Walking on Broken Paths Review #GayBookPromotions

NEW RELEASE

Book Title: Walking on Broken Paths

Author and Publisher: Amy Aislin

Cover Artist: Morningstar Ashley

Release Date: July 22, 2025

Tense/POV: third person, past tense

Genres: Contemporary M/M Romance

Tropes: Childhood friends to lovers, hurt/comfort, damaged hero, opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine

Heat Rating:  3 flames      

Length: 53 000 words / 210 pages

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

Goodreads

Buy Links - Audiobook also available

Amazon  |  Apple  |  B&N  |  Kobo  

Direct store 

ebook  |   audiobook  |   bundle 

Blurb

Desperate to escape the pain of his brother’s death, Jesse Melnik ran—but he couldn’t outrun the grief, no matter how much distance he put between himself and his past. Now, after fifteen years of trying, he’s finally ready to face his hometown of Charlottetown again.

He expects the memories of his brother to hover in every corner of his family’s sailboat and whisper in every sea-tinged breeze.

What he doesn’t expect is Parker Willis, the best friend he left behind without a word the day he fled.

And he certainly doesn’t expect old feelings to resurface.

Parker’s been stuck in a rut since his father died three months ago. Every day is the same: try to keep his father’s dinner cruise business afloat so he can chip away at Dad’s debts, all while working a job that leaves him more frustrated than satisfied.

Then Parker’s routine shatters in the best way possible: Jesse Melnik returns to Prince Edward Island for the summer, all six feet three inches of gorgeous hockey player.

Now, that’s different.

Jesse kickstarts Parker’s heart.

 Parker makes Jesse feel again.

And although both men are a little bit damaged from struggling down the broken path of loss, maybe—just maybe—if they can lean on each other, they’ll learn to move forward at last.

Content warnings: themes of grief, discussions of a parent's death from cancer, discussions/descriptions of a sibling's death from suicide 

Excerpt

Jesse glanced over and nearly swallowed his tongue.

How dare running shorts be so goddamn tiny and cling so goddamn nicely to long, shapely legs dusted with hair the same shade as the finest dark chocolate? Jesse was still reeling at being in the same place at the same time as Parker for the first time in years—had, in fact, tossed and turned all night thinking about Parker—and now he showed up out of nowhere again and sent Jesse’s libido into a jumble of desire and yearning?

There were things that Jesse had left in his past, and his attraction to his best friend was supposed to be one of them.

Former best friend? Best friend he’d recently gotten reacquainted with? Former best friend who could be his new best friend?

Fuck. Relationships were hard.

Along with the shorts, Parker also wore a long-sleeved running shirt in teal and a baseball hat with Montreal hockey’s logo on the front. His dark hair curled out from underneath the sides of the hat, and the two-day stubble on his jaw was way sexier than Jesse wanted to admit. He was a couple of inches shorter than Jesse’s six foot three, but whereas Jesse was—admittedly—very big, even for a defenceman, Parker was lanky and toned, the muscle definition obvious in his running gear in a way it hadn’t been in the jeans and Willis Dinner Cruises-branded long-sleeved T-shirt he’d been wearing last night when he’d appeared like a figment of Jesse’s childhood wishes and sat next to him on the bench at the marina.

Whatever he wore, Parker looked like he’d fit into all of Jesse’s empty spaces.

Shaking his head to rid himself of that thought, he shoved his phone back in his pocket and scowled. “I’ll get you a new hat.”

Parker’s lips quirked. “I like this hat.”

“Since when are you a Montreal fan?”

“Hey, don’t knock them. They made it to the playoffs.”

The unlike you was left unsaid, but Jesse heard it loud and clear and refused to be amused.

“So.” Parker’s shoulder bumped up against his. “What are you doing?”

“What are you doing?”

“This is my jogging route.”

“That so?” Jesse would have to remember to be by his window in the mornings so he could watch Parker run by in his short shorts.

“Mm-hmm. Is it your jogging route?”

“No.”

“What are you doing here then?”

Glancing back at the house, Jesse let out a long breath. “Deciding what to tackle first. What colour would you paint that door?”

Parker blinked once and frowned. “Why would you paint it any colour?”

“Because that rusty red makes me think of dead bodies on a crime show?”

“No, I mean . . .” That unique greyish-greenish gaze of Parker’s swung from Jesse to the house and back. “Do you know the people who live here? Are you doing work for them this summer or something?”

“I live here,” Jesse said. “And I don’t want to live with that gross colour for the next two months.”

“You . . . bought a house?”

Jesse grunted.

“But you live in Vancouver,” Parker said slowly, as though reminding Jesse of this fact.

“No, I know, but . . .”

But what? He’d wanted a project for the summer? Something that would keep him occupied so he didn’t have to think about where he was and why he was back for the first time in fifteen years? A fixer-upper was as good a distraction as anything.

