It's Complicated by Kindle Alexander Blog Tour

Nightclub manager Julian Cullen runs Reservations with impeccable precision and a deep sense of pride. But repressed memories from his abduction two years ago surface, leaving him struggling emotionally. Julian vows to reclaim his previous life but doesn’t factor in the biggest distraction of all: the handsome cowboy hanging around the club intent on gaining his attention.

Entrepreneur Beckett St. Clair built an industry-leading survivalist training company through hard work and dedication. The tough as nails outdoorsman can navigate any situation or so he thinks…When a chance encounter with a guarded night club manager leaves him tumbling head over heels into uncharted territory.

One man is lost to his past, the other dreams of a future.
Both men will soon find out love is never easy… it’s complicated.

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

 

 

Book 2
Buy Links

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

 

 

“I’m being asked if table thirty-three can incorporate thirty-four into their party.”

Julian looked over to see a crowd of men gathered around the larger high-boy table. “No, give it some time. St. Clair’s a good customer. Get some barstools from the back, and let’s see if he arrives.”

“Hey, Julian. Have we heard from thirty-four? Is he coming in tonight?” Remington, another waiter, asked from about the midway point down the bar where he loaded his tray with cocktail glasses. “One of my guests wants to know.”

“Who wants to know?” Julian looked over to Remington’s section of tables as if a large red arrow would point him out.

“The older guy at table twenty-seven.”

Julian’s gaze locked on that table. All the men looked older, sophisticated, well put together, and handsome. Damn.

“Which one?” Julian asked.

“The older one,” Remington repeated, then turned with his tray full of drinks in his hand. “Is he coming tonight?”

So, the Marlboro Man had built a fan club involving more than just the club’s waiters and bartenders. Julian’s possessive side stood on guard. “We’re holding the table for him, but he’s late.”

Julian dug into the salad with his fork, stuffing a big bite into his mouth, and reached for the untouched glass of water nearby. He chomped out his frustration that the big, tall cowboy hat wearing mystery man was building some possible hookups.

Julian had watched as Beckett sat alone for hours at his table until some of the waiters were cut from their shifts and ended up joining the guy. Beckett had become a welcome patron in the club and his table a safe place for most of the guys who worked for Reservations to gather.

No, Julian hadn’t missed all the long lingering looks Beckett tossed his way. He liked the way Beckett watched him. Those intriguing brown eyes and that appealing gaze. Beckett was all man, every single inch of him. He knew that for a fact because he’d rubbed himself against all that masculinity when they’d danced.

An unexpected sensation had Julian dropping the fork in his hand to the plate, his gaze lowering to his trouser-covered cock. Holy hell, the way it plumped painfully against his zipper had his heart thumping wildly in his chest. The damn thing did, in fact, work. How long had it been since he’d grown hard? He couldn’t remember. Tears of happiness sprung to his eyes, making him fight to swallow the lump forming in his throat. Damn, it felt good.

How much had he had to drink? Regardless of his actions over the last few days, Julian had given up alcohol. Should he have been drinking this whole time?

“Boss, you good?” Ricco tapped the edge of the bar to gain Julian’s attention.

He paid the bartender no heed, not wanting to lose this moment. Julian had only had two cocktails over the last couple of hours. That meant he was practically sober, yet his cock was working again for the first time in a long while.

Under Ricco’s intense scrutiny, Julian’s cock deflated. He closed his eyes, bringing forth images of Beckett sitting alone at his table, rarely speaking to anyone. Every single time Beckett showed up or planned to leave for the night, his gaze sought out Julian. No matter how hard Julian fought the urge to turn Beckett’s way he eventually would turn, helpless to do anything but.

Beckett would smile and touch the brim of his hat. Fuck, what a sexy move. Beckett’s strong jaw and full lips, his dark tanned skin… Julian’s dick swelled at warp speed.

Hell yeah. Julian was helpless to stop the tear that built enough steam to trickle down his cheek. This had to mean he was healing, right?

“Julian. You good?”

He opened his eyes, prepared to share with Ricco exactly why he was great right now. His hand reached to wipe away the tear when the unique scent of outdoors, sunshine, and exotic spices hit his senses. Unmistakably Beckett. He looked over to see an expansive masculine chest and broad shoulders leaning into him as Beckett busted a move to avoid a collision with one of the busboys.

