• Unconventional in Atlanta Anthology

    Unconventional In Atlanta Anthology

    Unconventional In Atlanta Anthology (Unconventional Anthologies #2) by Carol Lynne, Amber Kell, T.A. Chase, Jambrea Jo Jones,  Stephani Hecht, & Devon Rhodes


    Seeing Him‘ by Carol Lynne

    Physical and emotional scars drove Jonah to a life in the shadows, but Trevor is determined to draw him out of the dark and into his arms.

    After spending months in a military rehabilitation hospital, Jonah returns from active duty only to find himself homeless. Jonah retreats to life in the shadows to hide his facial scars. He takes up residence in the parking garage of The Melia Hotel where he watches a striking black man come and go from his work inside the hotel. What Jonah doesn’t know is that General Manager Trevor Sharp is also watching him.

    Trevor spends his days and most of his evenings at the Melia, working hard to prove he is the best man for the job. Unfortunately, between his hours and past heartbreaks, he doesn’t have much time for love. When a handsome man comes out of nowhere to save him from an abusive ex, Trevor makes it his mission to find out who the man is.

    Trevor eventually builds a friendship with Jonah and works to draw him out of the shadows and into his arms, but will he stay there?


    Blown Away’ by Amber Kell

    Sometimes love finds you before you think you’re ready.

    Chris Garland’s love for glasswork encompasses his life. Between school and working as a concierge at The Melia Hotel, he doesn’t have time for anything else. However, when he sees the handsome stranger sitting in the hotel lobby, he can’t resist introducing himself.

    Leo Abbott lost the love of his life two years ago and has yet to recover. Flying to Atlanta for his cousin’s wedding, he couldn’t help but think of his dead lover. When the hotel’s concierge checks on him in the lobby and introduces himself, Leo feels the first stirrings of attraction. Passions he thought long buried flare back to life.

    Will two men from separate walks of life be able to find a common ground where they can be together?


    ‘His Last Client’ by T.A. Chase

    What happens when an occasional prostitute meets a client he can’t help but fall in love with?

    Gib Schultz works as a bartender at The Melia Hotel in downtown Atlanta. When Gib needs some extra cash, he sells his body occasionally. It’s not the best job in the world, but it keeps a roof over his head. When one of his regular clients asks him for a favour, Gib isn’t sure about the guy he’s supposed to meet. Yet at double his normal price, he’s willing to risk it. Within minutes, he discovers he’s risking more than just his body, he’s risking his heart.

    Edwin Masters is back in the States after spending several months reporting in war-torn countries around the world. He’s looking for a night or two of fun, and when he meets Gib, he’s sure it’ll be a great time. Then after spending time with Gib, he realises there’s more to the guy than he thought, and his heart tells him it might be time to take a risk on loving someone.

    They’re both risking their hearts, and together, they have to decide if the reward is worth the risk.


    Where Tomorrow Shines’ by Jambrea Jo Jones

    Be All You Can Be?

    Kasey Adams will show Quinn Nelson just what kind of man he is. After a couple of dates it’s been radio silence and Kasey wants to know why. He’s ready to settle down with just one guy and start his life.

    Quinn is tired. He just wants to do his job and go home at the end of the day with an ice cold beer and something on the TV. He doesn’t have time for a happy shiny kid who wants to change the world.

    Can Kasey convince Quinn they are meant to be?


    Slippery When Wet’ by Stephani Hecht

    When opposites attract, the passion ignites like nobody ever imagined.  Ever since Reno started working as the head coordinator for the kids’ centre at the hotel, he’d been harbouring a not-so-secret crush on a lifeguard named Bruce. When he finally has a chance to talk to Bruce and Bruce doesn’t even know Reno’s name, Reno is crushed.

    Heartbroken, Reno is forced to admit that beauty is only skin deep and that Bruce is a jerk.

    Bruce finds himself intrigued by the shy, yet cute Reno. He decides that he is going to pursue the man. But Bruce has the reputation as a man-eater. Will his reputation ruin any chance he has with Reno? Or will he be able to convince Reno that he really does care for him?


    Out of Service‘ by Devon Rhodes

    Being the problem-solver of the hotel is Esteban’s role, but when he breaks his rules to help a guest, things get complicated. Especially for his heart…

    Esteban Parks is used to being the go-to-guy at the Melia. As the front desk manager, he’s in a position to see everything that goes on—front and back of the house. Nothing fazes him, until he’s confronted with an appealing guest and instinctively goes into rescue mode.

