Queen of Dreams by Kit Rocha

Three lovers with unbridled hope, uncanny dreams, and ancient powers join forces against the greatest evil in the world in a scorching fantasy by the authors of Consort of Fire.

Ash waited three thousand years for a consort who could break the Betrayer’s chains. Instead of one lover, he found two: Sachi and Zanya—the primordial powers that embody creation and destruction, reborn as humans. Now, his ancient enemy has returned to threaten everything he loves.

In the wake of her dazzling manifestation, Zanya seethes with magic and restless energy. Her command of the Endless Void will be a potent weapon in the coming war. To harness it, she’ll need to embrace the darkness within—but the scars of the past are holding her back.

Sachi’s unprecedented connection to the Dream deepens, leading her beyond the veil of reality… and into the heart of the Betrayer’s stronghold. Torn from her lovers, Sachi must use all her wit and cunning to survive the Betrayer’s treacherous court. Because he doesn’t simply want her. He covets the slumbering power she possesses—and plans to take it for his own.

Even if it ends their world.

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Bound to Fire and Steel series!
For book one, Consort of Fire, click HERE.

 

 

Book 2
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Paperback (US)

Audiobook (US)
Narrated by Victoria Mei, Caitlin Elizabeth & Will Thorne
~ Also Available to Read & Listen with KindleUnlimited ~

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Shelby – ☆☆☆☆☆
I absolutely LOVED Consort of Fire, book one in the Bound to Fire and Steel series, and they do need to be read in order as book two is a continuation from the first. I promise you, this series doesn't disappoint!

As Zanya finds herself, Sachi is left drifting and trying to find her purpose. The gods all have their own gifts and Zanya is trying to learn how to wield her power, often clumsily, but she's doing the best she can with what she has to work with. Ash is trying to keep the world together, avoiding any further confrontations with the Betrayer. To summarize, there is too much going on and something has to give!

I adore the growth that Zanya experiences, I find myself drawn to her and hoping everything finally "clicks." That's not to say she is more important than the other two, not at all. All three have a lot to overcome and are stronger together yet each have important roles to play.
Sachi really shines in this book (quite literally)! She is the embodiment of love and light; she is the perfect complement to Zanya's dark. When the time comes for Sachi to step up, she embraces the challenge with no fear!

Overall, I really enjoyed book two in the newest series by Kit Rocha (I love both books)! The story is unique, the characters are interesting, and the romance is different (and spicy). I don't want to say goodbye, I would really like to see how the court deals with the new, improved world!


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in this very engaging series, and you most definitely need to read them in order... or you will be pretty lost! If you read Consort of Fire a while ago, I think you will find that it all comes flooding back to you very quickly!

As Ash, Sachi, and Zanya somehow start to understand what they mean to each other and how their future might be, the women are also learning about their godly gifts. For Zanya, in particular, she needs to gain control of the immense power that she wields. Her lack of knowledge is causing mayhem and destruction – I loved how she is finally accepted for herself... even if she finds it very difficult to believe or trust it. Sachi is intent on finding a non-violent solution to the problems of The Betrayer still wanting to beat his brother Ash. Her world of Dreams is also one she is not entirely in control there yet. Ash and Zanya want to protect Sachi, yet their actions drive her into action.

This is a great adventure in another world, with at its heart the love of the three of them. The passion they unleash on each other is wonderfully hot and intense – giving them a chance to show how they feel even when they are not good at saying it. Very sensual and romantic amongst the madness going on around them

Already waiting for the next installment!

 

 

KIT ROCHA is the pseudonym for cowriting team Donna Herren and Bree Bridges. After penning dozens of paranormal novels, novellas, and stories as Moira Rogers, they reinvented themselves by writing the nine-book multiple-award-winning—and extremely steamy—Beyond series, which became an instant cult favorite. They followed it up with two spin-off series, including the popular Mercenary Librarians trilogy published by Tor. Now they’re leaping into sexy epic fantasy with happily ever afters.

