American Christmas by Adriana Herrera

Denpo Myint “Yin” Thuta is living the dream. His dream. A good job, higher education, supportive community and, best of all, his live-in boyfriend, Ari. Yin has his happily-ever-after… if only he and Ari could take the time to actually enjoy it. With the holidays fast approaching, Yin’s determined to change all that and surprise Ari with an over-the-top gift that will leave him in no doubt how much he’s loved—even though they agreed to keep things simple this year.

Like Yin, Aristide “Ari” Douniama worked so hard to secure his future that he may have forgotten how to enjoy his present. Despite there being plenty to be thankful for in the moment. With big plans of his own in the works to surprise Yin, Ari may or may not have gone overboard. Or forgotten to check their respective schedules.

’Tis the season of giving, and in their quest to celebrate the “perfect” American Christmas—and failing—Ari and Yin get a much-needed reminder that they already have the greatest gift of all: each other.

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!

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Dreamers series!
For book one, American Dreamer, click HERE.
For book two, American Fairytale, click HERE.
For book three, American Love Story, click HERE.
For book four, American Sweethearts, click HERE.

 

 

Book 4.5
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

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is a really fun addition to the series – it features Yin and Ari, but also gives us some time with the gang from Ithaca, and I loved seeing them all settled and happy.

Yin and Ari have finally saved up and gained places at college in the next academic year. Now they get to celebrate their first Christmas in their apartment. Sensibly, they agree on a maximum spend for presents... because they are saving for college. Except they both can't help but go overboard – and learn a hard lesson about being honest with each other.

I loved that they both knew they had made a mistake, but that it wasn't irredeemable, it was just a learning process. And it gave all their (and our) friends the chance to step up and help them turn it all around.

It may only be November but reading about Christmas was a nice escape from reality!


Sarah – ☆☆☆☆
This is a sugary sweet Christmas addition to Adriana Herrera’s Dreamers series. Where most of this series has been alternately gritty and tender, this book hits Hallmark Channel levels of adorable. It’s the perfect Christmas fairy-tale read.

Yin and Ari have been background characters in this series from the start. They’re younger than the series’ main characters but Dreamers fans will be familiar with pieces of their struggles towards their new lives in America. This story focuses on Yin and Ari’s first Christmas living together in their own flat. All of the anxieties of a first Christmas with a new and important partner are heightened for Ari and Yin because they also face the added anxiety of trying to offer each other a perfect ‘American’ Christmas in their new country.

Compared to most of the Dreamers books, Yin and Ari are both almost too perfect. They feel very young, very innocent, and very earnest. And this is where I struggled some with the story. Considering the struggles both men faced as refugees, they both feel a little bit too naive and too young. But their story is absolutely lovely. I can imagine this as a wonderfully relaxing Christmas Eve read.

I really enjoyed catching up with the characters from the Dreamers books. I love the way the older men have become like big brothers to Ari and Yin. I love that Herrera’s Christmas story is about a wonderful cross-cultural mix of chosen family that feels familiar and relatable. This book may lack some of the depth I’ve come to expect from Herrera, but it is a wonderful, feel-good read.

 

 

ADRIANA HERRERA was born and raised in the Caribbean, but for the last fifteen years has let her job (and her spouse) take her all over the world. She loves writing stories about people who look and sound like her people, getting unapologetic happy endings.

When’s she not dreaming up love stories, planning logistically complex vacations with her family or hunting for discount Broadway tickets, she’s a social worker in New York City, working with survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

Connect with Adriana

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of American Christmas (Dreamers #4.5) by Adriana Herrera to read and review.

Bound Together by K. Webster & Nikki Ash Release Blitz

From USA Today bestselling author K. Webster and Nikki Ash comes an angsty, new adult, why choose romance.

Oh, look, Ashton Carter destroyed his life—again.

Dad’s disappointed in me.
No shocker there.
But with them, it’s worse.
We’re torn apart and I’m responsible for the shredding.

Selfish.
Liar.
Unworthy.

I’ve made a mess of it all.
I’m not sure it’s even fixable.

Four broken hearts...
Anyone got any tape?

I may be self-destructive and have sucked them into my mess, destroying everyone’s lives in the process, but I’m sure I can fix it.

It’s gonna take focus and determination, both of which I’m sorely lacking.

