Friday, May 29, 2020

Calling Your Bluff by Saxon James - Blog Tour with Excerpt and Giveaway

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Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway:
Calling Your Bluff by Saxon James

Calling your bluff

 

Love's Gamble Series, Book 2

 

Zane
Four years ago, I met Liam Holdsworthy.
Hot, snarky, and hiding behind a sadness I couldn’t place. I wanted him, even back then. There were only two problems.
One, I was deeply closeted.
And two, he was dating my best friend.
Now I’m retired from the NFL and openly out, there’s nothing to stop me from getting my gay on.
When Liam comes back into my life, and I find out he’s single, I’ll find any reason to spend time with him. That’s how I created a list of gay first experiences I coax him into helping me with.
But I don’t just want his help.
I still want him.

Liam 
After leaving a long-term relationship with a closeted NFL player, I went through a string of guys trying to find the one. None of them were boyfriend material, let alone the forever type.
I’m looking for a guy to come home to. Someone serious and down to earth.
I’m definitely not looking for Cooper Zane.
Yet, I can’t shake him, and not only because I’m helping him with his big bi bucket list. Every time I see him is like a shot of adrenaline to my system, and I’m always left wanting more.
I need Mr. Serious, and Cooper’s the least serious person I’ve met.
He’s newly out.
He’s never had a relationship.
And most importantly, he may be retired, but he’s not done with football.
He’ll do anything to get it all back. And I’m not prepared to be relegated to the sidelines ever again.


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Excerpt:


Seeing the way Liam’s face lights up when we meet has me brimming with unearned confidence. I pull him into a quick, one-armed hug, wishing I could feel him against me a little longer, before we turn to the menu.
“I’m starving.”
“You must work up an appetite getting all sweaty with those hot football players.”
“Hey,” I say warningly, pointing at his face. “Enough from you. I’m the only player you’re allowed to think is hot.”
He blinks at me innocently. “I thought you said you weren’t a player anymore?”
“Still stands,” I grumble as he steps forward to order a hamburger. I almost snort. That’s barely an appetizer.
After I order a double with everything we stand off to the side and wait. He’s quiet, but there’s a soft smile curling the corners of his lips that I’m sure I can get to follow through. “I wonder what will happen right here, exactly one hundred years from now.”
His eyebrows jump. “Right here?”
“Yeah, in this exact spot. Will people still be waiting on burgers? Will it be a park? An underground sinkhole? Will people be chilling on hover boards, or will they beam the food to wherever they are?” I finally look over at him. And I was right, the a smile has split his face.
“Maybe aliens,” he adds.
“Or a meteor.”
“Or nothing.”
I really, really shouldn’t smile at the concept of nothing. “That took a turn. You have a dark mind in that pretty head.”
“We can’t all be perpetual sunshine.”
“Eh.” I run a hand through my hair. “I’ve had my fair share of storms.”
Our orders are called which thankfully derails that line of conversation. Last year was the hardest one of my life. First Mom’s cancer, then my ankle. I’m determined never to go through something like that again.
“Tell me about your job,” I say. Hanging out with Liam is way more fun and interesting than I would have guessed. And even as I get to know him better, the pedestal I’ve put him on keeps getting higher.
We find a table and chairs outside the burger place and take a seat in the late afternoon sun.
“Ah. My job.”
His tone gives me pause. “I thought you liked it?”
“I do, it’s… I thought I’d be getting a promotion to lead teacher last year, and I was passed over.”
“Wow, that sucks. Why did you think you’d get it?”
“I’ve been at the same middle school for a while now and passed all my reviews. My students do really well, and I know I can manage the extra work. But it wasn’t even mentioned.” He takes a bite of his hamburger and pulls a face. “Argh, no cheese.”
“You didn’t ask for cheese.”
“I thought it came with it.”
I don’t point out it wasn’t on the menu. “So. Lead teacher. Did you bring it up at your review?”
“It’s not up to me to bring it up.”
His words are clipped, like they usually are when he’s on the defensive. And yes, I find it ridiculously cute—like a Chihuahua trying to take on a Great Dane—but this time I bite my tongue. There’ve been a few times lately when Liam has mentioned something he’s not happy with, and every time I get him to explain, it becomes clear to me that his expectations are what’s letting him down. Going on a date? He expects to meet the perfect man. Wanting a promotion? He assumes people will know he’s interested. Orders a burger…
“Okay then,” I say.
“Anyway, the promotion thing sucks, but I’m excited to meet my classes this year. Seventh grade is such a good age. They’re not quite old enough to be jaded and still young enough to make an impression on. It feels important, you know?”
“Aww, listen to you.” And I make sure it sounds like I’m teasing, but I need to swallow to shift the lump in my throat. He’s adorable when he talks about things he’s passionate about. And it serves to remind me I’m not passionate about anything anymore.

