ARC REVIEW : The Shape of You by Felice Stevens

 

 Too big. Too fat.
All his life Eric Sontag has judged himself on his size, believing love and friendship aren't in the cards for someone like him. Tired of being alone and scared of his doctor’s warnings, he enrolls in a nutrition support group, determined to change his life. When a beautiful thin man sits next to him, he can’t believe they have anything in common, but conversation between the two soon proves first impressions aren’t always what they seem.

Drifter. Loner.
Corey DeSantis has always been the scrawny waif; he’s tired of struggling with his art and with life. Scarred by the disappearance and death of his drug-addicted mother, he doesn’t wish for love, believing it will bring him nothing but pain in the end. Now his only hunger in life is his desire to paint…until a health scare and his mentor force him to attend a nutrition class where he meets a man who piques his interest. One drunken kiss later, Eric is all Corey can think about.
The same, yet different.

An unlikely friendship is born with both men wanting more but afraid to listen to their well-guarded hearts. When Corey receives shocking news leaving him angry and helpless, it’s Eric he leans on, to help see him through, while a surprising career opportunity finds Eric leaning on Corey for advice. One night of explosive passion leads to a second and soon neither man can imagine a life without the other. Life is shaped by the challenges accepted and roads not taken but as Corey and Eric walk the path together, they’ll discover the most beautiful destination of all. Love.

REVIEW :

The Shape of You by Felice Stevens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Eric might look at him and see beauty, but Corey knew the ugliness he carried onside”

Gorgeous cover.
Gorgeous story.
Now I know why Hope Vincent bragging about loving Corey the most.
But Eric is 'me'. I can relate to his issues. It’s not easy struggling all your life with that kind of issue. Sometimes, it cost people a depression. And depression is never pretty.

“I was with you. Because I wanted to be.”
“But why? I’m plain and fat, and you’re so_”
“Cold, I’m always cold. And being with you makes me feel safe and happy. And warm.”

Corey on the other side, I think he needed Eric more that he can explain.
Both were lonely, I can feel the loneliness of Eric and Corey. Eric with his lacking of self confident and his eating habit, and Corey with the same issue but in an opposite way.

Eric and Corey were made for each other, to complete each other, to help each other with their issues, it’s always easier when you ‘re not going to do it alone.
I loved the dynamic between Corey and Eric, how they’re become their own psychiatrist to each other.
Well, like Corey said, who need a psychiatrist when you have Eric?

Felice wrote a fast pace but with deep meaning about our daily struggle. This is our every day life put in a romance book.
Another favorite and rereading material.


Recommended!

* I voluntarily read the ARC for Lelyana's Book Blog.

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ARC REVIEW : Manny Get Your Guy (The Mannies #2) by Amy Lane

 

Starting over and falling in love.

Tino Robbins’s sister, Nica, and her husband, Jacob, are expecting their fifth child. Fortunately, Nica’s best friend, Taylor Cochran, is back in town, released from PT and in need of a job.

After years in the service and recovering from grave injury, Taylor has grown a lot from the callow troublemaker he’d been in high school. Now he’s hoping for a fresh start with Nica and her family.

Jacob’s cousin Brandon lives above the garage and thinks “Taylor the manny” is a bad idea. Taylor might be great at protecting civilians from a zombie apocalypse, but is he any good with kids?

Turns out, Taylor’s a natural. As he tries to fit in, using common sense and dry wit, Brandon realizes that Taylor doesn’t just love their family—he’s desperate to be part of it. And just like that, Brandon wants Taylor to be part of his future. 

 Manny Get Your Guy by Amy Lane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars







Amy Lane and her life lessons...*sigh*

I was a little bit overwhelmed by 'the kids' Nica and Jacob have. I can't imagine having five kids and counting...OMG LOL!
They need an education of 'family planning' stat!
This book cannot read as a stand alone, because, there's so many things and people from book one and I think this is like a sequel, sequel. So, read about Tino and Channing the you can read this one.
When Tino in the previous book taking care of one child, imagine how Taylor manage taking care of five.
I liked the bonding Taylor made with Jacob, Nica, and Brandon's family. I think he need to be needed, you know, considering how shitty his family was.
And as for Brandon, Taylor is all he need to call home.
I cannot understand why family treated their kids like that. When all they need is love and acceptance.
I think this one talked a lot about acceptance, love, and family. Mostly a life lesson a fun way, Amy's style.
Recommended.


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Release Blitz with review : Strong Enough by Melanie Harlow, David Romanov

Strong Enough, an all-new sexy standalone from USA Today Bestselling author Melanie Harlow and David Romanov is LIVE!

 

Strong Enough

by Melanie Harlow & David Romanov

Genre: Contemporary MM Romance

Publication Date: June 19, 2017

 

I wasn’t looking for Derek Wolfe.

I wasn’t looking for anybody. All I wanted was to start a new life in America. But when I found myself stranded here with no place to go, he came to my rescue, offering me a place to stay.

He’s smart, successful, and sexy as hell—I can barely sleep knowing he’s right down the hall. And when the chemistry between us explodes one night with fierce, fiery passion, it’s hard to deny there’s something real between us.

But he does.

He says he was drunk. He says it was a one-time thing. He says he’s not into guys and what we did meant nothing.

He’s lying. Because it happened again, and again, and again. And it’s better every time.

I know we could be good together, and I want the chance to try, but I’m done hiding. If he’s not strong enough to admit the truth, I’ll have to be strong enough to walk away.

Read  Today!

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2sfN27l

Amazon UK: https://goo.gl/YwYlrO

iBooks: Strong Enough

Nook: https://goo.gl/nCsAec

Add to GoodReads: https://goo.gl/eU1rwv

 

 

REVIEW

I was gambling when I received the ARC of this book. I never read any book from both author. This is a new to me author(s) and I didn't expect something great. So, I went blind. And I'm glad that this one worked for me. I liked this book a lot.

I liked the chemistry between Derek and Maxim since very beginning. I admired Derek for his kindness. A little weird to be honest, for him and his sister accepting some stranger and believed what Maxim said about what was going through.
But again, Derek's sister is about seeing people with their 'aura', and Maxim seemed having a really good aura, so...

The writing style is a one plus point, written really good and with the fast pace, hard for me to put it down.
This is a feel good low angst story about two very different men from a very different place in this world, the opposite actually. But somehow, it worked for both Derek and Maxim.
I really liked the epilogue, it was definitely a winner.
Recommended.

 

 

About Melanie:

Melanie Harlow writes sexy, emotional romance about strong, stubborn characters who can’t help falling in love. She’s addicted to bacon, gin martinis, and summer reading on the screened-in porch. If she’s not buried in a book or binging on Netflix, you might find her running, putting a bun in someone’s hair, or driving to and from the dance studio. She lives outside Detroit with her husband and two daughters. Melanie is the USA Today bestselling author of the HAPPY CRAZY LOVE series, the FRENCHED series, MAN CANDY, AFTER WE FALL, IF YOU WERE MINE, and the sexy historical SPEAK EASY duet, set in the 1920s.  

Connect with Melanie:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMelanieHarlow/?fref=ts

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1NPkYKs

Twitter: @MelanieHarlow2

Website: http://www.melanieharlow.com

Sign up for Melanie’s Newsletter: http://www.melanieharlow.com/subscribe/

 

About David:

For David Romanov, STRONG ENOUGH is to a great extent autobiographical. Born in Russia and raised in Europe, he landed in the United States at the age of 24, where he learned a lot about cultural differences between East and West. David firmly believes in ‘The One’ and learning through love. When he isn’t traveling or educating Melanie in Russian culture, he enjoys books and the company of his husband and dog in Los Angeles.  

Connect with David:

GoodReads: https://goo.gl/2Bekxz

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/David-Romanov-Author-1487479804635708/

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2rWkfUO

ARC REVIEW : Something's Brewing at Joe's by S.J.D. Peterson

 

The promise of a dream job lures Murphy to Tampa, but he arrives to the rude awakening that the offer is on hold. Now he’s got two choices: slink back to Michigan with his tail between his legs or stay and look for work. Things perk up when he goes into a coffee shop and learns the owner is looking for someone to renovate the apartment above it. He happily takes the job, only later realizing he’s met Joe Sterling, Kaffeinate’s proprietor, before… when they hooked up at a club Murphy’s first night in Tampa.

Murphy and Joe are both proud, passionate, and outspoken. Neither is looking for a relationship, though they can’t deny they go together as well as coffee and doughnuts, in spite of their tempers. But that’s before Joe learns Murphy will be working for the corporation he believes is harming local businesses and the environment—and if Murphy will be supporting it, Joe will want nothing to do with him, dooming any possibility of an unexpected happy ending.

Something's Brewing at Joe's by S.J.D. Peterson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I was interested to the cover and blurb. I read this author's book before and liked it.
Started really good and I enjoyed fifty percent mark of this book, until there was too much sex, and sex, and sex. I'm finally exhausted. Maybe I'm too old for this kind of story, you can blame me then.
Started with a fling, and the fling become a cling and they're finally cannot be separated in seconds.
Both having short temper and non stop sex drive, Joe and Murphy were made for each other.
This was actually can be more enjoyable if only they didn't have sex every time they met. Less talk, more sex.
That's the only reason they're arguing, a miscommunication can be the cause of couple problem.
added the short temper, boom!
Good thing is, you know, the sex is epic, so I don't think they can be away from each other for long. Like, one day :)
Overall, if you like a light read, a very low angst, loads of sex, this your book.
Read it on weekend getaway with your partner, this one is a good booster. Just saying.

*ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press for an honest and unbiased review.*

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Cover Reveal STRONG ENOUGH by Melanie Harlow & David Romanov

Strong Enough, an all-new sexy standalone from USA Today Bestselling author Melanie Harlow and David Romanov is coming June 19th!

Strong Enough

by Melanie Harlow & David Romanov

Genre: Contemporary MM Romance

Publication Date: June 19, 2017

Cover Designer: Letitia Hasser, RBA Designs

Photographer: Vitaly Dorokhov

 

I wasn’t looking for Derek Wolfe.

I wasn’t looking for anybody. All I wanted was to start a new life in America. But when I found myself stranded here with no place to go, he came to my rescue, offering me a place to stay.

He’s smart, successful, and sexy as hell—I can barely sleep knowing he’s right down the hall. And when the chemistry between us explodes one night with fierce, fiery passion, it’s hard to deny there’s something real between us.

But he does.

He says he was drunk. He says it was a one-time thing. He says he’s not into guys and what we did meant nothing.

He’s lying. Because it happened again, and again, and again. And it’s better every time.

I know we could be good together, and I want the chance to try, but I’m done hiding. If he’s not strong enough to admit the truth, I’ll have to be strong enough to walk away.

 

Check Out the First THREE Chapters of Strong Enough HERE:

http://www.melanieharlow.com/strong-enough/

 

Preorder Now:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2sfN27l

Amazon UK: https://goo.gl/YwYlrO

iBooks: Strong Enough

Nook: https://goo.gl/nCsAec

Add to GoodReads: https://goo.gl/eU1rwv

 

About Melanie:

Melanie Harlow writes sexy, emotional romance about strong, stubborn characters who can’t help falling in love. She’s addicted to bacon, gin martinis, and summer reading on the screened-in porch. If she’s not buried in a book or binging on Netflix, you might find her running, putting a bun in someone’s hair, or driving to and from the dance studio. She lives outside Detroit with her husband and two daughters.   Melanie is the USA Today bestselling author of the HAPPY CRAZY LOVE series, the FRENCHED series, MAN CANDY, AFTER WE FALL, IF YOU WERE MINE, and the sexy historical SPEAK EASY duet, set in the 1920s.  

Connect with Melanie:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMelanieHarlow/?fref=ts

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1NPkYKs

Twitter: @MelanieHarlow2

Website: http://www.melanieharlow.com

Sign up for Melanie’s Newsletter: http://www.melanieharlow.com/subscribe/

 

About David:

For David Romanov, STRONG ENOUGH is to a great extent autobiographical. Born in Russia and raised in Europe, he landed in the United States at the age of 24, where he learned a lot about cultural differences between East and West. David firmly believes in ‘The One’ and learning through love. When he isn’t traveling or educating Melanie in Russian culture, he enjoys books and the company of his husband and dog in Los Angeles.  

Connect with David:

GoodReads: https://goo.gl/2Bekxz

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/David-Romanov-Author-1487479804635708/

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2rWkfUO

       

ARC REVIEW : Summer Heat by Jay Northcote

 

A summer fling is an ideal cure for a broken heart. But when it’s with your best friend, things get complicated.

When Adam is dumped by his boyfriend, a week away at a beach resort seems like a great opportunity to get over his ex. Sun, sea, and no-strings sex will be just the boost he needs to move on with his life.

Adam’s best friend, Finn, agrees to accompany him at short notice. Finn’s had a crush on Adam for years, but is determined to put his feelings aside and be the perfect wingman in Adam’s time of crisis.

A spontaneous threesome with another guy forces Adam and Finn to confront their attraction to each other. Having a holiday fling together wasn’t part of the plan, and as their trip heats up, they soon realise that one night of fun won’t be enough for either of them.

The passion might be scorching, but their hearts and friendship are on the line. If their romance is going to survive the flight home, they have to be honest about what they want.

Length: 47,000 approx
Standalone

Buy Link 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071ZY69VT

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B071ZY69VT

Universal Amazon link: http://mybook.to/SummerHeat_JayN

REVIEW 


Summer Heat by Jay Northcote
My rating: 4 of 5 stars  🌟🌟🌟🌟


When Jay's doing steamy, he's not doing half.
The summer is definitely hot! Well, it's a hot summer anyway...
This is a feel good, best friends to lover, loads of sex, and more sex, and more sex... Got a clue? (grins)
A real fun weekend getaway book to read.
No need complication in relationship, a bit awkward for sure, but no angst. They're just 'be'.
This is Jay's hottest book so far, I don't mind at all.
Enjoyable fun and adorable. What's not to love?



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Lelyana's Book Blog: ARC review : Ride Along (States of Love) by Megha...

Lelyana's Book Blog: ARC review : Ride Along (States of Love) by Megha...:   Drew Nolan is a loud-and-proud mystery writer with a brutal case of writer’s block. He needs practical experience with the Baltimore ...

ARC review : Ride Along (States of Love) by Meghan Maslow

 

Drew Nolan is a loud-and-proud mystery writer with a brutal case of writer’s block. He needs practical experience with the Baltimore police beat to get his latest manuscript to his publisher on time. When he wins a ride-along at a writer’s conference, he thinks he’s hit the jackpot… until he meets his partner.

Closeted cop Josh de Oliveira lost his family, his partner, and the respect of his unit—all for doing the right thing. Recently busted back down to patrol, he’s relieved to get a cushy assignment at the Author’s Police Institute where he’ll take one lucky writer on a ride-along. Unfortunately, his author looks like he belongs in the backseat of Josh’s squad car—long, ginger dreadlocks, piercings, and an “I would bottom you so hard” T-shirt. But there’s something about Drew Josh is having a hard time resisting.

It’s going to be a long night and one hell of a ride as opposites attract and realize they share a lot in common beneath the surface. As animosity becomes desire, they realize they can help each other out—in more ways than one.



States of Love: Stories of romance that span every corner of the United States.

REVIEW


Ride Along by Meghan Maslow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

🌟🌟🌟🌟

 
I was looking for a light and fun read when I open this book, and I had what I wanted.
This is a lust/love at first sight, I didn't mind at all. Because Drew and Josh are both enjoyable.
With a little baggage from the past, fast pace, loving family (Drew's), nosy friend and some jerk who's threatened Josh for what he did in the past, this one was quite a catch for me.
I liked Laura, Drew's new BFF. If not for her, probably these guys will never made it to the end. Just saying. So yeah, Laura is kinda important.
I liked the sexual tension between Josh and Drew, not that they held it for long for that one.
This is an instant lust, right? There's no couple problem between them, but they had to solved all their baggage with work, friends, and family before they're really can say they're together.
I liked Ian, Drew's brother. I think he's got crush on Josh a little bit. I hope he's gay too, he's an amazing guy. I want his own story in the future (hints).
I really enjoyed this book. Recommended!

*ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press for Lelyana's Book Blog to review.*

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ARC REVIEW : It Could Happen by Mia Kerick

 

Three misfits, mismatched in every way—Henry Perkins, Brody Decker, and Danny Denisco—have been friends throughout high school. Now in their senior year, the boys realize their relationship is changing, that they’re falling in love. But they face opposition at every turn—from outside and from within themselves. Moving to the next level will take all the courage, understanding, and commitment they can muster. But it could happen.

Henry is a star athlete and the son of religious parents who have little concern for the future he wants. Brody is a quirky dreamer and adrenaline junkie, and Danny is an emo artist and the target of bullies. Despite their differences they’ve always had each other’s backs, and with each of them facing a new and unique set of challenges, that support is more important than ever. Is it worth risking the friendship they all depend on for the physical and romantic relationship they all desire?

In this unconventional new adult romance, three gay teens brave societal backlash—as well as the chance that they might lose their treasured friendship—to embark on a committed polyamorous relationship.







It Could Happen by Mia Kerick
My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I didn't read a lot of Mia's book, and not too familiar with the writing style.
Reading this story I had a little vibes of David Levithan and Eli Easton in it.
But less more interesting, sorry.
It was a cute story though. Three friends, depends to each other facing bullying from someone and some friends about their 'gayness', a coming out story and how they're found themselves and what they wanted in life.
It can be great if the three boys can have more chemistry except for 'protecting each other and will always be together and us three against the world'.
They're teenagers in eighteenth but sounds like fifteen or something. Not that it's bad or anything.
But IMO, they need more hormones. Oh, you can blame my reading preferences though.
All in all, if you're looking for sweet 'friendship' story with a little 'bonding' between three boys in a threesomes relationship, this could be your better choice. Give this book a try. I hope you'll like it.


ARC provided by Dreamspinner press for an honest and fair review.

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