Virtual Book Tour: Once Burned by L.A. Witt (Excerpt, Reviews + Giveaway)

About Once Burned

Captain Mark Thomas’s world has been tossed on its head: A long overdue but still unexpected divorce. A promotion out of left field. Last-second orders to a ship where careers go to die. As the dust settles in his new home, he barely recognizes his life, but he sure recognizes the loneliness creeping in.

Diego Ramírez wants nothing to do with the military or its men. Not after the Navy burned him both literally and figuratively, costing him his career, his health, and ultimately his green card. Now working illegally in an Anchor Point bar, he keeps the military and its personnel at arm’s length.

But after a single moment of eye contact across the bar, Mark and Diego can’t resist each other. As a one-night stand quickly turns into more, Diego knows he’s playing with fire. Now he can stick around and let things with Mark inevitably fall apart, or he can run like hell and wonder what might have been. One way or another, Diego knows he’s about to get burned. Again.

50% of the author’s royalties from this book will be donated to charities supporting US military veterans who have been deported or are at risk of deportation.

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Unedited excerpt from Wash Out, Anchor Point #7:

The NAS Adams officers’ club was nice. Officers’ clubs in general were probably nice, but I’d never been in one before. The lighting was dim, giving it a kind of upscale atmosphere, especially with the dark hardwoods and rich red leather on everything. From what I’d heard, the enlisted club across the street was basically a step up from a Denny’s. Even though they were both open to officers and enlisted, the differences between them brought to mind all the animosity between the ranks. I rolled my eyes at the memory of officers looking down their noses at us while me and my guys glared right back at them. There were things I missed about the Marine Corps, but not that.

Clint and I took a seat at a table overlooking the golf course, and started perusing the menu. Out of sheer habit, I looked at the drink menu, but caught myself and turned the page to the entrees.

“Grilled cheese sandwiches?” I smirked as I looked across the table at Clint. “Mozzarella sticks? The O-club is really keeping it classy, aren’t they?”

“Hey.” He flipped the page in his own menu. “Officers like comfort food as much as the next guy.”

“Fair enough. And I guess it is balanced out by all this kale bullshit.” I wrinkled my nose at the salads.

Clint just laughed.

After we’d put them aside, placed our orders, and gotten our drinks, he met my gaze across the table. “So what do you think of the job so far?”

“Don’t really know yet.” I smirked. “That GM2 sitting behind me is cute.”

Clint shot me a pointed look. “Logan . . .”

I put up my hands. “Nothing wrong with checking people out, right?”

“No, but . . .” He sighed. “Just be careful, all right?”

I tried not to let my frustration show. He meant well, but I still didn’t like the feeling of being on a short leash. Regardless of whether I needed that leash, which I probably did. “I said he’s cute, okay? I didn’t say I was going to hunt him down on Grindr or anything. Relax.”

Clint pushed out a breath through his nose, and some tension eased in his shoulders. “I’m sorry. I just really want this to work out for you.”

I dropped my gaze. “I know. And I appreciate it. I owe you big time.”

“No, you don’t.” His voice was soft, and that almost made it tougher to take what he was saying. “I know you’re busting your ass to straighten out your life, and I want to help. I’ve been there, you know?”

Without meeting his eyes, I winced. I still felt guilty as fuck for how much harder I’d made things for him when he’d been trying to get himself back together. I didn’t remember much about that period in either of our lives, but there were a few too many clear memories of Clint’s pained expression when he told me for the hundredth time that, no, he really didn’t want a drink. He’d spelled it out to me, and I’d gotten it when I was sober, but the minute I’d start drinking, I’d start pushing for him to join me. It hadn’t mattered how much that could sabotage his world—I’d felt like shit, and I hadn’t wanted to feel that way alone.

He could remind me over and over that he’d forgiven me, and I’d still hate myself for how I’d been when we were together. Why he ever even took my call two months ago, I’d never know. I was just glad he did.

Clint picked up his drink, and as he did, the light caught on his wedding ring again, and I fought another wince. There was no point in dwelling on what might’ve happened if I’d unfucked myself before Clint had dumped me. We were both different people now. He was happy with Travis. Sometimes, though, I wondered. If I’d been a little less of an asshole, we—

“Hey.” Under the table, he gave my foot a nudge with his boot. “Earth to Logan.”

I shook myself. “Sorry. I’m still, uh, kind of shocked we’re here.”

“It’s just the O-club.” He smiled playfully, but something in his eyes told me he knew what I meant. After a moment, he sighed, shaking his head. “You’ve got to start forgiving yourself, all right? I know exactly what it’s like, destroying your life with a bottle. Believe me, I do.” He sat up and put a hand on my forearm. “I don’t know exactly what you went through, but I get it, and I’ll do whatever I can to help you pick up the pieces.”

I had to force back a sudden lump in my throat. “Thanks.”

He gave my arm a squeeze before pulling his hand back. “I know you’re really trying. Which is why I want you to be careful with that GM2 in your office.”

“I don’t even know if he’s gay, so . . .” I shrugged.

“Still.” He paused. “I mean, there’s nothing that says you can’t date someone at work. Especially since you’re a civilian. But what happens if shit goes south?”

I inclined my head. “Says the man who married someone in the same office.”

“Same floor, yeah. But we didn’t work right next to each other. We could actually avoid each other if we needed to. You two are practically face to face, and you’ll have to interact constantly.” He chewed the inside of his cheek. “Look, I’m not going to tell you how to run your personal life, or how to interact with your coworkers. I just really want to see this work out for you.”