His therapist wouldn’t love that he was keeping busy instead of sitting with and analyzing his feelings. But she didn’t have to know. Right?

When Jesse didn’t continue, Parker said, “Are you retiring from hockey and moving back here?”

“Fuck no,” Jesse blurted.

Free Use Image from Open Clipart Vectors

Ornery Owl's Rating:

Five out of Five Stars

Friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes, and this slow-burn second-chance romance set on beautiful Prince Edward Island delivers. 

Professional hockey star Jesse has come a long way in mending his bad behaviors following his brother's death by suicide fifteen years previously, but his soul is still fractured. 

Parker is unhappy in his dual roles as captain of his late father's harbor tours and writing grant proposals. He misses his days as a sports journalist. 

Parker's world is turned upside down in a good way when Jesse, his childhood best friend and secret crush Jesse returns to Prince Edward Island for the first time in fifteen years.

The way Jesse and Parker slowly but inevitably move from friendship fraught with unspoken desires to a real romantic connection that's built to last is both magical and realistic.

I also appreciated the way the author seamlessly integrated Jesse's brother into the story. Mikey subtly lets Jesse know he's still there, although Jesse can no longer see him. Those who have lost a loved one, whether to suicide or other causes, may take comfort in the idea that our loved ones are always with us, even when they are no longer physically present. 

This story isn't just about romance. It's about real and lasting love in all its forms. Jesse and Parker seem like real people rather than stereotypes. I recommend this book for anyone who is hurting and needs to believe healing is possible, and also for anyone who simply likes a good, solid romance story.

About the Author 

Amy’s lived with her head in the clouds since she first picked up a book as a child, and being fluent in two languages means she’s read a lot of books! She first picked up a pen on a rainy day in fourth grade when her class had to stay inside for recess. Tales of treasure hunts with her classmates eventually morphed into love stories between men, and she’s been writing ever since. She writes evenings and weekends—or whenever she isn’t at her full-time day job saving the planet at Canada’s largest environmental non-profit.

An unapologetic introvert, Amy reads too much and socializes too little, with no regrets. She loves connecting with readers. Join her Facebook Group to stay up-to-date on upcoming releases and for access to early teasers, find her on Instagram, or sign up for her infrequent newsletter.

Social Media Links

Blog/Website  |  Facebook  |  Instagram

Newsletter Sign-up  |  Facebook Group 

Hosted by Gay Book Promotions

D'Vaire or Nothing Release Blitz #GayBookPromotions

NEW RELEASE

Book Title: D’Vaire or Nothing (D’Vaire, Book 44)

Author and Publisher: Jessamyn Kingley

Cover Artist: LJ Anderson of Mayhem Cover Creations

Release Date: August 7, 2025

Genre: MM Fantasy/Paranormal Romance

Trope: Fated mates

Themes: Love

Heat Rating:  3 flames

Length:  85 108 words

It is not a standalone story, but does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads Series Link 

Amazon Author Profile

Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon US  |  Amazon UK

Luck and love await the D’Vaire family at the newest dragon resort.

Blurb

In these five previously unpublished short stories, the D’Vaires are invited to the newest dragon resort, the Deck of Cards. 

King of Clubs: The King of Clubs restaurant boasts a menu ranging from flavorful steak to exotic fruits. Grab a seat at a table and dine with many of the beloved couples from the D’Vaire series.

Diamond and Dollars: The heart of this Vegas resort is the casino, and the D’Vaires are ready to discover if the odds favor them. Past the slots and tables is a vast shopping area, and the stores have plenty to tempt even the most discerning customer.

Goddesses Wild: The goddesses are keeping an eye on their treasured D’Vaires from the realm of the dead. Unfortunately, their jovial chat is interrupted by a sudden death with a few clues left to unravel.

Heathcliff’s Heart: Brynewielm Duke Heathcliff D’Vairefenix wants a quick beer, so he escapes to the Hearts bar with a book. When he gets there, Heath finds his mate. Young bartender Brinley Brimstone is saving every penny for an uncertain future. When the phoenix and fire mage meet, flames will surely follow.

Double Spades: For Bard Ashby D’Vaire, everything centers on his career, family, and garden. But Ashby is missing the love of a partner. It is with great reluctance that Seltivare Tristis takes a job at the Deck of Cards. But the elf’s misgivings are lost on his first night at work when he crosses paths with a jaguar hybrid who is determined to make his dreams come true.

Excerpt

Moving ahead of his family so he could open the tall door designed to look like an ace of hearts, Heathcliff smiled. “We’re D’Vaires. If we aren’t weird, we’ll get kicked out of the mansion.”

“That’s definitely not how that works,” Scheredin muttered.

Laughing, Heathcliff waited for everyone to walk into the bar. His chuckles died the second he followed them inside. Thanks to his elven ancestors, he’d lacked sexuality until that moment. To Heathcliff’s horror, his cock tented his trousers, and the sharp spicy scent of pink peppercorns consumed his senses. 

