No Regrets by Nicky James

Title: No Regrets

Author: Nicky James

Genre: M/M Adult Romance

Release Date: March 15, 2017

Publisher: Encompass Ink

Summary:
Life makes no promises, and sometimes, you draw the short straw.

Landon Johnston’s life came to a grinding halt seven months ago, when he was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

With the encouragement of his grandmother, Landon works his way out of his slump and tries to live life while he still can.

Deciding he doesn’t want to drag anyone else down his morbid path, Landon gives up all friendships and denies himself love. It’s better this way, because all he has to offer is eventual heartache and sadness.

While traveling the world, Landon meets Abel Matheson, a free-spirited, unedited, and nerve-grating man who was supposed to only be a one-night-stand.

Despite Landon’s insistence that he can’t form a relationship with his current diagnoses, Abel is persistent and will not be ignored.

Fighting against all his ingrained urges to run, Landon finds himself drawn down the road he swore he’d never take.

Intimacy grows and bonds form…

Only… Abel doesn’t know Landon is sick.

How can anyone love a man with no future?

Telling him might cause him to run, but staying silent means living a lie. A lie which will only reveal itself in time.

Note: This story is a HFN or bitter sweet HEA read. It contains potential triggers for people who may be affected by cancer and its effects.

The silence returned as we continued with our drinks. Abel was the one to break first when he slid his empty cup aside and leaned in, talking in a hushed voice. “So, Landon from Canada, computer nerd and Spiderman wannabe. I’m gonna cut the shit and be blunt.”

“You mean, more blunt?”

“Yeah, more blunt, so brace yourself. You’re incredibly hot and I wanna find a room somewhere and fuck you senseless.”

“Oh. Umm…”

Who the hell says shit like that?

“There is a pub a block down. Let me buy you a couple of drinks and help you relax, because you’re all stiff and uptight. Then, what do you say we find somewhere private after that?”

I had to search for my words because they’d fallen into a gaping chasm of disbelief. “You’re awfully presumptuous.”

“I can be. But, you haven’t told me to fuck off yet, so I’m guessing you’ve been considering it too.”

Yeah, I’d been considering it since he stood in line for drinks twenty minutes ago. Is that how these things worked? Hey, wanna fuck? Sure, let’s go.

Swallowing the dry lump from my throat, I pinned him with a glare, doing my best to show confidence even though I trembled on the inside. “Maybe I am. Only, I don’t drink.”

More like I couldn’t drink, at least not with the massive array of medications I took. It was something I had to give up long ago. What I wouldn’t have given for a beer to calm me down. He was right, I was wound tighter than a spring.

 “A twenty-six-year-old, non-drinker. You just get more and more interesting. I’ll have to find other ways to get you to relax then. I can be creative. Are you here with anyone?”

“No. I umm… I came alone.”

“Do you have a room nearby?”

“What about your friends? Won’t they be looking for you?”

He chuckled. “Nah, they’ll be drinking themselves stupid half the night and won’t even know I’m not there.”

“Oh… umm…”

“A room?”

My gaze dropped to the table once again. My blood pressure rose with each slam of my heart against my ribcage. Why the hell was I so nervous? It wasn’t like I was some virgin or anything. I took a deep breath and tried to rein in the suffocating emotion before it got out of hand.

Shifting my gaze to my notebook, I saw my list in my head again and heard my grandmother’s words.
If I died tomorrow, I’d have no regrets. Can you say the same thing?

I was sure this wasn’t what she meant. Sorry, grandma.

Time to tick off another one.

“Fuck it. Yes, I have a room a block down the road.” With another shaky breath, I pushed my half-empty mug aside and grabbed my notebook. “What happens in China stays in China, right?” Standing, I glanced back at him.

His grin was facetious as he sucked the corner of his bottom lip into his teeth. “It’s not Vegas, but I think it applies.”

What Others Are Saying:
“This. Book. Broke my heart. Healed my soul. Made me cry. Laugh. Made me Hug my daughter and kiss my husband. No regrets.” - Alpha Book Club

“My heart hurts, my eyes are red and puffy and I am in the biggest slump I have been in for awhile. This book destroyed me, it's a story that will forever have a place in my heart, I have No Regrets <3” - Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner

“No Regrets is a heart wrenchingly, ugly cry worthy ( and oh boy I cried) wonderful love story.
I loved the characters. I loved the words. I could feel the characters emotions in every single one.” - Goodreads Review

Author Bio:
Nicky James lives in the small town of Petrolia, Ontario, Canada. She is mother to a wonderful teenage boy and wife to a truly supportive and understanding husband who, thankfully, doesn’t think her crazy.

