Thin Ice by Lane Hayes Instagram Tour

The hunky dad, the hockey coach, and a new start...

BRYSON

Elmwood isn’t good for my love life. Hey, I’m a positive person and I have nothing but wonderful things to say about small-town living, but I haven’t had a date in years. That’s fine—my son is and always has been my number one focus.

Except now he’s grown and gone. And it’s lonely.

Okay, yes, the new hockey coach is hot and single, but he’s off-limits. Smitty’s trouble with a capital T, and his baggage might outweigh mine. Besides, we said nothing would happen after “that” night. It was a one-time, never to be repeated deal.

At least… that’s what I thought.

SMITTY

Am I sad about retiring from pro hockey? Honestly, no. I can’t remember the last time I wasn’t in pain. I need a rest and I could use a distraction from unwelcome memories at home. Stat.

So… Elmwood.

Look, we all know I won’t last a whole season of coaching high school kids, but stepping in till they find a better candidate is a good temporary plan. And Bryson’s here.

There’s something about the hot dad with the sunny smile and bad dad jokes that makes me feel alive again. I’m not in the market for forever—been there, done that. Look, I’ve taken risks for my sport, but I’m not giving my heart away again. I know thin ice when I see it.

Or do I?

Thin Ice is an MM bisexual, age-gap, small-town romance featuring a silver fox dad, the new hockey coach, and a fresh start on solid ground.

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of The Elmwood Stories!
For book one, You, Again, click HERE.
For book two, Next Season, click HERE.
For book three, Holiday Crush, click HERE.

 

 

Book 4
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Paperback (US)

Audiobook (US)
Narrated by Nick J. Russo
~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

 

 

Smitty gamely followed me to the next vignette at Pinecrest’s premiere home and furniture boutique. “It’s a coffee table, Bry. It serves two functions—a footrest and a place to leave dishes… and the remote control. Anything is fine.”

“Yeah, right,” I huffed. “Somehow I doubt the guy who couldn’t live with yellow walls and had lots of opinions about the sectional he special ordered doesn’t care about the coffee table that will go in the same room.”

Smitty darted his gaze around the store and leaned in close. “Places like this intimidate the fuck out of me. It smells like a perfume factory and everyone is smiling… but their eyes are dead. Like they’re zombies. Is this a Pinecrest thing or a bougie thing? I don’t do well with hot cotchure.”

I burst into laughter. “Haute couture?”

“Sure, whatever.”

I brushed my hand against his in a show of solidarity, then linked our pinkies for a brief moment and pointed at a handsome dark-wood coffee table with a wide base. “What about that one?”

Smitty shrugged. “Looks nice.”

“I think so too.” I clandestinely checked the tag. “Yikes. It’s pricey. Let’s keep looking.”

“Do they have a coffee table with cupholders?”

“Absolutely not, and why would anyone want a cupholder in a coffee table?”

Smitty widened his eyes comically. “Are you kidding me? Why would anyone not want a safe place to plop a cup? You never have to worry about spilling a drink or knocking it over, and you wouldn’t have to fumble for it when you’re watching a game, ’cause your cup is right where you left it.”

“Okay, that’s a whole lot of nonsense. And thankfully, a moot point.” I glanced at our surroundings as if to be sure that was true and noticed the salesperson watching us from the register. I couldn’t remember her name off the top of my head, but I was pretty sure I’d sold her and her partner a house two years ago. I lowered my voice and added, “They don’t have such a thing, but even if they did, I’d stop you from buying it.”

“How? I’m bigger than you. And I’m fast. I could whip out my credit card in a flash and shove this fucker into my truck before you could say ‘No, bad table!’”

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Angie – ☆☆☆☆☆
I haven't read any of the previous books and I didn't feel like I was missing anything, so this could be read as a standalone.

I instantly loved Bryson and Smitty. These two were H.O.T. right from the start. I don't usually like books that involve sports, but this one was a good balance of hockey and the relationship between Bryson and Smitty. Each man has baggage that they carry from their past and they both need to work through that baggage. The chemistry is off the charts and the sexy times are steamy!!! There was very little angst, and the story was well paced. I actually didn't want the book to end. The day after I finished the book, I was actually sad that I wouldn't be reading about Bryson and Smitty again. And O.M.G. that epilogue!!! Great book, highly recommend.


