Ace of Hearts by Devyn Morgan

Title: Ace of Hearts
Author: Devyn Morgan
Purchase or read in KU at Amazon
Cover Artist: Resplendent Media
Genre: contemporary
Length: 22k EST
Formats Mobi

Sometimes your best match is the person you'd least expect

Brendan Cole’s quiet nature makes it hard to connect with people, but when he meets Lucas Amsden, everything changes. From the moment Lucas sweeps up to offer Brendan a plate of freshly baked cookies, his sunny disposition and generous nature give Brendan a new outlook on life. So when his new friend is pushed out onto the street by a bullying ex-boyfriend, Brendan is more than happy to offer Lucas a place to crash.

Lucas soon finds himself relying on Brendan’s steady practicality, even as he enjoys prodding Brendan to relax and have more fun. The only problem? Living with such a gorgeous yet untouchable guy just might drive him crazy. He understands why Brendan can't offer a traditional romantic relationship, but he also can’t imagine spending the rest of their lives as just-friends.

They may not be the typical couple, but Brendan cares too much to let Lucas drift out of his life. He's determined to find a way to make things work. Can the puzzle pieces of these two very different lives be made to fit together? With a little ingenuity, and a lot of luck, maybe they can create their own happily-ever-after.

Ace of Hearts is a standalone m/m romance with a HEA ending.

This was the second of a new kind of story for me, because one of the main characters identifies as asexual. Which presents some challenges for a romance, particularly a romance in a genre and from an author where we’ve learned to expect some sex.

And Devyn Morgan delivers. This author is wildly uneven for me, some stories I love, some leave me shaking my head, but this one is great. Still with the not-too-angsty treatment of some serious issues, and with a character the likes of which I’ve read very little. Brendan, the ace character, is endearing, and eye-opening.

He’s an education, really, to all of us who’ve made assumptions about people. He understands himself and what he’s ready for, and figures out how to cope with other people’s reactions. That doesn’t mean he’s happy with prying questions and dumb assumptions like “he just hasn’t met the right man yet.”

Well, the right man for what? When he runs into Lucas, he’s met a dear person who’s willing to accept him on his own terms, and not push.

Lucas is adorable, cheerful and interested and kind of like a big, thoughtful puppy, and how he stuck himself with a pompous prick like Chad is a sadness. Chad has bad boyfriend written all over him, controlling and snooty, and kicking Lucas to the curb is very likely the only good thing he ever did.

These guys have the opportunity to be friends first. And even if it looks like that’s all they ever could be, they are good as friends, and that’s a sweet part of the story. As friends, they complement each other well, helping and advising. When Brendan feels ready to explore what he and Lucas could do together, Lucas doesn’t go pushy and demanding. While Lucas has the raging hots for Brendan, he stays sweet, and they can find something that works for them. There’s a lot of colors in the rainbow, and these guys find out what color their happiness is. It doesn’t have to be the same as everyone else’s.

There's kind of a big jump to get to the super happy ever after, but it made me smile, and I liked what came before that.

Cute story for a charming couple. And also, karma. Go karma.   4.5 marbles

The Alpha and His Ace by Ana J Phoenix

Title: The Alpha and His Ace
Author: ana J. Phoenix
Purchase at Amazon
Purchase at All Romance eBooks
Cover Artist: Ana J. Phoenix
Genre: contemporary, paranormal, free
Length: 18k
Formats:   Mobi, epub, pdf

Young, handsome, and the alpha of his wolf pack, Brandon has never had trouble finding men to have sex with. Only one thing is missing--his mate. Brandon can’t find him, and the rest of his pack is growing concerned about his lack of partner. An alpha needs a strong partner.

Things seem to be looking up when he finally finds his fated companion in Aidan. One problem—Aidan’s asexual, and Brandon’s now confused. Who doesn’t want sex? Aidan, that’s who. And Brandon hasn’t got a clue how to make someone love him without it.

It's going to take some serious self-examination, acceptance, and some really good cake for Brandon to make his way into Aidan’s heart.

