Under a Greek Twilight: Love Abroad Series, Jax Stuart

Joshua was actually very real-feeling to me.  He was hurt, struggling, frustrated, sad, lonely amongst friends, yearning, and hopeful...all of his feelings were on the page and I believed them.  What he found with Lysander was definitely story/movie magic that I play out in my head for myself but could never believe would happen to me.  Lysander was a steady presence and I liked his honesty with both himself and Joshua.  They really were a good match.

What detracted was the repeating drama with Lysander's ex.  Ryan was a bit predictable so that was kind of expected, as was his fling-turned fiance-turned scorned lover...  The unnecessary road blocks were manufactured angst that didn't really belong.  There were other things that could have played that role just fine that were far more organic.  But what really didn't belong at all was Ryan's ridiculously petty confrontation at their new job.  It was out of left field, did nothing for the characters or the story, gave no kind of closure, and was just purely annoying.

Altogether this was a really cute story that I could see reading again, so long as I skip the cafeteria scece.  Well, maybe just parts of it, because the players really showed their true colors and they were bright and beautiful.  Overall it was a truly nice way to pass an hour or two.

*$3.99 on Amazon or FREE on KU!

Show Me How to Heal: Juniper Creek Book 2, Ray Celar

From the very beginning I felt for Luke.  He was so broken, just floating on the brittle mantra of "I'll be okay, I'll be okay", and needing someone to wake him up to not only his path to healing, but to just acceptance of himself, his situation, his desires.  Finding that in Zayne was perfect and even though there was a sizable secret between them their connection was everything I was hoping for in this series.

I truly love this setting, the characters are captivating, problematic, and make me yearn for them, the town and surroundings are things I can imagine and want to visit, and the relationship pairings are well crafted with personal evolution and a believable outcome.

My only frustration is the immediate shutdown of Luke by Zayne.  Yes, secrets are hurtful and when they're revealed in a surprising way from the wrong source it can exacerbate that hurt, but to immediately run to "everything there ever was was a lie" is a personal pet peeve that drives me insane.  I get it.  I do.  I just don't like it, like, at all.  You end up increasing the hurt for yourself and for the other person and it makes the apologies fall flat when they finally come.

Maybe it's a trust issue thing that I have, that when something happens later on and you end up counting on your partner to blow up and run away or kick you out because of a situation blown out of proportion.  I'm not saying that Luke's issues with the lie of omission wasn't big, no, that's not it at all.  I just don't think Zayne's actions were completely justified, especially his first thought of everything being a lie because he was extremely intuitive to Luke's real feelings even when the details were vague.  The hurt, pain, yearning, loss...it was all there and Zayne specifically mentioned it in those moments.  The surprise about the career truth should have clicked rather than exploded in his brain.  At least that's what I hoped would have happened.  It's not though, and I'll have to live with that.  It's the reason for a 4 star rating instead of a 5.

So overall I truly enjoyed this book and would read it again.  I'm absolutely coming back for more from this series and can't wait for all my favorite men to have their own HEAs.  My one pet peeve thing likely didn't bother a lot of other readers so take my review with a grain of salt and dive in because Luke and Zayne have some amazing moments that make their whole relationship worth realizing.

Chance Encounters, A.T. Brennan

Honesty.  That's the word I think of most when I think about this story; from the communication between Hayden and Eric to their eventual admissions to themselves and their community.  Once everything was out in the open they really stuck to it and made an effort to communicate often and honestly so petty things didn't come between them.  It made their whole journey so much more wonderful to watch unfold.

The drama came from far less predictable sources and it was refreshing even though the conflicts that came up on Hayden's end were a little forced.  Like, can a bad guy be that bad and then get worse with only a quarter of the book left?  Though I will say that it pushed another element of trust to the fore so they could move forward and through difficulties as a partnership.

I was glad of the secondary characters and their timely and candid support from the very beginning even when Eric and Hayden weren't yet willing to accept everything they were to one another.  This story was a bit surprising for me in a very pleasant way.  I enjoyed it a lot more than I anticipated after being drawn in by the synopsis.  I'm not sure what exactly I expected, but whatever it was wasn't what I got.  Definitely a good read despite the slightly rushed and shorter ending.