Shannan – ☆☆☆☆
Thin Ice is the fourth book in The Elmwood Stories series. It can be read as a standalone without issue but reads better when you know the town and its residents better.

Bryson has always put his son first after his divorce. He hasn't had a date in years but that's okay, it's a small town where everyone knows everything. Now that his son is grown and out living his own life playing hockey, Bryson is lonely. Bryson has a one-night stand with his son’s hockey nemesis, Smitty, and he can't seem to get the man out of his head. When Smitty moves to Elmwood in the house across the street and becomes the new high school hockey coach, Bryson doesn't know what to do about his attraction or his son's hatred of Smitty.

Smitty was asked to help coach in Elmwood after his retirement. He's not sure if that is something he wants to pursue until he sees how happy his ex-wife is with her new husband and baby on the way. After the one night he spent with Bryson he’s excited about seeing him again in Elmwood, but Bryson isn't as happy as Smitty would like. But that doesn't stop him from becoming the best friend Bryson could have – and throw in a side of friends-with-benefits and Smitty can't get enough. What he doesn't see coming is the feelings he didn't know he was catching. Can he give Bryson everything he needs when he can't even come out? Is he ready to be out and how will it affect everything he's he worked for?

I love this little town and everything it has to offer. I so enjoy getting to see past couples and getting glimpses of what's happening in their lives. Bryson and Smitty have so much chemistry and they grow together as their feelings develop for each other. Smitty is a fun character while Bryson is a bit of a control freak – it's a fun combination.

I can't wait for more in this series.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the fourth book in the series, and I loved being back with the gang and reading the next installment in this very engaging ice hockey series.

I love how this book starts, setting out the attraction and chemistry from the get go – but also erecting a barrier which is hard to ignore. It sits in our mind as we find them in the same town, with multiple points of contact, but still the issues which need resolution.

Bryson is a super cool dad, and a successful if lonely man in Elmwood – his moment of madness with soon to retire AHL defenseman Smitty is excusable, is it not? But when Smitty ends up living across the road and coaching the school hockey team... how is he supposed to stay away, but how could it ever work? The negotiations, the honesty, and the clear building of a deep and fun friendship is central to this really enjoyable read.

My only complaint... it finished too soon, and I greedily wanted more – hopefully the next installment will give us more of their story, even if only on the sidelines!

 

 

 

LANE HAYES lives in sunny Southern California with her amazing husband, who thankfully doesn’t mind cooking, and their fabulous fox red Labrador, George, who’s pure mischief. Both provide oodles of inspiration for the low-angst, humorous books Lane loves to write.

She’s been telling stories about sexy, funny, sometimes geeky and quirky men who find love for a dozen years now and loving every minute. In her previous life, she sat at a desk and dealt with numbers, so yes… romance is much more satisfying!

Lane loves tea, travel, and chocolate… in any order. Add a book and she’s set!

Connect with Lane Hayes!

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Facebook Group: Lane's Lovers

 

 

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Thin Ice (The Elmwood Stories #4) by Lane Hayes to read and review.

Hoodoo House by Peter E. Fenton Spotlight

How far would you be willing to go to keep a secret?

When writer Malcolm Tull is discovered dead at his writing desk, all signs point to suicide. But Malcolm' s editor isn't so sure. There' s the matter of the man' s missing computer, a mislaid manuscript and the fact that he didn't seem the type to take his own life.

Declan Hunt and Charlie Watts are called into action and make their way to the mysterious Hoodoo House nestled on the edge of the Badlands of Alberta. Soon they are embroiled in a case involving blackmail, gay tricks and possibly even murder.

As the secrets of Hoodoo House come to light, Charlie discovers that his boss has been keeping a few secrets of his own, secrets that could impact their romantic relationship outside of the office. And before this investigation is done, Charlie will have to get to the truth, even if it means this might be his final case for Declan Hunt Investigations.

Reader Advisory: This book contains instances of violence and blackmail, and the death of a minor character.

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of The Declan Hunt Mysteries!
For book one, Mann Hunt, click HERE.

 

 

Book 2
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Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo
Paperback (US)  ~  Pride Publishing

 

 

Henry often seemed wiser than a boy of his age. Although he was only her ward, she thought of him as the child she’d never had and due to their age difference, he had taken to calling her Gramma Carol.

She patted him on the shoulder. “Now, clear up your mess and set the table. Then you can go and tell Mr. Tull breakfast is ready.”

Henry quickly did as he was told.

