Thursday, July 26, 2018

Blogger Review: A Century Divided by Silvia Hildebrandt

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Summary:
Boy meets boy in 1920s New York City. But can they survive the challenges of an intolerant era? 

The forbidden love between Caleb and Tristan throws them in a tornado of heartbreak and loss — nevertheless they find each other repeatedly as the disasters of the century unfold.

In the Roaring Twenties young farmer’s son Caleb Milton flees his hometown and comes to New York City where he meets the flamboyant salesman Tristan Somersmoore. They begin a passionate affair, but as time goes by, their long term off-and-on relationship is under constant threat. The judgment of society, their own sexual insecurities and the crushing waves of history make it nearly impossible to find happiness. As they experience the Great Depression, the trauma of the Second World War, and the Cold War era, can Caleb and Tristan finally find a place for their love?

"A Century Divided" tells a not-so average family and love story in the likes of Hanya Yanagihara, AndrΓ© Aciman and David Leavitt.


When Caleb Milton leaves his hometown for New York City he meets Tristan Somersmoore, their lives are changed forever.  As they continue to meet throughout their lives, they see the good and the bad.  Will they ever find happiness together?

A Century Divided by Silvia Hildebrandt is another new author and that can be scary for some but as I've said before I find it exhilarating.  I find myself being able to enjoy the story without the expectation the author has to "live upto" because of previous works I've read.  Silvia Hildebrandt is no different and she's definitely made my author-to-watch list.

I loved being able to experience history through the eyes of Caleb and Tristan as they do.  There are times when I expected to look out my front window and find myself staring at a time gone by instead of the same view I've had everyday for over 20 years.  When an author can get you so lost in setting and still make the characters come alive while they worm their way into your heart, you know you have a winner in your hands.  A Century Divided may not make my annual re-read list but I know I'll be revisiting Caleb and Tristan again.

RATING: 

Author Bio:
Silvia Hildebrandt was born in Romania, in the Puszta, to a German father and a Hungarian mother. After the fall of the Iron Curtain, she fled to Germany in 1990, when she was five years old. She studied German literature and history at the elite university of TΓΌbingen and published a short academical text in an anthology about duchess Barbara Gonzaga of WΓΌrttemberg. Her thesis examined the effeminate King Richard II. of England and Gender as a legitimization of kingship. After giving birth to her two daughters, she started writing her first novel “A Century Divided.” Currently, she is writing her second novel.





Audiobook Tour: The Eagle and the Fox by Nya Rawlyns

Title: The Eagle and the Fox
Author: Nya Rawlyns
Series: Snowy Range Mystery #2
Genre: M/M Romance, Suspense, Contemporary Western, Standalone
Audiobook Release Date: December 28, 2016
Narrator: Nick J Russo
ebook Release Date: June 9, 2015
Publisher: Jade Horse Publishing
Cover Design: Dreams2Media

Summary:
Josiah Foxglove is given a second chance when he takes over his family’s spread in the shadow of the Snowy Range. A veteran of the Gulf War, he came back broken in body and spirit.

Marcus Colton buried his long-time lover and best friend three years ago. Lonely and still grieving, Marcus finds solace in protecting Petilune, a pretty girl with learning difficulties, who will surely become a victim of abuse and neglect without his help. But that doesn’t help him get through the long, dark nights.

When violence wracks the small community of Centurion, WY, it’s easy to place blame on Petilune's mysterious new boyfriend, Ojibwe teen Kit Golden Eagle. It looks open and shut, but for Josiah and Marcus the facts simply don’t add up.

Something’s rotten in Centurion, something that smacks of a hate crime…

Author Bio:
Nya Rawlyns writes a variety of genres – suspense/mystery, contemporary western, romance, romantic comedy, women’s fiction, literary fiction and contemporary young adult fantasy.

A lifelong equestrienne, she has competed in dressage and distance riding. She lives in rural Pennsylvania with her daughter, horses, cats, and the hens from hell. She has a family of friends and supporters who provide not just inspiration but absolute belief in her characters and stories.