*$4.99 on Amazon

Two men with undeniable chemistry, one chance encounter that starts it all.

Hayden Murphy is done with love. He’s sworn off finding another partner after the death of his husband eighteen months ago. He’s finally starting to feel like himself again and is focused on rebuilding his friendships and his work as a physiotherapist.

Eric Connors is over relationships. After breaking up with his longtime girlfriend, he’s ready to enjoy the single life. He doesn’t want or need another partner… Until he meets Hayden at the scene of an accident while on duty as a paramedic, then keeps running into him in the most random places.

Neither man can deny the chemistry between them or the fact that fate seems bound and determined to keep thrusting them together. As the men continue to meet and give in to their desires, that chance meeting grows into a friendship with benefits. Both men are reluctant to want more, but even they can’t keep things completely casual the more time they spend together.

Will their pasts keep them from seeing what’s right in front of them? Or will Hayden and Eric realize that there is life, and love, after loss?

Not So Innocent: The Real Thing Book 2, Emma Lyon

I liked the writing, the voices of the MC's were distinct enough and each had their own issues to resolve or deal with before finding a future together.  Though I would have liked to see them with a little more of the settling part, like how they made their lives together.  The scene at the wedding was pretty adorable and right on brand for both men so even if we didn't get much more of them after the reconciliation, that was a really good moment.

There was a feeling of unresolved angst in Ethan's life with his father, but where we're left was actually a hopeful place despite not having him or his father open up and do a whole sharing bit.  What we got spoke to a positive progression rather than a stagnation or a decline, but that's mostly up to the interpretation of the reader than what's actually on the page.

Ethan was the younger partner and despite his lackluster enthusiasm for life after college and professions, he had good moments of maturity and insight that helped Holden see a lot of sense.  Overall it was a nice story, though character growth was lacking, but it was one that got me really curious about the series beginning with Zac and Lane.

*$4.99 on Amazon

You shouldn’t want what you can’t have.

Holden

That’s the first thing I think when I see Ethan Garrett—young, beautiful Ethan Garrett, son of Senator Garrett, the man I’ve been hired to protect. Did I mention young? Not that Ethan sees himself that way. Nearly twenty-three and fresh out of college, he thinks he knows what men like me are like. But the thoughts I have about him aren’t anywhere near innocent or nice.

Indulging a secret romance while trying to do my job can’t possibly end well, but Ethan’s made no secret that he’s put his sights on me. And I’m fast discovering that what Ethan wants, he finds a way to get.

Ethan

I don’t want nice, and I’m sure as hell not innocent. I don’t care that Holden thinks he’s too old for me—he’s the only one who doesn’t see me as a failure. And with my family in danger, he makes me feel safe. But there’s nothing safe about the way I’m starting to fall for him.

He might be leaving as soon as his job is done, but until then I’m not letting his hangups stand in our way. I’ll take whatever I can get from him, even if he breaks my heart.

Quick Reads, Quick Reviews 50

• Love You So Hard: Love You So Book 1, Tara Lain
• Fate's Final Chapter: A Collection of Strays Book 6, Toby Wise
• Night Skies and Galaxy Leggings, Nikole Knight

While we didn't get to know the men a whole lot, less of Jessie than of Craig, we got enough of a sense of rightness between them, that they were the right person for one another.  I ached for Craig and even teared up when everything in his life seemed to be falling apart and seeing him find his forever with Jessie was very sweet.  Though the individual growth where he finds his courage and confidence isn't complete or even completely solid by the time the story ends, it is on an upward trajectory.

His Charlie Brown thoughts got to be a bit too much for me at times and there was very little sense at all of who Jessie is other than a good match for Craig because he's so complementary.  But despite the cheese and simplistic characters, I did like the overall feel of the story. I also liked the words a certain boss had for him and that those that needed their comeuppance got it.  Very low angst, this short story was full of sweetness, fluffy feels, and some spice to balance it all out.  3.5 stars

Such a sweet ending, a great way to close out the series of all the unlikely yet perfect pairings.  Being guided by Fate to find their fated mates and to bring life into the pack lands as well as the heart of their adopted father, each group gets one final moment to show us just how wonderful it is to find the being(s) meant for your soul.  True to each character there were twin shenanigans, steamy moments, tender feels, and all the good stuff we've come to expect from each and every book in the series.  Along with some truly interesting female alpha explanations that I'd always been curious about, there were snippets from each grouping that rounded out and solidified every good thing I've felt over the course of following all their journeys.  4 stars.

