Character Interview & Giveaway! Shadow Dancer by Addison Kline

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Some secrets should just stay buried. On the day Tristan Morrow is born her mother goes missing, prompting an investigation that produces no solid leads. Fast forward 15 years, and the Morrow family still doesn't know the truth behind Catherine Morrow’s disappearance. When 15 year old Tristan is required to write a biography on her mother for a school assignment, she learns the truth about her mother’s fate, and is hell-bent upon finding out who was responsible for her death. But when Tristan herself goes missing too, everyone is suspect, even her own father and boyfriend. Set in rural Fox Hollow, PA, Shadow Dancer unravels a web of lies, deceit, madness and corruption. Can investigators crack the case before Tristan meets the same fate as her mother? And who is responsible for the disappearances? There is much uncertainty as the investigation unfolds, but there is one thing that is certain: Tristan Morrow holds the master key to the entire riddle.

Here is Episode Two: JJ Meets Jack.

Good Afternoon Folks! This is JJ Penn from Elkhart Radio 104.9 and I am back on the scene in Fox Hollow and we’re going to see if Jack Morrow, the lead male character from the new mystery novel, Shadows of Morrow is willing to talk to us and answer some of our questions. It looks like he’s in the pasture over there with some of his workers tending to an injured cow. I’m just going to mozy on over there, and see what’s up.

JJ: Hello Jack… Mr. Morrow?

Jack turns from the injured sow on the ground, and gives JJ a glaring look.

Jack: Didn’t you see the sign? No trespassing! Now get gone…

JJ: Jack, I’m JJ Penn from…

Jack gives JJ an incredulous look, and he looks back at Frank who is gently stroking the cow’s side.

Jack: Hey Frank, this guy thinks I care who he is!

Frank growls in a Scottish brogue at JJ.

Frank: You better get going, boy… This is private property, and we don’t take kindly to visits from strangers.

JJ: I don’t mean no harm, but people in town….

Jack: People in town talk a lot of crap about stuff they know nothing about. Now son, I believe I asked you to leave.

JJ tried to step forward, but the path was blocked by several other cows, grazing in the pasture. They lazily chewed their grass and stared at JJ. Whenever JJ moved, the cows move closer, effectively creating a barrier between Jack and JJ. It was as if Jack had paid off his cows.

JJ: Jack, if I could just get a moment of your time!

The cows encroached further mooing loudly. One even went so far as to lick JJ’s leather jacket. JJ retreated in disgust.

JJ: It licked me!

Jack and Frank stared at JJ as if he had lost his mind.

Jack: Am I seeing things? This joker is still here.

Frank: Maybe we should find out what he wants…

Jack: I have a sick cow to deal with. Forget him. If he’s not gone in 10 seconds, I’ll have Adam release Ziggy. JJ, still listening intently heard the name Ziggy, and became more nervous.

JJ: What’s Ziggy?

Jack: Never you mind!

Frank stared at JJ who was still trying to get the licking cow away, but wasn’t having any luck as he was pinned between an old wooden fence and the herd of heifers. Frank smacked his tongue over his teeth and gave Jack a mischievous smirk.

Frank: Want me to take care of him?

JJ’s eyes bugged out of his head.

JJ: I just wanted to ask a few questions. Friendly questions!!

The cow was now licking the side of JJ’s face. JJ’s cringed in disgust. Jack looked at Frank with a serious face.

Jack: Yeah Frank. You better. I don’t want to have to release Ziggy.

JJ: No! Don’t release Ziggy! I mean, I don’t know what Ziggy is, but-

Frank started walking towards JJ. As he did the cows lazily dispersed, except for the one who had taken a liking to JJ. Frank had a menacing look on his face; his burly hands curled into massive fists. As JJ was sure that he was about to get the tar beat out of him, Frank slapped him on the back forcefully, but playfully.

Frank: We’re only messin’ with ya! We figured you were gonna come back up here. Tristan told us you was from the radio station.

JJ, eyes wide, all colored removed from his skin, stared at Frank in disbelief. His back still seared from where Frank had pummeled him. Jack, who was leaning over the beleaguered sow on the ground, was nearly in tears from laughing so hard.

Frank: What’s the matter? You can’t take a joke?!