Nicky has always had two profound dreams in life; to fall back hundreds of years in time and live in a simpler world and to write novels. Since only one of those dreams was a possibility, she decided to make the other come alive on paper.

Nicky writes MM romance books in a variety of styles including contemporary, medieval, fantasy, and historical.

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Stay with Me by Lily Adile Lamb

Title: Stay with Me

Author: Lily Adile Lamb

Genre: M/M Romance

Release Date: July 25, 2015

Publisher: Encompass Ink

***Content Warning:  Explicit sexual content, mild violence 18+***

Summary:
It has been weeks since Curtis first saw the young waiter with the haunted eyes. No matter how often he went to the café to find the right opportunity to introduce himself, that moment simply did not come that quickly.

Joseph was aware of the gentle giant who quietly came to have his lunch and then left day after day. Fearing his father’s wrath and under his ever watchful eyes, he made no moves nor overtures. Until one day when the other man approaches to him…

     His colleague Jason spoke highly of the little corner café at the mall. Curtis decided to try the food during his lunch break, since he’d left his sandwiches on the kitchen bench-top at home that morning.      Bugger, he thought sourly, because it was a typically hot Aussie day, and he wasn’t in the mood to walk to the mall. Perth had always been sweltering in the summer, but today, it was humid as well. He hated the thought of sweating and then having visible wet patches painting the fabric under his arms.
     He didn’t want to give the impression of being a sweaty, smelly, big bear. Curtis was slightly overweight, and at just over six-feet, it made him feel visible and a little self-conscious in the crowd.
     He waved at everyone as he left. At the bank where he worked as a teller in central Perth, he got on well with everyone. His colleagues often teased him about choosing to work longer hours, but he took it on the chin. Of course, they’d tease him because he couldn’t hide his shyness.
     Emerging from the building, he felt the scorching heat instantly. He quickly walked, using the shade of other buildings. His wallet was in his pocket, and he carried his Kindle. Curtis was a voracious reader and hooked on the newest thriller/suspense novel by his favorite author, Dorien Grey. He’d left his mobile phone behind, so he wouldn’t be distracted by phone calls.
     As it was a Friday, the mall was busy. He looked around curiously before climbing down the stairs to the Asian café in the corner. It was busy and had a long queue. Fuck. I hope I won’t spend my lunch break standing here, he thought irritably.
     Waiting at the counter to order his meal, Curtis glanced at a short, slim Asian waiter, taking a steaming hot bowl of some epicurean delight to a lucky customer. He couldn't see the man’s face, but something about his general demeanor caught his attention. He moved deftly through the crowds carrying the bowl to its intended customer. What caught Curtis’s attention was the way he hunched his shoulders as if he didn’t wish to be noticed by anyone. No one that young should walk like the weight of the world rests on his shoulders. Curtis couldn’t take his eyes off the man with the fragile appearance.
     “What can I get for you?” the elderly attendant asked, looking directly at Curtis.
     “Huh? Oh! I’d like to order a small size of your special fried rice, please,” Curtis said. He paid for it and was given a number to pick up his lunch when it was called. He walked away from the counter, but stood close enough to collect his meal. He waited for a while, but grew tired of standing like a beanpole among those much shorter than him, and looked around for a free table.
     He again found himself watching the waiter. This time, he had a better opportunity to look at him, noting the man’s full profile. He had short, dark hair that complemented his pale complexion and the pixie-like, fragile bone structure of his youthful face. Curtis sat down but didn’t open his Kindle. Instead, he watched the waiter, whose face appeared sad and pale, as if he didn’t see much sun, despite the sunny days of summer. Curtis sighed and finally opened his Kindle to read. Immersed in the story, he forgot about his surroundings and got caught up in the adventure. Since he had a thing for wounded male heroes, he could already visualize the character, John, in the story.
     Excuse me? Did you order the fried rice?” asked a quiet voice.
     Curtis looked up and found the waiter he’d been checking out earlier holding his food. “Oh! Yes, that's what I ordered.” Curtis felt bad for forgetting to pick up his lunch. It was clear the guy was extremely busy. “Sorry, I forgot to come to the counter.”
     The man smiled reassuringly at Curtis before he dropped his gaze. “It’s fine.” Then he walked away.
     For the first time, Curtis had been able to look directly into his eyes. He had delicately exotic Asian features. His eyes are amazing, nearly black in color, yet lack any sparkle. In fact, they looked haunted. He had a cute little nose and his lips were full, almost pouty. Curtis continued to watch the man who was much shorter compared to Curtis’s big frame. He felt suddenly protective toward him.
     By the time Curtis finished his fried rice, his lunch break was nearly over. He wiped his mouth with the tissue and stood up to leave, but couldn't resist the urge to look back at the man one last time.

