hollywood after all. If I have the right help.

About the Author 

Claerie Kavanaugh has spent most of her life telling stories, but she never imagined herself writing romance. In fact, she used to think it should only be reserved for Hallmark movies. It wasn't until college, when she discovered fanfiction, that she learned what romance was truly about: not just fluffy relationships and happily ever afters, but human connection, the desire to push one another to be better, and create hope that somewhere, somehow, everyone has someone.

When she's not writing, she loves to travel and explore new cultures, helping other authors polish their works as a freelance editor, and singing while doing so. Broadway musicals are her soul-food, something her mother and sister know well. She constantly blasts the newest soundtrack through the halls of their Missouri home, much to the chagrin of her very sassy and spoiled cat.

Social Media Links

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Friday, 17 March 2023

Death (The Four Horsemen Book 4) by Sienna Moreau #giveaway

RELEASE BLITZ

Book Title: Death (The Four Horsemen Book 4)

Author and Publisher: Sienna Moreau

Cover Artist: Reese Dante

Release Date: March 15, 2023

Genre: Dark MM paranormal romance

Tropes: Unrequited hate, Demon/Horseman of the Apocalypse, hurt/comfort, possessiveness 

Heat Rating: 4-5 flames

Length: 112 000 words

The books must be read in order. The first three books need to be read to understand this story. The series concludes in this book.

This book does not end on a cliffhanger. It is a HEA.

Goodreads

Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

Universal Link  |  Amazon US  |  Amazon UK

It all began with the kiss of Death.

Blurb

Abaddon, the Destroyer, right hand of Lucifer, has returned from the dead with one thing on his mind: revenge on the Horseman who kept him from taking back what is his. But spending time alone with Death has awakened something between them, resulting in an experience that he enjoys more than revenge. The natural conclusion is to keep doing it, of course. He never planned on his heart getting involved with a Horseman he can’t even touch.

Death is the fourth Horseman of the Apocalypse, arriving only when the end is near. The Apocalypse he and his brothers were summoned for this time is over, lost when they lost one of their own, but the stakes are higher now than ever before. It isn’t just Earth that’s at risk; the fate of existence now hangs in the balance, with a power-hungry God ready to unleash a new world order.

Death cannot touch another and has resigned himself to spending his existence alone, until a kiss changes everything for him. When Abaddon returns, and they pick up right where they left off, Death doesn’t fight the attraction that spirals out of control faster than they can keep up with it. Death cannot feel Abaddon’s skin against his own, but Abaddon breaks so beautifully under him anyway, taking everything that he can give and asking for more.

Abaddon had never imagined that he would love anyone or fall so hard, so fast. Death had never imagined that he would find someone to walk beside him, someone to call his own. Time is running out for them, and if they don’t find a way to push back against the powers vying for them, all will be lost.

The last Apocalypse is coming, and no one is safe.

Death is the fourth and final book in the Four Horsemen series, filled with snark and morally questionable characters. This book is not a standalone and must be read in order.

Content warnings: religious themes, extreme violence, gore, blood play, masochism, and others.

Arachnophobia warning: There is also a dog-sized pet spider named Paul who just wants to be loved.

Death is a 112,000-word dark paranormal MM romance featuring unrequited hate, Angels, Demons, Horsemen of the Apocalypse, snark and banter.

Excerpt 

When Abaddon stepped out of the fog, his mouth dropped open in surprise. What the fuck? He was right back where he’d started. Death was standing in the middle of the hallway, watching him through his hood. Valkyrie was now standing beside him, her sheer size making the already small space feel that much smaller. Places like this hadn’t been built for Beings like them, and especially not for the legendary Horsemen’s mares.

“What did you do?” Abaddon snarled, advancing on Death.

Death didn’t stop Abaddon from shoving him against the wall, and neither did Valkyrie. Abaddon did what he’d been wanting to do since they’d returned and yanked Death’s hood off.