IG Out Now


 

Enter the Giveaway:

 

To celebrate Saxon's new release, we are giving away $25 Amazon GC and an e-copy of Book One in the Love's A Gamble Series, Bet On Me.
Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!





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About Saxon:

Saxon James is an author from Australia who's obsessed with writing queer characters. She has a range of books from YA to adult and they all have one thing in common: swoony, sweet love.
When not writing, Saxon exists on a diet of coffee and chocolate while putting her KU subscription to the test.



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Winter's End and the Angel Hills Series by Rebecca James - Release Blitz with Giveaway


Release Blitz & Giveaway:
Winter's End & the Angel Hills Series
By Rebecca James


Angel Hills, Book 3


This, the third and final book of the Angel Hills series, follows characters introduced in the first two books. This series must be read in order for complete understanding and enjoyment. However, reading the River Wolf Pack or Cascade Cities series is not required.


Dangerous and debilitating illnesses among the omegas of Angel Hills Pack cause concern for pack alpha Grey and his long-time beta mate, Ian. Grey must decide if he’s willing to let their omega mate, Gabriel, take the antidote offered by the human doctors in Cascade City or risk never allowing the omega to reproduce again.

 

Angel Hills Series:

Book 3 – Winter's End
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Book 1 – Omega Arrival
Universal Link | Goodreads

Book 2 – Ripples of Threat
Universal Link | Goodreads


 

Excerpt from Winter's End:

The baby reached for Canaan, who picked him up and blew raspberries into his pudgy neck.
“You really want to keep him here?” Duncan asked skeptically. “Wouldn’t it be easier to let the nursery deal with him?”
“He’s all alone. I want him here.” Canaan turned away. “I’ll have to get a crib from storage, though.”
“I’ll get one for you,” Duncan said, glad to have something to do other than gawk at Canaan and the baby. The bright smile the beta gave him had Duncan quickly walking out the door. What in the hell had gotten into him lately that just a smile from Canaan made him all weird?
While he was pulling a crib out of the big storehouse where the pack kept extra furniture and supplies, Duncan decided he might as well get a highchair and a rocker as well. He lifted all three items into a cart and pulled them back to Canaan’s house.
“Look what Duncan’s brought for you, Joey!” The little boy kicked his legs excitedly in Canaan’s arms. “A bed and a highchair, and, oh! A rocker!” Canaan met Duncan’s eyes. “Good thinking.”
“I have my moments,” Duncan muttered, carrying the highchair into the house and setting it in the kitchen. “Where do you want the crib and rocker?”
“I cleaned out the spare room.”
Moments later, as Duncan set up the crib, he wondered why the approval and gratitude in Canaan’s eyes made him feel so damned proud of himself.
With the crib set up, Canaan handed Duncan little Joey and put a clean sheet on the mattress.
“I think he’s sleepy. Will you rock him? I’m so glad you found the chair. No one would know you’ve never been a father.”
A little bemused at how easy it felt to do as Canaan suggested, Duncan lowered himself into the chair, held the baby against his chest, and rocked back and forth. Back and forth. Back and forth. Joey curled one tiny hand into Duncan’s beard and sucked the thumb of his other hand, eyes getting heavier and heavier with every motion of the chair until his grip loosened and his thumb slipped from his lips.
When Duncan finally looked up, Canaan had left the room. Carefully, the alpha laid Joey in the crib, covering him with the blanket.
He found Canaan in the kitchen tossing a salad, a plate of mutton on the table.
“You hungry?” Canaan asked, glancing at Duncan.
“Starved,” Duncan said.
The whole scene—feeding, bathing, and putting the baby to bed before joining Canaan for a meal—was so domestic and out of character for Duncan, the alpha knew he should feel off kilter. But he didn’t. Instead, a wave of contentment washed over him.
 