Chapter One
     A month had passed since Curtis first saw the waiter. He wasn’t sure whether he should continue going to the café each day for lunch because he hadn’t found the courage to approach the guy. He was worried people had begun to notice and felt nervous that his behavior was stalkerish. He tried to appear as though he went there for the good food only and not for the man himself. The waiter was certainly cute, but more than that drew Curtis in. The sadness that overlaid the sweetness caught his attention and held it. That was what kept him coming back again and again.
     It made his heart heavy to think people might’ve noticed his behavior and think he was creepy. Who wanted to be known as a creepy stalker-bear guy?
     He prayed he was being subtle and hoped he wasn’t receiving any speculative looks from anyone.      But he really had to make a decision soon—either strike up a conversation with the guy, or stop coming for lunch and torturing himself.
     There he was, wiping a table for a couple of customers. He was wearing the same style of clothes as before. The jeans he wore looked old and frayed, but they hugged his cute little arse as he bent over, took a swipe at the table with a damp rag, and collected the dishes. When he stood up, it was obvious the shirt was as old as the jeans. It was thinned to nearly nothing from frequent laundering. So transparent, it could have been made of gauze—it did nothing to hide the guy’s ribs.
     Curtis didn’t even realize he stood stock-still, staring at the man until his eyes caught the old man at the cashier’s desk glaring at him with a clenched jaw. His deep frown made Curtis feel awkward to the point where he felt his cheeks burning. He looked at his phone and checked for messages but still furtively watched the waiter. He saw the expression he’d come to recognize as sadness, but this time, there was more to it. He looked like a man who’d lost all hope. He was also limping and dragged his feet at times.
     Is he injured? Why does he look like he’s in despair? Fuck. What’s happening in his life? .....

Author Bio:
Lily Adile, a Turkish writer, lived in the UK for many years before emigrating to Australia. She visits her family in Turkey regularly and travels to other countries, like Singapore, to visit other family members.

She is blessed with three grown up children and a furry child, Sir JJ Basil.

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Renewing Bonds by Ruby MacIntyre

Title: Renewing Bonds

Author: Ruby MacIntyre

Series: Bonds of Truth #2

Genre: M/M Erotic Romance

Release Date: August 15, 2015

Publisher: Encompass Ink

***Content Warning:  Explicit sexual content, 18+***

Summary:
Two hearts long separated find each other again.

Connor Locke has only given his heart away once, to a man who left him alone with only a note as an explanation. He has tried to move on, but no one compared to the one who left him brokenhearted and alone.

Harry grew up as a black sheep in his family, and when he met Connor he thought he finally found a place to call home. The strong, yet loving lawyer gave him things he never thought he’d find. But then he had to leave, and that decision ended up ruining his life.

After years apart, the couple is finally reunited, but not in a way either of them expects. A crime lord wants Harry badly, and he will do anything to get him. Will Connor be able to keep Harry safe and salvage their love, or will he lose Harry forever?

