rewritten by J.R. Gray (Spotlight and review) ANT ADULT title

rewritten

ADULT title

by

J.R. Gray

Movie star 102: The headlines are never what they seem.

Quellcrist wasn’t new to fame or the effect it had on a relationship. He’d been married in the spotlight for as long as he’d been famous. But that was before Hale. He knew it was going to test him but even he hadn’t known the toll that months apart would take on his fledgling relationship.

Long days of shooting, different time zones, calls every day dwindled to days without calls, and rumors were all over the rags. Through it all Quell had to battle his own worst enemy but he didn’t know how to win against something inside him. Depression ate him whole and pain took over.

There was so much more at stake than losing his boyfriend, he was losing his best friend. His lifeline, the love of his life. Was there any way to come back from the damage done?

Can they rewrite their ending?


Amazon link

My reviews:

 

3.75 out of 5 stars

rewritten by J.R. Gray is the second story in the ‘Unscripted’ series. Hale is no longer a struggling actor and Quell is trying to be less needy, but both men haven’t quite learned how to communicate their true needs. Fortune and fame are understandable goals, but will the price be too high?

This adult contemporary gay romance picks up where the previous book ended. I am really glad I read the first book, because I formed a connection to both guys in that story and was cheering when their journey resulted in them becoming a couple. I understand that a conflict was needed for this book, and I thought there were good elements that showed the downward spiral that mental illness can cause, but I was frustrated by the ongoing angst and unnecessary anguish that permeated this story. I think that I expected more out of both the main characters and their friends, and the whining and dejection became repetitive to me, especially since I would have thought they could find a way to sit down and actually talk to each other!

I strongly suggest that the first book be read before tackling this story, otherwise the switching between make-believe and reality might get a little overwhelming. Despite the somber tone to much of the story, I think the love that these men have for each other does shine through and I was happy that they find a way to ensure this tale remains a romance. There are lovely intense images such as “I hadn’t even realized how destroyed I was without him until he was in my arms again” and I think it’s a good sign that I cared enough about these guys to grumble about how long it took them to actually communicate and to ache at the pain they were experiencing. The chapters alternate in point of view, so make sure you pay attention to the headers (something I don’t necessarily do!), and have a tissue at hand.

A copy of this title was provided for review

☆ A Buzzfeed top 40 of 2019 Must Read Romance☆

Movie star 101: A smile hides all pain.

Quellcrist King has been playing a part his entire life. The more famous he becomes, the more he hides. The only person he ever let see the real him rose with him from nothing to the very top.

They were the king and queen of Hollywood— and then she wanted a divorce. The only way to survive his depression is to bury himself in work. If he can be a character, maybe he won’t have to remember himself. A gay role can’t be any different than playing a straight one, can it?

But instead of finding solace in the character, he finds it in his costar. Hale becomes his best friend, his lifeline, the light in his darkness. Quell is forced to examine everything he thought he knew about himself while filming intimate scenes with Hale that feel more real than anything ever has before.

He’s lived his entire life following the script. What would life be like unscripted?

4.25 out of 5 stars

unscripted by J.R. Gray features struggling actor Hale who is unexpectedly thrust into the limelight when he is chosen for a series with a big name actor, Quellcrist King, who is surprisingly willing to star for the first time in a gay feature, despite his wife’s misgivings. The chemistry between Hale and Quell is only for the story…or is it?

This adult contemporary gay romance is the first book in the series and gives an intriguing glimpse of the movie industry and the maneuverings required to achieve and maintain stardom. The shift in Quell’s life, sexuality, and philosophy is vividly detailed as is Hale’s journey to stardom and love. I love the instant chemistry between the main characters and between Hale and Ella.

It was a little disconcerting to me to have the chapters alternate in the characters’ points of view because I tend not to read the chapter heading, so sometimes I had to go back to see whose viewpoint was being featured. This, added to the shifts between the roles the guys were playing and the drama of their real life got a little confusing for me, but I was still entangled in their struggles and mesmerized by their story. The gay-for-you and opening the closet door themes provide plenty of angst, and the mental illness issues are sensitively touched on, and the developing romance is lovely to watch. It would be nice to have a little more depth to several of the secondary characters, but I am hopeful that the next book in the series will rectify that.

