Book Review - ENCORE by Candice Blake

Title: Encore

Author: Candice Blake

Release Date: December 1, 2017

Genre: M/M Romance

Blurb 

It’s been six years since I’ve been home. 

Adam Black left his hometown six years ago to pursue his music career. Now, as the lead singer and frontman of the band Kingdom 4, Adam has gained worldwide success—soaring to the top of the charts and selling out shows across the globe. But the rock & roll lifestyle is far from easy. Plagued by the pressures of fame and addiction, Adam is unhappy.

It took me six years to let you go. 

Pacey Rivers is the youngest musician to ever play in the Symphony Orchestra. On his way home after a performance, Pacey is shocked to find Adam passed out in an alleyway. In Pacey's eyes, Adam isn’t just the handsome and rugged rock God that everyone is swooning over. They were best friends in high school—almost inseparable, until that fateful day six years ago when Adam left. 

Is six weeks enough for a second chance? 

Adam is spending the holidays in his hometown before heading back to Los Angeles. Adam is straight and has never questioned his sexuality—but will he finally realize that his connection with Pacey is deeper than the ocean and thicker than blood? And it took Pacey six long years to finally get Adam out of his head—what’s stopping Adam from leaving again? 

Encore is a stand-alone, angsty, slow-burn M/M romance with no cheating and a guaranteed HEA.

Review

3.5 Stars

This is a new-to-me author so I didn't know what to expect going in. I love finding new authors and adding to my ever growing list of M/M addiction stories. This story was would have received a better rating if it was better edited. Sometimes I can overlook it if the story itself packed a punch. However, the editing issues kept throwing me off and didn't allow the story to flow as nicely and smoothly as it should have. 

Other than that this was a pretty good story. The author did a good job on the story line itself and it had great characters. I am a fan of the whole slow-burn romance because I love the build up but for me with Adam and Pacey I felt like it was too slow. I would have liked to see more of their relationship and the growth and improvement both individually and together as a couple. 

The friendship was there and they fell right back into that after so long but I feel like the whole angst part of the story was glossed over. I would have liked to see more of that play out. I mean Adam was straight and had never been with a man before and I would have like to get more detail and more emotion from that aspect. It's like he wrestled with the idea for all of two point five seconds and then suddenly he's shouting from the rooftop. 

The story wasn't too much on the emotional side and the sexy times were okay. This author had a good general idea but I think the whole wow factor of the love story was lacking. Overall, it was a quick cute read. 

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About the Author

CANDICE BLAKE is a stay-at-home mom in Toronto, Canada with two rowdy boys, three dogs, and two cats. She spends her free time trying new food recipes and looking at home decor magazines. CANDICE was a elementary school teacher before she began writing full-time.

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Blog Tour: Excerpt - ENCORE by Ruth Clampett

Encore, an all-new sexy and emotional M/M love story from Ruth Clampett is available now!

Encore by Ruth Clampett 

Publication Date: August 17th, 2017 

Genre: Contemporary Romance

When shy programmer, Charlie, is dragged to a Hollywood male revue by his co-workers, the last thing he expects is to be pulled onstage. But when he’s approached by Ramon, a dancer whose only focus is to bring him pleasure, something awakens in Charlie that can’t be denied.

Heated attraction only goes so far when one man dreams of true love and a life finally fulfilled, and the other is still grieving the one he lost, and the mistake that cost him everything.

Can a realist and a dreamer from two different worlds move forward and build a future together, or will their painful pasts keep them from fulfilling their destiny?

Excerpt:

There’s another round of cat-calls from the pent up audience when the dancers step to the front of the stage and dance provocatively to amp up the viewers. Suddenly they split apart again and move toward us. 
My mind is momentarily jumbled, and when the images sort themselves I realize that instead of the woman, the male dancer is approaching me. I can’t help but stare at his incredible body as my gaze slowly works it’s way up from his muscular thighs, to his abs, built chest and shoulders and when I get to his face I realize I’m blinking repeatedly. 
The confusion that must be evident in my expression apparently is amusing, because he nods at me before leaning in closer and I feel a flush from his hot breath against my ear. “Hey, Prince Charlie … ready to have some fun?”
I can feel my eyes bug out and a lump form in my throat. It is him. “Ramon?” I ask in a strangled voice. 
“The one and only,” he answers with a wink. “I thought you could use a little loosening up.” He widens his legs and steps closer, straddling me and running his fingers through my hair while he slowly rotates his hips. 
“You’re gay?” I ask, my mouth gaping open. 
His bold laugh makes my cheeks feel hot. “Oh, baby,” he whispers. “You’re so damn cute. Ask me again when I’m done with you.” He gives me a sexy smile and then slowly rocks his hips forward making me want to rip his briefs off.
“Oh God, oh God, oh God.” I whisper, feeling like my face is on fire. 
He backs away again to dance around me, brushing his hand over my shoulders and down my thighs while he moves. Every sweep of his touch excites me until I’m sizzling like a lit fuse. 
I’ve never seen anyone other than on music videos who could dance with such a natural rhythm and sexual vibe. He turns toward the audience partway through the dance and then bends forward so his ass is presented to me and I’m in agony not to touch it. He has the most perfect gorgeous ass I’ve ever seen. I get harder thinking about what it would be like in this moment if we were alone, and he wasn’t wearing the tiny briefs. Oh God. I think with a sigh.
I’m trying to hide as best I can how turned-on I am. Has there ever been more proof that it’s not a woman that I want in my bed, but a man like Ramon?
I’m having trouble catching my breath when he straightens and swivels, then straddles my legs as he thrusts his hips bringing his bulge tauntingly close to my face.
Shifting back until he’s almost sitting on my knees, he slowly drags his way up my thighs until his ass is against my crotch and he sinks down firmly enough to know I’m painfully hard for him.
The edges of his mouth turn up with delight. “Damn, Charlie,” he says. “You feel so fucking good.”

Read Today!

(Free in Kindle Unlimited)

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2w4LEXh

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2v4HOJ6

Add to GoodReads: https://goo.gl/cqg9wz

About the Author:

Ruth Clampett, daughter of legendary animation director Bob Clampett, grew up surrounded by artists and animators. A graduate of Art Center College of Design, she has been VP of Design for Warner Brothers Studio Stores and taught photography at UCLA. Today she runs her own studio and as the Fine Art publisher for Warner Brothers Studios has come to know and work with some of the world’s greatest artists in the fields of animation and comics. 

Ruth lives and works in Los Angeles, strictly supervised by her teenage daughter, who helps plan their summer around their yearly pilgrimage to the San Diego Comic Con.

Connect with Ruth:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RuthClampettWrites/

Twitter: @RuthyWrites

Stay up to date with Ruth by signing up for her mailing list:

https://goo.gl/XK6tdd

Website: http://ruthclampettwrites.com

Release Blitz - ENCORE by Ruth Clampett

Encore, an all-new sexy and emotional M/M love story from Ruth Clampett is coming LIVE!

Encore by Ruth Clampett

Publication Date: August 17th, 2017

Genre: Contemporary Romance

When shy programmer, Charlie, is dragged to a Hollywood male revue by his co-workers, the last thing he expects is to be pulled onstage. But when he’s approached by Ramon, a dancer whose only focus is to bring him pleasure, something awakens in Charlie that can’t be denied.

Heated attraction only goes so far when one man dreams of true love and a life finally fulfilled, and the other is still grieving the one he lost, and the mistake that cost him everything.

Can a realist and a dreamer from two different worlds move forward and build a future together, or will their painful pasts keep them from fulfilling their destiny?

Read Today!

(Free in Kindle Unlimited)

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2w4LEXh

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2v4HOJ6

Add to GoodReads: https://goo.gl/cqg9wz

About the Author:

Ruth Clampett, daughter of legendary animation director Bob Clampett, grew up surrounded by artists and animators. A graduate of Art Center College of Design, she has been VP of Design for Warner Brothers Studio Stores and taught photography at UCLA. Today she runs her own studio and as the Fine Art publisher for Warner Brothers Studios has come to know and work with some of the world’s greatest artists in the fields of animation and comics.

Ruth lives and works in Los Angeles, strictly supervised by her teenage daughter, who helps plan their summer around their yearly pilgrimage to the San Diego Comic Con.

Connect with Ruth:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RuthClampettWrites/

Twitter: @RuthyWrites

Stay up to date with Ruth by signing up for her mailing list:

https://goo.gl/XK6tdd

Website: http://ruthclampettwrites.com

Cover Reveal - ENCORE by Ruth Clampett

Encore, an all-new sexy and emotional M/M love story from Ruth Clampett is coming August 17th!

Encore by Ruth Clampett 

Publication Date: August 17th, 2017 

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Cover Design: Jada D’Lee, Jada D'Lee Designs

When shy programmer, Charlie, is dragged to a Hollywood male revue by his co-workers, the last thing he expects is to be pulled onstage. But when he’s approached by Ramon, a dancer whose only focus is to bring him pleasure, something awakens in Charlie that can’t be denied.

Heated attraction only goes so far when one man dreams of true love and a life finally fulfilled, and the other is still grieving the one he lost, and the mistake that cost him everything.

Can a realist and a dreamer from two different worlds move forward and build a future together, or will their painful pasts keep them from fulfilling their destiny?

Add to GoodReads: https://goo.gl/cqg9wz

About the Author:

Ruth Clampett, daughter of legendary animation director Bob Clampett, grew up surrounded by artists and animators. A graduate of Art Center College of Design, she has been VP of Design for Warner Brothers Studio Stores and taught photography at UCLA. Today she runs her own studio and as the Fine Art publisher for Warner Brothers Studios has come to know and work with some of the world’s greatest artists in the fields of animation and comics.

Ruth lives and works in Los Angeles, strictly supervised by her teenage daughter, who helps plan their summer around their yearly pilgrimage to the San Diego Comic Con.

Connect with Ruth:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RuthClampettWrites/

Twitter: @RuthyWrites

Stay up to date with Ruth by signing up for her mailing list:

https://goo.gl/XK6tdd

Website: http://ruthclampettwrites.com

BOOK BLITZ: EXCERPT & GIVEAWAY - Encore by Lori Toland

Book Title: Encore 

Author: Lori Toland 

Genre: Gay Romance 

Release Date: September 2, 2014

Hosted by: Book Enthusiast Promotions

Synopsis

Blaze Shinozuka is a bonafide rockstar with his band, Razor's Edge. After his romance with music manager Jason Stockton crashed and burned, Blaze is free to live and love. It's been a wild and heady year that's been blissfully drama free until the one man he's been avoiding comes careening back in to wreak havoc on his heart once again.

Jason Stockton has become the superstar he never wanted to be. When his music reality show becomes an overnight success, he's thrust into the limelight against his will. He's coping with intrusions into his private life but then a chance encounter sends him right into the arms of the man he loved...and lost.

Their time apart has changed them, except the passion between them burns brighter than ever. With the media hounding them in the midst of multiple scandals, they find they can only depend on one person — each other. Will they learn to trust that their love is enough to see them through it all? Or will this be their final dance before calling it quits, this time for good?

  Excerpt

“Hey bro.”

Blaze turned around and grinned at Tommy, the lead singer of their band. “Hey man,” he said and gave him a one arm hug.

“I’ve gotta talk to you real quick.”

“Blaze.”

Suddenly there were a dozen people on stage with them as they moved the set around. Zack’s drums were already set up on the stage and Blaze’s guitar rested in the stand from the tour. Blaze turned back to Tommy. “We’ll talk later, yeah?”

Tommy shook his head. “It’s important. You’re gonna freak the fuck out.”

Blaze frowned as he dug in his pocket for his guitar pick. “What’s wrong?”

An announcement that rang out drowned his answer and Tommy threw up his hands in exasperation. After the introduction ended, he yelled, “Really? We’re trying to have a conv—” Tommy froze midsentence and looked over Blaze’s shoulder.

When he turned, he saw the one person he hoped never to see again in his life. In a town as small as Hollywood, he knew that wasn’t realistic but he had hoped they would be able to continue keeping their distance from each other.

As he looked up into Jason Stockton’s narrowed dark brown eyes, his heart pounded. The sliver of trepidation was drowned in the instantaneous desire that surged within him. Even though Jason had nearly destroyed him, Blaze still wanted him.

Jason Stockton had been his first real relationship and they had been head-over-heels in love until one stupid moment when they threw it all away. Though their fight had seemed important at the time, it had been stupid. Blaze knew that now.

Their disagreement over Cassie had been fueled by lack of sleep; their argument had spiraled out of control until they called it quits. Their very public break-up left Blaze’s heart shattered. Somehow over the past year, he had managed to avoid Jason and Blaze would have given anything to continue that winning streak.

He glared at Jason. “What the hell are you doing here?”

 Meet the Author

CEO by day, erotic romance writer by night, Lori Toland somehow finds time to play video games and watch movies while taking care of her cats and husband.

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