Tuesday, April 19, 2022

Code Name: Revenge by Sawyer Bennett Release Blitz

Code Name: Revenge

When Kynan McGrath approached me about joining Jameson Force Security, I jumped at the chance. Just call me Dozer Burney, one half of the genius duo who keeps the team at the forefront of security technology. The move from NASA to Jameson also put me back on the east coast, closer to those who mean the most to me.

Jessica Anderson has been my best friend since college. A single mom who found herself mixed up with a dangerous man years ago, she’s been living a safe, quiet life in Miami after helping police put him behind bars. We both knew her safety, and that of her daughter, was reliant on him staying locked up. So when I see an alert that he’s escaped from his maximum security prison, I know where he’s heading to exact his revenge.

Now it’s a race against time to get to Jessica before he does.

Protecting her with my life is easy, because there’s one thing I’ve never admitted to anyone, not even myself—I have been in love with Jessica Anderson since the day I met her. And if we both make it out alive, I’ll make sure she knows it every day for the rest of our lives.

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.
For book eight, Code Name: Disavowed, click HERE.

 

Add to Goodreads.

 

Code Name: Revenge by Sawyer Bennett

Book 9
Buy Links

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

 

 

I need you in my life, Dozer. Now that I can be free with my feelings, my life won’t be complete without you.

 

Reviews


Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team


Avid Reader☆☆☆☆☆
M/F Friends-to-Lovers Romance

Dozer is one of those men who you know is just built to protect. He has a way about him – his friends and family know that he will protect them with everything he has and is. When he finds out that his best friend from back home is in danger, he goes full tilt to make sure she and her daughter are safe. Dozer loves both Jessica and her daughter and has since he met them. But he's only ever been Jessica's friend and confidant. While he knows that he loves her more than a friend, he's never wanted to change their relationship or ruin it.

Jessica is fun, smart, dedicated, and loyal. She has known Dozer for years and her daughter has the best godfather around. Even though she knows that she helped put someone bad away, when Dozer is at her doorstep in the middle of the night, she can't help but see him as her friend and protector. She's never let herself go there because she didn't want to ruin their relationship. Dozer is too important to her.

As Dozer and Jessica navigate the danger coming for them, both will have to decide if life together might just be what they both want and need. The suspense and romance are well balanced in this story. You won't be disappointed. I have loved each of these books and I can't wait for more from Bennett.


Mary☆☆☆☆☆
I think I fall in love more with each new book that comes out in this series. In each book, we still get the other characters, and that makes my heart happy, but there are new characters too.

Dozer is the other half of the genius duo behind the computers for Jameson Force Security but in this book, he is out in the field because he feels it is the only way he can protect Jessica.

Jessica and Dozer met in college and have been best friends since. He has been in love with her since he met her, but he has kept that to himself. Now that her life is in danger, he will tell her how he feels, that is, if he survives.

When Jessica finds out the plan that Dozer has in mind, she goes off on him. It takes a lot for him to explain why he is doing what he is doing. Will she accept that he wants to protect and keep her, her daughter, and her mother safe? Will there be a future for Dozer and Jessica?

I loved Dozer, Jessica, and Thea (Jessica's daughter). They were the best of friends who could laugh together, have fun, and love as a family. But when it was time to get serious, the team at Jameson Force Security was behind Dozer to help because it was someone he loved, even though no one knew her. That is how it works with this group and that is what I love most. I cannot wait for Code Name: Omega.


Ruthie☆☆☆☆
This is the ninth book in the series, and they just are such good reads – I do recommend that you read them in order, as there are underlying plots which you might otherwise miss, but should you start here, I can bet that you will go back and enjoy the goodness anyway!

We know that Dozer is a standup guy, and he definitely deserves to get the girl – and the only girl he ever wanted, Jessica, got taken by his best friend first. But since she became a widow, he has stepped in and helped out with her daughter, Thea, and whilst they live at a distance, there is nothing he wouldn't do for them.

This story takes Dozer out of his comfort zone work-wise as he is on the team out in the field, rather than safe in his computer haven, and that adds to the tension for sure – but he does not disappoint with his heroics. After all, saving his one true love from an escaped felon is more important than his safety.

