Ride or Die (Food Truck Warriors #6) by Beth Bolden Release blitz with Cat's Review, Excerpt & #giveaway @GayBookPromo @Beth_Bolden @TTCBooksandmore

Book Title: Ride or Die (Food Truck Warriors #6)

Author: Beth Bolden

Publisher: Beth Bolden Books

Cover Artist: Cate Ashwood Designs

Release Date: January 20, 2022

Genre: Contemporary gay romance

Tropes: Bad boy, secret admirer, hookups versus relationships

Themes: Overcoming fear, found family, embracing change

Heat Rating:  4 flames  

Length:  80 000 words

It is not a standalone story. 

Goodreads

Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

Universal Link   |  Amazon US  |  Amazon UK

Can Ren’s bad boy heart be wooed and won?

Ren Moretti likes his life—and his hookups—just the way they are: fast and loose.

He only ever hooks up with someone once, and relationships? Forget it. Never gonna happen. No guy has ever persuaded him to bend, break, or alter his one date and one night rule.

Until Seth Abramson.

Seth has always tempted Ren—but it’s not a secret that Seth won’t settle for just one night. A few dates won’t cut it, and he’s not interested in playing around. He wants it all, and he intends to win Ren’s heart.

But that’s the one thing Ren’s never given up. He guards it closely and fiercely, until one day, when he realizes it’s no longer his to protect, it’s belonged to Seth all along.

Cat gives this 4 Meows with a low 3 purr heat index...

This is book 6th and final book in the series (but I’m hoping not last time we see these guys.. hint hint). And you do need to read this series in order. 

Ren appears heavily in the last two books and I’m happy to see his story. I think he and Seth are a perfect match since they are opposites. The sexual tension is super thick from beginning to end and when they do come together oh my! 

I love how Beth Bolden can take the sex scenes and make them hot without overdoing it. It’s not off page but it’s not so much you want skim. She keeps the storylines front and center with the sex, just a touch of glitter to shine up the story.

There was a new character added briefly with a small plot line. I can’t say much here as this was resolved but also kept open and I’m hoping maybe leading to something new. 

If you like lighthearted stories, lots of fun, interesting characters, a good romance, opposites attract, ex-military man, security men, and of course good trucks, you will love this.

 Excerpt 

“You gonna order?” Ren asked. Hoping that he understood exactly what he meant. And he wasn’t talking about sandwiches.

“Oh yeah, I definitely am,” Seth said, and Ren’s stomach fluttered.

There was something so decisive and grown up about this guy.

Like he’d throw Ren over his shoulder and cart him back to his bedroom.

“What can I get you?” Ren asked.

Me. I can get you me. And you’d enjoy every second of it. Trust me. I’m delicious.

“That’s a real good question,” Seth said.

“I’m going to get lunch,” Lennox announced, and nobody was surprised to see him head off towards Ash’s food truck.

“Well, if you want a recommendation,” Gabe said, and Ren wished that his cousin would go do anything else right now, “you can’t go wrong with the Thai meatball crunch wrap.”

“Does everything have balls or buns?” Seth wanted to know.

Oh, Ren wanted to show him.

So badly that he deployed the smile that he usually saved for closing the deal. But then, he was closing the deal right now, wasn’t he? He could feel it in his bones.

Specifically one bone in particular.

“Yes,” Ren said.

“Straightforward,” Seth said, taking a step nearer, and now Ren could really get a good look at him. He was even sexier in higher definition and he’d made Ren’s mouth water even without the close-up look. “I like it.”

“See anything else you like?” Ren decided there was no point in delaying. They were both clearly interested. “Lucky for you, I just happen to be free tonight.”

Somehow, impossibly, Seth’s own closing smile was even more devastating than Ren’s own.

Ren was unmoored. Blown away. Blown apart.

What would it be like to be under him, when he smiled like that?

What would it feel like to kiss that smile off him?

He was going to get to find out. Ren could feel it. Could nearly taste it.

“Really straightforward,” Seth said, not sounding like he hated that at all.

“Why bother pretending that you don’t just want a sandwich?” Ren shrugged. “We’re both interested. I’m free tonight, and I know we’d both enjoy ourselves.”

“What about tomorrow, then?”

