Thursday, 4 April 2024

Worthy Promises (D’Vaire, Book 41) by Jessamyn Kingley

NEW RELEASE

Book Title: Worthy Promises (D’Vaire, Book 41)

Author and Publisher: Jessamyn Kingley

Cover Artist: LJ Anderson of Mayhem Cover Creations

Release Date: April 4, 2024

Genres: MM Fantasy/Paranormal Romance

Tropes: Fated mates

Themes: Love

Heat Rating:  3 flames

Length:  98 800 words

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

Goodreads Series Link 

Buy Links - Available in  Kindle Unlimited

Amazon US  |  Amazon UK


Blurb

Duke Argent Worthington D’Vairedraconis knows loneliness. For a century, his father confined him in a rambling old home. Decades have passed since he left his father’s court, and Worth has blossomed under the D’Vaire roof. But scars remain. Worth abhors the quiet and hates being alone. Although he once questioned Fate’s methods, he now yearns wholeheartedly for the other half of his soul.

At nineteen, Oliver Toivonen is handed the reins of his father’s fortune—or lack thereof. His parents are obsessed with wealth, prestige, and making the right social connections. They blame Oliver, not their lavish spending, when he must sell off the estate. Over a century and a half later, his folks are killed in a car accident and Oliver is left to raise the seven-year-old brother he barely knows.

In an expansive garden in the middle of Las Vegas, Worth and Oliver meet. Sparks fly immediately, and their beasts are ready to pursue each other relentlessly. Oliver must be pragmatic for his brother’s sake. But he is unwilling to ignore his heart. As Worth and Oliver negotiate their future, Fate tosses a few surprises at the D’Vaires. Oliver and Worth must make sure nothing gets in their way.

Excerpt

“If this is a place that can truly heal someone, maybe he’ll find a way to make peace with the past somehow,” Oliver said.

“Look at you already believing in the power of D’Vaire,” Worthington replied.

“I don’t consider myself an optimist,” Oliver explained. “Nor do I bother with being negative. I prefer to be realistic and accept what is. Fate made you my mate. This is your home. I would never ask you to leave it. Where I live is just a building. One filled with memories that are better left behind. Someday I hope we can reach a point where Orion and I feel comfortable and welcome here.”

Worthington grinned so brightly Oliver smiled back at him immediately. “I was constructing a brilliant plan in my head to convince you that D’Vaire is a perfect home for you and your brother. You’re making things easy on me.”

“What arguments did you have lined up?”

In a flurry of movement and the scraping of his chaise across the deck, Worthington positioned himself close enough to grab Oliver’s hand. Once Worthington was relaxed against his cushion again, he toyed with Oliver’s fingers.

“Well, I mentioned the peace and tranquility.”

“You did.”

“One of my dearest friends in the house, Lex, has recently met his other half. Our fair Rutledge requires a room upstairs to get access to the outdoors easily since gargoyles can only shift at night. Lex left behind the bedroom next to mine when he moved upstairs to be with his mate. I thought that would be a perfect space for Orion. It’d be close enough for him to come get one of us if he needs a cuddle after a bad dream or wishes to tell us more dragon facts.”

Inexplicably moved that Worthington had already considered Orion’s needs, Oliver was wondering if it was wrong to be losing his heart to the pink dragon at his side so quickly. Oliver was still struggling to get to know Orion and to help him pick up the pieces following the death of their parents, and he wanted dearly for his brother to know he was there for him, no matter what.

“That is definitely a good thing to suggest and point out.”

“I do have myself to offer as well.”

Oliver’s gaze eagerly swept across the long form of the exquisitely made man clad in dark jeans and an untucked button-down in pink-and-white stripes. “You’re a very enticing package, Worthington.”

“We already know you wish to see me naked.”

“Is there an unmated gay man on this planet who doesn’t?”

“I’d hardly know, it’s been over a century since I’ve had sex.”

In genuine shock, Oliver blinked heavily. “What?”

“Trust isn’t easy for me, Owliver. I want everything with you. All I ask in return is that you be gentle with me. My hurts have mended, but you have the power to break me. I’d prefer if you didn’t.”