     Harry was amazed when Connor brought him to his condo and demanded he sleep in his bed. That wasn’t the surprising part, though—no, the true shock came once they snuggled down under the covers in nothing but sweatpants. Connor just held him close in his strong arms and fell asleep. No demanding, no talking, no touching. Just sleep.
    It was the most precious gift that Connor could give him. Harry couldn’t recall the last time he had been in a man’s house, in his bed, and not be expected to do something. So, once Connor’s breathing had evened out in sleep, it was the easiest thing in the world for Harry to follow behind him. For the second night in a row, Harry had a peaceful sleep with no nightmares and no one waking him, demanding sex.
    When the sun peeked in between the blinds and woke him up, Harry almost wanted to cry. He longed for the easy escape that the dark nothingness of sleep provided him. Being awake brought back all the evil and fears of the world, neither of which he could escape. When something tightened around his chest, pulling him against a hard body, Harry stiffened. Where was he? More importantly, who was he with? Would he demand to be serviced or just let him go in peace?
    “Shh, baby. It’s just me.”
    Harry choked on a sob at the familiar, comforting voice. He had forgotten he was at Connor’s house. He was safe there.
    “Aw, baby, don’t cry. It’s okay. . . shh, you’re okay.” Connor turned him, so they faced each other, and pulled him close again.
    Harry buried his face in Connor’s chest, letting the hot tears of relief flow. He moaned when strong fingers sank into his long hair and pressed himself into the contact. Out of the hundreds of men who had touched him in the past few years, only Connor brought him any measure of peace. His body only craved Connor’s touch.
    He wanted to beg for the man to take him, to own his body in such a way that he would forget about the others, the faceless johns who had touched him when Connor should have been the only one. But he couldn’t. He wouldn’t find out until later that day if he was clean, and even if he ended up being pristine, that didn’t take away from the blackness covering his soul. He had been dirtied. Each nameless trick had left their blackened mark on him. How could Connor want him anymore when he was used and filthy?
    Connor held him the entire time he cried without saying a word. He provided comforting noises and ran his hands up and down Harry’s back. When Harry’s tears dried up, and his hitched breathing finally returned to normal, he pulled back enough to look up at the man who held him and gave a shaky smile.
    “I’m sorry about that.”
    “Don’t be.” Connor shook his head, refusing to accept his apology. “You can always open up with me, baby. Even if that means bawling your eyes out on my shoulder.”

1. What is the biggest influence/interest that brought you to this genre?
I never even knew MM existed until I read Lover at Last by J.R. Ward, which awakened my interest in MM romance. Qhuinn and Blay were just so extraordinarily beautiful together, and the problems they faced were so different compared to the other couples because their sexuality was something Qhuinn was afraid to face. It  opened a whole new realm of opportunity, and left me wanting more. I remember discussing my thoughts of the book with a fellow romance reader, and she gave me some good MM books to read, and it just grew from there. I haven’t looked back since. I have a hard time reading MF at this point without wanting some MM lovin’  in it.

2. When writing a book, what is your favorite part of the creative process (outline, plot, character names, editing, etc)?
My favorite part is letting the story flow. Characters and basic ideas pop into my head randomly, and then when I go to bed at night, I expand on them as I’m falling asleep. I don’t ever create an outline, because I believe strongly in allowing my characters to do whatever they want, as I create stronger stories that way. So, sometimes I may see something happening, but when I get to that point, it changes. I like that too, because it means my characters are vibrant and alive and I trust their actions much more than I could ever trust myself to plot out their lives for them.

3. When reading a book, what genre do you find most interesting/intriguing?
MM of course! ( Hmm, I don’t think I have a particular trope that I love most. I enjoy everything from sci-fi, mpreg, GFY… They’re all wonderful and special.

4. If you could co-author with any author, past or present, who would you choose?
Oh, wow. I don’t think I could ever co-author something, because I would see things happening for both characters… But if I had to choose someone to co-write a book with, it would probably be Riley Hart. I think she’s a phenomenal writer, who can bring emotions to life so that I can practically feel them myself as the characters are feeling them. And she writes some pretty hot sex! I love all her books. She’s a great person and a great writer. Did I already say that?? LOL

5. Have you always wanted to write or did it come to you "later in life"?
I’ve always enjoyed writing. My desire to write stories came to me after high school. I had tried a few times to write stories with no succeed or motivation to continue. But one day, a story hit me that wouldn’t let go. So I wrote. And wrote. And wrote! A year later, I had a 100,000-word fantasy novel that I had slaved over and bled and cried over, and I had no idea what to do with it. Just last year, I tried my hand at MM romance, which was another genre I had fallen in love with more recently and I had some stories to tell. That’s how Tatum and Chris were “born.” I wrote their story in less than a month, and now here I am. I’m ready to tell my guys’ stories, if I can continue to find the time to write them.

Author Bio:
Ruby MacIntyre was born and raised in Kansas and has always been an avid reader. It’s beyond a mere hobby or escape from reality; it’s her passion. Because of her love for reading, writing her own stories—giving voices and happy endings to the people that live in her head—was only natural. She may be relatively new to the gay romance genre, but once Ruby found it, she never looked back. Now it’s all she reads (the hotter the better!), and she is quite content with the sexy men that dwell in her head, clamoring for her attention. When Ruby’s not reading, she’s writing, and vice-versa. Books have always been her life and likely always will be.

In the rare occasions Ruby isn’t working, reading, or writing, she loves to play or cuddle with her dog and cat, watch a movie, or hang with family. She loves books (duh), pretty notebooks, snowflakes, and the color yellow.

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