Virtual Tour ~ Bitter Springs by Laura Stone ~ (Review, Excerpt, Interview + Giveaway)

Virtual Tour ~ Bitter Springs by Laura Stone ~ (Review, Excerpt, Interview + Giveaway)

Author Name: Laura Stone

Book Name: Bitter Springs

Release Date: December 3, 2015

Blurb:

In 1870s Texas, Renaldo Valle Santos, the youngest son of a large and traditional family, has been sent to train with Henry “Hank” Burnett, a freed slave and talented mesteñero—or horse- catcher—so he may continue the family horse trade. Bitter Springs is a sweeping epic that takes themes from traditional Mexican literature and Old Westerns to tell the story of a man coming into his own and realizing his destiny lies in the wild open spaces with the man who loves him, far from expectations of society.

Pages or Words: 302 pages

Categories: Fiction, Gay Fiction, Historical, M/M Romance, Romance, Western/Cowboy

Excerpt:

The day before the wedding, a visitor arrived at Vista Verde an entire week early. Renaldo, ready to wash up and eat dinner after a long, hard day—his side ached from roping cattle as a part of Paloma's training, his hands were full of bits of raw hemp from the stock lassos, and one of the calves had kicked him high on the thigh—walked back from the barn using his hat to slap at the dust on his chest and thighs. He noticed a tall, striking young black man standing at the door to their home speaking with their father. They didn't see many black men this far from civilization—with the Civil War ending so recently, many were staying close to where they'd been forced to live, were heading far out west where there were more opportunities to make a new life or were going north seeking less hostile society. Who he could be?

He was about as tall as Renaldo, maybe an inch or two more, broad-shouldered and whip-thin, dressed in well-worn, simple clothes. He had a close-cropped beard, but instead of hiding the shape of his jaw, it accented its sharpness. His light eyes, almost luminescent even at this distance and glowing like amber, were ringed with thick lashes, nearly to the point of being girlish, but there was nothing feminine about the man. With his lean but strong-looking chest, muscular arms and curved backside, he managed to carry himself with a confident air while standing idly; his body was still, but in a way that made Renaldo think of a raptor sitting on an abutment, watching and waiting.

“Oh, here he is,” Estebán said, motioning for Renaldo to join them, saying, “Señor Burnett, allow me to introduce to you my son, Renaldo.”

This? This was the legendary mesteñero, Henry Burnett? He couldn't be much older than Renaldo, who realized his jaw had dropped. He closed his mouth quickly and moved toward them as if drawn like metal shavings to a magnet.

Burnett, however, looked amused, as the edge of his mouth quirked up. “Pleased to meet you,” he said, his voice deep and husky.

Renaldo couldn't look away, shocked that his expectations couldn't have been more wrong. This was a vibrant young man. But... this was the man he would be alone with on the prairie for months? His stomach twisted at that thought, and at how unexpected it all was, causing his heart to race and face flush. Yes, it was unexpected. That Burnett had come so much sooner than they'd expected had to be why Renaldo couldn't find his voice and felt so upended.

“Mijo,” his father said sharply.

Renaldo shook himself slightly, and then nodded, saying, “Señor Burnett, it's very good to meet you, finally. Please forgive my shock, as I don't believe we expected you so soon.”

Burnett laughed, a rolling, melodious sound, and replied, “Well, then just imagine my shock when I come here all the way from Nacogdoches expecting one Valle man, only to find him gone and you in his place.” He smiled. “Your padre seems to think you're a better match, so that works for me.”

That smile, bright teeth framed by full lips, eyes crinkled at the corners, helped lessen some of Renaldo's shock and, if he was being honest, some of the worry that he carried about spending a lot of time with a hard, taciturn man Renaldo knew he would be unable to please. At the realization that this was who he would be with on the plains, just the two of them with no one else for weeks on end, Renaldo became excited, finally looking forward to this task. A young man with an infectious grin wouldn't be such a chore to be stuck with after all.