Tender, heartbreaking, and triumphant.  

Casey and Andy are so incredibly young and only starting out in life. On their own they're so very different and yet there's a common thread of admiration, yearning, and discovery that ties them together. There's also an attraction that's more than physical and while they navigate a mostly homophobic community and their changing feelings they find that young love isn't enough when life comes calling.

I enjoyed the story so much and when the heartbreak came I teared up knowing that it was such a difficult moment for both of them and cursing the fact that there were only a few more pages in the novella left. The epilogue was short and wonderful and I wanted to say I didn't like the book because it was so short, but that would be a disservice to effective writing just because I wasn't ready to let these young people go. I want more.  4 stars.

Fair Trade: Bold Brew Book 7, Cate Ashwood

Despite being drawn in by the premise and the inevitability of a one-time hookup becoming a forever love, I wasn't sure I liked either MC all that much.  Callum was a bit of a grump in a negative way and Nick was a little too lost and unclear.  It was Callum that grew on me first with his desperate need to cling to the job and his isolation and I wanted so much to know why.  It wasn't until the end that I appreciated Nick and it was mainly because he fulfilled Callum's needs.

I think my favorite scene of everything was the moment of profound relief after everyone thought the worst had happened.  I had to take a tiny break from reading so I could quietly giggle.  Giggle, yes, and I kind of never do that on my own without the aid of my two kids being ridiculous.

When everything fell into place there was a sense of peace for the reader who was following along with the chaos of the job as well as the inner turmoil from Callum.  The balance of the book was thrown off because we spent so long with the before that we didn't get nearly enough of their after.  Their happiness was well-earned despite taking nearly the entirety of the short book to get there, but this seriously needed an epilogue.

*$2.99 on Amazon

After working with the same partner for almost fifteen years, she ditched me for a cushy teaching job. And I thought things couldn’t get worse.

I was wrong.

Because walking into the ambulance station to see my new rookie is none other than the guy I’d picked up in a seedy bar would’ve been bad enough.

Except we hadn’t just hooked up.

Nope.

What we’d done went so far beyond an anonymous one-nighter.

And now I'm not sure what to do with myself, because being with Nick isn’t just against station rules.

It’s against mine.

But I can’t seem to stop, and what’s even more concerning…

I can’t make myself care.

Out of Harm's Way: Balls and Brawn Bodyguards Book 1, Rebecca James

Ox and Mick...Mick and Ox...I wanted to love them together. It was a giant and a nerd match that should have been made in heaven for my own taste, but there was something about Mick in the beginning and Ox at the halfway mark that didn't really work for me. They were fine overall, just not anything close to a couple I'd rave about.

I liked Ox for most of the story and appreciated that he was a solid character, one you could count on and build on, but his family drama seemed forced and didn't add to his character or his individual growth all that much. I will say that while Ox protected Mick and came to his aid at the drop of a hat, Mick was given a chance to "save" Ox in return. What didn't work for me in that situation was that it wasn't something Mick was specifically qualified for. His encouragement to Ox to open up was good, it worked for them, but the whole situation seemed very specific and yet very generic so literally anyone kind of close to Ox could have given the same advice and have it heeded.

Mick was saucy and also incredibly scared. Those traits should have worked, but his constant return to describing or discussing his past conquests bothered me. No shaming, no judgment about his exploits, I just think that his more salacious moments could have been skipped and just have him open up to Ox in a more genuine way, some kind of tender and open conversation becoming more and more heated as they shared desires or interests. I certainly won't claim to be anything close to an author myself, so maybe what I hoped for instead wouldn't be viable. Whatever. All I know is I wasn't a fan of how it was done in the story.

So overall this wasn't a bad story, it just wasn't for me in the end.

*3.99 on Amazon

I’m coming after you, baby boy. You’re going to pay for what you did.