This is a sweet freebie, with a dab of education. I hadn’t read any ace stories before, and that’s the big problem these two guys have: alpha werewolves are sexy beasts, and bond for life. And with an asexual partner?

I’m going to skip over lightly on the alpha werewolf part, because that section isn’t the most developed, and it’s not why I picked the story up anyway. There’s lots of werewolves. Aces are harder to come by.

Brandon runs into the main conflict when he at last locates the one destined to be his mate. He’s a really decent person, looking after a drunk girl who comes on to him, because the next guy she approaches could be a predator of a different kind. He gets her home safely, and wow, here’s the guy he went to meet—and he’s not on Brendan’s wavelength. Aidan is charming, and ace, and Brendan’s having trouble not just pouncing. He’s acting like a big goof, really, and it’s funny. How do you tell someone you’re a wolf, and that he’s stuck with you, and there’s sex involved?

Brandon's wolfiness is actually used in a cute way here, because with him in wolf form, sex isn't on the table, which frees them both.

The story did work out as a bit of a public service announcement in the middle, but Brandon had to educate himself, and then Aiden helps, and they do find a way that everyone gets what they want and need, or don’t. And also is a lesson on preconceived notions.

I actually found it odder that the alpha werewolf still lives with Mom.

I learned something from this story, and maybe I will keep from saying something stupid to a RL person now. The author has kindly set this one to free, and I say read it, you'll be a better person for it. Plus entertained. 4 marbles

Overexposed by Megan Erickson

Title: Overexposed
Author: Megan Erickson
Purchase at Amazon https://amzn.com/B01A6EQGIO
Cover Artist: N/A
Genre: Contemporary
Length: 177 pages
Formats Mobi, audio

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...

Well, I guess I’m the odd reader out. While I certainly felt for Levi and Thad, most of it was irritation.

Because the Appalachian Trail as Levi planned to do it was start in the middle, go 1000 miles north, go back to the middle then 1000 miles south. Maybe the fallen soldier Layla understood what this meant in practical terms, but Levi and Thad are treating things like a very long day hike, punctuated by the occasional restaurant meal and motel. You think you’re gonna walk 1000 miles? Act like you want to live through it. So right from the start I’m not believing what they’re doing. Besides looking at the moon.

It probably doesn’t help that I just read a real account of hiking the John Muir Trail, which was 10% the length and 999999% the effort of what I read here. So no cookie on physical reality.

Honest to gawd I want to slap them both. For not planning, for not talking, for not… Sorry, hot sex scenes don’t begin to make up for fucking a stranger and calling it love. Even if he pulls you out of situations that you were a complete ass for going into. I wanted to hand out Darwin Awards every few chapters.

So a major physical obstacle gets treated as wallpaper for the feels, of which there are a fair amount. I believe Levi’s grief for a beloved sibling, and I believe Thad’s broken relationship with a thread of I still worry about you. I don’t believe all the super convenient pulled from the ass plot points. Example, why bother making Levi a reality show star who swears he’ll never be recognized, except he was recognized and squeeed over a couple chapters back?

These are a couple of morally good yet flawed characters, but they are not a couple of good but flawed men. Levi makes perfect sense if you call him Lily, and all the crap I’m not enjoying fades totally into the background if you do: het operates on its own weird reality. So we have a chick with a dick.

This is part of a series but does stand alone, and I am not tempted to read more. Which is sad: this could have been spectacular. 2.5 marbles

Spell Cat fromTara Lain cover reveal, excerpt

Spell Cat

by Tara Lain 

Blurb:

When Killian Barth, history professor, meets Blaine Genneau, quantum physicist, they ignite their own big bang. But Killian can’t pursue a physics professor—or a human. As the most powerful male witch in ten generations, Killian must bolster his dying race by reproducing—despite the fact that he’s gay.

Even a fling with Blaine is out of the question, because Killian has been told sex with humans drains his power. But if that’s true, why can young human Jimmy Janx dissolve spoons with the power of his mind? If Killian can sort through the lies he’s been fed, he’ll still face his biggest obstacle — convincing rational scientist Blaine to believe in magic.

