Friday, January 2, 2015

Blog Tour: Canning the Center by Tara Lain (ARC Review + Giveaway)





Canning The Center
(Long Pass Chronicles, #2)
By Tara Lain

Blurb:
Six foot seven inch, 300 pound Jamal Jones loves football, so when he finds out the ultra-conservative owner of his new pro football team fired their current center because he’s gay, bisexual Jamal decides to stay in the closet and hang with the females. Then, at a small drag show, he comes face-to-face with his sexual fantasy in the form of Trixie LaRue, a drag queen so exquisitely convincing she scrambles Jamal’s hormones -- and his resolve to nurse his straight side.
Trevor Landry, aka Trixie LaRue, hides more than his genitals. A mathematician so brilliant he can’t be measured, Trevor disguises his astronomical IQ and his quirk for women’s clothes behind his act as a gay activist undergrad at Southern California University.

To Trevor, Jamal is the answer to a dream -- a man who can love and accept both his personas. When he discovers Jamal’s future is threatened if he’s seen with a guy, Trevor becomes Trixie to let Jamal pass as straight. But Trevor risks his position every time he puts on a dress. Is there a closet big enough to hold a football pro and a drag queen? 




Available for purchase at


Amazon: http://bit.ly/CanningTheCenterAmz

ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-canningthecenter-1686476-149.html

DreamSpinner Order Links:
eBook: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5751&cPath=1007 


Paperback: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5752&cPath=1007



Excerpt



Trevor stuck out a hand. “My name’s Trevor. Pleased to meet you.”

Jamal reached out to take the offered handshake and—whoops! In one gentle pull on Trevor’s arm that clearly required no effort on Jamal’s part, Trevor was up against that huge chest. “I’m Jamal. I don’t mean to be presumptuous. Just tell me to stop. But if I don’t kiss you again soon, I’m a dead man.”

Trevor smiled up into those dark brown eyes. “I would never want to be accused of murder.”

Such full, full lips. They moved slowly down, down to Trevor’s. The first touch sent a flash like lightning through every nerve, and he shivered.

Jamal pulled back. “Cold?”

“Quite the contrary.” He wrapped his arms tightly around the bunny’s neck.

Invitation delivered. Jamal’s mouth closed over Trevor’s. Those lips were just as soft as they looked, but not as silky as the tongue that slipped into his mouth. Oh my, a girl could get drunk on this sweetness. Trevor opened and received, allowing exploration—and sharing it. His poor abused cock, which had spent a couple of hours locked between his asscheeks, wanted to stretch in a whole new direction. Sweet God, he hadn’t throbbed like this in ages. One leg crawled up Jamal’s ass all by itself—and it was a long way up. Too far to get his bulge anywhere near its rightful companion. His eyes popped open. “Well, damn. Not much chance of sexing you up unless we’re lying down.”

Jamal chuckled. “Oh no, sweet thing, there are advantages to all these muscles.”

He picked Trevor up under the butt. Yes! Contact.

Trevor looked into those melted chocolate eyes. “I am estimating your equipment fully matches in size the other proportions of your body?” He wrapped his legs around Jamal’s surprisingly narrow waist.

Instead of getting all peacocky like he had the right to, Jamal kind of blushed. “Yeah. Sorry.”

“Surely you jest.”

He grinned, but he was breathing hard. “So you don’t mind big all over?”

“Not one little bit.”

Jamal rode Trev up and down against his cock. Oh God, that felt so good. Trevor never had decent sex because he had this reputation to uphold, and Trixie never had sex at all. Jesus, that added up to one crappy sex life. But the bunny was like a world in the middle. With Jamal, for the first time, he got to be both Trevor and Trixie and that was whole and perfect and hot! “You might want to stop unless you would enjoy watching me wash these jeans.”

“Better yet, how about I take you out and we get to know each other before I quit football and take up fucking you full time?”

Who could laugh at a time like this? But he still did. He hugged that big, muscular frame tight and rubbed his cock against Jamal’s huge bulge until they were both gasping. “No. No, I think you better write the resignation letter.”