A Vigil in the Mourning by Hailey Turner (Spotlight, excerpt, review and GIVEAWAY) ANT ADULT

A Vigil in the Mourning

Soulbound IV

ADULT title 

by

Hailey Turner

]



Publisher: Self-Published
Release Date (Print & Ebook): April 6, 2020
Length (Print & Ebook): 102,951
Subgenre: LGBTQ Urban Fantasy
Warnings: None
 



Blurb:


The devil you know is never the one you should trust.


Special Agent Patrick Collins is dispatched to Chicago, chasing a lead on the Morrígan’s staff for the joint task force. Needing a cover for his presence in the Windy City, Patrick is ordered to investigate a politician running for mayor. In the lead up to election day, not everything is what it seems in a city where playing to win means appeasing the gods first and the electorate second.


But Chicago brings its own set of problems outside the case: a stand-offish local god pack, a missing immortal, and Patrick’s twin sister. Fighting Hannah and the Dominion Sect provides Patrick with a sinister reminder that some blood ties can never be cut.


Left behind in New York City, Jonothon de Vere finds himself targeted by hunters who will go through anyone to kill him—including the packs under his protection. With a bounty on his head, Jono is forced to make a choice that Patrick would never approve of. Doing so risks breaking the trust he’s built with the man he loves, but not acting will give the rival New York City god pack leverage Jono can’t afford to give up.


When Patrick and Jono reunite in Chicago, Patrick must confront the fraying of a relationship he’s come to rely on for his own sanity. But fixing their personal problems will have to wait—because Niflheim is clawing at the shores of Lake Michigan and the dead are hungry.




A Vigil in the Mourning is a 102k word m/m urban fantasy with a gay romantic subplot and a HFN ending. It is a direct sequel to A Crown of Iron & Silver. Reading the first book in the series would be helpful in enjoying this one.


Praise for A Vigil in the Mourning (Soulbound #4): 


Patrick and Jono fight for their lives, tangling with Norse gods and monsters, while their relationship is strained by secrets and separation, in another exciting, deliciously angsty ride from Turner's Soulbound series. — Layla Reyne, author of the Fog City Trilogy


VIGIL IN MOURNING takes the Soulbound series a step further into stellar story crafting. A change in scenery for Patrick and a separation from his soulmate raises the stakes, and cliches are deftly avoided and expectations shattered as the central love story becomes fraught with tension. Each plot twist leaves the reader gasping and clinging to the pages, and I was not expecting that ending. Jono and Patrick lead an ensemble cast of characters that includes a snack obsessed dragon, a seer with a sarcasm problem, and gods that can't help but meddle. Patrick's snarktastic attitude leaves me laughing and terrified at the trouble he calls down.  — SJ Himes, bestselling author



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Excerpt: 



Patrick shoved the TSA badge, a set of janitor keys, someone’s paper boarding pass, and a lanyard with LaGuardia printed on it into his jacket pocket, fingertips glowing from a look-away ward. Sparks of his magic twisted through the air in their immediate area as the ward directed everyone’s attention away from them.


“I told you to keep your hands to yourself when we went through security,” Patrick hissed.


“Maybe people shouldn’t leave stuff lying around waiting for someone to take it,” Wade muttered.


“They were wearing the damn things!”


Wade shrugged, gaze darting around as they walked through O’Hare, apparently unrepentant of his thieving ways. “I want a hot dog.”


Patrick rolled his eyes and kept walking. “I spent fifty dollars on the plane feeding you. Can we get out of O’Hare first?”


“But Chicago Style Hot Dogs is right there.”




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About Hailey Turner: 



Hailey Turner is big city girl who spoils her cats rotten and has a demanding day job that she loves, but not as much as she loves writing. She's been writing since she was a young child and enjoys reading almost as much as creating a new story.



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Newsletter:  You can keep up with Hailey's future projects by joining her newsletter, where you can instantly download several free short stories

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GIVEAWAY

Celebrate this exciting new installment in the SOULBOUND series with a giveaway!

Two winners will receive any e-copy of a Hailey Turner book. Must be 18 to enter and win. Open Internationally.


Enter here!









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My review:

4.5 out of 5 stars

A Vigil in the Mourning by Hailey Turner is part of the ‘Soulbound’ series, and centers around Jonothon de Vere and his mate, Special Agent Patrick Collins, as they continue to deal with the conflicts stemming from establishing their own god pack, searching for the Morrigan’s staff, and the commitments they are bound by. Pressures and dangers mount, and their relationship may be stretched to the breaking point if they don’t have faith in what they have formed together.

