Restored Ruins by G.R. Lyons Release Blitz

Kidnapped by his idol? Yes, please!

Connor Jenkins is sick of rejection. Now, instead of getting close to anyone, he lives vicariously through other people's phones and webcams. Thanks to his skills, he always gets away with it.

Until he hacks his idol.

Brendan Shyth is haunted by loss. First, the death of his boy. Then the end of his music career thanks to a grief-induced drunken accident. Fringe science regrew his fingers, but he still can't bring himself to play again. Avoiding his fans, the media, and his manager, Brendan hides in his mansion, determined to be left alone.

Until he finds his webcam on and realizes someone is watching him. Someone other than the ghost of his dead lover, that is.

Brendan has Connor tracked down and kidnapped, meaning to teach him a lesson. But the teasing brat gets under his skin in a way that no one has in years.

A boy in need of security. A ghost in need of acceptance. A man in need of faith. With a career, sanity, and hearts on the line, can these men overcome their fears before it's too late?

Restored Ruins is the first book in the Gentleman Hackers series. It features a boy whose hair color never stays the same, a daddy who puts him in serious time-out, a ghost desperate to be seen, and an MMM HEA ending. No pianos were harmed in the writing of this romance (though they do make good horizontal surfaces).

 

 

Book 1
Buy Links

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Paperback (US)
~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

 

 

Had he really been kidnapped?

First of all, rude.

He tried to blink the haze from his vision while he processed this strange, new reality.

Someone had actually managed to catch him.

Well, shit. Well done.

Connor started to sit up, then paused. Two things occurred to him at once. Three things, actually. One, it was somehow morning already. Two, he was in a bed. With some amazingly soft sheets, by the way. Damn. He was going to have to figure out what they were made of and get some for himself.

Not that he could probably afford them, but, hey, a boy could dream.

And, three…

He was naked.

Connor raised an eyebrow. Huh.

He stared up at the ceiling as he took stock of his body. The soft sheets cascaded over his naked skin, making him hyper-aware of every tiny movement he made. A slow inhale made the fabric brush teasingly over his nipples, and a slight shift of his leg had the sheets drifting over his groin. Connor squeezed his legs together. Holy fuck. Much more of that and he would be a horny mess, though it was already almost too late for that.

Connor paused, wondering if his kidnappers were watching him.

He bit back a moan at the idea, then muttered a curse and shook his head. He had to focus.

Connor drew his arms out from under the sheets. He wasn't restrained in any way. There was nothing stopping him from getting out of bed and exploring the room. And he didn't feel pain anywhere. Other than where the needle had gone in. That still stung.

Again. Rude.

Connor rubbed the spot and slowly sat up. At least his kidnapper had been kind enough to keep the ground from punching him in the face. That would not have been fun.

He paused, then probed all over his face with his fingertips, just to be sure.

Nothing hurt there. Connor: one. Ground: zero. Ha! Take that.

Chuckling to himself, he glanced around the room, trying to guess where he might be. It looked like a normal bedroom—bed, dresser, nightstands, lamps—but way more high-end than he was used to. Spacious. Elegant. Obviously expensive, but tastefully so. And it didn't have the rubber-stamp feel of a hotel room. Connor had seen plenty of those—from casual hookups with businessmen just passing through town—so he would know.

But this was different. This was custom. Unique. This was someone's home.

He looked to one side and saw a pair of glass doors leading out to a balcony, the view obscured by some gauzy curtains. Across from him was an open doorway into a washroom. Connor blinked. Holy shit. Even from that angle, the washroom looked enormous, and he was sure he wasn't even seeing half of it.

On the nightstand beside him was a small computer tablet. When Connor started to reach for it, the device detected his proximity and illuminated the screen, showing him a home control panel. There were options for room temperature, dimmed lighting, and blackout window shades, amongst other things.

Connor smirked. Don't worry, darling. I'll play with you later.

He grabbed the sheets, meaning to toss them aside and get out of bed so he could explore the room more thoroughly, then stopped when he heard the snap of a key in a lock.