Their favorite stories are about messy worlds, strong women, and falling in love with the people who love you just the way you are. When they’re not writing, they can be found crafting handmade jewelry, caring too much about video games, or freaking out about their favorite books or TV shows, all of which are chronicled on their various social media accounts.

Connect with Kit Rocha!

Facebook  ~  Instagram  ~  Twitter  ~  TikTok  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

 

 

 

ARC provided by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided with a free copy of Queen of Dreams (Bound to Fire and Steel #2) by Kit Rocha to read and review.

Phoenix Rising by Valerie Ullmer Release Blitz

Phoenix Aalto had everything he wanted in life.

His own bakery, close friends, and his plants. There was nothing more he could ask for after escaping the life his father wanted for him. Or that’s the lie he told himself each time the two men of his dreams walked into his bakery, looking every bit a happy couple. He wasn’t delusional enough to believe it was more than a one-sided attraction, but it didn’t stop him from daydreaming of something more.

Luka Kavka lived with his best friend, and they ran a successful landscaping business together. He’d come out during college, but like his friend, no one lasted more than a date. But a routine meeting in an out of way bakery with a real estate developer changed his fate.

Burton Horváth loved life. Working with his best friend while living with him was everything he thought needed.

When he spotted Phoenix behind the counter, everything he knew about his life changed. The younger man wasn’t his first crush on a man. If he were honest with himself, that honor would go to Luka. But he was the one who shook up his viewpoint at thirty-one years old and made him want a change.

Luka and Burton agreed they would ease into letting Phoenix know they were interested, which included months of daily visits. But change for all three men came when Luka charged in, giving Luka and Burton the opening they needed.

But as they navigate their newfound relationship, will the obstacles from Phoenix’s father allow them to find their happiness?

Phoenix Rising is an M/M/M romance with two best friends who fall in love with the same man. Includes a bisexual awakening, best-friends-to-lovers, a wonderful support system of friends and family, two adorable dogs, hot sexy times, and a definite HEA.

 

 

Buy Links

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~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

 

 

Get it together, Phoenix!

“Don’t touch him.”

My mouth dropped open as breathing became difficult. A shiver of pleasure fluttered over my body at the sound of his deep, commanding voice.

A scant ‘sorry’ was all I heard, since I couldn’t take my eyes off the giant of a man, even when I noted movement in my peripheral and the sound of my poor, old-fashioned shopkeeper’s bell being abused.

“Woo! That was one of the… nope, the hottest thing I’ve witnessed in ages. For a second there, I wondered if you were going to rip his arms off, big guy, all because he dared to grab our Phoenix here,” Arthur said as he fanned himself.

“It’s Luka.”

There was a pulse of desire in my lower stomach, and I stifled a gasp when my cock swelled underneath my jeans. Grateful I had the area covered with an apron.

I wanted to join my friend in fanning myself because the temperature climbed in the minute since Luka stepped in to help me.

“And I’m Burton. It’s nice to meet you, Phoenix.” The blond adonis held out his hand.

Reason fled as the eagerness of the situation presented to me overrode self-preservation. I placed my hand in Burton’s stronger, calloused one and sucked on my bottom lip as the tingle from his touch radiated up my arm and spread throughout. Images of me splayed out on a bed as Burton teased me with his warm hands while Luka’s voice washed over me until I erupted in an intense... Fuck!

Okay! Not nice to fantasize about two men who were a couple standing right in front of me.

“It’s also nice to meet you, Burton. Luka.”

“I’ve never seen you blush that shade of peach before, honey. I’m gonna call Jude and tell him.”

Leave it up to my best friend to embarrass me.

“It’s lovely,” Luka said as he ran the back of his finger down my cheek before he cupped my face.

In that moment, I considered the possibility of my entire body igniting into flames, all from Luka’s tiny gesture that, for the first time in my life, didn’t make me recoil. In a weak moment, I wanted to know the touch of the man cupping my cheek and burrowed into his hand.

