Keep Me In Mind Tour: M/M ~ The Right Time by Lane Hayes ~ (ARC Review, Author Interview, Excerpt + Giveaway)
Book Information:
Author Name: Lane Hayes
Book Name: The Right Time
Series: Right & Wrong Stories
Book number: 3
Can be read as a standalone
Release Date: June 26, 2015
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Aaron Anderson
Buy The Book:
Blurb:
Workaholic Nate Erickson is a successful real estate developer who thrives on long hours and stress. When a Los Angeles project prompts him to relocate to Santa Monica, he welcomes the change of scenery. Nate has always considered romantic entanglements trouble, but his sexy next-door neighbor isn’t easy to ignore. Which makes no sense, because Nate is straight… or so he’s always thought.
Alex Reyes is a retired professional soccer player turned West Hollywood business owner with an insatiable lust for life. He loves his family, friends, and work. But there’s one life challenge left to accomplish: coming out publically. Respect for traditional Latino values has kept him in the closet, but Alex begins to think he and his new neighbor might help one another combat their fears. As Alex and Nate forge a strong friendship, they soon realize facing their personal demons will take more courage than either man bargained. The reward is immeasurable… if the timing is right.
Categories: Contemporary, Erotica, Fiction, Gay fiction, Humor, M/M Romance, Romance
Excerpt:
I hadn’t worked out with a professional in years, and it felt foreign to wait for someone else’s direction.
“Any issues with your shoulders or arms? Any injuries I should know about?” he asked, handing me the weights.
“No, I’m good.”
“Great. Start with your palms facing your thighs, lift them both over your chest, then lower the left. Good. And now the right.”
He stood over me diligently, making slight corrections when needed. My supine position gave me an interesting perspective. When I looked up, I noted how his strong brow offset his twinkling eyes. I swallowed uncomfortably and turned my head, only to find myself staring at his crotch. His dark shorts seemed to hint they were covering a generous package.
Holy fuck.
“You doing okay?”
“Uh yeah. Hey, weren’t you going to tell me about your Friday night?” I needed him to talk. I didn’t trust my thoughts anymore, and I was stuck in my current position crazily aware of a man in a way I hadn’t been in over fifteen fucking years. Diversion in any form was welcome.
Alex snorted. “I already told you. I went dancing, and oh yeah, I did get lucky.”
He added the last part with a hearty chuckle, no doubt catching my wide-eyed expression. I hadn’t expected that.
“Oh.”
“You asked.”
“Right.” I did? The strong flash of jealousy took me by surprise, but I pressed on. “Did you go back to the beach to get those girls’ numbers last weekend?”
He looked confused for a second, but a slow cocky grin soon spread across his handsome features as he crouched so his face was close to mine.
“No, I told you they weren’t my type.”
I gulped and watched his eyes lower to my throat. He licked his top lip and reached out to adjust my wrist.
“Lift ’em both at the same time, Nate. That’s it. Push it. Harder.”
I sent up a quick prayer I wasn’t sporting a tent in my shorts. Alex’s voice, touch, and yeah, the unintentional innuendos were making me nuts. And horny. I felt terribly out of my element. I wasn’t sure what we were talking about anymore, but the potent silence made me more uncomfortable than speech. Keep talking, I thought.
“So a dance partner?”
“What? Oh. Yeah, I think so. I can’t remember. It was just one of those things, you know? Sit up. Let’s give your arms a break.”
“Just one of those things?”
“Yeah. One night. No numbers exchanged. No hassle, no fuss.”
I had no words. Literally.
Alex chuckled gleefully as he led the way to a leg machine. He gave instructions and stood back to observe me for a moment.
“It’s not necessarily my favorite kind of sex, but hey….” He shrugged his shoulders with his hands outstretched as if to say “what’s a guy to do?”
I recognized this cue. It was my opportunity to commiserate about the trials and tribulations of being a single man with a healthy sexual appetite. Now was my chance to admit it was nice every once in a while to have sex of the nonsolo variety with someone who knew the score. But I was tongue-tied and equally aware of a completely different undercurrent. One I wasn’t brave enough to explore.
“You can stop having fun at my expense any time.”
Alex squeezed my shoulder and smirked playfully. “You’re easily rattled.”
“How so?”
“You seem like someone who has a place for everything and likes everything in its place. You have a routine, and you don’t appreciate any deviation. I should be flattered you came to the gym with me at the spur of the moment.” He paused, running his tongue over his plump bottom lip. “If you’re not careful, I’m gonna think you like me.”
The air between us crackled. Alex leaned forward so his handsome face was mere inches from mine. His proximity alone seemed to issue a challenge. Daring me to confess I was more than I appeared to be. I doubt he expected any revelations, but his intent was certainly to… how had he put it, rattle me. And damn, it was working.
