Diverse Reader: Kate McMurray

Review

It's June, y'all, so that means lots of sunshine, warm temperatures ... and baseball. I've gotta be honest, I'm not so much a fan of baseball--I'm a diehard hockey girl--but that being said, I do love books about baseball. Weird, I know, but it is what it is. And for baseball romance, there's not one better than Out in the Field by Kate McMurray. This book was first released in 2012, (I read it the first time in 2013) then re-released in 2016 by Dreamspinner and I can't tell you the number of times I've read this book. I adore it; Iggy and Matt are absolutely wonderful characters and the romance is as swoon worthy as you can find.

There's hero worship--Iggy has been a huge fan of Matt's for years and when he arrives to play for the Brooklyn Eagles it's with stars in his eyes and his hero worship not diminished in the least. I loved this aspect, the rookie at the beginning of his career and the veteran on his way out. I'm a big fan of age gaps in my romance so if you enjoy that as well, this will hit all of your buttons. I like the balance McMurray shows in the book between Matt's advice when it comes to baseball and then the intimate times between them when they're just Matt and Iggy.

If you like your sports romances to include a lot of actual sport, this one has a lot of baseball, but not so much as to take away from the romance. I also really liked how the subject of being gay and playing professional sports is handled; nothing too over the top but not too easy either. I appreciate that in the new edition things have been updated to show the change in LGBT laws (like same-sex marriage being legal in all 50 states) and the progress made in accepting gay athletes in general. There's some angst too, and really, it just adds to the depth of the book. Matt and Iggy are open and honest with each other in a way that's refreshing and heart-melting. The chemistry between these two is super hot, but it's intimate and emotional, not just physical.

Really, Out in the Field is just an all-around fabulous book. Awesome characters who are so likable and genuine, you will fall in love hard and fast with them, a great plot, and lots of romance and swoony moments. Oh, yeah, the baseball. It's fun and action packed and keeps this book on my re-read shelf. If you haven't checked this one out yet, be sure to do so. You'll love it!

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Monday, July 3, 2017

Release Day Review: What's The Use Of Wondering by Kate McMurray #Review #Giveaway

Author: Kate McMurray
Book: What's The Use Of Wondering?
Series: WMU #2
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Aaron Anderson
Publication Date: July 3, 2017
Length: 200 pages

Reviewed by Erin

Synopsis

Violinist Logan has spent most of his life training for a career in music. But as the pressure mounts during his junior year, he questions whether playing in an orchestra is the future he wants, or one chosen by his parents. His new roommate—that annoying jerk Peter from last year’s production of Guys and Dolls—complicates matters. Crammed into a dorm room with the overconfident but undeniably hot accounting major, Logan can’t stop snarling.

Then Peter sprains his ankle building sets, and Logan grudgingly agrees to play chauffeur. But instead of putting further strain on their relationship, spending time together reveals some common ground—and mutual frustration. Logan discovers he isn’t the only one who doesn’t know what he wants from life, and the animosity between him and Peter changes keys. But just as the possibility of a happier future appears, Logan gets a dream offer that will take him away from Western Massachusetts University—and Peter. Now he has to decide: will he live the solitary life laid out for him, or hold on to Peter and forge his own path?

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Review

If, like me, New Adult is your jam, and you enjoy a really good roommates to lovers story, then let me tell you, Kate McMurray's What's the Use of Wondering will definitely hit all of your buttons. I know it did mine. A sweet romance with a touch of angst and some really great coming of age themes, along with two characters I fell in love with made this such an enjoyable read.

Logan loves playing the violin. He's dreamed of being a concert violinist for most of his life. What he doesn't like? His new roommate Peter. Logan and Peter did not have the best first meeting when they crossed paths a few months ago and when Logan walks into his dorm room to see Peter unpacking and making his bed, Logan is not a happy camper. All he wants to do is play his violin and forget about his roommate, no matter how hot he thinks Peter is. The new semester finds Logan under more pressure to to practice more, to be even better, to be the best violinist his parents want him to be. None of which is exactly what he wants. His attraction to Peter isn't helping anything, either, but after an apology to Peter for assuming things he shouldn't have, the two of them realize they have more in common than they think.

