Him~ by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy
They don’t play for the same
team. Or do they?
Jamie Canning has never been able to figure out how he lost his closest friend. Four years ago, his tattooed, wise-cracking, rule-breaking roommate cut him off without an explanation. So what if things got a little weird on the last night of hockey camp the summer they were eighteen? It was just a little drunken foolishness. Nobody died.
Ryan Wesley’s biggest regret is coaxing his very straight friend into a bet that pushed the boundaries of their relationship. Now, with their college teams set to face off at the national championship, he’ll finally get a chance to apologize. But all it takes is one look at his longtime crush, and the ache is stronger than ever.
Jamie has waited a long time for answers, but walks away with only more questions—can one night of sex ruin a friendship? If not, how about six more weeks of it? When Wesley turns up to coach alongside Jamie for one more hot summer at camp, Jamie has a few things to discover about his old friend...and a big one to learn about himself.
Jamie Canning has never been able to figure out how he lost his closest friend. Four years ago, his tattooed, wise-cracking, rule-breaking roommate cut him off without an explanation. So what if things got a little weird on the last night of hockey camp the summer they were eighteen? It was just a little drunken foolishness. Nobody died.
Ryan Wesley’s biggest regret is coaxing his very straight friend into a bet that pushed the boundaries of their relationship. Now, with their college teams set to face off at the national championship, he’ll finally get a chance to apologize. But all it takes is one look at his longtime crush, and the ache is stronger than ever.
Jamie has waited a long time for answers, but walks away with only more questions—can one night of sex ruin a friendship? If not, how about six more weeks of it? When Wesley turns up to coach alongside Jamie for one more hot summer at camp, Jamie has a few things to discover about his old friend...and a big one to learn about himself.
My Review:
SO WOW! That blew my mind! What an
absolutely amazing story! No words. I love hockey books. So when a friend
recommended this one I was on board (I trust her judgement completely) The
writing is positively flawless, it reads super smooth, and the characters are
defined to a T! Sarina and Elle are a writing powerhouse! They entwined their
knowledge and talent and weaved an emotional, beautiful, gritty love story. A
friends to lovers book that should be read and re read! You don't have to know
hockey to read or appreciate this book so don't let that be a deciding factor.
Jamie and Wes are perfect for each other. The balance and complement each
other! Watching them reconnect after years of not talking was a dance I'd watch
a hundred times. Fantastic book! A MUST READ!
Confessions of a Wild Heart by Kade Boehme
US Army PFC Jase Emery, on leave in Germany, sees Ase
Ramirez for the first time with a camera to his face. Ase’s wild child ways
provide a welcome distraction for Jase. But their weekend of fun ends abruptly
when Ase’s conservative family catches them. Through email, Ase and Jase are
able to keep the link open. But that too comes to an end.
Jase was never able to live up to his parent’s expectations like his brother was. He didn’t stay and work the family ranch, or marry. He saw the world. His return from serving in the Army changed nothing, he wanted to be free to live his own life. But the death of his father and his mother’s failing health force him to come home and live a life in the closet as a local Sheriff Deputy so he can take care of his family… Until Ase makes a surprising return.
After his family caught Ase and Jase together, Ase worked hard at getting the heat off himself. His occasional thoughts of Jase and their amazing weekend dwindle as life and family take the forefront.
When Ase and Jase come face to face again, it isn’t easy. Insecurities, and a hurt that have only grown with time make it hard to see the future.Can their friendship blossom into something more? With Ase’s wild side reappearing from the shadows and major trust issues, can he and Jase, with huge obstacles of his own, learn to forgive, move on, and find a peace they both so desperately want… together?
Jase was never able to live up to his parent’s expectations like his brother was. He didn’t stay and work the family ranch, or marry. He saw the world. His return from serving in the Army changed nothing, he wanted to be free to live his own life. But the death of his father and his mother’s failing health force him to come home and live a life in the closet as a local Sheriff Deputy so he can take care of his family… Until Ase makes a surprising return.