Blog Tour ~ Rooftops by John Wiley ~ (Review, Video Trailer, Excerpt + Giveaway)

Blog Tour ~ Rooftops by John Wiley ~ (Review, Video Trailer, Excerpt + Giveaway)

Title: Rooftops

Author: John Wiley

Genre: Contemporary, Gay Romance, New Adult

Length: Novel

Publisher: Wayward ink Publishing

Synopsis

Its summer and three friends from Ohio graduate college, ready to start making their way in the real world.
Rhys; the eternal optimist who wants to be an actor and moves to Los Angeles.
Erick; the career man, seeking money and position who moves with him.
And Joey; the aspiring artist, who for the love of his girlfriend, Cheryl, stays behind in Ohio.
While attempting to follow their dreams each must face their share of personal and professional obstacles. Each is tested. Will they lose sight of themselves?
Will old friendships fall apart and new friendships form?

Promo Spotlight: Home for the Holidays by Joe Cosentino (Author Interview + Review)

A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

by JOE COSENTINO

a HEA holiday short story published by Dreamspinner Press

e-book $3.99

Buy Links:

http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=7125

myBook.to/Home_Holidays_Cosentino

https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-ahomefortheholidays-1925765-149.html

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-home-for-the-holidays-joe-cosentino/1123037372?ean=2940158011450

Blurb: 

Bobby McGrath’s Christmas trip to the beautiful Italian Island of Capri to meet his eccentric, extended family offers stunning views—none more stunning than his third cousin, Paolo Mascobello, a real stocking stuffer. As the two young men embark on a relationship, Bobby, a driven law student, learns to relax and bask under the old Italian moon, and Paolo realizes there’s more to life than a frolic on the beach. For the two to find everlasting amore, Paulo must overcome his fear of commitment and learn to follow his dreams, and Bobby must get his wish for happily ever after.

“Reading this little holiday treat is like taking a romantic trip to gorgeous Capri, Italy!”


Mari's Review:

*** ARC provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. ***

Bobby travels to beautiful Capri to visit his extended family and learns to relax and finds love in his third cousin Paolo, who in turn will learn there's more to life than partying. 

This story was sweet and short, perhaps a bit too short, as I would've loved to see a bit more of Bobby and Paolo's life in the future, but perhaps in another story? *hint hint nudge nudge* The boys were as opposite as they could be, Bobby all responsible and studious, while Paolo concentrated more on having fun with his friends, but they met in the middle and supported each other as they fell for one another and that was sweet to see. The setting was marvelous as well, who wouldn't fall in love in a place like Joe Cosentino described? And the boys' interaction with the rest of the family was quite as well. A really enjoyable, fast read! 

Rating: 4.5 Stars!!!



Praise for Joe Cosentino’s In My Heart novellas, AN INFATUATION & A SHOOTING STAR, from Dreamspinner Press:

“unbelievably beautiful” “a masterpiece” Lovebytes Reviews

“as Joe Cosentino proves time and time again, with his wonderful writing and storytelling ability, love will prevail, and you will smile from ear to ear." Kathy Mac Reviews

“a master class in how to write short fiction (or any fiction). Joe Cosentino has provided a work that will leave you thinking and wanting to savor and re-read it again and again.” GGR Reviews

“Like an onion, Joe Cosentino's stories have layers.” “For those readers looking for something a little bit different - dare I say unique? For those readers who like to laugh. For those readers who appreciate the nuances of people and the way each character is different. For those readers who want to read a damn good story - check out this author. I'm glad I did.” “A truly fabulous read.” Boy Meets Boy Reviews

“This story just blew me away.” Cathy Brockman Romance/MM Good Book Reviews

“From the beginning I was enthralled and couldn’t wait to finish the book.” Inked Rainbow Reads

“really grabs you and tugs at your emotions” “unique and enjoyable.” Nautical Star Books

“It turned out exactly how I wanted it to.” BFD Book Blog

“This is polished prose at its best. Intelligent writing, a thought-provoking plot and characters befitting the theater genre” “one of my favorite reads this year.” Love’s Last Refuge Reviews

“Don't miss this one friends, it is a heartfelt story magical in the telling! Thanks Joe for putting your heart on the page for us to savor!”
Bike Book Reviews

“It’s unusual for me to get sucked into a book in the first chapter but it grabbed me early and I read the whole thing in one day”. Nautical Star Books

“There were times I laughed and then there were times I cried…unforgettable.” Multitaskingmomma Reviews

