Third Time Lucky by Aurora Crane #kindleunlimited

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Book Title: Third Time Lucky

Author and Publisher: Aurora Crane

Cover Artist: Cormar Covers

Release Date: January 28, 2023

Genre: Contemporary MM romance

Tropes: Friends to lovers, bi-awakening

Heat Rating:  4 flames

Length: 80 000 words

It is part of the Chain Reaction universe but can be read as a standalone. It is a HEA

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Blurb

Trust didn’t always go both ways, and Grady Donehue learned that the hard way. He hadn’t learned better after the first betrayal, but he wasn’t going to make the same mistake a third time. Striking up a strange friendship with the equally strange—and straight—soldier, Lake, who had sunshine in his eyes? Grady could do that. He could even handle helping Lake figure out he might not be so straight after all, in a very hands-on way. But falling in love? No, thanks.

Lake McKenna has spent his whole life absolutely confident in who he is and what he wants. Even when the picture-perfect future he’d always envisioned seemed further away than ever, none of his plans included another man. But the more time Lake spends with his new friend: grumpy and sneaky-sexy detective, Grady, the more he thinks that maybe what he really needs is something different to what he always imagined.

Neither man was prepared for the other, but Lake is nothing if not flexible. Doubt isn’t part of his make-up. He knows how much more incredible they could be together; if only Grady could see it too. Grady has to decide if Lake is worth risking his heart again, and whether he’s brave enough to see if it really is third time lucky.

Third Time Lucky is an 80,000-word MM romance. It is a bi-awakening, friends to lovers romance with low angst and high feels. It is set in the Chain Reaction universe but can be read as a standalone.

Excerpt

“Is there a reason you don’t like your house?” Grady asked.

It was a fair question, since they hadn’t spent a lot of time in the last few months at Lake’s, even though they’d spent so many evenings together.

Lake didn’t answer at first, staring out at the dozens of people milling about like ants with a purpose. “It’s empty,” he said quietly. “I bought it when my grandpa died about ten years ago, from my half of the inheritance. There was a lot of space for a family, and a pool, and a big yard for a dog. I fixed it up using money I got from a really long deployment.” He stared down at his hands. “I guess I thought it would be filled by now.” He couldn’t quite smother the feeling of failure when he thought about all the personal accomplishments that he hadn’t ticked off yet. As though his life were nothing more than a checklist that he had to work his way down. He knew that wasn’t right, but it slithered in there, anyway.

“It’s okay to not have found the person you want to make a family with yet,” Grady said softly. “Sometimes it takes longer than we’d like, but when it’s right, you’ll know.”

“I would never have pegged you for such a romantic.”

“Don’t tell anyone. And stop trying to dodge.”

Lake sighed. He knew, logically, that Grady was right. And he had dated a few people over those years that he’d thought maybe, but nothing had ever panned out. “It just feels big when I’m there by myself. Even with the TV on the silence gets to me. I like your house.” He shrugged. “It’s small, and cosy, and it has you in it.” He didn’t know if that admission was allowed, or what it even meant, when it felt like so much more than he could find the words for.

“Lake…”

“I know we haven’t known each other long, but friendships are like that sometimes, aren’t they? I like being around you.”

Grady didn’t respond and Lake awkwardly fiddled with the beaded and leather bracelets around his wrist.

“Do you have food at your house?” Grady asked, eventually. That hadn’t been what Lake had expected him to say. He’d been bracing himself for rejection. Lake had gotten too clingy, wanted to spend too much time with him, and it was time to part ways. Lake would have understood. He knew that he was a lot to handle and sometimes he figured the only reason Felix and Zach had stuck around so long was that they’d had so long to get used to it.

“I guess it depends on what you mean by food?” Lake replied. “Why?”

“Because I like your house, Lake,” Grady said patiently. “And you shouldn’t have to feel like you can’t be there.”

“I—what? You like my house?”

“Well, yeah. It’s big, and it’s inviting, and it has you in it.” He paused and then turned to Lake with a grin that had Lake’s mouth going dry. “And it has more than one bed. Just in case.”

“All of my spare beds are being fumigated,” Lake said, hoping he didn’t sound as desperate as he felt. He didn’t give a fuck if it was weird; he liked waking up next to Grady, liked how big Grady was and how much space he took up on the mattress, the heat that radiated off him in waves. There was no mistaking he wasn’t alone when Grady was with him.

About the Author 

Aurora Crane is an Australian author with a particular love for books featuring poly relationships. You can always find a healthy serving of banter, snark and heat in her books, along with impossible men falling in love, even if sometimes it takes them a little while to get there! She has an appreciation for men in suits and frequently spreads that love in the Facebook group she shares with her muse, fellow Aussie, and co-writer Briar Kearney. When not in the writing cave—a rarity to see this author out of her natural habitat—she can be found playing video games, building Lego sets, or hanging out with her fiancé and their menagerie of animals. 

Social Media Links

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Two Truths and a Lyle by DJ Jamison

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Title: Two Truths and a Lyle

Author: DJ Jamison

Release Date: January 26, 2023

Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance

Tropes: friends to lovers, oblivious to love, small town, demisexual awakening, new adult

Themes: figuring out where you belong, home/community, friendship

Heat Rating: 3 flames

Length: approx 31 500 words

It is part of the Games We Play series, but it works as a standalone. It does not end on a cliffhanger.