I loved the drama, the intensity, and yet also, the fun with Thea. Great shades of light and dark, moments of great passion, and then the guilt at being happy. Once Dozer and Jess had the courage to speak with each other, they recognised that their love was mutual and their dreams converged – but as two independent souls, it certainly took some dramatic change in events to get them to that point!

Another fabulous story with fun catchups with the group as a whole – such a big, accepting family, what is not to love?

 

 

If we both make it out alive, I’ll make sure she knows how much I love her every day for the rest of our lives.

 

Author Bio


Sawyer Bennett. New York Times Bestselling Author.

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 Bennett

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

 

 

She’s a friend, but… she’s always been the one for me.


Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Code Name: Revenge (Jameson Force Security #9) by Sawyer Bennett to read and review. Mary received her copy via the author’s ARC team.

Just One Dare by Carly Phillips Release Blitz


A one-night stand with no names exchanged.
Six years later, she comes face to face with her baby’s father again.

Aurora Michaels isn’t the same girl she was that spring night. No longer homeless and living in the back room of a diner where she worked, she’s now a member of the wealthy Kingston family. She has her daughter, a career and has adjusted to her new normal.

Billionaire Nick Dare is a man who takes charge. He runs the hotel arm of the family empire and his life revolves around business and travel. A quick stop at his brother's movie premier has him doing a double take.

The woman who haunts his dreams is there. He’s been given a second chance and is determined to make the most of it.

When he learns about their daughter, Nick becomes a man on a mission. Aurora and their child are his. Even if he has to knock down Aurora’s emotional walls to prove it.

Don’t miss our reviews of other books in The Kingston Family series!
For book one, Just One Night, click HERE.
For book two, Just One Scandal, click HERE.
For the novella, Just One Wish, click HERE.

 

Add to Goodreads.

 

Just One Dare by Carly Phillips

Book 5
Buy Links

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

 

 

She’d had enough broken promises in her life. All that mattered was that he be there for his daughter.

 

Reviews


Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team


Avid Reader☆☆☆☆
M/F Second-Chance Romance

If you're not familiar with this series, I suggest you start at the beginning. This story can be read alone, but the characters are seen throughout the series and their relationships are much stronger if you start at the beginning.

Aurora can finally breathe a little. After having a horrible childhood and aging out of the foster care system, she knew that life was going to be hard. Then finding out she was pregnant and having no way to contact the father, Aurora really didn't know what she was going to do. But now having been found and being part of her family again, Aurora can concentrate on her foundation and her daughter.

Nick has always been a serial dater. Never to stay with a woman very long, he's known in his family as the one who dates for three dates and that's it. Now his job is to fly around the country and make sure that his family's empire is running smoothly. He's never really wanted a home base before and his brothers, despite their happiness, seem okay to let him continue his life the way it is.

I love that Aurora is strong, but shows her vulnerable side. She wants to be able to trust people, but her past has been so unkind that she can throw a wall up in two-point-five seconds and it can only be crumbled by a very specific carpenter. When Nick and Aurora have a chance encounter years later, it's fun to see them navigate their new normal. Both of their families want them to figure out their lives together. Everyone can see how much Nick and Aurora still love each other.

While there isn't a huge dramatic or angsty story, you get to see the world through the eyes of someone who grew up with a lot and from someone who had almost nothing. The contrasting ideals are refreshing. It was a fun story and while the kiddo is the highlight, second-chance romances are super fun too. You won't be disappointed. I can't wait for the next one!


Ruthie☆☆☆☆
This is the fifth book in the series and really, I think you should read them in order to get the full magnitude of this story, but it would be a good read even as a standalone. We first met Aurora when she was brought into the family fold, as a very young, pregnant, and very much alone in the world teen. Ties with the Kingston clan and financial independence has ensured that she has developed into a strong woman and a great mum.

There has always been the lingering sadness for Aurora that she knows no more than her baby daddy's first name, and as Leah gets older, she also understands she has no daddy. So it is really no surprise that seeing him, after six years, at a film premiere, she is discombobulated. However, and here the author is inspired, once she and Nick are over the initial shock, the path they take is fabulously sane and healthy. I really enjoyed the lack of unnecessary drama, in a situation which was entirely blameless on them both.