After his family caught Ase and Jase together, Ase worked hard at getting the heat off himself. His occasional thoughts of Jase and their amazing weekend dwindle as life and family take the forefront.
When Ase and Jase come face to face again, it isn’t easy. Insecurities, and a hurt that have only grown with time make it hard to see the future.Can their friendship blossom into something more? With Ase’s wild side reappearing from the shadows and major trust issues, can he and Jase, with huge obstacles of his own, learn to forgive, move on, and find a peace they both so desperately want… together?
My Review
I read a lot of books. I’ve read a
lot of Kade Boehme’s books. This one has to be one of his best. Ase is layers
upon layers. The depth Kade gives this character is breathtaking. Jase and
Ase are not Prince Charmings and this story isn’t a typical fairytale. It’s
gritty, heartbreaking, consuming, and profound.
This world is bigger than we give it credit for. There are things that happen out there, in the dark that we don’t realize. Jase and Ase are both on a journey. There’s shady times, there’s bright times, and there is life changing times. What happens when you meet someone who is meant for you but getting to that happily ever after feels almost impossible? Jase can’t fight Ase’s demons when his own are trying to drag him down. I adore how Kade is so spot on with every emotion and situation. The flow for Confessions of a Wild Heart is flawless. I sat in the middle of my bed, wine, used tissues, and a lot of cursing. Ice cream was my balm LOL. I love being that affected by a book. I love crying with the characters, living, loving, breaking. It takes one hell of an author to pull out these feelings and come full circle. I just don’t feel this review does this book justice. I want it to so badly. You really need to experience it. I mean that, experience it. It’s so much more than just a story. |
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The Tutor by Bonnie Dee
Gothic romance with a twist.
Elements of The Sound of Music, The Enchanted Garden, Jane Eyre, and “true” ghost hunting shows make this story feel familiar. Gay love makes it unique.
Seeing an ad for a position at a Yorkshire estate, typesetter Graham Cowrie decides to make an upward career move by passing himself off as a tutor. How hard can it be to teach a few subjects to a pair of nine-year-old boys? But on his arrival at the ancient house, he finds the staff creepy, the twins odd, and the widowed master temporarily absent.
His first meeting with brooding, stern, but oh-so-attractive, Sir Richard doesn’t go well, but with no other prospects vying for the teaching position, Graham manages to keep it. His mission soon becomes clear, break down the walls of reserve both father and sons have erected and attempt to bridge the gap between them.
But strange sounds, sights and experiences keep Graham on edge until he finally admits the Hall is haunted by two entities with very different agendas. Graham works to appease one and combat the other while protecting the broken family he’s grown to care for.
Elements of The Sound of Music, The Enchanted Garden, Jane Eyre, and “true” ghost hunting shows make this story feel familiar. Gay love makes it unique.
Seeing an ad for a position at a Yorkshire estate, typesetter Graham Cowrie decides to make an upward career move by passing himself off as a tutor. How hard can it be to teach a few subjects to a pair of nine-year-old boys? But on his arrival at the ancient house, he finds the staff creepy, the twins odd, and the widowed master temporarily absent.
His first meeting with brooding, stern, but oh-so-attractive, Sir Richard doesn’t go well, but with no other prospects vying for the teaching position, Graham manages to keep it. His mission soon becomes clear, break down the walls of reserve both father and sons have erected and attempt to bridge the gap between them.
But strange sounds, sights and experiences keep Graham on edge until he finally admits the Hall is haunted by two entities with very different agendas. Graham works to appease one and combat the other while protecting the broken family he’s grown to care for.
My Review
I’m not one for historical books
but this one caught my eye! It’s a gothic love story. One built on great
mystery, forbidden love, and the supernatural. What’s not to love? It was an
absolutely thrilling ride. Following the story on Graham’s POV, we see him
arrive as the tutor of twin boys Clive and Whit, hired by their widowed
father Sir Richard. With the closing of the estates doors Graham’s scary
journey of death, mystery, and darkness begin. But love conquers all and
finding it is a journey in itself.