Ren had learned the hard way that it was better to always be honest about his intentions. But this guy, even if he didn’t do one-night stands, was so hooked that Ren knew there was no way he’d ever turn him down.

Ren could feel the other side of the hook, buried in him, tugging him even closer, and he dared anyone to try to resist that completely irresistible pull.

“What about tomorrow?” Ren asked archly. “Why do we have to worry about tomorrow?”

“I’m all about the tomorrows,” he admitted with a shrug. “I’m not here for just the tonights. I want to know there’s going to be a tomorrow, too.”

Ren frowned. “I don’t do tomorrows. Not when tonights are so freaking great.”

“Then I guess I’ll have to make do with just a sandwich.” Seth sounded genuinely regretful, which was why Ren didn’t even register the rejection right away. He’d been so goddamned nice about it. Like he hadn’t wanted to say no.

About the Author 

A lifelong Pacific Northwester, Beth Bolden has just recently moved to North Carolina with her supportive husband. Beth still believes in Keeping Portland Weird, and intends to be just as weird in Raleigh.

Beth has been writing practically since she learned the alphabet. Unfortunately, her first foray into novel writing, titled Big Bear with Sparkly Earrings, wasn’t a bestseller, but hope springs eternal. She’s published twenty-three novels and seven novellas.

Author Links

Blog/Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |   BookBub

Instagram  |  Newsletter Sign-up

Giveaway 

Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway for a chance to win

a $20 Amazon gift card

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Hosted by Gay Book Promotions

LUCKENBOOTH by Jenni Fagan Official Blog Tour Spotlight with Excerpt & #giveaway @JeanBookNerd @Jenni_Fagan @TTCBooksandmore

 

Praise for LUCKENBOOTH

“[Luckenbooth] is a cabinet of curiosities that is both a love letter to the Scottish capital, and a knife to its throat. The sparking nervous system of the book is its characters, all broken, all reassembled in their own ways, like Kintsugi, the Japanese process of highlighting cracks by mending them with gold...Despite its darkness, the novel is carried by jagged delight and optimism, a bright hope coming through the walls and a fundamental belief in people. Filled with blistering social critique, Luckenbooth is an ambitious and ravishing novel that will haunt me long after.” —Lauren Beukes ― The New York Times

“Luckenbooth is a deliciously weird gothic horror. Fagan once again examines the way people are affected by unhealthy spaces. Having survived the state care system that bounced her among dozens of homes, she writes about placement and displacement with an arresting mix of insight and passion. ‘No. 10 Luckenbooth,’ Fagan writes, ‘has some kind of purple memory vibrating through it like an endless hum.’ But it’s not so much a hum as a muffled scream—with a feral melody and a thundering bass line. Her prose has never been more cinematic. This story’s inexorable acceleration and its crafty use of suggestion and elision demonstrate the special effects that the best writers can brew up without a single line of Hollywood software—just paper, ink and ghosts." —Ron Charles ― The Washington Post

"In this inventive, experimental novel, Jenni Fagan traces a century in one Edinburgh tenement building and the lives of its occupants. When an unholy union forms between a childless government minister, his wife, and their fertile young maid — who happens to be the Devil’s own daughter — the building they live in is cursed for decades, affecting residents for generations." —Bustle ― Most Anticipated Books Of January 2022

"Fagan pulls out all the stops, looking evil straight in the eye and working the numerous components of this ambitious tale into a cohesive whole. " —The Washington Independent Review of Books

"In Jenni Fagan’s stunning new novel, an apartment building at 10 Luckenbooth Close in Edinburough first is scene to a terrible crime, then witness to all the blazing currents of the 20th century, moving on to explore visions of alternative history and future dystopias. Perfect for those who liked Things in Jars by Jess Kidd." —Molly Odintz ― CrimeReads, Most Anticipated Crime Fiction of 2022

"The interwoven lives of the tenants of No. 10 Luckenbooth Close, a tenement in the heart of Edinburgh, drive this outstanding novel from Fagan (The Panopticon), set over the course of the 20th century. All the tenants’ stories enchant as the action builds to a satisfying conclusion. This highly original novel with its fairy tale quality will appeal to fantasy fans as well." —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

ONE OF GRANTA MAGAZINE'S BEST OF YOUNG BRITISH NOVELISTS

SHORTLISTED FOR THE JAMES TAIT BLACK PRIZE FOR FICTION AND THE DESMOND ELLIOTT PRIZE FOR THE PANOPTICON

'One of the most stunning literary experiences I've had in years' Irvine Welsh

'Dazzlingly ambitious' Douglas Stuart, author of Shuggie Bain

'A gloriously transgressive novel' Ian Rankin

1910, Edinburgh. Jessie, the devil's daughter, arrives on the doorstep of an imposing tenement building and knocks on a freshly painted wooden door. She has been sent by her father to bear a child for a wealthy couple, but, when things go wrong, she places a curse on the building and all who live there - and it lasts a century.