Connor spotted the door—fancy double doors, in fact—and watched them slowly open.

He blinked stupidly and almost laughed as a butler appeared in the widening gap. An actual, real-life butler. White gloves and all.

Before Connor could voice his mirth, though, the butler stepped aside and bowed his head deferentially, revealing another man who'd been standing behind him.

The second man took a few steps into the room, glaring directly at Connor.

Connor's jaw dropped.

Holy shit.

Vesad Stromos. Right there. In the flesh.

He'd been kidnapped by Vesad Stromos. Forget just spying on the man through a hacked webcam. He was actually inside the famous musician's house.

Day. Fucking. Made!

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Angie – ☆☆☆
This book was a miss for me. Brendan was in no way shape or form a Daddy. This felt more sci-fi than paranormal, which was hard for me. There were really three main characters, but we only really get the points of view of two. This book was all over the place and I couldn't connect with the characters or the story. I'm sure others will love this, it just wasn't for me.

 

 

G.R. LYONS stumbled into writing as a form of trauma recovery when traditional therapy wasn't working.

Then the story ideas just kept on coming.

Pulling from a vivid imagination as well as real-life experience as a trans man, a sexual assault survivor, and a person living with mental illness, Lyons has written multiple, interconnected series set within his fictional world of the Shifting Isles.

When not writing, Lyons can be found belly dancing around the house, studying anarcho-capitalist philosophy, buried in his never-ending TBR pile, or working out at the local CrossFit gym.

Connect with G.R. Lyons

Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Lyon's Den

 

 

 

Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Restored Ruins (Gentleman Hackers #1) by G.R. Lyons to read and review for this tour.

The Witch King by H.E. Edgmon

To save a fae kingdom, a trans witch must face his traumatic past and the royal fiancé he left behind. This debut YA fantasy will leave you spellbound.

Wyatt would give anything to forget where he came from—but a kingdom demands its king.

In Asalin, fae rule and witches like Wyatt Croft… don’t. Wyatt’s betrothal to his best friend, fae prince Emyr North, was supposed to change that. But when Wyatt lost control of his magic one devastating night, he fled to the human world.

Now a coldly distant Emyr has hunted him down. Despite transgender Wyatt’s newfound identity and troubling past, Emyr has no intention of dissolving their engagement. In fact, he claims they must marry now or risk losing the throne. Jaded, Wyatt strikes a deal with the enemy, hoping to escape Asalin forever. But as he gets to know Emyr, Wyatt realizes the boy he once loved may still exist. And as the witches face worsening conditions, he must decide once and for all what’s more important—his people or his freedom.

 

 

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon Ca
Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo
Audiobook (US)  ~  Hardcover (US)
Inkyard Press (HQN)

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Sarah – ☆☆☆☆
This is a fun young adult fantasy adventure with lovable characters and wonderfully complex world building. The story belongs to Wyatt, a witch with a dark past who is an outsider in both the fae and human worlds.

At its heart, this is a simple coming of age story. Wyatt must come to terms with his past and find out where he belongs as he becomes an adult. It’s not a completely fresh story. Fantasy and Urban Fantasy fans will recognise many familiar tropes. Fated mates, a reluctant heir, and an outsider with special powers aren’t new fantasy themes, but they do work well here.

Beyond Wyatt and Emyr, the character development in this story doesn’t feel completely consistent. Emyr is a complicated love interest for Wyatt. It is difficult to trust the beautiful prince – but it is also impossible not to love the tormented and reluctant heir to the throne. The rest of the characters feel somewhat loosely sketched. It’s a huge cast of witches, nobles, guards, and others. Without spoilers, I loved the world building and enjoyed the action. But I wasn’t invested enough in any of the other characters to feel any emotional impact from the action scenes and revelations at the end. The author leaves room to develop these characters further. The ending offers many exciting possibilities for further stories in this world.

