Bayou Book Junkie: Release Day Blitz: Test Drive by Riley Hart (Excerpt, Characters' Interview, Reviews + Giveaway)

Monday, May 30, 2016

Release Day Blitz: Test Drive by Riley Hart (Excerpt, Characters' Interview, Reviews + Giveaway)

Release Day Blitz: Test Drive by Riley Hart (Excerpt, Character Interview, Reviews + Giveaway)

TEST DRIVE

A CROSSROADS NOVEL

RILEY HART

M/M ROMANCE

COVER DESIGN: X-Potion Designs

COVER PHOTO: Jean-Baptiste HUONG

RELEASE DATE: 05.30.16

BLURB

A double shot of devastating news turns Justin Evanson’s life upside down. When he learns his father has cancer, and he has siblings he never knew existed, he leaves everything behind and moves to Virginia to support his dad as he tries to make amends with his family—a family Justin’s not sure he has a place in. Things go from bad to worse when he discovers his recent hookup is his newfound sister’s brother-in-law.

Drew Sinclair never expected to see Justin after their night at the club or to discover their family connection. If anyone found out, it would give Drew’s brother another reason to hate him. But there’s something about Justin that draws him in, and it’s not only because they burn up the sheets together.

One meeting leads to another, and before Justin realizes it, Drew has become the only thing in his world he feels is his. And for the first time in his life, Drew knows what it means to be needed. Being there for Justin and supporting him when things spiral out of control feels right. But with so much happening so quickly, it’s hard to trust their feelings. Is this thing between them real? Or just a test drive before life forces them down two separate roads?

BUY LINKS

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1VnpGo4

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1OUeEAb

Amazon AU: http://bit.ly/24dOuiJ

Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/20PcCHE

iBooks: http://apple.co/1VnqbP2

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1Z6ciDO

B&N: http://bit.ly/1X42Cg4

TEASERS

EXCERPT

Justin made his way toward his… brother and Landon gave him a quick nod.

“Is this as weird for you as it is for me?” Landon asked.

Justin exhaled. “Yes. Christ. I didn’t expect it to be.” Which didn’t make sense. Of course it would be strange. They were a mismatched family, celebrating his father’s birthday when the man looked like he would pass out at any second.

“What? How could you not expect this to be uncomfortable? Hell, I’m just Landon’s boyfriend and it’s even awkward for me,” Rod said, and Justin glanced up to see Landon lovingly roll his eyes, before he wrapped an arm around Rod’s shoulders and pulled him close. Rod was smaller than Landon. He wore black eyeliner that made his eyes stand out.

“Please, don’t hold back for us,” Landon replied.

“I wouldn’t think of it,” was Rod’s response, but Justin thought he knew what Rod was doing. He wanted to make Landon laugh, wanted to take the edge off, and he found himself grateful that Landon hadn’t let the fact that Rod found out about Justin and his dad before Landon did come between them. They were a strong couple. You could see the love between them.

The three of them chatted for a few minutes before Rod excused himself for the restroom.

“I should probably go talk to him.” Landon crossed his arms and leaned against the wall. There was no doubt in Justin’s mind whom he was speaking about.

“I know he’d like that. I get that it’s hard, though.”

Landon turned his way. “What do I say? Jesus, it’s really shitty that I don’t know how to talk to my own dad.”

Anger burned through Justin’s insides. He was angry at their dad for putting them all in this situation. How hard would it have been to tell Justin and his mom about Shanen and Landon? To be a father to them, too? He bit back the anger and said, “Hi. Happy Birthday. Anything will do.”

Landon didn’t move, though. He eyed their father on the other side of the room. Justin followed his stare, which is how he saw the man walk in. But not just any man. Drew. The guy he met in a club the night Shanen got married. His brows pulled together. What in the hell was he doing here? Because this wasn’t awkward enough without the guy he wanted to fuck obviously knowing Shanen. “Ah, hell. I think I jerked off in a club with the guy who just walked in.”

“What?” Landon’s voice actually cracked on the word. He looked from Justin, to Drew, and back to Justin again. His gut sank, and he was pretty sure he should have kept his mouth shut because this was about to get a whole lot worse. “That’s Shanen’s brother-in-law. He’s Jacob’s brother, and I’m pretty sure Shanen would have told me if he wasn’t straight. I know he’s not close with Jacob, but she would have thought it was coincidence enough if she married a man with a gay or bisexual brother.”

Oh fuck. Damn it all to hell.

Justin tried to hide his shock. He looked at Drew again, studied him—the scruff on his face, that jaw and those fucking lips—of course it was really who he thought it was. Still, he said the first lie that popped into his head. “Shit. That’s not him. Hair’s not right and I’d remember that mouth anywhere.” Which was true. It was the first thing he’d noticed.

Wasn’t this just perfect? He’d come here to get to know his family, and out of all the men in Virginia, he’d somehow ended up jacking off with his sister’s husband’s brother, who was obviously in the closet.

The brother of the year award definitely wasn’t going to him.

Landon eyed him, skepticism in his eyes. Before he could say anything, Rod stepped back up and wrapped his arms around Landon.

“What did I miss?”

5 Stars

*copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review*

Justin's whole world has been turned upside down. He has been uprooted from his home, school and everything he knows to move with his dying father from North Carolina to Virginia, so he can be near his children, the brother and sister, Justin never knew existed. After meeting his siblings, Landon and Shanen, Justin isn't sure where he fits into his own family or his father's life anymore.

