Release Day Review: Power Play by Avon Gale #Review #Giveaway

Author: Avon Gale
Book: Power Play book 3
Series: Scoring Chances
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Publication Date: May 9, 2016
Length 201 pages

Reviewed by Erin


Synopsis

A freak accident during the Stanley Cup Playoffs put an end to Max Ashford’s hockey career. Despite everything, Max gets back into the game he loves—only this time, behind the bench as an assistant coach of the Spartanburg Spitfires, the worst team in the entire league. But nothing prepares him for the shock when he learns the new head coach is Misha Samarin, the man who caused Max’s accident.

After spending years guilt ridden for his part in Max’s accident, Russian native Misha Samarin has no idea what to do when he’s confronted with Max’s presence. Max’s optimism plays havoc with Misha’s equilibrium—as does the fierce attraction that springs up between them.

Not only must they navigate Misha’s remorse and a past he’s spent a lifetime trying to forget, but also a sleazy GM who is determined to use their history as a marketing hook. But when an unwelcome visitor targets a player, Misha revisits his darkest days, and that might cost him and Max the beginning they’ve worked so hard to build.

Buy Links

Dreamspinner Press

Amazon

Review

So you know one of the best things about being a reader? When one of your favorite authors of one of our favorite series releases a new book and it's even better than you knew it would be! Such is the case for Power Play, Avon Gale's newest book in her fabulous Scoring Chances series. In this one, we're treated (and I mean that so much!) to the other side of the puck as both Misha and Max are coaches, not players—though they are former players. And not only are they coaches, but Misha is the person responsible for the injury that ended Max's hockey playing career. How's that for drama?? 

This book was SO MUCH FUN, y'all. Different from the first two in that it's a bit heavier and focuses more on some pretty intense issues, but in true Avon Gale style, so very entertaining. I swear Avon Gale writes guys like few others. Her men are always so real. They cuss, they say inappropriate things, they act like jerks sometimes, but to me, this makes Misha and Max (and all the others) that much more genuine. The way she handles bisexuality is so refreshing, too. I've been so impressed with realistic way in which Gale handles this subject ... brash and honest mixed with a bit of humor (sometimes locker room humor) but so very authentic. After all, these guys are attracted to BOTH sexes, that doesn't go away just because they happen to fall in love with a man. 

Max's reaction to his immediate attraction to his fellow coach was a pure joy to witness as he jumps head first into his relationship with Misha. And don't even get me started on the awesomeness that is Misha! So vulnerable and stoic, afraid to trust his feelings for Max coupled with the crushing guilt he's been carrying around for years made my heart swoon all over the place. The chemistry between these two was scorching and one of my favorite things is that Max and Misha are every bit as much best friends as they are lovers.  As usual, the secondary characters are fantastically developed, full of richness and complexity—they always add so much to the story line. Especially the blue haired, lip earring (as Misha calls it) wearing goalie, Drake. I am SO looking forward to more of his story. Misha's burgeoning friendship with the charismatic Drake is one I definitely want more of. They way these two interact is as delightful and engaging as Misha's relationship with Max. And the cameos??!! Pure fabulousness especially from my favorite, Coach Spencer. This guy just kills me, and of course seeing Ethan Kennedy was a double win. 

All in all, this book is a winner. Great storyline, fantastic characters, brilliant witty and sharp writing, HOCKEY, and some pretty hot sex, too. This book is NOT to be missed. Oh and Avon, bring on Drake! I can't wait to see him in the next book!

Giveaway

Enter the monthly review giveaway!

Contest ends on May 31st!

Winner is contacted via email!

Thank you!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Release Day Review: What About Now by Grace. R. Duncan #Review #Giveaway

Author: Grace. R. Duncan
Book: What About Now
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Publication Date: May 9, 2016
Length: 307 pages

Reviewed by Meredith


Synopsis

Five years ago, everything went wrong. Braden Kirk and Rafe Jessen’s long-term relationship started unraveling. They stopped talking, fears mounted, then Braden walked in on Rafe and another man, completely misreading the situation. Without giving Rafe a chance to explain, Braden walks out. Out of their home, their relationship, and the game development company they started together in college.

After months of therapy to deal with the attempted rape Braden walked in on, Rafe begins to understand that his dominant tendencies in the bedroom aren’t a bad thing and that Braden’s submission is likely what scared his partner into silence. But Rafe isn’t ready to let go of the man he loves more than life itself. He arranges for himself and Braden to end up on the same charity cruise, knowing Braden won’t let his phobia—terror of vast, deep waters—rule him.

