Nothing Special VIII: SWAT Ed.: Fox & Bull by A.E. Via Blog Tour

A fox can set many traps to catch his target—but this one only needs one to catch his.

Dominic “Bull” Walker is used to the simpler things in life. Give him his own land to work, a strong horse, and twelve hours of daylight, and he is a contented man. But when someone threatens to take away the successful ranch that took him two years to rebuild, he’ll accept any help he can get to defend it.

Mandel “Fox” Tucker is a sixth-generation SWAT soldier. It’s embedded in his bones to protect and serve his community. So when he gets word of the vandalism occurring on the Walker Ranch, he quickly volunteers the free time he has, thanks to his recent suspension.

The brief visit Fox had with Bull four months ago had been a contentious—but powerful—encounter. Therefore, he’s not surprised when he shows up on his doorstep unannounced and has to pull out some of his best tricks to get past the six-foot-four, stubborn Texan.

Fox is only there to safeguard what’s most important to Bull. But being on the ranch brings an awareness to him that he embraces with both hands. Nature, peace… love—things he never found in the city.

This book contains the love story of two new characters. It is a part of a series but can be read as a standalone.
There are no multiple pairings or sharing. Ends in a very HEA.

Trigger Warning: Mild police violence. Scenes are not graphic.

Don’t miss our reviews of other books in the Nothing Special series!
For book four, Don’t Judge, click HERE.
For book five, Nothing Special V, click HERE.
For book seven, Ex Meridian, click HERE.

 

 

Book 8
Buy Links

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

 

 

“Hey," Fox said, staring up at him. “I’m going to find who did this… and when I do… I’m going to make ’em pay.”

Bull realized Fox was almost standing on top of him they were so close. But his aura exuded protectiveness and power that Bull needed whether he wanted to admit it or not. “I haven’t made any enemies, Fox. I’m not that kinda man. I don’t go looking for trouble.”

“You don’t have to, Bull. Sometimes trouble comes looking for you.” Fox nodded towards the house where a couple of Bull’s maintenance workers were tacking plywood over the missing window. “Let’s go inside and eat breakfast, then we can work out what you’re gonna tell your employees.”

“What do you mean?”

“Like. I don’t want you to tell anyone I’m a cop. Not yet anyway. It’s best to let people feel comfortable around me, and no one is ever comfortable talking to a detective,” Fox said. “We’ll just say I’m here doing land surveys. No one really knows what those guys do in that line of work. I think their job is to just walk around on land. Besides, you don’t want a small town spreading gossip that you got a detective snooping around your place of business.”

“That would definitely turn people off from bringing their kids around here. I can’t afford to lose any business right now. Especially during the cold season,” Bull said gravely.

“Then let’s hope it doesn’t take me long.” Fox put his hand on Bull’s shoulder and squeezed, the firm, reassuring touch reaching him even through his thick black Carhartt coat.

“Yeah. Let’s hope,” Bull muttered as he followed Fox back to the house because there was nothing else he could do. He’s only been here a few minutes, and he’s already talking about hurrying up. If that wasn’t enough for Bull to get his head out of the clouds, he didn’t know what would be. At thirty-three, Bull was in the settling-down phase of his life. And men like Fox were not catchable.

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Angie – ☆☆☆☆
I enjoy this author and this series. This book wasn't my favorite, nor was it my least favorite. Fox and Bull are good together. The banter is great; who doesn't love the back-and-forth antics sometimes? Hot cowboy, sexy SWAT member, what's not to like? This book drew me in from the start and I read it in one night. There are a few inconsistencies and whatnot, but I still enjoyed the story and the couple themselves.


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆
M/M Romance

Fox is amazing at what he does, but sometimes the higher ups like to make examples of people. And because Fox is normally the trigger man, he gets the brunt. When an op goes according to plan, but bystanders want their moment of glory, Fox will move to Bull’s ranch to help him figure out what’s going on with the sabotage on his ranch.

Bull has thought about Fox since he was last out here. But Bull has a job to do and when someone threatens his family, he’ll endure having Fox stay at the ranch with him and fight the lust that threatens to consume him.

These two have a great friendship and I think that’s why their romance works. I enjoyed the banter among them and the push-pull beginning.

While I enjoyed the romance and the mystery, this story just didn’t have a ton of heat for me and it was very predictable.

Overall, an enjoyable, fun, quick read that will make you want to head to a ranch for some fun!

 

 

A.E. VIA has been a best-selling author in the beautiful gay romance genre for six years now, but she’s no stranger to MM. She’s been an avid reader of gay literature for over twenty years before she picked up her laptop to place her own kiss on this genre. She’s also the founder and owner of Via Star Wings Books, having published a couple great, new up and coming MM authors.

A.E. has a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Virginia Wesleyan College that she used to start her own paralegal firm after she graduated in 2008. She spent five years preparing and filing bankruptcy petitions for struggling blue collar workers who couldn’t afford to file with a lawyer. It was a rewarding and satisfying career… but another path called to her. Writing.