Julian lifted his gaze. Of course, he held all of Beckett’s undivided attention. They locked gazes for one, maybe two long seconds, before Ricco’s hand slapped down hard on the bar top, pulling Julian’s gaze toward Ricco.

“What?” He said the word with maybe three syllables of frustration.

Ricco showed zero cares about Julian’s obvious annoyance “Are. You. Goooda?”

“Mind your business. Concentrate on the job you’re being paid to do.” Julian motioned to the line of waiters standing at the bar, waiting for their drinks. But even that only held his attention for the briefest of moments before he happily lowered his gaze again to his dick. The damn thing was rigidly hard, straining against his form-hugging pants. Holy fuck. The relief was staggering.

Julian dropped his head between his shoulder blades, thanking the universe for this blessing.

“Mr. St. Clair, we were getting worried about you,” Ricco said.

“Call me Beckett.” The rich masculine timbre held hints of a deeply cultured southern accent, drawing Julian’s gaze to Beckett once again.

“A guy at one of Remington’s tables wants to buy your drinks tonight,” Ricco said to Beckett as he started to pour again. “He asked me to see if you’re interested when you came in.”

Julian’s head dropped forward; he couldn’t help his astonished stare. He got caught up in Beckett’s new look. Julian’s gaze narrowed to Beckett, admiring how he wore the hugely popular suit with the athletic cut. Beckett looked fashionable in a style that accented every one of his masculine curves and edges. He was clean-shaven with his hair styled and pushed back off his forehead. No cowboy hat to be found anywhere.

“Which table?” Beckett asked and turned toward the grouping of tables. His body angled to look where Remington pointed to a group of three men. Julian looked down the length of Beckett’s long body. He wasn’t wearing boots tonight or a tie. Instead, his collar was unbuttoned with a small amount of fur peaking from the opening. The look suited him. Julian’s fingers twitched to run over the man’s exposed skin. He’d bet Beckett had the same dark tan all the way down that expansive chest.

Beckett was mouthwateringly gorgeous in this new look. Who would have known the man could be even more handsome than Julian remembered?

Tonight, the man held an air of confidence that he didn’t usually have. Beckett lifted a hand to the men, grinned a sultry smile, and turned back to Ricco. “Buy his next round on me and tell him thank you, I’m flattered, but I’ve got my eye on someone else tonight.”

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Angie – ☆☆☆☆
Man... this book was a bumpy ride, but worth every minute. Julian and Beckett were just perfect for each other. Julian has been through so much and had to deal with just as much to get where he is today. Beckett knew the moment he saw Julian he was worth the wait. From the first page I was all in and I couldn't wait to see how things played out. Beckett was simply perfect and everything Julian needed. These two gave me all the feels. I laughed, cried, cheered them on, and, of course, fell in love with them. Highly recommend.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series – and whilst I would definitely recommend that you read them in order, to get the full goodness of the side relationships, you can read this first and enjoy going back and getting Thane and Levi's story afterwards too!

Julian is a fascinating character – he was badly attacked and had Thane not been a true gentleman, who knows what would have befallen him. Luckily Thane not only supported him through the trauma, but he also gave him a new purpose, managing his club, Reservations. But as he heals, he wonders whether he should not go back to his life as an escort again, enjoying the wealth and perks of the lifestyle.

One guy at the club, Beckett, has his eye on Julian, and thinks there is a spark back. Not really secure in his recent acceptance of his sexual orientation, he does not imagine he makes much of an impression, but he is trying. For such a secure, vital man, his nerves are strangely appealing and very honest. It took me only seconds to only want good things for both of them – and I was sure it was to be with each other – but the gaps in their dreams and expectations are significant...

A lovely, sexy, romantic, and cheering read – thank you, Kindle Alexander!


Shannan – ☆☆☆☆
3.5 stars

It's Complicated is the second book in the Reservations series. It can be read as a complete standalone, as I did, but now after meeting Thane and Levi, I have to go back and read the first book in the series, Reservations.

Two years ago Julian Cullen was attacked, and his entire life has changed. He misses the life he had. He loved being an escort and was good at his job. He wants that life back and wants to fight to get there but he hates that he can't remember who did this to him. Thane took care of Julian, paying his hospital bills and giving him a job. Julian loved working at Reservations, he was good at his job. And when the tall handsome man gives him attention, he fights everything in him to ignore that attention.

From the moment Beckett St. Clair walks into Reservations, he has his eyes set on Julian. He doesn't know Julian's past, but he has an urge to protect the man in any way he can. Beckett is very gentle and sweet with Julian, going at his pace.

Beckett and Julian are completely opposite but work so well together. And Woofers, how could you not love that dog?! I am excited to see what is next for Reservations with Rico's story!


Veronica – ☆☆☆
This story started well. I found Julian interesting, sexy, and strong willed. He is a city boy and likes the finer things in life. Beckett, on the other hand, is down to earth, hardworking, and a man who loves the outdoors. They guys come from different worlds, and I adored them both. I loved Beckett’s patience and that he was happy to take things slowly and to be supportive of whatever Julian needed. I wanted them to be together because that was what Beckett wanted and I wanted him to be happy.

This story is focused almost entirely on Julian and Beckett, which was fine at first, but as the story approached the midway point things started to slow down. As much as I liked Beckett and Julian, the story started to struggle to hold my attention because not a great deal seemed to be happening. By the time I hit the halfway point I considered giving up reading but I’m a big fan of Kindle Alexander, so I decided to push on. I’m glad I kept reading because the last third of the book had the emotion and drama I wanted, and it sucked me right back into the story and had me shedding a few tears. I read the rest of the book in one sitting.

Overall, I enjoyed It’s Complicated. The ending was so satisfying, and Julian and Beckett deserved to be happy, and I was happy for them. 3.5 stars.

 

 

Bestselling author KINDLE ALEXANDER is an innovative writer, and a genre-crosser who writes classic fantasy, romance, suspense, and erotica in both the male/male and male/female genres. It's always a surprise to see what's coming next!

For the full bio, visit Kindle’s website.

Connect with Kindle

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Kindle's Krew

 

 

 

Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of It's Complicated (Reservations #2) by Kindle Alexander to read and review for this tour.

Shelter by Kristen Proby Release Blitz

A small town, close proximity romance from New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Kristen Proby.

Remi Carter has survived her fifteen minutes of fame and is putting LA in her rearview mirror. As a former reality show contestant, she’s trading staged expeditions and faked wilderness tours for real adventures. Only one fluke storm in Glacier National Park has her stranded with a handsome man, and adventure takes on a whole new meaning.

Seth King is as rugged and sexy as he is annoyed to be trapped with Remi. Probably because she ghosted him at the local bar not three days ago. But she’s got her reasons for ditching him, and twenty-four hours in an abandoned Montana cabin with the wildlife biologist isn’t nearly enough time to explain.

As tempting as he is by firelight, she’s been burned too many times.

Except one day together and suddenly her travel van doesn’t hold as much appeal. The open road feels lonely. Remi’s about to learn that shelter is more than a safe place to weather a storm.

Shelter might just be the man himself. If he can give her a reason to stay.

 

 

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Kobo
Audiobook (US)  ~  Paperback (US)

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆☆
M/F Romance
Triggers: Click HERE to see Avid Reader’s review on Goodreads for trigger warnings.

Remi has lived in the limelight and no longer wants that fame. She likes living in her van, being able to travel where the wind takes her. She has had a less than stellar home life and now that she's an adult, she can help heal herself by traveling and enjoying the outdoors. An adrenaline and outdoors junky, she can't get enough of the climbs, rafting trips, etc. that she enjoys. When she finds herself hiking at the wrong time and gets trapped in a snowstorm, she wonders if she's gone too far this time.

Seth loves his hometown. He grew up with nothing and was taken in by family who gave him everything. He knows the mountains like the back of his hand and also knows that the weather up there can be sudden and fierce. When he sees Remi, she instantly piques his interest. She's beautiful and not at all what he expects. He also doesn't really know of her previous fame and that suits Remi fine.

These two have fantastic chemistry and their love of the outdoors is really what pulls their unlikely friendship together. Both have to overcome their own heartache and heartbreak, but both make each other stronger, better, and their relationship is one that everyone can aspire to.