On the horizon, JJ could see someone and something coming towards them. Frank looked behind him to see who it was.

Frank: Oy! It’s about time. Poor Oscar was seeing angels.

JJ: Oscar?

Frank: The poor beast on the ground. That be Oscar.

Tristan, who was leading an enormous pot belly pig on a leash towards her father, handed him a syringe as she looked at the cow on the ground.

Tristan- Poor Oscar….

Jack took the needle and jammed it hard into the cow’s hind quarter, causing it to groan in protest.

JJ- What did you do that for?! Is it going to die?

Frank looked at JJ as if he had lost his mind entirely.

Frank- Die?! What’s the matter with ye?! He got into the corn field again, and he’s allergic! That shot saved Oscar’s life!

Tristan and her pot belly pig approached JJ to say hello.

Tristan- JJ! Nice to see you again.

JJ nodded, not in the mood for social interaction any more after his encounter with Jack and Frank.

Tristan- This here is Ziggy. Say hi, Ziggy.

Ziggy looked up at JJ and snorted loudly. JJ thought the pig must’ve weighed more than he did; it’s belly scraped the ground as it walked, and he waddled from side to side.

Tristan- Don’t be afraid, he wouldn’t hurt a fly! He’s just old and grouchy… and probably hungry.

Suddenly, Ziggy was sniffing at JJ’s feet and digging his teeth into the laces of his suede Oxfords.

JJ- Hey!

JJ jumped up onto the old wooden fence to get away from the hungry pig who had chewed right through his laces.

JJ- Oh, no! That’s it! I’m going home. I’ll come back another day… When you’re back at the house!

Frank and Jack stared at each other as JJ ran back to his car.

Jack- I was just about to answer his questions, too.

Frank- What a feather weight.

Tristan, who was still standing with Ziggy, waved as JJ’s Subaru kicked up dirt as it sped down the road towards Cavegat Pass.

Tristan- Now look what you did, Ziggy. You scared him off… And you Daisy (talking to the cow that had taken a liking to JJ)… You nearly licked his jacket off.

Frank- Think he’ll actually come back?

Jack- Not if Ziggy and Daisy have anything to do with it.

Poor JJ! But don’t worry, he’ll be back next week, and he’ll be in the kitchen with the feisty and vivacious Bridgette Kilpatrick!

Addison Kline is an International Best-Selling Author who resides in Philadelphia with her husband, their children and their two dogs. When she is not writing, she enjoys watching reruns of Downton Abbey, The Walking Dead and Sons on Anarchy, traveling with her family and reading to her heart's content. 

Addison is a member of the International Thriller Writers Association and while she loves to write in a variety of genres, Addison always says "mystery is her game." Her favorite genres to write include romantic suspense, psychological thrillers, mystery and thrillers.

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Book Blast - Excerpt & Giveaway!! Tempting Jordan (Second Chances #3) by Andrea Dalling

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Jordan Callahan is disillusioned about dating since he caught yet another boyfriend cheating. He's tired of giving his heart to men who only want his body. At his five-year high school reunion, he meets up with old flame Rick Ferguson. Tall, dark, and bisexual, Rick has been his dream guy since sophomore year. But Rick is in the closet and has dated a string of women since high school. If he gives in to the temptation of Rick's kisses, his lost love could be his future—or just another in a string of men to break his heart.

Rick has tried to live up to other people's expectations. Everyone in his small home town is waiting for the former captain of the football team to settle down with a nice girl. Well, girls aren't in the cards for him, and he's done trying. He wants Jordan, his best friend since first grade. But a relationship with Jordan means coming out—disappointing his family and inviting ridicule from friends. His golden boy reputation will be shattered if he follows his heart to the only love he's ever wanted.

Jordan's muscles slackened, and cold anticipation formed a lump in his stomach. Rick isn't really jealous?

But the feral look in Rick's eyes said he was. 

The hand on his shoulder nudged him toward the ballroom. Did Rick want him? Was that why he'd agreed to come stag? 

Rick's fingers idly tapped the small of Jordan's back as they walked. The whisper of contact was odd and possessive, and it sent Jordan's blood surging to all the wrong places. He shouldn't have had that second scotch. He was relaxed and horny, especially with Rick so close, when he needed to keep his wits about him. Rick would never forgive him if he let something slip about their past together in front of their high school friends. 