Mrs. Cameron smiled as she looked around. The kitchen was her domain and nobody in Hoodoo House would dare to question anything she did here or, frankly, anywhere else on the property. She was the housekeeper, cook, scullery maid and holder of just about every other staff position one could imagine. She was as permanent a fixture in the building as the ancient stove or the kitchen’s large wooden prep table and she loved every scrap of wood and broken-down fixture in it…almost as much as she loved young Henry.

Writer Malcolm Tull, however…

An acrid smell hit her nostrils.

“Damn.”

She ran towards the oven. A cloud of smoke filled the air as she pulled out the tray of burnt baking.

“You damned fool,” she muttered to herself as she removed the biscuits and placed them on a cooling rack. She could scrape the char off the best ones and they’d be fine. The others she’d save for crumbling up for the chickens, or perhaps the centres could be used for stuffing. Either way, they would end up inside a chicken.

She checked the coffee perking in the pot and dabbed the fat off the freshly cooked bacon. She turned back towards the kitchen table and was startled to see Henry standing at the door, his eyes wide, his mouth open. It took him a moment to speak.

“There’s something wrong with Mr. Tull.”

“Well, what’s wrong?” she asked.

“He’s asleep on his desk and he’s lying in his own sick.”

Mrs. Cameron hurried to the writing room. Henry followed. She went to the desk and examined the prone man. She’d been around long enough to know when something wasn’t alive, but to be certain, she checked for a pulse—nothing.

“Henry, leave the room and don’t touch anything. And don’t come back in here.”

She scurried past the boy and headed back to the kitchen where she called the doctor… and the police.

 

 

PETER E. FENTON's first book, The Woodcarver's Model came out in April of 2022 and was a four time nominee in the Goodreads M/M Romance Readers' Choice Awards.

His second book, Mann Hunt was released in August of 2023 and was also a nominee in the Goodreads M/M Romance Readers' Choice Awards.

Mann Hunt is the first in the three part Declan Hunt Mysteries series, with the release of Hoodoo House adding a second book to the series. The final installment will come out in the summer of 2025, (all through Pride Publishing).

2024 will also see the release of his first teen romance novel, Not Not Normal, with Lorimer Publishing.

All of Peter's novels are proudly set in Canada and are filled with humour, heart and unforgettable characters.

Previous creative work was focused on writing for the stage, including award-winning productions of The Giant’s Garden, Newfoundland Mary, and Bemused which have played across Canada. His newest play, The Detective Disappears will tour in Canada in the fall of 2023.

Peter spent many years working in palaeontology in remote locations including the Canadian Rockies, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

He currently lives in Toronto, Canada with his partner of more than twenty years.

Connect with Peter E. Fenton!

Facebook  ~  Instagram  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

 

 

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The Hookup Mix-Up by Riley Hart Instagram Tour

PERRY

I moved to San Luco to get to know my brother, and so far, it’s been great. Working as a bartender at Shenanigans, a bar close to Franklin University, there are beautiful men and women everywhere. When a hot guy falls into my arms at a party, I’m down for some naughty fun. Until I realize he’s way too drunk for anything to happen. Thankfully, we agree to meet up the next day.

One near-kiss later, I discover Theo has no idea I’ve been hitting on him. He thinks we’re hanging out as buddies, and to my great regret, says he’s straight. How did I misread this situation when I thought he was giving me all the right signals?

THEO

Perry thinks I’m a nine… a nine! Sure, I’m not into dudes, but it’s flattering that someone as attractive as him thinks I’m hot. Despite the confusion, Perry and I click and agree to keep hanging out. The more time I spend with him, the more I realize there’s a part of myself I’ve been ignoring. One that’s super bi and wants Perry as more than a friend.

Trying to study with him makes things hard for me… below the belt. Unfortunately, his abandonment issues have him open to a fling and nothing more, while I’m catching feelings in a big way. Can I be satisfied with a hookup? Or should I find a way to convince him to take a chance on making this something real?

Don’t miss our reviews of other books in the Franklin U 2 series!
For book three, Batting Style, click HERE.

 

 

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Paperback (US)  ~  Signed Paperback

Audiobook (US)
Narrated by J.F. Harding
~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Shannan – ☆☆☆☆☆
The Hookup Mix-Up is the first book in the second season of the Franklin U series. Franklin U is a multi-author series of standalones all based on the same college campus.