Then I remembered he wasn’t available and leaned away.

“Sorry, I should’ve asked you before I touched you,” Luka said.

I shook my head back and forth before I found the words, “No, it’s okay. You can. I’m not used to it.”

“What about me? Can I touch you?” Burton asked.

My eyes widened, and I nodded, staring at the bewitching man, who was even more stunning up close. “If… if you want to?”

Arthur chuckled. “Give it up for Phoenix, ladies and gentlemen. He attracts two specimens of male perfection without a clue they’re flirting with him.”

He mumbled as he moved around the counter to clean the tables, leaving me alone with the two gorgeous men. Or at least I believed no one was around. There was no dragging my attention away from them.

“Uh…” I sounded daft as I looked back and forth between the two, confusion swamping me because I was a mess; the decorated apron with green vines and leaves along with depictions of pastries and the logo of my shop, Phoenix Rising, had chocolate stains and other food items I couldn’t identify. My hair stood up in all directions, and I’m pretty sure my fingers were sticky with frosting.

As my synapses fired back up, I swallowed around the dryness in my throat and said, “Just ignore him. He’s still in the honeymoon phase, despite being married for years, and sees romance everywhere.”

Until this conversation, I hadn’t spoken more than a word or two to either of these men. But now they were in front of me, both holding expressions of faint amusement as they stared at me, and I felt faint. And in order to cover my ineptitude in social situations, out came the verbal onslaught.

“Is it hot in here? It’s hot, right? I mean… um, what were we talking about? Oh, right? My deluded best friend thinks, well, stupid things that are out of the realm of possibility because whatever he’s imagining doesn’t happen in real life and as far as I can tell, I’m awake and working. Are you two together? Shit, I did not mean for that to escape my mouth because nosy much, Phoenix? It’s not my business. Over the past several months, I couldn’t miss observing that you two make an exquisite couple. And on that note, I’ll stop talking now,” ending on a groan.

Burton glanced at Luka, who kept his eyes on me the entire time, and beamed at the taller man.

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Angie – ☆☆☆☆
Overall, I liked this book. It was kind of insta-love-ish. Luka and Burton (aka B) have been best friends since childhood, had messed around in college, and now own a business and live together. Phoenix owns a bakery and thinks Luka and B are a couple and lusts after them each time they visit his bakery.

This book is filled with lots and lots of dirty talk and sexy times. The only angst is from Phoenix’s father. I loved all three main characters, and I also loved Arthur, who is besties with Phoenix.

At times, the story seemed to jump or skip and then the characters were mixed up a few times but I'm going to assume that's because I was reading a pre-release copy. I did enjoy the book and read it within two nights.

 

 

Valerie writes romances.

VALERIE ULLMER resides in Denver, Colorado with her husband. While she had been interested in writing a romance novel for years, it wasn’t until she wrote her first book that she really became hooked, and now she can’t stop. She has notebooks full of ideas, and she plans to write most of them in the years to come.

When she’s not writing or learning about the craft of writing, she can be found surfing the internet way too much, watching Investigation Discovery and thinking that her neighbors are up to no good, and finding new ways to get her husband to laugh.

Connect with Valerie Ullmer!

Newsletter  ~  Goodreads

 

 

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Phoenix Rising by Valerie Ullmer to read and review.

A Little More Forgiveness by Pauley J. Ray Release Blitz

Three angry men, two loveable dogs and one isolated cabin.
What could possibly go wrong?

Gabriel Sanchez is a man running away from his past, unaware it’s about to catch up to him. Stuck in an isolated cabin with two strangers is the last thing he planned. One guy, a bear of a man shouldering intolerable emotional pain, Gabe instinctively wants to soothe. The other, kinder, gentler, and just wishing to be seen, Gabe desperately wants to show him how visible he is. However, the harder he tries to keep both at bay, the more they fight and the closer they get until his heart begins to desire things he’s promised himself it can never have again.