Somewhere in the bar was his mate. Desperate to find him or her, Heathcliff looked around. His gaze unerringly landed on a man with shocked blue eyes and brown hair glowing a little red in the bar’s moody lighting. Heathcliff’s phoenix screeched with delight and a desire to know everything about the ignis mage staring at them.

“Heath, what’s wrong?” Kieran asked.

Too busy staring at the man, Heathcliff barely heard his brother’s question. His mate was in dark pants paired with a black-and-white shirt with giant red hearts down the right side.

“Wrong?” Heathcliff repeated dumbly as he edged farther toward the mage. Although he wanted to run to the man Fate had given him, Heathcliff needed his body to calm first. The last thing he wanted to do was point his erection at his other half as they spoke. It was mortifying to have no control over his hormones, but Heathcliff understood the overwhelming attraction.

The sorcerer was pretty with his nearly pouty lips and the slight upturn of his nose. He’d enhanced his dark lashes and added a bit of liner to give his eyes a smoky look that suited a man born to manipulate fire.

“Heathcliff, why the fuck are you still standing near the door? What’s wrong?” Kieran demanded.

With some blood finally returning to his brain, Heathcliff blinked heavily and glanced briefly at a concerned Kieran.

“Ignis mage,” Heathcliff said. “Do you see him?”

“Tall hot guy with blue eyes?” Scheredin asked.

“Tall is relative, I guess,” Kieran murmured.

“Yeah, yeah,” Brexton retorted. “Our people are short. So, I’d guess the mage is maybe eight or nine inches over five feet. Tall to us. Not to the towering phoenix shifters with us. Anyway, what about the mage, Heath?”

“He’s my mate,” Heathcliff answered, though the reality of the situation was far from settling in. 

Kieran cheered and the other three clapped, which drew the attention of everyone in the bar. The guests were family, so questions would be asked later, but Heathcliff didn’t care. His lone concern was learning more about the mage. 

“Let’s go introduce ourselves,” Scheredin insisted as he led the charge toward the startled sorcerer with Kieran in tow.

To spare the man from being interrogated, Heathcliff followed his family, and his phoenix grew calmer the closer he stepped to the ignis mage. As astonishing and frightening as it was to find the other half of his soul, his beast’s instincts were already screaming for him to claim the man with a bite.

“Hi, I’m Scher, what’s your name?” Scheredin asked.

The ignis mage swallowed thickly and kept his blue gaze locked on Heathcliff’s face. “Hi. Yes, hello. Um, my name is Brinley.”

Heathcliff was desperate to touch him, so he stuck his hand out to shake. “Hi, Brinley. I’m Heath.”

“Brynewielm Duke Heathcliff D’Vairefenix,” Kieran muttered. 

“Oh, nice to meet you, Your Grace,” Brinley said as he slid his elegant hand into Heathcliff’s. The touch of his mate soothed Heathcliff, and his anxiety dropped by several notches as he smiled at Brinley. The ignis mage offered him an enchanting grin.

It sucked to pull his arm away, but it would’ve been weirder to hold on to Brinley forever, despite Heathcliff’s phoenix begging him to do just that. Heathcliff introduced the rest of their group, and Brinley greeted them, but his captivating gaze kept returning to Heathcliff. He’d take that as an excellent sign.

“I know you’re working now, but maybe we could talk later?” Heathcliff asked, almost pissed at himself for nearly rushing upstairs to read a book. If Scheredin hadn’t talked him into staying out for an hour, he would’ve missed meeting Brinley.

“I’d like that very much, Your Grace,” Brinley said, pulling out his phone and giving Heathcliff his number.

“Please call me Heath.”

Brinley cocked his head. “Aren’t you going to give me your number?”

“Yeah, sorry, I swear I’m usually not scatterbrained, but I’m overwhelmed. I wasn’t expecting to meet you.”

“It definitely hasn’t sunk in for me that I’m standing here talking to my mate right now.”

“I nearly missed you,” Heathcliff confided, then gave Brinley his number.

“Yeah, my brother is desperate to read a new book and wanted to ditch us,” Kieran said.

“I can handle this on my own, thank you,” Heathcliff told Kieran.

About the Author

Jessamyn Kingley has published over forty titles and refuses to pick a favorite among them. With an extraordinary passion for her characters, Jessamyn eagerly crafts new tales and avidly re-reads them whenever her schedule allows. Jessamyn shares a home in Nevada with her husband and their three spoiled cats. When she is not writing or adding new ideas to her thick stack of beloved notebooks, she is gaming with family and friends.

