Review

Level Up by Annabeth Albert #Romance #LGBT #Contemporay #Gamers #Review

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Moonbeams over Atlanta welcomes Annabeth Albert!

Title:  LEVEL UP
Series: loosely related to the #gaymers series, but stands alone
Author: Annabeth Albert
Publisher: Annabeth Albert
Release Date: May 17, 2018
Heat Level: 4 – Lots of Sex
Pairing: Male/Male
Length: 40,000 words
Genre: Romance, contemporary m/m romance, gay romance, geeks, nerds, friends-to-lovers, gamers, gaymers

Add to Goodreads

 

The Review

4.5 Stars

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This book was provided by IndiGo Marketing & Design for an honest review.

The blurb got me when a physicist is doing a nude calendar photo shoot. I had to see how this would go. Annabeth provided a painted a wonderful picture of how Landon and Bailey meet and the initial miscommunications that happen. Landon has been hurt with a past history of rape (nothing on page), and Bailey comes to provide the support Landon needs to be himself after a traumatic experience.

Bailey has his own hangups that show, and Landon helps him as well. It’s cute, fun, and neat to see these two lovebirds circle each other until their love shines through. In some ways, it’s shorter that I would want but still very good. I’ve read most of the #gaymers series but now have to go back and refresh my memory of a few of the characters that appear here. It is stand alone and didn’t detract from the enjoyment, but now I want to remember the others. I would highly recommend reading it, especially if you’ve read the #gaymers series.

Overall, I give Level Up 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Eloreen Moon

 

Synopsis

Landon can’t believe he’s let himself
get roped into participating in a charity calendar, let alone one that features
tastefully photographed nudes. The genius physicist is hardly model material
and he’s dreading the nude part of the photoshoot. Amid his reluctance, the one
bright spot is his emails back and forth with the photographer.

 

However, Bailey ends up being not quite
what Landon expects, and their first meeting is decidedly awkward. Bailey’s
persistent though, and gradually Landon warms to the burly photographer, and
they discover they have a shared love of gamer culture.

 

A tentative friendship is born, but the
road from friends to lovers isn’t easy. Landon’s battling past trauma and must
decide how much of a risk he’s willing to take. A sexy connection may not be
enough to keep them together unless both are willing to put their hearts on the
line.

 

Approximately 40,000 words. Previously
released as part of the EXPOSED anthology, and loosely linked to the #Gaymers
universe, this friends-to-lovers, hurt/comfort story stands alone with a
guaranteed happy ending. Contains a brief mention of a prior assault, but no
on-screen violence or flashbacks.

 

Excerpt

LEVEL UP EXCERPT—This is their first
kiss, because I absolutely love writing first kiss scenes!

 

***

 

Bailey was the type who moved a lot as
he gamed, biceps flexing, knees wiggling, shoulders jostling. Landon always
liked people who got so into gaming, but it was more than a little distracting.
His body was quickly coming to associate that orange scent of Bailey’s with
good things, and other parts of him apparently liked Bailey’s nearness, which
was a novelty because instead of intimidated, as he would have expected, he was
more than a little turned on.

 

“Oh man, that was a rush.” Bailey
laughed as both of their health meters dipped to zero. “I’m almost wishing I’d
gone into game art, not photography. Amazing how these graphics have held up
over the years.”

 

“Totally. And speaking of art, let me
find the Space Villager stuff.” Landon reluctantly stepped away from the game.
He headed to the nearby kitchen, where he was pretty the papers were buried
with a stack of mail. Paper control was not his strong suit. “You’ll go nuts at
the latest screen shots and promo teasers.”

 

“Cool.” Rather than follow Landon,
Bailey went to sit on the couch.

 

“You want a drink while I’m in here?”
Landon called to him after he found the papers under a pile of pizza ads. “I’ve
got four flavors of Snapple, soda, and water.”

 

“Surprise me with a Snapple flavor.”
Bailey looked right at home on Landon’s couch, lounging back.

 

He really did not look at all like any
photographer Landon had ever met, and curiosity had him asking, “So why
photography? You said you could have done game design?”