I’m a spoiled boy who’s used to getting what I want.
In this case, I want them. All of them.
And I sure as hell won’t stop until I succeed.

Not until we’re bound together by…
Me.

Authors’ Note: Bound Together is a full-length mature, new adult, why choose romance between friends-to-lovers, enemies-to-lovers, with a bit of taboo thrown in. This story contains MF/MFMM/MM scenes. It’s the epic conclusion in the Torn and Bound duet. Torn Apart must be read first.

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Torn and Bound Duet!
For book one, Torn Apart, click HERE.

 

 

Book 2
Buy Links

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

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Shannan – ☆☆☆☆☆
Bound Together is the second installment in the Torn and Bound duet. It cannot be read as a standalone. You have to read Torn Apart before you read Bound Together to get the full impact of the duet.

Bound Together picks up where Torn Apart left us. There isn't much I can post without ruining this read, so I am choosing to be very vague in this review.

Bound Together is everything I needed it to be. The angst was high, but it was so worth riding that emotional rollercoaster to get to the end. I was so invested in these characters. I laughed, I cried, I sat on the edge of my seat, but these authors brought their A-game to this duet. This duet is so worth the read!! Highly recommend!


Mary – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is the conclusion of the Torn and Bound duet and it picks up where book one left off. It continues with a slow burn and builds a fire the simmers and smolders throughout the entire duet. But in this part, the flames grow bigger and you wonder who is going to get burned.

I do not want to give any part of this story away, but I will say that you have to read book one to understand this book. It is worth it, so please read it and you will not be disappointed. This author duo has become one of my favorites that I do not have to read any blurb about an upcoming book, it is an automatic yes for me.

So grab something to drink, a blanket, get in a comfortable place, and enjoy this awesomeness. It is worth the emotional rollercoaster ride and in the end, you will want to ride it over and over.

 

 

 

K WEBSTER is a USA Today Bestselling author.  Her titles have claimed many bestseller tags in numerous categories, are translated in multiple languages, and have been adapted into audiobooks.  She lives in “Tornado Alley” with her husband, two children, and her baby dog named Blue. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, drinking copious amounts of coffee, and researching aliens.

Connect with K

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Facebook Group: Krazy for K Webster’s Books

 

NIKKI ASH resides in South Florida where she is an English teacher and mom by day and a writer by night. When she’s not writing, you can find her with a book in her hand. From the Boxcar Children to Wuthering Heights to the latest Single Parent Romance, she has lived and breathed every type of book.

Reading is like breathing in, writing is like breathing out. – Pam Allyn

While reading and writing are her passions, her two children are her entire world. You can probably find them at a Disney park before you would find them at home on the weekends!

Connect with Nikki

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Facebook Group: Nikki Ash's Fight Club

 

 

 

Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Bound Together (Torn and Bound Duet #2) by K. Webster & Nikki Ash to read and review for this tour.

Contingency Plan by Marie James Blog Tour

As a former FBI agent, Flynn Coleman was made for his work with Blackbridge Security.

He’s highly trained, has a skill set meant for analysis and investigation, and meant to do important things.

Yet, he’s chasing a twenty-year-old starlet’s daughter around New York City because the spoiled brat never learned how to behave.

Remington Blair doesn’t need a babysitter, but her parents insist.

Keeping Flynn Coleman on his toes will be the most fun she’s had in a while.

Besides, just hearing him call her name with that accent is enough to keep her running.

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Blackbridge Security series!
For book one, Hostile Territory, click HERE.
For book one, Shot in the Dark, 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

Mary – ☆☆☆☆
Flynn Coleman is part of the Blackbridge Security team, with his set of skills he is perfect for any job they give him. But his latest job has him second-guessing what his bosses were thinking. He is nothing but a glorified babysitter.

Remington Blair is 20 years old and doesn't need a babysitter but her famous parents think she does. Well, she needs security anyway. But the way she acts, running, partying, and trying to ditch her security, she does need a babysitter. Her parents don't pay any attention to her, don't notice anything she does. All they see is what the tabloids show because they follow her everywhere.

When Flynn meets Remington, the first thing he wants to do is whip her because she acts just like a spoiled toddler who is in need of paddling for a tantrum, But the reaction she brings to his body is something he has to hide. He cannot let his feelings interfere with his job.

Can Flynn protect Remmy in a way he is meant to? What happens when they give in to the feelings building between them?