"I really loved this book and having an ending that made me laugh and cry at the same time is testament to the brilliant writing." BooksLaidBareBoys

"The author executed his storyline with a marvelous precision that would be the envy of many authors. He draws the readers into the lives of his characters, they become real and in turn, their emotions becomes yours." "If you can only afford to buy one more book this year, buy this one.” Three Books Over the Rainbow Reviews


Author's Bio:

Amazon Bestselling author Joe Cosentino wrote An Infatuation, A Shooting Star, A Home for the Holidays (Dreamspinner Press), Drama Queen the first Nicky and Noah mystery (Lethe Press), Paper Doll the first Jana Lane mystery (Whiskey Creek Press), and The Nutcracker and the Mouse King (Eldridge Plays and Musicals). He has appeared in principal acting roles in film, television, and theatre, opposite stars such as Bruce Willis, Rosie O’Donnell, Nathan Lane, Holland Taylor, Charles Keating, and Jason Robards. His one-act plays, Infatuation and Neighbor, were performed in New York City. He wrote The Perils of Pauline educational film (Prentice Hall Publishers). Joe is currently Head of the Department/Professor at a college in upstate New York, and is happily married. His upcoming releases in 2016 are The Naked Prince and Other Tales from Fairyland (Dreamspinner Press short stories novella), Porcelain Doll the second Jana Lane mystery (Wild Rose Press), and Drama Muscle the second Nicky and Noah mystery (Lethe Press).

Website: http://www.JoeCosentino.weebly.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JoeCosentinoauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeCosen

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4071647.Joe_Cosentino

Amazon: Author.to/JoeCosentino

ISBN: 978-1-63476-536-7

Cover Art: Paul Richmond

Words: 15,000

AN INTERVIEW WITH JOE COSENTINO

author of A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS, a holiday short novella from Dreamspinner Press

Why did you write A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS?

After writing two Bittersweet Dreams novellas, An Infatuation and A Shooting Star (In My Heart Series) published by Dreamspinner Press, and a comedy mystery, Drama Queen the first Nicky and Noah mystery published by Lethe Press, I needed a vacation. My parents, sister, niece, aunts, uncles, and cousins had been telling me for years to travel to Italy. I always resisted due to the long plane ride and steep cost. However, like Kunta Kinte charting his roots, I decided it was time. So my spouse and I dipped into our savings—and dipped into the Dramamine, and booked a flight and bus tour from the US to Rome, Naples, Venice, Assisi, Lake Como, Milan, Florence, the Amalphi Coast, Pompeii, Tuscany, and Lake Maggiore. We were exhausted, but we had the vacation of a lifetime seeing the most gorgeous architecture, natural resources, and views of any of our trip. We also ate delicious food and reveled in the art, history, and beauty (noticing all the statues were of very muscular, naked men). The people were warm and friendly as was the weather. However, there was no site more gorgeous, magical, and romantic than the Island of Capri. Upon arriving back in the US, I realized I had to write a romantic story taking place in Capri.

Why is Capri so special?

While on the boat ride to the Marina Grande, the sight of the enormous cliffs sitting majestically on the water literally took our breath away. From the funiculare (cable car) we marveled at the stunning views of the island below and Mt. Vesuvius in the distance. At the Piazetta (main plaza) we boarded an island bus that zoomed around harrowing, tight corners like a car in a Fun House. We travelled to Via Krupp in the southern part of the island, and we walked through what Italians call “the villas of the rich and famous,” underscored by the sparkling turquoise sea below. We swam in gorgeous white sand beaches surrounded by artistic white stone formations like Marina Piccola. When we arrived at Mt. Solaro, our guide told us it was highest point on the Isle of Capri, five hundred and eighty-nine meters above sea level. As we looked out at the fog, the sun came up and the wind blew the vapors of fog upwards, crowning the clouds, and revealing stunning views of the Bay of Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and the mountains of Calabria in the distance. As we looked out over the turquoise water, white mountains, and azure sky, I felt like I was in heaven. However, the most magical of all was the Grotta Azzurra (the Blue Grotto). As our boat went through the tiny portal of the expansive cave, my breath was taken away by the water’s brilliant shades of iridescent sapphire and emerald from the sun’s reflection on the water in the cove. Capri also had the most amazing restaurants and shops on the water’s edge. And the people somehow all seemed beautiful and sensuous.