This adult gay paranormal romance continues to enthrall, with its cast of compelling characters and the complex problems that face them. I adore their care for Wade, the young dragon who is coming to terms with his freedom, even if that means allowing him to overindulge his junk food addiction. The multiple pantheons involved make the situation even more complicated, as each faction strives for power and their share of worship. More people are learning about the closely held secrets that the pair have been dealing with, which leads to both hurt feelings and entanglements that may become an issue at some point.

One of the reasons I like this series so much is the intensity of the relationships. It’s obvious that both Patrick and Jon are determined to care for those around them AND each other, but neither is perfect and therefore mistakes will be made. I’ve always been intrigued by various mythological beings, and this mixture of Norse, Greek, and Haudenosaunee (Native American) not to mention vampire and shifter characters is such fun to explore. Of course, who can resist the Valkyries and their trusty rides, or the vision of Wade warming his feet IN the fireplace, or Thor as a bartender? And I agree, “Adulthood sucks. I want to return it.” (snicker)

This is a fun series that combines adventure, magic, mystery, world-shaking struggles, territorialism and gods vying for worshipers, plus dysfunctional blood family relationships and made family dynamics. I’m caught by the spell every time I pick up one of the books in this series, and for me this was the best one yet. I can’t wait to experience more adventures with these folks, but I am quite happy to reread this one while I wait!

A copy was provided for review

The Infinite Onion by Alice Archer (Spotlight, review) ANT ADULT title

The Infinite Onion

ADULT title

by
Alice Archer

 

 

Publisher:

Shine Even If

Release Date:

March 31, 2020

Length (Print & Ebook):

Print: 388 pages

Subgenre:

Contemporary gay romance

Blurb:

The truth is harder to hide when someone sharp starts poking around.

Grant Eastbrook hit the ground crawling after his wife kicked him out. Six months later, in Seattle without a job or a place to live, he escapes to the woods of nearby Vashon Island to consider his options. When he’s found sleeping outdoors by a cheerful man who seems bent on irritating him to death, Grant’s plans to resuscitate his life take a peculiar turn.

Oliver Rossi knows how to keep his fears at bay. He’s had years of practice. As a local eccentric and artist, he works from his funky home in the deep woods, where he thinks he has everything he needs. Then he rescues an angry man from a rainy ditch and discovers a present worth fighting the past for.

Amid the buzz of high summer, unwelcome attraction blooms on a playing field of barbs, defenses, and secrets.

 

 

Praise for The Infinite Onion:

I loved this book! - Christa Désir, Award-Winning Author

There are writers whose prose is so vivid and so emotionally resonant, that you might briefly forget you’re reading a work of fiction, and while Alice Archer has already proven that her hand is as elegant as it is masterful, her newest novel continues to show real insight into the human soul. - Natasha is a Book Junkie

The Infinite Onion was a powerful and relevant story which touched our hearts immensely. - Totally Booked Blog

I loved this book! This is a brilliant story. So fulfilling. I laughed and cried. I kept sneaking away to read another chapter. I loved the atmosphere and artistry of the characters and the setting. This is exactly the sort of romance novel I look for. The Infinite Onion is the real deal--deep and deeply satisfying. - Kelly Jensen, Award-Winning Author

 

 

 

Excerpt:

GRANT

Grocery bags thumping against my calves, I’d trudged half a mile down Southwest Bank Road before I got a ride from the young guy, who took me all the way to Mitch’s driveway.

“Best of luck,” he said before he drove off.

Finally. Silence.

Well, not exactly silence. Birds twittered. A breeze sang through the hemlock and pine trees. My feet crunched on the gravel.

It was a long driveway.

My shoulders hurt from all the hauling. I prayed the cabin had a bathtub. A soak and a meal would go a long way toward rebooting my brain. I’d spend what remained of the afternoon in contemplation of my situation. If my crap cell phone could pick up a signal, and if I had enough credit left on my pay-as-you-go phone plan, I’d start a job search. I didn’t expect it to take long to find a new job. All I required was The Zone and enough money to keep my ass out of a homeless shelter. On the other hand, I was a thirty-eight-year-old underachiever who’d been suspended from a menial job and then quit, so maybe the ship of employability had sailed without me.


