BLOG TOUR: Sticking to the Script by Stella Weaver

Sticking to the Script, an all-new standalone in the romantic comedy Cipher Office series, from Stella Weaver is available now!

Steven Thompson had a bad year. A string of mean, kinky (the alarming kind, not the good kind), and crazy dating debacles combined with a boss who appears to be experiencing male-prenatal-psychosis means Steven’s stress levels are high. They’re so high, he’s decided to quit dating and focus instead solely on his job.

Until he meets Dr. Ken Miles.

Doctor Ken Miles is having a fantastic year. His hard work is paying off in a big way . . . professionally. But his social life? Not so much.

Until he meets Steven Thompson.

Steven isn’t so sure about Dr. Miles, but Ken is one hundred percent certain about Mr. Thompson. And even though both men know full well that the key to getting what you want out of life is hard work, they can’t seem to make them—together—work.

Will they ever get on the same page? Or just keep sticking to the same old script?

'Sticking to the Script' is a full-length contemporary romantic comedy, can be read as a standalone, and is book#2 in the Cipher Office series, Knitting in the City World, Penny Reid Book Universe.

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Excerpt

“He asked you to a movie?” She blinked, nonplussed. “Who are we talking about?” Nico asked, leaning around Elizabeth to look at me. His green eyes held a mischievous twinkle, no doubt eager to hear a new chapter of farce and lunacy in Steven’s Big Book of Dating Disasters. “Ken Miles,” I replied. Nico’s twinkle and dimple disappeared. Whether Elizabeth disliked Ken or not, I was sure Nico loathed the man. I couldn’t blame him; it was his prerogative to hate men who used to lust after his wife. He arched one raven eyebrow and asked, “How’d that come about?” “Yeah,” Elizabeth said. “How, Steven?” Her tone was curious, but I thought I detected a little tinge of disapproval that I didn’t like. Not wanting to make an issue of anything, I replied with an easy nonchalance. “I ran into him at Buzzy’s. We started talking about Mystery Science Theater 3000—” “That show’s a riot,” Nico asserted, reaching for his fritter. “The reboot is pretty good, too.” “That’s what I told DKM.” I took Nico’s lead and grabbed my own heavenly pastry. “Then, when he found out the movie was playing at the Music Box,” he asked me if I wanted to see it. So, we went.” I shrugged. “There’s a movie?” Nico asked. “How did I not know this?” I mumbled around my fritter bite, “You’re not missing much.” “Stinker, eh?” “Little bit.” I shrugged again. That had been two, overly casual shrugs in just a few seconds and I worried I was playing it too cool. Elizabeth’s powers of observation surpassed my own. If I wasn’t careful, she’d have me giving her every last detail of the evening. “So,” she broke in. “Are you thinking this might have been like, you know, a date?” Her brows were drawn together in concern, her words tentative. I tilted my head in stern exasperation. “Puh-leeze. The man didn’t know who McSteamy was. I got the memo that he’s straight.” “Who’s McSteamy?” Nico asked. I pursed my lips together, raised my eyebrows and gestured to Nico. “I rest my case.” Elizabeth laughed. “I’m sorry, I just didn’t want you getting the wrong idea or anything. He’s”—she looked at her husband in apology—“he’s very good-looking, and I could see how asking you to a movie could get your hopes up.” “Nah,” I waved dismissively. “I know what’s up. But I think we could hang out,” I volunteered without thinking. I instantly regretted my slip. “Good luck with that,” Nico said with a laugh. “We had a good time. He’s kind of funny,” I defended. “Not possible,” he declared. Nico was a comedian, and a very successful one at that. He knew what was funny and wasn’t about to give the odious Dr. Miles any benefit of the doubt where humor was concerned. Inexplicable annoyance spurred me to continue. “I think I might make hanging out with him a regular thing.” “I don’t think a stiff like that knows how to have fun.” Elizabeth grimaced at her husband’s uncharacteristic snark, then issued me a sympathetic smile. “Well, it will be good for Dr. Ken Miles. He’s not the most colorful person in the city, that’s for sure. Maybe you’ll broaden his horizons.”

