Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Teaser: Naughty Secrets by Sarah Castille

Naughty Secrets by Sarah Castille is releasing on JUNE 5th!
Grab it while it's only 99c!

I'm not going anywhere...

Natalie

Rock star. Farmer. Husband. Hero.
He was my heart, my soul, my future.
My everything.

Sam

Hot sexy teacher. Best friend. Wife.
I loved her from the moment I saw her.
My world.

Ten years ago tragedy destroyed us. I threw myself into my farm, hoping time would heal the wound. Instead, I got lost in my work and drifted away from my beautiful wife.

I thought nothing could bring Natalie back to me. Until I find out that she's in the local bar with the town's most eligible bachelor.

It’s now or never. My second chance.

I’ll fight to win her back. She may try to push me away but I'm not going anywhere.

I'll do whatever it takes to remind Natalie that what we once had is only the beginning of what we can be.

And that this is forever.


ADD TO YOUR TBR → http://bit.ly/2Io55Nr
 
Naughty Shorts from New York Times bestselling author, Sarah Castille, are quick delicious bites of dirty and sweet romance that will give you all the feels. Set in a small town, and inspired by stories about everyday couples, these sexy second chance novellas contain a little naughty, a lot of heart, and a happily after.

Don’t miss out on Naughty Desires – NOW LIVE!

Amazon → https://amzn.to/2v4btqY
iBooks → https://apple.co/2GRd0Gw
Kobo → http://bit.ly/2ECabTP

5 stars for Riven by Roan Parrish


Theo Decker might be the lead singer of Riven, but he hates being a rock star. The paparazzi, the endless tours, being recognized everywhere he goes—it all makes him squirm. The only thing he doesn’t hate is the music. Feeling an audience’s energy as they lose themselves in Riven’s music is a rush unlike anything else . . . until he meets Caleb Blake Whitman. Caleb is rough and damaged, yet his fingers on his guitar are pure poetry. And his hands on Theo? They’re all he can think about. But Caleb’s no groupie—and one night with him won’t be enough.

Just when Caleb is accepting his new life as a loner, Theo Decker slinks into it and turns his world upside-down. Theo’s sexy and brilliant and addictively vulnerable, and all Caleb wants is another hit. And another. That’s how he knows Theo’s trouble. Caleb can’t even handle performing these days. How the hell is he going to survive an affair with a tabloid superstar? But after Caleb sees the man behind the rock star, he begins to wonder if Theo might be his chance at a future he thought he’d lost forever.


AMAZON  |  IBOOKS  |  BARNES & NOBLE  |  KOBO

 PENGUIN/RANDOM HOUSE

Here's what people are saying about RIVEN!

Riven has it all: off-the-charts chemistry, heart-wrenching emotion, and a captivating storyline that grabs you from page one.”

  —Sloane Kennedy, author of The Protectors series

“Roan Parrish’s Riven is the romance you’ve been waiting for. My favorite book of 2018!” 

  —Suzanne Brockmann, New York Times bestselling author of Some Kind of Hero

“Roan Parrish turns her signature lyrical prose to the world of rock and roll, and the result is both beautiful and off-the-charts hot.”

  —Jenny Holiday, USA Today bestselling author of One and Only

"Parrish may well break readers’ hearts with this deeply felt, perfectly paced contemporary about a reluctant rock star and the recovering addict he falls for."

  —Publishers Weekly (check out the whole review here!)

What I thought about Riven
Reluctant rock star Theo Decker just found out the tour he desperately wants over is going to be extended.  Coming home for a few days, he's out walking about when he hears a tune that draws him in.  He meets Caleb and they immediately connect through the music.  I was so hooked on this book already by this point.
Caleb is on another try at recovery and occasional trips into the city are all he can take without risking his hard fought sobriety.  But when he meets Theo, he's enthralled with him and he too feels the connection that Theo feels.  
There are lots and lots of feels here -- Theo's love of music and performing versus fame and everything that brings.  And then there's Caleb -- he's afraid of so many different things, but he wants Theo and he's starting to trust his love of music again. They work together.  I really loved this couple.  I loved how they talked about music and how it was so important to both of them. Riven went so much deeper into the music than most of the rock star romances I have read.

I really enjoyed Riven, especially the portrayal of Caleb's addictions and his struggles with recovery.  Theo is just adorable in his naivete and his love for Caleb. Not only are they smoking  hot together, but they really talk to each other and I loved that about this book.

Nicely done!

An ARC was provided for review. 


About Roan Parrish


Roan Parrish lives in Philadelphia, where she is gradually attempting to write love stories in every genre.
When not writing, she can usually be found cutting her friends’ hair, meandering through whatever city she’s in while listening to torch songs and melodic death metal, or cooking overly elaborate meals. She loves bonfires, winter beaches, minor chord harmonies, and self-tattooing. One time she may or may not have baked a six-layer chocolate cake and then thrown it out the window in a fit of pique.
 

Connect with Roan:




Tuesday, May 29, 2018

5 Big Stars for Speakeasy (True North #6) by Sarina Bowen

 Available Now!

Speakeasy (True North #6)

Sometimes you fall for Mr. Right. And sometimes for Mr. Right Now…

May
Did you hear the one about the girl who walks into a bar and catches her live-in lover kissing someone else? No? You’re the only one in town who missed it.

Luckily Alec is there to wrap me up in strong arms and carry me out the door before things get too ugly. And that’s not all Alec is good at. Our unexpected chemistry makes him the perfect rebound guy.

Alec
I should know better than to hook up with my rival’s little sister, but the fiery look in May’s eyes really turns my crank. She needs cheering up, and I’m just the guy for the job.

It’s not like I’ll fall in love. Not even after a string of scorching hot trysts, and the realization that we’re good at the same things: wild nights and familial disappointment. I don’t do love, never have, never will. So this is the perfect arrangement, for both of us.

Nobody would approve, but nobody has to know…




Buy Links



What I thought about Speakeasy

I always get excited when there is a new book releasing in this series.  I love these stories of love and friendship and family, good and bad.  I've been hoping for an HEA for May and this is it.

When Alec Rossi rescues May Shipley from an ugly scene at The Gin Mill, neither one of them think it's anything but a friend helping a friend. But when May asks Alec to escort her to a law school function where she's likely to meet up her ex-girlfriend, Alec's sweetness turns to sparks and May finds she can still have fun without getting drunk. Alec is just so absolutely perfect with her, their chemistry is off the charts, and what seemed to be a one night thing, turns into more.

But May has some issues to deal with regarding her recovery and living at home again. Alec has some business issues he's dealing with and a playboy reputation that gets in the way.  Getting together at night is a great way for them to get their minds off their troubles, and those clandestine meetings change things between them.  Alec really likes May and doesn't want a "just-sex" relationship, but May isn't quite ready for him.

I have to say that I loved May just as much as I loved Alec in this story.  Her recovery is difficult and I love that Sarina Bowen doesn't sugarcoat her struggles in this tale.  This is a significant part of the story and how May is dealing with it is important. There's an awesome scene between May and Jude where they talk about cravings that was so very well done and it warmed my heart.  So many things in this story hit me right in the feels.

 There was so much to like in this story, from May and Alec's romance, to the way Griff reacts to May being back home again.  I must admit I loved seeing Alec give Griff a bit of a hard time. It really was true to life and just perfect. And it was awesome how the ladies caught on to who May was seeing before the guys did. So clueless!

If you are a fan of contemporary romance and love family-oriented conflicts, sweet heroines and not the usual alpha-males, you should be reading this series.  It's terrific. 

3 huge snaps in the shape of a (5) star(s) for Speakeasy.



About the Author


Sarina Bowen is the RITA® Award winning author of over two dozen contemporary and LGTB romance novels. She most recently hit the USA Today bestseller's list in February, with Brooklynaire. Formerly a derivatives trader on Wall Street, Sarina holds a BA in economics from Yale University.

Sarina Bowen is a New Englander whose Vermont ancestors cut timber and farmed the north country since the 1760s. Sarina is grateful for the invention of indoor plumbing and wi-fi during the intervening 250 years. On a few wooded acres, she lives with her husband, two boys, and an ungodly amount of ski and hockey gear.

Sarina's books are published in a dozen languages on four continents. In 2016, The Romance Writers of America honored HIM by Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy with a RITA award for Best Contemporary Romance, Mid-Length.




https://www.sarinabowen.com/
https://www.facebook.com/authorsarinabowen
https://www.instagram.com/sarina.bowen/
https://www.twitter.com/sarinabowen

Friday, May 25, 2018

Cover Reveal: Naughty Secrets by Sarah Castille



Naughty Secrets by Sarah Castille
is releasing on JUNE 5th!
Check out the cover now!
ADD TO GoodReads
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I'm not going anywhere...

I had never felt pain like the day that Jessie and I lost our infant son, Ethan, years ago. I fell into myself, pulled away from my wife, and slept in the guest bedroom to keep from waking her at dawn while I worked on our farm.

How could I ever be enough for her when I couldn't save my own son?

I know that Jessie won't wait for me forever. But when I find out that she's in the local bar with the town's most eligible bachelor, I wake up.

Now, I'm ready to fight to win her back. She may try to push me away but I'm not going anywhere.

I'll do whatever it takes to remind Jessie that what we once had is only the beginning of what we can be.

And that this is forever.

Naughty Shorts from New York Times bestselling author, Sarah Castille, are quick delicious bites of dirty and sweet romance that will give you all the feels. Set in a small town, and inspired by stories about everyday couples, these sexy second chance novellas contain a little naughty, a lot of heart, and a happily after.
Don’t miss out on Naughty Desires – NOW LIVE!
 
Don’t miss out on Naughty Desires – NOW LIVE! 
About the Author:

Sarah Castille is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Redemption Series, Sinner’s Tribe Motorcycle Club series, Legal Heat series and the Ruin & Revenge series. A recovering lawyer with a fondness for dirty-talking alpha males, she now is a full-time writer, who lives on Vancouver Island. Sign up for her newsletter to hear about new releases: http://sarahcastille.com/subscribe/

Find her at:

Website: http://www.sarahcastille.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sarahcastilleauthor
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/sarah_castille
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sarah-castille
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6920675.Sarah_Castille
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/scastilleauthor
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/sarahcastilleauthor

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

5 Stars for Marek (Cold Fury Hockey, #11) by Sawyer Bennett




Marek: A Cold Fury Hockey Novel
Sawyer Bennett
Release Date: May 22, 2018

Synopsis:

Marek Fabritis is used to delivering blows, not receiving them. But when he gets tipped off by an anonymous email about his ex-girlfriend, the news leaves him ice cold — and it’s not because Gracen Moore is getting married to a total jerk. It’s the fact that Marek has a three-year-old daughter he never knew about. Now he’s going back home, not to play knight in shining armor but to make damn sure that no man takes what’s his. For the first time, there might be something more important than hockey.

Gracen Moore has always loved Marek. That’ s why she let him go, so he could pursue a career in the NHL. And that’s why she never told him about Lilly. Only now does Gracen realize that she made an unforgivable mistake. But is that any reason for Marek to crash her wedding and make an epic scene? If the spark that still smolders between them is to be trusted, maybe. Still, Gracen’s not getting her hopes up. Because she knows better than anyone that appearances aren’t always what they seem. . . .

Purchase Marek:
Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Google Play | Kobo | Audible

Goodreads Link: http://bit.ly /2kIk6T0

 What I thought about Marek


I'm just going to come out and say I loved this! This entire series hasn't disappointed me yet, and Marek might just be one of my favorites. 


Having found out his ex-girlfriend has been keeping a huge secret from him for three years, Marek is both amazed to have a daughter and also filled with anger for his ex. Their relationship needs lots of healing, although they have retained some of their sexual spark.
 

It's a gradual process for them to get back together and it takes helps from Marek's friends and teammates for him to get his head together. And there's an awesome conversation with his father that just made me love this book just that little bit more than I already did.
 

I thought Marek's story to be one of the most romantic second-chance tales that I have read in a while. As a matter of fact, I finished this and promptly started to re-read. I was stuck in this book for a few days, and Marek and Gracen's HEA was absolutely perfect. Lily is adorable, but it was really Marek that stole my heart.
 

Recommended.
 

An ARC was provided for review.


About the Author


Since the release of her debut contemporary romance novel, Off Sides, in Janu ary 2013, Sawyer Bennett has released multiple books, many of which have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists.

A reformed trial lawyer from North Carolina, Sawyer uses real life experience to create relatable, sexy stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From new adult to erotic contemporary romance, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

Sawyer likes her Bloody Marys strong, her martinis dirty, and her heroes a comb ination of the two. When not bringing fictional romance to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to a very active daughter, as well as full-time servant to her adorably naughty dogs. She believes in the good of others, and that a bad day can be cured with a great work-out, cake, or even better, both.

Sawyer also writes general and women’s fiction under the pen name S. Bennett and sweet romance under the name Juliette Poe.


Connect with Sawyer:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bennettbooks< /a>
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BennettBo oks
Instagram: https://instagram.com/sawyerbennet t123/
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Book+Main Bites: https://bookandmainbites.com /sawyerbennett

Sign up for Sawyer’s newsletter: http://sawyerbennett.com/signup/ 

 

  

Release Day Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway: Fighting for Everything (Warrior Fight Club #1) by Laura Kaye

From New York Times bestselling author Laura Kaye, comes the first standalone title in her brand, new Warrior Fight Club series, FIGHTING FOR EVERYTHING. Get your copy of FIGHTING FOR EVERYTHING, and join the Warrior Fight Club world today! 

About FIGHTING FOR EVERYTHING (Warrior Fight Club #1, 5/22/18):

Loving her is the biggest fight of his life…

Home from the Marines, Noah Cortez has a secret he doesn’t want his oldest friend, Kristina Moore, to know. It kills him to push her away, especially when he’s noticing just how sexy and confident she’s become in his absence. But, angry and full of fight, he’s not the same man anymore either. Which is why Warrior Fight Club sounds so good.

Kristina loves teaching, but she wants more out of life. She wants Noah—the boy she’s crushed on and waited for. Except Noah is all man now—in ways both oh so good and troubling, too. Still, she wants who he’s become—every war-hardened inch. And when they finally stop fighting their attraction, it’s everything Kristina never dared hope for.

But Noah is secretly spiraling, and when he lashes out, it threatens what he and Kristina have found. The brotherhood of the fight club helps him confront his demons, but only Noah can convince the woman he loves that he’s finally ready to fight for everything.
   

ORDER on Amazon | Amazon AU | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | B&N | iBooks | Kobo

Add to your Goodreads


“The always amazing Kaye is kicking off a terrific new contemporary romance series that centers around a wounded warrior’s fight club. Kaye does a beautiful job exploring the fallout from war and PTSD as various characters struggle to cope in their own ways. The love story between Noah Cortez and his childhood friend Kristina Moore is both compelling and touching, for the obstacles in their way loom large. A truly memorable read!” ~ RT Book Reviews

Excerpt
"Noah, are you down here?" Kristina called from the top of the basement steps.

Despite the lack of response, she continued down and crossed the room to the mostly closed door in the back corner--Noah's bedroom since he'd returned just before last Christmas. God, Kristina had thought she'd received the best Christmas present ever--Noah, home from Iraq, safe and sound.

Well, mostly sound, anyway. An IED blast had taken the hearing and most of his vision on his left side, and he'd struggled with bad migraines and equilibrium problems when he'd first returned. But he was home and he was alive, and having him back again had made it feel like she could finally breathe after years of knowing he was in danger every second of every day.

She knocked softly. "Hey Noah, it's me."

All she heard was a long exhale of breath, but it was enough.

Why hadn't he answered her? Her stomach clenched as she pushed open the door far enough to see Noah standing in the dark doorway to his bathroom, his back against the door jamb, his arms crossed, and his head hanging on his big shoulders.

She didn't need to ask if he was okay, because he was radiating not okay loud and clear. Kristina walked right up to him. "What's going on?" she asked. Dim light from the rec room filtered over him, allowing her to just make out the tight clench of his square jaw, the narrowed cast of his dark brown eyes, the harsh set of his beautiful mouth.

Wait. What? Where had that little observation come from?

Noah shook his head, forcing Kristina to drop the ridiculous line of thought.

She stepped closer so that she could look more directly into his eyes. "Come on, Noah. It's me." She ached for him to open up, but what she noticed even more was the low buzz rushing through her body. From how close she stood to all his taut hardness. It wasn't like she was just noticing that Noah was hot, like, dayum hot, but nearly five years in the Marines had matured him and built hard muscle that hadn't been there before. And clearly her body was just noticing, probably because they hadn't had the chance to spend much time together since he'd gotten back.

"Kristina," he said, his voice so low it was nearly a whisper, or a plea. He leaned his forehead against hers. It was such a sweet, needful gesture that Kristina's chest seized.

"First, I'm hugging you. Then we're talking, buddy," she said, wrapping her arms around his big shoulders and planting her cheek against his chest. The embrace wasn't unusual-they'd always been affectionate with each other. She'd lay against him while they watched a movie or he'd sling an arm over her shoulders while they were out together. When things were bad with her dad, he'd hold her when she finally gave into her grief about it and cried. That's how they'd always been.

He embraced her right back and leaned his face against her hair.

After a long moment, Kristina pulled away--

Noah wouldn't let her go. His grip on her tightened, and he held her fast against him. Was he breathing faster? Was he trembling?

Against her belly, he hardened.

Kristina's breath caught in her throat. Noah was aroused...by her? Or just, like, in her general vicinity? Or...? She swallowed hard as her thoughts flew.

As they stood there, suspended in the dark, stolen moment, the air around them flashed hot and closed in, narrowing the world to all the places their bodies touched. His erection grew, pressing against her with more insistence. Heat bloomed over her skin everywhere and she held herself perfectly still. Because this was different. This was not friendly. This was more.

A strange tension wrapped around them, and it scared and attracted Kristina in equal measure. She shuddered out a breath as her body came to life against his. Her breathing quickened, her nipples peaked, her core clenched.

Noah made a noise in the back of his throat like a moan, and his arms tightened around her, pulling their bodies totally flush.

Kristina's breath caught at the hard press of his body and at the shocking arousal it unleashed in her.

This is Noah. This is Noah. This is Noah.

But it didn't seem to matter to her body. The soft cotton of her dress became heavy and irritating against her skin, and all she wanted was for it to be off. So he could be all over her. This sudden, intoxicating need was brand new to her-in general and certainly with Noah. She wasn't a virgin, but she'd never felt with another man the kind of desire rocketing through her just then. And all they'd done was touch.

Why was this happening?

Her hips shifted without her meaning to do it, and it made her belly grind against all that hardness.

Noah hissed in her ear. His fingertips dug into her back...and then wandered, one hand pressing low against her hip, one skimming up her neck into her hair. Holding her tight. Bringing her closer.

She was half sure she was imagining that they were locked inside this raging bubble of attraction, except that his heart thundered beneath where her head rested, his breathing had gone rough, and his skin felt every bit as feverish as hers.

She had to stop this...whatever this was.

Tilting her head back, the words were on the tip of her tongue. Her eyes locked with his, and even in the dimness she could see that they were blazing hot and almost predatory in their directness. It stole her capacity to speak, because she was unequivocally sure he'd never looked at her like that. Need roared off of him and through her, making her heart beat like a bass drum.
Kristina swallowed hard. What would she do if he kissed her? One kissing experiment aside, she'd never had to ask that in regard to him. Another question followed close behind: what would she do if he didn't?


And don’t miss the second standalone romance in the Warrior Fight Club series coming August 7, 2018,
FIGHTING FOR WHAT’S HIS

PRE-ORDER on Amazon | Amazon Paperback | B&N | iBooks | Kobo

Add to your Goodreads

 

“Nobody’s tortured alphas destroy me quite so utterly as Laura Kaye’s. Her heroes face heart-wrenching struggles. They have flaws. Kaye presents all of it with unflinching honesty, and I love them—and her!—all the more for it!” ~ USA Today Bestselling Author Samanthe Beck

Now that’s how you start a series! Kaye is at her absolute best, and Fighting For Everything is the perfect combination of steamy romance and the struggle of our wounded warriors.” ~ Scarlett Cole, author of the Love Over Duty Series

About Laura Kaye: Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty books in contemporary and erotic romance and romantic suspense, including the Blasphemy, Hard Ink, and Raven Riders series. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. Laura also writes historical fiction as the NYT bestselling author, Laura Kamoie. She lives in Maryland with her husband and two daughters, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.      

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter SignUp

 

 

Friday, May 18, 2018

Release Blitz, Excerpt, Giveaway & Review: Level Up by Annabeth Albert


Title:  LEVEL UP
Series: loosely related to the #gaymers series, but stands alone
Author: Annabeth Albert
Publisher: Annabeth Albert
Release Date: May 17, 2018
Heat Level: 4 - Lots of Sex
Pairing: Male/Male
Length: 40,000 words
Genre: Romance, contemporary m/m romance, gay romance, geeks, nerds, friends-to-lovers, gamers, gaymers

Add to Goodreads

Synopsis


Landon can’t believe he’s let himself get roped into participating in a charity calendar, let alone one that features tastefully photographed nudes. The genius physicist is hardly model material and he’s dreading the nude part of the photoshoot. Amid his reluctance, the one bright spot is his emails back and forth with the photographer.

However, Bailey ends up being not quite what Landon expects, and their first meeting is decidedly awkward. Bailey’s persistent though, and gradually Landon warms to the burly photographer, and they discover they have a shared love of gamer culture.

A tentative friendship is born, but the road from friends to lovers isn’t easy. Landon’s battling past trauma and must decide how much of a risk he’s willing to take. A sexy connection may not be enough to keep them together unless both are willing to put their hearts on the line.

Approximately 40,000 words. Previously released as part of the EXPOSED anthology, and loosely linked to the #Gaymers universe, this friends-to-lovers, hurt/comfort story stands alone with a guaranteed happy ending. Contains a brief mention of a prior assault, but no on-screen violence or flashbacks.

Excerpt


LEVEL UP EXCERPT—This is their first kiss, because I absolutely love writing first kiss scenes!

***

Bailey was the type who moved a lot as he gamed, biceps flexing, knees wiggling, shoulders jostling. Landon always liked people who got so into gaming, but it was more than a little distracting. His body was quickly coming to associate that orange scent of Bailey’s with good things, and other parts of him apparently liked Bailey’s nearness, which was a novelty because instead of intimidated, as he would have expected, he was more than a little turned on.

“Oh man, that was a rush.” Bailey laughed as both of their health meters dipped to zero. “I’m almost wishing I’d gone into game art, not photography. Amazing how these graphics have held up over the years.”

“Totally. And speaking of art, let me find the Space Villager stuff.” Landon reluctantly stepped away from the game. He headed to the nearby kitchen, where he was pretty the papers were buried with a stack of mail. Paper control was not his strong suit. “You’ll go nuts at the latest screen shots and promo teasers.”

“Cool.” Rather than follow Landon, Bailey went to sit on the couch.

“You want a drink while I’m in here?” Landon called to him after he found the papers under a pile of pizza ads. “I’ve got four flavors of Snapple, soda, and water.”

“Surprise me with a Snapple flavor.” Bailey looked right at home on Landon’s couch, lounging back.

He really did not look at all like any photographer Landon had ever met, and curiosity had him asking, “So why photography? You said you could have done game design?”

“Yeah, I had plenty of friends at the art institute go that direction. But I’ve been in love with photography ever since I worked on our middle school yearbook. I figured out quickly that taking pictures of events and sports was far more fun than trying to do the sports myself, so I did yearbook all through high school, got a photography scholarship to the art institute in Portland.”

“So you don’t play a sport?” Landon had a hard time believing that. With Bailey’s height and breadth, he totally looked like he lived for weekend games of some type.

“Nope. Hopelessly uncoordinated.” Bailey shot him an endearing smile when Landon handed him the bottle of tea.

“Me too.” Landon clinked bottles with him, then held up the papers. “Found the codes. But can I show you some stuff on the TV screen while you have your drink?”

“Absolutely.” Bailey took a long swig of tea, and Landon had to look away before he got mesmerized by Bailey’s full mouth, how it looked when his tongue chased a stray drop of moisture, how pink it was in contrast to his paler skin and brown beard.

Landon queued up the pre-release trailer Josiah had sent him a link to. Bombastic music filled his small living room as on the screen, and a spaceship pulled in for a landing on a planet filled with ruins of a once-powerful civilization. The narrator had an iconic voice and detailed all the special features of the expansion pack. Landon had already watched this a half-dozen times, and it still gave him happy chills.

“Wow. I can’t wait.” Bailey looked suitably awed. “This is even cooler than when War Elf added the mystic raids.”

“I know, right? Now look at the in-game screen shots.” He brought up another video, body relaxing more and more despite Bailey’s nearness. It was just so awesome to have someone new to share this with. He’d been hyped about this all week, but Pike was distracted by his boyfriend Zack’s deployment, Savannah didn’t game much, and the rest of his regular crew seemed to have other things occupying their attention.

Somehow, as he shared more video clips, he drifted closer to Bailey, so that their knees were almost rubbing. It wasn’t a giant couch, so there wasn’t a ton of room to move back, but even so, Landon wasn’t looking for an escape. He was aware of Bailey, very much so, but not nearly as freaked out as he’d been a few hours ago. Instead, his senses seemed to soak up Bailey’s scent and nearness, and it wasn’t until the fourth or fifth video that he realized that he was aroused.

Clink. Somehow Landon’s left hand, holding his drink, and Bailey’s right hand tangled.

“Oops.” He tried to extricate himself without spilling both beverages. Bending to put his on the floor, he hadn’t realized that Bailey had also leaned down until their heads collided.

“Ow,” they said simultaneously.

“Oh my gosh. I’m so sorry.” Bailey reached out, feeling around on Landon’s head. “Did you see stars? Break the skin?”

“I’m fine.” Landon didn’t pull away. Bailey’s hand felt damn nice. Gentle. Soothing more than just the bump on his head. Their eyes met, and he really needed to move back, break this spell, but he didn’t, instead leaning into to the touch. Bailey’s eyes darkened, and he stroked down Landon’s jaw. God, that felt so good, like an extra blanket on a chilly night, warmth he hadn’t realized he was missing. How long had it been since he’d been touched like this? Hugged, sure. He’d hugged Savannah goodnight, and hugged and wrestled around with his best friend Pike at the last LAN party, but neither of those things was touch like this. Caring. Sweet. Arousing.

Bailey leaned in again, way slower this time, all the time in the world for Landon to stop him. But he didn’t. Bailey’s beard tickled an instant before their lips met, a soft slide of mouths. Not aggressive at all, not the on-a-tight-schedule rush of a hookup, Bailey kissed like they had a sleepy Sunday afternoon to kill, like each reaction of Landon’s mattered, like he was trying to memorize something important and was going to take his time learning the lesson.

Landon was the first one to take things further, mouth opening on a sigh, welcoming Bailey’s agile tongue. He tasted sweet, like tea, and minty like the gum he’d popped after the pizza, familiar yet new at the same time. How had he managed to forget how awesome kissing could be? A laugh bubbled up in his chest, but quickly transformed to a groan of pleasure as Bailey nipped at his lower lip.

Not content to let Bailey be the one exploring, Landon sent his own tongue on a quest, tracing Bailey’s full lower lip, delving inside to rub tongues, retreating playfully to earn another nip. Fuck. This was nice. The video switched over to something random, and he barely registered it. He couldn’t say how long they kissed, just that he didn’t want it to ever end.

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 What I thought about Level Up

Level Up by Annabeth Albert is an opposites attract story. Academic scholar Landon falls for photographer Bailey, and even though there's a sexual spark between them from the start, they have some other issues to deal with first. Landon is attracted to Bailey, he has some past trauma that both will need to deal with before their relationship can move forward. I liked these two together, and Landon's situation was dealt with so much sensitivity. A very heart-warming story about finding a partner and overcoming past trauma. Recommended.

Meet the Author

 


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. The #OutOfUniform series joins her critically acclaimed and fan-favorite LGBTQ romance #Gaymers, #PortlandHeat and #PerfectHarmony series. 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 is a passionate gay rights supporter. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two active children.

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