New Release Review: Too Close To The Flame by Ryan Taylor & Joshua Harwood #Review #Giveaway

Title: Too Close To The Flame
Authors: Ryan Taylor & Joshua Harwood
Self Published
Publication date: July 31, 2020
Length: 298 pages

Reviewed by Truus

Synopsis

Can he ever learn to trust again?
Brandon Weber’s old boyfriend almost beat him to death. Brandon survived, but still bears the emotional scars. Eighteen months later, he has withdrawn into himself, convinced he’ll never be able to trust another man.
Devin Macadam, fresh out of law school, has an exciting new job. He is also on the lookout for just the right guy, someone to take care of and love.
When Devin shows up for the first day of work at his new office, he meets Brandon, a legal assistant there. Sparks fly, but Brandon is paralyzed by fear and isn’t about to give another man the power to hurt him again. Devin, never one to give up easily, doesn’t want to take no for an answer. Both men feel the magic, but can their relationship ever get past the friend zone?
Too Close to the Flame is a dark-to-light, sweet romance featuring out and proud gay men, lots of feels, steamy love scenes, and a wonderful happy ending.
Trigger Warning: Too Close to the Flame contains specific memories of physical abuse. That said, the book is about Brandon’s recovery and HEA romance with Devin. Our goal is to bring attention to the often neglected issue of abuse in gay relationships.

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Review

Brandon is deeply hurt by his ex, mentally as physically. He’ll expects himself to get old alone probably with a wrist injury, because a relationship asks for trust and that’s something Brandon lost on the way.
Devin got a job at his cousin's law firm. They grew up with each other and are still close.
When Devin meets Brandon, as his cousin's assistant, he can’t keep his eyes off him. After a few weeks, he asks Brandon for a drink.
A nice invention from Devin of course, only it will never be more than just a drink.

But two broken hearts recognize each other and pull at each other’s strings.
Very very gently Devin approachs Brandon and with a mountain of hesitation Brandon lets him.
They start a friendship and more.
We can follow them, It’s almost inevitable they’ll end up together. Besides Brandon’s trauma, the whole story is quite mellow and sweet. I expected a bit more variety, near the end it got some action, but at that moment it was, unfortunately, a bit predictable.

Both men are very kind and considerate. There was a lot of attention to Brandon’s healing process which was well done. There was less focus on Devin’s hurt, I would have loved some more development there, it was almost all about Brandon.
The story was entertaining, gentle, and engaging. Besides the main characters, we meet the family and friends, a good addition to the story. The writing style was captivating even though the story was for me a bit too stretched the way of writing kept me to the pages.
The end was very satisfying.

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New Release Review: The Ghost and Charlie Muir by Felice Stevens #Review #Giveaway

Title: The Ghost and Charlie Muir
Author: Felice Stevens
Self Published
Release Date: August 13, 2020
Length: 328 pages

Reviewed by Truus

Synopsis

Bad enough the big old house Charlie Muir inherits is next door to Ian Gregg, the most gorgeous guy he’s ever seen—it also happens to be occupied by Rachel, the ghost who keeps running off his dates. It’s impossible to get any loving when the bed starts shaking…and not because you’re having fun in it.
When Ian helps Charlie search for the source of strange noises in his house, they stumble upon a stack of photographs hiding century-old secrets. Curious of the friendship between the two men pictured, Charlie and Ian set off to solve the mystery of their relationship. With the help of the meddling ghost, a magical mirror, and a way too Smart TV, they find answers…and more.
And as things heat up between Charlie and Ian, they begin to wonder if Rachel's meddling has gone too far.
Doesn’t Rachel know Ian is straight?
Or is he?
That kiss they shared the other night sure didn't seem like it.
Or the one after that…

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Review

What a precious story, I loved it dearly!

What do you do with an inherited estate at Willow Place, Brooklyn, where a ghost lives?

The estate pulled Charlie in from first sight… or was it the other way.

Entering the house at Willow Place for the first time was already the experience of his life. The house has preferences about his visitors and a story to tell.

Ian Gregg, Charlie’s neighbor, is one of the visitors the house allowed to enter.

When strange things happen right away, they both want to figure out what’s going on.