    Jayden Yates has travelled to Atlanta with one goal in mind—to be himself for just a little while. His family and community already make his life miserable and he hasn’t even come out yet. So he impulsively spends part of his savings to come to GayRomLit.

    When he finds out that a simple mistake might derail his whole adventure before it even begins, he literally falls at the feet of the most handsome man he’s ever seen. Esteban offers him more than help—there’s an instant spark between them.

    But can two men from such different backgrounds and stages of life find any common ground? Or will it be just a holiday romance for the memory books?

    Ok, this Anthology is written by some of my all time favorite m/m authors.  I could not pass up this book.  Each story is focused around the staff of a hotel that is hosting GayRomLit Convetion.  A Bartender, Youth Counselor, Housekeeping, General Manager and Front Desk Manager all find love during this four day convention and I love how they all show up in each other’s story.  Like I always say, it is like a soap opera.  My only complaint was that all the stories were much to short, but that is an anthology for you.  If you are not familiar with these particular authors, but would like to sample how they write, then pick up this book!  I give it  ❤❤❤❤❤ 

    On another note, I gained two pounds this week.  After a vacation, they say it is expected, but I just can’t seem to get back into things.  Hopefully when my son, gets back to school, I can get back to basics and lose weight.

    Ciao!  ~*Karen*~

  • Spotlight on Skye Dragon


    Born to write legends in manlove, Skye is a full time writer living in a ivory tower. Though no dragons currently occupy the space, three werecats, a irritatingly chipper parakeet, and a very understanding partner in crime provide endless entertainment. You can  usually find her curled up in the den, watching bad reality TV,  and dreaming up her next set of heroes. She welcomes comments and questions from her readers on her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SkyeDragen or just shoot her an email at [email protected].
    LEGENDS OF AVALON: DRAGON TAMER

    EXCERPT

    Aden seized one of the knights. Tjaden’s eyebrows furrowed. He clearly couldn’t see the error that had allowed Aden to claim his piece. He hadn’t deliberately sacrificed the knight, though he could have if he’d been paying more attention to the games.

    Aden licked his lips in a reptilian fashion. “Remove your tunic,” he commanded. Surprise flickered in his expression before the defiance built in Tjaden’s gaze. Aden’s eyes narrowed and smoke rose from his nostrils in a darkening cloud. “As per our agreement. You owe me a boon for claiming a higher piece.”

    A muscle in Tjaden’s jaw ticked, but he obeyed, unbuckling the belt at his waist before drawing his tunic over his head and then folding it neatly into a pile next to him. Aden was again struck by the human’s beauty. He was quite intriguing. The idea of keeping Tjaden as a servant appealed more and more as the game wore on.

    Their game resumed, and it wasn’t long before Tjaden sat naked in front of their match, his clothing in the same neat pile that he’d started. His arrogance was fading in slow degrees with every advancement Aden made.

    “Och,” Tjaden murmured under his breath. “You’ve quite a wicked mind, dragon.”

    “And you quite a wicked body, human. We’re both paying for my curiosity.” The idea of distracting Tjaden had backfired. Aden was the one distracted by Tjaden’s naked flesh.

    The first board was almost empty by the time Aden gave a slow, triumphant smile. “Checkmate.” A string of curses exited the human’s mouth that would’ve made a sailor proud. “Regretting your choice of game yet, boy?”

    “Tjaden,” the boy said in a steady voice. “Tjaden or Moore, whichever you prefer. But I’m not a boy or a lad or anything resembling a bairn. I’m a man.”

    Yes, yes you are. He wasn’t normally so intrigued by human nakedness. “Fine.Tjaden then.”

    Their game resumed with two chess boards remaining. Then something surprising happened. Aden started to lose.

    He frowned, studying the boards closely. He couldn’t figure out where the traps were, but he was certain they were there. Without intending to, he’d fallen into the mindset that Tjaden’s human inferiority would also make him an inferior chess player. Like poker, chess required a bit of bluff. I’m going to lose. Everything in him rebelled at the thought, but he could say with a reasonable degree of certainty that he’d been set up nice and proper. The little sneak had let him win the previous match on purpose.

    He gritted his teeth, unwilling to let Tjaden know he understood his strategy. Maybe there was time to correct the boards…

    “Checkmate,” Tjaden said, smiling softly.