Leo Taylor has yearned for approval his whole life, and as the lawyer negotiating the sale of a run-down cabin and its land, this time he may just earn it. But, trying to keep the peace between a cocky New Yorker and the grumpiest man alive is slowly taking its toll. During their confinement, secrets are uncovered that will force Leo to make a tough choice. Close the sale and gain the approval he craves, or follow his heart and fight for the men for whom he’s falling head over heels.

Mitchell Houghton is drowning in grief and guilt following the death of his wife four years ago. Then, along comes a lawyer with an outsider who claims to own 50 percent of his home, his land. After years of self-imposed isolation, Mitch is now trapped with them both in his small cabin. Determined to make their lives a misery, he almost succeeds, until their unwanted interaction and attention makes him remember the man he used to be—the one he thought lost forever—giving him another chance at a happiness he’s not sure he deserves.

Author’s Note: This is book three of a four-book series. It does not end on a cliffhanger. Each book concentrates on a different main character from the four owners of a successful construction company. Successive books will include spoilers from the previous ones if the books are not read in order.

 

 

Book 3
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Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Kobo
Paperback (US)  ~  NineStar Press

 

 

“I’m a determined man, Mr. Houghton.”

“Or a foolish one.”

I shrugged, not prepared to admit I was beginning to agree with him.

“Time after time, you were told no, but unlike any decent man, any honorable man, you didn’t leave me alone and walk away, did you?” He didn’t wait for me to answer. “No, instead, you went behind my back and began pressuring my brother to sell, recognizing he’d be the more gullible of us, the weaker of the two.”

I frowned at his answer. Obviously, there was far more bad blood between them than I’d originally suspected.

Not my problem.

“And you think it’s me who’s foolish.” I chuckled and shook my head. “I’m here today because you requested this meeting. You. You were the one who’d finally decided to sell.” I lifted my shoulders. “Don’t kid yourself into believing I’m the bad guy in this scenario. It’s pretty obvious as soon as you received our offer and caught sight of all those zero’s, you had a very rapid change of heart.”

“A momentary lapse in judgment,” he snapped at me.

“Whatever.” I balled my hands into fists in my pants trying to remain relaxed, knowing my next admission wasn’t going to be well received. “Oh, and by the way. To be clear, your brother came to us, not the other way around.”

“No.” His sharp rebuttal sounded almost painful.

I shrugged again. “Believe what you want, but I’m telling the truth. Until Jared Houghton offered up his fifty percent, I’d given up on the purchase, had decided you weren’t worth the time and effort to continue pursuing.”

Something flashed in his eyes at my comment but was gone too quick for me to decipher. “There are other cabins, other land”—removing my hands from my pockets, I spread my arms to indicate the shabby interior—“in much better condition.”

He moved off the jamb and was in my face before I had chance to blink, his voice low and threatening. “Be very careful what you say in my home, Mr. Sanchez.” He said my name like my presence left a bad taste in his mouth. “You’re a guest here, and you better remember that—and your manners.”

I took in a few deep breaths, wanting to calm down and ensure I didn’t say something inappropriate. I hated being threatened. Watching Mason after his attack, how he’d get jumpy and scared at the slightest hint of raised voices or aggression from others, I’d done everything in my power to help him work through his trauma. To the point I automatically placed myself in front of him whenever he got anxious, protecting him from anyone getting too close. So Mitchell trying his intimidation act on with me in the hopes I’d cower meekly? Well, I couldn’t help myself.

“Ah, but that’s not quite true anymore, is it?” My blood pumped hard in my veins, rapidly heading south, making me hard. I wouldn’t say I was enjoying our sparring match, but the male aggression filling the air, raising our body temperature, and releasing delicious-smelling pheromones of sweat and musk pushed all my buttons.

