Mini Blog Tour ~ Age is Just a Number, a Wayward Ink Publishing Anthology ~ (Reviews, Exclusive Excerpt, Book Trailer + Giveaway)
Title: Age is Just a Number
Title: Age is Just a Number
Authors: Eric Gober, Layla Dorine, Lily Velden, Dale Cameron Lowry, Eddy LeFey, Asta Idonea, Louise Lyons, Kassandra Lea, Carol Pedroso, Aimee Brissay
Genre: Gay, Romance, May/December Romance, LGBT
Publisher: Wayward Ink Publishing
Synopsis
There’s something to be said for life experience, a little gray at the temple…
And then there is the appeal of youth.
When it comes to what the heart wants, Age Is Just A Number.
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Stories Included
TWENTY LIGHT YEARS BETWEEN US
Eric Gober
An alien encounter...
An unfortunate misstep...
A lightning fast journey through space...
The laws of physics are about to wreak havoc on Walt and Michael’s May-December love.
ALL ROADS LEAD WITHIN
Layla Dorine
When James spotted Rogue, a young man for whom wandering is like breathing, half-dozing on the hood of his car, he never expected that warning him about the dangers of sleeping out in the open would lead to a weekly visitor at his door.
NORTH PASTURE
Lily Velden
Upon the death of his grandfather, up and coming Fantasy author, Thomas, returns home.
A place he left four years earlier to get over his unrequited love for Sam Fletcher, his older, straight, and very much married neighbor.
Thomas soon discovers, however, that things are much changed with Sam…
AMERICAN MASTER BAKER
Dale Cameron Lowry
Baking is a way of life for Joey, a young pastry chef vying for first place in the popular reality show American Master Bakers.
But the judges have been showing favoritism to Terence, an aggravatingly attractive older man with more experience under his belt.
When the competition gets hot, so do the two men. Can a relationship that started in hatred end in love?
ALPHA AND OMEGA: THE CLAIMING
Eddy LeFey
A young Omega shifter meets a much older Alpha.
Will Elliot let Issac help him be who he is too afraid to be?
STAND AND DELIVER
Asta Idonea
Necessity has forced former soldier Captain Keen to assume the occupation of gentleman highwayman. His fortunes take a turn, however, the night he stops the Marquis de Beaumont's coach and gets more than he bargained for when he utters the words "Stand and deliver!"
LOST AND FOUND
Louise Lyons
TRAIL TO LOVE
Kassandra Lea
There's only one thing Kit Conley likes more than horses and that's Roman Meadery.
But will the elite rider ever notice him?
CRUISING WITH LOVE
Carol Pedroso
Gus is under the thumb of a controlling father. Can meeting his mate give him a reason to make a break for freedom?
Nelson is twice Gus’ age, and very protective of what is his.
What will happen when Gus’ father tries to split them up? And what surprises does Nelson have up his sleeve?
NEAR MISS
Aimee Brissay
A few seconds, that's all it takes to make a difference between life and death.
Between killing someone and stopping on time.
But is it enough to turn yourself around when you've hit bottom?
Or to make you recognize something good when you have it?
Exclusive Excerpt:
STAND AND DELIVER by Asta Idonea
When Captain Keen bowed and introduced himself, Beaumont’s interest was piqued. He had been robbed en route once in France by a gang of ruffians, but this was his first encounter with one of England’s famed “gentleman highwaymen”, and it was exhilarating; indeed, it made the long evening seem worthwhile after all. As Keen looked into the carriage and assessed his prisoners, Beaumont took Keen’s measure.
Though a mask obscured his lower face, rich chestnut hair secured with a ribbon, bright eyes, and a smooth forehead marked him as a young man. Beaumont did not believe him more than five and twenty. His raiment was somewhat worn, the cut of his coat from last season, but he was tall and slender and presented a fine figure. A handsome fellow. True, the mask might hide a disfigurement, but Beaumont thought that unlikely.
For a moment he was quite overcome by Keen’s immense physical appeal; however, he hastened to remind himself of the appalling hour he had spent with the viscount. Keen was probably as frivolous and foolish as his peers. Besides, Beaumont knew nothing about him. It was doubtful Keen shared his inclination and this encounter would be of but short duration in any case. Once Keen had his spoils, he would depart, and Beaumont would never see him again.
Keen’s gaze fell upon him, and he obeyed the request to move forward into the light. He did not fail to notice Keen’s surprise, nor the glance that followed. It was an appraisal, but one very different from that the man had bestowed upon Crougley and his family. He was about to respond when Crougley broke the spell. Keen looked away, and a moment later, Beaumont followed the others out of the carriage.
