Happy Holidays from Slashsessed!

May you and your loved ones experience love and joy during the holiday season and throughout the new year!

~ M

Blog Tour: Operation Toy Rescue by Sarah Hadley Brook

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | JMS Books

Length: 29,000 words approx.

Publisher: JMS Books

Blurb

When Jules Evergreen lands in trouble at the North Pole and gets shipped off to Snow Hope Island for ninety days, he never expects to take up the cause of the forgotten toys waiting for new homes. Falling for his new boss is not on the agenda either, but his heart has other ideas.

Felix Winterson has grown up on Snow Hope Island and now runs the place. He isn’t thrilled when party boy Jules arrives, and Felix tries hard to ignore the man’s charms. He has other problems, anyway. For years he’s tried to get Santa to look at the growing inventory of damaged toys in the warehouse, to no avail.

When Jules comes up with a plan to save the toys, the men find themselves working closely together. As Christmas Eve looms, there’s a lot at stake. Can they save Snow Hope, convince Santa to rescue the toys, and fall in love all at the same time?

Blog Tour: The Stars May Rise and Fall by Estella Mirai

The Stars May Rise and Fall

An M/M retelling of Phantom of the Opera set in
turn-of-the-millennium Japan

Author: Estella Mirai

Publisher: Self-published

Cover Artist: MiblArt

Genre/s: M/M romance, contemporary

Heat Rating: 2 flames 

Length: 90,000 words/320 pages

Add on Goodreads

Blurb

Teru came to Tokyo with dreams of making it big in the glam-metal visual kei scene, but three years later, all he has to show for it is a head of hot pink hair and some skill with an eyeliner pencil. He may look the part, but he doesn’t sound it, and constant bickering among his bandmates has him worried about his future. When he finds a mysterious business card in his bag, he’s willing to take any help he can get.

Help comes in the form of Rei, a crippled, disfigured composer whose own career was ended by an accident before it had really begun. With Teru’s voice and looks, and Rei’s money and songwriting skills, both of their dreams seem about to come true – but a forbidden kiss and a late-night confession threaten to tear it all apart. Now Teru, who has spent most of his life denying his attraction to men, and Rei, who vowed long ago never to love again, must reconcile their feelings with their careers – and with their carefully constructed ideas of themselves.


THE STARS MAY RISE AND FALL is an M/M retelling of Phantom of the Opera, set in Tokyo at the turn of the millennium. It comes with a healthy dose of angst and a dollop of nostalgia, as well as an age-difference romance, a physically disabled love interest, and memorable characters who will stay with you long after the pages are closed.

Buy Links

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Blog Tour: Love Blooms by Stephanie Hoyt

Title: Love Blooms

Author: Stephanie Hoyt

Publisher: NineStar Press

Release Date: December 10, 2018

Heat Level: 3 - Some Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 61800

Genre: Fantasy, Santa, elves, magic, holiday

Add to Goodreads

 

Synopsis

Nico Hamurişi is the one and only son of Santa Claus. All his life, Nico has known he’s expected to fall in love and find lifelong commitment by the Christmas of his thirtieth year—like every other heir before him. But knowing and accepting are vastly different things, and as the final countdown begins, Nico has yet to embrace his fate. His once great enthusiasm for eventually becoming Santa has been dimmed by uncertainty over how the Santa Line will be affected when he marries a man.

With only a year left, will Nico have time to find love and commitment all while learning how magic will transform the family line to accommodate who he is and who he loves?

Blog Tour: Designer Holiday by Ari McKay

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Length: 40,000 words approx.

Blurb

It’s never too late for a second chance at love… or is it?

Rayne Sadler left the tiny town of Holiday Pines and his childhood sweetheart, Emilio Rives, to make a name for himself in the world of interior design. For twelve years, he never looked back. Now he has the successful career he wanted, but no one to share his life.

Emilio isn’t happy when Rayne returns to Holiday Pines to renovate the local playhouse. The town wants to stimulate the failing tourist industry, but Emilio has no interest in reviving the ashes of his relationship with Rayne.

Yet shared memories and experiences are powerful things. As the playhouse is restored to its former glory, the friendship between Rayne and Emilio slowly returns as well, and their chemistry is as powerful as ever. Rayne has designs on Emilio’s heart, and he sets out to prove it. Will the magic of Christmas thaw Emilio’s heart, or will it remain as cold as mountain snow?


