Book Review: The Runaway Millions by Parker Avrile


The Runaway Millions
The Runaway Model #2
M/M Contemporary/Suspense/Drama
5 Stars

They're the perfect couple until the money runs out...

Kyle, a rising model, is the toast of Manhattan. Bryce, a wildcatter who got rich in the Bakken gas fields, is an inch away from becoming America's newest billionaire.

But their world is turned upside-down when a competing oil company wrests away Bryce's business, his personal jet, and even his condo. Bryce has no choice but to scramble to save his career-- even though a famous rock star is sniffing around in hopes of claiming Kyle for his own.

When Kyle steps forward to defend another model accused of a terrible crime, he's deported. The tabloids follow him, happy to spread rumors about his alleged affairs with the beautiful and the famous of Europe.

Can love survive when one man is on his way up while the other is on his way down? When an ocean divides the lovers? When the gossip columns can't help stirring the pot? The Runaway Millions is Book 2 in The Runaway Model trilogy. This 78,000 word full-length novel complete with a HEA can be read as a stand-alone but if you prefer to read the series in order, please start with The Runaway Model.

***

Review:

We first meet Kyle and Bryce in The Runaway Model and I think you will get more out of the story if you read that one first. This one can be read on its own, but the first book will fill you in more on the backstory between these characters.

This book starts almost at where The Runaway Model finishes, after the rescue of Kyle from his stalker. Bryce has lost his money, his business and most of his assets and he is worried that Kyle only ever wanted him for his money and as they spend more time physically apart, with Bryce trying to get his career going again in the States and in Arabia, and Kyle on model assignments all over the world, they become more distant emotionally too.

The go through an on-again off-again stage, with Bryce thinking that Kyle wants the famous and rich rockstar Stoney Rockland. There are always photos of Kyle with various models and famous people all over the papers and Bryce, despite wanting to believe otherwise, comes to believe in some of these rumours.

I have to admit I felt like shaking some sense into Bryce in parts of this book. First off, he was worried about a barely ten-year age gap between the two of them, that a nineteen year old wouldn't want to settle down with one man, that they wouldn't know their own mind. Kyle grew up fast, and he certainly knows his own mind and knew he loved Bryce. And as for that not being realistic, I met my husband when I was nineteen and he was almost ten years older and we will celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary this year. So yes, a nineeteen year old can meet the love of their life at that age. Age is just a number anyway.

Kyle has grown up a lot in this book and at times it seemed he was the sensible one and Bryce needed to be looked after. They balanced each other out and the love between them was palpable on the pages.

There is less sex in this book than the first one and that makes sense, because there is so much drama and angst going on that too many love scenes would have stopped the flow mid-story. As it is, it's well-paced and suited to the story it's telling.

And Michel, Kyle's model friend who is accused of murder goes through so much that I felt my heart had been stomped on and then put back in my chest. I really ached for him and I can't say much more unless I spoil the story, so I won't.

I know nothing about the fashion scene, but what appears in the book seems plausible enough to me and it was interesting reading about a world that I know little about.

There is angst, there is drama, but there is hope and love too. The fact that they hard to work so hard towards their happily ever after made it so much sweeter.

***



Guest Post: Cozzie Cove Bouncing Back by Joe Cosentino


Guest Post: Summer is Almost Here!
Writing COZZI COVE: BOUNCING BACK, a novel published by NineStar Press
by Joe Cosentino

Don’t you love the summer? White sandy beaches, foamy waves splashing on jagged rocks, crystal-blue sky kissed by fluffy clouds, coconut-scented suntan lotion, Speedos, cool shades, fluffy beach towels, and that warm, comforting sun. I’ve always loved cozy beach towns with welcoming beaches, warm bays, a miniature golf course, trampoline emporium, salt water taffy, and dining at seafood restaurants overlooking the ocean. All those places and experiences are in the novel set in a fictitious place I call Cozzi Cove, a gay resort of eight bungalows in a private cove on the Jersey Shore. Each bungalow is furnished with hand-carved nautical furnishings, and has a stunning view of the bay and lighthouse in the distance. The main beach and boardwalk are only a mile away. It’s a place you can visit in COZZI COVE: BOUNCING BACK.

What is a cove? A cove is formed when softer rocks are worn away by the sun and salty water faster than the harder rocks surrounding them. This creates a gorgeous bay of turquoise water shielded by large rocks in the distance and smaller rocks near the water’s edge. It is amazingly beautiful, and I love sharing that view in the book.

