[Book Tour] Medley by Layla Reyne

Medley by Layla Reyne

Series: Changing Lanes #2

Will the race for gold cost them their hearts?

Publisher: Self-Publish

Release Date: April 30 (Print & Ebook)

Length (Print & Ebook): Approx 270 pages

Subgenre: MM Romance, Bisexual Romance, Contemporary Romance, Sports Romance, New Adult Romance

Order now:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2EqhvBR

B&N: http://bit.ly/2HDCbcO

iTunes: https://apple.co/2qCf4XV

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2IXrD7D

Book synopsis:

Sebastian Stewart was never Mr. Dependable; he was more the good-time guy who only wanted to swim, party, and ink tattoos. Until he cost his team the Olympic gold four years ago. Bas is determined to do right this time around—by his medley relay team and his rookie mentee.

Jacob Burrows is in over his head. The Olympic experience—from the hazing, to the endless practices, to the unrelenting media—makes the shy nineteen-year-old’s head spin. He’s trying to be everything to everyone while trying not to fall for his gorgeous tattooed teammate who just gets him—gets his need to fix things, his dorky pirate quips, and his bisexuality.

When Jacob falters under the stress, threatening his individual races and the medley relay gold, he needs Bas’s help to escape from drowning. Bas, however, fearing a repeat of his mistakes four years ago, pushes Jacob away, sure he’ll only let Jacob down. But the only path to salvaging gold is for Jacob to finally ask for what he needs—the heart of the man he loves—and for Bas to become the dependable one.

“How can you be your best when you’re not sure if your best will measure up? That’s the dilemma facing Bas and Jacob, as they deal with the immense pressure of swimming for Olympic gold while also trying to sort out their tangled hearts.” –Layla Reyne

Excerpt:

Wrapped in Bas’s arms in the back seat of a cab, his senses flooded with everything Sebastian, Jacob made his decision. Stupid, awkward, and likely a long shot, but Bas understood what Leah didn’t, what Emily and Wes hadn’t. Bas had said it was all right. That Jacob didn’t have to change. That he had him. Jacob had asked Bas to stay before and he had—back in San Antonio. He’d be asking more now. Jacob prayed the answer would be different than after Martin’s the other night.

Bas’s hand on his back as they exited the cab was a shot of confidence. As was Bas standing close as they claimed their room keys from security, and Bas, hand still on his back, leading him past the lounge to their room, on the same side of the closed door for the first time in two nights.

In the short entry hall, Bas stepped past him, reaching for the light, and Jacob acted on his decision. His maneuvers, when focused, in the water or in combat, were far from awkward. Using one of the martial arts moves his father had taught him, Jacob caught Bas’s raised wrist and spun him around, slamming his back against the wall. Holding his outstretched arm against the wall, Jacob curled his other hand around Bas’s neck.

“Jacob,” Bas gasped, lifting his free hand between them.

Had he said Pup, Jacob might have stopped. But Bas didn’t. So neither did Jacob.

About Layla Reyne:

Author Layla Reyne was raised in North Carolina and now calls San Francisco home. She enjoys weaving her bi-coastal experiences into her stories, along with adrenaline-fueled suspense and heart pounding romance. When she’s not writing stories to excite her readers, she downloads too many books, watches too much television, and cooks too much food with her scientist husband, much to the delight of their smushed-face, leftover-loving dogs. Layla is a member of Romance Writers of America and its Kiss of Death and Rainbow Romance Writers chapters. She was a 2016 RWA® Golden Heart® Finalist in Romantic Suspense.

>> My Review to Medley <<

[Blog Tour] Annabeth Albert ~ Squared Away + Giveaway

When a SEAL medic inherits three young children, he must battle to keep the family together and keep his long-held feelings for the man challenging him for custody at bay.

Squared Away

Series: Out of Uniform #5

Publisher: Carina Press

Release Date (Print & Ebook): April 16. Print, ebook, and audio all available.

Length (Print & Ebook): 80,000 words

Subgenre: m/m military romance

Includes: military romance, insta-family, hurt/comfort, angst, interracial, heroes-with-kids, gay romance, demisexual/gray ace hero, first time, loss, reunion, forced proximity

Links:

Synopsis:

In the wake of tragedy, SEAL Mark Whitley rushed stateside to act as guardian to his sister’s three young children. But a conflicting will could give custody to someone else—someone Mark remembers as a too young, too hot, wild party boy. Even after six years, Mark can’t shake the memory of his close encounter with Isaiah James, or face up to what it says about his own sexuality.

Isaiah’s totally over the crush that made him proposition Mark all those years ago. In fact, he’s done with crushing on the wrong men altogether. For now, he’s throwing himself into proving he’s the best person to care for his cousin’s kids. But there’s no denying there’s something sexy about a big, tough military man with a baby in his arms.

As the legal details get sorted out, their long-buried attraction resurfaces, leading to intimate evenings after the kids are tucked in. A forever future is within reach for all of them, if only Mark can find the courage he needs to trust Isaiah with his secrets—and his heart.

What Annabeth Albert has to say about this book in her Out of Uniform series:

“I wanted to write a book about the nature of family and how loss and tragedy can shape family, mold it into something stronger, force growth and change. I’m enormously proud of SQUARED AWAY as a result because how I fell in love with this little family.”

“When Wizard first appeared in ON POINT as a secondary character, I was intrigued by him, but it wasn’t until I let myself get into his head that I really saw how complicated he was. I feel honored and privileged to have been able to tell his story.”

“No book gets written in a vacuum and this one is no different. I owe a huge debt on this book to my sensitivity readers who really encouraged me to dig deep.”

Praise for the series:

“Mark and Isaiah’s budding relationship happens with sensitivity and steamy moments…” RT Book Reviews on SQUARED AWAY

“Annabeth Albert’s Out of Uniform series is a unique look at SEALs’ lives, showing us the insides of their hearts and homes and the love that drives them.” ~Layla Reyne, author of the Agents Irish and Whisky series.

Short Excerpts

It was not a date. Mark had been on those, and they usually made him feel like his clothes were three sizes too small, all buttoned up and uncomfortable. Hanging out with Isaiah was nothing like that. Sure he drove Mark nuts, but he was also fun, making Mark relax in a way he did with few others, and that had been the case ever since their first meeting. And despite himself, despite everything that had happened, he found himself looking forward to the rest of the day. And that was something he hadn’t thought possible.

Damn it. Liking Isaiah was just too easy. He needed to be careful.

About Annabeth Albert:

Annabeth Albert grew up sneaking romance novels under the bed covers. Now, she devours all subgenres of romance out in the open—no flashlights required! When she’s not adding to her keeper shelf, she’s a multi-published Pacific Northwest romance writer. The #OutOfUniform series joins her critically acclaimed and fan-favorite LGBTQ romance #Gaymers, #PortlandHeat and #PerfectHarmony series. To find out what she’s working on next and other fun extras, check out her website: www.annabethalbert.com or connect with Annabeth on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Spotify! Also, be sure to sign up for her newsletter for free ficlets, bonus reads, and contests. The fan group, Annabeth’s Angels, on Facebook is also a great place for bonus content and exclusive contests.

Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. Annabeth loves finding happy endings for a variety of pairings and is a passionate gay rights supporter. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two active children.

Connect with Annabeth:

Giveaway:

win 1 of 2 ecopies of any back catalog book by Annabeth Albert:

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Direct Giveaway Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/88d45f0353/

Here is my review for Squared Away in case you are interested how I liked it

>> HERE <<

Interview with E.M. Leya

1. Tell us something about you. Who are you? What books do you write?

I’m a single mother of a beautiful daughter who lives in Utah. I’m a recluse but when I do venture out it’s usually to the mountains or some quiet spot. I love the outdoors and was raised on a very large ranch.
As for the books I write, I write a little of everything romance. I have Christian romance, erotica, LGBT romance, and good old MF romances too. If an idea comes to mind, I write it. I refuse to be stuck in one genre.

2. What’s the latest book you’ve written?

The latest book I’ve written is Secret. It is book two of my Save The Kids Series and deals with a group of vigilante pedophile hunters who help to save and rescue kids while making vile perverts pay for their crimes.

3. Anything you want to share about your upcoming book(s)?

My next release is Blinded. It is book 3 of my Terrin Pass Wolves series. It’s a story about recovering from a violent attack and learning to trust and love. It should be out the end of April.

4. What’s your biggest struggle while writing?

My biggest struggle is staying focused and not getting distracted by social media or other things going on around me.

5. Any favourite drinks or snacks you need to have while you’re writing?

Coffee! I drink a lot of coffee through the day. More than is probably heathy. I also suck on cough drops and other hard candy as I write.

6. How do you come up with the ideas for your various series?

Ideas come from everywhere. The idea for the STK book came from watching pedophile hunting groups in the UK. While they stay within the law, my mind took things a bit farther for the books. I love to people watch and come up with ideas all the time just watching people around me.

7. Anyone who inspired you to pick up writing or was that something you always wanted to do?

I’ve always been writing. I started in about seventh grade and haven’t stopped. I have files of old stories I wrote in high school. It took years to get the courage to publish, but writing has always been in my blood.

8. Any tips for new writers?

Stop listening to others tell you how. Stop worrying about the rules. Let the words flow. You are probably better than you think, and you are overthinking. Get the words out and go from there. You can edit a mess, but you can’t edit a blank page!

9. Are you planning a new series in the future?

I don’t have any new series planned as of now, but I do have a few hundred stand-alone ideas that I will be working on. I’m going to push to do more MF romances along with the MM romances I’m more known for.

10. Any writing goals for 2018?

To continue to write and bring the ideas to life on page.

11. What is one word you are using way too often while writing and have to edit out? (Mine are ‘quite’ and ‘though’ when I write reviews)

Actually, pushed, pulled, breath are the words I have to watch myself on.

12. When you’re not writing, what do you love to do?

I love to swim, read, hike, camp, I’m a dooms-day prepper, and I love to travel and show my daughter the world now that she is old enough to enjoy it.

Random questions that I came up with while on the bus to university:

1. If you could have any type of superpower, what would it be? Any reasons why?

I’d love to fly. I think it would be amazing to see the world from high above.

2. If you could go on vacation anywhere, regardless the cost, where would you like to go?

Israel. I’ve always wanted to go there and see the Holy Land.

3. Water or soda drinks?

Both. I love both. I drink too much soda and not enough water, but if I had to pick one favorite drink it would be coffee.

4. Popcorn buttered or salted, or even sweetened (which is the normal type here in Germany, we don’t have buttered, and rarely salted)?

Extra butter, no salt. I love greasy buttered popcorn.

5. What countries have you visited or want to visit?

I’ve been to Canada, Mexico, Jamaica so far. I would love to get over to the UK and also Israel.

6. Do you speak a second language? Or do you wish you could speak a second language, which one would you like to be able to speak?

I am fluent in Sign Language, speak Navajo, and some broken Spanish.

7. If you could pick one animal from a zoo to keep as a pet, what would it be?

An elephant. I’ve always loved them.

8. Are you more of a sneaker or high heels type of girl?

I don’t own a single pair of heels. Sneakers all the way if I have to wear shoes at all. If I can get away with it I go barefoot.

9. What’s your favourite colour of nail polish?

I don’t wear any, but I love how greens look on others.

10. Favourite season: spring, summer, autumn or winter?

Spring is my favorite when everything is new and fresh.

11. What’s the one thing you can’t live without?

Coffee!

12. Favourite fruit?

Apples. I can make so much with them and have them so many different ways.

13. What was your favourite subject in school and what was your least favourite?

History was my favorite class. I’m still a huge history buff. The class I hated and still hate is math!

About the author

My name is Emma Marie Leya aka E.M Leya.

I live with my daughter and my pets in Salt Lake City, Utah. When I am not writing, I’m an avid swimmer with a passion for the mountains. I can often be found playing outdoors.

Writing has been a major part for my entire life, only recently did I take the time to fine tune and publish my work so others might enjoy it.

My main interest is writing Gay Romance and I am active supporter of the LGBT community.

In case you are interested in my review for Pain, the first book in the STK series, here it is.

[Review] Pain by E.M. Leya

Pain
(Save The Kids #1)
by E.M. Leya
ebook
Publication Date: December 12th 2017 by E.L. Publishing

When his daughter is kidnapped, Matt’s life screeches to a halt. He would do anything to get his daughter back, but first he needs to find her. When the police exhaust all possible leads, Matt does the only thing he can do — he uses his hacking skills to infiltrate the dark web. Torn, he desperately hopes he finds a lead on his daughter among the heartbreaking details he comes across, yet prays she isn’t one of the countless children being victimized for thousands to watch.

Xander is a tough, bearded, tattooed pedophile hunter, working for a team who takes down some of the most dangerous people in the country. He doesn’t have time for love or relationships, at least until he meets Matt. Xander’s never let anyone get close, but there is something about Matt that draws him in, and it’s more than just concern for his daughter.

Xander and Matt come together explosively, both searching for a distraction from the darkness they face, but what they didn’t expect were feelings to form. Matt finds himself leaning on Xander and his team for support, while doing what he can to help them find and protect other children from the darkness creeping into their world, never once giving up hope that they’ll get a lead on his daughter.

One phone call threatens to change everything, and when faced with a new reality, the two of them must decide if what they have is worth fighting for. What they need to realize is, sometimes finding the one person who calms you can make it all worthwhile.

review

I wasn’t quite sure if I should write a full-length review for Pain or Secret (the second book of the Save The Kids series). In the end I decided to go with the first book, Pain, because that is normally the book you start a series with, right? If you’re not me, that is. I, of course, started with the second book first, like usually. I don’t know when I finally will be able to pick up the first book in a series first. Maybe it will happen someday. But because of this, I can always tell you if a book is readable without needing to read the other books of a series. Both, Pain and Secret, are perfectly fine to be read as stand-alones.

I will say that this series isn’t for someone who’s squeamish and doesn’t want to read violent scenes, there are some here. Child abuse is also talked about, but the actual abuse happens off page.

I really liked the writing style and the dynamics between the characters. Also poor Faith, she was so strong and I loved her relationship with Xander, I loved that guy, don’t judge me 😉

I also loved how Xander and Matt’s casual relationship slowly drifted off to a serious relationship without them even noticing at first. Those two were cute.

I will definitely pick up the third book in the series, if there will be one. I sincerely hope so. No idea what characters it will be about though, maybe Dyson and a new character?

Rating: 4,5 stars

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Month: April 2018