A.E.’s novels embody everything from hopelessly romantic to adventure, to scandalous. Her stories often include intriguing edges and twists that take readers to new, thought-provoking depths.

She’s recently celebrated her 20^th book anniversary, and is well-known for her hardcore, love hard, bad boy, alphas. However, she does like to push herself to step out of her comfort zone, exploring different tropes. She’s head over heels for gay romance and she has tons of more hot stories to tell.

Be sure to visit Adrienne on her social media pages and subscribe to her newsletter to never miss another release date! Go to A.E. Via’s official website for more detailed information on how to contact her, follow her, or a sneak peek at upcoming work, free reads, VSWB submissions, and where she’ll appear next

Connect with A.E.

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

 

 

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Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of SWAT Ed.: Fox & Bull (Nothing Special #8) by A.E. Via to read and review for this tour.

Wood by A.E. Via Blog Tour

This isn't a romance about billionaires, movie stars, or models. This is a story of two ordinary, working-class men, dealing with life’s real problems, and trying to find love along the way.

It’s been a long seventeen years but Herschel Wood Jr. is finally a free man and he’s looking forward to reconnecting with his old cellmate, Bishop Stockley, who promised him a place to stay and some help getting back on his feet. Wood had a good life once upon time when he’d owned one of the most successful tattoo shops on the Virginia Beach Oceanfront – until a fatal accident that was his fault cost him everything.

Now at forty-six years old, all Wood wants is to work in another shop on the beach and find a mature, easygoing man to settle down with. But when he gets to his new place and finds he has to share the small trailer with Bishop’s childhood friend, he wasn’t expecting a sexy, smart-mouthed brat that enjoys pushing a man to his limits.

Wood pressed in tight until there was only misunderstanding between them, his mouth mere inches from Trent’s parted lips. “You wanted to get a reaction out of me you annoying, immature little shit… now you’ve got one.”

Trent Armstrong has never been considered a catch. He’s a twenty-nine year old laborer, an ex-con, and not the easiest person to get along with. He’s used to being the one people cast to the side when they're done with him. Everyone he’s ever cared about has walked out of his life without a backward glance, so he’s used to the loneliness. His foul mouth and quick temper are a great defense mechanism and an easy way to hide his hurt.

From the moment the tattooed, silver-haired man walked into the house there had been nothing but tension, side-eyeing, and sparks between them. Trent has always held back a side of himself that he’s terrified to explore, and without warning Wood’s voice, his maturity, that maddening scent, and even his damaged past all trigger feelings that Trent thought he’d buried deep long ago.

Trent went completely still when Wood dragged his nose over his forehead and down the side of his face. His voice was shaky, and his breaths were hot and swift along Wood’s throat. “What the hell are you doing?”
“I’m doing what you want me to do.” Wood whispered. “I’m playing your bullshit game, Trent.”

The True Lover's Stories are connected standalones. Each title features a different couple but will contain previously mentioned characters.
No multiple pairings. No cliffhangers. Ends with a HEA.
Note: This is a steaming agnsty, age gap, new-to-love romance.

Trigger Warning: AA Recovery

Don’t miss book one in the True Lover’s Stories series, Bishop. For reviews & more info, click HERE.

Book 2
Buy Links

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

“Are you fucking crazy?” Trent hissed through clenched teeth, but the nerve he’d had behind his earlier words were gone, now replaced with caution… and lust.

“I asked you politely not to call me that. Now, I’m telling you. Don’t. Do it. My name is Herschel Wood, Jr. No middle name. You can call me Herschel, or Wood, that’s it. I would’ve told you that if you’d bothered to ask.” Wood fumed. He had his forearm across Trent’s chest, pushing his back into the closet door at the end of the dark hallway. He couldn’t believe what he was doing, but how dare Trent drive him to the edge like this? Wood pressed in so tight until there was only air and misunderstanding between them, his mouth mere inches from Trent’s parted lips. “You wanted to get a reaction out of me, you annoying, immature little shit… now you’ve got one.”

Trent’s eyes blazed as he tried to shove off the door, but Wood held him in check with his mass. “Fuck you.” Trent grunted, his hot gaze lasered on Wood’s lips.

Wood gave him a smirk and enjoyed as Trent squirmed even more against him. “You think I don’t know the game you’re playing? Maybe no one else does—even though I taught Bishop better—but I can see right through your transparent ass, Trent. So damn clearly.”

Trent’s masked desires were obvious—Wood had seen it the moment he’d laid eyes on him. He knew he hadn’t been wrong. But he’d wanted to leave Trent off-limits. Bishop just wanted them to be friends, but Wood was afraid he was finally going to have to tell his buddy that it wasn’t going to happen. The four of them wouldn’t be hanging out together all the time. There was too much screwed-up shit going on with Trent, and Wood deserved some peaceful days. He didn’t have the patience to put up with crap from hesitant men anymore. He had no doubt that Trent was pushing his buttons… because he wanted Wood to push his in return.