I really liked this story, the passion between Flynn and Remmy was sizzling from the moment they met. And I love the characters of the Blackbridge security team, especially Puff Daddy the African Gray Parrot, he is the best and funniest bird. I have enjoyed this series and cannot wait for the next one. I recommend them all, I hope you enjoy them too.


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆
M/F Romance

Remington is used to being ignored. She knows that she lives a life of privilege and she's made it her mission to dodge the security that her mom and stepfather have placed on her. She likes using her body and charm on them to see how far she can push them. She also knows that her parents don't expect anything from her except to put on a good show for their friends and keep their image clean. Remington isn't really wanting to follow those rules. When she meets her new security, she doesn't expect to start to care for him.

Flynn is used to working security, but his new job isn't what he signed up for. Chasing after a spoiled girl is nothing he wants but could be everything he needs. While Flynn knows that mixing business with pleasure is a big no in his job, he can't help but feel a little bit sorry for Remington.

Remington and Flynn both find themselves on a path of self-discovery. They find kindred spirits in each other and despite all odds, they end up finding themselves too. This is a quick read but was more about the chase than true security. I wished that there had been more intrigue in their story. While it was sweet, it just didn't truly follow the line of what I was expecting. However, I can't wait to see what else comes of this series.

 

 

MARIE JAMES is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance. She's book boyfriend crazy, the mother of two rowdy boys, and a wife of 15+ years. She's obsessed with tacos, otters, and FunCo Pops figures. Born, raised, and still living in central Texas, Marie spends most of her time locked away writing and reading.

Connect with Marie

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Facebook Group: Marie James' Stalkers

 

 

 

Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Contingency Plan (Blackbridge Security #3) by Marie James to read and review for this tour.

The Gentle Wolf by Pia Foxhall Release Blitz

Omega Aodhan Donne has buried his past, his life revolves around his chocolaterie, Little Star, a place where he creates sweet and happy memories. Demisexual, and used to being shoved in the friends category by the time he falls for someone, he throws all his energy into creating romantic moments for others in his store, neglecting his needs. His highlight for two years has been the man who visits his shop every Tuesday.

Beta Thomas Wilson is an historian who believes the past should be unearthed, working as the curator at Western Australia’s only shifter museum, educating children and adults about shifter history. Quiet and hard-working, he allows himself to visit Aodhan at Little Star once a week, as a treat.

When Aodhan decides he wants to get know Thomas better, he offers him a window into a complicated history that influenced the lives of shifters in the whole of Australia, and faces the possibility of Thomas learning too much about his dark past.

After deciding to take it slow, their unconventional relationship becomes a whirlwind, sweeping them up together and blowing open the doors hiding their painful pasts. They couldn’t face their truths alone, but if they’re willing to face them together, Aodhan and Thomas may get the love they’ve always yearned for.

 

 

Book 2
Buy Links

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

 

 

When Aodhan returned, he tangled his fingers together, then reached past Thomas to take his coffee and bring it over to the table. He picked up the Reserved sign himself, and Thomas followed, placing his briefcase down by the chair he always occupied, before sitting.

“I’m a little alarmed,” Thomas said.

“It’s nothing like that. I didn’t want to be interrupted. That’s all.”

Aodhan cleared his throat, then cleared it again, then shook his head like he was exasperated with himself. He shoved his fidgeting hands beneath the table, and Thomas saw his forearms tense, his shoulders bunch.

“Aodhan,” he said, at a loss.

“No, god, look at me, I’m making you worry for nothing. Honestly, it’s nothing. But I want to be honest with you.” He shook his head again and sighed. “There’s a few things about me that other people might think of as strange. Whether it’s how I paint my nails. Or how I think gender is stupid, at least for me. It’s also that, I’m— Man, I imagined this conversation would be a disaster and even what I saw in my head was smoother than how this is going.”

He placed one of his hands on the table, his fingers tapping restively. Thomas reacted without thinking, reaching up and placing his hand over Aodhan’s. The fingers stilled, and Thomas thought he was being too forward, breaking the rules, but Aodhan just stared at the place they touched.

Thomas felt Aodhan’s smooth skin, the alternating heat and coolness; heat from the coffee machine, coolness from being in an air-conditioned shop that was designed to protect chocolate from the elements. He wanted to trail his fingers up Aodhan’s forearm, and with how agitated he seemed, Thomas wanted to hold him. In that moment, he didn’t care about how scared he was of repeating whatever he’d had with Chris, he just wanted to hold him.

“Tell me,” Thomas said.

“I like you.”

Thomas blinked at him, fingers tightening helplessly on Aodhan’s hand.

“I know it’s stupid,” Aodhan said in a rush. “I know it’s too late. I know it’s been two years. I’m not even what you’re looking for, I’m sure of it. I’m demisexual, but it’s not even that, because most demi people— Okay, I don’t know most demi people, to be fair! But on the internet, it sure seems like I’m an odd one out among people who feel like odd ones out. It was really nice when you thought I was normal, honestly, please tell me to shut up now.”

“I like you, too,” Thomas heard himself say.

Aodhan’s eyes snapped up to his. “I mean I like you as more than a colleague-friend.”

“Yes.” Thomas couldn’t help smiling at that. “So do I.”

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Sarah – ☆☆☆☆
3.5 stars

This is a surprisingly gritty shifter romance. On one level, it is the story of a chocolatier who falls for a museum curator. But it is also the story of a young man who must come to terms with his difficult past before he can begin to build meaningful relationships with the people he cares about.

If child abuse and dysfunctional families are triggers, readers will want to approach this book with caution. Parts of Aodhan’s experiences are truly horrific. But other parts of Aodhan’s life are beautiful. The descriptions of his chocolates made me perpetually hungry and I love the way he has crafted his business. Similarly, Thomas’ passion for his museum is wonderful and I love the way the two men’s passions match and complement each other beautifully.

Ace romance is incredibly difficult to write because the basic romance story arc doesn’t necessarily fit an Ace relationship. Here, Aodhan is demisexual with a personal history of child abuse. Neither of these things makes for a sexy read. Thomas is also recovering from a toxic relationship, so when his baggage tangles with Aodhan's, it puts an incredible strain on a fledgling relationship. Ultimately, it is very difficult for readers to see Thomas and Aodhan’s relationship progressing or moving forward. In Ace romance, increased openness or intellectual intimacy is more difficult to convey than the progressive sexual intimacy that underpins most romance writing. The result here is a story that seems to wander at times and a central relationship that builds incredibly slowly.

I remain conflicted about this book. I really appreciated Aodhan’s growth in the book – growth in his relationship with Thomas, but also in his relationship with his friends and his sister. However, the story does feel slow and rambling and I’m not sure the quality of the writing is always strong enough to support the intensely important themes being explored.

 

 

Pia Foxhall is a queer, nonbinary, and disabled Australian author who lives in the most isolated major city in the world – Perth, Western Australia – with two rescue cats. Much of their time writing is spent working on the Patreon-supported Fae Tales serial, a dark fantasy BDSM erotica epic that has been in production for many years. They’ve always been fascinated with all types of trauma recovery stories, and they like their character’s comfort to be earned, and the growth to feel real.

You can visit Pia on Tumblr, Instagram, or Twitter, subscribe to their Newsletter, or see more of them at their Patreon.

Connect with Pia

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of The Gentle Wolf (Perth Shifters #2) by Pia Foxhall to read and review for this tour.

The Last One to Let You Down by K.L. Hiers Release Blitz

Thomas Hill is a lonely embalmer who's in some big trouble – his ex-boyfriend has been forcing him to illegally sell dangerous chemicals with no signs of stopping, and Tom doesn't know what to do. His situation gets even more complicated when Cypress Holmes, a smoking hot local florist, walks in on Tom making a deal. Cypress agrees to keep quiet, but his silence comes at a price.

Dinner and watching movies together is a strange price to pay, but Tom loves spending time with Cypress. As they grow closer and feelings begin to blossom, they discover that Tom's ex-boyfriend might be into more than just drugs – he might also be a murderer.

Author’s Note: This book includes intense sexual scenes, rough spankings, and depictions of death and embalming as they relate to the funeral industry. If this material offends or may upset you, please don’t read this book.

 

 

Buy Links

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

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Angie – ☆☆☆
I really struggled to get through this book. It was so slow and honestly, really boring. I wanted to be a mortician when I was younger, so the embalming didn't bother me. It was the abundance of it. It didn't really enhance the story either. I liked Thomas and Cypress, but I wasn't connecting or invested in them. This one missed the mark for me.

