Sunday, September 20, 2015

The Marine in Unit A By Kris Cook

Title: The Marine in Unit A
Series: A Mockingbird Place Novella
Author: Kris Cook
Genre: M/M Romance
Published: September 15, 2015
The man who has been more of a dad to me than my biological father is dead. 
He rescued me from the streets six years ago—a runaway teenage boy, escaping a family who thought I was an abomination. 
Now what do I do? I have no one. 
My life might look great from the outside. I’m in college. I have my own apartment. I have lots of friends. 
But I’m dying on the inside. 
I feel so alone. Lost. Hopeless. 
I’m not the kind of person to wallow in self-pity. I need a distraction. 
The guy moving into Unit A may be just what I need to take my mind off of losing my dad. 
**** 
21-year old Oliver Lancaster is attracted to 22-year old Adam Stockton, the former-Marine moving into Unit A. But attraction for the closeted man morphs quickly into something deeper, something meaningful, something that terrifies Oliver. What will happen if Adam learns about the secret from his past? 
Warning: contains skinny dipping, two hot men kissing, and sexual situations taking place in a 10-unit Mediterranean complex filled with college-aged hotties.



OMGoodness, I freaking loved this book!  Oliver and Adam are such great characters,  and I thought the story line was fantastic.  The way Kris Cook wrote about Adam’s disability was mesmerizing.  And even though Malcolm death is how the book starts off,  he was written as such a great influence on the people of Mockingbird Place.  This is a start to a wonderful new series that I can’t wait to read more of in the future.

****This book was given for my honest review by Enticing Journey Promotions*****
“Loved this book! Very touching love story and has me wanting to know more about the residents at Mockingbird Place.” ~ The Smut-Brarians
“It is well written, and you can feel the intensity of the words and the emotions of the characters in the book.” ~ Bloggin' With M.Brennan
“A very nice read that I totally enjoyed. I will read more by this author especially this series.” ~ Inked Rainbow Reads
The Marine in Unit A Mockingbird Place 
© 2015 Kris Cook
I stay behind as everyone says their goodbyes to him. I’m not ready to leave.
He hugs Martha and Sarah last. They wave to me, and then walk out.
When Adam shuts the door, I ask him, “How about another beer? There’s three left.”
“Actually, I’m hungry. Are you?”
“Starving.”
He walks into the kitchen and holds up a grocery bag. “You like ramen noodles? I’m not much of a cook and I figured it might be too late to go out by the time I finished. I was right, even with all the help of our wonderful neighbors and you.”
This will be our first meal together. “Noodles and beer? Sounds perfect.”
Adam laughs. “I even got cupcakes for dessert. Now all we need to do is find a pot in one of these boxes so we can boil the noodles.”
A few minutes later, our dinner is ready to eat.
He looks in several boxes. “I found forks but no plates or bowls. Oh, well. I guess we’ll have to eat out of the pot. And since my dining room table is loaded with boxes and my new sofa won’t be delivered until tomorrow, we’ll have to sit on the floor.” He walks into the living room, carrying a couple of forks and our pot of noodles.
I plop down in the same place I sat in before everyone else arrived. “It’ll be like an indoor picnic.”
He laughs, sits down next to me and then scoots even closer. So close my heart skips a beat.
Adam holds the pot out for me. “You take the first bite.”
Heat rushes through me as I twirl my fork in the pot. I wonder if he realizes how intimate this feels. Was my first instinct about him right? Is he gay? I’m confused. I’m not about to bring up that subject now, especially remembering how he acted when I mentioned the gay strip club. Right now I must be patient with him. I like Adam. If he isn’t gay, I hope we can at least be friends. But if he is…well, that is a different story.
As I taste the noodles, his eyes are fixed on me. “How did I do, Oliver?”
“Delicious.” I haven’t eaten ramen noodles in a very long time. Malcolm was an excellent cook and taught me everything he knew about the kitchen. We always ate like kings. “It has a flavor I can’t quite figure out.”
Laughing, Adam places his arm around me. “It’s beer. I’m no chef and I don’t have any spices except salt and pepper, but I thought if I poured some of my beer in the pot it might make our noodles taste better.”
“It does taste great. Good idea.”
“Really? You’re not just saying that, are you?”
“Yes. Really.” I smile at his enthusiasm. I’ve witnessed a sliver of his dark side when he adamantly stated he wasn’t gay. But now, he seems completely relaxed and open. This seems to be another side to his personality. How many sides does he have? Adam is still a mystery to me.
We polish off the entire pot of noodles quickly.
“I guess we were hungry.” He finishes his beer and remains next to me. “Ready for dessert?”
I would much rather taste his lips, but for now, I will settle for a cupcake. “I would love dessert.”
He jumps to his feet, collecting our two forks and the empty pot, and returns to the kitchen.
Again, I notice his slight limp. I really wish I knew what happened to him. But if I say something it might end the evening, and I don’t want it to end. We’ve only had a little time alone together. I want more, but feel if I stay much longer, I will screw things up.
He brings the cupcakes on a napkin. “There’s a chocolate and a vanilla. Which one do you want?”
I look into his dark eyes, wondering what it would be like to hold him close. “Chocolate, please.”
“That’s my favorite, too.” He sits down even closer to me than before, the sides of our legs touching with only the fabric of our jeans keeping our skin apart.
My heart begins to race. “How about we cut the cupcakes in two, Adam, and split them? That way we both get a taste of our favorite.”
He laughs in such a way I can’t help but smile. It’s hearty and warm. “Oliver, you’re a genius.”
He takes a bite of his chocolate slice and closes his eyes. “Mmm.”
I can’t help but stare at the drop of icing that is on his thick lips. When his tongue appears and sweeps it into his mouth, I think I’m going to pass out. He is the hottest guy I’ve ever met. I need to get control of myself or my excitement will get the better of me.
Adam’s eyes pop open. “What are you waiting for? It’s delicious.”
I take a bite of mine. In the sexiest voice I can muster, I say, “It is so delicious—sweet, moist, and creamy.”
“You should be the bakery’s spokesperson. Have you ever thought about doing commercials?”
So much for trying to sound sexy, but I’m not ready to give up. Not yet. “No, I never have.”
“You should consider it. You’ve got a great voice.”
“Thanks. This has been a blast, Adam.”
“A blast?” He grins again. “I’m glad but I feel like I’ve taken advantage of you. This has been a lot of work.”
Please take advantage of me. “Next time I want to cook dinner for you.”
“That would be great. I’ll bring a six-pack or a bottle of wine. But don’t think you have to top my meal.” He grins, holding up his remaining cupcake half. “This is five-star dining at its best.”
“Yes, it is. And the company can’t be beat.” Despite how much I want to stay, I wrap up the remainder of my dessert in the napkin. “It’s late. I better go.”
A flash of disappointment appears on his face and then quickly vanishes. He gets up on his feet. “Thanks, buddy. Without your help and all the other neighbors pitching in, I wouldn’t have been able to get the truck unloaded.” He holds out his hand in the universal gesture of friendship.
Is this all we are ever going to be? Just friends?
I can’t resist testing the water, just a little. “Come on, buddy. We’ve shared noodles. We’re friends who deserve a hug.” I pull him in and he doesn’t resist.
It still doesn’t confirm my suspicions about him, but it does give me a reason to hope.
Though starting in straight erotic romance, Kris's total focus now is on gay romance. When asked why recently, his answer was "My muse finally came out of the closet. Isn't it about time? I’ve been out since I was twenty-five." A voracious reader, Kris loves many genres of fiction, but this writer's favorite books are romances that are edgy, sexy, with rich characters and unique challenges. Kris' influences include Anne Rice, JR Ward, Lexi Blake and Shayla Black. Last year, Kris married the love of his life Stephen. 
 
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Thursday, September 17, 2015

Closet Confessions by Kindle Alexander

Title: Closet Confessions
Author: Kindle Alexander
Genre: M/M Romance Novella
Release Date: September 8, 2015
This version includes Bonus Scenes adding an additional ten thousand words to this edition. Closet Confession was previously released in the Night Shift Anthology. 
Dr. Derek Babineaux is intelligent, dedicated, and one of the best ER physicians in the fast-paced world of critical care at Tulane Medical in New Orleans. Always on top of his game, he's thrown off balance when the newest medical staff member finally unleashes his hidden desires. 
Justin Delacroix's job at the inner city's busiest hospital might be just what he needs to ease back into civilian life after a long stint in the military. High-performing shifts make working as a trauma nurse at TMC the perfect way to utilize his skills and quick reaction times. There's only one problem, his attraction for one sexy ER doctor is off the charts, but he has his reasons for not returning Dr. Baby's night shift advances. Or maybe he doesn't.
...

“I’m starting to think you might have a crush on me, Dr. Baby.” His own crooked smile spread, hoping he was getting past the too quiet remark from earlier. He didn’t want Derek to see him that way. 
“Then quit dodging me and let’s play doctor,” Derek growled. Justin could feel Derek’s heated gaze on him, but refused to look his way. 
“I don’t mix business with pleasure,” Justin playfully fired right back, like he had every night they’d worked together. Besides, Derek had to know he was such a liar. It took everything in him not to jump the smug doctor right there in the hallway and show him exactly how well he played with others.
“I’m not buying it. Besides, if you don’t want to play with me, then why do I always catch you eye-fucking me?” Derek cockily countered. The doctor grabbed his forearm, stopping Justin in his tracks. Derek turned toward him and their eyes locked in an instant. Justin wondered if Derek could hear his heart pounding against his chest as he held his challenging gaze. 
This was new to the game.

Read from March 16 to 17, 2015

Since I only read M/M I purchased this mainly to support the cause and for Kindle Alexander's Closet Confession. What a great short read, she has become the master of WTH? And of course she delivers once again. Justin and Dr Baby were perfect.
Sept 6, 2015 re-read of expanded version


I thought the ending in the Anthology Night Shift was perfect but the ending to Closet Confession Expanded Version was just awesome.  Loved the extra chapters that Kindle added that gave us the beginning, the meeting of Aunt Vera and their very own HEA.  As Always the Kindle’s are Per-Fect when it comes to writing a great love story.
Best Selling 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!
I live in the suburbs of Dallas where it's true, the only thing bigger than an over active imagination, may be women's hair!
Usually, I try for funny. Humor is a major part of my life - I love to laugh, and it seems to be the thing I do in most situations - regardless of the situation, but jokes are a tricky deal... I don't want to offend anyone and jokes tend to offend. So instead I'm going to tell you about Kindle.
I tragically lost my sixteen year old daughter to a drunk driver. She had just been at home, it was early in the night and I heard the accident happen. I'll never forget that moment. The sirens were immediate and something inside me just knew. I left my house, drove straight to the accident on nothing more than instinct. I got to be there when my little girl died - weirdly, I consider that a true gift from above. She didn't have to be alone.
That time in my life was terrible. It's everything you think it would be times about a billion. I love that kid. I loved being her mother and I loved watching her grow into this incredibly beautiful person, both inside and out. She was such a gift to me. To have it all ripped away so suddenly broke me.
Her name was Kindle. Honest to goodness - it was her name and she died a few weeks before Amazon released their brand new Kindle ereader. She had no idea it was coming out and she would have finally gotten her name on something! Try finding a ruler with the name Kindle on it.. It never happened.
Through the course of that crippling event I was lucky enough to begin to write with a dear friend in the fan fiction world of Facebook. She got me through those dark days with her unwavering support and friendship. There wasn't a time she wasn't there for me. Sometimes together and sometimes by myself, we built a world where Kindle lives and stands for peace, love and harmony. It's its own kind of support group. I know without question I wouldn't be here today without her.
Find out more by visiting www.kindlealexander.com or email me at kindle@kindlealexander.com