This is a prequel novella. Its release also means the series is complete.

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Blurb

Two Truths and a...wait, what?!

What happens when drunken idiots, aka your friends, use a silly drinking game to sideswipe you and your BFF with the truth bomb that you’re actually in love with each other?

Truman: You impulsively kiss the best friend you’ve been in love with for ages…then wake up with a hangover—and regrets.

Lyle: You freak out because you’re not gay or bi, before realizing the kiss wasn’t *actually* bad. Then you begin to wonder…should we do it again?

Two Truths and a Lyle is a cute, low-angst M/M romance with two oblivious best friends who are perfect for one another, a town full of quirky residents who get in everyone’s business, and a sweet sexual awakening.

This novella was previously published as part of a promotion, but some new content has been added. 

Excerpt

“Okay, the game is Two Truths and a Lie,” Kevin announced. “Who’s first?”

Calista and Darren put their heads together, conferring quietly. Then Darren straightened, gesturing to Calista. “Ladies first.”

“I’ve never been accused of being a lady before,” Calista said to a round of laughter. She was gorgeous, with curly hair that was a little wild and curves that attracted her a steady number of boyfriends. But she was also one of the crudest people I’d met, always down for a dirty joke or reckless adventure. “But sure, I’ll go first. Okay…two truths and a lie. Hmm. Oh, I’ve got it! Here goes: I’m a Scorpio. I once wrecked my dad’s car. And my two best friends are in love with each other.”

“You’re not a Scorpio,” Tru said.

“Wait, aren’t all the truths supposed to be about yourself?” I asked.

At the same time, Evan said, “I thought I was your best friend. I’m not in love with anyone!”

And that’s when it hit me.

She was talking about me and Tru.

“Drink up, Calista!” Kevin called. “They busted you on the lie. You’re not a Scorpio.”

I noticed no one was suggesting she told more than one lie. Or calling her on the fact she’d told a supposed “truth” that wasn’t her own.

“I’ll go next,” Darren announced gleefully.

My gut clenched. Somehow, I knew what was coming. I glanced around the group playing the game, all ranging in age from about eighteen to twenty-two, all long-time acquaintances or friends. Was this some type of organized effort? Evan hadn’t seemed to know it was going down. So maybe it was just Calista and Darren. But that was still too much.

“Maybe we should head out,” I said to Tru.

“Why? We haven’t even played yet.”

Before I could answer, Darren was announcing his truths and a lie. “I’m a Scorpio. I’m a virgin. And my roommate and his best friend totally need to bone because they are in luuuurrrve.”

There were shouts of laughter, and Calista smirked. “I know you’re not a virgin.”

Hold up now. Calista and Darren? Surely not. At the ooohs and ahhs they started to get, Calista flipped off the room. “Dude, he’s a slut. I don’t need to screw him to know.”

I dragged a hand down my face.

“Wait, hold on,” Tru said. “Ly is your roommate.”

Darren smirked. “Yep.”

“And…his best friend is…?”

Darren raised his brows. “Don’t you already know the answer to that?”

Tru frowned, glancing between me and Darren. “I thought I did. Now, I’m just confused.”

“Join the club,” I muttered, though I suspected we were confused about different things. My stomach was squirming with discomfort as half the eyes in the room fixed on Tru and me. Fucking Darren. I knew he was behind this. I didn’t know why, but I’d find out.

Part of me wanted to jump up and tell him to knock it off. The other half wanted to sink into the sofa and disappear rather than draw more attention to myself.

“Ah, I think I get this game now,” Evan said. “Can I go next?”

Sweet Evan. Sweet, naïve Evan. I sighed with relief. Finally, the game would move on, and everyone would forget Darren and Calista’s entirely deluded suggestions that Tru and I were anything but good friends.

Hell, I wasn’t even gay. Or bi. So how could I be in love with my male best friend? I barely dated women, much less men. I was too busy working my ass off, trying to prove myself at the construction company Truman’s dad had built from the ground up while my dad did his best to drink himself into an early grave.

I’d always thought Truman would be right there by my side on the crew, making the back-breaking labor more fun. He had a way of turning everything in life into a big laugh. I hadn’t even realized how much he made me smile until he was gone and every day was just one dreary slog after another.

“Two truths and a lie,” Evan said. “Okay. I’m creating my own app.”

That was undoubtedly true. Evan was a classic tech geek, and at eighteen, he already did freelance work for a handful of companies. He didn’t need a degree, evidently, because he’d taught himself everything he needed to know in his spare time.

Evan continued, “I’m dating a girl.”

There was an immediate snort of laughter. Evan had been out as a gay boy for years.

“And…” He glanced guiltily in my direction. Oh no. Not him too. “Lyle and Truman are totally couples goals. If they could only see it for themselves.”

“Et tu, Evan,” I said.

Beside me, Truman gasped. “Evan, you’re dating a girl?”

Evan looked floored. “What? No?”

“The game is two truths and a lie,” Tru said. “If you’re not dating a girl, you told two lies.”

Evan shook his head. “Sorry, guys. But I’m still gay.”

“Well, I’m not,” I said shortly, standing and dragging Truman up by the arm. “I think it’s time to call it a night.”

