Release Day Review: Happy by Chris Scully #Review #Giveaway

Happy
Author: Chris Scully
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Release date: March 30, 2016
Length: 165 pages

Reviewer: Meredith


Blurb:

Growing up Greek-Canadian, Peter Georgiou always knew his duty was to his family, for whom twenty-first century rules don’t apply. In his early thirties, Peter still lives at home, dates who his parents tell him to, and works at the family restaurant. But watching his two best friends find happiness in each other’s arms has made him worry over his destiny.

When Louie Papadakis returns home to nurse his broken heart and start a new life, he can’t believe his sister is dating his high school crush, Peter. There’s a sadness behind Peter’s eyes that draws him in, and a chemistry he wishes he could ignore. After his closeted ex broke his heart, Louie is afraid to fall in love again, especially with a man who's keeping secrets.

As Peter finds himself drawn to Louie in unexpected ways, old and new worlds collide. Then a family crisis forces Peter’s hand, and he must decide if he’s willing to sacrifice his happiness for family duty.

 Buy Links

Dreamspinner Press

Amazon

 Review

This is the first Chris Scully book I’ve read. I wasn’t familiar with some characters in it that I later found out were MC’s in his other books. That said, if you’re like me and this is the first Scully book for you, you won’t be lost at all. 

I want to start off by saying I really enjoyed Chris’ writing style. The plot was great, the characters were likable –for the most part, we will get there in a moment- and the ensemble was terrifically written. I often feel secondary characters are equally as important as MC’s. They are like the buildings in NYC. It’s really not a city without them.

This is a second chance story. A friends to lovers tale. The buildup for Pete and Louie to turn their solid friendship into something more was so interesting and sweet. 

Peter gave me some issues. Most I truly understood. He’s trapped in the family business, desperate to please his parents. He’s confused and sexually frustrated. The storm in his head is pure chaos. Where Peter is closeted and happy to stay there if it keeps his folks happy. Louie is out and proud and loud. Louie’s return home is after a break up with a guy who was closeted so though he truly likes Peter and wants more. He’s not ready to jump back into the secrets bin. Peter is very dramatic, overly so. He makes things worse than they have to be and his lies exacerbate the situation. That’s really my only complaint. It, at times, made Peter unlikable. 

This is a slow burn, sweet love, hopeful story though. It really does make you feel happy in the end.

 Giveaway

Enter the monthly release day review giveaway. It ends March 31st

Winner will be contacted via email so check your spam!!

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Promotional Post: The Star Host by FT Lukens #Review #Giveaway #Excerpt

Author: FT Lukens

Publisher: Duet, an imprint of Interlude Press

Publication date: March 3, 2016

Length: 246 pages

Young Adult Science Fiction

Buy on Amazon

Synopsis

Ren grew up listening to his mother tell stories about the Star Hosts – a mythical group of people possessed by the power of the stars. The stories were the most exciting part of Ren’s life, and he often dreamed about leaving his backwater planet and finding his place among the neighboring drifts. When Ren is captured by soldiers and taken from his home, his dream slips further out of his grasp. Now a slave of a despotic Baron, Ren must remain inconspicuous while plotting his escape. It’s a challenge since the general of the Baron’s army is convinced Ren is something out of one of his mother’s stories.

Ren finds companionship in the occupant of the cell next to his, a drifter named Asher. A member of the Phoenix Corps, Asher is mysterious, charming, and exactly the person Ren needs to anchor him as his sudden technopathic ability threatens to consume him. Ren doesn’t mean to become attached, but after a daring escape, a trek across the planet, and an eventful ride on a merchant ship, Asher is the only thing that reminds Ren of home. Together, they must warn the drifts of the Baron’s plans, master Ren’s growing power, and try to save their friends while navigating the growing attraction between them.

Review

I’m going to start this review off saying that this was a fabulous story. This YA Paranormal was nonstop excitement. I was engaged the entire time. It didn’t drag at all! The characters were brilliant. Starting the story we meet Ren and by the end of chapter 1 you’re already entranced with his situation. Set in Ren’s POV was perfect. We meet a lot of characters but you’re never confused with who is who. Asher is his “cell mate” at first. The evolution of this book and these characters was so wonderfully put together. Creating new worlds is so hard but FT Lukens mastered it brilliantly. I was emotionally invested in the mission, Ren, Asher, and all the secondary characters. Ren’s gift…. How it’s described…. What a Star Host is, it’s creative genius and outstanding writing.
I highly recommend this book to paranormal fans or just anyone who really loves a great, engaging, wildly entertaining story!

