Celebrate 2017 With My Favorite Book of the Year!

It's been a quiet year for me, blog wise. I've had a lot of personal issues, particularly related to my mental health, that have kept me from posting. One of the things that has gotten me through is doing what I do best, losing myself in a good story. Although I haven't written many reviews, I've read some fantastic books this year that have uplifted me during some of my darkest times. In order to ring in the New Year and give thanks for my many blessings, I'm asking you, my readers, to share the books that made the biggest impact on you this past year! I'm going to do my best to post a few of my favorites during this month as well, so follow along as I celebrate the gifts of inspiration and creativity. ~Carly

The Moonlight Market by Aidee Ladnier: #Review #Interview #Giveaway @AideeLadnier @GoddessFish

The Moonlight Market

by Aidee Ladnier

Genres: Gay (M/M), Fantasy, Paranormal, New Adult

College senior Cory Long tracked his missing sister to the magical Moonlight Market to bring her home. Instead, he found a disorienting world of performers and hawkers, bizarre sights and sounds, and one very familiar showman, Sanderson Beets. Like a drowning man, he latched onto Sanderson, trusting him to navigate the twists and turns of the Market as unerringly as he had steered Cory to passion in their furtive trysts on campus.

But Sanderson was tired of being the quickie in the alley.

Sanderson Beets had escaped the Moonlight Market to attend college, hoping to settle into a normal life, maybe meet someone and fall in love. To obtain that new life he made a dangerous bargain. And when the sinister woman known as the Weaver of Dreams is involved, second chances always come with strings attached…and sacrifices. Sanderson’s debt has come due, and the only payment he has to offer is Cory, and their chance at a relationship.

Not Human Enough by Kazy Reed: #Review #NewRelease #Giveaway @avampwriter @PridePromo

Cover Artist: Latrisha Waters

Not Human Enough

(Amsel Clan Book 2)

by Kazy Reed

Length: 58,243 words

Genres: Contemporary, Erotica, Gay (M/M), Paranormal, Romance

Jake Reinbach is the son of vampires. He is also a high-school senior, hoping to live as normal a life as possible within the human world, but his bright purple eyes and vampire parents make him an outcast. When falsely accused of threatening a classmate, Jake is forced to withdraw from school, and back into the clan in which he was raised. He is devastated, but a young human comes to his door one evening with a startling confession.

Will Hayden is secretly attracted to Jake, and is bereft when the young vampire leaves public school. Fascinated with immortals, Will unfortunately lives in a household where hatred of vampires is part of the daily diet. He realizes his father is entangled in a conspiracy against the vampires, and he goes to Jake's family and tells them of his suspicions. When he then confesses his feelings toward Jake, he sets in motion a series of events that will change his life—and Jake's—forever.

Author's Note: It can be read alone, but the characters' relationships will make much more sense if they read book 1 first.

Touch the Sky by Christina Lee & Nyrae Dawn: #NewRelease #BlogTour @NyraeDawn @Christina_Lee04

Cover Artist: Natasha Snow
Photography: Giovanni Dall’Orto

Touch the Sky

(Free Fall, Book 1)

by Christina Lee & Nyrae Dawn

Length: 226 pages

Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, M/M, Romance

Lucas Barnett and Gabriel Stewart didn’t have it easy as kids. They were only trying to deal with bad situations at home when they became lifelines for each other. Their pipe dream was to someday meet in LA, where Lucas would design skyscrapers, and Gabriel would learn to fly. But then Gabriel disappeared without so much as a goodbye, and Lucas got himself in trouble with the law.

Five years later, both men are at a loss when they run into each other at a Hollywood bar. Lucas is still angry, but it’s not as if Gabriel could control how his mind and body had betrayed him. Being found on the ledge of that bridge had changed everything.

The attraction is immediate, but it’s more than their inability to keep their hands off each other. Neither man expects the fierce connection pulling them together. Unfortunately, ignoring their problems doesn’t make them disappear. Gabriel’s internal struggles are serious…dangerous. And no matter how much Lucas wants it to be true, saving Gabriel won’t make up for not being able to save his mom. If they don’t find the strength to face their own demons before the darkness takes hold, they risk more than just losing each other forever.

Violet Night Trilogy by Lynn Rush: #Review #Excerpt #Giveaway @LynnRushWrites

Violet Night Trilogy

by Lynn Rush

Length: 721 pages
Genres: Contemporary, Romance (M/F), Paranormal, New Adult

After three months of silence, the black tattoo on Emma’s wrist glows with a vengeance once again, and that can only mean one thing…the vampires are back. But when she meets the mysterious Jake Cunningham, who has a few powers of his own, she may not be alone in the fight.

In the midst of battle, Jake and Emma find love, but as their adventures continue, that love—and their souls—will be tested beyond imaginable limits.

For this intrepid pair, staying together may be harder than staying alive.

Three full-length novels: Violet Midnight, Violet Dawn, Violet Storm. Plus a bonus novella: Witness the moment Emma woke up in the hospital with her emblematic purple eyes and glowing tattoo in the never before published novella, A Hunter Revealed.

Tackling the Tight End by Tara Lain: #Review #Excerpt #Giveaway @taralain

Tackling The Tight End

(Long Pass Chronicles, Book 3)

by Tara Lain

Length: 216 pages
Genres: Contemporary, Gay (M/M), Sports, Romance

Everyone wants the best for SCU student and tight end, Raven Nez—and they know exactly what that is. Enter the NFL draft, become a big football hero, promote his tribe’s casino, and make a lot of money to help people on the reservation. Just one problem. Raven really wants to work with gay kids, and while he loves his tribe and likes football, his visions for the future don’t mesh with theirs. Then the casino board hires a talented student filmmaker to create ads for the tribal business and asks Raven to work with him. But the filmmaker is Dennis Hascomb, a guy with so much to hide and a life so ugly it’s beyond Raven’s understanding. Still he’s drawn to Dennis's pain and incredible ability to survive. Captivated by Raven’s stories of the two-spirited and by the amazing joy of finally having a friend, Dennis knows he has to break free from everything he’s ever been taught was good—but that’s a struggle that could kill him and Raven, too. Is there a chance for “the great red hope” and the “whitest guy on earth”? A future for the serpent and the raven?

The Covenant by M. LeAnne Phoenix: #Review #Interview #Giveaway @MLPhoenix

Cover Artist: Kellie Dennis

The Covenant

by M. LeAnne Phoenix

(Covenant Series, Book 1)

Length: 280 pages

Genres: Contemporary, M/M Romance, New Adult, Drama, Poetry

When love is forbidden, who can you trust?

Seventeen year old David has been best friends with Jonathan for as long as he can remember but the day he sees the pastor's daughter press a soft kiss to Jonathan's cheek, everything changes. Overcome by jealousy, his explosive reaction reveals a deeper connection that sends their relationship spiraling down into dangerous territory.

When their clandestine love is discovered, they have nowhere to turn for help. The brutal circumstances of their parting test David and Jonathan's covenant to each other in unimaginable ways. Forced to face their fears, it is in their darkest moments that the two young men discover that the courage, hope, and strength they need to to fight for their love, has been the foundation of their covenant all along.

Indigo Road by RJ Jones: #Review #ExclusiveExcerpt #Giveaway @rjjonesauthor

Cover artist: Meredith Russell

Indigo Road

by R.J. Jones

Length: 175 pages

Genre: New Adult, Gay (M/M), Romance, Contemporary

Two best friends take a year off to find themselves… and end up finding each other.

Joshua Simpson has just finished four years at Purdue University, but that’s not why he’s buzzing with excitement. Once they’ve said goodbye to their families, Josh and his best friend Alex are taking off to discover America in an old but reliable VW van, planning on not seeing snow for an entire year.

Josh has always considered himself straight—except for that one time in college—so when he and Alex are living in such close proximity on the road, he’s unsure what these new feelings mean. Is it because they’re spending 24/7 together, or is it something deeper? And does it really matter since Josh has only ever seen Alex with women?

While in Oregon, Josh meets Johnno, a sexy but confusing Aussie surfer. While having an impromptu surfing lesson, Johnno helps Josh realize who he is and what he wants—but Alex’s reaction leaves Josh confused.

From a Montana ranch to the bright lights and dangerous streets of Los Angeles to a dark and lonely deserted highway in Alabama, join Josh and Alex as they drive around the US, discovering not only who they are, but who they can be together.

The Covenant By M. Leanne Phoenix: #Excerpt #CoverReveal #Giveaway @MLPhoenix

Cover Artist: Kellie Dennis

The Covenant

(Covenant, Book 1)

by M. LeAnne Phoenix (AKA: My bestie)

Release Date: January 15, 2016

Length: Pages: 280 pages

Genres: Contemporary, Gay ( M/M), New Adult, Romance

When love is forbidden, who can you trust?

Seventeen year old David has been best friends with Jonathan for as long as he can remember, but the day he sees the pastor's daughter press a soft kiss to Jonathan's cheek everything changes. Overcome by jealousy, his explosive reaction reveals a deeper connection that sends their relationship spiraling down into dangerous territory.

When their clandestine love is discovered, they have nowhere to turn for help. The brutal circumstances of their parting test David and Jonathan's covenant to each other in unimaginable ways. Forced to face their fears, it is in their darkest moments that the two young men discover that the courage, hope, and strength they need to to fight for their love, has been the foundation of their covenant all along.

Devotion by Grace R. Duncan: #NewRelease #BlogTour #Review #Giveaway @GraceRDuncan

Devotion

(Forbes Mates, Book 1)

by Grace R. Duncan

Length:  237 pages

Genres: Gay (M/M), Paranormal, New Adult, Romance

Finley Cooper is tired of waiting for his destined mate to be ready to claim him. In deference to human laws, he’s already agreed to wait until he’s eighteen. But now his birthday has come and gone—and his mate has a new set of excuses. Finley doesn’t understand it any more than his wolf does, and he’s beginning to wonder if fate made a mistake.

Tanner Pearce wants nothing more than to claim his mate, but he worries that Finley is too young. Tanner will never forget what happened when his best friend mated at Finley’s age, only to have that mate end up feeling trapped and breaking their bond. While rare, it can happen, and the fallout Tanner witnessed as his best friend tried to deal with the break has haunted him for years.

When Finley finally has enough, he threatens to find someone who will claim him if Tanner doesn’t, and Tanner realizes he needs to come to terms with his fears or risk losing his mate forever.

Best Gay Romance Collection by Aria Grace: #NewRelease #Excerpt #Giveaway @ariagracebooks

Cover Artist: Kris Kendall

Best Gay Romance Collection

by Aria Grace

Release Date: September 12, 2015

Length: 135,000 words

Genres: Contemporary, Gay (M/M), New Adult, Romance

This collection of best-selling m/m romance novels is discount priced for a limited time.

If you love sweet and sexy stories about young men in love, whether they are discovering their true sexuality in college or actively seeking out the loves of their lives, these books will make you laugh, cry and tingle in all the right places.

Not for the weak of heart, the moments of love are intense but no extreme violence, non-con or BDSM.

Included in this collection are: When It’s Right, Winter Chill, Escaping in Oz (newly released), His Undoing and More Than Friends with a bonus book of Drunk in Love.

Looking for Home by Aria Grace: #Excerpt #NewRelease #Giveaway @ariagracebooks

Cover Artist: Kris Kendall

Looking for Home

(More Than Friends, Book 9)

by Aria Grace

Release Date: August 15, 2015

Length: 35,000 words

Genres: Contemporary, Gay (M/M), New Adult, Romance

Evan spends half the week on the road, literally, and the rest of his time sitting around in an empty house. Killing time and drowning his hopes of ever finding someone to share his life with. Someone to come home to. When he meets Georgie at a New Year’s Eve, Evan’s entire perspective changes.
Author's Note: Standalone. No Cliffhanger. HEA.

Finding Love Boxed Set: Newly Edited on ARe, Amazon & in Paperback!

Finding Love
Boxed Set of M/M Stories That Celebrate Pride
by Jamie Lynn Miller, T.K. Paige, M. LeAnne Phoenix, Carly Rose & D.C. Williams

5 Authors - 5 Stories - 1 Charity

The authors banded together with the goal of raising funds for The Trevor Project and the proceeds are being donated to help support their efforts to provide life-saving and life-affirming services to LGBTQ youth. The five full length stories share the theme of celebrating Pride, and are exclusive to Finding Love through September 2015.