What is the storyline of A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Bobby, a young, Italian American law student, travels to Capri to meet his quaint Italian relatives. Though they get off to a rocky start, he falls in love with his handsome, muscular, sexy Italian third cousin, Paolo. Their relationship with highs and lows and some captivating surprises is the core of the novella. Since I come from a long line of funny Italian Americans, I included a good deal of humor in the story as well with Paolo’s eccentric family. Readers say reading this short story is like taking a romantic trip to Capri, Italy—but it’s a lot cheaper!

Tell us more about the main characters.

Like Harold in AN INFATUATION and Jonathan in A SHOOTING STAR, Bobby is sweet, sensitive, and smart. As a law student, he has buried his head in his books. As the novella begins, he is ready for an adventure—and ready for first love.

Like Mario in AN INFATUATION and David in A SHOOTING STAR, Paolo is handsome, muscular, charismatic, and like many people in Italy, much more interested in love than in work. He is also a gifted artist. Unlike Bobby, Paolo is very experienced in matters of the heart.

I’m sensing a pattern here! Hah.

What is the moral of the story?

Take a chance on love. I think that’s the moral of life too!

Why is the book a short novella rather than a novel?

It is a little holiday gift to my readers.

What other gay novels do you have out now?

My In My Heart novellas, AN INFATUATION and A SHOOTING STAR from Dreamspinner Press, are loosely based on my life including high school, college, and adulthood. They are full of humor, drama, and of course romance.

Since I am currently a college professor, my Nicky and Noah mystery series from Lethe Press is a farcical, gay, cozy, who-dun-it set at a university. In DRAMA QUEEN theatre college professors are dropping like stage curtains. With the inept local detective more interested in getting into Nicky’s pants than solving the murders, it is up to well-endowed Directing professor, Nicky Abbondanza to use his theatre skills (including playing other people) to solve the case, while he directs a murder mystery onstage. Complicating matters is Nicky’s intense crush on Assistant Professor of Acting, gorgeous Noah Oliver, the prime suspect in the murder. In DRAMA MUSCLE (not released yet) Nicky and Noah have to use their theatre skills to find out why musclemen are dropping like weights in the Physical Education department while Nicky directs the Student Bodybuilding Competition. In DRAMA CRUISE (not released yet), Nicky and Noah go on a cruise to Alaska, and discover why college theatre professors are going overboard like lifeboats while Nicky directs a murder mystery dinner theatre show onboard ship.

What’s next for you in terms of MM novellas?

Dreamspinner Press is publishing THE NAKED PRINCE AND OTHER TALES FROM FAIRYLAND (my gay fairytales) in February. They are quite funny, creative, and romantic.

Do you write straight fiction as well?

I have a mystery series, the Jana Lane mysteries, with straight leading characters and gay supporting characters about the biggest child star ever until she was attacked on the studio lot at eighteen years old. In PAPER DOLL (Whiskey Creek Press), Jana at thirty-eight lives with her family in a mansion in picturesque Hudson Valley, New York. Her flashbacks from the past become murder attempts in her future. Forced to summon up the lost courage she had as a child, Jana ventures back to Hollywood, which helps her uncover a web of secrets about everyone she loves. She also embarks on a romance with the devilishly handsome son of her old producer, Rocco Cavoto. In PORCELAIN DOLL (coming soon from The Wild Rose Press), Jana makes a comeback film and uncovers who is being murdered on the set and why. Her heart is set aflutter by her incredibly gorgeous co-star, Jason Apollo. In SATIN DOLL (not yet released from The Wild Rose Press), Jana and family head to Washington, DC, where Jana plays a US senator in a new film, and becomes embroiled in a murder and corruption at the senate chamber. She also embarks on a romance with Chris Bruno, the muscular detective. In CHINA DOLL (not yet released from The Wild Rose Press), Jana heads to New York City to star in a Broadway play, enchanted by her gorgeous co-star Peter Stevens, and faced with murder on stage and off. Since the novels take place in the 1980’s, Jana’s best friends are gay, and Jana is somewhat of a gay activist, the AIDS epidemic is a large part of the novels.

You are certainly prolific! How can your readers contact you?