“Deal. But I could take us out for root beer floats first.”

Trevor stopped. “I love root beer.”

Jamal held him still, their cocks still squashed in bliss. “You’re kidding. No one likes root beer but me.”

“I do. It’s my favorite.”

“There’s this diner—”


“Okay, fuck sex. I need a root beer float and a hamburger.”


About the Author


Tara Lain writes the Beautiful Boys of Romance in LGBT erotic romance novels that star her unique, charismatic heroes. Her first novel was published in January of 2011 and she’s now somewhere around book 23. Her best­selling novels have garnered awards for Best Series, Best Contemporary Romance, Best Ménage, Best LGBT Romance, Best Gay Characters, and Tara has been named Best Writer of the Year in the LRC Awards. In her other job, Tara owns an advertising and public relations firm. She often does workshops on both author promotion and writing craft. She lives with her soul­mate husband and her soul­mate dog in Laguna Beach, California, a pretty seaside town where she sets a lot of her books. Passionate about diversity, justice, and new experiences, Tara says on her tombstone it will say “Yes”!


You can find Tara at

               


Mari's Review

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

At first I wasn’t all that sure I was going to enjoy the story, it started a bit slow, with lots of football references that had me a bit lost, but by page 50 I was hooked! And let me tell you, I just couldn’t put it down after that! Damn, but it had it all, romance, sweetness, intrigue, fluff, off-the-charts chemistry between the main characters and a fast-paced tangled web that I devoured, because I just had to find out what was going to happen with Jamal and Trixie and everyone else involved.

Jamal (aka Chocolate Bunny or just plain Bunny) was sweet, huge, a pro football player for the LA Diablos, he’s bisexual and in the closet, even if he truly doesn’t want to be. Trixie (aka Trevor) was equally sweet, dainty, an advanced mathematics major, he’s gay and a drag queen, even if he had to keep both of his identities separate and completely under wraps from the people in his life.

They meet, fall hard for each other, especially because the other is exactly what they both need at that time. Jamal accepts all of Trixie and Trixie can pose as Jamal’s girlfriend with his jock teammates. Still, although Jamal knows who Trixie is, Trixie can’t be fully honest with Jamal regarding his role in the LGBT alliance at his college and he’s not sure he can trust Jamal with all that’s going on in his life with his ill mother and his brother and school and everything else.

Loved Jamal’s family, they were so supportive. Loved the intriguing side plotline with Boogaloo’s, one of Jamal’s teammates, sister, Lavinda. She was scary, quite stalkerish almost from the moment Jamal told her he couldn’t date her, and even more so when she met Trixie and it was obvious from the getgo that she was out for blood. Arondel, Jamal’s team owner was creepy, as well.

There was a lot going on plot-wise, but I adored how it all played out in the end, all questions answered, bad guys taken care of and a HEA, what more can you ask for? Other than more of Tara Lain’s stories that is, like Tackling the Tight End, the next book in The Long Pass Chronicles, which I'm so looking forward to!

Rating: 4.5 glowing stars!!! 


Giveaway


Thursday, January 1, 2015

Cover Reveal: The Adventures of Cole and Perry by Amanda C. Stone (Blurb, Excerpt and Giveaway)

Book Name: The Adventures of Cole and Perry
Release Date: Mid-January
Author Name: Amanda C. Stone



Author Bio:
Armed with her Batman notebook, fourth grade Amanda C. Stone was ready to start writing stories about unicorns, family members, and her imaginary friends Pink Amanda and Blue Amanda. Today, Amanda is armed with a new notebook, along with a laptop, and a never ending supply of caffeine. Her stories are about all kinds of things, but the most important aspect is people falling in love.

Random Facts about the Author: 

1 – What’s in your nightstand you don’t want anyone to see?
My nightstand is just a table so there’s no place for me to truly hide anything. Though for a while I had to creatively hide some of my yaoi mangas. They were not appropriate for little eyes and my child is curious and constantly into things.