 

“Yeah, I had plenty of friends at the
art institute go that direction. But I’ve been in love with photography ever
since I worked on our middle school yearbook. I figured out quickly that taking
pictures of events and sports was far more fun than trying to do the sports
myself, so I did yearbook all through high school, got a photography scholarship
to the art institute in Portland.”

 

“So you don’t play a sport?” Landon had
a hard time believing that. With Bailey’s height and breadth, he totally looked
like he lived for weekend games of some type.

 

“Nope. Hopelessly uncoordinated.” Bailey
shot him an endearing smile when Landon handed him the bottle of tea.

 

“Me too.” Landon clinked bottles with
him, then held up the papers. “Found the codes. But can I show you some stuff
on the TV screen while you have your drink?”

 

“Absolutely.” Bailey took a long swig of
tea, and Landon had to look away before he got mesmerized by Bailey’s full
mouth, how it looked when his tongue chased a stray drop of moisture, how pink
it was in contrast to his paler skin and brown beard.

 

Landon queued up the pre-release trailer
Josiah had sent him a link to. Bombastic music filled his small living room as
on the screen, and a spaceship pulled in for a landing on a planet filled with
ruins of a once-powerful civilization. The narrator had an iconic voice and
detailed all the special features of the expansion pack. Landon had already
watched this a half-dozen times, and it still gave him happy chills.

 

“Wow. I can’t wait.” Bailey looked
suitably awed. “This is even cooler than when War Elf added the mystic raids.”

 

“I know, right? Now look at the in-game
screen shots.” He brought up another video, body relaxing more and more despite
Bailey’s nearness. It was just so awesome to have someone new to share this
with. He’d been hyped about this all week, but Pike was distracted by his
boyfriend Zack’s deployment, Savannah didn’t game much, and the rest of his
regular crew seemed to have other things occupying their attention.

 

Somehow, as he shared more video clips,
he drifted closer to Bailey, so that their knees were almost rubbing. It wasn’t
a giant couch, so there wasn’t a ton of room to move back, but even so, Landon
wasn’t looking for an escape. He was aware of Bailey, very much so, but not
nearly as freaked out as he’d been a few hours ago. Instead, his senses seemed
to soak up Bailey’s scent and nearness, and it wasn’t until the fourth or fifth
video that he realized that he was aroused.

 

Clink. Somehow Landon’s left hand,
holding his drink, and Bailey’s right hand tangled.

 

“Oops.” He tried to extricate himself
without spilling both beverages. Bending to put his on the floor, he hadn’t
realized that Bailey had also leaned down until their heads collided.

 

“Ow,” they said simultaneously.

 

“Oh my gosh. I’m so sorry.” Bailey
reached out, feeling around on Landon’s head. “Did you see stars? Break the
skin?”

 

“I’m fine.” Landon didn’t pull away.
Bailey’s hand felt damn nice. Gentle. Soothing more than just the bump on his
head. Their eyes met, and he really needed to move back, break this spell, but
he didn’t, instead leaning into to the touch. Bailey’s eyes darkened, and he
stroked down Landon’s jaw. God, that felt so good, like an extra blanket on a
chilly night, warmth he hadn’t realized he was missing. How long had it been
since he’d been touched like this? Hugged, sure. He’d hugged Savannah
goodnight, and hugged and wrestled around with his best friend Pike at the last
LAN party, but neither of those things was touch like this. Caring. Sweet.
Arousing.

 

Bailey leaned in again, way slower this
time, all the time in the world for Landon to stop him. But he didn’t. Bailey’s
beard tickled an instant before their lips met, a soft slide of mouths. Not
aggressive at all, not the on-a-tight-schedule rush of a hookup, Bailey kissed
like they had a sleepy Sunday afternoon to kill, like each reaction of Landon’s
mattered, like he was trying to memorize something important and was going to
take his time learning the lesson.

 

Landon was the first one to take things
further, mouth opening on a sigh, welcoming Bailey’s agile tongue. He tasted
sweet, like tea, and minty like the gum he’d popped after the pizza, familiar
yet new at the same time. How had he managed to forget how awesome kissing
could be? A laugh bubbled up in his chest, but quickly transformed to a groan
of pleasure as Bailey nipped at his lower lip.