I love hearing from readers. They can contact me at: http://www.JoeCosentino.weebly.com.

After reading A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS, people have said they’ve taken a little trip to Capri and had the romance of a lifetime. I hope readers will pick up this short novella. It’s a lot cheaper than a trip to Italy, and is bursting with the sights, scents, sounds, tastes, and romance of the magnificent island of Capri!

Review: Signs of Desire by Tempeste O'Riley

TITLE: Signs of Desire

SERIES: Desires Entwined

AUTHOR: Tempeste O’Riley

PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press

COVER ARTIST: Reese Dante

LENGTH: 200 Pages

RELEASE DATE: November 30, 2015

BLURB: Desires Entwined: Book Four

Simon Tyler knows his job as a gay romance author makes his lack of faith in love more than a little ironic, but he’s tired of being used for his wallet. When a night out turns into a matchmaking scheme orchestrated by his best friends, Simon’s not thrilled, but since he’s not the target and he’s sworn off happily-ever-after anyway, he goes along with it… until he meets Adrian, the object of their efforts, and finds perhaps he hasn’t given up on love after all.

Professor Adrian Keys has tried to date Hearing men before, but being Deaf himself, he’s never had any success at making a connection. After his friends con him into going out and Adrian realizes it’s all an elaborate plan to set him up, he braces for yet another failure, only to discover there is a spark—except it’s not with the man his friends had in mind, but with Simon Tyler instead.

Not all their friends have found a way past their romantic failures, but Simon and Adrian might be on the path to happily-ever-after.

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

Simon Tyler hasn't had the best luck when it comes to relationships, and even if he's not sure he's ready to date again when his friend Chase introduces them to Adrian, so he can set him up with another of their friends, he's very attracted to him and hopes the attraction is reciprocated. 

Adrian, a Deaf college professor, hasn't been all that lucky in love himself. Dating Hearing men in the past hasn't really worked for him, but he is more than willing to try again with Simon. Simon is really skittish, so he has to be very patient, but Adrian is nothing if not determined. 

I really loved Simon and Adrian together. They were just what each of them needed in their life and while it was a somewhat rocky road at first, what with Simon's hangups and all, they managed to make the most of it and create something beautiful and lasting. I loved the way the author dealt with Adrian being Deaf and Simon's way of seeing it, never considering it a disability, and doing his best to learn to communicate with Adrian. I also enjoyed that their group of friends were such a big part of the story, as they made it richer. The only thing I can complain about is I would've have liked having more of a resolution on the Zoey—Simon's sister—issue, as I think it was left kind of hanging in the end. Still, the writing, as always, was awesome, the characters were really likeable and the chemistry between Simon and Adrian was both sweet and hot and even if it is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. Very recommendable! 

Rating: 4.5 Stars!!!

Book Blog Tour: M/M ~ Raider Captured by J.J. Lore ~ (Review, Excerpt + Giveaway)

Book Blog Tour: M/M ~ Raider Captured by J.J. Lore ~ (Review, Excerpt + Giveaway)

TITLE: Raider Captured 

AUTHOR: J.J. Lore 

PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press 

COVER ARTIST: Brooke Albrecht 

LENGTH: 90 pages 

RELEASE DATE: November 11, 2015 

BLURB: Is love possible between sworn enemies when the universe seems determined to tear them apart?

Sagiv, a genetically modified Atavaq fighter, is captured when his master’s raid on a Domidian ship goes wrong. Daran, a young Domidian science officer, claims the warrior for ransom and as a subject for study. As they spend time together in the close confines of the shipboard cabin, both learn more about the other’s culture, and against all odds, a fragile trust begins to form. But the ship is approaching a frontier outpost, where Daran will be expected to ransom Sagiv—even though it means condemning Sagiv to die for the dishonor of his defeat or suffer in the fighting pits. That’s if bounty hunters don’t find them first. Daran’s risen up the ranks through hard work and always following protocol, but he sees something in Sagiv that might be worth breaking the rules for the first time in his life—maybe even something worth sacrificing everything to keep.