(My review HERE)

About Stella Weaver

Stella Weaver is a reader, writer, sloppy crafter and family-woman. She’s a native of coastal northern California who now lives on the Texas Gulf coast. She’s won the much coveted #1 Mom of the Year Award and has the coffee mug to prove it.

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Thanks for dropping by!

~Leftie

BLOG TOUR: Notice by K Webster

Notice

by K. Webster 

Publication Date: June 6, 2017 

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Dark Romance, Suspense

Purchase: Amazon | Apple | Nook | Kobo

I didn’t notice her before…but now I do. The shiny strands of gold in her silky brown hair. Tiny crinkles between her eyebrows when she frowns. Her passion for neatness. Once I focus on her, I can’t take my eyes from my newest obsession. Ever. I need to know everything about her. Her past. Her present. The way she takes her coffee. Exactly how she smells after a spritz of perfume in the mornings. She’s perfect in every way and I was blind. But, God, now do I see. I notice the organized way she arranges her clothes in her closet. How she visits the same market each Saturday. The sounds of her breathing as I lie beneath her bed in silence. Violet is mine. She just doesn’t know it yet. 

***WARNING*** Notice is a dark and unusual romance. Extreme sexual themes and violence in certain scenes, which could trigger emotional distress, are found in this story. If you are sensitive to dark themes, then this story is not for you. If you aren't into super obsessive stalkers, then this story is not for you.

REVIEW

RATING:

Talk about an interesting H! Trust Kristi to give me another hero who’s broken and creepy but can’t help loving. Oy!

Violet, an unappreciated employee, surrounded by misogynists, has had enough and decided to hand her resignation to her employer, Gray. And that got Gray’s attention alright. And so began Gray’s obsession. What happens after is a dynamics that’s disturbing and hot and at the same time.

On the one hand, Gray was the last person Violet needs in her life considering who she’s running away from, but on the other, he’s like the good side of the same coin. How about that! While Violet is a decent h, a survivor really, I’d say Gray definitely overshadowed her, in every sense of the word, hah! How can he not! He’s a stalker, peeps, a stalker! BUT you can’t help but be intrigued by him and be sucked in by his words and thoughts. And boy is he one dirty talker, unf!

While this didn’t give me the same oomph as the previous Kristi reads, this definitely has K Webster written all over it, meaning it’s a ride to crazy, it’s got dark triggers, it pushes limits, AND it’s disturbingly hot it makes you question your own judgment.

Oh, Kristi, Kristi… what it’s like to be inside that brain of yours…

About K. Webster

 

 K Webster is the author of dozens romance books in many different genres including contemporary romance, historical romance, paranormal romance, and erotic romance. When not spending time with her husband of twelve years and two adorable children, she’s active on social media connecting with her readers. Her other passions besides writing include reading and graphic design. K can always be found in front of her computer chasing her next idea and taking action. She looks forward to the day when she will see one of her titles on the big screen. You can easily find K Webster on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Goodreads!

Website: www.authorkwebster.com
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~Leftie

REVIEW: At Attention (Out of Uniform, Book 2) by Annabeth Albert

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Blurb

Lieutenant Apollo Floros can ace tactical training missions, but being a single dad to his twin daughters is more than he can handle. He needs live-in help, and he's lucky a friend's younger brother needs a place to stay. He's surprised to see Dylan all grown up with a college degree…and a college athlete's body. Apollo's widowed heart may still be broken, but Dylan has his blood heating up.

It's been eight years since the teenage Dylan followed Apollo around like a lovesick puppy, and it's time he showed Lieutenant Hard-to-Please that he's all man now—an adult who's fully capable of choosing responsibility over lust. He can handle Apollo's muscular sex appeal, but Apollo the caring father? Dylan can't afford to fall for that guy. He's determined to hold out for someone who's able to love him back, not someone who only sees him as a kid brother.