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Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Release Blitz: Curl Around My Heart by Londra Laine

Title: Curl Around My Heart
Author: Londra Laine
Genre: M/M Romance
Release Date: July 24, 2018
Editor: Jae Ashley
Cover Design: Aria Tan
Summary:
At Pearl’s Hair and Nails, no one questions Tate Robinson about his high heels, crop tops, and lipstick, because he’s the boss and he can wear what he damn well pleases. The shop is his life, and he doesn’t need anything more. Until a man walks in with his adorable daughter, and Tate has to untangle her helmet-hair...and his growing feelings for the single dad.

Reece Evans has been on his job for years, has his own place, and now has custody of his eight-year-old daughter. But he doesn’t trust himself to avoid screwing up. Adulting is not his strong suit—or so he’s been told. And now a sexy beautician, who also happens to be his new downstairs neighbor, has Reece wanting and reaching for more than he thinks he’s capable of.

As Tate and Reece move past their own fears about relationships, Reece’s ex issues a threat that could destroy everything. Will Reece’s worries about other people judging him undermine his budding romance? And will Tate’s fear of rejection make him push Reece away? Or have the sweet single dad and his precocious daughter curled too tightly around his heart to give them up?

***Please be aware that this book contains references to drug addiction***


Eventually they eased away from each other, their lips pressing briefly against a cheek, an eyelid, the corner of a mouth, until their foreheads were touching as they shared slightly labored breaths.

“I like you, Tate.” The words spilled from Reece as though Tate had wrung them from him. Tate pulled back, forcing Reece to disentangle their legs. Tate was in profile to Reece now, his head dropped against the back of the couch. His stomach seized and his confidence drained, waiting to hear Tate’s response.

“I like you too, Reece,” the other man mumbled.

Oh, thank fuck.

Reece sighed in relief as Tate shifted to meet his gaze.

“I’m crazy attracted to you. Obviously. But, I’m just nervous because guys like you⎯”

Reece’s hackles rose. “Guys like me?”

Tate closed his eyes briefly then opened them. “Yeah. Guys like you. Stereotypically male. Not so obviously queer. Well, they’ve been attracted to me, dated me. But inevitably break things off, because they think I’m too femme. Too flamboyant.” Tate’s shine flickered, and a well of heat raced up Reece’s chest.

“Well, fuck those dudes,” Reece said, throwing himself back on the couch. “And don’t ever compare me to them. I see you, Tate.” He turned his head and waited until Tate met his gaze. “I like what I see. All of it. All of you. You look good to me in heels,kicks, tight-ass ladies’ jeans, and sweats too. I just like you, man.” He ended his little tirade on a shaky breath and then leaned over to brush his lips against Tate’s.

As he went to pull back, Tate trapped Reece against him, gliding his tongue across the seam of Reece’s lips, coaxing Reece to open then luring him into an urgent kiss. Their lips and noses smashed, teeth bit and clacked as they clutched at each other before Tate pulled back abruptly.
“What am I doing?” Tate whispered, resting his head against Reece’s. “You have a kid. You’re my client. My neighbor.” He pulled back, his face serious, eyes searching Reece’s. “And I like to top. Mostly. Like seventy-thirty.” Tate lifted his chin as though waiting for Reece to object.

Reece just smiled, his dick twitching at the thought of Tate topping him, bending him over the couch and making him wail. He brushed his lips against Tate’s. “Well, lucky for both of us then that I like to bottom, mostly. I’d say about sixty-forty. I figure we can meet somewhere in the middle. As far as the other stuff goes... What? You discriminating against me?”

Tate shook his head. “No, it’s just that I’ve been here before, okay. With the straight guys, the bi guys, even the gay ones, and most of them just wanted to fuck and didn’t even want to take me out on a date because I was too effeminate for them.” Tate waved his hand. “Too whatever, too...me, and I just...” He trailed off.

“You expect me to be like them,” Reece finished.

Tate groaned then covered his face briefly. “No, okay? Maybe. Ugh. It’s hard not to expect this to be the same, you know?” Tate grimaced.

Disappointment surged through Reece but then quickly dissipated. Tate didn’t think Reece would personally fuckup whatever this was that was starting between them. No, this had nothing to do with Reece. Tate had been burned, and Reece could relate. He couldn’t make any promises about the outcome of their budding whatever it was, but he damn sure wanted to try. He didn’t want to be to Tate what all the other men who’d come before had been.