2 – What’s your favorite meal?
A quesadilla with chicken (big chunks of it, not that pulled nasty mess) and cheese, side of sour cream. Add in tortilla chips and queso blanco and a tall glass of sweet tea. Mmmm. Heaven.

Or, if I’m close to a Cook Out (http://www.cookoutnc.com) then it’s a hamburger tray, cheddar style no onions. Tray dog, tray pup, and a huge sweet tea no ice. Heart attack in a styrofoam box but so good.

Where to find the author:
Website: http://www.amandastonebooks.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amandastonebooks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/amandastonebks
Newsletter Signup: http://eepurl.com/ZF60L
Email: amandastonebooks@gmail.com
Publisher: Self-published
Cover Artist: Amanda C. Stone

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Release Blitz: Shifting Reality Series

Release Blitz: Shifting Reality Series




Perspective Shift

Book 1: Shifting Reality Series (The Hunter Jackson Tales Spin-off)

Luke and Katrina Book Trailer: https://animoto.com/play/1W1dtDTHZESNOOHG7TXEMA

Synopsis: 

Perspective is everything...
Tensions running high...
But love...
Well, it speaks volumes.

Before Hunter met Amelia there was Luke and Katrina.
It only took one look and Luke Kirkland was sunk.
Katrina is perfect.

Almost...

As tensions are growing between the werewolf army and the shape shifters Luke and Katrina find themselves falling in love. A love that can't get out to Luke's commander.
Luke is a werewolf. Katrina is a shape shifter. Their worlds aren't supposed to mix, but maybe together they can accomplish a perspective shift.

Will be available on Amazon, Free with Kindle Unlimted Amazon Link: http://goo.gl/Cp6XeN



Author Links: (Amanda is always available to chat with her readers)

tsu: https://www.tsu.co/amandakaybooks

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorAmandaKay

Twitter: @amandakay_books

website: www.amandakaybooks.com

email: amandakay.books@gmail.com

Kingsnake Publishing Links:

tsu: https://www.tsu.co/kingsnakepub

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kingsnakepublishing

Twitter: @kingsnakepub

website: www.kingsnakepublishing.blogspot.com



Hosted By:




Tangled Minds by Posy Roberts 4 Star ARC Review

Tangled Minds by Posy Roberts 4 Star ARC Review

Blurb:
For years Beck Lund has taken care of his volatile boyfriend Brady, always putting Brady’s needs above his own and walking on eggshells to keep the peace. After Brady overdoses on heroin, his death devastates Beck. Thankfully his best friend, Timothy :, finds him the help he needs. Beck slowly starts to recover and moves in with Timothy to get back on his feet, but he’s oblivious that Timothy is secretly nursing romantic affection for him.

Beck focuses on his own healing for the first time in his life. After months of challenging his codependent tendencies and learning how to stand up for himself, Beck finally starts to trust his gut and hopes to one day love again. Timothy is patient throughout, taking care of Beck in ways no one ever has. But if Beck can’t recognize Timothy’s affection for him, it might be too late for them to move beyond friendship.

Tracy's Review:

4 Stars

This book was provided to me by the author/publisher via Pride Promotions in exchange for an honest review

Beck is left devastated and not sure where to go or quite how to heal after Brady, his boyfriend/partner of 10 years, dies of a heroin overdose. He comes home to discover Brady taking his last breaths. He is distraught, barely functioning. It was a rough road being in love with a severely depressed person, who uses illegal drugs to try to cope with the depression. Walking on egg shells when the depression turned to anger. Trying to lift someone up and make them happy, but failing. 

He gave me his hope. I wish he could’ve kept some for himself. Now that he was really gone, it was plain he’d needed it far more than I. I’d done my best to help him, but in the end, there was nothing that could’ve really been done.

After months of just existing, by the first Christmas without Brady, Beck is desperate to just get past the hurt and pain. He just wants to feel happy again, to not feel numb and broken. He tries something desperate, but his best friend, Timothy shows up in time to stop him, and helps him get back on the right path. 