Caught in the crossfire are the residents of 10 Luckenbooth Close, and they all have their own stories to tell. While the world outside is changing, inside, the curse creeps up all nine floors and through each door. Soon, the building's longest kept secret - the truth of what happened to Jessie - will finally be heard.

You can purchase Luckenbooth at the following Retailers:

        

LUCKENBOOTH BY JENNI FAGAN EXCERPT

My father’s corpse stares out across the North Atlantic swells. Grey eyes. Eyelashes adorned with beads of rain. Tiny orbs to reflect our entire world. Primrose and squill dance at his feet. His body is rammed into a crevice. The shore is scattered with storm debris. Cargo boxes. Little green bottles with faded labels. Swollen pods of seaweed slip underfoot. It takes me an hour to get from our clifftop to the water’s edge. I have a blue glass bottle. It is tincture of iodine. Skull and crossbones on the front. I wash it out. Tell it my secrets. Stopper them. Lay it on the water. When I look back our beach has a long straight line – right down

the middle – like the spine of a book. 

It is where I dragged my coffin.

I use his oars.

Push the vessel he built for me – into waves. It is not the journey he foresaw me taking in it. My father built one for each of us from old church pews. Knocked them together outside the kitchen window, so my mother would see. She saw the world through those four square panes. Each season. Each sorrow. That night he made her sleep in hers. Then my brother took to his. I varnished mine ten times without any premonition. How buoyant such a thing can be! A light spray fans peaks of waves. I will not look back at him in his crevice. It had to be done like this! Hoick my skirt up. Wade into the sea. Pale bare thighs bloom red in the cold water. I kiss my mother’s cross. Set it onto the floor so there’s one holy thing between me and oblivion. The sea won’t take me. I am the devil’s daughter. Nobody wants responsibility for my immortal soul. My address cannot be – The Devil’s Daughter, North Sea. I’ll never knock at heaven’s door. Hell knows I could do far worse than take over. I dip the oars in. Pull away from the island. I watch the dark blue line of the horizon. A seal pops up. Black eyes. Long whiskers. He’d have me sire a seal child if I’d do him the favour of drowning. On the first night I lay down in my coffin when the winds drop. Easiest sleep of my life. When I wake the ocean swells roll bigger and bigger. I sing. Smoke. Thin spires rise up. I breakfast on oatcakes and cheese. Run chapped fingers through the water. The seal brushes them with his whiskers. I eat a raw fish I brought with me. Lob the bones out. It barely touches my hunger. A hairline crack appears in my coffin. Cross myself three times. Wish I had brought more to eat. I see no ships all day. The sun falls with regularity. Her opposition – the moon – rises. It is round and yellow – a single eye to watch my journey.

On the third morning a fog unfurls.

A ship calls out long and low.

The spirits of the sea are matched in sorrow by the living. I rest my elbows on the sides. Scan the horizon. All I can see is a grey abyss that feels like it has come directly out of me. The day passes in misery. At night the skies clear and wind picks up faster and faster until sailing feels like flying. Arms out – travelling through a hundred, million, billion – stars.

I have no compass.

When I draw near land I shout – where are we?

Copyright © 2022 by Jenni Fagan

Photo Content from Jenni Fagan

Jenni Fagan is an award-winning novelist, poet, screenwriter and artist - she has published several fiction novels and poetry collections, and her work has been translated into numerous languages to great critical acclaim worldwide. Jenni has been on multiple award lists including becoming a Granta Best of Young British Novelist - a once in a decade accolade - for her debut The Panopticon. Her first two fiction novels received the front cover of The New York Times Book Review, who described her as “the Patron Saint of Literary Street Urchins.”