Ian helps Charlie with the roof and upper rooms when they find a box, without a key.

After opening it they find a stack of photographs and there is a story, about two men, from a century ago. The universe is pushing Charlie and Ian to a point where they have to be together. Interactions with other persons seem impossible.

The ghost named Rachel wants them to work together and reveal something important, for them and her.

On their journey, we get to know Charlie and Ian. Dear Charlie, his heartbreaking past made me so intensely sad, hopping through the foster care system, never long at one place, no friends, never enough, lonely. He has an awesome job, so Charlie-ish.

Ian was overwhelmed by his feelings for Charlie, Ian's inner struggle was palpable, his fight and surrendering was beautifully pictured.

“Happiness”

It seems a simple word, happiness, only it’s huge, the most important feeling that rises above all. That one word shows that then and even a century later it still isn’t simple to gain happiness and love the one you want.

I found this such a beautifully layered narrative, widely developed, with the kindest personalities and quite an extraordinary plot. Every part fits organically in the whole picture.

The writing is amazingly done, entertaining with just the right weight on the issues.

The author put such a subtle sense of humor in this story, more than lovely!

I can’t say it enough, it was just wonderful! Every little detail was exclusive I loved every part of this story, the past, the present, and the future.

Highly recommended!

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Release Blitz: People Like Us by Ruby Moone #Review #Excerpt #Giveaway

 

Release Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway:

People Like Us by Ruby Moone

 

 

Winsford Green Stories, Book 2

 

Arthur Fitch clawed his way out of the violence and poverty of the slums of London to become a valet to the aristocracy. His ambition to secure a higher position led him to a disastrous appointment with a cold, brutal man, and when things come to a head, Arthur is forced to flee into a snowstorm to find safety.

Joseph Wilkinson is the Winsford Green blacksmith. He has a good life, good friends, owns a thriving business, but at the end of the day when he goes home, loneliness consumes him. When he stumbles upon a small man determinedly trudging through the snowstorm, he invites him into his home to shelter.

Arthur Fitch is older, smart-mouthed, and as prickly as hell. But, as Joe peels back the layers, he discovers a warm, funny, vulnerable man whose tastes in the bedchamber leave Joe gasping and desperate for more. Trouble is, having found the real Arthur Fitch, how can he convince him that life in a small town can be infinitely better than working for an Earl? That love really is possible for people like them? Particularly when Arthur’s past catches up with him in horrifying fashion.

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Review

Praise to this story. I love me some good written historical narrative! And omg it was so incredibly good!

Joseph saved Arthur from the snow, fed him, and gave him a warm bed to sleep in.

Arthur isn’t the nicest guy the next morning, haughty even. Joseph is disappointed.

But behind that haughtiness, there is a quirky man with humor, also a man with particular needs.

Without thinking, Joseph fulfills all his needs and thereby his own.

Joseph is the blacksmith of this village, appreciated by all the residents. He’s lonely and somewhat withdrawn.

The little town and the warm, positive people who live there, aren’t things Arthur could ever imagine to experience.

Arthur’s goal is London, being a valet to an earl, living amongst the aristocracy. What this town has to offer, frightens him. Fear is what makes him make terrible decisions. Like not choose to be loved and cared for. So, London will be it.

What a precious story, 

Joseph’s words and posture gave me goosebumps more than once. He was kind-hearted, compassionate, considerate, honest, and passionate. Never questioning Arthur’s needs.

Dear, dear Arthur can’t believe this man in front of him, full of warmth. He himself is full of shame, sarcasm, reserved and skeptical. 

The whole story felt amazingly authentic, the language, the clothes, the food, the jobs, the houses, all the surroundings everything felt so real. The way of writing made it easy to picture it all. I’m also talking about picturing emotions, shining eyes, hearts full of hope, opportunities, the smell of fresh-baked bread, the best diners, and of course tea.

Wonderfully written narrative, so precious to experience. Both Joseph and Arthur were beautifully flawed, they were, just like the secondary characters, extremely lovable.

I  couldn’t get enough of them.

The title, oh my goodness, I’m crying again 😭

Look at the cover and you’ll recognize them in this story just like that!