Death’s handsome face came into view instantly, those milky white eyes looking right at him. He had a dimple in his chin that Abaddon had never noticed before. He looked like he was made of porcelain, fragile and delicate. Even his five o’clock shadow didn’t detract from how vulnerable he looked without the protection of his hood.

“Careful,” Death said quietly.

“Thought you wanted that kiss,” Abaddon sneered.

“Killing you was the point last time,” Death said. “I don’t wish to do so again. Not unless you give me no choice.”

Abaddon fisted his hands in Death’s cloak on either side of his body. He was so close to Death’s face that he could feel Death trying to suck him in. The aura around him was reaching for Abaddon, and Abaddon wavered forward, wanting that too.

Death placed a gloved hand on his chest and gently pushed him so there was more distance between them, enough for Abaddon to get his wits about him. “I said I would if I could, but we can’t.”

Abaddon shook himself out of his trance. Fuck. Why was it so easy to lose control around this Being? “Why can’t I travel through the fog?” he asked, trying to find any distraction to stop himself from taking the kiss, anyway.

“You can,” Death said calmly. “To almost any place that exists. But it takes a great deal of Power to get through the fog to the gates of Heaven. You no longer possess that Power.”

Abaddon’s heart dropped, and he masked it with an angry twist of his face. He wouldn’t show weakness, especially not to Death. “Fuck you.” He had plenty of strength left. He didn’t need his poison to wreak havoc or to destroy everything in his path.

“I will take you.”

“I don’t need your help.”

“It is not a weakness to ask for it,” Death said. “There is strength in it.”

“In what world? Needing help is a weakness and in my world when you show weakness the consequences are never worth it. They parade it around and use it against you.”

“I seek nothing in return,” Death replied softly.

Abaddon wanted to scream at him, hit him, hurt him, make him bleed, the same way he felt like he was inside, just from this conversation. The physical pain was absent but what was left in its wake was somehow worse.

“Then why do you look at me like that?”

“Like what?”

“Like you want something.” Abaddon knew. He could see it.

Death shifted, bending his head closer. His lips hovered above Abaddon’s ear and a thrill ran through him. If he moved even an inch Death would touch him and it would be all over. He could already feel himself weakening from the pull. Death was already starting the process, because even being this close to him meant death was calling.

“I do want something,” Death whispered, his breath brushing Abaddon’s ear, pin pricks of pain curling around the curve and sending a shiver through him. “The same thing that I know you want. And when I decide to take it, I won’t ask. Now get on the horse, Abaddon.”

About the Author

Sienna Moreau is a dark MM romance author who likes to let the darker side of life come out to play. If you’re looking for morally grey characters, snark, mayhem and steamy situations then you’re in the right place.

Social Media Links

Facebook Group  |  Facebook Page  |  Instagram

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one of 3 ebook copies from the author's backlist


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Series Tour - Two Tribes Series by Kristian Parker #giveaway

SERIES TOUR

Two Tribes Series by Kristian Parker 

The mean streets of Manchester are the scene for a blood thirsty gang war. But with battle lines drawn, three heroes find themselves falling in love at the worst possible time.

The war for supremacy has begun. 

NEW RELEASE - BOOK 1

Book Title: Fool’s Gold

Author: Kristian Parker

Publisher: Pride Publishing

Cover Artist: Erin Dameron-Hill

Release Date: March 14, 2023

Genre Contemporary M/M Romance

Tropes: Forbidden love, opposites attract

Themes: Gangster, action 

Heat Rating: 4 flames    

Length:  52 069 words/233 pages

It is not a standalone book, but does not end on a cliffhanger

Goodreads

Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

First for Romance  |  Amazon US  |   Amazon UK 

Blurb 

Liam Moseley has been living a lie ever since he joined Manchester’s notorious crime boss Jonny Wellingham ten years ago. Liam is gay, and that could get him killed in the deadly world he has fallen into.