I love that Wyatt’s trans identity is a non-issue. He’s a protagonist with a difficult past that has little to do with his gender. He’s a complicated survivor with a unique skill set and the potential to be a hero. This isn’t a book about being trans. It’s a book about a fabulous fantasy hero who happens to be trans. Sadly, that’s still a rare and special treat for modern young adult readers.

 

 

H.E. EDGMON was born in the Deep South but has had many homes, dropped out of school to do gay stuff, and is at least a little feral. In both their writing and daily life, they aim to center the voices of Indigenous people, trans people, and survivors of trauma. It is always their goal to make fascists uncomfortable. They have an eccentric little family of their own design, several very sensitive pets, and a lot of opinions. They can most often be found on Twitter.

Connect with H.E.

Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

 

 

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of The Witch King (The Witch King #1) by H.E. Edgmon to read and review.

The Other Man by Matthew J. Metzger

He’s never minded the other men—except for this one.

Aled’s jealous, and he doesn’t like it.

He’s always had an open relationship with Gabriel and it was working fine—until he saw those messages from Michael. Now Aled can’t get the tone out of his head, and the nagging feeling that Gabriel deserves better than a man like that.

But Gabriel only gives Aled control during their games and is wary of giving too much to a dominant boyfriend with a distinct sadistic streak. Outside the bedroom, Aled has to tread much more carefully if he wants to keep what they have.

Can he persuade Gabriel to part ways with the creepiest man Aled’s ever met, or will the dominant have to learn when to submit?

Reader advisory: This book contains expressions of homophobia and transphobia by multiple characters, stalking by an ex and violence from an ex. There are scenes of rough sex and of BDSM.

Book 2
Buy Links

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Pride Publishing
~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Veronica – ☆☆☆☆
I loved being back with Aled and Gabriel. Nothing about their relationship in and out of the bedroom is average. Their scenes when they played were great even though they were a little more extreme that I would normally read – they were exciting.

Their romantic relationship was far more complicated than most. Gabriel has no wish to be monogamous and is fiercely independent. So Aled, wanting Gabriel to move in with him, poses issues other couples might not come across. I just really enjoyed the journey with this couple. It was a pleasure to spend time with them and I think it is because they were unpredictable and a little different but still very much in love.

I’m not sure if the author plans to write more stories of Aled and Gabriel but I certainly hope he does because I for one, want more.

Also Available in the Starting Over Series

Book 1
Buy Links

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

For reviews & more info, check out our The Divorce post.

Matthew J. Metzger is an asexual, transgender British author juggling books, an office job and a love of travel with the human need for sleep once in a while. He writes both adult and young adult books focusing on LGBT+ characters and their relationships, particularly those from the less salubrious areas in which he was dragged up over the years.

On the very rare occasions that Matt isn't writing, he can usually be found at the gym, halfway up a mountain or collecting new tattoos. (And yes, he does have book ink...)

Connect with Matthew

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of The Other Man (Starting Over #2) by Matthew J. Metzger to read and review.

The Divorce by Matthew J. Metzger

Sometimes life has to fall apart before it can be put back together.

Aled is in a rut. Thirty-three, separated from his wife and avoiding his best friend so he doesn’t have to see how well her love life is going doesn’t make for a good time. So, when a friend suggests a one-night stand to shake off the dust, Aled decides to play along. Maybe some no-strings-attached sex is exactly what he needs to get himself going again and give him the energy to get his life back on track.

But when Aled’s dominant streak meets Gabriel’s flirtatious submission, the one-night stand rapidly spills over into the following days and weeks. And what started out as just sex doesn’t stay that way for long, from the flour fight in Aled’s kitchen to the homemade curry in Gabriel’s flat.

Happiness is right in front of him—but Aled has to stop looking back if he wants to reach it.

Reader advisory: This book includes expressions of homophobia, biphobia and transphobia by multiple characters. There are references to infertility, homelessness, and alcoholism, as well as scenes of rough sex and BDSM.