I loved watching them rethink their futures now that they had found each other, and whilst it was not smooth, it was sincere and done in good faith. It made both of them have to reflect on their past, and their present, and healed them of things they almost didn't realise they were carrying.

Alongside the heavy stuff, this is a really fun and sexy read, which had me smiling and wishing them on from the very beginning. Highly recommended!

 

 

Aurora missed the feel of a man’s arms around her and the scent of masculine cologne, Nick’s in particular.

 

Author Bio

New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestseller, CARLY PHILLIPS gives her readers alphalicious heroes to swoon for and romance to set your heart on fire. She married her college sweetheart and lives in Purchase, NY along with her three crazy dogs: two wheaten terriers and a mutant Havanese, who are featured on her Facebook and Instagram. The author of 50 romance novels, she has raised two incredible daughters who put up with having a mom as a full-time writer. Carly’s book, The Bachelor, was chosen by Kelly Ripa as a romance club pick and was the first romance on a nationally televised bookclub. Carly loves social media and interacting with her readers.

Connect with Carly Phillips

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Carly’s Corner

 

 

“I’m not going anywhere,” he said. “Not when my family is here.”

 

Hosted by

Wildfire Marketing Solutions.


Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Just One Dare (The Kingston Family #5) by Carly Phillips to read and review.

Monday, April 18, 2022

Definitely Deacon by Vawn Cassidy Blog Tour

Blog Tour. Vawn Cassidy’s Definitely Deacon.

An emotional and humour filled roller-coaster ride through a sleepy little Cornish Bay.

Jesse Ainsley’s life running his busy veterinary practice in the sleepy Cornwall bay he grew up in leaves no time for a serious relationship… at least, that’s what he tells himself, but the simple truth is much more cliché. He’s been in love with his best friend forever, but when he starts pulling away and goes radio silent on him for six months, Jesse begins to wonder if their friendship is finally over.

Deacon James lives his life at two speeds, a hundred miles an hour and stop. He’s spent the last decade travelling the world, winning races, partying with the most beautiful men and women, and living life on his terms, a life which was pretty close to perfect… with just one caveat… he’s never quite been able to get over the boy he left behind. His best friend Jesse has always made him yearn for something he’s too afraid to face and cutting him out of his life seemed like the only answer.

But things are never that simple. When Deacon wakes from an accident in Italy with Jesse asleep in the hospital chair beside him, he discovers Jesse’s been keeping secrets of his own.

At a crossroads in their life, they’re faced with a choice, build something deeper and stronger from the ashes, or let words unsaid and secrets tear them apart forever.

From author Wendy Saunders writing as Vawn Cassidy comes this second chance, friends to lovers, hurt/comfort with a HEA.

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Belong to Me series!
For book one, Suddenly Beck, click HERE.

 

Add to Goodreads.

 

Definitely Deacon by Vawn Cassidy

Book 2
Buy Links

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

 

 

Excerpt



I surface through the syrupy depths of consciousness, and this time it’s a little easier. My body still screams in agony, and I feel like I’ve been hit by a truck. My head is pounding, and my throat feels like it’s filled with razor blades, but as I open my eyes, they don’t feel so heavy and it’s easier to focus.

I tilt my head slowly and glance at the chair wondering if I really had seen Jesse or if it had been some kind of feverish dream.

It wasn’t, unless I’m still hallucinating because he’s curled up in a comfortable looking leather chair next to me, idly leafing through a magazine. I’m sure he’s wearing a different colour shirt than before, and I take a moment to study him.

His short blonde hair is in need of a trim, sticking up slightly as if he’s run his fingers through it in agitation. There’s a light scruff along his jaw, which means he probably hasn’t shaved in a few days, and there are smudges under his eyes, like he’s barely slept.

Jesse…” My voice is barely more than a croak, causing Jesse’s head to snap up in my direction.

“Deak.” He leans forward with a gasp of relief. “You’re awake. You opened your eyes for a few moments yesterday, but then you were out cold again.”

Yesterday? I stare at him in confusion. “Where…” I try to speak, but my voice sounds like a rusty nail, and my mouth is so dry I don’t even have any spit when I attempt to swallow.

“Here.” Jesse carefully lifts a small plastic cup and guides a straw to my lips. “Sip slowly. They had to put a tube down your throat to help you breath for a while, so you probably have a sore throat.”

Understatement.

I sip gratefully. The water is lukewarm and has a faintly clinical taste to it, but against my painful throat it feels like the best thing I’ve ever tasted. I release the straw, feeling a bead of water drip from my lower lip. I watch as Jesse reaches out unconsciously and runs his thumb along my lip. My heart kicks up a notch, and once again the stupid machine next to me starts beeping faster.

Realising what he’s done, he drops his hand and swallows, staring at the machine. “I’ll go get someone.” He frowns.

“Jesse,” I whisper hoarsely, lifting my hand clumsily to grasp his. “Where am I?”

“You’re in a hospital in Rome,” he replies quietly, his warm hazel eyes searching my face for any flicker of recognition, but so far, I’m drawing a blank.

“Rome?” I frown, and I have a vague recollection of a party. “What happened?”

“You were in a car accident.”

I close my eyes against the sudden flash of lights, the sound of grinding metal, glass shattering.

 

 

The heat of his mouth blasts through me incinerating any ounce of sense I have left. My arms snake around him yanking him in close as his hands tangle in my hair tilting my head as his tongue plunges into my mouth and holy hell, the boy can kiss.

 

Reviews


Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team


Sarah☆☆☆☆☆
This is a wonderfully complicated second-chance, friends-to-lovers romance. Charming, playful, and just a tiny bit heart wrenching, Jesse and Deacon are wonderful.

Actually, at the start of the book, Deacon is a spoiled and self-centred sports star. It’s Jesse, the patient village veterinarian who is wonderful from the start. Where Deacon is brooding and resentful, Jesse is sunshine and light – even when I wanted him to save himself and walk away.

I really enjoyed the way the author works back and forth through the important moments in the men’s 26-year friendship. It is the young Deacon's memories and experiences that make the adult Deacon feel redeemable. From childhood, Jesse’s feelings for his friend are almost painful to witness. Deacon’s childhood experiences are equally terrible.

Somehow, the author keeps the connection between Deacon and Jesse light, playful, and mostly fun. After a rocky reunion, the friendship between them burns brightly. Jesse’s family and the quirky Bay residents are familiar from the first book, and I love them even more in this second story.

I love the English seaside setting and characters. The Bay is truly the main character in this series. This book introduces a more glamorous second set of characters connected to Deacon and I’m really curious to see where the author takes them. This is definitely one of my favourite series at the moment and I can’t wait for the next one.


Ruthie☆☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series, and I would definitely recommend that you read them in order. This could be read as a standalone, although I think you would miss some of the finer points of the plot.

Jesse is the identical twin of Beck, who featured in book one. The funny thing is that Beck is this gorgeous, larger than life artist who falls for Nate the new chef in the family restaurant, yet his twin considers himself to be an uninteresting veterinarian. Perhaps partly due to his lifelong love for Deacon having been crushed by his continued absence from his life. It is so perfectly written though, that it is only much later in the book, that this discrepancy between actual and perceived really becomes obvious.

Deacon has been travelling the world, competing in sailing competitions and avoiding his hometown, in part because he can't face seeing Jesse and the feelings he has for him. Avoidance has come at a price, but it seems fitting that he should suffer.

Fate clearly has to intervene, and whilst a bad car crash seems a cruel route, it definitely starts these two men on a journey to revisit their lifelong friendship, their one summer of intimacy, and review what the future could hold if the stars align.

I love the little touches which make this an exceptional book – like the origami to reduce panic, the discussion Deacon has with Garrett about the wood that should be used on the latest boat being built, and the black silky hair of paper artist Jin. I am also looking forward to the mystery of the car crash being looked into further in the future... a definite unfinished thread there!

Beautiful story, wonderfully written, thank you.