Buy links:

alicearcher.com/book/the-infinite-onion

Amazon 

About Alice Archer:

Alice has questions. Lots of questions. Scheming to put fictional characters through the muck so they can get to a better place helps her heal and find answers. She shares her stories with the hope that others might find some healing too. For decades, Alice has messed about with words professionally, as an editor and writing coach. She also travels a bunch. Her home base is Eugene, Oregon.

Connect with Alice:

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GIVEAWAY

Join us to celebrate the release of THE INFINITE ONION by Alice Archer with this special giveaway. 

3 prizes: 1 e-copy of critically acclaimed EVERYDAY HISTORY; 1 e-copy of THE INFINITE ONION; 1 grand prize of a paperback copy of THE INFINITE ONION.

Must be 18 to enter and win. Physical prizes mailed only with the USA; international winners will receive e-copy. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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My review: 

3.75 out of 5 stars

The Infinite Onion by Alice Archer centers around Grant Eastbrook as his life implodes and he flees all he has known while he regroups. His decision to camp out on an island leads him to encounter a quirky man, Oliver Rossi, who not only has complex layers but who forces Grant to delve into himself, no matter how painful it may be. Surprisingly, each man has something to teach the other, provided he can truly listen.

This adult contemporary gay romance story has multiple layers, as is to be expected from the title. I found it VERY slow moving and I didn’t feel that Grant was necessarily a very likeable person, despite his allure to and care for children. I did enjoy the way he was able to connect with the kids, and the care he demonstrated for his nephew, but I was a bit disturbed by him. Oliver is a great onion, but a frustrating character for me. The more layers that are peeled back, the more revealed. There are some aspects to the story that continue to puzzle me, and I’m not quite sure that either of these guys are quite stable enough, despite the growth of their character arcs through the story.

One of the things I enjoy about this author’s writing is the vivid and lyrical imagery employed (e.g. “…the sky rang with blue”), and the carving and drawings that are central to the story are evoked deftly even as one puzzles over the person who is creating the works of art. Although this is a thought-provoking story, it is also a discomfiting tale, and I would consider it a happy for now ending as I think both the men and their relationships will continue to be a work in progress.

A copy of this title was provided for review

Two-Date Rule by Tawna Fenske (Spotlight, excerpt, review, and GIVEAWAY) ANT ADULT title

The Two-Date Rule

by

Tawna Fenske

ADULT title

Publisher: Entangled (Amara)

Release Date (Print & Ebook): February 25, 2020

Length (Print & Ebook): 89,000 words | 362 pages

Genre: contemporary romance / romantic comedy

Tropes: Afraid to commit

Book blurb:

Willa Frank has one simple rule: never go on a date with anyone more than twice. Now that her business is providing the stability she’s always needed, she can’t afford distractions. Her two-date rule will protect her just fine...until she meets smokejumper Grady Billman.

After one date—one amazing, unforgettable date—Grady isn’t ready to call it quits, despite his own no-attachments policy, and he’s found a sneaky way around both their rules.

Throwing gutter balls with pitchers of beer? Not a real date. Everyone knows bowling doesn’t count.

Watching a band play at a local show? They just happen to have the same great taste in music. Definitely not a date.

Hiking? Nope. How can exercise be considered a date?

With every "non-date" Grady suggests, his reasoning gets more ridiculous, and Willa must admit she’s having fun playing along. But when their time together costs Willa two critical clients, it's clear she needs to focus on the only thing that matters—her future. And really, he should do the same.

But what is she supposed to do with a future that looks gray without Grady in it?

From Tawna Fenske:

The Two-Date Rule is all about finding the sweet spot between planning for the future and living in the moment.

*********************

Excerpt


She clutched the back of his head with an urgency he could read like subtitles on a skin flick. She wanted this as badly as he did.

“Grady,” she said, and his name was a hungry growl. He peeled the straps of her tank top down both shoulders, baring her to him. What perfect breasts. Round and full and exactly the right size to cup in his hands. Her nipples pebbled with his breath, then tightened as he swirled his tongue around one and then the other. He moved between them, growing dizzy with sensation and heat and the haze of his own need. Fuck, she tasted sweet.

“More,” he growled, gripping her hips.

She gave a soft squeak as he lifted her off his lap and eased her back onto the couch. Her hair fell over one eye, and she peered at him through the golden-brown curtain, looking rumpled and hungry and thoroughly debauched.

