Thursday, December 28, 2023

πŸŽ…πŸŽ„3rd Day of Christmas Author SpotlightπŸŽ„πŸŽ…: Ella Frank & Brooke Blaine



Ella Frank
Ella Frank is the USA Today Bestselling author of the Temptation series, including Try, Take,Trust, Tease, Tate, and True, and is the co-author of the fan-favorite PresLocke Series. Her Exquisite series has been praised as “scorching hot!” and “enticingly sexy!”









Brooke Blaine
Brooke Blaine is a USA Today Bestselling Author best known for writing romantic comedy and M/M romance. Her novels lead with humor and heart, but Brooke never shies away from throwing in something extra naughty that will scandalize her conservative Southern family for life (bless their hearts). She’s a choc-o-holic, lives for eighties bands (which means she thinks guyliner is totally underrated), believes it’s always wine o’clock, and lives with the coolest cat on the planet—her Ragdoll/Maine Coon mix, Jackson Agador Spartacus. 


Ella Frank
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EMAIL: admin@ellafrank.com

Brooke Blaine
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EMAIL: BrookeBlaineAuthor@gmail.com




Dare You
Summary:
Dare to Try #1
From Ella Frank’s Prime Time series and Brooke Blaine’s South Haven series comes an explosive spin-off of both worlds.

Sebastian “Bash” Vogel, the magnetic, cross-dressing CEO of AnaVoge, has long been a lone island when it comes to his personal life. Self-assured and playful, he’s never left wanting for suitors—but Bash isn’t looking for something permanent. He’s more than fulfilled with his company and his closest friends, and no one is going to shake up the status quo.

That is, until he’s thrown over the shoulder of one of Chicago’s finest and hauled out of a burning building.

Kieran Bailey, a sexy, hardworking lieutenant at Station 73, has been reaping the rewards of being crowned the city’s hottest fireman, which his crew never lets him forget. So many ladies, so little time. So when he rescues the latest damsel in distress, no one is more shocked than him to realize he’s played prince charming to another…prince.

But Bash isn’t like anyone Kieran has ever met, and soon his world is turned upside down as he becomes more intrigued by the enigmatic man that he can’t stay away from.

They’re from two different worlds. This could never work. But what if…they dared to try?

Dare You is book one of the Dare to Try trilogy, which must be read in order. Prior reading is not required, but is always a fantastic idea for maximum enjoyment.




Once Upon a Sexy Scrooge
Summary:
Ah, Christmas. The most magical time of the year. A time when the snow is falling, cider is flowing, and couples are kissing under the mistletoe.

Too bad all that makes me want to gag.

Look, it isn’t that I’m a hater, it’s just that I have a job to do, and this particular holiday is getting in the way of that. And I know what you’ll say, that Micah Noble’s Christmas Tree Farm is a beloved tradition for many of the families of Merrihill, but you have to see the bigger picture here: a five-star luxury resort where overworked Manhattanites can escape to, a serene place of spas and shopping and watching sexy lumberjacks chopping wood…

Oh, wait, scratch that last one. Lumberjacks aren’t my thing. Anymore. Micah Noble cured me of that, which tends to happen when you’re trying to buy someone’s family land to bulldoze to the ground.

He can call me a Scrooge all he wants, but business is business, and pleasure is…well, not something I can afford to think about. Even if it does come packaged in those tight jeans and flannel shirts that make me want to rip them off with my teeth—

No. This is not happening. I will not think of Micah as anything other than an obstacle to getting what I want. A really, really sexy obstacle.

Ugh. Screw Christmas and the sleigh it rode in on.

A sweet and sexy m/m holiday romance novella from USA TODAY Bestselling Authors Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine.




Aced
Summary:
PresLocke #1
Ace Locke is Hollywood’s hottest action hero. Women across the globe fling their panties in his direction, but Ace isn’t interested in those—he’s more of a boxer briefs kind of guy. Specifically, those of the nearly naked male model on a billboard he drives past every day.

Though he recently made headlines for his public coming out, Ace is wary about pursuing a relationship, fearing what the court of public opinion will do to his career. But there’s something in the model’s expression that intrigues him and has him wondering what if?

Dylan Prescott just scored his biggest modeling campaign yet. One that has him plastered all over L.A. in not much more than what he was born with. And when he’s cast in Ace’s latest blockbuster, it puts him in close proximity to his ultimate fantasy.

Outwardly confident, Dylan has no problem with his sexuality or his pretty-boy looks, and uses both to his advantage to get what he wants. And what he wants is the impossible—Ace Locke.

From Ella Frank’s Sunset Cove series and Brooke Blaine’s L.A. Liaisons series comes a scorchingly hot novel that blends humor, passion, and romance.

What happens when these two worlds collide?

*Although Aced is a spin-off of Ella and Brooke’s series, prior reading of those novels is not required.*




Forbidden Mafia Prince
Summary:
The Malvagio Duet #1
“What are you going to do with me?”
“Whatever the hell I want.”

In Manhattan, tensions are rising.
In a play for power, the Rossetti family has made a decisive blow, crippling their rivals—an act that has forced the Fiores to make a desperate move to maintain their supremacy.

Many miles away, Luca Davis, a young medical student, has no idea his life is about to change.
No idea that everything he’s been told about his life has been a lie.
Enter Domenico Rossetti, the ruthless Mafia prince. Powerful and unforgiving, he’s a savage in a suit—and the one who holds the cards when it comes to his new captive.

But when the war escalates and both are forced into seclusion, the two men are faced with a new threat: the rising sexual tension between them.
You don’t fall for the one person you’re supposed to hate, but it’s a temptation neither can resist.
Because falling in love with the enemy isn’t only wrong—it’s forbidden.
And the cost for defying everyone will be their lives.

Forbidden Mafia Prince is the first book in USA Today Bestselling Authors Brooke Blaine and Ella Frank's M/M mafia romance duet.




Infamous Park Avenue Prince
Summary:
Park Avenue Princes #1
Who are we? Like you even need to ask. We’re the seven richer-than-sin legacies causing debauchery at the prestigious Astor University in Manhattan.
Some call us spoiled.
Some call us trouble.
But everyone calls us the Park Avenue Princes.

Weston LaRue
“The Playboy”

I’m never one to turn down a bet. Especially not when it comes to retaliating against the dean for pulling a dick move before summer break.
So when the dean’s golden child arrives at Astor for his freshman year, my fellow troublemakers throw down a wager I can’t resist.

The target: the dean’s son, John Thomas Hawthorne, or “JT.”
The bet: corruption in any way I choose.

It should’ve been easy. With his mess of brown curls, pouty lips, and good-boy reputation, JT is the perfect revenge. And even better? He’s straight.

Challenge accepted. I’ll do whatever it takes to prove a point, no matter how reckless it might be.

Game. On.

Infamous Park Avenue Prince is the first standalone novel in the Park Avenue Princes world.



Dare You

Once Upon a Sexy Scrooge
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Aced

Forbidden Mafia Prince
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Infamous Park Avenue Prince


πŸŽ…πŸŽ„⏳Throwback Thursday's Time Machine⏳πŸŽ„πŸŽ…: Nicolas by Dianne Hartsock



Nicolas by Dianne Hartsock
Summary:
Betrayed by a lover, Jamie rents an isolated cabin on Lake Huron, wanting only to be left alone. Instead, he is pulled from his solitary existence as an artist and tumbles headlong into the legend of Saint Nicolas.

As a young man, Nicolas accidentally killed a man intent on murdering three children, only to have the man's malicious spirit rise up against him. Fleeing through the centuries from the Krampus, the evil troll-like creature that dogs his steps, Nico finds refuge with the young artist who takes him into his home and bed. But Jamie has questions. Who is Nicolas, and why does the Krampus want to destroy him?

When the Krampus begins to torment and torture anyone Nico comes in contact with to punish him, Jamie's life is put in danger. And Jamie isn't sure whether he can help Nico defeat his nemesis or if he's merely a pawn in the Krampus's game.

Original Review December 2016:
If you are looking for something different from the happy, happy holiday reads then Nicolas is the one for you.  A delicious blend of good, bad, sexy, torture, mystery, paranormal, and well just about everything in between.  I first came across this one when I was doing my paranormal blog posts for Halloween but never had a chance to read it so I stuck it in my holiday folder and loved it from page one. Nico, Piter, & Jamie's connection keeps you enthralled all the way through, I just hated putting it down to eat, I've never rushed through a meal so fast to get back to my Kindle.  With the paranormal darkness elements I hate to touch on any specifics so I don't give away any spoilers but let me just say that I am already looking forward to re-reading Nicolas for many holiday seasons to come.

RATING: 



"You weren't in our bed when I woke. I missed you." Nico played with the bottom of Jamie's shirt, and Jamie jumped when he tickled his ribs. He quickly reduced the flame on the burner to its lowest setting, then turned in Nico's arms.

He ran his fingers through Nico's tousled curls. "I wanted you to sleep. Would you like a hot chocolate?"

Nico's lips lifted with a slow grin, and he ran his gaze down Jamie's body. "There's sweeter things I'd like in my mouth," he suggested, sending a jolt of hunger through Jamie. Nico leaned and ran his tongue over Jamie's bottom lip, making him whimper.

Jamie opened his mouth to invite him in and felt Nico jump as if startled. He glanced up and found Nico's gaze riveted on the refrigerator. His heart thumped with apprehension. "What is it?"

Nico stepped around him without replying, not taking his gaze off the pictures held by small magnets to the refrigerator doors. Jamie moved up beside him.

"The doctor has children."

Jamie caught his breath at the dread in Nico's voice. "Just one. His son Andy. Nico, what's the matter?"

The thick lashes blinked, and Jamie shivered when Nico's fierce gaze met his. "Piter's seen these. In nome di Dio! I have to stop him."

Jamie watched as he strode across the room, momentarily stunned by the panic in Nico's voice. "Nico, wait," he called and trotted after him, putting a hand on his arm to stop him as he headed for the front door. Nico gave him an impatient look, but Jamie was determined. "You can't go out in the storm. Please wait until morning, at least."

"Piter won't wait. He'll hurt --"

"He wouldn't --"

Nico quickly touched his cheek, compassion sweeping his face. "No, angelo mio, he won't kill the boy. Never that. But he'll frighten him, torment the father, to get to me. Do you understand? Piter hates me for the wrong I did him years ago, will never forgive me, and will use anyone to make me suffer for it. I can't let him do that."

Jamie held Nico's hand against his cheek, not above begging, "Please, Nico, you could die if you go out there. It's so easy to get turned around in these storms. You could wander off track, fall through the snow into a crevice or something. When the sun comes up, I'll hike with you into Alpena and visit John's office. If they're not there, someone in town will know where they are."

Doubt creased Nico's face, and then his shoulders slumped in defeat. "You're right, but I abhor the delay." He let out a heavy, frustrated breath and returned to sit on the couch, burying his face in his hands.

Jamie watched him, then sighed and went back to the kitchen. The milk had boiled over the pan slightly, but is hadn't scorched and enough remained to make a mug of chocolate. He watched the cocoa and sugar dissolve, letting his mind drift while he stirred the darkening liquid. He loved Nico, but there were some hard questions he needed to ask, not sure if he could handle the answers.

When the chocolate was ready, he poured it into a mug and carried it to the living room, setting it on a small table by the couch. Unsure, he nudged Nico's arms out of the way and straddled his lap. Nico stiffened, but then put his arms around Jamie's waist with a soft cry and pushed his face against his shoulder.

"Piccolo angelo mio," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "I'm so afraid. What do I do, little one?"

"Hush, baby, I'm here. I won't let anything bad happen," he promised, though his heart stumbled with the thought that this strong man would ask his advice. He slipped his fingers under Nico's chin and raised his face. His lover's tears undid him, but he gathered his courage, needing to be strong. "Nico, we'll find them. You said Piter won't hurt the boy?"

"Not physically, but he can be terrifying. You've seen his beauty, but he can wear many masks, things taken right from the boy's nightmares. The Krampus can drive little Andy to madness or death, if he chooses."

"Krampus? Nico, who is Piter? What is he?"

Nico's expression turned grim. "He is my enemy."


Author Bio:

After growing up in California and spending the first ten years of marriage in Colorado, I now live in the beautiful Willamette Valley of Oregon with my incredibly patient husband, who puts up with the endless hours I spend hunched over the keyboard letting my characters play.

I have to say, Oregon's raindrops are the perfect setting in which to write. There's something about being cooped up in the house while it pours rain outside, a fire crackles on the hearth inside, and a cup of hot coffee warms my hands, which kindles my imagination.

The intricate and fragile nature of the mind is always fascinating. Having worked with the public through various careers I've come to respect the resilience and strength of the human spirit. I'm always trying to capture that spirit in my writing.

Currently, I work as a floral designer in a locally-owned gift shop. Which is the perfect job for me. When not writing, I can express myself through the rich colors and textures of flowers and foliage.


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EMAIL: diannewrites2@hotmail.com



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Wednesday, December 27, 2023

πŸŽ…πŸŽ„2nd Day of Christmas Author SpotlightπŸŽ„πŸŽ…: Sarah Hadley Brook



Sarah Hadley Brook
Sarah Hadley Brook lives smack-dab in the middle of the Heartland and is the mother of two wonderful young men, as well as two cats. During the day, she works in the nonprofit world, but reserves evenings for her hobby-turned-passion of writing, letting the characters she conjures in her mind take the lead and show her where the story will go. When not working or writing, she can be found reading, working on dollhouses, trying her hand at new recipes, or watching old movies and musicals. In her ideal world, Christmas would come at least twice a year, Rock Hudson and Doris Day would have costarred in more than three movies, and chocolate would be a daily necessity. She dreams of traveling to Scotland some day and visiting the places her ancestors lived. Sarah believes in “Happily Ever After” and strives to ensure her characters find their own happiness in love and life.


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A Love to Remember
Summary:

The Men of Wesley Lake #1
Graham Hayes decided long ago he’d never be in a relationship. It was better to stay single than to fall in love only to be left alone, which he was certain would happen to him. He’d seen Alzheimer’s ravage his family members all his life, leaving their loved ones to deal with the fallout. Some of them stayed, but some didn’t. Graham isn’t going to risk it.

When he hires nurse Sam Morgan to take care of his dad during the day, his pledge to stay single is put to the test. He soon finds it difficult to maintain a professional distance.

Graham’s guarded his heart for so long, but his resolve is crumbling. Will he be able to conquer his fear to give himself a chance at love? Can he trust Sam to stick around for better or worse?






Matthew's Present
Summary:
Christmas is around the corner and Matthew Blick is not looking forward to spending another holiday alone. His five-year-old niece, Hannah, loves her uncle so much, she asks the department store Santa to bring her uncle someone to love.

When Santa shows up at Matthew’s house, he doesn’t recognize him. As memories of his first kiss rush back, he’s shocked to find the man he hasn’t been able to get out of his mind since high school. Can a kiss change the way Matthew feels about Christmas?





The Great Pretender
Summary:
Rock ‘n roll is sweeping the nation and the drive-ins are full of greasers, jocks, and girls in poodle skirts. Recently graduated from college, Billy Hadley is eager to change the direction his life is heading, although crashing his car wasn’t exactly how he planned on doing it.

Tall, sexy mechanic, Gene Milgram, rides to the rescue on his motorcycle. Billy takes one look at him and can’t fight the immediate attraction.

Will these two take a chance on each other and find love?





Operation Toy Rescue
Summary:

When Jules Evergreen lands in trouble at the North Pole and gets shipped off to Snow Hope Island for ninety days, he never expects to take up the cause of the forgotten toys waiting for new homes. Falling for his new boss is not on the agenda either, but his heart has other ideas.

Felix Winterson has grown up on Snow Hope Island and now runs the place. He isn’t thrilled when party boy Jules arrives, and Felix tries hard to ignore the man’s charms. He has other problems, anyway. For years he’s tried to get Santa to look at the growing inventory of damaged toys in the warehouse, to no avail.

When Jules comes up with a plan to save the toys, the men find themselves working closely together. As Christmas Eve looms, there’s a lot at stake. Can they save Snow Hope, convince Santa to rescue the toys, and fall in love all at the same time?





The Twisted Oak
Summary:
Wade Dwyer's life is turned upside down when his father dies and he learns he must marry or he and his siblings will lose the ranch. One last jab of the knife from his father. On top of that, his father's only friend knows about the stipulation and is determined to own the property by any means necessary.

He's facing the very real possibility of being the reason his family loses their home when his brother's best friend, Lance Matthews, offers to walk down the aisle with him. A faux marriage to the man he's loved for years is a torture he isn't sure he can endure.

Can he keep the ranch ... and the man of his dreams, too?




A Love to Remember
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Matthew's Present
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The Great Pretender
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Operation Toy Rescue
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The Twisted Oak
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Tuesday, December 26, 2023

πŸŽ…πŸŽ„1st Day of Christmas Author SpotlightπŸŽ„πŸŽ…: Ellie Thomas



Ellie Thomas

Ellie Thomas lives by the sea. She comes from a teaching background and goes for long seaside walks where she daydreams about history. She is a voracious reader especially about anything historical. She mainly writes historical romance.

Ellie also writes historical erotic romance under the pen name L. E. Thomas.



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A Trick of the Light
Summary:

Kenneth Taylor has bright plans for a future as an engineer. In the summer of 1957, as soon as he returns home to Bristol from two years of National Service in the Royal Signals, a furious row with his dad means he’s thrown out of the house, and his prospects are in jeopardy.

He finds lodgings in the hilltop, bomb-damaged suburb of Kingsdown, determined to be independent and juggling night school with his humdrum day job. He soon meets Gino, the good-looking son of a local cafΓ© owner and is thrilled when the attraction proves to be mutual. As their romance blooms, Kenneth finds unexpected encouragement from an apparition in the mirror who inhabited the house in the late 18th century.

When the ghostly vision of Kit also appears to Kenneth in his dreams, it seems they have much in common when Kit reveals his dilemma at a similar age, concerning his growing attachment to a young man, Ned. Past and present intermingle as Kenneth faces parallel and difficult decisions. But can he trust Kit? Or is it all merely a trick of the light?




The Monk's Lair
Summary:
Christian Maxwell is used to being alone. A delicate and over-imaginative young man, he’s abandoned to his own devices and company in his family’s Wiltshire country home. When his aunt, concerned for his well-being, insists he accompany her to the Welsh Borders for a country house party in the autumn of 1816, Christian is resigned to being surrounded by people for the duration.

One particular guest, Sam Gillespie, is a handsome amateur scientist of a similar age to Christian who is determined to befriend him. When Sam persuades Christian to join him on an expedition to the scenic ruins of Tintern Abbey, they stumble across an isolated valley that contains a long-dead and sinister monastic force.

Their dreams are haunted by the spirit of the place, so the pair band together to find out the valley’s dark history, kindling their romance along the way. But their ghostly foe is more tenacious than they imagine. Can Christian and Sam manage to defeat the black monk and find lasting happiness?





A Christmas Engagement
Summary:
In 1805, Charles Denham’s comfortable life in Regency London with his long-term partner Avery Mallory is disrupted by the sudden death of his father. As the heir to a modest country estate in Gloucestershire, Charles returns home to care for his bereaved family and take up his new responsibilities.

Overwhelmed with grief, rather than leaning on Avery, Charles becomes fixed on the idea of taking a wife for reasons of family duty alone. With this plan in mind, he travels the short distance to Bath only to find that Avery and his family have already arrived at the resort.

Will Charles follow through with his ill-conceived plan for a hasty betrothal by Christmas? Or will he come to his senses and resume his relationship with the nicest man in England?









Twelve Letters
Summary:
Twelve Letters #1
In Regency London, Jolyon Everett is determined to dissuade his irascible friend, Captain Ben Harding, from fighting a duel. However, before commencing on the pressing business of defusing Ben’s misplaced anger, Jo writes two notes -- one to Percy Havilland, his very demanding paramour, and the other to his tailor, Daniel Walters. With those trifles out of the way, he can concentrate on persuading Ben to reprieve young Edward Stephens, a newly qualified doctor, who Jo suspects has a serious crush on Ben.

But the best-laid plans can go awry, as do the letters. As well as a furious Ben, Jo finds himself at the mercy of an outraged Percy and an amorous tailor. Can he convince Ben not to shoot Edward after all? Will he soothe Percy’s ruffled feathers? And might Jo realise true love can be found under the most unexpected conditions?








Another Chance for Love
Summary:
Former British Army Lieutenant Adam Merryweather survived the Western Front of WWI and has slowly recovered from his injuries. But can he heal from a broken heart?

Torn between family duty and personal happiness, he sacrificed his love for Alf and has never ceased to regret it in the two years since the war ended.

Adam is slowly putting his empty life back together, working for the family firm in the city centre of Bristol and trying to stop his mother’s meddling to find him the perfect socially acceptable bride. When he happens to meet Alf out of the blue, Adam is determined to try again. But convincing Alf to give him another chance may be too much to hope for.

Can a chance meeting bring them back together? Or has Adam lost another chance for love forever?

Click Here to Read my Review



A Trick of the Light
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The Monk's Lair
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A Christmas Engagement
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Twelve Letters
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Another Chance for Love
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