She has written for The Independent, Marie Claire and the New York Times, and been on lists for Desmond Elliott, Encore, James Tait Black, Sunday Times Short Story Award, BBC International Short Story Prize among others, and was twice nominated for the Pushcart Prize. She has concluded a PhD at the University of Edinburgh in 2020, becoming a Dr. of Philosophy, and has a vast body of photography and other artworks that she intends to collate and exhibit at some point. She is the current Poetry Lecturer at Strathclyde University.

Jenni grew up in the local authority care system for 16 years, before spending several years in homeless accommodation, she has moved over forty-five times and spent her teens and early twenties playing in punk and then grunge bands. She has been a Robert Louis Stevenson Fellow in Grez, France, a Gavin Wallace Fellow as Poet in Residence at Summerhall for a year where she engraved poetry onto bones and installed her poems around the building, also a University of Edinburgh Writer in Residence, Arvon Tutor and she has worked with young people, blind and visually impaired writers, people in prison or secure facilities, among other vulnerable groups.

Jenni has held residencies at Shakespeare and Company in Paris, writing several of her poetry collections there, it is her favourite place to read and she considers it one of her literary homes.

She is working on several projects across the page and screen.

WEBSITE: https://www.jennifagan.com/

TWITTER: @Jenni_Fagan

GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4474178.Jenni_Fagan

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/jenni_fagan/

WEEK ONE

JANUARY 24th MONDAY JeanBookNerd INTERVIEW

JANUARY 25th TUESDAY Insane About Books GUEST POST

JANUARY 25th TUESDAY 100 Pages A Day REVIEW

JANUARY 26th WEDNESDAY TTC Books and More EXCERPT

JANUARY 27th THURSDAY Movies, Shows, & Books INTERVIEW

JANUARY 28th FRIDAY Wottaread INTERVIEW

JANUARY 28th FRIDAY #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog EXCERPT

WEEK TWO

JANUARY 31st MONDAY A Court of Coffee and Books REVIEW

FEBRUARY 1st TUESDAY Ya It's Lit REVIEW

FEBRUARY 2nd WEDNESDAY Hannahlovestoread REVIEW

FEBRUARY 2nd WEDNESDAY Two Points of Interest REVIEW

FEBRUARY 3rd THURSDAY The Bookwyrm's Den REVIEW

FEBRUARY 3rd THURSDAY Gwendalyn's Books REVIEW

FEBRUARY 4th FRIDAY Crossroad Reviews REVIEW

*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*

--Giveaway is open to International. | Must be 13+ to Enter

-  5 Winners will receive a Copy of LUCKENBOOTH by Jenni Fagan.

- 1 Winner will receive a $20 Amazon Gift Card

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Release Blitz and Blog Tour - Crush Box Set 1 by Elouise East with Cat's Review, Excerpt & #giveaway @GayBookPromo @EastElouise @TTCBooksandmore

Book Title: Crush Box Set 1

Author: Elouise East

Cover Artist: Maria Vickers

Release Date: January 13, 2022

Genre:  Gay contemporary romance

Heat Rating: 3-4 flames

Length: approx 210 000 words for all 3 books 

Each one can be read separately, but characters pop into all books.

The stories do not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads 

Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon US  |  Amazon UK  

Crush is not just a bar… it’s a family.

Box set 1 contains:

First Kiss follows Charlie and Josh as love crosses boundaries they never expected it to. When Charlie tries to find someone to take his virginity, he doesn’t realise he is knocking down the first domino in a long line of changes set to test their loyalty and put them on a path neither anticipated.

Instant Desire is what Sean feels when he first meets Asher. Unfortunately, it pushes Sean further away from the man instead of closer. Asher does everything he can to help Sean get past what haunts him, but even though he understands the grief, he can’t wallow in it himself. His niece needs him.

Primary Seduction follows Trent on his bisexual awakening. He never would’ve thought Max would be the one person he wanted. A match flickers to life inside him, and he can’t hold back, even when Max comes complete with a BDSM lifestyle Trent knows nothing about. Trouble comes calling, but his newfound relationship helps him in ways he never expected.

MM romances where love wins over everything. Everyone is welcome at Crush.

Cat gives this box set 5 Meows overall with a 4 purr-heat index...

