LGBT

Book Review: Keeping Cade by S.E. Jakes

Posted on July 3, 2019 by susan65coug Miss Behaving

Reviewed by Susan65

Title:Keeping Cade
Author: Stephanie Tyler writing as S.E. Jakes
Series: Crave Club #1
Heroes: Cade/Tegan/Vic
Genre: MMM Contemporary
Length: 321 Pages
Publisher: Stephanie Tyler, LLC
Release Date: May 24, 2019
Available at: Amazon
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads

Blurb: Protection has its price, but so do fantasies…

Fantasy Week happens twice a year at Crave, and it’s always a big hit—a way to live out your wildest fantasy in a safe, sane, and consensual manner.

But when Cade comes in with his Fantasy Week invitation, he’s not happy about it. He’s stoic as hell and his preferences don’t seem to match his fantasy at all…and yet, despite that, he enjoys himself with Tegan and Vic. At least at first.

When it becomes glaringly apparent that the fantasy isn’t something Cade’s comfortable with, it’s confusing for the men he’s been paired with, and Tegan and Vic put a stop to the scene immediately.

What Cade doesn’t know is that Tegan and Vic are not only co-owners of Crave, but they’re also owners of a mercenary group, Gray Ops, that’s run out of Crave. They’ve also been circling each other for years… but nothing sparks until their session with Cade.

What happened in Room 4 is something none of the men can forget…but it’s got nothing to do with a fantasy and everything to do with blackmail. Can Tegan and Vic help Cade keep his secrets, while keeping all of them safe at the same time? Because the threatening to spill out aren’t only Cade’s…

*This series is set in the MEN OF HONOR world, in the bar called Crave from Bound By Honor
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Categories: 4 Star Ratings, Book Review, LGBT, Published in 2019, Susan65's Reviews | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

I’ve Got You by Becca Seymour: Exclusive Excerpt & Giveaway!

Posted on July 2, 2019 by thebloggergirls

Blogger_Exclusive Excerpt

Exclusive Excerpt from I’ve Got You

by Becca Seymour

I took a deep breath and looked in the mirror. I didn’t dare look at my face though. Sometimes, I just couldn’t stomach the sight. I was sure that was all levels of screwed up, but it was my truth. Instead, I focused on my T-shirt, wondering if it was too tight, wondering if anyone could tell from the way it clung to my toned body that I was… gay. I shook my head.  

Gay.  

I could totally do this. I had to get the hell over myself.  

Maybe.  

Possibly. 

I sighed. I still had no idea if I could do this—accept this openness, something I’d spent pretty much my whole life ignoring—but being honest with myself, I was getting tired of my bullshit. Tired of my inner monologues. Tired of not stepping the fuck up and owning my sexuality once and for all.  

But…. 

Yes, there was always a but, but this time, I clamped my jaw tight and stared at my face. I looked tense as all hell. It therefore made sense that a few beers would help. Getting out of my own company would help, surely to God it would.  

Glancing away, I headed toward the front door, grabbing my wallet and keys on the way. Tonight I would stop the pity party and actually leave the damn house. As I stepped outside and pulled the door closed, I gave myself a moment to feel some of the tension disperse. Inhaling deeply, I savored the fresh air, the coolness in my lungs. This was good. I could do this. Even more, I was proud of myself for doing this alone. It would have been too easy to rely on Carter, my tentative friend who had implanted himself into my life. I could do this by myself. Pride felt a little alien as it settled in my head and on my chest. It was a strange sensation, and it had been a long time since I could honestly remember a time I felt honest-to-God proud of myself. Deception and self-loathing, plus a family who took every opportunity to drag me down and remind me I wasn’t good enough, could do that to a guy.  

With an exhale, I forced myself to smile, still staring at the door. Shit, damn tears filled my eyes. I blinked them away and swallowed the sentiment, hysterical emotion and laughter bubbling in my chest and making their way to my throat. It sprung free, a deep laugh, the action making the smile on my lips genuine. Shit, I was losing it. But still, I grinned and allowed myself the moment to feel lighter. I considered accepting the tears, knowing that, while spiked with fear, they were also coated with unfamiliar happiness and relief.  

My lips still fixed with a smirk, I breathed out and closed my eyes before taking another breath. I had no idea what I was doing, where I was going (other than a local bar), and definitely no idea what tomorrow held, let alone the long-term future held, but still, I smiled. 

I turned and headed down the street to the town center, the smile now lazily lifting my lips. As I walked past Carter’s, I didn’t hesitate or pause. He had become something of my safe haven. He knew who I was. Admittedly, while he didn’t know my past, my history, he’d still given me the courage I needed to step out. I wouldn’t falter and detour. Instead, I continued on.   