The tapping continued, revving his nerves into high gear. His fly pressed painfully against his flesh. He turned to Rick. "Will you stop touching me?"

Rick's easy smile fled. "Why?"

He grabbed the collar of Rick's shirt and said in his ear, "Because, dumbass, you're making me hard." 

Rick raised his brows and smirked. They moved forward again. The tapping slowed but didn't stop.

Andrea Dalling lives in the sexy Southeast, where the summers are hot and the romance hotter. During the day, she's an award-winning technical writer, but at night, she writes steamy stories. She loves to torture her characters but eventually rewards them with a happily-ever-after. Married to her college sweetheart, she's a progressive Christian and an advocate for LGBT rights. You can follow her on Facebook (andrea.dalling.romance) or on Twitter (@Andrea_Dalling).

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Release Day Blitz & Giveaway!! Created (Created #1) by Peiri Ann

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After a devastating world war, our government has manufactured genetically altered humans. These ‘creations’ are designed to manage and enforce law and order amongst the citizens. Creations don’t know fear or pain. Their sole function is to fight the enemy and live to battle again.

Orphans Kylie Alexander and her twin brother, Lukahn were born for this purpose. Dedicating their lives to sharpening their deadly skills and forfeiting the chance of love and freedom. They ready themselves for Separation, the deadly rite of passage where the oldest teens are drafted into the final preparation for war.

When Kylie and Luke are shipped off to separation three months early, questions arise. Who is the real enemy? What is really happening beyond the fractured sanctuary of the training compound?

Humans and creations alike have become lethal foes when a plague of the living dead becomes the number one hazard. Strategies change as the twins discover they may not be the saviors of humankind after all.

They may be the real enemy of the people.

A reflector shines in the room and charges forward.

I shoot. Two shots fire. A soft thump comes from something falling lifeless onto the floor.

We cautiously approach it.

“Good job, Ky, you saved us from an attack by a coyote.”

“I didn’t know it was a coyote,” I say mildly. He’s being sarcastic and I don’t like that. “If I did—”

“Shh,” he hushes urgently.

The annoying sound of nails scraping along the wall jerks our heads to the left. I’m not one to panic, but my heart rate spikes, startled by the unexpected sound. We’ve let our guards down.

The coyote must have only been a diversion.

We examine the area, seeking the thing or person that caught us by surprise. Nothing’s here.

“You heard that, right?” I whisper.

“Yes,” he whispers. “Let’s move.” He faces the door and I face the room, with him walking forward and me backward. My left shoulder blade is to his right as we creep quietly out of the shadowed room.

More sun is present in the open area of the house now. The wall has brightened, displaying the floral wallpaper. It depicts flowers falling from an early-bloomed tree. It’s nice but looks old and outdated.

Luke abruptly stops behind me, causing me to almost stumble over him.

He doesn’t breathe or move. He nudges my back, telling me to do the same. But I have to see what has caused him to hesitate. I turn around, shoulder to shoulder with Luke, staring at a man and two children in the shadows near the door.

They are . . . not average for humans. Their grey skin is beaten, scratched, broken, and torn covers their bodies. Some wounds need stitches but they do not bleed. Their hair’s matted with dirt and rubbage I’m assuming they have picked up along their journey. The two little ones growl at us.

My brows hitch, hearing the unanticipated sound. The angry faces suggest we are the weird looking ones, the ones who will cause them damage.

The corner of my mouth twitches upward holding back a grin as I realize, we are the ones who will cause them damage. They’re right to growl.

“I’m going to shoot them,” I say low to Luke but sure, at this distance they can hear me. I just don’t care.

The little boy screams and charges at Luke and me. Teeth bared, canines sharpened into skin-shredding points. Tongue black with white buds. His lips have splits displaying red under his colorless skin.

Luke kicks him back before he can reach us, foot ramming into the boy’s chest. Not killing him but knocking him off-balance.

At least it was supposed to. The boy only takes a step back and charges again, shrilling. Luke kicks him harder and the boy stumbles backward into the legs of one who may be his father.

Jord and the man from the truck rush through the door. The girl disappears into the shadows but the father and son remain, mouths open, teeth bared, drooling growls escaping them. They crouch like animals preparing to attack.

I don’t do well with things I don’t understand.

Raising my gun, I cock it back, aiming at the man. I fire as he jumps for Jord.

Peiri Ann shares a love in the creation of new worlds, different creatures, and unwritten possibilities.

Writing is a passion. I fell in love with it when i was a child and I am privileged to share it with you. I love writing fun/tragic adventurous novels with strong romantic elements from YA to New Adult. (reachme@peiriann.com)

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Book Excerpt & Giveaway!! The Bride Wore Denim (Seven Wives for Seven Cowboys, #2) by Lizbeth Selvig

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When Harper Lee Crockett returns home to Paradise Ranch, Wyoming, the last thing she expects is to fall head-over-heels in lust for Cole, childhood neighbor and her older sister's long-time boyfriend. The spirited and artistic Crockett sister has finally learned to resist her craziest impulses, but this latest trip home and Cole's rough-and-tough appeal might be too much for her fading self-control.

Cole Wainwright has long been fascinated by the sister who's always stood out from the crowd. His relationship with Amelia, the eldest Crockett sister, isn't as perfect as it seems, and with Harper back in town, he sees everything he's been missing. Cole knows they have no future together—he's tied to the land and she's created a successful life in the big city—but neither of them can escape their growing attraction or inconvenient feelings.

As Harper struggles to come to grips with new family responsibilities and her forbidden feelings for Cole, she must decide whether to listen to her head or to give her heart what it wants. 

His dad had owned and worked the neighboring ranch. The Crockett daughters and the Wainwright son had all stayed friends through high school, even though Cole had chosen Amelia, her elder sister by two years, for, first, the homecoming dance, then Snow Ball, and finally prom, and the years of exploring their adjoining ranches on horseback and hanging out being ranch kids had ended. Cole and Amelia had become The Super Couple—gorgeous on gorgeous. Harper had let her secret Cole fantasies fade away, finished high school, gone off to her wild and failed college years and kept track of Cole and Amelia only the rare times she visited Paradise Ranch and they were all home at the same time. 

At one point, the family had considered Cole and Amelia all but married. But then, unexpectedly, Super Couple had broken up, amicably they’d insisted, three years ago. 

Everyone was still friends. 

Well, except for the fact that Harper’s father had purchased Cole’s family ranch the year before the break-up, and Cole had disappeared for eighteen months without a trace.

But he’d come back. He’d worked for Sam Crockett on Paradise Ranch the past two winters, and everyone said he was fine. They loved having him.

“Earth to Harpo.”

Harpo, she mused. He’d given her that nickname . . .

A hand waved in front of her face. She shook her head to clear it, and suddenly she was staring at him, having missed every word he’d said to her. And there were flutters, deep and unmistakably caused by his proximity

“Oh! What?” She blinked.

He laughed again. “Are you all right?”

No. No, no, no. This was unacceptable. As happy as she was to see him, these were not the memories she’d been after. This was not a reaction she wanted—this electric anticipation that had been thrumming through her body ever since he’d walked into the church that morning almost late for the service. 

“I’m just fine. Sorry.”

“You still do it.” He peered at her, grinning again.

“Do what?”

“Go off into that little artist’s daze. I always wondered what you were seeing while you were in those trances. Usually you’d disappear after one of them, and we’d find you in some corner painting or drawing. But you weren’t big on showing me your work, so I was left thinking you’d gotten some great vision or prophecy. Like now.”

She nearly choked on her laughter. “I do not do that! And believe me I was having no visions of any kind. I was seeing three chickens laughing at me, so I was plotting revenge.”

That was a lie, but he didn’t need to know it. 

Lizbeth Selvig writes fun, heartwarming contemporary romantic fiction for Avon books. Her debut novel, The Rancher and the Rock Star, was released in 2012. Her second, Rescued By A Stranger was a Romance Writers of America RITA® Award nominee. Liz lives in Minnesota with her best friend (aka her husband Jan) and a gray Arabian gelding named Jedi. After working as a newspaper journalist and magazine editor, and raising an equine veterinarian daughter and a talented musician son, Lizbeth entered Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart® contest in 2010 with The Rancher and the Rock Star (then titled Songbird) and won the Single Title Contemporary category. In her spare time, she loves being a first time grandma to Evelyn Grace as well as to hike, quilt, read, horseback ride, and play with her four-legged grandbabies, of which there are over twenty, including a wallaby, two alpacas, a large goat, a mammoth-eared donkey, a pot-bellied pig, three sugar gliders, and many dogs, cats and horses (pics of all appear on her website www.lizbethselvig.com). She loves connecting with readers—contact her any time!