The terrifying text message from Mick Water's abuser, recently escaped from prison, sends him spiraling into panic. His life is just getting back on track, and now he's constantly looking over his shoulder and barely able to sleep at night. When his friends arrange for a bodyguard for him, Mick feels a confusing combination of relief at having protection, dismay at the sheer size of his new bodyguard, and arousal due to Mick's attraction to big men. His ex was a big man, and Mick paid dearly for that attraction.

Oxford Bradley enjoys his job with Foster Security, which includes a mixed bag of high-stakes cases--some of them dangerous--and dull babysitting-type situations. When he isn't working, he prefers a serene life devoid of drama and, let’s face it, a somewhat vanilla sex life. Assigned to protect a terrified man from his abusive ex, Ox is horrified at his body’s reaction to not only Mick himself, but also Mick’s admission to a Daddy kink--he’s never had an unprofessional relationship with a client and he isn’t starting now.

As Mick warms up to Ox and the two men get to know one another, the attraction between them grows. Ox refuses to break his professional code, but what about when the danger's over? Living in different states, they can't possibly have more than a one-off, and the temptation to explore with this intriguing man is undeniable.

Will one night send Ox running back to his comfortable vanilla lifestyle, or will Mick help him find a new favorite flavor? And what happens when an opportunity presents itself for Ox to see Mick again?

Adler's Hart: Briggs Ferry Bay Book 2.5, Misty Walker

Really short and a little too simplistic, but gruff older men who hide a soft, vulnerable, gooey middle seem to bypass any reservations I had regarding the story's basic plot.

Adler is gruff and surly and all the best kinds of hotness when we first meet him.  His fragile heart is there for us to see despite all the bearish behavior that's trying to hide it.  His reaction to Hart is just as described in the synopsis, but Hart sinks deeper than I expected and while the timeline is super short to seem to feel so much for the younger man, there's a long reflection that makes Adler's change of heart believable.  It's still tentative though, so what follows makes me feel better about how his offer is presented.

Hart is vivacious, caring, insightful, and just right for Adler.  His youth is quite apparent in some of his reactions and I'm mostly glad that we got to see him acting his age most times.  Having fantastic parents and a stellar friend helped him to see beyond what his unseasoned life experience didn't allow him to see about Adler and led him to reciprocating Adler's grand gesture with one of his own.

The confessions were sweet and straightforward as well as simple with very little to complicate an already complicated situation between them.  Their reactions to hurt were expected and their reunion was still simple but managed to pack some really good feels in there as well.  This story really covered a lot of ground despite being so short and I was happily surprised with how it played out.  Made me wish I discovered the series sooner, actually, so you can bet I'm adding the others to my TBR list.

*$2.00 on Amazon

I'm a loner.
Never getting too comfortable or allowing anyone to get too close.
So when I log onto the hook-up app on my last night in Ketchikan, Alaska,
I assume it'll be a quick lay before I go south for the winter.
Until I see the man who shows up at my door.
He's young, wide-eyed, and perfect.

All I want is a one-night stand with no attachment,
I should have known things would be different with a man named Hart.
After the best night of my life, I'm desperate to run.
Except we're snowed in.

I try to keep him at a distance.
But there's something about him that has me opening up,
letting him in against my better judgment.

Suddenly I don't want to be alone anymore.
I want to be with him.
My Hart.

Moored Heart: Catalina Dreams Book 1, I.M. Flippy

Jason and Charlie had an interesting connection right from the start and I enjoyed watching them grow to love one another.  While Jason's lust was a bit of a surprise for him, Charlie's was present right from the start.  Getting them on the same page didn't take as long as I thought it would and seeing Jason's cute and sweet moments paralleling that more intense chemistry was a good change of pace from other stories with a similar plot.

The confrontation and conflict was definitely predictable, but I don't really feel it was unjustified from either Jason or Charlie's perspectives.  Seeing the heartache on both sides being very different but no less real was also a wonderful surprise because there was a vulnerability on Jason's and a maturity on Charlie's that was the real gem during the reconciliation.  That was actually my favorite part of the story, the emotive and honest confession from Jason, the level-headed and understanding preface from Charlie, those were the kinds of words that I always hope to see in so many stories where hurtful reactions cause the biggest trouble.

