Shift into Spring

Looking for a new LGBTQIA+ shifter read? Check out this promotion, but get in quick as it only runs until the 22nd May.

Anne Barwell, S.A. Pavlik, Jen Karner, R. Gaen, Will Forrest, Antonia Aquilante, fulushouxi, BA Tortuga, Julia Talbot, Minerva Howe, Zoe Piper, Kaje Harper, Silvana Falcon, Kasia Bacon, Elizabeth Noble, Anna Sparrows, Kaleidoscope Romance

#annebarwell #lacedragonpublishing #thesleeplesscitysharedworld #mmromance #lgbtqia+romance #lgbtqfiction #paranormal #shifters

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Release Blitz – Thin Ice by Lane Hayes

A big welcome to Lane Hayes as part of her release blitz with Gay Romance Reviews for Thin Ice.

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Release Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway:
Thin Ice
By Lane Hayes

Thin Ice Cover

The Elmwood Stories, Book 4

The hunky dad, the hockey coach, and a new start…

Bryson

Elmwood isn’t good for my love life. Hey, I’m a positive person and I have nothing but wonderful things to say about small-town living, but I haven’t had a date in years. That’s fine—my son is and always has been my number one focus.

Except now he’s grown and gone. And it’s lonely.

Okay, yes, the new hockey coach is hot and single, but he’s off-limits. Smitty’s trouble with a capital T, and his baggage might outweigh mine. Besides, we said nothing would happen after “that” night. It was a one-time, never to be repeated deal.

At least…that’s what I thought.

Smitty

Am I sad about retiring from pro hockey? Honestly, no. I can’t remember the last time I wasn’t in pain. I need a rest and I could use a distraction from unwelcome memories at home. Stat.

So…Elmwood.

Look, we all know I won’t last a whole season of coaching high school kids, but stepping in till they find a better candidate is a good temporary plan. And Bryson’s here.

There’s something about the hot dad with the sunny smile and bad dad jokes that makes me feel alive again. I’m not in the market for forever—been there, done that. Look, I’ve taken risks for my sport, but I’m not giving my heart away again. I know thin ice when I see it.

Or do I?

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Excerpt:

Smitty gamely followed me to the next vignette at Pinecrest’s premiere home and furniture boutique. “It’s a coffee table, Bry. It serves two functions—a footrest and a place to leave dishes…and the remote control. Anything is fine.”

“Yeah, right,” I huffed. “Somehow I doubt the guy who couldn’t live with yellow walls and had lots of opinions about the sectional he special ordered doesn’t care about the coffee table that will go in the same room.”

Smitty darted his gaze around the store and leaned in close. “Places like this intimidate the fuck out of me. It smells like a perfume factory and everyone is smiling…but their eyes are dead. Like they’re zombies. Is this a Pinecrest thing or a bougie thing? I don’t do well with hot cotchure.”

I burst into laughter. “Haute couture?”

“Sure, whatever.”

I brushed my hand against his in a show of solidarity, then linked our pinkies for a brief moment and pointed at a handsome dark-wood coffee table with a wide base. “What about that one?”

Smitty shrugged. “Looks nice.”

“I think so too.” I clandestinely checked the tag. “Yikes. It’s pricey. Let’s keep looking.”

“Do they have a coffee table with cupholders?”

“Absolutely not, and why would anyone want a cupholder in a coffee table?”

Smitty widened his eyes comically. “Are you kidding me? Why would anyone not want a safe place to plop a cup? You never have to worry about spilling a drink or knocking it over, and you wouldn’t have to fumble for it when you’re watching a game, ’cause your cup is right where you left it.”

“Okay, that’s a whole lot of nonsense. And thankfully, a moot point.” I glanced at our surroundings as if to be sure that was true and noticed the salesperson watching us from the register. I couldn’t remember her name off the top of my head, but I was pretty sure I’d sold her and her partner a house two years ago. I lowered my voice and added, “They don’t have such a thing, but even if they did, I’d stop you from buying it.”

