Snowed by RJ Scott & V.L. Locey

A second chance at love is all Kyle wants for Christmas, but a dark menace from his past wants him dead, and love is second to staying alive.

Kyle Lourenco has carved out a comfortable life and career for himself in Boston. With the holidays quickly approaching, he’s heading home for the first time in several years. Home to his loving parents and the small Canadian town where he was raised. And home to Christian, his best friend and the first man to steal his heart.

Just as a winter storm begins to blow in, it forces Kyle off the road only miles from home and a dark and sinister force from his past creeps ever closer. His only hope is getting to Christian’s cabin before the evil that has haunted him for years finally catches up to him.

Best friends since they were three, Christian Gauthier grew up next door to Kyle, in a remote mountain town with one stoplight and a forty-mile round trip to the nearest school. When Kyle left town for a shot at a professional hockey career, he took Christian’s heart with him. Even though he knew Kyle was always destined for bigger things, it hadn’t stopped Christian from falling for him as soon as he knew what love was.

With Christmas coming soon and a major snowstorm heading their way, Christian shuts the doors to the family store and heads to his cabin, where he will be on standby as an official volunteer for Search and Rescue. He has never regretted staying in Eagle Ridge, but a near miss on a simple rescue leads him to reevaluate everything, and when Kyle ends up at his door, he knows that guarding his heart might not be the best solution after all.

Authors’ Note: Snowed can be read as a standalone Christmas/winter book, but as we always say it's better if you've started with book 1 in the Boston Rebels series to get the best out of the book.

Don’t miss our reviews of other books in the Boston Rebels series!
For book two, Back Check, click HERE.

 

 

Book 3
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Paperback (US)
~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

 

 

It took me a few moments to clear my head and make an assessment. Other than my shoulder, I was okay. Sore and trembling but safe. Thank God for seatbelts. If I’d not been strapped in, I would have been flying through the windshield and kissing a tree. That thought made me queasy. I tried the windshield wipers. They made one pass then died. It was just enough to see that the front of the Explorer was bent around a fat fir tree.

“Great,” I moaned, easing my right hand down to free myself from the seatbelt. Powder from the airbags filled the interior, making me cough and sputter. The headlights were still on. Which was good. Sitting here in the woods alone in the dark made me edgy. The unseen could be lurking in the forest, silent, like the wolves that prowled the muskeg, forests, and tundra of Manitoba. There was plenty around home that could kill you that didn’t dwell in your nightmares. “Fucking great.” I checked my phone for service even though I knew there wouldn’t be this far from Eagle Ridge during a blizzard. “Fuck,” I snarled, which ignited a new pain in my neck. Super, so I now had whiplash as well as a re-fucked shoulder. “Asshole moose.”

I knew the area well. I had to get somewhere warm and call for a tow truck. There was little to be done for my shoulder. That would have to wait until I could get to Churchill where they had a pretty decent health center. It would set me back a few weeks. I gave it another ten minutes then my headlights began to dim. A deep, unsettling unease crept into my chest. Without the lights on the dash or the headlights, the darkness would descend.

Grabbing my Rebels duffel, my childhood stick, and the bag of presents for my parents, I took the keys from the ignition and exited the car. Snow whipped around me, tiny bits of ice mixing in with the flakes to scour any exposed skin. Thankfully, I had worn my thickest winter coat. The son of Miriam Enook Lourenco knew enough to dress in layers. Shame he didn’t know enough to not run off the damn road. Fear spurred me on. The wind was brutally cold. The outside temperature, according to the dash of Rocky’s totaled SUV, had read zero degrees Fahrenheit, which was normal for this time of year. I took a few steps, my hood cinched around my head, and turned on the flashlight that was in the car, to give me about a foot of light before the snow cut the beam into nothingness. I swallowed. It was fine. I knew where I was. Christian had a cabin just a mile or so down Egret Lane. Head down, I pushed into the storm, the snow already to my knees.

Once I got into the woods, the wind did ease a bit, but not enough. Something cracked behind me. I spun around with a gasp, heart pounding in my breast, and waved the light back and forth.