 

Not content to let Bailey be the one
exploring, Landon sent his own tongue on a quest, tracing Bailey’s full lower
lip, delving inside to rub tongues, retreating playfully to earn another nip.
Fuck. This was nice. The video switched over to something random, and he barely
registered it. He couldn’t say how long they kissed, just that he didn’t want
it to ever end.

 

Purchase at Amazon

 

Meet the Author

 

Annabeth Albert grew up sneaking romance
novels under the bed covers. Now, she devours all subgenres of romance out in
the open—no flashlights required! When she’s not adding to her keeper shelf,
she’s a multi-published Pacific Northwest romance writer. The #OutOfUniform series
joins her critically acclaimed and fan-favorite LGBTQ romance #Gaymers,
#PortlandHeat and #PerfectHarmony series. To find out what she’s working on
next and other fun extras, check out her website: www.annabethalbert.com or
connect with Annabeth on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Spotify! Also, be
sure to sign up for her newsletter for free ficlets, bonus reads, and contests.
The fan group, Annabeth’s Angels, on Facebook is also a great place for bonus
content and exclusive contests.
Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny
stories are her favorites both to read and to write. Annabeth loves finding
happy endings for a variety of pairings and is a passionate gay rights
supporter. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a
rewarding day job and wrangles two active children.

 

Website | Facebook | Twitter |
Goodreads | Instagram | Annabeth’s Newsletter | Annabeth’s Angels

 

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Alpha Sacrifice (Irresistible Omegas 01) by Nora Phoenix #LGBT #mpreg #Romance #Review #Menage

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Moonbeams over Atlanta welcomes author Nora Phoenix! Published by Nora Roberts on March 13, 2018 and is 458 pages.

The Blurb:

an MMMM Mpreg Gay Romance

Four men, brought together by fate, connected in more powerful ways than they’d ever imagined.

Lidon, the powerful alpha-cop, determined to never trust another partner—until he helps a vulnerable omega through his heat and connects with him in a way that leaves him reeling.

Enar, the alpha-doctor who dedicates his life to serving omegas who need his help. He works himself to the bone, anything to drown out his inner voices that scream at him he’s not a real alpha.

Palani, the sassy beta reporter who will do anything to save his omega lover and childhood friend, even if it means watching another man claim him.

Vieno, the omega who suffers from a medical condition that requires an alpha’s help. It was supposed to be sex, but his attraction to the alpha goes much deeper. But how can he betray his soulmate and lover Palani like this?

When Vieno’s freedom is endangered, he needs Lidon to save him. The alpha steps up, but the consequences of his choice are more far-reaching than anyone of them had foreseen.

Four men try to figure out what they are to each other amidst political unrest, investigations into corruption and fraud, a medical issue that is far bigger and more sinister than it seemed at first, and old legends that are turning out to be real.

Alpha’s Sacrifice is an MMMM mpreg gay romance and the first book in the Irresistible Omegas series. It is not a stand-alone and ends on a cliffhanger. Please note the triggers warnings in the front of the book.

The Review:

Thank you Nora for your ARC Review group. 🙂

5 Stars

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I’m going to start off this review as saying that this is the best menage, mpreg, and MM romance I’ve read in a long time. That said, I can’t even begin to describe the subtle writing style that is Nora Phoenix. It’s a slow burn between Vieno, Palani, Enar, and Lidon as they dance around each other to symphony music that is best described as a waltz. You really have to read it to understand the nuances Nora describes. Yes, it ends in a cliffhanger as the author points out from the beginning. I’m not a fan of cliffhangers without having the next book ready (see my reviews for Rhys Ford) but like Rhys Ford’s various series that the individual books end on a cliffhanger, this is a blessing in disguise to see the overall story arc. Yes, she’s evil for ending in a cliffhanger, but you love the characters so much you don’t really care, and you have to find your inner patience.