Love is hard for them both. It was fun to see them learn and develop love in their own way. Seeing people from the previous book too was a fun treat. While you don't have to read book one, it is recommended since characters come back.

I really enjoyed this romance and can't wait to see what happens next!

 

 

KRISTEN PROBY has published more than forty titles, many of which have hit the USA Today, New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists. She continues to self publish, best known for her With Me In Seattle and Boudreaux series, and is also proud to work with William Morrow, a division of HarperCollins, with the Fusion and Romancing Manhattan Series.

Kristen and her husband, John, make their home in her hometown of Whitefish, Montana with their two cats.

Connect with Kristen

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Proby's Peeps

 

 

 

Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Shelter (Heroes of Big Sky #2) by Kristen Proby to read and review for this tour.

Code Name: Disavowed by Sawyer Bennett Release Blitz

Life works in mysterious ways. Jameson Force Security has just received notice of a disavowed CIA agent in need of rescue in Central America. My blood runs cold when I learn that agent is none other than Greer Hathaway—my former fiancée.

Having gone our separate ways more than a decade ago, I still have bitter feelings toward Greer and the demise of our relationship. Those feelings don’t change the fact that I loved her more than anything, so I’m on the next flight out to embark on a rescue mission. Besides, Greer once saved my life, so now it’s time to return the favor and put her firmly in my past.

Face-to-face for the first time since ending our engagement, Greer and I are left with not only anger, unanswered questions and regrets, but also the undeniable chemistry we apparently still have. Will the promise of a new future together be enough, or will the same obstacles tear us apart again?

Don’t miss our reviews of other books in the Jameson Force Security series!
For book one, Code Name: Genesis, click HERE.
For book two, Code Name: Sentinel, click HERE.
For book four, Code Name: Hacker, click HERE.
For book five, Code Name: Ghost, click HERE.
For book six, Code Name: Rook, click HERE.
For book seven, Code Name: Tiara, click HERE.

 

 

Book 8
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo
Audiobook (US)  ~  Paperback (US)

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary – ☆☆☆☆☆
As with all of the Code Name books, this one did not disappoint. I wait for each of these team members' back stories and each will take you on a journey that will leave you feeling in awe of author Sawyer Bennett's writing style.

This one started with a disavowed CIA agent that needed to be rescued and Jameson Force Security is all too ready to go. And it didn't slow down from there, Ladd takes off to save the girl from his past and hopes to leave her there when they return. But when the rescue is over, the sparks between them are still there and sizzling even stronger.

As things go a little haywire, the team heads to Central America to bring down the bad guys. This story is filled with suspense, wonder, awe, lost love, fear, and a love to last. You need to read this one; once I started it, I only stopped to work, sleep, and eat. I hope you love it too.


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars
M/F Second-chance romance

I have really enjoyed this series. Bennett has a way of writing back stories that pull you right in. You want to cheer for each character.

When CIA agent Greer is captured, she isn't sure if she's been disavowed or if she will be rescued. She has to think on her feet and know quickly who she can trust and who is the enemy. She knows the information she has is of great value to both sides and hopes that someone will come for her.

Ex-CIA agent Ladd has a great life. He loves his son, has a great co-parenting relationship with his ex-wife, and loves his job at Jameson. When a new case comes across their desks, and Ladd sees who it's about, he knows, without a doubt, that he'll be going. The woman who broke his heart is stranded and being held captive. He can't not go.

With the past dogging their every move, old feelings resurface that neither Greer nor Ladd can outrun. As they try to figure out who is pulling the strings behind Greer's capture, they both will have a hard look at where they went wrong when they were younger.

In the world of spies, it's hard to know who you can trust. Greer and Ladd have a second chance to figure out how to trust again. They will have to trust each other in order to uncover what really is going on and to know whether or not they can find their way back to each other.

You won't be disappointed in this book. It's fast-paced, well-developed, and you get to see the main characters really grow. Also, you get to see the next book's beginning and let's just say I can't wait!


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the eighth book in the series and I would definitely recommend them all to you - but if you wanted to start here and then go back to the beginning, you would get a great story even without all the nuance. And the complications in Jameson Force Security staff's love life are intense and as each one falls in love, the next steps up to take a chance!

We get to learn a great deal about Ladd and his past in this one, most especially that he married a totally wonderful, even if not for him, woman. Her level of happiness for them and kindness towards Greer was clearly a little overwhelming for her!

I loved the complications which Greer needing rescuing brought to the team, and the disavowing made me think of Burn Notice, which was a fun memory. I am a huge fan of the spy, double spy, greedy spy genre, and this one worked well for me. I am delighted that the outcome proved to be so satisfying. I loved that we got to know Greer better thanks to the women in Jameson Force Security being prepared to recognise when someone needs a friend and some reassurance, even if they are a badass.

Great new installment, thank you, Sawyer Bennett.

 

 

 

New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author SAWYER BENNETT uses real life experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.

If you’d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, click HERE to sign up for her newsletter.

Sawyer also writes general and women’s fiction under the pen name S. Bennett and sweet romance under the name Juliette Poe.

Connect with Sawyer

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  TikTok  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Sawyer Bennett's Never Ending Party

 

 

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Code Name: Disavowed (Jameson Force Security #8) by Sawyer Bennett to read and review for this tour.

Christmas Wish List by N.R. Walker

In need of work and a change of scenery, Aussie ex-pat Jayden Turner agrees to a short-term chef position at a Bed and Breakfast over the Christmas holidays. After all, how hard could it be in a small town in the mountains of Montana? What he finds is a grand old house in a beautiful town, and his new boss is gorgeous, gay, and single.

After his divorce, Carter “Cass” Campion bought his great-aunt’s rundown country manor in his hometown, and he’s determined to get it ready for the busy holiday period. Recently out as gay, he’s been focused solely on his business and hasn’t had time for a man. Not that many gay men come through Hartbridge...

As his new clients arrive, and being away from his two kids, celebrating Christmas is the last thing on Cass’s mind. But his new chef has other ideas. And if there’s one thing on his Christmas Wish List this year, Jayden can make it come true.

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Hartbridge Christmas series!
For book one, Tic-Tac-Mistletoe, click HERE.

 

 

Book 2
Buy Links

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

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Angie – ☆☆☆☆☆
You don't need to read the first book in the series to enjoy this book, but previous characters do show up in this book. Cass and Jayden are just amazeballs together. Instant attraction but they used restraint due to their working relationship. This is a Hallmark and Lifetime movie all in one. Sweet, wholesome, loving, and just a feel-good movie. Cass is so innocent and sweet and scared. Jayden is just wanting something and doesn't want to get his hopes up. This is a great Christmas story with lots of feels.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆☆
I loved this just as much as I did the first book in the series last year, and was so happy that we met up with Hamish and Ren again too!

This time, Aussie ex-pat Jayden finds himself taking on a cheffing role over the Christmas holidays in Hartbridge. He is not sure where he is going to work next, but this is a good stopgap. Well, it turns out, he finds himself helping Cass finish off the B&B ready for its first guests as well as doing the cooking, and, just maybe, falling in love!

There are so many lovely little touches and quirks which endear us to both men, and bring them to life. As a complete match to Cass with his wonderful lists, but constantly changing priority brain, I loved how Jayden unpicked the issue and worked hard to keep the momentum going. It made what could have been boring tasks as they got to know each other incredibly amusing and engaging.

I love romantic stories about chefs, about Christmas. and about snow – so when you add in a lovely family dynamic, the reconnection with the guys from last year's story, and all the quaintness of Hartbridge, I loved this book!


Veronica – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in N.R. Walker’s Hartbridge Christmas series and we see another Aussie come to the small town. This time it is Aussie Chef Jayden. He is hired by Cass to work at his B&B for its opening over Christmas. Hartbridge is a picturesque town, and I was happy to get to be there again.

Jayden and Cass hit it off pretty quickly. Their mutual attraction is clear. I loved their flirting and conversations and how they respected each other. When Jayden arrives, he sees that Cass has renovated his property almost entirely on his own but a few jobs remain to be completed. Jayden steps in to help Cass and it was so cute seeing them work together. They were like two peas in a pod.

Over the course of the week Jayden spends with Cass there are lots of little delightful moments and the men have lovely people around them. And while I am getting all gushy about the romance of the story, it does have a dash of spice and it is just the right amount. Like everything about this story, the author got it just right, even though you could see where the story was headed and knew what was coming, it was still fabulous.

