Blog Tour Review ~ Lord of a Thousand Steps ~ Tara Lain (@taralain)

I'm thrilled to be a part of the blog tour for Lord of a Thousand Steps by Tara Lain. The Love in Laguna series continues to heat up and get better and better! I have a review and a giveaway for y'all today. 

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Lord of a Thousand Steps by Tara Lain
Love in Laguna #4
Release Date: August 31, 2016
Genre: Adult, M/M Contemporary Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy, as part of the tour, in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2016NewRelease
Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ B&N

Synopsis
To architecture student Ian Carney, family means everything. Taken in by his brother, Jim, when his father threw him out at eighteen for being gay, Ian yearns to create his own family with his boyfriend, Rico. But Rico’s in Mexico caring for a sick father, Ian hasn’t had sex in a month and a half, and his gorgeous boss, Braden Lord, CEO of the architectural firm Ian interns for, is looking better and better.

Braden’s life is chaos. Just out of the closet and going through an ugly divorce from his wife of fifteen years who’s trying to take custody of his two children, he desperately resolves not to succumb to a completely inappropriate attraction to Ian—even though his kids adore both the man and his crazy cat.

When Rico proves to be a snake in the grass and Ian exercises his powers of seduction, what starts as a “friends with benefits” fling turns into real life real fast. Can Ian give up his romantic dreams for an “old guy” who didn’t come out until he carried a mountain of baggage? It’ll only take a thousand steps.

I adored Ian Carney when I met him in Knave of Broken Hearts, book #2 in this series. So I was thrilled beyond measure to get his story and for him to get his HEA. Lain didn't disappoint! I couldn't have asked for a better story for Ian.

Ian has been living with his brother, Jim, since he was 18 and their father kicked him out because he came out. Ian is wise beyond his years but he wants a family and the unconditional love he didn't get from his family. The desire for that enabled me to see his vulnerable side. He's smart and a gifted architecture student. And even though he's been in a relationship for 3 years - one he thought was going to last - he finds himself attracted to his boss, Braden Lord.

Braden Lord - my goodness! He came with so much baggage. He's only recently come out and is currently enduring a nasty divorce. Yes, that's right. He's spent the last 15 years trying to convince himself he wasn't really gay. He has little experience, obviously, in gay relationships. And to complicate things even more, he has 2 children. But does that have to mean complications?

I loved Ian and Braden together! They fit perfectly despite the age difference and baggage on both sides. And I adored Braden's kids. Mireille was adorably precocious, so grown-up in her mannerisms and speech. Jo-Jo was mature but also acted like a boy of 14. I appreciate when an author incorporates kids in a story line in a way that adds depth and Lain delivered BIG. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Anderson, Ian's cat. He has few lines in the dialog *wink* but played an integral role in the story.

One thing I admire about this series is Lain's inclusion of people who both accept and judge homosexuality. It's realistic and genuine and adds to the story overall. Seeing characters on both sides of the fence and how the affected Ian and Braden enriched their story. Getting to be present as Ian and Braden figure out how they fit in each other's lives, watching the kids be accepting and seeing them all build a happy life together while weathering some bumps in the road was a heartwarming experience. And like I said, I couldn't have asked for better for Ian. But both he and Braden deserved it!

**Love in Laguna Series**

Knight of Ocean Avenue

Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ B&N ~ Audible

Knave of Broken Hearts

Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ B&N ~ Audible

Prince of the Playhouse

Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ B&N ~ Audible

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Tara Lain writes the Beautiful Boys of Romance in LGBT erotic romance novels that star her unique, charismatic heroes. Her first novel was published in January of 2011 and she’s now somewhere around book 23. Her best­selling novels have garnered awards for Best Series, Best Contemporary Romance, Best Ménage, Best LGBT Romance, Best Gay Characters, and Tara has been named Best Writer of the Year in the LRC Awards. In her other job, Tara owns an advertising and public relations firm. She often does workshops on both author promotion and writing craft. She lives with her soul­mate husband and her soul­mate dog in Laguna Beach, California, a pretty seaside town where she sets a lot of her books. Passionate about diversity, justice, and new experiences, Tara says on her tombstone it will say “Yes”

Website ~ Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Pinterest ~ Goodreads

Review ~ Lady Luck ~ Kristen Ashley

Lady Luck by Kristen Ashley
Colorado Mountain #3
Release Date: October 22, 2011
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased on kindle
Rating: 5 Bookworms
Challenges: #COYER, #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
Is love in the cards?

