Possessive Park Avenue Prince by Brooke Blaine & Ella Frank Blog Tour

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.

Daire Connery
“The Bad Boy”

I’m not a man of many words. But when I do speak, it usually starts with F and ends with you.
Keep to myself. Don’t let anyone in. That’s how I like it.
That’s usually how everyone else likes it too. My scowl keeps them all away—all except him.

We may both be Park Avenue Princes, but we would never work.
We don’t belong in each other’s real worlds.
He’s too soft for mine; mine’s too harsh for his.

But I can’t stop thinking about him. About those pale grey eyes that see right through me. The ballsy way he gives right back whatever I dish out.
I like that. Respect it.
Want more of it…

Which is why when I find out his ex is bullying him, it makes me want to rip that bastard a new one. Makes me lose my goddamn mind.

Because no one touches Gavin Truitt. No one but me.

Possessive Park Avenue Prince is the fourth standalone novel in the Park Avenue Princes world.

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Park Avenue Princes series!
For book one, Infamous Park Avenue Prince, click HERE.
For book two, Insatiable Park Avenue Prince, click HERE.
For book three, Scandalous Park Avenue Prince, click HERE.

 

 

Book 4
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Paperback (US)
~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Shannan – ☆☆☆☆☆
Possessive Park Avenue Prince is the fourth book in the Park Avenue Princes series. I personally don't feel like you can read this series as standalones. Each story, each character’s book builds upon the last – you need to read in the order that the authors intended.

Gavin is the youngest of the princes. He finds himself needing somewhere to live since his brother, Donovan. and his brother’s boyfriend, Kelly, are now living together. Gavin asks Daire if he can live with him to get away from the thin walls in his brother's condo. Gavin is fresh out of a relationship with Joey, a physically and emotionally abusive jerk. Gavin tries to hide what Joey has done to him, but Daire pays more attention than Gavin realizes. He asks Daire to keep the bruises to himself and not go after Joey. Daire promises not to kill him, but not to not hurt him. When Gavin finds out, he's anything but thankful about it.

Daire isn't used to someone being in his space, he likes to keep his personal things personal. When he finds out what Joey has done, Daire refuses to let him get away with it. Gavin gets angry but Daire refuses to apologize for defending Gavin. When their tempers run over and end in a kiss neither one of them sees coming, Daire knows he can't let Gavin in. But somehow Gavin gets to Daire and his walls start coming down.

I absolutely loved this story. The bad boy/good boy, grumpy/sunshine works so well with Daire and Gavin. Once Gavin realizes there is more between them, he can't see anything or anyone but Daire. Daire was terrified to let someone love him thinking he would get hurt, but Gavin would do anything to make him his. I can't wait for what's next for this group of princes.


Angie – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is my favorite book of the series so far! I love Daire and Gavin. These two are perfect for each other. I love the possessiveness that Daire has for Gavin. I love the back and forth banter and pushing buttons. It's the perfect sunshine/grumpy romance. I kept putting the book down because I didn't want it to end. Loved it!


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the fourth book in the series, and I am delighted that Gavin, Donovan's younger brother, gets his story told – and even happier that the broody, loner Daire has, in fact, plenty of romance hiding under his brusqueness!

We start the story with Gavin moving in with Daire due to the thin walls in the apartment that he previously shared with his now loved up brother. This is a big change for Daire, as he likes his simple, private life, even if he appreciates the Park Avenue Princes’ setup overall. He spends his free time doing something which gives him a feeling of being alive – and when Gavin secretly follows him and find out what he does, their relationship changes due to the secret... and the feelings that they both realise are at play.

As we learn why Daire may have such a reckless attitude, we also see that he cannot help but protect Gavin and thus melt some of the ice around his heart. There is still quite a lot of crazy from the guys as a group, but this is a pretty thoughtful and engaging love story, which is a very satisfying read.

We also are promised the big reveal on the secrets held by Caleb in the next installment... cannot wait!

 

 

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.

Connect with Brooke Blaine!

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Facebook Group: Brooke & Ella's Naughty Umbrella

 

ELLA FRANK is the USA Today bestselling author of the Temptation series, including Try, Take, and Trust and is the co-author of the fan favorite PresLocke series. Her Prime Time series has been praised as “highly entertaining!” and “sexy as hell!”

