TBQ's Review: Down by Contact

I am aware of the situation with Santino Hassell. While I will no longer be promoting or recommending Hassell’s books, I am leaving up my reviews and ratings for the books I’ve already read. My feelings and experiences with those books at the time are valid and were never connected to my view of the author anyway. Please disregard any mention of “own voice” or similar remarks that may be in these old reviews, as that is no longer true.

Danielle (TBQ)

Down by Contact by Santino Hassell
Publisher: InterMix (January 16, 2018)
Series: The Barons, 2
Genre: Contemporary Romance (Sports) -- M/M

Dual 1st POV

Two rival football players begin a game with higher stakes than the Super Bowl in this steamy romance from the author of Illegal Contact. 

Simeon Boudreaux, the New York Barons’ golden-armed quarterback, is blessed with irresistible New Orleans charm and a face to melt your mama’s heart. He’s universally adored by fans and the media. Coming out as gay in solidarity with his teammate hasn’t harmed his reputation in the least—except for some social media taunting from rival linebacker Adrián Bravo.

Though they were once teammates, Adrián views Simeon as a traitor and the number-one name on the New Jersey Predators’ shit list. When animosity between the two NFL players reaches a boiling point on the field, culminating in a dirty fist fight, they’re both benched for six games and sentenced to joint community service teaching sullen, Brooklyn teens how to play ball.

At first, they can barely stand to be in the same room, but running the camp forces them to shape up. With no choice but to work together, Simeon realizes Adrián is more than his alpha-jerk persona, and Adrián begins to question why he’s always had such strong feelings for the gorgeous QB…

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK | Kobo

More Info:

Author's Site
Add it on Goodreads! | Find the Series

Reviews for Hassell's books:

• Concourse
• Fast Connection [with Megan Erickson]
• First and First
• Illegal Contact
• Interborough
• Strong Signal [with Megan Erickson]

My Review:

[Review]: "Illegal Contact"

I am aware of the situation with Santino Hassell. While I will no longer be promoting or recommending Hassell’s books, I am leaving up my reviews and ratings for the books I’ve already read. My feelings and experiences with those books at the time are valid and were never connected to my view of the author anyway. Please disregard any mention of “own voice” or similar remarks that may be in these old reviews, as that is no longer true.

Danielle (TBQ)

Illegal Contact by Santino Hassell
Publisher: InterMix (August 15, 2017)
Series: Barons, 1
Genre: M/M Romance -- Contemporary, Sports
Alternating 1st POV

The rules of the game don’t apply off the field in this first Barons novel. 

New York Barons tight end Gavin Brawley is suspended from the team and on house arrest after a video of him brawling goes viral. Gavin already has a reputation as a jerk with a temper on and off the field—which doesn’t help him once he finds himself on the wrong side of the law. And while he’s been successful professionally, he’s never been lucky when it comes to love.

Noah Monroe is a recent college grad looking for a job—any job—to pay off his mounting student debt. Working as Gavin’s personal assistant/babysitter seems like easy money. But Noah isn’t prepared for the electrifying tension between him and the football player. He’s not sure if he’d rather argue with Gavin or tackle him to the floor. But both men know the score, and neither is sure what will happen once Gavin's timeout is over…

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK | Kobo

More Info:

Author's Site
Add it on Goodreads! | Find the Series

Other Reviews for Hassell:

Concourse
Fast Connection (written with Megan Erickson)
First and First
Interborough
Strong Signal (written with Megan Erickson) 



My Review:

[ARC Review]: "Overexposed"

Overexposed by Megan Erickson
Publisher: InterMix (September 20, 2016)
Series: In Focus, 4
Genre: M/M Romance -- NA

Love runs wild on the Appalachian Trail in the latest from the author of Out of Frame and Focus on Me...

Levi Grainger needs a break. As a reality show star, he’s had enough of the spotlight and being edited into a walking stereotype. When he returns home after the last season of Trip League, he expects to spend time with his family, only to learn his sister is coming back from her deployment in a flag-draped casket. Devastated, Levi decides the best way to grieve will be to go off grid and hike the Appalachian Trail—a trip he'd planned to do with his sister.

His solitary existence on the trail is interrupted when he meets Thad, a quiet man with a hard body and intense eyes. Their connection is stronger than anything Levi has ever experienced. But when Levi discovers the truth about what Thad is hiking to escape, their future together looks uncertain, and uncertainty is the last thing Levi needs...