Visit her website 

Join her Facebook group, Jessamyn's Ruffian's

 Facebook Profile  |   Pinterest  

Hosted by Gay Book Promotions

D'Vaire or Nothing Cover Reveal #GayBookPromotions

COVER REVEAL

Book Title: D’Vaire or Nothing (D’Vaire, Book 44)

Author and Publisher: Jessamyn Kingley

Cover Artist: LJ Anderson of Mayhem Cover Creations

Release Date: August 7, 2025

Genre: MM Fantasy/Paranormal Romance

Trope: Fated mates

Themes: Love

Heat Rating:  3 flames

Length:  85 108 words

It is not a standalone story, but does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads Series Link 

Amazon Author Profile

Luck and love await the D’Vaire family at the newest dragon resort.

Blurb

In these five previously unpublished short stories, the D’Vaires are invited to the newest dragon resort, the Deck of Cards. 

King of Clubs: The King of Clubs restaurant boasts a menu ranging from flavorful steak to exotic fruits. Grab a seat at a table and dine with many of the beloved couples from the D’Vaire series.

Diamond and Dollars: The heart of this Vegas resort is the casino, and the D’Vaires are ready to discover if the odds favor them. Past the slots and tables is a vast shopping area, and the stores have plenty to tempt even the most discerning customer.

Goddesses Wild: The goddesses are keeping an eye on their treasured D’Vaires from the realm of the dead. Unfortunately, their jovial chat is interrupted by a sudden death with a few clues left to unravel.

Heathcliff’s Heart: Brynewielm Duke Heathcliff D’Vairefenix wants a quick beer, so he escapes to the Hearts bar with a book. When he gets there, Heath finds his mate. Young bartender Brinley Brimstone is saving every penny for an uncertain future. When the phoenix and fire mage meet, flames will surely follow.

Double Spades: For Bard Ashby D’Vaire, everything centers on his career, family, and garden. But Ashby is missing the love of a partner. It is with great reluctance that Seltivare Tristis takes a job at the Deck of Cards. But the elf’s misgivings are lost on his first night at work when he crosses paths with a jaguar hybrid who is determined to make his dreams come true.

Excerpt 

Grand Warlock Dra’Kaedan D’Vaire narrowed his navy eyes at his other half and crossed his arms. The dragon shifter was up to something. Brogan had used his best manners all day and hadn’t exploded once about safety, which was odd. No matter how often they left their remote estate, Brogan lectured everyone about rules and warned against potential bizarre situations that existed only in the man’s mind.

Dra’Kaedan waited for Brogan to toss the last of his things into his suitcase and close it.

“What are you up to?” Dra’Kaedan demanded. Subtlety wasn’t his style.

Brogan set the bag on the floor and glanced at Dra’Kaedan with fake innocence on his handsome face. 

“Huh?” Brogan replied.

“Why are you being weird?”

“We’re D’Vaires. We’re always weird.”

“D’Vaire weird is a good weird, and you’re being a bad way strange.”

Bending down to account for the fact that more than a foot of height separated them, Brogan kissed Dra’Kaedan’s cheek. 

“I’m in a good mood, baby. We’re off to have a fun family weekend at a new resort. What’s odd about that?”

“Well, usually you’d be running around with that crease between your brows and repeating yourself all day as you lecture us on safety. Instead, you’ve been polite. You’ve smiled. Your eye didn’t even twitch when Rorie went through his list of plans at breakfast this morning. So, what’s up?”

Protector Rorietheil D’Vaire of the Fae was mated to Dra’Kaedan’s familiar, Renny, and Rorie was a whirlwind of energy. The fairy’s complete lack of fear usually sent Brogan into a tizzy when they were leaving the estate. But Brogan hadn’t said a word while Rorie had excitedly discussed gambling, shopping, and venturing through every inch of the new resort. 

“We’ll be in a dragon-owned resort; what could go wrong?” Brogan asked. “Are you ready to go? Everyone else is probably already in the living room waiting for you to teleport us to Vegas.”

“What could go wrong? Are you honestly asking me that question? You’re the one who comes up with the crazy ideas about rogue assassins, natural disasters, and strange shit that will never happen.”

Brogan settled his hands on Dra’Kaedan’s shoulders. “Maybe I’m looking forward to having a great weekend with you.”

Those words caused the little hairs at Dra’Kaedan’s nape to stand up. “Bullshit.”

“Why are you so suspicious?”

“Because Elf arranged for Rafe and Aleksander to have a date tonight in the new swanky restaurant he designed.”

“I think that was sweet of Elf, and I can’t wait to see the hotel. It’s Vegas themed. I know they wanted to surprise us, but I went on the website and looked at the pictures. They named it Deck of Cards. Whole place is based on playing cards, which is cool. The restaurant is also an ode to dragon royalty and is called the King of Clubs. How awesomesauce is it that the High Kings will be one of the first couples dining there?”

“Okay, not going to lie, that’s incredible. But why aren’t you freaking out that Aleksander and Rafe will be in a restaurant without you?”

Brogan smiled, but it was wobbly and didn’t reach his dark blue scaly eyes. “Why would I freak out?”

