LGBTQIA

#BookReview Off Base by Annabeth Albert @AnnabethAlbert @CarinaPress

#BookReview Off Base by Annabeth Albert @AnnabethAlbert @CarinaPress Title: Off Base

Author: Annabeth Albert

Series: Out of Uniform #1

Published by: Carina Press on Jan. 9, 2017

Genres: Contemporary Romance, LGBTQIA

Pages: 304

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Carina Press, NetGalley

Book Rating: 8/10

After trading the barracks for a fixer-upper rental, navy SEAL Zack Nelson wants peace, not a roommate—especially not Pike, who sees things about Zack he most wants to hide. Pike’s flirting puts virgin Zack on edge. And the questions Pike’s arrival would spark from Zack’s teammates about his own sexuality? Nope. Not going there. But Zack can’t refuse.

Pike Reynolds knows there won’t be a warm welcome in his new home. What can he say? He’s an acquired taste. But he needs this chance to get his life together. Also, teasing the uptight SEAL will be hella fun. Still, Pike has to tread carefully; he’s had his fill of tourists in the past, and he can’t risk his heart on another, not even one as hot, as built—and, okay, yeah, as adorable—as Zack.

Living with Pike crumbles Zack’s restraint and fuels his curiosity. He discovers how well they fit together in bed…in the shower…in the hallway… He needs Pike more than he could have imagined, yet he doesn’t know how to be the man Pike deserves.


Review:

Intriguing, romantic and heartwarming!

This is a contemporary romance story about military life, discovering one’s true self, and having the strength to follow one’s heart regardless of the consequences all wrapped up in a plot filled with flirty banter, sexual tension, chemistry, doubt, acceptance, harassment, friendship and love.

The writing is clear and precise. And the main characters are an alluring mix of an uncertain, strong, hunky Navy Seal and a fun-loving, charming professor who loves to tease. 

Overall, I would have to say this is an encouraging, lighthearted story with endearing characters that will captivate you from the very beginning.

This is the first novel in the new “Out of Uniform” series by Annabeth Albert, and I look forward to reading At Attention (Out of Uniform #2), Apollo and Dylan’s story, due out later this year.

 

This book is due to be published on January 9, 2017. 

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from the following links.

Amazon UK, Amazon USAmazon CanadaIndigoKoboBarnes & Noble

 

Thank you to Carina Press for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Annabeth Albert

Frequent tweeter, professional grammar nerd, and obsessive reader, Annabeth Albert is also a Pacific Northwest romance writer in a variety of subgenres.

Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two toddlers.

#BookReview Afraid to Fly by L.A. Witt @GallagherWitt @RiptideBooks

#BookReview Afraid to Fly by L.A. Witt @GallagherWitt @RiptideBooks Title: Afraid to Fly

Author: L.A. Witt

Series: Anchor Point #2

Published by: Riptide Publishing on Jan. 16, 2017

Genres: Contemporary Romance, LGBTQIA

Pages: 347

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Riptide Publishing, NetGalley

Book Rating: 8/10

Once a fearless fighter pilot, Commander Travis Wilson is now confined to a desk. It’s been eight years since the near-fatal crash that grounded him, and it still rules his life thanks to relentless back pain.

Lieutenant Commander Clint Fraser almost drowned in a bottle after a highly classified catastrophe while piloting a drone. His downward spiral cost him his marriage and kids, but he’s sober now and getting his life back on track. He’s traded drones for a desk, and he’s determined to reconcile with his kids and navigate the choppy waters of PTSD.

Clint has been on Travis’s radar ever since he transferred to Anchor Point. When Clint comes out to his colleagues, it’s a disaster, but there’s a silver lining: now that Travis knows Clint is into men, the chemistry between them explodes.

It’s all fun and games until emotions get involved. Clint’s never been in love with a man before. Travis has, and a decade later, that tragic ending still haunts him. Clint needs to coax him past his fear of crashing and burning again, or their love will be grounded before takeoff.


Review:

Touching, captivating, and remarkably fervent!

In this latest novel Witt takes us back to Anchor Point and reminds us of some of the emotional and physical damage experienced by those in the military and gives us a good look at the symptoms and effects of PTSD.

It is, ultimately, a story about family dynamics, friendship, compassion, support, romance and love.

The characters are real, troubled, mature and resilient. The prose is precise. And the plot, told from alternating perspectives, flows smoothly from start to finish with a good mix of suffering, tension, desire, rapport, and emotional turmoil.

Overall, this truly is a heartwarming story about two wounded men who finally find the solace, sensitivity, tolerance, tenderness, and intimacy they need in each other.

This is the second novel in the “Anchor Point” series. If you haven’t had a chance to check out my review of Just Drive (Anchor Point #1), you can find it HERE.

 

This book is due to be published on January 16, 2017. 

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from the following link.

Amazon CanadaAmazon USAmazon UKIndigoKoboB&N

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Riptide Publishing, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About L.A. Witt

L.A. Witt is an abnormal M/M romance writer who has finally been released from the purgatorial corn maze of Omaha, Nebraska, and now spends her time on the southwestern coast of Spain. In between wondering how she didn't lose her mind in Omaha, she explores the country with her husband, several clairvoyant hamsters, and an ever-growing herd of rabid plot bunnies.

She also has substantially more time on her hands these days, as she has recruited a small army of mercenaries to search South America for her nemesis, romance author Lauren Gallagher, but don't tell Lauren. And definitely don't tell Lori A. Witt or Ann Gallagher. Neither of those twits can keep their mouths shut...