Ari McKay is the professional pseudonym for Arionrhod and McKay, who have been writing together for over a decade. Their collaborations encompass a wide variety of romance genres, including contemporary, fantasy, science fiction, gothic, and action/adventure. Their work includes the Blood Bathory series of paranormal novels, the Herc’s Mercs series, as well as two historical Westerns: Heart of Stone and Finding Forgiveness. When not writing, they can often be found scheming over costume designs or binge watching TV shows together.

Arionrhod is a systems engineer by day who is eagerly looking forward to (hopefully) becoming a full time writer in the not-too-distant future. Now that she is an empty-nester, she has turned her attentions to finding the perfect piece of land to build a fortress in preparation for the zombie apocalypse, and baking (and eating) far too many cakes.

McKay is an English teacher who has been writing for one reason or another most of her life. She also enjoys knitting, reading, cooking, and playing video games. She has been known to knit in public. Given she has the survival skills of a gnat, she’s relying on Arionrhod to help her survive the zombie apocalypse.

Facebook
Twitter
Website

 

Hosted By Signal Boost Promotions

Book Review: Under the Felt Mistletoe by Nell Iris

The most wonderful time of the year is about to get even better. 

On a cold, rainy December morning, Finn’s beloved Grampa, his best friend and rock, makes a friend outside their home who he invites in for coffee. The last thing Finn expects is Nelson, a man with a painful past, who is beautiful and generous and turns Finn’s knees into jelly. 

What starts out as a chance to get out of the rain, soon becomes more as Nelson helps Finn get ready for the Christmas market. They bond over coffee and fabric and Mariah Carey. Can handmade Christmas ornaments and an understanding heart give Nelson the love he’s been denied?

I really enjoyed this quick story about two men finding love at Christmastime. The characters are all very likable and the story as a whole will warm your hearT and bring a smile to your face! If you're in the mood for a fast and uncomplicated holiday read, this is the book for you!

I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily provided my honest review.

~ M

Blog Tour: The Art of Hero Worship by Mia Kerick

Title: The Art of Hero Worship

Author: Mia Kerick

Publisher: NineStar Press

Release Date: October 29, 2018

Heat Level: 3 - Some Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 51500

Genre: Contemporary, contemporary, bisexual, new adult, college, self-discovery, crime/school shooting, PTSD/disability, grieving/depression, family drama, violence, stalking

Add to Goodreads

Synopsis

College junior Liam Norcross is a hero. He willingly, even eagerly, risks his life to save a stranger as a murderous, deranged shooter moves methodically through the darkened theater on the Batcheldor College campus, randomly killing innocent men, women, and children.

The stranger he saves is college freshman Jason Tripp. Jase loses everything in the shooting: his girlfriend, who dies on the floor beside him, and his grip on emotional security. He struggles to regain a sense of safety in the world, finally leaving college to seek refuge in his hometown.

An inexplicable bond forms between the two men in the chaos and horror of the theater, and Liam fights to bring Jase back to the world he ran away from. When Jase returns to school, they’re drawn together as soulmates, and soon Liam and Jase fall into a turbulent romantic relationship. However, the rocky path to love cannot be smoothed until Jase rescues his hero in return by delving into his shady past and solving the mystery of Liam’s compulsion to be everybody’s savior.

Book Review: Sugar Cookies and Mistletoe by Kay Doherty

Preston believed he would never find his mate. When he finally does, he’s in for a surprise. His mate, Dylan, is a rare omega wolf-shifter, but he’s still a child himself. Due to the unusual circumstances, the families agree to keep Preston and Dylan separated, only allowing monitored emails to be exchanged between them. Six years later, Dylan returns to the wolf-shifter town of Barton, and Preston. With Christmas just around the corner, it’s the perfect time for Dylan to meet the Callahan Pack, reunite with his mate, and figure out exactly what his omega status means for his future with Preston.

I don't read shifter books very often, but the synopsis of this book caught my attention. I was intrigued by a wolf-shifter finding his mate, but having to wait because that person is still a child. I ended up really liking this novella. Preston and Dylan are very likable characters and I rooted for their happiness. Due to the short length of the book, we, unfortunately, are pushed through the mates' years of separation. I would have loved to have seen what both Dylan and Preston had to endure during the six years that they were apart. We receive little clues after they're reunited, but it would have been great to actually see those moments fleshed out in detail. All in all, this is a sweet, quick read that will bring a smile to your face.

I received a copy of this book from the author, via IndiGo Marketing & Design, and voluntarily provided my honest review.