A life-long fan of the romance genre, Ella writes contemporary and erotic fiction.

Some of her favorite authors include Tiffany Reisz, Kresley Cole, Riley Hart, J.R. Ward, Erika Wilde, Gena Showalter, and Carly Philips.

Connect with Ella Frank!

Facebook  ~  Instagram  ~  TikTok  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Brooke & Ella's Naughty Umbrella

 

 

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Possessive Park Avenue Prince (Park Avenue Princes #4) by Brooke Blaine & Ella Frank to read and review.

Wright Kind of Love by K.A. Linde Release Blitz

The conclusion to the Wright duet age gap romance from USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde.

Chase Sinclair should be my enemy.

Wrights and Sinclairs don’t mix. Not with years of history and turmoil between our families. A rivalry that only seems to fester and corrode with time.

Except I’m done denying what I want.

We both are.

Just when we think we have it figured out, it all blows up in our faces.

But we’re determined to make this work. Even knowing that the road ahead is uncertain. And everyone wants us to fail. At least we’re doing this together.

Everything is on the line. Our friends, our families, our careers. And we’d give it all up.

He may be from the wrong family, but he’s my Wright person.

Don’t miss our reviews of other books in the Wright Vineyard series!
For book one, Wright with Benefits, click HERE.
For book two, Serves Me Wright, click HERE.
For book three, Wright Rival, click HERE.
For book four, Wright That Got Away, click HERE.
For book five, All the Wright Moves, click HERE.
For book seven, Wright Kind of Trouble, click HERE.

 

 

Book 8
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo
Paperback (US)

Audiobook (US)
Narrated by CJ Bloom & Lee Samuels

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second half of the story of Harley and Chase's love story, so make sure you read Wright Kind of Trouble before this, or you will be very confused. To be honest, you should read all the Wright Vineyard books to enjoy all the backstories which add to the whole.

Just as Harley graduates and she and Chase allow themselves to be together, everything blew up with her brothers finding out – because Chase is a Sinclair, and the bad blood between them and the Wrights is real. We now get to find out how they manage to navigate their relationship when many around them want it to fail. Add to that, Harley's (pretty evil) father still wants to control her future, and her mother still can't resist his charms... and Harley is having to defend herself and start her career with a lot of pressures from all sides. Not the best place to engage fully in a new relationship – but she and Chase are strong and genuinely perfect for each other, if only everyone else can get the message!

I was so happy that these two lovely people finally got their chance at happiness. It has been a long time coming. I also loved catching up with all the previous couples and seeing how they had to acknowledge their growth in accepting their changing family dynamics.

 

 

K.A. LINDE is the USA Today bestselling author of both romance and fantasy novels. She has a master’s degree in political science from the University of Georgia, was the head campaign worker for the 2012 presidential campaign at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and served as the head coach of the Duke University dance team. She loves reading fantasy novels, traveling to far-off destinations, and dancing in her spare time.

She currently lives in Lubbock, Texas, with her husband, son, and super-adorable puppy.

Connect with K.A. Linde!

Facebook  ~  Instagram  ~  Twitter  ~  TikTok  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: K.A. Linde Books

 

 

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Wright Kind of Love (Wright Vineyard #8; Wright #15) by K.A. Linde to read and review.

Friends Like Them by Aimee Nicole Walker Blog Tour

Owen Doyle’s rough beginnings taught him not to form attachments, yet he’s drawn to Tyler Booth like a magnet. Their relationship has blossomed from strangers to best friends, with each twist in the journey weaving their connection tighter. But Owen has a six-year secret that’s become unbearably painful to keep. As the seams of his resistance fray, Owen will lean into a new mentoring opportunity to keep from ruining the best thing in his life.

Tyler will never regret going to jail and getting sober because meeting Owen saved his life and taught him how to trust again. Their inseparable bond has earned much teasing over the years, but Tyler doesn’t recognize himself without Owen. When he senses a yawning chasm between them, he’ll turn to mutual friends for help. Their well-meaning advice opens Tyler’s eyes to unexplored possibilities and will snap missing puzzle pieces into place.

Some hopes are too big to stifle, and some truths are too big to ignore. A photo booth, smoking-hot kisses, and honest revelations will take Owen and Tyler’s intimacy to a whole new level. But before they can achieve their happily ever after, they must unload the baggage from their pasts. Will the road to discovery guide them to the necessary healing, or are the guys destined for the highway to heartache?

Friends Like Them is book four in the Redemption Ridge series. Though each story features a different couple, reading the series in order is essential. Friends Like Them contains mature themes and is intended for adults.

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Redemption Ridge series!
For book one, Guys Like Him, click HERE.
For book two, The Fortunate Son, click HERE.
For book three, Saints Like Him, click HERE.

 

 

Book 4
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

 

 

“Ty, I want to get pictures with you in the booth.” Owen’s voice was soft, but his suggestion landed like a bomb. That tiny, cramped space wasn’t big enough. One would have to practically sit on the other’s lap. Tyler’s mind didn’t need additional encouragement to replay the earlier fantasy.

“Ty.” Owen’s voice was more urgent as he stepped beside him. “Are you okay?”

No, he wasn’t, but an honest answer would only invite additional questions he wanted to avoid. Tyler forced a smile and said, “Yeah. I’m great. Let’s go take pictures.”

Owen responded with an excited whoop before he bounded out of the kitchen. Tyler dried his hands and trailed behind him at a more sedate space so he could coach his body and brain into remaining calm. It felt like every pair of eyes was on them as they made their way toward the booth, which looked even smaller up close. Owen reached for the door just as it swung open. Finley and Kieran stumbled out with mussed hair, swollen lips, and strips of photos in their hands. Clearly, the couples used the cramped space to suck face instead of smiling for the camera. Tyler’s heart skipped a beat before galloping like a racehorse.

“It’s all yours, fellas,” Fin said with a sweeping gesture.

Kieran winked at them as they passed by, and Tyler reexperienced the sensation he was the last to figure things out.

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Shannan – ☆☆☆☆☆
Friends Like Them is the fourth book in the Redemption Ridge series. It can be read as a standalone, but you miss so much of the relationship if you don't see it in the previous books. I feel it's best in the order the author intended.

Tyler and Owen have been best friends for close to seven years. They've been in prison together (where they met), and now are living and working on Redemption Ridge. Owen has harbored feelings for Tyler for all that time, but Tyler is straight, or so he thinks. When Tyler sees Owen dancing with the newest addition to the ranch, Keegan, Tyler doesn't know what to think. He's losing his best friend and he's jealous but he's not sure why. Everyone on the ranch knows how Owen feels but Tyler and after a quick conversation with Hope, he realizes he may be seeing Owen in a different way. Then when an innocent moment in the picture booth turns into something more everything changes for both Tyler and Owen.

I loved watching Tyler's awakening to feelings he didn't quite understand but knew he wanted Owen in ways he couldn't imagine until now. Owen was so patient and kind with Tyler, letting him go at the pace he felt comfortable with. Their chemistry was volcanic and adorable.

I love this world Walker created and the found family the people on the ranch turn out to be. It's a special place I will have a hard time giving up with only one book left in the series.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is the fourth book in this incredibly good series and I believe really must be read in order. A  little unexpectedly, this is my favourite so far, for many reasons, but mostly for the decorating the Christmas tree scene – which was perfection.

Owen and Tyler have been the jokers and the best of friends in every book, and yet Tyler has no idea that Owen loves him and would love nothing more than to be in a relationship with him... even when Tyler finds himself jealous over Owen’s mentee, and realises that he has romantic feelings for him, he does not understand that Owen also feels that way. It is lovely that the log jam in his brain clears and he gets to experience an even closer friendship and imagine an even better future with his BFF.

As he opens his eyes to that possibility, he also has to navigate the other relationships he has been holding at a distance, with some wonderfully unexpected outcomes.

Delicious from beginning to end – I read this in one sitting, because I had to know how it all worked out – enjoy!


Angie – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is the fourth book in the series and I think you should definitely read the series in order. Not only is it a great series but we see Owen and Tyler through the entire series, so it gives some backstory to them.

I will say I was pretty shocked how fast this book moved. Not a bad shock by any means, just shocked. I've wanted Owen and Tyler to get together for several books and finally we have their story!! These two are so perfect for each other. This book melted my heart. The love, commitment, communication, and friendship these two have together is undeniable.

I love the entire ranch and all the couples. There is only one book left and I'm so sad, but happy I've been on this journey with them all.

 

 

 

Ever since she was a little girl, AIMEE NICOLE WALKER entertained herself with stories that popped into her head. Now she gets paid to tell those stories to other people. She wears many titles—wife, mom, and animal lover are just a few of them. Her absolute favorite title is champion of the happily ever after. Love inspires everything she does, music keeps her sane, and coffee is the magic elixir that fuels her day. She’d love to hear from you.

Connect with Aimee Nicole Walker!

Facebook  ~  Instagram  ~  Twitter  ~  Blog  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Aimee Nicole Walker’s Dye Hards

 

 

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Friends Like Them (Redemption Ridge #4) by Aimee Nicole Walker to read and review.

Zeus by Eden Finley Blog Tour

Mike Bravo. Knights in shining… camo.

CALLIE

After constantly looking over my shoulder as I run for my life, I’m on the brink of giving up.
On happiness.
On love.
On life.

Which is why, when a familiar face shows up where I’m hiding, I shock myself by running again. Though, probably not as shocked as Zeus is when I run him off the road with my car.

For some reason, my survival instinct is stronger than my mind is, and I find myself fighting for the life I’m not even sure I want.

On the run and nowhere to turn, I flee into the arms of the last person I should. Suddenly, I find myself involved in one of the worst crime syndicates in Las Vegas, and no way to get out.

ZEUS

Why would Callie run away from me? I’m delightful, damn it. I mean, sure, he probably thinks I’m trying to kill him, but I’m not. I’ve been hired to make sure he’s okay and that he’s surviving after escaping an abusive relationship, making mistakes, and putting multiple people’s lives in danger.

He screwed up, but he doesn’t deserve to die for it. And now, because of me, his life is at risk yet again.

Technically, my job is done. Callie is still breathing. That’s all I was supposed to find out. But I can’t sit by knowing he’s selling his soul. His body. I need to get him out, and I’ll go to any lengths to do it.

**Zeus deals with some sensitive topics. Please check the Look Inside feature for trigger warnings.**

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Mike Bravo Ops series!
For book one, Iris, click HERE.
For book two, Rogue, click HERE.
For book three, Atlas, click HERE.

 

 

Book 4
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Paperback (US)
~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Shannan – ☆☆☆☆
Zeus is the fourth book in the Mike Bravo Ops series. There is enough information given within the story that it can be read as a standalone, but I don't recommend it. You have to read this series from the beginning to get the full impact of these character interactions. And it's an amazing series, so you'd be missing out on really good books.

Callie has been living his life on the run since he helped his abusive boyfriend burn down the strip club. It was never Callie's intent to hurt anyone, but Stephen had Callie so dependent on him that he didn't know what was right or wrong anymore. Now he's on the run from the men his ex owed money to and from his friend Lemon's husband, Atlas, and his friends. Either way, Callie is not liking his odds. When he sees a familiar face come by the restaurant he's working at, he knows he's in trouble.

Atlas asks Zeus to find Callie and make sure he's okay. Lemon is hopeful that his friend is fine. When Zeus does track him down, he is surprised when Callie hits him with his car. He doesn't want to hurt Callie, but Callie is making things worse when he turns to the very man that wants to use him. Zeus is known as the playboy. He doesn't do feelings or repeats, so when he finds himself wanting more from Callie, he doesn't know what to do with those feelings.

I hated Callie in Atlas, but after getting his full story I fell in love with him and Zeus. Zeus was everything Callie wanted, and Callie was everything Zeus needed. Zeus was able to open up and finally let someone in. Callie had a number done on him by his ex and his mental health paid the price. He was in a constant fight-or-flight mode. Zeus was able to make him feel protected and safe. I enjoyed watching their relationship go from physical to so much deeper.

I can't wait for what's next!!


Angie – ☆☆☆
This is the fourth book in the series and the series is best read in order. I have read the previous books, and the first one is still by far my favorite. I was hoping this installment would have been better than the last book but for me, it was another miss. I wasn't a fan of Callie's going into the book and he honestly never won me over. I liked Zeus but I just didn't feel the chemistry between them. I couldn't connect with either Callie or Zeus, and I found myself skimming the book and in the end, wasn't really vested in them. I'm hoping the next installment reboots my love for the series.

 

 

EDEN FINLEY is an Amazon bestselling author who writes steamy contemporary romances that are full of snark and light-hearted fluff.

She doesn't take anything too seriously and lives to create an escape from real life for her readers. The ideas always begin with a wackadoodle premise, and she does her best to turn them into romances with heart.

With a short attention span that rivals her son's, she writes multiple different pairings: MM, MMF, and MF.

She's also an Australian girl and apologises for her Australianisms that sometimes don't make sense to anyone else.

Connect with Eden Finley!

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Facebook Group: Absolutely Eden

 

 

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Zeus (Mike Bravo Ops #4) by Eden Finley to read and review.

Up All Night by Annabeth Albert Instagram Tour

What happened to my predictable life?

I had a stable life as a fire captain in Seattle, married to one of my best friends and raising two awesome kids. Now, my kids are grown, and my marriage is toast. I'm solidly past forty and back in my tiny hometown of Mount Hope, Oregon, filling in as a firefighter. My future is one big question mark keeping me up at night.

Also keeping me up? The short-order cook at Honey's Hotcake Hut.

Denver might be close to my age, but we're total opposites. The former rock roadie runs from stability, never puts down roots, and lives for the moment. Point in case, we barely speak before he invites me into his shower.

I've never been with a man, but my fresh start has me trying all sorts of new things—including Denver’s shower.

Our future? Hopeless.

Denver doesn't do repeats, but I convince him to have a fling since we're both in Mount Hope short-term. The more time we spend together, the deeper our friendship and bond grows. Our time together outside of the bedroom, reveals a caring side to the grumpy cook. Even better, my sunshine-y optimism softens him like butter.

Should a fling give me these deep feelings? Nope.

Worse, the feelings are mutual. Big decisions loom for both our futures, and our time together grows short. I might have Denver's heart, but his trust is far harder to win. He's the answer to all my question marks, and I need him to believe in us. Can I convince him to give our love a chance?

Up All Night features a grumpy/sunshine pairing for a forty-something firefighter on a path of self-discovery with an Up All Night short-order cook. It contains loads of first-time feels with sexual awakening and exploration with a heaping helping of personal growth and deep connection for this opposites-attract couple.

 

 

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Paperback (US)
~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the first book in a new series, and I think it makes a good start, although the world building has to set up quite a varied group of people, so not all of them get fully sketched out as we might wish.

Sean moves back to his hometown after his divorce. He is filling in for a firefighter on maternity leave at the fire station where his father is the boss. He is not sure if he is home permanently, but it seemed a good place to start again if he could not stay in Seattle. His immediate, slightly unexplained attraction to a chef in the local diner causes him some mental confusion, but his body is completely on board.

And I felt that this situation continued for quite a while – both Sean and Denver are keen to explore their physical attraction, but find it much more difficult to get their brains to process what is happening between them, with regards to others and about life in general. That leads to a slightly disjointed feel to things at times, but time smooths things out somewhat.

There is another instalment foreshadowed at the end of the book, so I guess we will have to wait and see what happens there to give us more insight into the events in Mount Hope.


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆
M/M Romance

So, this is the first book in a series. I normally expect a little more to happen in first books to help set up the next ones in the series.

Denver is a short order cook who lives in a small town. He landed here and just never left. It's hinted at that he had a more difficult life, but you never really hear about it. It's just lingering.

Then you have Sean. He's returning home after his good friend's husband passed away. He's a firefighter and recently divorced from his wife of several years. Now that he's divorced, he can explore who he truly has always felt like.

This story, to me, was not really a romance. It was more of a coming to know one’s self book. Denver and Sean have to navigate Sean's "newness" and the friends and family too. It was also strange how much the widowed husband's kiddos played a part in the story. Again, feeling more like a coming of age/finding yourself book.

I was very underwhelmed with this story. The romance was secondary to almost everything and the timing was just off. Maybe book two will gather more steam.


Angie – ☆☆☆
This is the first book in a new series. This book fell flat for me really. The relationship between Sean and Denver was meh, the sex was meh, and the rest of the story just didn't work for me. There seemed to be so much going on that the relationship with the main characters was just pushed to the side or something. I really wanted to like this book, but it was a miss. I will try the next book in the series to see if it was just a fluke.

 

 

 

ANNABETH ALBERT grew up sneaking romance novels under the bed covers. Now, she devours all subgenres of romance out in the open—no flashlights required! When she’s not adding to her keeper shelf, she’s a multi-published Pacific Northwest romance writer.

Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. Annabeth loves finding happy endings for a variety of pairings and is a passionate gay rights supporter. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two children.

Connect with Annabeth Albert!

Facebook  ~  Instagram  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Annabeth Albert's Angels

 

 

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Up All Night (Mount Hope #1) by Annabeth Albert to read and review.

The Linebacker by Emerson Beckett & Rheland Richmond Blog Tour

Is it wrong for me to want the world to know I’m in love with Patrick Griffin and have been since we were eight years old?

PATRICK GRIFFIN

I hurt him. I didn’t mean to.

Now he’s gone, and I deserve it.

As a linebacker in the NFL, I've never found the right time to come out of the closet. Not even when I promised Cole I would.

But now, with Cole's band, Fallen Angel, in the spotlight along with my team, the pressure is mounting. Everyone thinks we're just best friends, but the weight of my secret is tearing us apart.

And it just might be too late to save us when I can.

COLE BRADLEY

Is it wrong for me to want the world to know I’m in love with Patrick Griffin and have been since we were eight years old?

He is the love of my life, but it’s been years of waiting and excuses.

All our friends, even his teammates, have a public life. So why can’t we?

He promised it would be different in Portland.

But then he tells yet another reporter he’s single. I need a break. It’s perfect timing since our band is heading out on tour.

I don’t know if I can live without him. But I don’t think I can do forever in the closet.

It’s always been Patrick for me, but is it too much to ask for the world to know he’s mine too?

The Linebacker is a secret romance and childhood best friends-to-lovers MM Romance. It is book two in the Portland Protectors – EHM Security series and the eleventh book in the Package Deal World.

To maximize reader enjoyment, it is highly recommended to read the other books in the Package Deal Series, as well as book one, The Rockstar. Series reading order can be found at the beginning of each book.

Content Warning: Referenced off the page homophobic violence toward an off the page character, and an automobile accident.

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Portland Protectors – EHM Security series!
For book one, The Rockstar, click HERE.

For our reviews of other books set in The Package Deal World, click HERE.

 

 

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Paperback (US)
~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

 

 

The luxury suite in our high-rise hotel was dark as I stood looking out the window. The only light that crept in was from the lights shining over San Francisco. It had a magnificent view of the water during the day that was dark and moody now. It was really kind of prophetic.

I heard the door lock disengage in the silence as Patrick entered the room. The air stirred around him and brought the smell of his cologne and body wash to my nose. My heart throbbed at the thought of leaving him tomorrow, but I knew in my gut that it was what we needed if we had a hope of surviving.

Strong, warm arms wrapped around me and pulled me back into his chest. “Babe, why are you standing here in the dark?”

There were so many things I wanted to say but chose not to. “Just looking at the city. It’s really beautiful from up here.”

I tilted my head to the side as Patrick placed kisses down the side of my neck and onto my shoulder. His familiar hardness pressed against my ass and made me long for him, even though I was standing right here, wrapped in his arms.

“I need you,” he murmured against my skin. There was an unmistakable edge to his voice. His big hand went to my middle and held me in place against him.

“Patrick, we need to talk.” I was fighting to keep my emotions down, but I knew I was going to lose.

He loosened his hold just enough to turn me around to face him. Warm caramel eyes met my blue ones as the smile slipped from his face.

“What’s wrong? You feeling okay?”

I slipped from his arms and went to sit on the sofa. Patrick followed me, his handsome face now missing the smile I loved.

“We need to talk about the tour.”

Patrick unfolded his six-foot-five body from the sofa and got on his knees in front of me. He wedged himself between my thighs and took my face in his hands. Looking into them, he pulled my face to his.

“I know things are strained between us, but can we please have tonight to celebrate and just be you and me? Forget the world and everyone in it. Just me and you, like we’ve always been.”

“Patrick,” I whispered, the emotion thick in my throat before he sealed his mouth over mine. His tongue slipped past my lips, and I sank into his warmth, wrapping my arms around him. I wanted to stay like this forever.

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Shannan – ☆☆☆☆☆
The Linebacker is the second book in the Portland Protectors – EHM Security series and the 11th book in The Package Deal World. It's best read in the order that the authors intended to get the full impact of these characters’ relationship. If not the ten before, at least read The Rockstar, the first book in this series. Regardless, it cannot be read as a standalone.

Patrick and Cole have been best friends since they were seven years old. They've been in a relationship that only a select few knew about since they were fifteen. Twenty-five years later, not many more people know about them being in a romantic relationship. Publicly, they are just best friends that spend all their time together and live together. Patrick is a linebacker with the Protectors, a very accepting football organization of loving who you want, but something is still holding Patrick deep in the closet. Cole is out as a bisexual man in the band Fallen Angel. So they are both in the spotlight and have millions of people watching them.

Cole is ready, overly ready, to let the world know that Patrick is so much more to him than just a friend but Patrick, thinking coming to Portland would help his coming out, still isn't ready. Cole can't live like this anymore and basically says that to Patrick. Cole is the love of Patrick's life, and he hates to hurt him, but he isn't sure this is something he can do for him, or them.

Their story to get to their happily ever after was such an emotional rollercoaster. They fought so hard to be with each other. I can say there were more than a few tears reading this one. What my favorite part about this world is, is seeing all the characters that I have grown to love so much appear again and again. It makes it like you are catching up with old friends, seeing their lives progress book after book. I can't wait for Daredevil and Mr. Greer! There's a combination I didn't see coming but now that I've read just a touch of them, I am here for it!!


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series – and if you have enjoyed Emerson Beckett's earlier books, you will also find some delicious crossovers which have you catching up with old friends.

This is a great mix of sports and rock star romance, between two childhood friends who have never really been apart, but also never formally together – for one it is getting old, and the excuses are getting thinner, for the other, the scars from his past and fear of the attitude of his peers makes it the only way forward... until there could be no forward.

I thought that the issues were dealt with really well, and made clear just how much is inner monologue that makes one believe the worst... often after a life of reinforcement from the world at large, or someone in particular. But when life really is at risk, and one's whole identity, then things get clearer – even if it is terribly painful along the way. I enjoy a good dose of angst, so I really enjoyed it, but really only because I was confident that these two people would find their way back together. Their connection, their banter, their love, and their passion had to be enough!

One of those books it is difficult to put down, because it is impossible not to be invested in the happily ever after that one believes has to be coming... after just one more page turn!

 

 

 

EMERSON BECKETT is an avid sports fan and lover of M/M romance books, Emerson loves her new career as an author. It gets even better when she can combine the two. Emerson is the co-author of The Package Deal Series and The Portland Protectors: EHM Security Series with Rheland Richmond. The We Could Do This Duet is her first solo project.

Emerson lives in North Carolina and has been married to the same man for 34 years. She is the mother of three beautiful adults, one of whom is completely responsible for her addiction to MM Romance.

Emerson is now mom to an Australian Shepherd, four cats, and a cute bunny rabbit.

Connect with Emerson Beckett!

Facebook  ~  Instagram  ~  Twitter  ~  TikTok  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Beckett's Book Brigade

 

 

For as long as she can remember Rheland's had her nose stuck in a book, getting lost in the world of someone else's creation. (She still does.) Her love for writing came from her love for reading. She could never have one without the other.

Writing has always been a hobby and a cathartic experience for her. There are many stories lost to the never to be completed or published pile but needed to be written at the time.

She's just a girl that loved stories so much she wrote hers.

RHELAND RICHMOND would love to hear from her readers and learn more about y'all. So if you get a chance... Get in touch.

Connect with Rheland Richmond!

Facebook  ~  Instagram  ~  Twitter  ~  TikTok  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Richmond’s Riders

 

 

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of The Linebacker (Portland Protectors – EHM Security #2) by Emerson Beckett & Rheland Richmond to read and review.