Book Trailer
Reviews
TWENTY LIGHT YEARS BETWEEN US
Mari's Review:
Walt is at a point of his life where he wants commitment and love, his best friend Gary is all for spreading the love, when they meet Michael at a tavern, the two of them are attracted to him, and while there's a big age gap between him and Walt, Michael surprisingly picks him and they hit it off. However, an alien encounter might turn things upside down for them all.
This story was a bit strange, while the characters were likable, I think it would've been best if the author had focused on Walt and Michael a bit more, and less on the sci-fi aspect of it.
Rating: 3 Stars
ALL ROADS LEAD WITHIN
Jaymie's Review:
Slow Burn. This is definitely not an instalove romance, which if you're familiar with Layla Dorine, that will probably not come as much of a surprise. I assumed with the stories being relatively short, things would move along fast. When things between the two MC's finally begin, everything quickly heats up. Rogue and James were definitely passionate about each other in and out of the bedroom, bonding over books and history and long walks and talks. This is mostly a story of two men at different points in their lives becoming friends and then lovers. The writing was good and while I didn't love the story, I found it entertaining.
3.5 Stars!
Mari's Review:
Considering the length of this story, I have to say, I was kind of surprised it felt like forever for Rogue and James to actually move from friendship to love. Once they actually kissed, I didn't want it to end, though. I really liked Rogue and James together, they bonded slowly through hikes and books and talking, and even with the age difference between them, it was lovely to see how well suited they were for one another.
Rating: 4 Stars!
NORTH PASTURE
Mari's Review:
Thomas left home four years ago to get over his unrequited love for his very straight, married neighbor, Sam. Now he's back, and Sam is a widower, and it seems, despite the mixed signals he keeps throwing at Thomas, that perhaps he's not as straight as Thomas thought he was.
While I liked Thomas there were times when I just wanted to slap some sense into him for the way he let Sam treat him at first. Unrequited love or not, self-respect is something I value too much. I understand finally getting what you've been dreaming about for years, but the way Sam left Tom every time after their encounters, and that Thomas kept allowing him back, made me a bit angry at both of them. I was glad when Tom said he couldn't be Sam's dirty little secret and yet, afterward he was the one that tried to make it all work with Sam's son and Sam, which kind of made me angry again. *strangles Thomas* Not sure how I felt about Sam, but anyway, I guess all's well that ends well, as they at least managed to make things work.
Rating: 3.5 Stars
AMERICAN MASTER BAKER
Jaymie's Review:
I am a fan of the enemies to lovers type stories and while I'm not a fan of actual reality television shows, I have to admit I love reading books about them. I love the drama, the rivalries, the scandals, it's lots of fun. And if you can get past the sometimes cringe-worthy "pseudo-sexy food talk" so is American Master Baker.
Joey is young and cocky and can't stand Terence, the elder contestant on the show. Of course, it's obvious from the beginning that it's mostly bluster, but the two seem to thicken the sexual tension the more they throw verbal jabs at each other. Being paired up for an elimination round of the contest forces the two to work together and concede that they both bring something necessary to the kitchen.
4 Stars!
Mari's Review:
I love cooking or baking reality shows, so I knew I was going to enjoy this story and I really did, despite the not-so-sexy food talk during sex, which was more than a bit off-putting, actually.
However, I loved the chemistry between Joey and Terence and the enemies-to-lovers angle. I just adored how the sexual tension grew as they were paired together for the elimination round and how well they worked together.
Rating: 4 Stars!!!
ALPHA AND OMEGA: THE CLAIMING
Jaymie's Review:
I am a huge fan of Shifter books, I love them. What I find so intriguing about these books is the mate bond. The idea that there is one person out there who was made especially for you, that they're the other half of your soul and you are perfect together. I thought that this might be this type of story, however, it wasn't quite that cut and dry.
A young Omega shifter escapes his abusive family and pack. After two years on the run, he is captured by rogue Beta wolves in order to present the Omega to their Alpha. However, the group is sent running when Alpha Prime O'Conner confronts them. Alpha
O'Conner now must decide what to do with the young male Omega wolf.
While it's not love at first sight, it was an interesting take on shifter relationships. In a world with ABO dynamics it was a good thing Alpha O'Conner took Elliot in. He treats him fairly and lovingly and helps Elliot work on his burgeoning abilities. They seem well suited for one another.