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Categories: Book Promo, Excerpts, Giveaways, LGBT, Published in 2019 | Tags: , , | 2 Comments

Release Blitz: Love’s Glory by Janice Jarrell + Excerpt & Giveaway!

Posted on July 1, 2019 by thebloggergirls

Love’s Glory by Janice Jarrell

In October of 2017 cocky, alpha-male Irishman, Colin Campbell, Sergeant in Charge of the Special Assault Unit of the University of Virginia Campus Police Force, dove in front of a bullet meant for a University of Virginia student. The bullet shattered his thigh and severed his femoral artery, a wound which nearly took Colin’s life and left him temporarily disabled. His infirmities robbed him of the strength and athletic prowess which had been his for most of his life leaving him humiliated and bereft.

When Colin was shot, his partner, Joshua Abrams, a Doctor of Psychology at the Rainier Clinic in Charlottesville, never once left his side. He poured every ounce of strength and love he possessed into healing the magical Irishman whom he adored and was overwhelmed with relief and gratitude when Colin was taken off the critical list. Thinking that they had survived their trial, he took Colin home, believing that their happiness was now assured.

But like many injured police officers, Colin subsequently withdrew from his partner. Overwhelmed by feelings of shame and embarrassment, he devoted himself almost obsessively to the physical therapy with which he hoped to rebuild his strength and reclaim the life he had lost. Unable to share his pain and feelings of inadequacy, he shut Joshua out, leaving him to cope alone with the post-traumatic stress he suffered as a result of Colin’s shooting.

In the following months Colin and Joshua fought to keep their relationship alive. Although deeply in love, they felt powerless to cope with the after-effects of Colin’s injuries both to his body and to his pride as a man, and to heal the emotionally devastating PTSD with which Joshua suffered.

Love’s Trials Tells the story of this painful and challenging time in Colin and Joshua’s life. As we join them now, Colin is still walking with a cane and still suffering the physical after effects of his injuries. But he and Joshua are both in therapy and are now dealing positively with the emotional and psychological damage they both endured.

They face their future side by side, determined to stand or fall together, as soul mates and lovers. This book follows them on their journey as they move toward the happy future they both long to share. You can count on a happy ending. In fact, you can count on a happy read. In this book, Colin and his beloved Joshua have left their trials behind and now revel in Love’s Glory.

Available at: Amazon

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Categories: Book Promo, Excerpts, LGBT, Published in 2019 | Tags: , , , | 4 Comments

Book Review: Surviving the Shadows by Miranda Turner

Posted on June 30, 2019 by Nikyta

Reviewed by Nikyta

Title: Surviving the Shadows
Author: Miranda Turner
Series: The Bearer of Truth #2
Heroes: Gabriel & Evander
Genre: M/M Urban Fantasy
Length: 293 pages
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: June 14, 2019
Available at: Amazon
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads

Blurb: Gabriel has been gone longer than predicted, and Evander is growing increasingly worried each day that passes without his return. Confounded by their leaders’ lack of answers, Evander and the team begin to fear the worst.

In the midst of fruitlessly searching Miami for clues to the Daemon Abaddon’s whereabouts, Evander begins to have disturbingly vivid dreams. With a little help from a newly returned and empty-handed Michael and Barabbas, Evander discovers Gabriel has been calling out for help across their nascent bond, and they set off to rescue Gabriel from the depths of the Underworld.

Gabriel is old friends with torture, and his captors haven’t been gentle. Despite growing weaker every day, Gabriel resolves to survive long enough for rescue, or to die fighting, until a Dark Seer begins to dredge up the terror of Gabriel’s horrific childhood, threatening to destroy his mind and soul. Nearing the end, Gabriel manages a last-ditch effort to contact help, reaching out to Evander in his dreams.

Against all odds, Evander and the team fight through the Underworld to reach Gabriel and come face to face with mortality. Sacrifices made for the bonds of brotherhood nearly break them, and Gabriel learns the hard way that embracing the darkness while fighting for the light may be the only way to survive.

From the underbelly of Reno to the glitz and glam of Vegas, Gabriel, Evander, and the men they call family will be tested, and the final confrontation with Gabriel’s maker may be the end of everything they hold dear.

Surviving the Shadows is an approximately 100,000-word LGBTQ urban fantasy with a romantic subplot. It is a direct sequel to Shadowing the Light and reading the first book in the series is essential to enjoying this one. Please see the disclaimer on the Copyright Page for content advisories.
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Categories: 4 Star Ratings, Book Review, LGBT, Nikyta's Reviews, Published in 2019 | Tags: , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Surviving the Shadows by Miranda Turner: Exclusive Excerpt & Giveaway!

