Sunday, June 23, 2019
Sunday's Safe Word Shelf: Kiss of Leather by Morticia Knight Part 3
Kiss of Leather is the pet project of close friends and Doms, Gavin, Derek and Josh. As business partners, they envision the gay BDSM club to be the premiere destination for both demonstrations and play in not only Los Angeles, but the entire country. Designed to attract the most elite of players, Kiss of Leather is built from the ground up to their exact specifications.
Take a peek behind the gates which guard Kiss of Leather. It’s the club that promises a completely decadent experience to stimulate your senses–and that leads unsuspecting Masters and subs to their Happily Ever Afters.
Summary:
Tai wishes Master Lucas wasn’t such an adamant Top, but he’s also crushing on the sweetly submissive Elliot. Could he have it both ways?
Tai has hit a wall in life. From all outward appearances, he’s the guy who has everything—looks, personality and money. But the modeling gigs are drying up and he still hasn’t found that special someone to call his own. The part-time work at Kiss of Leather is quickly becoming full-time to prevent the drain on his dream-business savings.
Elliot fell for the stunning Tai from almost the moment he met him. If he wasn’t so self-conscious about the weight he’s recently put on, maybe he could work up the nerve to make a move. However, not only is he a virgin who’s never done a scene before working in a BDSM club, but he’s also sure that Tai has a thing for Master Lucas. There’s no way he could ever compete with the handsome silver fox.
When Master Lucas confesses to Tai that he doesn’t only see him as a hookup and offers him a contract, there are a ton of considerations. They both realize that serious compromises would have to be made for them to have a relationship. But what if they found a third, a sub who could bottom for Tai and also do TPE with Master Lucas? Once the idea takes hold, Tai knows just the perfect boy for them both. Even better? He’s right there at Kiss of Leather, and Tai can’t wait for Elliot to turn them all into a throuple.
Reader Advisory: This book contains a scene of assault, and attempted sexual assault.
Summary:
Cruella can’t wait to show Ray the ropes…
Working at Rogue Ink is a dream job for Cruella, especially being around the hunky co-owner, Ray. Even though the money isn’t great, the eye candy and Ray’s caring heart make it all worthwhile. When Cruella risks rejection by inviting Ray to be their partner for a Shibari class at Kiss of Leather, they’re thrilled when Ray accepts.
Cruella’s invitation both excites and terrifies Ray. He wants Cruella, but does he also want to become more kink aware? Still, he could kick himself for not making a move yet on the sweet and beautiful Cruella, so maybe this is his chance. His protective instincts have gotten him into serious trouble before, so he’ll be sure not to make the same mistake with Cruella. They’ve made it clear they can take care of themselves.
Cruella fears that Ray won’t accept their genderqueer identity and Ray aches to be the strong man Cruella needs. However, when Cruella’s dark past intrudes on their blissful present—Ray’s definition of strength might turn out to be harsher than Cruella is willing to accept.
Reader advisory: This book contains a brief scene of violence.
Switching Places #8
Hunter stretched his limbs in his California king-sized bed, then kicked at the light blanket covering him, working the tangled fabric free until he’d pushed it onto the floor. He didn’t want anything in the way of ravishing Tobey once he’d returned from the bathroom. Tobey would likely want to stay up since he’d been stressing out over their housewarming party for days. However, Hunter had his own ideas on how to get his boy to relax.
Tobey emerged from the en suite master bath, naked, gorgeous—and headed straight for the kitchen.
Oh no, I’ll have none of that.
“Whoa, hey there.” Hunter propped himself up on his elbows. “Where do you think you’re going?”
Tobey halted a few steps from the threshold of the bedroom then turned to him, his brow furrowed. “I was going to get the coffee started. I can bring yours in here if you’d like to relax while I get started on the preparations.”
Hunter let out a snort. “The only thing I want you to bring me is your fine ass back to this bed.”
Tobey chewed on his bottom lip. “Uh…” He chewed some more. “But the party…”
“Is six hours from now and you’ve been cleaning all week, rearranging the furniture, and truthfully, I’m not sure what else. I can’t even find my coffee mug anymore.” Hunter sighed. “I’m a neglected boyfriend, partner and Master, so I need your body rubbing up against mine immediately. Possibly a few other things too, but we can get into that once you’re back in bed.”
Tobey’s chin had been dipping lower as Hunter spoke, and he started to feel bad about his growly tone. He just wants everything to be nice. It would also be Tobey’s first time officially meeting his sister Alita, and since she was almost all the family either of them had left, it had to be important to him that their home be perfect.