His Fragile Heart by Jamie Lynn Miller

Do you believe in the power of love, even after death? After losing his lover in a car accident two years ago, actor Nathan Marshall wasn't interested in another relationship. Until he meets waiter Justin Kowalski. Something about him seems so familiar that Nathan is instantly drawn to the younger man. Surprised at his capacity to love again, his relationship with Justin blossoms. But then an unbelievable truth is revealed - one that could break both their hearts for good.

Through New Eyes by T.K. Paige

Roommates Jed and Doyle have been best friends since meeting in college. Now that they've graduated and are starting new jobs they have no intentions of letting that change anything. Doyle is everything Jed isn't, smart, cute and active at the LGTB center. Jed has always looked out for his friend and been there for him. They have plans and an amazing relationship, everything planned out to the smallest degree. Any changes could make it all go off the rails. So why can't Jed get over how annoying he finds Doyle's ex turned friend, who seems to be around way too often? Why can't he stop noticing Doyle in new ways? If Jed doesn't take a risk, he could miss what's been there all along.

Iridescent (An Angels All Fire Series Short) by M. LeAnne Phoenix

Best friends, trusted confidants, partners in crime— call it what you like, Phai and Jen have been two halves of a whole ever since they met just over five years ago. The trouble is, that while Phai is falling more in love with his best friend every day, Jensen Whitfield seems content to call him brother. Hephaistion Amyntoros has faced many challenges during his long, long life, but the idea of confessing his heart’s desire to Jen and discovering that he doesn’t feel the same, terrifies him... but what happens if he does share his feelings? When the whole of Phai's past rages into blistering life, ready to consume the very sun, Phai must focus on getting them out alive. Will they emerge from the fire intact or will the love in his life burn like a supernova once more?

Unexpectedly Lucky (The Bradford Boys, Book 1) by Carly Rose

Lincoln and Ryan have been best friends since the fifth grade. Their friendship has always been effortless, but a single night of passion threatens to change everything. Will the emotional fallout drive them apart or will they be lucky enough to find love unexpectedly?

What the Heart Wants by D.C. Williams

Will has just graduated from high school and is struggling with coming out. A surreptitious visit to NYC Pride brings Kev into his life. Will is immediately attracted to Kev, but they're separated by a huge age difference, and Will is still coming to terms with himself. Their friendship grows over the course of a year, but can it become more?

Scent of the Heart by Parker Williams: #CoverReveal #Excerpt #Giveaway @ParkerWAuthor

Cover Artist: Laura Harner

Scent of the Heart

(Shifting Needs, Book 2)

by Parker Williams

Release Date: June 15, 2015

Length: 69,000 words

Genres: Contemporary, Gay (M/M), Romance, Paranormal, Bisexual,  New Adult

Casey Scott grew up being told he’d never amount to anything, and despite the unwavering love and support from his best friend, Jake, the idea sticks in the back of Casey’s mind. When he discovers he has a unique destiny in an enclave where shifters and humans live together, he seizes the chance, wanting for once in his life to be someone special.

Tsvetok Yerokhin lost his parents to the evil ruler of the enclave when he was a boy. The responsibilities of raising his two younger brothers nearly overwhelmed him and self-doubt took over. When the new Alpha and his Protector arrive in time to save his life, Sev is grateful, but he’s even more shocked when he scents his mate with them.

Casey isn’t prepared for the feelings that sweep over him when he meets Sev, but he refuses to act on them because he’s straight. Still, there is something so alluring about Sev that Casey can’t help being drawn to him.

As the two explore the edges of their new discovery, an evil returns, determined to control the enclave or destroy it. The Alpha and Protector are powerless to stop it, but Casey holds the key to victory. If he can discover what it is, he has a chance to save them all. To be the hero.

Unfortunately, the hero has to be willing to make the ultimate sacrifice, and for Casey that means losing his heart.

Love Complicated by Teegan Loy: #Interview #NewRelease #Giveaway @teeganloy

Cover Artist: Christy Caughie

Love Complicated

by Teegan Loy 

Length: 280 pages
Genres: Gay (M/M), Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

Life is all about making choices. Some are complicated. Some are simple. But for eighteen-year-old Jalen Marten, none are easy. Jalen has managed to stay invisible for his entire high school career. He has a small group of friends, and it’s enough for him. He doesn’t want or crave attention from his peers. All Jalen wants is to survive high school. 

Austin Suter is the hot, talented tennis player who has the entire school bowing at his feet. Girls routinely throw themselves at him, and boys like Jalen stay the hell out of his way. Austin is destined for greatness on the world stage of professional tennis. 

The kiss between them wasn’t supposed to happen. Falling in love definitely hadn’t been part of Jalen’s plan. 

And when Austin turns pro, Jalen begins to realize that the choices he makes will affect Austin’s life. One wrong choice and Austin’s career could be over before it really begins. Jalen is not sure where he fits, or even if he fits at all in Austin’s life. But the more complicated things become, the less the idea of being apart appeals. Love should simplify things, not complicate them. 

Moment of Clarity by Karen Stivali: #NewRelease #Review #Excerpt @karenstivali

Moment of Clarity

(Moments in Time, Book 3)

by Karen Stivali

Length: 114 pages

Genres: Gay (M/M), New Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Spending the summer together on Fire Island brought Collin and Tanner closer than ever, but back in their conservative college town, challenges confront them at every turn. 

As they search for their new normal in their old environment, Collin's brother Sean surprises them with help when they need it most. But when word about their relationship gets out, trouble erupts with friends and family. When Collin's relationship with Tanner becomes an issue in his brother's custody battle and Tanner struggles with his feelings for a heartbroken Wendy, Collin wonders if everyone he cares about would be better off without him in the picture. 

In order to save them both, Tanner must make it clear to Collin that their love for each other is all that matters.

Knight of Ocean Avenue by Tara Lain: #Review #BlogTour #Giveaway #KnightOfOceanAve @taralain

Cover Artist: Reese Dante

Knight of Ocean Avenue

(Love in Laguna, Book 1)
by Tara Lain

Length: 254 pages
Genres: Gay (M/M), New Adult, Contemporary,  Romance

How can you be twenty-five and not know you’re gay? Billy Ballew runs from that question. A high school dropout, barely able to read until he taught himself, Billy’s life is driven by his need to help support his parents as a construction worker, put his sisters through college, coach his Little League team, and not think about being a three-time loser in the engagement department. Being terrified of taking tests keeps Billy from getting the contractor's license he so desires, and fear of his mother's judgement blinds Billy to what could make him truly happy.

Then, in preparation for his sister’s big wedding, Billy meets Shaz—Chase Phillips—a rising star, celebrity stylist who defines the word gay. To Shaz, Billy embodies everything he’s ever wanted—stalwart, honest, brave—but even if Billy turns out to be gay, he could never endure the censure he’d get for being with a queen like Shaz. How can two men with so little in common find a way to be together? Can the Stylist of the Year end up with the Knight of Ocean Avenue?

How It Was Supposed To Be by Jayson James: #Review #Excerpt #Giveaway @jaysonjamesbook

Cover Artist: Jayson James

How It Was Supposed to Be

by Jayson James

Length: 192 pages

Genres: Gay (M/M), Romance, New Adult, Homeless

The Kennicott’s were living the carefree life of an upper middle class family. That was until one day when his father arrives home from work and shares the company he has worked for since he was Reese’s age has gone out of business. Adding to the stress of being out of work for the worst time is the worst economic downturn the United States has ever faced. It does not take long for the Kennicotts to fall behind in their bills and lose everything. 

Reese Kennicott had everything he could ever want and life was good. He worked a part time job to have extra money and to socialize. Now he is working all the hours he can get in order to help his family get by, which isn’t much. Reese is now dating the guy of his dreams, he along with his friends seem to be the only stable thing going for him.

Hope finally comes with a new job that will take the family across the country. This means for Reese giving up his lifelong friends, his new boyfriend and life as he’s always known it. The family takes with them what they can and begins on a road trip to their new life. Along the way, they encounter several barriers and hope begins to fade. Each day things look bleaker and the Kennicott’s begin to wonder if they are going to make it to their destination.