Waiting For Wentworth: 2020

Waiting On Wednesday (476) Safe (In Midsummer #5) by Jessica Frances

Safe (In Midsummer #5) by Jessica Frances
Expected publication: January 8 2021
Genre: M/M, 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:

One big day. One missing groom. One answer. One life-changing event. One life-threatening disaster. Multiple targets.

Conner:
I never pictured myself getting married, but then I met Rocky and knew I found my perfect match. So, why are so many people determined to ruin our happiness? Why can’t we just have some peace and quiet? And why has Rocky disappeared on our wedding day?

Rocky:
I never thought I would get married again, but that was because I never knew what true love really was until Conner. I never had a partner who was always there for me. And now I can’t wait to be married to him. I can’t wait to start the rest of our lives together. But, just like our entire relationship has had hurdles, why should this event run smoothly for us?

Between sabotage, grabby fans, exes, and an unwanted wedding planner, our wedding is looking more impossible by the minute. However, we’re both determined enough to get down that aisle and say I do. We will be married, and not even a crazed killer will stop us.
I hope.
Hell, are we going to survive this wedding?

This is the last book in this series. I wish I was more excited to read it. The writing isn't the best, but I'm invested in finding out how the series ends, so...

What are you waiting on this week?

A Christmas to Die For by Jessica Frances
Published December 4th 2020
Genre: M/M, Romance

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

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Drink way too much tequila at the office Christmas party? Check.
Get fired after doing something stupid at said Christmas party? Check.
Hallucinate flying reindeer in the sky? Check.
Watch those flying reindeer turn into naked people …? Check?
Discover magical elves are trying to kill you? Um … Wait! I don’t want to check that one!

Either I’m having the most epic blackout or my hangover has thrown me into the craziest world that has ever existed. I just found out that Santa is not only real, but he and his people can shapeshift into reindeer. I also just discovered that elves are real, which would be cool, except they’re evil and want to kill me! If that wasn’t bad enough, the elves and reindeer are at war with each other. So, not exactly like the cheery, heartwarming stories we’ve been told.

If a war between elves and reindeer isn’t shocking enough, it hardly holds a candle to finding out that I’m supposed to be the one person who can save an entire planet. Yeah, talk about being totally unqualified for the job. At least that overshadows the fact that I might now have a Santa kink when the young, hot, white-haired warrior is sent to protect me. But can I really help save Santa and his people? Can I stop the elves? Or is everyone doomed to suffer the deadliest Christmas ever?

Yes, it's another Christmas story. And another book that I don't like the cover. Sigh. This book is already out, but I haven't read it yet. I'm actually right towards the end of a different series by this author, and it's just okay, so I wanted to try something else to see if it's any better. That sounds horrible, but it's the truth! This is classified as paranormal, which I don't normally read, so wish me luck!

What are you waiting on this week?

His Holiday Crush
by Cari Z.
Published: December 14 2020 by Entangled Publishing LLC (Brazen)
Genre: M/M, Romance

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

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Workaholic attorney Max Robertson is one meeting away from making partner at a big NYC firm when his best friend calls and guilts him into coming back home for Christmas. But there’s a reason he hasn’t been back to Edgewood for a decade—too many bad memories. The plan was to go for just one night, until a wild deer and a snow bank wrecked everything.

Former Army Sergeant Dominic “Nicky” Bell is the new guy on the Edgewood police force, so of course he drew the short straw and is stuck working the night shift. But his evening gets turned upside-down when he gets called out to a wreck in the snow—and it’s his one and only high school crush, looking even sexier than he did back then.

When they both end up stranded together at Dominic’s house, sparks start to fly and Max isn’t sure what to do. But everyone deserves a present this holiday season, right?

Another Christmas story for me! I'm not a fan of this cover. Whatever. I'm not reading it for the cover - the author interests me. But this sounds fluffier and different from what she normally writes. She actually co-authored one of my favorite (ever) series, so I have high hopes!!

What are you waiting on this week?

School of Fish
(Fish Out of Water #6)
by Amy Lane
Expected publication: December 15th 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:

Jackson Rivers has been learning how to take care of himself so he can be there for Ellery Cramer, but after eight weeks of healing, body and soul, he’s itching to get back to work. Finally Ellery gives him a simple task: pick up a file on a kid who probably didn’t commit murder but who refuses to participate in his own defense.

Nothing is ever that easy.

A horrifying game of connect-the-dots leads one case to another, to the mob, to the local high school… and a bottomless list of potential suspects and victims. The case has a lot of moving parts, and Jackson and Ellery have to work fast to make sure the machinery of the mob doesn’t mow down everyone they care about—or rip them apart.

After a year of living together, Ellery is learning to accept that Jackson can’t let an injustice stand. Together they fight to keep kids out of jail while the streets of Sacramento threaten to explode. They’d better hope they’ve learned enough about each other to keep it together, because for this case, school is the most dangerous place to be.

Whyyyyyyyyy must I love these two SO much?!?!? Shit's getting to be OTT, and I don't really care at this point. (But seriously, how many times can Jackson be gravely injured? He's been shot so many times he currenly resembles a sieve.)

What are you waiting on this week?

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

Merry Measure by Lily Morton
Expected publication: December 2nd 2020
Genre: M/M, Romance, Christmas

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Arlo Wright’s introduction to his sexuality came when he saw his older brother’s best friend, Jack Cooper, in his sweaty football kit. Unfortunately, he didn’t have long to enjoy the revelation because he promptly knocked himself out on a table.

Relations between them have never really moved on from that auspicious beginning. Arlo is still clumsy, and Jack is still as handsome and unobtainable as ever.

However, things look like they’re starting to change when Arlo finds himself sharing a room with Jack while on holiday in Amsterdam at Christmas. Will the festive spirit finally move them towards each other, or is Arlo just banging his head against a wall this time?

From bestselling author, Lily Morton comes a warm romantic comedy set in chilly Amsterdam.

Pretty Boy (Perfect Boys #1)
by K.M. Neuhold
Expected publication: December 4th 2020
Genre: M/M, Romance

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Once upon a time, in a little Texas town in the middle of nowhere, there lived a boy who everyone called ugly…

When half your face is covered in a big, blotchy birthmark, you get used to the staring and the whispers. You get used to feeling unwanted.

Until he walks into my bar…

Tall, gorgeous, and all kinds of out of place. And the way he looks at me ain’t like no way I ever seen before.

Yet another holiday book to add to my reading list this year! I've been enjoying both of these authors recently, so I hope I continue having good luck with my picks this week!

What are you waiting on this week?

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

Tic Tac Mistletoe
by N.R. Walker
Expected publication: November 27th 2020
Genre: M/M, Romance, Christmas

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Hamish Kenneally is moving from Australia to the US for a fresh start, starting with Christmas at his sister’s place in Idaho. When a snowstorm diverts his plane to Montana and leaves him stranded two days before Christmas, he hires a car and drives right into a blizzard.

Ren Brooks has always called Hartbridge, Montana, and his family hardware store, home. After a few failed attempts at love, he’s resigned to being single forever—after all, no guy wants to stay in his sleepy little town for long. And after his dad’s passing earlier in the year, Ren’s Christmas is looking bleak. But when a car runs off the road in front of his property, Ren pulls the driver out and takes him home to get out of the cold.

With the storm and the holidays leaving Hamish with nowhere else to go, Ren kindly offers a place to stay. Hamish is certain he’s crashed right into a Hallmark Christmas movie, despite more car delays and road closures and the prospect of not seeing his sister for Christmas. And with help from Hamish, Ren is beginning to feel a little Christmas cheer.

These two unlikely strangers have more in common than they first realise, and after two days of Christmas decorations, cookies, and non-stop conversation, it looks like Christmas might be saved after all.

A Christmas Break
by Annabelle Jacobs
Expected publication: November 30th 2020
Genre: M/M, Romance, Christmas

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Christmas is a time for giving, not lusting after your brother’s best mate.

Finn has never had the Christmas of his dreams, and this year isn’t shaping up to be much better. Then he rents his spare room out to Jasper, and life begins to look up.

Laid-back Jasper is nothing like Finn expects. He’s hot, sweet, and easy to talk to. Finn could easily fall for him. But, he’s his brother’s best friend. He’s off limits, and Finn would never break that sacred rule…right?

Jasper has carried a torch for his best mate’s brother for years. Living with him sparks an old flame to light, and the more time they spend together, the brighter it burns. Finn is gorgeous and kind. He’s everything Jasper has ever wanted.

But he’s also scarred by old wounds and reluctant to let his guard down again. Friendship blooms, and for a short while, it’s enough. But the fire between them is undeniable. Finn can fight it as much as he likes.

He won’t win.

More Christmas books! I've been getting my fill of the holidays with lots of re-reads of my favorites from Christmas past, so I can't wait to read something new!!

What are you waiting on this week?

Black Moon
(Hamarsson & Dempsey #3)
by Elle Keaton
Expected publication: November 19th 2020 by Dirty Dog Press
Genre: M/M, Romance

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

Synopsis from Goodreads:

One corpse, two corpse, old corpse, new corpse.

Summer is crashing into fall and Mat and Niall have a wedding to overthink.

A body is discovered floating in the harbor and this time it's the missing ex-Piedras Marine officer Duane Copper.

Who, aside from Niall, wanted Duane dead? He's been on the run for months, why would he turn up dead now?

Ooh, I'm loving this series, especially the dual POV. If this is the final book, I hope it's a good one!

What are you waiting on this week?

Gifts for the Season
by Various Authors
Published: November 1, 2020
Genre: M/M, Romance

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

Synopsis from Goodreads:

A charity anthology from your favorite MM romance authors.

RJ Scott - Single Dad Christmas
It would be a Christmas miracle if he loved me back.

Annabeth Albert - Must Be Santa
Tis the season for Operation Christmas Papa!

Joanna Chambers - The First Snow of Winter
Christmas Eve, 1814: a maimed war hero and the childhood friend he almost kissed five years earlier are trapped together by the first snow of winter.

Eli Easton - Twelve Days of UPS
What happens when your Secret Santa is less intriguing than the delivery man who brings the gifts?

Suki Fleet - Sometimes, Always
When Echo’s Christmas Eve surprise for Peri goes a little sideways, it turns into a night they’ll both remember for the best reasons, for always.

Lane Hayes - Out For The Holidays
Good Things Happen When You’re Out for the Holidays!

Annabelle Jacobs - Driving Home For Christmas
A road trip, snowstorm, and only one big bed at the Inn…

Alex Jane - Homestead for the Holidays
Alone in a cabin in snowy Nebraska for Christmas

Amber Kell - A Santa for Trin
Everyone needs a bit of Christmas magic.

Garrett Leigh - No Place Like Home
As long as they’re together, love always wins

V.L. Locey - Dressed In Holiday Style
Can the spirit of Christmas save this budding love affair?

Clare London - Five Gold Blings
Where Christmas sparkle leads two lonely hearts

Posy Roberts - Sojourn with You
This year, a place to stay is the best Christmas gift Sawyer could ask for.

Felice Stevens - The Gift of Forever
What do you get the man who has everything?

AE Via - An Unworthy Gift

This one is already out, and the timing is perfect because I am ready to get my holiday reading on!! I'll be sick of Christmas stories by the time Dec. 25 gets here!

What are you waiting on this week?

Requiem for Mr. Busybody
by Josh Lanyon
Published: October 28th 2020
Genre: M/M, Romance

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

Synopsis from Goodreads:

“Maybe you’ll be next, Mr. Busybody!”

When former crime reporter Michael’s elderly friend Maurice suddenly disappears, he fears the worst. But Michael is unable to investigate, and no one is taking his suspicions seriously—least of all Nico, Maurice’s too slick, too smooth, possibly guilty boyfriend.

The only person Michael can think of who might listen is Leonard Drake, now a Lieutenant Detective with NYPD.

In fact, this excuse to contact his ex might just be what Michael has been waiting three years for.

Another surprise release! Okay, to be fair, I knew this author promised to finish writing a book before Halloween, but I honestly thought it would be a book in one of her ongoing series, not a stand alone title. So, I can be forgiven for not being on top of this one! I can't wait to read it.

What are you waiting on this week?

Fix It Up (Torus Intercession #3)
by Mary Calmes
Published: October 27th 2020
Genre: M/M, Romance

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

Synopsis from Goodreads:

How will a man who doesn’t believe in fairy tales ever hope to recognize when he’s found the love of a lifetime?

Locryn Barnes knows what it means to be a fixer for Torus Intercession. Torus is the place that people in need turn to for everything from bodyguards to chaperones, and God knows Loc is the kind of man who’d rather play human shield against a bullet than spend even a moment of his life as a glorified babysitter. Which is why he tells a prospective client, in no uncertain terms, that he’s not the right fixer for the job when Torus is tapped to play what amounts to a life coach for a spoiled, burned out, fresh-out-of-rehab rock star.

Nick Madison has been living on the edge since he was seventeen—drugs, booze, men, women . . . you name it, Nick has done it. Now, at twenty-six, aimless and on the verge of losing everything, he can’t seem to give a damn. When he wakes up one afternoon, hungover and strung out, to find a stranger in his house ordering everyone around like he owns the place, Nick is sure he’s woken up in his own little corner of purgatory. When he realizes why Locryn Barnes has invaded his life, Nick is determined to prove he doesn’t need anyone’s help, least of all from the walking, talking definition of infuriating.

Through weeks of recovery, of rebuilding his life and facing his past, Nick comes to realize that Loc is not the enemy. Nick has met every challenge and is finally ready to spread his wings and fly, but not alone, which means another daunting challenge to face. Now, Nick needs to convince the fixer that the rock star is his happily-ever-after. Which could prove to be Nick’s biggest challenge yet.

I haven't read the 2nd book in this series yet - it came out in August, and I actually didn't realize this one was coming out so soon after. One thing about this author and her writing - you just kind of have to suspend all belief and embrace the crazy.

What are you waiting on this week?

Liars (Licking Thicket #2)
by Lucy Lennox and May Archer
Expected publication: October 27th 2020
Genre: M/M, Romance

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

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Parrish Partridge’s True Facts: There’s nothing hotter than a tall, gruff, bewildered, tattooed mountain of a man cuddling a sweet, orphaned baby, so you can tell yourself that you’ll resist him...
But that’s a lie.
And when that man asks you to do him a favor and pretend to be his very temporary, very fake fiance to help him get custody of that adorable baby, you can pretend you know better than to say yes…
But that’s a lie, too.
And when you actually get to know your kind, strong, pullet-loving prince of a fiance, and all his crazy, lovable, meddling neighbors, you can tell yourself you’re not really falling for Diesel Church and the town of Licking Thicket…
But that might be the biggest lie of all.

I loved the first book in this series. I'm also loving everything these authors have written recently. So, of course I'm looking forward to reading this!

What are you waiting on this week?

Painted Lace by K.M. Neuhold
Published October 9th 2020
Genre: M/M, Romance

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

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Austin never realized he was painting his life with shades of gray, until Keaton came along and injected a rainbow of color.

Keaton is a tornado of chaos and paint, which turns out to be more exciting than I ever would’ve imagined. I love my organized, predictable life...or at least I thought I did. But what started as a casual hookup is slowly becoming so much more, and I find myself loving the beautiful mess more than I expected.

Can two people so different really make it work once feelings get involved?

**** This is a stand alone story and was originally published as Kiss and Run in the Valentine’s Inc series. It has since undergone significant changes and doubled in length.

I've really been enjoying this author's books recently. I didn't read this one when it was previously released, so I thought I'd give it a go!

Thank you for the well wishes last week! We're all officially out of quarantine and feeling better, but that sucked!

What are you waiting on this week?

Why I Held Your Hand by Augusta Reilly

Expected publication: October 23rd 2020

Genre: Romance

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

Synopsis from Goodreads:
Laura Delaney loves her small mountain hometown of North Powell with its quaint charm, stately Victorian homes and surrounding hiking trails. Unfortunately, when it comes to attracting travel dollars, it can no longer compete with the flashy hot springs and ski slopes of nearby competitors.

That’s why she hires a hotshot marketing team to figure out how to inject the old magic back into North Powell’s sagging tourist trade. What she doesn’t expect is for the team to include David Harper. Smart, funny, handsome, and amazing in bed, he’s the perfect man. All she needs to do now is keep their relationship under wraps until the project is over.

But that’s easier said than done when she’s assigned to work with Spence Markham, the company’s offbeat “idea man” and David’s professional nemesis. When Spence suggests hosting a Dickens Festival to revitalize the town’s once-booming holiday season, Laura is thrilled. She’s even more thrilled when Spence falls in love with Powell House, the dilapidated Victorian that Laura hopes to renovate and turn into a town museum. But is Spence falling in love with her as well?

As the Festival nears, Laura’s feelings for both men intensify. Her relationship with David has only gotten better—and hotter—and yet she finds herself counting down the days until she can see Spence again.

Soon, what started as a simple assignment becomes a tale of two possible futures. But which one will Laura choose?

I really don't read too much M/F romance lately, however, I like this cover. Shallow, I know. I don't like cheating, though, so hopefully that part of the story doesn't piss me off.

What are you waiting on this week?

Last week I whined about my computer crapping out on me, now my clothes dryer crapped out. We've only had it a little over a year! Not a good time for it - my husband tested positive for Covid-19 so we're all quarantined for 2 weeks. 2 weeks!! This sucks.

AND my birthday was Monday, so we relied on an Amazon delivery, and luckily, my brother lives close and dropped off a cake on the front porch for me. Go away 2020!!!!

The Heart Heist

(Crimes of the Heart #2)

by Elle Keaton

Expected publication: October 20th 2020

Genre: M/M, Romance

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

Synopsis from Goodreads:
Jacob stole Duff's heart and he didn't even know it.

Duff has no plan, he's a leaf on the wind letting himself go where life takes him.

Except it keeps taking him back to Jacob the sexy yoga instructor.

Duff and Jacob are just friends, right?

This whole friends with benefits arrangement was ending up a whole lot more complicated than Duff expected.

I had so many books to read that were released in September that I didn't get around to reading the first book in this series. I still have time to catch up, though, before this one is released. And then book 3 comes out in November. SO many books to read, and not enough time. AND sometimes it's hard to decide what to read next!!

What are you waiting on this week?

Headlines (Prime Time #3)
by Ella Frank
Expected publication: September 28th 2020
Genre: M/M, Romance

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

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Xander
If I had to describe Sean Bailey, it would be as the sexy, caring, wonderful man I’ve gone and fallen in love with. I never could’ve imagined a world where he was my everything. But with each passing day, the connection between us grows stronger, and the idea of a world without him is something I can’t imagine.

But Sean’s love doesn’t come without complications. As the older brother of my lifelong best friend, this new love has caused relationships to break down and communication to become stilted, and the one question that remains is: am I willing to give up the love and friendship of one for the chance of love and forever with another?

Sean
I didn’t mean to fall in love with Alexander Thorne, my brother’s ex and the number one prime-time news anchor in the country. I mean, no one could’ve seen that coming—least of all me. But that’s exactly what happened over these past couple of months: I fell in love.

That’d be complicated enough, I suppose, but Xander? Well, he fell in love with me too, and while it’s caused some major upset in the dynamics around here, I have to believe that a love this real can only lead to somewhere amazing.

This thing between us started out as a job, a friend helping out a friend. But after playing the role of Xander’s boyfriend, I find myself wanting the job full-time, because neither of us are playing anymore.

This series turned out to be okay. I haven't read any other books by this author because they just don't seem like I would enjoy them. I'll have to keep an eye out for her future books to see if anything appeals to me.

I'm going to whine and wallow in my self pity for a moment - my computer died and I'm sad and I miss it SOOOO much. Why did you die on me, computer? I'm sorry I looked at another computer that is prettier and newer than you, but you didn't have to crap out on me. I wasn't really going to replace you, I was just looking!!

Now I'm using my old, steady, reliable, best friend in the world laptop. And oh how I hate this 'new' Blogger interface that looks like it's from pre 2007 - you know, before they improved it and made it so easy to edit posts without having to know code. What IS this? Am I the only one having this much difficulty formatting blog posts?

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

Feinted Love
(Crimes of the Heart #1)
by Elle Keaton
Expected publication: September 17th 2020
Genre: M/M, Romance

Synopsis from Goodreads:

A gambit for love, a half-baked revenge plot; one hot Seattle summer…

Arnie

One minute I’m minding my own business enjoying the sunshine, next I’m wearing my iced coffee.

I’m going to teach Tobias Barrington a thing or two; first: you don’t always get what you want. I have no idea what the second is, I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.

Falling in love with Tobias is not on the list.

Tobias

I've never forgotten Arnie Ferguson, or the night we had together. When I find him again, I want to get to know him—as more than a friend.

I may come from a wealthy family; but I know better than most that money can’t buy happiness. But brash, socially awkward Arnie Ferguson makes me think happiness is possible when you let your heart choose.

Feinted Love is a first person, dual POV, following Arnie Ferguson and Tobias Barrington as they do their best to awkwardly fall in love. No cliff hanger, HEA guaranteed. Heat level, 3+.

The Hitman's Guide to Tying the Knot Without Getting Shot
(The Hitman's Guide #3)
by Alice Winters
Published September 15th 2020
Genre: M/M, Romance

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Leland
Is a nice little wedding with Blow-up Randy and Jackson My Love too much to ask for? Clearly, because someone’s trying to kill one of us… again. Generally, this would be my thing and I would jump right in singing my murder song, but they want Jackson dead and I will do anything (and I mean anything) to keep him alive—including and not limited to: ten Dobermans, bulletproof glass, and dragging Cassel in with the promise of more Jerebear. These people have no idea what they’ve done targeting the man I love because I’m coming after them. But when it feels like everything might be lost, I start to understand that I have a family now who will stand by my side and do everything they can to make sure we end this on our terms.

Jackson
When someone attacks me, it’s clear they want something from me. The issue is that I have no idea who they are or what they’re after. And if I don’t figure it out soon, I’m afraid Leland is going to smother me with his overprotectiveness (or put me in a bubble at the top of a tower). The issue is that time is ticking and with the price tag on my head, there’s no telling who is coming for me or when. Together, Leland and I have to decipher who is telling the truth in this game of life or death because I have plans to marry the man of my dreams and no one is going to stop me—especially with Leland by my side.

This 100k word book contains humor, action, romance, bad behavior on a golf course, sort of abducting a child who lacks kung fu power, enough car chases and shooting to make even Leland happy, and spontaneous singing.

There is another series that I love love love from Elle Keaton, so I'm hoping (fingers crossed) that I will enjoy this new series from her.

I still need to read the 2nd book in the Hitman's Guide series, so maybe I'll read them back to back.

What are you waiting on this week?

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

Spooky Business
(The Spectral Files #3)
by S.E. Harmon

Expected publication: September 14th 2020

Genre: M/M, Paranormal, Romance

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Being insatiably curious is a good way to end up dead.

Rain Christiansen, cold case detective and reluctant medium, is very aware of that fact. But when infamous serial killer Thomas Kane wants to meet, there’s no way Rain can say no. He also can’t refuse Kane’s offer—find his missing wife, Delilah, and he’ll reveal the location of his victim’s bodies.

Rain has never turned down a good quid pro quo, and he doesn’t intend to start.

The hunt for Kane’s wife leads to yet another cold case, three copycat murders, and an investigation where nothing is as it seems. Soon, Rain is dealing with a ghost unlike any he’s ever dealt with before…a ghost capable of doing things he shouldn’t be able to do. How can Rain control something he doesn’t even understand? And what will he do when the unknown threatens the safety of the most important person in his life?

Rain is starting to realize that he can only battle the supernatural with the supernatural, and that is spooky business indeed.

The Curse of Redwood
(Ivy Grove #2) by Jaclyn Osborn

Expected publication: September 9th 2020

Genre: M/M, Paranormal, Romance

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Secrets lie within the walls of Redwood Manor.

The murders, alleged curse, and ghost stories have fascinated Carter ever since he moved to Ivy Grove. After attending a Halloween ball at the mansion and meeting a man almost too beautiful to be real, Carter is captivated even more.
But the man disappears after that, leaving Carter with nothing but the memory of a kiss.

Despite the warnings to stay away, Carter delves deeper into the mystery of Redwood, desperate for answers. He soon finds himself tangled up in a century old curse, one that has claimed countless lives in the past. And at the center of that curse is the man who’d swept him off his feet.

Who is Ezekiel Warren? And how is he connected to the curse?

As Carter unravels the secrets of the mansion, he begins to fall in love with the charming blond who haunts its halls.
Redwood is a place for dead things, yet Carter’s never felt more alive than when in Ezekiel’s arms.

One thing is clear: Redwood Manor has a hold on Carter now. And it’s not only his life on the line, but his heart as well.

*The Curse of Redwood is Book 2 in the Ivy Grove series and features a paranormal romance with an elegant but grumpy ghost, a meddlesome twink, and a few scares. Best to read in order. HEA guaranteed. *

I'm SO happy about Spooky Business! The first book in this series was originally a stand alone. WHY???? You can't end a book on a cliffhanger when the guy can SEE AND TALK TO DEAD PEOPLE! What is that????!!!! Thankfully, the author realized there was a demand for more, so here we are at book 3. Hmph.

My other pick this week is The Curse of Redwood, which is the second book in this series. I have the first book waiting on my Kindle, so I'll probably read these back to back.

What are you waiting on this week?

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

Stay (In Midsummer #3)
by Jessica Frances

Expected publication: September 4th 2020

Genre: M/M, Romance

Synopsis from Goodreads:

One screaming baby. One too many diaper disasters. One surprise shooter. One victim. One perpetrator. One blast from the past.

Having a surprise baby dropped at your doorstep has to be the worst kind of relationship buzzkill in history. Instead of dating, now Rocky and I have shifted into becoming exhausted parents with zero time for any kind of fun. Everything is moving so fast that something has to give. I just hope that something won’t be us.
Then, when a shooter comes after Rocky and their aim is a little too close for comfort, important questions need to be answered. Who wants Rocky dead? How far are they willing to go to make it happen? How much luck can one person have before it runs out? And where on earth did Rocky put those spare baby diapers?
With someone gunning for not only Rocky but also our relationship, one has to wonder just how many hits we can take before it all falls apart.

Screwed (Four Bears Construction #4)
by K.M. Neuhold

Expected publication: September 2nd 2020

Genre: M/M, Romance

Synopsis from Goodreads:

I've had my fair share of less than proud relationship moments, but waking up married to my brother-in-law's best friend is a new low.

A drunken wedding to a man who already rejected me once? Check. A hefty bet about how long it will last? Check. My feisty new husband, determined to make our friends pay up? Double check.

I've never managed to make a real relationship last nearly a year, there's no way Daniel will stick around long enough to win this bet. The only problem is the longer he stays, the more the lines blur between what's real and what's for show. Does he feel it too or am I totally screwed?

***Screwed is a woke up married, faking it to their friends but also totally hooking up, sweet, STEAMY love story that happens to be the fourth book in the Four Bears Construction series. There are no bear shifters in this series, only the OTHER kind of bears.

There are a lot of September releases that I am looking forward to!

I want to read Stay (In Midsummer) even though book 2 wasn't the greatest. I want to like this series, but the stories keep falling flat for me. The mysteries aren't interesting, and the romance is just okay. I want to keep reading to see how things turn out, but man, I hope it gets better!

Screwed is the 4th book in a series that I'm actually enjoying! I like that the characters are all friends, so there is a bit of a crossover in each book. Ollie is in love with being in love and keeps rushing into marriages that are quick to fail. It'll be interesting to see how this fake marriage works out. (2 thumbs down on that cover, though!!)

What are you waiting on this week?

The Sugared Game
(The Will Darling Adventures #2)
by K.J. Charles

Expected publication: August 26th 2020 by KJC Books

Genre: M/M, Historical, Romance

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

Synopsis from Goodreads:

It's been two months since Will Darling saw Kim Secretan, and he doesn't expect to see him again. What do a rough and ready soldier-turned-bookseller and a disgraced shady aristocrat have to do with each other anyway?

But when Will encounters a face from the past in a disreputable nightclub, Kim turns up, as shifty, unreliable, and irresistible as ever. And before Will knows it, he's been dragged back into Kim's shadowy world of secrets, criminal conspiracies, and underhand dealings.

This time, though, things are underhanded even by Kim standards. This time, the danger is too close to home. And if Will and Kim can't find common ground against unseen enemies, they risk losing everything.

A 1920s m/m romance trilogy in the spirit of Golden Age pulp fiction.

I just finished reading the first book in this series, so of course I want to read this asap! I adore Will, but Kim is such a shit!! I hope my opinion of him improves.

What are you waiting on this week?

A Guy Walks Into My Bar by Lauren Blakely

Expected publication: August 19th 2020 by Little Dog Press

Genre: M/M, Romance

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

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Every bartender should follow one simple rule—don't go home with the customers.

That’s been easy for me to stick to, until the night a cocky, confident, and sinfully charming hockey star walks into my bar. This sexy athlete is too hard to resist, especially when he makes it clear how much he wants the “sarcastic, witty, hot AF” guy behind the bar—also known as me.

Still, I’m not keen on breaking my own rules since I know where that can lead—no place good.

But when that man makes his case with one bone-searing kiss on the streets of London, I throw resistance out the window.

What could go wrong with a hot, dirty, no-strings-attached fling before he leaves town in five days?

Trouble is, soon our nights together lead to days, to long conversations, to getting to know each other, and to something I never expected—falling ridiculously hard for a man who’s getting on a plane to America when I live a world away.

My life is here. His is there. And no amount of falling or feeling will change that one big problem.

Warning: contains hot hotel sex, loads of dirty talk, PDA all over London, and two sexy, witty, charming alpha heroes…

I've never read anything by this author before. This is her first foray into M/M, so I'll see how it goes. Wish me luck!

What are you waiting on this week?

NautiCal (Forever Wilde #8) by Lucy Lennox

Expected publication: August 17th 2020

Genre: M/M, Romance

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

Synopsis from Goodreads:

I didn’t mean to stow away on the yacht, I swear.

My first mistake was going home with the jerk at the bar, but in my defense, Prescott said he owned the Worthington—ninety feet of sleek, yachty perfection—and if I could get the chief mate’s job, I’d have an excuse to stay on board and keep avoiding my family and my future.

How was I supposed to know he was the owner’s cheating, gold-digging almost brother-in-law, or that I’d end up stuffed in a closet when the ship left the harbor?

When the real owner finds me and offers me a different job—being his fake boyfriend on a cruise through the British Virgin Islands to tempt Prescott to reveal his cheating ways—that’s when I make my second mistake: I agree.

Turns out, Jonathan Worthington isn’t just a billionaire, he’s funny and generous and a little bit of a control freak. He’s also six feet of sleek, gorgeous silver fox perfection, and suddenly, it’s not just his yacht I’m lusting over.

Worth thinks I’m way too young and flighty for anything more serious than spending the week in his bed… but if you believe we won’t fall in love before the cruise is over, I have a yacht in the Caribbean to sell you.

I'm behind on this series. I read 1-5, but then took a break. It's still hard for me to wrap my head around every sibling being gay, but whatever. And I don't like this cover. At all. But this book is still going on my tbr.

What are you waiting on this week?

To Find Him and Love Him Again, Volume 2

(Tyack & Frayne #10.2)

by Harper Fox

Genre: M/M, Paranormal, Romance

Expected publication: August 15th 2020 by FoxTales Publications

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

Synopsis from Goodreads:

This is Volume Two of Two in this tenth Tyack & Frayne story.

“There were three monsters here for Lee to unmask. One was a jackal, one was a snake. But the third – a handsome, virile werewolf – wasn’t wearing a mask at all.”

Things have gone wrong in the world. Lee Tyack can’t quite remember how it all began, how his solitary life diverged from a dream he sometimes has of perfect happiness with a perfect man. In the city, prey to terrifying visions, constantly on the run, he’s desolately alone.

London is broken, racked with race riots and food shortages as political tensions rise. One man trying hopelessly to stem the tide of violence is a copper called Gideon Frayne, reluctant recruit to the Met after a shattering career failure in his Cornish homeland.

When Lee is arrested for a murder he knows too much about, Sergeant Frayne is amongst the unbelievers. But there’s something about this fierce, fragile detainee that tugs at Frayne’s memories, as if he too once dreamed of better days. Strange allies and old enemies emerge from the walls of this uneasy city as Gideon investigates the murder and then Lee Tyack’s sudden disappearance from the scene. With no-one else to care about a tormented clairvoyant on the run, Lee’s chances aren’t good – unless, by some miracle of faith and loving memory, Gideon can find him and love him again.

I've been waiting for this to come out so I can binge read part 1 and part 2! I'm just hoping the author doesn't take the paranormal too far and ruin this couple and/or the entire series.

What are you waiting on this week?

A Novel Murder (Merrychurch Mysteries #3)
by K.C. Wells

Expected publication: August 11th 2020 by Dreamspinner Press

Genre: M/M, Cozy Mystery

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

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Hosting the Merrychurch Literary Festival is just the distraction Jonathon de Mountford needs. Placating his father and keeping his boyfriend, Mike Tattersall, happy is proving an increasing struggle. But the small event takes on new proportions with the appearance of Teresa Malvain—former Merrychurch resident turned famous murder mystery novelist. But is something about the quaint village setting of her books a little too familiar?

Teresa’s sudden death is certainly something right out of one of her stories, and Jonathan and Mike soon discover there are villagers who might not want the inspiration behind her books revealed.

When it emerges Teresa’s severe allergic reaction was no accident, Jonathon and Mike are compelled to investigate, aided by a few people keen to help them discover the truth. But they’re trying to work out what is fact and what is fiction, and the line between the two blurs constantly. And as for their relationship, Jonathon finally comes to a decision….

I finished reading the 2nd book yesterday, so I'm glad this comes out soon! Can't wait to read it.

What are you waiting on this week?

Pages

Waiting On Wednesday (476) Safe (In Midsummer #5) by Jessica Frances

Waiting On Wednesday (475) A Christmas to Die For by Jessica Frances

Waiting On Wednesday (474) His Holiday Crush by Cari Z.

Waiting On Wednesday (473) School of Fish (Fish Out of Water #6) by Amy Lane

Waiting On Wednesday (472) Merry Measure by Lily Morton and Pretty Boy (Perfect Boys #1) by K.M. Neuhold

Waiting On Wednesday (471) Tic Tac Mistletoe by N.R. Walker and A Christmas Break by Annabelle Jacobs

Waiting On Wednesday (470) Black Moon (Hamarsson & Dempsey #3) by Elle Keaton

Waiting On Wednesday (469) Gifts for the Season (Charity Anthology) by Various Authors

Waiting On Wednesday (468) Requiem for Mr. Busybody by Josh Lanyon

Waiting on Wednesday (467) Fix It Up (Torus Intercession #3) by Mary Calmes

Waiting on Wednesday (466) Liars (Licking Thicket #2) by Lucy Lennox and May Archer

Waiting on Wednesday (465) Painted Lace by K.M. Neuhold

Waiting On Wednesday (464) Why I Held Your Hand by Augusta Reilly

Waiting On Wednesday (463) The Heart Heist (Crimes of the Heart #2) by Elle Keaton

Waiting on Wednesday (462) Headlines (Prime Time #3) by Ella Frank

Waiting on Wednesday (461) Feinted Love by Elle Keaton and The Hitman's Guide #3 by Alice Winters

Waiting on Wednesday (460) Spooky Business by S.E. Harmon and The Curse of Redwood by Jaclyn Osborn

Waiting on Wednesday (459) Stay by Jessica Frances and Screwed by K.M. Neuhold

Waiting on Wednesday (458) The Sugared Game (The Will Darling Adventures #2) by K.J. Charles

Waiting on Wednesday (457) A Guy Walks Into My Bar by Lauren Blakely

Waiting on Wednesday (456) NautiCal (Forever Wilde #8) by Lucy Lennox

Waiting on Wednesday (455) To Find Him and Love Him Again, Volume 2 (Tyack & Frayne #10.2) by Harper Fox

Waiting on Wednesday (454) A Novel Murder (Merrychurch Mysteries #3) by K.C. Wells