My leading character is Cal Cozzi.  Cal, short for Calvin, is thirty years old, tall, and muscular. That’s him on the gorgeous book cover. His Italian and Scottish heritage left him with striking auburn hair and a strong nose. He dabbled as a professional football player then restaurant owner, but neither was a good fit. After Cal’s parents died in an automobile accident, he found his calling: managing Cozzi Cove in the New Jersey shore town named after his great-grandfather. Sensing Cal’s sexual orientation as a boy, Cal’s father had turned Cozzi Cove into a gay resort. Cal is honored to follow in his father’s footsteps.

Lance is twenty-four, short, stocky, African American with dark hair and dark eyes and amazing dimples. He grew up poor, and worked hard getting scholarships and maintaining good grades throughout school. As a second grade teacher, Lance is off during the summers, his favorite time of year. This leaves him more time to do what he loves most: being with Cal for the last five years.

Connor, the college student assisting Cal, is packed with muscles and hormones. He revels in Cozzi Cove, and in checking out each resident for a possible fling on the cove.

Tommy, the bald, muscular, tattooed resident of Cozzi Cove who owns the local bar has held a torch for Cal since high school. Carla Mangione who runs Carla’s Seafood Restaurant holds a similar torch for Cal’s sister.

Cal’s sister, Taylor, drops in from Rome, Paris, Wall Street, or Palm Springs. As a tough as nails top one-percenter, the world revolves around her, which makes her hysterically funny. She is also incredibly devoted to her brother Cal.

After my two Bittersweet Dreams novellas, An Infatuation and A Shooting Star (In My Heart Series) published by Dreamspinner Press, were released, countless readers begged me for more time with one of the characters from An Infatuation (Divine Magazine Readers’ Choice Award 2nd Place for Best MM Romance). So that character and his brother are the first guests at Cozzi Cove.

This summer the vacationers are two brothers/college students who look alike, but couldn’t be more different. Mario is searching for love, and Harold is searching for lust. A wealthy older couple, Josh and Greg, play matchmakers for their gorgeous son Christopher. Opposites attract as gregarious Tim meets shy Mark, and porn star Chuck Caliber connects with Sean, a virgin romance novelist. Finally computer game designer Arthur has a midnight sea rendezvous with a merman. Even Cal faces an emotional upheaval when a gay bashing turns into something quite unexpected for him. The novel is full of humor, tragedy, mystery, and romance in these intercut stories (a la The Love Boat). Everyone has a secret and things are not always what they seem at the magical place called Cozzi Cove.

The second book, COZZI COVE: MOVING FORWARD, is written and set for release by NineStar Press on April 18. I can also see COZZI COVE as a television series. Make me an offer, producers! I want to play Sean Guile!

So grab your Speedos, suntan lotion, and shades and head to Cozzi Cove. A bungalow is waiting for you!

Joe Cosentino http://www.JoeCosentino.weebly.com

***

Cozzie Cove: Bouncing Back
by Joe Cosention
M/M Contemporary
Cover Design: Arai Tan
Buy: Ninestar Press | Allromamnce | BN | Amazon US | Amazon UK

On Cozzi Cove at the New Jersey shore, handsome Cal Cozzi’s seven bungalows are open for summer and love. Mario and Harold are brothers and college students who happen to look alike, but couldn’t be more different: Mario is searching for love, and Harold is searching for lust. Josh and Greg, a wealthy older couple, are matchmakers for their son, Christopher.

When it comes to Connor, the maid, packed with muscles and a roving sponge, anything can happen. Opposites attract as wild Tim with the secret past meets shy Mark, and porn star Chuck Caliber connects with Sean, a virgin romance novelist. And what will happen when computer-game designer Arthur has a midnight sea rendezvous with a merman? Even married Cal faces an emotional upheaval when a gay bashing turns into something quite unexpected.

What secrets and passions lie in magical Cozzi Cove?

***
Excerpt:

As Lance rested in bed and Cal was putting on jeans, sandals, and a canary polo shirt, they heard Connor enter the living room and call out to Cal. After giving Lance a kiss on the cheek, Cal begrudgingly left his lover, shut the front bedroom door after himself, and then met up with Connor, who was standing next to the living room sofa.

Connor said, “It’s good to be back at work.”

“How were your grades at college this year?”

Connor shrugged his muscular shoulders. “Pretty average.”

Cal thought, If average is getting Cs and Ds. “I’m guessing you were quite involved with extracurricular activities.”

“One or two.” He giggled. “Maybe, three.”

Cal had a soft spot for the kid. “You did a nice job preparing the bungalows yesterday.”

“I aim to please.”

Cal thought the nineteen-year-old looked like an American flag in cutoff blue jeans that matched his eyes, a T-shirt and sneakers that matched his red hair, and pale skin with freckles.

“How can I be of service to you today, boss?”

Cal ignored Connor’s obvious double meaning.

“Just the usual routine.” Cal wasn’t immune to Connor’s charm, but Connor was a kid, and Cal was a one-man man. “Carry their luggage into the bungalows when the guests arrive. Turn down beds at four p.m.” He attempted to look sternly at the boy. “… Without you in them.”