Since birth, Lexie Berry has had nothing but bad luck. Orphaned at an early age, she had a rough childhood and a boyfriend who was murdered. Now the beautiful, stylish Lexie is determined to change her luck and her life. But first she's got to make good on a promise: to pick up Ty Walker from prison. One look at the gorgeous ex-convict and Lexie knows she's in trouble - and already thinking about taking a walk on the wild side...

For five years, Ty was imprisoned for a crime he didn't commit. Now he wants revenge on the people who framed him. Yet when the high-stakes poker player sees the leggy Lexie, he suddenly has other desires on his mind. Realizing Ty is innocent, Lexie tries to stop his plan for vengeance and help him become a better man. But as Ty battles his inner demons, dirty cops and criminals plot to take him out. Can he and Lexie find a way to escape the past?

There aren't words to adequately express my adoration for all things KA. I don't know how she continues to create characters I can't help but love in stories that wring every emotion from me. But I'm grateful. So freakin' grateful.

With Lady Luck, we return to Carnal, Colorado, via LA and Vegas, to take a journey with Lexie and Ty. These two are people very familiar with the bad side of Lady Luck - completely acquainted with her and all that her frowning implies. But, as y'all know, I'm a believer in things happening the way they're meant to and despite all the shit Lexie and Ty had to wade through in their lives - particularly recently - and I'm talking some deep shit - it brought them to each other. And that means the path they traveled got them to exactly where they were meant to be.

KA has never shied away from diversity in her stories but I was thrilled to have a bi-racial character in Ty. Woot! KA also didn't shy away from broaching difficult subjects and serving up massive amounts of tension and suspense alongside. Mixed in with not only two strong MC's but also a robust cast including a few familiar faces, Lady Luck is a brilliant read. Seems she (Lady Luck) smiled on me when she had me stumble upon KA. *wink*

Top Commenters Raffle #2 Winners

Hi y'all! As a thank you for sticking with me while I spent the summer soaking up time with my ducklings, endured having a duckling leave the nest, and generally disappeared from the blogosphere, I decided to host a raffle. Melanie (from Rabid Reads and Hot Listens) won the first raffle. This time around I took those that had commented 3 or more times and entered those 10 into the raffle. AND since I'm the boss and I can, I'm declaring TWO winners in this raffle!

1. Lorna
2. Melanie
3. Braine
4. Tanya Atkinson
5. Lexxie
6. Christy LoveofBooks
7. TeresaMaryRose
8. Naomi Hop
9. Trish Hannon
10. Kimbacaffeinate

The first winner is....

Christy!!! If you'll email or PM (Facebook or Twitter) with your mailing address, I'll get your mystery box of books and bookmarks sent out to you!

And the second winner is....
Lorna!!! If you'll email or PM me (Facebook or Twitter) with your mailing address, I'll get your mystery box of books and bookmarks sent out to you!

Thanks so much to you ALL for continuing to support me over this summer. I can't express to you how much it means to me that y'all stuck around. I'm doing my very best to get around to visiting y'all and keep up. It's actually very good to be back! *sigh*

#ShelfLove Discussion ~ Be Kind to Writers Month ~ A Letter to Kristen Ashley (@KristenAshley68)

As part of the #ShelfLove Challenge, we have monthly discussion topics. September's topic is Be Kind to Writers.  

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I have to tell y'all that I wrote the following after I'd finished reading Breathe, the 4th book in the Colorado Mountain series. It was part of my review. And then I sat down to organize posts for this month and realized this portion of my review fit perfectly with this month's #ShelfLove discussion topic. Of course, there are so many, many authors that I'd love to give shout-outs to but Kristen Ashley is getting some extra love because...well, you'll see. :)

Dear Kristen, 

I started reading Breathe the week I was taking my daughter to college. I chose to read you for a reason. I needed the comfort one of your books provides. And you delivered again. Honestly, it's one of the reasons I've been making a point to read (and re-read) at least one of your books every month...it's comforting. Your stories are like a security blanket for me. And with the emotional upheaval I was experiencing right then - having my first baby leave the nest - Breathe was exactly what I needed. You have a "formula" - so I know my hero and heroine are going to get their HEA but not before experiencing some bumps. Or major obstacles. I know there's going to be an element of suspense. And I know I may not always immediately love the hero but he'll eventually win me over. I know there is always an undercurrent of female solidarity - strong female friendships - a foundation that our heroine's life is built on. You always give me a robust cast of characters that bring to life the town and the people I'm spending time with. And even though there's a "formula", I *know* you will give me an unforgettable story - something I'm not expecting. The story will be complex and compelling, rich and textured. It will make my pulse pound, have me gasping, swooning, crying, laughing. And all the while, I'll be captivated by the entire cast as well as thoroughly entertained. So it doesn't matter which of your stories I choose, because with each and every one I get something new and unique. Every. Time. And it's comforting to know what to expect and that my expectations will always be met. Always.