With a plan and twenty-eight days, Rafe is determined to get Braden back, make him see there’s nothing wrong with being submissive, and find a way to get Braden to stay with him when they get home to LA.

Buy Links

Dreamspinner Press

Amazon

Review

I had a lot of love for this story. Only one issue and we can get to that later. Let me tell you what I loved. Rafe. He’s my favorite. He’s so beyond broken… well, that’s unfair. Let’s say he is a work in progress. At first we didn’t know why Rafe and Braden broke up 5 years ago and it took a while to find out why. But we did and it’s heartbreaking. The moment of truth kind of takes the air out of you and you want to scoop Rafe up and tell him it’s all okay. 

I got the hesitation in Braden up to a certain point then I was like. Okay there, buddy, time to get to talking. No more thinking. I’d like to say it’s a slow burn and in a way it is. But because Rafe and Braden had so much to work through I felt the timing was right when they do finally get to the sexy times.

My only issue, and it’s a realism sort of thing, I found it incredibly unrealistic that they were together for how long they were, broke up after owning a business and home together, and didn’t talk one word in 5 years. I had a hard time wrapping my head around that part. But that is where my issues end.

It’s very well written. Grace brings beautiful broken characters to life and makes them all better the finesse and creativity.

Very enjoyable.

Giveaway

Enter the monthly release day review Giveaway!

Contest ends on May 31st.

Winner is contacted via email

Thank you!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Release Day Review: Duke in Hiding by MJ O'Shea #Review #Giveaway

Review: Duke in Hiding (Dreamspun Desires)

Written by: MJ O’Shea 

Release Date: May 1, 2016

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Length: 162 pages

Reviewed by: Erin

Synopsis

Every gentleman has something to hide.

Meeting Heath Blackwood, a gorgeous English farmer, is probably the most exciting thing to ever happen to small-town landscaper Theo Brody, who has lived in quiet Maplehurst, New Hampshire, all his life. The sexy and secretive Brit shakes the foundations of his orderly world as they are swept up in a springtime romance neither can resist.

But Heath’s secrets run deeper than Theo ever imagined. He’s actually Heathcliff Pierrepont Blackwood, Duke of Kingston, in hiding from recent death threats. Suddenly there’s more separating them than the Atlantic Ocean, and Theo doubts he’ll ever fit in with English nobility. Though Heath and Theo are opposites in almost every way, their love might bridge the gap—if they’re willing to take the risk.

Buy Links

Amazon

Dreamspinner Press

Review

What happens when the Seventh Duke of Kensington crosses path with a small town part-time bartender and full time landscaper? Well, first there’s lots of sparring and snarky banter. Then a bit of flirting mixed with sarcasm. You get all this, and so much more in M.J. O’Shea’s Duke in Hiding, the newest novel in Dreamspinner’s Dreamspun Desires series. 

This book was LOADS of fun, y’all! Sexy and sweet and swoony and romantic. This trope—the English nobleman hiding out in small town America—was enjoyable from beginning to end. Your teeth might hurt more than a few times from the overload of sweet, but the story was totally captivating.

 Theo is dreamy, beloved by everyone in his picturesque town of Maplehurst, New Hampshire. He’s content with his growing business, movie nights with his best friend Gilly, and breakfasts at the diner. He’s not crazy about being a bartender, but all in all, his life is pretty decent. Until he gets knocked on his ass by the charming, dazzling, RUDE but oh-so-hot new guy in town. The accent, the looks, the biting sarcasm newcomer Heath throws about is irresistible to Theo. It doesn’t take long for these two to give into the chemistry arcing between them, and once they do, the swoons … they are plentiful. 

M.J. O’Shea has written a delightful tale of two “seemingly normal” guys falling head over heels in love. There are romantic dinners in farm to table restaurants, walks on the beach, and movie nights cuddling on the couch. Of course, Heath’s secret looms on the horizon (he IS hiding out for a reason) and the climax can be seen coming from a mile away, but that is the fun of these Dreamspun Desire novels. They’re predictable but that makes them comfortable and gives you the warm fuzzies. The writing in this one is spot on, the pacing perfect, and I was completely enthralled from beginning to end. Check out Duke in Hiding, you’re gonna love it!

Giveaway

Enter the May Release Day Giveaway!

Contest goes until May 31st!

Winner is contacted via email so be sure to check your spam.

a Rafflecopter giveaway