Arcadia U Series Tour #GayBookPromotions

SERIES TOUR and NEW RELEASE

Arcadia U Books 1 and 2 by Roxas Winters

Books 1 and 2 should be read in order. Neither of them ends in a cliffhangar.

Overall Heat Rating for the series: 4 flames

Publisher: Evernight Publishing 

BOOK DETAILS

BOOK 2 - NEW RELEASE

Book Title: Beautiful Liar

Author: Roxas Winters

Cover Artist: Jay Aheer

Length:  80 000 words

Release Date: March 21, 2025

Genres: MM Contemporary Romance, mafia, college age

Tropes: Second chances. forbidden love, obsessive love, secrets,  alpha male

Themes: Hurt/Comfort, healing from abuse (abuse happens off page)

This story is best enjoyed after reading book one. 

It does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads

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I gave in to temptation, but happily ever after was never part of the deal.

Blurb 

Kieran

I gave in to temptation, but happily ever after was never part of the deal. 

I am heir to a mafia kingdom and taking my place means leaving Arcadia behind. Arcadia U was built to house bastards of the criminal elite and wayward children of soldiers loyal to the four founding families. I am neither. When a death at the school puts everyone at risk, I return to keep my friends safe. But things have changed since the three months I've been gone. Loyalty must be earned, and my secrets revealed. But is it too late to save what I want most?

Tomás 

I chose the enemy. I chose to be a secret. Kieran asked me to wait until he was ready, and I fell easily into the lies. But I have a lie of my own. After a death puts the school on lockdown, I'm forced to face a past I buried. A past that threatens everyone I love, including Kieran. To protect him, I must lie to him. 

But lies fester. And the rot always finds a way out.

The following excerpt contains adult material, including profanity, sexual situations, and violence.

Excerpt from book 2

Tomás

“What did I tell you would happen if you ran from me?” The voice I knew so well whispered in my ear. All the tension lifted and for a slight second, I let myself be vulnerable. Kieran had come for me. The reaction to him that got me in this mess in the first place—trusting Kieran. Giving him space in my heart. But he hadn’t come back when he promised. He hadn’t been there when I needed him. Ignoring my body’s response to him, I wasn’t my dick, I moved. I just wanted to feel physical pain, so damn tired of the pain I couldn’t reach inside, the itch I couldn’t scratch burrowed under my skin. 

I twisted my body, grabbed his arm meaning to throw him over my shoulder to the floor, but the fucker was fast. A surprised inhale brushed my cheeks. Oddly satisfying in my current pissed off state. I didn’t get to slam him against the floor. Fucker had cat reflexes. His feet landed on the counter, and he used the leverage to push off, sending me back against the refrigerator hard. Shit tumbled around us. He used me to keep his footing, pushing off and putting space between us. 

The low light was enough to still get a good look at his face. Three months and four days hadn’t changed his appearance. He looked … good. As if he hadn’t suffered like I had. As if he hadn’t cared. I wanted to talk shit, but my ruined voice would only come out meek, cracked, broken. I wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction of hearing me pathetic, so I said nothing. 

Kieran took my silence as submission. He narrowed the gap between us. “What is your problem?” he started. 

Once he was close enough, I swung. The fist to his face felt better than I thought it should. He stumbled back. And I moved before he could recover. I spun him against the counter and shoved him face down onto the surface. His ass against my groin. I may have been bigger than him, but he had more fighting skills than me. I knew he could’ve gotten free from my hold if he wanted to, but he didn’t.

He didn’t even struggle.

“Fuck you,” I managed to whisper into his ear, pushing my body against him. “I’m no longer yours.”

“You sure about that?” he said, pushing out his ass right into the rod tenting my joggers. Because of course my cock would respond to him with an erection. Which only pissed me off more.

“Unlike you, I’m not my dick. And unlike you, I can put my dick into whoever the fuck I want.”

I felt the vibration first. Like a canvas rippling against my skin. The jolt of it forced me back, but only a fraction before he had me on the floor pinned under him. The impact pushed the breath out of my lungs, made me disoriented. He pinned my wrists above my head, his body sprawled on top of me, his face close enough to see the lighter green bursts in his eyes. “You think I would ever let you stick your dick in anyone else,” he hissed. “Try it, Tomás. Test me. I will end that motherfucker.”

BOOK 1

Book Title: Beautiful Dark Temptation (Arcadia U Book 1)

Cover Artist: Jay Aheer

Length:  76 200 words

Release Date: September 27, 2024

Tense/pov:  first person; alternating pov

Genres: Contemporary MM Romance, college, mafia

Tropes: Forbidden love, enemies to lovers

Themes: Bisexual awakening

It is a standalone story and does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads

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Books to Read Universal Link

I’m not ready to lose it all for a beautiful dark temptation

Blurb 

Tomás

I’ve lost everything. 

Forced into a prison masking as a school, I find myself in the crosshairs of more than one killer. My savior? The arrogant prick who wants to control me. Kieran is a nightmare wrapped in a seductive package and when he sets his sights on me I don’t know whether to fight him or kiss him. 

Kieran

I am the eldest bastard of one of the four founders of Arcadia University, and I will do anything to see my family fall. 

The secrets I’ve kept hidden behind my heart now threaten to bury me alive with the arrival of Tomás. He consumes my space, my thoughts, my nightmares. I hate him for how he makes me feel. This toxic attraction between us forces me to question what matters most—vengeance, power, love. But Tomas doesn’t fit into my world of lies and violence and I’m not ready to lose it all for a beautiful dark temptation.

About the Author 

Roxas writes dark, forbidden MM Romance with morally gray characters you will love to hate. Beautiful Dark Temptation is her first novel in a planned series. 

Author Links

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BlueSky 

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Stolen Dreams Review #GayBookPromotions

BLOG TOUR

Book Title: Stolen Dream

Author: Oliver Takely

Publisher: MM Romance Press

Cover Artist: Emily’s World of Design

Release Date:  March 5, 2025

Tense/POV: Third person, dual POV

Genres: Contemporary MM Romance

Tropes: Forbidden love, first times, demisexual rep, found family

Themes: Second chance romance

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Length: 60 000 words        

It is book three of the Soho Knights Series. Books four and five are scheduled in 2025.

The book ends on a cliffhanger for the series, but not for the couple.

Goodreads

Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

AMAZON US  |  AMAZON UK

In a world that tried to change them, love becomes their greatest rebellion.

Blurb 

At just eighteen, Paolo and Max meet at a conversion therapy camp. Abandoned by their families. left to endure literal hell on earth, their love is forbidden. Their secret romance grows and as they make plans to escape, they are brutally torn apart.

They both spend the next twelve years building lives in different worlds. Paolo in the vibrant heart of Soho, London, surrounded by his found family, and Max thriving as a successful criminal lawyer in the bustling streets of New York. Both of them believing they’ve lost the love of their life forever.

Max finds himself in London after defending a mobster, which leads to an offer he literally can’t refuse. Needing thinking time before his fate is sealed, he unexpectedly crosses paths with Paolo again. The spark between them reignites, yet their reunion is fraught with challenges, and even the magical backdrop of the holidays may not be enough for them to get their second chance at love. With Paolo's sister at risk of suffering the same fate they endured, the stakes are even higher.

Stolen Dream is a tale of resilience, forbidden love, and the fight for a future that embraces who they truly are. Will they save Paolo's sister in time, and can they find a way to be together, against all odds? Join them on this emotional journey of hope and redemption, where stolen dreams may just lead to a love worth fighting for.

Excerpt 

KC greeted Paolo with a big hug when he arrived. She was such a wonderful woman, who had been through more than all his brothers put together. The bravery it took for her to transition in the nineties had Paolo in awe of her.

            “What are you doing here on a Saturday?”

            “I’m meeting an . . . an old friend.”

            “Old boyfriend?” She smiled.

            Paolo felt his face heating. She leant forward and whispered to him.

            “Well, if it’s the guy who just walked in who looks like he wants to eat you, then I think I’ve got my answer.”

            Paolo spun around and there was Max. He hadn’t gotten a proper look last night with the shock. Max had always had a broad build, but now he was built like a rugby player, with wide shoulders and a tapered waist. His hazel eyes were as captivating as they had been twelve years ago. Max smiled at him, showing those perfect dimples in his pinchable cheeks. He was clean-shaven, unlike Paolo who’d had a short beard for the last five years. His face was too babyish when he was clean-shaven.

            “Can I give you a hug?” asked Max.

            Paolo was too choked up, so he just nodded, and Max wrapped his big, muscular arms around him. They were the same height, but even though Paolo had packed on the muscle over the last few years, Max almost smothered him – albeit in a good way. He was wearing a citrusy aftershave, and he could happily stay like this in Max’s arms forever.

            When the hug was bordering on being far too long for a public setting, they pulled apart and both smiled. Paolo gestured to a nearby table he’d claimed when he arrived. He made eye contact with KC, who gave him a warm smile and touched her heart. Paolo rolled his eyes, but he was smiling.

            “Thank you for seeing me,” said Max.

            Was he nervous? This wasn’t how he remembered him. Max had been the strong one when they’d been in the camp. It wasn’t just Paolo who looked up to him; it was everyone. Paolo wasn’t sure what to say. He felt tongue tied, so he grabbed a menu, passing one to Max. He knew the menu by heart, but Max didn’t need to know that.

            “Did you want to get something to eat?” asked Paolo. That was a safe conversation starter.

            “I am always hungry.”

            He smiled, and then a dark shadow appeared in his eyes. It was clear a memory had hit him. One they shared. Paolo needed to get things back on track. Today was not a day to go down memory lane.

            “Everything’s amazing here. KC is the best cook in the world.”

            “That’s a bold claim. I’ll have to let Mason know.”

            “Mason?”

            “He’s a Michelin starred chef in New York.”

            “How do you know him?”

            Max took hold of Paolo’s hand. It felt strange, yet familiar.

            “Mason’s just a friend. I’m not with anyone.”

            “That’s not . . . I didn’t mean . . .” Ugh, why couldn’t he get his words out?

            Perhaps sensing his struggle, Max suggested they order. He let go of Paolo’s hand and Paolo missed the touch instantly. How could this be happening? He’d not had butterflies or any of these feelings for twelve years.

About the Author  

Oliver Takely is a passionate MM romance author who revels in dark, edgy stories featuring complex, flawed characters. With years of writing experience and a creative day job, Oliver Takely is also an avid reader of MM romance, consuming 300 books in both 2023 and 2024. His favourite trope is enemies to lovers, but is also a sucker for a feel-good Christmas romance.

Originally from the north, Oliver now resides in the south of England with his husband and their beloved fur baby, who is treated like a princess, living their own happily-ever-after straight out of a romance novel. When not writing or reading, he enjoys holidays and indulging in lots of good food, because who doesn’t love a delicious combination?

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Ornery Owl's Review

Rating: Four out of Five Stars

This is an intense story that discusses conversion therapy, an abusive practice intended to make a homosexual person heterosexual. The protagonists, Max and Paolo, meet in a conversion therapy camp run by the creepy, sadistic Father Moretti. I quickly clocked Father Moretti as a self-righteous, closeted homosexual. As the story progresses, he's revealed to be even worse than I initially thought.

The concept is compelling, the storytelling is engaging, and the author creates characters the reader cares about. The story contains several wonderful "Oh, my heart!" moments and intense surprises. 

My reasons for giving the story four stars rather than five are subjective rather than objective. I would have liked more non-sexual interaction between Max and Paolo. While the author made it clear that there was a strong emotional bond between them rather than a strictly sexual attraction, I would have liked to have seen a bit more of the non-steamy side of their relationship.

While I understand Paolo's obsession with his physique, his discussions about diet and exercise were a little overwhelming for someone who struggles with body image and an eating disorder.

I recommend Stolen Dream for readers who like an intense contemporary romance that tackles real-world issues and don't mind when things get dark. Because of adult themes and explicit sexual content, the book is not suitable for readers younger than eighteen.

Smile, Chin Up #rabtbooktours

Memoir, Self-Help, Inspirational

Date Published: September 17, 2024

Publisher: Higgins Publishing

 

Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey? SMILE, Chin Up! by Corine Lewis is more than a book; it's a lifeline for those navigating through the darkest storms. In gripping firsthand narratives, Corine bares her soul, revealing a decade-long battle with sexual assault and domestic violence.

Picture this: a young woman, shattered by violence, yet resilient in the face of despair. Corine's story is not just about pain; it's about finding humor in the darkest moments and wisdom in the depths of suffering.

Through her eyes, you'll witness the highs and lows, the tears and laughter that define her journey.

But there's more to this tale than tragedy. Corine shares her CL Way—a roadmap to reclaiming power and rebuilding shattered lives.

With every page, she imparts invaluable lessons on recognizing abuse, finding strength in vulnerability, and standing tall against adversity.

Amidst the turmoil, Corine's passion for cheerleading and dance shines bright, adding a glimmer of hope to the narrative. From Mrs. Oregon to coaching at the University of Oregon, her journey is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human soul.

Yet, SMILE, Chin Up! is not just about one woman's story; it's a call to action. Corine's advocacy reverberates through the pages, igniting a fire within readers to stand against injustice and support survivors.

In the end, SMILE, Chin Up! is more than a book—it's a beacon of hope in a world plagued by darkness.

Through Corine Lewis's candid storytelling and unwavering advocacy, you'll find the courage to reclaim your voice, rediscover your power, and stand tall against adversity. So, are you ready to SMILE, Chin Up!, and embark on a journey of resilience and empowerment? Get your copy today and take a stand against domestic violence!

 

About the Author

Corine Lewis is a prominent advocate against sexual abuse and violence toward women. Her memoir recounts over a decade of trauma from rape and domestic violence, highlighting her resilience and journey to empowerment. A distinguished cheerleader, Corine was a member of the Willamette High School state championship team and the University of Oregon cheerleading squad, and she coached the USA National Hip Hop Dance champions. She also starred in the reality series The Making of an Oregon Cheerleader. Corine has informally counseled victims for over ten years and plans to launch a podcast to inspire and empower others.

 

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