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Excerpt:

Arthur Fitch drifted into awareness slowly. He was warm. Deliciously warm. He rubbed his face against the pillow, sighed, and the warm body behind him shifted with him. He smiled and hummed happily as he eased his way up through the layers of sleep. When he moved, he groaned. Every part of him seemed to ache. Including his head. He stretched out his legs and the body behind him moved again.

Arthur froze. Body? Body behind him? Body in bed with him...?

His eyes shot open, blinking rapidly. Where in God’s name was he? It was a completely unfamiliar room, unfamiliar bed, and … and … he swallowed and turned his head to the side. A completely unfamiliar man. Who, at that moment, opened outrageously blue eyes and looked at him.

Arthur let out a wild yell and leaped from the bed.

“Who the hell are you?” he demanded as he stumbled to his feet. His legs were like water. He grabbed his swimming head with one hand and clutched at the bed post with another as he almost overbalanced.

His blue-eyed bed companion sat up. Dear… sweet …. God. He was magnificent. Huge, muscled shoulders. Pronounced collar bones peeping through the open neck of his night shirt. Shaggy hair the colour of autumn, and an untamed beard.

And he was young.

The man threw back the covers and stood on the opposite side of the bed. “Don’t you remember?” His voice was deep, husky rumble.

“Remember what?” His own voice had become a shriek. “What did you do to me?”

The man took a step back, wariness edging into his blue gaze. Christ, they were so blue.

“I didn’t do anything. I rescued you from the snow.”

Arthur looked around with his mouth open. He was used to being surrounded by the finest things money could buy. Working with the most respected and envied men of the upper ten thousand. Why the hell was he in some poky, rustic, shabby … Did that man have an erection? He stared at the man’s groin. There was definitely some stirring visible. He looked at him and raised a quelling brow. The man flushed, put a hand over himself, and glared at him. Dark brows pulling down.

“You walked from the Abbey in the snow. I brought you in and warmed you up. That’s all. Don’t flatter yourself.”
“My good man, I …” Arthur began, at his most haughty, then hesitated. Memories crowded in. Snow. Cold. More snow and so cold he thought he might die. He held onto his head as it all came flooding back. The giant had indeed saved him from the snow and probably saved his life.

He cleared his throat.

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Enter the Giveaway:

 

To celebrate the release of People Like Us, Ruby is giving away a £15/$15

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cc0f2a5740/?

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Check out Book 1 in the Winsford Green Stories:

Dances Long Forgotten

 

On Christmas Eve, Dylan, the man of James Pell-Charnley’s dreams, is on the point of walking out. Then they hear the faint strains of a waltz in the library of the empty abbey. The music is said to be heard only by those truly in love, and it gives James the courage to tell Dylan the story. 

In December 1841, Lord Hugo Pell-Charnley is in a terrible mess. The youngest son of the late Marquis, youngest brother of the incumbent, never felt to fit. When his life comes crashing down, and his life and his family are threatened, he is forced to face his elder brother and confess his deepest secret. When he arrives at Winsford Abbey he finds he must also confront the shame from his past in the form of Lyndon Cross. The boy he’d loved but betrayed in school. 

As they clear the ghosts from the past, they dance in each other’s arms in the library to the soft strains of the waltz, but long buried secrets threaten to destroy their happiness. 

Two hundred years later, can those dances long forgotten give James and Dylan the courage to hold on to love?

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About the Author:

My name is Ruby Moone and I love books. All kinds of books. My weakness is for romance, and that can be any kind, but I am particularly fond of historical and paranormal. I decided to write gay romance after reading some fantastic books and falling in love with the genre, so am really thrilled to have my work published here. The day job takes up a lot of my time, but every other spare moment finds me writing or reading. I live in the north west of England with my husband who thinks that I live in two worlds. The real world and in the world in my head...he probably has a point!

Connect with Ruby: Website -  http://www.rubymoone.com/
Facebook Page -  https://www.facebook.com/RubyMoone/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/RubyMooneWriter
Instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/rubymoone/
Facebook Group – Ruby’s Room - https://www.facebook.com/groups/883596845175216/
Book Bub -   https://www.bookbub.com/profile/ruby-moone?list=about
Tumblr - https://www.tumblr.com/dashboard/blog/rubymoone

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