“Wood,” Trent snarled, as he clutched tightly to his shoulders with both hands.

Wood’s answer was another cunning smile. Did Trent even realize that he wasn’t pushing Wood away, he was holding him close? Wood wouldn’t point that out just yet. If Trent wanted to have some fun with him, then fine. He’d entertain himself until it was time for him to leave. He should’ve known this setup was too good to be true. What Trent pulled on him was exactly the kind of typical mess Wood was used to. People judging and condemning him for no reason.

Trent went completely still when Wood dragged his nose over his forehead and down the side of his face. His voice was shaky, and his breaths were hot and swift along Wood’s throat. “The fuck are you doing?”

“I’m doing what you want me to do.” Wood clenched his teeth. “I’m playing your bullshit game, Trent.”

“I’m not playing anything,” he breathed.

“Oh yeah you are.” Wood released Trent suddenly, but he didn’t pull away. He leaned in until his mouth was against Trent’s ear. “But I’m about to show you I’m much better at this game than you are.” Wood slowly eased away, then cocked his head to the side, motioning to Trent’s punishing grip he still had on his shoulders. “Now let me go.”

Angie – ☆☆☆☆☆
I loved this book. Trent and Wood are so real. I felt like I was right there with them the entire book. I love Trent's snark, even when he was annoying me. Wood was just perfect in my eyes. These two together were just... perfect. I didn't want the book to end, but the ending was great. I can't wait for the next book!


Sarah – ☆☆☆☆
3.5 stars

This is the gritty story of two ex-cons with difficult pasts who are thrown together as roommates after Wood’s release from prison. Both Wood and Trent are attempting fresh starts after complicated, messy lives. This isn’t an easy read and I’m not sure I was in the right headspace for it when I read it.

Trent and Wood are scarred men living hard lives. Both are well developed characters and their stories are entirely believable. Their emotions are intense and the romance that builds between them feels organic. There are some crazy hot sex scenes and a whole lot of delicious sexual tension between Trent and Wood. However, I tend to read romance as escapist entertainment, and I found it challenging to engage with these two very difficult men. Both of these men have enough off-putting baggage to make me pause. I’m not sure I liked either of them – though it would be difficult not to have empathy for their situations.

I have always associated A.E. Via with larger than life crime solving adventures and this is the exact opposite. It’s as realistic, slow, and gritty as the Nothing Special books are fast paced and farfetched. The actual writing is much stronger than in many of the author’s previous books, but I do miss the playfulness of the author’s earlier writing. This book took me a long time to read. The pacing is slow, and I had to take breaks from the gritty realism. For me, 2020 has already been more than a little too realistic – I can’t take too much more darkness in the books I read.

A.E. VIA has been a best-selling author in the beautiful gay romance genre for six years now, but she’s no stranger to MM. She’s been an avid reader of gay literature for over twenty years before she picked up her laptop to place her own kiss on this genre. She’s also the founder and owner of Via Star Wings Books, having published a couple great, new up and coming MM authors.

A.E. has a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Virginia Wesleyan College that she used to start her own paralegal firm after she graduated in 2008. She spent five years preparing and filing bankruptcy petitions for struggling blue collar workers who couldn’t afford to file with a lawyer. It was a rewarding and satisfying career… but another path called to her. Writing.

A.E.’s novels embody everything from hopelessly romantic to adventure, to scandalous. Her stories often include intriguing edges and twists that take readers to new, thought-provoking depths.

She’s recently celebrated her 20^th book anniversary, and is well-known for her hardcore, love hard, bad boy, alphas. However, she does like to push herself to step out of her comfort zone, exploring different tropes. She’s head over heels for gay romance and she has tons of more hot stories to tell.

Be sure to visit Adrienne on her social media pages and subscribe to her newsletter to never miss another release date! Go to A.E. Via’s official website for more detailed information on how to contact her, follow her, or a sneak peek at upcoming work, free reads, VSWB submissions, and where she’ll appear next

Connect with A.E.

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Wood (True Lover’s Stories #2) by A.E. Via to read and review for this tour.

Ex Meridian by A.E. Via Blog Tour

Police Lieutenants God and Day are under intense pressure from the chief to take back control of Atlanta’s streets. The last thing their task force needs is a pair of trained killers in town with a personal score to settle.

Take a man and strip him of his ability to feel compassion, empathy, remorse, or any of the emotions that make him human, but leave the ones that ignite rage and aggression and you have the perfect killing machine—now imagine two of them.

Code names Ex and Meridian are synonymous for guaranteed death to international terrorists. Two broken men from the same crooked streets, recruited into an unsanctioned government program that few know about. Trained to operate most efficiently—lethally—together.

When Ex returns from an op in Bolivia to learn his little brother has been accidentally killed in a feud between drug gangs, he’s stateside before he can consider the rules he’ll be breaking, and of course Meridian is right beside him. There’s mayhem on the streets of Atlanta and the police are losing control. If Godfrey and his elite team of detectives can’t get the job done then they’d be happy to lighten their caseloads for them. And Ex nor Meridian care about doing it quietly.