This is all to say that I found a home in your stories. I found girlfriends who will have my back, along with their guys. I fell in love with your writing - your story telling, your incredible characters, some of whom live in my state, in my town. The people that inhabit your books are all my friends and I can rest easy knowing I can count on them to always be there for me. And I wanted to let you know I'm grateful because I needed them to be a shoulder to lean on and they, you didn't let me down. I thank you.

Sincerely (& Rock on!)
Bookworm Brandee

An InLinkz Link-up

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#COYER Summer Vacation Wrap-up

Well, summer is over and so is #COYER Summer Vacation. *sniff* It was great fun and I managed to clear off quite a few books from my ereaders - 23 books to be exact. I did *not* however manage to link up my reviews. Oh well. You can check out my #COYER Summer 16 shelf at Goodreads to see all my reviews but these are the books I completed:



Hmm...see any themes here? Lots of Kristen Ashley and quite a few books with chest-baring men! ;)

I wasn't active on social media this summer so I missed out on the Twitter parties and the Facebook community fun. That made me sad. But I'll be more active during the next #COYER event. Keep an eye out for my signup post in a few months. #COYER is lots of fun and I'd be happy to have y'all join in! :D

Audio Review ~ Lingus ~ Mariana Zapata

Lingus by Mariana Zapata
Narrated by: Callie Dalton
Release Date: January 26, 2016
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Comedy
Source: I received a copy from Tantor Audio in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 3.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2016NewRelease, #COYER
Goodreads

Synopsis
Most people would describe Katherine Berger as a responsible girl with a big heart, a loyal friend who takes care of those close to her, and the possessor of a wicked sense of humor. There was something about her that most people didn't know. "My name is Kat Berger, and I love porn." When twenty-five-year-old Kat is dragged to a porn convention by her best friend, she's both embarrassed and nervous. The last thing she ever expected was to meet someone who makes her laugh like no other. This is a story about acceptance and friendship, and a love born out of the most expected of places. Contains mature themes.

Lingus proved to be a relatively entertaining listen. The premise was what drew me in and Zapata did a good job in creating engaging characters. This is billed as comedy though and I felt it missed on that element some. Also, Callie Dalton, the narrator, while doing a good job in delivering the story, showed a lack of range with voices.

Kat and Tristan meet at the ultimate singles hunting ground...a porn convention. They end up hanging out, talking, and enjoying each others' company. Things are going well until Kat discovers Tristan has a secret. And an alter-ego. Can you be friends with, and maybe fall for, a guy who does porn for a living? Kat decides to find out.

I really liked both Kat and Tristan. There was so much more to them than porn-lover and porn-star. Kat is a generous person and would do anything for a friend. Tristan is also a compassionate person. He's a law student and has a strong connection with his family. AND they're both dorks - quite socially awkward. Their friendship grows organically and feels very genuine.

I liked the secondary cast as well. There were a few that felt a little one-dimensional at times but overall they were all fleshed out nicely. They added depth to Kat and Tristan as well as to the story since friendship and acceptance are such integral elements.

I'd have liked for the comedy to have hit its marks more often. There were some missed opportunities, in my opinion. I also felt Zapata does a little too much telling rather than showing in some scenes. There were things I felt were understood and didn't bear an explanation, but one was given. I was taken out of the story in these instances which messed with the flow.

Dalton, whom I listened to recently narrate another of Zapata's books, does well with delivery and pacing. I appreciate the vocalization she includes - for example, conveying giddiness with a squeal while delivering the dialog or appearing to have a mouthful of pizza while talking - as the character is doing. I felt her range is lacking though as her voices sound similar - especially her male voices.

On the whole, I enjoyed my second Zapata/Dalton listen and I'll be partaking in more.

