(Watch Me) Body You (Run This Town, #2) by Avril Ashton

Genre:

MM Contemporary Romance/ Crime

Buy The Book:

AMAZON /  B & N / BOOK DEPOSITORY

Connect With The Author:

Goodreads / Blog / Twitter

Summary On Goodreads:

Denial only lasts so long…eventually the heart wins out.

What if loving him…

After recent events that had his life flashing before his eyes, Israel Storm is re-evaluating everything. His friends. His priorities. What’s not going to change is the deep connection he’s developed with Reggie Turner. They’re comfortable with each other, partners in crime with no qualms about sharing women. Whatever Is needs, Reggie is the one he calls. Their bond can survive anything. But maybe not the kiss Reggie plants on him out of nowhere.

…Means losing him?

Despite what Is thinks, that kiss came from somewhere. An un-named current has been flowing between them for months. Reggie doesn’t bat for his own team, but the more time he spends with Is, seeing past the rough façade of the man leading The Rude Boys, the more Reggie loses sight of labels and where he fits. All he knows is there’s something there, something Is will never acknowledge. One kiss leads to a punch that lands Reggie in the ER, and sends Is digging through his darkest memories in search of himself.

Friendship is all that’s left if they bury the truth. If they ignore the pull that makes it impossible to do anything other than fight each other. But denials can be exhausting and hiding isn’t working, not when everyone can clearly see your heart’s desire. An enemy is out to make an example of Is, and his weapon of choice will leave this Rude Boy bloodied…and bodied.

RATING:

*** REVIEW ***

I don't know if it's because of my weakness for friends-to-lovers/gay-for-you mm romances, but I enjoyed this 2nd installment in the Run This Town series by A. Ashton much more than the first one. The leading couple of this book are Israel Storm a.k.a Is, X' best friend and the leader of the gang called the Rude Boys, and Reggie Turner, Is' best friend and one of the gang members. The story continues right after the ending of the first one, with Reggie taking Israel into hiding to his old childhood cabin near the lake where the recent tension between them starts to escalate.

"Maybe he knew. Maybe Is knew. Reggie couldn't take the chance so he took what he was given like a good little soldier would,

he took the scraps of emotion he caught every once in a while in Is' eyes,

he took the fleeting touches that weren't quite fleeting and the promise of maybe, possibly, that came with each puff of breath Is expelled.

He took it all and tried to tell himself it would be enough."

Is and Reggie have only met recently, but they bonded right away. It was sort of a bromance at first sight and soon enough they became inseparable. Neither of them ever thought that their growing friendship could turn into something more. Right in the first book of the series - (Watch Me) Break You (RTT, #1) we witnessed the beginning of a change between two of them followed by palpable tension and Reggie admitting his feelings for Is to X. Both of them were straight their whole life and now they find themselves confused and terrified to lose one of the good, light things in their dark, criminal life- their friendship, especially when they end up stuck in Reggie's cabin with no place to run from their new-found feelings. Add to that growing family problems and possible gang war and you have a perfect recipe for disaster.

4 dark, action-packed, deeply emotional & way too hot stars.

The main focus of this installment is on the slow-building romance between Is and Reggie and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way, because they totally won me over right in the 1st book. You have two gangsters who have gone through heaven and hell and found each other on that path and unexpectedly fell in love for the first time in their life, but in the dark world of gangsters, where you have a constant target on your head and where homosexuality isn't exactly welcomed, the price for that love might be too high. Is and Reggie were just like X and Dima- strong, bad-ass characters, but there's also a softer, endearing side to them, visible only to their inner circle and that's one of the things I like the best about this series. It took time for them to finally let go of their fears and doubts and take that next step, but the waiting was so worth it. Two words: hotness overload!

"I want what people who feel like we feel,

who burn like we fucking burn, have. Because I burn, Is.

I want what we should have. Nothing less.

We've changed too much to ever go back."

Fans of X & Dima will also be pleased to hear that both of them make appearance in this installment too and guess what- they have some big news for you, but I'm saying nothing. Read the book and find out. I must admit that my feelings about this series were kind of conflicted after reading the first book, but now I'm totally hooked. Bring on the third one!