Book 1
Buy Links

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

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Veronica – ☆☆☆
It has been a year since Aled’s wife left him. His friends drag him out to the pub and at their encouragement, he agrees to meet up with a hot guy they found on Grindr. A night with Gabriel has him feeling better but the reappearance of his wife causes emotional chaos for Aled.

Aled is desperate to hold on to his old life while starting a new relationship with Gabriel, even if it is just a friends-with-benefits deal. His struggles made for good reading. I liked the honesty between Gabriel and Aled as they explore each other, both in and out of bed, and Gabriel’s strength to be who he is and to ask for what he wants. Also, the steamy scenes are hot, varied, and never boring.

The Divorce felt a bit like an entree – small and delicious and left me wanting more. I’m looking forward to reading book two, The Other Man, in the coming weeks.


Angie – ☆☆☆
I actually read this book because I found the blurb for the second book in the series and wanted to read that book and I needed the backstory. I was excited to jump in and get to reading when this hit my e-reader. I will have to say that the book wasn't what I expected. It wasn't bad, it just didn't hold my attention because I didn't feel a connection between Aled and Gabriel. The book is just over 200 pages, but it seemed much longer to me. This book contains a poly relationship, which if written well works for me, this time I am on the fence about it. There is also a trans person in this book; however, if you read some of the reviews, some people don't agree that the character is trans and use other words to describe the character. Just know going in that this book isn't your traditional M/M love story. I do want to read the next book to see what happens next; if there is a third book, I am not sure if I will read it or not yet.

Matthew J. Metzger is an asexual, transgender British author juggling books, an office job and a love of travel with the human need for sleep once in a while. He writes both adult and young adult books focusing on LGBT+ characters and their relationships, particularly those from the less salubrious areas in which he was dragged up over the years.

On the very rare occasions that Matt isn't writing, he can usually be found at the gym, halfway up a mountain or collecting new tattoos. (And yes, he does have book ink...)

Connect with Matthew

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of The Divorce (Starting Over #1) by Matthew J. Metzger to read and review.

Reverb by Anna Zabo

The tougher they are, the harder they fall.

Twisted Wishes bass player Mish Sullivan is a rock goddess—gorgeous, sexy and comfortable in the spotlight. With fame comes unwanted attention, though: a stalker is desperate to get close. Mish can fend for herself, just as she always has. But after an attack lands her in the hospital, the band reacts, sticking her with a bodyguard she doesn’t need or want.

David Altet has an instant connection with Mish. A certified badass, this ex-army martial arts expert can take down a man twice his size. But nothing—not living as a trans man, not his intensive military training—prepared him for the challenge of Mish. Sex with her is a distraction neither of them can afford, yet the hot, kink-filled nights keep coming.

When Mish’s stalker ups his game, David must make a choice—lover or bodyguard. He’d rather have Mish alive than in his bed. But Mish wants David, and no one, especially not a stalker, will force her to give him up.

One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise: all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!

Book 3
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo
Carina Press – Harlequin

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Sarah – ☆☆☆☆☆
By the end of this book, I had the biggest girl crush on Mish. I absolutely love this series and Mish’s book is easily my favourite book so far. A badass rock star, Mish is talented, confident, and charismatic. When Mish is injured by a stalker, the band hires a security guard and Mish is forced to exchange her privacy and autonomy for safety. Initially Mish fights against David and his protective measures, but the chemistry between these two is explosive and impossible to ignore.

David and Mish are beautifully matched. With his military background, David has his own skill set and his strengths complement Mish’s. I love the complexity of both characters. The stalker threat reveals previously unseen vulnerability in Mish and David has a few moments of vulnerability around his gender and size.

Like the first two books, this is a steamy, sexy read. Mish is uninhibited and the sex between her and David is crazy hot but also fun and playful at times. I love that this is a trans romance where David’s trans identity isn’t really a thing. Mish and David are hot together, the sex is creative and mutually satisfying – and free from any of the unnecessary angst or tedious educational moments that can completely ruin trans sex scenes.