Perry moved to San Luco not to attend Franklin U but to get to know his brother, Ty, who is a student there. Ty grew up with their dad, but Perry did not, hence finding him as an adult to get to know his brother. After hearing about a party going on, Perry is all for going even though he doesn't know anyone there. When he walks in and sees the most adorable guy he's ever seen almost fall off the table and directly into Perry's arms, he thinks it can't be that easy to find a hookup can it? After spending some time with Theo, he realizes he's way too drunk and high to do anything but flirt all night and swaps numbers for when he's sober. Perry's more of a hookup and go kind of guy than letting people in and having a relationship. When he finds out Theo is straight, he doesn't want to stop seeing him and everyone needs a new friend, right?

Theo can't help but like the knight in shining armor who saves him from falling off the table, but while he just thinks he's being a nice guy, he doesn't realize that Perry is flirting and wanting to hook up with him. He likes Perry but not that way, until he starts noticing Perry in a new way. Could he be bisexual? Could there be more to Theo wanting to hang out with Perry all the time?

I loved everything about the beginning of season two of FU. Perry has his walls around built so high from the trauma of growing up with a dad who didn't want him and he thinks no one else will. Theo is able to break down that wall, piece by piece, and show Perry he deserves so much more than he's letting himself have. Theo is under so much pressure being the first in his family to graduate, but school is so incredibly hard for him. He tries but something just doesn't make sense when he's studying, until Perry offers to help and read to him, which makes it easier. They were everything the other needed and then some. The chemistry and the soft way Perry "taught" Theo was so sweet. I am a huge fan of these authors and can't wait to get more in this series!

 

 

RILEY HART has always been known as the girl who wears her heart on her sleeve. She won her first writing contest in elementary school, and although she primarily focuses on male/male romance, under her various pen names, she’s written a little bit of everything. Regardless of the sub-genre, there’s always one common theme and that’s… romance! No surprise seeing as she’s a hopeless romantic herself. Riley’s a lover of character-driven plots, flawed characters, and always tries to write stories and characters people can relate to. She believes everyone deserves to see themselves in the books they read. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her reading or enjoying time with her awesome family in their home in North Carolina.

Riley Hart is represented by Jane Dystel at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret Literary Management. She’s a 2019 Lambda Literary Award Finalist for Of Sunlight and Stardust. Under her pen name, her young adult novel, The History of Us is an ALA Rainbow Booklist Recommended Read and Turn the World Upside Down is a Florida Authors and Publishers President's Book Award Winner.

Connect with Riley Hart!

Facebook  ~  Instagram  ~  Twitter  ~  TikTok  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Riley's Rebels 2.0

 

 

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of The Hookup Mix-Up (Franklin U 2 #1) by Riley Hart to read and review.

Sapphire Dawn by C. Travis Rice Release Blitz

Under his pen name, C. Travis Rice, New York Times bestselling author Christopher Rice offers tales of passion, intrigue, and steamy romance between men. The fourth novel, Sapphire Dawn, once again transports you to a beautiful luxury resort on the sparkling Southern California coast where strong-willed heroes release the shame that blocks their hearts’ desires.

Donnie Bascombe has made a lot of people’s fantasies come true in his life, first in the bedroom, then on the set of his adult entertainment studio. But his best friend Logan Murdoch has just presented him with his tallest order yet—help plan the wedding of his dreams. Desire has always been Donnie’s forte. But lavish nuptials at one of Southern California’s premier oceanfront resorts? For that job, he’ll need a partner. And a mentor.

Richard Merriweather has devoted his life to planning fairy tale weddings for celebrities and royalty—only to have his own husband shatter his heart into a million pieces. Remaking the special events office at Sapphire Cove is just the distraction he needs to get his fancy and luxurious life back on track. But the groom’s brash and undeniably sexy best friend has a powerful attraction to Richard Merriweather he can’t keep secret. Problem is, Richard doesn’t do hookups, and Donnie doesn’t do relationships. The closer Donnie gets to Richard, the more he wants something different, something he’s never had before. Something that will force both men to confront the heartbreak in their pasts as they plan Sapphire Cove’s wedding of the decade and find an unexpected future for themselves.

Don’t miss our reviews of other books in the Sapphire Cove series!
For book one, Sapphire Sunset, click HERE.
For book two, Sapphire Spring, click HERE.

