Reviews by Tammy and Kim: Kim. M/M

Notorious
Leslie McAdam
Goodreads

Amazon
June 6, 2024

Picking up your favorite adult film star at a bar in Vegas is a bad idea—especially when you wake up the next morning married to him. Ask me how I know.

Before I met Velvet the Cowboy, the public knew me as an innocuous guy who was running for office.

Now I’ve gone from boring to notorious in twenty-four hours.

The hot stranger’s ring on my finger puts a damper on my political ambitions, since his day job isn’t voter-friendly. An annulment is a no-go, and a quickie divorce would make me look unreliable.

In any case, when I find out Velvet’s dark plans, I know I can’t let him out of my sight. Which means I’m taking a gorgeous, 6’6”, slow-talking cowboy home with me to protect him from himself.

Being with him might light my career on fire. I’m just not expecting it to do the same to my heart.

Notorious is a stand-alone contemporary romance about Johnny Haskell, a cowboy turned adult star who stops to pet every good dog (and they’re all good dogs), and Kurt Delmont, a senatorial candidate who wants to save the world. It features recovery from a mental health crisis, healing from old wounds, and love that takes these two by surprise. This book contains sensitive themes; a detailed description of the contents is in the author’s note in the book preview. Happily ever after guaranteed.

A politician. A p*rn star. Copious amounts of alcohol. One night that changes everything.

Kurt Delmont is an aspiring Senatorial candidate from a political family who wants to make a change but is struggling with getting traction. He is kind, caring, generous, and has strong beliefs. He is also an overthinker and sometimes feels like he is failing at his attempt to make a difference.

Johnny Haskell is also known as p*rn star Velvet the Cowboy who just can't do it anymore. He is struggling on many levels and is defeated. He just wants to take care of his family, but his idea to do that is extreme.

One chance meeting and an unexpected night in Vegas change their lives. And it opens up all of their deep dark secrets. Kurt is a fixer and he is determined to help Johnny in any way he can. And Johnny really does need the support. And as they get closer, Johnny also gives Kurt what he needs. They both were lonely and in need of someone to be on their side, but they never dreamed how they would be a catalyst for change in each other's lives.

This is an emotional, spicy, opposites-attract, hurt-comfort, p*rn star and politician romance with strong mental health representation and dealing with trauma. It's about finding hope and light in the darkness. It does not sugarcoat the issues. It is raw, real, and challenging. But it is also a hard-won love story and the building of a bond and relationship. Even though the subject matter is difficult, it is handled in a respectful way and the love story and acceptance is so wonderful that it helps balance out the negative and positive. I loved Kurt and Johnny together and how they balanced each other out and provided each other with what they really needed to find self worth, hope, healing, and look forward to the future..

I enjoyed cameos from the other books and am looking forward to the next one and I am pretty sure I know who it will be about.

Ambiguous
(IOU#1)
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Kim's 4 star review

Studious

(IOU #2)

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Kim's 4.5/5 star review

newsletter short

Oblivious
(IOU#3)
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Kim's 4 star review

Curious
(IOU#4)

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Kim's 4.5 to 5 review

Leslie McAdam

Website | Facebook | Facebook Fan Group | Instagram | Twitter

USA Today bestselling author Leslie McAdam is a California girl who loves romance and well-defined abs. She lives in a drafty old farmhouse on a small orange tree farm in Southern California with her husband and two small children. Leslie's first published book, The Sun and the Moon, won a 2015 Watty, which is the world's largest online writing competition. She's gone on to receive additional literary awards and has been featured in multiple publications, including Cosmopolitan.com. Her books have been Top 100 Bestsellers on both Amazon and Apple Books. Leslie is employed by day but spends her nights writing about the men of your fantasies.

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Thin Ice
(The Elmwood Stories #4)

Lane Hayes
Amazon
Goodreads

May 14, 2024

The hunky dad, the hockey coach, and a new start...

Bryson

Elmwood isn’t good for my love life. Hey, I’m a positive person and I have nothing but wonderful things to say about small-town living, but I haven’t had a date in years. That’s fine—my son is and always has been my number one focus.

Except now he’s grown and gone. And it’s lonely.