    His eyes zeroed back on the board he’d been ignoring while he tried to correct the third board. A low growl issued from his throat before he could resist it. He abhorred being bested by a human, even a handsome one. “Tricky, tricky, Tjaden Moore. I won’t underestimate you again.”
    “You’ve already lost, wee dragon, and you know it.” The human sounded downright giddy as he spoke.

    “The game has not concluded as of yet,” Aden reminded. However, the human was correct. He was going to lose. Sighing heavily, he pouted. It wasn’t the most dignified way to conduct himself, but it was the only way he could resist the urge to lash out in frustration.

    When Tjaden called checkmate for the final time, Aden was unsurprised. It’s only one day. One day as a human being. I don’t remember it being too terrible of an existence. He comforted himself with the knowledge.

    “Per our agreement, Aden Canicus, I command you to assume human form,” Tjaden said, staring up into Aden’s eyes.
    BEHIND THE SCENES
    Q: What can we expect from you in the future?
    A: Definitely more Legends from Avalon, a new series called Sidhe Bound, a Steampunk novella called Clockwork Romance, and a full-length novel called Twisted Roses where all the fun legends from Legends of Avalon and Sidhe Bound come from.
    Q: What can readers who enjoy your book do to help make it successful?
    A: Leave reviews, spread the links, and let people know what you thought of my piece.
    Q: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
    A: I’ve wanted to be a writer since I could hold up a pencil in elementary school
    Q: How long does it take you to write a book?
    A: It really depends on the book and how well the words are flowing. Sometimes, it goes really fast and I can finish a piece in a couple days. Other times I will be working on a piece half that length and it will take four times as long.
    Q: Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
    A: I am a little bit of a research nerd so I tend to do a lot of it. Sometimes a little piece of history or an odd fact will strike me and that will inspire a whole slew of new ideas.
    Q: What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
    A: When I’m not writing I like to park my butt on the couch and watch TV. Right now I’m really into Under the Dome and Grimm.
    Q: What do you think makes a good story?
    A: A good story will take the readers on a journey. Even if it is a story purely for entertainment, the story should pull them along and immerse them in whatever situation your character is in.



  • Elaine Radley

    I just got back from my vacation to Springfield, Massachusetts.  Had a good time at Six Flags New England.  I also had a cute cabana boy at my disposal.

    Anyway, yesterday I bought me a new toy….Galaxy Note 3 10.1 Tablet.     I am using it now to write this post.   Loving it!

    Last week I received a request for a book review.  The book is Friendly Temptation by Elaine Radley.  

    “Ever since Katherine Ainsley’s divorce, a hazy line has emerged in her relationship with best friend Dominic Corvalis—one teetering between companionship and lust. When he proposes a dare, she rises to the challenge, even after she finds herself in a place she’s never imagined. Besides, Dom is there to support and tease, and the sexual tension percolating beneath their naughty errand is simply too tempting to resist. Perhaps they are meant to be more than just friends. She’ll never know until she pushes him across that line…and into the bedroom.”

    This is a novella.  Short but sweet.  I have to admit I had to look up what an ankh was.  I would have liked to know more about their relationship.  I have more questions than answers, but I did enjoy it.  I can give this book ♥♥♥.

    Ciao  ~*Karen*~



  • Kate Angell & Books Books Books!!!

    First, when I weighed in at Weight Watchers on Monday, I lost 2.6 pounds!  Woot Woot!!!  Total lost is 23 pounds.

    Second, this week I read most of Kate Angell‘s bookshelf.  I read her series Richmond Rogues.  This series rotates through the starting line-up of the Richmond Rogues baseball team.  While each book concentrates on one main “Rogue”, Ms. Angell does begin to introduce the other players and their stories.  Often she goes back and forth from the main characters to their supporting ones.  I really didn’t mind this but some readers might not like the back and forth.  Reminds me of when I used to watch Days of Our Lives back in the day. Another thing I enjoyed is that you get his & hers point of view, often going back and forth.   

    Starting lineup of the Richmond Rogues:

    25 – Right Field – Cody “Psycho” McMillan
    18 – Catcher – Chase “Chaser” Tallan
    11 – Third Base – Jesse “Romeo” Bellisaro
    21 – Center Field – Richard “Risk” Kinkaid
      7 – Short Stop – Zen Driscoll
    15 – First Base – Rhaden Dunn
    46 – Left Field – Kason Rhodes
      1 – Second Base – James Lawless
    53 – Pitcher – Brek Stryker

    Here is the reading order for the Richmond Rogues Series (The “main” characters of each book are in parentheses):

    1     Squeeze Play (Risk Kincaid)
    2     Curveball (Cody McMillan)
    3     Strike Zone (Brek Stryker)
    4     Sliding Home (Jesse Bellisaro):  
    4.5  Ho, Humbug, Ho (Alex Boxer)
    5     Sweet Spot (James Lawless)

    All in all I liked this series.  I did get emotionally involved in each story and got to know all the characters really well.  My favorite character is definitely Psycho, what can I say I like bad boys.  These stories are on the more conservative side of what I usually read, but still have good sex scenes.

    If you are on the beach and don’t know what to read and are afraid of little eyes reading from behind your beach chair, then The Richmond Rogue Series is for your.  I give this series ❤❤❤½.

                                                   **********************

    I am currently reading the Love the CEO boxset that I purchased on Amazon for $.99.  I figured 5 books for less than a dollar is a good deal.  So far I am enjoying the books.  I am on the third of five.  After I read the Richmond Rogue Series I did also read Ms. Angell’s Barefoot Willima Series books.  So far there are only two and they are written in the same manner as the Richmond Rogues.

    What is on my bookshelf waiting to be read?

    The Christmas Cottage by Samantha Chase
    Ever After by Samantha Chase
    Gideon by Joyee Flynn
    Well Rocked by Clara Bayard
    One Night Stand by Clara Bayard
    Three Wishes by G.A. Hauser
    Powerful Awakening by Tonya Ramagos
    The entire Service Club Series by Tonya Ramagos
    The entire Heros of Silver Springs Series by Tonya Ramagos
    A Touch of Midnight by Lara Adrian
    Always Been You by Jess Buffett
    In a Cowboy’s Bed by Cat Johnson, Vonna Harper & Lynn LaFleur

    I do believe I have other books that were pre-ordered that will arrived on my Kindle on Monday and Tuesday of next week.  That should give me plenty to read until then.  However, if you are an author, or you represent an author, and wish me to review your book either ARC or current, please email me at [email protected].

    Ciao!……~*Karen*~

  • Lainey Reese & Melissa Johns

    In the last 24 hours, I have read 5 books.  Yes believe it or not, I did!  I have like 5 loads of laundry to fold and put away and yesterday, I was so engrossed in my books, everything else was forgotten.  

    Book One  Innocence Defied  by Lainey Reese

    “Gage Hollister is a Southern Dom looking for a full time sub/slave.  When his family’s business brings him to New York City for an indefinite stay, he decides that now is the time to find her.  Night after night he prowls the local BDSM club in search of a woman whose need to be dominated equals his thirst for true submission. As the search drags on he begins to wonder if his perfect match even exists.  When he is asked to play chaperone for a family friend embarking on her first trip as an adult; he welcomes the chance for distraction from his thus far fruitless endeavor.  

    Zoe Marshall is the youngest sister to Gage’s best friend and she has been in love with Gage for as long as she can remember.  She has saved herself for him and him alone.  Now, after careful planning and a bit of luck she finally has her opportunity to show Gage that she’s all grown up and ready to be his. Although he believes himself too old and jaded for an innocent like her, Zoe will not relent until she belongs to him in every way.  

    Soon Gage’s resistance crumbles and Zoe’s dreams become reality but their budding love is tested when her brother discovers them.  As those bonds of friendship strain under betrayal and broken trust, Zoe is confronted with having to choose between the man she loves and the brother she worships. Will having the love of her man cost her the love of her family?  If so, is her heart strong enough to survive that loss? Is their love?”

    This is Ms. Reese’s third book in her New York Series.  And….OMG all I am gonna say is HOT!!!!!  I wanted to be Zoe sooo badly.  The passion alone had me turning pages faster than Dale, Jr. in the Daytona 500!  Gage is a badass Dom with a heart of gold.  To me, like a teddy bear.  But, dayum……he pushed everyone of my sub tendencies.   The only negative about this is Zoe’s nickname…”Ooops”.  I kept waiting for Gage to finally say that he would never call her Ooops again because one thing she wasn’t was a mistake, but that never happend.  

    All in all, this book was intriguing  and, did I mention how HOT it was?!   This book is definitely  one of the best BDSM love stories I have ever read, and I have read alot of them.  Perhaps Evan can be next Ms. Reese?  

    A definite ❤❤❤❤❤ from me!