“Me come on to a guest?” Connor feigned surprise.

“Yes, you, Connor. This is a vacation resort, not the baths.” Cal moved behind his desk. “After today, make up the rooms late mornings and early afternoons. Leave the sheets and towels in front of the garage for the laundry pickup. And don’t forget to sweep out the parking area.”

Connor saluted. “Aye, aye, Capitán .”

They heard a knock at the front door. Cal shouted, “It’s open.”

“Is this the office?”

“We’re informal here,” Cal explained. He typed into his computer, and then motioned for the young man to join him.

“I’m Mario Ginnetti.” He placed a piece of luggage at his feet. “Is it okay to park in the lot?”

Connor seemed to nearly salivate at Mario’s arms in his violet short-sleeved shirt. “You can park anywhere you like.”

Ignoring Connor, Cal said, “Yes, that’s the lot for the bungalows.” Cal handed Mario a key. “You’re in Bungalow One. I’ve got your credit card, so you’re all set.” He took a map from the topmost desk drawer. “The ocean beach is open to the public and is only minutes away. You can swim, surf, snorkel, or go on a glass-bottom boat there.” He pointed to various black dots on the map. “You’ll want to get some groceries here. Tommy Malone’s is a good bar, and Carla’s is my favorite seafood restaurant. This place has killer ice cream, which you can work off here at the gym.”

Connor interjected with, “If you need help finding anything, just ask me. I’m a native.”

“Or you can come into the office and ask me.” Cal handed Mario the map and then pointed outside. “The cove is private property. You can sit out there all you like. The bay water is calm and warm. As you can see, the view is amazing.”

Connor added with a grin, “Nude sunbathing is permitted.”

Mario was visibly trying to take it all in.

“Any questions?” asked Cal.

Mario’s dimples appeared. “Will the weather always be this nice?”

“From your lips to the sea gods’ ears.” Cal smiled. “The weather report calls for rain, so that means it’s going to be sunny all week. Connor will take you to your bungalow.”

Connor looked like the wolf meeting Little Red Riding Hood as he took Mario’s luggage. “Follow me, Mario.”

***

About the Author:

Amazon Bestselling author Joe Cosentino wrote Cozzi Cove: Bouncing Back (NineStar Press), Drama Queen and Drama Muscle Nicky and Noah mysteries (Lethe Press), An Infatuation, A Shooting Star, A Home for the Holidays, The Naked Prince and Other Tales from Fairyland (Dreamspinner Press), Paper Doll (Whiskey Creek Press) and Porcelain Doll (Wild Rose Press) Jana Lane mysteries, and The Nutcracker and the Mouse King (Eldridge Plays and Musicals).

He has appeared in principal acting roles in film, television, and theatre, opposite stars such as Bruce Willis, Rosie O’Donnell, Nathan Lane, Holland Taylor, and Jason Robards. His one-act plays, Infatuation and Neighbor, were performed in New York City. He wrote The Perils of Pauline educational film (Prentice Hall Publishers).

Joe is currently Head of the Department/Professor at a college in upstate New York, and is happily married. His upcoming novels are Cozzi Cove: Moving Forward (Nine Star Press), Drama Cruise Nicky and Noah mystery (Lethe Press), and Satin Doll and China Doll Jana Lane mysteries (Wild Rose Press). Joe was voted 2nd Place for Best MM Author of the Year in Divine Magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards for 2015!

Web site: http://www.JoeCosentino.weebly.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JoeCosentinoauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeCosen
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4071647.Joe_Cosentino
Amazon: Author.to/JoeCosentino

Release Day & Giveaway The Rancher's Son by R.J. Scott

Title: The Rancher's Son 
Series: Montana, #2
Author: R.J. Scott
Genre: M/M Romance
Release Date:  March 25, 2016
A man without memories, and the cop who never gave up hope.
When he wakes up in hospital, the victim of a brutal beating, John Doe has no memories of who he is or who hurt him. The cops can find nothing to identify him and he can't remember anything to help... except the name Ethan and one recurring place from his dreams. Two words, and they're not much, but it's a start. Crooked Tree.
Cop, Ethan Allens, has never stopped searching for the two boys who vanished. When a report lands on Ethan's desk that may give new leads he jumps at the chance to follow them up. The man he finds isn't his brother, but it's someone who could maybe help him discover what happened twelve years ago.
What neither man can know is that facing the very real demons of the past could very well destroy any kind of future they may think they have together.

Ethan must have nodded off at some point, waking to another coffee from Clare and a ten-minute warning that breakfast was about to be brought up to the patients. His neck ached, and he was semi curled up in the hard chair. 