I LOVED how this book sucked me in to this haunting world. It had the perfect creepy feel you look for in a book like this. Bonnie’s descriptions of every room in this creeptastic castle was divine! Each character was fantastically depicted and no matter how small their role in this book they stood out. It’s a brilliant book that will have you biting your nails and vibrating in your seat! A gothic love story indeed… with ghosts and all! |
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Bully & Exit by Brigham Vaughn
Theater student Caleb Stockwell is ready to leave college
behind. Too bad his past isn’t ready to let him go.
With less than a month to go until graduation, Caleb runs into Nathan Rhodes at a house party. Nathan is a star hockey player for Western Michigan University and finally ready to step out of the closet. He’s also the guy who broke Caleb’s heart in high school.
Nathan’s determined to make amends for what he did four years ago, but Caleb isn’t willing to risk getting his heart stomped on again. With only a few weeks left before they go their separate ways, it’ll take all of Nathan’s creativity and help from some interfering friends to convince Caleb to give him a second chance.
With less than a month to go until graduation, Caleb runs into Nathan Rhodes at a house party. Nathan is a star hockey player for Western Michigan University and finally ready to step out of the closet. He’s also the guy who broke Caleb’s heart in high school.
Nathan’s determined to make amends for what he did four years ago, but Caleb isn’t willing to risk getting his heart stomped on again. With only a few weeks left before they go their separate ways, it’ll take all of Nathan’s creativity and help from some interfering friends to convince Caleb to give him a second chance.
My Review
This is a story about forgiving. It’s a
story that shows us the strength of love. When we were in high school we did
stupid things. Even though we thought we knew it all. Nathan and Caleb are
living their lives, in college, unable to let go of one gigantic mess that
happened in high school. They pretty much coast through 4 years. Study, build
for a future. But they aren’t whole. They can’t be until they sit down, and
talk.
The flashbacks explain the turmoil they are currently in. We get glimpses of the happy times and what inevitably made it all go wrong. But 4 years later, going to the same college, only weeks from graduation, it finally comes to a head. I was mad at past Nate. Irritated with present Caleb. But I cheered them on. I hoped they could make it.
Brigham tortures us slowly. Giving us the cookies but hiding the milk. Bringing it out at the perfect moment. I don’t usually go for flashback books. It usually ruins the continuity of a story for me. However, these were vital and equally as emotional and entertaining as the present time.
I can’t wait to read book 2… I am pretty sure I know what characters will be in attendance. I think you will too. These secondary characters are just as important and entertaining.
This is a terrific story about growing up. Facing the demons, tackling them, and being pleasantly surprised in humanity. It’s a love story, built on a pothole covered road. You’ll make it to the end on flat tires if you have to, couple of dings in the bumper, but you’ll make it!
The flashbacks explain the turmoil they are currently in. We get glimpses of the happy times and what inevitably made it all go wrong. But 4 years later, going to the same college, only weeks from graduation, it finally comes to a head. I was mad at past Nate. Irritated with present Caleb. But I cheered them on. I hoped they could make it.
Brigham tortures us slowly. Giving us the cookies but hiding the milk. Bringing it out at the perfect moment. I don’t usually go for flashback books. It usually ruins the continuity of a story for me. However, these were vital and equally as emotional and entertaining as the present time.
I can’t wait to read book 2… I am pretty sure I know what characters will be in attendance. I think you will too. These secondary characters are just as important and entertaining.
This is a terrific story about growing up. Facing the demons, tackling them, and being pleasantly surprised in humanity. It’s a love story, built on a pothole covered road. You’ll make it to the end on flat tires if you have to, couple of dings in the bumper, but you’ll make it!
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Damages Incurred by JR Gray
Their world is crumbling on the King’s shoulders.
Elliot is gone.
George has failed, and his demons are threatening to swallow him whole. Jesse’s life is slipping through his fingers. He feels like he’s losing George, whom he has just gotten back. The search for Elliot is taking its toll on the pair of them, and the strain shows the cracks in their trust.
Zac is doing everything he can, but he's been plagued with flashbacks of a life he can't remember. Even his iron constitution must break sometime, and the search for Elliot can’t wait. Each minute could be the difference between life and death.