“I know. And I appreciate it.”

He gave me a soft smile.

I returned it, but felt like an idiot too. Clint was right. No matter how good-looking my coworker was, I had to stay focused. If I fucked up this job, there weren’t exactly a lot of employers falling all over themselves to hire my ass. Definitely not for what I was making here.

Didn’t matter how cute Casey was. Or if he was gay. Or if he was single.

I wasn’t ready to date anyone—never mind a co-worker—until I had my life back on the rails.

4.5 Stars

Freshly divorced, after almost 19 years of marriage, and newly stationed in Anchor Point, a small seaside town, Mark discovers the High-&-Tight, the local gay bar that caters to military guys. There he lays eyes on the bartender, Diego, but when he asks Diego to join him for coffee, Diego turns him down.

Diego doesn’t date military guys, especially the Navy ones. After 8 years of service, he was discharged after being hurt in combat. While recovering, his green card expired and now he spends his life in fear of deportation, but as much as he tries, he can’t resist Mark. What could spending one night with Mark possibly hurt? It quickly becomes clear to both men, one night definitely won’t be enough.

I have really loved the couple of stories in this series that I’ve read so far, and Once Burned was no exception. Although this is book six in the series, it can definitely be read as a standalone.

While I loved Mark and Diego and I enjoyed their romance, more than anything this book made me angry. It is deplorable that a person can enter this country legally, serve this country, be injured while serving this country and after it is all said and done, because of some unfiled, or perhaps misfiled, paperwork, they have to fear deportation if they try to get a legitimate job or take advantage of the resources, like the V.A., that were rightfully awarded to them for their services. It’s beyond disgusting and I wanted to scream and rage for Diego and the many others out there like him. Although, because this is fiction, everything works out in the end and Mark and Diego get their happy ending, my heart breaks for the real life Diegos out there who aren’t quite so lucky.

As for the romance portion of the story, I absolutely loved it. Mark and Diego were perfect and definitely hot together. They burned up the pages of my iPad, and I absolutely adored them. They were both likable guys who you couldn’t help but root for.

The story is well-written, and although it flowed pretty well, I found it just a bit slow in the middle. Even though it angered me, I loved the premise of the story and the ending was perfectly swoon-worthy! This was a great addition to the series, really enjoyable and definitely recommendable!

*copy provided by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

4.5 Stars!

Mark is newly divorced and recently stationed at Anchor Point, and when he visits a local gay bar, he is drawn to one of the bartenders, Diego, who isn't too keen on dating military guys, especially the Navy kind. There's something about Mark that makes Diego give him a second chance and soon, one night turns into more, however, there are things that might tear them apart.

It took me a bit to warm up to Mark, but once I did, I loved him. He was sweet and supportive and once he realized what was at stake, he was determined to help Diego in any way he could. I loved Diego, even if I got slightly tired and wanted to cuddle him and make it better. My heart broke for him and the situation he found himself in. It's unbelievable that due to some mistake, a man who's served the US and been wounded in action, has to deal with what Diego does. I was appalled at the way Mark's CO thought about it, and it seems to me, that sounds pretty on point to what little I've read/heard about it.

Mark and Diego's chemistry was out of this world and I loved the progression from a one-night stand into more, it felt natural and very organic. I loved that they didn't spend their time just having sex, but just being together, talking and watching TV or whatever.

Overall, Once Burned was a fantastic read! Fast-paced and engaging, with an absolutely perfect ending that had me shedding a few happy tears. I'm already looking forward to book 7! Very recommendable!

*** Copy provided to the reviewer via NetGalley for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***

About Anchor Point

Welcome to Anchor Point!

Nestled on the northern coast of Oregon, this small town is home to Naval Air Station Adams. On base, you’ll find freshly minted Sailors who’ve just graduated boot camp, salty officers counting down till retirement, grounded pilots who’ve landed behind desks, and everyone in between—and they’re all looking for love. Well, not all of them, but that won’t stop love from finding them.

So pull up a barstool, grab a beer, and get ready for some sea stories as these men in uniform—or not—navigate the waters of love and life in the military.

Anchor Point stories can be enjoyed in any order. Hop in wherever you'd like!

About LA Witt

L.A. Witt is an abnormal M/M romance writer who has finally been released from the purgatorial corn maze of Omaha, Nebraska, and now spends her time on the southwestern coast of Spain. In between wondering how she didn’t lose her mind in Omaha, she explores the country with her husband, several clairvoyant hamsters, and an ever-growing herd of rabid plot bunnies. She also has substantially more time on her hands these days, as she has recruited a small army of mercenaries to search South America for her nemesis, romance author Lauren Gallagher, but don’t tell Lauren. And definitely don’t tell Lori A. Witt or Ann Gallagher. Neither of those twits can keep their mouths shut…

L. A.’s backlist is available on her website, and updates (as well as random thoughts and the odd snarky comment) can be found on her blog or on Twitter (@GallagherWitt).

Giveaway

To celebrate the release of Once Burned, L.A. is giving away reader’s choice of two eBooks off of her backlist! (Excludes Once Burned.) Leave a comment with your contact info to enter the contest. Entries close at midnight, Eastern time, on April 14, 2018. Contest is NOT restricted to U.S. entries. Thanks for following along, and don’t forget to leave your contact info!