“Thought you needed this. If you want to go to the cafeteria, I can keep an eye on Adam.” 

“No, I’ll stay here. Thank you, though.” 

“I’ll see if I can get someone to bring you up something.” 

A quick glance at his watch showed Ethan it was a few minutes after six. He checked his email. He’d only sent the information to Navy Liaison at late last night, but there was already a message back saying all efforts would be made to get the information to Cole Strachan. There was a group joke sent by one of the shift officers back at the precinct, and some spam. Other than that, nothing. 

Ethan stood and stretched tall, sipped his hot coffee, and watched the April morning unfold before his eyes. Clare managed to scrounge up some pastries, and he ate them at the window, a hundred thoughts racing through his head. 

A nurse disappeared into Adam’s room, and Ethan tensed in expectation. He desperately wanted to go in there, but would Adam even be interested in talking to him? 

“Are you Ethan?” the nurse asked. The tray in her hand carried untouched food. 

“Yes, ma’am.” 

“You can go in. He’s asking for you.” 

As he started to walk past her, she thrust the tray at him. There was a plate of eggs, and a sorry-looking pancake. “Try to get him to eat some of this,” she said. 

He took the tray, because he didn’t really have a choice, and went into Adam’s room, kicking the door shut behind him. There was no one in the bed, but the bathroom door was closed, so Ethan assumed that was where the errant Adam was. He placed the tray on the table and waited, looking out of the same window Adam had been standing at last night. From this angle and at this height, Ethan could see the water of Lake Michigan and watch the hospital parking lot grow busier by the minute. 

The bathroom door opened. Ethan instinctively turned and wished he hadn’t, because now he was staring. Not so much at the pajama bottoms that rode low on slim hips, or the broad chest that had a smattering of hair, tapering to a happy trail downward, nor to the muscles in Adam’s arms. No, Ethan was staring at the scars—new ones and some way older by the look of them—bruises purple and yellow and green, and the tattoos. 

Tribal tattoos circled Adam’s arms, over his right shoulder, and down onto his pec: big swathes of dark ink with finer detail in curls around muscles. Something that looked like old burns marked his neck. A body that had seen a lot, felt a lot. 

“I don’t remember them,” Adam said, his voice lost. He ran his fingers over the tattoos as if touching them would bring back memories. “They must have hurt, don’t you think?” 

Ethan thought of the small tattoo over his heart and recalled the discomfort of getting it. His hadn’t hurt; the million tiny pricks into his skin were nothing. 

“Maybe,” he offered. 

Adam turned a little and checked the tattoos in the mirror, peering close. “I wonder what they mean?” 

When he turned, he exposed more marks on his back and the fine lines of a horse standing on his hind legs. Ethan inhaled sharply. 

“What?” Adam snapped, attempting to see his back even though he couldn’t get the right angle. “What is it?” 

“Your horse.” 

Adam frowned. “That is my horse? I want to see that again, the detective took a photo but he didn’t have a copy for me.” 

Ethan pulled out his cell and snapped a shot of the beautiful tattoo, then passed the phone to Adam, who stared at the picture. 

“Why is it—” Any energy seemed to leave him in the exhalation of a sigh, and he slumped to sit on his bed. “—I remember this is a cell phone, but I don’t recall patterns on my own skin?” 

From his research Ethan learned terms like brain centers and retrograde amnesia, alongside traumatic stress, he didn’t understand a lot of it. “I have no idea.” 

Adam curled into himself, hunching over his knees, looking utterly defeated. 

Compassion welled inside Ethan, and he sat next to his old friend, pushing the tray toward him. “Eat your eggs,” he said gruffly. 

Adam side-eyed him and huffed before taking the tray and resting it on the small hospital table. He forked some into his mouth, grimacing as he chewed and swallowed, but at least he ate half of what was there, and one cold, dry pancake. 

“I need a proper breakfast,” Adam grumped. 

“Like what?” 

“Hot fresh bacon,” Adam said immediately, paling at what he was saying. “I think that I love bacon. I’d eat plates of the stuff if you gave them to me.” 

“And real pancakes,” Ethan added. He reached over and poked at the sorry excuse for one that had been served. “But not like this one. Fluffy, steaming pancakes.” 

Adam nodded and darted his tongue out to collect a small piece of egg resting on his lips. “Maple syrup,” he added softly. 

“You always liked maple syrup.” 

Adam finished the eggs and grimaced again. “When we get out of here, will you find me bacon?” 

“Of course.” 

“Real bacon, and pancakes with maple syrup. That sounds just like what I want to eat.” 

Ethan’s chest tightened as Adam looked up at him under his eyelashes, his dark eyes holding humor. Adam and Justin had spent their childhoods getting Ethan to do what they wanted: the older brother with money from a part-time job, the one with the car. And he’d done everything they asked. 