Speaking of characters, I love all four of the main characters. Palani and Enar are almost tied for first in characters that I love from this book. Lidon and Vieno, as well as Palani and Enar, are all well rounded as we get to know their universe where certain omega’s gene, dubbed the Melloni gene, makes omega heats harder on their person. Behind the immediate issue with this gene, we see prevalent issues between Alphas, Betas, and Omegas in general that mirror and mimic current political, social, and legal issues in life today. Yes, this is a fantastical universe where men get pregnant as a backdrop to the love that develops between the four men. The love and commitment between them all is subtle enough that they all have a hard time coming to terms with it. Isn’t that was life is all about? I won’t say more since I try not to give too much away, but you need to read this story. You’ll laugh and cry throughout their trials to get to each other, but hope, and love, will win. That is all we can ask for in any life we lead.

Since this is self published, I did private message Nora when I was done reading and confirmed that she was working on the next one. Who knows, maybe it will come out really soon. *hint hint* *wink* Thank you for your patience as my review was delayed due to work and internet issues.

(FYI, I keep wanting to type “Nora Roberts” because Nora Phoenix’s style is on par with Nora Roberts a.k.a J.D. Robb, and I love both their writing styles. Hats off to you Nora!)

Overall, I give Alpha Sacrifice 5 out of 5 stars, and wish I could do 6 stars. 😉

Eloreen Moon

Book Links:

Amazon | Goodreads

About the Author:

Would you like the long or the short version of my bio?

The short? You got it.

I write steamy gay romance books and I love it. I also love reading books. Books are everything.

How was that?

A little more detail? Gotcha.

I started writing my first stories when I was a teen…on a freaking typewriter. I still have these, and they’re adorably romantic. And bad, haha. Fear of failing kept me from following my dream to become a romance author, so you can imagine how proud and ecstatic I am that I finally overcame my fears and self doubt and did it. I adore my genre because I love writing and reading about flawed, strong men who are just a tad broken..but find their happy ever after anyway.

My favorite books to read are pretty much all MM/gay romances as long as it has a happy end. Kink is a plus… Aside from that, I also read a lot of nonfiction and not just books on writing. Popular psychology is a favorite topic of mine and so are self help and sociology.

Hobbies? Ain’t nobody got time for that. Just kidding. I love traveling, spending time near the ocean, and hiking. But I love books more.

Wanna get first dibs on freebies, updates, sales, and more? Sign up for my newsletter (no spamming your inbox full…promise!):

Come hang out with me in my Facebook Group Nora’s Nook where I share previews, sneak peeks, freebies, and much more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/norasnook/

Stalk me on Twitter or Goodreads where I share recommended books and reviews! You can also find me on Bookbub and Instagram.

Ghost Wolf by Hurri Cosmo #LGBT #Contemporary #Romance #Review #Mystery

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Moonbeams over Atlanta welcomes author Hurri Cosmo! Published by Painted Hearts Publishing LLC on January 18, 2018 and is 390 pages.

The Blurb:

Hi, my name is Trevor. I’m a wolf shifter. I say that like I know what I’m talking about. I don’t. I was simply running off a ton of steam one day when I was about eleven and bam! Okay, not quite that easy or fast but it happened when I was young and stupid. I’m also gay. I say that like I know what I’m talking about with that too. I simply don’t.

I’m grown up now and living in the big city which has me too busy to much care about either one of those things. I get out and run my wolf when I can, trying like hell to stay out of the local pack’s territories. Belonging to a “family” just sounds like too much work. I honestly don’t have time for such things. Besides, I was told when I was young the color of my wolf was all wrong. Too silver I guess. Metallic. I thought it looked cool in the full moon. “An Alpha would kill ya soon as look at ya.” My grandpa used to say. Course he wasn’t my real grandpa. Just an old man who lived down the street. But he was a shifter too and I thought he knew it all. He probably knew diddly shit either but a guy can’t be too careful.

So romance? Way off the radar.

But then someone started killing wolves. Started leaving lined up broken bodies all in a nice little row next to the high school in my home town and it got me to thinking. If a shifter is killed in his or her wolf state, does he/she stay that way? Were these dead wolves like me?

I had to see what I could do. Kind of like a super hero. Oh yeah. Probably forgot to tell you this. I can turn invisible.

Yep, Ghost Wolf to the rescue.