Author Interview:
Thanks so much for taking the time to talk to us today. I am a huge fan, and I have to say, not only do I love your books, but I love that you take the time to respond to every one of my tweets. I think you are an amazingly gifted writer, and an all around great person and friend! <3
You are so sweet, Tracy! I always enjoy talking to you. It’s fun to connect with readers and bloggers who are as passionate about MM Romance as I am. Thank you for having me here today!
What inspired this story?
I always knew book 3 would be Alex’s story. Michael tells us a little about his history with Alex in The Right Words and hints a particular reason for his friend’s early retirement. I felt like this would be the perfect time to delve into Alex’s past. The trick was finding someone I thought was truly worthy of Alex because he’s so damn cool. He’s energetic, enthusiastic and he has a great sense of humor. Nate is an unlikely choice but he’s the right one (trust me ☺) He was introduced in The Wrong Man as a significant friend in Jake’s life, but he isn’t an easy person to know. He’s a moody workaholic who tends to shirk for dealing with difficult things. For those who’ve read any of my books, you’ll know I love “opposites attract” themes and these guys definitely fit the category.
What are your favorite qualities about each of these two main characters?
I love Alex’s sense of humor. He is so charismatic and outgoing, and yet he never takes himself too seriously. He’s perpetually optimistic. A perfect balance to Nate’s more serious demeanor. I think the quality I like best about Nate is his depth character. There is so much beneath the surface with this guy. Under the cool and collected façade is a man who is haunted.
Of all the books you have written do you have a favorite set of character, and if so who are they? Mine would definitely have to be Matt and Aaron. I've loved them all, but those two are just special to me.
Thank you Tracy! Matt and Aaron (from Better Than Good) will always be special to me because they came first. But I have to admit the last characters about to be released tend to be my favorite, which means… Alex and Nate reign for now. It may be because no one has read their story yet and I’m still feeling protective of them. Who knows? We creative types are weird about our work! I have a hard time leaving my boys behind to start something new. Trust me, it took a while for me to let Matt and Aaron go. I ended up writing a ton of shorts because I just love those guys! It’s been like that through each of my books, which means my favorites will change again once I’ve moved through edits for my next release. LOL. ☺
Besides hanging out in the drive-thru line at Starbucks, watching sports, and writing, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Ha! You know me well! I'm not stalking you, I promise. Well, okay, maybe just a bit!! LOL Reading is probably what I spend most of my free time doing. However, I love spending time with friends and family too. With two boys in college now, I’m reminded how precious time is. Any opportunity I get to do something with my family unit, I take!
You have a private yacht or jet at your disposal – which would you use, where would you go and who would you take with you?
I’ll take a private jet to New York City, please with my number one companion, my hubby. He doesn’t enjoy traveling as much as I do but he’s always up for a NYC trip. It’s our favorite city by far. I love the restaurants, the theater and museums. I can happily eat, walk and people-watch my way through Manhattan without ever becoming bored. I make a point of doing it two to three times a year! Of course, if I were to try a city I’ve never visited before, my next pick would be New Orleans. I hear it’s a pretty awesome place and the people are awfully nice. (wink wink!) ☺Awe, Thanks! You're welcome to visit NOLA anytime, and I'll even be your personal tour guide!!
Thanks again Tracy!
Happy Reading!
Lane Hayes xo
Tracy's Review:
*copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie via Pride Promotions by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review*
I really loved that Nate and Alex were both manly men. Nate especially is my ultimate favorite character. He is nerdy, but athletic as well. I loved him.
The chemistry and sexual tension between them was off the charts. These guys were hot, hot, hot together. I adored that we get to revisit with Jake, Bran and even Mack.
The story was well written and flowed well. It held me captive and turning the pages. Another awesome story by Lane Hayes, and I look forward to much more in the future! This is part of a series, but can be read as a standalone. I highly recommend it!
Rating: 5 Stars!!!
About the author:
Lane Hayes is finally doing what she loves best. Writing! An avid reader from an early age, Lane has always been drawn to romance novels. She truly believes there is nothing more inspiring than a well-told love story with beautifully written characters. Lane discovered the M/M genre a fews ago and was instantly hooked. Her debut novel, Better Than Good, was a 2013 Rainbow Awards finalist. She loves travel, chocolate, and wine (in no particular order). Lane lives in Southern California with her amazing husband and their very old dog in an almost empty nest.
Where to find the author:
Tour Dates & Stops:
30-Jun
2-Jul
7-Jul
9-Jul
14-Jul
16-Jul
21-Jul
23-Jul
24-Jul
25-Jul
Rafflecopter Prize: $25 gift card & e-book copy of ‘The Right Time’
Congratulations on your new release. You are a new author to me and I really like the sound of this book. I need to check out your other books!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Laina! I hope you do! xo
DeleteCongratulations on your new release Lane the cover looks fab and I wish you many sales!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Shirley Ann! I appreciate that! :-)
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