“I wouldn’t take you anywhere bad,” Ethan said 

Adam pushed the tray to one side. “I need a shower, and then we go, right?” 

“Right.” 

“You should take photos of all my tattoos, so you could maybe find out more about me.” 

“I know who you are. The rest will follow when your memories return.” He didn’t want to say that he’d already decided to email the tattoo of the horse to Jen, just in case she could track down where it had been done. It was a beautiful piece of work, and likely whoever did it would have it in a portfolio somewhere. Of course, that was a needle in a haystack. Who knew where Adam had been in the last twelve years? Chicago, where he was now? Or had he traveled from Montana to another city? 

Adam looked at him, confused. “You said I disappeared. How old was I when that happened? Fifteen, you said?” 

“You were nearly sixteen.” 

Adam glanced down at himself, “And I’m twenty-eight now, so what happened in between?” He stood up and half turned. “You should get them all.” 

Ethan did as Adam wanted, and pulled all the photos into one email, sending the whole lot to Jen with a particular request about tracking down the artist. Meanwhile, Adam went into the bathroom, closed the door, and left Ethan staring at the wood.




“This series is a winner because of it's cowboy theme - who can resist a gorgeous cowboy!” - Because Two Men Are Better Than One
“I always enjoy cowboy stories and, as you would expect from RJ, this one is smoothly well-written and pulls you forward chapter by chapter.” - Goodreads Reviewer “This story pushed every button that makes me fall in love with a book.” - Goodreads Reviewer
 

RJ Scott has been writing since age six when she was made to stay in at lunchtime for an infraction involving cookies and was told to write a story. Two sides of A4 about a trapped princess later, a lover of writing was born. She reads anything from thrillers to sci-fi to horror; however, her first real love will always be the world of romance. From billionaires, bodyguards and cowboys to SEALs, throwaways and veterinarians, she writes passionate stories with a heart of romance, a troubled road to reach happiness, and more than a hint of happily ever after.

HOSTED BY:

Release Day: Home by Donna McIntosh

Home Banner


Synopsis

LAPD Detective Sean Hennessey has one person he’s repeatedly tried to arrest and bring to justice: his nemesis, Mitchell Yates.

Yates has been in and out of trouble for years, always skating around the edges of LA’s underbelly; however, Sean can never pin anything on him.

But one night all of that changes.

Caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, instead of arresting Yates, Sean is rescued by him and taken to Yates’ home—a satellite high above Earth. There, Sean discovers a world he thought possible only in Science Fiction.

Everything he believed he knew about Yates is turned upside down, and Sean must make a decision: to remain with the LAPD or join Yates and work toward intergalactic peace.

Home Donna McIntosh Cover

Buy Links

Don’t miss the March Sale! All Wayward Ink Titles titles, including pre-orders, are 35% off on the WIP website and 30% off on AllRomance, and 30% off on Amazon. On Easter Weekend, the discount goes up to 50% on the WIP website.

WIP: http://www.waywardinkpublishing.com/product/home-by-donna-mcintosh/
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D2CSRN4/
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01D2CSRN4/
Amazon AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01D2CSRN4/
Amazon DE: http://www.amazon.de/dp/B01D2CSRN4/
ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-home-2000695-145.html

Book Trailer


Excerpt

Sean stood with a groan, confusion warring with disbelief that they could possibly be safe just because bullets had stopped flying in their direction.What the hell happened?
“Come on. Let’s get that taken care of.” Yates led him down the hall into another room, apparently a medical facility of some kind, with an examination table, and cabinets against one wall.
“What’s going on here, Yates? Where are we and how did we get here?”
A tall, slender, gray-haired man walked through the doorway. “Yana, I was told you were back and in need of Medical,” he said as he approached.
“I’m back, but it’s not me in need of care; it’s Sean Hennessey.” He nodded to Sean. “This is Noel. He’s a healer… a doctor.”
Noel looked toward Sean. “Yes, I see. Over here, please.” He motioned to the examining table and helped Hennessey remove his jacket.
Sean grimaced in pain as he undid his tie and unbuttoned his shirt, exposing the wound. The bullet had. Not a severe injury, but a bloody oneNoel took some gauze squares from a container in the cupboard and held them to the wounapplying pressure for some time. Sean felt warmth in the area, and the raw pain eased. He was filled with a feeling of peace and serenity. When Noel removed the gauze, the wound had closed and only a reddish pucker remained.
Stunned, Sean wondered aloud, “I don’t know how you did that, but thank you.” He slipped his shirt and jacket back on.
“You’re most welcome, Mr. Hennessey. The shoulder will be a little sore for a day or two, but you should be fine.” With a smile, and a brief hug for Yates, Noel left the room.