 

 

Book 4
Buy Links

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Paperback (US)
~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

 

 

For fifteen years Donnie had waited for the return of this feeling at the moment his lips met another man’s, the tug, tug, tug in the center of his chest he’d felt whenever he’d kissed Zach.

Here it was, the instant Richard’s hands had caressed his face and pulled him in.

The instant the man’s arms encircled his back and he tilted his head to one side.

The instant his mouth met Richard’s.

Everything else about the man since they’d first met had been resistance, but this kiss, this yielding, open-mouthed kiss, was pure hunger. Pure need.

When was the last time he’d kissed a man who’d bared his soul? Maybe never. There’d been plenty of lip locks—professional and non—throughout his life, but they weren’t always a given when the clothes came off. For years he’d lived by the swipe and click based rhythm of app-driven sex. Mostly it brought boys to the yard who wanted to dive right into the deep end without checking the temperature of the water first.

This was altogether different. Richard Merriweather had offered up his pain and his inviting lips in almost the same instant, making Donnie feel desired and needed in ways he never had before. He had a crazy, paranoid thought that Logan or Connor would walk in right then and start wailing on him for kissing their wedding planner. But it wasn’t strong enough to make him gently push the event planner away. Maybe because Richard’s lips were soft and tasted like spearmint, but his kisses were hard and determined. And the man’s hair. It was so close. Right there. He could touch it if he wanted to. He’d just have to move one hand up off his neck and into…

Don’t do it, Bascombe. You touch his hair and you’re done for. Touch his hair and this turns into a helluva lot more than a kiss.

Donnie touched his hair. Ran one hand through it gently enough to let its thick locks fill the gaps between his fingers, not so rough that he’d pull the roots. The last thing he wanted to do was cause Richard Merriweather pain. He was in so much of it already. He needed warmth. He needed pleasure. He needed his every fantasy fulfilled. He needed all the things Donnie had learned to give an audience and countless cheap tricks. And he needed them now apparently because his embrace was vise-grip tight, so tight it was pulling Donnie forward off his feet. But Donnie didn’t care. Nothing seemed more important than keeping his lips sealed to Richard’s, and if it meant they both went over sideways and—

He ignored the sound at first. A weird double beep. Like a phone alert. Only it wasn’t coming from his phone. Richard ignored it too.

Then came a pop, pop, pop that sounded like gunfire.

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the fourth book in this series, and I have to say that I think you will gain more from the story if you have some of the background storylines.

Logan has enlisted his best friend, Donnie, to help plan his wedding to Connor. He knows that Donnie gets his issues and feelings about the expected wedding excesses. He wants to please his fiancé but is mindful of his past and insecure of his expectations. Donnie is otherwise a slightly unexpected choice, given his past and his ownership of an adult film company. I love how he has learned to deal with the recognition and the expectations.

Connor has engaged his own close friend Richard, wedding organiser extraordinaire, to plan it with Donnie. Richard has just suffered a horrible and embarrassing break from his husband and is very much anti-romance or even flirtation. This is a bit of an issue for Donnie as his public face is always about flirtation and hookups.

Their first meeting may be one they want to forget, but it is really cute watching them peel back their shields and give each other some honesty that has been severely lacking in their recent past. I did feel it was a little long and slow in coming, but the outcome was just what one would wish. Even the wedding is a huge success given their efforts.

There is an interesting side plot – although I did feel that it was signposted very loudly at times – but it did give a bit of non-wedding drama to the story and forced the guys to wake up to the importance of living in the now.

Will be fun catching up with the guys and seeing the next Sapphire Cove employee find their happily ever after.

 

 

 

C. TRAVIS RICE is the pseudonym New York Times bestselling novelist Christopher Rice devotes to steamy tales of romance between men. Christopher has published multiple bestselling books in multiple genres and been the recipient of a Lambda Literary Award. With his mother, Anne Rice, he is an executive producer on the AMC Studios adaptations of her novels The Vampire Chronicles and The Lives of the Mayfair Witches. Together with his best friend and producing partner, New York Times bestselling novelist, Eric Shaw Quinn, he runs the production company Dinner Partners. Among other projects, they produce the podcast and video network, TDPS, which you can find at TheDinnerPartyShow.com.

Connect with C. Travis Rice!

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For more information about Blue Box Press releases, follow them at:

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Sapphire Dawn (Sapphire Cove #4) by C. Travis Rice to read and review.