I glanced around the room with its worn couch, scuffed oak furniture, and thick log walls, thinking if renovated, the place would look amazing. “I’m not really here as a guest, am I? I own fifty percent, remember? So this place is as much mine as yours.”

I didn’t see the punch coming until it connected with my gut, winding me as it knocked the air from my lungs in a loud whoosh, doubling me over as pain ripped through my abdomen. The next thing I knew, I was grabbed by the collar of my expensive silk shirt and the back of my leather belt and heaved up as if I weighed nothing. He dragged me around the couch to the front door, which, typically, opened as we got there, to a horrified Leo.

Mitchell pushed past him, me firmly in his grip, my struggling useless against his power and strength as he swung me back, and then let gravity pull me speedily forward before releasing me, sending me flying across the porch to land in the snow and frozen dirt at the bottom of the steps in front of the cabin.

“My house,” he roared. “My home. Mine.” Then he slammed the door firmly behind him, leaving me there on my ass and out in the cold.

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Angie – ☆☆☆
This is the third book in the series, but I feel it can be read as a standalone. I haven't read any of the previous books.

Gabe, Mitch, and Leo are all so different. Each man has baggage; while they do share some things right away, they don't share everything right away. The chemistry is off the charts... hubba hubba. There was angst – how could there not be with all that baggage they each have? I thought the book was a little too long and at times, I just wanted to tie things up for goodness’ sake! Once we get to the end, it was worth it, and these three men got the happily ever after they deserve.

 

 

PAULEY J. RAY writes contemporary M/M romantic fiction. His books contain sexy yet complicated and flawed characters searching for their own happily ever after.

When not writing, he can’t wait to get outdoors, and with his husband, go hiking, camping, and travel everywhere they can, as often as they can.

With his husband’s job taking them all over the world, he now gets to write all day, every day, and he's never happier than when sat at his laptop creating new stories about gorgeous and sexy men.

Except when there's coffee... ooh and chocolate... yes, he's way happier when there's coffee and chocolate!

Connect with Pauley J. Ray!

Facebook  ~  Instagram  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

 

 

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of A Little More Forgiveness (Hot Property #3) by Pauley J. Ray to read and review.

Followilled by Erica Chilson Release Blitz

What does it mean to be a Followill?

Embarking on the lifelong journey of true adulthood, Rayna Scott is about to graduate college and return to Followill. Rayna experiences a gamut of emotions for falling into her new role so easily, much to the surprise of the Followill family.

More than just a prop for Governor Followill’s campaign.
More than just a stubborn housemate.
More than just an obligation for her chosen parental units.
More than just vows made to Daddy and Momma.

A precarious balance as Rayna struggles with who she used to be, who she is today, and who she will become versus who she would’ve been had her life not been altered by tragedy.

Moving forward and refusing to look back, just as Rayna makes peace with what it means to be a Followill, she’s thrust into the knowledge of her paternal line. After the solitude of a small family, no burdens of responsibility or pressure of obligation, Rayna is tapped out with the Followills. She has absolutely no desire to engage with the family that abandoned her daddy.

Secrets buried beneath lies, Rayna discovers Peri is just one of many relatives hiding in plain sight.

What does it mean to be a Devereaux?

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

 

 

Book 3
Buy Links

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

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is the strongest finale that we could have dreamed about for this wonderful trilogy. If you have not started it yet, then you are very lucky to be able to read all three books together, rather than having to wait! You absolutely need to read them in order – so if you have found this first, do yourself a favour and go back to Followill or you will miss out on why this is such a great book.

From the get go I was excited that this book takes us straight to the end of college days for Rayna and her peers. Yes, we get some of the intervening years filled in, to give us some insight into why she might be feeling as she does, but it is this post-graduation stage of her life which is going to be the most revealing!

One truth from her childhood drives Rayna, the need to study and be the best she can – and certainly she has not let herself or her daddy down. She will return to Followill as required and be the very best at her predetermined career. On that score there is little doubt... but her understanding of her family, her future, and true love? That is more than a little complicated – but utterly delicious.