When he meets handsome Italian Marco Ponti, Liam’s whole world is turned on its head. Marco is in town looking for business opportunities for his uncle in Rome, and makes Liam see his life in a brand-new light.

But all is not as it seems, especially when Marco shows Liam the past isn’t always as it appears and the future can change in the blink of an eye. In a dangerous world where each job could be Liam’s last, he finds himself fighting for love as well as survival.

Liam will have to put everything he holds dear on the line to make his dreams come true.

Excerpt 

“So you’re Manchester born and bred?” Marco asked.

“Can’t you tell by the accent?” Liam replied.

Marco beamed. “I love the Manc accent. It’s so…expressive.”

“That’s the first time I’ve heard it called that before,” Liam said. “I’d rather have an Italian one.”

“You find it sexy?”

Marco’s eyes dared him to answer honestly. Something about this guy gave Liam confidence. No man had ever had this effect on him. “Yeah, I do,” he replied before glancing down.

“Why do you do that?” Marco asked, leaning forward, his elbows on the table.

“Do what?” he asked.

“Break eye contact every time you say something. Are you ashamed?”

Liam shifted uncomfortably. “No, it’s not that.”

“Tell me what it is, then?” Marco asked, his voice soothing and sincere.

“I guess I don’t think I have anything to say worth listening to,” he replied, eventually.

To his astonishment, Marco’s foot connected with his leg. The pressure told him it was absolutely on purpose.

“I respectfully disagree, Liam. I think I’d listen to you. Whatever you had to say.”

He had that burning sensation on his neck again. It had made him so paranoid at school.

“Sorry, I have made you blush,” Marco continued.

“Don’t worry about it. I always bloody blush. They called me Po at school because of it.”

Marco frowned. “What?”

“The red Teletubby?” Liam expected him to burst into that laughter again. Most people did when he confided this, but instead, Marco just shook his head.

“Kids can be so cruel. But who cares? They are in your past.”

“Yeah, they’re probably sweeping up shit in the hospital now. Serves them right.”

This time Marco did seem amused. “Said with true passion. I like it. So, what do you do, Liam?”

Here it came. The inevitable question. He could hardly say he was a lackey for one of the biggest gangsters in the northwest of England, so he reverted to his stock answer. “Oh, you know, bit of this, bit of that. How about you?”

“As I said, my uncle works in shipping. I’m over here seeing if there is any potential to expand to Manchester.”

Liam nodded. “The city is booming. You could do a lot worse.”

“That’s what I thought. I like what I see more and more.”

The look which followed that statement practically oozed with intent. This time, Liam forced himself to meet Marco’s gaze. “I’ve never been to Italy, but maybe I should,” he replied. “Rome seems pretty good from where I’m sitting.”

“Ah, you definitely should,” Marco said, leaning back. “It is beautiful. I’ve been the length and breadth of it with my job. I worked in Venice recently. Bellissima.”

Liam had seen pictures of the water world on television. “Better than the canals in Manchester. They’re just full of shopping trolleys and used condoms.”

Marco laughed again. It was so loud and carefree that Liam had to stop himself from looking around to see if anyone noticed. But he forced himself to relax and ended up giggling along with him. It had been so long since he’d done something like this.

“This is better,” Marco said.

“What is?”

“You are relaxing. You seemed very tense earlier,” Marco said. “I thought perhaps you’d changed your mind about me.”

“Oh, nothing like that,” Liam said hurriedly. “It’s just that I’m not out, you see. I don’t normally do this.”

Marco’s stunning eyes widened. “Who isn’t out these days?”

Shaking his head, Liam took a swig of his drink. “Me,” he said, placing the drink down. “In my line of work, it isn’t the done thing.”

A group of lads banged through the door. Liam frantically scanned each face but didn’t recognise any of them.