 

Excerpt

“Open a channel,” Rowan commanded. “On screen.”
The connection was immediate and before them, displayed across their viewing screens, was a
cold, calculating smile. Abiathar loomed, with piercing blue eyes, and a long nose and a severe
expression. The wrinkles around his eyes and mouth spoke of long years but certainly not frailty or
senility.
The other members of the bridge held their breath.
“I am Abiathar,” he said, his voice deep and hard. “You have something I want.”
“What right do you have impeding our passage on this trade route?” Rowan demanded. “We have
nothing of yours. This is a gross obstruction and violation of the Trade Route Protection Act of…”
“Good to see you again, Asher. Though you do look different not cowering behind bars. How’s
the shoulder? All right, I hope.”
Asher didn’t flinch, though Ren did. He tried to make himself as small as possible, but his
presence didn’t go unnoticed.
Abiathar’s eyes brightened and his lips pulled wider, his gaze settling hard on Ren. “There you
are. I’ve been looking for you. Your presence is requested on this ship within ten minutes or I will
take action.”
“He’s not going anywhere.”

About the Author

F.T. wrote her first short story when she was in third grade and her love of writing continued
from there. After placing in the top five out of ten thousand entries in a writing contest, she knew
it was time to dive in and try her hand at writing a novel.
A wife and mother of three, F.T. holds degrees in psychology and English literature, and is a longtime
member of her college’s science-fiction club. F.T. has a love of cheesy television shows,
superhero movies, and science-fiction novels—especially anything by Douglas Adams.
Connect with F.T. at authorftlukens.wordpress.com on Twitter @ftlukens, on Tumblr at
ftlukens.tumblr.com and on Goodreads at goodreads.com/ftlukens.

Giveaway

Win a copy of The Star Host by entering the rafflecopter below

Contest will run until April 5th

winner will be contacted via email so please check your spam

you'll have 48 hours to respond to the email after that time a new winner will be drawn.

Thank you

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Audio book Release Day: Beyond the Surface by Felice Stevens~ Narrated by Marc Bachmann #Giveaway

Author Felice Stevens

Narrated by Marc Bachmann

Publication date Mar 29, 2016

Running time 9 hrs 

Buy on Tantor Media 

Synopsis

On 9/11, firefighter Nick Fletcher’s world changed forever. He's unable to rid himself of survivor’s guilt, made worse by the secret he hides from his family and co-workers. Nick's life is centered around helping burn victims, until he is reunited with the man he’d once loved but pushed away. Now he has a second chance at a love he thought lost forever.

For fashion designer Julian Cornell, appearances mean everything. His love affairs are strictly casual, and the only thing he cares about is making his clothing line a success. A chance encounter with the man he loved long ago has Julian thinking for the first time in years there may be more to life than being seen at the best parties and what designer labels to wear.

When Julian’s world takes an unexpected turn, it's Nick who helps him regain perspective on what matters most in life. Julian, in turn, helps Nick accept who he is and understand he isn’t responsible for tragedies he couldn't prevent. Lost love found can be even sweeter the second time around and after all the years apart, both men learn to look beyond the surface to find the men they are inside.

Giveaway

Felice will gift one person a $10.00 Amazon gift card

to enter just fill out the rafflecopter below

Contest will end on  April 4th

Winner will be contacted via email

 

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Promotional Post: Clouded Hell by J.R. Gray #Review #Giveaway

Author: J.R. Gray

Publisher: Gray Books

Publication Date: March 21, 2016

Length: 251 pages

Buy the book:

http://jrgraybooks.com/clouded-hell/

 

Amazon http://www.amazon.com/J.R.-Gray/e/B00J8JEDHK/

Add it to Goodreads! https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29146326-clouded-hell

I survive on avoidance. Physical pain to avoid the mental. Disposable flesh to avoid relationships. Work to avoid attachment. My club became my empire of avoidance. Inside the ring millions are won and lost. The fight is confined to breaths, actions and reactions, fists and pain. Rules don’t exist. Only my opponent exists.