Overall, I enjoyed this set. Book one set the stage introducing characters and Crush. Each book got better and better with 3 my favorite. I also liked how each book at the end went ahead a few months showing how the relationships advance and tie up Loose ends.

I liked this series quite a bit, there are lots of intriguing characters, some very unique pairings and good story lines. As a whole, it’s a fun sweet but hot romance.

First Kiss

Book 1 Cat gives 4 meows

I loved Josh and Charlie’s story though at first, I got squeamish and wasn’t too sure. As things went on and the story unfolded it all worked out in the end. I will say there were a few things that didn’t quite work that really aren’t important except for believability, like Josh just walking into the bar and going to work with no training, interview or paperwork. The same with walking up to a lawyer explaining a problem then the lawyer jumping when they need help. Everything in the story was super easy. Having said that, still loved it. It is Fiction so let’s escape the tough stuff. 

Instant Desire

Book 2 Cat gives 5 Meows

I really loved Sean and Asher. Two broken men that really needed each other. Toss in a cute child you have me. This one has lots of angst but is a great hurt/comfort story.

Primary Seduction 

Book 3 Cat gives 5 Meows

This is Trent and Max’s story and there are a couple different storylines in this book. We have the initial romance between Trent, who is sure he’s straight, and Max's issues with Trent and his ex, Trish.  Some mild BDSM and some suspense. As I continued to read, the story just got better and better and this book turned out to be my favorite. If you like Gay for you or bisexual awakening, age gap, BDSM and age gap, you will love this. I did! 

Excerpt from First Kiss

“Hello?” 

Josh rushed into the hallway and ploughed into Charlie. 

“Umph!” Charlie dropped his bag with a thump, then slid his arms around Josh’s waist, one reaching up to rub his back. “Hi, J,” he whispered.

Josh didn’t say anything. Charlie hadn’t realised exactly how much he had missed him until he’d come back through the door. The same for Josh if how tight he was holding him was anything to go by. Josh squeezed him tighter. A throat cleared but they ignored it. Josh burrowed his face into Charlie’s neck. “I love you,” he whispered so quietly, Charlie wasn’t sure if he’d heard right.

Charlie’s body started shaking. Josh pulled back a little to look at him, and Charlie realised he was crying. Josh cupped his cheeks, wiping the tears with his fingers. “Is that okay?”

Charlie nodded as more tears fell.

“Why have you made my boy cry?” Josh got pushed aside as their mum took his place, pulling Charlie into a hug. “Are you okay, sweetheart? What did he say to upset you?” His mum looked at Josh, eyes narrowed. “You better have a good explanation, young man.”

Josh straightened, looked her in the eye and said, “I told him I loved him.”

There was a beat of silence then his mum burst into tears, hugging them both tight, mumbling words he couldn’t understand. He was hoping they were happy tears too. But he wasn’t sure.

His mum pulled away after a minute and pulled them into the living room. She pushed them both down onto the sofa and she sat on the coffee table facing them. She looked at Josh. “You love him?”

Josh nodded. “With everything I am.” He wrapped his arm around Charlie’s shoulder.

His mum looked at Charlie. “What about you?”

Charlie nodded. “I love him.” Then he turned to Josh, “I love you.” A lone tear dripped down his cheek, which Josh wiped away.

His mum clasped her hands to her mouth and laughed. “I’m so happy for you both.” She looked at them tenderly for a moment, then her face became serious. “You’re going to have many problems, my beautiful boys. There will be people out there,” she pointed out the window, “who will try to bring you down with their hate. You must stay strong. Believe in each other.

 

About the Author 

I am Elouise East but feel free to call me Elli. I write sweet and steamy connections in gay romance. I also touch on taboo stories under the name Elouise R East.

Books that tell the stories where friendship and family are the focal point - be it blood family or chosen - is very important to me. That’s why I include a variety of personalities, talents, ages, situations and abilities as I believe a story needs, or a character needs. I want my characters to be real, to be relatable, to be free to have whatever views they tell me they have. And trust me, most of the time, I do not have any say in the matter!

My characters come to life on the page for me as well as my readers. Their stories unfold in front of me, and I have very little input into how they want to be shown. Just like real life, the lives of my characters change with every choice, every interaction and every conversation. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I write books that are emotionally realistic, even if liberties are taken with other aspects of my stories. I don’t know any other way to write. It comes from deep inside.