I adored a Christmas Wish List. For me, it is a perfect Christmas story. I loved sitting by the lights of my Christmas tree reading such a lovely and sweet romance.


Shannan – ☆☆☆☆
Christmas Wish List is the second book in the Hartbridge Christmas series. It can be read as a complete standalone, but to completely enjoy the glimpses of past characters it is better to read in the order that the author intended.

Carter "Cass" Campion moved back into town after coming out as gay, divorcing his wife, and purchasing his aunt's manor to turn into a bed and breakfast. He threw himself into the restoration to avoid the guilt and pain of hurting everyone when he came out. He wasn't living at this point, he's just surviving until he hires a handsome chef to help him during Christmas with the grand opening.

Jayden Turner was in need of a new start after leaving his last job. He thought finding this temporary job would be perfect until he found somewhere to go. Jayden wasn't expecting to find out his boss is a newly out handsome man. The sparks fly as Jayden helps Cass give up the guilt he feels and be who he was meant to be.

This perfect little town is overflowing with Christmas cheer and provides a picture-perfect backdrop for this sweet, unrushed love story. The banter between Jayden and Cass is perfect while you see them fall deep for each other. Definitely a cozy holiday read.

 

 

N.R. WALKER is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance. She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn’t have it any other way.

She is many things: a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who live in her head, who don’t let her sleep at night unless she gives them life with words.

She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things... but likes it even more when they fall in love.

She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.

She’s been writing ever since...

Connect with N.R.

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: N.R’s Readers’ Group

 

 ARC provided by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Christmas Wish List (Hartbridge Christmas #2) by N.R. Walker to read and review.

The Wishing Tree by RJ Scott Release Blitz

It takes an impossible Christmas wish for Bailey to find forever love with his brother’s best friend.

Turning twenty-five and still a virgin, Bailey has barely dated, let alone acted on the private fantasies featuring his brother’s best friend, newly retired hockey star, Kai. All he wants is for Kai to love him, but after a summer when Kai’s anger drove them apart, love doesn’t seem possible at all.

When Kai goes home to Wishing Tree, he knows he owes everyone an apology, not least of all to the man he loves. He’s convinced he can be the man Bailey deserves, and he needs to show Bailey how much he’s changed.

The only problem? Bailey has secrets he’s scared will drive Kai away, and Kai is running out of time to convince Bailey that falling in love starts with a wish, and can end up in forever.

The Wishing Tree is a standalone small-town Christmas MM romance with perfect snow, twinkling lights, a first real kiss, a shy virgin with a silken kink, a retired hockey player, and all the Christmas feels.

 

 

Buy Links

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

 

 

“What now?” Archie asked, clutching his precious notebook to his chest. He was old-school like that, everything written down in longhand, but then he was close to retiring at sixty-two, and kept telling me the old ways were the best. Maybe he was right—in an age of texting emojis, there was an intimacy in writing. He had to come to terms with one of his clients deciding to retire all on his own account, but he’d never tried to stop me.

“I’m going home for good now.”

“To Oak Tree?”

“Wishing Tree,” I corrected him, and smiled at the fond memories conjured up by hearing the name of the town where I’d grown up.

It was time to go home and face up to all the things I’d messed up with my family, apologize to my dad and sister, offer a ton of babysitting, have beers with old friends, and maybe get my head on straight. Find out if I could work hard and make my dreams a reality. I’d spent so many years flirting with Bailey, and then pulling back, scared of hurting him, terrified of having nothing to offer him, and I couldn’t do this anymore. I needed to be honest with him, and to say I loved him and that he was my everything.

Archie and I stared at each other for the longest time, and I could see my agent’s brain spinning until finally, he folded his arms across his chest and smiled.

“I’m glad you’re searching for something else; I’ve been worried about you.”

“I’ve been worried about myself.” For so long I’d been Kai-the-hockey-player, pushing through injury, aiming for the cup, being part of the team, and my head was so messed up. I’d lost my mom to cancer five years ago and I’d used hockey as a crutch, the grief pushed so far down that I’d almost forgotten. It had festered and become something so big I couldn’t ignore it anymore.

“I’ll be here if you want to talk about the future, although…” He stopped and then huffed a laugh. “You’re my last client, and you know what? I’m sixty-two and I think I might just be retiring as well.”

“I’m sorry, shit—”

“No, don’t be. Miriam wants us to move back to Vancouver, spend time with the grandkids, and I get the feeling the time is right.”

“For both of us.”

“Yeah.”

“All I know now is that I need to go home. I owe apologies, I need to make amends, and then there’s…”

“What?”

“A man I can’t stop thinking about.”

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is a very enjoyable Christmassy read, where a long-time wish, which never made it onto the Wishing Tree, finally comes true. We join the jolly and busy people in the town getting ready for the Christmas tourists – be ready for a total immersion in all the festive fun.

Kai has been living his dream playing in the NHL far away from home. But his priorities have changed and now he is ready to give his Angel all that he wants... so he is back in his hometown.

Angel, aka Bailey, has never really left the town, and that is just the way he likes it, safe in the company of his family and living a quiet life making custom jewellery. He has loved Kai forever but after an aborted kiss last time he visited, he just doesn't know how to deal with the situation.

I love how this super cute and sexy romance develops, and how their families are all for them getting their chance at happiness. I was so invested that as soon as I discovered there was a bonus chapter, I was there!

Perfect Christmas reading, thank you, RJ Scott.

 

 

USA Today bestselling author RJ SCOTT has written over one hundred romance books. Emotional stories of complicated characters, cowboys, single dads, hockey players, millionaires, princes, bodyguards, Navy SEALs, soldiers, doctors, paramedics, firefighters, cops, and the men who get mixed up in their lives, always with a happy ever after.

She lives just outside London and spends every waking minute she isn’t with family either reading or writing. The last time she had a week’s break from writing, she didn’t like it one little bit, and she has yet to meet a box of chocolates she couldn’t defeat.

Connect with RJ

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  TikTok  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: RJ Scott – Special Secret Group

 

 

 

Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of The Wishing Tree by RJ Scott to read and review for this tour.

Eight Perfect Hours by Lia Louis

In this romantic and heartwarming novel, two strangers meet in chance circumstances during a blizzard and spend one perfect evening together, thinking they’ll never see each other again. But fate seems to have different plans. From the acclaimed author of the “swoon-worthy… rom-com” (The Washington Post) Dear Emmie Blue.

On a snowy evening in March, thirty-something Noelle Butterby is on her way back from an event at her old college when disaster strikes. With a blizzard closing off roads, she finds herself stranded, alone in her car, without food, drink, or a working charger for her phone.

All seems lost until Sam Attwood, a handsome American stranger also trapped in a nearby car, knocks on her window and offers assistance. What follows is eight perfect hours together, until morning arrives and the roads finally clear. The two strangers part, positive they’ll never see each other again but fate, it seems, has a different plan. As the two keep serendipitously bumping into one another, they begin to realize that perhaps there truly is no such thing as coincidence.

With plenty of charming twists and turns and Lia Louis’s “bold, standout voice” (Gillian McAllister, author of The Good Sister), Eight Perfect Hours is a gorgeously crafted novel that will make you believe in the power of fate.

 

 

Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo
Audiobook (US)  ~  Paperback (US)
Emily Bestler Books (S&S)

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
I really enjoyed this sweet, serendipitous, and sexy story, which all started with a snowstorm.

Noelle and Sam spend a night together after their journeys are disrupted by snow. And here starts a connection which we see slowly unfold and turn into a most unexpected source. Whilst the chances that they should meet are really small, I subscribe to the idea that life is stranger than fiction, and this book skirts along the limits in a really clever way.

It is impossible not to want the two of them to find a way to be together, even if they live completely different lives.

A lovely read, thank you, Lia Louis!

 

 

LIA LOUIS lives in the United Kingdom with her partner and three young children. Before raising a family, she worked as a freelance copywriter and proofreader. She was the 2015 winner of Elle magazine’s annual writing competition and has been a contributor for Bloomsbury’s Writers’ and Artists’ blog for aspiring writers. She is the author of Somewhere Close to Happy, Dear Emmie Blue, and Eight Perfect Hours.

Connect with Lia

Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Goodreads

 

 

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Eight Perfect Hours by Lia Louis to read and review.