The thing I love most about New Adult books is the way the characters often really take a look at their lives and try to figure out exactly what they want to do and who they want to be. As the only child of two high strung parents, Logan feels pressure to not only make them happy, but to excel and be perfect as well. When he begins to question the path he's on, and tries to talk to his parents only to be met with resistance and disregard, the only person he can turn to is Peter. Peter is experiencing the same sort of pressure from his father to follow his footsteps into accounting, which Peter can't possibly see himself doing for the rest of his life.They have the same insecurities, the same questions about their futures and what's expected of them by their parents and this bond makes them so much closer. I loved how they talked to one another, were honest and opened up and admitted things they've never spoken about to anyone else. You could definitely feel just how much this connection, the acceptance was needed.

What's the Use of Wondering is a really quiet, lovely coming of age book that hit on all the things I love most about the New Adult genre. Not many can pull it off, but Kate, as I expected, did such a good job capturing the hope, the fear, the excitement of being on the cusp on forging your own path. I highly recommend this book.

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Monday, January 9, 2017

Release Day Review... There Has To Be A Reason by Kate McMurray #Review #Giveaway

Author: Kate McMurray
Book: There Has To Be A Reason
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Publication date: January 9, 2017
Length: 226 pages

Reviewed by Erin

Synopsis

Dave is enjoying his junior year at a big New England university, even if none of his relationships have been especially satisfying. He plans to hang around with his best friend Joe and focus on his studies until he graduates, and then he’ll figure out the rest.

Meeting Noel changes his plans.

Noel is strikingly beautiful and unlike anyone Dave knows. Something about Noel draws Dave to him—an attraction Dave doesn’t feel ready to label. And even if he was, why would Noel be interested in Dave? And what about Joe? He hates Noel and everything he represents, and he might hate Dave if he finds out about Dave’s secret desires. So Dave will have to keep those feelings hidden—along with his relationship with Noel.

But Noel has fought too hard for his identity to be Dave’s dirty secret. Will Dave tell the truth and risk the life he’s always known… or live a lie and risk losing the love of his life?

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Review

New Adult or NA stories are one my favorite sub-genre's. There's just something about that age, late teens or early twenties, that is just so appealing, you know? You've got characters who may or may not be on their own for the first time, figuring out who they are, and spreading their wings to see who and what they want to be. I love it. Such is the case with Kate McMurray's new book, There Has to be a Reason. Dave and Noel are two great, likable characters who meet, fall in love, and in the process find out more about themselves along the way.

Dave is in his junior year of college and a chance meeting with Noel, in a bathroom of all places, sends Dave into a bit of an identity crisis. He has a girl he's been seeing for a while, but he's not exactly feeling all warm and fuzzy with her. But seeing Noel around campus a few times has certainly got him interested. He's never been attracted to guys before, but he's not really too surprised to see himself attracted to the cute, and very out, Noel. What begins first as a friendship, with some flirting thrown in, quickly turns to a complicated relationship as Dave tries to come to terms with his bisexuality. He's afraid to talk to his friends about his feelings for Noel for fear of their reaction, but Noel is out, and won't stay in the closet for anyone, not even Dave.

As always, McMurray's great writing shines through from beginning the end. There's nothing new going on in this book, we've seen these same topics done over and over again, but Kate has a way of telling a story that sucks you in and doesn't let go. Dave (even when you kinda want to kick him in the shin) and Noel and even Joe and Kareem are engaging, multi-faceted characters. The romance is sweet, even when it's fraught with angst, and like anyone in their early twenties mistakes aplenty are made, but it's how you grow from them that makes a difference. Kate McMurray shows the changes each of her characters goes through in a realistic way. There Has to be a Reason was a lovely, entertaining read. For any fan of hers, you'll definitely enjoy this one, and if she's a new to you author, definitely check this one out.

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Friday, July 22, 2016

Release Day Review: The Boy Next Door by Kate McMurray #Review #Giveaway

Author: Kate McMurray
Book: The Boy Next Door (2nd Edition)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Publication Date: July 22, 2016
Length: 256 pages

Reviewed by Erin

Synopsis

Life is full of surprises and, with luck, second chances.

After his father’s death, Lowell leaves the big city to help his sick mother in the conservative small town where he grew up. He’s shocked to find himself living next to none other than his childhood friend Jase. Lowell always had a crush on Jase, and the man has only gotten more attractive with age. Unfortunately Jase is straight, now divorced, and raising his six-year-old daughter. It’s nice to reconnect, but Lowell doesn’t see a chance for anything beyond friendship.

Until a night out together changes everything.

