Guarding Mr. Fine by HelenKay Dimon

Guarding Mr. Fine by HelenKay Dimon

Review by Lauren

source: copy from Netgalley; all opinions are my own

Official Summary: As an agent with the CIA’s special activities division, Seth Lang lives for risk—and yet he’s stuck playing bodyguard to the U.S. consul general in Munich. Although Seth’s last assignment nearly killed him, babysitting some desk jockey in a suit sounds way too easy. But when he lays eyes on the new top man, tactical expert Rick Fine, Seth’s thrilled to see just how hard this job is going to get. Mr. Tall, Dark, and Quiet has a body worth guarding—and he requires hands-on attention day and night.
 
Dispatched to a German consulate to expose the murder of his predecessor, Rick finds himself in an extremely vulnerable position. He needs a man like Seth—in so many ways. This mission will inevitably plunge them both into jeopardy, but each new threat only brings them closer. Rick just hopes that he can keep his deepest, darkest secret hidden—or else risk imperiling a relationship they’re both fighting for their lives to protect.

Review: Guarding Mr. Fine is the third book in the Tough Love series, and while I've loved them all, I think this might be my favorite. I just loved the relationship between Rick and Seth. There is a big secret that involves both of them - which only Rick is aware of - but it's a secret that makes sense to be kept, at least while the mission is happening. It adds drama to the end of the book, but nothing unwarranted or too over the top.

As for the rest of the book, this is essentially a mystery novel, and I loved that. Sure, it has plenty of romance, but it also has suspense and intrigue. Rick is sure that the former ambassador to Germany was involved in something shady and that his death is more than a suicide. He has to keep this theory mostly a secret though, so that if something is going on, they aren't spooked and hide away. It soon becomes clear that Rick is correct as someone tries to take Rick out. They don't know Seth though. He's been in the CIA for years and he's an excellent "body guard." He may have feelings for Rick, but that doesn't distract Seth. It might just make him more determined to bring down whoever would dare kill Rick.

Definitely a great read! I'll include links to the other books in the series below in case you want to read in order!

Check out the Tough Love series on Amazon - I'm an affiliate; I get a small percent of any sale.

Mr. and Mr. Smith - check it out
The Talented Mr. Rivers - check it out
Guarding Mr. Fine - check it out 

Working It by Christine D'Abo

Working It by Christine D'Abo 

Review by Lauren

source: copy from Netgalley; all opinions are my own

Official Summary: Nolan Carmichael is getting a fresh start—new career, new company, new life. The only problem is, he liked his old life just fine . . . until an accident robbed him of his health, his job, his self-confidence, and his ability to go out in public without having anxiety attacks.

Zack Anderson has scared away his last four administrative assistants. So when he hires Nolan on a whim, he’s not too worried, since Nolan will be gone within the week anyway. Two weeks later, Nolan has made himself indispensable, completely reforming Zack’s schedule, life . . . and libido.

But in a company already torn by internal politics, one wrong step could ruin both their careers. And not only are they working to reopen Ringside Gym, Zack’s retreat when he was a troubled teen, but they also can’t help themselves falling for each other. If only the rest of their lives could go as smoothly as things do when they’re alone together. 

Review: Oh, I really loved this one! I really loved Nolan and Zack. They both have issues they are working through -Nolan has extreme anxiety attacks and Zack has a definite attitude/anger issue - but these aren't things they are willing to let hold them back. When Nolan gets the job as Zack's assistant, he's determined to do the best he can and show his sister that he can make it on his own. As for Zack, his surly demeanor has obviously started to change after working with Nolan.

Working It is essentially a story of moving forward after tragedy, finding a reason to change your life, and going after one's dreams. Since Zack is essentially Nolan's boss, he knows that he shouldn't start anything with him, but he can't help but be drawn to him. I'm a big fan of drama in books and relationships as long as it's not drawn out by not talking or is something completely unrealistic. I thought the drama was done really well in this book and it just made me root harder for Zack and Nolan to be with each other, and to have their future be what they always imagined. I do recommend, and I'm curious to read the second book in this series!

Want to read? Check it out on Amazon, where I'm an affiliate and get a small percent of any sale.

Block and Strike by Kelly Jensen

Block and Strike by Kelly Jensen

Review by Lauren

source: copy from publisher; all opinions are my own

Official Summary: Jacob Kendricks is three months out of prison, estranged from his daughter, and ready to get his life on track. Taking care of the bum curled up on his doorstep isn’t part of the plan. When he realizes the man has been assaulted, Jake takes him to the hospital, where he learns that Max is his downstairs neighbor… and that he could really use a friend. Keeping Max in the friend-zone would be easier if he wasn’t so damned cute.

Maxwell Wilson has been bullied for years, and the only person who ever cared lives too far away to come to his rescue. Now his upstairs neighbor is offering support. Max remains cautious, suspecting he is little more than a project for the handsome Jake. When he learns Jake has had boyfriends as well as girlfriends, Max has to reevaluate his priorities—and muster the courage to take a chance at love.

Just when a happy future is within their grasp, life knocks them back down. A devastating blow leaves Max lower than ever and Jake wrestling with regret. They both have to find the strength to stand on their own before they can stand together.

Review: Block and Strike was a really good read, full of emotion and even a little suspense. I liked that both of the main characters had heartache and drama in their past but they didn't let that define their future. They both worked hard to make things better for themselves. With this inner strength, they were also able to be there for each other when needed. They didn't fix each other, but they were able to help each other a great deal.

Jacob is fresh out of prison for something he'll always regret, but he has a fairly sunny disposition. He's a hard worker and while he has anger problems, he's working on them. As for Max, he's had a rough life and a prickly exterior, but there is definitely more to him below the surface. Meeting Jacob helps him slowly come into his confidence, and it was really great to see!

This book features various secondary friends and family members that just added to the overall story. Max and Jacob aren't living in the void - there are people around them that care a great deal. I loved the emotion in this one too. It brings you into the story, and you end up caring very deeply for these men. You want them to get a happily ever after - together or apart. Definitely a good one!

Want to check it out on Amazon? I'm an affiliate, so I get a small percent of any sale.

Sound Proof by C.A. Blocke

Sound Proof by C.A. Blocke

Review by Lauren

source: copy from Netgalley; all opinions are my own

Official Summary: When Chris is unceremoniously dumped by his longtime girlfriend, his best friend Thomas picks up the pieces and remind there's more to life than his lost relationship. In the process of letting go of a relationship that wasn't what he thought, Chris slowly comes to realize that everything he's ever wanted may have been right beneath his nose the whole time…

Review: First off, this isn't a gay for you novel, so you're worried about that, don't be. Chris is actually bisexual and he's hooked up with his best friend Thomas years before when they first met. However, when he's dumped by his longtime girlfriend, feelings start to come up between the two again. I didn't hate this one but it definitely wasn't my favorite book. I could say things moved quick, but with their history, it wasn't too bad. I suppose the book is more of a novella than a full-length novel too, so that aspect didn't really help things feel realistic either. I did find Thomas' main job interesting - he does voice over, so that includes anime and audio books and reading a bit about that was cool. I'm not really sure what I'd rate this one, if I was going to rate it, but let's just say it was more of a miss than a hit for me.

If you're interested, though, you can check it out on Amazon. I get a small percent of any sale, as I'm an affiliate.

Top Ten Tuesday with Author Elyse Springer

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

Top Ten Books I Have Lied About by Elyse Springer

10. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows: As a diehard Harry Potter fanatic, I’m pretty sure I’m supposed to love this book. I’ve told people over and over that I did. But confession: it’s my least favorite in the series. I’ve read it exactly once, on the day it came out. Sorry, JKR, but I’ll use my imagination to decide how Harry defeats Voldemort! (I do like The Cursed Child, though, so at least that awful epilogue is redeemed slightly.)

9. The entirety of A Song of Ice and Fire: I’ve read the first few. I know they’re popular. But my god are they boring. They’re too long, and I got sick of the needless character death after the first 50 or so gruesome on-page offings. But every geek on earth seems to love them, so I pretend like I do.