Moved by Worthington’s honesty and willingness to be so candid, Oliver swung his legs to the deck and sat up straight. Their gazes locked, and Oliver lifted a trembling hand to cup Worthington’s cheek. “I’ve never offered my heart to anyone. My parents disliked me. I have no friends. Until this moment, I didn’t understand that I was saving all the caring and friendship I desire for my mate. For you, Worthington. I’ll take care of you. All I ask is that you do the same for me. I need your honesty. If at any point this isn’t working, don’t lead me on. Walk away before you break me.”

Worthington surged forward so their lips met, and Oliver gave up everything to instinct. His tongue darted out, and he tasted Worthington’s welcoming mouth and exulted in the Duke Argent’s surrender. Oliver was immediately torn between desire and an overwhelming surge of protectiveness for the incredible man he was just getting to know.

“Owliver,” Worthington said against his lips.

“Yes?”

“Did I mention how much I want to get you naked?”

Oliver leaned his forehead on Worthington’s and breathed him in. “I’ll have you soon.”

“If you want my dick to calm down, you need to stop talking to me like that.”

With a chuckle, Oliver pulled away and smiled as Worthington stole a quick kiss. “When can I see you again?”

“What are your plans for tomorrow, Owliver?”

About the Author 

Jessamyn Kingley has published over thirty titles and refuses to pick a favorite among them. With an extraordinary passion for her characters, she enthusiastically adds tales to her D’Vaire series and avidly re-reads them whenever her schedule allows. After decades living in the Washington, DC area, she now resides in Nevada with her husband and their three spoiled cats. When she is not writing or adding new ideas to her beloved notebooks, she is gaming with family and friends. 

Visit her website 

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Tuesday, 2 April 2024

An Unrivaled Off-Season by Ashlyn Kane & Morgan James

NEW RELEASE

Book Title: An Unrivaled Off-Season (Hockey Ever After, #3.5)

Author: Ashlyn Kane & Morgan James

Publisher:  Dreamspinner Press

Cover Artist: L.C. Chase

Release Date: April 2, 2024

Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance, M/M sports romance

Tropes: Rivals to lovers, established relationship 

Themes: Meeting the family, starting a life together, 

Heat Rating:  3.5 flames

Length: 27 808 words/ 96 pages

It is not a standalone story. It follows directly after Unrivaled (Book 3 - same couple) and won’t make much sense without it. 

It does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads

Available in Kindle Unlimited

Universal Buy Link

Sometimes the best win comes in the off-season.

Blurb

Any other year, hockey player Grady Armstrong would be licking his wounds after a disappointing playoffs exit. Somehow, this year, he’s in the stands as his rival-turned-boyfriend Max Lockhart competes for the Stanley Cup… and there’s nowhere he’d rather be. Well, except maybe lifting the Cup himself. So along with preparing his body for next season, Grady prepares to ask Max to stay in his life permanently.

Max figures it can’t be easy for Grady to watch Max cash in on his dreams, but if he’s struggling, he hides it well—which is great, because they don’t get much time together during the season, and it would suck if Grady spent the summer sulking. 

But while Grady may still be a competitive bastard, he doesn’t sulk. He nurses Max through hangovers. He comes home with him for the summer. He loses fishing bets. He earns so many boyfriend points Max should really level him up. The question is, how?

Excerpt 

The day after the parade, Grady and Max took Max’s parents to the train station. “Thank you so much for the hospitality,” Max’s mom gushed as she hugged Grady goodbye. “You’ve been a wonderful host.”

Grady, who didn’t know how to talk to parents because his had died before he became an adult, looked embarrassed. “It’s Max’s house too.”

This was an abject lie; Max’s name was nowhere near the paperwork. He just lived there.

But Max’s parents didn’t know that—at least Max didn’t think they did. Max’s dad just said, “I hope you’ll come out and visit us all this summer. It would be good to see you.”

They shook hands and Grady said, “I’ll be there.”

Max almost fell over. How many boyfriend points was that? Was Grady doing some kind of speed run?

“I’m flying, though,” Grady continued, gesturing at the train platform.