I’d been avoiding my needs for far too long when Remi stumbles into the Inferno and I’m hungry. The promise of a submissive with no attachment is far too tempting. I can’t resist him. He was only supposed to be a distraction, but I know I'll never get over him. There isn't a chance in this clouded hell.

If I hadn't seen the video of the fight, I wouldn't have believed it. I clicked the button on my laptop to rewind it, to see the way his body moved. I gripped myself through my shorts and glanced over at Kai. He was busy inking a full back piece, and I doubted he'd even take a break for another hour. He couldn't see me from where I sat. It would be so easy.

I trailed my fingers over the places Dante had left marks. I could almost taste them, even if the bruises had faded. I'd looked at them in the mirror over my bed and fucked my hand every night since I'd left. I groaned as I slipped my hand into my shorts.

I squeezed my shaft, digging my nails into the sensitive skin. I had to bite back a hiss of pain. Kai could easily walk out and see me. The rooms in the shop were three-quarter walls to divide the space with wide open doorways. Maybe I wanted to be caught. I kicked my feet out, watching a bead of sweat drip down Dante's neck. When he threw a punch his muscles tightened, and it took me back to him swinging his belt. The sound of his fist hitting flesh was close, so close, to the way the leather sounded against mine.

I shouldn't be imagining him touching me, but it was impossible not to. I wanted his hands on me. I wanted him to mark me with them. I was hit with the sudden realization he'd been acting when he was in the ring with me. He hadn't even gone at half speed. He was a monster when he fought. It took every ounce of self-control I had to keep from getting up and into my Jeep to drive to the airport.

I used my free hand to unbutton my shorts and slide down my zipper, freeing my cock.

Never expect a fairytale when it comes to JR Gray. If you come looking for it you’ll be disappointed every time. Clouded Hell is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. First it’s like tough skin, then soon it's bruised, then slashed, then ripped open. Stick around a little while longer and concrete shrapnel will be shoved into the healing gash and kept there for all eternity.

Now if you think this is a negative review than you’ve never read a JR Gray book. This, I believe, was his goal. Yes, to a degree it’s a love story. A love story for two very broken men. Life isn’t easy and that’s the reality of things. Remi and Dante haven’t lived the lives of saints but that of sinners and have paid the price. Even though when they are with each other it’s like heaven and hell all wrapped into one. They are supposed to be together.

There’s somewhat a finality to this story and yet it’s open for more if JR chooses to expand. Remi and Dante seem happy for now but there is a lot left unsaid, undone, and a lot of healing needed.

This is a gritty tale a brutal beating for the heart and soul. It’s a mental carnival, and Remi and Dante are very intriguing and I’d love to have sessions with them to see how they tick.

JR has used his talent and written a wonderful story that will test you on many levels.

When not staying up all night writing, J.R. Gray can be found at the gym where it's half assumed he is a permanent resident to fulfill his self-inflicted masochism. A dominant and a pilot, Gray finds it hard to be in the passenger seat of any car. He frequently interrupts real life, including normal sleep patterns and conversations, to jot down notes or plot bunnies. Commas are the bane of his existence even though it's been fully acknowledged they are necessary, they continue to baffle and bewilder. If Gray wasn't writing…well, that's not possible. The buildup of untold stories would haunt Gray into an early grave, insanity or both. The idea of haunting has always appealed to him. J.R. Gray is genderqueer and prefers he/him pronouns.

Website JRGrayBooks.com

Twitter twitter.com/theoriginalgray

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/GrayBooks

Facebook facebook.com/booksbygray

Tumblr booksbygray.tumblr.com

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/JRGrayBooks/

Mailing list http://eepurl.com/bigxIL

Blog jrgraybooks.com/blog

JR Gray will gift one person a copy of Clouded Hell

Simply fill out the rafflecopter below.

Contest will run until  April 4th

WInner will be contacted via email so please check your spam. 

You'll have 48 hours to respond to the email. after that time we will select another at random.

Thank you!

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