Buy Links

Ninestar Press | Amazon

~ M

White as Marble by underthespellofmalec

White as Marble by underthespellofmalec

When Alec moves to a new town, he is immediately intrigued by and drawn to a mysterious group of kids at school. They're from the same family: all beautiful and all very intimidating. He tries to keep his distance, but can't deny the pull he feels towards one particular member of the family.

Twilight and Shadowhunters? It's actually quite good, so please hear me out. lol Placing Alec and Magnus into the world of Twilight might make some people gag, but I think it turned out pretty well. Alec is great as the shy and slightly awkward new boy at school, while Magnus is perfect as the elusive and deadly handsome vampire, and I think you'll enjoy how the author distributed certain powers amongst the Shadowhunters cast. Even if you're not too crazy about Twilight, definitely give this story a try. It's really cute.

~ M

Book Review: Blind Date by Kay Doherty

Dekker Callan is content with his life though he knows something is missing. Wanting the kind of love his friends share with their partners, Dekker is talked into taking part in a modeling and dating show as part of a fundraiser. He immediately falls in love with the anonymous, sexy voice on the other side of the wall, but fate has a surprise in store–his mystery man isn’t single.

Slade Gannon wasn’t supposed to take part in the dating show. That spot was for his roommate, Phil, who becomes ill and asks Slade to take his place. Slade has just recently gone through a breakup with his cheating boyfriend, George. Shocked and pleased when he wins the interest of handsome Dekker Callan, before he can go on the obligatory blind date, his ex asks for a second chance. Believing Dekker can’t possibly be as good on the inside as he looks on the outside, Slade agrees.

Dekker and Slade hit it off immediately, drawn to each other despite Slade being involved with someone else. They finally get their opportunity to be together when Slade finds out his boyfriend is still cheating, but just as they seem to discover the happiness they’ve been waiting for, George throws them one last hurdle—and this one may prove to be insurmountable.

This was an interesting read for me. Dekker is a very likable character, but the underlying storyline and what happens between the two MCs left a somewhat bad taste in my mouth. Had Slade not already been in a relationship, everything would have been cool, but the George situation, even though he wasn't the best guy in the world, made it difficult for me to root for the MCs.

I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily provided my honest review.

~ M

Book Review: Us Again by Nell Iris

When Alex gets a call in the middle of the night telling him his ex-boyfriend is in the hospital, he only hesitates for a second before rushing to Sammy’s side. But the Sammy in the hospital bed is fragile and not the same man who told Alex to leave seven months ago.

Alex wants to help Sammy get better and is desperate to find out what went wrong between them. Maybe he’ll even get a second chance with the man he hasn’t been able to get over.

But will Sammy let Alex back into his life?

This is a very emotional and visceral short story. We are immediately thrown into the turmoil that Alex and Sammy are experiencing after their sudden break up and Sammy's admittance into the hospital. My heart broke for Alex as he tried to be there for his former love, even when he was unsure about the entire situation. The reason for the break up didn't quite measure up to the build up in my opinion, but I commend Nell Iris for writing such a heart wrenching story in under 10,000 words.

I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily provided my honest review.

~ M

Blog Tour: Fling by Baylin Crow

Pre-Order: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link

Release Date: October 15

Length: 275 pages

Cover Design: Baylin Crow

Blurb

Our time together has an expiration date.

HAYDEN: I don't remember a time when I didn't love him.
The only guy I've ever wanted sees me as nothing more than the kid next door and his younger sister's best friend. But when Dean comes home after college graduation, things are different. I've grown up, and the way his golden-brown gaze scorches a path over my body tells me he's noticed. When he makes me an offer I should refuse, I'm caught between my feelings for him and logic screaming that this idea is doomed to end in heartbreak.

DEAN: I'm not interested in anything serious but I need to have him.
I plan on spending a few months at home relaxing before beginning my dream internship. What I don't count on is my little sister's best friend sending me for a loop. He should be off-limits, but the pull I feel toward him is too strong to ignore. When I come up with a solution to spend the summer together in secret, I'm sure I have it all figured out. I just need to work him out of my system.

It's supposed to be free of complications...a fling. By the end of summer, it's anything but simple.

Blog Tour: Oceans Apart by J.K. Hogan

Title: Oceans Apart

Author: J.K. Hogan

Publisher: Euphoria Press

Release Date: October 1, 2018

Heat Level: 4 - Lots of Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 85K words

Genre: Romance, Contemporary, (gay) virgin, first time, coming out

Add to Goodreads

Synopsis

Bored of with his mundane life, Leo Takahashi heads to the East Coast to find a new adventure. A series of unfortunate circumstances leave him in a potentially disastrous predicament: a gay man stranded in a backwater town of coastal North Carolina.

Sellars Hodge is a farmer from a long line of farmers who has never left his family’s land. He’s never even seen the ocean despite living less than ninety miles from the coast. In fact, he’s never done or seen anything interesting—he’s never even had a date.

When a stranded motorist stays at his house, Sellers gets a glimpse of everything he can never have. Though fear of his father’s reaction keeps him silent, Sellars’ two deepest secrets won’t stay hidden. The more time he spends with Leo, the less satisfied he is with the hand he’s been dealt and the choices he never had.

Leo wants to set up a quiet, independent life on the coast, but he feels pulled toward Sellars. He hates the idea of leaving such a vibrant, gentle giant behind to waste away on that farm.

Storms, both figurative and literal, brew in their lives, and they can only hope those storms clear the path to self-discovery and, most of all, love.

Even If We Can't Find Heaven by katychan666

Even If We Can't Find Heaven by katychan666

Magnus recently got out of a very toxic relationship that totally broke him. He's pushed his friends away and has never felt more alone. When he haphazardly wishes on star to take away the heavy burden of loneliness after a drunken evening in the loft, he awakens to a surprise (and miracle) he couldn't have imagined in a million years. 

This is one of those adorable stories that just make you feel good from the inside out. There are some intense, angsty moments, but the fluff between Magnus and Alec is so adorable your heart will surely melt. Please give this sweet story a try! You won't be disappointed.

~ M

photo credit: Freeform

Blog Tour: A Chosen Man by Jaime Reese

Title: A Chosen Man

Series: The Men of Halfway House Series

Author: Jaime Reese

Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance

(can be read as standalone)

Release Date: September 26, 2018

Photographer: Eric McKinney of 6:12 Photography

For Wall McCormack, actions speak louder than words. He’s giving and protective, loyal to his friends, and devoted to his job. While confident and powerful enough to conquer any challenge, his greatest strength lies in his calm nature. Until an unexpected assignment sends his world into a loud and colorful chaos he never could have anticipated.

Rejection. It’s something Dylan Vaughn has known his entire life. But he’s a tough nut to crack and refuses to break. Armed with a sharp tongue and brutal honesty, he pushes through life and at anyone who attempts to take him on. Except for the quiet guardian who piques his interest and dares him to want…more.

When Dylan’s past comes back with a vengeance and jeopardizes their growing connection, Wall will stop at nothing to protect the younger man and remain by his side. But convincing Dylan that someone accepts the real man behind the cocky facade might prove to be Wall’s greatest challenge yet.

With his freedom on the line, Dylan must trust the strength of their bond and confront the forces threatening their future. Only then will he realize the dream of acceptance is real and finally have a place to call home.

 

Let's Live Again by Icylightning

Let's Live Again by Icylightning

Alec is a famous actor taking Hollywood by storm. Magnus is his biggest fan who admires him from afar. He's managed to earn roles as an extra in some of Alec's projects, but has never gotten the courage to actually approach his idol. Alec leads a successful, but lonely existence. The man he's in love with refuses to come out of the closet and all Alec wants to do is love and be loved. Could a chance encounter with an extra make that possible?

This is an interesting story so far. It's still in its beginning stages, but it's captured my attention and made me excited to read more. So far, there has been a nice amount a sweet moments as well as angst. I look forward to seeing how Magnus and Alec's relationship develops and I'm sure you will too!

~ M

Something Great by Niyaa

Something Great by Niyaa

 

After a minor accident that caused injury to his eye, Magnus never dreamed that the attending physician in the emergency room would be Dr. Tall, Dark and Handsome, or that he'd have a connection with the adorable and shy man. Great things truly do occur when you least expect it.

This is a delightfully cute one shot! The interaction between Magnus and Alec is swoon-worthy and the banter between Magnus and his silly friends is very funny and heartwarming. If you're looking for a feel-good story that will bring a smile to your face, this is the one for you!

~ M

picture credit: Freeform

Gone by Adsagsona

Gone by Adsagsona

Agron's little brother, Duro, has mysteriously gone missing. He will stop at nothing to find him, but in the process, he may have found someone else just as precious.

This story is still in its early stages, but I'm already invested. It's been so long since I've reviewed a Nagron fic, so I'm extremely happy that I discovered this one! Definitely give this story a shot; I can't wait to see how it unfolds!