Drew is Justin's brother-in-law, (Shanen's husband's brother). Drew has never felt like he belonged in his family. He's always felt like an outsider. He was expected to follow in his grandfather, father and brother's footsteps and go to law school, and eventually work at the family's law firm. Instead he owns a gym, which he loves. He loves feeling good about himself, and helping others feel good about themselves as well.

The first thing I'll say is, I haven't read the first two books in this series, and while this can be read as a standalone, there are things about the dynamic of the relationship and between Justin, Landon and Sharen, and how they all were introduced to each other that I think if I would have read Landon's book, I might have understood much better.

Anyone who has ever watched a loved one suffer through the end stages of Cancer, knows it's a heartbreaking site. It's been about 17 years since my grandma died, but reading Riley's account of Justin's father's illness, she paints a very realistic picture for the reader. Riley did a wonderful job at portraying the pain, hurt and anguish Justin feels at not only preparing to lose his father to Cancer, but losing time with him to his siblings and their mother. The jealousy to think that someone belongs solely to you, then suddenly you have to share that person. It was heartbreaking to watch this.

I adored this book, and I absolutely loved Drew and Justin. They are both vulnerable characters. Neither sure where they fit into their respective families. I loved watching them form, first a strong friendship and later a romantic one. Drew offered Justin such support. He put Justin ahead of his own needs. The chemistry and connection between them was astronomical, as was the hotness of the sex. These two are very vocal and the dirty talk was off the charts hot.

The story is well written and flows well. It held me captivated from page one until the end. Only putting it down to sleep and to charge my iPad when it was dying! lol This was my favorite book of Riley's that I've read so far, and I'll definitely be purchasing the first two and reading them. Highly recommended!!

*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie in exchange for a fair and honest review. ***

I have to admit I had to read this book in stages, I found myself crying during certain scenes and had to stop to gather my bearings before resuming my reading. That doesn't mean that it isn't a good book, because it is one of the best I've read, full of raw feeling and angst as Justin, Drew and their families dealt with Justin's dad's illness. It just means that it was so realistic to me, that it was too much at times. I absolutely adored it, though. From the pain to the way Justin managed to feel part of Shanen and Landon's family to his friendship with Drew and the attraction they felt for each other.

Drew was so supporting of Justin throughout the book and that was heartwarming, because it was just what Justin needed then. And Justin, even if he was all messed up with all that was happening, he knew that Drew was his haven, his safe port in the storm that his life had turned into. They were amazing together, too! Playful and sweet and so hot. Good Lord, I swear Riley Hart nearly set my kindle on fire with that dirty talk! *fans self* Never mind the hotter than hot sex scenes! *fans some more*

While I wasn't much of a fan of Shanen's husband, aka Drew's brother, he did such a turnaround, that I ended up loving him just as much as the rest of the other characters.

All in all, a memorable, fantastically written book that I'm sure will remain in my heart forever! I can't recommend it enough, so go get it, you won't regret it!

Rating: 5 Stars!!!

CHARACTERS' INTERVIEW

We are so happy to welcome Drew and Justin from Test Drive by Riley Hart to Bayou Book Junkie!

Gentlemen, thanks so much for agreeing to this interview. It's a pleasure to have y'all here!

Thanks for having us.

Tell us a little about yourselves!

Drew: Well, I’m a personal trainer and own my own gym. I like long walks on the beach and—

Justin: You dork.

Drew: I’m kidding. I’m just your regular guy. I like hanging out with friends, working out, spending time with this guy.

Justin: Thank you. I like spending time with you too. You’re also sexy as hell. You forgot that one. As for me, I’m new to Virginia. I’m planning on being a paramedic and I think Drew eats too healthy.

What has been the greatest challenge in your relationship?

Drew: We got together during a really hard time for Justin. I think the hardest part for us has just been outside situations—family, life.

Justin: Drew made those easier though. Being with him made it all easier.

Drew blushes That’s because I love you. I’d do anything for you.

What was the hardest thing for you to overcome that you didn’t expect to be an issue?

Justin: I think we expected most of the issues to be issues. I guess just realizing what we felt. That was more me though.

What are your favorite qualities about your partner?

Drew: Justin makes me laugh. He’s kind, honest…he’s real. And yeah, he’s sexy as hell too.

Justin: Drew would do anything for someone he loves. He’s supportive and loyal and loves so damn big.

What's your partner's sexiest feature?

Justin: His ass. Gorgeous ass. And I love it when he blushes. Oh, and he looks sexy in a hat. I love his hat.

Drew: He’s going to make me blush again! Justin is a beautiful man. I love his lips and his eyes.

What's your funniest memory?

Justin: Together? Looking back the night we met at the club was pretty funny.

What do you value most in your friends?

Drew: Honestly, loyalty, kindness

Justin: and good taste in beer!

Where do you see yourselves in five years?

Drew: On vacation.

Justin: In Scotland and then Ireland.

Drew: maybe it’ll be our honeymoon?

Justin: nah, we’ll be married before that. We’ll go for our anniversary.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Riley Hart is the girl who wears her heart on her sleeve. She’s a hopeless romantic, a lover of sexy stories, passionate men, and writing about all the trouble they can get into together.

She loves reading, flawed characters, and hanging out with her husband and children, who she adores. She and her family live in Southern California, soaking up the sunshine, while also missing seasons. Not a day goes by that she isn’t thankful she gets to wake up and do what she loves.

Life is good. Riley also writes young adult and new adult under the name Nyrae Dawn.

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/rileyhartwrites/?fref=ts

Website: http://www.rileyhartwrites.com/p/home.html?zx=48696725e5833865

Blog:

http://www.rileyhartwrites.com/index.html

Twitter: @RileyHart5