The Review:

Thank you IndiGo for the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Stars

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It’s not often I find a first person paranormal story as interesting as this one. An invisible wolf? I had to know more. Then there was the mystery/suspense factor and I couldn’t waiting to read it. In fact, I read it in two sittings in about two days. There were a couple of places where I wasn’t sure who was talking since it was told in first person, but you really got into Trevor and his misconceptions about wolves and shifters based on one older wolf in his neighborhood. Secrets abound, and Trevor finds out more than he thought possible. It was a fascinating read and Hurri did a great job of detailing this world Trevor found himself in. I had read one other story in 2016 and enjoyed that one as well. I plan on find other books to read. There is a HEA and how Trevor and Ryan, the man he finds in a bar as his fated mate, find each other right when Ryan had given up finding his other half. While there is fate mates going on, it’s not the forefront and the mystery of Trevor’s history and his powers is foremost and makes it an easy way to get away for awhile. How Trevor thinks and talks is vastly amusing and I smiled through most of the story. There are some rough spots, especially past bullying, but for the most part is great read. I would recommend reading about Trevor and his antics with his mate. Trevor’s friends are fun secondary characters and I wouldn’t mind seeing some of those show up in a sequel.

Overall, I give Ghost Wolf 4 out of 5 stars.

Eloreen Moon

Title: Ghost Wolf
Author: Hurri Cosmo
Publisher: Pained Hearts
Release Date: 1/18/18
Heat Level: 5 – Erotica
Pairing: Male/Male
Length: 390 pages, 122,000 words
Genre: Romance, Erotica, Fantasy, Thriller/Suspense

Book Links:

Amazon | Painted Hearts | BookStrand | Goodreads

About the Author:

Hi, my name is Hurri Cosmo and I am a happy ending junkie. I always have been. You can be pretty rest assured everything I write will have one. I am not big on angst. I believe we get enough of that in real life so when I go to read something, to make the real world go away for awhile, I will most likely not chose something that will make me cry. So I write for those people who, at least occasionally, feel the same way. I’m okay with the fact I will probably never write anything “important” but I guess I will have to see where my imagination takes me. I would love it if you would come along.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads Author Page | Blog | YouTube

Review of “Dawn Patrol” (Tidewater 01) by Tami Veldura #LGBT #Contempory #Romance

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Moonbeams over Atlanta welcomes author Tami Veldura! Published by Oldewolf Alternascents on July 28, 2017 and is 40 pages.

The Blurb:

A Tidewater Short Story. Contemporary, Stand alone, HEA.

Elias lives for the waves. He’s been surfing off the Tidewater coast since he could crawl, and the connection he’s forged with the ocean is fundamental. Every morning he shares a ritual swim with the local pod of dolphins. Elias is desperate to find a way to express what the sand and the sea mean to him, and local artist Theo could be just what he needs.

Theo’s art has helped him move mountains. It granted him freedom from abusive family and supports his quiet lifestyle. He’s ready for more. So when muscle-bound Elias commissions him for a mural on his bedroom wall, Theo has more than one reason to take the job. It’s time to reach with his heart, an easy thing when Elias is so eager to share what’s in his.

Water is essential when painting, and color is what brings the ocean to life. Elias and Theo were made for each other. It’s only a matter of time before Tidewater brings them together.

The Review:

Thank you IndiGo and William Cooper for the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Stars

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I have an affinity to water although not a surfer myself. It’s different to see surfing as a primary focus and not something money-making. Elias does have a job in a call center and that’s about all the reference to what he does for money. Theo is an artist, of course, and nothing mentioned if he does anything else to supplement.  It’s a neat, compact story, with just enough detail to want to know more. There is not a lot of depth for this story but it’s a sweet story about dolphins, a surfer who wants to capture the memory of them surfing with him, and the artist who makes that happen. It so happens that Theo and Elias do get together themselves as sparks fly and the sex scene at the end is hot and makes you want to see more.

There are Point of View shifts and each chapter has the name of the MC it’s focused on. All written in third person but you do have to pay attention to whom is “talking.” I really enjoyed it and love that it’s part of the Tidewater area. So, more stories in the universe are coming. I enjoyed it a lot and look forward to the next standalone in the series. Overall, I give Dawn Patrol 4 out of 5 stars.