With his ancient and powerful cat familiar, Aloysius, on his shoulder, Killian brings the lightning against deceit and greed to save Blaine from danger and prove love is the greatest power of them all.

Release Date:

Oct. 31, 2016

Pre-Order at 

Also available in paperback

Excerpt

The man’s shaggy head cocked. “Sorry to bother you, but I’m new here. Can you tell me how to get to the physics building?”

Physics. Not my best subject. But right now he needed mechanics to keep his cock from rising. This man seemed to radiate heat even from several feet away, and it lit a fire in places Killian hardly recognized. Standing there with a rapidly rising hard-on came nowhere near cool. “Uh, I, uh, believe it’s directly across the street from here.”

The guy flashed dimples at Killian. “Damn. You’re not the first to say that. I’m not usually so bad at directions. Can you tell me which street? I’ve already been across a couple of streets.”

“The side street, Templeton.”

“Oh.”
The stranger produced a wide smile. “Wouldn’t you know I’d choose every street but that one?” He paused as if he was searching for a new topic. “Quite a group I saw leaving here. What’s your subject?”

“Witchcraft.”

The laugh burst out explosively. “You’re joking?”

Gorgeous, but rude. “Not even slightly. I teach the
history of witchcraft, among other things.”

“Sorry. Guess that was impolite.”

“Yes, I guess it was.”

The guy cocked his head and peered at Killian over the tops of the black rims. There was a lot of mischief in that handsome face. “Since I’m on a roll with being insulting, I think I’ll go all the way. I hope you won’t think I’m a stalker, but I stood here and watched while your class filed out. You’re about the most gorgeous thing I’ve ever seen. Is there the slightest chance you’re single—and gay?” He ducked and held up his hands as if to deflect a blow, but he never stopped smiling.

Killian arched an eyebrow. A lot of people assumed he was gay because of his long hair and pretty face, but he never confirmed or denied. “Who wants to know?”

The paragon thrust out a slim hand. “Blaine Genneau. New professor of quantum physics.” He grinned wickedly. “Gay professor of quantum physics.”

Killian took that hand and got a flash of heat straight to his balls. Like lightning streaked through the window into his jeans. Extraordinary. He pulled his hand back. Maybe the lightning loosened his tongue. “Killian Barth, professor of history. Gay professor of history.”

He gazed into those eyes. Deep green like ancient Chinese jade. A carved mouth. Just the type he imagined wrapped around his cock in his daydreams. But with one big difference. Killian sighed so deeply, it felt like his heart cracked. Yes, this man was gorgeous. Yes, Killian was gay. In truth, he was dying for a real relationship with a partner who both attracted him and fulfilled him, and if he’d ever been allowed to discover the type of partner he wanted, he knew Blaine Genneau would have fit every parameter—every parameter but one.

He tucked the helmet under his arm. “Good to meet you, Blaine.” He walked past the man and out into the sunshine toward his motorcycle. He couldn’t stay. He couldn’t find out what he’d been missing. Because no matter how perfect this man might be, Killian Barth didn’t do physics professors. In fact, he didn’t do
humans. Sex with humans stole his energy and depleted his community, and that wasn’t allowed, because he was the most powerful male witch in ten generations, and he was expected to reproduce.

About the Author

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 32. Her best-selling novels have garnered awards for Best Series, Best Contemporary Romance, Best Paranormal 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 soul-mate husband and her soul-mate dog near the sea in California where she sets a lot of her books.  Passionate about diversity, justice, and new experiences, Tara says on her tombstone it will say “Yes”!

You can find Tara at Lain

               

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A picture is worth...

We still have a moment for the boys of summer, don't we? Tell us in a drabble or a ficlet, 100 to 1000 words. Directions here. 