“I know who you are.” The man grunted when Ex turned to leave. “You’re the fucking devil.”
Meridian walked past, glaring one final time. “Say that loud enough… maybe God will save you.”

But after their first run-in with the big lieutenant and his protective husband, Day, Ex and Meridian start to reevaluate their own relationship. Wondering if they could be even deadlier if they let loose the feelings for each other that they’ve been forced to suppress for years.

Meridian’s dark eyes stayed locked on his, “A man who can fight beside the one he loves doesn’t make him weaker, Ex—it makes him more dangerous.”

No multiple pairings. No cliffhangers. Ends with a HEA.

Note: This title focuses on two new characters in the series. And while it can standalone, there are appearances from prior main characters.
Note: This is a partners-to-lovers, out-for-you, action romance.
Note: There are depictions of violence in this novel.

Book 7
Buy Links

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

“I knew you were still on this earth, Xavier. I could feel it,” she whispered. “It wasn’t because they said there was no body to recover, but because I’m your mother and I know your spirit would’ve come to me if you’d died.”

Xavier glanced at the cross around her neck.

“But you have to leave now.” The tears had started to fall again and Ex flexed his hands when he had a foreign feeling to reach out and touch her. His mom looked tired and much older than her sixty-one years. “This city is in a war, and infested with drug gangs and violence. It’s no place for a disciplined man. I don’t know what you do in the military. Evan would never say much. But he said you were important. Don’t linger here, especially not for me. I’m gonna be moving to New Haven with John.”

He already knew this. He’d seen when Mr. Harold had been promoted to the New Haven district manager position at his Amazon job, and was able to put two and two together when she’d put her house on the market a week later.

“I just can’t take it here anymore. I think there’ve been thugs outside my home because I went to the police all those times. Trying to scare me. As if taking my Ev wasn’t enough,” she gasped as if struck by an immense pain in her chest and before he knew what he was doing, he’d reached for her hand and held on. She seemed to gather a bit more strength when she glanced at their connection then clutched him back. “I’ll leave a forwarding address with the post office.”

“Don’t,” Ex said. “I’ll find you.”

His mom swallowed, her gaze darting to Meridian who hadn’t made a move, but Ex was very aware of him. “Even the cops couldn’t help me. Or any of us who’ve complained that still live in my neighborhood. There’s a big-time police drug task force here that the mayor put together a few years ago, but they refused to help me. Or they couldn’t help me. Their hands were tied, I don’t know. But my son’s killer roams the streets freely, enjoying his life while I—”

Are the police corrupt? He saw the subtle shift in Meridian’s posture. He was obviously thinking the same thing. How could it be so difficult to get an arrest when Evan was an innocent victim of a drive-by that had happened in broad daylight? Where were the eyewitnesses? Had there been no one on the street at the time? Were all of the street cameras broken? Ex let out a long breath, releasing his rage.

His brother’s murderer had gotten off scot-free.

His mom looked damn near frantic as she begged him. “You have to leave Atlanta. You’re all I’ve got left. Please. Go and never come back here again, Xavier.”

He couldn’t stomach being the one to cause her more grief. He did what he did easiest. He lied without feeling the slightest amount of guilt. “I will, Mom.” As soon as we’re done here. He’d leave after they’d delivered everyone responsible for terrorizing the neighborhood into a grave just like his brother’s. And he wouldn’t lose sleep over it.

With one last hug to last her another eight years, his mother was out of the limousine and gone in her vehicle back to her youngest son’s funeral repast. As they exited the garage, Meridian retrieved his phone from his inside jacket pocket and dialed their driver’s cell. Slade picked up on the first ring.

Meridian’s voice gave Ex chills down his spine. “Get me everything you can on a police drug task force here in one of Atlanta’s precincts.”

As always, they were thinking the same thing, “If the police are corrupt. We’ll take care of them too.”

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Angie – ☆☆☆☆☆
The author states you can read this as a standalone, but I highly recommend the entire series. We see several characters from past books and it just enhances the enjoyment of this one. I love Ex and Meridian, they are so good together. The book moves so fast, you are on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next with not only the storyline but with Ex and Meridian's relationship. Ugh... I just love this series, this new couple, and this author.


Sarah – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is such an unexpected treat! This book takes the Nothing Special series to a much darker place. Ex and Meridian are elite dark ops agents with a personal interest in one of God and Day’s cases. While it might seem impossible, the two assassins have an even more ruthless and violent approach to crime solving than God and Day’s team. The result is a rather tense and somewhat gruesome catch up with the Nothing Special team and the introduction of two addictive new characters.

I’m not sure I could have managed a whole novel from Ex and Meridian’s perspective but moving between their tense, angst-filled narrative and lighter moments with God and Day’s team was a good balance for me. Ex and Meridian are wound tight and their scenes are tense and completely lacking the humour we’ve always had from God and Day. However, with God and Day’s team crippled because of corruption and bureaucracy, the two lethal operatives who work without any rules or accountability is almost a relief. I’m not sure it’s possible to like Ex and Meridian but there were certainly moments when I felt their humanity and wanted them to emerge from their mission unscathed. I’m also not sure these two are wired for romance, so while the relationship that builds between them is sexy, it’s not exactly romantic. The romance in this book comes from the established pairs in God and Day’s team and the chemistry on the team is as electric as always.

I have to admit that I didn’t expect much from this catch-up novel and I was happily surprised. Instead of a formulaic Christmas party, beach holiday or similar, this book actually offers a properly exciting story and some fresh new characters I’ll find hard to forget. The action is fast paced and very tense and while this sits somewhat outside of the main story arc, it does lead readers into the next book about the team. Obviously, this story doesn’t stand alone. Readers need to start with the first Nothing Special book.

A.E. Via has been a best-selling author in the beautiful gay romance genre for six years now, but she’s no stranger to MM. She’s been an avid reader of gay literature for over twenty years before she picked up her laptop to place her own kiss on this genre. She’s also the founder and owner of Via Star Wings Books, having published a couple great, new up and coming MM authors.

A.E. has a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Virginia Wesleyan College that she used to start her own paralegal firm after she graduated in 2008. She spent five years preparing and filing bankruptcy petitions for struggling blue collar workers who couldn’t afford to file with a lawyer. It was a rewarding and satisfying career… but another path called to her. Writing.

A.E.’s novels embodies everything from hopelessly romantic to adventure, to scandalous. Her stories often include intriguing edges and twists that take readers to new, thought-provoking depths.

She’s recently celebrated her 20^th book anniversary, and is well-known for her hardcore, love hard, bad boy, alphas. However, she does like to push herself to step out of her comfort zone, exploring different tropes. She’s head over heels for gay romance and she has tons of more hot stories to tell.

Be sure to visit Adrienne on her social media pages and subscribe to her newsletter to never miss another release date!

Connect with A.E.

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Ex Meridian (Nothing Special #7) by A.E. Via to read and review for this tour.

Bishop by A.E. Via Blog Tour

At only thirty-two, Bishop Stockley has lived a hard-knock life. His gang was his family, the streets his home. Until the crew he’d always called his brothers betrayed him. After doing five years in a federal prison, Bishop is back at his dad’s trailer and working for his landscaping company, thrust into a legit world where he’s no longer the alpha—a world where a criminal record is the least of his disadvantages, because Bishop can’t read or write. Illiteracy had never been an obstacle for him on the streets, he didn’t need to know how to read Moby Dick to survive, he needed to know how to read people… and that was a hustle he’d learned hard and fast. Now, he had to change his life.

Bishop’s only support system was a young, inexperienced dad who’d insisted he call him Mike all their life—since they looked more like brothers than father and son. And his hot-tempered, childhood, best friend from ’juvie, Trent. Bishop already had the deck stacked against him, but he wasn’t afraid of hard work to change his situation, and he did want to change. Especially after he encountered Edison Scala, a kind-spirited office manager who didn’t hesitate to come to his defense… a man that saw past Bishop’s grass-stained coveralls. A man who wasn’t intimidated by his stern features and his silence.

Edison hadn’t grown up the way most of his peers had. He’d been raised by a single father who’d owned an old-fashioned barber shop where Edison was taught how to not only shave with a straight razor, and shine shoes, but also how to treat others, to not judge, to be a gentleman, to be respectful and speak without profanity. But, the biggest lesson he’d learned, was to always be himself. His lack of friends and a social life wasn’t his fault. No matter how much weight he gained, no matter how many times his staff called him a square, Edison did not need to change.

Bishop knew Edison was off-limits. He’d made personal vows to himself when he was released from prison, ones that he never intended to break. But, when Edison asked him about providing landscaping services at his home, there was no way he could refuse. He hadn’t expected Edison to feed him, praise him, encourage him, and look at him the way he did—as if Bishop was somebody. Mike and Trent warned him not to mix business with pleasure and he didn’t intend to.

No multiple pairings. No cliffhangers Ends with a very, very HFN.
Warning: This book is a M/M contemporary romance, a hardened man’s struggle to find real love. There are no police chases or doors being kicked in, in this one. But, don’t worry. Bishop is still intense enough to keep you on the edge.

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Smashwords

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Sarah – ☆☆☆☆
This quiet story about the unlikely connection between two very ordinary men is quite a departure from other things I’ve read by A.E. Via. Instead of cops, investigators, or security experts, Bishop is a landscape gardener and Edison is a paralegal. This story doesn’t have the humour or the explosive action I’ve come to expect from the author, but Bishop and Edison’s story is still full of good guys, bad guys, and over-the-top emotional drama.

Readers who love angst and intense emotions in their romance will love this story. An illiterate ex-con, Bishop is slowly rebuilding his life. His confidence is low and he struggles to believe in himself. He can’t quite believe that the handsome, smartly dressed Edison could ever really want him. Similarly, Edison has always struggled with his weight and with his peers finding him slightly strange. He can’t believe that the handsome, talented landscaper might genuinely fancy him. Somehow, these two fumble their way into an incredibly awkward courtship. These guys are sweet and loveable – but they’ve got serious issues.

Parts of this story are really beautiful, but it is let down slightly by the over-the-top bad guy who dominates the book by the end. I think further exploration of Bishop’s relationships and his struggles with literacy would have felt more real than the conflated bad guy conflict at the end. The book is at its best when it feels personal and raw.


Angie – ☆☆☆
I am a huge fan of this author, and I was excited to read this one. The blurb grabbed my attention and I couldn't wait to dive in. For me, this book started slow and never really picked up speed. It wasn't the normal story we normally see from this author, which is fine, it just missed the mark for me personally. Bishop and Edison made a good couple, but I didn't feel the deep connection that I wanted to feel. I hated how Bishop didn't tell Edison about his "secret." It would have been something they could have talked about and then moved on from but nope, not how it happened. The drama with Skylar could have been left out, he was useless and just a jerk. I did like Mike and how he was trying to make up for not being a good father to Bishop. Overall, this was an okay book, it just wasn't for me but I am sure those who love the hurt-comfort trope will love it.

A.E. Via has been a best-selling author in the beautiful gay romance genre for five years now, but she’s no stranger to MM. She’s been an avid reader of gay lit for over fifteen years before she picked up her laptop to place her own kiss on this genre. She’s also the founder and owner of Via Star Wings Books, having published a couple great new up and coming MM authors.

A.E. has a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Virginia Wesleyan College that she used to start her own paralegal firm after she graduated in 2008. She spent five years preparing and filing bankruptcy petitions for struggling blue collar workers who couldn’t afford to file with a lawyer. It was a rewarding and satisfying career… but another path called to her. Writing.

A.E.’s writing embodies everything from hopelessly romantic to adventure, to scandalous. Her stories often include intriguing edges and twists that take readers to new, thought-provoking depths.

Now that she’s gotten over her 10 books published hump, she’s kind of known now for her hardcore, play rough and love hard, bad boy, alphas. However, she does like to push herself to step out of her comfort zone, exploring different tropes, but she won’t push herself into a whole other genre. She’s head over heels for gay romance and she has tons of more hot stories to tell.

Be sure to visit Adrienne on her social media pages and subscribe to her newsletter to never miss another release date!

Connect with A.E.

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Bishop (True Lover’s Stories #1) by A.E. Via to read and review for this tour.

Prophesy Book II: The Bringer of Wrath by A.E. Via Blog Tour

Shifter and Vampire True Mates story.

Alek’s older brother, Justice—the Alpha Zenith—was the first shifter to mate with a vampire in many generations, and it was believed the rare, fated pairing would stop at him. But, it hadn’t. Aleksei ‘Alek’ Volkov was second beta, next in succession to the most powerful shifter in the world. He was proud of his title and he took his duties seriously. It was all he had. Until his true mate literally showed up on his doorstep.

While his brother—the overachiever—excelled at having a vampire as a mate, Alek wasn’t that optimistic he would. He wasn’t averse to love, and he’d often thought of how different his life could’ve turned out if he’d ever experienced the emotion. His life was a mess and he’d worn a mask of stability for a majority of that time, only showing his siblings and pack what they needed to see—a strong Volkov alpha. Not the damaged man he was, with a tortured soul and a rogue wolf.

Alek dropped his heavy head in his hands. Now, for some reason, I’ve been granted a true vampire mate. And not just any vampire. The intimidating Belleron Liatos. Lord High to the King and the leader of his army.

Belleron ‘Bell’ Liatos had come to the states for one reason—his best friend and Vampire King, Chadwick Bentley. He certainly didn’t come to be pounced on by a wolf that could act independently of its master. Not only was his destined cherished a complicated and confused man; but he was also unaware of the powerful presence that lurked in the shadows of his soul. Bell didn’t know he’d be the key to unlocking an exceptional triad that would play a critical role in fulfilling the prophesy.

This story DOES NOT contain or even mention MPREG.
No multiple pairings. No cliffhangers. Ends with a very HFN.

Warning: This book is M/M paranormal. If you DO NOT like alpha men shifting into large wolves, or vampires feeding from their destined beloveds, than this may not be the novel for you.

Book 2
Buy Links

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Smashwords

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Angie – ☆☆☆☆
I enjoyed this book. After I had allowed my head to wrap around all the crap going on inside Alek. This wasn't your typical paranormal book and it took me a while to get into it, but once I did, I couldn't put it down. I love all of Alek’s siblings and we got to see Justice and Wick from book one. Bell was able to tell the difference between each entity in Alek and he was able to bond and love them all. I loved Wrath the most... I felt him. I am hoping the next book will be even better. If you can wrap your head around this not being your typical paranormal/shifter book, I recommend you read this series.