Can they get it together to save themselves or Elliot?
Elliot is gone.
George has failed, and his demons are threatening to swallow him whole. Jesse’s life is slipping through his fingers. He feels like he’s losing George, whom he has just gotten back. The search for Elliot is taking its toll on the pair of them, and the strain shows the cracks in their trust.
Zac is doing everything he can, but he's been plagued with flashbacks of a life he can't remember. Even his iron constitution must break sometime, and the search for Elliot can’t wait. Each minute could be the difference between life and death.
Can they get it together to save themselves or Elliot?
My Review
George, Jesse, Elliot, Zac, Daniel,
Rafe... the gang is all here... AND SO BROKEN! Of course my immediate worry was
George and Jesse because I love them. Zac took me by surprise. Getting into his
head was an experience that's for sure. His need to get to Elliot was powerful.
Of course, because is JR Gray writing this book there was a ton of nail biting
involved. My heart shattered for George. I was sweating with worry for Elliot,
and Zac... I wish so many things. Let's not forget Jared of course. I'm still
not sure where I stand with him. I like him, but... well you make a judgement
there. I don't envy George with all he has to worry about. And yes there are
still questions that need answers to so I'm desperate for book 5! This series
has been a roller coaster of emotion. One of the best BDSM Series I've ever
read. JR's ability to mingle hot sex, and great plot, dabble suspense over it,
dip it in a pool of intense characters then light it on fire, is a unique
thing! I adore this series. She's an amazing writer. She uses her talent pushes
her limits and because of that we get a treat of a lifetime!
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The Youth & Young Loves of Oliver
Wade by Ben Monopoli
What makes us who we are? Is it life's big milestones that
propel us from childhood to adulthood? Or are we made of all the little
memories that have a way of standing in for so much more?
A green-eyed boy on a subway platform might be how you remember a breakthrough. A pair of worn corduroys might be what you remember of your first love. A coffee cup in a blizzard might be how you remember your best friend. The sound of a dial-up modem connecting. The wet stems of lily pads in your dad’s hands. A spiral of hairs on a cheek. The outline of keys in a pocket. Blue paint under fingernails. Fireworks on a summer night. These details are like pulses, like heartbeat spikes on the cardiac line of memory.
In the twelve stories in THE YOUTH & YOUNG LOVES OF OLIVER WADE, Ben Monopoli shows us these pulses in the life of our narrator Ollie as he grows from age thirteen to twenty-eight. Pulses that define who Ollie is, and ultimately who he'll become.
A stand-alone companion to THE PAINTING OF PORCUPINE CITY and THE CRANBERRY HUSH.
A green-eyed boy on a subway platform might be how you remember a breakthrough. A pair of worn corduroys might be what you remember of your first love. A coffee cup in a blizzard might be how you remember your best friend. The sound of a dial-up modem connecting. The wet stems of lily pads in your dad’s hands. A spiral of hairs on a cheek. The outline of keys in a pocket. Blue paint under fingernails. Fireworks on a summer night. These details are like pulses, like heartbeat spikes on the cardiac line of memory.
In the twelve stories in THE YOUTH & YOUNG LOVES OF OLIVER WADE, Ben Monopoli shows us these pulses in the life of our narrator Ollie as he grows from age thirteen to twenty-eight. Pulses that define who Ollie is, and ultimately who he'll become.
A stand-alone companion to THE PAINTING OF PORCUPINE CITY and THE CRANBERRY HUSH.
My Review
How do you review a Ben Monopoli book?
By accepting the fact that no matter how hard you try to sing it's praises you
won't do it justice. I accept that. But, I will still do my very best. Like all
of Ben's books The Youth & Young Loves of Oliver Wade is utterly unique!
It's a colorful rainbow in a bleak black and white world. I don't know how he
reaches inside so deeply and pulls out every feel there is. He makes you relate
to the characters. I found myself understanding Oliver Wade. I understood the
stories and was able to draw parallels from my own life. That made it so very
real. Like all of his books, I was left feeling raw, vulnerable, and hungover.