Lifeguard Love by Devyn Morgan

Title: Lifeguard Love
Author: Devyn Morgan
Purchase at Amazon
Cover Artist: U/K
Genre: contemporary
Length: 117 pages
Formats MOBI

When up-and-coming social media star Kip Weiss lands a summer lifeguard job at an exclusive resort, there are strings attached. The sweet bonus privileges require a roommate, and after a year in the random dorms, Kip wants to pick who shares the tight quarters. He invites his best friend, the only kid at school who didn’t look down on him for being poor. When Thad arrives, he can’t stop looking at his friend’s new beefy physique. But Kip can’t be into guys, that would ruin his hard-built social media brand, wouldn’t it?

Thad Rowland needs a break. After an academically stressful year at school, his father lines up a boring internship to fill his summer. His true passion is art, not accounting. When his best friend Kip invites him to apply at the resort he jumps at the chance to get away from it all and wear his lifeguard whistle again. But can he live in such close proximity to his celebrity-gorgeous best friend, and keep his true feelings to himself?

Far away from everything else, the hunky college guys are in an oasis of suntan lotion, their own private apartment, and an entire summer stretching before them. Will their new feelings tear them apart as well as ruin their careers and family ties? Or is the summer heat just the beginning of a scorching hot future?

After getting a little taste of this story to go with that Thousand Word Thursday story, I wanted to read the rest.

Both young men are working on discovering who they are and what they want from life, not just each other. Thad more to work on, between being open about his sexuality and needing to go against his father, who has his life mapped out in a direction Thad doesn’t want to go. His sexuality is almost the smallest problem. He’s been taking his frustrations out in the gym, getting all buff and attractive. Kip’s surprised at the intensity of his attraction to Thad and his new muscles. Kip seems shallow at first, but he’s quite driven, and he’s really there for Thad by the end of the story.

For all that this had some important themes going, the treatment is lighthearted, and the challenges met with medium-low angst. The guys are too busy discovering the joys of each other and worrying about how they look on Instagram. Well, they look great.

The resort setting is mostly background for social media: we see the guys being buff in swim trunks but not actually rescuing anyone. Seemed like a lost opportunity: they exist in a vacuum at the resort, and only when family gets involved do they interact beyond each other and an internet audience. They do have a lot to explore with each other, given how little experience they have.

Still, it was fun, and sweet, and left me with a smile. Kind of like eating the icing off the top of the cupcake. 3.5 marbles

Vespers by Irene Preston and Liv Rancourt, Guest review

Title: Vespers (Hours of the Night)
Authors: Irene Preston and Liv Rancourt
Cover artist:Kanaxa
Buy at Amazon
Buy at All Romance eBooks
Genre: paranormal
Length: 90,000 words novel


Thaddeus Dupont has had over eighty years to forget…

The vampire spends his nights chanting the Liturgy of the Hours and ruthlessly disciplines those unnatural urges he's vowed never again to indulge. He is at the command of the White Monks, who summon him at will to destroy demons. In return, the monks provide for his sustenance and promise the return of his immortal soul.

Sarasija Mishra's most compelling job qualification might be his type O blood…

The 22-year-old college grad just moved across the country to work for some recluse he can't even find on the internet. Sounds sketchy, but the salary is awesome and he can't afford to be picky. On arrival he discovers a few details his contract neglected to mention, like the alligator-infested swamp, the demon attacks, and the nature of his employer's "special diet". A smart guy would leave, but after one look into Dupont's mesmerizing eyes, Sarasija can't seem to walk away. Too bad his boss expected "Sara" to be a girl.

Falling in love is hard at any age…

The vampire can't fight his hungers forever, especially since Sara's brought him light, laughter and a very masculine heat. After yielding to temptation, Thaddeus must make a choice. Killing demons may save his soul, but keeping the faith will cost him his heart.

Vespers is a complete novel with no cliffhanger. It can be enjoyed as a standalone or read as the first book in the Hours of the Night series.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A Guest Review from Patricia Nelson

I went into this story expecting a good vampire tale. This fantastic start to a new series was so far above and beyond that. Nothing is as it seems, the good guys just may be the bad guys, and demons galore threaten everything. I can't wait to sink my teeth into the next one in line. If you're looking for sparkling vampires and sweet fluff, then this complex and compelling book is not for you.