About the Author

DJ Jamison writes romances about everyday life and extraordinary love featuring a variety of queer characters, from gay to bisexual to asexual. DJ grew up in the Midwest in a working-class family, and those influences can be found in her writing through characters coping with real-life problems: money troubles, workplace drama, family conflicts and, of course, falling in love. DJ spent more than a decade in the newspaper industry before chasing her first dream to write fiction. She spent a lifetime reading before that and continues to avidly devour her fellow authors’ books each night. She lives in Kansas with her husband, two sons, one snake, and a sadistic cat named Birdie.

Social Media Links

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Harpy Trickery (D’Vaire, Book 34) by Jessamyn Kingley #kindleunlimited

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Book Title: Harpy Trickery (D’Vaire, Book 34)

Author and Publisher: Jessamyn Kingley

Cover Artist: LJ Anderson of Mayhem Cover Creations

Release Date: January 26, 2023

Genres: MM Fantasy/Paranormal Romance

Tropes: Fated mates

Themes: Love

Heat Rating:  3 flames

Length:  90 300 words

The book does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads Series Link

Buy Links - Available on Kindle Unlimited

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The ruler of the sprites meets a proud, but wayward harpy. Will their love survive a little trickery?

Blurb

At eighteen, Warrior Chieftain Kitlivri Cyrrien of the Sprite Grove gained his title. On a dark night, Kitlivri lost his parents, sister, and nearly his entire population thanks to a horrid wizard potion. The Draconises took in him and his brothers, and Kitlivri gradually healed. Now he is a talented businessman, and the sprites have expanded by three dozen. Honored to be the Warrior Chieftain, Kitlivri does not want to give up his important role in Draconis Enterprises, but he believes it’s a necessity.

Jace Pagonis is a proud harpy, but he chafes at his people’s antiquated rules. When Jace isn’t arguing with his mother—the leader of the harpies—he’s sneaking around to improve his archery skills. Weapons and tricks are forbidden to harpy men but are necessary for the women, who are responsible for the men’s survival. Desperate to convince his mother to join the Council, Jace creeps out of his village one night to explore.

Two weeks into his fact-finding mission, Jace meets Kitlivri and is stunned to discover that Fate has selected them as mates. Jace misses home, but he cannot leave Kitlivri, nor does he want to explain to the courageous sprite that he’s the bratty son of the harpy ruler. Jace throws himself into life as Kitlivri’s other half and co-leader of the sprites, but weaves tales to avoid the truth. However, secrets never stay hidden for long, and Jace must face his lies or risk losing Kitlivri forever.

Excerpt 

“I’m fine with not using curse words around the sprites,” Jace replied, resignation in his voice along with something Kitlivri suspected was disappointment. “In my village, they weren’t used often either.”

“I apologize for commenting on your language, I sought to keep you from unintentionally rubbing any sprite the wrong way. I know it’s important to you to make a good impression. As I mentioned, you’re free to use whatever words you want when we’re alone. I’m unbothered by cursing.”

“Do you curse?” Jace asked.

“I don’t. Tiri lived here before I arrived, and everyone had already committed themselves to stop cursing around him. The extended clan agreed to do the same whenever Tiri visits. I hope I’m not giving you a poor impression of Tiri; he’s assured us many times that we no longer need to adhere to that rule.” Ducblanc-mate Tiridythas D’Vaire was a sprite and an adored member of Kitlivri’s family.

“No, I’m not bothered,” Jace said, swinging one booted foot to the floor. “Like I mentioned, harpies aren’t big on curse words either.”

“Still, I feel as if I’ve upset you.”

Jace smiled. “I’m not upset at you. I was thinking about how a younger me yearned to be free of rules…to do whatever I wanted and to please myself alone. I doubt such a world exists. In every walk of life, we must be mindful of hurting others if we don’t want to be considered a jerk. I guess I was a jerk because I didn’t want to consider the feelings of others.”

“In this suite, I think we should both be ourselves, even if we do occasionally fall into the category of being a jerk.”

With a laugh, Jace stood and walked up to Kitlivri. “You’re the last person I’d want to be a jerk to.”

“Good, I’d prefer for you not think of me in the jerk category either,” Kitlivri remarked. Giving in to instinct, Kitlivri rubbed Jace’s arms and bent to kiss him softly. “Are you ready to go?”

“Maybe one more kiss first?” Jace asked.

“A request I am happy to oblige.” 

When their mouths met, Jace darted his tongue out and Kitlivri shifted slightly to taste the harpy better. Jace grasped his tunic as Kitlivri tugged Jace closer. With each embrace, Kitlivri’s yearning to explore his newfound sexuality increased, and he was convinced it had everything to do with how enticing Jace was. Aware that his brain was calculating the distance to the bed, Kitlivri regretfully pulled away after one last brush of their lips.

“I think kissing is my favorite thing ever,” Jace whispered.

“Wait until we do more than kiss,” Kitlivri responded without thinking.

His gaze widened, and his cheeks went a little pink, but Jace grinned. “I think about it. I think about it a lot.”

“We need to go to dinner now before I forget a world exists beyond your bed.”

Jace’s bright laughter filled the room. “Consider your invitation to join me in it an open one.”

“You’re a dangerous man.”