“You aren’t planning on doing anything stupid, are you?”

“When have I ever done anything stupid?”

Dra’Kaedan couldn’t help it, he laughed at the man he adored more than everything else in the world. “Do you really want me to list all the stupid things you’ve said or done since the day we met?”

“It’s not that long of a list,” Brogan grumbled, his navy gaze downcast.

“Sure, whatever you say. Now, tell me what you’re up to tonight.”

“Well, you and I should probably eat dinner somewhere.”

“We aren’t eating in the King of Clubs.”

The grin fell from Brogan’s face, and his lips thinned in annoyance. “Why not? It’s got a great menu. Elf and Chrys had Henry hire the chef.”

Henry Gennevios was part of their large extended family and a renowned chef. But that was hardly enough to sway Dra’Kaedan to show up and ruin Rafe and Aleksander’s night.

“Because we aren’t crashing Aleksander and Rafe’s date.”

“Double dates are a normal thing, Dra’Kaedan.”

“Yeah, if one couple invites the other. Did Rafe or Aleksander suggest we join them for dinner?”

Brogan’s hands slipped from Dra’Kaedan’s arms, and he stepped away to fiddle with his already-packed suitcase. “Not exactly.”

“Not exactly, or not at all?”

“I’m sure they won’t mind.”

About the Author

Jessamyn Kingley has published over forty titles and refuses to pick a favorite among them. With an extraordinary passion for her characters, Jessamyn eagerly crafts new tales and avidly re-reads them whenever her schedule allows. Jessamyn shares a home in Nevada with her husband and their three spoiled cats. When she is not writing or adding new ideas to her thick stack of beloved notebooks, she is gaming with family and friends.

Visit her website 

Join her Facebook group, Jessamyn's Ruffian's

 Facebook Profile  |   Pinterest  

Hosted by Gay Book Promotions

Walking on Broken Paths #GayBookPromotions

NEW RELEASE

Book Title: Walking on Broken Paths

Author and Publisher: Amy Aislin

Cover Artist: Morningstar Ashley

Release Date: July 22, 2025

Tense/POV: third person, past tense

Genres: Contemporary M/M Romance

Tropes: Childhood friends to lovers, hurt/comfort, damaged hero, opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine

Heat Rating:  3 flames      

Length: 53 000 words / 210 pages

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

Goodreads

Buy Links - Audiobook also available

Amazon  |  Apple  |  B&N  |  Kobo  

Direct store 

ebook  |   audiobook  |   bundle 

Blurb

Desperate to escape the pain of his brother’s death, Jesse Melnik ran—but he couldn’t outrun the grief, no matter how much distance he put between himself and his past. Now, after fifteen years of trying, he’s finally ready to face his hometown of Charlottetown again.

He expects the memories of his brother to hover in every corner of his family’s sailboat and whisper in every sea-tinged breeze.

What he doesn’t expect is Parker Willis, the best friend he left behind without a word the day he fled.

And he certainly doesn’t expect old feelings to resurface.

Parker’s been stuck in a rut since his father died three months ago. Every day is the same: try to keep his father’s dinner cruise business afloat so he can chip away at Dad’s debts, all while working a job that leaves him more frustrated than satisfied.

Then Parker’s routine shatters in the best way possible: Jesse Melnik returns to Prince Edward Island for the summer, all six feet three inches of gorgeous hockey player.

Now, that’s different.

Jesse kickstarts Parker’s heart.

 Parker makes Jesse feel again.

And although both men are a little bit damaged from struggling down the broken path of loss, maybe—just maybe—if they can lean on each other, they’ll learn to move forward at last.

Content warnings: themes of grief, discussions of a parent's death from cancer, discussions/descriptions of a sibling's death from suicide 

Excerpt

Jesse glanced over and nearly swallowed his tongue.

How dare running shorts be so goddamn tiny and cling so goddamn nicely to long, shapely legs dusted with hair the same shade as the finest dark chocolate? Jesse was still reeling at being in the same place at the same time as Parker for the first time in years—had, in fact, tossed and turned all night thinking about Parker—and now he showed up out of nowhere again and sent Jesse’s libido into a jumble of desire and yearning?

There were things that Jesse had left in his past, and his attraction to his best friend was supposed to be one of them.

Former best friend? Best friend he’d recently gotten reacquainted with? Former best friend who could be his new best friend?

Fuck. Relationships were hard.

Along with the shorts, Parker also wore a long-sleeved running shirt in teal and a baseball hat with Montreal hockey’s logo on the front. His dark hair curled out from underneath the sides of the hat, and the two-day stubble on his jaw was way sexier than Jesse wanted to admit. He was a couple of inches shorter than Jesse’s six foot three, but whereas Jesse was—admittedly—very big, even for a defenceman, Parker was lanky and toned, the muscle definition obvious in his running gear in a way it hadn’t been in the jeans and Willis Dinner Cruises-branded long-sleeved T-shirt he’d been wearing last night when he’d appeared like a figment of Jesse’s childhood wishes and sat next to him on the bench at the marina.

Whatever he wore, Parker looked like he’d fit into all of Jesse’s empty spaces.

Shaking his head to rid himself of that thought, he shoved his phone back in his pocket and scowled. “I’ll get you a new hat.”

Parker’s lips quirked. “I like this hat.”

“Since when are you a Montreal fan?”

“Hey, don’t knock them. They made it to the playoffs.”

The unlike you was left unsaid, but Jesse heard it loud and clear and refused to be amused.

“So.” Parker’s shoulder bumped up against his. “What are you doing?”

“What are you doing?”

“This is my jogging route.”

“That so?” Jesse would have to remember to be by his window in the mornings so he could watch Parker run by in his short shorts.

“Mm-hmm. Is it your jogging route?”

“No.”

“What are you doing here then?”

Glancing back at the house, Jesse let out a long breath. “Deciding what to tackle first. What colour would you paint that door?”

Parker blinked once and frowned. “Why would you paint it any colour?”

“Because that rusty red makes me think of dead bodies on a crime show?”

“No, I mean . . .” That unique greyish-greenish gaze of Parker’s swung from Jesse to the house and back. “Do you know the people who live here? Are you doing work for them this summer or something?”

“I live here,” Jesse said. “And I don’t want to live with that gross colour for the next two months.”

“You . . . bought a house?”

Jesse grunted.

“But you live in Vancouver,” Parker said slowly, as though reminding Jesse of this fact.

“No, I know, but . . .”

But what? He’d wanted a project for the summer? Something that would keep him occupied so he didn’t have to think about where he was and why he was back for the first time in fifteen years? A fixer-upper was as good a distraction as anything.

His therapist wouldn’t love that he was keeping busy instead of sitting with and analyzing his feelings. But she didn’t have to know. Right?

When Jesse didn’t continue, Parker said, “Are you retiring from hockey and moving back here?”

“Fuck no,” Jesse blurted.

About the Author 

Amy’s lived with her head in the clouds since she first picked up a book as a child, and being fluent in two languages means she’s read a lot of books! She first picked up a pen on a rainy day in fourth grade when her class had to stay inside for recess. Tales of treasure hunts with her classmates eventually morphed into love stories between men, and she’s been writing ever since. She writes evenings and weekends—or whenever she isn’t at her full-time day job saving the planet at Canada’s largest environmental non-profit.

An unapologetic introvert, Amy reads too much and socializes too little, with no regrets. She loves connecting with readers. Join her Facebook Group to stay up-to-date on upcoming releases and for access to early teasers, find her on Instagram, or sign up for her infrequent newsletter.

Social Media Links

Blog/Website  |  Facebook  |  Instagram

Newsletter Sign-up  |  Facebook Group 

Hosted by Gay Book Promotions

Review coming soon!

The Way You Lie New Release #GayBookPromotions

NEW RELEASE

Book Title: The Way You Lie (Isle of Kala, book one)

Author: Crea Reitan

Publisher: Dragon Fire Fantasy, LLC

Cover Artist: Rebeca Covers

Release Date: July 10, 2025

Tense/POV: first person, present tense, alternating POV

Genres: Contemporary M/M Romance

Tropes: Forbidden love, Age gap, Dad’s best friend, secret relationship

Heat Rating:  4 flames

Length:  approximately 92 000 words

It is a standalone story.

It ends on a cliffhanger — not for this couple,

but for the couple featured in the next book.

Goodreads

Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon US   |   Amazon UK  

Sometimes a happy ending comes with heartbreak. 

Blurb

Sometimes a happy ending comes with heartbreak. 

Falling in love with my father’s best friend wasn’t on my to-do list. Yes, he’s hot. Sure, I’ve been flirting with him since I was sixteen. Of course I’d be down for a little fun.

When Laiken begins returning my flirting, things get heated. It was supposed to be sexy summer fun and nothing more. We weren’t planning on making this a forever thing. 

But falling in love isn’t a choice. 

As it turns out, not everyone agrees and sometimes disapproval is loud, painful, and heartbreaking.

***

This is a LGBTQIA+ story with content not intended for those under 18 years of age due to graphic scenes and situations.

Excerpt 

I’m no stranger to Elijah Cain. I’ve seen him nearly every single day of his life since the moment he was conceived. His father, Nason, and I have been friends for over thirty years.

He began flirting with me four years ago when he was in high school, and at the time, I found it nothing but amusing. He was a kid. He’s my best friend’s son. In a way, he felt like my nephew.

But when he came home from college a few months ago, he’d suddenly stopped looking like a child to me. He was now an adult. Everything about him had grown up. And I’ve found that I really like every damn thing I see.

He’s adorable. He looks so much like his father but with his mother’s Latina complexion. The combination of Miranda and Nason is simply breathtaking. I’ve always thought so. I’ve always thought that Elijah was an adorable child.

Adorable has grown up into a man that never leaves my mind. His flirting hasn’t stopped. If anything, it’s increased. I’m not sure if he’s just a flirt or if it’s intentionally directed at me.

Not that it matters. I can’t go there. That’s Nason’s kid! My best friend’s only child and the man whom I can’t stop thinking about day or night.

About the Author 

Crea lives in upstate New York with her dog and husband. She has been writing since grade school and has a habit of creating secondary, and often tertiary characters that take over her stories. When she can’t fall asleep at night, she thinks up new scenes for her characters to act out.

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Golden Bond New Release #GayBookPromotions

NEW RELEASE

Book Title: Golden Bond

Author, Publisher, Cover Artist: Tavian Cross

Release Date: July 9, 2025

Tense/POV: first person, past tense, alternating POV

Genres: MM Fantasy Romance

Tropes: Bonded lovers, strangers to lovers, forced proximity

Themes: fate, choice vs duty

Heat Rating: 5 flames      

Length: 56 000 words/200 pages

It is the first in the series. The romance between MCs is complete here. It works as a standalone.

It does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads

Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon US  |  Amazon UK

I came to the sacred island to pay my family's debt. I never expected to lose my heart.

Blurb

My name is Callis, and I'm an offering.

Sent to Eletheria—the legendary pleasure palace where gods once walked among mortals—I have one purpose: submit to the bonding ritual, serve my time, and return home with my family's honor restored.

But the man who chooses me changes everything.

Auren is silver-haired, devastatingly beautiful, and dangerously powerful. As a Thorn of the sacred order, he needs to complete a successful bond to advance in rank. I should be just another transaction to him—a means to an end.

Instead, he awakens something in me I never knew existed.

Under his skilled touch, I discover pleasure that burns hotter than temple incense. The bond between us grows deeper than any ritual, more consuming than prayer itself. But Auren carries the scars of three failed bonds, and I have a ship waiting to take me home.

As our connection intensifies, I'm forced to choose: honor my duty and leave, or risk everything for a love that could either complete us both—or destroy us.

Some debts can only be paid with the heart.

Excerpt

Auren's eyes didn't leave mine. He took a step forward, then another, just enough to draw closer without closing the distance completely. His movements were measured and elegant. Confident without the need to prove it.

"I believe the state of my attire is acceptable, Callis," he said, voice low and smooth, a flicker of mischief curling at the corner of his mouth. His eyes gleamed—was it amusement, or something darker?

The lead priest stepped forward again, drawing our attention back to him with a subtle lift of his hand. The scent of resin filled the space as one priest lit the offering fire. Smoke curled upward, sweet and sharp, as the brazier took its breath.

When the priest then turned to me, "Come hither, and place your hand upon the staff."

I moved.

I didn't trust my legs, but they carried me. I stopped in front of Auren, lifted one hand, and set it lightly over his where he gripped the staff.

It was warm. His skin. The staff. The silver. Everything felt charged.

"Speak," the priest said, not unkindly.

I drew breath. "I accept," I said. My voice was quiet, but it didn't shake. "I accept this bond. I come in truth, though I do not know what waits. I offer what I am, and will not turn away."

The priests withdrew, leaving us alone.

Auren's hand found mine again, warm and firm.

We undressed each other slowly.

Not ceremonially, though it felt like a ritual. Not erotically, though there was no mistaking the heat under my skin.

It was like opening something fragile. Something wrapped for safekeeping.

The silks they dressed me in shimmered like flame. When they stepped back, they studied me in silence, then bowed lightly.

We stood bare, inches apart, the silk pooling at our feet. The altar waited behind him. I knew what it was meant for. But in this moment, there was no pressure.

Only him.

Only me.

And the space between us, narrowing, breath by breath.

Auren stepped toward me.

There was no hesitation in his stride. He closed the space between us in a quiet step, and suddenly I could feel the warmth of him, closer than anyone had ever stood, close enough that our bodies brushed, whispering against each other in the stillness.

He kissed me.

Not gently.

His mouth found mine like he'd done it a hundred times, firm and sure, his hands lifting with the same certainty to touch me. One framed the side of my jaw, his fingers a breath from trembling, the other settled low at my waist, grounding me, anchoring me to the moment.

Heat bloomed through my skin like lightning seeking purchase.

The kiss wasn't soft. It wasn't exploratory. It was fiercely possessive in a way that set fire to something deep inside me, something I hadn't even known was there. Auren kissed like someone who had no interest in surface things. He dove straight for the center.

And I—

I didn't know what to do with that.

My hands hovered, helpless for a moment, until instinct caught hold and I clutched at his sculpted arm. My fingers curled there, tense and searching, and my other hand rose to his shoulder as if I could brace myself against the storm building in my chest.