Who am I? A single parent to two children who make life worth living. An avid reader who still devours every book she can get her hands on. A student of learning about any subject that takes her fancy. An author of books she would read herself. And a romantic at heart who loves anything cheesy. 

Who’s in? 

Author Links

Blog/Website  |   Facebook  |   Twitter  

Instagram   |  Newsletter Sign-up   

 

Giveaway

Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway for a chance to win

one of two signed paperbacks of either First Kiss, Instant Desire, or Primary Seduction (winner’s choice).

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The Runner by Thom Collins Release blitz with Cat's Review & #giveaway @GayBookPromo @thomwolf @TTCBooksandmore

Book Title: The Runner

Author: Thom Collins

Publisher: Pride Publishing

Cover Artist: Erin Dameron-Hill

Release Date: January 18, 2022

Genre:  Contemporary M/M Romance, Erotic romance, Sports

Tropes: Enemies to lovers, sporting heroes, 

Themes: Reconnecting, rivalries, forgiveness 

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Length: 30 353 words/ 121 pages

It is a standalone story within a themed series and does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads 

Buy Links

Universal Link  |  Amazon US  |  Amazon UK 

Pride Publishing  |  Kobo  |   B&N  

An Olympic hero faces his longest run – to make up for the past.

Alex Schaefer is a sports journalist and commentator at the top of his game. He hosts a successful weekly podcast has just written the biography of a world class football player. With his career on an upward trajectory, Alex has never been busier. There is no time in his life for love or romance.

Ethan Bower was used to success. As a British sprinter, he won a host of silver and gold medals at the Olympics, European and Commonwealth championships, and spent over a decade at the top. Persistent injuries brought Ethan’s career to an abrupt halt in his mid-thirties. Now he has to start over again. Trying to get his foot in the door of athletics commentary and presenting isn’t easy.

Ethan and Alex have history. Eight years ago, at the height of Ethan’s success, Alex was chosen to ghost write his autobiography. An experience they would both rather forget. Ethan hated what Alex wrote about him; a fact he’s made very public. When Ethan attends the launch of Alex’s latest book, they meet again for the first time in years and something becomes apparent to both of them – they have each improved with age. Now in their thirties, they are older and more mature.

Can they put the past behind them and their ambitions for the future to take a chance on each other now? 

 Cat gives this one 3 Meows with 3a purr heat index... 

Alex is a pod cast journalist and ghostwriter though his first book years ago didn’t go so well. He and the athlete didn’t see eye to eye. Now years later with a successful book under his belt he runs into Ethan again though the man seems to have grown up a lot.

After injuries causing him to retire from running Ethan now does commenting and some reality TV. The two find they are attracted to each other but can they get over their past issues.

I liked both characters and the story was interesting the sexual tension hot and spicy. My only issue was the story seemed to end abruptly and left me wondering about a couple things. I can’t say what a site would be spoilers.

If you like a short, interesting, sports romance you may like this.

Excerpt 

Alex held back a moment, observing. Ethan was taller than he remembered, and with the increased bulk across his shoulders, he had a very statuesque physique. His clothes looked well made, and he wore them well. Something stirred within Alex, an excitement that caused his whole body to tingle and concentrate in his groin. Ethan Bower roused him in a way he would never have thought possible.

Alex knew that attraction would die in seconds if Ethan was the same bullish prick he used to know.

Only one way to find out.

“Hello, Ethan,” he said, stepping up beside him. “It’s been a long time.”

As Ethan turned to look at him, there was uncertainty on his face just for a second before his mouth spread into a wide grin. There were short dimples which cut into his cheeks when he smiled—Alex had forgotten about those—and he had a day’s worth of stubble on his chin, which suited him a lot. Any more would give away his natural ginger colouring, which the careful highlights in his hair tried to disguise.

“Alex,” he said, shoving out his hand. “Congratulations. I had no idea you were involved in the book until I arrived.”

He pumped Alex’s hand harder than necessary. Over-compensating? Nervous? Ethan had never struck him as a man who suffered from social anxiety, but the way he grabbed his drink off the bar and knocked off a third of it in one go suggested that maybe he was.

Or he’s pissed off to see me and too polite to say so.

