Waiting For Wentworth: 2019

Waiting on Wednesday (423) Discovering Destiny (Familiar Magick Book 1) by Abigail Kade

Discovering Destiny (Familiar Magick Book 1)
by Abigail Kade

Expected publication: January 23rd 2020

Genre: M/M, Paranormal, Romance

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event that is hosted by Tressa at Wishful Endings
that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly anticipating.
(WoW was previously hosted by Breaking The Spine.)

This my favorite day of the week because I love sharing and discovering new books.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Who would believe that pretending to be your next door neighbor’s boyfriend for a simple family dinner would change so many lives forever? As two witches from two very different families learn how their destinies are intertwined, they realize they may be the only hope for their kind to survive what’s coming for them all.

Atherton Blackwood

Once upon a time, I was the heir to my family's seat on the High Council of Witches. After one horrific night, the Council was no more and all the families went into hiding. The likelihood I would ever find my mo shíorghrá, my soul mate, was gone. But by fate or luck, I’ve finally found my other half. Tobias Wyvern was destined to be mine, but we’re discovering that’s not all destiny has in store for us. I need to find out if our future will be our own, or if it will be determined by a prophecy that was written before either of us were born. I’ll do whatever I have to do, go wherever I have to go to find a way for us to be together. Even if it means going home.

Tobias Wyvern

I invited my next door neighbor, Arthur, to a family dinner to get them off my back, but what I’m finding out is that my whole life has been a lie. I was always told we were the only witches left in the world, but that’s because my family was too frightened to tell me the truth. They signed a contract when I was a child, but had no intention of following through. The Wyverns and the Blackwoods would never be united if they could prevent it. Things happened and they were able to disappear, but now Atherton Blackwood is here to claim me, and I’m ready to be claimed. However, claiming me now has consequences far beyond a vow to each other. By coming together, we’ll set into motion a destiny neither one of us could ever have predicted.

I'm right in the middle of reading another series about a witch, and this is not a genre that I normally read! This author is new to me. However, it sounds good, so I think I'll give it a go.

What are you waiting on this week?

I Buried a Witch (Bedknobs and Broomsticks #2)
by Josh Lanyon

Published November 30th 2019 by Josh Lanyon
Genre: M/M, Paranormal, Romance
Amazon

Synopsis:

Something old, something new, something borrowed…something blacker than the darkest night.

Cosmo Saville adores his new husband, but his little white lies—and some very black magic—are about to bring his fairytale romance to an end. Someone is killing San Francisco's spellcasters—and the only person Cosmo can turn to—the man who so recently swore to love and cherish him—isn't taking his phone calls.

The only magic Police Commissioner John Joseph Galbraith believes in is true love. Discovering he’s married to a witch—a witch with something alarmingly like magical powers—is nearly as bad as discovering the man he loved tricked and deceived him. John shoulders the pain of betrayal and packs his bags. But when he learns Cosmo is in the crosshairs of a mysterious and murderous plot, he knows he must do everything in in his mortal power to protect him.

Till Death do them Part. With their relationship on the rocks, Cosmo and Commissioner Galbraith join forces to uncover the shadowy figure behind the deadly conspiracy…

Can the star-crossed couple bring down a killer before the dark threat extinguishes true love’s flame?

I Buried a Witch is the second book in the smart and sexy Bedknobs and Broomsticks romantic gay mystery trilogy. If you like endearing characters, spell-binding conflict, and spooky, good fun, then you’ll love Josh Lanyon’s tale of a blue knight and his slightly wicked witch.

I Buried A Witch was another well written book from Josh Lanyon. I liked what was going on here with the world building and the character development. The first book was a bit of a blur with a lot of introductions, so I was happy to settle in with this one and just enjoy the story.

I was looking forward to getting to know John better, but he's still mostly a mystery to me. Except that he's very judgemental! Almost to the point of being unlikable. Oh well, Cosmo sure seems to love him, so I will at least give him a chance to redeem himself. We'll see. As for Cosmo, being a bit out of practice leaves him fumbling his way through some awkward and dangerous situations. I found myself liking him more and more as the book went on. Especially when he finally opened his eyes and saw his and John's relationship for what it really was. It was a bit of a reality check for Cosmo, but I think it was needed for him (and for the readers.)

So far, this series is working for me. It may not turn out to be my favorite Lanyon series, but it has potential. I like that the relationships and characters aren't perfect. It seems like a lot of changes are going to have to take place for things to work out. Especially if Cosmo and John are going to get an HEA.

Part of the mystery was solved by the end, but there are still a lot of unanswered questions! I can't wait to see how things turn out in the next book.

I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

My Rating: 4 Stars

Burn It Down (Texas Heroes #3) by Jess Anastasi

Expected publication: January 21st 2020 by Dreamspinner Press

Genre: M/M, Romance

This my favorite day of the week because I love sharing and discovering new books.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

When an arsonist targets a kind-hearted park ranger, a firefighter steps up to protect him… and overcome his fear of dating in the process.

Park Ranger Troy Hurst has his hands full with a long, hot summer causing fires to break out all over the Sam Houston National Forest, and it looks like the weather isn’t the only culprit. But helping two abandoned teenage boys and facing the memory of his own difficult childhood will require all Troy’s strength and courage—he doesn’t have anything left to deal with the increasingly dangerous fires.