“How? I’m bigger than you. And I’m fast. I could whip out my credit card in a flash and shove this fucker into my truck before you could say ‘No, bad table!’ ”

Thin Ice Tagline 1


Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of Thin Ice, Lane is giving away the Winner’s choice of an audiobook or ebook of your choice from her published works!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

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Direct Link: https://bit.ly/TI_Giveaway

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Lane Hayes

About the Author:

Lane Hayes lives in sunny Southern California with her amazing husband, who thankfully doesn’t mind cooking, and their fabulous fox red Labrador, George, who’s pure mischief. Both provide oodles of inspiration for the low-angst, humorous books Lane loves to write.

She’s been telling stories about sexy, funny, sometimes geeky and quirky men who find love for a dozen years now and loving every minute. In her previous life, she sat at a desk and dealt with numbers, so yes…romance is much more satisfying!

Lane loves tea, travel, and chocolate…in any order. Add a book and she’s set!

Connect with Lane:
My Readers’ Group, Lane’s Lovers: https://bit.ly/3aIbMYg
My Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3cICfaK
Blog: www.lane-hayes.com
Twitter: twitter.com/LaneHayes3
FB: facebook.com/LaneHayesAuthor
Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/lanehayes
BookBub: bookbub.com/authors/lane-hayes
Instagram: instagram.com/lanehayes3/
Instagram: instagram.com/lanehayesauthor/
Goodreads: goodreads.com/LaneHayes
Tiktok: tiktok.com/@lane_hayes


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Release Blitz – Until the Real Thing Comes Along by Chris Simon

A big welcome to Chris Simon as part of his release blitz with IndiGo Marketing and Design for Until the Real Thing Comes Along from NineStar Press.

Title: Until the Real Thing Comes Along

Author: Chris Simon

Publisher: NineStar Press

Release Date: 05/14/2024

Heat Level: 3 – Some Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 101200

Genre: Historical, Romance, historical, family-drama, gay, 1920s, 1930s, in the closet, docker, fire, Brighton, football match

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Description

It’s 1932 and middle-class Malcolm lives with his mother in Highgate. Though confident and capable at work, he is tormented by “beastly inclinations”—a strong attraction to young men. One drunken evening at Charlie Brown’s pub in Limehouse he meets Alfie, a working-class docker—and the most beautiful young man Malcolm has ever seen. Alfie is friendly, kind and changes everything by making Malcolm’s inclinations seem considerably less beastly—but in 1930s London, this can surely have no future. Alfie is younger, apparently “normal”, and from the Isle of Dogs, far from Malcolm’s cosy world of quiet privilege.

Nevertheless, Malcolm launches himself into Alfie’s world of rough pubs, a dance club, and even a football match. Resigned to a platonic friendship, he is thrilled to find that Alfie has other ideas. But by offering him something he hadn’t even dared wish for, fate may have called his bluff and he fears his own naivety and sexual inexperience will see him squander this unexpected shot at happiness. After some excruciating but sound advice from a more worldly friend, the relationship becomes sexual, and more emotional, but remains an unsuitable attachment that cannot last forever.

When Alfie is nearly killed in a fire at the docks, and war planes on maneuvers growl over the Docklands skies, both are reminded that life is too short to worry about “forever”. During a police raid on an illicit West End club, Alfie’s heroism saves Malcolm from ruin, convincing him that whatever the future holds, this boy loves him now. The disapproval of families and friends, a hostile society, Malcolm’s insecurity, and Alfie’s belief that he’ll eventually get married because “that’s what young men do” cannot thwart a love that grows in unpromising ground and endures no matter what is thrown at it.

Excerpt

Until the Real Thing Comes Along
Chris Simon © 2024
All Rights Reserved

Grubby Angels

August 1922

This was wealth. This was power. This was the world in which Malcolm Trevelyan must make his mark.