“Hey, baby. C’mere.” Hunter rolled onto his side to face Tobey and patted the mattress. “I didn’t mean to come off so harsh. I just need some alone time with you before things get crazy later, and you’ve done such a great job on the place that I can’t imagine what else you need to do.”
Tobey gave a one-shouldered shrug. “I guess I’m just nervous. I know the place looks all right. I mean, your house was already spotless before I did anything to it.”
Hunter gave a loud clear of his throat. “I think what you actually meant was our house.”
Tobey still hadn’t lifted his head, but the corner of his mouth tugged into the beginnings of a smile. “Yeah. Our house.” He raised his eyes. “Thank you.”
Hunter patted with more vigor. “Then your ass, in this bed, now.”
Tobey giggled. “I still have to make the appetizers.”
“I’ll show you some appetizers. Don’t make me come over there.”
Tobey arched his eyebrows. “Oh yeah? What happens if you do?”
“Cock cage for a week.”
Tobey raced over, launching himself at Hunter and landing half on him and half on the mattress. They wrestled and rolled on the bed, laughing, until Hunter gained the advantage. He pushed Tobey onto his back and straddled him. They paused, both of them out of breath from their play. Hunter took a moment to gaze down at his beautiful sub, to appreciate how fortunate he was that Tobey hadn’t run away from him forever. His stomach clenched at the thought of how close he’d come to losing him because he’d been such a jerk.
Hunter brushed back some of Tobey’s long hair that had gotten tangled, then had stuck to Tobey’s lips and brow while they’d tumbled on the bed. He leaned down to give him a leisurely kiss before straightening again. “I love you more than you know. I’m so thrilled that we’ve made our own family, that we can build our lives together with love and leave the bullshit behind.”
Tobey reached up, running his thumb along Hunter’s jawline, against the scruff decorating his skin. He couldn’t help but smile as he recalled how adamant Tobey had been that he grow it again. In his bid to clean himself up to win Tobey back, he’d miscalculated his boy’s preference for the rougher look.
“And you’re sure Alita’s okay with all this?” Tobey had let his hand fall to Hunter’s shoulder, but kept rubbing his fingers over his skin in light circles.
Hmm. Much more concerned than I’d realized. Hunter placed small kisses on Tobey’s forehead, nibbling his way down his face until he reached his mouth, pressing one last peck to his lips before straightening. “What is it that has you worried when you say ‘all of this’?”
Tobey averted his eyes but kept running his palm up and down Hunter’s arm. “Well, obviously she knows we’re gay and living together as boyfriends. And you said she knows you’re in the lifestyle…” Tobey lifted his gaze. “I guess I’m so used to judgment after judgment from my family with every single thing I did being another reason why I was wrong or shameful or an embarrassment. I can’t remember if I told you or not, but I never said a word about being into BDSM. Just being gay made me not worth being their son anymore.” Tobey rolled his eyes. “Oh my God. My dad would’ve probably beaten the shit out of me had he known about my love of the lifestyle. At least I knew better than to open up my big mouth about that.”
Hunter bit back the angry words that wanted to fly free. He hoped he never met Mr. Chen. After hearing about how he’d given Tobey a concussion when he’d come out to his family, he didn’t need his restraint to be tested.
“Babe, look at me. I want you to really hear the truth of what I’m saying.” Hunter adjusted his frame, stretching his body over Tobey. He cupped Tobey’s cheek as he locked onto his eyes. “Alita is not like your father. She’s not like my father or my brothers or any of our family who’ve shit on us. She’s already told me how happy she is I’ve found such a wonderful person to spend my life with.” Hunter snorted. “Now she can finally quit busting my chops about it. She’s been on me for years.”
Tobey pulled his eyebrows together. “She’s never met me, though.”
“Well, she did point out that you had to be a saint to put up with me at all, but beyond that, you guys have talked on the phone.” Hunter grinned. “She already gave me her stamp of approval.”
“Really?” Tobey worried his bottom lip. “I hope I live up to her expectations then.”
Hunter groaned. “That’s it.” He rolled off Tobey. “Turn over. I need to spank your cute little butt before I fill it.”
Kink Aware #9
Cruella eyed Ray from behind the desk at Rogue Tattoo, Piercing and Body Mods Studio, their gaze traveling to the tight as fuck, chocolate brown leather pants he wore, then drinking in the sinful way the supple fabric hugged his ass. When Ray reached up to hang his latest tattoo art award next to the entrance, his T-shirt lifted. Cruella held in a moan as Ray’s movement revealed the dimples at the small of his back highlighted by dragons facing each other above the tempting indentations. Cruella bit their lip then lifted their gaze to track Ray’s colorfully inked biceps that bunched and rolled as he completed his task.