With Timothy's encouragement and support, Beck begins attending a grief support group. He is encouraged to keep a poetry journal to help write his feeling down. Beck also begins to see a therapist. 

Not being able to afford the home he and Brady shared together he moves in with Timothy. He eventually heals enough to want to fall in love again, but is he missing what's right in front of his face?

This book takes us on the long journey of Beck's hearing process. It takes place over a period of about a year and a half. The first third of the book deals mainly with Beck's healing process. His guilt over feeling he should have done things differently and maybe he could have saved Brady. If he had left, given him an ultimatum, or just shown up 2 minutes earlier. We watch Beck learn to have a healthy relationship where there is compromise, equal give and take instead of him being the one always giving. 

This was an enjoyable, albeit sad book. By the first few pages I was already in tears. It was hard at times to read just how distraught Beck was over Brady's death. But in the end it left me happy and with warm and fuzzy feelings. This book takes you on a true roller coaster ride of emotions, so strap in and get ready. 



About Posy:
Posy Roberts writes about romantic male love. Whether her characters are family men, drag queens, or lonely men searching for connections, they all find a home in her stories.
Posy is married to a man who makes sure she doesn’t forget to eat or sleep; her daughter, a budding author and dedicated Whovian, helps her come up with character names. When Posy’s not writing, she enjoys crafting, hiking, and singing spontaneously about the mundane, just to make normal seem more interesting.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/posy.roberts.3
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/posyroberts11
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/757618490928296/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PosyRoberts
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/posyroberts/
Tumblr: http://posyroberts.tumblr.com
Instagram: http://instagram.com/posy_roberts


Where to buy Tangled Mind
Buy Links:
Dreamspinner Press: http://goo.gl/cWPSPK
ARe: http://goo.gl/e8b0Vq
Amazon: http://goo.gl/hNRx1F


Release Day: Acquiesce by Cory Cyr

Title: Acquiesce
Author: Cory Cyr
Release Date: December 30, 2014


Buy Links: Links will not work until the book goes LIVE
Createspace: http://goo.gl/pCezZi


Facebook Release Party: https://www.facebook.com/events/339909029523389/?ref_newsfeed_story_type=regular


Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/LZq7I3tuSdU


Blurb:

****18+ due to adult language and explicit sexual content*****

Caspian Vance~former child prodigy, now an accomplished professor of human sexuality at twenty-six has it all—an IQ that's off the charts, a stellar career at which he excels, and the drop-dead looks and body that make women spontaneously combust with lust.

He's been studying sex and women's behavior since he was sixteen. When it comes to the science of human lust and the rewards of sexual pursuits, he has all the answers.

Monday, December 29, 2014

Just Stay by Aria Grace - Book Blast, Excerpt, 4 Star ARC Review and Giveaway

Just Stay by Aria Grace - Book Blast, Excerpt, 4 Star ARC Review and Giveaway



Publisher: Surrendered Press

Cover Artist: Sexy Men Pix

Blurb(s):

When Spencer agreed to help take down the leader of a Portland crime family, he didn't realize he'd end the night with the bloodied body of an unknowing accomplice in his arms. His initial interest in Dylan was purely physical but when Dylan stepped in front of Topher's gun and saved Spencer, the lust quickly turned into something more. Something he wasn't sure he'd ever find in the fast-paced dot com world he was from.

For mature readers.


Categories: M/M Romance


Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23159297-just-stay?from_search=true



Excerpt:

He looks over his shoulder at his back, straining to see the smeared blood. “This should be fun.”

I turn around and step back to him. “Oh, right. Well, um, I can, you know, help with your back…if you want.”

Dylan’s eyes drop to my crotch and slowly trail up to my face. “Sure, if you don’t mind.”

I silently follow him into the bathroom. He turns on the bath faucet and sets the temperature. Looking down at his boxers then back at me, he steps over the side of the tub and lowers himself into the rising water, careful to keep his bandages dry. “Ahh, that fucking hurts but it feels good.”

I reach for the bar of soap and unwrap the delicate paper surrounding it. Dipping it in the water with a hand towel, I lather it up. “Lean forward a little.”

Dylan looks deeply into my eyes before scooting forward and resting his cheek on the side of the tub. With gentle strokes, I wash away the smears of blood on his back and side. When there isn’t anything left on his back, I hold my breath and move the towel to the outside of his bronze bicep.

One eye peeks open and Dylan smiles faintly without stopping me. “I could just fall asleep.”

“Well, I probably can’t lift you out without hurting your shoulder so try to stay awake for another minute.” With much more force, I run the sudsy towel over the front of his torso, stopping about an inch from the waist band of his wet boxers.


Pages or Words: 240 pages


Tracy's Review:

This book was provided to me by the author/publisher via Pride Promotions in exchange for an honest review

4 Stars

When Dylan's boss, Topher points a gun at Spencer, to save Spencer's life, Dylan jumps in front of him, and takes a bullet to the shoulder. 

Spencer is a computer geek from California. Dylan works for a crime family in Portland. The come from two totally different lifestyles/background. 

This was a good read, but it wasn't great. I liked both the characters, but I just didn't feel a connection or a chemistry between these characters. 

For as slow as the story moved in the beginning, it felt very rushed in the end, and questions were left unanswered, issues left unresolved. You have all this build-up, and then in a couple of chapters it's all over. I was left wanting a couple of more chapters to really wrap things up and tell me what happened at the climax of the story. 

I was actually really confused at the beginning of the story. It started at the shooting and I had no clue who all these people were or what was going on. It says all these books can be read as a standalone, but I actually think I would have benefitted from having read book 3. 

I do have one last burning question for Ms, Grace! 
I need to know how many time the word "shit" is said during the movie, The Breakfast Club!?! lol 




Author Name: Aria Grace

Author Bio: Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Aria enjoys the year round sunshine and laid back environment of the west coast. She lives with her husband and two children on a quiet hill that gives her lots of time to read and write. Her first series was a semi-traditional look at sexy gigs found online. She has now ventured into the exciting M/M world of gay erotica. She loves to hear from readers so please feel free to drop her a note or visit her at www.ariagracebooks.com.

Where to find the author:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ariagracebooks

Twitter: @ariagracebooks

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/search/?q=ariagracebooks

Sale Links:

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Sunday, December 28, 2014

Early ARC 5 Star Review: Off Campus by Amy Jo Cousins




OFF CAMPUS (Bend or Break, Book One)

By Amy Jo Cousins


Blurb:

Everyone’s got secrets. Some are just harder to hide.

With his father’s ponzi scheme assets frozen, Tom Worthington believes finishing college is impossible unless he can pay his own way. After months sleeping in his car and gypsy-cabbing for cash, he’s ready to do just that.

But his new, older-student housing comes with an unapologetically gay roommate. Tom doesn’t ask why Reese Anders has been separated from the rest of the student population. He’s just happy to be sleeping in a bed.

Reese isn’t about to share his brutal story with his gruff new roommate. You’ve seen one homophobic jock, you’ve seen ’em all. He plans to drag every twink on campus into his bed until Tom moves out. But soon it becomes clear Tom isn’t budging.

Tom isn’t going to let some late-night sex noise scare him off, especially when it’s turning him on. But he doesn’t want any drama either. He’ll keep his hands, if not his eyes, to himself. Boundaries have a way of blurring when you start sharing truths, though. And if Tom and Reese cross too many lines, they may need to find out just how far they can bend…before they break.

The first book in the Bend or Break series from Samhain, OFF CAMPUS will be released on December 30th, 2014! You can add it to your shelf at Goodreads, or pre-order it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo or iBooks!

Friday, December 26, 2014

Nights Like These by Chris Scully - Cover Reveal, Excerpt, Giveaway, & Author Interview




Nights Like These
Author Name: Chris Scully


Author Bio:

CHRIS SCULLY lives in Toronto, Canada where she grew up spinning romantic stories in her head. When the tedium of a corporate day job grew too much, she took a chance and found her creative escape in writing. Always searching for something different, she has discovered a home in M/M romance and strives to give her characters the happy endings they deserve.