“I like where this is going.” She grinned at him, tossing her hair.

“So do I.” Boy, did he.

He gripped the waistband of her leggings, drawing them slowly down her thighs. Her panties came along for the ride, baring her inch by glorious inch. Jesus, her skin was flawless.

He paused with the fabric bunched at her ankles, giving her a chance to halt things, to tell him he was moving too fast. He could slow it down if he had to. Hell, he could take all night.

All fucking night.

Willa tossed her hair again, letting her thighs fall apart. “I want you.”

Or that.

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Author Information:

When Tawna Fenske finished her English lit degree at 22, she celebrated by filling a giant trash bag full of romance novels and dragging it everywhere until she’d read them all. Now she’s a RITA Award finalist, USA Today bestselling author who writes humorous fiction, risqué romance, and heartwarming love stories with a quirky twist. Publishers Weekly has praised Tawna’s offbeat romances with multiple starred reviews and noted, “There’s something wonderfully relaxing about being immersed in a story filled with over-the-top characters in undeniably relatable situations. Heartache and humor go hand in hand.”

Tawna lives in Bend, Oregon, with her husband, step-kids, and a menagerie of ill-behaved pets. She loves hiking, snowshoeing, standup paddleboarding, and inventing excuses to sip wine on her back porch. She can peel a banana with her toes and loses an average of twenty pairs of eyeglasses per year. To find out more about Tawna and her books, visit www.tawnafenske.com. 

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GIVEAWAY


a Rafflecopter giveaway



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My review:

4.25 stars

The Two-Date Rule by Tawna Fenske centers around Willa Frank, a driven woman who mistakes smokejumper Grady Billman for a stripper. Willa’s stipulation that she only allows herself to date a man twice prompts Grady to be very creative in planning “outings” that aren’t dates. Unfortunately, he may not be able to get Willa to join him in his casual approach to life, so the second date may never become a major concern.

This adult contemporary romance is the first book in the ‘Smokejumper’ series and is a perfect pick-me-up for a gloomy day. The chemistry and cute repartee between the main characters is fun and heartwarming, and the gradual revelations about their respective backgrounds keep one invested in the story. I love Willa’s collection of handicapped pets and what that says about her, and I enjoyed Grady’s ability to adjust to whatever is being thrown at him, including a desperate request for the use of a bathroom. There are delightful comedic elements that are counterbalanced by the serious issues that keep Willa off-kilter, and even though I thought the demands that result in the major conflict were ridiculous, I could see how they would threaten everything Willa has worked for.

I was in kind of a blah mood when I started this story, but it immediately caught my attention and brightened my day. I love that Grady looked at the relationship in this fashion: “This was how it was, getting to know her, like a treasure hunt of sorts.” This is a fun and touching romantic comedy and I look forward to reading other stories in the series by this talented author.

A copy of this title was provided for review

 

Everyday History by Alice Archer (Re-release blitz, review, and GIVEAWAY) ANT ADULT title

Everyday History

ADULT title

by

Alice Archer

Publisher: Shine Even If

Release Date (Print & Ebook/Audio): January 30, 2020

Length (Print & Ebook/Audio): 318 pages

Subgenre: Contemporary gay romance

Tropes: Age gap romance

Order now

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Book blurb:

If you woo, win, and walk away, a second chance is going to cost you.

Headstrong Ruben Harper has yet to meet an obstacle he can't convert to a speed bump. He's used to getting what he wants from girls, but when he develops a fascination for a man, his wooing skills require an upgrade. After months of persuasion, he scores a dinner date with Henry Normand that morphs into an intense weekend. The unexpected depth of their connection scares Ruben into fleeing.

Shy, cautious Henry, Ruben's former high school history teacher, suspects he needs a wake-up call, and Ruben appears to be his siren. When Ruben bolts, Henry is left struggling to find closure. Inspired by his conversations with Ruben, Henry begins to write articles about the memories stored in everyday objects. The articles seduce Ruben, even as Henry’s snowballing fame takes him out of town and farther out of reach.

Everyday History, a romance told with Alice Archer’s unique style and lush prose, was named a Top Book of 2016 in the HEA USA Today column Rainbow Trends.

Standalone romance, HEA.

Originally published in 2106 by Dreamspinner Press.