Hot damn.
What Cruella wouldn’t give to run their hands across the rounded, muscular butt of the man they’d been lusting after for… Almost a year? Even before they’d begun working the reception area at the shop, they’d been getting inked by Ray.
Back when I was still living with Tucker.
Cruella sighed, then returned to sorting through the new shipment of body piercing jewelry that had arrived that morning. Working at Rogue for the past six months had been amazing. They needed to focus on the pros instead of pining after one of the co-owners. They’d made a wonderful new friend in Liam, finally had a steady income and gotten off the streets and was surrounded by cool people. But more importantly, they weren’t treated like a punching bag the way they’d been before.
Be happy with what you have.
Ray stood back from his project, staring at the picture as he tilted his head. He regarded Cruella. “Does that look straight to you?”
It was hard to tell from the angle where Cruella sat, so they came out from behind the desk, tugged at the bottom of their black, stretch mini-skirt and took a few tentative steps toward Ray. They were careful not to stand too close. The temptation to touch was becoming harder to resist.
“I think the barest of taps on the bottom left corner, and it’ll be perfect.” Their voice tended to be soft and a bit breathy under normal circumstances, but whenever Ray was nearby, it became more pronounced.
Ray gave Cruella what they were sure was an appraising glance before returning his attention to the picture. He did as Cruella had instructed then moved back again. He crossed his arms and smiled, nodding his head.
“Yup. That’s much better.” Ray shifted on his feet then coughed into his fist before returning his attention to Cruella. “So, I was wondering if maybe—”
“Hi Cruella, hi Ray.” The automatic bell on the door went off at the same time as Liam’s voice sounded. His gaze darted between them. “Oh, sorry. Should I come back later?”
Cruella ducked their head as their cheeks heated. Ray mumbled something then sighed.
“Of course not, Liam. These are business hours, and anyway…” Ray let out what sounded like a growl of frustration. “Well, anyway, I have stuff to do.”
His face flushed and Cruella hoped, wished with all their might, that maybe Ray was flustered because he’d been about to ask them out. Even if it wasn’t anything more than hanging out for a beer, it would at least be something.
Maybe if he spends time with me, I can figure out if he’s someone I might want to start something up with. Cruella sighed. If he’s even interested in taking things that far.
Cruella had spent over a year waiting for Ray to make a move. They figured it was due to Ray being their boss. He’d always been very respectful and responsible, cared about doing the right thing.
Unlike some people I used to know.
Like Cruella, Liam tracked Ray’s hurried steps as he made his way up to the inking and piercing part of the shop above reception. Liam regarded them with a fallen expression.
“I messed up, didn’t I?”
“No, hon, you didn’t.” Cruella shrugged at the futility of it all. “There was nothing to mess up.”
They turned and went back to the desk to take a seat again. Liam was the only person who knew Cruella had a crush on Ray, but that was only because he’d guessed. Cruella had been keeping that juicy piece of info to themselves ever since the moment they first eyed the sexy tattoo artist.
Liam took a furtive glance upstairs, then rolled the other office chair next to Cruella. He leaned closer and brought his already quiet voice lower as he spoke, “I keep telling you he likes you. I mean, you know, wants to go out with you. On a date, I mean.” Liam huffed as he frowned. “You know what I’m talking about.”
Liam’s anxiety wasn’t nearly as pronounced when they spoke alone. Since Cruella tended to be quieter as well, Liam seemed less nervous around them. But when Liam did need a moment to take a breath, or had to abruptly leave the room, Cruella always understood.
“I do, baby, I do.” Cruella ran their long, purple fingernails through their hair. “And if I can figure out a way to ask him to hang without it sounding like a date, I will.” They locked eyes with Liam. “Ever since the situation with Tucker, I’m a lot more careful.”
Liam sucked in a sharp breath. “B-but Ray…he… he would never…” Liam’s breathing took on a frantic edge, and being mindful not to touch, Cruella caught Liam’s gaze again.
“Look at me, Liam. I’m not implying anything bad about Ray, all right? Let me explain.” They regarded him with concern. “If you need a minute—”
Liam shook his head, then let out a long exhale. “No. I’m okay. I was remembering your ex and I started thinking about all the bad things he did to you, then I thought about how Ray is so good and kind and funny and that he’d never do anything like that, and…and…” Liam rubbed the back of his hand across his forehead. “Wow. I shouldn’t have thought you meant anything bad about Ray. Don’t be mad?”