 

 

Author Bio


Vawn Cassidy, Male Male Romance

VAWN CASSIDY is the mild mannered M/M obsessed alter ego and pen name of contemporary fantasy & romantic suspense author Wendy Saunders. She's a Brit and lives in the UK with her husband and kids.

Connect with Vawn Cassidy

Facebook  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Cassidy's Bay Boys

 

 

Giveaway


 

He was the one thing I always wanted and the one thing I never let myself have.

 

Hosted by

Gay Romance Reviews Tours & Promo.


Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Definitely Deacon (Belong to Me #2) by Vawn Cassidy to read and review.

Uniquely Average by Susan Hawke Blog Tour

Blog Tour. Susan Hawke’s Uniquely Average.

A twenty year age gap, a neurodivergent 'boy' and a gray ace of a 'Daddy', both lonely and unable to find their match... until now.

Ethan Humboldt is a cocky, confident chef with zero filter and even less humility. He’s also a very good, neurodivergent boy who’s been searching far too long for the perfect Daddy. At thirty, Ethan knows what he wants—and what he needs. The only problem? Finding a caregiving type of Daddy to provide it.

Danvers Jones has more money than he knows what to do with and nobody to spend it on. He’s not looking for a fling, Dan needs someone to pamper. To romance… to adore. As a romantic gray ace, nothing else will do it for him.

Newly retired, Dan has one final mission—to find his former best friend's long lost son and deliver a trust fund. After that, Dan’s determined to start fully living his life, which starts with the right partner. Only problem? Dan requires the type of person who’ll need his unique brand of Daddy.

Danvers and Ethan aren’t expecting to meet their perfect match in a random meet cute gone wrong, but when does life ever go according to plan?

This stand-alone novel is a full-length, 43k non-age play Daddy romance. The core of this story was previously published as a 15k short in the USA Today bestselling Dirty Daddies 2021 Anthology. It’s now been reworked and lengthened to provide the tale as originally intended.

 

Add to Goodreads.

 

Uniquely Average by Susan Hawke

Buy Links

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

 

 

Excerpt


The problem with making business calls to old friends, especially after being out of touch, was waiting for them to get to the damned point. I'd already been on the phone with Caitlin for nearly ten minutes, yet we still hadn't gotten to my reason for calling.

Nodding against my phone as if she could see me and making the appropriate humming sounds at the right moments had been my only contribution so far because Caitlin was on a roll.

Chuckling soundlessly, I found myself grinning as she teased. “…but I said all that to say this—honeybun, you’re way too young to be retired. Your turn to speak now, I need you to explain yourself and make me understand why an accomplished attorney of your stature would retire at the ripe old age of fifty-two. Take your time, I’m listening.”

“Oh, is it my turn now? Thanks so much.” Laughing aloud now, the years fell away and we were right back in college, giving each other shit during a massive study session. “Caitlin, I don't have a long, profound argument for you. Actually, scratch that. My reasoning is quite profound—I want to live a more fulfilling life. I've achieved everything I want professionally and have too much money to make it worthwhile to keep running the rat race. What's the point?”

She sucked in a breath, the sound of her tapping fingernails was clearly audible. “Tell the truth, honey. This is about Gerard, isn't it? Losing your best friend had to hurt, especially when he was taken so young. But you can't stop living your life just because his ended tragically.”

 

 

Reviews


Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team


Ruthie☆☆☆
This is a difficult book to review for me – it is not really my typical read, but I love any romance with a chef in it, and I am always open to new takes on love stories.

I really have only one issue which made me falter, and that is that it all took place so precipitously – they are in a contract within hours of meeting, and it was a case of mistaken identity which caused them to even discuss such an arrangement. Then within seven days their lives are fixed together, completely content in their commitment. I believe in fate, even in instant love, but there is really no connection formed to base this on – it felt more like a supplier came to the kitchen with produce and the chef bought it for evening service... just so amazingly transactional.

It made me chuckle. I was curious as to the concept of a restaurant that only sells soup and the incredibly open relationship that Ethan had with his mother, but I did find it difficult to believe that it would happen so instantly.

 

 

Author Bio


Susan Hawke

As an avid reader and big romance fan myself, I love sharing the stories of the different people who live in my imagination. My stories are filled with humor, a few tears, and the underlying message to not give up hope, even in the darkest of times, because life can change on a dime when you least expect it. This theme comes from a lifetime of lessons learned on my own hard journey through the pains of poverty, the loss of more loved ones than I'd care to count, and the struggles of living through chronic illnesses. Life can be hard, but it can also be good! Through it all I've found that love, laughter, and family can make all the difference, and that's what I try to bring to every tale I tell.

I'm a happily married mom with one snarky teenage boy, and three grown "kids of my heart." I'm more widely known for my mpreg writings as Susi Hawke; this new name is a departure from that. Whether written by Susan or Susi, the books are filled with that all-important love, laughter, and family I mentioned; the only difference is that this name has no male pregnancy. I look forward to sharing my stories with you, and to bringing more romance and laughter into this world that needs it so very badly.


Connect with Susan Hawke

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: The Hawke's Nest

 

 

A confident, adorably snarky neurodiverse boy and a romantic, gray ace of a Daddy build something… Uniquely Average.

 

Hosted by

Gay Romance Reviews Tours & Promo.


Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Uniquely Average by Susan Hawke to read and review.

Friday, April 15, 2022

The Moves We Make by CD Rachels Instagram Tour

Release Tour. CD Rachels' The Moves We Make.

LANDON

On my university soccer team, people see me as an obnoxious loud-mouth, but this semester, I’m turning over a new leaf. Part of that involves supporting my best friend and his new relationship (with a guy!). Ravi being gay has really thrown me for a loop. The way he looks at Steven, it makes me feel… jealous? I’m not gay, but no girl has ever made me feel the way those two feel about each other. To top it off, I’m forced to take my university arts requirement in the form of a dance class! I have to fumble around trying not to fail while the teaching assistant Dane refuses to take it easy on me.

Still, the longer I spend in dance class, the more I get to know the real Dane: he’s fun, interesting, sweet, attractive, and… did I say attractive?! No way, that’s not what I meant. Because if I actually feel that way then… turning over a new leaf just got a LOT more complicated.

DANE

Dance is my life, and being a performing artist is my ultimate goal. That’s why I took this university TA position and why I’m hoping to secure an internship in the big city. I refuse to get distracted by some (admittedly handsome) jock that I’m tasked with teaching. He’s uncoordinated, but eventually, I can tell that he’s actually trying, so I cut him some slack. There’s also the tiny detail that he admits he may not be 100% straight.

That’s fine by me. It’s not like a guy like that would go for someone with a messed up face like mine. Still, as the weeks go by, something shifts and we become closer. I can’t let myself become sidetracked in catching feelings for a boy who’s new to being queer. I just need to disregard the burning chemistry we have whenever we’re in the dance studio alone. It’ll be easy to ignore the way he makes my heart flutter when he talks to me, or how charming he is when he lets down his guard.

Well… maybe one kiss won’t hurt, right?

The Moves We Make is a low-angst, male/male romance, opposites-attract story involving hands-on movement lessons, road trips, drunken dance floors, soccer games, and discovering what love and sex with the RIGHT person can actually lead to, HEA guaranteed.

It is the second of the Artists and Athletes series but can be read as a standalone.

 

Add to Goodreads.

 

The Moves We Make by CD Rachels

Book 2
Buy Links

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

 

 

Excerpt



He drops off Jonathan and Tisha, then drives slightly farther to get to Val’s dorm. I’m thankful that I don’t live in any of their buildings, because I really want to wish Landon a special goodnight (and I do NOT want anyone around to witness that).

“I’m gonna park near the athletics dorms. Do you want me to drop you off somewhere?” He looks at me expectantly, and I think we’re on the same page.

“I’ll let you park first,” I reply, trying to sound nonchalant. Landon’s smirk is not lost upon me.

Once he finally pulls into a spot. He turns off the engine and looks at me in the passenger seat. It’s so quiet and the tension between us is thick. Fuck, is it hot in here again? Landon really needs to fix this inconsistent heating situation, because I am sweating.