Batting Style by Louisa Masters Instagram Tour

BLAISE

There are a few things I know for sure: I’m gay, I want to do costume design for film and television, and a supportive family is what other people have. Oh… and fate’s not my biggest fan. That’s fine, though—who needs fate? I’ve got friends I love, a welcoming community, and a plan. Graduate college? Check. Build up my portfolio? Whenever I can. Impress industry pros? Done. Save the money for my dream internship? Working on it. All I’ve gotta do is stick with the plan, and that internship is mine next year.

And then Jordan Marks walks into my life, and my plan turns into a loose guideline. Suddenly I’m learning about baseball and giving away shifts at work so I can watch him play. My goals are the same, but maybe there’s room in them for the world’s sweetest athlete.

JORDAN

I’m pretty sure the gods of baseball don’t care if I wear a suit on game day, but Franklin U and Coach do, so when mine rips, replacing it is an urgent mission. That’s how I meet Blaise Warner and my “I guess I could be bi” musings become full-blown “I wanna learn to handle a bat” demands. Blaise is smart, talented, and has goals… and he’s more than happy to teach me a new batting style.

But as we go from casual to more, the things I never mentioned—like my dads’ connections in the entertainment industry—become heavy secrets. Plus, while our friends know we’re dating, nobody else does. That’s not fair to Blaise, but do I really want to be the latest queer college ball player?

I don’t get a chance to figure it all out before things fall apart, and now we both have to decide what our real priorities are.

 

 

Book 3
Buy Links

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

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Shannan – ☆☆☆☆
Batting Style is the third installment in the Franklin U 2 series. It can be read as a standalone, as with any book in the series. They can all be read in any order but characters from other books are mentioned and may contain small spoilers.

Jordan is on the FU baseball team and is required to wear suits pre- and post-game, and when his suit rips, he needs to call his dads to find out how to go about getting another suit. Walking into the men's store in the mall has him a little overwhelmed. When the cute attractive employee offers to help him, he learns two things – (1) He's always going to need his dads' help, and (2) he may not be as straight as he had always assumed.

Blaise is working at the men's clothing store until he can earn enough money to apply for the unpaid internship at his dream company, so he will have money to be able live. When the sexy baseball player has him breaking some "work rules," Blaise agrees to be his mentor into all things gay.

I really enjoyed this couple. Their chemistry is immediate and explosive. I love how easily Jordan went with his bi-awakening/pan-awakening, knowing he has always been an ally and loves his uncle and his husband, so it wasn't as much a surprise just an "OH" kind of moment. Blaise wants to go about his career as a costume designer on his own, without help, but all Jordan wants to do is make his life easier. While they have some early relationship bumps to handle, they learned through each other.

This was only my second book from this author but I will be going back for more!


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is a hugely enjoyable book in the Franklin U series – all written by talented authors, set in the same world – and also a delicious way to get more of a favourite author's own universe.

Blaise has graduated, but until he gets the funds together, his internship is on hold – frustrating and unfair, but that is how those who do not have networks or deep pockets have to wait to enter the workforce in costume design. Right now, he works in a menswear store and does commissions on the side. Little did he expect to meet the man who would change his world when he came in to replace his junior prom suit...

Jordan has to wear a suit for games, and his has just split. At a store for the first time on his own buying a suit, he is served by Blaise and realises that his attraction to men is a real living thing – and Blaise is the man who pushes all his buttons.

I love how these two guys navigate their own needs and plans for the future, whilst still thinking about each other – but also forget that communication is key step. I loved their friends and their genuine support, love, and closeness. In the end, they helped them both see how to make what seemed impossible, be a way to move forward and still be together.

A good addition to the series for sure, thank you, Louisa Masters.

 

 

LOUISA MASTERS started reading romance much earlier than her mother thought she should. While other teenagers were sneaking out of the house, Louisa was sneaking romance novels in and working out how to read them without being discovered.

She writes funny paranormal and contemporary MM romance and loves the freedom that kooky characters give her.

Connect with Louisa Masters!

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Facebook Group: RoMMance with Becca & Louisa

 

 

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Batting Style (Franklin U 2 #3) by Louisa Masters to read and review.

Totally Geeked by Becca Jackson Blog Tour

Harrison’s love life is a parade of fun, flirty encounters thanks to every dating app you can imagine, but nothing sticks. Finally, sick of the endless cycle of Friday night hookups, he hits uninstall on the apps and challenges the universe to show him that he deserves someone better.