Praise for Everyday History:

Sometimes you read a book in which the writing just wows you. That was the case for me here...I read a lot of books each year and it's rare that I find something that is so unique and different. --Night Owl Romance

I don’t throw five stars around very easily. I can almost always find something that just doesn’t propel me to call a book perfect. Everyday History is absolutely perfect. I mean that with all my heart, and I insist you read it. You won’t be sorry. --Joyfully Jay Reviews

This is the kind of book that makes me want to be a reader, makes me addicted to stories, and puts me in awe of authors. --Diverse Reader

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He pretends he’s in control. He’s a young man trying to convince me he’s a god, but he’s grappling with a new map.

Despite, during, and beyond the learning curve, he’s fearless. Instinctive. Majestic.

The animated heat of him spreads over me. The bright intensity of his personality reaches for me through his strong, hungry hands, through his wide shoulders and his long legs that curl around me, and in the smirk that remains in place even as he mutters and moans. He asks eagerly with his eyes, “Is this okay?” But he doesn’t wait for an answer… or he feels my answer before I shape it.

He wants to do it right, his exploration of the new world that’s captured his attention. But even more than wanting to do it right, he wants to do it right now.

The sparkle of him dazzles me.

Amazon link


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About the Author:  Alice Archer has questions. Lots of questions. Scheming to put fictional characters through the muck so they can get to a better place helps her heal and find answers. She shares her stories with the hope that others might find some healing too. For decades, Alice has messed about with words professionally, as an editor and writing coach. She also travels a bunch. Her home base is Eugene, Oregon.

Connect with Alice: Website | Goodreads | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

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GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway





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4.25 stars

Everyday History by Alice Archer follows young Ruben Harper as he explores his sexuality and his inexplicable attraction to the teacher who taught his high school senior class about history. Ruben’s ability to enchant those around him doesn’t seem to work on Henry Normand, who makes ordinary subjects fascinating. Their brief foray into an affair ends painfully for both of them, and each must find a way to move forward…in his own fashion.

This contemporary gay romance is filled with beautiful lyrical imagery such as, “I feel again the empty space of me reaching out to the real me standing beside it.” and “It was like you were a…treasure chest, but I only found the treasures if I paid very close attention. And the more I looked, the more I discovered.”) and angst. The strength of character that Henry displays is underscored by his determined resistance to Ruben’s charms, and he’s a sensitive guide during Ruben’s introduction to having a male lover. It was dismaying although inevitable that Ruben is a bit too immature but impressive that Henry found a way to channel his emotions in a positive fashion.

I wasn’t quite sure I was able to accept the reasons for the person who meddles in their relationship, but I enjoyed the story, and I have several passages highlighted to savor over and over. It took me some time to get used to the alternating points of view as the chapters went by, especially since I tend to skip titles and some of the chapters are VERY short, but I loved the author’s ability to paint vivid word-pictures. I think this is the first book I’ve read by this author but I’m definitely going to be looking for others.

A copy of this title was provided for review

 

Roxy's Recovery by Kim Breyon (Spotlight, excerpt, and review) ANT

Roxy's Recovery

by

Kim Breyon

Blurb:

As the newest veterinarian in the small town of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Vaughn Winters doesn't have time for relationships. He is too busy healing injuries and establishing his reputation as a trustworthy vet. But when a strange man waves him down on a stormy night seeking help for his injured dog, Vaughn simply can't refuse.

Obviously homeless and with no means to pay for Roxy's medical care, Vaughn throws caution to the wind and strikes a deal with the hesitant stranger that would allow Roxy the time to heal and provide some much needed TLC to his property as well. As the days pass, Vaughn's curiosity grows. Alex's dedication to the job is as surprising as the sexy tats hidden beneath his rugged clothes. What could have pushed this kind, hardworking man to the streets, or cast such dark shadows in his otherwise bright blue eyes?

Will six weeks be enough time to earn Alex's trust? Or will asking questions cause him to tuck tail and run as soon as Roxy is able?

Roxy's Recovery is a 61k standalone contemporary romance involving two men, a meddling sister, and a seriously sassy pug.

 

 

Excerpt:

I was quickly distracted by how the evening light coming in through the window cast a warm glow on Alex’s face. He had a light speckle of freckles across his nose and under his eyes that I hadn’t noticed before, and I couldn’t help but wonder if anyone had ever kissed them before. I certainly would if ever I had the chance.