With a smile, Jace grabbed Kitlivri’s hand and led him to the door of their suite. “I like the idea of being dangerous. But not nearly as much as I enjoy the thought of being yours. Now, take me to meet your people.”

“I promise you that if my brothers and Tiri aren’t ready to go immediately, we’re coming back in here and the sprites will have to wait for another opportunity to meet their newest Warrior Chieftain.”

“If I thought for one minute that you were serious, I wouldn’t let you out of here,” Jace said as they strolled into the hallway. 

“It’s nice to know we’re learning a little about each other. Your friendship is important to me.”

“Yours is important to me too, and you’re in luck, the sprites are already in the foyer,” Jace teased as they ventured down the stairs to where Kitlivri’s brothers and Tiri were waiting for them.

“I won’t forget about your invitation.”

“I intend to make sure you don’t.”

Thrilled with the banter between himself and Jace, Kitlivri doubted his mood could get any better. He had a wonderful evening with his people ahead of him.

About the Author 

Jessamyn Kingley has published over thirty titles and refuses to pick a favorite among them. With an extraordinary passion for her characters, she enthusiastically adds tales to her D’Vaire series and avidly re-reads them whenever her schedule allows. After decades living in the Washington, DC area, she now resides in Nevada with her husband and their three spoiled cats. When she is not writing or adding new ideas to her beloved notebooks, she is gaming with family and friends. 

Visit her website 

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The Queering by Brooke Skipstone

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Book Title: The Queering

Author and Publisher: Brooke Skipstone

Cover Artist: Cherie Chapman

Release Date: January 19, 2023

Genre: Contemporary F/F Romance, Historical F/F Romance, YA LGBTQ+

Tropes: Friends to lovers, Coming of age

Themes: Coming out, finding love late in life

Heat Rating: 3 flames

Length:  92 000 words/ 318 pages

It is a standalone story and does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads

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Trapped between a homicidal brother and a homophobic podcaster eager to reveal her lesbian romance novels, a seventy-year-old grandmother seeks help in Clear, Alaska.

Blurb

Editor's Pick Booklife Reviews: A fast-paced yet thoughtful romance of coming out and finding love in later life in Alaska

5 Star Clarion Reviews: A riveting novel . . . about love, courage, and solidarity

Trapped between a homicidal brother and a homophobic podcaster eager to reveal her lesbian romance novels, a seventy-year-old grandmother seeks help in Clear, Alaska.

Suffocating in a loveless marriage and lonely existence, Taylor MacKenzie lives only through her writing, using the pen name Brooke Skipstone, her best friend in college and lover before her death in 1974.

Afraid of being murdered before anyone in her family or community knows her life story, Taylor writes an autobiography about her time with Brooke and shares it with those closest to her, hoping for understanding and acceptance.

Accused of promoting the queering and debasement of America by a local podcaster, Taylor embroils the conservative community in controversy but fights back with the help of a new, surprising friend.

Can she endure the attacks from haters and gaslighters? Can she champion the queering she represents?

And will she survive?

Excerpt 

NO ONE in the world is actually named Brooke Skipstone. 

Not for almost fifty years. 

Taylor Baird MacKenzie, a long-term substitute teacher in Clear, Alaska, knew her secret had already begun to unravel. Brooke wrote novels about lesbian liberation, fierce coming-of-age stories full of high family drama. Her readers probably pictured an author in her thirties with tattoos and a gender-fluid appearance.

Certainly not a seventy-year-old grandmother with long, thick hair—still more brown than gray—wearing lined leggings and an oversized hoodie that covered her butt. And unhappily married to the same man for over forty years. 

Much too old and too obviously straight to be writing such novels.

Soon, everyone would know the truth—she was the author Brooke Skipstone. How big would the shockwave be? 

Taylor had long feared the repercussions and kept her pen name secret. What would her kids say? And her grandkids, who hardly knew her because she lived so far from them. And saw them even less than usual because of Covid. At times the thought of discovery had seared her guts, but the liberation of writing what she wanted, revealing the characters living in her mind and the love and pain in her heart, had become her main reason for existence.

While at her keyboard, Taylor lost herself in her secret world—vibrant, passionate, full of laughter and turmoil and utter joy. Not like her real world of silence and numbing isolation, where she couldn’t talk about what mattered most to her.

Keeping the source of her greatest happiness a secret had suffocated her life.

Taylor stood at her classroom door before her last class of the day, while students thumbed phones and talked as they sat at a picnic table in the center of the Commons area. The same kind of table she and Brooke sat at in the spring of 1973.

Soon after Taylor’s college roommate and fellow theatre major, Brooke Tobolovsky turned twenty-one, Brooke changed her last name. Though she didn’t have the internet to check, she said she had never heard of anyone named Skipstone, so claimed it for herself. She thought it sounded cool. Much better for the stage and screen. Besides, she’d always hated the sound of Tobolovsky.

Regardless of her name, no one could ever forget her. Long, thick, cinnamon-colored hair; high forehead; deep-set blue eyes; and the biggest smile Taylor had ever seen. She could play Lady Macbeth just as easily as Juliet and belt out a song like a combination of Cher and Stevie Nicks. She was the natural lead, while Taylor was the utility player—competent actress, writer, composer, and organizational queen.