#BookReview & #BlogTour Wound Tight by Tessa Bailey @mstessabailey

#BookReview & #BlogTour Wound Tight by Tessa Bailey @mstessabailey Title: Wound Tight

Author: Tessa Bailey

Series: Made in Jersey #4

Published by: Entangled Publishing on Nov. 28, 2016

Genres: Contemporary Romance, LGBTQIA

Pages: 168

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: InkSlingerPR

Book Rating: 8/10

A sexy new M/M romance from New York Times Bestselling author Tessa Bailey

When CEO Renner Bastion walks into a room, everyone keeps their distance. Well, everyone but the sarcastic, tattooed, Boston-bred security guard whose presence has kept Renner in New Jersey longer than intended. As if the unwanted attraction isn’t unsettling enough, Renner finds out his protector isn’t as unavailable as originally thought.

Milo Bautista just came out to his wealthy, ultra-confident boss, a man he secretly respects and admires…in more ways than he’ll admit. Worldly, experienced Renner would never look in his direction, let alone share some of that confidence he wears like a cloak, so Milo has set his sights on someone else to be his first.

Until Renner offers him private lessons in seduction…


Review:

Provocative, sultry, and wickedly intense!

This is the fourth and final book in the “Made in Jersey” series and Tessa Bailey’s first foray in the M/M genre and boy is it a good one.

It is a steamy story that combines the confident, somewhat arrogant, dominant businessman, Renner, with the handsome, inexperienced, determined security guard, Milo, complete with a plot filled with racy innuendos, scorching tension, explosive chemistry, insecurities, self discovery, and red-hot romance.

This is definitely a sexy treat and a true guilty pleasure, and I guarantee that if you like lots of dirty talk, swoon-worthy alpha males, and erotic sex scenes you won’t be disappointed.

 

This novel is available now.

Pick up a copy of this story from your favourite retailer or from the following links.

Amazon US, Amazon Canada, Amazon UK, Amazon AU, Kobo, iBooks, B&N

 

 

 

Thank you to InkSlingerPR and Tessa Bailey for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review. It was a pleasure to read.

 

About Tessa Bailey

Tessa Bailey is originally from Carlsbad, California. The day after high school graduation, she packed her yearbook, ripped jeans and laptop, driving cross-country to New York City in under four days.

Her most valuable life experiences were learned thereafter while waitressing at K-Dees, a Manhattan pub owned by her uncle. Inside those four walls, she met her husband, best friend and discovered the magic of classic rock, managing to put herself through Kingsborough Community College and the English program at Pace University at the same time. Several stunted attempts to enter the work force as a journalist followed, but romance writing continued to demand her attention.

She now lives in Long Island, New York with her husband of ten years and six-year-old daughter. Although she is severely sleep-deprived, she is incredibly happy to be living her dream of writing about people falling in love.

#BookReview Just Drive by L.A. Witt @GallagherWitt

#BookReview Just Drive by L.A. Witt @GallagherWitt Title: Just Drive

Author: L.A. Witt

Series: Anchor Point #1

Published by: Riptide Publishing on Nov. 19, 2016

Genres: Contemporary Romance, LGBTQIA

Pages: 300

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Riptide Publishing, NetGalley

Book Rating: 8/10

For Sean Wright, driving a cab in the tiny Navy town of Anchor Point isn’t an exciting job . . . until he picks up just-dumped Paul Richards. A drive turns into a walk on the pier, which turns into the hottest hookup Sean’s had in ages.

After a long overdue breakup, Paul can’t believe his luck. Of all the drivers, he’s picked up by the gorgeous, gay, and very willing Sean. Younger guys aren’t usually his thing, but Paul can’t resist.

One taste and neither man can get enough . . . right up until they realize that Paul is Sean’s father’s commanding officer and the last man Sean should be involved with.

With two careers on the line, their only option is to back off. It’s not easy, though; the sex and the emotional connection are exactly what both men have been craving for a long time. But Paul has devoted twenty-four years to his career and his dream of making admiral. If he’s caught with Sean, that’s all over. He has to choose—stay the course, or trade it all for the man who drove off with his heart.


Review:

Evocative, passionate, and incredibly romantic!

This is a contemporary romance story that takes us on a ride through the hardships of military life, heartache, tension, guilt, romance, and true love.

The writing is smooth and clear. The characters are genuine, determined, handsome, and consumedAnd the plot builds nicely and flows effortlessly, using a back-and-forth narration, to give both depth and understanding to all the commitments, obligations, circumstances and struggles each character must face.

I have to say this truly is an enjoyable, easy read chocked full of drama, chemistry, seduction, emotion, and endearing characters you can’t help but root for.

This is the first novel in the new “Anchor Point” series, and I look forward to reading Afraid to Fly (Anchor Point #2), Travis and Clint’s story, due out in early 2017.

 

This book is due to be published on November 21, 2016. 

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from the following links.

Amazon USAmazon CanadaIndigoBarnes & Noble

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Riptide Publishing, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About L.A. Witt

L.A. Witt is an abnormal M/M romance writer who has finally been released from the purgatorial corn maze of Omaha, Nebraska, and now spends her time on the southwestern coast of Spain. In between wondering how she didn't lose her mind in Omaha, she explores the country with her husband, several clairvoyant hamsters, and an ever-growing herd of rabid plot bunnies.

She also has substantially more time on her hands these days, as she has recruited a small army of mercenaries to search South America for her nemesis, romance author Lauren Gallagher, but don't tell Lauren. And definitely don't tell Lori A. Witt or Ann Gallagher. Neither of those twits can keep their mouths shut...