Cruella gave a light laugh. “I’m not mad, hon. Listen. I’m more careful because of my heart. I’m not being a big chicken, I promise. I want to meet another guy, I want to love again. But I don’t want to waste my love on someone who isn’t ready to be with someone like me, or who starts to hate themselves because they do, then…” Cruella lowered their head. “Then take it out on me.” They inhaled, lifting their gaze. “I don’t need to apologize to anyone for who I am. And I sure as hell don’t need to explain myself. If a man can’t handle that, then whatever. I don’t need them.”
“You’re right, Cruella.” Liam nodded. “I’ve begun feeling that way about my anxiety. Neal is always reminding me that it’s no one else’s business what I’m going through, and I don’t need anyone’s unsolicited advice or opinions, either.”
Cruella smiled, pleased to hear the conviction in Liam’s voice. His fiancé Neal had been such an amazing source of support for Liam. Watching them grow together as partners, both in love and business, had been a joy to witness.
“I admire you for learning that at such a young age, hon.” Cruella bit their lip. “Back then, it really mattered to me that people like me, accept me. I made it too much about what others thought rather than how I felt. More from men than others.” Cruella shrugged. “But I had a fucked up family, as you know, so there was also that.”
Liam fidgeted, and Cruella imagined his thoughts had gone to his own foster family upbringing. Rather than get into a contest of who had the worst time of it growing up, they’d instead become the type of friends who understood where the other was coming from without trying to top each other’s horror stories. They’d been down that road before too. At the age of twenty-six, Cruella was more interested in moving forward and not focusing on all the toxic bullshit they’d already been through.
Liam reached for them, squeezing their arm then letting go. The quick touch warmed Cruella. The gesture was rare for Liam, and Cruella understood the strong intent behind it.
“I think we both deserve lots and lots of love and happiness because of where we came from.” Liam averted his gaze as he picked at his jeans. “Which is why I think it would be great if you and Ray—”
“There you are, boy.”
Liam broke into a wide grin at the sound of Neal’s voice, and Cruella was relieved at the distraction. While they loved their friendship with Liam, they still weren’t sure when they were going to make the move with Ray and didn’t want to discuss how interested Ray might be.
But, it seemed as if Ray was about to ask me something when Liam came in… Cruella slumped in their chair. It was probably only something like whether I could cover someone’s shift. Cruella was always the go-to for shift coverage. They could barely get by as it was, so accepted whatever was offered as much as possible.
I’ll think of something. They had to admit that Ray was an awesome enough catch that if they didn’t make a move soon, someone else would.
A thread of fear coursed through Cruella at the thought of Ray finding anyone else. That’s it. This week for sure. Cruella tucked their hair behind their ears. Now all I have to do is come up with a credible invitation.
Sunday's Safe Word Shelf: Kiss of Leather
M/M Erotic Romance author Morticia Knight enjoys hot stories of men loving men forever after. They can be men in uniform, Doms and subs, rock stars or bikers - but they're all searching for the one (or two!) who was meant only for them.
When not indulging in her passion for books, she loves the outdoors, film and music. Once upon a time she was the singer in an indie rock band that toured the West Coast and charted on U.S. college radio. She is currently working on more installments of Sin City Uniforms and The Hampton Road Club, as well as the follow-up to Bryan and Aubrey's story from Rockin' the Alternative.
B&N / DREAMSPINNER / KOBO
EMAIL: MorticiaKnight@gmail.com
Switching Places #8
Kink Aware #9
Series
Re-Release Blitz: Nothing Special by Jay Northcote
Title: Nothing Special
Author: Jay Northcote
Genre: M/M Romance
Re-Release Date: June 19, 2019
When Noah’s insecurity threatens their fledgling relationship, can Sol convince Noah that he’s enough?
Noah thinks he’s nothing special. Average height, a bit on the skinny side, and cute but rather geeky, he’s relentlessly ordinary. He certainly doesn’t expect to be noticed by Sol, the gorgeous dark-haired stranger Noah usually sees on his commute home.
When a friend persuades Noah to take a big risk in a bid to get Sol’s attention, things turn out better than Noah dared to hope. But Noah doesn’t believe he’s interesting or sexy enough to hold Sol’s attention.
As Sol tries to get closer, Noah tries to protect his heart by pulling away. If their relationship is going to survive, Noah needs to accept that Sol sees him very differently to how Noah sees himself. Because to Sol, Noah is something very special indeed.
Jay lives just outside Bristol in the West of England. He comes from a family of writers, but always used to believe that the gene for fiction writing had passed him by. He spent years only ever writing emails, articles, or website content.
One day, Jay decided to try and write a short story—just to see if he could—and found it rather addictive. He hasn’t stopped writing since.