I love the suspense element that Mish’s stalker brings to this book. It’s a creepy storyline and the escalating tension is brilliant. This is the most coherently structured book in the series and I think we see more of the band and their music than we do in the previous books. I’m really hoping this isn’t the end – this has become an absolute favourite series and I can’t wait for more from Anna Zabo.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is the third book in the series, and possibly a new favourite of mine. Zabo is a very talented author and has a wonderful way of writing from inside the character which ensures that you see things from a totally original perspective. It is not preachy, educational, or stilted, it is about life and one person's view of it – very powerful.

Mish is the bass player for Twisted Wishes, and she is now surrounded by two very happy, newly formed couples in the band. Whilst they still all need her nurturing ways, they have also in a way moved into a new state of friendship. I loved how this was shown throughout the story. In fact, in this installment she is the one in danger, something that their previous experiences mean they take very seriously. Cue the arrival of security in the form of David – someone who trips all of Mish's switches, and we get to enjoy the ride. Super hot, but also super sweet, intense, and loving. Their relationship breaks a whole lot of David's rules, and he has deep worries about mixing business and pleasure.

I think what was so particularly awesome about this love story was the friendship between the two of them, the closeness of their minds and hearts. I loved it when they finally made it to the Karaoke bar, and how David revealed his voice – but just for her. So deserving of a hot, sweet and sexy partner, Mish may have found him at last in David.

We also, of course, get the goodness of the rest of the band, and how that fits in with the life that the members are making for themselves now free from the shackles of their previous manager, and headlining. It is great fun to go on tour with them and see them go from mentees to mentors. Adding Mish's voice to the mix is so beautifully written about, that I could hear the impact on their sound in my mind.

If you like rock band romances with a good edge, plenty of drama, but an underlying level of love, respect, and commitment, then start at book one and imbibe the goodness. I am hoping that this is not the end – we need more Twisted Wishes (repeated as a chant for an encore) please!

Also Available in the Twisted Wishes Series

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

For reviews & more info, check out our Syncopation post.

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo
Carina Press

For reviews & more info, check out our Counterpoint post.

Anna Zabo writes contemporary and paranormal romance for all colors of the rainbow. They live and work in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which isn’t nearly as boring as most people think.

Anna grew up in the wilds of suburban Philadelphia before returning to their ancestral homelands in Western Pennsylvania. As a child they were heartily disappointed to discover that they couldn’t grow up to be what they wanted (a boy, a cat, a dragon), so they settled on being themself whenever possible, which may be a combination of a boy, a cat, and a dragon. Or perhaps a girl, a knight, and a writer. Depends on whom you ask. They do have a penchant for colorful ties and may be hording a small collection of cufflinks. They can be easily plied with coffee.

Anna has an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University, where they fell in with a roving band of romance writers and never looked back. They also have a BA in Creative Writing from Carnegie Mellon University.

Connect with Anna

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Blog  ~  Goodreads

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Reverb (Twisted Wishes #3) by Anna Zabo to read and review.

The Princess of Baker Street by Mia Kerick

When she was a child, Joey Kinkaid, assigned as a boy at birth—wearing Mom’s purple sundress and an imaginary crown—ruled the Baker Street neighborhood with a flair and imagination that kept the other kids captivated. Day after day, she led them on fantastic after-school adventures, but those innocent childhood days are over, and the magic is gone. The princess is alone.

Even Eric Sinclair, the Prince Eric to Joey’s Princess Ariel, has turned his back on his former friend, watching in silence as Joey is tormented at school. Eric isn’t proud of it, but their enchanted youth is over, and they’ve been thrust into a dog-eat-dog world where those who conform survive and those who don’t… well, they don’t. Eric has enough to deal with at home, where his mother has abandoned him to live in isolation and poverty.

But Eric can’t stay on the sidelines forever. When Joey finally accepts her female gender and comes to school wearing lip gloss, leggings, and a silky pink scarf, the bullies readily take the opportunity she hands them, driving Joey to attempt suicide and leaving Eric at a crossroads—one that will influence both their lives in not just the present, but the future.