Eloreen Moon

Book Links:

Amazon | Tami’s Store | iBooks/iTunes | Kobo | B&N | Goodreads

About the Author:

Tami Veldura is an aro/ace author of queer fiction. Hir pronouns are sie/hir/Mx. Sie loves romance, fantasy, science fiction, and paranormal stories that push genre limits. Sie lives in California where sie writes full-time which means procrastinating as often as possible with video games. Dragons fascinate hir, a consistent schedule eludes hir, and sie makes a terrible housewife, just ask Mr. Veldura.

As S.T.Lynn, sie writes uplifting, sweet, and tropey fantasy fiction, featuring women font and center. Including fairy tales, elves, magic, and happy endings for young adults and young-at-heart.

As Anna Morgan, sie writes powerful fantasy, paranormal, and science fiction M/F romances with Alpha heros and the strong women that bring them to their knees.

Twitter | Facebook | Patreon | Instagram | Tumblr | Snapchat | Wattpad | Pinterest
Newsletter and ARC list: http://www.tamiveldura.com/newsletter-social-media/

Review of “The Palisade” by Rosalind Abel #LGBT #Contempory #Romance

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Moonbeams over Atlanta welcomes new author Rosalind Abel! Just a note that this was supposed to be a release day review (Published 6/20/2017), but Real Life got the better of me and I finished the book and review later than I wanted. Oops. Luckily, Rosalind was VERY understanding. 🙂

The Blurb:

Confident businessman Joel Rhodes sees the small California town of Lavender Shores as nothing more than a business transaction and a final stepping-stone to the position he’s been working towards his entire life. It was supposed to be nothing more than one night in town to close the deal, and sleeping with one of the local men, no matter how gorgeous, meant nothing more than a few hours of fun.

Andrew Kelly is perfectly content with the life he has in his hometown.  So much so, that the only thing missing is someone to share it with. Going to bed with a tourist was never meant to be the answer to his dreams, just a beautiful distraction. He could get back to looking for Mr. Right the next day.

Both Andrew and Joel’s worlds are turned upside down when a few hours of pleasure gets extended to a couple of days.  Even that shouldn’t be a big deal. You can’t fall in love in such a short time, that isn’t how it works.  However, if destinies collide, a few short days may be all it takes to find your soul mate. Even so, when secrets and motivations get tangled, destiny may do nothing more than leave two hearts in pieces.

The Review:

Rosalind provided a copy for an honest review. Thank you.

4.5 Stars

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I was given the blurb which hooked me enough to want to read this story–the start of a new series. Normally, I summarize blurbs in my reviews but I’m not going to this time because you need to see it. The cover was great as well, and I love Lavender the plant, so 2 for 2. After reading this book, I can’t wait for the next one: The Garden, that released July 25th.

Rosalind is very descriptive of Lavender Shores to the point that I could smell the lavender that gave the town the name, taste the food that Andrew and Joel would consume, hear the dialog between the characters, and feel the love that blossoms between them. It’s a slow heat with several points of angst. I could see the conflict coming and it reminded me a bit of seeing a train wreck coming and not being able to do anything bout it. While I love the story, the details, and love these two men have, the “wreckage” did delay finishing the read because I had to stop halfway, when I saw it coming.

Nothing wrong with the angst but there is a reason I don’t do Soap Operas because the obvious conflict that will break the main characters apart is going to happen. Perhaps I’m a bit too empathic, even if it’s only words on a page, but I felt the hurt, pain, and agony of indecision Andrew, and to an extent Joel, felt when the secrets Joel had were revealed later in the book. There is an HEA and the underlying conflict resolves, but to get there, you have to gird yourself and muscle through. It’s well worth the read even if figuring out what is coming fairly early on may stop you. Like other authors I read, you really can’t pass this up, especially if you like angsty stories. It is a contradiction of deep thought and light humor that blends together in a really great story.

There is not a lot of sex between the MCs, but it works with the story. The relationships are the focus but there are some hot scenes when described. Normally, I don’t do half stars in my star reviews either, but for this one, I have to make an exception. Overall, I give The Palisade 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Eloreen Moon

Book Links:

Amazon | Goodreads

About the Author:

Rosalind Abel grew up tending chickens along side her sweet and faithful Chow, Lord Elgin. While her fantasy of writing novels was born during her teen years, she never would have dreamed she’d one day publish steamy romances about gorgeous men. However, sometimes life turns out better than planned.