While I do wish there were more of a connection between me and the men individually and that Jason's ex wasn't so unapologetically pushy more often than not, I liked the overall flow of the story and the men's evolutions both on their own and together.  Jason was the more interesting character and remained so for the entirety, but I liked Charlie for him.  So overall I was happily surprised and even though I choose not to continue the series, this was an enjoyable story on its own.

And on a side note, I agree with other reviewers about the author's note putting them off.  It did for me as well.  Let's be honest here, the whole world needs a serious "come to Jesus" smack down with all the hate and violence and disgust being tossed around as if that's okay.  Racism is absolutely real and completely wrong.  Racial profiling is absolutely real and completely wrong.  I'm totally fine with authors deciding not to write law enforcement characters into their story, but to preface this particular story as they did was...out of place.

They should have made their rant and decision somewhere on their personal or author forums and not in a book where their MC as a police detective had nothing to do with anything regarding the movement, no questionable actions of any kind while on the force regarding this issue in this story, and not at the very outset of a story where it wasn't truly relevant thus coloring the reader against the character before even meeting them.  Justifiable choice going forward, but not the best place to declare it.  Jason was a good man, a good detective, and that was tainted by how the author chose to voice their political opinion.

*$1 on Amazon

When retired homicide detective Jason Winters moves to Catalina Island fresh off a divorce, he’s ready to start a new life.
Jason’s plan is simple: hang out on his small yacht, work on his book, and get his dick wet once in a while. There are plenty of hot women on the beach to choose from.
There are also a lot of men throwing him winks and calling him “daddy.”

Jason can’t deny he’s thought about men, but that attraction is something he’s never had to confront before... until he meets Charlie.
Charlie is gorgeous and more than that, he makes Jason laugh. He’s also smart and genuinely kind.
Jason feels a zing around him he hasn’t felt in years.

Zing…

Charlie Benton likes his life. Sure, he works in a tourist trap shop, lives with his mom, and rarely bothers to leave tiny Catalina Island. But he’s got friends, he loves his town, and hot guys come in on boats all the time. Tourists always want to bang a cute townie.

But Charlie wants more.
Charlie wants the great gay romance.
Charlie did not expect true love to come in the form of Jason Winters.
Jason’s an injured, divorced cop from L.A. He’s got history and baggage. Even worse, he’s probably straight.
So much for the great gay romance.
The last thing Charlie needs in his life is to get his heart broken by a straight guy.

Too bad love never listens to reason... especially on Catalina Island.

Flying Blind, Jodi Payne and BA Tortuga

There were a lot of directions this story could take in terms of the conflict and the journey of the relationship.  What was lovely was that while those more predictable elements were there, none of them were allowed to escalate to disastrous proportions.  Keeping the story simple and focused on the two men as they navigate their new "normal" and discover more about one another allowed a fantastic amount of depth to be achieved.  Well, mostly.  I'll get into that in a bit.  For the most part this was so full of all the lighter feels, sexual chemistry, and determination you could hope for in a story with these particular tropes.

Being totally upfront, there was very little about January that truly felt deep in terms of character background and growth.  He was the far simpler element of the story so while he played a central role, I felt the story really focused on Hawk.  Hawk was the one with a whole lot more to work out and through in the story.  Also, another reviewer said a content warning should have been included.  I'm kind of in agreement because there's a tragedy that occurs that can make you feel totally blindsided, though I will say there are hints that something pretty bad is going to happen to one of the characters.  So without giving a spoiler, just know that this is an incredibly dangerous sport and there are consequences, sometimes dire ones, that happen.  Everyone going in knows the risks and the outcome can sometimes be as devastating as often as they can be euphoric.

Any and all angst in the story was reserved for the big issues, no petty arguments, lack of communication, miscommunication, jealousies, or unreasonable reactions.  Most of that was for Hawk's specific situation regarding his health and his career.  What makes this story different, and happily surprising, is all the communication.  Every moment where something could have been said was expanded to true soul-opening conversations where nearly everything on the topic was hashed out.  Sometimes there aren't any clear decisions made after them, but they nearly always end them on a positive note about recognizing the process of evolving as a couple, that there are possibilities they're willing to explore...it was so different and full of warmth and honesty that I can't find myself complaining about any of it.