8. Twilight: YES I READ THEM ALL. I admit it! I didn’t like them, but for some reason I couldn’t put them down.

7. The Scarlet Letter: I wrote three term papers on this at university. I have never once read it. (The lowest grade I got on one of those papers was a B+, though.)

6. Fanfiction: Maybe it doesn’t count as a “book”, but some of these fics are pretty epic. I generally don’t fess up to reading fan fiction, but the fact is that I love a good novel-length fic. (But I don’t actually have a preferred fandom… I’ll read anything good.)

5. Anne Rice: Mostly the only person I lied to about these was my mother. I started reading these books at age 12, at which point my mom decided I was too young to continue. Of course that only made me more eager to sneak them out of the public library!

4. Every book assigned in high school English: I have a degree in English lit, but I also have a pretty serious disinterest in anything written in the 1800s or early 1900s. The only two books I read in high school were “Of Mice and Men” (aka the shortest one) and “The Canterbury Tales” (aka the reason I specialized in Medieval Literature). Thank goodness for Sparknotes.

3. “Bodice rippers”: I love them. I really, really do. I want romance tropes and terrible euphemisms for male anatomy and improbable plots.

2. Animorphs: I read these when I was in third grade. I also read them about three months ago. Why are these books so good?!

1. Every book I was ever asked about while working in a bookstore: I worked in a bookstore for three years. People came in constantly, asking, “Do you recommend this book?” Me: “Oh, absolutely! It’s fantastic, I loved it!” or “I’ve heard such good things about this one!” Yeah, I lied. A lot. 

About the Author:

Elyse is an author and world-traveler, whose unique life experiences have helped to shape the stories that she wants to tell. She writes romances with LGBTQIA+ characters and relationships, and believes that every person deserves a Happily Ever After. When she’s not staring futilely at her computer screen, Elyse spends her time adding stamps to her passport, catching up on her terrifying TBR list, and learning to be a better adult.

You can find Elyse online at:

• Website: http://elspringer.com
• Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ElyseSpringer
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elysespringerwrites

First Openly Gay Disney Character

source

I'm sure I'm not the only person here who is excited for the live action film, Beauty and the Beast. I didn't think I could get anymore happy about this film but I was wrong! The other day I found out that LeFou (played by Josh Gad in the new film) will be Disney's first openly gay character. I am absolutely thrilled about this news.

Disney is probably the number 1 entertainment for kids growing up - it was for me at least - so I think it's about time they decided to have a gay character that kids could see, and on the big screen no less! You can read more about this in an article on Nylon, which is where I learned the news.

Of course, this news isn't without its critics. In fact, a movie theater in Alabama has stated they will no longer be showing the film due to it having an openly gay character. It's ridiculous, I know, but they are crediting religion for their decision. You can read more about their decision, and other people's thoughts, on CNN.

What are your thoughts about this announcement? Are you as excited as I am? Leave your thoughts - but be courteous!

-Lauren

Rainbow Roundup: Reviews, Book Look, and More!

I'm back with another Rainbow Roundup! I hope you enjoy all of these links - and maybe find some new books (and TV shows). One link includes a giveaway, I have a link for a Book Look, and a post about LGBT+ characters on TV. Let me know what you think!

Metaphors and Moonlight reviewed The Pedlar and the Bandit King by Kirby Crow (gay, fantasy, high fantasy)

Sparkling Letters reviewed The Inexplicable Logic of My Life by Benjamin Alire Saenz (YA Contemporary- MC has a gay father)

Pure Imagination reviewed Simon Vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli (YA Contemporary - main character is gay)

Books for a Delicate Eternity reviewed Our Own Private Universe by Robin Talley (YA contemp- f/f novel)

Diva BookNerd reviewed History Is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera (YA contemporary, features gay/bi characters)

Chiara Sullivan wrote a post about her favorite TV Shows with LGBT+ Characters 

In Wonderland has a guest post from Carrie Mac, author of 10 Things I Can See From Here (post includes giveaway)

No Bent Spines shared a Book Look for History Is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera (a book look is an outfit that matches the book cover)