Once all the legal papers were complete, they celebrated with a pitcher of beer at The Hangout a few blocks from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. They sat at a picnic table under canvas stretched between oak trees, blocking the March sun. Brooke carved her new name on the bench as they pushed flip-flops through pea gravel and peanut shells.

“Does this mean I can’t call you Tobo anymore?” Taylor laughed and snorted beer.

Brooke scoffed with a quick flash of her eyes, “I’ve put a curse on that name, as you can see. Say it at your peril.” She cocked an eyebrow.

Taylor coughed this time, spewing beer on her shirt.

“I always knew you couldn’t hold your liquor.” Brooke wiped Taylor’s chin with a napkin.

“That word will never cross my lips again.”

“Which word?” Brooke teased. Her tongue peeked out the side of her mouth as she dabbed the snot from Taylor’s upper lip. “Hmm?”

Flashing a smile, Taylor said, “From now on, you’ll be BS to me. Nothing but BS.”

Brooke narrowed her eyes and tightened her mouth. “You’d better be referring to Brooke Skipstone.”

Taylor raised her hands and cocked her head in a perfect expression of amused innocence. “Certainly.” She tried to swallow the guffaw rising from her gut. “That’s exactly what I was thinking.”

They stared at each other for three seconds, each holding her pose until Brooke broke into a smile. “That’s BS and you know it.”

Taylor’s guffaw erupted, and in their laughter-filled haze, they both knocked their glasses to the ground. No matter. They drank from the pitcher and later started a burping contest. Taylor conceded when Brooke burped the chorus of “I Am Woman,” earning a standing ovation from the crowd of hippie students and locals that had gathered around them. The girls walked home, Taylor’s arm around her friend’s neck; Brooke’s around the other’s waist.

They were known as B&T because they were inseparable. They’d shared the ground floor of a small rental house since sophomore year but spent most of their time acting, hanging lights, building sets, and running shows at the Owens Art Center. If one of them wasn’t around the other, people would invariably ask, “Where’s ___?” with a little frown and gasp.

Taylor wrote and directed plays and musicals mainly for teens, while Brooke snagged major acting roles every year. Taylor was involved in every one of Brooke’s shows, while Brooke sang and acted in each of Taylor’s studio productions. 

They were two promising women, determined to make their own way in the world and support each other’s careers in theatre—Brooke as an actress at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland and Taylor as a drama teacher at a private school in a nearby city. After breaking up with their casual boyfriends and graduating in 1974, they headed west in a very used VW Camper Bus adorned with painted flowers to cover the rust. 

They loved each other completely as friends and had only become lovers two days before Brooke’s death.

About the Author 

Brooke Skipstone is a multi-award-winning author who lives in Alaska where she watches the mountains change colors with the seasons from her balcony. Where she feels the constant rush toward winter as the sunlight wanes for six months of the year, seven minutes each day, bringing crushing cold that lingers even as the sun climbs again. Where the burst of life during summer is urgent under twenty-four-hour daylight, lush and decadent. Where fish swim hundreds of miles up rivers past bear claws and nets and wheels and lines of rubber-clad combat fishers, arriving humped and ragged, dying as they spawn. Where danger from the land and its animals exhilarates the senses, forcing her to appreciate the difference between life and death. Where the edge between is sometimes too alluring.

The Queering is her fifth novel. Visit her website at for information about her first four novels—The Moonstone Girls, Crystal's House of Queers, Some Laneys Died, and Someone To Kiss My Scars.

Social Media Links

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Cover Reveal - Harpy Trickery (D’Vaire, Book 34) by Jessamyn Kingley

COVER REVEAL

Book Title: Harpy Trickery (D’Vaire, Book 34)

Author and Publisher: Jessamyn Kingley

Cover Artist: LJ Anderson of Mayhem Cover Creations

Release Date: January 26, 2023

Genre/s: MM Fantasy/Paranormal Romance

Trope/s: Fated mates

Themes: Love

Heat Rating:  3 flames

Length:  90 300 words

The book does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads Series Link

Amazon Series Link

Amazon US  |  Amazon UK 

The ruler of the sprites meets a proud, but wayward harpy. Will their love survive a little trickery?

Blurb

At eighteen, Warrior Chieftain Kitlivri Cyrrien of the Sprite Grove gained his title. On a dark night, Kitlivri lost his parents, sister, and nearly his entire population thanks to a horrid wizard potion. The Draconises took in him and his brothers, and Kitlivri gradually healed. Now he is a talented businessman, and the sprites have expanded by three dozen. Honored to be the Warrior Chieftain, Kitlivri does not want to give up his important role in Draconis Enterprises, but he believes it’s a necessity.

Jace Pagonis is a proud harpy, but he chafes at his people’s antiquated rules. When Jace isn’t arguing with his mother—the leader of the harpies—he’s sneaking around to improve his archery skills. Weapons and tricks are forbidden to harpy men but are necessary for the women, who are responsible for the men’s survival. Desperate to convince his mother to join the Council, Jace creeps out of his village one night to explore.