Blog Tour: M/M ~ Will & Patrick Meet the Family by Leta Blake & Alice Griffiths ~ (ARC Review, Excerpt + Giveaway)

Blog Tour: M/M ~ Will & Patrick Meet the Family by Leta Blake & Alice Griffiths ~ (ARC Review, Excerpt + Giveaway)

Author: Leta Blake & Alice Griffiths

Title:  Will & Patrick Meet the Family

Series Title and Number: Wake Up Married, Episode 2

Publisher:  Leta Blake Books

Release Date:  November 10, 2015

Genre:  Romantic Comedy M/M Romance

Tags:  gay, woke up married, tropes, rom-com, mafia, forced marriage, disabled heroes

Heat Level (1 being no sexual content, 5 being erotica): 2 for this Episode, 5 for entire serial

Pairing: M/M

Length: 32,000 words

Book/Buy Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK

Book Blurb

Follow Will & Patrick as they cope with the fallout from their Vegas wedding in this second installment of the romantic-comedy serial, Wake Up Married, by best-selling author Leta Blake and newcomer Alice Griffiths!

Meeting the family is challenging for every new couple. But for Will and Patrick, the awkward family moments only grow more hilarious—and painful—when they must hide the truth of their predicament from the people they care about most.

Throw in the sexual tension flaring between them, uncomfortable run ins with Will’s all-too-recent ex-boyfriend, an overprotective mobster father, and a mafia spy tailing them around Healing, South Dakota, and you’ve got a recipe for madcap laughs and surprisingly heartwarming feels.

Episode 2 of 6 in the Wake Up Married serial.

Excerpt

Keying open the door to their hotel room, Will tries to fake some cheer. “Honey, I’m home! And I brought dinner!” He stops and grips the bags more firmly as his cock rushes with a sudden influx of blood.  

“Just put it over there.” Patrick’s ass is in the air, his hands flat on the floor, and he’s wearing nothing but his black boxer-brief underwear. “I’ll eat it when I’m done.”

Will stares as Patrick swivels, his body moving fluidly and his legs flexing in strong, limber movements.

“What are you doing?”

“This is downward dog. And this—” Patrick moves down with careful, slow strength. “Is plank position.” The muscles in his arms, back, and thighs are like bundles of wires, and Will’s mouth goes dry, remembering clearly how they felt under his hands.

“Looks hard.”

Patrick doesn’t answer. Will turns to put the food on the table, because if he keeps watching, something else is going to be hard too.

He clears his throat, glancing over his shoulder at the flexing muscles in Patrick’s back. “When we met, I wouldn’t have pegged you as a yoga kind of guy.”

Patrick grunts. He’s in a position now that Will can’t even imagine twisting himself into.

“I mean, you don’t seem like an ‘om’ type.”

“Yoga, and meditation for that matter, are legitimate, effective, and scientifically proven means to an end: physical health and reduction of mental stress. In other words, it helps keep me sane.” Patrick moves into an upright position, sweeps his arms over his head, and brings them back to a prayerful place at his chest. “Sanity is something you could stand to try. And none of that spiritual mumbo jumbo has anything to do with it.”

“So says the guy who believes in astrology.”

“Sure, be a Libra about it.”

Will feels heat in his cheeks. “The yoga doesn’t seem to hurt as far as keeping the rest of you in shape either.”

Patrick’s lips turn up into a smirk.

Will clears his throat, turning to the bags of food. He keeps his back to Patrick as he unpacks the takeout packages onto the small dining table. “So, do you want the gyros or the mac ‘n’ joes, because I can go either way.”

Patrick’s breath is tingly in Will’s ear and his body heat warm along Will’s back. “I go both ways too. It’s your call.” He reaches around and plucks up one of the Styrofoam boxes without looking inside.

Will swallows and gestures at the box still on the table. “This will be fine.”

He doesn’t know for sure which it is, but it will be fine, so long as his dick stops acting like a traitor and his mind stops supplying him with images of Patrick bent over, taking Will’s fingers into his tight, hot—God!

He shakes himself.

“Mmm, gyros,” Patrick murmurs from his perch on the bed. “So good.”

Will’s eyes flutter closed as he sits at the table and spreads a napkin over his crotch. No matter how good Patrick looks almost naked, they aren’t doing that again. It would be wrong. Because Will loves Ryan.

Who are you trying to convince?

He sighs and begins to eat. Mac ‘n’ joe is always tasty. Though at the moment it seems hard to choke down.