I really do not want to say more, because peeling back the layers of crazy is the most exciting thing about reading one of Chilson's novels, and this is no exception. I loved every bit of this whole trilogy, and really feel that this installment just brought all the eye rolls, the chuckles, some gasps, and, by the end, a serenity which isn't saccharine, but which is earned and deserved... even if unconventional.

I am looking forward to hiding away over my Christmas break and reading all three back to back... with some handy snacks and a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign on my door!


Angela – ☆☆☆☆☆
Oh, my goodness! So many twists and turns, so many secrets and lies, so many subtle leaks and some really good, in-your-face revelations that left my mind spinning, and it all made for one heck of a rollercoaster ride. More than once, I’d be reading along, just going with the flow with Rayna and BAM, a sudden drop from a happy high had me white-knuckling my Kindle. Gah! It wasn’t even my life and I was an anxious mess while reading at times. And I FREAKING LOVED IT!

Nearly four years have passed since the end of Followill Loyalty, with Followilled being partially centered around another Followill wedding, but this wedding is one Rayna is happy to be a part of, even if it isn’t well-timed either, with it taking place towards the end of her final semester at college. Poor timing or not, it gives readers a chance to see just a bit of Rayna’s college experience, to see how she’s grown over the past four years, and how she hasn’t. Her biggest personality flaw remains her inability to actually hear what is being said by and about Charlie. The girl still has blinders when it comes to that man and they’re not the good kind of blinders, but at least this time around, Charlie seems to have a better grasp on Rayna’s blind spots. So much so, that he actually encouraged one of her misconceptions and enjoyed the look on her face when she learned the truth. Charlie. Charlie. Charlie. While it was funny, he failed to anticipate just how far down the rabbit hole that misunderstanding took her.

We finally got to go to CAMP!!! It was everything I expected and then some. Oh, so much more. Those Followills sure are some naughty buggers. As fun as it was to watch Rayna experience Camp for the first time, to get to meet some of the different branches on the Followill family tree, to fumble while learning the secret language of Camp, and to finally fully comprehend Charlie’s place, and hers as his intended spouse, in the Followill family, it was the verbal showdown between Rayna, a Followill elder, and a guest that had me unable to peel myself away from the book. I was wholeheartedly on Rayna’s side on this one. I was as baffled and frustrated as she was by the Followill elder’s inability and refusal to see past his cock. He was far more condescending than I expected when he treated her complaint as if it was due to Rayna’s age and not because the transgressor was so far in the wrong that criminal charges could be filed. I don’t blame Rayna one bit for losing her temper and “outing” the transgressor publicly at Camp, especially when the transgressor tried to defend her actions and play the victim. Considering the transgressor’s profession, I wanted to bitch-slap her myself for her actions. My only problem with that scene came later in the book when Rayna includes the transgressor in an event, as an olive branch, because she was ashamed of her “childish” behavior of airing her grievances publicly at Camp. I thought Rayna’s outburst was more than justified because she had already spoken to the transgressor privately and it accomplished nothing. Sorry, but the public naming and shaming was well deserved for both the Followill elder and the transgressor because everyone in the family needed to be aware of the risks the transgressor posed. I’ve probably confused you, but trying to write about a scene while avoiding spoilers can be a bit tricky.

I know the author released the Followill books, intending them to be a trilogy, and they do well as a trilogy of Rayna’s story. However, I really, really, really hope that Chilson’s muse comes-a-pestering and won’t let up until we get more stories from the residents of Followill because there are so many characters whose stories need to be told. And I would seriously love the chance to catch up with Rayna, Charlie, and Paul (and Felix) to see how life, politics, and the Followill legacy is shaping their lives… or how Ms. Rayna has changed the shape of the Followill legacy for the better.

 

 

 

ERICA CHILSON does not write in the 3rd person, wanting her readers to be her characters. Therefore, writing a bio about herself, is uncomfortable in the extreme.

Born, raised, and here to stay, the Wicked Writer is a stump-jumper, a ridge-runner. Hailing from North Central Pennsylvania, directly on the New York State border; she loves the changes in seasons, the humid air, all the mountainous forest, and the gloomy atmosphere.

Introverted, but not socially awkward, Erica prides herself on thinking first and filtering her speech. There are days she doesn’t speak at all. If it wasn’t for the fact that she lives with her parents, giving her a sense of reality, she would be a hermit, where the delivery man finds her months after expiration.

Reading was an escape, a way to leave a not-so pleasant reality behind. Reading lent Erica the courage she gathered from the characters between the pages to long for a different life. Writing was an instrument of change, evolving Erica into the woman she is today – a better, more mature, more at peace thinker.

Erica has a wicked mind, one she pours out into her creations. Her filter doesn’t allow all of it to erupt, much to her relief. Sarcastic, with a very dark, perverse sense of humor, Erica puts a bit of herself into every character she writes.

Connect with Erica Chilson!

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Facebook Group: M&M of Restraint

 

 

 

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Followilled (Followill #3) by Erica Chilson to read and review.

Heartless by Robin Knight Blog Tour

Sometimes love is a three-piece puzzle.

ASHTON

If money makes the world go round, then the real estate market in New York is the engine that keeps the planet spinning. As one of Manhattan’s elite realty agents, it’s my job to wine, dine and do whatever it takes to close the deal. Yes sir, I act the part and look the part. Designer suit… immaculate. Hair… precision. Body… perfection. Well, maybe not quite, but I’m not about to let anyone know the flaw in this outwardly flawless power single.

So when my secret chink-in-the-armor begins to show, I’ll do whatever I need to protect myself, especially when it comes to putting Jax Lockhart — the newest, slickest, sexiest agent at Vanquest Realty — in his place. With the help of my assistant Bailey, I’ll do what it takes to bring Jax down. The last thing I was ever expecting was to fall for the enemy… and my assistant Bailey too!

BAILEY

Without any possible rhyme or reason, I’ve been in love with my boss Ashton since the day I started working for him. I have no idea what this irresistible attraction is, especially when he’s the total opposite of me! He’s filthy rich and handsome beyond words, possessing the kind of confidence, ambition and uber-success that I could never match… or even want to match. That’s okay, I have no problems pining over him from afar while I live my quiet little life, looking after my Grammy and scraping together enough to pay the bills.

But then one day Jax Lockhart walks into the offices of Vanquest Realty… the very same Jax Lockhart I’d fallen head over heels in love with at the orphanage where we’d both grown up. Now what was I to do? Continue dreaming about the boss I could never have? Or rekindle the flame that two kids shared a lifetime ago? I’m tempted to keep both of my secret crushes a secret… until I find out that both Ashton and Jax each have secrets of their own.

Heartless is an enemies-to-lovers, opposites-attract, hurt/comfort standalone MMM romance, with steam, swoon and secrets galore.

 

 

Buy Links

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Paperback (US)
~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

 

 

I turned to see Victor walking toward me. By his side was a guy so hot my knees almost buckled… although he wasn’t the kind of hot I was used to seeing in the Vanquest offices, or anywhere else in the realty business.

He had a rough diamond vibe happening.

His suit was slightly off kilter.

His skin was clearly in need of a good moisturizer, the kind they keep behind lock and key at the day spa.

And his hair and beard were in desperate need of Francois, my barber.

“Ashton, I said ‘are you alright?’” Victor repeated. “I got a call from the hospital. What happened to you?”

“Nothing. I just fell over.” I held up my right hand as exhibit A.

“Fell over. That’s not what they told me. They said you were hit by a bus.”

“Almost hit by a bus. Victor I’m fine.”

“Good, so long as you’re alive, that’s all that matters. Now, there’s someone I’d like you to meet.”