Two weeks into his fact-finding mission, Jace meets Kitlivri and is stunned to discover that Fate has selected them as mates. Jace misses home, but he cannot leave Kitlivri, nor does he want to explain to the courageous sprite that he’s the bratty son of the harpy ruler. Jace throws himself into life as Kitlivri’s other half and co-leader of the sprites, but weaves tales to avoid the truth. However, secrets never stay hidden for long, and Jace must face his lies or risk losing Kitlivri forever.

Excerpt 

Jace scratched his head and tried to make sense of their conversation. “You want to bind our souls for eternity but be just friends for now?”

“Is that such a horrible thing? We did already agree not to rush intimacy.”

“Yes, but you also mentioned you were interested in kisses. I’m confused,” Jace said. “I’m not against going slow, I just want to make sure I understand. I don’t want to do or say the wrong thing. I’ve spent my entire life disappointing people with my inability to fall in line with their expectations. I’d like to avoid that in the future.”

“I don’t have a strict timeline in my head of when I think we should move from friends to lovers or whatever. As we get to know one another, I think we will figure it out.”

“I understand,” Jace said. “Perhaps it’s something we can discuss in the future.”

“Communication is definitely key to a good matebond.”

Although Jace understood Kitlivri had experienced tremendous loss, it was deflating to think they were entering another lie. Among harpies, there was no bargaining with Fate when it came to her choices for a person. Fate chose mates and leaders, and she guided the decisions of her chosen. This was honored without question. 

Though Jace flaunted his mother’s rules, his parents had a love that was indisputable. His older sister had her other half too and was rarely seen without the woman Fate had picked for her.

The rebellious part of Jace that wanted to forge his own path should’ve applauded Kitlivri’s desire to ensure that what Fate did aligned with his desires for his life. Instead, Jace wondered if the Warrior Chieftain was already displeased by him. 

A voice in his head told him he was being unfair and should pay more heed to Kitlivri’s words about his devastated family, so Jace set aside his unkind feelings. Kitlivri was scared, and it was Jace’s role to support him, not question his motives.

“Yes, it is,” Jace said and somehow managed not to cringe since he’d already told lies and half-truths to Kitlivri. Jace wasn’t proud of his dishonesty, his unkind thoughts about Kitlivri’s desire to take their relationship slowly, or himself, in the general sense. It wasn’t until Jace had left his mother’s village that he’d understood how little confidence he truly had, and he was clueless about how to mend himself.

“I’m sorry I’ve upset you.”

“No, you haven’t,” Jace said. “I assure you I’m fine with moving slow. I’m upsetting myself by being foolish, and I understand why caring for someone must terrify you. Thank you for being courageous enough to share that with me. In time, I hope to offer you the same honesty.”

“Love is scary, but I’m already committed to being your best friend.”

The closest thing Jace had to a friend was his father, and Zephyr’s priority was, understandably, his mate. 

“I’ve never had a best friend. I’d like to be yours,” said Jace.

“We might even find that we like each other.”

Jace grinned. “You have a growing list of attributes, Kit.”

“As do you.”

“Are you ready to do this matebond thing now?” Jace asked.

“I’m nervous, but yes.”

“Good, I’m glad I’m not the only one.”

Kitlivri held out his hand, and Jace didn’t hesitate to take it. “Did I thank you for agreeing to nearly every D’Vaire tradition?”

“Excuse me? I agreed to them all. You’re the one who was worried some of the feather markings on my skin would disappear if we did those tattoo-like mating marks,” Jace argued.

“I’m a fan of your feathers. Are you okay with sharing a bedroom with me tonight? I’d rather it be no one’s business but our own that we’re postponing intimacy.”

“I think I can handle my desire to ravish you.”

“I’m hoping I have the same ability to resist you,” Kitlivri said. “You are captivating.”

“Not a horrible thing to hear from a handsome man.”

“Am I allowed to call you that too, or will it offend you?” Kitlivri asked.

“As long as you see me as more than the face Fate gave me, you may comment on it as much as you like.”

“Or I could compliment you on other features.”

“I might be harpy enough to enjoy them too.”

“Jace, will you be my mate today?” Kitlivri asked.

“Yes. Yes, I will.” 

Jace’s future was a blurry road with no destination in sight, but Fate had given him someone to travel it with, and he would do his best to rise to the challenges ahead.

About the Author 

Jessamyn Kingley has published over thirty titles and refuses to pick a favorite among them. With an extraordinary passion for her characters, she enthusiastically adds tales to her D’Vaire series and avidly re-reads them whenever her schedule allows. After decades living in the Washington, DC area, she now resides in Nevada with her husband and their three spoiled cats. When she is not writing or adding new ideas to her beloved notebooks, she is gaming with family and friends. 

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Playing Dirty by Beth Bolden #giveaway

RELEASE BLITZ

Book Title: Playing Dirty

Author and Publisher: Beth Bolden

Cover Artist: Cate Ashwood Designs

Release Date: January 12, 2023

Genres: Gay contemporary sports romance

Tropes: Bisexual awakening, roommates to lovers

Heat Rating:  4 flames       

Length: 41 000 words

It’s the prequel novella to my Miami Piranhas series.

Goodreads

Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

Universal Link  |   Amazon US  |   Amazon UK 

Blurb

All Wade Lewis wants during rookie preseason camp is to play great football and to make it to the final fifty-three man roster.

He absolutely does not want Tristan Nicholson.

His complete and total opposite.

His teammate.