Highly recommended to every fan of dark contemporary/friends-to-lovers/gfy romances!

xoxo,

Purple

BLOG TOUR- ARC REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Rise & Fall (THIRDS, #4) by Charlie Cochet

Rise & Fall 
(THIRDS Series, Book #4) 
by Charlie Cochet 

Blurb: 

After an attack by the Coalition leaves THIRDS Team Leader Sloane Brodie critically injured, agent Dexter J. Daley swears to make Beck Hogan pay for what he’s done. But Dex’s plans for retribution are short-lived. With Ash still on leave with his own injuries, Sloane in the hospital, and Destructive Delta in the Coalition’s crosshairs, Lieutenant Sparks isn’t taking any chances. Dex’s team is pulled from the case, with the investigation handed to Team Leader Sebastian Hobbs. Dex refuses to stand by while another team goes after Hogan, and decides to put his old HPF detective skills to work to find Hogan before Theta Destructive, no matter the cost.

With a lengthy and painful recovery ahead of him, the last thing Sloane needs is his partner out scouring the city, especially when the lies—however well intentioned—begin to spiral out of control. Sloane is all too familiar with the desire to retaliate, but some things are more important, like the man who’s pledged to stand beside him. As Dex starts down a dark path, it’s up to Sloane to show him what’s at stake, and finally put a name to what’s in his heart.

Available for purchase at:

    

Excerpt

Dex sorted out all of Sloane’s pillows, fluffing them up and arranging them before bringing the tray over.

Once Sloane was settled, Dex placed the tray over his lap and kissed him, tasting a faint hint of minty freshness.

Sloane stared down at the tray.

“Is it okay?” Dex asked. Had he forgotten something? “Eggs benedict and pancakes are your favorite,

right?”

Sloane nodded.

“What’s wrong?”

“You made heart-shaped pancakes.”

Dex held back a smile. “Are they too unmanly? Should I have made them grenade-shaped? I’m sure

Letty’s got a mold for those.”

Sloane chuckled. “No, hearts are fine. It’s real sweet. Thank you.”

Dex sat down on the edge of the bed beside him. He ran his fingers through Sloane’s hair feeling guilty

for having left him on his own last night. Sloane could take care of himself, even if he was injured, but

his partner was drugged up and obviously feeling a little out of it, considering his reaction to the heart

shaped pancakes. Maybe it was time he took care of his partner like he’d promised he would.

“Why don’t you eat your breakfast while I shower, and we’ll watch a movie or something together?”

Sloane gave him a wide smile. “I’d like that.”

Dex left Sloane to his breakfast and went off to shower as quickly as he could. Showering wasn’t as

much fun without his partner. As he lathered himself up, a naughty thought occurred to him. He’d also

promised he’d make his partner purr. Finishing up, he could barely hold back his smile or the heat

spreading through him. Easy there, Daley. Don’t get yourself worked up yet. He dressed in his comfy

cotton pajama bottoms and a loose faded Back to the Future T-shirt before heading out into the

bedroom. Sloane was smiling, his plate devoid of any evidence food had ever been on there. Wow, his

partner had been hungry. Really hungry. Starving. Sort of like after….

“Please tell me you didn’t.” Dex removed the tray and put it on the floor against the wall. He pulled the

blanket back and tried to lift Sloane’s T-shirt, but his partner slapped his hand away. “Sloane, let me see,

damn it.” He grabbed Sloane’s wrist with one hand and managed to pull up the cotton shirt, cursing

under his breath at the tiny beads of blood seeping through the bandage. “For fuck’s sake, did you try to

shift?” When Sloane looked away, Dex had his answer. No wonder his partner was out of it. It wasn’t

just the meds. Sloane hadn’t recuperated from postshift. Dex opened the minifridge and found it empty.

“When?” He slammed the fridge door shut.

“Last night. After you called,” Sloane mumbled.

“Last night?” Dex put a hand to his head. Veggies and hummus were all well and good for Sloane’s

Human side, but not for the Felid inside him. He needed meat, protein, and more than the packet of

sliced chicken Dex had left him in the fridge. “Fuck. Sloane, you know you’re not supposed to attempt

shifting. The doctor said so, and it’s in the packet. To make matters worse, you do it when there’s no

one here to perform postshift trauma care? With no access to the right foods? What were you

thinking?”

“I’m thinking I need to fucking heal, and if that’s the quickest way to do it, then it’s a risk I’m willing to

take!”

Sloane’s ferocity surprised Dex, and he took a step back. His partner’s pupils were dilated and his fangs

slightly elongated. Fuck, what the hell was going on? It was like Sloane was having trouble controlling his

feral side. Dex could see it. He could see the Felid inside Sloane staring back at him from behind glowing

amber eyes. Could the meds be doing this? The recovery packet the doctor had given them specifically

instructed Sloane not shift while he was healing, especially while on his meds.

“Okay, take it easy. It’s me.” Dex held his hands up in front of him and swallowed hard, aware of the

telltale signs. “There’s no hurry for you to heal, Sloane. It’s okay.”

“It’s not okay,” Sloane snarled, his fingers flexing against the sheets and his nails starting to grow. Fuck.

Oh fuck.

“Sloane, you need to breathe. Calm down.” Dex slowly edged away from the bed. Why was this

happening? Sloane had never lost his grip on his Felid side. Not to mention he’d yet to fully recover from

his first attempt. “Please, Sloane. Your body’s not healed from the first try. Who knows what asecond

attempt will do?”

There was no reply from Sloane. He was gritting his teeth, his face red, and his muscles straining.

“Sloane, you need to stop.”

“I can’t.” Sloane lowered his head, his fierce gaze on Dex.

“Why?”

“To protect you!”

Dex gasped as Sloane let out a roar, his body starting to shift. What the hell was Dex supposed to do?

He’d never faced a Therian who’d lost control of his Human side, much less an Apex predator. Quickly,

he backed up against the far wall, cringing as Sloane’s cries of agony filled the room. Sloane tore at his

clothes, pulling his T-shirt and pajama bottoms off before his mass shifted, bones popped, and fur

pierced his skin. Dex reached into his pocket and with shaky hands placed a call.

A gruff voice answered. “What do you want?”

“Ash, you have to help me.” The panic in his voice must have been clear, because Ash’s tone instantly

transformed from its usual gruffness to concern.

“What’s going on, Dex? Talk to me.”

“It’s Sloane. He’s shifting, but it’s not… not normal. He tried last night but couldn’t complete the transformation. Then we got into an argument, and it’s like he’s lost it. I don’t think he’s in control. How

is that possible?”

“Hide.”

“What?”

“Hide somewhere he can’t get to you. I’m on my way. I’ve still got my key to your place.”

Ash hung up, and Dex shoved his phone in his pocket. Where the fuck was he supposed to hide? When

he moved his gaze to the bed, he stilled. There was no time for hiding. The huge black jaguar lay in the

center of the bed, his tail thumping against the headboard. He sniffed the sheets, then the air before his

gaze landed on Dex.

*** REVIEW***

Arc provided by the author via Enchantress of Book Blog Tours

It's safe to say by now that I'm a total fangirl when it comes to this amazing shifter world Charlie Cochet created. I remember like it was yesterday when I first read Hell & High Water (Thirds, Book 1), going into  it without any expectations because it was my first read by this author and also to see what's the whole hype about and then finishing it and being totally enthralled. Since then the story has only got better with every next book and with them my infatuation. I was one of the lucky ones who got the opportunity to devour the 4th installment in the series before publication and what can I say- I loved it!

Action-packed, fun & deeply emotional.

The author gave me everything I wanted from this installment: engaging plot, fun and charming characters, lots of love and thrilling action. The story continues right after the heart-wrenching cliffhanger of the previous book. With two of their best agents on sick leave, the Thirds Destructive Delta team is in chaos, both physically and mentally, but underneath it all is a burning desire for payback time on the criminals who are trying to kill off their agents. I don't want to reveal much, because I don't want to spoil it for other fans, all you need to know is that I think you'll be more than pleased with the outcome, just as I am.

The core of the book was as always our beloved Dexter "Dex" Daley- a badass Thirds agent who wears his heart on his sleeve. Driven by desire to protect and revenge his team he did some reckless things, but you just can't stay mad on that guy. He just keeps growing on you with his playful and geeky personality and remains my favorite Thirds agent. The reward to my favorite secondary character in this installment goes to Austen Payne. I must admit that I found that guy a bit pushy and annoying in the previous book, but he totally won me over with his humor and charm in this one and I can't wait to find out more about his character.

The highlights of the book for me were:

1. Every part involving the awesomeness of Dex Daley of course

2. Dex' & Sloane's moments of cuteness overload

3. Austen Payne's snarky remarks

4. Ash's & Cael's moments of "so close, no matter how far"
5. Dex & Ash bonding

5. One "voyeur" scene involving... ...ha, read the book and find out!;P
6. The hilarious ending

As much as I look forward to the next book- Against the Grain (THIRDS, #5) which will focus on and be told from Ash's and Cael's point of views, I must admit that I'm also a bit sad and already miss our one and only Dex Daley and his shenanigans, even though I'm sure we'll get our fix of him there too. Let the counting begin!

Sloane: What would I do without you?

Dex: Lead a quiet, peaceful existence?

Sloane: Sounds boring as hell.

Dex: Can I get that in writing and notarized?

Sloane: Shut up.

Highly recommended to every mm paranormal romance fan!

RATING:

About the Author

Charlie Cochet is an author by day and artist by night. Always quick to succumb to the whispers of her wayward muse, no star is out of reach when following her passion. From Historical to Fantasy, Contemporary to Science Fiction, there’s bound to be plenty of mischief for her heroes to find themselves in, and plenty of romance, too!

Currently residing in South Florida, Charlie looks forward to migrating to a land where the weather includes seasons other than hot, hotter, and boy, it’s hot! When she isn't writing, she can usually be found reading, drawing, or watching movies. She runs on coffee, thrives on music, and loves to hear from readers. 

You can find Charlie at :

                  

Newsletter

Thirds Headquarter

*** Giveaway ***

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Presented By

Link to EoBBT:

http://www.enchantressofbooksblogtours.com/

xoxo

ARC REVIEW: Waiting for the Flood by Alexis Hall

Expected Publication:  February 23d, 2015 by Riptide Publishing

Buy The Book:

Riptide Publishing 

Connect with the author:

Goodreads / Blog / Twitter

Genre:

MM Contemporary Romance

Summary On Goodreads:

People come as well as go.

Twelve years ago, Edwin Tully came to Oxford and fell in love with a boy named Marius. He was brilliant. An artist. It was going to be forever.

Two years ago, it ended.

Now Edwin lives alone in the house they used to share. He tends to damaged books and faded memories, trying to a build a future from the fragments of the past.

Then the weather turns, and the river spills into Edwin’s quiet world, bringing with it Adam Dacre from the Environment Agency. An unlikely knight, this stranger with roughened hands and worn wellingtons, but he offers Edwin the hope of something he thought he would never have again.

As the two men grow closer in their struggle against the rising waters, Edwin learns he can’t protect himself from everything—and sometimes he doesn't need to try.

RATING:

*** REVIEW ***

"How had I forgotten? How had I become so careless, so cruel, so locked inside my own uncertainties? I had allowed hurt to gain such ascendancy over me. Given it so much power. But I had come, at last, in the middle of a flood, to some fresher, deeper truth which was simply this: love is stronger than grief."

Alexis Hall certainly has a way with words, making it so easy for me to fall in love with his stories.  

Everybody who expects something like Glitterland- stop right there, because this story is different. It was less intense, light on the drama and heavy issues, but nonetheless it was still very good. When you think about it, the plot of the story isn't something unique or never written before, but what makes it special and outstanding for me is the elegant, evocative and captivating writing style of the author and how vividly he delivered the story. Hall's characters aren't one of those crazy rich super models, but ordinary people with flaws, insecurities and real life problems, characters you'll find charming in spite of those flaws. Characters with whom you can relate to.

The plot is in fact quite simple- about a guy in his mid-30ies who is still trying to deal with a breakup with his ex-boyfriend of 10 years and who finds love again when he least expects it, but the question is- is he ready or willing enough to yet again put himself out there, to put his trust and heart in the hands of a stranger? 

This is one of those right in the feels story which will hit close home every reader who has ever experienced a heartbreak and the struggle to move on. Rare authors have this impact on me- to make me completely immerse myself in the story, to connect with the characters on a deeper level and to find myself in almost every second quote. I usually feel like this while reading books by Megan Hart who is one of my favorite authors nowadays, but A. Hall is slowly climbing up on that list.

The book's only flaw for me was its shortness- around 95 pages. Such a shame it wasn't a full length novel.

Glittterland remains my favorite book by this author, but this one definitely comes as a close second. Recommended to every mm romance fan who has a soft spot for bittersweet, emotional and at the same time heart-warming stories with realistic, relate-able and endearing characters.

*Arc provided by Riptide Publishing via Netgalley in exchange for honest review.

xoxo

Just a Bit Obsessed (Straight Guys, #2) By Alessandra Hazard

Buy The Book:

AMAZON 

Author's Page:

Goodreads / Blog

Genre:

MM Contemporary Romance

Summary On Goodreads:

Alexander Sheldon likes order and control in his life. He isn’t happy when his girlfriend invites another guy for a threesome. Alexander believes in monogamy, and he’s never been good at sharing his things. It doesn’t help that Christian rubs him the wrong way from the beginning. 

But what starts as animosity turns into something else. Something unexpected and very wrong.

He was never supposed to touch Christian. He was never supposed to feel possessive of the guy. And he most definitely wasn’t supposed to want Christian more than he wants his girlfriend.

It’s a recipe for disaster.

Warning: some M/F/M sex.

RATING:

Purple's rating: 4 smoking hot stars
Glass' rating: 4 smoking hot stars

*** REVIEW ***

"Crushing on straight guys is never a good idea."

For the love of...I don't know which one was hotter- this one or the first one! My dirty mind simply can't force himself to choose and calls it a a tie, lol.

I knew from the first time I met Christian, Shawn's bff, in Just a Bit Twisted (Straight Guys, #1) that his story is bound to be good. Christian is a mix of everything I prefer my main characters to be: strong, witty, sweet and a bit cocky, but in a totally cute and harmless way. It's no wonder that he's one of the most popular students on the university and that everyone wants to be his friend or lover. He is a bisexual, but in the long term relationship he can only see himself with a guy and here comes Alexander Sheldon, the guy who's been on his mind for a long time.

Alexander Sheldon comes across as mysterious, calm, kind of closed off and cold person, especially to the people he doesn't know. Rich, drop dead gorgeous with a beautiful girlfriend Mila he treats like a queen. Everything about him and what he does seems perfect. Almost too perfect. Nothing and no one seems to have it in them to break that cool composure, that constant poker face. No one until he meets Christian.

Mila- I'm usually all for girl power and all that represents, but this time, I don't know if it's the mm fangirl in me to blame, but I didn't like this girl from the page one. I thought she was manipulative, selfish and full of herself and I wanted her out of the picture as soon as possible. Everything that happened- she had it coming.

4 fun, emotional & smoking hot stars.

I devoured this book in one sitting just like the previous one. The chemistry between the characters was breathtaking, but, sexy time aside, there's more to the story than just that. It's above all a story about love, friendship and family issues with fun, realistic and endearing characters.

And the ending? All I'm going to say is that it was all I wanted and more. Loved it! It's like the author read my mind and I think that every mm romance fan will be more than pleased.

"I hate leaving loose ends," Christian said.

"What loose ends?"

"You know what I'm talking about. Look at me."

Alexander knew he shouldn't. He knew it. But he did anyway.

They stared at each other in silence; the only sound in the stairwell was their ragged breathing. Christian licked his lips.

"Just once," he whispered.

Recommended to all mm romance fans who share my weaknesses for:

- emotional & steamy gfy (gay for you) mm romance with endearing characters

- collage boys romance

The next book is called Just a Bit Unhealthy (Straight Guys, #3) with Jared, Aleksander's cousin, in the main role who is still kind of an enigma. Can't wait to see what else Alessandra Hazard has in store for us!

xoxo

Just a Bit Twisted (Straight Guys, #1) by Alessandra Hazard

Buy The Book:

AMAZON  

Author's Page:

Goodreads / Blog

Genre:

MM Contemporary Romance

Summary On Goodreads:

Professor Derek Rutledge is hated and feared by all of his students. Strict, reserved and ruthless, he doesn't tolerate mistakes and has little patience for his students.

Shawn Wyatt is a twenty-year-old struggling to provide for his younger sisters after the death of their parents. On the verge of losing his scholarship, Shawn becomes desperate enough to go to Professor Rutledge.

Everyone says Rutledge doesn't have a heart. Everyone says he's a ruthless bastard. Shawn finds out that everyone is right.

He strikes a deal with Rutledge, but unexpectedly, the deal turns into something so much more.

Something all-consuming and addictive.

Something neither of them wants.

RATING:

***REVIEW***

"I've heard an interesting rumor about Rutledge. "

"What rumor?"

Christian glanced around, as though to make sure no one could hear them, before leaning in and murmuring into Shawn's ear, "Tucker say that Professor Rutledge has a weakness for pretty boys."

I know that many readers have a fetish for teacher-student romances *subtly pointing at my friends Glass & Beatrix* :P, but since I'm a teacher I must admit this type of pairing never held much appeal to me. I read a couple of books with similar theme, but I never considered myself as one of the fans of this particular subject, but damn, the 1st book in Alessandra Hazard's series could definitely make me one of those.  

I loved both of the MCs, especially the cute, witty and selfless Shawn and his two adorable younger sisters. His parents died in a car accident and since he has no closer relatives the responsibility for his siblings falls on him. With the debts his parents left him, university obligations, scholarship at stake, two small girls and other life necessities that task soon becomes a true burden, but he'll do anything to keep his sister happy and by his side, even if it means to strike a humiliating deal with one of his professors. His sacrifice, devotion and love for his sisters was really heartwarming and admirable and above all I liked how he didn't let Rutledge intimidate him and always gave him a piece of his mind unlike other people who "run for their life".

And then we have the strict, mysterious and closed-off Derek Rutledge or better known as the "Professor Asshole." Professor Rutledge is (in)famous on the university for his strictness and at times cruel, straightforward and merciless behavior. None of the students like him. He is rather one of those boogeyman professors whom everyone fears. Therefore he will be one of those guys you'll love to hate at the beginning of the story, but have in mind that first impressions can be misleading. My feelings for this guy were changing through the story between wanting to kick his ass and jump his bones, preferably both at the same time, but after we start getting glimpses of the man behind the cold-hearted mask the later one prevailed.

"We aren't having sex," Shawn said.

"Of course we aren't," Rutledge agreed. He was naked, too.

Shawn's gaze skimmed over his broad shoulders, densely muscled chest, and taut stomach, before lingering on his hard red cock. He felt his mouth water.

"No, seriously," Shawn tried again but bit his lip when Rutledge wrapped a hand around his erection. God. "We aren't having sex."

The story was a fast-paced, bitter-sweet and steamy (read: dirty) read. It is a combination of GFY/ hate-to-love mm romance and you all are probably already familiar with my weakness for this type of stories. The chemistry between these two was explosive and resulted in a couple of scorching hot sex scenes, but there's also depth to it. Everything started as a deal, but the more the MCs get to know each other, the more feelings get involved. The book's only flaw for me is its shortness. It left me wanting for more. I liked it so much that I grabbed the next book in the series right after I finished it. It is supposed to be a m-f-m romance with Shawn's best friend Christian in the main role- be still my dirty mind. 

All in all, recommended to every mm romance fan with teacher-student fetish who like their stories a little bit on the dirty side!;)

"I'm no good at comforting people," Rutledge said irritably.
Shawn turned to him and forced a small smile out: "It's okay. I'm surprised you haven't kicked me out yet."
Rutledge's lips thinned. He had a very sour expression on his face. 
"Come here." Shawn had never moved so fast in his life.

xoxo

ARC REVIEW: Lone Wolf (Bluewater Bay, #4) by Aleksandr Voinov, L. A. Witt

Buy The Book:

AMAZON / B & N / ARE / iBOOKS / RIPTIDE PUBLISHING 

Author's Page:

A. Voinov on GR / Blog / Twitter

L. A. Witt on GR / Blog / Twitter

Genre:

MM Contemporary Romance

Summary On Goodreads:

Hunter Easton is screwed. Fans, producers, and his agent are all chomping at the bit for the next book in his wildly popular Wolf’s Landing series, but he’s got epic writer’s block and is way behind deadline. Then he reads The World Tree, a fanfic novel by his online friend “Lone Wolf.” It isn’t just a great story—it’s exactly what the series needs.

Kevin Hussain is thrilled when “Wolf Hunter” wants to meet up after reading The World Tree. When Wolf Hunter turns out to be Hunter Easton himself, Kevin is starstruck. When Hunter tells him he wants to add The World Tree to Wolf’s Landing, Kevin is sure he’s being pranked. And when their online chemistry carries over—big time—into real life, Kevin is convinced it’s all too good to be true.

The problem is . . . it might be. The book deal, the sex, the money—everything is amazing. But fame isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, and Kevin is left wondering if Hunter really loves him, or just loves his book.

RATING:

***REVIEW***

Books with Aleksandr Voinov's & L. A. Witt' s name are definitely must reads for me, just like this one. I usually avoid reading series out of order, but resistance is futile when it comes to my favourite authors. Lucky for me that the book can be read as a standalone, even though it's the 4th one in the series.

~ Pros:

• Have you ever fantasized wanted to read an author-fan romance novel? If you did, then come and meet Lone Wolf- a fun, emotional and steamy mm contemporary romance. The story is told from two point of views. The MCs are Hunter Easton who is a world-famous author and then we have Kevin Hussain, also an author and one of Hunter's biggest fans. Btw. Mahir from Hostile Ground (one of my fav books by these authors) is Kevin's uncle!
• The romance was slow-building and hot- my favourite type.
• The MCs were fun, geeky and endearing. The chemistry between them was palpable and in spite of some drama I liked them a lot.
• The story gives us a glimpse in the world of authors- all the positive and negative sides. I think that most of the people (including myself once) don't consider writing as a proper job, more of a hobby and some of those who do probably think of it as an easy and overpaid job, but being a blogger and devoted reader gives you a totally new perspective. Just like this story. Becoming a writer takes a lot of hard work and sacrifice (especially of your personal life) and of course talent. Even when you do become one and publish your first book- the success is not granted. The sole fact that some of the most famous names of the literature became famous after their death is a big proof. Nowadays, with the all modern technology, is definitely a lot easier to get your name and book out there, but it still doesn't mean an instant 7 numbers contract , and that's why we all should appreciate more the effort the authors make.
• Special treat for fans of friends-to-lovers/ younger guy ft. older guy romance.
• I loved the ending!

~ Cons:

• I liked the first half of the story slightly better than the 2nd one. That's because I felt that the story was dragging in the 2nd half (60 %-80 %) and that some developments of the plot were repetitive and unnecessary.
• This was fairly a light read, especially when it comes to these authors and while I did enjoy it, I think I prefer more their darker reads. While it wasn't cheesy at all, it was maybe a bit too romantic for my taste.

All in all, Voinov and Witt can't do wrong in my book. I liked it a lot, even though it's not one of my favourite reads by these authors, but I think that the fans with be pleased.

* Arc provided by Riptide Publishing via Netgalley in exchange for honest review.

xoxo

COVER REVEAL & GIVEAWAY: Rise & Fall (THIRDS, #4) by Charlie Cochet

Hello all! Welcome to the Rise & Fall (THIRDS, Book 4) cover reveal! I'm super excited to share with you the cover for the latest THIRDS book by the fabulous L.C. Chase! There's also a giveaway, and Rise & Fall is now available for preorder!

The bigger they are, the harder they fall.

Book Details

Title: Rise & Fall (THIRDS, Book #4) 

Author: Charlie Cochet 

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press 

Cover Artist: L.C. Chase 

ISBN eBook: 9781632167699 

ISBN Paperback: 9781632167682 

Length: 236 Pages 

Genre: M/M Romance, Shifters, Paranormal, Science Fiction, Mystery/Suspense

Blurb

After an attack by the Coalition leaves THIRDS Team Leader Sloane Brodie critically injured, agent Dexter J. Daley swears to make Beck Hogan pay for what he’s done. But Dex’s plans for retribution are short-lived. With Ash still on leave with his own injuries, Sloane in the hospital, and Destructive Delta in the Coalition’s crosshairs, Lieutenant Sparks isn’t taking any chances. Dex’s team is pulled from the case, with the investigation handed to Team Leader Sebastian Hobbs. Dex refuses to stand by while another team goes after Hogan, and decides to put his old HPF detective skills to work to find Hogan before Theta Destructive, no matter the cost.

With a lengthy and painful recovery ahead of him, the last thing Sloane needs is his partner out scouring the city, especially when the lies—however well intentioned—begin to spiral out of control. Sloane is all too familiar with the desire to retaliate, but some things are more important, like the man who’s pledged to stand beside him. As Dex starts down a dark path, it’s up to Sloane to show him what’s at stake, and finally put a name to what’s in his heart.

Preorder links

Dreampisnner Press eBook | Dreamspinner Press Paperback

Release Day February 2nd, 2015

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Excerpt

“YOU’RE GOING to get us fucking killed!”

Dex ignored Ash and hit the gas, speeding after the ambulance heading up route 9A toward NY Presbyterian Hospital, its wailing siren and flashing lights an unyielding reminder of what he stood to lose. The ambulance had left before them, but Dex was in his Challenger with its own THIRDS installed lights flickering and sending out a warning to everyone around him to get the hell out of his way.

When Ash finally released Dex from his iron grip, Dex had stood on the sidewalk in front of his house, amidst the smoke and burning car parts unable to believe what had happened. He’d been at a loss, watching the chaos unfold as emergency teams and THIRDS agents flooded the scene. Orders had been shouted, the area evacuated, blue and black THIRDS tape marking off his personal disaster zone. And then a bright orange beacon parked near the end of the block gave him clarity.

Dex maneuvered through four lanes of traffic, changing gears and working the pedals. No one knew how to drive his baby like he did, and nothing on God’s green earth was going to make him lose that ambulance. Not with Sloane in the back of it fighting for his life.

Sloane….

No matter how hard Dex tried, his head kept replaying the scene like a goddamn looped video: Dex bolting for the front door, not caring what might be on the other side—getting to Sloane had been all that mattered. He has to be okay. Please God, let him be okay. Clouds of thick black smoke. The sidewalk in front of his house looking like a war zone, littered with debris and pieces of twisted car parts. The trees on fire. Dex tackled to the ground, the breath stolen from his lungs. Ash on him keeping him safe. Bullets flying. Sloane under a piece of mangled door. Screeching sirens and uniformed bodies rushing in. Blood everywhere. Sloane unmoving. A jagged piece of metal sticking out of his side. Blood, so much blood.

It should have been me.

“Fuck! Mother fucking asshole son of a bitch!” Dex slammed his hand against the steering wheel before swerving around some bastard going the speed limit. He was losing his shit. It was fast approaching much like the yellow—soon to be red—light ahead of him, yet he was helpless to stop it. The Challenger flew past the red, missing an oncoming taxi by inches.

“Enough!” Ash snapped at him. “You’re gonna get us fucking killed! Keep your shit together and get us to the fucking hospital in one goddamn piece, or I swear to Christ I will fucking knock your ass out and drive us there myself.”