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK | Kobo

More Info:

Author's Site
Add it on Goodreads! | Find the Series

Reviews of Erickson's Previous Novels:

Changing His Game (#1) -- TBQ
Tied to Trouble (#3) -- TBQ
Leveling the Field (#4) -- TBQ

Trust the Focus (#1) -- TBQ
Focus on Me (#2) -- TBQ
Out of Frame (#3) -- TBQ

Strong Signal (#1) -- TBQ
Fast Connection (#2) -- TBQ


My Review:

[ARC Review]: "His Royal Favorite"

His Royal Favorite by Lilah Pace
Publisher: InterMix (August 16, 2016)
Series: His Royal Secret, 2
Genre: M/M Romance

The conclusion of Lilah Pace’s racy, romantic male/male duology following His Royal Secret...

James, Prince of Wales, is making history. He's decided to come out to his subjects—and the world. However, telling the truth means exposing his relationship with lone-wolf reporter Benjamin Dahan. Although Ben never wanted commitment, the unexpected depth of his feelings leads him to join James in the media's harsh spotlight. 

When the news story explodes across the globe, Ben can endure the mockery and dirty jokes. But after his tragic past is cruelly revealed, his life begins to implode. Can even his love for James be worth this? 

James has it no easier. His revelation divides the country and sparks turmoil within the royal family. He must struggle to defend not only himself and Ben, but also his younger sister, who hovers on the brink of a breakdown that could endanger her life. 

Is Ben strong enough to survive the onslaught and stand by James' side? And will James have to make a choice between Ben and the crown? 

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK | Kobo

More Info:

Author's Site
Add it on Goodreads! | Find the Series

Reviews of Pace's Previous Novels:

His Royal Secret (#1) -- TBQ



My Review:

[Review]: "Wanderlust" + Excerpt and Giveaway!

Wanderlust by Roni Loren
Publisher: InterMix (July 19, 2016)
Genre: Contemporary Romance

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Loving on the Edge series and Off the Clock, a story of sex, love, rock & roll, and a reporter who’s about to learn a new meaning for staying on top of her assignment... 

Restaurant critic Aubrey Bordelon is never at a loss for words to describe her meals in the fancy restaurants of New Orleans. But after her magazine’s high-profile music reporter falls ill, she finds herself out of her element and in a sea of screaming fans awaiting Wanderlust’s lead singer, Lex Logan. The sound of his voice gives her goosebumps, and the stage presence of the hard-bodied rock star takes her breath away. So when he pulls her onstage for a sexy stunt, she knows she’s in real trouble.

Lex doesn’t want to pretend that the sparks on stage between him and Aubrey never happened, but it certainly makes the fact that she’s writing a story on his band all the more dangerous. The last thing he needs is some nosy reporter revealing their problems to the world. But the sexy Southern belle doesn’t give up easily, and soon he’s wondering if the best way to chase her off the story is to coax her into his bed… 

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK | Kobo

More Info:

Author's Site
Add it on Goodreads!

My Review:

[ARC Review]: "Ruined"

Ruined by Shiloh Walker
Publisher: InterMix (July 19, 2016)
Series: Barnes Brothers, 4
Genre: Contemporary Romance

From the national bestselling author of Busted and Razed comes an unforgettable story of a love that transcends tragedy...

As one of the Barnes brothers, Sebastien has always felt blessed. Not only does he have an amazing family, but he’s become a Hollywood golden boy who has everything he’s ever wanted—with one exception. He’s had a thing for Marin since he was a kid, but when he finally summons the courage to ask her out, she turns him down. Marin is ready to settle down, she wants commitment and stability, and Sebastien is still too much of a playboy, caught up in the wild life of the spotlight.

Still reeling from the rejection, Sebastien’s luck runs out later that night when he saves a girl from an assault. The shining knight role fits him just fine, but his armor—and his perfect life—become tarnished when the near-deadly attack lands him in the hospital. Physically scarred, he gives up acting and retreats from everybody.

If anyone can pull Sebastien back from the abyss, it’s Marin. But first she has to convince him that beauty is not only skin deep...

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK | Kobo

More Info:

Author's Site
Add it on Goodreads! | Find the Series

Reviews of Walker's Previous Novels:

Headed for Trouble (#1) -- Pat


My Review:

[ARC Review]: "His Royal Secret"

His Royal Secret by Lilah Pace
Publisher: InterMix (July 19, 2016)
Series: His Royal Secret, 1
Genre: M/M Romance

The first in an enchanting new male/male romantic duology from Lilah Pace, author of Asking for More and Begging for It ....