Review ~ Finley ~ Ella Frank

Finley by Ella Frank
Sunset Cove #1
Release Date: March 22, 2016
Genre: Adult, M/M Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased on kindle
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2016NewRelease, 
#COYER
Goodreads

Synopsis
It's time to come home, Finn.
It's been seven years since Daniel Finley left his hometown in Florida for the hustle and bustle of Chicago's city life.
Since then, he's worked hard for his position at the prestigious law firm Leighton & Associates, even when it's caused distance and isolation from his family and friends. But that's all about to change.
On his thirtieth birthday, he receives the one thing he never dared hope for. Something that was promised to him years earlier--a note. One simple sentence from the man he's never been able to forget.
Six words will forever change the course of their lives.
Brantley Hayes has it all. Or so he thinks. When he first made the decision to take a job down in Florida, his family thought he was crazy. But, after years of living in the quiet beach town, he finally feels a sense of community. He's surrounded himself with friends who are like family, has a job he loves, and owns a spectacular beachfront property that is his sanctuary.
Yet he still feels unfulfilled, as if a piece of the puzzle is missing, and he knows exactly which piece it is. On an impulse, he follows through with a promise he made years earlier. A promise to call home the one he sent away.
Nothing is as simple as it seems.
After years of separation, the former lovers are reunited, but Brantley wasn't expecting to encounter the high walls now guarding Daniel's heart.
Daniel may not be the same person he was when he left, but he knows that the first step to healing is the note in his hand.

I gushed and gushed about Ms. Frank's Trust series so when I saw she was releasing a spin-off of sorts - another M/M - I immediately pre-ordered it. Even though, for me, Finley didn't deliver quite the emotion that Tate and Logan did, I was not disappointed.

Daniel Finley, Finn, left home seven years ago broken-hearted. He built a life for himself and his a successful attorney in Chicago now. But he's come home to Florida for closure. For that, he has to face the man that broke his heart. The man he's not been able to forget.

Brantley sent Finn away seven years ago in what he considered a selfless act - what was best for Finn. He broke his own heart in the process. But now Finn is home and he can't wait to see if there's still that something special between them.

Finn and Brantley broke my heart. Their love was so strong, so pure. It hurt that they'd been apart. I understood Brantley's actions though, and I admired him for them. I also admired that despite the fact he still loved Finn, he'd have put his own wishes and desires aside if Finn wanted that. Finn was understandably crushed by Brantley's actions. He thought he was coming home to put things to bed between them. But what they had was too powerful.

Ms. Frank tells their story via present time dual narration and flashbacks, which beautifully illustrated the development of their romance in the past and explained the depth of feelings the current romance was building from. It worked well for their story. She also introduced the cast of characters who populate this series - including the couple I believe will star in the next installment. They're delightful and I'm eager for their story. But I also think they're why I didn't feel the same level of emotion as I did in the Trust series - since we're not focusing on one main couple, the intense level of emotion wasn't achieved...at least not for me. That's not to say Ms. Frank didn't deliver the feels because she did. It was just different but no less enjoyable. I'm anxious to continue the series and hope to see more of Finn and Brantley around Sunset Cove.

By the way, Tate and Logan did make a cameo. Woohoo!!

That's What HE Said #69 ~ Thirsty Thursday & Hungry Hearts #50

That's What He Said is a weekly meme hosted by the lovely ladies @Chapter Break. Here's the deal: every Thursday, post a line from your book boyfriend to his heroine. Keep in mind, these are direct quotes from dialog in the books. The quote doesn't have to be romantic - just something our hunky hero said to his lucky lady. Be sure to link up over at Chapter Break as well.

My pick this week for That's What He Said is from:

Rock Chick Revolution by Kristen Ashley

There are so, so many wonderful things that Ren, the hero in this final installment, said. But one thing I've really enjoyed in this re-read is the family dynamics between the Nightingale's. And so I went with a quote from Lee to his little sister, Ally. They're talking about Ally's choice in careers, by the way.

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"There are a million other things I'd want for you. It took me a while and Hank to lay it out, but the thing I should want most is what you want. So now I'm tellin' you, like yesterday with that ntoe, don't ever doubt it, anytime you need me, I'm there."

*~*~*~*~*~*

"You want me to make breakfast?" he asked.
Jeez.
Seriously?
This guy could also cook?
I tested the waters.
"Are we talking instant oatmeal or eggs benedict?"
That got another lip quirk before he answered.
"I was thinking croissants, eggs whatever way you want 'em, fresh strawberries, bacon and tater tots."
Did he say tater tots?
For breakfast?
"Did you say tater tots?" I asked in order to confirm.
"Baby." His hips pressed into mine. I bit my lip at how good that felt and his face dipped close. "Tater tots rock breakfast."
Ren Zano ate tater tots for breakfast and served them up to his fuck buddies.
He was a dream.
"I'm totally down for breakfast," I answered.
At that he smiled and my world ended.
Again.
Because I wanted that smile every morning right after mind-blowing sex and right before my tater tots.
And I wanted it for a lifetime.