Release Blitz: Beholden by Kris T. Bethke #Giveaway #Excerpt

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Length: 42,000 words approx.

Cover Design: Written Ink Designs

Publisher: JMS Publishing

Blurb

Julian Thomas made the unpopular decision to become Beholden and focus his magic only on scrying. Because of it, he's the best at his job and the top scryer for the Department of Extranormal and Magical Affairs. Which why Investigations Agent Wes Caldwell goes right to Julian for help locating a missing person.

When Wes needs to use his magic to boost Julian's, they find a magical resonance between them that quickly leads to more. Julian doesn't want to move too fast, but Wes knows Julian is it for him. He's fine with waiting, as long as Julian stays close as they work through it.

But then Julian falls ill, and it's clear there's a magical reason. Wes will stop at nothing to find out what's plaguing Julian, and when they realize just how deep the plot goes, they have more questions than answers. Magic is increasing in the world, and no one can figure out why. Julian and Wes have found love, but will it be enough to get them through what's to come?

Excerpt

"Better?" Wes asked eventually. "Feel more centered and focused now?"

I nodded. Then I sat back a little so I could see his face. I wrapped my arms around his neck, and tucked my fingers down the collar of his dress shirt, not wanting to lose too much contact with his skin. "Yes, thank you."

"First things first," Wes said, his voice all business and his face serious. "Are we bonded?"

I sucked in a breath, surprised he'd made that leap. But he had to know that we weren't. If we'd made a bond, even an unintentional one, he would feel the pull as much as I did. "Of course not."

He just nodded his head, like that was the answer he expected. "But you feel better when you're touching me. When you can pull on my magic to augment your own?"

I released a sigh, and couldn't quite stop myself from snuggling just a tiny bit closer. I shrugged one shoulder. "Yes. Like I said, your magic fits with mine. So it's easy and natural to use you as a source. I'm sorry about that."

He glared at me like I had said something stupid. "Don't be ridiculous. There's nothing to apologize for. It's not like you did it on purpose. Right?"

That last bit was said with just a tiny bit of accusation. I tried not to be offended. "No, I didn't do it on purpose."

Wes just squinted at me. "So then, we have to figure out what's going on with you, what's pulling on your power. Until then, you just need to stick close to me so I can keep you stable."

I gave an indignant huff. "That's hardly practical. We've both got jobs to do. You seriously can't expect us to stay in each other's pockets because I have a little sense of fatigue. You're getting a little extreme there, buddy." I tried to pull away from him but he held me fast, and gave me a look that I couldn't quite interpret.

"You've got someone else that can keep your magic and your energy up?"

"Well, no," I answered honestly. I'd never met anyone whose magic fit so well with mine. "But that doesn't mean you can just drop everything and keep me stable. That thought is just-" I cast about for a suitable word and finally settled on, "preposterous."

Wes just gave a snort, sounding amused. "I can do whatever I want. And I don't want you lying in bed barely able to function. That serves no one. So you'll just have to be 'in my pocket' until we can figure it out and fix you. There has to be some magical means at work here. And I am an Investigations Agent. I'll investigate."

His tone was playful, cajoling, and I wanted to smile, but this was too serious. We barely knew each other and, my crush notwithstanding, he couldn't just drop everything to take care of me. He wasn't making any sense.

Author Bio

Kris T. Bethke has been a voracious reader for pretty much her entire life and has been writing stories for nearly as long. An avid and prolific daydreamer, she always has a story in her head. She spends most of her free time reading, writing, or knitting/crocheting her latest project. Her biggest desire is to find a way to accomplish all three tasks at one time. A classic muscle car will always turn her head, and naps on the weekend are one of her greatest guilty pleasures. She lives in a converted attic with a way too fluffy cat and the voices in her head. She’ll tell you she thinks that’s a pretty good deal. Kris believes that love is love, no matter the gender of people involved, and that all love deserves to be celebrated.

Find her on her site https://kristbethke.com Facebook https://www.facebook.com/people/Kris-T-Bethke/100014524539852 or on Twitter https://twitter.com/kristbethke

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Random Review: Hearts & Hazelnuts by Kris. T. Bethke #Review #Giveaway

Author: Kris. T. Bethke
Book: Hearts and Hazelnuts
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Brooke Albrecht
Publication date: November 29, 2017
Length: 103 pages

Reviewed by Morningstar


Synopsis

Mechanic Jordan Hart is down on his luck, so he gladly accepts a temporary job servicing tractors at a hazelnut farm in Newberg, Oregon. He doesn’t expect to be attracted to his boss, Beckett Shaw. Still working on embracing his bisexuality, he’s reluctant to start anything, but Beckett’s gentle coaxing convinces Jordan to take a risk.

Beckett has vowed not to get involved with anyone until he can restore the Shaw Farms name as a leader in hazelnuts. But there’s no denying his interest in the shy mechanic who shows up at his door. Just as they begin to find a balance, outside forces threaten to tear them apart. Job opportunities force Jordan out of the Portland area he loves so much. But when danger comes too close to Beckett, Jordan must decide if he can follow his heart to the Willamette Valley… and straight back to Beckett.

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Review

This was one cute, sweet, slow burn story!

Although I loved both characters, Beckett was the one that grabbed me more. He was just such a likable, friendly guy who worked hard to bring life back to the farm his father had run into the ground. Jordan was an excellent match for him since they both strived on hard work, but he was a bit more weary of people.

I’ve said it a bunch of times, but it’s always important to point out how hard it is for authors to fit a love story from meeting to falling-love to overcoming the obstacle that stands in their way in a novella. Kris did an excellent job of it without making the reader feel like there were parts missing and honestly, I forgot while reading that it even was a novella.

They both have to make decisions in this story that do not center around the unlabelled relationship that they have, and it hurts to watch them grow apart, but it was what they needed to get that kick in the pants. It never once went to that over the top feeling with the love, and the characters really seemed realistic in how they react to their situation.

Even the hazelnuts got to play a part in the story, and it was fun to see and learn about them without it taking p too much of the story.

It’s another win for the States of Love series!

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Release Day Review: His Needs by Kris T. Bethke #Review #Giveaway

Author: Kris. T. Bethke
Book: His Needs
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Publication date: December 14, 2016
Length: 124 pages


Reviewed by Meredith



Synopsis

When State Trooper Travis Kinslow is injured right before Thanksgiving, the only positive is that for once he won’t be working during the holidays. Since he has no family, Travis was absorbed into his best friend, Joe’s, and he considers them as good as his own. Everyone except Joe’s brother Noah. Travis has been in love with the younger man for much of his life, but he’s always kept his distance.

As an ER nurse, Noah is a caretaker by nature. When his brother’s best friend is hurt, he’s happy to help Travis while he heals. He’s only ever allowed himself to think of Travis as the next best thing to an older brother, but by the light of the Christmas tree, Noah finally sees Travis’s true feelings. And in that moment, everything changes.

When faced with opposition and a Christmas nothing like they imagined, will their hopes for the future be enough to carry them through?

Buy Links

Dreamspinner Press

Amazon

Review

I was immediately intrigued by the blurb for this book, not to mention this sweet and cuddly cover. Unrequited love stories are fabulous… especially when it ends in an HEA. 

The author created a story about a man, Travis, who experienced so much bad in his life and also, so much good. His best friend’s family pretty much take Travis in at the age of ten and through his life he’s considered himself a part of the Mastriano family. Of course with that he has also fallen in love with his BF’s little brother…. And he’s loved him for many many MANY years! 

I loved how the story started. Travis in an accident and Joe (his Best friend’s) mom sitting there with him. I loved how the author just BAM put you right into the thick of it. Watching it evolve from there was beyond beautiful and it tugged at my heart often.

Now, there was a little sadness, ever so short but what’s a story without some drama? Though I was a little miffed by it I was also left no choice but to accept it and too often in our real lives that is something we deal with.

This is absolutely a holiday story in the best sense of the word (s). I never read this author before today and I must say, without a doubt, I will be reading more from this talented writer.

Grab this book and you won’t be sorry!

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Contest ends December 31st!

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