Reece grabbed Tate’s hand, turning to face the man. “Well, how about we do the unexpected? Can I take you out next Friday after work?” Reece held his breath.

Author Bio:
A forever-man for every man

Londra has loved to read since she discovered The Baby-Sitters Club. As a child, her parents would ground her by taking all the books out of her room for several days. Londra began reading romance in 2008 and fell in love with the M/M romance genre after purchasing a book by accident several years later.

After decades of daydreaming, and jotting down story ideas, Londra decided to give life to the characters in her head. She writes to give her guys the happy ending she wishes everyone––no matter their race, religion, gender, or orientation––could experience in real life.

During the day, Londra is a communications manager for a consulting firm. She is a recovering journalist. Londra loves the New York Yankees, Seinfeld reruns, tacos, and Friday nights on the couch with wine and a new book.

In 2010, she moved from her native California to New York City where she lived in Harlem for nearly eight years. In early 2018 she relocated to Seattle with her husband.


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Release Blitz: Finding My Way Home by Kendel Duncan

Title: Finding My Way Home
Author: Kendel Duncan
Series: Doyle Global Securities #2
Genre: M/M Romance
Release Date: July 25, 2018
Publisher: Dare Publishing & Design
Cover Design: Dara NelsonDan Skinner

Summary:
“Have you ever been so lost that you couldn’t remember what home looked like, what it felt like?

So lost that home was a distant memory – a place that you never had hope of finding it again?

That’s how I felt, how I’d felt for years, for longer than I could remember.
Until I found you, Bas.

I just wish I could tell you that….

I’m coming.  I’m coming for you, Bas.  And I’m going to do my best to try….for you.”
~Ten

For longer than he could remember Tenley ‘Ten’ Pinkerton had been lost.  Wandering this earth with no hope, no soul, no heart, no purpose.  The day the love of his life, Sawyer, had been brutally murdered was the day that everything beyond the basic elements of survival - like breathing and a beating heart - had been shut down.

Until him.

Sebastian ‘Bas’ Monroe.

Fucking Bas Monroe.

Somehow the man had wormed his way past Ten’s defenses, past the armor plates surrounding his heart, past the pain.  Somehow he’d gotten inside.
Ten wasn’t really sure how he felt about that.

But the day that Bas went missing?

Ten knew that he would die if he that’s what it came to in order to find Bas, in order to save him.

The question that remained:
Was he going to be saving Bas Monroe?  Or was he going to be saving himself?


Tenley ‘Ten’ Pinkerton stepped out onto the balcony of the hotel room.  For a brief moment, he glanced down at the pool twelve stories below and thought, I could make that.  I could jump, land in the pool and just fucking disappear. Leave my job, leave my home and leave this pull that fucking Bas has on me.

Just thinking Sebastian’s name brought a growl from his chest.  He hated thinking about the man, even though he couldn’t help doing it almost every moment of every day.

Sebastian ‘Bas’ Monroe.

The asset that that Ten had been assigned to protect on his last assignment.

The lawyer who was assigned to help out the prosecution in the case against Jacob Knight.

The lawyer who had coached and guided Jacob’s two victims, Noah Pierce and Jesse Miller, so well that it was their testimony that sent the man to prison for life, where he belonged.

Bas Monroe….the man who had somehow, for a brief second, made Ten forget all about the man who owned his heart, who would always own his heart, his murdered boyfriend Sawyer.

Sawyer would always be the love of Ten’s life, always.

Oh, he knew he’d have hook ups from time to time, he’d have to slake that itch.  But those would be with no-named men in the bathrooms and alleys behind clubs – blowjobs and hand jobs with random strangers when his own hand wasn’t enough.  But they would never, ever involve kissing.  And he would never lust after the person, never want them again. He would only need a willing hole.

But Bas, fucking Bas Monroe had to come along and somehow, someway, weave his way past Ten’s defenses.  He’d found a small crack in Ten’s armor, pulled it open and he’d snuck inside.

But it wasn’t their brief moment of passion that had Ten so pissed off.

No.

It was the fact that Ten had wanted it.  Fuck, he’d desperately wanted it. He’d wanted it so bad that he couldn’t control himself.  And he’d kissed Bas.  No, that’s not exactly true. He’d devoured Bas’s mouth with his own.

And he’d liked it.  Even worse, he wanted it to happen again.  Sure, he’d pushed Bas away the second it had happened.  He’d turned, with the evidence of what they’d done covering his stomach, and he’d ran away.

But he was honest enough, and angry enough, to know that running had been the last thing he’d wanted to do.  What he’d wanted to do was melt into Bas’s strong embrace and never leave.

Fucking Bas Monroe.

With a sigh, he forced his focus back to the task at hand.  He glanced to his left and right, noting that both balconies were a good fifteen feet away, not a jump that most people could make. And there weren’t balconies on the rooms above or below him.  He turned and walked back into the room, “We’re good,” he said with a nod to his partner on this protection detail, Dante.


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Author Bio:
I was born and raised in the Bay Area of Northern California but have made my home in the Pacific Northwest for the last two decades.  My husband & I live on a small farm surrounded by chickens, goats, rabbits, a turkey, 5 dogs and a cat, in the shadow of stunning Mt Rainier.

With my grown children and grandchildren nearby, my life is always busy, happy and full of laughter.

I am an active Blogger, having created Love Unchained Book Reviewsout of my love for all things MM books.

Owner of Dare Press- Offering quality, affordable services for indie authors, including:
Editing, Publishing, Book Cover Design
NY Literary Magazine Best Story Award 2017 Nominee

When I’m not on the phone with my best friend (which is at least once every day) – I am an avid, addicted reader.  It is my passion, my escape, my joy.

And I am most definitely a writer. The characters in my head are constantly demanding that their story be told.

But above all that - I am a human being. My passion for people is unparalleled, my firm belief in Love is Love unwavering, my hope that all can be accepted, undying. I do not write because I want to, I do it because I haveto.  I write because these voices, these beautiful men, have chosen me to tell their stories – and how damn lucky am I for that?

As an author, I write under both my name and a pen name, with total transparency and honesty:

Dara Nelson is the author of:
Author of the wildly popular ‘Healing Hearts’ series (Love in the Aftermath, Love After Chaos, Love Worth Fighting For – and more to come soon)

“5 stars 5 stars  Amazing!!”

“Highly recommended”

“This is not your average romance story. It is so much more. A book that touched my heart.”

“OMG!!! This was probably one of the best books I've ever read.”

“This is the first time I've read anything from Dara Nelson, but it won't be the last. I need more of her writing!”

Under the pen name Kendel Duncan:
Author of the popular & critically acclaimed ‘Black Ops Heroes’ series and the new top-selling ‘Doyle Global Securities’ series

“I can't recommend Kendel Duncan or Black Ops Heroes ENOUGH!!!! OMG, everyone who likes strong vulnerable men will love these stories!!!”

“I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND THIS AMAZING SERIES!!!!!”

“I love how you keep the story going and keep all the characters interesting. Can't wait for the next book!”

“The emotions are so raw and just I don't have the right words to express how amazing the books are. You have to read them to understand. I can't wait for the next installment!!”


FACEBOOK  /  TWITTER  /  WEBSITE



Finding My Way Home #2

Series

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Tuesday, July 24, 2018

Release Blitz: Fusion by Posy Roberts

Title: Fusion
Author: Posy Roberts
Series: North Star Trilogy #2
Genre: M/M Romance
Release Date: July 24, 2018
Cover Design: Olive Us Designs
Summary:
Kevin and Hugo make plans to blend their lives, but bleak news changes everything. Building a future together is still a priority, but only if their relationship can survive.

Love strengthened by adversity.

Everyone in Kevin’s life knows him as straight rather than bisexual. There was no need to come out until now, but loving Hugo is worth any prejudice he’ll encounter. Hugo does his best to be patient while Kevin navigates his way toward openness, but he refuses to be put back in a closet for long.

Kevin wants to tell his kids without screwing up their newfound stability, and he worries about telling his ex because Erin might use the truth against him to renegotiate custody. Kevin wants it all finalized, but time isn’t on his side.

When Erin gets grim news, it shakes everyone to the core and rips Kevin away from the life he planned with Hugo. The news brings Hugo’s past hurts bubbling to the surface. Yet when Erin turns to Hugo for support, their new connection shows him how essential he is to Kevin and his kids.

Despite the chaos, it’s clear Hugo is very much a part of this unconventional family.




Author Bio:
Posy Roberts started reading romance when she was young, sneaking peeks at adult books long before she should’ve. Textbooks eventually replaced the novels, and for years she existed without reading for fun. When she finally picked up a romance two decades later, it was like slipping on a soft hoodie . . . that didn’t quite fit like it used to. She wanted something more.

She wanted to read about men falling in love with each other. She wanted to explore beyond the happily ever after and see characters navigate the unpredictability of life. So Posy sat down at her keyboard to write the books she wanted to read.

Her stories have been USA Today’s Happily Ever After Must-Reads and Rainbow Award finalists. When she’s not writing, she’s spending time with her family and friends and doing anything possible to get out of grocery shopping and cooking.


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EMAIL: posywrites@gmail.com



Fusion #2

Series
(Pre-Order Flare #3: August 28)



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Blog Tour: Ricochet by Reese Knightley

Title: Ricochet
Author: Reese Knightley
Series: Out for Justice #1
Genre: M/M Romance
Release Date: July 7, 2018
Summary:
WITSEC victim Noah Bradford knows secrets that could get him killed, and staying hidden seems like a good plan. What he didn’t plan on is losing his heart to a man who is sworn to protect him.

Battle scarred US Marshal Robert “Mac” Mackenzie has a job to do, and guaranteeing the safety of Noah Bradford is at the top of that list. Mac will do whatever it takes to keep Noah safe, even if it means walking away.

Mac and Noah, brought together during extreme circumstances, have been separated by evil. It's been six years, give or take, and Noah is coming for vengeance against the men who killed his mother. He's on a collision course with Mac, who has no idea of the man Noah has become. Sparks fly and the heat sizzles when these two powerful men are reunited, but will they survive the passion the past created?


Noah sat watching Mac through the windshield of the SUV. Mac had gotten off the freeway before pulling over next to a roadside stand. The man got out and bought a bunch of flowers and although Noah wondered why, he didn’t ask.

A few miles down the road, Mac pulled into a cemetery.

“I’ll be right back,” the marshal said after parking the SUV. Mac got out and walked across the grass, avoiding headstones until he stopped before one and placed the flowers in the vase in front of it. He looked so totally alone, standing strong against the wind.

Mac’s lips moved as he talked to the grave, and Noah could tell this was someone important to Mac by the way his fingers lingered on the gray headstone. Something about Mac standing alone near the grave caused a tightness in Noah’s chest, and he found himself leaving the warmth of the SUV.

Mac looked up when he shut the vehicle’s door, and their eyes met across the distance. Noah didn’t approach. He just wanted Mac to know he was there if the man needed him. A moment later, Mac approached and they both silently got back into the vehicle.

“Was that a friend?” Noah asked tentatively.

“Family,” Mac said brusquely, and Noah turned to glance out the window, swallowing the lump in his throat, and then looked back at Mac.

His gaze was drawn to the dark-haired man with a sexy five o’clock shadow growing along a chiseled jawline. Although he couldn’t see it from this side, the scar running down the left side of the man’s face gave Mac a dangerous look. In the close confines of the vehicle, Noah was very aware of the power in Mac’s corded arms and shoulders. The muscular chest he’d been held against during the escape drew his eyes time and again.

Mac took a series of side streets before getting them back to the safe house. Sitting on the couch, he tracked the marshal with his eyes, watching as the man turned on the television and selected a station. Jake and Jenny were on their way back but had stopped for a bite to eat.

He found himself staring at Mac’s trim hips. His eyes darted away before returning after a brief moment to lock on Mac’s ass. Freaking hell, no way would a man like Mac want him. Yet that didn’t stop him from wishing. He would have given anything for Mac to look at him and see someone other than a needy WITSEC victim.

Mac stalked back toward him, and Noah jerked his gaze to the television. Despite feeling displaced and scared, he felt better with Mac nearby. The man hadn’t said a word since they’d returned from the cemetery, and Noah couldn’t figure out what he’d done wrong.

Mac dropped onto the couch next to him. The marshal’s scent reached his nose, and his overactive imagination pictured Mac’s scent on his body and how that would possibly work. His pulse suddenly hummed in his ears. The man’s weight dipped the cushion, and one massive thigh innocently brushed against his leg. Instant arousal hit, and Noah lifted one of the small decorative pillows to clutch in his lap.

Mac scowled at him, and Noah shifted beneath the somewhat angry stare. Again, he wondered if he’d done something wrong. The normally kind man was missing, and in his place was an irritated stranger.

The marshal’s phone rang, and Mac’s eyes narrowed before he answered it.

“Mackenzie,” Mac snapped.

“If you have stuff to do, I’m fine on my-” Noah stopped when Mac shushed him with a stern look.

What is the biggest influence/interest that brought you to this genre?
Many years ago a friend of mine loaned me my first mm romance book. I have been hooked ever since. When I decided to write, I knew before I started my first book that I was going to write an action-packed mm romance. My hope is to bring joy to those who read mm books and also that someone who doesn’t read mm books will become an avid read of the genre. 

When writing a book, what is your favorite part of the creative process (outline, plot, character names, editing, etc)? 
My story ARC’s come to me first and I write those down and build the outline around it. Once I have enough of an outline I watch it grow as I add more scenes. I’m a scene writer so I write a complete scene in a setting even if it’s not the next part of the book. Lol Oh! And my characters tell me what’s next, so my outlines change a lot. lol

When reading a book, what genre do you find most interesting/intriguing?
I would have to say any MM romantic suspense, action, mystery book. I love the bodyguard MM books, those are my favorites.   

If you could co-author with any author, past or present, who would you choose? 
There are so many! I’d say if I could have my pick, it would be Mary Calmes and if she was busy, Rhys Ford, and if she was busy A.E. Via.   

Have you always wanted to write or did it come to you "later in life"? 
I’ve always had characters and stories rattling around in my head. It was sometime during university that I became serious and started writing. Fast forward six years and here I am my first book published!   

Author Bio:
A native Californian, Reese spends her time creating stories from the characters rattling around in her head, which has caused her to talk to herself on more than one occasion. Her love for reading mystery, fantasy, action and adventure, and contemporary romance led to her love of writing, which keeps her up day and night. Next to writing comes her love for coffee and wine, in no particular order. When not writing, Reese can be found working a part-time job where she day dreams of writing. She loves to hear from her readers and can be contacted at Reeseknightleyauthor@gmail.com


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EMAIL: Reeseknightleyauthor@gmail.com




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Release Blitz: Risk Taker by Lily Morton

Title: Risk Taker
Author: Lily Morton
Series: Mixed Messages #3
Genre: M/M Romance
Release Date: July 22, 2018
Cover Design: Natasha Snow
Summary:
Being in love with your best friend is hard.

Henry’s the odd man out. All his friends are settling down, and his reputation as the Hook-Up King of London seems more like a curse than a blessing these days. Especially when it keeps photojournalist Ivo, his best friend and the brilliant man he’s loved since they were fifteen, at arm’s length. But that’s where Ivo wants him, right? Putting aside his feelings, Henry decides to give up casual sex and look for the real deal. After all, he has no chance with Ivo - or does he?

Henry is everything to Ivo. Best friend, soul mate, the one person who has never let him down. The one person he is loyal to above everything and everyone. But Henry’s in a box marked best friend and that’s where Ivo’s kept him for nearly twenty years, despite steadily falling in love with the gentle man. And besides, why would Henry want to date Ivo? Burned out and injured, he’s the walking embodiment of damaged.

Distance has helped Henry and Ivo keep a lid on their attraction, but when they find themselves in the same city for a change—Ivo hurt and needing assistance, and Henry more than willing to provide it—the two best friends grow closer than ever, forcing a realization, and a decision. Risk their friendship for their hearts? Or can they have both?

From the bestselling author of Rule Breaker and Deal Maker comes a tender love story about two best friends who are perfect for each other, and always have been - if only they knew it.

This is the third book in the Mixed Messages series, but it can be read as a standalone.


The bell in the shop rings as the door opens, and I smile as I feel his presence behind me.

“Is there a particular reason, Henry, why I am standing in an art supply shop rather than sitting in a perfectly good restaurant eating lunch?”

I shift the basket over my arm and turn to face one of my best friends. “Gabe, you really should be a bit more highbrow. Otherwise, you’ll never keep that pretty totty you’ve got.”

His perfect-looking face scrunches up in disgust. “Totty. What an utterly disgusting word.”

“I know,” I say cheerfully, turning back to the shelf I was perusing and chucking in another tube of Rose Gold oil paint.

“Makes you sound like your father,” he says snippily, and I nudge him.
“Now that’s petty. Anyway, I’m nothing like him. I have all my own teeth, and my complexion is milky-white perfection, if I do say so myself.”

He snorts. “Apart from those freckles.”

I shake my head and touch a finger to my face and my bΓͺte noire, the multitude of freckles that span my nose. “I wish that cream I got off the internet at uni had worked,” I say forlornly, and he laughs loudly, making it echo around the shop.

“I did so enjoy the way your face turned that shade of green. Made you look like Grotbags from The Rod Hull and Emu Show.” He reaches over and grabs a tube of paint. “It was this shade precisely. Hmm, Pistachio Green.” He chucks it into my basket, and I patiently remove it and put it back on the shelf.

I toss a couple of tubes of Prussian Blue into the basket while he leans casually against the shelf looking like the perfect picture of a lawyer in his dark grey, hand-tailored suit.

“Why are we here, Henry? Because if you’re thinking of giving up the law and becoming an artist, I really will have to stage an intervention.”

I laugh. “I think I’d make a very good artist.”

“Piss artist, more likely,” he says, poking my arm with one long finger. “So, if we’re not shopping for what would be the shortest career in art history, who are we shopping for?” His gaze sharpens, and I mentally groan because aside from Ivo there is no one who knows me better. “Hmm. Would we be shopping for a six foot four blond photographer who a certain red-headed lawyer has had the hots for, for years?”

“That’s such a non-Gabe expression,” I sneer. “Has Dylan been influencing you?”

He looks startled and shakes his head. “Those fucking phrases of his and Jude’s. They’re messing up my vocabulary. Yesterday one of the senior partners asked me if I was okay and I said I was cool. He went out and asked his assistant to tell maintenance that the building heating needed to be turned up.”

I laugh helplessly, and he gives me a rueful grin. “Don’t distract me, Henry. Is Ivo back?” I nod slowly and his expression darkens. “Is he okay?”

I shrug, picking up a brush and studying it intently so I don’t have to look at him. “Not really. He’s got a hole from a fucking bullet in his side, and broken ribs and bruises all over him from being near a car bomb when it went off.”

“What?” he says instantly. “Is he okay?” Gabe has always had a complicated relationship with Ivo. He loves being with him, and they can talk for hours, but he hates the effect that he unknowingly has on my life.

“He’s fine. Silas checked him over.”

He checks with his hand out to grab the brush from me. “Henry, isn’t Silas a vet?”

I shrug. “He was very good at biology at school.”

“I was good at it too. You don’t see me turning up at St Bart’s Hospital and performing a few appendectomies during my lunch hour though, do you?”

“The only biology you were any good at was the male anatomy kind,” I say tartly, and chuck the brush in the basket.

He smiles. “That I was. I’m a very learned man in that area.”

I snort. “You’re practically PhD material.”



Author Bio:
Lily writes contemporary romance novels, and specialises in hot love stories with a good dose of humour.

Lily lives in sunny England with her husband and two children, all of whom claim that they haven’t had a proper conversation with her since she bought her first Kindle.

She has spent her life with her head full of daydreams and decided one day to just sit down and start writing about them. In the process she discovered that she actually loved writing, because how else could she get to spend her time with hot, funny men!

She loves chocolate and Baileys and the best of all creations – chocolate Baileys! Her lifetime’s ambition is to have a bath in peace without being shouted by one of her family.


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Risk Taker #3

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