Apollo is shocked by the intensity of his attraction to Dylan. Maybe some no-strings summer fun will bring this former SEAL back to life. But the combination of scorching desire and warm affection is more than he'd expected, and the emotion between them scares him senseless. No fling lasts forever, and Apollo will need to decide what's more important—his past or his future—if he wants to keep Dylan in his life.

Review

RATING:

The 2nd standalone book in the series, it's Apollo's turn to get his HEA. If you read the first book, you'd have met him briefly there. He'd have caught your attention, I have no doubt. There was just something about him that makes you wanna find out more. Hello, SEAL and widower with children, for starters!!

Apollo was widowed at a young-ish age due to a freak accident so he's now a single dad to these adorable twin girls. He found himself sorta' hiring Dylan, who's the younger brother of a good friend. Dylan crushed on Apollo when he was younger but he's all grown up now. 

Apollo is one yummy daddy, and a yummy toppy *g* He did challenge me a few times. There was only so much waffling a gal can take. Yes, I get it, losing someone unexpectedly scars you but at times, it felt really unfair for Dylan the way he was in denial about his feelings.

Dylan is one sweet kid. He's so good to the kids. The way he understood Apollo was really endearing to see. Although not as much, he challenged me a bit too. For all his talk of standing his ground, he caved in often enough to Apollo and tried to justify it in his head as just seizing the moment.

But I suppose that's what you do when you love the person.You want to be understanding and compromising. And having said all that, at the end of the day, I still really enjoyed it. What's not to like, really! Both characters did grow. They did make me laugh. You get a glimpse of Zack and Pike. You get two adorable kids you just want to keep in a bear hug. Then there's the smokin' chemistry. Woosh!

Thanks for dropping by!

~Leftie

REVIEW: Tempting Tristan by Melissa Foster

Title: Tempting Tristan (A sexy standalone M/M Romance)

Author: Melissa Foster

Genre: M/M Romance

Release Date: October, 2016

Synopsis

Tempting Tristan is a stand-alone M/M romance featuring two sexy, hot alphas. Fresh off the heels of yet another bad relationship, Tristan Brewer is taking a break from men to try and figure out where he keeps going wrong. He knows his biggest fault--he leads with his heart, not his head--and that's never going to change. But after several introspective weeks, he's beginning to get a handle on things. That is, until badass heartthrob Alex Wells walks into his bar... Alex has spent eight years in the Army, months in a hospital bed, and far too long hiding his sexual identity. He's guilt-ridden, damaged, pissed off, and up for a Silver Star--for the incident that nearly cost him his life, and kept him from his grandmother's funeral. But all he wants to do is forget his stint with the institution that allows but doesn't necessarily accept, and live the life he's always dreamed of. The chemistry between Tristan and Alex ignites from the moment they meet, and the more time they spend together the hotter the flames become. But the closer Tristan gets, the more Alex's walls go up, and when the two walk onto a military base, Tristan finds out Alex's physical scars aren't the ones that run the deepest. *** "Melissa Foster is synonymous with sexy, swoony, heartfelt romance!" New York Times Bestseller Lauren Blakely "With her wonderful characters and resonating emotions, Melissa Foster is a must-read author!" New York Times Bestseller J. Kenner "Catching Cassidy is laugh out loud funny, heartwarming, sexy, and hands down one of my favorite reads so far this year!" #1 NYT Bestselling Author of The Bet, Rachel Van Dyken HARBORSIDE NIGHTS is a sexy, hot, and evocatively real series of stand-alone romances that follows a group of friends who have known one another for years as "summer" friends, and now come together after college to build their lives. They're tough, edgy, and accepting--most of the time. This series is written in the same loving, raw, and emotional voice readers have come to love by New York Times & USA Today bestselling, award-winning author Melissa Foster with LGBT themes.

Order your copy today!