Posted on June 30, 2019 by thebloggergirls

Blogger_Exclusive Excerpt

Exclusive Excerpt from Surviving the Shadows

by Miranda Turner

There were spriggans dragging broken limbs behind them as they continued to shuffle toward Gabriel and the rest of the team, fighting with arms hanging on to their bodies by the smallest piece of flesh, and dragging just their torsos across the ground without care to the damage they were doing to themselves to reach their goal. 

Gabriel wasn’t sure they could win this battle. The team’s lack of training against Daemons and other supernatural beings was coming back to bite them in the ass. It was a problem they would need to rectify, and soon, but right now, they had to make it out of this mess. 

“You guys get out of here. We’ve got this.” Evander waved Gabriel, Nico, and Rafe off. They did need to get to Vasim, and maybe by taking him out, they could take down this possessed army too. Gabriel hoped they could last long enough for them to do it. 

“Rafe,” Gabriel whispered. “Flash to the front door and take those bastards out as they’re coming out. Take out as many as you can.” 

“On it, Baby Boss,” Rafe replied before flashing away. 

“What the fuck? Baby Boss?” 

Nico snorted. “Let’s go.” Continue reading →

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Bernard’s Diary by S.L. Danielson: Exclusive Excerpt!

Posted on June 29, 2019 by thebloggergirls

Blogger_Exclusive Excerpt

Exclusive Excerpt from Bernard’s Diary

by S.L. Danielson

Jack nodded and tucked his pen away. “Your body’s been through a big strain, you definitely need your rest.” 

“Especially a body this big.” He smoothed his hands over his large stomach as if he were a very pregnant woman. “I’m so sick of being obese, but I don’t think it’s in me to stop, as much as I’d like to.” 

Jack caught the man’s eyes. “We all have the power, Ber—” 

This speech was all too familiar. Bernard held up his hand to stop him. “Doc, please. 

Don’t. My mom and family have tried all kinds of things. I only got fatter and sadder. I’m sorry, I don’t mean to be surly with you, but things just haven’t gone my way for about the last 30 years.” 

A welcome sight entered the room when Nancy returned with a tray of food for him which he engulfed in front of the doctor and nurse. 

“Damn, I was starving. I guess if I’m gonna have to live, I’ll have to eat too. Can’t keep my boyish figure without it.” He held up the clear plastic fork and twirled it slightly and smirked. “Ah, plastic utensils. The sure sign I’m under suicide watch.” 

Dr. Jack and Nancy exchanged looks. Bernard saw their expressions and shrugged. 

“Remember, I’ve tried this before. It hasn’t worked yet, though. I keep getting saved by my neighbors or whomever. Besides, you guys are gonna watch me like a hawk, aren’t you?” 

“You’re right, we are. Not only is it local law, it’s our policy here too.” Jack replied with a stern look on his face. He stood up and patted the man’s arm. “You take care and get some rest. Maybe things will look clearer in the morning.” 

Bernard snorted and withheld a laugh. “I doubt it, but thank you. Good night, Doc. 

Oh hey! Shoot, did anyone call my mom? I know she’ll be worried sick.” 

Nancy went over to the station and checked the computer files. “We didn’t find anything on file for her. What’s her number?” 

Bernard stroked his large chin. “Damn. I swore I had her as my emergency contact. 

Well, anyway her number is 555-7260. She’ll be home. Trust me.” 

The nurse grinned. “I’ll call her right away. Does she know you’re suicidal?” 

“Yeah, she does.” 

“Just curious, why do you keep trying to end your life?” Nancy asked. 

Bernard sighed loudly and stifled a shudder of sadness. Believe it or not, he hated to talk about it. “I just have a whole lot of nothing going for me. I’ve had the same job, same apartment, and same look. If I’d try to change, it’d always fail. I’ve attempted to change things at least a dozen times and it bit me in the ass every single time. I can’t take the rejection anymore.” 

“Well you’ve got to hang in there, Bernard. What’re your goals and dreams?” Nancy asked cheerfully. 

What the hell, tell her. He sighed aloud and looked over at her. “I wanted to be a lawyer when I was a kid. Set up my own courtroom and everything. Got good grades in school, did everything right. Then my college dreams were vanquished.” 

“What happened?” Jack inquired. 

Don’t make me think about this again. Bernard shook his head and he lower lip quivered as he fought tears. “I can’t talk about it…please; can I just get some sleep?” 