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Book Highlight! Forward Pass by Desiree Holt ~ Waiting for a Girl Like You by Christa Maurice ~ Making a Comeback by Kristina Mathews ~ Out of Character by Diana Miller

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Shay Beckham grew up idolizing her brother’s best friend, star quarterback Joe Reilly. There was no one in their Texas town who had the moves to match Joe on or off the field. Years later, he’s still a player who has what it takes to drive any hot-blooded woman wild. But Shay isn’t a kid with a bad case of hero-worship anymore. She’s grown-up and independent, with her feet on the ground and a serious head on her shoulders. If she could just say the same for Joe.

It’s been fifteen years, but Joe Reilly hasn’t forgotten the skinny little kid who used to follow him around like a shadow. What he can’t get over is that the skinny shadow has grown into one hell of an incredible woman. One any man in his right mind would kill to get his hands on. And one who seems to be completely immune to him. He knows he and Shay could have something special together. If he could only convince her he’s about more than just the game.

Desiree Holt has lived a life of excitement that brings the color to her writing. She was a summer fishing guide, a summer field hand where she was one of only three women working, a member of a beginning ski team that skied in competition (and no, no broken bones!). She spent several years in the music business representing every kind of artist from country singer to heavy metal rock bands. For several years she also ran her own public relations agency handling any client that interested her. She is twice a finalist for an EPIC E-Book Award, a nominee for a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award, winner of the first 5 Heart Sweetheart of the Year Award at The Romance Studio, and is published by four different houses. Romance Junkies said of her work: “Desiree Holt is the most amazing erotica author of our time and each story is more fulfilling then the last.”

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They could make beautiful music together…

Hoping to dodge a scandal that could destroy her personal life and her career, Alex fled grad school for a summer job in tiny Potterville, West Virginia. She didn’t expect the town cupids to orchestrate a “chance” meeting with Marc—a sexy, brooding rock star who appreciates her love of poetry. But Alex doubts he’ll want anything more if he discovers the indiscretion she can’t forgive herself for…

Marc came to Potterville to get some space from his band and clear his head. But before he knows it, he’s intrigued with the waitress at the local diner. Alex is not only smart and beautiful, she’s inspiring his songwriting and taking it to the next level. Soon he’s falling for her—and then she runs away. For the first time, Marc is chasing after a woman—and giving both himself and Alex a chance to heal past hurts and take a chance on the future…

Christa Maurice is a serial obsessionist, but she has been obsessed with rock stars since early childhood when her older brother started randomly quizzing her on rock trivia. How many first graders know who the headliners were on the Black and Blue Tour? Christa did. (Black Sabbath and Blue Oyster Cult.) In college she harnessed that intellect to spend lecture classes writing about the adventures of Touchstone in the margins of her notebooks. Now, thanks to an iPad, she can do the same thing more effectively during staff meetings and everybody thinks she’s taking notes.

When not listening to music and/or writing, she enjoys traveling, reading and science fiction. She liked to play a personal game of six degrees with television and movies (Amanda Tapping was a regular on Supernatural, before that she starred on Stargate SG-1. Marina Sirtis did a guest appearance on Stargate, but before that she starred on Star Trek: The Next Generation. All so on Star Trek was Colm Meaney. The man who played at her wedding went to school with Colm Meaney.) Yes, she probably should get a life, but at the moment she is living on an oasis in the middle of the desert in a place that is so very like Tatooine that she frequently expects to see banthas and sandpeople coming up over the dunes.