These men, especially Hawk, have the biggest hearts and they fit so well together.  Their sexual chemistry is absolutely there, though sometimes it gets a bit one-note, like they're just rewording most of their sexual encounters slightly and perhaps changing the location, but it's satisfying as a balance to the many, many in-depth conversations.  Everything is really out in the open for both of them.  Professionally Hawk is in the closet, but to everyone that matters he's completely out and only keeps things on the DL when in the cities and arenas of the competitions.  That was another refreshing aspect to the story.  Adding in compelling side characters that are varied, expressive, and supportive throughout everything and I'm crazy about the overall story.  I want to read Jax's story next!

*$4.99 on Amazon

Sometimes the best thing about living in New York is leaving it.

When January Bell takes a risk on a business trip to Denver and introduces himself to the hot as fire cowboy across the bar, he has no idea what he’s in for. Hawk is like nobody he’s ever met, and Jan finds he is intrigued enough to want more than just one night with the deceptively complex man.

Hawk Destry is working hard to wring every moment he can out of his bull riding career. He’s used to beating the eight second clock, but a life-long degenerative disease is causing him to slowly lose his sight and he doesn’t have a lot of years left in the sport.

None of that seems to matter, though, when Hawk meets January, who treats him like he’s worth more off a bull than on one, and who’s willing to work just as hard to be with him.

The two men have to deal with the distance, unexpected challenges when Hawk visits New York, family on both sides, and neither of them sees any of it coming. Eventually even Hawk’s dangerous job is thrown into sharp relief when tragedy strikes. How will January and Hawk find their way when they’re flying blind?

Forces of Nature Double Cover Reveal, R.L. Merrill

R.L. Merrill has a series

with new covers to reveal!

Released from DSP and

Coming August 1st...

The Forces of Nature

But first, a giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hurricane Reese and Typhoon Toby

By R.L. Merrill

Releasing August 1st

The life of Tony-winning musician Reese Matheson resembles a natural disaster, and caregiver Jude De La Torre is caught in the eye of the storm. But can the love of two opposites survive caring for an ornery octogenarian with wayward balls and a meddling family insistent upon tradition?

Fresh off the successful London run of his musical, the last thing Reese expects when he comes home is a house surrounded by paparazzi and his girlfriend throwing his stuff into the pool. All he wants to do is spend time with his beloved grandfather and musical mentor who suffers from Alzheimer’s. Reese knows he doesn’t have much time left before the elder Matheson forgets who he is. In classic “Hurricane Reese” form, he moves into the cottage by the sea and displaces Jude, the intriguing caregiver he hired two years before.

When Grandpa proves too much for Reese to handle on his own, Jude comes to his rescue, taming Grandpa… and the Hurricane as well. Soon all Reese can think about is how to get Jude out of his scrubs and into his bed―permanently.

Will Hurricane Reese destroy everything in his path, or will this odd couple learn to harmonize together?

Add to Goodreads TBR list!

It was supposed to be a no-names vacation fling, but when Spencer sees the man of his dreams on TV and fate throws them together again, can their love survive the torrential downpour from Toby’s past?

On the surface, Toby Griffiths appears to have it all: talent, money, a brilliant mind, and model good looks. With his best friend, Reese, he’s built an empire as a singer/songwriter. But beneath that glittering exterior, Toby suffers the lasting effects of abuse. To keep his tempestuous past where it belongs, he insists on anonymity with lovers, no names, no personal information. But a vacation fling in Bali changes all that, and he can’t get his recent playmate out of his mind.

Therapist Spencer Hart left Bali with a bad case of pneumonia and a broken heart. Although he’s recovering, he’s shocked to find his secretive partner on TV, and he’s determined to see him again. Spencer arranges to attend one of Toby’s fundraising galas, and their reunion is tense. Toby tries to stick to his rules… until a New Year’s kiss with Spencer washes away the last of his resistance. But Toby is a man with secrets, and when the storm comes ashore, it could devastate not just his professional life but his fledgling love affair and his longtime partnership with his best friend.

Will Spencer stand by his side and help him weather the storm as Toby faces his worst fears?

Add to your Goodreads TBR list!