Is there a chance the two teens can be friends again, and maybe even more?

Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo
Harmony Ink

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Sarah – ☆☆☆☆
This is the story of two childhood best friends whose relationship is nearly destroyed by social pressures in middle school. While Eric is determined to make himself as invisible at school, Joey finds it impossible to keep pretending to be a boy.

This story is told from Eric’s perspective and I kinda love that he isn’t a hero – he’s just a kid trying to survive middle school without drawing attention to himself or his increasingly scary home life. Eric makes some awful decisions and keeps some pretty huge secrets. Joey is both stronger and more vulnerable than Eric. Joey refuses to compromise herself but the reactions of her father and the kids at school soon destroy her self-esteem. And while Joey suffers emotionally, Eric starts to suffer physically as he attempts to manage on his own without food, electricity, or heat.

The one aspect of this story that doesn’t ring true for me is Eric’s mum’s transition from absent parent to supermom. As an experienced foster carer, I’ve never yet seen anything like the miraculous turnaround Eric’s mum makes in a relatively short period of time. I worry that this storyline could give kids like Eric unreasonable hopes and expectations.

Mia Kerick always makes me cry. Her writing is beautiful, and I love the way she makes Eric’s voice feel authentic in this story. I think the author captures Joey’s sense of identity well, but her experience is pretty brutal. At the moment, I’m caring for a child the same age as Eric and Joey and I know from their stories that not every trans child has experiences as difficult as Joey’s.

As an English teacher, I think this story is useful for kids who are learning lessons about acceptance and inclusion. I like the way the book explores friendships, peer pressure, and loyalty. However, I do worry that Joey’s story could cause unnecessary fear and anxiety for kids who are already struggling with gender and identity. I do like the sense of hope that infuses the end of the story and I really enjoy the resilience we see in both Eric and Joey.

Mia Kerick is the mother of four exceptional children, a political Progressive, and a writer of multiple award winning YA LGBTQ fiction that focuses on emotional growth in complicated relationships.

Her books have been featured in Kirkus Reviews magazine, have won a 2015 Best YA Lesbian Rainbow Award, a 2017 Best Transgender Contemporary Romance Rainbow Award, a Reader Views’ Book by Book Publicity Literary Award, the Jack Eadon Award for Best Book in Contemporary Drama, a YA Indie Fab Award, and a Royal Dragonfly Award for Cultural.

Connect with Mia

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of The Princess of Baker Street by Mia Kerick to read and review.

The Legend of Gentleman John by TJ Nichols – Warmest Wishes

Banyn, a fae, escorts the souls of children to Magh Meall, but one Christmas, he comes for a lad who isn’t quite dead, and he breaks a rule rather than wait while John fights a battle he’ll ultimately lose. So begins a long-running affair that crosses the border between life and death, the human and fae realms, and even oceans to strange countries with different gods and rules.

John Rourke renounced a religion that had no place for him and returned to the old ways. Convicted of theft, he is sentenced to transportation and suffers brutal punishment—until he escapes to live on his own terms as a bushranger. When vengeance against his tormentor consumes him and threatens his life, John finds he has only one holiday wish—to see his fae lover one last time.

Advent Calendar Day 27

Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Dreamspinner Press

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Angela – ☆☆☆☆☆
I loved this story. I wasn’t at all expecting it to go in the direction it did and I actually had to backtrack to make sure I understood what I read, but that’s what made it even more enjoyable for me. When an author can surprise me – and I don’t mean shock and awe surprise, but a genuine twist I didn’t see coming – I tend to remember those stories far longer than most. The Legend of Gentleman John certainly fits that bill and it’s not one I’ll soon forget.

Despite its short page count, Nichols packs a lot of story into The Legend of Gentleman John through the clever use of poignant scenes that move between the past and present of John’s life in the five years since meeting Banyn. While not my favorite storytelling device, the author shifts between the past and present seamlessly, allowing the reader to learn what has befallen John in between his visits with Banyn through their conversations and John’s inner musings. Whether it is in spite of or because of the horrors John endured in his short life, he gets the happy ending that is, in my opinion, absolutely perfect for him… and Banyn. And the glimpse of their future was a lovely touch that made their story even more endearing.