James, the handsome, cosmopolitan Prince of Wales, is used to being in the public eye. But he's keeping a king-sized secret...James, next in line for the throne, is gay.

He’s been able to hide his sexual orientation with the help of his best friend and beard, Lady Cassandra. Sometimes he feels like a coward for not coming out, but he daren’t risk losing the crown. If he did, the succession would fall on his deeply troubled younger sister, Princess Amelia. To protect her, James is willing to live a lie.

While on holiday, he meets Benjamin Dahan—a rugged international reporter with a globe-trotting, unattached life—who catches far more than James's eye. And when Ben is transferred to London, it seems fate may finally be smiling on James.

But what began as a torrid fling grows into something far more intimate and powerful. Soon James will have decide who he is, what he wants from life and love, and what he’s willing to sacrifice for the truth... 

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK | Kobo

More Info:

Author's Site
Add it on Goodreads! | Find the Series

My Review:

[ARC Review]: "Inescapable"

Inescapable by Joss Wood
Publisher: InterMix (July 19, 2016)
Series: Men of Mercy, 1
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Best friends Kai, Sawyer, and Axl worked hard to make Caswallawn Security the booming success that it is. As for love, marriage, and commitment, those are way down on their priority list...

Kai Manning is unhappy that Caswallawn is making Mercy, Virginia, its permanent headquarters—he doesn’t understand this quaint, crazy town, and he doesn’t want to settle down, period. A rough childhood made him fiercely independent, and he’s determined to rely on nothing and no one. So the moment he lays eyes on Flick, he knows he’s in trouble...

Local baker Felicity “Flick” Sturgiss is not looking for a man. She’s done giving her all to relationships that give nothing back. But Kai is undeniably hot. He may look like bad news, but he’s not going to be in town for long, and she’s dealing with a lot right now—she deserves to have some fun.

When a family emergency calls Sawyer away, Kai must remain in Mercy to hold down the fort. Now, Kai and Flick’s plan for a quick fling falls to the wayside (just like their torn-off clothing), leaving them wondering if they can keep their hands—and their hearts—to themselves...

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK

More Info:

Author's Site
Add it on Goodreads!

My Review:

[ARC Review]: "Out of Frame"

Out of Frame by Megan Erickson
Publisher: InterMix (March 15, 2016)
Series: In Focus, 3
Genre: New Adult M/M 

Romance trades the open road for the high seas in the latest from the author of Focus on Me and Trust the Focus...

Perpetually shy, Quinn Mathers is content to remain in the shadow of his brash best friend Jess Hartman. But before their college graduation, he and Jess have planned one last hurrah: a spring break Caribbean cruise.

And it won’t be just any cruise. On board are members of the reality show Trip League, which follows young twenty-somethings on adventures around the world. Since the show’s beginning, Quinn has been fascinated by J. R. Butler, with his amazing body, warm eyes, and killer grin. Unfortunately, he’s straight—or so the world thinks.

At nineteen, J. R. signed a contract to play straight for the show, and there’s no way to get out of it now. Yet with each passing day, Quinn and J. R. find it harder to keep their hands off each other and to keep out of the camera’s frame. But when the lens finally focuses on them, J. R. must decide if he’s willing to risk his career by admitting his bisexuality, and Quinn must determine if he's bold enough to stand in the spotlight with the man of his dreams...

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK

More Info:

Author's Site
Add it on Goodreads! | Find the Series

Reviews of Erickson's Previous Novels:

Changing His Game (#1) -- TBQ
Tied to Trouble (#3) -- TBQ

Trust the Focus (#1) -- TBQ

Focus on Me (#2) -- TBQ

Strong Signal (#1) -- TBQ

My Review:

[Kame's Review]: "Seduction Game"

Seduction Game by Pamela Clare
Publisher: InterMix (October 20, 2015)
Series: I-Team, 7
Genre: Romantic Suspense

The acclaimed author of Striking Distance returns with more danger, intrigue, and I-Team action...

CIA officer Nick Andris wants revenge. His last mission failed after a Georgian arms smuggler killed his lover. He’s been tailing a woman for three weeks hoping she will lead him to his target. But there’s a problem with the intel. Holly Elise Bradshaw is nothing more than an entertainment writer with a love for sex and designer clothes. Clearly someone at Langley made a mistake . . .

When Holly finds herself in trouble, the only weapons at her disposal are her brains and her body. But they won’t be enough to handle the man who’s following her. He’s going to turn her world upside-down. 

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK 

More Info:

Author's Site
Add it on GoodReads! | Find the Series

Reviews of Clare's Previous Novels:

Extreme Exposure (#1) -- Kame

Hard Evidence (#2) -- Kame

Naked Edge (#3) -- Kame

Breaking Point (#5) -- Kame

First Strike (#5.9) -- Kame

Striking Distance (#6) -- Kame
Soul Deep (#6.5) -- Kame + Pat

Upon a Winter's Eve (#3.5) -- Pat

Sweet Release (#1) -- Kame

Kame's Review:

[Kame's Review]: "Deeper Than Dreams"

Deeper Than Dreams by Jessica Topper
Publisher: InterMix (August 18, 2015)
Series: Love and Steel, 1.5
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Will wedding bells rock out for Louder Than Love’s most beloved couple in this Love and Steel novella?

Falling in love with rock star Adrian “Digger” Graves was a dream come true for former librarian Kat Lewis. But with a little help from friends and family—including Kat’s adorable daughter, Abbey—Adrian has planned an evening and a proposal beyond her wildest dreams. 

The night before, Kat witnessed the triumphant reunion of Adrian’s rock band at Madison Square Garden. Tonight, he will escort her to the elegant, ultra-exclusive Library Lion’s benefit. It seems like a fairytale, but even fairytales have a deeper, darker side. When old habits return to tempt her knight in shining heavy metal armor, will Kat’s happily ever after come crashing back to reality?

THIS IS AN EPILOGUE NOVELLA THAT PICKS UP THE DAY AFTER LOUDER THAN LOVE ENDS. This novella is intended to be read after Louder Than Love.

Don’t miss the next Love and Steel novel, Softer Than Steel, coming in September 2015 from InterMix.

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK

More Info:

Author's Site
Add it on GoodReads! | Find the Series

Reviews of Topper's Previous Novels:

Louder Than Love (#1) -- Kame


Kame's Review:

[ARC Review]: "Focus On Me"

Focus On Me by Megan Erickson
Publisher: InterMix (July 21, 2015)
Series: In Focus, 2
Genre: M/M Romance (NA)

A sexy new romance from the author of Trust the Focus.

Colin Hartman can now add college to his list of failures. On the coast-to-coast trek home from California, Colin stops at a gas station in the Nevada desert, and can’t help noticing the guy in tight jeans looking like he just stepped off a catwalk. When he realizes Catwalk is stranded, Colin offers a ride.

Riley only intended to take a short ride in Colin’s Jeep to the Grand Canyon. But one detour leads to another until they finally find themselves tumbling into bed together. However there are shadows in Riley’s eyes that hide a troubled past. And when those shadows threaten to bury the man whom Colin has fallen in love with, he vows to get Riley the help he needs. For once in his life, quitting isn’t an option…

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK | ARe

More Info:

Author's Site
Add it on GoodReads! | Find the Series

Reviews of Erickson's Previous Novels:

Trust the Focus (#1) -- TBQ

Changing His Game (#1) -- TBQ


My Review:

[Review]: "Yours All Along"

Yours All Along by Roni Loren
Publisher: InterMix (June 16, 2015)
Series: Loving on the Edge, 7.5
Genre: M/M Contemporary

The new Loving on the Edge romance from the New York Times bestselling author of Nothing Between Us turns on the heat between two men who wonder how much they’re willing to risk in the name of love.

Four years after an accident tore their friendship apart, Hunter and Devon are living separate lives. Hunter is now the all-America hero—a congressman’s son and a pro pitcher in Houston preparing to marry his beauty-queen girlfriend. Devon is in Dallas running a new restaurant. 

But when Hunter unexpectedly shows up in Devon’s bar, Devon can’t turn him away. Damn it if the man isn’t still gorgeous. But engaged? Hell no. All he’s doing for Devon is bringing back memories of their college-roommate days, and the night their relationship went too far. Turns out Hunter has never forgotten it either.

Now Devon can’t help but be drawn in all over again by the only guy who’s ever gotten close enough to break his heart. Maybe one more night together would be enough for both of them to finally move on. Or maybe one night will change everything…

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK | ARe

More Info:

Author's Site
Add it on GoodReads! | Find the Series

My Review:

[Kame's Review]: "High Heat"

High Heat by Linda Morris
Publisher: InterMix (June 16, 2015)
Series: Hard Hitters, 1
Genre: Contemporary Romance

The author of Melting the Millionaire’s Heart gives readers a front-row seat to her new Hard Hitters baseball series. First up at bat: a hotshot pitcher and a PR pro battle it out on and off the field…

Small-town Indiana tomboy Sarah Dudley grew up living and breathing baseball, since her father owned the minor league Plainview Thrashers. A talented player herself, she idolized her brother’s best friend: Tom Cord, a pitcher with a wicked fastball and an even more wicked reputation.

Now, Sarah is the Thrashers’ VP of public relations, and Tom—a star in the major leagues—has been assigned to the club while rehabbing from surgery. It’s Sarah’s job to keep the hard-throwing, hard-living star out of trouble. But when she gets a glimpse of the man behind the bad-boy image, they start to generate more heat than an inside fastball…

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK

More Info:

Author's Site
Add it on GoodReads! | Find the Series

Kame's Review:

[Kame's Review]: "Taken"

Taken by HelenKay Dimon
Publisher: InterMix (April 21, 2015)
Series: Holton Woods, 3
Genre: M/M Romance

Known for her “emotional, sexy and smart”* stories, now, HelenKay Dimon presents a bold new novella that takes readers to the edge…

Wade Royer and Elijah Sterling are on shaky ground. While initially reluctant Eli is finally ready to take things to the next level, Wade is hesitant. He senses trouble coming and he’s right. Still, they know their fiercely undeniable connection—both in and out of the bedroom—is worth saving.

Then a man from Eli’s past reappears and the CIA comes calling—and they both want Eli back. With their relationship in jeopardy of falling apart and Eli in danger of a different kind, both men will have to decide what they really want—and then take it…

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK

More Info:

Author's Site
Add it on GoodReads! | Find the Series

Kame's Review:

[ARC Review]: "There You Stand"

There You Stand by Christina Lee
Publisher: InterMix (April 21, 2015)
Series: Between Breaths, 5
Genre: M/M Romance

From the author of All of You and Before You Break comes a new Between Breaths male/male standalone romance about the silent, inked up skateboarder and the tattoo artist who unravels him piece by piece…

Tattoo artist Cory Easton has worked long enough at Raw Ink to know, just by looking at a dude, what his body art reveals, what makes him tick, what even makes him scared. Until he meets the quiet and remote Jude York—so unreadable, so unreachable, and so unlike anyone else, he can’t help but arouse Cory’s curiosity.

As captivating and complex as his ink, Jude is a mystery—and Cory’s falling fast and hard under his spell. Against his better judgment to steer clear.

The rumors of Jude’s past overshadow him—whispers of prison and an unmentionable secret that’s kept him in the protective shadows of a local motorcycle club. As Cory probes deeper, he wonders how much he really wants to know. Especially since Jude has awakened something inside him that has been buried too long—and has him feeling completely alive for the first time in forever…

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK

More Info:

Author's Site
Add it on GoodReads! | Find the Series

Reviews of Lee's Previous Novels:

Promise Me This (#4) -- TBQ


My Review:

[Review]: "Trust the Focus"

Trust the Focus by Megan Erickson
Publisher: InterMix (March 17, 2015)
Series: In Focus, 1
Genre: M/M New Adult Contemporary

With his college graduation gown expertly pitched into the trash, Justin Akron is ready for the road trip he planned with his best friend Landry— and ready for one last summer of escape from his mother’s controlling grip. Climbing into the Winnebago his father left him, they set out across America in search of the sites his father had captured through the lens of his Nikon.

As an aspiring photographer, Justin can think of no better way to honor his father’s memory than to scatter his ashes at the sites he held sacred. And there’s no one Justin would rather share the experience with more than Landry.

But Justin knows he can’t escape forever. Eventually he’ll have to return home and join his mother’s Senate campaign. Nor can he escape the truth of who he is, and the fact that he’s in love with his out-and-proud travel companion.

Admitting what he wants could hurt his mother’s conservative political career. But with every click of his shutter and every sprinkle of ash, Justin can’t resist Landry’s pull. And when the truth comes into focus, neither is prepared for the secrets the other is hiding.

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK

More Info:

Author's Site
Add it on GoodReads! | Find the Series

My Review: