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Disclaimer: While I work hard to make sure that the language and innuendo
used in the Cover Reveals, Excerpts, etc. that I volunteer to share to help out
other authors, is toned down to PG-13 status, I might occasionally miss some
here and there. Reader Discretion is advised.

5/17/2018 0 Comments

I wanted to say more, than just: "It's Release Day for Shari J. Ryan's newest novel, "Darkest Perception" available now for ONLY 99cents!", because for me, this isn't just another release day...

Click on Picture to view on Amazon, via UN-affiliated link

*which evidently, Darkest Perception released yesterday, but because I was out of the house ALL day visiting a wonderful friend... and when I got home my computer was updating...
yeah... I kinda missed that. Sorry.

Anywhoo...

Let's get this part out of the way first. Shari J. Ryan, my FAVORITE author, has a new novel out and available.

It's called:
Darkest Perception.

Synopsis

A DARK and MIND-BLOWING STEAMY ROMANCE
I was young, innocent, and looking to start my career in psychology. However, it turned out I was in the wrong class, with the wrong professor, at the wrong time. One decision to become an apprentice changed my entire life.

After being left with nothing, including my true identity, money, family, and friends, I was evicted from my apartment. I knew I'd have to run and hide while struggling with starvation, but then a shady job offer became an appealing option in the midst of my desperation.

I was fully aware of the risks involved, but I'm well versed in reading people and assuming their intentions. Therefore, I was confident I wouldn't end up being that woman who ran into a trap, decorated with luxurious accommodations and high-class amenities. I also wasn't the type to reach for bait disguised as a gorgeous man with lust pooling in his eyes.

As it turns out, though ... I was wrong about everything--almost everything.

I fell into the rabbit hole where nothing was as it seemed from the outside, and I had no clue I was the puppeteer of it all.

Here's my review:

Darkest Perception by Shari J. Ryan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This review is for “Darkest Perception,” by Shari J. Ryan

Yet another win, for Shari Ryan! She went Dark… like, REALLY Dark, with her newest literary addition to her fictional world of characters. Without spoilers, here’s my take on this 5-star story…

Plot: Given the taglines and synopsis of the book, I still wasn’t prepared for what was in store as I began reading. I was definitely NOT disappointed, however, with the way the twists and turns played out. Shari has a special way of making the most audacious of scenarios appear almost commonplace, with her unique storytelling abilities.

Characters: Her characters have always been fully-fleshed, so I expected to fall in love with Harley and Axel, right away. But… I didn’t. Why? Because Shari quite nicely hooked me with more questions about motives and what the heck was going on, that the mystery surrounding these two, intrigued me past the point of distraction. There wasn’t time, in the beginning, to “love” the characters because the situations they find themselves in, and the way they handle (it), took up most of my time trying to find out why.

The Writing: There isn’t much more I can add to this particular section that I haven’t said before. Shari J. Ryan is an extremely gifted master of weaving stories. This one, a darker tale full of deception, just proves that point. She’s the Queen of the Hook.

In Case You Wanted to Know: There is both violence and sex(not combined) in this novel. This isn’t for the faint of heart. If four lettered words bother you, this also isn’t for you. Do NOT read this book if you’re looking for a story that has been (until recently) typical of Shari, where there aren’t master assassin-type, bad guys lurking around and someone might die. This novel plays by a totally different set of rules.

Overall: I enjoyed reading a story about two individuals who each have mysterious paths that were destined to cross. It was easy to read, easy to follow… Seeing this “other side” of Shari as she explores her scope of writing abilities is truly exciting, and I can’t wait to read whatever she dishes out next!

View all my reviews

Okay, now that that's outta the way...

Here's what I really wanted to get off of my chest...

If you haven't read anything from Shari J. Ryan, or... gasp! haven't HEARD of Shari J. Ryan... I'd like to say that you might want to consider changing that. Yes, I am becoming biased. Yes, I give her 5-star reviews, every time... every book...

BUT... she earns EVERY SINGLE STAR. Period.

Hence why she is my favorite.

I'm kind of one of those people that lives and breathes an appreciation for others that exude perfection in their field. The ones who exhibit an admirable level of integrity in their work. I hold myself to an insane level of "It can be better", "What else can make this more?", etc. etc. etc. I do not fit into the "Perfectionist" mold, because I absolutely do accept many flaws in my life, with a grain of salty sarcasm, and pounds of patience. But... that's me, and this post is about Shari.

Moving on...

When I first came across Shari's writing in 2016, I was doing a review for another novella that was included in an Anthology, that Shari's Queen of the Throne, was a part of.... I think it was called, "Ex's & Hoes" by Danielle Jamie... Yup, that's the one...
And after I'd done that review, I thought to myself, that it would be great to read some of the other short stories in there and do reviews on them as well.

First up, was Queen of the Throne. You can see my review for that story, here.

Now, I can say two things about that story,

#1 I FREAKING LOVED IT!

#2 I love it even more, because if it wasn't for the spelling errors and oopsies it contained at the time, I would've NEVER had the nerve to contact her, and we would've never developed this sort of friendship that has grown since then.

Let me tell you about how it went when I DID contact her, after finding her via Facebook and sending her a Private Message to her FB Author Page... She GRACIOUSLY responded and appreciated the feedback. Here's a bit of backstory real quick about yours truly... I'd only JUST got on to Facebook, pretty much that year. I'd been a recluse dealing with family drama and just bullshit of all sorts, that the lack of give a f*@k was apparent in the extra weight I was carrying in bags that matched my eyes. I had contacted a few authors prior to sending her a note, but not a single one of them gave me the time of day let alone a thank you for my time, like she did.

That was my first inclination that she was/is an awesome gal.

Then, as time progressed, I read more and more of her writings. Honestly, she writes the kind of stuff I would've NEVER picked up to read.
EVER.
I'm not a heavy reader of Romance Novels in general, let alaone: RomComs, or ChickLit, or Sappy shit that breaks your heart... In fact, if not for Shari, I would STILL not pick up ANY of those books, willingly. I hadn't EVEN HEARD of some of those terms until her. Now, If someone wanted me to read their book for a review, okay, sure, I would've prior to reading Shari. And I'd give it an honest review. Which, if you've read ANY of my reviews, you've seen I'm pretty fair and a lot of them have earned their 5s...

But, because of Shari's writing style, her imagination, her wit... her ability to weave audacity into a believable daily life with a comedic thread, is just... Remarkable.

I've had the pleasure of witnessing her evolution as a writer over the past 2 years. I've seen her strengths become super powers, her weaknesses disappear. Her confidence has grown, and her charm has become more infectious, as if that was even possible. As a human being she is amazingly kind. She's adorable in every interaction... Shari radiates from the depths of an eternal soul... meaning, someone who, in my opinion, is tapped into a genius level of writing and world creating that harkens from the outer reaches of the reality we accept as our own, and is merely just writing what already exists and her mind is basically witnessing, on another plane of existence...

Okay, in lamens terms... Let me just tell you she is a Pantser... ya know, she doesn't plot before writing, she just writes. Actually she types, but, same thing as far as the level of greatness she has demonstrated to have. She was already great when I first ran across her work... in two years she is placed herself on an unstoppable roll of book after book, from all different areas of literary fiction.

I'm excited for where her career will lead her.

If my own opinions are not enough to convince you, let me also point out that her book Last Words (see my review, here), has since been translated into Hebrew, and is also available on Audible. Yes, I understand that this does happen with authors, all the time, but... still... for me, this is incredible, and I feel honored to be privy to her accomplishments and advancements as she continues on her journey.

I honestly cannot wait to see what she has in store, next!

A little about Shari, from her own pages...

International Bestselling Author, Shari J. Ryan, hails from Central Massachusetts where she lives with her husband and two lively little boys. Shari has always had an active imagination and enjoys losing herself in the fictional worlds she creates.

When Shari isn't writing or designing book covers, she can usually be found cleaning toys up off the floor.

Connect with Shari

Newsletter: http://bit.ly/2fnWuAB
Facebook Author Page: http://bit.ly/1VSrO8t
Facebook Reader Group: http://bit.ly/1NzXSLp
Goodreads Author Page: http://bit.ly/1TwFt16
Twitter: http://bit.ly/2efHfqF
Instagram: http://bit.ly/2fxCTNt
Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/2fnURTg

Below is my Affiliate link, which means your purchase using said link may financially benefit me, at no extra cost to you. Of course, you could always click the Book's main image at the top of this post, if it makes a difference... It's your preference!

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5/2/2018 0 Comments

Review for "Darkest Perception" Shari J Ryan's newest novel, available May 17th!

About the Author

To see my other Reviews that I've done so far, for this AMAZING author, click any of the below titles:

Man Flu

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10/10/2017 0 Comments

Last Words by Shari J Ryan is Available--NOW--and just 99cents for a Limited Time!!

Last Words: A Diary of Survival

~NOW LIVE and JUST 99cents!!~

Last Words, where Non-Fiction meets Fiction, and the lines in between are blurred by forbidden love.

~Blurb~

Amelia - 1942:
The inside of my closet held the last bit of my freedom before I was torn from my home and shoved onto a dark train.
Our destination was even darker. “Women and children to the right. Men to the left,” they shouted at us.
Everything was taken from me, leaving only the smoke filled air, piercing screams, and soul-burning cries.
I was slowly starved and weakened to the bone, but there was a man—a Nazi—who brought me extra food. He called himself a prisoner too, but he scared me, and I wondered if he was the enemy I should fear the most.

Emma - Current Day:
My grandmother hid her past in an old diary under her bed. The tattered, brown leather book sat there for years until she asked me to find it and read her unspoken words. Now, her stories and secrets are consuming every moment of my life.
She’s dying ... and asking for a man no one in our family has ever heard of.
I never imagined a hand-written book could change my entire life, but it has. It opened my eyes to a new beginning, and I learned that love is not the unsaid word my grandmother has refused to speak. It’s an action—it’s longevity, taboo and sometimes forbidden. Do we fight for what’s wrong, or do we spend our lives searching for what’s right?
Last words were never spoken because love doesn’t stop until a heart is no longer beating.

~What people are saying~

"Last Words by Shari Ryan is a gripping, emotional, spell-binding journey of bravery, redemption, and love. Once I picked up this book, I could not put it down, completely captivated by the story. I felt every emotion the characters went through, one minute my heart caught in my throat, the next overwhelmed with the love these characters shared. I urge everyone to read this book. Allow the story to consume you as it consumed me, and remember the lesson that has sadly been forgotten lately… Love is stronger than hate." -
USA Today Bestselling Author T.K. Leigh

"To the author that broke my soul. You Shari J Ryan have somehow crawled inside my soul with your words and cracked it. Thank you for that. [...] It takes a phenomenal artist with a natural craft to reach the heights that Mrs. Ryan did. Thank you for sharing your beautiful craft with the rest of the reader nation. I am a blessed reader because of you! 100 STARS if possible." - Shasta Hope, Early Reader

"The way it was written with the now and then's events made me sit on the edge of my seat waiting for what comes next. You can totally feel the heart and the soul of Shari being brought to us on a silver plate.
Amelia and Charlie's story will stay with me forever, that's for sure." - Lin, From Chika With Love Blog

Purchase Links:
Amazon U.S.: http://smarturl.it/ShariLastWordsUs
Amazon Canada: http://smarturl.it/ShariLastWordsCA
Amazon Australia: http://smarturl.it/ShariLastWordsAU
Amazon U.K.: http://smarturl.it/SharilastwordsUK

...and Here's my 5-star Review~

Last Words by Shari J. Ryan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This review is for “Last Words,” by Shari J. Ryan

Disclaimer: I am Shari's BIGGEST fan. But I am also, as I've said before, above all-- honest; if I didn't like it, I wouldn't give it a five-star review just because, or say as much about it as I am about to say. Hope you're ready...

First, let me just say that I am not sure Mrs. Ryan is capable of writing ANYTHING LESS than a 5-star story. Granted, I haven't read ALL of her books and novellas (yet), but her writing style, no matter the genre/sub-genre, is nothing short of Poetic Genius. Time & again, she proves to me that I can LOVE a story outside of my normal type of story-type picks. How? Okay, my first guess is that she is some kind of Time/Space Magician, and is just writing down events EXACTLY as she witnesses them in a parallel universe, where words flow deliciously like melted butter and descriptions and characters are intensely real and vibrantly vivid, more-so than the normal 2D ones we see here on paper-- on Earth.

BUT, I've been known to have some outlandish theories before, so I'll posit my 2nd guess on how Shari thoroughly convinces me of her worth as a Master Storyteller and leaves my heart and mind aching with desire to read more... Um, I kind of touched on it earlier... It's her writing style. I honestly cannot get over how intoxicating (it) is. In the space of just a few hours, I devoured her latest gift to the Literary World, Last Words; a novel with clear and definitive dual storylines and POV, forbidden love, unexpected joys, gut-wrenching and unfortunately realistic tragedies, and the kind of serendipitous conclusions that only happen in real life, where life is stranger and better than fiction.

Without giving too much away, here is a breakdown of what I think about Last Words, and why I'd rate it 5+ stars if I could.

Plot: Okay, so, the book has dual plotlines, alternating easily via every chapter. One storyline follows Amelia's life after capture and subsequent imprisonment in a Nazi-run prison camp during WWII. This part of the story is told via a diary(that btw, reads like a current story/as-it-happens, instead of the typical “Dear Diary” format) that Amelia has kept secret for seventy-four years from her family, including her granddaughter, Emma, whose own present-day story unfolds, as she is asked by her grandmother to read and finally learn the pain she (Amelia) has been burdened by for so long, alone. The premise of confessing your secrets while believing to be on your deathbed, is a familiar occurrence, as is the effect that learning truths and keeping those family secrets—secret, have on the perspectives of the receiver of such precious knowledge. There are no plot holes, outrageous twists, nor unnecessary deus ex machinas used to move the story along, or lead to an HEA. This book reads just as a real-life account of love, hardship, extreme pain and loss, and misguided decisions of selflessness-- should read.

Characters: Hmm, I really DON'T want to give the story away, so let me try my best to say it simply-- Amelia and Emma are REAL PEOPLE(aren't they?), as are the other supporting characters and cast members. Fully fleshed-out, with distinct voices... their story(ies) pull you in and are not easily forgotten. These people come alive and it feels as if you're watching a documentary or live Reality TV. Real. Believable. That's the kind of characters you find in an SJR book.

The Writing: Yes, I know I've touched on this- quite a bit... BUT, let's go a step further... Mrs. Ryan's prose is spellbinding and bewitching. (It) is easy to read, while being far from basic. Her words are quotable and inspiring, and thought-provoking. From the very first pages, I was drawn in-- sucked in-- possessed.

In Case You Wanted to Know: There is violence, somewhat graphically described, that was, sadly, “typical” of concentration camps during WWII/the Holocaust. There is no detailed or implied rape; mentions of it happening within the camp-yes, but none occurs within the story. I do not recall any foul language. Yes, there is sex in this novel, but in typical SJR fashion, it is tastefully described, not overly explained, and NOT the main part of the story, nor is it a recurring theme... We're talking 3 occasions that consist of maybe two paragraphs each...

Overall: Yes, I read this book prior to its release. No, I did not have to give a review unless I wanted to-- but of course, as usual, I wanted to! Overall, this story does not disappoint. Shari did her research, listened to her relatives and to her heart, and wrote a masterpiece that feels like it REALLY DID HAPPEN. A completely plausible war-love-story, that moves the reader (um, myself AND (MC)grand-daughter, Emma) to live more-- want more-- believe in more. Think of Bastian in The Neverending Story, or Harry Potter gazing into the Pensieve-- You will be pulled in and your heart will be forever changed.

*This book review format is copied and used by permission, from awesome Amazon user: A. Reader aka Goodreads Reviewer: DeeArr1

View all my reviews

Also see this review on Amazon, along with other reviews I've done of
Shari's AMAZING BOOKS!!
or check them out, here:
A Missing Heart
Queen of the Throne
White Midnight
A Change of Heart

About the Author

Connect with Shari
Newsletter: http://bit.ly/2fnWuAB
Facebook Author Page: http://bit.ly/1VSrO8t
Facebook Reader Group: http://bit.ly/1NzXSLp
Goodreads Author Page: http://bit.ly/1TwFt16
Twitter: http://bit.ly/2efHfqF
Instagram: http://bit.ly/2fxCTNt
Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/2fnURTg

Just so you know, the links BELOW are My OWN affiliate links, and I may be compensated if your click results in a purchase.

More Great Reads from Shari J. Ryan...

You'll find THESE and MANY MORE on Shari's Author Pages on both Amazon & Goodreads

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9/30/2017 0 Comments

5-Star Review for Shari J. Ryan's "Last Words"-- Available October 9th!! (What a great reason to FINALLY get back to blogging!!)

About the Author

Connect with Shari
Newsletter: http://bit.ly/2fnWuAB
Facebook Author Page: http://bit.ly/1VSrO8t
Facebook Reader Group: http://bit.ly/1NzXSLp
Goodreads Author Page: http://bit.ly/1TwFt16
Twitter: http://bit.ly/2efHfqF
Instagram: http://bit.ly/2fxCTNt
Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/2fnURTg

0 Comments

1/10/2017 2 Comments

Painted on My Heart--NEW M/M Romance by Kindle Alexander--is available NOW!!

Title: Painted On My Heart

Author: Kindle Alexander

Genre: M/M Romance

Release Date: January 2, 2017

Artist Kellus Hardin let love and loyalty cloud his past decisions, a mistake he definitely won’t make again. Now, lost and alone, he’s left to pick up the shattered pieces of his broken heart while facing the truth of his reality.

Arik Layne exudes power, confidence, and determination. But when an encounter with the guarded artist shakes him to the core and alters all his future goals, he finds more than just his heart on the line.

For Kellus, opening himself to love isn’t an option.

All Arik wants is to make the artist his.

Can love create a masterpiece when it’s painted on your heart?

Painted on My Heart by Kindle Alexander from Bibliophile Productions on Vimeo.

“Arik and Kellus captivated me and kept me glued to my kindle.” - 5 Star Shh Mom’s Reading

“Another fabulous book that will steal a piece of your heart. Loved Arik and Kellus.” - 5 Star Becca the Bibliophile

Chapter 1

The shrill ring of his phone should have startled him awake, but Kellus Hardin was just too damn tired to do much more than roll in the direction of the irritating sound and throw a hand out to half-ass search around his mattress for the device. When he came up empty handed, he managed to turn the other way and do the same. By the time his exhausted sleep-hazed brain identified the phone wasn’t anywhere around him, he heard the chirp indicating a voice mail. He cracked an eyelid and lifted his head enough to look over at the alarm clock. Four thirty in the morning. Seriously? Nothing good could come from a call that time of night. He collapsed back to the bed with an annoyed groan. He’d been asleep less than an hour after working the fifteen before on the pieces he had due for the art gallery opening.

“Fuck,” he growled out, turning over again. He tucked a soft pillow into his side and decided he’d deal with that call in the morning. His exhausted state gave a solid thumbs-up on the plan, and he easily drifted back to sleep. What had to be a mere second later, the ringing started again. Stupid cell phone.

Kellus threw the covers away from his body and darted off the bed, angrier than he’d been in a very long time. He was fucking tired—tired of his fucked-up life and tired of this motherfucker who wouldn’t leave him the fuck alone.

Fuck!

With a vengeance, he zeroed in on the location of the noise. He marched to his laundry basket by the bedroom door and began tearing through the clothes to find the stupid phone, no doubt still inside his paint-spattered coveralls where he’d dropped it not fifty-three minutes ago before he’d finally managed to crawl into bed.

Palming the device, he glared at the caller ID. John. Of course. Who else would call in the middle of the fucking night?

“What?” he shouted as he connected the call.

“Come get him.” A deep masculine voice with a Spanish accent had him pulling the phone from his ear to look down at the screen in confusion.

Wait. Great. Even fucking better—John’s dealer.

“No,” he said firmly as he stood tall and fisted his free hand at his side. His chest bowed in defiance as if the guy on the other end of the phone were right there in his darkened bedroom. “You give him that shit, you deal with him.”

The harsh laugh on the other end of the line held what might have been genuine amusement. “I deal with him and it won’t end well.” The line went dead. Kellus shoved his fingers through his hair to help push the long strands out of his eyes.

“Fuck!” he bellowed to the empty room, spinning in a complete circle, gripping his phone in his hand and punching his fist through the air. Thank God he was alone, because if anybody had witnessed that little outburst he’d have been carted off to the nearest mental facility. He was just so fucking sick and tired of being sick and tired.

Breath heaving as anger and dread coursed through his veins, Kellus stood there, staring absently at his bed. The fatigue of the day settled heavy on his shoulders. He had responsibilities. He couldn’t take on more of John’s bullshit. He jammed the heels of his palms against his tired eyes and released an exhausted sigh. After so many hours holding a brush for the fine details of his painting, his hands cramped with the movement, and the muscles in his neck and back protested the long hours he’d put in today. He needed sleep. More than the fifty-three minutes he’d gotten.

“I’m not fucking doing this again. I warned him the last time. I made it clear. No more!” Kellus sliced the hand still holding his cell through the air with finality. With that decision made, he stalked across the room and tossed his phone on the nightstand. He climbed back in his bed, whipping the covers over his exhausted body.

He hadn’t heard from John in six days.

Six glorious, productive, happy days.

Staring up at the ceiling, unable to get his mind to shut off, he told himself he’d made the right decision. John needed to stay away. Kellus forced his eyelids closed. At this point, he’d still get a few good hours sleep before he had to start his day. The longer he lay there, the more guilt crept in.

It always did.

Images of his best friend came to mind. Happier times. Memories of his and John’s younger days and all the trouble they’d managed to get into. Those thoughts actually calmed his breathing. His mind drifted to the summer of their senior year. He hadn’t thought about that time in so long. He and John had gone to the lake with some friends. A healthy, glowing, handsome John had teased him unmercifully until he had finally agreed to skinny dip…

“Fuck!” Kellus whipped off the covers and rose, angry and worried.

He couldn’t leave John in that place.

Kellus stopped dead center in his bedroom, fuming; he was so pissed at himself, at his own indecision, at John. What the fuck was wrong with him? John had destroyed both their lives, shit on him over and over with absolutely no regard for his feelings whatsoever. He’d lost everything because of John. He swore he’d never do this again.

But he couldn’t leave John there.

Not there.

Dejected, Kellus ran a frustrated hand over his face, sighed, then went for his closet to dress.

~~~

Topping out at max speed, Arik Layne flew down the Dallas North Tollway. Being the only one on the highway might have been the only benefit of flying home in the middle of the night from his Escape Del Mar property.

God, he was past exhausted.

Less than five minutes later, Arik parked and wearily made his way through the private entrance of his downtown Dallas high-rise, shrugging out of his hand-tailored suit jacket before he reached the elevator. At the elevator, he tossed the garment over his arm and entered his exclusive security code into the wall-mounted keypad, effectively locking the car for his personal use. The doors opened immediately. The technology didn’t require him to do anything more than step inside before the doors closed and the overhead floor-indicator light displayed each passing floor, a soft ding sounding repeatedly as he traveled non-stop up the forty or so floors to his penthouse. Arik rested against the back wall, forcing a finger into the knot of his necktie to loosen its tight hold. He then removed each cuff link at his wrist and absently dropped them into his slacks pockets. The more he removed now, the faster he could hit his perfect Vera Wang mattress and shut his tired eyes.

The entire building was quiet. Another benefit to relocating to this area. Well, sort of. Dallas as a whole was quieter than any place he’d ever lived. He walked the few steps to his front door, pulling out his wallet to wave in front of the security pad when the doors didn’t unlock at his arrival. Strangely, the key card inside his wallet didn’t trigger the lock to release. Arik let out a yawn as he entered his code into the attached keypad. He’d have to remember to check his card in the morning.

The overhead lights automatically lit as he entered his front door, and the motion sensors continued lighting his way the deeper he ventured inside his home. Arik absently tossed his suit jacket on a chair in the living room, never straying from the direct path to his bedroom. He pulled his shirttails from his slacks, his level of sheer exhaustion rising with each step he took. Honestly, that had to be the only reason he didn’t register the glow of lights coming from underneath the closed door until he’d already turned the handle.

“What the fuck?” His heart almost leaped out of his chest when he stepped inside his bedroom to find someone sprawled across his bed in what probably qualified as a seductive pose. Recognition took another second to seep in.

“Surprise!” A small pop sounded and confetti flew into the air, scattering across his bed.

Arik’s brows snapped together. Oh hell no. He loved that bed.

“What the hell are you doing?” Arik asked as he moved farther inside the room. He registered the slight look of indignation and the flip of that long, black, silky hair before Boy Toy’s face morphed again into a pleasant smile.

“I came to surprise you.” BT wiggled his sexy ass and gave a cheeky little smile.

Even as tired and annoyed as he was, Arik experienced a stir below his belt. He was human after all, and this particular BT was especially skilled. He stopped at his dresser, reached inside his front slacks pockets and casually tossed the contents on the small tray. He didn’t like surprises of any kind, and BT, short for boy toy number one hundred and—hell, he’d lost count of the willing men he’d bedded—had just shocked the hell out of him.

This one was way too pretty and so deliciously tempting that for a split second he almost gave in…almost.

No, he had to stay firm. This was utter bullshit. He couldn’t have random BTs breaking into his home, surprising him at every turn, desecrating his perfect bed with confetti.

“How did you get in here?” he asked, leaning against the dresser, casually crossing his arms over his chest.

“I’ve been planning this since you left me last week. I swiped your card from your wallet when you were in the shower.” Boy Toy lost the erotic pose, probably too much strain for his delicate body.

“I guess I need to keep a closer eye on my wallet in the future.” Arik shoved away from the dresser and headed toward his closet.

“I’m beginning to think you’re not happy that I’m here. You know I’d look good on your arm for the opening of Escape Dallas.” BT hopped up from the bed and trailed after him, following him into the closet.

“Are these your things?” he asked, nodding toward the garment bag hanging in his closet with luggage settled beneath. Arik’s things had been pushed aside and replaced with BT’s, as if the guy planned to stay awhile. First the bed, now the closet. He didn’t allow anyone to breach his private space. That crossed every line he had.

Fuck, he’d known when he first saw this guy he’d be trouble. The gorgeous ones always were. Arik shook his head.

“Yes, I put them next to yours. I arrived late and didn’t have time to unpack.”

Arik abandoned his silk tie on the built-in dresser and began to grab BT’s things. The level of pissed off coursing through him now superseded any desire he might have mustered.

“You can’t ever do this again. I told you from the beginning,” Arik said, shoving the garment bag toward BT as he went for the two suitcases, then he tossed the strap of one over his shoulder and grabbed the other by the handgrip. How long had he even planned to stay that he needed all this?

“Be careful with that. It’s got my mink inside!” BT carefully draped the bag over his arm, allowing Arik to take him by his other arm and forcefully guide him from the closet.

“Why in the hell would you bring a fur coat to Texas?” Arik kept his grip tight, even when BT tried to worm his way out.

“Why would I leave home without… What are you doing?” BT actually held on to the doorframe to keep Arik from removing him from the bedroom.

“You’re going to the guest room, BT. We’ll talk—”

A solid outraged screech cut him off.

“Stop calling me that! I hate that. I have a name.” The guy went into full-on diva mode right there in the middle of his hall.

“You’ve known the deal from the beginning. I don’t like these kinds of surprises. I was very clear,” Arik said. When he realized it might take two hands to deposit BT into the guest bedroom, he went for that door, pushed it open wide, and tossed the suitcase in his hand across the room. For a second there, he’d thought the guy planned to go back to Arik’s bedroom which would have turned things pretty shitty real quick. Luckily, BT came toward him with a very calm, patient look on his face.

“If you would just go with it, we could have a very special relationship,” BT said, placing a delicate hand on Arik's dress shirt, letting his fingers trail down Arik’s chest as he took a step closer. “I’m good at attending events with you. I look good on your arm. Besides, I’m tired of modeling. It takes up so much of my time. And if we came to some sort of arrangement, with all my extra free time, I could take care of you any way you saw fit.”

“Not gonna happen.”

BT’s words couldn’t have been better deterrent for giving in and indulging in a quick hook-up. Arik preferred his fun with no strings attached. Not that he had anything against the whole finding Mr. Right concept. But the boy toy currently groping his ass was not anywhere close to his idea of relationship material. Arik stopped the hand at his waistband and shrugged the case off his shoulder, dumping it right inside the guest bedroom door. He left the gorgeous but clearly crazy man standing there as he headed back toward his bedroom.

“I need to leave here by eight in the morning. Be ready.’’

“Seriously? You’re just leaving? I stretched myself to be ready for you.”

Arik looked back to see BT stomp his foot for good measure, his now flaccid dick swinging in the process. BT was certainly beautifully put together, tall, lean, chiseled abs, a perfect body that Arik knew from past experience could bring a lot of pleasure.

No, Arik. That was how he’d gotten in this situation in the first place. Stop. No. Walk away.

“Goodnight, BT. Don’t come back to my room,” he said at the door.

“Stop calling me BT! I’m not just your boy toy! My name is Steffan.”

Steffan—yeah, he remembered that now. Steffan twirled around and stalked into the guest bedroom, that long hair floating out around him. The door slammed shut in his wake.

Arik closed his door and reached down to twist the lock when he heard something crashing against the guest room door. Arik chuckled at that one and quickly opened his door again.

“Be ready by eight in the morning. I won’t be happy if you make me late,” he yelled before closing and relocking the door.

He staggered to the bed. His bed. Even with taking the time to rid the bedspread of the confetti and change the pillowcases where that overly strong cologne lingered, he’d still, hopefully, get at least a couple hours’ sleep.

Best Selling Author Kindle Alexander is an innovative writer, and a genre-crosser who writes classic fantasy, romance, suspense, and erotica in both the male/male and male/female genres. It's always a surprise to see what's coming next!

I live in the suburbs of Dallas where it's true, the only thing bigger than an over active imagination, may be women's hair!

Usually, I try for funny. Humor is a major part of my life - I love to laugh, and it seems to be the thing I do in most situations - regardless of the situation, but jokes are a tricky deal... I don't want to offend anyone and jokes tend to offend. So instead I'm going to tell you about Kindle.

I tragically lost my sixteen year old daughter to a drunk driver. She had just been at home, it was early in the night and I heard the accident happen. I'll never forget that moment. The sirens were immediate and something inside me just knew. I left my house, drove straight to the accident on nothing more than instinct. I got to be there when my little girl died - weirdly, I consider that a true gift from above. She didn't have to be alone.

That time in my life was terrible. It's everything you think it would be times about a billion. I love that kid. I loved being her mother and I loved watching her grow into this incredibly beautiful person, both inside and out. She was such a gift to me. To have it all ripped away so suddenly broke me.

Her name was Kindle. Honest to goodness - it was her name and she died a few weeks before Amazon released their brand new Kindle ereader. She had no idea it was coming out and she would have finally gotten her name on something! Try finding a ruler with the name Kindle on it.. It never happened.

Through the course of that crippling event I was lucky enough to begin to write with a dear friend in the fan fiction world of Facebook. She got me through those dark days with her unwavering support and friendship. There wasn't a time she wasn't there for me. Sometimes together and sometimes by myself, we built a world where Kindle lives and stands for peace, love and harmony. It's its own kind of support group. I know without question I wouldn't be here today without her.

Find out more by visiting www.kindlealexander.com or email me at kindle@kindlealexander.com

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Why do reviews?

Well, I own over 6000 books.
Most of them are non-fiction, since I have an obsession with knowledge.
But oh, how I love a good story.
I've decided to devote an entire Blog, just for books.

Here, you will find book reviews for Fiction, in almost every genre.
I'll also be sharing reviews for the too many to count
Nonfiction books I am constantly dumping into my head.
As well as Announcements etc. for New Releases
from fellow authors.

How do I decide what rating...

For Fiction books, it's either a 5, 4, or a 3-star. That's it. If it doesn't qualify for at least a 3-star rating, I will NOT post that kind of a review. I either REALLY loved/liked it and it was written well, regardless if it wasn't something "up my alley" so-to-speak, OR it was okay, but could have used some more details, or fix the plot holes, etc. I WILL NOT rate low for spelling and/or grammar, editing mistakes. If they are plentiful, I will send the author a polite email to let them know. Hopefully the author will listen and address the problems.

For Nonfiction, sorry, but here I have to be a bit more discerning. I will rate 1-5 stars, according to the layout of the information, the quality of the information, as well as any editing mistakes, etc. I personally feel that a Nonfiction book is there to provide information, and if it is not delivered in a clear and concise manner, too much confusion will ensue and cause potentially horrible embarrassments or even fatal mistakes.

Have a book that needs a Review?

***Important Notice-- I am currently behind on ALL of my book reviews. All books that I have set to review, I will get done as soon as possible. New requests will not be reviewed until ?????
Please take this into consideration before making a request. Thank you.

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Just some of my babies...

YOUR CART

For all the Books I've Loved so far...

I wanted to say more, than just: "It's Release Day for Shari J. Ryan's newest novel, "Darkest Perception" available now for ONLY 99cents!", because for me, this isn't just another release day...

Review for "Darkest Perception" Shari J Ryan's newest novel, available May 17th!

Last Words by Shari J Ryan is Available--NOW--and just 99cents for a Limited Time!!

5-Star Review for Shari J. Ryan's "Last Words"-- Available October 9th!! (What a great reason to FINALLY get back to blogging!!)

Painted on My Heart--NEW M/M Romance by Kindle Alexander--is available NOW!!

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