“Who is it?” I shouted, but the gale force winds carried my words away. I stood there, locked in fear, snow battering my face like a sandblaster, squinting to see into the maelstrom.

Just a tree. It was just a tree breaking and falling. Nothing to worry about. It’s not the unseen. Just keep walking. You know this road. Round the bend. Up the knoll. The old Adjuk place. Mom told you all about it. Dad helped Christian put on a new roof when he bought it. You’re safe, just keep walking.

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the third book in the Boston Rebels series, and let me tell you it takes a bit of a departure from previous books in this talented duo's ice hockey stories... it is fabulous, but definitely an unexpected plot twist!

Always happy when first loves and best friends get a second chance at love, and even more so if they are snowed in a cabin together to remember just how much they mean to each other. Both Kyle and Christian are mature enough to understand that they both made decisions which affected their future, although Kyle's absence from home for several years needs explaining. Be ready to feel deep sympathy with one of them at that revelation!

As more of Kyle's childhood fears come back to haunt him, there may just be an answer to those missing years. Very dramatic to have such a plot twist in the story... go read it and see what I mean!

Excellent addition to the series, and reminder that a hockey career isn't forever, and could be changed by Christmas!

 

 

USA Today bestselling author RJ SCOTT has written over one hundred romance books. Emotional stories of complicated characters, cowboys, single dads, hockey players, millionaires, princes, bodyguards, Navy SEALs, soldiers, doctors, paramedics, firefighters, cops, and the men who get mixed up in their lives, always with a happy ever after.

She lives just outside London and spends every waking minute she isn’t with family either reading or writing. The last time she had a week’s break from writing, she didn’t like it one little bit, and she has yet to meet a box of chocolates she couldn’t defeat.

Connect with RJ

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Facebook Group: RJ Scott – Special Secret Group

 

USA Today bestselling author V.L. LOCEY – Penning LGBT hockey romance that skates into sinful pleasures.

V.L. Locey loves worn jeans, yoga, belly laughs, walking, reading and writing lusty tales, Greek mythology, Torchwood and Doctor Who, the New York Rangers, comic books, and coffee. (Not necessarily in that order.) She shares her life with her husband, her daughter, one dog, two cats, a pair of geese, far too many chickens, and two steers.

When not writing spicy romances, she enjoys spending her day with her menagerie in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania with a cup of fresh java in one hand and a steamy romance novel in the other.

Connect with V.L.

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Facebook Group: Vicki’s Vixens

 

 

ARC provided by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Snowed (Boston Rebels #3) by R.J. Scott & V.L. Locey to read and review.

The Christmas Wish by Sharon Sala

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Sharon Sala delivers her first holiday romance in the Blessings, Georgia series.

Wade Montgomery's back in Blessings, Georgia just in time for the holidays to help rebuild after a disaster nearly destroyed his family's business. But once he lays eyes on his old friend Birdie Knox, he can't stop thinking about calling Blessings home again... this time forever.

Don’t miss our reviews of other books in the Blessings, Georgia series!
For books one through seven, click HERE.
For book eight, A Rainbow Above Us, click HERE.
For book ten, Once in a Blue Moon, click HERE.

 

 

Book 12
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Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo
Audiobook (US)  ~  Paperback (US)

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Veronica – ☆☆☆☆
It was lovely to be back in Blessings, Georgia. Birdie and Wade, co-workers at the local feed store, are the couple at the centre of our story. I liked the simplicity of their sweet and drama-free romance. I really enjoyed spending time with them.

The Christmas Wish gives us many little tales of life in Blessings at Christmas. We have a story of buried treasure, righting a wrong that led an innocent man to go to jail, another man getting a second chance after making a few really bad decisions, dangerous neighbours, a fabulous Christmas Parade, a fun gingerbread house competition for the local kids, and more.

I think my favorite thing about The Christmas Wish, aside from a very funny incident involving a mouse, was the generosity of the people of Blessings. We see generosity with money with a large donation to those in need, but we see generosity of spirit in so many small ways throughout the story and it was so uplifting to read. This is a real feel-good story that put me in the Christmas mood. I thoroughly enjoyed The Christmas Wish.

