Beta Test by Annabeth Albert

To those of you in the U.S., Happy Memorial Day! I hope you had a nice weekend. Today is also my birthday; just thought I'd throw that out there. ;)

Beta Test by Annabeth Albert

Review by Lauren

source: copy from Netgalley; all opinions are my own

Official Summary: Brilliant graphic designer Ravi Tandel is ahead of the game—he's just been asked to present a top secret project at a huge conference in Seattle. All systems are go...until he learns his buttoned-up office nemesis is coming along for the ride.

Tristan Jones isn't really the gamer type, but he knows the back end of the video game business inside out. Together, he and Ravi will give an awesome presentation. If they survive the cross-country trip first.

Tossed together in close quarters, Ravi's shocked to see Tristan's sexy, softer side emerge from such a conservative shell. He's less shocked to learn his handsome colleague's prominent family would never support an out-and-proud son. But Ravi didn't struggle through his own coming out to hide who he is now. To be together, Tristan will have to push past his fear and ultimately decide: Does he want a future with Ravi? Or is it game over before they've even begun?

Review: Beta Test is the second book in the #gaymers series (which I have to say, is a very accurate, yet unique series title!) I read and reviewed Status Update, the first book, late last year and really loved it so I was excited to see what and who the second book would be about. Status Update involved a fairly long road trip, and Beta Test is the same. Except this time, Ravi and Tristan know each other beforehand; they just don't particularly know what to think of each other. Ravi is out and proud, no matter what people think. He does have issues with his family, though, so he understands that worry and fear. As for Tristan, he's kept his sexuality not exactly a secret, but private. Nobody knows he's gay at his new job, until his anger at Ravi lets it spill one evening.

Cue the road trip! These two are paired up to bring an exhibit from their video game company to a comic convention. It doesn't take too long for the two to warm up to each other. Ravi is more extroverted, but he understands and even starts to crave some alone or quiet time, like Tristan needs. Being on the road together, and even having to stay at hotels on the way, means the two open up about things in their past - family issues and past relationships. While there is definitely an attraction, none of them really want to disrupt their work life, especially if they get together and it doesn't work out. This leads to a "road relationship and nothing else" type of deal. Of course, who really thinks their connection/attraction can just go away after the convention?

That's what I thought...

Overall, this was a good read! I can't really say if I preferred one over the other - Status Update or Beta Test. They do have similar "type" of characters, but I still liked the differences! I'll be curious to see if there is more to come! I think I know who the next book might focus on...

#ReadProud Reading Challenge for Pride Month

In honor of Pride Month (the month of June), author Julia Ember is hosting a really awesome LGBT+ reading challenge! I'm going to do what I can to take part in this throughout the month, so I thought I'd share it here and see if any of you wanted to join in! It might be a good way to find some LGBT+ books. You can go to the blog page to introduce yourself and learn all the rules! I'll share some of the details below:

This is a 4-week challenge. Each week will have 2 categories. You can participate on two levels:

(1) GOLD:  Read two books per week, one from each category, totalling 8. 

(2) SILVER: Read one book from one category a week, totalling 4. 

Successful completers of the challenge will be entered in a prize draw: 

GOLD: $100 Amazon Gift Card (or B&N/Waterstones if preferred!) 

SILVER: $50 Amazon Gift Card (or B&N/Waterstones if preferred!)

Rules:

1) You must read in the weekly categories to be eligible. However, you do not have to read the suggested books. You may find your own reads in the relevant categories. 

2) You must post your reviews on GoodReads and at least one retailer website. You shoud link these in the comments on the relevant week's post (on this blog). These reviews can be negative or positive. 

3) These reads must be new reviews. This means you can't recycle old reviews or old Arc reviews. You need to post the review in the relevant week. 

4) Post in the comments to introduce yourself and your blog/twitter handle! 

Week 1: May 29-June 5

Category A:  TRANS YA  ** fiction or non-fictional 

CATEGORY B: GAY CONTEMPORARY, NA or ADULT.

Week 2: June 5-12

Category A:  LESBIAN SPECULATIVE

Category B:  LGBTQ Middle Grade or Younger

Week 3: June 12-19

Category A:  AUTHORS OF COLOUR

Category B:  LESBIAN CONTEMPORARY 

Week 4: June 19-26

Category A:  GAY YA

Category B: WILDCARD 

Again, please visit Julia's blog for more details. She gives you the book she'll be reading under each week/category as well as other suggestions in case you need help finding something to read for say "Lesbian Speculative" or "Authors of Colour." If you read two books a week - one from each category- you are entered to win $100 gift card, and you are entered to win a $50 gift card if you read one book a week from ONE of the two week's categories. I'm going to try and do both categories a week, but we'll see!

Remember, if you write on Twitter, use the #ReadProud to see all the other posts/updates! 

Mr. and Mr. Smith by HelenKay Dimon

Mr. and Mr. Smith by HelenKay Dimon

Review by Lauren

source: copy from Netgalley; all opinions are my own

Official Summary: Fisher Braun knows how to keep a secret. As a covert paramilitary operative, his job—and his life—depends on it. He's at the top of his game, ready for action and always in control. No enemy has ever brought him to his knees, but one lover has: Zachary Allen, the man currently sharing his bed. The perfect package of brains and brawn, Zach is someone worth coming home to, and Fisher hates keeping him in the dark about what he does. But the lies keep Zach safe. Until the day Fisher loses everything. . . .

Zachary Allen is no innocent civilian. Although he plays the tech geek, in reality he's deep undercover for the CIA. In a horrible twist of fate, the criminal enterprise he's infiltrated has set its sights on the man whose touch drives him wild. Zach would do anything for Fisher—except blow his own cover. Now, in order to save him, Zach must betray him first. And he needs Fisher to trust him with all his heart if they want to make it out alive.

Review: This is a new series by author HelenKay Dimon and the next title is called The Talented Mr. Rivers and comes out in September. I loved Mr. and Mr. Smith (and the titles are too fun - playing off old action films/books) and I can't wait to read about the next couple, who we meet in this one!

Back to Mr. and Mr. Smith though - Fisher Braun is part of the CIA so he tends to keep his dalliances with men a secret, not telling anyone on his team that he's gay. He definitely doesn't enter relationships. Until he meets Zachary Allen. These two are actually living together by the time the story starts and everything starts to blow up in their faces, because Zach is actually in the CIA too.

In the beginning, Fisher thinks that Zach betrayed him and that everything they shared was a lie. It's easy to fall for both of these guys. Time is running out before Zach might have to go back undercover, and neither of them really knows how to make the other understand their feelings. Zach swears his feelings for Fisher weren't a lie, but Fisher feels betrayed by all the lies that did occur throughout their relationship and he's not sure he wants to even try to believe Zach.

Mr. and Mr. Smith is an action-packed, suspenseful novel where lives really are on the line. Along with that, Dimon has created a passionate, fierce relationship between Fisher and Zach. These are two very strong guys but they do have secrets and vulnerabilities and I definitely rooted for them to be together in the end!

Come What May by A.M. Arthur

Come What May by A.M. Arthur

Review by Lauren

source: copy from Netgalley; all opinions are my own

Official Summary: Jonas needs Tate. He just doesn't know it yet.

Or at least, he doesn't want to admit it. Because there is no way Jonas Ashcroft is gay. He's a straight, carefree frat boy player, just like any good son of a conservative state senator. If only his struggle to convince everyone—especially himself—didn't leave him so miserable. No matter how many girls or bottles he drowns himself in, Jonas can neither escape nor accept who he is.

Enter Tate. He's smart, confident, and instantly sees right through Jonas's surly exterior. Sure, he's done things in life he's not proud of, but he knows who he is and what he wants. And what he wants is Jonas. As their easy friendship intensifies into something more, Tate introduces Jonas to a life he's never known. One filled with acceptance and sex and a love that terrifies and excites them both.

But some inner demons refuse to be shaken off so easily. When Jonas's old life barges in, he faces a shattering choice, one that could destroy everything he and Tate have fought so hard for. Sometimes love just isn't enough—and sometimes it's exactly what you need.

Review: Come What May is the first book in the new All Saints series by A.M. Arthur. I've read books by this author before and this was another good one! The one complaint that I could say would be that parts of the book seemed to move a bit too fast, at least in the beginning. Jonas has never really admitted to himself that he's gay, so his reactions toward Tate make sense. However, Jonas seems to warm up to Tate a bit too quick, but that's just me. From there, I didn't have any issues with the book and I would recommend it! I'm curious to read the next one in the All Saints series.

Now, back to Come What May - the title comes from Moulin Rouge - which Tate introduces Jonas too. I loved that they both really liked musicals and Tate could introduce Jonas to something other than the gay world or gay culture. Tate is one of those guys that you just want to help, because he's so willing to be self-sacrificing. He's raising his two younger sisters and he also helps run a homeless shelter for LGBT+ teenagers who have nowhere else to go. As for Jonas, he's hard to like at first, but you warm up to him. His being gay could drastically change his life and you do feel bad for him, regardless of how much you wish he'd be open and honest about himself.

Overall, Come What May was a really good read. There are lot of little "issues" and topics raised throughout, but it's never too overwhelming. It just shows the reality of life and how having someone in your corner is often all you need to survive the ups and downs.

The Heart As He Hears It + High Contrast

The Heart As He Hears It by A.M. Arthur

Review by Lauren

source: copy from Netgalley; all opinions are my own

Official Summary: While most of his friends have moved on to “real” careers, Jon Buchanan is content skating through life as a part-time waiter and gay porn star. Firmly single thanks to a previous relationship disaster, he focuses his spare time on Henry, a dear friend dying of cancer.And with Henry’s happiness paramount, Jon is on a mission to help Henry meet his recently discovered grandson.Isaac Gregory hasn’t set foot outside for the past year. He has everything he needs delivered, and his remaining family knows better than to visit. When a complete stranger shows up claiming to be his grandfather—with a distractingly handsome younger man in tow—his carefully structured routines are shaken.Despite his instant attraction, Jon senses Isaac is too fragile for a relationship. Yet tentative friendship grows into genuine companionship. And when Henry’s health begins to fail, they realize Fate brought them together for a reason.Warning: Product contains a neurotic porn star with body image issues, a virgin hero with severe agoraphobia, and a fluffy ball of gray cuteness you’ll want to take home and cuddle.Also contains references to past abuse some readers might find disturbing.

Review: Jon is in the porn industry, which he loves. It means having sex in a safe environment, because the person who runs it is a good guy. After Jon's last relationship, he'd much rather do porn than find a long-lasting boyfriend. Not until he meets Isaac, who is the previously unknown grandson of Jon's friend, Henry. Both Isaac and Jon are immediately attracted to one other, but Jon doesn't want to ruin anything for Henry by making a move, plus Isaac has been afraid to leave his house for the past year, ever since his grandmother passed away. As for Isaac, not only is he afraid to leave the house, but he never really grew up with much company outside his family (which included an abusive father) so he's never dated or ever really thought about his sexuality.

Putting Jon and Isaac together doesn't seem like it would work, but it does.

I loved that these guys help each other. It's not just about Jon helping Isaac face the world. Isaac also helps Jon, which makes it a great friendship, and eventual relationship. I loved that things moved slowly between these two. It wouldn't have been realistic at all to have Jon and Isaac become in any way physical too quick.

There is another aspect of this book beyond the relationship that adds some mystery and suspense. That's all I'll say because I don't want to give anything anyway. It's doe well, and it's interesting, though it's not a needed aspect of the story. It would have been find to focus just on Jon, Isaac, and Henry's relationships and lives.

High Contrast by Tess Bowery

Review by Lauren

source: copy from Netgalley; all opinions are my own

Official Summary: Jacob Shain is your average member of Generation Screwed. He has a boring internship, no cash flow, and a tiny NYC apartment he has to share with Ethan, his much-cooler, tattoo artist twin brother. Not to mention his love life is DOA. At least, until his brother’s shop hires on a new piercer, and Jacob’s humdrum life takes a turn for the weird.Cody Turner is gorgeous, funny and kind—everything Jacob wants in a boyfriend.Except for the way he refuses to talk about his past, or where he lives, or anything about his personal life.When Ethan is arrested while on a mission of mercy, the reason Cody is so tight lipped comes to light. And while Jacob and Cody fight to understand the depth of their feelings for one another, the police dogs catch their scent. So does the local mob.Now Jacob has to make the hardest choice of his life: stay safe like a good boy, or dive headfirst into a world he barely understands…and hope Cody is there to break his fall.

Review: I loved High Contrast, and I'm so curious to see what the next book in this series will be about (or rather who the book will be about, as I assume it will deal with another couple). For this one, the story revolved around Jacob Shain and Cody Turner. Jacob has an office job, but he feels like he's boring compared to his brother who co-owns a tattoo studio. New employee Cody Turner definitely catches Jacob's attention, and it takes a bit to finally realize that Cody is just as interested in Jacob. They don't start going out right away though...Cody tries to put the brakes on that, for reasons that aren't completely revealed until the end. Regardless, Bowery gives you enough information about these characters so that you aren't annoyed by instead of being curious and wanting to know more.

I loved the everyday, regular guy nature of Jacob. He definitely puts himself out there more in the book because while the relationship between him and Cody is unfolding, a lot of slightly unbelievable moments occur. I don't mean unbelievable in a bad way though - it's just not your everyday love story. I also don't want to give too much away. Let's just say that Cody is carrying secrets from his past, a life that he wants to get away from. It catches up to him though, as these things do, and it takes more than Jacob and Cody to fix things. I loved how the whole tattoo shop, plus Jacob's best friend and his twin Ethan's girlfriend, Andi. It's a true family there and it was great getting to know all of them. Plus, their relationships - especially between Jacob and twin Ethan - felt very real, and helps ground the crazy that surrounds them.

Knit Tight by Annabeth Albert

Knit Tight by Annabeth Albert

Review by Lauren

Source: copy from Netgalley; all opinions are my own

Official Summary: One of Portland's hottest young baristas, Brady is famous for his java-topping flair, turning a regular cup of joe into a work of art. Every Wednesday—aka “Knit Night”—hordes of women and their needles descend on the coffeehouse, and Brady's feeling the heat. Into the fray walks a tall, dark, and distractingly handsome stranger from New York. His name is Evren, and he's the sexy nephew of Brady's sweetest customer, the owner of the yarn shop down the street. He's also got a killer smile, confident air, and masculine charm that's tying Brady's stomach in knots. The smitten barista can't wait to see him at the next week's gathering. But when he tries to ask Evren out, his plans unravel faster than an unfinished edge. If Brady hopes to warm up more than Evren's coffee, he'll have to find a way to untangle their feelings, get out of the friend zone, and form a close-knit bond that's bound to last a lifetime…

Review: Knit Tight is the latest in the Portland Heat series. While I've seen these books around, I've never read any of them until now. However, after reading and loving Knit Tight, I know I need to go back and check out more novels by Albert. One of the things that really captured me about this book are the characters of Evren and Brady. These two have their issues, mainly concerning taking care of family, but they don't let that stop them from trying to build a friendship. Of course, that friendship does lead to more.

I don't mind sex in books, but I also like when the couple in love are shown to connect on other levels. I want to get to know both parts of this couple. Albert does this extremely well. I really felt like I knew Evren and Brady and I felt for them whenever they went through something painful. I loved that they could be there for each other. Evren is in town helping his aunt with cancer, but Brady is trying to make a living to support his younger siblings, since their parents have passed. There are some heavy topics and moments in this book, but there are also plenty of light, sweet ones too. It's a beautiful blend - and yes, that is supposed to be a reference to coffee, hence Brady's job.

Knit Tight is one I highly recommend! The idea of coffee and knitting makes me think of winter and the holidays, but it's definitely a book you should think about grabbing now, especially if you're stuck inside on a rainy day.

Book Reviews: The Empty Hourglass + To Live Again

If you follow both of my blogs, you will see these reviews posted there as well. I'm going to try (from now on) to cross-post LGBT+ reviews! 

The Empty Hourglass by Cornelia Grey

Review by Lauren

source: copy from Netgalley; all opinions are my own

Official Summary: Thomas Escott has always wanted to be a toymaker, yet just as he achieves his dream, an accident claims his right hand. He’s certain his life is over—until he hears about groundbreaking prosthetics being made by a reclusive inventor.

Jethro Hastings is perfectly content to live alone up in the mountains working on a secret masterpiece: a humanoid automaton that will change the scientific community forever. He’s behind schedule, and the date of the unveiling is fast approaching, so when Thomas shows up on his doorstep offering help in exchange for a mechanical hand, Jethro agrees. Time, after all, is running out on another deal he’s made: one with the devil.

The devil gives Jethro’s inventions life, but he can just as quickly take life away—Jethro’s, to be exact. As the sand in the devil’s hourglass falls, marking the time until the end of the deal, inventions go haywire, people get hurt, and Thomas realizes he needs Jethro just as much as his prosthetic. Now he must find a way to save Jethro’s soul, but negotiating with a devil is just as difficult as it sounds.

Review: I've read one other book by Grey and that was Circus of the Damned (the second Deal with a Devil novel) and The Empty Hourglass is the third. These don't need to be read in any type of order. The only link between them is the devil character that makes deals with people. Circus of the Damned was one of those novels that I loved, giving it 5 stars on Goodreads, so I was really excited to read another book by this author. While The Empty Hourglass is definitely interesting, and all the characters are a bit eccentric, yet highly intriguing, I didn't like this one as much as Circus of the Damned. Regardless, I'd still recommend this one.

It's a bit of a steampunk novel where Jethro Hastings creates wonderful mechanical inventions, especially in the realm of prosthetic arms and other items a human may need. Thomas Escott finds Jethro in hopes that he can give him a new hand, since he's a toymaker  and doesn't think he can do his job with only one hand. If he can't make toys, Thomas isn't sure what he's good for in life. There is a quick attraction to Jethro on Thomas' part, but nothing moves quick. It's actually a very sweet romance, where there aren't descriptions of sex and the physical parts of romance. As for the rest of the story, it does make you wonder throughout. It's an inventive, enjoyable novel.

To Live Again by L.A. Witt

Review by Lauren

source: copy from Netgalley; all opinions are my own

Official Summary: Greg Douglas’s wife surprised him with an early 25th anniversary gift: a divorce. Staying with friends Ethan and Rhett seems like a good idea, just until he gets back on his feet. The guys have an even better idea to take his mind off his troubles—take him out to explore the other half of his bisexuality.After a quarter century suppressing his hidden desires, he’s not waiting any longer.Especially not after laying eyes on the gorgeous deejay at Wilde’s.Deejay and single dad Sailo Isaia isn’t looking for anything serious. He’s definitely not out to be a sexual teacher, never mind to a man almost two decades his senior. But as Greg gets the hang of having a male lover, Sailo can’t help himself. They both keep coming back for more. And more. And more.But a few nagging questions hold Sailo back from giving his whole heart. Is this just Greg’s midlife crisis and rebound fling? Or a chance to fill that empty space—forever—for both Sailo and his beloved son?

Review: While not a book bad by any means, this one does focus a lot on the sexual and physical nature of a relationship. I wish we had gotten a bit more of the emotional connection between Greg and Sailo, especially since this is the first male/male relationship that Greg has ever been in. Regardless, I did like these two together and I definitely rooted for them. I liked that Witt showed Greg coming out to some of his children, and exploring their relationship as well. This book, while heavy on the physical romance, did not make sure to keep Greg's family in mind. There are scenes with his ex-wife, many moments with friends, and a few key scenes with his children, as I mentioned above.

I'm certainly curious to read more by Witt. To Live Again has a great message - that you aren't too to old to find or reinvent yourself.