Jay writes contemporary romance about men who fall in love with other men. He has five books published by Dreamspinner Press, and also self-publishes under the imprint Jaybird Press. Many of his books are now available as audiobooks.
EMAIL: jaynorthcote@gmail.com
Saturday, June 22, 2019
Saturday's Series Spotlight: Colors by Brigham Vaughn
Summary:
Annie Slocum is a bisexual woman struggling to make a living as a freelance writer. Stuck in a rut, she feels bored with her career, her relationships—her life. A chance meeting with Siobhán at a gallery adds a bright spark to her dull life.
Siobhán Murray is a lesbian Irish painter living in Boston. She loves her career, loves her life, but she’s missing the one piece that will make her life complete—a partner. She falls hard for Annie and is delighted to realize Annie inspires her work. But a string of failed relationships has left her wary of bisexual women and wondering if she can trust that Annie won’t leave her.
When Siobhán’s past comes back to haunt them, they’ll have to decide if the new relationship is something that will burn bright and end quickly or if it’s meant to last.
Summary:
When Siobhán Murray gets a call from a neighbor saying her estranged father, Patrick, has been admitted to a hospital after a serious heart attack, she’s desperate to get to Ireland. Her girlfriend, Annie Slocum, books the first possible flight to Dublin for both of them.
Despite their difficult relationship, Siobhán wants to help her father, so she and Annie move in with him during his recovery. Although Annie loves Siobhán and Ireland, and wants to be supportive, she feels out of place and disconnected from Siobhán.
Patrick hasn’t been the same since his wife’s death fifteen years ago, and it takes time and patience for Siobhán and him to work through their issues.
Things slowly begin to improve as Annie figures out a way to expand her Boston-based blog to include some Irish content, and Siobhán’s spark of creativity re-ignites after lying dormant for more than a year.
But there’s one more hurdle they must overcome, and that decision will shape their entire future.
Original Review August 2017:
Annie Slocum is a struggling writer who happens to be bisexual and is seriously lacking in inspiration, on all fronts. Siobhán Murray is an Irish lesbian painter who is happy on all fronts but one, love. When they meet, more than inspiration sparks, but will it be enough to fan the flames?
It's no secret that I am a huge fan of Brigham Vaughn's work, so when she told me she was starting a F/F romance series, I knew I had to read it. Followers of my reviews have probably noticed that M/M is my favorite genre but that I really don't have a prescribed comfort zone. I like everything! Sure I have my favorite tropes and genres but I am not beyond reading those that may not be my norm. Having said that, my familiarity with F/F is limited but not non-exsistent so when I say A Brighter Palette is an amazing read and incredible portrayal of love, I am not exaggerating.
Before I touch on Annie and Siobhán I have to make mention of one of my favorite TV ships being a relationship between a gay man and bisexual man and how the fandom perceives some of the writers as bi-phobic because they feel it should be all roses and rainbows without problems. I don't feel they're being bi-phobic in how they are writing the gay man wrapping his brain around the bisexual man finding him to be enough, it can be a real issue for some in the LGBT community and it is a fictional soap opera afterall. But as in every facet of the fiction spectrum, its in the eye of the beholder.
Now, I said all that about my TV ship because I feel that Brigham Vaughn has also shown that Annie's bisexuality is a bit of an issue, not in a bi-phobic way but because Siobhán's past relationship has made her weary and gun-shy but it doesn't make me not want to shake Siobhán any less for her way of thinking and some of the words she uses. Brigham deals with this in a believable and yet entertaining fashion. I say "entertaining" not because its roses and rainbows from beginning to end but because it kept me intrigued even when I was upset with Siobhán. I love how their artistic sides mesh with their personal sides, sometimes all that is needed to get the fire started is a common spark. A Brighter Palette is just an all-around enjoyable read that will break your heart one minute and heal it the next but most importantly Brigham has left me hungry for the next installment.
The Greenest Isle #2
I'm embarrassed to admit that I had no idea how close Brigham Vaughn was to releasing The Greenest Isle, her sequel to A Brighter Palette. Once I saw it was out(and luckily for me it was on release day that it came to my attention) I went and 1-clicked it and set down to read almost immediately. I wish I could say I read it in one sitting but life gets in the way and I was interrupted. HOWEVER, it kept pulling me back every free minute I found and though reading books like that isn't my way-of-choice I couldn't help it, I just couldn't wait till I had a free half hour. So at times it was a bit "choppy" for me but that was down to my only reading a couple pages at time occasionally and not the author's writing style.
I want to start off by saying for those looking for full-on heat and lots of it might be a bit disappointed. Don't get me wrong what's there is definitely WOW! but there isn't an overabundance of heat-ness but that's okay. For me, sometimes a story is even better written that way, as the saying goes "less is more" and in the case of Annie and Siobhan I found it to be just right. Considering everything that is being dealt with its understandable that Siobhan's passionate side has cooled a bit.
As someone who has been the primary 24/7 caregiver to a parent for the better part of the past 25 years, I completely understand how it can change a person's life as well as those close to them and I didn't have to travel to another country on top of it. Perhaps it is my role as my mother's caregiver that helped me bond with Siobhan and not so much with Annie in regards to her feeling, well I hate to use the term neglected but left out or shut out at times. Caregiving is a 24/7 job, it is all consuming and when you have the kind of focus that Siobhan has its completely understandable how she puts everything into helping her dad. Just because I relate more to Siobhan in The Greenest Isle doesn't mean I don't sympathize at times with Annie, after all her life has been flipped on its side, I just bonded more to Siobhan.
Watching these two navigate this newest leg of their journey is a real treat that isn't always easy. Caregiving is often used in fiction but more times than not its in small doses and not as life-changing or life-altering as Brigham Vaughn has done in Greenest, the whole moving to Ireland bit isn't exactly an everyday scenario. You can tell when an author has some degree of personal experience with caregiving because Miss Vaughn has tackled it and then managed to balance it with the ongoing romantic relationship that doesn't come from just research. As a caregiver, that part of the story is greatly appreciated.
Now you might think because I concentrated so much on Siobhan's caring for her dad that that is all the story is about but its not, there is so much more to Greenest its just that element really stuck with me. I don't think HEA is ever 100% guaranteed in life and that no matter how happy a couple is there is always work needed to be put into the relationship. This is one of those hurdles that requires patience and determination to further their HEA and Brigham Vaughn balances it all absolutely perfectly with realism that made The Greenest Isle a reading pleasure. If you loved A Brighter Palette than you'll enjoy this as well and if you haven't read Brighter yet, now is the perfect time to jump in.
I want to start off by saying for those looking for full-on heat and lots of it might be a bit disappointed. Don't get me wrong what's there is definitely WOW! but there isn't an overabundance of heat-ness but that's okay. For me, sometimes a story is even better written that way, as the saying goes "less is more" and in the case of Annie and Siobhan I found it to be just right. Considering everything that is being dealt with its understandable that Siobhan's passionate side has cooled a bit.
As someone who has been the primary 24/7 caregiver to a parent for the better part of the past 25 years, I completely understand how it can change a person's life as well as those close to them and I didn't have to travel to another country on top of it. Perhaps it is my role as my mother's caregiver that helped me bond with Siobhan and not so much with Annie in regards to her feeling, well I hate to use the term neglected but left out or shut out at times. Caregiving is a 24/7 job, it is all consuming and when you have the kind of focus that Siobhan has its completely understandable how she puts everything into helping her dad. Just because I relate more to Siobhan in The Greenest Isle doesn't mean I don't sympathize at times with Annie, after all her life has been flipped on its side, I just bonded more to Siobhan.
Watching these two navigate this newest leg of their journey is a real treat that isn't always easy. Caregiving is often used in fiction but more times than not its in small doses and not as life-changing or life-altering as Brigham Vaughn has done in Greenest, the whole moving to Ireland bit isn't exactly an everyday scenario. You can tell when an author has some degree of personal experience with caregiving because Miss Vaughn has tackled it and then managed to balance it with the ongoing romantic relationship that doesn't come from just research. As a caregiver, that part of the story is greatly appreciated.
Now you might think because I concentrated so much on Siobhan's caring for her dad that that is all the story is about but its not, there is so much more to Greenest its just that element really stuck with me. I don't think HEA is ever 100% guaranteed in life and that no matter how happy a couple is there is always work needed to be put into the relationship. This is one of those hurdles that requires patience and determination to further their HEA and Brigham Vaughn balances it all absolutely perfectly with realism that made The Greenest Isle a reading pleasure. If you loved A Brighter Palette than you'll enjoy this as well and if you haven't read Brighter yet, now is the perfect time to jump in.
RATING:
A Brighter Palette #1
Annie pressed her palms to her cheeks. “I got a little carried away.”
Siobhán straightened but didn’t slide away. “I enjoyed watching you get carried away. We’ll have to do that again when we aren’t in such a public place.”
Annie glanced around. Thankfully, they were toward the back of the nearly empty lounge and the backs of the booths had dividers. Unless a waitress had walked by, it was unlikely anyone had seen them.
“This is so unlike me,” Annie admitted.
Siobhán tilted her chin and gave Annie an appraising look. “Perhaps it’s just what you need.”
Annie’s embarrassment began to fade, and she offered Siobhán a small smile. “I certainly could use a bit more excitement in my life,” she admitted. “Although, that doesn’t necessarily include a public exhibition.”
“Public exhibition is optional,” Siobhán said, “but passion shouldn’t be.”
The Greenest Isle #2
“Da?” Siobhán’s voice cracked. She rested her hand on her father’s. He blinked slowly, seeming to come out from a very deep sleep.
“Aileen?” He sounded hoarse as he squinted at her. It made the lines around his eyes deepen.
“No it’s me. Siobhán.”
His expression fell for a moment, but he studied her face intently. “It can’t be. You’re in Boston.”
She shook her head. “No, Mrs. O’Connor called yesterday to tell me you were in hospital. After she explained what happened, I flew to Dublin. With Annie.”
“Annie?” He turned piercing blue eyes on Annie and examined her critically. Annie fought the urge to fidget. Despite the freshening up she’d attempted to do in the airport bathroom, she knew she looked like a mess right now. Ahh, well, there was nothing she could do about it now.
“Annie’s my girlfriend, Da. We met a year and a half ago, and we’re living together.”
His gaze was accusing as he looked at his daughter. “You didn’t tell me you’d met someone.”
Ouch. It stung that in all the time they’d been together, Siobhán hadn’t told her father about Annie. But Annie tried to remind herself that Patrick and Siobhán’s relationship was strained at best. What did she expect?
“I love her, Da,” Siobhán said quietly.
“Come here then,” he gestured weakly toward Annie, but his voice was still commanding. “Let me have a look at you.”
Annie stepped forward. “It’s very nice to meet you, Mr. Murray.”
He reached out a hand, and she took it. His fingers were cool, but there was more strength in his grip than she’d have expected. “Call me Patrick. Mr. Murray was me da’s name.”
“Patrick,” she said. “I’m Annie Slocum.”
His gaze narrowed. “English name, but you’re from Boston, I take it? You sound like it anyway.”
She nodded. “Yes. I’ve lived in that area my whole life.”
“That’s good, so.” He looked away, and Annie had the sensation that she’d been dismissed. Annie walked over to the window, leaving Siobhán and her father to catch up.
“How are you feeling, Da?” Siobhán asked.
“Tired. Annoyed by all the fuss.”
“Mrs. O’Connor told me you had a heart attack. And the nurse said it was serious.”
“Well, I’m not dead.”
Annie glanced over to see Siobhán give her father a tremulous smile. “I’m glad of that. What did they tell you about the prognosis?”
“I don’t know. The doctor was spouting some gibberish. You’ll have to ask him. Maybe you’ll understand him better than I did.”
“I did speak with the nurse. She said you’re going to need to make some lifestyle changes.” Patrick let out an annoyed-sounding “hurrumph”. “And that your recovery will be slow. But Annie and I will help you with that.”
Annie pressed her palms to her cheeks. “I got a little carried away.”
Siobhán straightened but didn’t slide away. “I enjoyed watching you get carried away. We’ll have to do that again when we aren’t in such a public place.”
Annie glanced around. Thankfully, they were toward the back of the nearly empty lounge and the backs of the booths had dividers. Unless a waitress had walked by, it was unlikely anyone had seen them.
“This is so unlike me,” Annie admitted.
Siobhán tilted her chin and gave Annie an appraising look. “Perhaps it’s just what you need.”
Annie’s embarrassment began to fade, and she offered Siobhán a small smile. “I certainly could use a bit more excitement in my life,” she admitted. “Although, that doesn’t necessarily include a public exhibition.”
“Public exhibition is optional,” Siobhán said, “but passion shouldn’t be.”
The Greenest Isle #2
“Da?” Siobhán’s voice cracked. She rested her hand on her father’s. He blinked slowly, seeming to come out from a very deep sleep.
“Aileen?” He sounded hoarse as he squinted at her. It made the lines around his eyes deepen.
“No it’s me. Siobhán.”
His expression fell for a moment, but he studied her face intently. “It can’t be. You’re in Boston.”
She shook her head. “No, Mrs. O’Connor called yesterday to tell me you were in hospital. After she explained what happened, I flew to Dublin. With Annie.”
“Annie?” He turned piercing blue eyes on Annie and examined her critically. Annie fought the urge to fidget. Despite the freshening up she’d attempted to do in the airport bathroom, she knew she looked like a mess right now. Ahh, well, there was nothing she could do about it now.
“Annie’s my girlfriend, Da. We met a year and a half ago, and we’re living together.”
His gaze was accusing as he looked at his daughter. “You didn’t tell me you’d met someone.”
Ouch. It stung that in all the time they’d been together, Siobhán hadn’t told her father about Annie. But Annie tried to remind herself that Patrick and Siobhán’s relationship was strained at best. What did she expect?
“I love her, Da,” Siobhán said quietly.
“Come here then,” he gestured weakly toward Annie, but his voice was still commanding. “Let me have a look at you.”
Annie stepped forward. “It’s very nice to meet you, Mr. Murray.”
He reached out a hand, and she took it. His fingers were cool, but there was more strength in his grip than she’d have expected. “Call me Patrick. Mr. Murray was me da’s name.”
“Patrick,” she said. “I’m Annie Slocum.”
His gaze narrowed. “English name, but you’re from Boston, I take it? You sound like it anyway.”
She nodded. “Yes. I’ve lived in that area my whole life.”
“That’s good, so.” He looked away, and Annie had the sensation that she’d been dismissed. Annie walked over to the window, leaving Siobhán and her father to catch up.
“How are you feeling, Da?” Siobhán asked.
“Tired. Annoyed by all the fuss.”
“Mrs. O’Connor told me you had a heart attack. And the nurse said it was serious.”
“Well, I’m not dead.”
Annie glanced over to see Siobhán give her father a tremulous smile. “I’m glad of that. What did they tell you about the prognosis?”
“I don’t know. The doctor was spouting some gibberish. You’ll have to ask him. Maybe you’ll understand him better than I did.”
“I did speak with the nurse. She said you’re going to need to make some lifestyle changes.” Patrick let out an annoyed-sounding “hurrumph”. “And that your recovery will be slow. But Annie and I will help you with that.”
Author Bio:
Brigham Vaughn is on the adventure of a lifetime as a full-time writer. She devours books at an alarming rate and hasn’t let her short arms and long torso stop her from doing yoga. She makes a killer key lime pie, hates green peppers, and loves wine tasting tours. A collector of vintage Nancy Drew books and green glassware, she enjoys poking around in antique shops and refinishing thrift store furniture. An avid photographer, she dreams of traveling the world and she can’t wait to discover everything else life has to offer her.Her books range from short stories to novellas. They explore gay, lesbian, and polyamorous romance in contemporary settings.
To stay up to date on her latest releases, sign up for the Coles & Vaughn Newsletter.
EMAIL: brighamvaughn@gmail.com
A Brighter Palette #1
The Greenest Isle #2
Release Blitz: Their Obsession by KA Merikan
Title: Their Obsession
Author: KA Merikan
Series: Four Mercenaries #2
Genre: M/M Romance, Poly, LGBT
Release Date: June 20, 2019
Cover Design: Natasha Snow
--- Loved. Protected. Shattered. ---
Clover has found love with not one man, but four. He never imagined such a relationship could work, let alone that he’d be at the center of it, but a year later, his bond with the four mercenaries is stronger than ever.
Each man in Clover’s life completes him in a whole different way. Where Drake teaches him shibari, Boar always showers him with cuddles. Where Tank is strict and protective, Pyro takes Clover on wild adventures.
To truly become a part of the mercenary crew, Clover chose to train under the guidance of his men. He’s itching for action to prove to himself and to others that he can handle the toughest jobs.
But through violence and mayhem, Clover will be tried in ways he never wished for. Old enemies resurface, bonds are tested, and one wrong move can mean death.
********
THEIR OBSESSION is a dark gay harem contemporary romance, book 2 in the “Four Mercenaries” trilogy. The story contains scenes of explicit violence, offensive language, morally ambiguous characters and lots of scorching hot, emotional, explicit scenes.
POSSIBLE SPOILERS:
Themes: polyamory, mercenaries, bounty hunters, albinism, commitment issues, dark past, male bonding, human trafficking, size difference, danger, alpha male, found family, size difference, distrust, shared, victim and protector, revenge, organized crime.
K.A. Merikan are a team of writers who try not to suck at adulting, with some success. Always eager to explore the murky waters of the weird and wonderful, K.A. Merikan don’t follow fixed formulas and want each of their books to be a surprise for those who choose to hop on for the ride.
K.A. Merikan have a few sweeter M/M romances as well, but they specialize in the dark, dirty, and dangerous side of M/M, full of bikers, bad boys, mafiosi, and scorching hot romance.
EMAIL: kamerikan@gmail.com
Their Obsession #2
Series
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