 

 

SHARON SALA has over one hundred books in print and has published in five different genres. She is an eight-time RITA finalist, five-time Career Achievement winner from RT Book Reviews, and five-time winner of the National Reader’s Choice Award. Writing changed her life, her world, and her fate. She lives in Norman, Oklahoma.

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of The Christmas Wish (Blessings, Georgia #12) by Sharon Sala to read and review.

Love in 24 Frames by C.S. Poe

Declan Groves is a CPA in New York City. His adult life is dictated by routine and monotony. The need to express himself, in ways his career and crippling shyness have never allowed, leads Declan to becoming an amateur stop-motion filmmaker. The problem with this—Declan is now in love with the Wandering Artist Studios receptionist, Shota Watanabe. Shota has always had a smile and engaging comment ready for Declan, but even if it’s more than casual politeness, Declan hasn’t been able to get out more than a tongue-tied sentence at a time. And a man like Shota surely has no intention of waiting forever.

So when an unexpected change to Declan’s daily schedule during Christmastime throws the two together outside of the studio, it might be the catalyst needed to explore what’s been unspoken between them. But if they’re to have a future, Declan needs to find a way to tell Shota how he feels before the magic of the holidays is behind them.

 

 

Buy Links

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Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo  ~  Smashwords
Emporium Press (Payhip)

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Veronica – ☆☆☆
Love in 24 Frames is a sweet novella that I read in one sitting. I liked that this is story about men in their 40s. I really liked that even at 48 years old, Declan is shy when it comes social situations and romance. I particularly liked the simple way that this romance unfolds. Love in 24 Frames is a lovely story.

 

 

C.S. POE is a Lambda Literary and two-time EPIC award finalist, and a FAPA award-winning author of gay mystery, romance, and speculative fiction.

She resides in New York City, but has also called Key West and Ibaraki, Japan, home in the past. She has an affinity for all things cute and colorful and a major weakness for toys. C.S. is an avid fan of coffee, reading, and cats. She’s rescued two cats—Milo and Kasper do their best to distract her from work on a daily basis.

C.S. is an alumna of the School of Visual Arts.

Her debut novel, The Mystery of Nevermore, was published 2016.

Connect with C.S.

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Facebook Group: C.S. Poe's Curious & Mysterious

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Love in 24 Frames by C.S. Poe to read and review.

The Virgin Game Plan by Lauren Blakely

A sexy standalone forbidden sports romance from #1 New York Times bestseller Lauren Blakely!

I had an excuse two years ago when I met her on campus. She interviewed me for a story on major league baseball's rising stars, and we shared a hot, passionate night that ended far too soon, and without a mention of who her father was.

Now I know the innocent but sexy woman I can't stop thinking about is the coach's daughter.

That means her dad is the guy who determines if I bat fourth in the starting lineup in every game, or ride the bench.

All the more reason to resist alluring, confident, brainy Reese every time I run into the reporter-turned-sports publicist.

That ought to be easy enough, until the time she confesses she's still carrying her V card, and she's been wanting me to cash it in since the day we met.

Staying away from her is going to be harder than resisting a fastball down the middle.

Especially since I'm pretty sure she's the one who got away, and letting her slip through my fingers again would be a rookie mistake.

Don’t miss our reviews of other books in the Rules of Love series!
For book one, The Virgin Rule Book, click HERE.
For book three, The Virgin Replay, click HERE.

 

 

Book 2
Buy Links

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Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo
Audiobook (US)  ~  Paperback (US)

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary – ☆☆☆☆☆
Reese and Holden met when she interviewed him for her podcast, their chemistry was instant and off the charts. When life throws a curveball in between them, they go their separate ways. Neither forgets the other as their careers take off. After a few years, their paths cross and the sparks are still there. They want to explore where things might go, until another curveball.

Can these two navigate this thing called life and make a relationship work? Will things get in the way? Will they ever get their one perfect night together?

I love a second-chance romance and author Lauren Blakely has hit this one out of the park with Reese and Holden. They are fun, flirty, passionate, devoted, supportive, and very patient. They knew what they wanted and waited for the right time to go after it. This story has all the feels I love to read in a story to make it great. I hope you love it too.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series, and a fun addition to the series. I love how these books link in with the Men of Summer series – it was really fun to see how others saw that relationship developing as a side plot.

This is a great mix of second-chance romance with sports at its heart. Reese and Holden definitely deserve a happily ever after, but there are some pesky rules standing in their way. Holden is a rule keeper, but he is wise enough to see that Reese is worth breaking every one, but whether that will end his baseball career and his longest friendship.

Such a good mix of sport, development of Reese's PR career, and the growing closeness between them. And some hints at future storylines!


Shannan – ☆☆☆☆
The Virgin Game Plan is the second installment in the Rules of Love series. It can be read as a standalone but reads much better if read in the order that the author intended.

Reese first met Holden when she interviewed the up and coming baseball star for her podcast in college. They instantly hit it off and spent a fantastic day together. Holden has always considered Reese the one that got away. When they happen to run into each other again years later, they want nothing more than to see if they still have that spark until a curveball threatens what could be between them.

I loved how this relationship played out. They were so passionate about each other and fought to make it work. This is a fantastic second-chance romance!


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
3.5 stars
M/F Romance

Reese is smart, driven, wants to make it on her own and not on her dad's name, but most of all, she's a good person. She loves her friends and mom, and knows that she can make it because of their support. Her relationship with her dad is another story and, despite her being a grown-up in the situation, I wanted more from him, for her.

Holden is caring, funny, charming, and all about his family and baseball. But when he sees Reese again, after two years, he can't deny their chemistry. If he could set aside his career for her, he would.

These two have to find their way around young romance, early life obstacles, and find their own normal. Neither wants to taint each other, but they also can't deny that they could have what most people search their entire lives for. Who are they to deny themselves? Especially when they both take a step back and really look at the situation.

The chemistry between these two jumps off the page. You can't help but root for them. Blakely writes a funny, young love story that will hit you right in the feels.

 

 

A #1 New York Times bestselling, #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling, and #1 Audible bestselling author, LAUREN BLAKELY is known for her contemporary romance style that’s sweet, sexy and witty. She also writes red-hot, sexy romance and USA Today bestselling LGBTQ romance.

With fourteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than 100 times, with more than 55 titles on the USA Today Bestsellers list alone. She’s sold more than 4.5 million books.

A Brown University graduate, Lauren likes dogs, cake, and show tunes and is the vegetarian at your dinner party.

Connect with Lauren

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Facebook Group: Lauren Blakely's Lovelies

 

 

 

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of The Virgin Game Plan (Rules of Love #2) by Lauren Blakely to read and review. Review copies were purchased by the blog.

An Unexpected Distraction by Catherine Bybee

Family secrets and fresh romance collide in this heart-pounding Richter series installment by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bybee.

Jacqueline “Jax” Simon knows how to expose secrets: she’s a skilled operative with MacBain Security and Solutions. When Jax hears her parents are divorcing, she races to London to find out why. She’s determined to learn the truth, especially when her investigation uncovers why her parents sent her to Richter, the German military school that made her a fighter.

Andrew Craig collects Jax at Heathrow Airport as a favor. He’s heard she’s a handful, but he didn’t know she’s dangerously gorgeous too. His instant attraction could change his life… or end it.

Jax doesn’t want to fall for Andrew, but soon he’s worming his way into her life. Together, they infiltrate Richter to discover if it has returned to its covert purpose: training children to be spies and assassins and blackmailing parents to look the other way. As the attraction between the two intensifies, so do the secrets exploding all around them. How deadly are those secrets—and who will survive?

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Richter series!
For book one, Changing the Rules, click HERE.
For book two, A Thin Disguise, click HERE.

 

 

Book 3
Buy Links

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Audiobook (US)  ~  Paperback (US)
~ Also Available with KindleUnlimited ~

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is the third book in the series, and I highly recommend that you read them in order. We first learned of Richter from Sasha in the First Wives series, so you might want to start there... they are all very worthwhile reading!

Jax was unexpectedly sent to Richter by her wealthy parents. Years later, her life has been shaped by what she learned there, but she does now act for good, working for MacBain Security and Solutions. In this story the underlying plot of who is directing the actions of the educators at Richter continues to develop – and we find ourselves back there again – but at the same time, Jax gets to discover something very, very unexpected about herself.

Perhaps more interesting though, is how Jax and her brother's best friend, Andrew, find that there is strong chemistry between them. It is a bad time to discover this as so much is going on in Jax's life. But as we find out, Andrew is a solid, safe, and loving guy, who lives a quite normal and stable life... until he takes a holiday to Richter with Jax.

I love these books with such a dark undertone, and yet also the fun of love and their family of choice, as well as the learning of how one's own family may have failed or been blackmailed. It was great to catch up with the MacBain family too – everyone is a lot happier than they were in book one!

So many loose ends, I do hope that the next book in the series will be released soon!


Mary – ☆☆☆☆☆
I have waited for Jax's story, and it was an unexpected surprise. When her brother calls and needs her help, she doesn't hesitate to jump on a plane and fly back to London.

As she learns about her parent's separation, she also learns more about herself. Along the way, she meets her brother's best friend. Andrew is mistaken for a hired driver sent to pick her up at the airport and look after her until she meets up with her brother.

The sparks begin to fly from the moment Jax and Andrew meet. She doesn't hold it against him that he didn't tell her from the start who he really was. As they spend more time together, they learn more about each other and that they want to be there for the other. When they head back to Richter and things get a little hairy, Andrew learns a little about what Jax's job is.

I loved the first two stories but this one is my favorite so far. It was filled with suspense, intrigue, and more romance than the others. Jax and Andrew were the perfect couple, almost to the point of finishing each other's sentences. I hope there will be more to continue this series, I want more. I highly recommend reading them in order, you do not want to miss anything.


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars
M/F Romance
Triggers: Click HERE to see Avid Reader’s review on Goodreads for trigger warnings.

Jax is now working for MacBain Security and Solutions. She is a highly trained operative and uses all of the skills she learned at Richter. Despite Jax's wealthy family, she was unexpectedly sent to the boarding school. Now, as an adult, she is asked to come home amidst a family situation and learns so much more about her time away from home.

Someone at Richter is orchestrating the undertone again and Jax and MacBain are trying to prevent other girls from similar fates that Sasha and others have lived.

What Jax isn't expecting is to find that her brother's best friend, Andrew, is a strong, confident partner and when he is needed for her ruse, how reliable he is. Andrew is a fun character who has his eyes opened to what Jax is truly capable of.

Together, they uncover a mystery and begin a journey of love. It's a great book and I highly recommend that you start at the beginning of the series. You won't regret it!

 

 

New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author CATHERINE BYBEE has written twenty-seven books that have collectively sold more than three million copies and have been translated into twelve languages. Raised in Washington State, Bybee moved to Southern California in hopes of becoming a movie star. After growing bored with waiting tables, she returned to school and became a registered nurse, spending most of her career in urban emergency rooms. She now writes full-time and has penned the Not Quite series, the Weekday Brides series, the Most Likely To series, and the First Wives series.

Connect with Catherine

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Facebook Group: Catherine Bybee's Chatty Cathy's

 

 

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of An Unexpected Distraction (Richter #3) by Catherine Bybee to read and review.

It's Complicated by Kindle Alexander Blog Tour

Nightclub manager Julian Cullen runs Reservations with impeccable precision and a deep sense of pride. But repressed memories from his abduction two years ago surface, leaving him struggling emotionally. Julian vows to reclaim his previous life but doesn’t factor in the biggest distraction of all: the handsome cowboy hanging around the club intent on gaining his attention.

Entrepreneur Beckett St. Clair built an industry-leading survivalist training company through hard work and dedication. The tough as nails outdoorsman can navigate any situation or so he thinks…When a chance encounter with a guarded night club manager leaves him tumbling head over heels into uncharted territory.

One man is lost to his past, the other dreams of a future.
Both men will soon find out love is never easy… it’s complicated.

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Reservations series!
For book one, Reservations, click HERE.

 

 

Book 2
Buy Links

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Paperback (US)
~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

 

 

“I’m being asked if table thirty-three can incorporate thirty-four into their party.”

Julian looked over to see a crowd of men gathered around the larger high-boy table. “No, give it some time. St. Clair’s a good customer. Get some barstools from the back, and let’s see if he arrives.”

“Hey, Julian. Have we heard from thirty-four? Is he coming in tonight?” Remington, another waiter, asked from about the midway point down the bar where he loaded his tray with cocktail glasses. “One of my guests wants to know.”

“Who wants to know?” Julian looked over to Remington’s section of tables as if a large red arrow would point him out.

“The older guy at table twenty-seven.”

Julian’s gaze locked on that table. All the men looked older, sophisticated, well put together, and handsome. Damn.

“Which one?” Julian asked.

“The older one,” Remington repeated, then turned with his tray full of drinks in his hand. “Is he coming tonight?”

So, the Marlboro Man had built a fan club involving more than just the club’s waiters and bartenders. Julian’s possessive side stood on guard. “We’re holding the table for him, but he’s late.”

Julian dug into the salad with his fork, stuffing a big bite into his mouth, and reached for the untouched glass of water nearby. He chomped out his frustration that the big, tall cowboy hat wearing mystery man was building some possible hookups.

Julian had watched as Beckett sat alone for hours at his table until some of the waiters were cut from their shifts and ended up joining the guy. Beckett had become a welcome patron in the club and his table a safe place for most of the guys who worked for Reservations to gather.

No, Julian hadn’t missed all the long lingering looks Beckett tossed his way. He liked the way Beckett watched him. Those intriguing brown eyes and that appealing gaze. Beckett was all man, every single inch of him. He knew that for a fact because he’d rubbed himself against all that masculinity when they’d danced.

An unexpected sensation had Julian dropping the fork in his hand to the plate, his gaze lowering to his trouser-covered cock. Holy hell, the way it plumped painfully against his zipper had his heart thumping wildly in his chest. The damn thing did, in fact, work. How long had it been since he’d grown hard? He couldn’t remember. Tears of happiness sprung to his eyes, making him fight to swallow the lump forming in his throat. Damn, it felt good.

How much had he had to drink? Regardless of his actions over the last few days, Julian had given up alcohol. Should he have been drinking this whole time?

“Boss, you good?” Ricco tapped the edge of the bar to gain Julian’s attention.

He paid the bartender no heed, not wanting to lose this moment. Julian had only had two cocktails over the last couple of hours. That meant he was practically sober, yet his cock was working again for the first time in a long while.

Under Ricco’s intense scrutiny, Julian’s cock deflated. He closed his eyes, bringing forth images of Beckett sitting alone at his table, rarely speaking to anyone. Every single time Beckett showed up or planned to leave for the night, his gaze sought out Julian. No matter how hard Julian fought the urge to turn Beckett’s way he eventually would turn, helpless to do anything but.

Beckett would smile and touch the brim of his hat. Fuck, what a sexy move. Beckett’s strong jaw and full lips, his dark tanned skin… Julian’s dick swelled at warp speed.

Hell yeah. Julian was helpless to stop the tear that built enough steam to trickle down his cheek. This had to mean he was healing, right?

“Julian. You good?”

He opened his eyes, prepared to share with Ricco exactly why he was great right now. His hand reached to wipe away the tear when the unique scent of outdoors, sunshine, and exotic spices hit his senses. Unmistakably Beckett. He looked over to see an expansive masculine chest and broad shoulders leaning into him as Beckett busted a move to avoid a collision with one of the busboys.

Julian lifted his gaze. Of course, he held all of Beckett’s undivided attention. They locked gazes for one, maybe two long seconds, before Ricco’s hand slapped down hard on the bar top, pulling Julian’s gaze toward Ricco.

“What?” He said the word with maybe three syllables of frustration.

Ricco showed zero cares about Julian’s obvious annoyance “Are. You. Goooda?”

“Mind your business. Concentrate on the job you’re being paid to do.” Julian motioned to the line of waiters standing at the bar, waiting for their drinks. But even that only held his attention for the briefest of moments before he happily lowered his gaze again to his dick. The damn thing was rigidly hard, straining against his form-hugging pants. Holy fuck. The relief was staggering.

Julian dropped his head between his shoulder blades, thanking the universe for this blessing.

“Mr. St. Clair, we were getting worried about you,” Ricco said.

“Call me Beckett.” The rich masculine timbre held hints of a deeply cultured southern accent, drawing Julian’s gaze to Beckett once again.

“A guy at one of Remington’s tables wants to buy your drinks tonight,” Ricco said to Beckett as he started to pour again. “He asked me to see if you’re interested when you came in.”

Julian’s head dropped forward; he couldn’t help his astonished stare. He got caught up in Beckett’s new look. Julian’s gaze narrowed to Beckett, admiring how he wore the hugely popular suit with the athletic cut. Beckett looked fashionable in a style that accented every one of his masculine curves and edges. He was clean-shaven with his hair styled and pushed back off his forehead. No cowboy hat to be found anywhere.

“Which table?” Beckett asked and turned toward the grouping of tables. His body angled to look where Remington pointed to a group of three men. Julian looked down the length of Beckett’s long body. He wasn’t wearing boots tonight or a tie. Instead, his collar was unbuttoned with a small amount of fur peaking from the opening. The look suited him. Julian’s fingers twitched to run over the man’s exposed skin. He’d bet Beckett had the same dark tan all the way down that expansive chest.

Beckett was mouthwateringly gorgeous in this new look. Who would have known the man could be even more handsome than Julian remembered?

Tonight, the man held an air of confidence that he didn’t usually have. Beckett lifted a hand to the men, grinned a sultry smile, and turned back to Ricco. “Buy his next round on me and tell him thank you, I’m flattered, but I’ve got my eye on someone else tonight.”

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Angie – ☆☆☆☆
Man... this book was a bumpy ride, but worth every minute. Julian and Beckett were just perfect for each other. Julian has been through so much and had to deal with just as much to get where he is today. Beckett knew the moment he saw Julian he was worth the wait. From the first page I was all in and I couldn't wait to see how things played out. Beckett was simply perfect and everything Julian needed. These two gave me all the feels. I laughed, cried, cheered them on, and, of course, fell in love with them. Highly recommend.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series – and whilst I would definitely recommend that you read them in order, to get the full goodness of the side relationships, you can read this first and enjoy going back and getting Thane and Levi's story afterwards too!

Julian is a fascinating character – he was badly attacked and had Thane not been a true gentleman, who knows what would have befallen him. Luckily Thane not only supported him through the trauma, but he also gave him a new purpose, managing his club, Reservations. But as he heals, he wonders whether he should not go back to his life as an escort again, enjoying the wealth and perks of the lifestyle.

One guy at the club, Beckett, has his eye on Julian, and thinks there is a spark back. Not really secure in his recent acceptance of his sexual orientation, he does not imagine he makes much of an impression, but he is trying. For such a secure, vital man, his nerves are strangely appealing and very honest. It took me only seconds to only want good things for both of them – and I was sure it was to be with each other – but the gaps in their dreams and expectations are significant...

A lovely, sexy, romantic, and cheering read – thank you, Kindle Alexander!


Shannan – ☆☆☆☆
3.5 stars

It's Complicated is the second book in the Reservations series. It can be read as a complete standalone, as I did, but now after meeting Thane and Levi, I have to go back and read the first book in the series, Reservations.

Two years ago Julian Cullen was attacked, and his entire life has changed. He misses the life he had. He loved being an escort and was good at his job. He wants that life back and wants to fight to get there but he hates that he can't remember who did this to him. Thane took care of Julian, paying his hospital bills and giving him a job. Julian loved working at Reservations, he was good at his job. And when the tall handsome man gives him attention, he fights everything in him to ignore that attention.

From the moment Beckett St. Clair walks into Reservations, he has his eyes set on Julian. He doesn't know Julian's past, but he has an urge to protect the man in any way he can. Beckett is very gentle and sweet with Julian, going at his pace.

Beckett and Julian are completely opposite but work so well together. And Woofers, how could you not love that dog?! I am excited to see what is next for Reservations with Rico's story!


Veronica – ☆☆☆
This story started well. I found Julian interesting, sexy, and strong willed. He is a city boy and likes the finer things in life. Beckett, on the other hand, is down to earth, hardworking, and a man who loves the outdoors. They guys come from different worlds, and I adored them both. I loved Beckett’s patience and that he was happy to take things slowly and to be supportive of whatever Julian needed. I wanted them to be together because that was what Beckett wanted and I wanted him to be happy.

This story is focused almost entirely on Julian and Beckett, which was fine at first, but as the story approached the midway point things started to slow down. As much as I liked Beckett and Julian, the story started to struggle to hold my attention because not a great deal seemed to be happening. By the time I hit the halfway point I considered giving up reading but I’m a big fan of Kindle Alexander, so I decided to push on. I’m glad I kept reading because the last third of the book had the emotion and drama I wanted, and it sucked me right back into the story and had me shedding a few tears. I read the rest of the book in one sitting.

Overall, I enjoyed It’s Complicated. The ending was so satisfying, and Julian and Beckett deserved to be happy, and I was happy for them. 3.5 stars.

 

 

Bestselling author KINDLE ALEXANDER is an innovative writer, and a genre-crosser who writes classic fantasy, romance, suspense, and erotica in both the male/male and male/female genres. It's always a surprise to see what's coming next!

For the full bio, visit Kindle’s website.

Connect with Kindle

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Facebook Group: Kindle's Krew

 

 

 

Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of It's Complicated (Reservations #2) by Kindle Alexander to read and review for this tour.

Shelter by Kristen Proby Release Blitz

A small town, close proximity romance from New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Kristen Proby.

Remi Carter has survived her fifteen minutes of fame and is putting LA in her rearview mirror. As a former reality show contestant, she’s trading staged expeditions and faked wilderness tours for real adventures. Only one fluke storm in Glacier National Park has her stranded with a handsome man, and adventure takes on a whole new meaning.

Seth King is as rugged and sexy as he is annoyed to be trapped with Remi. Probably because she ghosted him at the local bar not three days ago. But she’s got her reasons for ditching him, and twenty-four hours in an abandoned Montana cabin with the wildlife biologist isn’t nearly enough time to explain.

As tempting as he is by firelight, she’s been burned too many times.

Except one day together and suddenly her travel van doesn’t hold as much appeal. The open road feels lonely. Remi’s about to learn that shelter is more than a safe place to weather a storm.

Shelter might just be the man himself. If he can give her a reason to stay.

 

 

Book 2
Buy Links

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

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆☆
M/F Romance
Triggers: Click HERE to see Avid Reader’s review on Goodreads for trigger warnings.

Remi has lived in the limelight and no longer wants that fame. She likes living in her van, being able to travel where the wind takes her. She has had a less than stellar home life and now that she's an adult, she can help heal herself by traveling and enjoying the outdoors. An adrenaline and outdoors junky, she can't get enough of the climbs, rafting trips, etc. that she enjoys. When she finds herself hiking at the wrong time and gets trapped in a snowstorm, she wonders if she's gone too far this time.

Seth loves his hometown. He grew up with nothing and was taken in by family who gave him everything. He knows the mountains like the back of his hand and also knows that the weather up there can be sudden and fierce. When he sees Remi, she instantly piques his interest. She's beautiful and not at all what he expects. He also doesn't really know of her previous fame and that suits Remi fine.

These two have fantastic chemistry and their love of the outdoors is really what pulls their unlikely friendship together. Both have to overcome their own heartache and heartbreak, but both make each other stronger, better, and their relationship is one that everyone can aspire to.

Love is hard for them both. It was fun to see them learn and develop love in their own way. Seeing people from the previous book too was a fun treat. While you don't have to read book one, it is recommended since characters come back.

I really enjoyed this romance and can't wait to see what happens next!

 

 

KRISTEN PROBY has published more than forty titles, many of which have hit the USA Today, New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists. She continues to self publish, best known for her With Me In Seattle and Boudreaux series, and is also proud to work with William Morrow, a division of HarperCollins, with the Fusion and Romancing Manhattan Series.

Kristen and her husband, John, make their home in her hometown of Whitefish, Montana with their two cats.

Connect with Kristen

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Proby's Peeps

 

 

 

Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Shelter (Heroes of Big Sky #2) by Kristen Proby to read and review for this tour.