A line of black cranes dipped and swung over the cobbled north quay of the Western Dock, as they lowered crates and barrels towards the waiting men below. Once landed, the goods were loaded onto handcarts and spirited away into the transit sheds nearby. The noise of the crane winches and the shouts of men drowned out any words of explanation from the guide escorting the small group of six trainee import clerks of which Malcolm was a part.

Beyond the transit sheds stood ancient brick warehouses, bulging with cigars and raw tobacco, grain, fragrant spices, ivory, and ostrich feathers. He breathed in the aromas of the nation’s store cupboard, awed by the sheer scale of the warehouses and by the range of goods he saw in them. Beneath their feet lay a labyrinth of cool vaults packed with puncheons and hogsheads of port, brandy, and wines. The London Docks were an organised chaos and just about the most exciting thing that sixteen-year-old Malcolm had ever seen.

But it wasn’t just the goods. Out on the quayside an even greater impression was made on him by the flat-capped, waistcoated dockers, concentration straining their features, skin glowing with their exertion. They worked in gangs, intimidating clutches of masculinity, strong and foul-mouthed. Most were middle-aged, weather-beaten, worn and scarred, but there was a handful of younger men among them. They were cocky lads—a different breed from any Malcolm had seen before and he was drawn to them. Strong, lithe, and energetic, they laughed and joked together with an easy familiarity he envied.

The dockers paid little heed to the gaggle of pale-skinned trainee clerks observing them. They would spare them attention only if the party looked like they were getting in the way, at which point a youngster would be sent to shoo them off, as though they were scavenging gulls circling over a consignment of raw sugar.

As the visitors weaved tentatively through the busy crowd, a sudden violent hailstorm lashed down on the quayside. Everyone ran for what shelter they could find, apart from the crane drivers, who watched the scurrying smugly from their cabins. Malcolm found shelter in the narrow covered doorway into a warehouse. It was padlocked and he had to share the brick arch with two young dockers and endure the bittersweet sensation of having them pressed up against him. Having their hard bodies and the smell of their sweat so close would no doubt have repelled some people. Not Malcolm. The sweat was fresh, the result of honest toil. And the bodies—well.

The young lads were deferential to him, in case he was someone important, toning down their profanities and allowing him as much space as they were able to. In adjusting his stance to try to give Malcolm more room, one of them yelped as a hailstone the size of a quail’s egg struck his bare arm. His face, close to Malcolm’s, blushed engagingly and he laughed.

“Ow! That bleedin’ hurt!”

“Don’t be such a jessie,” jeered his mate. “Wotcher stick yer arm out for anyway, yer fathead.”

“I was trying to give this gentleman a bit more room, weren’t I? Yer don’t want ’ailstones getting on yer nice duds, do yer, guvnor?”

Malcolm smiled weakly but was unable to utter a single word, let alone form a sentence. This lad of around his own age had called him “guvnor” just because he was wearing a suit, yet he was the tongue-tied one.

The hail lashed down for five minutes before stopping abruptly, allowing the young dockers to return to their labours.

As the clerks filed back out of the dock gates chattering about what they’d seen, Malcolm was disconsolate, because his desperate longing had undermined the excitement he’d felt at having seen the Port of London working at close quarters for the first time. He was no longer incarcerated in boarding school. There were plenty of girls for him to look at, in the streets and in the typing pool at work, but nothing had changed. Boys still preoccupied him and none more than these working-class lads. They were so different from him and the boys he’d known at school—and nowhere was safe, because the streets of London teemed with them. He wouldn’t even know whether the two young dockers would have been considered handsome or not. Their faces had yet to have years of hard labour etched upon them, they’d yet to sustain scars or lose teeth, their complexions were unravaged by the drink to which they would probably turn for comfort. Their youth and vitality, their common clothes and flat caps, the hair cut short at the napes of their necks and their choirboy faces tormented him still.

He could tell himself his inclinations would shift towards women in due course, but he knew it wasn’t true. In a week or two, he would have forgotten about these two particular lads, but there were legions of grubby angels dressed as thugs to fill him with a burning longing for… Well, he wasn’t quite sure for what.

What could he do about it?

The answer was obvious. He must put all his energy into his work and see how far it would take him. It was his duty to achieve wealth and power to ensure his mother would live the rest of her days in comfort, and above all, he mustn’t allow himself to indulge in any behaviour that would bring disgrace down upon her. He must not merely put aside his unnatural feelings but bury them absolutely and forever.

Purchase

NineStar Press | Books2Read

Meet the Author

Chris Simon is the youngest son of a headteacher and was born and brought up in North Wales. He attended college in Liverpool and Manchester studying Geography and English and returned to Wales to work at a holiday camp, doing everything from chalet allocations to scrubbing grill pans in the off season. He did this over three summers before moving to London to join the civil service, starting in North London benefit offices and ending with the Department for Transport in Westminster.

As well as football and music, Chris has a great love of social history, particularly that of London. After visiting the capital at the age of twelve his desire to live there became the first certainty of his life. He settled in Walthamstow in East London and is a keen supporter of Manchester City and, of course, Wales. It had always been his intention to write a novel whenever he found the time—and now he has.

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Giveaway

One lucky winner will receive a $50.00 NineStar Press Gift Code!

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Book Review – And Nothing but the Truth by Charlie Cochrane

Lindenshaw Mysteries #7
Publisher: Riptide Publishing
Pages: 338
Characters: Robin/Adam
POV: 3rd
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Detective, Series

Blurb:
Some truths don’t set you free.

The pandemic may be winding down, but for Chief Inspector Robin Bright, life never really goes back to normal. One second, he’s having breakfast with his adorable husband—and their equally adorable Newfoundland, Hamish—and the next, he gets the dreaded call: a body’s been found. What initially appears to be a mugging gone wrong turns out to be murder, and Robin is on the case.

Adam Matthews is happy to act as a sounding board—much as he tries not to get involved—but when Robin’s case intersects with a mystery from within their own family, he’s embroiled whether he likes it or not. Loquacious genealogists, secret pregnancies, and a potentially dubious inheritance all ensure that Adam won’t be doing his hundred-and-one headteacher tasks in peace anytime soon.

Lies pile onto lies, and the more the story changes, the more the killer is revealed. Without proof, however, Robin and his team are powerless, and the murderer isn’t the only one with something to hide. But Robin won’t stop until he’s found the whole truth, and nothing but.

Buy Link

Review

I’m already a huge fan of this author’s historical detectives, but this is the first time I’ve read on of her modern set mysteries. I loved this story, with its solid detective work, and endearing characters. I need to play catch up with the rest of the series now.

I loved the mix of working the case, Adam and Robin’s relationship, and the parallels between the investigation and Robin’s own family mystery. Adam and Robin are wonderful together. I love how they prioritise communication, share their lives, and rib each other good-naturedly. I enjoyed seeing snippets of their life together in the everyday moments, and Hamish is a delight.

I liked the supporting cast too, especially Robin’s mum, and Robin’s team. I appreciated the fact that the reality of Adam’s job wasn’t ignored either, with him needing to bring work home etc.

I’ve always loved small town British detective stories, and this hit the spot perfectly. I liked that the mystery needed work to be solved, and how all the pieces, and a few red herrings, slowly came together.

A very satisfying read.

5 out of 5 stars.

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Throwback Thursday – 16/5/24 – Winter Duet

My #throwbackthursday this week is Winter Duet, Book 2 of Echoes Rising.

Nominated for LR Cafe’s 2021 Best Historical/Regency/Victorian book category.

#WWII #action #drama #spies #diversecharacters #foundfamily #hurtcomfort #mmromance

Who do you trust when no one is who they seem?

Germany 1944
Fleeing German physicist Dr Kristopher Lehrer and his lover, Resistance fighter Michel, are caught up in an Allied bombing campaign. Separated from Michel after discovering an injured RAF pilot in the Black Forest, and pursued by the SS for the information he carries, Kristopher is frantic to reunite, unaware that Michel has been recruited by the Allies for a rescue mission.

Time is running out. The Gestapo is closing in. How can they decide who to trust, when the dagger pointed at Kristopher’s back could be wielded by a friend?

Author’s note: This is the third edition of Winter Duet. The first and second editions were released by another publishing house. This story has been re-edited, and uses UK spelling to reflect its setting.

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link | Paperback | Echoes Rising

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Release Blitz – Kicks by Kristian Parker

A big welcome to Kristian Parker as part of their release blitz with Gay Book Promotions for Kicks.

NEW RELEASE

Book Title: Kicks (Pleasure Seekers, Book 2)

Author and Publisher: Kristian Parker

Cover Artist: Kelly Martin

Release Date: May 15, 2024

Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance

Tropes: Friends with benefits to lovers, workplace romance

Themes: Resolving family issues.

Trigger warning – deals with historical suicide attempt

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Length: 50 040 words/ 214 pages

It is book two in the Pleasure Seekers series and does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads

 

Buy Links – Available in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon US | Amazon UK

 

Love always uncovers the truth

 

Blurb

Eddie Channing has never bothered with a career. Yet somehow he’s become the best salesman at Pleasure Seekers.

When his boss makes a shock announcement, Eddie isn’t just fighting for his job—his whole life as he knows it is at stake.

Enter Billy Webster. A Brighton shop owner still grieving the loss of his mother as well as raising his teenage sister, he could hold the answers to all of Eddie’s problems…if Eddie can screw a good chunk of commission out of him. But Eddie, who’s as chilled about his love life as he is about his professional one, is shaken to the core when he first sets eyes on Billy. Can he lie to him straight away, and keep the deception going if they become involved?

And what will happen if the truth comes out, to Eddie, Billy and any relationship they’ve built?

Trigger warning – elements of grief for the loss of a mother (off page).

 

Excerpt

The front doorbell sounded, snapping Billy to attention.

“He must be here,” he said.

“Or it’s a customer,” Harry replied.

“I admire your optimism. I’ll go.”

Billy strode out into the shop. A man had his back to him. He appeared to be inspecting a shell-covered jewellery box. Not one of Billy’s wisest choices.

“Can I help you?”

When the man turned around, Billy gasped. He hadn’t seen someone that handsome in a long time. With light brown skin and short dreadlocks that appeared to have been tinted by the sun, he glowed.

He was a contrast to Billy’s much darker tone and cropped hair. Fashion statements had never been high on Billy’s agenda. He took pride in his appearance whilst making minimal effort. Although when Crystal’s friends all became obsessed with giving each other facials at sleepovers, he did succumb to letting Crystal practice her technique on him.

The life of a girl dad proved to be a never-ending voyage of discovery.

“Mr Webster?” the exquisite specimen said.

“Um…yes.”

“Eddie Channing. From Pleasure Seekers. We have an appointment?”

“That’s right.”

“Sorry, Mr Channing,” Harry said as he pushed past Billy. “My brother appears to have let the heat get to him. I’m Harry and this is Billy.”

Eddie shook his hand. “That’s better. I’d get confused dealing with two Mr Websters.”

Billy got a hold of himself and forced his brain to focus. “My apologies, Mr…Eddie. I don’t know what came over me.”

This man intrigued Eddie. “Don’t worry about it. As long as I have the bragging rights. It’s not every day I make a handsome man lose his words. My flatmates will be amazed.”

Did he just call me handsome?

Billy refused to let his emotions take control. This was important. He wouldn’t fall for a salesman’s tactics.

He held his hand out. When Eddie took it, Billy tried his best to ignore the spark of electricity that fizzed through him.

“Would you like to come through?” Billy said.

“I’ll put the closed sign on,” Harry chipped in.

“No n—” Billy started.

Harry widened his eyes at him. “Probably for the best.”

Suddenly, Billy saw how wildly out of his depth he was. Harry seemed to be treating this like one of his fights. He was ducking and weaving all over the place. Billy had never been any good at games.

That was probably why they were about to go bust.

He led Eddie through. The close proximity making his heart beat a little faster. However, those few steps gave him the chance to get it together.

“Take a seat,” he said. “Can I get you a drink? It’s hot today.”

“No, I’m good,” Eddie said.

Billy took his usual seat at the little desk. He gestured for Eddie to take the armchair that Crystal usually sat in to do her homework.

Harry soon followed them and perched delicately on the remaining stool. He was far too big for it. Billy prayed to everything holy that it wouldn’t collapse under him.

Why didn’t I give him this seat? Fuck’s sake, calm down. It doesn’t matter.

 

SERIES BLURB

Pleasure Seekers is the online store for the nation’s naughty needs. It caters to all tastes from edible underwear to lube to things that are a little more niche.

Based in Brighton on the South Coast, Pleasure Seekers’ mission is to revolutionise Britain’s sex life.

But what kind of person works in a company like this?

Meet Tyler, Eddie and Scott. Three men who are about to have the summer of their lives.

Who says taking your work home with you is a bad thing?

Check out Book 1 here

 

 

About the Author

I have written for as long as I could write. In fact, before, when I would dictate to my auntie. I love to read, and I love to create worlds and characters.

I live in the English countryside. When I’m not writing, I like to get out there and think through the next scenario I’m going to throw my characters into.

Inspiration can be found anywhere, on a train, in a restaurant or in an office. I am always in search of the next character to find love in one of my stories. In a world of apps and online dating, it is important to remember love can be found when you least expect it.

 

Author Links

Blog/Website | Facebook | Instagram | Newsletter Sign-up

 

Giveaway

Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway for a chance to win

your choice of ebook from Kristian’s backlist (5 winners)

 

Hosted by Gay Book Promotions



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Romance Bookfair

Looking for a new LGBTQ read? Check out this promotion!

Anne Barwell, Lillian Zenzi, Brina Brady, Rory Maxwell, Morgan Lysand, Jamie Lynn Miller, Jen Karner, Neil S Plakcy, Kevin Klehr, Bix Barrow, Sienna Eggler, Vegastarchild584, Lucy Felthouse, V.S. Holmes, Leta Blake, Riley Long, D Alex, DK Girl, Lacey Daize, E.J. Russell, Elizabeth Noble, TL Travis, Ann Lister, Miski Harris, Beck Grey, D.G. Carothers, Gabbi Grey, Inge Mayhem, Avery Summer, Lainey Delaroque, K.C. Carmine, A.J. Truman, M. Kato, Trevann Rogers, TJ Nichols, Denver Shaw, Twila Tewson, Catherine Cloverdale, Jennifer O’Malley, Ian O. Lewis, Eva Lyra, Jasmine C. Caldwell, Aldrea Alien, A.M. Snead/CJ Bishop, Alexa Piper, Chris Bannor, J.L. Meyrick, R.Gaen, Blake R. Wolfe, Atreus Rosewood, Vasha Crow, Kismet Kaye, MN Bennet, Cyd Sidney, Van Cole, Georgia Rayne, Emma Barlowe, Cari Z, Declan Rhodes, Holly Day, Joe Satoria, fulushouxi, Rebecca Cohen, Pamela Gail, N.R. Hairston, Undertaker Books, Will Forrest, Jay Castle

#annebarwell #lacedragonpublishing #thesleeplesscitysharedworld #kedgetown #mmromance, #gayfirction #lbtqfiction #paranormal #newzealandromance

You can find all the books here

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Teaser Tuesday – 15/4/24 – Prelude to Love

My #teasertuesday this week is from Prelude to Love.

#contemporaryromance #mmromance #gayromance #sweetwithheat #oppositesattract #friendstolovers #slowburn #smalltownromance #newzealandromance #ku #kindleunlimited

“I’m not going anywhere near work for at least the first week of these holidays.” Joel lay stretched out on the sofa, with his feet on Marcus’s lap. The concert had been an overwhelming success and raised more than the money they’d needed, even without the generous donation that had arrived anonymously a few days later.

Marcus raised an eyebrow. “Should I be looking for a pod and saving the real Joel from alien invaders?”

Joel tossed a cushion at him at the Invasion of the Body Snatchers reference. They’d watched the 1950s version of the movie the weekend before. Marcus hadn’t seen a lot of older classic movies, so Joel decided it was something that needed rectifying, especially as Darin had a decent collection they could borrow.

“Don’t worry, I’m still me.” Joel took a sip of his coffee and let out a contented sigh. “No concert to worry about this break, so I can afford to take some time off. I do that occasionally, you know.”

“Really?” Marcus laughed when Joel hunted for another cushion. They were heading down to Hokitika later in the week. Marcus was looking forward to their spending time with his parents who were excited by the opportunity to get to know Joel better.

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Book Review – House of Cards by Garrett Leigh

Porth Ewan Bay #1
Publisher: Fox Love Press
Pages: 214
Characters: Brix/Calum
POV: 3rd
Genre: Contemporary, Series

Blurb:
What’s better than one broody tattoo artist? TWO, that’s what. Hurt/comfort, friends-to-lovers, and forced proximity combine in this gorgeous second chance MM romance.

Calum Hardy’s life has unravelled. Reeling from the betrayal of a man he once loved, he boards a train heading south, with no real idea where he’s going except a world away from London.

Brix Lusmoore can hardly believe his eyes when he spots one of his oldest friends outside Truro station. He hasn’t seen Calum since he fled the capital himself four years ago, harbouring a life-changing secret. But despite the years of silence, their old bond remains, warm and true—and layered with simmering heat they’ve never forgotten.

Calum takes refuge with Brix and a job at his Porth Ewan tattoo shop. Bit by bit, he rebuilds his life, but both men carry the ghosts of the past, and it will take more than a rekindled friendship and the magic of the Cornish coast to chase them away.

*Previously published as part of the Porthkennack shared world series, these titles have been significantly reworked and re-edited, with strong links to the Rebel Kings MC universe*

Buy Link

Review

I loved the first book in this series, and am now hanging out for the rest. Calum and Brix feel very real, and the setting adds another layer to the story with its scenery and inhabitants. I also enjoyed the links to, and cameos from, the Rebel Kings.

I thought the author did a great job in showing Calum’s relationship with his toxic ex. That guy is a narcissist, nasty piece of work. I loved how Kim matter-of-factly dealt with yet another phone call. I loved Calum and Brix reconnecting, and learning about what had happened during the years they’d lost contact, and their protectiveness of each other. This author writes flawed characters and the angst and raw emotion that goes with that wonderfully well.

Brix’s relationship with his family is interesting. They have quite the history. I liked that everything they’re doing isn’t always above board. I loved the chicken rescue, and Calum’s instant connection to them.

Zelda has a personality all of her own. I always enjoy MCs having cats.

Port Ewan feels like a character in its own right. I loved the small community atmosphere, and the supporting cast who totally need their own books. I’m very pleased this is the first in a series.

5 out of 5 stars

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Rainbow Snippets – 12/5/24 – Shades of Sepia


Rainbow Snippets is a group who post 6 sentences each week from LTBTQ+ fiction or a book rec. Check out the FB page for more. #RainbowSnippets

This week’s snippet is from Shades of Sepia, Book 1 of The Sleepless City.

The knock on his door was quiet, tentative. “Simon?” Ben called. His voice had a reserved quality Simon hadn’t heard before.

“The door’s not locked.” Simon undid the top button of his shirt. His skin felt flushed, and he’d discarded the constriction of the tie around his neck when he’d begun pacing.

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