Author Contact:
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Bree Archer

Thursday, December 25, 2014

The Right Words by Lane Hayes - Excerpt and 4.75 Star Review

The Right Words by Lane Hayes - Excerpt and 4.75 Star Review


BLURB:

Escaping an abusive relationship left Luke Preston anxious and spouting panic-induced poetry. Desperate for a fresh start, Luke accepts a job remodeling a tired old beach house for a professional soccer player and his model girlfriend. While his passion is literature, not sports, focusing on the renovations eases his anxiety. Until the job he signed up for turns out to be more complicated than advertised.

Sidelined with a serious injury, soccer star Michael Martinez decides his beach house is the perfect place to recuperate. Remodeling might be the diversion he needs to keep his mind off his busted knee. Falling for the pretty designer with some quirky habits wasn’t on the drawing board. Unfortunately, Luke didn’t build a big enough closet for Michael to hide in. Having a star-powered sports career used to be all Michael lived for, but he’ll have to reevaluate his plans and find the right words if he wants to build more than a beach house with Luke.


Excerpt:

Kindle Alexander Sale Blitz


Title:  Texas Pride, The Current Between Us, Nice Guys Series, Always 
Author: Kindle Alexander
Genre:  M/M Romance

Texas Pride

When mega movie star and two time Academy Award winner, Austin Grainger voluntarily gave up his dazzling film career, his adoring fan base thought he’d lost his mind. For Austin, the seclusion of fifteen hundred acres in the middle of Texas sounds like paradise. No more cameras, paparazzi, or overzealous media to hound him every day and night. Little did the sexiest man alive know when one door closes, another usually opens. And Austin’s opened by way of a sexy, hot ranch owner right next door. 

Kitt Kelly wasn’t your average rancher. He’s young, well educated and has hidden his sexuality for most of his life. When his long time wet dream materializes as his new neighbor it threatens everything he holds dear. No way the ranching community would ever accept him if he came out. With every part of his life riding on the edge, can Kitt risk it all for a chance at love or will responsibility to his family heritage cost him his one chance at happiness?


The Current Between Us

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Book Blast: Christmas, snow and...a merman? by Beany Sparks + Review + Giveaway

Christmas, snow and…a merman?
Author Name: Beany Sparks

Author Bio:

Beany lives in Western Australia. She first started reading romance novels in 2008, but it wasn't until January 2010 when her Kindle got delivered that the world of erotic romance opened its doors to her, and she hasn't looked back.

With suggestions and support from friends, her muse—“affectionately" known as PITA—was finally able to break free, and in January 2014 her first story was written. Since she can’t put PITA back in his box, Beany has decided to give in and team up with him. Together they’ve made plans to write both MF and MM stories.

Where to find the author:
Publisher: eXtasy Books
Cover Artist: Latrisha Waters

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Book Blast: My Mate, Jack by Garrett Leigh + Review + Giveaway

My Mate, Jack
Goodreads Link: My Mate Jack
Author Name: Garrett Leigh

Author Bio:

Rainbow Award winner Garrett Leigh is a British writer and book designer, currently working for Dreamspinner Press, Loose Id, Riptide Publishing, and Black Jazz Press. Her protagonists will always always be tortured, crippled, broken, and deeply flawed. Throw in a tale of enduring true love, some stubbly facial hair, and a bunch of tattoos, and you’ve got yourself a Garrett special.

When not writing, Garrett can generally be found procrastinating on Twitter, cooking up a storm, or sitting on her behind doing as little as possible. That, and dreaming up new ways to torture her characters. Garrett believes in happy endings; she just likes to make her boys work for it.

Garrett also works as a freelance cover artist for various publishing houses and independent authors under the pseudonym G.D. Leigh. For cover art info, please visit blackjazzpress.com
Where to find the author:
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: G.D. Leigh