His competition.

And his roommate.

During the day, Tristan unexpectedly proves to be helpful on and off the field, but at night, when the lights go out, Tristan also becomes the only man he can’t resist.

First, he’s a friend, then astonishingly, he becomes a lover.

And then he becomes the last thing Wade ever expected: everything.

This novella was previously published, and some light editing has been done, but no new content has been added.

Excerpt 

Tristan had nearly found Beau and asked if he could switch rooms, but the problem with that was that he likedsharing a room with Wade. He was a good roommate, conscientious and kind, and apart from this inconvenient attraction stuff, he was becoming a good friend.

And he’d already been around the NFL long enough to know that friends didn’t exactly grow on trees.

It shouldn’t have come as a surprise, then, that as soon as the light went out, after this long-ass day, when both of them should have been exhausted and immediately falling asleep, Tristan couldn’t help himself and instead of being safe and smart and careful, like he had been all day, like he’d used all that safety up, he asked the question himself. 

“You ever kiss a guy before, Wade?”

Wade was quiet for such a long time that Tristan wondered if maybe he had actually fallen asleep.

He found himself holding his breath, barely able to breathe, his lungs clogging, as he waited for Wade to answer. Listening, way too intently, for even the minutest change in Wade’s own breathing.

Why did he even need to know?

Why did it matter so much that the answer be no?

Finally, Wade let out a deep exhale, like he’d been holding his own breath too. Like he’d made a decision.

“No,” he said. “No, I haven’t.”

Tristan dug his fingertips into his bedding. It was no less dangerous to kiss Wade in this dark, private room than to do it in the middle of the day, in the middle of the Piranhas weight room, but it was easier to justify because if they did it here and now, nobody would ever know.

But you’d know, Tristan reminded himself. And Wade will know.

It was those two things that kept Tristan in his own bed, instead of joining Wade in his—and showing him just how great kissing a guy could be.

“Is . . . is that what that was earlier? You were . . .” Wade hesitated for so long that Tristan, hanging on every single word, every single syllable echoing through the darkness, nearly got up and went to his side and demanded to know what it was he was supposedly doing. Finally, though, Wade finished his sentence. “Testing me?”

It made no sense. Why would Tristan be testing him? He already knew Wade was bisexual. Wade had told him himself. Tristan might have tested Wade if he hadn’t been sure. If he hadn’t been entirely sure how his flirtation would be received.

But he definitely hadn’t been testing Wade earlier.

He’d been irresistibly drawn to the man.

It felt unfair to pay Wade’s honesty back with a lie, no matter how dangerous the truth was.

So Tristan told him the truth.

“I wasn’t testing you. I was . . . if you have to know, I was . . . I find you attractive, Wade, and I wanted to kiss you. As stupid as that was. I shouldn’t have been thinking about it. You’re not out, and there were other guys around, and on top of that . . . it’s a huge, massive distraction that could get us both released. You know, teams don’t really like their players hooking up.”

Don’t really was an understatement.

It was technically allowed because it couldn’t be not allowed but it certainly wasn’t encouraged. All the Piranhas needed was a really good reason to cut Tristan, and this would be it.

“You wanted to kiss me?” Wade’s voice was full of wonder.

“I guess you missed the rest of that,” Tristan teased. “You know, the part where it was—it is—a bad idea.”

“Sorry.” Wade actually sounded apologetic. “I got stuck on that one bit. I just never thought . . . you and me. You’re so . . .”

It was playing with fire to ask.

Tristan knew it.

He asked anyway.

“I’m so what, Wade?”

“You’re so hot and confident and sure of yourself. You’re a beacon of hope to so many closeted guys, guys who think that you can’t be gay and play football. And then there’s me . . . not really ashamed but not open either, and not experienced . . .”

“None of that matters,” Tristan interrupted him, because he couldn’t listen to another moment of Wade putting himself down. “I can’t tell you how much none of that matters.”

“It doesn’t?”

“Wade, you’re fucking gorgeous and you’re sweet, and you’ve got this smile that lights up . . . well, it lights up everything around you. Including me, okay?”

Wade was silent for a long time again, like he was digesting what Tristan had just admitted to.

Like he was weighing the danger of it, the inherent risk of it, with the reward.

But how could he, Tristan thought, dying over in his own bed, when he didn’t know what he was really missing? He’d never kissed a guy before. He didn’t know.

“Why,” Wade said, his voice rough, “are you still over there, then?”

About the Author 

A lifelong Pacific Northwester, Beth Bolden has just recently moved to North Carolina with her supportive husband. Beth still believes in Keeping Portland Weird, and intends to be just as weird in Raleigh.

Beth has been writing practically since she learned the alphabet. Unfortunately, her first foray into novel writing, titled Big Bear with Sparkly Earrings, wasn’t a bestseller, but hope springs eternal. She’s published twenty-three novels and seven novellas.