Jase can’t fight his growing feelings for Lowell, and he doesn’t want to give up the happy future they could have. But his ex-wife issues an ultimatum: he must keep his homosexuality secret or she’ll revoke his custody of their daughter, Layla. Now Jase faces an impossible choice: Lowell and the love he’s always wanted, or his daughter.

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Review

I always enjoy a really good coming home story mixed with a second chance at love. When a kid is involved? Well, I'm going to be all over that for sure so I was really excited when I saw the blurb for Kate McMurray's new book, The Boy Next Door. This isn't REALLY a new book, since it's a re-release first published back in 2011, and as such, it was a bit of a let down seeing as how the plot and attitudes in much of the book felt a bit dated. Kate's writing as always shines through, but I have to confess this isn't my favorite book of hers.

Lowell is back in his conservative hometown of Greenbriar to take care of his ailing mother. His abusive father has passed away and his mother needs help, so Lowell leaves the big city he loves to go back to the place he fled more than 15 years ago. He's only stayed in touch with one friend since leaving, and when she helps him find a new house, it just so happens it's located next to his old best friend and secret crush, Jason. Jason's divorced, a father to adorable Layla, with a job he hates and ex-wife that causes him more stress than he can handle on most days. I did enjoy watching Lowell and Jase rekindle their friendship. It was so apparent how lonely and starved for companionship Jase has been and he can't help his attraction, one that's been long buried since high school, to Lowell. He's drawn by his good looks, his vivacious personality, and the fact that Lowell genuinely likes his daughter is a huge turn on. Problem is, Jase doesn't want to be gay, and when his evil ex-wife in all her homophobic ranting threatens to take Layla away from him if he continues his friendship with Lowell, well you can guess what happens from here.

The cliched evil ex-wife, the conservative town, the blatant homophobia, the slightly, and at times not so slightly, cringe worthy actions and explanations from Jase about his feelings for Lowell all left me a bit meh about this book. I never was able to warm up to Jase and I really didn't want Lowell with him at all. I liked Lowell, liked his attitude and his personality, but Jase was just so wishy washy that it ruined their relationship for me. There's a bit of action at the end, then a nice HFN. I won't even call it an HEA because I'm not sure these two have what it takes to make it. However, this is a nice, quick read that might appeal to other readers out there.

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Friday, July 15, 2016

Release Day Review: The Greek Tycoon's Green Card Groom by Kate McMurray #Review #Giveaway

Author: Kate McMurray
Book: The Greek Tycoon's Green Card Groom
Series: Dreamspun Desires
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Publication date: July 15, 2016
Length: 218 pages

Reviewed by Erin

Synopsis

Marriage gets less convenient when love is involved.

It started simple: Ondrej Kovac marries Archie Katsaros so Ondrej can stay in the US, away from his judgmental family in eastern Europe. Archie marries Ondrej in exchange for the money to bail out his failing company. It’s a fraud neither man is convinced he can pull off.

But as Archie introduces Ondrej to New York society and Ondrej proves his skill in the office, they start to discover a connection between them. Can they overcome the rocky foundation their relationship was built on, meddling immigration agents, gossip columnists determined to out their deception, and an aggressive executive set on selling Archie’s company out from under him? Only if they can prove to each other their love is worth fighting for.

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Review

A marriage of convenience, two sexy guys, and a company on the brink of collapse are the premise of Kate McMurray's newest book, The Greek Tycoon's Green Card Groom. This is the next book in Dreamspinner Press's Dreamspun Desires line and while I loved the blurb and the idea of this, unfortunately this one fell just a bit flat for me. Which is so disappointing because I absolutely adore Kate McMurray's books.

Archimedes (how fabulous is this name, though?!) Katsaros or Archie as he's called is in trouble. His family's company, the one left to him by his beloved deceased father, is about to go under. The poor economy coupled with years and years worth of less than savvy business decisions has Archie struggling for a way to right the sinking ship. Enter gorgeous, and suddenly without a valid green card, Ondrej Kovac ... who just happens to be quite wealthy. As you can guess, a plan is hatched, the two get hitched, and everyone wins ... or do they? While Archie and Ondrej are definitely attracted to one another, there are plenty of road blocks on their way to wedded bliss.

For me, this is where the issues arise. There is little, and I'm talking close to zero, chemistry between Archie and Ondrej. I liked both these guys, separately, and for the most part, but when they're together, there's something off. Maybe it was Ondrej's inner dialog that left me confused most of the time and the rest with a bit of a bad taste in my mouth. Some of his thoughts and his feelings toward Archie were pretty cold. And Archie ... his Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde flip flopping did little to endear me to him, either. One minute Archie can't imagine his life without Ondrej, and the next, he's telling Ondrej he needs space and wants to sleep alone.