He is an unconventional writer, one of the best I've ever had the honor of
reading. Every story in this book is like looking through a kaleidoscope. Keep
turning it, find the light, see the whole picture, the work of art. Everyone
will see it and feel it differently but each will agree with it's beauty. Read
this book. Read all his books!
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After years of travelling the world using his trust fund, college-dropout Joshua Silverton returns to London to discover two shocking truths: his estranged and wealthy father has been dead for over a year and he left his fortune to a total stranger. Joshua soon meets the man who stole his inheritance and even though he expects to hate Ezra Steele, he can’t ignore the strange attraction he suddenly feels towards him.
Bill Silverton saved Ezra Steele from his troubled past when he signed Silverton Tower over to him on his deathbed. Ezra now has the house, the business, the cars, the money and a different man in his bed every night. It’s a life he wants to cling to, so when Bill’s gorgeous son unexpectedly turns up and demands he hand everything back, his life is turned upside down in more ways than one.
A need to finally prove himself to his dead father forces Joshua to challenge Ezra but will he be able to ignore the attraction in order to be ruthless? Ezra tries to keep his enemies close by getting Joshua into his bed but as history catches up with him, he is forced to face himself. They are both running from their past, so in a battle between head and heart, Joshua and Ezra must choose what is more important – money or each other.
My Review:
I’m a sucker for corporate romance books! This one was quite intriguing. Very intriguing actually. We have hot, rich, playboy, CEO Ezra and Hipster, thinks he’s rich, super-hot Joshua. It’s like oil and fire with these two.
Boss is more than a corporate romance. It’s an emotional ride up that ladder and the characters are not living it up without serious issues! We always assume we know “types” of people just by looking at them but they often wear a mask to cover their identity. Sometimes it’s because of shame, or fear, or sadness. Sometimes it’s all of the above. No one is perfect in this book, no matter how many times they want you to think it.
Ezra and Joshua try so hard to hate each other in this story and they end up closer than ever. I rolled my eyes at them, giggled, and KNEW they were screwed! I loved every second of the back and forth.
There were a few nail biting moments, some tears were shed. It was a story of pasts colliding with the present and affecting the future.
Awesome read!
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GIVEAWAY
One person will get their choice of any one of these ebooks. Contest will run until August 14th. I will contact you via email so check you spam. I will gift it to you via Amazon, or through All Romance Ebooks IF the book is available there.
Enter the rafflecopter below. Good luck to you all. I highly recommend checking out ALL of these books regardless if if you win or not. They are amazing and the talent behind the words is crazy big!
Remember to review what you read!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
The books all look fabulous and they are all on my wish list. Last month I've been reading "The Altered Series" by Annabelle Jacobs they really good and I recommend them.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite books in July are Crossroads by Riley Hart and the entire series by JR Gray.
ReplyDeletehaven't read any in this group but I did read Crossroads by Riley Hart would like to read JR Gray
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ReplyDeleteI have not read any of these in the list above, but I read and loved Mail Order Husbands by Abraham Steele last month in July.
ReplyDeleteloved crossroads by riley hart
ReplyDeleteI have only read Bully & Exit by Brigham Vaughn from this list but have many of the others on my WANT TO READ List! I did enjoy Bully & Exit and am looking forward to reading the 2nd book in the series.
ReplyDeleteNot released last month, but that's when I read it: Whiskey & Wry by Rhys Ford was my only 5 star read. Amazing.
ReplyDeleteI loved Nowhere Ranch and Long Change. Both are great books!
ReplyDeleteI finally read Hot Head and loved it :)
ReplyDeleteI've been reading the Cut & Run series this past month and I'm totally hooked! I really want to read The Tutor. I love period/mystery fics and that one looks be right up my alley. Thank you for the opportunity! xoxo
ReplyDeleteI have read quite a few books, such as the Brigham Vaughn Equals series, Boss by Ashley John, Blowing off Steam by Joy Lynn Fielding and the Men of London series by Susan Mac Nicol (to name just a few of them) :) thank you for the giveaway chance.
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