Firefighter Jared Winters has never been one to turn his back on those in need, and Troy and his young wards are in more danger than they know. Even though Jared is still reeling from an abusive relationship and Troy’s never acted on his attraction to men, the heat between them is impossible to extinguish, and before they know it, they’re planning to become foster parents—a family.

But first they’ll need to find and stop the dangerous criminal threatening homes and lives in Everness.

My library finally got the first 2 books in this series on Hoopla. I'm looking forward to reading this one, too!

What are you waiting on this week?

Blind Side (Dangerous Ground #6) by Josh Lanyon

Expected publication: December 31st 2019 by JustJoshin Publishing, Inc.

Genre: M/M, Romance, Suspense

This my favorite day of the week because I love sharing and discovering new books.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

The boys are back in town!

With resources already overstretched, the last thing Will and Taylor need is another client.

And the last thing Will needs is for that client to turn out to be an old boyfriend of Taylor’s.

But Ashe Dekker believes someone is trying to kill him, and Taylor is determined to help--whatever the cost.

I'm sad this series is ending. I just hope this last book is epic AND it gets released on time!!

What are you waiting on this week?

Brandon's Very Merry Haunted Christmas
(A Snow Globe Christmas #11) by A.J. Sherwood

Expected publication: December 11th 2019
Genre : M/M, Paranormal, Romance

This my favorite day of the week because I love sharing and discovering new books.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

When Brandon Havili gets recruited by the FBI, he’s immediately assigned to shadow his brother and the psychic Donovan’s anchored to. Brandon doesn’t mind this in the slightest. He loves his brother, Jon seems cool, and it’s a great way to learn how to be an anchor, which is what the FBI wants him for. It’s supposedly three weeks of just following people around and observing.

But there’s a hitch in the plans three days in. Brandon accidentally picks up a hitchhiker of the ghostly variety. Donovan is NOT pleased. Jon is amused no end.

Dealing with the ghost means going back to the place that Brandon accidentally got it from, Eureka Springs, Arkansas. They expect to meet up with an FBI medium, exorcise said ghost, and go home again.

FBI Medium Mackenzie Lafayette is not at all what Brandon expects. And for once, he’s quite happy to ditch the plan. Returning to Nashville could wait. He’s got a sexy medium to figure out first.

I read this author's Jon's Mysteries Series, and this Christmas novella features one of the MC's brothers.

What are you waiting on this week?

Defrosting Jack (Ice and Snow Christmas #4)
by Jocelynn Drake

Expected publication: November 29th 2019

Genre: M/M, Christmas, Romance

This my favorite day of the week because I love sharing and discovering new books.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

35. Newly divorced. Single dad.

Jack Reynolds never thought he’d be wading back into the dating pool at this point in his life.

To brave the singles scene, Jack decides he needs to lose his dad bod in favor of something a little more cut.

And getting back into shape is a lot easier with the help of his new friend, Corbin Barnes.

But then, Corbin just has a way of making everything easier and fun.

Even with his family drama, Corbin keeps Jack laughing with his amazing sense of humor and those sexy smiles.

Whoa…wait a minute! Sexy smiles?

Yeah, Jack can’t deny it. Corbin is a very sexy man.

Jack treasures his friendship with Corbin, but is he willing to risk it to take a chance on something that could everything he dreamed of…with a guy?

A very sexy, sweet, younger guy.

Jack might need a little Christmas magic to figure this one out and still get his happily ever after.

Another Christmas book!!! And I'm SO happy about this one (and crossing my fingers that I enjoy it!) because this author stated last Christmas that she wasn't writing any more Christmas books.... and yet, here we are. Jack Frost. It better be good!!

What are you waiting on this week?

Mr. Right Now by Annabeth Albert

Published November 14th 2019

Genre: M/M, Christmas

This my favorite day of the week because I love sharing and discovering new books.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

He’s Mr. Right Now, but for how long?

When Russ suffers a Thanksgiving disaster, his gorgeous neighbor Esteban is there to save the day. And after an innocent mix-up leads to the former Hollywood hottie playing the role of Russ’s date, Russ thinks scoring Esteban as his fake boyfriend is a huge win. The newly discharged marine is healing inside and out and could use some holiday cheer.

For his part, Esteban is intrigued by his big, bad neighbor. He likes how his matchmaking cat brings out an unexpected caring side of Russ. Desire flares as the reasons to continue their ruse pile up for both men.

And pretending feels so good. From chocolaty kisses to late night cuddles, their burgeoning friendship is getting cozier and cozier. But as the end date for their little deception looms, all the real feelings they’ve tried to ignore come tumbling in. Each must decide whether they have what it takes to ring in the New Year as a couple.

Mr. Right Now is a stand-alone holiday novella with sweet, low-angst feels, spicy love scenes, and foodie inspired, quirky Oregon romance with a military flavor. Happy ending guaranteed with no cliffhangers!

It's Christmas reading season for me!! I have this on my Kindle patiently waiting for me to get to it. I'll be there soon....

What are you waiting on this week?