Jack and Nancy shared a look. “Of course. We’ll let you rest. There are tissues next to you. Remember, one of us is always here, and you’re under supervision, so no tricks up your sleeves, alright?” Jack finished with a serious look. “Good night, Bernard.” 

“Yeah, night.” 

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Waited So Long by J.M. Dabney: Exclusive Excerpt & Giveaway!

Posted on June 28, 2019 by thebloggergirls

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Exclusive Excerpt from Waited So Long

by J.M. Dabney

I was a nervous wreck as I prepared for my first date with Bern—my first since my late teens. I’d taken extra time in the shower to get ready for the night. The clothes I chose were safe, navy slacks and a blue button down shirt that everyone complimented me on when I wore the color. The dress shoes were the ones I sported for business meetings. I agonized over whether to wear a tie or not.

He wouldn’t tell me where he was taking me or anything we’d do. Every time I’d asked the last few days, he kissed me and told me to be patient. I smiled to myself and caught the sight of it in the mirror. The harshness of my features from the last few years had faded as if they’d never existed. He popped over at odd times during the day just to kiss me, smirk and walk away. It was as if I was constantly on edge, but not in a bad way.

He called me every night just to tell me goodnight and that he’d missed me, no matter if he’d seen me ten minutes earlier or not. To be honest, I was still overwhelmed by all of it. I’d grown used to Lawrence’s disinterest in me. Accepted it was my fate until death do us part.

Bern didn’t make me feel as if I was going through the typical mid-life crisis of wanting a younger man. He was very much the dominant one and I was loving the beginning stages of embracing my submissiveness. The freedom was exhilarating. He’d even ordered me to place my new toy box on the couch for when we got home and I was so nervous about what he was going to do with me.

The doorbell rang and I didn’t want to keep him waiting. I grabbed my jacket from the foot of my bed and paused as I wondered if he’d share the bed with me again. The night I returned home, we’d talked about ourselves. I got to know the man Bern was now and I loved what I heard. He given me a comfort item, I’d felt naughty as I’d humped my teddy while I pretended to watch whatever show he’d put on and he’d wakened me. I’d been so relaxed I’d fallen asleep on it. 

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Release Blitz: I Wished For You by Colette Davison + Excerpt & Giveaway!

Posted on June 27, 2019 by thebloggergirls

I Wished For You by Colette Davison

Three wishes.

Seb wants to be happy.
Matt wants to find ‘the one.’
Connor wants them.

Two drunken kisses.

Seb didn’t plan to kiss Matt and Connor, but he doesn’t regret it, even if it has changed their friendship forever.

Matt has never considered dating a man before, let alone two. Despite his confusion, being with Seb and Connor feels right.

One uncertain future.

Connor’s potential fate has stopped him living and loving. Can he face his fears to be with the men he loves?

***Contains explicit language and scenes***

Available at: Amazon

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Book Review: Fresh Kill by Adam Carpenter

Posted on June 27, 2019 by thebloggergirls

Reviewed by JustJen

Title: Fresh Kill
Author: Adam Carpenter
Series: The Jimmy McSwain Files #6
Hero: Jimmy McSwain
Genre: MM Contemporary
Length: 276 Pages
Publisher: MLR Press
Release Date: April 11, 2019
Available at: Amazon and Barnes & Noble
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads

Blurb: Jimmy McSwain returns, but the question lingers, now that he has finally solved the fifteen-year-old murder of his NYPD cop-father, Joseph, who has he become?

Busy concentrating on family issues, Jimmy hasn’t taken a new case in nearly three months, and when a call comes in from Philip Connelly, who wants proof of his wife, Myra’s, cheating, Jimmy is torn. Take the case, or say no. He rejects it, only to learn a week later that Philip has been found dead in a park on Staten Island. The police believe it was suicide, but Myra—a self-admitted adulteress—is convinced he was murdered. Jimmy agrees to take the case. But it seems his decision to rejoin the world has also affected the other areas of his life: his sister is facing a health crisis, an old friend from his father’s past has resurfaced, and his lover, Captain Francis X. Frisano, is working a difficult case in Chelsea where gay men are being attacked.

If that wasn’t enough, Jimmy is on the hunt to bring down his new nemesis, the criminal mastermind Mr. Wu-Tin. A fire at one of his warehouses stirs fear in Jimmy that the man is trying to destroy evidence of his crimes. That’s when life throws him a twist, and suddenly Jimmy feels that just as he’s hoping to find answers, new mysteries emerge about whether the path he’s on leads to a fresh start, or a fresh kill.
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Categories: 4.5 Star Ratings, Book Review, JustJen's Reviews, LGBT, Published in 2019 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment