Exclusive Excerpt: Risking the Shot by Amy Aislin

Amy Aislin: Thank you for joining me to celebrate the release of my newest m/m romance, Risking the Shot, the fourth book in my Stick Side series. If you like hockey romances, be sure to check it out. Risking the Shot has an age gap romance, a single dad, and a hockey player falling for a cake decorator.

TBQ has allowed me to briefly take over the blog today, and I’m sharing an exclusive excerpt. Check it out below!

Risking the Shot by Amy Ainslin

Publisher: September 8th, 2020

Series: Stick Side, 4

Genre: Contemporary Romance (Queer, M/M)

Time for distractions? Hardly. 

A chance at making the playoffs? It’s a dream for NHL forward Taylor Cunningham that just might come true. If he can keep his eyes on the ball—ahem, puck. And study for midterms. Dakota Cotton, eleven years his senior, isn’t just a distraction, though—he’s everything Tay’s ever wanted.

Dakota has no interest in introducing someone who might not stick around to his four-year-old son. Been there, done that, with the divorce to prove it. But there’s something about Tay that hits all of the right buttons and has him wanting to take a chance. 

As things heat up between them, and the pressure to succeed hits an all-time high, will they risk a shot at happiness or choke? 

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK | Kobo

More Info:

Author's Site 

Add it on Goodreads! | Find the Series

Risking the Shot by Amy Aislin

Book Excerpt

Melinda's Mini Reviews for August

Melinda has a few mini reviews for you today, from 3 to 4 Stars!

Things Hoped For by Chencia Higgins

Publisher: EKOL Media (July 28, 2020)

Series: The Vow Series, 4

Genre: Contemporary Romance (Queer, F/F)

Can two women who only want to be loved, find a home in each other when the world around them is moving too fast for them to settle down?

Growing up in an intolerant town, Latrisha Martin was used to shrinking the most important parts of herself. She hid her loneliness within a busy life and kept the yearning in her heart tucked away from those closest to her. Just as the façade became too heavy to maintain, Trisha received wise words from a strange woman that helped redirect her life's journey. On a whim, she relocates to Houston, and while adjusting to a new normal, she finds that those desires she'd once hidden begin to manifest in ways she never imagined.

With her star attached to a rocket ship, Xenobia Cooper was quickly transforming from a locally known talent into a name known in households across the nation. Viewed as an overnight success to many, the only thing that the veteran of the Houston underground music scene hadn't prepared for was living a life without someone to come home to at the end of the day. A reckless tweet sent out in the middle of the night brings an influx of women with stars in their eyes, but they all lack the key component that Xeno is looking for. A chance encounter after her largest show to date and she's convinced that those things she'd hoped for are just within her grasp.

The Vow Series

To Buy a Vow - Book 1

To Build a Vow - Book 2

To Break a Vow - Book 3

Things Hoped For - Book 4

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK | Kobo

More Info:

Author's Site 

Add it on Goodreads! | Find the Series

Melinda's Review:

Guest Post with Erin McLellan: CANDY HEARTS + Favorite Lingerie Scenes!

I've got Erin McLellan on the blog again, celebrating her latest release, CANDY HEARTS! Today we're talking about lingerie . . . or at least, favorite lingerie scenes in romance novels! ;)

Favorite Romance Novels With Memorable Lingerie Scenes

Melinda's Review: How to Belong with a Billionaire

How to Belong with a Billionaire by Alexis Hall
Publisher: Forever Yours (September 3, 2019)
Series: Arden St. Ives, 3
Genre: Contemporary Romance (Queer, M/M)

1st POV

If you love someone, set them free...

I thought I'd be okay when Caspian Hart left. He was a brilliant, beautiful billionaire with a past he couldn't escape. And I was ... just me: an ordinary man lost in his own life. It would never have lasted. It should never have happened. Not outside a fairytale.

And I am okay. I've got my job, my family, my friends, and everything Caspian taught me. Except it turns out he's going to marry his ex-boyfriend. A man who doesn't understand him. A man who almost broke him. And I've finally realized it's not enough for me to be happy. I need Caspian to be happy too.

Problem is, I've already done all I can to help him. I've followed his rules and broken his rules and learned his secrets. And he still won't believe I can love him. So now it's his turn. His turn to fight, and trust, and hope. It's time for Caspian Hart to choose me.

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK | Kobo

More Info:

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

Reviews for Hall's books:

• For Real
• Glitterland
• How to Bang a Billionaire

Melinda's Review:

Sarah's Review: Work For It

Work for It by Talia Hibbert
Publisher: Nixon House (September 3, 2019)
Series: Just For Him, 4
Genre: Contemporary Romance (Queer, M/M)
Dual 1st POV

Between men like us, trust doesn't come easy.

In this village, I’m an outcast: Griffin Everett, the scowling giant who prefers plants to people. Then I meet Keynes, a stranger from the city who’s everything I’m not: sharp-tongued, sophisticated, beautiful. Free. For a few precious moments in a dark alleyway, he’s also mine, hot and sweet under the stars… until he crushes me like dirt beneath his designer boot.

When the prettiest man I’ve ever hated shows up at my job the next day, I’m not sure if I want to strangle him or drag him into bed. Actually—I think I want both. But Keynes isn’t here for the likes of me: he makes that painfully clear. With everyone else at work, he’s all gorgeous, glittering charm—but when I get too close, he turns vicious.

And yet, I can’t stay away. Because there’s something about this ice king that sets me on fire, a secret vulnerability that makes my chest ache. I’ll do whatever it takes to sneak past his walls and see the real man again.

The last thing I expect is for that man to ruin me.

Work for It is 80,000 words of hot, angst-filled, M/M romance featuring a cynical city boy, a gruff, soft-hearted farmer, and a guaranteed happy-ever-after. No cheating, no cliff-hangers, just love. (Eventually.) This story is a spin-off set in the Just for Him world, taking place after the last book in that series. Please be aware: this book contains references to depression and anxiety that could trigger certain audiences.

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK | Kobo

More Info:

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

Reviews for Hibbert's books:

• A Girl Like Her 
• Bad for the Boss 
• Just For Him (Complete Series)
• Merry Inkmas (Jen's Review) 
• Merry Inkmas (Sarah's Review)
• Untouchable

Sarah's Review:

Guest Post with Annabeth Albert: Adventure Romances, Arctic Heat, and a Giveaway!

Annabeth Albert has a new contemporary M/M romance out today, Arctic Heat! To celebrate, she's got a great guest post for you, as well as an excerpt and a giveaway. Enjoy! :) 

Adventure Romance List

Guest Post with Layla Reyne + Dine With Me Excerpt!

Today I have Layla Reyne on the blog again with a quick little guest post about ugly cry reads and an excerpt from her latest contemporary M/M, DINE WITH ME (out now!). Enjoy! :)

Favorite Ugly Cry Reads

Kat's Review: American Dreamer

American Dreamer by Adriana Herrera
Publisher: Carina Press (March 4, 2019)
Series: Dreamers, 1
Genre: Contemporary Romance -- Queer, M/M

No one ever said big dreams come easy

For Nesto Vasquez, moving his Afro-Caribbean food truck from New York City to the wilds of Upstate New York is a huge gamble. If it works? He’ll be a big fish in a little pond. If it doesn’t? He’ll have to give up the hustle and return to the day job he hates. He’s got six months to make it happen—the last thing he needs is a distraction.

Jude Fuller is proud of the life he’s built on the banks of Cayuga Lake. He has a job he loves and good friends. It’s safe. It’s quiet. And it’s damn lonely. Until he tries Ithaca’s most-talked-about new lunch spot and works up the courage to flirt with the handsome owner. Soon he can’t get enough—of Nesto’s food or of Nesto. For the first time in his life, Jude can finally taste the kind of happiness that’s always been just out of reach.

An opportunity too good to pass up could mean a way to stay together and an incredible future for them both…if Nesto can remember happiness isn’t always measured by business success. And if Jude can overcome his past and trust his man will never let him down.

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK | Kobo

More Info:

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

Content Warnings: Anti-queer religious ideology, racist anti-immigrant rhetoric






Kat's Review:

Melinda's Mini Reviews for July

Melinda has a few mini reviews for you today, from 4 to 4 1/2 Stars.

Kitten by Jack Harbon
Publisher: Jack Harbon (May 20th, 2019)
Genre: Contemporary Romance -- Queer, M/M

Fresh out of college and back on his older sister's couch, Kit expected his days to return to the way they'd always been. He anticipated spending his days perusing Netflix with one hand on the remote and the other in a box of pizza, but when he's given the opportunity for a job at one of New York City's newest advertising agencies, there's no way he can turn the offer down. Unfortunately for Kit, this job might be more than he bargained for.

Not only does Roman - his handsome yet ruthless new boss - let his wandering eye linger just a little too long, Kit can't seem to shake the feeling that the glitzy personal assistant gig he just landed might be a bit shadier than he imagined. Before he's even able to make a reservation for Roman's dinner at Le Bernardin, Kit's professional and personal life become one, and he finds himself forced to somehow separate business from pleasure.

Easier said than done, especially when it’s his job to take care of Roman’s every need.

Where to Buy*:

Kindle

More Info:

Author's Site
Add it on Goodreads!

Melinda's Review:

Melinda's Review: Death of a Bachelor

Remember, this is a Royal Pick for the month! Check back on April 25th when the monthly giveaway opens!

Death of a Bachelor by M.A. Hinkle
Publisher:
Series: Cherrywood Grove, 1
Genre: Contemporary Romance -- Queer, M/M

Cathal Kinnery is an arrogant, overeducated jerk, and Damon Eglamore is not afraid to tell him so. But Damon married Cathal’s best friend, so they have an uneasy truce. Then she passes away. Now they’re stuck together in close quarters, trying to honor her memory without shouting at each other all the time.

At first, they have no idea how to move forward. Damon is a chef, but all his favorite recipes remind him of his late wife. Cathal would love to start tomcatting around town again, except for that annoying promise he made to his best friend about looking after Damon.

Then Damon’s son comes to them for help, convinced the only way to win over his first crush is a gender-bending Shakespeare production. After that, Cathal talks Damon into taking up baking as a new way to use his talents. Next thing they know, they’ve begun a new life working as a team instead of jumping at each other’s throats. But can they trust each other long enough to make it last, or will they fall into old bad habits again?

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK | Kobo

More Info:

Add it on Goodreads! | Find the Series

CW: Death of a secondary character

Melinda's Review:

Guest Post with Erin McLellan: Bi/Pan Romance Recs + Excerpt

Erin McLellan's newest M/M romance, CLEAN BREAK, releases tomorrow. To celebrate, Erin's got some recommendations for her favorite bi/pan romances. There's also an excerpt from the book, and a giveaway at the end! :)

Bisexual/Pansexual Character Book Recommendations

Welcome to the blog tour for Clean Break, a m/m college romance between two men whose life plans are taking them in opposite directions. This story is sweet, slightly angsty, and a little kinky. I’m so excited to share a bit about my new release with you. There’s also a giveaway at the end of the post!

Annabeth Albert: Man Candy Inspiration + Rough Terrain Excerpt and Giveaway!

Today I have Annabeth Albert back on the blog, celebrating the final book in the Out of Uniform series, ROUGH TERRAIN (out now)! She's talking about the man candy inspirations behind the characters, and even brought a little teaser to share, too.

Oh, and there's a giveaway at the end. Good luck! :)

Bringing “Man Candy” Inspiration to Life

Group Review/Discussion: Thrall

Group review / discussion, ahoy! Jen, Kat, and Melinda all read Roan Parrish and Avon Gale's newest queer release, THRALL, and have some thoughts on it. Hope you enjoy! :)

Thrall by Avon Gale and Roan Parrish
Publisher: Philtre Press (September 27, 2018)
Genre: Queer Fiction / Mystery w/ Romantic Elements

Dating Sucks and Love Bites 

Happy couple Mina Murray and Lucy Westenra have begun to garner national attention for their quirky New Orleans true-crime podcast, Shadowcast. When Lucy's brother Harker disappears while researching the popular new dating app Thrall, they're thrown into a real-life mystery. Aided by their social media expert, Arthur, and Harker's professor, Van Helsing, they follow the trail, hoping to find Harker before it's too late.

When their investigation crosses the path of a possible serial killer, the line between fantasy and reality begins to blur. And as they race against the app's countdown clock, so does the line between friendship and love. What starts as a flirtatious rivalry between computer-savvy Arthur and techno-averse Van Helsing becomes much more, and Mina and Lucy's relationship is tested in the fires of social media.

As they get down to the wire, the group discovers that nothing on their screens is as it seems—including their enemy.


A modern retelling of Bram Stoker's Dracula

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK | Kobo

More Info:

Author's Site | Author's Site
Add it on Goodreads!

Group Review / Discussion:

Exclusive Excerpt: Counterpoint

Today I've got Anna Zabo on the blog, celebrating her upcoming M/M release, COUNTERPOINT (out September 24th). Find out more about the book below and enjoy an excerpt, too. :)

Counterpoint by Anna Zabo
Publisher: Carina Press (September 24th, 2018)
Series: Twisted Wishes, 2
Genre: Contemporary Romance -- Queer, M/M

Twisted Wishes lead guitarist Dominic “Domino” Bradley is an animal onstage. But behind his tight leather pants and skull-crusher boots lies a different man entirely, one who needs his stage persona not only to perform, but to have the anonymity he craves. A self-imposed exile makes it impossible to get close to anyone outside the band, so he’s forced to get his sexual fix through a few hot nights with a stranger.

When computer programmer Adrian Doran meets Dominic, he’s drawn to the other man’s quiet voice and shy smile. But after a few dirty, demanding nights exploring Dominic’s need to be dominated, Adrian wants more than a casual distraction. He has no idea he’s fallen for Domino Grinder—the outlandish, larger-than-life rock god.

Dominic is reluctant to trust Adrian with his true identity. But when the truth is revealed prematurely, Dominic is forced to reevaluate both his need for Adrian and everything he believes about himself.

Quirks and Warnings: Contains D/s and bondage. Also discusses anxiety and depicts a panic attack. 

Tropes and Themes: Secret identity. Geeks in love. hurt/comfort. Finding yourself behind the mask you wear for others.

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK | Kobo

More Info:

Add it on GoodReads! | Find the Series

Kat's Review: Calling Calling Calling Me

Remember, since this is a Royal Pick, come back on September 27th for a chance to win an ecopy of your own!

Calling Calling Calling Me by Natasha Washington
Publisher: Natasha Washington (September 4, 2018)
Genre: Contemporary Romance -- Queer, M/M (New Adult)

Patrick Mahoney has one goal in mind: get out of his native Fresno and find freedom in the rainbow and glitter-painted streets of San Francisco. As a college freshman, he’s sure he’ll finally have the chance to be himself, away from the judgmental eyes of his conservative hometown.

Josh Dirda’s never wanted to be tied down before, preferring the emotional ease of the one night stand. But when Patrick moves into the apartment that Josh shares with three friends, Josh is pulled in by Patrick’s sly wit and quietly creative spirit. As Patrick’s self-appointed tour guide, Josh can be Patrick’s introduction to the city he loves. But after a drunken Halloween hook-up crosses lines, Patrick and Josh must reckon with their true feelings—and decide whether they can let go of the ghosts from their pasts that haunt them.

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK | Kobo

More Info:

Author's Site
Add it on Goodreads!

Content note for the book: Contains a conversation where one person makes derogatory comments about trans folks.

Kat's Review:

Chelsea's Review: Pyre at the Eyreholme

Pyre at the Eyreholme by Lin Darrow
Publisher: Less Than Three Press, LLC (July 4, 2018)
Genre: Fantasy Romance -- M/M

In Temperance City, the streets are ruled by spelled-up gangsters, whose magic turf wars serve as a constant backdrop to civilian life. With magic strictly regulated, Eli Coello—whip-smart jewelry salesman by day, sultry torch singer by night—has always found it advantageous to hide his magical affinity for ink.

All that goes up in smoke the day Eli is forced to use his magic to foil a jewelry heist, and in doing so unwittingly catches the eye Duke Haven, leader of the fire-flinging Pyre gang. Seeing a useful asset, Duke promptly blackmails Eli into providing unregistered spellwork.

Duke needs Eli’s ink-magic to help him pull a dangerous con against a rival gang. As the heist comes together, Eli finds himself drawn deeper and deeper into the Temperance underworld—and, perhaps most dangerously, to Duke himself.

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK | Kobo

More Info:

Author's Site
Add it on Goodreads!

Chelsea's Review:

Chelsea's Review: For Real

Remember, since this is a Royal Pick, come back on August 30th for a chance to win an ecopy of your own!

For Real by Alexis Hall
Publisher: Aleixs Hall (March 26, 2018) *re-release*
Series: Spires Universe, 3
Genre: Contemporary Romance (Erotic, BDSM) -- M/M

Dual 1st POV

Laurence Dalziel is worn down and washed up, and for him, the BDSM scene is all played out. Six years on from his last relationship, he’s pushing forty and tired of going through the motions of submission.

Then he meets Toby Finch. Nineteen years old. Fearless, fierce, and vulnerable. Everything Laurie can’t remember being.

Toby doesn’t know who he wants to be or what he wants to do. But he knows, with all the certainty of youth, that he wants Laurie. He wants him on his knees. He wants to make him hurt, he wants to make him beg, he wants to make him fall in love.

The problem is, while Laurie will surrender his body, he won’t surrender his heart. Because Toby is too young, too intense, too easy to hurt. And what they have—no matter how right it feels—can’t last. It can’t mean anything.

It can’t be real.

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK | Kobo

More Info:

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

Chelsea's Review:

Exclusive Excerpt: Calling Calling Calling Me

Today I've got an exclusive excerpt from Natasha Washington's upcoming M/M release, Calling Calling Calling Me (out 09/04!). Enjoy! :)

Calling Calling Calling Me by Natasha Washington
Publisher: Natasha Washington (September 4, 2018)
Genre: Contemporary Romance (New Adult) -- Queer, M/M

Patrick Mahoney has one goal in mind: get out of his native Fresno and find freedom in the rainbow and glitter-painted streets of San Francisco. As a college freshman, he’s sure he’ll finally have the chance to be himself, away from the judgmental eyes of his conservative hometown.

Josh Dirda’s never wanted to be tied down before, preferring the emotional ease of the one night stand. But when Patrick moves into the apartment that Josh shares with three friends, Josh is caught up in Patrick’s sly wit and quietly creative spirit. As Patrick’s self-appointed tour guide, Josh can be Patrick’s introduction to the city he loves. But after a drunken Halloween hook-up crosses lines, Patrick and Josh must reckon with their true feelings—and decide whether they can let go of the ghosts that haunt them.

Tropes/Themes: college romance, first time, fish out of water

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK | Kobo

More Info:

Add it on GoodReads!

Excerpt: To See the Sun + Giveaway!

Today I've got a SciFi M/M romance to share with you guys: Kelly Jensen's TO SEE THE SUN is out now. Find out more about the book, including a sneak peek, before you one-click it.

Oh! And there's a great giveaway at the end, too. 

Enjoy! :)

To See the Sun by Kelly Jensen
Publisher: Riptide Publishing (August 13th, 2018)
Genre: SciFi Romance -- Queer, M/M

Survival is hard enough in the outer colonies—what chance does love have?

Life can be harsh and lonely in the outer colonies, but miner-turned-farmer Abraham Bauer is living his dream, cultivating crops that will one day turn the unforgiving world of Alkirak into paradise. He wants more, though. A companion—someone quiet like him. Someone to share his days, his bed, and his heart.

Gael Sonnen has never seen the sky, let alone the sun. He’s spent his whole life locked in the undercity beneath Zhemosen, running from one desperate situation to another. For a chance to get out, he’ll do just about anything—even travel to the far end of the galaxy as a mail-order husband. But no plan of Gael’s has ever gone smoothly, and his new start on Alkirak is no exception. Things go wrong from the moment he steps off the shuttle.

Although Gael arrives with unexpected complications, Abraham is prepared to make their relationship work—until Gael’s past catches up with them, threatening Abraham’s livelihood, the freedom Gael gave everything for, and the love neither man ever hoped to find. 

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK | Kobo

More Info:

Add it on GoodReads!

Kat's Review: Over and Over Again

Remember, since this is a Royal Pick, come back on August 30th for a chance to win an ecopy of your own!

Over and Over Again by Cole McCade
Publisher: Cole McCade (July 23rd, 2018)
Genre: Contemporary Romance -- M/M

A ring of braided grass. A promise. Ten years of separation.

And memories of an innocent love with the power to last through time.

When Luca Ward was five years old, he swore he would love Imre Claybourne forever. Years later, that promise holds true—and when Luca finds himself shipped off to Imre’s North Yorkshire goat farm in disgrace, long-buried feelings flare back to life when he finds, in Imre, the same patiently stoic gentle giant he’d loved as a boy. The lines around Imre’s eyes may be deeper, the once-black night of his hair silvered to steel and stone…but he’s still the same slow-moving mountain of a man whose quiet-spoken warmth, gentle hands, and deep ties to his Roma heritage have always, to Luca, meant home.

The problem?

Imre is more than twice Luca’s age.

And Luca’s father’s best friend.

Yet if Imre is everything Luca remembered, for Imre this hot-eyed, fey young man is nothing of the boy he knew. Gone is the child, replaced by a vivid man whose fettered spirit is spinning, searching for north, his heart a thing of wild sweet pure emotion that draws Imre into the compelling fire of Luca’s frustrated passions. That fragile heart means everything to Imre—and he’ll do anything to protect it.

Even if it means distancing himself, when the years between them are a chasm Imre doesn’t know how to cross.

But can he resist the allure in cat-green eyes when Luca places his trembling heart in Imre’s hands…and begs for his love, over and over again? 

Where to Buy*:

Kindle -- KU Title

More Info:

Author's Site
Add it on Goodreads!

Kat's Review: