Thursday Book Recommendation (on a Friday lol!)

These are books I’ve read and really enjoyed. Most of what I talk about will probably be paranormal/scifi but not always. Although it’s rare, I do read some contemporary. 

This week is: The Beauty Within by H.L Day

Blurb: 

“You will be trapped in stone forevermore, your beauty hidden by a façade so ugly that people will not like to look upon it. You will feel, but you will not be able to speak. You will hear, but you will not be able to communicate. You will endure across the ages, a silent witness to the decades that go by.”

François Damont’s only crime was loving the son of a witch in a time when it wasn’t permitted. For that sin, he’s been cursed to spend eternity locked inside the body of a gargoyle. A chance to break the curse comes only once every twenty-five years, lasting for no longer than twenty-eight days. He’s been unsuccessful for hundreds of years. Why would this time be any different?

History lecturer Daniel Smith is still reeling from a broken marriage when he stumbles across a mysterious man. Frankie might be hiding something, but the connection between them is too strong to ignore. Can he unlock the mystery before it’s too late?

Strange dreams. Dark forces. People who may not be what they seem. Time is not the only thing against them. And perhaps Daniel knows more than he thinks he does.

A sweet 82k MM paranormal romance featuring magic, witches, and a relationship that might just be able to endure anything.

Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09BFHZZ66

Tuesday Teaser - Bound by War

 

~Except from Bound by War. I don't have a release date as of yet, but I'm very close to being finished.

Several unit hours flew  by as they talked. Torin carefully shared what information he deemed appropriate with Laken. Once he became a mercenary, there were some things Laken did not need to know.

Laken didn’t have quite the same restraint. He freely spoke about Malk and Kia, his younghood home on Aploi, his apartment at the royal palace on Tah’Nar, and his job. It shocked Torin how free Laken was with personal information. Surely someone had told him that wasn’t wise.

“So you design custom clothing? Even though reduplicators can make anything?” Torin asked, They were still sitting at the table where they’d eaten. There wasn’t much room in the medical suite.

“Reduplicators can only reproduce what has been programed into them and only when patent permission has been granted. They can’t replicate my designs. I own the design patent on my clothing and haven’t given any government permission to reproduce my designs. If anyone wants a Fihk original, they have to come to my shop.”

“Fihk?”

“My last name, remember? My shop is on Tah’Nar, not far from the palace, and—” Laken’s comm beeped, and he glanced down at his wrist. Blood drained from his face as he read the message on his comm. “Shit.” Laken jumped to his feet. “Oh shit.”

Tension invaded Torin’s body, and he stood also. “What? What’s wrong?”

“The jig is up!”

“What?” Torin had a universal translator, pretty much every species who traveled in space did, but what it translated made absolutely no sense. “I don’t—where’s the threat? There is a threat, yes? Do you have weapons?” Torin spun toward the door. Only one way in and one way out. “Does this reduplicator have the ability to make weapons?”

Laken shook his head, his bells chiming erratically. “Wait, wait, okay, yeah, no. There is no threat, per se.”

Torin frowned. That first sentence made absolutely no sense.

“Really, there isn’t, and no, this reduplicator has restrictions, so can’t make weapons. There is no need for weapons. I just—Neo sent a message that word has gotten out about you. And apparently Kia and my dabba have found out that, um, that I’ve been staying in your room, and that, um—” Laken’s jaw clenched. “That I threatened Raiden over you because he was being an ass… and that I called you my mate.”

Warmth spread through Torin at Laken actually saying that word. “And?”

“And Kia and Malk are on their way here, and my dabba isn’t happy.”

“Not trying to discount the seriousness of that, but you are of age, yes?” Stars above, Torin did not involve himself with the underaged.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Laken snapped. “Of course I am, but that doesn’t change the fact they’re upset, which is my fault because Neo did warn me to tell them before they heard it through the grapevine, and I didn’t listen, and—”

Torin moved closer and rubbed his hand up and down Laken’s back. “Breathe.”

A slightly hysterical giggle escaped Laken. “Breathe, he says. Well, guess what? Queen Dossi is also on her way here according to Neo. She apparently wants to speak to you. Grand Lady Impur is with her.”

“What?” Okay, the upset parental units he expected. The Ne Reynian queen wanting to see him? That he hadn’t expected. Why in the stars would she want to see him? “But, but… why?”

“Breathe.” Laken smirked.

Pucker Up Monday

Welcome to Pucker Up Monday. It’s not what you think, lol. Since Mondays do tend to suck, I thought I’d try to start the week off right for y’all.

Tuesday Teaser - Bound by War

 

This is an excerpt from Bound by War. No released date as of yet, but it is close to being done.

Guess that answered the question of Torin’s sense of smell. He licked his lips, thrilled to see Torin’s eyes dropped to follow the motion. “O-okay.”

Torin leaned closer, practically plastering his body against Laken’s. “I wasn’t asking permission.” 

Laken’s cock hardened as he stared into Torin’s eyes. The amber color had darkened to a golden bronze. This close he noticed there was a black ring around the irises. Inches apart, their breath mingling, Laken yearned to feel Torin’s mouth on his. 

Opening slightly, his invitation was very clear. Would the kiss be hungry? Intense? Would his mouth be claimed by an onslaught of passion that’d leave him breathless and deliciously bruised? 

His eyes drifted closed as Torin brushed his lips across Laken’s, dragging a small moan from him. Raising his hands, he clutched Torin’s shoulders, and the feel of more ridges under his hands registered vaguely in his mind.

He jerked in surprise at the sweetness of the kiss. He’d expected rough and urgent. Hot and demanding. He didn’t think a Blishue was capable of such gentleness. Such care. 

Torin’s tongue swept inside, exploring. Pleasure exploded in Laken’s mind, and a dark need rose. That need to mark Torin rose again. He broke the kiss and nipped Torin’s bottom lip. A small bead of blood appeared. 

Torin shuddered then fisted Laken’s hair. Bells chimed softly around them. Breathing heavily, Torin stared at Laken. Danger lurked in his eyes, but Laken wasn’t afraid. He licked the blood from Torin’s lip.

Torin’s eyes fluttered, and a low, sexy growl of pure need escaped his throat. Shivers raced up Laken’s spine at the demand he heard in that groan. So Torin had liked that little hint of violence, huh? 

There was no answering hardness, but that didn’t worry him, not with the amount of pain meds Torin still had in his system. Tightening his hands on Torin’s shoulders, he urged Torin nearer. 

Another low, guttural moan sounded as Torin briefly closed his eyes, as if he was struggling for control. So Laken went to him. He pressed his lips to Torin’s throat and sucked hard, demanding the blood rise to the surface. Torin had to wear his mark, dammit. Had to.

Torin jerked like someone used a stun wand on him. His body trembled, and he moaned throatily, but he didn’t try to pry Laken off his neck. Satisfied he had accomplished what he wanted—that Torin wore his mark—Laken leaned back. 

“I marked you.” Laken licked his lips, defiance shinning in his eyes. 

Torin’s control broke, and he yanked Laken to him by his hair. His mouth crashed onto Laken’s, and Laken whined deep in his throat. He’d be embarrassed about the low whimper of need that escaped him later. 

This was the kiss he’d been expecting earlier—hard, hot, and aggressive with an edge of desperation that washed over Laken like a wave, threatening to drag him under. But he didn’t fear drowning. Not him. 

Time stood still as Torin destroyed him with a kiss. Never had such a simple action like a kiss affected him so. This male was the one he’d waited on for a lifetime, the one fate had given him. Fucking finally. 

He wanted to wake with the rising of the sun and spend every star-filled night wrapped in Torin’s arms. And nothing was going to get in the way of that. 

Not even Torin. 

Pucker Up Monday

Welcome to Pucker Up Monday. It’s not what you think, lol. Since Mondays do tend to suck, I thought I’d try to start the week off right for y’all.

Thursday Book Recommendation

 

These are books I’ve read and really enjoyed. Most of what I talk about will probably be paranormal/scifi but not always. Although it’s rare, I do read some contemporary. 

This week is: Wed to the Barbarian (Barbarian Duet Book 1) by Keira Andrews

Blurb: 

Will an innocent prince forced into marriage choose passion?

Sheltered in the palace with his books, Jem’s life is peaceful. Even if he’s lonely and yearning for romance, the big, strong men he wants don’t crave small, timid princes.

Then he’s forced to marry a mysterious barbarian.

Jem must do his duty—even if it means being stuck with Cador, a brute who dismisses him as weak. Even if it means a fake marriage in name only for the sake of their homelands. Even if he must leave behind everything and everyone to journey to a forbidding island of ice and stone.

Even if there’s only one bed.

Alone with this wild—yet tender?—man, Jem discovers desire that burns hotter than he ever imagined. Can two strangers learn to trust, or will dangerous lies tear them apart?

Wed to the Barbarian by Keira Andrews is a gay romance fantasy featuring enemies to lovers, an age gap, forced proximity, first times, and of course a happy ending (eventually). This is the first action-adventure romance in the Barbarian Duet and must be read before The Barbarian’s Vow.

Amazon link:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09HJBKRQ2

Tuesday Teaser - Bound by War

 

~excerpt from Bound by War. No release date as of yet

Torin snorted. “Got a good look earlier, did you? Good. Yes, it’s sort of like body armor, except it never comes off.”

“I—huh?” Since when were feet sexy? He dragged his gaze upward. 

“Remember saying that Neo was damn impressed with my anatomy?” Torin’s smile was positively lethal as he slowly advanced toward Laken. “As I’ve said, Blishue are damn hard to kill.” 

The slow walk had a sudden air of menace to it. It was an unhurried, rolling gait—a predator whose attention had been caught but was in no hurry to move in for the kill. Laken’s breathing accelerated, and he edged back a few steps. 

Torin tracked Laken’s every movement. “What that means is my anatomy is redundant and supernumerary; most of my organs have a backup, including an extra set of kidneys, an eight-chambered heart, a third lung, a secondary brain stem, as well as an extensive and hardy skeletal structure—thus the ridges you saw on my body.” 

Butterflies took off in Laken’s stomach as Torin prowled closer. “That’s… that’s helpful.” Laken took a few more steps back. Torin copied him, moving forward, and goose bumps rose on Laken’s arms. Torin was stalking him… and he liked it.

“Yes, it is. It’s also helpful that our insanely rapid metabolism allows injured Blishue to heal extremely quick.” Torin continued to move closer, herding Laken toward a nearby wall. “All of this makes us tremendously resilient and difficult to kill. Which is fortunate since we’re so aggressive. We’re resistant to physical trauma, environmental exposure, and illness.”

Laken’s back hit the wall, and his eyes widened. It took a few unit seconds, but his brain finally caught on. “You… you mean you would’ve been okay even if Neo hadn’t operated?”

“Most likely, but I probably would’ve gone into a hibernation-type state to heal, which would have left me incapacitated and vulnerable.”

The thought horrified Laken. 

“The sleep might’ve taken quite a while, considering the state I was in, along with a possible raging infection. I do appreciate him operating, though.” Torin brought his arms up, slapping his hands on either side of Laken’s head, effectively caging Laken.

“Oh?” Laken swallowed. This was so hot. Why was this so hot? “W-why?” 

“Because that act brought you to me.” Torin tilted his head and breathed deeply, his chest expanding in then out. “Mmm. I smell your arousal.” He lowered his head and stared into Laken’s eyes. “I’m going to kiss you, Laken.”

Guess that answered the question of Torin’s sense of smell. He licked his lips, thrilled to see Torin’s eyes dropped to follow the motion. “O-okay.”

Torin leaned closer, practically plastering his body against Laken’s. “I wasn’t asking permission.” 

Pucker Up Monday

Welcome to Pucker Up Monday. It’s not what you think, lol. Since Mondays do tend to suck, I thought I’d try to start the week off right for y’all.

Thursday Book Recommendation

 

These are books I’ve read and really enjoyed. Most of what I talk about will probably be paranormal/scifi but not always. Although it’s rare, I do read some contemporary.

 

This week is: Red's Wolf: A M/M shifter romance (A Modern Fairy-Tale) by Beth Laycock

 

 

Blurb:

A modern fairy-tale retelling with a paranormal twist!

 Concerned for his gran’s health, Red braves the snow-covered forest to ensure she’s safe in the worsening weather. After several encounters over recent months, Red is both hoping to run into the huntsman again whilst also dreading he might because he knows their friendship can’t lead to more, no matter how much he wishes it might.

 A glimpse of his huntsman distracts Red and he stumbles away from the safety of the woodland path straight into the danger known as the wolf of Bowland. Shaken, but unharmed, Red manages to escape to the safety of his gran’s cottage to recover.

 Despite Red’s reservations, the pair grow closer after they end up snowed in together at the huntsman’s cabin, but can Aldrich help Red accept there is nothing wrong with who he is? Or will Red let his secret and insecurities come between them? Especially when he finds out his huntsman is hiding a secret of his own.

 

This M/M romance from Beth Laycock features friends to lovers, an age gap, snowed-in together, shifters and witches, fated mates, and of course a HEA. 

Original version included in the Winter Wonderland promotion.

 

Amazon link:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09H3BKHC5

Tuesday Teaser - Bound by War

 

~excerpt from Bound by War. No release date as of yet.

Neo’s comm buzzed. He tapped the button and answered. “Yes?”

“King Consort, King Hamza says that Queen Dossi, along with her guards, will be transporting up for treatment. You  are to meet them in Medical immediately.”

“Now that’s excellent news. Tell my king I’m on my way.”

“Yes, Sire.”

Neo ended the communication and grinned hugely at Laken. “I don’t know who talked her into it, but thank all the gods they did.”

Torin walked out of the shower, dressed, toweling his long hair dry. “Did I hear that Queen Dossi was beaming up?”

“Yes. I need to go so I can meet them. Torin, please take it easy. Don’t lift anything heavy. Rest. This suite is yours for several more unit days.”

“Thank you.”

“It’s no problem. I’ll send pain medication over later. The last dose should hold you for a while yet. The new medicine can be taken by mouth and won’t knock you on your ass. Also, I’ve cleared you for a regular diet. I heard you weren’t a fan of soup.”

Torin shrugged. “It’s warmed up liquid. What do you expect?”

“Hamza says the same. Okay, if you need anything, comm me.”

“We will,” Laken said. “And thanks.”

Neo waved on his way out.

“I’m surprised she beamed up. Things have to be in chaos on planet.” Torin finished drying his hair and glanced around the room, holding the towel.

Gods above, he was right. Torin’s hair was a beautiful deep amethyst when clean. He wanted to touch it. Have it fall in his face as Torin hovered over him, thrusting into—

“Laken? What do I do with…?”

“Oh.” Laken fought not to blush as he pointed at the reprocessor. How many times had Torin asked that while Laken indulged in a little fantasy fucking in his head?

Torin discreetly sniffed, then grinned as he crossed the room and stuffed the damp towel inside. “Thanks.”

Did Torin know he was aroused? Was his sense of smell that good? If so, he was seriously busted.

“No problem.” And he thought the Tah’Narians moved like liquid silk. Torin moved like a damn shadow—quick, quiet, and deadly. “Do the clothes fit okay? I used the reduplicator and guessed at sizes.”

“They’re fine. I need boots too.”

“That was next on the list. Do you have an idea what—” Laken glanced at Torin’s feet, and his mouth fell open. “Size? Stars above, even your feet have those ridges?” Heat flooded his face. Sure enough, there were raised ridges on the tops of Torin’s feet.

Pucker Up Monday

Welcome to Pucker Up Monday. It’s not what you think, lol. Since Mondays do tend to suck, I thought I’d try to start the week off right for y’all.