About the Author

DONNA McINTOSH was born in Elmira, New York, grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, married a Texan and has lived all over Texas for the last thirty-plus years. Donna has four children, ran a Day Care Center for many years and has written fan fiction since she was thirteen.

Donna loves long walks so her mind can ramble. She loves reading and her tastes run from Historical novels, to Sci-Fi, Westerns, Classics, all the way to WWII and biographies. In short, anything that catches her eye.
Donna loves total quiet, very little TV, occasional movies, wildlife, beaches, birds, cats, newborn babies, flowers, and great big smiles. Oh, and hugs!

She hates flying, total darkness, people who talk endlessly about themselves, intolerance, and bigotry.
Donna’s biggest asset?  Her wild and endless imagination.

Her biggest flaw? She’s a Libran and simply cannot make a decision!
DONNA McINTOSH can be found at her website: http://donnamcintosh.weebly.com/

Book Spotlight & Giveaway: One and Only Bear by Julia Talbot





One and Only Bear
The Grizzly List
Book Two
Julia Talbot
Genre: Gay Shifter Romance
Publisher: ARe Books
Date of Publication: March 1, 2016
ISBN: 9781943576661
ASIN: TBD
Word Count: 26000

Book Description: 

Sometimes a bear is more than just a bear.

Oscar is a socially awkward bear who's not like the other bear shifters in Colorado. He's a white spirit bear, and he works as a phone psychic. When he decides to try the Grizzly List weekly, he's only looking for a friend, knowing love isn't in the cards for him.

Firefighter Patrick is an outgoing grizzly shifter who's happy to meet Oscar and give him whatever he needs, as long as Oscar doesn't need a mate. Patrick doesn't believe in fated mates.

Can these two teach each other that what they want and what they need aren't the same thing?

ARe | Amazon | Kobo | iTunes

***

Excerpt: 

Oscar couldn’t do this.

He couldn’t.

He stopped on the sidewalk where he could see the grizzly in the coffee shop, waiting. Patrick was… beautiful. Dark and strong and fine and large.

He wasn’t. Not dark or strong or large or fine.

Or brave.

He was whatever the polar opposite of brave was. Cowardly? Stupid scared? Craven? That was it. Craven.

He chuckled, making a lady walking her dog look at him oddly and he ducked his head, backed away. Oscar shifted from foot to foot, trying to decide what to do.

Finally Oscar backed into the shadows where he could see Patrick, but Patrick couldn’t see him, and texted. “I’m sorry. I can’t do this. I’m not brave.”

He watched Patrick pull out his phone, then frown.

Oh, he sucked. “Please don’t frown. I’m not good at new things and I’m just… I’m so sorry and you’re so…” Beautiful. Perfect. Stunning. Sexy. “...fine.”

Patrick didn’t text back. He just hit one button. Oscar’s phone started to ring.

He almost didn’t answer, but that would have been mean and he was a coward, not mean. “Hey.”

“Hey, Oscar.” Patrick didn’t sound angry. That was good, right? “What’s the matter?”

“You’re stunning and I’m stupid?” That was the best answer he had. His heart was racing, going pitter patter.

Patrick looked around. “So you can see me? You’re not stupid. You’re so neat I want to talk with you in person.”

They’d chatted for an hour or more every day.

“I can. I didn’t expect to feel so scared. You’re totally my friend and I just…” He stepped forward, out into the light.

“Hey!” Patrick stood and walked outside, leaving his stuff at the table. “There you are.” The hug Patrick enveloped Oscar in felt like home.

“Oh.” Oscar hummed and hugged right back, all the fear disappearing like a puff of smoke. “Hello.”

“Hi. See, it’s just nerves. Come sit with me.” Patrick shot him a warm, happy grin.

“Yeah. Are there good pastries today?” Patrick was so tall and wide. Oscar felt like a little bear, which he wasn’t. Patrick was just—wow. Large and warm and he smelled so good.

“Mmm. They have maple sticky buns.”

“Oh.” They headed in and the scents amazed him, heavy and heady in his nose. His eyes crossed, and Patrick chuckled.

“Right? It gets huge sometimes.”

“Yeah, exactly. The biggest.” Scents were so important to bears.

“What would you like?” Patrick asked. “I’ll grab it for you.”

“I’d like a cinnamon bun latte and whatever pastry you’re having.” He wanted to taste Patrick’s favorite.

“Cool.” Patrick pressed a hand to his shoulder on the way by, the touch making him tingle.

It was. Cool. It was better than cool. Oscar felt awake and aware, like he was lit up. Like Christmas. He was buzzing hard enough he really didn’t need the coffee.

When it showed up, though, it smelled like pure heaven and he took a sip, loving how the sweet spiciness tasted. The sticky bun looked like heaven on a plate, too.

Patrick sat across from him. “There. Better.”