The ending though, that saved the book for me. Sweet and romantic and what I wanted from a Dreamspun Desires book. As always, Kate's writing is stellar, it's just too bad this story didn't quite have that usual McMurray touch.

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Saturday, May 28, 2016

Random Five #Giveaway

It's Random Five time. This is where I take 5 random AMAZING books I've read, present them to you, and have a giveaway where one lucky person can win one! YAY! These five authors are fantastic and these are books I've thoroughly enjoyed and never forgotten!

Pick Up Men by LC Chase

It takes a pissed-off Brahma bull named Shockwave to show rodeo pickup man Marty Fairgrave the cold hard truth about champion bull rider Tripp Colby: Tripp will never leave the safety of his closet or acknowledge Marty in public. Sometimes loving someone just isn’t enough, and after a year of hiding what they are, Marty finally sees the light—and it’s no longer shining on Tripp.

Tripp Colby would do anything for Marty. Well . . . almost. He’s never loved anyone before, and isn’t quite sure how to handle it now. But he knows Marty is his everything, and in order to win him back, Tripp will have to overcome his darkest fears and step into the light.

But no matter Tripp’s intentions, the cost might be too high and the effort too late for these two cowboys to ride off into the sunset.

The Guy from Glamour by Skylar M. Cates

Anthony Carrino loves his big, gregarious Italian-American family, even if his sisters are interfering, and his dad, the local sheriff, knows everything going on in town. He’s happy as a middle school guidance counselor. Despite helping kids and their parents fix their problems, Anthony can’t manage to get his own love life right. If only everyone would stop calling him the “nice” guy.

Dean Pierce doesn’t do relationships. A tough-minded military man, he is dedicated to his job as a Night Stalker, flying Chinook helicopters and not speaking much to anybody. He certainly doesn’t want to deal with a mess of emotions. But when tragedy strikes, Dean finds his hands full with his troubled niece, her irresistible guidance counselor, and a meddlesome family, which includes a rather large puppy.

The Stars that Tremble by Kate McMurray

Giovanni Boca was destined to go down in history as an opera legend until a vocal chord injury abruptly ended his career. Now he teaches voice lessons at a prestigious New York City music school. During auditions for his summer opera workshop, he finds his protégé in fourteen-year-old Emma McPhee. Just as intriguing to Gio is Emma's father Mike, a blue-collar guy who runs a business renovating the kitchens and bathrooms of New York's elite to finance his daughter's dream.

Mike’s partner was killed when Emma was a toddler, and Gio mourns the beautiful voice he will never have again, so coping with loss is something they have in common. Their initial physical attraction quickly grows to something more as each hopes to fill the gap that loss and grief has left in his life. Although Mike wonders if he can truly fit into Gio's upperclass world, their bond grows stronger. Then, trouble strikes from outside when the machinations of an unscrupulous stage mother threaten to tear Gio and Mike apart—and ruin Emma's bright future.

Billy’s Bones by Jamie Fessenden

Kevin Derocher was thirty-two when he walked into Tom’s office, newly married, a baby on the way, and the collar of his red flannel shirt pulled up to hide the bruises around his throat from when he hanged himself in his garage. After his initial consult, therapist Tom Langois believes he’ll never see Kevin again—but Kevin turns up three years later to make repairs on Tom’s new house.

Kevin and Tom become fast friends, and Tom begins to suspect Kevin may be interested in more than friendship. However, Kevin remains haunted by something from his childhood—something so terrible he blocked it from his mind. These suppressed memories make it impossible for Kevin to get close to anyone without panicking and lashing out, sometimes violently. But as his past begins to surface, it becomes apparent that Kevin may hold the key to a twenty-five-year-old mystery: what happened to Billy?

Better Than Good by Lane Hayes

Matt Sullivan understands labels: law student, athlete, heterosexual. He has goals: graduate and begin his career in law. One fateful night, Matt tags along with his gay roommate to a dance club and everything changes. Matt finds himself attracted to the most beautiful man he's ever seen. All labels go flying out the window.

Aaron Mendez doesn't believe in labels, and he’s leery of straight curious men. He makes it clear that he’ll hide his fabulous light for no one. While Aaron can't deny the attraction between him and Matt, he is reluctant to start anything with someone who is still dealing with what this new label means—especially when that someone has a girlfriend.

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