What he didn’t expect was the universe throwing him a curveball in the form of his best friend’s younger brother. Despite being best friends with Gordon for years, he’s never actually met his siblings and even half-joked they didn’t exist.

But there they are, at a party at Gordon’s place, and one brother, Arlo, is seriously hard to ignore. He’s nothing like Gordon. Quiet, adorable, and totally off-limits… which sucks. But when Harrison spots an opportunity to help him steady his nerves on his children’s book tour, he jumps at the chance to get to know him better, because spending time with him feels like the most right thing he’s done in forever.

The more time they spend together, the less Harrison can imagine being with anyone else. But going after what he wants means betraying his best friend. Can he find the courage to catch life’s most unexpected of pitches?

 

 

Book 2
Buy Links

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

 

 

When Harry Met Arlo

While Noah was a ball of energy at the outset, Arlo clutches a book against his front with his casted hand like it could somehow create a barrier between him and everything else in the world.

“I’m Harrison, but my friends call me Harry,” I say, and he turns toward me. His big gorgeous blue eyes lock on mine and my stomach does a weird spinny thing. I really should have eaten before I came.

“Hi,” he almost whispers, pulling his hand free of his brother and using it to tuck his red hair behind his ears. He really doesn’t look much like Gordon at all, not like Noah. They both have the same flame red hair, sure. But Arlo’s is long, and hangs loosely around his face like a curtain he can hide behind, it contrasts beautifully with his porcelain skin and bright blue eyes and I find myself unable to look away.

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Angie – ☆☆☆☆
I instantly loved Arlo. I hated how his brothers acted like he couldn't do anything on his own. Was he accident prone? Sure, but he didn't need to be watched like they did in my opinion.

Harry was a former player who wanted to find love and deleted all his dating apps. His BFF, Gordy, Arlo's brother, didn't think he'd change his player ways and, of course, warned him off both of his brothers. Brothers who no one believed were real until this book.

I loved how Harry was so kind and gentle with Arlo about his anxiety reading his book in front of others. Harry sitting in that audience with the kids just melted my heart. Every. Damn. Time. I wish we could have seen the drawings Arlo did – they sounded amazing. And the whole time I was reading the book I was thinking about this page I follow on TikTok, thesavbananas. check them out, they are hilarious!

This was a sweet, low angst (only angst was Arlo's brother not knowing about the relationship and then being told in an odd way), opposites attract book. Fast, easy, light read.


Shannan – ☆☆☆☆
Harrison is known as the team’s playboy. He sleeps around and is never looking for anything serious and that's okay with him… until recently. He has started wanting more. A relationship and not just a hookup. When his best friend's (Gordon) brother, Arlo, shows up to a party and feels out of place, Harrison spends the evening talking to him about his book and life. Quickly the night passes and Harrison realizes what a good evening he's had. BUT nothing can happen between them. Gordon has warned Harrison to stay away from his brother and told Arlo to stay away from Harrison. Harrison doesn't try to go after Arlo, but he promises to be there for him when he has to do a reading of his book. Slowly their friendship develops into so much more.

Arlo is Gordon's shy nerdy brother. He's an author and wrote a children's book about Gordon and the rest of the Banana Ball teams. When he has to read in front of people, he's terrified but Harrison steps in to help him and calm him down. Arlo can't be nervous with Harrison sitting with the kids, grinning at him. Gordon can warn him away all he wants but Arlo falls for Harrison hard. He's the first person that sees Arlo for who he is and not how nerdy and clumsy he can be. Can they make Gordon see what they have is real?

I loved this second installment of this series. Banana Ball is amazing to watch in real life and to get a series based on it is even better. Harrison and Arlo were perfect for each other. Their chemistry was explosive and so sweet. Harrison wanted to protect Arlo but not hold him back from living like his brothers do.

I can't wait to see what's next for this team!

 

 

 

BECCA JACKSON writes MM romance that delivers heart, heat, and happily ever afters for some totally adorkable and fabulous guys.

Becca’s books have all your favorites, small-town romances, bi-awakenings, sports, friends to lovers, and enemies to lovers too, but no matter the trope that takes your fancy, you’ll always find a happily ever after.

Connect with Becca Jackson!

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Facebook Group: Becca Jackson's Reader Group

 

 

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Totally Geeked (Love in Play #2) by Becca Jackson to read and review.