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My Friend Tyler by Shea Swain

RELEASE BLITZ

Book Title: My Friend Tyler

Author: Shea Swain

Publisher: SSW Publications

Cover Artist: Shea Swain

Release Date: January 4, 2023

Website page dedicated to book

Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance

Tropes: Forbidden love, friends to lovers

Themes: Coming out, forgiveness

Heat Rating: 3 - 4 flames

Length: 71 487 words/ 133 pages 

It is a standalone story and does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads

Buy Links

Universal Link  |  Amazon US  |  Amazon UK 

Blurb

Tyler Morales is a friend by association. So, when my inebriated ass stumbles into his bedroom after a party and see him bare, face down, and blindfolded in some sort of sensory play, I’m speechless. And when his partner removes the earplug in his ear and asks him if I can join in, with a nod of Tyler’s head, my body moves before my brain can catch up. 

Initially, I want to forget that night. Tyler never saw me and his partner doesn’t know me. But that proves difficult because I dropped something inside Tyler’s room. He traces the item back to me but it doesn’t matter. I want him even though I’ve never considered dating a guy. Problem is, Tyler hasn’t come out and it seems he comes with his very own stalker. None of that shit matters. I want what I want. So, tell me, what’s a guy to do?

Excerpt 

Chapter One

When your life changes, it is always unwelcomed…

Damian

Tyler Morales is a “friend” by association. When my friends meet up, we end up hanging out. Aside from being acquainted with some of the same people, we attend the same college and currently share a class. Like me, Tyler ranks at the top of his class so if I need a partner in a class and he’s available, we link up. 

He’s someone who’s easy to get along with. He’s modest yet, he doesn’t fade into the background, which is what I try to do. Fading probably isn’t possible for him. To be honest, he’s pretty as fuck, in a masculine way if that makes sense. 

Let me explain…

He’s probably a couple of inches shorter than my six feet four inches. Girls constantly orbit around him, gushing over him enough for me to know details like how soft his curly brown hair is, how long and how dark his lashes are, or that his hazel eyes have evergreen specks. Tyler is also pretty active on campus and I’m sure I’ve seen him in a sports uniform before. Plus, he seems like good people and though I’m not a social butterfly, it was nice of him to invite me to one of his rare get-togethers.

I push myself up off the floor. For several seconds, I comb through my memory, trying to figure out how I ended up asleep in Tyler’s guest bathroom. When I open the door, I see no one. I realize the small party/gathering is over. Half-awake but groggy, I get the idea that I’ll just let Tyler know I’m leaving.

So, I stumble down the hall, realizing I’ve never been in his place before now. It’s nice. When I trip over nothing and hit the wall, I know I’m not only sleepy but a little lit so I’ll be sleeping in Tyler’s parking lot till morning. I wonder if he’ll let me use his couch. That’s what I’m thinking when I stagger into the first door that’s ajar. If I say I wasn’t ready for what I see, it’s an understatement.

I wasn’t fucking ready.

Tyler is on his knees, face down with his naked ass up and blindfolded. His arms are stretched out with his wrists bound to the bed posts. At this angle, I see some device in the ear. But what has me frozen and speechless is a guy I’ve never seen before pounding into Tyler’s ass with abandon.

The sounds they are making…

The sounds Tyler’s making…

When I recover from my frozen shock and can bring myself to move, I jump forward, grab the guy by the arm, and yank him away from Tyler. The guy nearly crashes into an upholstered chair that’s in front of a window but somehow avoids it and falls to the floor. I look back at Tyler who is breathing heavily and has fallen to his belly as if exhausted.

I look back at the rapist, his eyes are wide and he’s righting himself. I’m seeing red. The need to beat his ass bloody is becoming stronger with every beat of my heart. But…I’m also finding it hard to breathe because my anger is mixing with something I’m ashamed to admit. I am so fucking turned on that my dick is rock hard and bucking against my jeans for release. This makes me even angrier. 

“What the fuck!” the guy yells. “Look, man,” he says as he stands and holds his hand up to stop me from advancing. “Tyler never said he had a boyfriend.”

I pause, frowning. 

Boyfriend?

“You should know we’ve been fucking for a couple of months now. He asked me to tie him up and fuck him like this?” 

The guy exhales as he rubs his hand over his hair. 

“Gene? Gene, what’s wrong?” Tyler whispers. 

I can hear apprehension reflected in Tyler’s tone. It’s not what I expect. It dawns on me that his mouth isn’t stuffed with anything and if he needed to, he’s capable of screaming for help. Help isn’t what I was hearing from him. 

“He asked you to do this to him?” I ask. My voice cracks. 

“He did. I’m sorry but how could I resist?”

I can’t believe what I’m hearing. Tyler isn’t gay, as far as I know. I think we’ve even hooked up with a couple of the same girls. 

I look at the guy. He’s ass naked too yet, I find nothing appealing about him which is a relief. I sigh as I focus my gaze to his eyes and face. 

About the Author

Shea is a woman who believes that love is life's greatest gift so it's no wonder she writes Romance Novels. She lives on the east coast of the United States with her family. A romantic to her core, Shea reads and enjoys watching anything with a love story. She especially likes binging on Romance TV around the holidays. 

She enjoys spending time with her family, meeting people, reading, chatting. Collecting Barbie dolls, toys, and Funko Pops makes her happy. But she's addicted to watching anime, k-dramas, movies, and playing The Sims games. Shea also loves music and has mentioned that she writes better when she has music playing as white noise in the background. 

This exciting author writes Adult Romance in the sub-genres of Contemporary, Young Adult, New Adult, Paranormal, Sci-Fi, and Erotica.

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