A.E. Via has been a best-selling author in the beautiful gay romance genre for five years now, but she’s no stranger to MM. She’s been an avid reader of gay lit for over fifteen years before she picked up her laptop to place her own kiss on this genre. She’s also the founder and owner of Via Star Wings Books, having published a couple great new up and coming MM authors.

A.E. has a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Virginia Wesleyan College that she used to start her own paralegal firm after she graduated in 2008. She spent five years preparing and filing bankruptcy petitions for struggling blue collar workers who couldn’t afford to file with a lawyer. It was a rewarding and satisfying career… but another path called to her. Writing.

A.E.’s writing embodies everything from hopelessly romantic to adventure, to scandalous. Her stories often include intriguing edges and twists that take readers to new, thought-provoking depths.

Now that she’s gotten over her 10 books published hump, she’s kind of known now for her hardcore, play rough and love hard, bad boy, alphas. However, she does like to push herself to step out of her comfort zone, exploring different tropes, but she won’t push herself into a whole other genre. She’s head over heels for gay romance and she has tons of more hot stories to tell.

Be sure to visit Adrienne on her social media pages and subscribe to her newsletter to never miss another release date!

Connect with A.E.

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Prophesy Book II: The Bringer of Wrath (The King & Alpha #2) by A.E. Via to read and review for this tour.

Promises: Part 3 by A.E. Via Blog Tour

The hunt is on… and he’s the prey.

Bradford (Ford) King was sure he had the rest of his life mapped out. Though he was no longer a SEAL Lieutenant, his brother was home safe and he had a job that still allowed him to satisfy his hunger for hunting bad guys. Life was simple, no distractions or complications – at age forty-six – that’s all Ford wanted. What he didn’t want was his work partner, sniper/watchman, Dana, giving him s**t all the time.

Dana Cadby had grown up labeled a roughneck from the wrong side of the tracks. He’d fought, scrounged, and survived despite a father that constantly told him he couldn’t. Dana pulled himself up by his own boot straps and made a name for himself in the marksman community. He’d been Duke’s bounty watchman for five years. It was his job to ensure their safety, watch their backs. At thirty-three, he was trusted, well respected by his peers, his bosses, his friends… so why couldn’t he earn the same respect from his partner?

Dana knew he was bisexual before he graduated high school. He also knew he was attracted to the huge, 6’3”, SEAL from the moment he and his brother came to join their team. It wasn’t easy for him to tamp down his immediate reaction to Ford’s thick muscles, full beard, and dark eyes. Still, Dana exhibited nothing but professionalism towards him, not wanting to make his ‘straight’ partner uncomfortable.

After Dana took back his ex-girlfriend, he’d noticed an intensification in Ford’s bad attitude. One that turned aggressive and downright antagonistic, and Dana was damned if he’d just lay down and take it. He was gonna make that man respect him if it was the last thing he did.

When Duke sends Dana and Ford out to track down their most dangerous bounty yet, they both embrace the fact that they make one hell of a team… but they fight tooth and nail against the powerful intimacy brewing between them.

Beware: When Ford and Dana connect, no fugitive can hide from the hunter and his watchman.

A bounty hunter’s partners to lovers’ story.

This story is a part of a series but can stand alone.
It does not end on a cliffhanger and has a HEA.

Disclaimer: This book is about MM romance, albeit there is a very brief MF scene.

Book 3
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B&N  ~  Kobo  ~  Smashwords

Ford

He and Dana hadn’t had another opportunity to discuss anything private between them, but the tension hung over their heads like a dreary storm cloud. Both of them figured it was best to leave their personal shit out of the field since it was far too distracting. When they talked, when he looked into Dana’s soft, bedroom brown eyes, everything else around him seemed to fade away. That wasn’t the way a man hunted – by taking his eyes off his targets. But he knew the day was coming, and soon. He’d tell Dana how he felt and hoped he wouldn’t completely embarrass himself.

For now he’d make the best of his one day off. He had a million errands he had to run. Despite the hour, he texted Brian.

Ford: Going to the grocery store and to run errands. You coming?

Brian responded almost immediately. Of course his brother would check his messages, no matter the hour. Sure, bro. I’ll be ready at 9. How’d the surveillance go? Dana isn’t walking on the side of the road again is he?

Ford murmured a few curses under his breath. The guys were never gonna let him forget the day he kicked Dana out of his truck, during another one of their heated arguments, and made him walk all the way from Kirkwoods for almost thirty minutes before Brian got there to pick him up. That wasn’t one of his finer moments. Just another instance of him fighting his wants. He needed to talk to Brian soon about his predicament. He had no one else and his therapist told him it wasn’t good to let everything stay bottled up all the time. Ford trusted his brother completely, so he’d confide in him and seek his advice. Brian didn’t speak out loud, and he had a lot of trauma within his soul, but one thing those fucking Talibans couldn’t fuck with was his brilliance. He’d help Ford get this straightened out.