“I’m sorry, huh? I don’t do this much.”

“No problem. You didn’t run. You told me what you needed. I’m proud.”

Oscar felt his cheeks heat and he ducked his head. “Thanks.”


***

About the Author:

Julia Talbot has been assimilated by Texas and lives with her partner and two howling bassets. She writes full tine. She has a penchant for blank books, gay porn, and big, ugly hats. She can most often be found in coffee shops and restaurants, scribbling in her notebook and entertaining other diners with her mutterings.

http://www.juliatalbot.com

https://www.facebook.com/juliatalbotauthor

https://twitter.com/juliatalbot

http://juliatalbot.blogspot.ca/

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/283274.Julia_Talbot

***

Tour giveaway 

3 winners will each receive one eBook copy of BREWING by Julia Talbot and BA Tortuga

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Blog Tour & Giveaway: Desolation Angel by Layla Dorine

angel-640



Title: Desolation Angel
Author: Layla Dorine
Genre: Gay Romance, Contemporary, Rocker Romance
Length: Novel
Publisher: Wayward Ink Publishing

Synopsis

Dare gets lost in music only he can hear.

Since childhood, it’s rolled through his mind, drowning out the rest of the world. When he comes back to himself he has the notes and lyrics for the songs his band plays. But he wonders if such talent is worth it, when the rest of his life is such a mess.

All Sionn ever wanted was Dare’s attention.

But that won’t happen as long as Dare has his ‘musical dreams’, so he keeps his attraction a secret. Too bad it’s impossible to keep anything secret when you live with your three best friends. When Sionn’s temper reaches breaking point, he sets Dare on a quest to ‘fix’ himself, in the hopes of gaining the love of the man he adores.

Desolation Angel Cover

But Fate has a funny way of twisting things.

And ‘normal’ is just a state of mind, isn’t it? While Dare struggles to change, secrets are revealed, loyalties are tested, and the band is offered the chance of a lifetime. Can they pull themselves together fast enough to take advantage of it, or will Dare’s desire to be ‘normal’ unravel all their lives?

Book Trailer


Buy Links

Don’t miss the March Sale! All Wayward Ink Titles titles are 35% off on the WIP website and 30% off on AllRomance.
WIP: http://www.waywardinkpublishing.com/?p=1874
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Desolation-Angel-Layla-Dorine-ebook/dp/B01C1E03BS/
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Desolation-Angel-Layla-Dorine-ebook/dp/B01C1E03BS/
Amazon AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/Desolation-Angel-Layla-Dorine-ebook/dp/B01C1E03BS/
Amazon DE: http://www.amazon.de/Desolation-Angel-Layla-Dorine-ebook/dp/B01C1E03BS/
ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-desolationangel-1989899-149.html

Giveaway

Prize: $10 WIP Gift Card
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Desolation Angel 3D Cover

About the author

LAYLA DORINE lives among the sprawling prairies of Midwestern America, in a house with more cats than people. She loves hiking, fishing, swimming, martial arts, camping out, photography, cooking, and dabbling with several artistic mediums. In addition, she loves to travel and visit museums, historic, and haunted places.

Layla got hooked on writing as a child, starting with poetry and then branching out, and she hasn’t stopped writing since. Hard times, troubled times, the lives of her characters are never easy, but then what life is? The story is in the struggle, the journey, the triumphs and the falls. She writes about artists, musicians, loners, drifters, dreamers, hippies, bikers, truckers, hunters and all the other folks that she’s met and fallen in love with over the years. Sometimes she writes urban romance and sometimes its aliens crash landing near a roadside bar. When she isn’t writing, or wandering somewhere outdoors, she can often be found curled up with a good book and a kitty on her lap.

Layla Dorine can be found at:
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005197938547&fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/layladorine
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/layladorine/


Book Spotlight& Giveaway: Crooked Tree Ranch by R.J. Scott

Title: Crooked Tree Ranch Series: Montana #1 Author: R.J. Scott Genre: M/M Romance Release Date: November 16, 2015
When a cowboy meets the guy from the city, he can't know how much things will change. On the spur of the moment, with his life collapsing around him, Jay Sullivan answers an ad for a business manager with an expertise in marketing, on a dude ranch in Montana. With his sister, Ashley, niece, Kirsten and nephew, Josh, in tow, he moves lock stock and barrel from New York to Montana to start a new life on Crooked Tree Ranch. Foreman and part owner of the ranch, ex rodeo star Nathaniel 'Nate' Todd has been running the dude ranch, for five years ever since his mentor Marcus Allen became ill. His brothers convince him that he needs to get an expert in to help the business grow. He knows things have to change and but when the new guy turns up, with a troubled family in tow - he just isn't prepared for how much. "... This is a beautiful love story between two men, each with secrets they are afraid to reveal. ..."


