Waiting on Wednesday (196)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that highlights future releases that we are excitedly anticipating.


By  Lilah Pace
Publication Date: August 16, 2016

The conclusion of Lilah Pace’s racy, romantic male/male duology following His Royal Secret...

James, Prince of Wales, is making history. He's decided to come out to his subjects—and the world. However, telling the truth means exposing his relationship with lone-wolf reporter Benjamin Dahan. Although Ben never wanted commitment, the unexpected depth of his feelings leads him to join James in the media's harsh spotlight.

When the news story explodes across the globe, Ben can endure the mockery and dirty jokes. But after his tragic past is cruelly revealed, his life begins to implode. Can even his love for James be worth this?

James has it no easier. His revelation divides the country and sparks turmoil within the royal family. He must struggle to defend not only himself and Ben, but also his younger sister, who hovers on the brink of a breakdown that could endanger her life.

Is Ben strong enough to survive the onslaught and stand by James' side? And will James have to make a choice between Ben and the crown? 


By Annabeth Albert
Publication Date:  September 5, 2016

It's typical of video game programmer Josiah Simmons to be the last one on the plane on the way to the biggest meeting of his career. Though he's (mostly) coping with his ADHD, he can't handle another distraction. But he also can't ignore his rugged seatmate—especially once he learns the military man's a fan of his game.

Ryan Orson refuses to let his severe injuries pause his career as a navy SEAL. He's got hours of grueling physical therapy ahead of him, and no time for anything that might get in the way of his return to active duty. But that doesn't mean he's above a little first-class flirtation with geeky-cute Josiah.

When a delay strands the pair in St. Louis, they agree to share a hotel room and a night of gaming. Neither expects their new connection to move to the next level in the light of day. Opposites may attract, but is this game over before it's even begun?

Book Three of the #gaymers series

By Garrett Leigh
Publication Date: September 12, 2016

Ex-surfer-turned-businessman Liam Mallaney moved back to Holkham, Norfolk, to mourn the loss of his husband. Grief and loneliness keep him a solitary figure, and he likes it that way. There’s no room in his broken heart for anything else.

Rentboy Zac Payne left London and most of his demons behind, but he still only knows one way to make a living. When he spots Liam in a club one night, it seems he’s found his mark. But Liam proves nicer—and their connection far deeper—than he’d bargained for. 

Their arrangement quickly becomes too complicated for Zac, who has other things on his mind: namely his BFF and wayward flatmate, Jamie. Zac owes Jamie the world, and even as Jamie’s drug addiction destroys all they have, Zac won’t leave him behind.

Besides, Liam knows nothing of Zac’s home life, too caught up in his own head to think much beyond the crazy heat he and Zac share. But when trouble comes to Zac’s door, putting his life in danger, Liam must set his grief and anger aside to pick up the pieces of Zac’s shattered heart and his own.

Status Update by Annabeth Albert

* * * * *

Adrian Gottlieb is winning at life. He's a successful video game designer with everything a man could ask for, including a warm comfy ride to Denver and a date for his sister's wedding. But he finds himself in need of a total reboot when he's left stranded at a snowy campground in Utah. Holiday plans? Epic fail.

That is until Noah Walters offers him shelter for the night and a reluctant cross-country ride. Nothing about the ultraconservative geoarchaeologist should attract Adrian, but once he discovers Noah's hidden love for video games, the two connect on a new level. Soon, a quiet but undeniable chemistry sparks.

Something doesn't add up, though. As the miles accumulate and time runs out, Noah must face the most difficult choice of his life. Meanwhile, Adrian must decide whether he's ready to level up. Is their relationship status worth fighting for, or has this game ended before it's even begun? 

Review:

I read Status Update in October of last year but never wrote a review.  Not sure why other than life happened (the last couple months of the year were emotionally insane) and I got distracted.  That can be the only reason because this story was wonderful and needs to be shared with romance lovers everywhere.

When Noah sees a young hipster with his tiny dog at the dog area of the RV park, he just wishes he were alone.  Noah doesn’t do people.  And his dog doesn’t do other dogs.  Especially snack size balls of fur.  Noah isn’t necessarily surly.  Just an intense introvert.  After a few words with the outgoing and energetic young man, Noah heads back to his RV.  But his quiet lonesome existence is upset later that evening when the same man he saw earlier is stranded in the cold after an argument with his boyfriend.   Noah is a naturally kind and thoughtful person so he isn’t going to leave the guy and his dog out in freezing rain.  He invites him to stay overnight after which he can head to the RV park office to call his family for assistance.

Adrian is kicking himself for being in a situation that will make his entire family say, “I told you so.”  But he is extremely grateful for the kindness of the quiet stranger he had met earlier.  Before his road trip to visit family spectacularly fell apart.  He’s even more grateful when said stranger takes mercy on his situation and offers to drive him to Denver, giving him a temporary reprieve from hearing the expected familial censure about his current situation and his luck in the relationship department.

What these two don’t expect is to bond over a mutual love of video games during their drive to Denver.  Adrian is a video game designer of a popular crowd-sourced video game and Noah just happens to be one of their financial contributors.   The fact that they are also attracted to each other is not lost on either of them.  On top of all of that they just seem to work together naturally.  Adrian understands Noah’s need to think and consider before doing or saying anything and Noah appreciates Adrian’s tendency to take control of situations.  Unfortunately, Adrian is out and proud.  Noah?  Not so much.  His fundamental Christian upbringing as well as his job as a professor at a well-known conservative Christian college makes it impossible for him to be who he is. 

Adrian’s enthusiasm and hopeful nature allow him to look at this growing relationship as something with potential.  Unfortunately, no matter how much Noah enjoys their time together and no matter how obvious it is that Adrian can give him all the things Noah has wanted for years, Noah is convinced this is just a temporary blip in his normally lonely existence.  But Adrian is determined to find a way to make it all work in a way that will make them both happy.  The question is whether Noah can make a leap that lacks the certainty that he has always required when making any sort of life changing decision.

Even after a re-read (to write this review) my heart shattered and mended itself as if I was reading it for the first time.  But don’t think this is one big angst-y mess.  I laughed out loud - A LOT -  while reading this.  So much I had to share a number of quotes with my fellow Bibliojunkies.  Quotes that were amusing enough to get Shel to read it (AND enjoy it) when she doesn’t usually gravitate towards m/m titles.

So, yeah.  Status Update is a total winner.  If you are looking for a feel good love story featuring some great laugh out loud moments, hot geeks, and some real emotional kissing and sexy time, you must pick this one up.   The only reason this book didn’t make it to my Top Ten of 2015  is because I was limiting myself to one book per author and I had already chosen Annabeth Albert’s Delivered Fast for the list (BTW – order the Portland Heat bundle here – you won’t be disappointed).  So, if you weren’t aware of my feelings after this review, that should give you a better idea.   

Happy Reading! 

Nat