I look over to see him looking up at nothing in particular, lips pursed like he’s thinking of what to say. This is too awkward. I want to go, but I need to stay and say some form of goodnight.

“I just realized…” I begin slowly. He looks at me expectantly. “It’s your birthday. I didn’t get you anything.”

“I disagree.” Before I know it, he’s reaching over and pulling my shirt collar in. Centimeters away from my face, he pauses. He’s giving me an out, and I’m touched that he’s being so thoughtful. I look at him and simply nod.

Our mouths meet, and suddenly it’s an encore performance of our tongues tasting each other. Landon must have some pheromone, because I could breathe him in forever. My fingers explore his scalp while I try to memorize the way he tastes. I push his head up with both hands and he complies, knowing that I want to taste his neck. I trace my tongue down to his collar bone and suck little marks into his skin up to his jaw. He moans in pleasure, so I know he’s enjoying what I’m giving to him. Every part of him so far tastes good, and I wonder what his cock tastes like. Finally, I kiss my way back to his lips and we proceed to make out some more.

An eternity or five minutes later, we pull apart, panting. I smile and he grins back. “Good birthday?” I ask, breathing heavily.

“The best.” His voice is deeper than usual and his eyes are glistening. I notice him looking down at my lips again. I need to call it a night before I let him fuck me right here in the campus parking lot.

“Glad to hear it. It’s late though, I should get going.”

“Alright,” he smiles.

“Good night Landon.” I open the car door and try to convince my erection to go down so I can walk in peace.

I hear him holler “Night Dane!” as I close the door. I don’t look back as I march away, because if I do, I’ll end up back in his arms and on his mouth.

I’m starting to forget why that’s such a bad idea.

 

 

“Your room is nice and private, right?”     “Yeah,” I reply, still not sure what he’s getting at. “You wanna chill in my room to watch TV on my phone?”     “I wanna chill in your room.” He leans into whisper into my ear, “And not watch anything.”     At this, I swear I can hear the whooshing noise of all the blood going straight into my cock.
 

 

Reviews


Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team


Shannan☆☆☆☆
Landon was surprised to find out his roommate is gay and is happily in a relationship. He sees what they have and is jealous, not because Landon is gay but because he wants someone to look at him the way they look at each other. He wants the connection, and he can't seem to find it with the girls he's been hooking up with. What he doesn't expect is to want to spend time with the T.A. of his dance class.

Dane is an amazing dancer but when people look at him, they don't automatically see that, they see the birth defect he has with his eye. He's become accustomed to people staring. He puts that all aside to follow his dreams to become a professional dancer. He is looking forward to being a T.A. this year and getting the internship of his dreams. What he isn't expecting is being in charge of teaching the soccer player how to dance. Finding the soccer player attractive is a consequence of being with him all the time.

I enjoyed watching the attraction and relationship build with these two characters. It was a sweet and heartwarming read. CD Rachels is a new-to-me author and I look forward to going back to the first book in the series and reading more from him.

 

 

Author Bio


CD Rachels. Male-Male Romance Author.

CD RACHELS has been coming up with stories since he was little. At first it was all about superheroes and pocket monsters, but his genre of choice has expanded since puberty.

He’s been consuming young adult gay fiction since he was a teen, but within the past five years moved up to the big leagues of gay adult romance. In 2020 during quarantine, he burned through more male/male romance books than he ever had in the previous 29 years combined.

He lives in New York City with the love of his life and works in health insurance. When he’s not reading and writing, he’s playing board games and practicing music. He is honored to become a self-published author, and if you’re reading this, your support means so much to him that it’s giving him a tingly feeling (in a good way).


Connect with CD Rachels

Facebook  ~  Instagram  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: CD Rachels' Chill Discourse Room

 

 

Giveaway


 

 

Soon enough, our kisses get stronger, tongues entering play, and I feel my blood starting to race. My hands venture to his (muscular) chest and his do the same. Then, my arms get lower, snaking around his waist and I feel my body begging for more: more contact, more kissing, more everything. Except clothes, we need less of those.
 
 

Hosted by

Gay Romance Reviews Tours & Promo.


Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of The Moves We Make (Artists and Athletes #2) by CD Rachels to read and review.