In between crafting scorching sex scenes and helping her men find their soul mate, Rosalind enjoys cooking, collecting toys, and making the best damn scrapbooks in the world (this claim hasn’t been proven, but she’s willing to put good money on it).
She adores MM Romance and the power it has to sweep the reader away into worlds filled with passion, steam, and love. Rosalind also enjoys her collection of plot bunnies, and welcomes new fuzzy ones in her home all the time, so feel free to send any adorable ones her way.

Amazon author page: http://amzn.to/2qoiuLC

Facebook Author page: http://bit.ly/2rH8C4o

Rosalind Abel Website:  http://www.rosalindabel.com

Lavender Shores Website:  http://www.lavendershores.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/rosalind_abel

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rosalindabelauthor/ (Rosalind Abel Author)

Return of the Chauffeur’s Son by Tara Lain #BlogTour #Review #Contemporary #LGBT #Giveaway

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Will the promising chef with dreams of starting his own restaurant and winery see the dark, quiet lure of his long time crush’s conservative older brother, Dylan Armstrong?

 

Return of the Chauffeur’s Son
By Tara Lain
 
Blurb: 
Luca McGrath may be returning to Napa Valley, California, as a promising chef with dreams of starting his own restaurant and winery, but his heart still lives with the bad-boy son of a billionaire, James Armstrong. Luca spent his childhood playing games with the golden boy of California society, so blinded by James he barely noticed the dark, quiet lure of his conservative older brother, Dylan Armstrong.
But now Luca’s home, and his own powers of attraction are enough to make James question his dedicated heterosexuality and his promised marriage to a wealthy and powerful businesswoman. The obvious attraction between Luca and James spurs Dylan into action—but he’s fighting a huge secret. While Luca dreamed of James, Dylan dreamed of Luca. When Luca gets caught in the struggle between the brothers and gets accused of culinary espionage he’s ready to chuck the fairy tale—unable to even imagine Dylan’s power to make his dreams come true.

 

         

 

 

Excerpt

 

 That soft, deep voice slithered up his spine and filled his brain with even more fog. He turned and watched Dylan amble toward him across the grass, dressed in black jeans and a black long-sleeved T-shirt. He moves like a cat. “I’m not sure I’ve ever seen you in anything but a suit before.”“It does happen—occasionally.” Dylan half smiled.

“They should star you in a movie about a panther that turns into a human.”

“Cat People?”

Luca cocked his head. “You know that old movie?”

“Yes. Movies are a passion of mine.”

“Seriously. I thought you just worked all the time.”

“Surprise.” His light green eyes sparkled.

Luca leaned back against the fence. “What are some of your favorites?”

Dylan stepped to the fence and leaned against it too, about two feet from Luca. Do I really feel heat coming off his skin? Luca took a deep breath.

Dylan looked up at the stars. “I love No Country for Old Men.”

Luca barked a little laugh.

Dylan glanced at him. “Funny?”

“It’s just the stereotype of the powerful businessman taking out his enemies wholesale. Sorry.”

“Okay. Well, I love The Notebook.”

“You’re kidding?”

“Nope. I don’t think it’s a great movie, but I do love the chemistry between the young couple.”

“Yeah, the old couple’s story was even too sappy for me.”

“I love Michael Clayton.”

“No shit!” Luca chuckled. “One of the least appreciated movies ever. Love that film.”

“But I’ll see almost anything with Tilda Swinton in it.”

“Me too.” He shook his head. How could they have so much in common?

“I also love My Fair Lady.”

“Now you are joking.”

Dylan smiled and gazed at Luca. “No, I’m not joking. I’m gay. Remember?”

The word felt like a karate chop to the windpipe. “Uh, right. Sometimes I forget.”

“So, how’s the new job?”

“Uh, wonderful. They really want me to develop new recipes and dishes. It’s what I love—along with wine making.”

“Oh? You’re interested in viticulture?”

Luca nodded. “Part of my degree is in winery management.”