About R.L. Merrill

R.L. Merrill brings you stories of Hope, Love, and Rock 'n' Roll featuring quirky and relatable characters. Whether she’s writing about contemporary issues that affect us all or diving deep into the paranormal and supernatural to give readers a shiver, she loves creating compelling stories that will stay with readers long after. Winner of the Kathryn Hayes “When Sparks Fly” Best Contemporary award for Hurricane Reese, Foreword INDIES finalist for Summer of Hush and RONE finalist for Typhoon Toby, Ro spends every spare moment improving her writing craft and striving to find that perfect balance between real-life and happily ever after. She writes diverse and inclusive romance, contributes paranormal hilarity to Robyn Peterman’s Magic and Mayhem Universe, and works on various other writing and mentoring projects that tickle her fancy or benefit a worthy cause. You can find her connecting with readers on social media, educating America’s youth, raising two brilliant teenagers, trying desperately to get that back piece finished in the tattoo chair, or headbanging at a rock show near her home in the San Francisco Bay Area! Stay Tuned for more Rock 'n' Romance.

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People Like Us: Winsford Greene Book 2, Ruby Moone

A prickly popsicle and a warm and tender bear...who could expect a love that fit so perfectly?  With an intense snow storm forcing two unlikely men together they find much more than love, they find the other half of their desires, their hopes, and their lives.  At first I wasn't sure if I wanted things to work out as they did, but very quickly I fell in love with both men and knew they'd have a chance at something real if their ideas for the future could be changed just enough to see the possibilities of more.

Their affection grew by degrees and while their more lusty thoughts were kept to themselves until one very explosive moment, their relationship was working its way to being a solid connection that I was growing quite attached to.  Arthur's willingness to work hard and contribute was a great way to add depth to his prudish mien.  He was someone you needed to get to know, quite unlike Joseph.

Even though he seemed to be a bit of a conundrum to Arthur, his heart was so visible in everything he did, his pride in his work, the depth of feeling for his place in life, the respect and affection he had for many in the town, how much he cared for other people, all of it was obvious and drew me in in a very different way than Arthur.  I ached for him when Arthur got his back up and said and did things that he was later ashamed for, and I don't mean his ingrained shame for his particular proclivities.  Arthur's groveling is as unique as him and more believable for it.  They find their way out of shame, out of their bleak outlook on the future and into a spicy, sweet, and freeing existence that I can't seem to get enough of.

Between them they had a fire, a tenderness, and a future that I was very much invested in.  With cameos from individuals from Dances Long Forgotten we were given a wonderful sense of the village they had and just how well they fit.  And then there's a certain character we're introduced to that I hope becomes book three in the series...  Overall this was a wonderful book and my favorite of the series so far.  I truly hope it develops into more stories, more men finding love and acceptance in their little town with such big personality.

*$2.99 on Amazon

Arthur Fitch clawed his way out of the violence and poverty of the slums of London to become a valet to the aristocracy. His ambition to secure a higher position led him to a disastrous appointment with a cold, brutal man, and when things come to a head, Arthur is forced to flee into a snowstorm to find safety.

Joseph Wilkinson is the Winsford Green blacksmith. He has a good life, good friends, owns a thriving business, but at the end of the day when he goes home, loneliness consumes him. When he stumbles upon a small man determinedly trudging through the snowstorm, he invites him into his home to shelter.

Arthur Fitch is older, smart-mouthed, and as prickly as hell. But, as Joe peels back the layers, he discovers a warm, funny, vulnerable man whose tastes in the bedchamber leave Joe gasping and desperate for more. Trouble is, having found the real Arthur Fitch, how can he convince him that life in a small town can be infinitely better than working for an Earl? That love really is possible for people like them? Particularly when Arthur’s past catches up with him in horrifying fashion.

My name is Ruby Moone and I love books. All kinds of books. My weakness is for romance, and that can be any kind, but I am particularly fond of historical and paranormal. I decided to write gay romance after reading some fantastic books and falling in love with the genre, so am really thrilled to have my work published here. The day job takes up a lot of my time, but every other spare moment finds me writing or reading. I live in the north west of England with my husband who thinks that I live in two worlds. The real world and in the world in my head...he probably has a point!

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