Max’s mom laughed and hugged him again. “I don’t blame you. We’ll see you in a few weeks, boys.”

When she wrapped Max up in her arms, she squeezed so tightly Max’s eyeballs almost popped. “I’m so happy for you, sweetheart. You deserve this.”

Max was less than 50 percent sure she was talking about hockey, but he squeezed back. “Love you, Mom. Couldn’t have done it without you.”

“You’re darn right.”

Then they got on the train, and Max and Grady got back in the car to go home.

“I’m supposed to do altitude training with Jess in Colorado this summer.” Grady flicked on the blinker to merge onto the highway. “Ten days in early August. You want to come?”

Max swallowed. Grady took sibling time with Jess very seriously, since they were each other’s only family. “I won’t be crashing?”

Grady glanced at him sideways, then returned his attention to the road and changed lanes. “I’m inviting you, so no.”

“Okay.” Max felt warm all the way through. He would’ve needed to do some altitude training anyway, but it meant something to have an official invite. “Thanks.”

“I mean….” Grady paused and hit the brakes as LA traffic LA trafficked. “That’s assuming you’re not sick of me by then, I guess. Or were you planning on having me stay with your parents?”

What? Max tilted his head and stared at him. “Why would you stay with my parents?”

Grady’s ears had gone pink. “’Cause you still haven’t officially invited me to your Cup party. Or, you know, your house in New Brunswick.”

Oh.

“Okay, well, now that I’m not drunk, hungover, or jinxing it, hey, Grady, do you want to come spend the summer with me in New Brunswick?”

The car jolted a little as Grady braked hard to avoid an accident. When he’d navigated around it, he said, “The whole summer?”

“I mean, other than going to Colorado and maybe if you want to take a vacation somewhere.” Preferably with Max, but would that be too much? “I mean, we don’t see a lot of each other during the season, so—”

“Yes.”

So many boyfriend points. “Are you sure? I’m related to, like, half of New Brunswick. It’s going to be a lot.”

“I can handle it,” Grady said.

Max heard, You’re worth it.

They were worth it.

Truthfully, it would be a lot for Max too. His family would give him endless shit over falling in love with a rival player—and Grady, who had a reputation as kind of a stick in the mud, would provide plenty of opportunities for his aunts and uncles and cousins to mock him. But Max had never minded that, and he didn’t think Grady would either.

At Christmas last year, Grady’d held his own with Max’s siblings and niblings, and Max’s heart had grown three sizes because he got to give Grady a full family holiday experience. And that was before they were technically even together. It was Max’s pleasure to provide Grady with family-level chirping—and to be chirped about him—forever.

Well. Now he knew what happened if someone got too many boyfriend points.

Max cleared his throat. “Okay, then. I’ll book us tickets.”

About the Authors

Ashlyn Kane likes to think she can do it all, but her follow-through often proves her undoing. Her house is as full of half-finished projects as her writing folder. With the help of her ADHD meds, she gets by. 

An early reader and talker, Ashlyn has always had a flair for language and storytelling. As an eight-year-old, she attended her first writers’ workshop. As a teenager, she won an amateur poetry competition. As an adult, she received a starred review in Publishers Weekly for her novel Fake Dating the Prince. There were quite a few years in the middle there, but who’s counting? 

Her hobbies include DIY home decor, container gardening (no pulling weeds), music, and spending time with her enormous chocolate lapdog. She is the fortunate wife of a wonderful man, the daughter of two sets of great parents, and the proud older sister/sister-in-law of the world’s biggest nerds.

Morgan James is a clueless (older) millennial who’s still trying to figure out what they’ll be when they grow up and enjoying the journey to get there. Now, with a couple of degrees, a few stints in Europe, and more than one false start to a career, they eagerly wait to see what’s next. James started writing fiction before they could spell and wrote their first (unpublished) novel in middle school. They haven’t stopped writing since. Geek, artist, archer, and fanatic, Morgan tends to pass their free hours with in imaginary worlds and people on pages and screens—it’s an addiction. As is their love of coffee and tea. They live in Canada with their massive collection of unread books, where they are the personal servant of too many four-legged creatures.

Author Links

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