When I didn’t look away, he gave a soft laugh. “You know, that’s twice in one hour I’ve caught you staring. I’d say it’s a new record.”

I huffed. “Like you even notice how much I check you out.”

 The corner of his mouth turned up. “Oh, I notice, Vaughn. Like every time you peek out the window or slow your steps when you go outside for something? Believe me, I notice.”

 I turned a little crimson. “Whatever. I think you’re hot, so sue me.”

 “Oh, that’s not what I’m afraid of,” he said innocently.

 I blinked, trying to make sense of what he was saying. “What are you so afraid of, then?” I asked, suddenly dying to know. “Because frankly, I’ve been trying to figure you out for a while now. If you’re interested or not, I mean.”

 “I am,” he admitted without thinking before setting his sandwich down and looking out the window. “I just can’t, though.”

The finality in his voice caught me off guard; it sounded less like he was rejecting me and more like he was refusing himself something.

 “Why?” I asked again.

It was a long moment before he replied, his voice low and almost inaudible. “I’m here for Roxy, Vaughn. I don’t want to do anything that would ruin this for her.”

I furrowed my brows. “Ruin what? At making a full recovery? She’s going to be fine. I’ve told you that.”

He still didn’t look at me, idly playing with a piece of bread while he continued to stare out the window.

And then, like a punch to the gut, it hit me what he was truly afraid of.

“You think I’ll kick you out?” I asked, stunned. When he didn’t respond, I tried again. “I would never do that to you, whether or not something happened between us.”

He still didn’t look at me or even acknowledge that he’d heard me, so I reached for his hand. 

“Okay?” I insisted.

After a long pause, Alex shifted in his seat, causing his legs to accidentally squeeze mine under the table. He immediately jerked away, but to my relief, he didn’t pull his hand away. Instead, he turned his over so he could link our fingers together and gave me a nervous smile.

 “I was starting to believe that,” he said, his attention on where our skin touched. “But… it helps to hear it.”

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More from Kim Breyon:

Check out Kim's Against All Odds Series. 

 

Back to You

(Against All Odds, Book 1) 

by Kim Breyon

One of you, one of me…



 As a private investigator, I have a perfect record when it comes to closing cases…as long as you don’t count the only one that ever really mattered to me.

 Even after a decade, the memory of the foster boy I once shared a room with continues to haunt my dreams. For five years, Riley helped me laugh when there was so little in our lives to laugh about. His gentle touch and stormy gray eyes were the only thing that could calm the swirling and turbulent thoughts and emotions within me.

 But in the blink of an eye, the safe harbor my best friend provided was ripped from my life without warning or reason. His unexplained disappearance set sail to a lonely and hopeless journey. Now, I am no more willing to let the memory of my best friend go than I am ready to give up the search for him, as hopeless as it may seem to those around me.

 And then a client asks me to locate a stolen treasure box. Clues have me heading from the city of Atlanta to a small, picturesque town in South Carolina called Reedsport. There, I hope to find the missing box; what I never expected was to find something else that I’d been missing for far too long. Could I have finally found a beacon of hope that would lead Riley Tanager back to me?

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And Then You 

Against All Odds, Book 2

by Kim Breyon

 

 

Love is a risk... but a risk worth taking.

JAKE

I knew my life would change when I followed my best friend across state lines and transferred to the Reedsport Police Department. I just wasn’t prepared for how much.

 From the moment I meet him, CJ Reyes isn’t what I expect, and neither is our chemistry. The fire with him is like nothing I’ve felt before, both in and out of the bedroom. His sexy sapphire eyes are cracking the walls around my heart, and for the first time in my life, I’m not rushing to repair them. But can I trust him with the heaviest burden of all: the dangers of my career?

REYES

After being cut from the national team in Mexico, I’d hoped to get away from it all when I accepted a temporary coaching position in a small town in South Carolina. The reprieve doesn't come, though, thanks to my family constantly breathing down my neck and the uncertainty of my future looming over me.

 Then I meet Jake, whose humor and understanding feel like my only way out of the darkness. Our fiery nights and growing friendship make my loss feel a little less devastating and my future less bleak. But when I'm forced to make a decision that could change my life forever, will Jake see reason? Or will I end up losing something far more valuable than the world championship?

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Amazon US | Everywhere Else | Goodreads