Auren pressed closer.

His lips parted slightly, just enough to pull me deeper, and my body responded before I could stop it—leaning in, opening, breath hitching in surprise at the feel of him.

It was like I had been asleep for nineteen years and someone had finally whispered my name.

When Auren finally drew back, he didn't go far.

He studied me: my face, my breath, the tremble I couldn't hide in my fingers.

"You're not what I expected," he said, his voice low and uneven at the edges.

About the Author 

Tavian Cross is an emerging author of gay erotic fantasy romance.

Obsessive fan-fiction reader, BL manga collector, and erotic steam engineer, Tavian is setting out to create a world where love has no boundaries, lust serves a higher purpose, and beauty is divine.

Follow Tavian online for more heart-tugging content.

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Giveaway 

Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway for a chance to win one of three

Print copies of Golden Bond upon release with special interior images,

shipped directly by Amazon in any Amazon market.

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The Hidden Heart Book Blast #GayBookPromotions

BOOK BLAST

Book Title:  The Hidden Heart

Author:  Patrick Bryce Wright

Publisher:  JMS Books

Cover Artist: Written Ink Designs

Release Date:  April 26, 2025

Tense/POV: third person, past tense, single POV

Genres:  Sweet MM Contemporary Romance

Tropes:  Co-worker to boyfriend, silver fox, age gap, May-December, size difference, boss-employee, workplace romance

Themes: Wounded guy finds love, found family

Heat Rating:  1 flame

Length:  20 000 words/ 60 pages

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

Goodreads

Buy Links - On sale for $1.99 during the promo on 

Amazon and JMS Books

Amazon US  |  Amazon UK  |   JMS Books  

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Ellis Isaacs falls in love with his new boss, silver fox Richard Quillen, but worries Richard will find him inaccessible or cold. Will the older man see Ellis’s true heart and return his feelings?

Longer Blurb

At the Kissinger-Mann detective agency, the mystery of love is solved just as often as crimes. When detective Ellis Isaacs joins the agency, he falls in love with his silver fox of a boss, Richard Quillen. However, Ellis faces two big problems: He tends to fall for straight men, and even when he doesn’t, Ellis’s ex-boyfriends claim he is inaccessible or even cold. Also, he has no idea how Richard will react to the age gap between them.

As Ellis works hard to spend time with Richard outside of work, problem after problem unfolds. Is Richard straight, or is he already dating a male co-worker? Is the age gap a problem, or is the issue Ellis’s reputation for being cold? Will this older, wiser man see Ellis’s true heart and return his feelings, or will Ellis’s heart remain hidden?

Excerpt 

Ellis steeled himself and headed across the hallway to Richard’s office. On the strength of the single donut he had eaten on the way there and half a cappuccino, Ellis paused in the doorway and gathered his nerve. It was time to ask the man out for coffee. 

Richard was already seated at his desk, wearing a dark gray suit and a maroon bowtie. He read over papers that filled a manila folder. As expected, he was breathtakingly handsome. 

Ellis took another sip of cappuccino for courage and then spoke. “Sorry to interrupt you, but I have a question.”

Richard glanced up. “Hm?” He met Ellis’s gaze and gave him a smile. “Not at all. What is it? I’m always here to help.”

If only you could help in the way that I wish you would. “I’d like to get coffee with you sometime this week. At lunch, maybe? Or tomorrow morning? We could even go after work, if that’s better timing.” Ellis’s heart pounded. He always hated this part: setting himself up for rejection.

“Well, sure,” Richard said. “Be glad to. We could get some coffee tomorrow morning if you’re an early bird like me, or we can have lunch. I know a café not far from here that has great sandwiches and decent coffee.” He looked curious, one eyebrow lifting, although he didn’t ask any questions.

“Lunch is perfect,” Ellis said. “Let’s shoot for noon today.” This was the closest he had ever gotten to asking an older man out on a date. Despite his miserable track record with men in general, he’d managed to go on dates with men his own age. That was how he knew he wasn’t interested in getting serious with any of them. At securing a lunch with Richard, Ellis felt a smile threatening to overtake his face, and his heart still raced. “We can always leave a couple of minutes early or late depending on how our mornings go.”

“True,” Richard said. “All right. As soon as you’re ready for lunch, stop by. I’m just doing paperwork today.” There was a kind twinkle in his eyes. 

“Great!” Ellis headed up to the third floor to his office, his dour Monday morning officially turned around. I asked a silver fox out for coffee, and he actually said yes.

About the Author 

I’m a quirky English professor with tattoos, piercings, and an addiction to supernatural thriller, horror, fantasy, and science fiction. I'm proudly neurodivergent, third gender, and a trauma survivor, all things often reflected in my novels. I have degrees in both English and psychology, both of which inform my writing. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, off-road biking, and pyrography.  

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one of five ebook copies of my sweet romance MM short story, Dancing at the Edge.

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