Stop fighting me. You want me, Ford. Look at me, look at my need for you,” Dana purred, rubbing his talented hands up and down Ford’s hairy chest while he hovered over him. He looked gorgeous. Ford pried his eyes open and feasted on the man’s striking face, he looked like he was glowing, floating above him. Then Ford suddenly felt the weight of Dana’s body on him.

“Unnnh,” Ford moaned loudly. He couldn’t fight it any longer. Yes, he did want him. “Don’t, brat,” Ford whispered painfully.

“Don’t what?” Dana was writhing all over him, his hard body a work of perfection, and Ford didn’t know where to put his hands first. God, he’d been wanting a feel for so long.

“Don’t stop,” Ford hissed when his cock was gripped tightly. “Dana. Oh, you bastard.”

Dana was still radiating that beautiful light and Ford wanted to bask in it forever. This was the first time he’d thought of forever. For the first time, the idea of Dana’s face being there when he thought of his future didn’t give him a stomach ache.

Dana lay beside him staring back at him. His brown eyes the color of a rich, smoky quartz, pleading so sweetly. “Let me in, Ford… let me in… Ford… let me in.”

Ford bolted upright in bed. The pounding on his front door stopped, then he heard a key turning in the knob. His brother letting himself in. Had to be Brian, because he was the only one with a key to his place. Shit, what time was it? Had he overslept? Thinking of what he was just dreaming about, no wonder his dick was making his underwear stick out like a teepee. He was so hard it hurt. He heard Brian making his way down the short hallway to his bedroom. Ford jumped out of the bed and hurried into the bathroom and closed the door. He hollered to his brother to make a pot of coffee and give him ten minutes.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Angie – ☆☆☆☆
One thing to note right off the bat is that Dana is bi and there is some M/F sex in this book.

Dana and Ford have been in previous books, I think you would get more out of the story if you read the series in order. There is a slow buildup to these two guys getting together. When they get together though, it is on! Ford has never had sex with a man, so things start slow when it comes to them doing penetration. These two are great together and I wanted more of them and less of the bounty stuff this time. I seriously hope Brian's story is next, his scene in the club was H.O.T. and it broke my heart when the guy ran out. We all know what happened later in the book, but still, I NEED his story... and it better include Sway!!! All in all, a great addition to the series; we saw previous couples from the other books, which was good, so I am hoping we see more of Ford and Dana in the future.


Sarah – ☆☆☆☆
I love a good partners-to-lovers romance! Working together as bounty hunters, the retired SEAL Lieutenant and the expert marksman are a formidable partnership. Outside of work, poor communication and frustrated sexual attraction have made Ford and Dana’s personal relationship almost impossible. I loved both Dana and Ford and I loved the chemistry between these two badass bounty hunters.

In this third book, Duke and Quick’s team of bounty hunters are back with another action packed hunt. I’ve been curious about Ford and his brother since they were first introduced and I loved learning more about their relationship. I also loved the snippets we get of Ford’s time as a SEAL in this story. All of the characters from previous books are back (even Dr. Chancy returns to perform more medical miracles far outside his nephrologist remit). There is an awful lot of suspended disbelief required to enjoy this series, but I can’t help but enjoy the action in each book.

At the start of this book, Dana and Ford are probably the least likeable of all the men we’ve seen so far. Dana can’t stand up to an obnoxious girlfriend. Ford is irritable and growly. But watching these guys work through their issues is as funny as it is hot. I’m not a massive fan of huge age gaps, but it works well between such well-matched partners. I loved the contrast between the confidence Dana and Ford have while working and the self-conscious awkwardness they experience when they try to connect socially and romantically. These two are very hot together but they have to get past a whole lot of anxiety first.

I enjoyed the way Brian’s story starts in this book. I’m assuming we’ll get the rest in the fourth book, but intertwining the two brothers’ stories works well. I was left wanting to know more about Ford and Brian’s time as SEALs – we get just enough to tease us in this book but not enough to fully understand the brothers’ complicated histories.

Also Available in the Bounty Hunters Series

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Kobo  ~  Smashwords

For reviews & more info, check out our stop on the Promises: Part 1 Blog Tour.

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Kobo  ~  Smashwords

For reviews & more info, check out our stop on the Promises: Part 2 Blog Tour.

A.E. Via is still a fairly new author in the beautiful gay erotic genre. Her writing embodies everything from spicy to scandalous. Her stories often include intriguing edges and twists that take readers to new, thought-provoking depths.

When she’s not clicking away at her laptop, she devotes herself to her family—a husband and four children, her two pets, a Maltese dog and her white Siamese cat, ELynn, named after the late, great gay romance author E. Lynn Harris.

While this is only her eighth novel, she has plenty more to come. So stalk her – she loves that - because the male on male action is just heating up!

Go to A.E. Via’s official website for more detailed information on how to contact her, follow her, or a sneak peek on upcoming work, free reads, and where she’ll appear next.

Connect with A.E.

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Google+  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Promises: Part 3 (Bounty Hunter #3) by A.E. Via to read and review for this tour.