“You’re looking good. I was sorry to hear about all the injuries. I thought you’d be good for one more round of medals.”

Ethan shrugged. “They come to all of us. You can’t push your body so hard for all those years and not expect consequences. It would be nice to have added another Olympics to the tally, but it is what is. I can’t do anything about it now.”

Alex’s gaze was drawn to Ethan’s stunning green eyes. Shit. How could he have forgotten about those? They were mesmerizing. There had definitely been a change in his face since they’d seen each other last. There were deep lines around his eyes and the corners of his mouth and there could even be a touch of grey in the hair around his ears. Alex realised he had known Ethan when he was still a boy. The person who stood in front of him now was all man.

“It’s nice to run into you after all this time,” Alex said. “I had no idea who was coming tonight.”

Those green eyes looked deep into his. “Are you kidding? I won’t miss it. This is going to the biggest sports book of the year. Everyone is interested in Fernando’s story. Not just here, but worldwide. You’re onto a real winner with this one.”

Alex shrugged. “It’s his story, not mine. I just helped to put it on the page for him.”

“Did Fernando seek you out personally? I kind of think he must have. None of those straight dude football writers could tell it with the authenticity of another gay man.”

“He did. For that very reason, I think. He felt more comfortable talking to a gay writer. The publishers were torn. They wanted either a much bigger name or an anonymous ghost writer who would do what they were told and wouldn’t ask for credit.”

Ethan gave a soft laugh. “You mean like my book?”

“Those were different times.”

“I guess so. And we were different people. I know I was.”

Could this be true? Was Ethan admitting he’d been an arsehole in his younger days? “Everyone is different in their twenties. I don’t think we really grow up until we’re around thirty. Look at Fernando. He was twenty-nine when he finally came out, despite knowing he was gay all of his life.”

Ethan nodded and took another sip of his drink. “Everything turns out all right in the end, I suppose.” 

About the Author 

 

Thom Collins is the author of Closer by Morning, North Point and the Anthem Trilogy. His love of page turning thrillers began at an early age when his mother caught him reading the latest Jackie Collins book and confiscated it, sparking a life-long love of raunchy novels.

Thom has lived in the North East of England his whole life. He grew up in Northumberland and now lives in County Durham with his husband and two cats. He loves all kinds of genre fiction, especially bonk-busters, thrillers, romance and horror. He is also a cookery book addict with far too many titles cluttering his shelves. When not writing he can be found in the kitchen trying out new recipes. He’s a keen traveler but with a fear of flying that gets worse with age, but in 2013 he realized cruising is the best way to see the world.

Check out his website for news updates and a free ebook, The Night. 

Other links

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Cat's Review of Past His Defenses by Andrew Grey @AndrewGreyBooks @TTCBooksandmore

When a case reopens old wounds from the kidnapping of his younger sister, police officer Robert Fenner is told in no uncertain terms that he needs a break. And maybe his superiors are right. He books a flight to visit an old friend, who happens to be the one who got away, and hopes for the best.

Electronic security consultant Dixie Halewood works from his home in Paris, where he lives with his adopted son, Henri. Dixie doesn’t expect a message from an old flame asking for a place to stay, but he agrees. Their past is just that—the past.

Things between them aren’t as settled as they thought—Henri, Paris, and proximity work their magic. The two men are drawn closer and old flames burst back to life, but Dixie’s work brings a new threat to their safety and the budding family they missed out on the first time around.

Buy link: Amazon

Cat gives this 10 Meows (grumbles when told 5 is the limit) with a 2 Purr heat index...

This book starts like it may be a bit angsty and for some it could have emotional triggers as there is off page kidnapping and the mention of kidnapping resulting in the death of a child. But it’s so well written and conveyed, the angst is low and a big part of the story as it’s the catalyst that sends Robert on a much needed vacation. 

He goes to Paris to visit his ex-marine friend and ex-lover Dixie. He finds him with a son and his job has them in danger. After three weeks of being back together can they go back to their own lives?

Holy cow, I think Robert and Dixie are right up there with my favorite Andrew Grey Characters! I love a good second Chance romance. 