TJ NICHOLS is the author of the Studies in Demonology series as well as several novellas. Having grown up reading thrillers and fantasy novels, it’s no surprise that mixing danger and magic comes so easily. Writing urban fantasy allows TJ to make sure that evil gets vanquished and the hero gets his man.

With two cats acting as supervisors, TJ has gone from designing roads to building worlds and wouldn’t have it any other way. After traveling all over the world and Australia, TJ now lives in Perth, Western Australia.

Connect with TJ

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Blog  ~  Goodreads

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Warmest Wishes: The Legend of Gentleman John by TJ Nichols to read and review.

Make A Circle by Elliot Joyce – Warmest Wishes

Pagan punk musician Lucas is fully prepared to spend this Yule with the rest of the band and his beautiful bass guitar when Oliver, his boyfriend of almost a year, asks if he wants to join the rest of the Han family for their annual winter celebration. It comes as a shock since Ollie has gone to great lengths to keep the two apart, and Lucas always assumed he was the reason. Since they’re planning to be together long-term, Lucas can't say no to meeting Ollie’s parents, but he better brush up on his manners and his Mandarin because this is going to be a holiday season like no other—and it has some surprises in store for both of them.

Advent Calendar Day 16

Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Dreamspinner Press

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Angela – ☆☆☆☆
One of the things I have really enjoyed about this year’s selection of stories in Dreamspinner Press’ Advent Calendar is the exposure to the holiday traditions of cultures I don’t typically get to read or think to seek out to read. Make a Circle is one such story. I enjoyed getting to learn about the tangyuan competition among the women in Oliver’s family, as well as watching Lucas struggle with making tangyuan alongside the youngest of the children. I found that scene not only endearing, but quite telling about Lucas as his frustration was with the dough itself and not with the fact that his skill level was equivalent to that of the children – something to be expected as it was his first time making it, but sadly a situation that has caused more than one adult male to lose his cool. Even if I hadn’t already liked Lucas, that simple scene would have sealed the deal for me and made me understand exactly why Oliver loved him.

Oliver, on the other hand, was a bit more difficult to get to know. Granted, having the story told from Lucas’ point of view made it easier to connect with him than with Oliver. However, at times, Oliver was so distant and aloof that were it not so obvious he was uncomfortable around his family, it would have made me question if he actually liked Lucas, much less loved him. But Oliver’s obvious affection for Lucas was easy to see when the two were alone and his explanation as to why he was so tense around his family helped explain his distance. My feelings toward Oliver softened over the course of the story as I saw him display the typical embarrassment at his parents’ doting attention, saw his discomfort when older family members misgendered him, and then saw him try to calm himself when those same family members apologized for doing so because of their bad memories due to old age. But ultimately it was Oliver’s emotional breakdown after his argument with his future brother-in-law that chipped away the last bits of my reservations. It was then that I realized Oliver was trying so hard not to let past family slights and prejudices bother him that he didn’t realize that he was shutting out his biggest ally and supporter, Lucas. I was so relieved when Oliver realized how his aloofness was affecting Lucas and that the two were able to talk it out, learn what was going on in the other’s head, and move forward as a united front, taking strength in one another’s presence as a couple should. Despite its short length, Joyce manages to pack a lot of emotion into the story and I loved how the ending pointed toward a long life together full of communication, compromise, and love.

ELLIOT JOYCE is a social-media obsessed, selfie-taking millennial and he’s proud of it. He can usually be found in his room playing D&D or in a theater lurking on the catwalks. Sometimes he even writes.

Other notable facts include the fact that he’s bisexual, he cannot juggle, and he regularly trips over thin air. Catch him on tumblr or really any social media, he spends enough time on it.

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Warmest Wishes: Make A Circle by Elliot Joyce to read and review.