 
“This series is a winner because of it's cowboy theme - who can resist a gorgeous cowboy!” - Because Two Men Are Better Than One  

“I always enjoy cowboy stories and, as you would expect from RJ, this one is smoothly well-written and pulls you forward chapter by chapter.” - Goodreads Reviewer 
“This story pushed every button that makes me fall in love with a book.” - Goodreads Reviewer 
“ This wonderful story reminded me of exactly why I fell in love with RJ Scott's storytelling.” - Goodreads Reviewer

At one point, when he was trying not to stare at the dancing, he spotted Liam across the room and they exchanged heated looks. Nate recalled the young guy bending over for him the last time he was here. Maybe he could get some more of that tonight. Maybe fucking Liam into the mattress would stop the irritating thought that he wanted to fuck Jay instead. Or that he wanted Jay to do the same thing to him.
Jeez.

Jay made it through three tracks of music, and when he made no sign of moving from his place alongside two men, Nate had to make a move. He sucked it up and joined the fray.
Nate was immediately swallowed into the crowd and instinctively began moving to the beat of the song as he walked closer. When he finally made it to Jay’s side, he patted him on the shoulder. Jay spun on his heel and Nate held out a hand to steady him.
“Cowboy!” Jay shouted over the music.
In a sinuous movement, Jay gripped one of Nate’s shoulders and shuffled closer so that very little separated them. The two men dancing with Jay drifted off to face other dancers, and suddenly it seemed like it was just Nate and Jay swaying to the music.
“You need to be careful!” Nate shouted close to his ear.
“Why?” Jay shouted back.
His breath smelled of beer and his body scent was a mix of the infuriating aftershave mingled with sweat and dust. Suddenly Jay became a four-course meal and Nate was very hungry.
“Keep your eyes open,” Nate warned.
As if to make that comment mean nothing, Jay deliberately closed his eyes and moved to the beat of the music. Somewhere along the line, Jay had lost his bottle of beer, or finished it, or whatever. He had both hands free, and he used them to steady himself by gripping hard to Nate’s shoulders. He had closed his eyes and was mouthing the words along with the song. Was he aware it was Nate holding him? He’d said “cowboy,” they’d spoken, but there were a lot of cowboys mixed in with the bikers and the other varied clientele.
“Open your eyes, Jay,” Nate shouted over the music.
Jay did as Nate had asked, and Nate was suddenly seeing brown eyes glazed with emotion. Then Jay smiled and closed his eyes again.
Instinctively Nate steadied Jay and that meant his hands rested on Jay’s hips. The feel of the man beneath his touch was intoxicating and Nate held hard. Jay fit into his arms perfectly: a little shorter, a little slimmer, just the right height, and his lips, damp with sweat or beer—Nate didn’t know—were what he zeroed in on. Jay swayed with the music. The move took them closer and fuck, Jay was hard. Nate gave in to the temptation and pressed them closer still until he was sure Jay could feel how hard he was as well.
All thoughts of impropriety or fears of rejection flew out the window. Nate was lost in the smile of pleasure that curved Jay’s damp lips. What would he taste like? Would Jay return the kiss? Would Jay push him away? How could he risk this? He eased his hold on Jay’s hips and slouched a little so that their groins aligned—suddenly they were frotting firmly and rhythmically to some Eminem mix. There was no way he could stop himself.
“Can I kiss you?” Nate said into Jay’s ear.
Jay smiled at him, but it wasn’t clear that he’d heard what Nate said. Hell, he should kiss Jay and stop all this delay in taking what he really wanted. Someone jostled him from behind and the movement threw him off his spiral of the pros and cons of denial. When the person who jostled them attempted to insinuate themselves between Nate and Jay, abruptly everything was clear.
“Fuck off,” Nate shouted clearly to the interloper, and in a quick move, he got his first taste of the sexy city boy. The press of his lips against Jay’s was intoxicating, and they kissed and swayed to the beat of the music. Their hard cocks pressed together and—finally—the kiss deepened. Jay let him in and Nate took every advantage. Fuck the fact Jay worked for the ranch, fuck that they had absolutely zero in common, forget that Jay had a degree and a life that would take him far away from Nate’s world sometime soon.





RJ Scott has been writing since age six when she was made to stay in at lunchtime for an infraction involving cookies and was told to write a story. Two sides of A4 about a trapped princess later, a lover of writing was born. She reads anything from thrillers to sci-fi to horror; however, her first real love will always be the world of romance. From billionaires, bodyguards and cowboys to SEALs, throwaways and veterinarians, she writes passionate stories with a heart of romance, a troubled road to reach happiness, and more than a hint of happily ever after.

 
HOSTED BY:
 
Zipper Rippers Blog Design by Ipietoon