Dylan pushed away from the fence. “You’re a man of many talents, Luca.”

 What the fuck did he mean by that?

Dylan strolled a few feet toward the house.

Luca said, “By the way, I wanted you to know that James invited my dad and me to your party and polo match this weekend.”

That got his attention. He looked back with a crease between the beautiful eyes. “Oh? When did he do that?”

“Earlier tonight, when he and Nila had dinner at the restaurant. She seconded the invitation and, since it’s kind of her party, I figured it would be okay.” Did that sound like he had a chip on his shoulder?

“Then I’m sure it must be okay.”

Luca stared at the grass. “If you ever want somebody to watch a movie with, just holler.” Crap! He wanted to bite off the tip of his tongue.

Dylan looked equally astonished. “I’ll keep that in mind.” He turned and walked into the shadows.

 Why the hell did I say that? The sound of the big house door opening and closing carried across the quiet space.

 Dylan just looks so lonely.

 And so damned beautiful.

 

Review
I was provided a copy for an honest review.
I love Tara Lain’s work. I was given the opportunity to review and post for the blog tour, and I jumped on it. The blurb hooked me, and seemed somewhat familiar, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. I saw mention, I think in the book itself, that it was based on a favorite movie of Tara’s. So, I went searching. Sure enough, you have to see Sabrina (of which I had seen and loved it) with Audrey Hepburn (there is a remake later) to get the idea of this tale. Thank you Google fu and Tara for doing a MM version.
Tara did a beautiful job of this retailing of a classic love story. Luca McGrath is the son of the billionaire Armstrong family’s chauffeur who dreamed of the heterosexual bad-boy James. Meanwhile, the older brother, Dylan, has dreamed about Luca. We see the start of something between James and Luca despite a female fiance, but there grows the attraction between Luca and Dylan that has everyone involved confused but the families themselves. There is much dating and making between both he and James and he and Dylan as Luca’s affection changes from one to the other. I wanted to find out how it worked out in the backdrop of Luca’s working as a Chef for a local spotlighted contest, subsequent accusations of espionage with the rival restaurant, and Luca coming into his own.
I did have a little trouble with how long it took Dylan to realize his love for Luca, but it all worked out and I’m happy with the storyline. There is an HEA, and I won’t go more into the dynamics between the brothers and Luca. Needless to say, family is everything including those that you make. Overall, it was a great story that everyone should read even if you haven’t see the movie it’s based on. I give it 4.5 stars out of 5.
Eloreen
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 32. Her best-selling novels have garnered awards for Best Series, Best Contemporary Romance, Best Paranormal 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 soul-mate husband and her soul-mate dog near the sea in California 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 Lain

               



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#amwriting. Musings renewed. Reviewing again.

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Hi ya’all. Sorry for not a lot of activity. Been a hectic couple of months. *looks at last post* 3 months. Oops.

I have been reviewing more but mostly on RGR. I do have a review for here coming up. Stay tuned. Hint. It will post in two days… June will have more reviews, spotlights, and tours. I’m going to try to have a few each month at least with the goal to posting something once a week. We’ll see how that goes. I think I’ve said that before…

I’ve been writing some. I did another story for this year’s QSF Flash Fiction contest. This year’s them is Renewal and the post about it is here. It was accepted to the paperback book earlier this month to be published later this year. More on that when I know. This will be book three. 🙂

I just finished a bout of writing inspiration that snuck up on me when I wasn’t paying attention. A blurb of a book I wanted to read about paranormal hybrids made be think about writing something myself, and I found a different WIP I started at the end of last year. I opened it up in word and went to town. Three hours later, I added 2300 words. Go me. Now to figure out the beginning, stick a plot into it, and finish it. That would be something.

Lots of little signs have been showing up recently that writing and getting a manuscript finished would be good. New publishers I never thought to look at and more submission calls are showing up everywhere. It’s like I’m slowly waking up after a long sleep. Here’s hoping I can stay awake and enjoy this creativity. As long as work cooperates, I think I will.

With that, I need to go prep another post for Moonbeams over Atlanta for next week. And one for RGR. Hmmm, I need to finish that book first.

Signing off.

Eloreen