Mari's Review

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

In the second installment in this serial, Patrick gets to meet his mother in law and Will's uncle Kevin, and learns a lot more about his new in-laws via The Hurting Times, a gossip blog. They also have very awkward encounters with Will's ex, Ryan and his new boyfriend, and they are being followed by a mafia spy most likely sent by Will's father to see if they are the real deal. Also, we get to see Patrick practicing medicine and being all kinds of wonderful!

I adore Will's grandmother and Reba, but I can do without Will's judgmental mother. And of course, I love Patrick even more after this episode! He's just a big softy underneath the prickly exterior. He takes care of Will in ways no one else has before, checking that he's eaten, his blood sugar and overall taking care of him. Really, with all he does, I just want to slap Will into realizing what a prick his ex is. Hell, even Hartley, Ryan's new boyfriends can see he's a creep and Will just takes the abuse. *sighs* At least he seemed to be a bit more aware of the sizzling attraction with Patrick this time around, so that's good.

I am really enjoying this story. It's a fast, entertaining read. I just adore seeing Patrick interact with all the people in Healing and their reactions to him. I love reading the scenes where the chemistry between Patrick and Will comes shining through and see them getting closer. I'm really looking forward to the next episode and reading how Will and Patrick Do The Holidays!

Rating: 4.5 Stars!!!

Author Bios

Leta Blake

Author of the bestselling book Smoky Mountain Dreams and the fan favorite Training Season, Leta Blake's educational and professional background is in psychology and finance, respectively. However, her passion has always been for writing. She enjoys crafting romance stories and exploring the psyches of made up people. At home in the Southern U.S., Leta works hard at achieving balance between her day job, her writing, and her family.

You can find out more about her by following her online:

On the web: http://letablake.wordpress.com/

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letablake

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/LetaBlake

Alice Griffiths

A long-time reader of romance novels, Alice Griffiths finally took the plunge into writing, teaming up with best-selling author Leta Blake for the 'Woke up Married' serialized comedy. A lover of tropes, Alice enjoys mining old ideas and putting a fresh, funny spin on them. Formerly working in the newspaper industry, Alice is now an art curator. She lives in Sydney, Australia.

You can find out more about her by following her online:

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/Alice_Author

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alice.griffiths.7169

Tour Schedule

11/9 Gay Book Reviews http://gaybook.reviews 11/9 Unrandom Randomness http://bronwynheeley.blogspot.com.au 11/9 World of Diversity Fiction http://wodfreview.com 11/9 Bike Book Reviews http://bikebookreviews.blogspot.com 11/9 V's Reads http://vsreads.com 11/9 Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words http://ScatteredThoughtsandRogueWords.com 11/9 The Novel Approach http://thenovelapproachreviews.com 11/10 BookWinked Www.bookwinked.com 11/10 Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words www.scatteredthoughtsandroguewords.com 11/10 Literary Nymphs Hot List http://literarynymphshotlist.blogspot.com/ 11/10 two chicks obsessed with books and eye candy twochicksobsessed.com 11/10 Sinfully Addicted http://sinfullysexybooks.blogspot.co.uk/ 11/10 3 Chicks After Dark http://3chicksafterdark.com/ 11/11 Gay.Guy.Reading and Friends http://ggr-review.com/ 11/11 brantley twitter.com/celli 11/11 Inked Rainbow Reads www.inkedrainbowreads.com 11/11 JP Barnaby www.JPBarnaby.com 11/12 QUEERcentric Books www.blog.queercentricbooks.com 11/12 JB's Book Obsession http://jbsbookobsession.blogspot.com/ 11/13 Mikky's World Of Books http://mikkysworldofbooks.blogspot.fr/ 11/13 Abbey's 1-Click Book Blog http://www.abbeys1clickblog.com 11/13 Bayou Book Junkie http://bayoubookjunkie.blogspot.com/ 11/13 Teatime and Books http://www.teatimeandbooks76.blogspot.com 11/13 MM Good Book Reviews https://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/ 11/13 Prism Book Alliance http://www.prismbookalliance.com

Giveaway

2 copies of Will & Patrick Meet the Family (Wake Up Married, Episode 2)

a Rafflecopter giveaway