Beside me I sensed Bailey giving off a seriously weird vibe as he kept his eyes down and started drawing figure eights on the tiled floor with the toe of his shoe.

The hot guy held out his hand for me to shake. I offered him my right hand instinctively, then promptly changed it, pulling my bandaged hand back and offering him my left hand instead.

The hot guy graciously shook it, switching to use his left hand as well, happily accommodating my needs.

Victor introduced us. “Ashton, I’d like you to meet Jax. Jax Lockhart. He’s my newest shining star who’s ready to knock it out of the ballpark.”

“Really?” I said. “That’s exciting news. Where are you from, Jax?”

The rough-around-the-edges stud smiled, and I had to steel my knees yet again. There was something about him that I couldn’t quite put my finger on, a certain je ne sais quoi you might even say, although nothing like mine.

“I’m from the west coast. I’ve sold property everywhere from Malibu to Palm Springs, but I’m excited to take a bite out of the Big Apple now.”

Ouch, did he really say that?

How could someone look like a suited-up Son of Anarchy yet use a pun that painful?

It made him brim with a sense of something that irked me.

What was it?

Innocence, perhaps.

No, naivety.

No… it was authenticity.

He oozed authenticity.

It sent a shiver down my spine.

There was just something about authentic people that I didn’t quite trust.

This guy had an agenda, I could smell it a mile away.

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
I found this to be one of those books where the first introduction to the characters makes one wonder what redeeming features can be found... only to blow away all the preconceptions!

I enjoy working out the dynamics in a trio, but this blows all conventions out of the window – and provides plenty of opportunities for the reader to revel in the chemistry between all three of them. As there are also some pretty emotionally intense moments, you might want to think about reading this where you can both fan yourself to cool down, but also possibly reach for a tissue.

A quick, but satisfying read, thank you, Robin Knight!


Erica – ☆☆☆
Robin Knight is a new-to-me author and I'm unsure if we're a good fit. I enjoy MM, especially a good poly romance, so that is not the issue.

From the first paragraph, I struggled with the writing style, author voice, and the characters themselves. Ashton and his insufferable brand-dropping (name-dropping but instead it's expensive clothing and jewelry brands). I get how this was to set the stage for his characterization, but I nope-out when it comes to over-description. Every item on his body was described, brand and cut. But then there was random scenery purple prose that didn't fit Ashton mooning over himself.

So I didn't like workaholic-slash-brand clothes horse Ashton. Then there was Bailey, who was basically a doormat. Add in Jax, and all three were equally insufferable for various reasons.

The characters weren't my cup of tea, so their romance and journey weren't either. I struggled but continued on to finish since it was a shorter novel. It just felt forced, and the random purple prose pulled me from the story every time.

Honestly, it just felt like Ashton was having a love affair with his clothes, no matter who was wearing them.


Angie – ☆☆☆
This is the first book I've read by this author and I'm not sure if I'd read more of their work. I didn't like the writing style. I felt the story was being told to me and overdetailed at times. I didn't connect with any of the characters until the book was almost over and it wasn't that long of a book. Ashton was just a douche. Bailey was a doormat, and then Jax seemed too good to be true. The whole last part of the book was so over the top unrealistic. The whole ‘let's buy the orphanage’ (how will you do anything if you spend literally every single dime you have to buy it), the punch, what happens after the punch, and then finally, the twist with Jax. What the ?!*$ was that? Total bullcrap. It was a miss for me.

 

 

 

ROBIN KNIGHT is the author of gay fiction novels, novellas, and short stories, ranging in genre from gay adventure, gay romance, gay suspense, and gay comedies.

The heroes of Robin's books love to spend their time jumping off the page, stumbling through misadventures, and falling in love.

Robin has worked in advertising, politics, journalism, and event management, but nothing is as fun as telling stories.

Connect with Robin Knight

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Heartless by Robin Knight to read and review.