    Book 2: Ice Dreams: Part 1 by  Melissa Johns

    Madison Sinclair is the sister of the well known Canadian hockey player, Carter Sinclair. She was forced to grow up in his shadow because he was born and raised to be a hockey player and their parents wouldn’t allow anyone to stand in his way, including Madison. Because of the family drama, she missed out on all the important stuff that a young teenage girl should experience in her life which included dances, boys, sleepovers and even her first kiss.  Once Carter was in the midst of his career, he realized the mistakes from his childhood and worked on improving his relationship with Madison. She couldn’t have been happier when he asked her to visit him and his fiancée, Alicia, in the States.  

    Once she arrived, she was introduced to Hunter Longo, Carter’s best friend and teammate. There was chemistry between them the moment they saw each other but would she be able to get through her insecurities in order to get closer to him?

    Everyone warned her to take things slow but would she be able to when her heart was calling the shots?

    This book had me crying.  Such an endearing and tender love story.  There is no real big love scene, but you can still feel the passion there.  I literally felt bad for Madison.  I felt like I really was learning things with her.  I could feel the connection between her and Hunter right away.  I love big tough guys that are just big teddy bears.  They are my ultimate weakness, and Hunter is one of them.  

    I am looking forward to the second part of this book. I give this book ❤❤❤❤❤ 

    Books 3, 4, & 5:  First Love, Everlasting Love & Forever Love By Melissa Johns

    Before I give the excerpts from each book I need to point out that the biggest compliment I can give an author after I read their first book, is to go back and read the rest of their bookshelf.  Melissa definitely hooked me in with Iced Dreams and I wanted to see more.  

    These three books take you on a love journey from the very beginning to the HEA!  But to get there…….again I cried.  My husband even asked me if I was crying, and I said simply….”my book”.  Of course he rolled his eyes and left the room.  I felt like I was watching a movie or a really good soap opera.  I normally wait till after the excerpts before I give my rating, but I will make an exception here.  I give the Now & Forever Series  ❤❤❤❤.  I know, if I liked it so much why only 4 hearts.  Remember these are Ms. Johns first books.  You can tell how she grows as a writer through them.  The books are all first person point of view and I would have like to have known more what Eric was thinking.  Perhaps what he was going through while at college.  You can say that the fifth heart was left at college with Eric.  (I know….Lame but I am mushy and lame and proud of it!)

    Here are the excerpts from the books:

    Forever Love:  “Emily Stone has moved from her life in Texas to start over in New York. She left her friends and her father behind to be closer to her mother. She just wants to find happiness and maybe a few friends but when Eric Mason enters her life, she knows she wants more. 

    Eric has been raised to be a professional quarterback. His father has a plan and Eric isn’t allowed to stray off his path but the first day of his senior year, his eyes find Emily and he knows he won’t be the same again. 
    Struggling to keep a balance between school work, football and a social life, they find themselves falling in love with each other until the night of the Senior Prom when she learns the truth that Eric has been keeping secret from her. Will their love be able to remain strong?
    Follow the paths of two different souls as they figure out the world together and find out what their future holds.”


    Everlasting Love:  “Emily Stone & Eric Mason are engaged and having their first child. This should be a happy and wonderful time for them. But, the challenges of staying in college, Eric’s upcoming football career and Emily’s dream of being an artist are starting to take a toll on them and their families.

    When Alex Smith, the local museum curator is introduced to Emily, she notices an instant attraction to him. He’s handsome, debonair and shows her the attention that she is craving for since Eric has been caught up in his instant fame & popularity. Will they be able to resist the temptation?”


    Forever Love:  “Emily and Eric tried to tolerate everything that was thrown at them but they couldn’t survive it. They both made mistakes that lead their paths to take different directions. Emily found comfort in the arms of her friend, Alex. He was what she needed and he was trying to help her achieve her dreams of being an artist. 

    Eric had been drafted into the pros and was moving to Denver without his family. He was struggling to find his way and when opportunity presented itself, he had to take it.
    But when tragedy hit, Emily was faced with a decision that she needed to make and she knew that there could be consequences.  Will Emily and Eric find their way back to each other or will Alex steal her heart for good? ”


    According to Ms. Johns’ website, the fourth books in the Now & Forever Series is currently being written and I can’t wait to read it.


    ************

    At, about 3am this morning I started to read a sixth book and I finally said, I have to go to bed.  Want to know what I am reading now?  Follow me on Twitter!  

    I found these to graphics on Facebook and I wanted to say that “I resemble that remark!”

    Photo: :) ~ Dee

    Ciao!    ~*Karen*~