Dex wanted to tell Ash where he could stick his threats, but he didn’t. He heard Ash suck in a sharp breath, and Dex eased his foot off the accelerator just enough to keep the ambulance’s flashing lights in sight a few cars ahead. Ash held on to the passenger door with one hand, his other pressed against his side to ease the pain along with the slow trickle of blood seeping through his torn stitches. Stitches he’d torn saving Dex.

“Sorry,” Dex said through his teeth. They were almost at the hospital, which meant more traffic. “Sorry for being an asshole and for what I’m about to do. Hold on.” He hit the gas pedal again, and the engine thundered as he raced forward. After a couple of close calls, they got to the hospital before the ambulance. He skidded into valet parking, put the Challenger in park, jumped out, and tossed the keys to the valet guy. Ignoring his teammate’s bitching, Dex called out over his shoulder for Ash to take care of it. The ambulance arrived seconds later, and Dex ran up to it, watching with his heart in his throat as the backdoors swung open and the EMTs rushed out. The gurney swiftly emerged with Sloane strapped down on his uninjured side, an oxygen mask covering his nose and mouth, and the jagged metal piece jutting out from the right side of his torso. Removing it without surgery was clearly out of the question.

Dex followed the EMTs as they rushed Sloane through the huge open glass doorway into the hospital, shouting out codes and medical jargon Dex couldn’t make out. One of the EMTs said something about the THIRDS, and a Therian nurse behind the desk snatched up a phone and rambled something off. Within seconds, a handful of Therian doctors and nurses came running, joining the EMTs as they stole Sloane away into a wide, brightly lit corridor. Dex attempted to follow only to have his path blocked by two male Therian nurses.

“He’s my partner,” Dex pleaded, trying to get around them.

“I’m sorry, sir, but you can’t go in there.”

“The hell I can’t. He’s my partner!” Dex grabbed one of the nurses when a pair of beefy arms wrapped around Dex’s waist, lifting him off his feet and away. “Fuck off, Ash! Get off!” He couldn’t leave Sloane in there all alone. Sloane hated hospitals as it was. What if he woke up and freaked out? What if he didn’t know where he was? What if something happened and Dex wasn’t there? He couldn’t lose Sloane now. It wasn’t Sloane’s time. They hadn’t had enough time!

“You’re not the only one who needs him.”

Dex stilled. It wasn’t so much Ash’s words, but the subtle desperation behind them. Ash put him down, and Dex turned, the look on Ash’s dirt-smudged face taking the fight out of Dex. He’d never seen the gruff agent looking so helpless, and despite clearly having his own fears, Ash met his gaze.

“He’s all the family I’ve got. Just let them do their job. It’s the best we can do for him.”

Dex swallowed hard and nodded. He had to get a hold of himself. It was only when Ash winced that Dex remembered the guy was slowly bleeding out. “Shit, Ash. Come on. We need to get you fixed up.”

“I’m fine,” Ash muttered, wiping the sweat from his beaded brow.

“Yeah, you look fine.” Dex refused to give in to his teammate’s stubbornness. He called over a nurse who took one look at Ash and ran off to get assistance. Ash continued to argue when Dex spotted his dad marching their way. Tony stopped beside them, his gaze dropping to Ash’s hand against his bleeding side before he barked out an order.

“Keeler, get your ass in there and get those stitches seen to.”

Ash looked like he wanted to argue but knew better. With a resigned sigh, he headed for the anxious looking nurses. As soon as Ash disappeared, Tony put a hand to Dex’s shoulder, concern in his deep brown eyes. It was too much for Dex right now.

“Hey. I’m going to take a walk. Call me if anything happens.”

Thankfully, his dad knew him well and gave him a nod. He removed his hand from Dex’s shoulder and let him go. Right now, Tony had to be his sergeant. Anything else would break Dex’s tremulous hold on his emotions. He walked off to gather his strength. He was going to need it.

About the Author

Charlie Cochet is an author by day and artist by night. Always quick to succumb to the whispers of her wayward muse, no star is out of reach when following her passion. From Historical to Fantasy, Contemporary to Science Fiction, there’s bound to be plenty of mischief for her heroes to find themselves in, and plenty of romance, too!

Currently residing in South Florida, Charlie looks forward to migrating to a land where the weather includes seasons other than hot, hotter, and boy, it’s hot! When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found reading, drawing, or watching movies. She runs on coffee, thrives on music, and loves to hear from readers.

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | THIRDS HQ | Tumblr | Pinterest 

Email: charlie@charliecochet.com