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | KOBO | IBooks | Google Play | Paperback

Review

RATING:

Aww shucks, was that sweet or what!

This is a first Melissa read for me even though I have her other books in my kindle shelf. Before I picked this up, I’m aware she’s a well established contemp rom writer but that’s about it. I guess I forgot why I signed up for an ARC for this, so imagine my surprise, delightful at that, when I started reading and realized it was m/m. 

It’s the 3rd book in the series but a complete standalone; Tristan who met Alex in the bar he was working at one night and Alex who turned out to be the grandson of Tristan’s friend who recently passed. The attraction is immediate from the moment they laid eyes on each other, and apparently, so is the affection.

You have 2 guys who are both so in touch with their emotions that they can talk about their feelings quite openly and honestly with each other, albeit with some hesitation every now and then. They’re almost too perfect even with their hang-ups. 

This is a nice easy story with just enough angst. You see Tristan become more confident with his thoughts and feelings, and Alex learning to live the life he envisioned and live that with Tristan. There was a nice push and pull between the 2. Bonus points for the heat between them. *g*

Excerpt

We step forward at the same time, and he presses his rough hand to my cheek. “I don’t know what kind of pu$$ies you went out with before, but I wanted to f*cking claim you in there.” He slides a hand around my waist, tugging our bodies together. I feel every hard inch of him, and he’s got me so hot I’m sure we’re going to combust. “I’ve spent almost nine years hiding who I am, and I’m not willing to do it anymore,” he says through clenched teeth. “Not here, where I came to start over. Where I came to live on my terms without the goddamn military hanging over my head.” “I have no interest in hiding,” I assure him. “You’re sure? Because I really want to kiss you right now, and I don’t care who sees us.” I respond by pulling his mouth to mine, my break from men long forgotten. We stumble backward, crashing into the railing, fighting for dominance as we did yesterday morning. The passion between us has a life of its own. My hands claw over his a$$, up his back. I want to strip him down and take all of him. I want to discover why he’s so rough and learn what about those shadows that are lurking behind his gorgeous eyes. Instead I take, and give, and take more of the angry kisses. When we finally tear our mouths apart, my body’s still reeling, and we both curse under our breaths.

 

About The Author

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and new adult romance, contemporary women’s fiction, suspense, and historical fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Her books have been recommended by USA Today’s book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the World Literary Café and Fostering Success. When she’s not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on Fostering Success. Melissa has been published in Calgary’s Child Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Women Business Owners magazine. Melissa hosts an Aspiring Authors contest for children and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa lives in Maryland with her family. Visit Melissa on social media. Melissa enjoys discussing her books with book clubs and reader groups, and welcomes an invitation to your event.

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~Leftie

BOOK TOUR: Neighbors by Stylo Fantome

Are you ready to meet the neighbors?

Neighbors by Stylo Fantome is NOW AVAILABLE & FREE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED!

ONLY $0.99

**limited time only**

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2cDHlaS

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Blurb

Things a good neighbor can do for you:

1. Give you a cup of sugar

2. Let you borrow his lawnmower

3. Water your plants while you're on vacation

4. Make your eyes roll back in your head with his tongue

Katya Tocci has never paid much attention to who lives next door - her career always kept her too busy. She's a good girl, working her way to becoming the most sought after cake designer in all of San Francisco.

But even a good girl's gotta cut loose once in a while, right? So one fake dating profile later, and she's ready to tarnish her squeaky clean image. Little does she know, her fun time is closer to home than she ever imagined.

Throw in a neighbor who wants to corrupt her, and another who just wants to own her, and her entire world is flipped upside down.

Who knew neighbors could be so helpful?

Excerpt

It was no joke.

Liam had been waiting in the lobby for her at nine o'clock, sharp. Liam Edenhoff – “but everyone calls me Eden” – he'd introduced himself again to her before guiding her out to a taxi he'd had waiting.

She felt a little nauseous. She'd chugged down another half bottle of wine, and some crème de menthe, before heading downstairs to meet him. She'd almost talked herself out of going, but she'd made the mistake of telling her roommate Tori about the whole fiasco. Apparently, Katya owed it to women everywhere (and Tori in particular) to explore this opportunity to its fullest. She'd all but been shoved out the apartment, the door slammed and locked in her face.

“Nervous?” Liam Eden-whatever-his-name-was asked her as the cab slowed to a crawl.

“Nope,” Katya's voice sounded overly loud.

“Liar. Tonight is gonna be an interesting night, angel cake.”

“Stop calling me that.”

“What's your last name?”

“None of your business.”

“Okay then – when the gang bang starts, I'll tell them to call you Katya X.”

She couldn't stop the blush from happening that time. Liam burst out laughing, then soothed the sting by grabbing her hand.

Even when they got out of the cab, he didn't let go of her. Normally, she would've been uncomfortable with a stranger assuming such a familiarity with her, but this time, she was thankful for it. She held onto him tightly as they walked down a crowded street. Then they turned into an alley, and his gang bang joke didn't seem so funny. He led her to a plain door, above which a simple, small, neon sign spelled out “The Garden”. Outside were several small groups of people, chatting and smoking. Some of them called out greetings to him, all of them using his nickname, but a large and scary looking bouncer addressed him very properly.

“Hey, Mr. Edenhoff, wasn't expecting you in tonight. Any problems?”

“Nope, just bringing a friend to show her the place, let her see what I do for a living.”

All the blood was quickly rushing from Katya's limbs, pooling somewhere in her stomach. None of this was a joke. He really did own the place, that much was obvious.

As Liam led her through the door, though, Katya actually felt a surge of confidence. She was still nervous, still more than a little scared, but she was okay with it. Liam seemed like a nice guy, he wasn't going to take her into some dark room and insert foreign objects into her orifices. She could leave whenever she wanted to, whenever it got too uncomfortable. Everything was fine, and for once, she was doing something exciting. She'd have something interesting to talk about at work the next day.

Finally.

Review

RATING:

Well, well, well...

It occurred to me after reading this that despite owning several of Stylo's books, I've only read one other before this. Interestingly enough, it was enough for me to gravitate towards Stylo's works because even with just one book, I find that I like her writing style and the way she likes to twist things. Also, with other Goodreads friends enamored with some of her alphahole (alpha a$$hole:D) H's, I'd say, that's more than enough reason.

There are things that gave me conflicting feelings, but I'll point it out now that ultimately, I know for a fact that I would want to read the rest of this duet. Here's why:

First, I'm not a fan of this trope where there's more than 2 people involved. If I paid better attention to the blurb, I probably would have hesitated. But seeing this is Stylo, I want to know where she's gonna take these characters.

Second, and probably the part that gave me the most conflict, I didn't really agree with most of the characters' actions nor did I buy some of their feelings and thoughts. But I have to give credit because I feel like individually, Stylo actually gave me strong protagonists (and I kinda use that term loosely). From Katya's perspective, I suppose you can consider this her sexual awakening. I've come close to judging her a few times but to do so felt like slut-shaming her so I didn't want to go there. She did take risks. In the end though, I get where she's coming from, somewhat. To be that lost, I get the need to learn one's self better. Did I fully buy it? Hmmm...

Liam, the first spoke in the wheel, is funny, sweet and very easy-going. It's hard not to fall for him. He had the right personality to bring out the fun, risque side of Katya. Now, Wulfric, the second spoke in the wheel, you get your classic alpha H; your take-charge kinda' fella, closed off and fighting off feelings to hide his vulnerability, arrogant and rude but you get a peek of a softer side. It's hard not to want to be the woman to crack his veneer. But to put these 2 in the context of the relationship, neither one felt worthy.

Which bring me to my third point, the dynamics among these 3, while uneven, totally makes sense in my head. I laughed even when I was scratching my head. I bought the heat even when I'm confused and not buying the attraction fully. I started rooting for one even when I don't understand the attraction. And as much as I didn't want to root for the other, I felt like I should.

And finally, the fourth point. In the beginning especially, I couldn't make sense of what's happening. Then I thought I had some inkling as to where the conflict is gonna come from and whatever is lurking underneath. But then, I got too distracted seeing how things are playing out that I forgot my theories so by the end, the last 10% had my head spinning. And for Stylo to end it the way she did, I'm actually intrigued. I want to see how she would redeem these characters. I mean, that is, if she would... I'm not so sure anymore... How will you, Stylo? How?!?!

GAH!!!

And for that, I shall eagerly await... *thrums fingers*

About the Author:

Crazy woman from a remote location in Alaska (where the need for a creative mind is a necessity!), I have been writing since ... forever? Yeah, that sounds about right. I have been told that I remind people of Lucille Ball - I also see shades of Jennifer Saunders, and Denis Leary. So basically, I laugh a lot, I'm clumsy a lot, and I say the F-word A LOT.

I like dogs more than I like most people, and I don't trust anyone who doesn't drink. No, I do not live in an igloo, and no, the sun does not set for six months out of the year, there's your Alaska lesson for the day. I have mermaid hair - both a curse and a blessing - and most of the time I talk so fast, even I can't understand me.

Yeah. I think that about sums me up.

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Thanks for dropping by!

~Leftie

(And I own a copy as well)

REVIEW: Wicked Need (The Wicked Horse, Book 3) by Sawyer Bennett

RATING:

Amazon || Kobo || B&N || iBook

Blurb

Rand Bishop’s dreams of Olympic gold were shattered years ago but he’s left that all behind, settling into a new career and lifestyle that would make any man jealous. While he may not be competitively racing down the ski slopes anymore, he’s just as happy getting his rocks off as a Fantasy Maker for The Silo.

He’s good at what he does.
Damn good.

But while life couldn’t be better for Rand, it seems to be falling apart for Catherine Lyons Vaughn, the dark haired, brown-eyed beauty that has captivated an entire sex club.

Having spent years degrading herself on her husband’s whim and now left destitute after his death, Catherine has hit rock bottom. With nothing but her body to peddle, Catherine is merely trying to figure out how to survive in a harsh, cruel world. Lucky for her, Rand has taken her under his tattooed wing, and he’s determined to give her a safe life where she can be the woman she was always meant to be.

Now all Catherine has to do is believe she deserves the chance.

Review

This is the 3rd book in the series, Rand and Cat’s story.

Rand and Cat have been in the periphery in the first 2 books. Rand is one of the Fantasy Makers in The Silo. Cat was the woman who everyone knew in a biblical sense when she was brought in by her then alive husband to live out his fantasy.

Cat may be my fave h in the series so far. Despite what she's gone thru, there's gumption there. And she owned her sexuality without judgment, which is like almost a given, I suppose. Rand, just like the rest of the men of The Silo was just perfect. They do right by their women. Need I say more?

Cat's past was not easy to swallow but Rand understood all that. It may have felt that things moved really fast between them but keep in mind that that there was enough history there even before they became a couple thanks to The Silo. And seeing these involved the men of The Silo, it goes without saying that the heat is thru the roof!!! Sawyer, you dirty woman, you! I dug it! *g*

While I have no real complaints about this one, it did feel like everything just went down too smoothly, even including whatever conflict they had. Cat thought the right thought, did the right thing, and said the right words. And so did Rand. Could there be such a thing as too right? Or I wonder if it's my impatience for Bridger's story affecting it. Not to steal away Rand's thunder, but Bridger, I wanna hear his story!!! (Did you hear that, Sawyer?)

Logan's story is up next. He's just as "durh-tay" as Rand *winks* so it'll be interesting to see what floats his woman's boat out of his many skillz... teehee...

Thanks for dropping by!

~Leftie