~ M

Come Fall In Love by Icylightning

Come Fall In Love by Icylightning

When Alec is tasked with kidnapping the son of millionaire Asmodeus Bane, he treats the job like any other. However, he never expected to actually like his target. Alec's feelings for Magnus, and the inevitable wrath of Asmodeus, just might be his downfall.

This is such an interesting and engaging story. With each new chapter that's released, I devour it and crave more. This is one story that you should definitely check out!

~ M

artwork credit: Max_Maks_Art

Book Review: Falling Into Love by Kris T. Bethke and Nell Iris

Liam O’Donoughue is happy with his life. He runs V Wilderness Adventures with his best friends, his chosen brothers, and gets to spend his days hiking in the gorgeous Adirondacks. What’s not to love? But when he meets Austin on a hike, he thinks he’s found something he didn’t even know was missing.

Austin Jock is content with his work as a radiology tech and playing bass in a cover band. Someday he wants to find his forever person but doesn’t believe in romantic fireworks and isn’t sure it’ll ever happen. Then Liam comes crashing into his life, igniting sparks. Huge, life-altering sparks.

The connection between the two men is instant, and things move fast. But Austin isn’t sure what to do with everything he’s feeling inside. Can Liam convince him falling in love is the easiest thing in the world?

This is a pretty cut and dry, yet pleasant story. It has plenty of fluffy moments, the angst is low and the characters are likable. If you're looking for an easy and quick read about two men falling in love, this is the book for you!

  I received a copy of this book from the authors and voluntarily provided my honest review.

Buy Links
Amazon

~ M

Blog Tour: Last Chance by RJ Scott

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Length: 5660 words

Blurb

It’s the last year of college and Luke can’t forget the captain of the hockey team, or the kiss they shared as freshman.

Justin has to decide if hockey outweighs his attraction to Luke, because this might be the last chance he’ll have of making things right.
 

*This short story was previously released in the Love For All Seasons Charity Anthology.

Getting Magic Back by katychan666

Getting Magic Back by katychan666

Alec is determined to get Magnus' magic back, even if it means going to Edom, himself, and meeting with the Prince of Hell.

Even though the subject matter of this story may appear to be angsty and dark at first glance, this fic is actually really lighthearted and sweet. katychan666 shows a side of Asmodeus that you (or Alec) won't expect, producing a wonderfully enjoyable and entertaining read! Give it a try! 😁

~ M 

 

artwork credit: lvvrotskaya

Blog Tour: Boyfriend or Bust by Claire Castle

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Length: 73,000 words approx.

Cover Design: Cate Ashwood Designs

Blurb

When Carson Turner’s ex-boyfriend unexpectedly invites him to his destination wedding and presumes he’ll be there alone, Carson panics and invents a fake boyfriend to accompany him. That’s what happens when your greatest flaw seems to be to talk first and think later.

How can Sam Bixton say no to his little sister’s request for him to go to Greece with her best friend, who he’s only admired from afar? Who would turn down fun in the sun with the one guy that’s always been off-limits?

Carson and Sam have a lot to learn about each other, and very little time to do it. Will they succeed in convincing Carson’s ex that they’re devoted boyfriends, or is it all about to go bust…

Claire Castle grew up surrounded by books. She has loved reading for her whole life. Her true love is romance and HEAs. When she’s not reading or writing, she can be found wearing comfortable leggings, drinking mocha and petting her west highland terrier. She loves collecting awesome mugs and paperbacks of her favorite stories.Facebook
Amazon

Twitter

Hosted By Signal Boost Promotions

Book Review: In Vino Veritas by Sydney Blackburn

Anthony Beretta inherited the family winery at the tender age of twenty-four. It’s a struggle to keep it up, but he loves it and is determined to make it work even if it kills him. That is, if a motorcyclist doesn’t kill him first. He initially judges the man, attractive as he may be, on the basis of his appearance and apparently limited vocabulary. He soon discovers he’s wrong, but by then Oscar Kennett has already judged Anthony on his appearance.

Oscar thinks Tony Beretta is uptight and snobbish, and Tony’s speech for the charity they’re working on together reinforces that, even when he finds out Tony did it just to push his buttons. His adorable curls and sexy glasses might not be enough to change his mind, but maybe there’s more to Tony than meets the eye.

This is a no-fuss, no muss book with likable characters and low angst. Of course, the characters do have their moments when they let their feelings, rather than logic, overtake them, but all in all, it was very pleasant and enjoyable; a great summer read!

3.5 stars 

I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily provided my honest review.

~ M