So, this story is like a delightful cake. One layer is fabulous characters, another the intriguing plot, the top the sensual second chance romance with just the right amount of sexual tension and mostly off page sex. The touch of mystery and suspense like little nuggets of nuts and fruit to add an extra touch. Then we have Henri. The cutest kid ever like the perfect chocolate ganache frosting to pull the cake together with all the feels and slight humor. 

There you have it. A wonderful book you really must read. Now I have a request. Henri needs his own story, but before that, David... a person Robert meets just before the end… we need that story as well! 

Andrew Grey is the author of over 100 works of Contemporary Gay Romantic fiction. After twenty-seven years in corporate America, he has now settled down in Central Pennsylvania with his husband, Dominic, and his laptop. An interesting ménage. Andrew grew up in western Michigan with a father who loved to tell stories and a mother who loved to read them. Since then he has lived throughout the country and traveled throughout the world.

He is a recipient of the RWA Centennial Award, has a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and now writes full-time. Andrew’s hobbies include collecting antiques, gardening, and leaving his dirty dishes anywhere but in the sink (particularly when writing). He considers himself blessed with an accepting family, fantastic friends, and the world’s most supportive and loving partner. Andrew currently lives in beautiful, historic Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

Visit Andrew's web site at: www.andrewgreybooks.com

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The Nut Low (A Good Run of Bad Luck Series Book 5) by Giulia Lagomarsino Release tour with Cat's Review @EJBookPromos @crzybookladyluv @TTCBooksandmore

Title: The Nut Low

Series: A Good Run of Bad Luck Series #5

Author: Giulia Lagomarsino

Genre: Small Town Romance

Release Date: January 3, 2022

★★★★★ Goodreads Review - “What a great series. It’s full of fun, laughs, romance and suspense. What more could I ask for! Ms. Lagomarsino never disappoints me with the storylines of her books and I have to admit she did an amazing job with Mason and Jo’s story.”

★★★★★ Goodreads Review - “Giulia Lagomarsino is AMAZING! The Nut Low is by far the best book in the series, "A Good Run Of Bad Luck!"”

★★★★★ Goodreads Review - “....beautifully written story! Betrayal, family, love, and finding yourself and forgiveness.”

Jo

After two years in this town, I hoped I'd find someone to spend my life with.

Or at least warm my bed.

With only the shelter and my two Mafioso best friends, sometimes a girl just needs to get laid.

And there's one man at the bar that checks all my boxes.

He's sexy, makes my heart speed up, and makes me tingle in all the right places.

And when one night turns into an undetermined amount of time, a girl starts to hope for more.

But he has secrets he's not willing to share, and they could tear us apart.

Mason

I was one of the golden boys around town.

But that all changed the night my brother died. I left, hoping to find myself, or something like that.

Instead, I found a best friend and a fiancé. Life was great, until once again it all blew up in my face.

I was beginning to think I was jinxed.

So, I came home.

I had no plans, no next step.

And then I met her, and life changed once again.

Cat gives this a 5 Meows with 3 purr heat index...

This is book 5 in the Good Run of Bad Luck Series, you do need to read this series in order, plus the Cortell brothers first, also in order. 

Mason Granville has been gone for a long time. He walks back in town with nothing but a backpack and nowhere to go since his brother sold their family home. 

Jo is lonely and the single men in town are getting less and less as the good ones keep getting married. She decided to go to the local bar and meets a sexy drifter, only to find he was once a local.

The romance with Mason and Jo is fast and the town starts their shenanigans right away. 

There are lots of twists and loads of laughs. We get cameos from most of the Cortells and even a fun visit from Reed Security. The end of this one, however, really threw me for a loop. I’m still stunned. 

If you like a touch of suspense, lots of humor and a bit of steam, you will love this series.

I'm a stay at home mom that loves to read. Some of my favorite titles are Pride and Prejudice, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and Horatio Hornblower. I started writing when I was trying to come up with suggestions on ways I could help bring in some extra money. I came up with the idea that I could donate plasma because you could earn an extra $500/month. My husband responded with, "No. Find something else. Write a blog. Write a book." I didn't think I had anything to share on blog that a thousand other mothers hadn't already thought of. I decided to take his challenge seriously and sat down to write my first book, Jack. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed writing. From there, the stories continued to flow and I haven't been able to stop. I hope my readers enjoy my books as much as I enjoy writing them. Between reading, writing, and taking care of three small kids, my days are quite full.

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