Okay, yes, the new hockey coach is hot and single, but he’s off-limits. Smitty’s trouble with a capital T, and his baggage might outweigh mine. Besides, we said nothing would happen after “that” night. It was a one-time, never to be repeated deal.

At least…that’s what I thought.

Smitty

Am I sad about retiring from pro hockey? Honestly, no. I can’t remember the last time I wasn’t in pain. I need a rest and I could use a distraction from unwelcome memories at home. Stat.

So…Elmwood.

Look, we all know I won’t last a whole season of coaching high school kids, but stepping in till they find a better candidate is a good temporary plan. And Bryson’s here.

There’s something about the hot dad with the sunny smile and bad dad jokes that makes me feel alive again. I’m not in the market for forever—been there, done that. Look, I’ve taken risks for my sport, but I’m not giving my heart away again. I know thin ice when I see it.

Or do I?

Thin Ice is an MM bisexual, age-gap, small-town romance featuring a silver fox dad, the new hockey coach, and a fresh start on solid ground.

Bryson Mulligan is an upstanding citizen of Elmwood. He is a successful real estate agent, hot single dad to a hockey prodigy, and a general good guy. But now that he is an empty nester he is also feeling lonely.

Smitty Paluchek is his son's nemesis and is retiring after a long hockey career. He is divorced and trying to figure out what to do with his life after hockey. While trying to avoid painful parts of his past in his own hometown, he ends up running off to take a job offer as a high school hockey coach.

These two guys had an unexpected hot night that was only ever supposed to be a one-and-done. But when Smitty turns up in Elmwood and just keeps showing up, their chemistry is hard to avoid. Smitty makes Bryson feel alive and he can let go of some of his control issues. And Elmwood helps de-stress Smitty and makes him feel like he has a home while Bryson makes him feel wanted and needed.

A secret casual fling should be no one's business but their own. But there are some challenges and they both have a lot of emotional baggage, fears, and insecurities. Bryson has to think about his son and reputation. Smitty is not out and is not ready to commit to even staying permanently much less anything more. They are trying to keep their hearts guarded but it gets more difficult the more vulnerable they become and the closer they get. But being in their little bubble is one thing but the real world is more complicated.

I have come to love the inhabitants of this small town and their low angst love stories, I enjoyed Bryson and Smitty's sweet, sexy, witty, age gap, hurt comfort, sex buddies-to-more, second chance at love and a new life story. I am looking forward to more in this series.

Smitty gamely followed me to the next vignette at Pinecrest’s premiere home and furniture boutique. “It’s a coffee table, Bry. It serves two functions—a footrest and a place to leave dishes…and the remote control. Anything is fine.”

“Yeah, right,” I huffed. “Somehow I doubt the guy who couldn’t live with yellow walls and had lots of opinions about the sectional he special ordered doesn’t care about the coffee table that will go in the same room.”

Smitty darted his gaze around the store and leaned in close. “Places like this intimidate the fuck out of me. It smells like a perfume factory and everyone is smiling…but their eyes are dead. Like they’re zombies. Is this a Pinecrest thing or a bougie thing? I don’t do well with hot cotchure.”

I burst into laughter. “Haute couture?”

“Sure, whatever.”

I brushed my hand against his in a show of solidarity, then linked our pinkies for a brief moment and pointed at a handsome dark-wood coffee table with a wide base. “What about that one?”

Smitty shrugged. “Looks nice.”

“I think so too.” I clandestinely checked the tag. “Yikes. It’s pricey. Let’s keep looking.”

“Do they have a coffee table with cupholders?”

“Absolutely not, and why would anyone want a cupholder in a coffee table?”

Smitty widened his eyes comically. “Are you kidding me? Why would anyone not want a safe place to plop a cup? You never have to worry about spilling a drink or knocking it over, and you wouldn’t have to fumble for it when you’re watching a game, ’cause your cup is right where you left it.”

“Okay, that’s a whole lot of nonsense. And thankfully, a moot point.” I glanced at our surroundings as if to be sure that was true and noticed the salesperson watching us from the register. I couldn’t remember her name off the top of my head, but I was pretty sure I’d sold her and her partner a house two years ago. I lowered my voice and added, “They don’t have such a thing, but even if they did, I’d stop you from buying it.”