 

 

K.L. HIERS is an embalmer, restorative artist, and queer writer. Licensed in both funeral directing and funeral service, she’s been working in the death industry for nearly a decade. Her first love was always telling stories, and she has been writing for over twenty years, penning her very first book at just eight years old. Publishers generally do not accept manuscripts in Hello Kitty notebooks, however, but she never gave up.

Following the success of her first novel, Cold Hard Cash, she now enjoys writing professionally, focusing on spinning tales of sultry passion, exotic worlds, and emotional journeys. She loves attending horror movie conventions and indulging in cosplay of her favorite characters. She lives in Zebulon, NC, with her husband and their children, some of whom have paws and a few that only pretend to because they think it’s cute.

Connect with K.L.

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Facebook Group: K.L. Hiers’ Hot Dog Shack

 

 

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of The Last One to Let You Down by K.L. Hiers to read and review for this tour.

Baby Makes Three by RJ Scott & V.L. Locey Release Blitz

When baby makes three, Christmas will never be the same for Ten and Jared.

There's not much that Tennant Rowe hasn't accomplished, and all before reaching thirty. Hoisting the Cup, marrying the man of his dreams, and becoming a spokesman for LGBTQ2+ athletes' rights have filled his world with great joy. While his successes on and off the ice have been beyond his wildest expectations, he's now wondering if it's time to add one more tiny addition to his already wonderful life.

Being a dad to Ryker and marrying Ten are the two of the best things in Jared's life, only something is missing. He always wanted more children, but with Ten and the Railers riding a wave of success, how could he even broach the subject of adoption or surrogacy with the man he loves? Jared would give the moon and the stars to his husband, so when Ten reveals his desire to be a father, they start a journey that will fill their Christmas with a new and special kind of love.

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Harrisburg Railers series!
For book one, Changing Lanes, click HERE.
For book two, First Season, click HERE.
For book three, Deep Edge, click HERE.
For book four, Poke Check, click HERE.
For book five, Last Defense, click HERE.
For book six, Goal Line, click HERE.
For book seven, Neutral Zone, click HERE.
For book eight, Hat Trick, click HERE.
For book nine, Save the Date, click HERE.

 

 

Book 10
Buy Links

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

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Veronica – ☆☆☆☆
It was wonderful to be back with Jared and Ten. This time we meet them when they have decided to have a baby. The story takes us from February, when they meet their surrogate, all the way through to Christmas, leaving us with a bit of Christmas cheer.

I loved this series so much and I’m thrilled that the authors keep giving us these novellas so we can see more of the lives of not only Ten and Jared, but all the characters in the Railers series that we love. Seeing Stan again was amazing, and we also get to see how Ryker and Jacob are faring, and to spend fun family time with Ten’s parents and siblings. Ultimately though, this story is about Jared and Ten and their road to fatherhood. Their relationship is as strong as ever and I loved seeing such a strong couple stick together when things get rough.

I can’t thank the authors of this series enough for creating a world full of interesting, loveable, diverse characters that I can’t get enough of. I love that they keep writing more stories and spin-offs. It is great to see authors showing us what happily ever after looks like.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the tenth in this wonderful series – and is a really lovely return to Ten and Jared's romance, and the potential for them to start a family of their own. As Ryker is all grown up, and even planning his own wedding, Jared is getting an unexpected second chance at fatherhood.

This is a lovely mix of impending parenthood, scorching hot romance, and some nail-biting hockey moments. Let's be honest, any time Ten takes to the ice, all of us faithful fans are in absolute turmoil every time someone gets close and he might suffer another head injury.

We also have some fun scenes with other members of the Railers family – including a nod to Colorado, and of course, Stan providing some advice and baby gear.

Yum – many thanks to both Scott and Locey for another very enjoyable read.

 

 

RJ SCOTT is a USA Today bestselling author of over 140 romance and suspense novels. From bodyguards to hockey stars, princes to millionaires, cowboys to military heroes to every-day heroes, she believes that love is love and every man deserves a happy ending.

Connect with RJ

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RJ Scott’s Facebook Group

 

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

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

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

Connect with V.L.

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Vicki’s Vixens

 

 

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Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Baby Makes Three (Harrisburg Railers #10) by RJ Scott & V.L. Locey to read and review for this tour.