3 Stars!
STAND AND DELIVER
Mari's Review:
Captain Keen has become a gentleman highwayman out of necessity. The last thing he expected was to have his fortune turn around when he stops the Marquis de Beaumont's carriage.
This was a lovely story. I am quite fond of historical books, so I had high hopes for this one, and it delivered! I really liked the dynamics between the older Marquis and the young captain, and seeing how attracted they were to each other, while trying to keep their inclinations under wraps from their companions. It was well-written, too, and I felt transported to the era it was set in.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Mari's Review:
Captain Keen has become a gentleman highwayman out of necessity. The last thing he expected was to have his fortune turn around when he stops the Marquis de Beaumont's carriage.
This was a lovely story. I am quite fond of historical books, so I had high hopes for this one, and it delivered! I really liked the dynamics between the older Marquis and the young captain, and seeing how attracted they were to each other, while trying to keep their inclinations under wraps from their companions. It was well-written, too, and I felt transported to the era it was set in.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
LOST AND FOUND
Mari's Review:
Mari's Review:
Phil takes his best friend to the vet, but it's too late for him. A few weeks later, when he decides to get a new puppy, he meets Ethan, his older and very handsome vet again and they hit it off.
This was my favorite story in the Anthology. Louise Lyons did a fabulous work at writing a story this short that actually had a strong plotline and a development that actually left me satisfied despite the length.
Rating: 5 Stars!
TRAIL TO LOVE
Mari's Review:
Kit Conley has been crushing on Roman Meadery for a long time, but will Roman ever notice him?
This was a very sweet, very short story. It was enjoyable, though, even if I would've liked it to be a bit longer as the ending felt a tad abrupt.
Rating: 3.5 Stars!
CRUISING WITH LOVE
Jaymie's Review:
Dolphin Shifters, Leger Shifters and a fated cruise.
Nelson offers to fill in as a server and bartender on a Shifter cruise. He meets his mate Gus who he's surprised is a Dolphin shifter, there with his entire Pod. While the two get to know each other, Gus knows his father would never allow them to be mated. But when Lord St. John, Gus's father discovers Gus and Nelson together the two face a fight to get what they want.
This was probably my favorite of all the stories. I liked both Gus and Nelson and I truly believe this would have been good as a full-length novel. I haven't really read any Dolphin shifter stories but it was definitely unique and interesting.
4 Stars!
Dolphin Shifters, Leger Shifters and a fated cruise.
Nelson offers to fill in as a server and bartender on a Shifter cruise. He meets his mate Gus who he's surprised is a Dolphin shifter, there with his entire Pod. While the two get to know each other, Gus knows his father would never allow them to be mated. But when Lord St. John, Gus's father discovers Gus and Nelson together the two face a fight to get what they want.
This was probably my favorite of all the stories. I liked both Gus and Nelson and I truly believe this would have been good as a full-length novel. I haven't really read any Dolphin shifter stories but it was definitely unique and interesting.
4 Stars!
NEAR MISS
Jaymie's Review:
Teo drives a subway train. A normal day on the job finds him in a horrifying situation when he spots a woman who intends to commit suicide using his train. While everything ends up in the best case scenario he is unable to shake off the experience. Meeting Johnny, a young security officer, comes at a very bad time and Teo must find a way to face his problems in order to stand a chance with this captivating man.
I liked the little we see of Johnny but, honestly, I wasn't a fan of Teo. As much as I understand PTSD and I felt for his situation I found it irritating that he was so combative with the psychologist. He didn't come off in the best light to me. Personally, I thought Johnny could've done better. I'm not sure I would've liked Teo more if the story had been longer, giving me more time to get to know him and his story, but I'd like to think so.
3 Stars!
Jaymie's Review:
Teo drives a subway train. A normal day on the job finds him in a horrifying situation when he spots a woman who intends to commit suicide using his train. While everything ends up in the best case scenario he is unable to shake off the experience. Meeting Johnny, a young security officer, comes at a very bad time and Teo must find a way to face his problems in order to stand a chance with this captivating man.
I liked the little we see of Johnny but, honestly, I wasn't a fan of Teo. As much as I understand PTSD and I felt for his situation I found it irritating that he was so combative with the psychologist. He didn't come off in the best light to me. Personally, I thought Johnny could've done better. I'm not sure I would've liked Teo more if the story had been longer, giving me more time to get to know him and his story, but I'd like to think so.
3 Stars!
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