Book 1 – Omega Arrival
Universal Link | Goodreads

 

Emotions run high when five omegas are traded to the Angel Hills Pack, which has suffered a decline in population after an illness killed a fourth of its wolves.

After a previous mating Justin would rather forget, he’s happy to leave his old compound and start afresh. A part of him hopes the gorgeous second-in-command alpha, Milo, will choose him for a mate. As memories of his life with Stone haunt his dreams, Justin struggles to make the right decision for himself as well as his four pups.

Gabriel doesn’t want to mate at all, but as one of the traded omegas, he knows he doesn’t have a choice. He just hopes he’ll end up with a beta and not an alpha. How does he feel when he’s mated to both? Grey is the pack alpha of Angel Hills and he and his baron beta, Ian, want to start a family to continue the dynasty. Is that all they want Gabriel for, a breeding machine?

When an intruder is detected in the compound, everyone is on high alert, especially as the new arrival proves remarkably adept at remaining hidden. Will the newly-created mating bonds be strong enough, or will rancor and bitterness win out?



Book 2 – Ripples of Threat
Universal Link | Goodreads

 

Sequel to Omega Arrival

New relationships form and existing ones continue to evolve for the wolves of Angel Hills.

Vincent struggles with his beta mate Craig’s rejection, while alpha mate Kale considers a dramatic resolution to the matter. Gabriel's second pregnancy is even more difficult than the first, and an outsider begins to consider a connection to another omega’s recent troubles. Meanwhile, his and Ian’s secret eats away at the ill omega.

Christopher turns eighteen and, losing hope Xavier might never think of Christopher as anything but a little brother, he accepts another werewolf’s attention. X’s eventual interest proves the beginning of the young beta’s problems rather than the end.

Accustomed to gaining enemies when pursuing what he wants, Canaan learns something new about himself from über-alpha, Duncan, who, long-convinced his extreme needs will never be met in Angel Hills, becomes unwillingly caught up with the bratty beta.

Will the threats to the werewolves’ way of life from both within and outside the compound bring the pack closer together or pull them further apart?

Thursday, May 28, 2020

Dancing With Daddy by Susan Hawke - Blog Tour


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Blog Tour & Excerpt:

Dancing with Daddy by Susan Hawke

Dancing With Daddy Cover

 
I love my daughter, but finding out she wasn’t biologically mine is the best news ever.

I’m a widower who is too scared to have the stupid test that would tell me whether or not I even have the gene that would mean dealing with a horrible illness and certain death. A gene that could’ve also been passed to my child, had she been mine.

She’ll need her father, if something ever does happen to me…That’s why I search for Maddie’s biological father, and when I find him, ask him to become part of her life.

What I didn’t expect is for him to become my best friend. Shane is fun and easygoing, the exact opposite of me. He makes me laugh. He’s the perfect antidote for my neurotic existence. And he’s bi, like me.

But am I courageous enough to take the leap into falling in love with him?

Dancing with Daddy is a super sweet, full-length, standalone, feel good mm romance. There’s no angst, just two very opposite men who befriend each other super fast then slowly find their way to love…all while parenting the precocious five-year-old who belongs to both of them.

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Audio coming soon. Narrated by Michael Dean

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Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Love Means More by A.F. Zoelle - Blog Tour with Excerpt and Giveaway

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Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway:
Love Means More by A. F. Zoelle

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A Good Bad Idea Story, Book 2

 

AMBROSE O’ROURKE

I’ve only met one person I couldn’t seduce—Augie Murphy, the man I love who thinks I’m straight. When I have a chance to be his fake boyfriend, it’s too much temptation to resist. It turns out that’s literally true, since I get carried away with a passionate kiss. He thinks it’s just a game, but it’s so much more than that.
Can I convince my best friend I want to be his boyfriend for real?

AUGUST “AUGIE" MURPHY

Ambrose is handsome, irresistible, and completely off-limits. That didn’t stop my stupid heart from falling in love with my best friend the first day we met. When he suggests we pretend to be boyfriends on a double date, my curiosity defeats my common sense. Even if we’re only pretending for one night, I want to know what it’s like to be loved by him.

Is it possible to turn my fake boyfriend for a night into my real one forever?

Love Means More is the second book in the Good Bad Idea series. This novella features fake boyfriends in a friends to lovers bisexual awakening romance. Full of cute sweetness and sexy fun, every story ends with a satisfying HEA and no cliffhangers. Each book can be read as a standalone or as part of the series in order.

Universal Link

 

Goodreads

 

Promo - pretending

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Excerpt:


August “Augie” Murphy


Our impromptu staring contest ended when he stood up and walked over to me. I could barely breathe as he stood close and gazed down at me with genuine desire. For once in my life, I had the good sense not to say a damn word and ruin everything.

He reached out and cupped my face in his large hands, his gaze never leaving mine. His voice was soft as he told me, “I wanted to pretend to be your boyfriend because I feared I’d never have a chance for real. I swear I wasn’t doing it to fuck with your feelings, Augie. I’m sorry I was too much of a coward to admit what I really wanted. One night of make-believe was the best I thought I could do.”

Was he serious? I stared at him in stunned disbelief. “What?”

“I denied my feelings for a long time, because I didn’t understand them. But I don’t want to run away from you anymore. I want to kiss you again. I want to explore every centimeter of you as I make you moan and claim you as mine. This isn’t about only one night or a quick fling. I want all of you forever, Augie.”

They were words I had hoped to hear but never thought he would utter, let alone mean. The pessimist in me feared it was too good to be true and needed reassurance. “Only me?”

“There’s no one else I have ever wanted more than you.” He brushed his thumbs against my cheeks with so much gentleness that it almost broke me. “I want you and only you. You never have to doubt that.”

My stupid mouth said before I could stop it, “But I’m not a woman.”

“No, you most definitely are not.” His lips quirked into a grin. “You’re you, and that’s the thing I love about you most of all.”

He leaned in slowly, giving me the opportunity to reject him if I wanted to. When I didn’t pull back, he kissed me with a devastating sweetness that melted my heart. The affection conveyed almost brought tears to my eyes at its perfection. As often as I had longed for fiery make-out sessions with Ambrose, that tenderness was what I yearned for more than anything else.

“If you can be patient with me, I’m willing to learn,” he promised. “After all, if Lucien and Rhys can figure this out, we can, too.”

I could have laughed at his competitive streak kicking in, but I didn’t. “Do you honestly think you could learn to love me?”

His broad hands slid down the curve of my spine, sending shivers through me. “I learned that lesson a long time ago. Let me show you how much.”

How could I say no?


Enter the Giveaway:

 

To celebrate A. F. Zoelle's release, we are giving away 2 eBooks sets of Bet On Love & Love Means More!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!




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Check Out Book 1:
Bet On Love by A. F. Zoelle

 

Zoelle, AF - Bet on Love Cover 

RHYS HUNTINGTON

I went to Las Vegas to marry my fiancée but ended up married to my best man instead. Considering I’m straight, I never imagined I would wake up in bed with a husband. We obviously need to get an annulment to undo our mistake. The only problem is, it turns out my feelings for my best friend Luci aren't quite as platonic as I thought.

What are the odds that my bad idea ends up being the best thing to ever happen to us?

LUCIEN "LUCI" ST. AMOUR

After Rhys and I secretly shared our first kiss as teenagers, I spent years suppressing my confusing feelings for him. But now that he’s my husband, it exposes the truth about the depths of my love for my best friend.

Could I really be lucky enough that he feels the same way about me?

Bet on Love is the first book in the Good Bad Idea series. This novella features a friends to lovers second chance romance. Full of cute sweetness and sexy fun, every story ends with a satisfying HEA and no cliffhangers. Each book can be read as a standalone or as part of the series in order.

Universal Link

 


Love Means More

 

Pre-Order Book 3: Love's Fancy Today

Add to your TBR on Goodreads

 

 


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About A. F.:

A lifelong storyteller, writing has always been A.F. Zoelle’s greatest passion. When she’s not writing about gorgeous men being sexy and in love, she enjoys procrastinating on her studies and numerous side hustles to indulge in Japanese musical theatre. She looks forward to renouncing her nomadic scholarly life someday soon so she can have Ragdoll cats to come home to instead of just dust bunnies.

For real time updates on her writing progress, please follow her on Twitter. You can also follow her on Facebook or sign up below for her newsletter announcements about her latest releases and get access to monthly previews of upcoming books, deleted scenes, and works in progress.

Connect with A.F.:


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Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Loving Violet by Terri Anne Browning - Release Blitz




Title: Loving Violet
Series: Rockers' Legacy #4
Author: Terri Anne Browning
Genre: New Adult/Rocker Romance
Release Date: May 26, 2020



Blurb

“Even before you were born, we belonged to each other, Vi,” I reminded her, trying to fight the desperation to grab on to her and hold her, because I could feel her slipping away from me more and more with each beat of my heart. “You were in your mom’s belly, but I still felt you in my heart. It was as if there was this invisible cord connecting your heart to mine. I can’t see it, but I feel it. Every damn day. You are mine.”

“You’re right. I’ve always felt it too. I am yours. And you were supposed to be mine. We were supposed to be each other’s firsts, Luca. First kiss. First touch. First everything. We promised we would be each other’s firsts. ‘Firsts and lasts,’ that’s what you said. I remember it as clear as if it were yesterday. You swore that you would wait. That I was worth it. But you didn’t wait, did you, Luca? You gave all your firsts away to someone else.”

“I…” My throat closed up, making it impossible to speak, to tell her everything I needed to so I could fix this. Fix us and what I broke.

“You stole that from me, Luca.” Angry tears spilled from her eyes, and my heart shattered even more. “You gave away everything that was supposed to be mine. And you just expect me to be okay with that? I’ve waited my entire life to give you my firsts, but you have none to give to me.”

“I’m sorry,” I whispered, my voice choked with emotions I was afraid to lose control of. If I let the tears free that were burning my eyes, I might flood the world.

“Sorry? You’re sorry?” Her laugh was hard and final, causing me to flinch. “Yeah. So am I.”

“What does that mean?” My throat felt like I’d swallowed broken glass, and I was surprised I didn’t spray blood on her with each exhale.

“It means I’m done. You tossed away your firsts like they meant nothing. So mine are no longer yours.”







Purchase Links

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Coming soon to B&N and Apple Books






Also Available


AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
B&N / KOBO / APPLE BOOKS



AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
B&N / KOBO / APPLE BOOKS



AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
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Author Bio

Terri Anne Browning is a USA TODAY bestselling author. Being dyslexic, she never thought a career in writing would be possible, yet she has been on bestselling lists multiple times since 2013. Reese: A Safe Haven Novella was her first Indie published book. The Rocker Who Holds Me changed the tables and kicked off The Rocker... series featuring the sinfully delicious members of Demon's Wings. The Rocker... Series is now complete with 12 books and the occasional novella. Other books by Terri Anne include the Angel's Halo MC Series, as well as The Lucy & Harris Novella Series, The Vitucci Mafiosos Series, and The Tainted Knights Rocker Series.

Terri Anne lives in Virginia with her husband, their three demons---err, children--and a hyper Frenchie named Grunt.



Author Links

Monday, May 25, 2020

The New Normal by L.J. Hayward - Release Blitz with Excerpt and Giveaway

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Release Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway:
The New Normal by L.J. Hayward

 

TheNewNormal_1400x2100 


A Gold Coast Collage Novel, Book 1


Brian Stagliano’s life should be pretty sweet right now. Two of his closest friends are getting married, and he’s taking a new, exciting step in his career as a doctor. Most amazing though, his best mate has been given the all-clear from cancer. But Brian’s normal has just been tipped A over T and the friendship he’s relied on for years is in danger. All because of five little words.

Andrew Fitzroy should be on top of the world. The cancer that’s haunted him is gone. He can finally get on with his life—except he doesn’t know what that life is anymore. Is he brave enough to come out as bisexual? Should he pursue architecture or stay in construction? Either way, Andrew knows happiness won’t be his until he has what his engaged friends have—love, joy, passion. So, he says those five little words to Brian—I’m in love with you.

Friends since childhood, Brian and Andrew have always been closer than brothers. Best mates. Nothing could ever tear them apart. Except for those five little words. Now, Brian’s not sure about so many things—their friendship, his own desires—and the foundation Andrew’s built his world on feels like its crumbling. But if they manage not to destroy everything they have together, Andrew and Brian might just find a new normal with each other.

 Universal Link

 

Goodreads

 

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Special Excerpt:

Hello! I’m L.J. Hayward and you may know me from the Death and the Devil series, MM romantic suspense about a spy and an assassin. Now I have a new story for you all, the first book in a series of MM contemporary romances set in my home city of the Gold Coast, Australia. The series is called Gold Coast Collage and book one is “The New Normal”, about Brian Stagliano and Andrew Fitzroy, best friends since they were kids. They’ve shared a lot of ups and downs, including the Big C, and now they’ll have to fight to survive the next one as well—the one where Andrew tells Brian that he’s in love with him.

Please enjoy this exclusive excerpt from the first chapter of “The New Normal.”

Cheers, L.J.

~~~
Picture 1

Brian Stagliano leaned on the bar in Tots—Top of Tedder Bar and Grill, to the uninitiated—and watched the bartender pull the last of his beers. The guy tilted the frosted glass just right, forming a perfect foam head, then set it down on the tray holding the rest of Brian’s order.

“That’ll be forty-two dollars.”

Wincing, Brian tapped his card on the wireless EFTPOS machine. Carly and her expensive cocktails. He might be a doctor now but interns didn’t get paid a whole heap.

However, tonight was all about celebration and that wouldn’t happen until everyone had their drinks. Tray in hand, Brian wove his way through the crowded tables to where his friends had set up for the evening. Tots, a rooftop bar on the north end of Tedder Ave, looked out over the trendy street of boutiques and restaurants, with its paved road, twinkling lights and footpath greenery. Tall apartment buildings blocked the view of the ocean, but Brian could smell it when the breeze came in from the east or north.

“What is taking so long?” a loud voice called, catching his attention. “Dying of dehydration here.”

Smirking at James, Brian set the tray down on the table with his friends around it. “Blame Carly. She’s the one who made the bartender google the recipe for her cocktail.”
Carly took her tall glass of cloudy apple juice doctored with spirits Brian had never heard of before and stuck her pierced tongue out at him.

“Cosmo for Elle.” Brian handed out the rest of the drinks. “Cider for Troy, beers for me and James. And finally, a tall glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, no added sugar, for Mr. My Body is a Temple.”

Across the table, Andrew took the glass in one hand, flipping him the finger with the other.

“Love you, too, mate,” Brian said sweetly as he sat.

“Sneer all you want, Bri Bri.” Carly winked as she used the pet name Brian hated. “You just wish you looked as good as Andrew.” She squeezed the firm biceps prominently displayed beside her as Andrew rested his elbow on the table. “I think this is the best arm here.”

James and Troy scoffed at her claim, getting into a bulging biceps battle, and Andrew, blushing to the roots of his dark-blond hair, put his arm down. Brian couldn’t help but smile at his best friend as he dodged out of the way of the other guys thrusting flexed muscles at each other. Troy and James worked as stunt jet-skiers at the H2GO water park so they were incredibly fit—and competitive.

Carly had a point though. Andrew did look good, from the fresh crop of blond curls on his head, to the new bulk of muscles on his arms and chest. The smile that had disappeared for so long was starting to make semi-regular appearances. One flashed over his mate’s mouth now as he caught Brian’s gaze, brown eyes sparkling in the lights of the bar. Yeah, he looked worlds better than he had six months ago, when chemo and depression had waged joint wars on his body. Brian had seriously worried at times that he was going to lose him. But he hadn’t and here they were, with everything in the world to celebrate.

On that thought, Brian raised his glass. “Okay, let’s toast.”

His friends all groaned but hoisted their drinks. James slopped some of his beer over the side of the glass and Elle shoved a couple of napkins at him to clean up the mess.
“Can’t take you anywhere,” she muttered.

James leered comically at her. “Any excuse to keep me at home and all to yourself.”
Elle snorted, but her lips turned up in a little smile.

Troy pretended to throw up in his mouth. “It’s disgusting to watch. Who invited them?”

Carly rolled her eyes at her twin brother. “Who invited you, Debbie Downer?”

“As current favourite for Best Man, my presence is mandatory.”

As the twins bickered, Brian shook his head and checked on Andrew. The smile was gone and his glass had lowered nearly back to the table. Time to do this thing.

“Everyone, shut up!” When the twins had closed their mouths, he continued. “Tonight’s toast is a very important one. One I’ve been waiting to make for a long, looooong time.”

“You lost your virginity?” Troy had clearly just shaved his undercut and then spiked up the longer strands of hair on top of his head for the evening. With his exaggeratedly wide eyes and gaping mouth he looked more like a cartoon character who’d had the fright of their life than a twenty-six-year-old responsible for his own life. “Our little boy, finally a man.”

James and Carly snickered. Brian threw a withering glare at Troy, who grinned back, then yelped and jerked back in his chair.

“Who kicked me?” Troy automatically turned to James, who protested his innocence.
Andrew’s wink was swift but Brian caught it. He grinned his thanks, then resumed his toast.

“Okay, kids, it’s adulting time.” When everyone had settled again and raised their glasses, Brian got serious. “We’ve all known each other for a long time now, with the exception of our problem child here.” He patted Troy on the head.

Troy shrugged off his hand and gave an overly indignant, “Hey!”

“Well you are the problem child,” Brian said sweetly. “You only agreed to meet us, your twin’s bestest ever friends, after you got kicked out of that ski show in Sydney. For reasons you’ve never revealed, I might add.”

Troy scowled at Brian. “For your information, Mr. Doctor Sir, I was protesting the touching of the ’do.” He made sure his hair still had some height while the others, including his sister, laughed.

Anyway,” Brian said firmly to draw back everyone’s attention. “We’ve all been through the big moments together, but none of them get bigger than the Big C.”

All laughter faded away and there were solemn nods and deep breaths around the table. Carly slid her arm through Andrew’s and leaned against him lightly, which didn’t alter the sudden look of oh-shit-exit-time that had appeared on Andrew’s face.

Brian grinned unmercifully at him. “Andrew Fitzroy. My mate since the day he knocked over Zack Green on the sports field for calling me a sissy for missing the ball in T-Ball. Andrew, the bravest seven year old ever. Dude, you’ve been the bro of my heart for nearly twenty years.”

A chorus of “awws” and a wave of battering eyelashes went around the table. Andrew’s ears were bright pink but his gaze bored into Brian with equal parts “right back atcha” and “I’m begging you don’t.” But this was Brian’s role in their friendship, to make sure Andrew got the recognition he deserved, because he would never go looking for it himself.

“Andrew, you scared the ever-living shit out of me,” Brian said, no longer talking to them all, but to the man directly across from him. “I seriously thought I’d lost you a couple of times there and, mate, I do not want to ever experience that again, okay?”
Their circle of friends had gone quiet and it felt like a cone of silence had descended over their table. The noise of the bar around them faded away and it was just Brian and Andrew and the people who’d stuck by them through shit times.

“Okay?” Brian repeated firmly, wanting his best friend to acknowledge the seriousness of his words.

Andrew nodded, never looking away. “Okay.”

“Good.” Taking a deep breath, Brian conjured up the smile he’d put aside so everyone knew how serious he was. As he spoke, though, the smile became natural again. “I know you didn’t want me to make a fuss about this, but these are our friends, you big dork. They’ve been with you through this, just as much as I have and tonight, they have every right to celebrate this with you, too.”

Carly gasped and tears brimmed in her eyes, though her smile grew into a wide grin. Elle was trembling as she looked from Andrew to Brian and back again, as if the urge to jump on Andrew was barely contained. James was nodding, his shoulders relaxing from the tension that had been building in them since Brian started his toast. Troy was staring at the tabletop intently, rolling his glass through the gathered condensation, but his lower lip was pulled tightly between his teeth, a sure sign he was holding something momentous back.

This was what Andrew needed to see, his friends showing just how much they loved him.

“This morning,” Brian said quietly, “Andrew got the official all clear. No more cancer.”

24

Enter the Giveaway:

 

To celebrate L.J.'s new release, we are giving away $10 Amazon GC and an e-copy of your choice of one of L.J. Hayward's back listed books.

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!




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About L.J.:

Hi! I’m L.J. Hayward and I’ll be your author for this biography.

Official Blurb
 L.J. Hayward has been telling stories for most of her life, a good deal of them of the tall variety. She loves reading but doesn’t seem to have enough time between wanting to be a more disciplined writer, being the actual erratic writer she is, and working for dollars in a dungeon laboratory. She also lives on the Gold Coast in Queensland, but rarely sees a beach and can’t surf, though she thinks living on a houseboat might be fun. At least then she’d have an excuse to get a cat. 


Me Just Rambling & Stuff
 
I’ve been telling tales (some of them of the tall variety) for most of my life. The first book I ever produced was about Easter, as I recall, and was written in crude pictographs. In my defence, I reckon I was about three. Stapler-binding was the format of choice (way, way before the advent of the e-book). First story with words (and pictures) was about a trip to the moon, in which I included the exhaustive research I did on the matter by saying it took three days to get there. Sadly, the trip was cut short when a puddle of blood (!! – quite gory for its day and age) was discovered on the moon, so the characters had to leave before the murderous aliens found them. Nail bitting stuff!

Beyond that, I don’t recall exactly when I began to think seriously about writing. I always enjoyed a creative writing exercise in high school, but hated scientific writing in university. Not enough room for drama or humour or unicorns. But even before I began writing stories down, I was writing them in my head. Serious writing started around the mid-twenties. Good writing started a couple of years later. Even better writing is still in progress.

As a pathology scientist, blood and medicine is a big part of my life and, naturally, have an influence on my writing. My first book, Blood Work, had its origins in how blood behaves in transfusions (vampires drinking blood is basically a transfusion, right? Right.).

Of course, recently I've moved into M/M romantic suspense, with the publication of Where Death Meets the Devil. I'm blaming Manna Francis's Administration series for hooking me into the wonderfully wide and diverse realm of queer fiction. It's a genre pool I plan on wallowing in for good long while. ;)
 


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Friday, May 22, 2020

Never Say Never by Felice Stevens -Release Blitz with Giveaway


Title: Never Say Never
Series: Lost in New York
Author: Felice Stevens
Genre: M/M Romance
Release Date: May 21, 2020


One taste leaves them wanting more…


INGREDIENTS:
Francisco “Frisco” Martinelli. Hot and spicy. Beautiful on the outside, dark and damaged on the inside. Handle with extreme caution.
Salvatore “Torre” Rossi. Sweet with a kick of spice. Gentle at first, can become swiftly and irrevocably addictive to the heart.
A RECIPE FOR ROMANCE
One snobby food critic who doesn’t believe in love
One down-to-earth food blogger who does
Add a touch of suspicious brother
A heaping serving of best friend who’s been waiting for this to happen
Blend with secret identities, past hurts, and judgments.
Stir in equal portions of desperate longing, desire, fear, and snarky humor.
Set over open flame, step back, and wait for sparks to fly.
Serve as is for an explosive love story that will leave you with a full heart and a ridiculously happy smile at the end.




 


 







Felice Stevens has always been a romantic at heart. She believes that while life is tough, there is always a happy ending just around the corner. Her characters have to work for it, however. Like life in NYC, nothing comes easy, and that includes love.

She lives in New York City and has way too much black in her wardrobe yet can't stop buying "just one more pair" of black pants. Felice is a happily addicted Bravo and Say Yes to the Dress addict and proud of it. And let's not get started on House Hunters. Her dream day starts out with iced coffee and ends with Prosecco, because...why shouldn't it? You can find her procrastinating on FB in her reader group, Felice's Breakfast Club.

You can find all my books, grouped by series in proper reading order on my website located here:

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