A New Empire (Fog City #3) by Layla Reyne

Published November 11th 2019 by Layla Reyne

Genre: M/M, Romance, Suspense

This my favorite day of the week because I love sharing and discovering new books.

Synopsis:

Legacies were made to be rewritten.

Assassin Hawes Madigan wants to do right--by his family, his organization, his city, and the man he's falling for, ATF agent Christopher Perri. But Hawes's rules are being challenged by someone willing to kill for the old ways. To save his soul and his empire, Hawes must make an impossible decision: fight from the outside or bend the knee to win back his throne from within.

Chris is used to being the inside man, the one undercover. Now, he's on the outside marshaling forces in support of the man and the ring of assassins he was supposed to take down. His mission shifted when he found something that's been missing for ten long years--a home, with Hawes.

As Hawes and Chris make a dangerous play for control, the lines between allies and traitors blur. Trusting the wrong person could destroy the legacy Hawes envisions for the Madigans. But not trusting anyone, or each other, could mean lights out on their love and lives forever.

The King and King Slayer fight together in this thrilling conclusion to the Fog City Trilogy!

The last book in this trilogy!! I've been so busy lately, but I'm hoping that I'll get to read it soon.

What are you waiting on this week?

A New Empire (Fog City #3) by Layla Reyne

Published November 11th 2019 by Layla Reyne

Genre: M/M, Romance, Suspense

Warnings: Explicit sex; explicit language; violence.

All buy links:

http://getbook.at/ANewEmpire

https://www.amazon.com/New-Empire-Fog-City-Novel-ebook/dp/B07Z6P2944/

Synopsis:

Legacies were made to be rewritten.

Assassin Hawes Madigan wants to do right--by his family, his organization, his city, and the man he's falling for, ATF agent Christopher Perri. But Hawes's rules are being challenged by someone willing to kill for the old ways. To save his soul and his empire, Hawes must make an impossible decision: fight from the outside or bend the knee to win back his throne from within.

Chris is used to being the inside man, the one undercover. Now, he's on the outside marshaling forces in support of the man and the ring of assassins he was supposed to take down. His mission shifted when he found something that's been missing for ten long years--a home, with Hawes.

As Hawes and Chris make a dangerous play for control, the lines between allies and traitors blur. Trusting the wrong person could destroy the legacy Hawes envisions for the Madigans. But not trusting anyone, or each other, could mean lights out on their love and lives forever.

The King and King Slayer fight together in this thrilling conclusion to the Fog City Trilogy!

“Is that enough for you?” His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed hard.

Chris soothed it with his thumb. “You’re enough for me.”

“Even after the hell my family has put you through, is still putting—”

Chris silenced the rest of his words and the self-recriminations bubbling up from the floor of Hawes’s emotions. Showing him instead what this had become about for him. The lips under his, the tongue sliding against his own, the sharp, stubbled jaw beneath his palms, and the tight, hard body between his and the window.

The heart beating in time with his.

Breaking the kiss, Chris rested his forehead against Hawes’s, the other man’s face in his hands. “You made me feel at home for the first time since Ro died.”

“Dante.”

Chris smiled so wide, it hurt his face. “And then there’s that.”

“I don’t understand how, after what I did.”

“You say it like you’re lucky, like you think you still don’t deserve it.” Chris traced his thumbs through the wetness under Hawes’s eyes. Through the evidence of the assassin’s soul. “You do, baby. You make your family better, this city better, me better. And I want to make a home here, with you.”

“You hardly know me. I’ve lied—”

“So have I.” He hadn’t denied it to Hawes’s operatives, and he wouldn’t deny it to the man himself. But it wasn’t the entire story. “We’ve both lied, but the things that mattered were true.”

RITA Finalist Layla Reyne is the author of Dine With Me and the Fog City, Whiskey Verse, and Changing Lanes series. A Carolina Tar Heel who now calls the San Francisco Bay Area home, Layla enjoys weaving her bi-coastal experiences into her stories, along with adrenaline-fueled suspense and heart-pounding romance. She is a RWA® RITA® Finalist in Contemporary Romance (Mid-Length) and Golden Heart® Finalist in Romantic Suspense.

Connect with Layla:
FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/laylaslushes/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/laylareyne
IG: https://www.instagram.com/laylareyne/
Newsletter: https://www.laylareyne.com/signup
AMZ: https://www.amazon.com/author/LaylaReyne
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/layla-reyne

Join us for a giveaway: Layla Reyne is giving away one Grand Prize of a Set of signed Fog City paperbacks (within the contiguous USA) or a set of Bookplates (international). Enter now!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/88d45f03103/

This my favorite day of the week because I love sharing and discovering new books.

The Art of Possession by Cari Z.

Published November 5th 2019 by Dreamspinner Press

Genre: M/M, Romance

Synopsis from Goodreads:

When a treasure-hunting black ops soldier and a disgraced, reckless archeologist team up in search of a priceless artifact, they might get more than they bargained for.

Ever since leaving the Green Berets to work in private security, Alex Tucker has longed for some excitement—and he’s about to get his wish.

Archeologist Malcolm Armstrong needs the chance to prove he isn’t a fraud. Along with Alex, he’s hired to track down and authenticate a valuable scepter, in a hunt that turns deadlier than either of them imagined as they search dangerous locations across three continents and try to stay ahead of the factions who want the treasure for themselves—and Malcolm and Alex dead.

Just as they realize the feelings between them transcend convenience and the thrill of the chase, a rival reemerges, threatening everything.

Irises in the Snow by Isabelle Adler

Published November 4th 2019 by NineStar Press

Genre: M/M, Romance

Synopsis from Goodreads:

It’s Christmas, and Justin’s life is fraying at the edges. The family business he took over instead of going to art school is bleeding money, and his boyfriend of seven months cheated on him. Under these circumstances, family gatherings can be rough, but Justin believes he has everything under control. That is, until Elliot, his former best friend (and the first guy to ever break his heart) unexpectedly shows up at the holiday dinner party.

With both of them still nursing the wounds of the past, it might take a real Christmas miracle for Justin and Elliot to learn to appreciate the art of second chances.

I'm featuring 2 books for my WoW this week!! A little bit of action with the first, and a little bit of holiday romance with the second. I've already started in on my holiday reading, so I'll probably be burned out by Christmas!

What are you waiting on this week?

Graveyard Shift (Not Dead Yet #3) by Jenn Burke

Expected publication: November 4th 2019 by Carina Press

Genre: M/M, Paranormal, Romance

This my favorite day of the week because I love sharing and discovering new books.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Ghost/god Wes Cooper and his not-life partner, vampire Hudson Rojas, have settled into cohabitation in an upscale part of Toronto. So what if their hoity-toity new neighbors haven’t exactly rolled out the welcome mat for the paranormal pair? Their PI business is booming, and when a suspect they’ve been tailing winds up in the morgue, it’s alongside a rash of other shifters in apparent drug-related fatalities.

Now Wes and Hudson must connect the dots between the shifter deaths and an uptick in brutal vampire attacks across the city. Throw in a surprise visit from Hudson’s niece—who may or may not be on the run from European paranormal police (who may or may not exist)—and guardianship of a teen shifter who might be the key to solving the whole mystery (if only she could recover her memory), and Wes and Hudson have never been busier…or happier.

But when a nightmare from Hudson’s past comes back to haunt him, their weird, little found family is pushed to the brink. Mucking this up would mean Hudson and Wes missing their second chance at happily-forever-afterlife…

Ooooh, I still have the 2nd book waiting for me on my Kindle. I need to read it soon so I can get to this one!

What are you waiting on this week?

I Buried a Witch (Bedknobs and Broomsticks #2)
by Josh Lanyon

Expected publication: October 31st 2019 by JustJoshin Publishing, Inc.

Genre: M/M, Romance, Paranormal

This my favorite day of the week because I love sharing and discovering new books.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Something old, something new, something borrowed…something blacker than the darkest night.

Cosmo Saville adores his new husband but his little white lies—and some very black magic—are about to bring their fairytale romance to an end. Someone is killing San Francisco's spellcasters—and the only person Cosmo can turn to—the man who so recently swore to love and cherish him—isn't taking his phone calls..

The only magic Police Commissioner John Joseph Galbraith believes in is true love. Discovering he’s married to a witch—a witch with something alarmingly like magical powers—is nearly as bad as discovering the man he loved tricked and deceived him. John shoulders the pain of betrayal and packs his bags. But when he learns Cosmo is in the crosshairs of a mysterious and murderous plot, he knows he must do everything in in his mortal power to protect him.

Till Death do them Part. With their relationship on the rocks, Cosmo and Commissioner Galbraith join forces to uncover the shadowy figure behind the deadly conspiracy…

Can the star-crossed couple bring down a killer before the dark threat extinguishes love’s flame?

This is a favorite author of mine, and I'm loving this series because it's so different from her usual contemporaries.

What are you waiting on this week?

Love on the Edge of Reason
(Pine Harbour #8) by Zoe York

Releasing October 22, 2019

This my favorite day of the week because I love sharing and discovering new books.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Tom Minelli doesn't know why Chloe Davis has fled Pine Harbour, but she's pregnant with his baby and he wants her back. Not just back in town. He wants Chloe back in his life, and not as the casual hook-up friends they were before. But finding her proves harder than he expected - and when he does track her down, she drops a bombshell on him.

This is the final book in the series. While I've enjoyed most of the books in the series, I feel like I need to read this one so I don't miss anything.

What are you waiting on this week?

Under Pressure (Love and Football #1) by Lauren Ashley

Published October 8th 2019

Genre: M/M, Sports, Romance

Warnings: Brief mentions of religious upbringing, unsupportive parents,

past sibling death from car accident.

Synopsis:

Rookie quarterback, Drew Carmichael, is under pressure like never before.

When Drew abruptly and unexpectedly comes out of the closet, his life is upended. The media is hounding him. Fans and haters are scrutinizing him nonstop. Worst of all, team management is wary of him, unsure if he’s worth all the hassle.

He’ll do anything to stay on his home state's NFL team, including pretending to be in a serious and committed relationship. The only problem is his fake boyfriend is Scott Hunter-the irresistible country music star and his secret teenage crush.

Scott Hunter is used to being under pressure. He’s dealt with it his whole life, handling it all with grace and an unwavering smile on his face.

When his manager presents him with the long-awaited opportunity to come out of the closet, he jumps on it, no questions asked. Pretending to be Drew Carmichael’s boyfriend should be easy. Simple. Fun.

He never expected or wanted to start caring about the golden boy of football. That’s definitely not part of the plan. Neither is fooling around with him on a football field...

Touchdown.

Links: Amazon / Universal Link

Chapter One – Drew

I’m going to kill Cara and Caitlin, my little twin sisters, for roping me into this mess.

Volunteer for the Boy Toy Charity Date Auction, they said. It’ll be fun, they said. A night of no-strings-attached fun, they said. You know what they conveniently didn’t say? That there was a very real possibility that my long-term stalker could outbid everyone and buy me for the fucking night.

Despite my brash and menacing persona as a football player, I’m a pretty chill guy. As a middle child with three older brothers and three little sisters, being chill is practically an unwritten rule, necessary for survival.

Point is, I can deal with a lot.

Slathering my biceps and bare chest with oil? Sure, no problem. Letting myself be ogled like a piece of meat? Go right ahead, I have nothing to be ashamed of. I know I’m what most people consider to be a good-looking guy. But having to spend the night with Mary Alice Carter, having to wine and dine her? I’m not sure I can deal with that.

This is the last time I agree to do the twins a favor. But even as the words cross my mind, I know it’s a big fat lie. I might put up more of a resistance next time around, but I’ll still end up caving. All they have to do is set their puppy dog eyes on me. The twins and Hayley, the baby of our boisterous family, have my brothers and I wrapped around their little fingers.

“I’ll take him for ten thousand!” Mary Alice exclaims excitedly, her face already flushing with triumph.

The easy, charming, well-rehearsed smile on my face doesn’t falter one bit. Internally, however, I’m screaming.

I’ve known Mary Alice my whole life. She was the girl next door. Literally. Not only were our families neighbors, but we also grew up in the same circles, each born into powerful family dynasties. Hers in the entertainment industry, mine in politics and football. From what I can remember and from what I’ve seen on old home videos, she wasn’t so bad when we were little. There was a brief period of time when we were actually best friends. Sandbox partners in crime. It wasn’t until she got it in her head that we were “destined to be together and become a power couple” that things between us started going downhill.

Over the years, she’s pulled a lot of stunts. She’s repeatedly tried to squeeze her way into my friend groups, she practically harassed me all throughout high school, she followed me to college, and she even managed to hack into my Facebook account and change my relationship status to “In a Relationship with Mary Alice Carter.”

I’ve tried just about every way to let her down. Well, every way except for one. The truth.

“Going once…twice for ten thousand dollars.” Cara, who’s acting as the event’s auctioneer, pauses to scan the crowd. She’s well aware that this is my worst nightmare come true, although she doesn’t quite understand why. Nobody really, truly does.

“Eleven thousand!” another girl yells out from the crowd, giving me some glimmer of hope.

“Fifteen thousand!” Mary Alice immediately counters, clearly not willing to go down without a fight. One thing about her that’s never changed throughout the years is her determination. Once she sets her mind to something, there’s absolutely no stopping her.

Panic blooms in my chest. I shut my eyes, trying to tell myself that this isn’t the end of the world. I’ve dealt with a hell of a lot worse in my life. One night with Mary Alice isn’t going to kill me. But the panic only spreads, climbing up my throat, thick and powerful. It robs me of any ability to think clearly and rationally.

When I open my eyes, Cara is standing in front of me. Her clear blue eyes, same as my own, same as our mother’s, are filled with concern.

“DJ, are you okay?” she asks in a hushed whisper. The use of her childhood nickname for me brings a fleeting small smile to my face. It’s the first genuine one I’ve had all night.

“DJ?” Cara questions again, voice pitching high, her concern clearly going up a notch.

“I can’t do this anymore,” I hear myself saying in a faraway voice.

“Can’t do what anymore?” Cara asks, a frown marring her face.

I’m not even sure I myself know the answer to that question. All I know is that I feel like I’m suffocating. It feels like there’s a thousand-pound duffle bag of bricks resting on my shoulders, weighing me down. There’s a growing ache in my chest, a hollow emptiness that’s draining any and all ability to be happy.

I’m so tired of hiding, lying by omission, and trying to live up to everyone’s expectations of me.

“I’m gay.”

Two words. Five letters.

That’s apparently all it takes to feel like the goddamn weight of the world has been lifted off my shoulders.

Before Cara can say anything, a flash of light goes off somewhere in the distance and I belatedly remember that I’m still on stage. In a room full of drunk, horny women. And Cara has a fucking microphone in her hands.

The secret that I’ve been living with for nearly a decade has just been broadcasted to far more people that I ever expected or wanted.

“Drew! Drew! Over here, Drew!”

“Did the Texas Bravehearts know you were gay before they selected you as number one overall in the NFL draft?”

“How do your teammates feel about this?”

I completely forgot about the fact that a select group of reporters are here tonight. I’d agreed, at my agent’s insistence, to an informal interview. It was supposed to be a fluff piece.

Fuck my fucking life.

Connect with Lauren Ashley:

Lauren Ashley discovered her love for books at an early age. She is a hopeless romantic at heart and believes that everyone deserves their happily ever after. An East Coast native hailing from the Tri-State area, Lauren hates the cold weather, but loves her chunky sweaters and cups of coffee. When she’s not writing, she can be found traveling, binge-watching TV, spending time with loved ones, and obsessing over all things Harry Potter.

Instagram
Twitter
Goodreads

Giveaway:
1x $25 Amazon Gift Card
1 of 3 e-copies of Under Pressure.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/88d45f03106/

Locked Down (Texas Heroes #2) by Jess Anastasi

Expected publication: October 15th 2019 by Dreamspinner Press

Genre: M/M, Romance

This my favorite day of the week because I love sharing and discovering new books.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

A charming, confident FBI analyst gets more than the fling he bargained for when his lover lands smack in the middle of his investigation.

Gabe Lopez travels to Everness, Texas, to investigate and profile a dangerous group of white supremacists living on the outskirts of the small town. As far as he’s concerned, the assignment can’t end soon enough. When he stops to help Matt York with a flat tire, he anticipates a sexy distraction—nothing more. But Matt has a knack for getting himself into trouble, and soon Gabe is torn between protecting Matt and doing his job.

Matt left a successful life and business back in San Francisco to fulfill a promise to his aunt: find his runaway cousin and bring him home. But Tommy is on a dangerous path, and someone is trying to scare Matt off—or worse.

When the situation escalates, Matt turns to Gabe, who doesn’t like mixing business and pleasure. But in Everness, the secrets are buried deep, and like it or not, Matt is at risk of being buried right alongside them.

I still have the first book in this series waiting for me to read, but I can't wait to read this one and find out what's going on!

What are you waiting on this week?

Fish on a Bicycle
(Fish Out of Water #5) by Amy Lane

Expected publication: October 15th 2019 by Dreamspinner Press

Genre: M/M, Romance

This my favorite day of the week because I love sharing and discovering new books.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Jackson Rivers has always bucked the rules—and bucking the rules of recovery is no exception. Now that he and Ellery are starting their own law firm, there’s no reason he can’t rush into trouble and take the same risks as always, right?

Maybe not. Their first case is a doozy, involving porn stars, drug empires, and daddy issues, and their client, Henry Worrall, wants to be an active participant in his own defense. As Henry and Jackson fight the bad guys and each other to find out who dumped the porn star in the trash can, Jackson must reexamine his assumptions that four months of rest and a few good conversations have made him all better inside.

Jackson keeps crashing his bicycle of self-care and a successful relationship, and Ellery wonders what’s going to give out first—Jackson’s health or Ellery’s patience. Jackson’s body hasn’t forgiven him for past crimes. Can Ellery forgive him for his current sins? And can they keep Henry from going to jail for sleeping with the wrong guy at the wrong time?

Being a fish out of water is tough—but if you give a fish a bicycle, how’s he going to swim?

More Jackson and Ellery!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love this series so much. I can't wait to read this!!

What are you waiting on this week?

The Hitman's Guide to Staying Alive
Despite Past Mistakes
(The Hitman's Guide #2)
by Alice Winters

Expected publication: September 26th 2019

Genre: M/M, Romance

This my favorite day of the week because I love sharing and discovering new books.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Jackson
Now that Leland’s decided to give up his life as a hitman and take a walk on the mild side, we’ve been enjoying a simple life of taking down bad guys the legal way. I didn’t know he would be just as reckless as a PI, but it’s not my fault if I happen to enjoy helping him hunt down the occasional criminal. If only I could keep the house from being overrun by Leland’s gun shrine—or stop him from making our cases “more exciting” by terrorizing people into confessing. Overall, life seems perfect, right?

Wrong.
We’ve been called in to investigate a suspicious murder committed by someone claiming to be the Sandman. When we find a note on the victim’s body, we realize that this could ruin our lives forever.

Leland:
I wasn’t involved in the murder. It might look like my writing and my note, but I wouldn’t do that to Jackson—especially after I promised him that I wouldn’t take a hit ever again. At least, not without telling him. I’m finally starting to learn that we’re stronger together, and I’m not going to jeopardize that.

Luckily for both of us, this copycat doesn’t know who he’s dealing with. Game’s on, fake Sandman. You think you can mess with me? Well, maybe you can, but that’s beside the point, because I will protect Jackson no matter what, even if I almost drown him in the process. (Really, that wasn’t my fault. He should learn how to swim better.)

The first book in this series was OTT with the snark to the point of being ridiculous. I'm sure I'll be in for more of the same with book 2, so bring it on.

What are you waiting on this week?

The Vanished Bride (Brontë Sisters Mystery #1) by Bella Ellis

Published September 10th 2019 by Berkley Books

Genre: YA, Historical

This my favorite day of the week because I love sharing and discovering new books.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Before they became legendary writers, Charlotte Brontë, Emily Brontë, and Anne Brontë were detectors in this charming historical mystery...

Yorkshire, 1845. A young wife and mother has gone missing from her home, leaving behind two small children and a large pool of blood. Just a few miles away, a humble parson's daughters--the Brontë sisters--learn of the crime. Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Brontë are horrified and intrigued by the mysterious disappearance.

These three creative, energetic, and resourceful women quickly realize that they have all the skills required to make for excellent "lady detectors." Not yet published novelists, they have well-honed imaginations and are expert readers. And, as Charlotte remarks, "detecting is reading between the lines--it's seeing what is not there."

As they investigate, Charlotte, Emily, and Anne are confronted with a society that believes a woman's place is in the home, not scouring the countryside looking for clues. But nothing will stop the sisters from discovering what happened to the vanished bride, even as they find their own lives are in great peril...

I haven't been reading much YA lately, but this sounds interesting!

What are you waiting on this week?

Layla Reyne’s DINE WITH ME is a contemporary m/m romance following a dying chef
on a last tour of his favorite meals, and the travel companion who must convince
him he’s more than his taste buds and that the cost of love is worth living for.

Dine with Me by Layla Reyne
Release Date (e-book and audio): September 16, 2019
Genre: M/M, Romance

Synopsis:

Life never tasted so good.

Miller Sykes’s meteoric rise to award-winning chef is the stuff of culinary dreams, but it’s all crashing down around him. He’s been given a diagnosis that could cost him something even more precious than his life: his sense of taste. Rather than risk the very thing that defines him, Miller embarks on a last tour of his favorite meals while he still can.

But there’s a catch: he needs a financial backer to make it happen, and he doesn’t want anyone to know he’s sick.

Dr. Clancy Rhodes has two weeks to come to terms with putting aside oncology to work at his father’s thriving plastic surgery practice. When the opportunity to travel with a Michelin-starred chef presents itself, the foodie in him can’t believe it. It doesn’t hurt that Miller’s rugged good looks are exactly Clancy’s cup of joe.

As Clancy and Miller travel from coast to coast and indulge in everything from dive bars to the most decadent of culinary experiences, they’re suddenly sharing a lot more than delicious meals. Sparks fly as they bond over their love of flavors and the pressures of great expectations. But when Miller’s health takes a turn for the worse, Clancy must convince him he’s more—so much more—than just his taste buds. And that together, they can win a battle that once seemed hopeless.

One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise : all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!

Buy Now!!

Amazon / Universal

About Layla Reyne:
RITA Finalist Layla Reyne is the author of the Agents Irish and Whiskey, Fog City, and Changing Lanes series. A Carolina Tar Heel who now calls the San Francisco Bay Area home, Layla enjoys weaving her bi-coastal experiences into her stories, along with adrenaline-fueled suspense and heart-pounding romance. She is a member of Romance Writers of America and its Kiss of Death and Rainbow Romance Writers chapters. Layla is a 2019 RWA® RITA® Finalist in Contemporary Romance (Mid-Length) and 2016 RWA® Golden Heart® Finalist in Romantic Suspense.

Connect with Layla:
FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/laylaslushes/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/laylareyne
IG: https://www.instagram.com/laylareyne/
Newsletter: https://www.laylareyne.com/signup
AMZ: https://www.amazon.com/author/LaylaReyne
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/layla-reyne

Giveaway: Signed limited edition paperback + swag (equivalent value for international)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/88d45f03103/

Snowflakes at the Little Christmas Tree Farm
by Jaimie Admans

Expected publication: October 9th 2019 by HQ Digital

Genre: Contemporary, Adult, Romance

This my favorite day of the week because I love sharing and discovering new books.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

All she wants for Christmas…

Leah Griffiths has woken up after a few too many glasses of Prosecco with a hangover – and discovers she’s accidentally bought a little Christmas tree farm in Scotland!

At first she’s horrified, but perhaps it’s the perfect way to forget all about her cheating ex.

And when she meets grumpy (but ridiculously gorgeous) pumpkin farmer Noel underneath the mistletoe, Leah begins to believe that at Christmas time, anything can happen…

I know it's a bit early for Christmas stories, but what the heck. I've never read anything by this author before, and this sounds cute!

What are you waiting on this week?

Dine with Me by Layla Reyne

Expected publication: September 16th 2019 by Carina Press

Genre: M/M, Romance

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event that is currently hosted by Tressa at Wishful Endings that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly anticipating.
(WoW was previously hosted by Breaking The Spine.)

This my favorite day of the week because I love sharing and discovering new books.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Life never tasted so good.

Miller Sykes’s meteoric rise to award-winning chef is the stuff of culinary dreams, but it’s all crashing down around him. He’s been given a diagnosis that could cost him something even more precious than his life: his sense of taste. Rather than risk the very thing that defines him, Miller embarks on a last tour of his favorite meals while he still can.

But there’s a catch: he needs a financial backer to make it happen, and he doesn’t want anyone to know he’s sick.

Dr. Clancy Rhodes has two weeks to come to terms with putting aside oncology to work at his father’s thriving plastic surgery practice. When the opportunity to travel with a Michelin-starred chef presents itself, the foodie in him can’t believe it. It doesn’t hurt that Miller’s rugged good looks are exactly Clancy’s cup of joe.

As Clancy and Miller travel from coast to coast and indulge in everything from dive bars to the most decadent of culinary experiences, they’re suddenly sharing a lot more than delicious meals. Sparks fly as they bond over their love of flavors and the pressures of great expectations. But when Miller’s health takes a turn for the worse, Clancy must convince him he’s more—so much more—than just his taste buds. And that together, they can win a battle that once seemed hopeless.

I'm looking forward to reading this because it sounds really different and interesting, and I've enjoyed this author's previous books.

What are you waiting on this week?

Mainly by Moonlight
(Bedknobs and Broomsticks #1) by Josh Lanyon

Published August 1st 2019 by JustJoshin Publishing, Inc

Genre: M/M, Paranormal, Romance

Synopsis from Goodreads:

A gay high-society wedding. A stolen book of spells. A love-threatening lie.

Can a witch avoid a murder rap without revealing the supernatural truth?

Cosmo Saville guiltily hides a paranormal secret from his soon-to-be husband. And if he can’t undo a powerful love spell, uncertainty threatens his nuptial magic. But when he’s arrested for allegedly killing a longtime rival, he could spend his honeymoon behind bars…

Police Commissioner John Joseph Galbraith never believed in love until Cosmo came along. Falling head over heels for the elegant antiques dealer is an enchantment he never wants to break. So when all fingers point to Cosmo’s guilt, John races to prove his fiancé’s innocence before they take their vows.

As Cosmo searches for the real killer among the arcane aristocracy, John warns him to leave it to the police. But with an unseen enemy threatening to expose Cosmo’s true nature, the couple’s blissful future could shatter like a broken charm.

Can Cosmo find the lost grimoire, clear his name and keep John’s love alive, or will black magic “rune” their wedding bells?

Mainly by Moonlight is the first book in the sexy Bedknobs and Broomsticks romantic gay mystery series. If you like spell-binding suspense, steamy star-crossed fun, and a dash of paranormal, then you’ll love Josh Lanyon’s charming tale.

I really liked this! Lanyon gave me the perfect blend of whirlwind romance and murder mystery in this first installment. There was a lot going on in a very short period of time, so the story held my attention and made this a quick read. I didn't want to stop reading until I found out what was going on. This is the first part of a continuing story, so the end of the book was really just a stopping point. I'm so glad the rest of this series will be releasing soon because I don't think I could wait too long.

Because this was told in Cosmo's POV, we didn't get to know John very well, so I can't wait to learn more about him. So far he seems very 'by the book' and a bit detached, but resigned to love Cosmo, so I can definitely see the $hit hitting the fan when he finds out the truth! Cosmo is a bit different, but likable, and he has a big heart. I'm looking forward to more character development as the series progresses.

I'm also looking forward to seeing how hard Cosmo and John land when they come back to earth after their whirlwind engagement and wedding! Things are bound to be rough, and I do love my angst in romance books!

I completely understand other's lack of enjoyment with this book, but I've read enough of her books to know what to expect, so I try to not look for 'more'. Yes, I had some issues with a few things, so no, it's not perfect, but I still enjoyed it very much. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series (and hoping that she follows through with making this more than a 3 book series.)

I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

My Rating: 4 Stars

Pages

Waiting on Wednesday (423) Discovering Destiny (Familiar Magick Book 1) by Abigail Kade

Review: I Buried a Witch (Bedknobs and Broomsticks #2) by Josh Lanyon

Waiting on Wednesday (422) Burn It Down (Texas Heroes #3) by Jess Anastasi

Waiting on Wednesday (421) Blind Side (Dangerous Ground #6) by Josh Lanyon

Waiting on Wednesday (420) Brandon's Very Merry Haunted Christmas (A Snow Globe Christmas #11) by A.J. Sherwood

Waiting on Wednesday (419) Defrosting Jack (Ice and Snow Christmas #4) by Jocelynn Drake

Waiting on Wednesday (418) Mr. Right Now by Annabeth Albert

Waiting on Wednesday (417) A New Empire (Fog City #3) by Layla Reyne

Release Day Giveaway: A New Empire (Fog City #3) by Layla Reyne

Waiting on Wednesday (416) The Art of Possession by Cari Z. and Irises in the Snow by Isabelle Adler

Waiting on Wednesday (415) Graveyard Shift (Not Dead Yet #3) by Jenn Burke

Waiting on Wednesday (414) I Buried a Witch (Bedknobs and Broomsticks #2) by Josh Lanyon

Waiting on Wednesday (413) Love on the Edge of Reason (Pine Harbour #8) by Zoe York

New Release: Under Pressure (Love and Football #1) by Lauren Ashley

Waiting on Wednesday (412) Locked Down (Texas Heroes #2) by Jess Anastasi

Waiting on Wednesday (411) Fish on a Bicycle (Fish Out of Water #5) by Amy Lane

Waiting on Wednesday (410) The Hitman's Guide to Staying Alive Despite Past Mistakes by Alice Winters

Waiting on Wednesday (409) The Vanished Bride (Brontë Sisters Mystery #1) by Bella Ellis

New Release: Dine with Me by Layla Reyne

Waiting on Wednesday (408) Snowflakes at the Little Christmas Tree Farm by Jaimie Admans

Waiting on Wednesday (407) Dine with Me by Layla Reyne

Review: Mainly by Moonlight (Bedknobs and Broomsticks #1) by Josh Lanyon