“How? I’m bigger than you. And I’m fast. I could whip out my credit card in a flash and shove this fucker into my truck before you could say ‘No, bad table!’ ”

You Again

(The Elmwood Stories #1)

Goodreads

Amazon

Kim's review

Next Season

(The Elmwood Stories #2)

Goodreads

Amazon

Kim's review

Holiday Crush

(The Elmwood Stories #3)

Goodreads
Amazon
Kim's review

Lane Hayes

Lane Hayes lives in sunny Southern California with her amazing husband, who thankfully doesn’t mind cooking, and their fabulous fox red Labrador, George, who’s pure mischief. Both provide oodles of inspiration for the low-angst, humorous books Lane loves to write.

She’s been telling stories about sexy, funny, sometimes geeky and quirky men who find love for a dozen years now and loving every minute. In her previous life, she sat at a desk and dealt with numbers, so yes…romance is much more satisfying!

Lane loves tea, travel, and chocolate…in any order. Add a book and she’s set!

To celebrate the release of Thin Ice, Lane is giving away the Winner's choice of an audiobook or ebook of your choice from her published works!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

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Time to Shine

Rachel Reid
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Release Date September 26, 2023

From the USA TODAY bestselling author of the Game Changers series comes a merry and bright hockey romance about finding your place, finding your people and finding your way back to the one you love the most.

For Landon Stackhouse, being called up from the Calgary farm team is exciting and terrifying, even if, as the backup goalie, he rarely leaves the bench. A quiet loner by nature, Landon knows he gives off strong “don’t talk to me” vibes. The only player who doesn’t seem to notice is Calgary’s superstar young winger, Casey Hicks.

Casey treats Landon like an old friend, even though they’ve only interacted briefly in the past. He’s endlessly charming and completely laid-back in a way that Landon absolutely can’t relate to. They couldn’t have less in common, but Landon needs a place to live that’s not a hotel room and Casey has just bought a massive house—and hates being alone.

As roommates, Casey refuses to be defeated by Landon’s one-word answers. As friends, Landon comes to notice a few things about Casey, like his wide, easy smile and sparkling green-blue eyes. Spending the holidays together only intensifies their bromance-turned-romance. But as the new year approaches, the countdown to the end of Landon’s time in Calgary is on.

Landon Stackhouse just got called up to Calgary and the NHL. He is a quiet, reserved, self-deprecating goalie who works hard but is kind of a loner. He has pain in his past that still casts a shadow on him. He just wants to do well with what time he has on this NHL team figuring it will not last long.

Casey Hicks is a left winger and son of a hockey legend. He is outgoing, peppy, unfiltered, talkative, social, and tries hard to keep the team entertained and doing activities together. But he hates being alone especially at home in the dark.

So the perfect solution for Casey is to ask the new guy to move in. They are such opposites. Casey is just so needy for attention and Landon likes his space. Casey is a very sexual being and Landon is still figuring things out and is totally inexperienced. Their friendship, companionship, and feelings just kind of sneak up on them. Their crushes on each other are sweet. and they truly like to make the other happy. And the care and trust they show each other is very significant for both of them.

This is a super slow burn, heartfelt, grumpy-sunshine, opposites-attract, roommates-to-lovers, hockey romance. The characters have layers to them. and some personal issues to deal with. Landon especially has some personal growth and healing to do and his future is the most unpredictable. And they are in a situation that is out of their control. My heart just broke for these guys at times, but there are sweet, fun, and tender times too. But all along I was rooting for them to win on and off the ice.

Rachel Reid

Website | Twitter | Instagram

Rachel Reid is the pen name of Rachelle Goguen. She chose it because it is much easier to say, spell and remember than Rachelle Goguen!

Rachel writes cute, romantic smut, mostly about hockey players.

Rachel/Rachelle lives in Nova Scotia, Canada. She has always lived there, and it's looking like she probably always will. She has two boring degrees and two interesting kids.

Her Game Changers male/male hockey romance series is published by Carina Press and is available wherever you buy ebooks or audiobooks!

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Rocky Start

(A-List Security #4)

Annabeth Albert
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Release Date January 12, 2023

I think I’m falling for my bodyguard co-worker. Now I need protection… from myself.

As a former SEAL intelligence officer, I’m supposed to be smart. Unfortunately, those smarts don't apply to love. I did a nice thing and took my heartbroken fellow bodyguard out for a Valentine’s dinner. Just us bros. But my plan worked a little too well, and a night that ended with a scorching kiss has turned into the most awkward morning at the office ever. Now we’re working together as bodyguards on a remote mountain movie shoot. And we’re roommates.

I’ve never been attracted to a guy before, but something about Avery calls to every protective instinct I have. We’re not dating, but every night alone together, I fall a little deeper. It's also Avery’s first time with a guy too, and while we’re both enjoying all sorts of new things together, I worry my heart will be broken when we return to civilization.

No matter how badly this may end, I can’t seem to stop wanting Avery. All of him. I want to see who he'll become if he ever manages to get out of his own way. I want to be his biggest cheerleader, best friend, and the guy he comes home to. But going from secret hookup to forever after is a big ask. Are we both brave enough to take the leap?

ROCKY START is book four in the A-List Security series. It features TWO highly protective SEAL bodyguards, a double awakening, an exploration of the sexy, lacy kind, and all sorts of brand-new emotions. Get ready for all the high heat, big feels, and found family feels readers expect from this fan-favorite military romance author. Join A-List Security for this lower-angst series featuring former SEALs and celebrity clients. Happy endings and no cliffhangers guaranteed!

graphics from author's Facebook page

Avery is one of the newer recruits to A-List Security and he just got dumped by his girlfriend before Valentine's Day. His coworker, Malik figures a stag night is a good idea, but it leads to some unexpected after-dinner fun.

But Avery is an overthinker and a bit clueless at the same time, and the whole idea of what it could mean causes him anxiety. His defense is to be awkward, try to avoid temptation, and not deal with his sexuality. Malik is more of a go-with-the flow type in this situation although he is also usually commanding and good in a crisis. They both have issues and challenges from their time in the military that they deal with on a daily basis, but they still work well on the security team.

Their new assignment is going to make avoidance impossible and ramp up the temptation so they might as well just give in. Malik is normally a relationship-type guy, and he likes spending time and taking care of Avery. Avery is not sure what he is doing and is not really ready to face reality, but is willing to try some experimentation in the short term.

What happens in the hotel room stays in the hotel room, right?

This is a sweet and sexy double bi-awakening, co-worker, forced proximity, friends-to-lovers romance. Malik is just such a calm and caring presence. Even though things are new for him too, I love how he tries to support Avery, calm his fears, and encourage him in any way he can. Even if it means that he might get hurt in the end. But even though Avery is the more skittish one, he wants to support Malik as well. It is a progression of learning to both give and receive praise and help.

They may have had a rocky start, but I loved seeing them building a foundation when they didn’t even realize they were. The development of trust, acceptance, support, and a strong connection that neither of them expected shines a light on everything that has been missing in all of their other relationships, and also makes them take a deep look at what they want and need. And having support makes it easier to have the courage to challenge everything they ever thought about themselves and begin to embrace change.

Tough Luck
(A-List Security #1)
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My best friend’s little brother needs a bodyguard. Now I’m the one in danger…

I’m a SEAL. Or rather, I was. Retired at the grand old age of thirty-eight, I’m at loose ends. My best friend wants me to join his security team. I’m not sure I’m bodyguard material, but he needs someone to protect his kid brother. How hard can spoiled brat duty be?

Somehow, I missed the part where former child star Danny Love went from dorky TV darling to all grown up and disturbingly attractive. All the gossip about his wild ways fails to mention that he’s trying hard to clean up his act. But now he’s got a stalker.

Hiding out together in a remote mountain cabin, alone, the temptation keeps building. I’m feeling things I never have before. Secrets I’ve kept even from myself bubble to the surface every time Danny looks my way with those puppy dog eyes.

I’m a SEAL. We leap into danger. So why is it so terrifying when that danger comes with the softest pair of lips I’ve ever known? At some point we’re going to have to return to Hollywood and our vastly different lives. Will Danny still want me around when he doesn’t need me for protection? Can I be brave enough to give him a reason to?

TOUGH LUCK is book one in a brand-new SEAL bodyguard series. It features an age gap, steamy first times, and all the high heat, big emotions, and found family feels readers expect from this fan-favorite military romance author. Join A-List security for this lower-angst series featuring former SEALs and the celebrity clients who win their hearts. Happy endings and no cliffhangers guaranteed!

Hard Job

(A-List Security #2)

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Kim's 4 star review

How hard can it be to guard the country’s biggest rockstar?

As a SEAL officer, I’m no stranger to danger, but running my own security firm is a new challenge. Finding the right bodyguard for each client isn’t easy. Our next gig? My little brother’s best friend, rock god Ezra Moon, has a security crisis. Ezra is convinced I’m the right man for the job, but I’m not so sure.

From crowd surfing to infamous pictures, Ezra is known for taking risks. It’s no wonder his record label thinks he needs a keeper on tour.

But there’s not a tour bus big enough to contain our incendiary attraction. Ezra and his antics push every last one of my buttons, but the real problem is how much I want to kiss some sense into him. He’s a client, and angry make-out sessions aren’t the answer. Yet we keep finding ourselves alone and burning up the sheets until our secret fling threatens to scorch both of us.

I’ve spent my whole life running from the spotlight, trying to distance myself from my notorious father. Ezra wants to live his best life on the biggest stage. A future seems impossible, but our feelings are undeniable. Can I admit how hard I’ve fallen for Ezra without losing everything?

HARD JOB is book two in a brand-new SEAL bodyguard series. It features a reluctant SEAL bodyguard, a mouthy rock star with a heart of gold, molten chemistry, and pie. Lots of pie. Also, all the high heat, big emotions, and found family feels readers expect from this fan-favorite military romance author. Join A-List security for this new series featuring former SEALs and the celebrity clients who win their hearts. Happy endings and no cliffhangers guaranteed!

Bad Deal
(A-List Security #3)

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Kim's 4.5 star review

I’m a bodyguard and far from ideal boyfriend material, but agreeing to this fake dating scheme might be the best bad deal I’ve ever made…

I’m a fixer. As a SEAL chief, I succeeded in impossible no-win situations. Now I’m retired and determined to improve the lives of my former military teammates through our Hollywood security firm. Plus, I get to guard intriguing people like Ambrose Sterling, creator of one of my favorite TV shows.

Of course, I want to keep Ambrose safe. When he’s attacked, I leap into action to save him and his scrappy little therapy dog.

But my good deed results in a coastal road trip with me pretending to be Ambrose’s boyfriend to keep him out of more danger.

I don’t do relationships, and I’ve never thought about dating a man before, but here I am, sizzling with every touch and dreaming about more stolen kisses.

Each night of white-hot passion brings us closer to an unbreakable bond. But I’m blue-collar and Ambrose is Hollywood elite. I want a happy ending more than anything. Can I turn this fake boyfriend gig into the real thing or am I just a guest star?

BAD DEAL is book three in the A-List Security series. It features a highly protective SEAL bodyguard, a suit-wearing silver fox, an adorably ugly dog, and all sorts of brand-new emotions. Get ready for all the high heat, big feels, and found family feels readers expect from this fan-favorite military romance author. Join A-List Security for this lower-angst series featuring former SEALs and the celebrity clients who win their hearts. Happy endings and no cliffhangers guaranteed!

Annabeth Albert

Annabeth Albert grew up sneaking romance novels under the bed covers. Now, she devours all subgenres of romance out in the open—no flashlights required! When she’s not adding to her keeper shelf, she’s a multi-published Pacific Northwest romance writer. Mr. Right Now joins her many other critically acclaimed and fan-favorite LGBTQ romance series and stand-alone titles. To find out what she’s working on next and other fun extras, check out her website: www.annabethalbert.com or connect with Annabeth on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Spotify! Also, be sure to sign up for her newsletter for free ficlets, bonus reads, and contests. The fan group, Annabeth’s Angels, on Facebook is also a great place for bonus content and exclusive contests.

Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. Annabeth loves finding happy endings for a variety of pairings and particularly loves uncovering unique main characters.

In her personal life, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two active children.

Join @abbienicoleinc and @annabeth_albert in celebrating Rocky Start this week!

Enter the #giveaway for your chance to win an eBook copy of Rocky Start. Follow @annabeth_albert and comment on any host photo with #RockyStartIGTour for your chance to win!

Participating in this #BookstagramTour and giveaway are the following amazing reviewers:

@bookishsafespace
@lillyreads_08
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@a_total_bookwormm
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