“Wow. I can’t imagine being in the closet. At my eighteenth birthday party, I came out. I figured if I had to enter adulthood, people should know what they were dealing with. Although I like to make a statement now and then. It keeps them on their toes.”

The lads were being quite rowdy. Even the barman appeared nervous.

“You’re very brave,” Liam said.

“Not really. My uncle is gay too, so it was a well-beaten path. No one in our family cares as long as you’re healthy and happy.”

“Sounds perfect.”

Marco chuckled, but Liam couldn’t relax. He watched the group of lads out of the corner of his eye. He could spot trouble a mile off, and these lads were desperate for it.

“We’re a long way from perfect, believe me,” Marco said. “But we get by.”

Liam drained his glass. “You want another?”

Marco shook his head. “There are a lot of things I’d like from you, Liam…but another drink is not one of them.”

The change in tempo took Liam by surprise. Heat crept over his face and he didn’t know what to say in return. He had never been any good at the whole game-playing thing. “Just nipping to the loo,” he managed before bolting for the door.

 

BOOK 2 - COMING SOON

Book Title: Everything Changes

Author: Kristian Parker

Release Date: April 11, 2023

Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance

Trope: Close proximity

Themes: Gangster, action

Heat Rating: 4 flames    

Length: 50 578 words

It is not a standalone book, but does not end on a cliffhanger

Goodreads

Buy Links - Available for Pre-Order

First for Romance  |  Amazon US  |   Amazon UK 

Blurb 

Fear can open doors we never dreamt possible.

Shaun Moseley is in a trap and it's all his brother, Liam' s fault.

Living a normal life running a B&B in Blackpool, he finds himself right in the middle of a gang turf war in Manchester. Shaun is an alien in this horrifying new world of drugs, guns and violence.

Shaun rebels against everyone, isolating himself in the process. But a terrifying experience opens his eyes to gang member Enzo Ponti. Shaun may be trapped for the time being, but that doesn’t mean he can't have a little fun along the way, right?

He dismissed Enzo as just another hired killer but when he scratches the surface, he finds much more there.

But evil gangster, Jonny Wellingham, wants revenge on the gang and has set his sights on Shaun. Can he live long enough to find just how deep Enzo' s waters are?

BOOK 3 - COMING SOON

Book Title: Don’t Look Back In Anger

Author: Kristian Parker

Release Date: May 30, 2023

Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance

Trope: Second chance love

Themes: Gangster, action

Length: 50 123 words

Heat Rating: 4 flames    

It is not a standalone book, but does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads Series Link

Available for Pre-Order

First for Romance

Blurb

Revenge is best served cold, yet old embers can burn hot.

Lorenzo de Luca has come back to Manchester with revenge on his mind.

Supposedly killed by evil gangster Jonny Wellingham’s hitmen fifteen years ago, Lorenzo has waited a long time for this. He has to stay focused. And he does…until a past lover comes back into his life.

But old embers can spark a flame and the couple pick up where they left off—but the war has only just begun, and everyone is fair game…and Lorenzo’s distraction gives Jonny the opportunity he needs to strike a deadly blow.

Torn between his burning need for vengeance and the scorching heat of love, which will Lorenzo sacrifice?

Reader advisory: This book contains scenes of violence, murder, organised crime, sex work, and drugs trafficking. There are also instances of homophobia.

About the Author  

I have written for as long as I could write. In fact, before, when I would dictate to my auntie. I love to read, and I love to create worlds and characters.

I live in the English countryside. When I’m not writing, I like to get out there and think through the next scenario I’m going to throw my characters into.

Inspiration can be found anywhere, on a train, in a restaurant or in an office. I am always in search of the next character to find love in one of my stories. In a world of apps and online dating, it is important to remember love can be found when you least expect it.

Author Links

Blog/Website  |   Facebook  |   Twitter

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Giveaway 

Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway for a chance to win 

signed paperbacks of each book in the series.

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North Star, Yule Lads 2 by TA Moore