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With a divorce in the works, Annabelle Jones heads out to Southern California, the land of sun and starting over. She wants to prove to herself and her young daughters that she still has what it takes to turn heads as a swimsuit model—that she doesn’t need a man to take care of her. Until an accident forces her to rely on the hunky, yet mysterious man next door…

Nathan Cooper is trying to revive his own career. Once a top left-handed relief pitcher, he tried to get over a hidden injury with the aid of banned substances. Not only was he caught and suspended, he was traded and missed out on winning the championship. Now he’s a free agent without a contract, and that means life is ready to play ball…

Kristina Mathews doesn’t remember a time when she didn’t have a book in her hand. Or in her head. But it wasn’t until she turned forty that she confessed the reason the laundry never made it out of the dryer was because she was busy writing.

While she resigned from teaching with the arrival of her second son, she’s remained an educator in some form. As a volunteer, parent club member, or para educator, she finds the most satisfaction working with emergent and developing readers, helping foster confidence and a lifelong love of books. She proudly tells her students she writes romance novels that they can read when they’re older.

Kristina lives in Northern California with her husband of more than twenty years, two sons and a black lab. As a veteran road tripper, amateur renovator, and sports fanatic, she hopes to one day travel all 3,073 miles of Highway 50 from Sacramento, CA to Ocean City, MD, replace her carpet with hardwood floors, and someday throw out the first pitch for the San Francisco Giants.

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Stepping out of your comfort zone can be hazardous…

Denver, Colorado, ER doctor Jillian Rodgers has never done an impulsive thing in her life. But all that changes when she meets the man of her dreams on a ski vacation. Within twenty-four hours, they’ve spent a passionate night together and Jillian is convinced she’s halfway in love. After all, she figures the worst that can happen is she’ll go home with a broken heart… 

But the man pretending to be an ordinary guy is far from it. In fact, he shouldn’t get anywhere near Jillian. Yet there’s something about her he can’t resist—and she’s perfect for his cover. Besides, he’s sure he isn’t endangering her. Unfortunately, they’re both wrong.

When someone uses their chairlift for target practice, Jillian ends up wounded—and her dream man promptly disappears. Within days, her car explodes. Just when things can’t get any worse, she’s kidnapped at gunpoint. Soon Jillian’s running for her life, and the only man who can save her is the one who deserted her. Or is he just trying to protect her? And can she survive long enough to find out?

When she was eight, Diana decided she wanted to be Nancy Drew. But no matter how many garbage cans she dug through, conversations she “accidentally” overheard, and attics she searched, she never found a single mysterious letter, hidden staircase, or anything else even remotely mysterious or suspenseful. She worked as a lawyer, a soda jerk,a stay-at-home mom, a hospital admitting clerk, and a conference host for events ranging from Lutheran music to the International BB Gun competition. She spent long hours volunteering in a nineteenth century mansion allegedly full of secrets and a few ghosts. Still no luck.

Diana ultimately decided the only way she was going to inject any mystery or suspense into her otherwise satisfying life was by writing about it. A five time nominee for the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart award, she’s thrilled to be releasing her Golden Heart winner Dangerous Affairs, a romantic suspense novel that shows not everyone in her home state is Minnesota Nice.

As a way to avoid avoid housework, Diana mastered gourmet cooking and once roasted an entire turkey for her daughter’s kindergarten class. She now works out while watching the Food Network as motivation. In addition to food, Diana loves music, history, old movies, and traveling with her Norwegian-born husband.

Diana lives in the Twin Cities with her family and a Wheaten terrier puppy. She’s still on the lookout for some real life mystery and suspense.

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Maria's Review!! Sutphin Boulevard, Five Boroughs #1 by Santino Hassell

Michael Rodriguez and Nunzio Medici have been friends for two decades. From escaping their dysfunctional families in the working-class neighborhood of South Jamaica, Queens to teaching in one of the city’s most queer friendly schools in Brooklyn, the two men have shared everything. Or so they thought until a sweltering night of dancing leads to an unexpected encounter that forever changes their friendship.

Now, casual touches and lingering looks are packed with sexual tension, and Michael can’t forget the feel of his best friend’s hands on him. Once problems rear up at work and home, Michael finds himself seeking constant escape in the effortless intimacy and mind-blowing sex he has with Nunzio. But things don’t stay easy for long.

When Michael’s world begins to crumble in a sea of tragedy and complications, he knows he has to make a choice: find solace in a path of self-destruction or accept the love of the man who has been by his side for twenty years.

Raw, intense and sensual, "Sutphin Boulevard" will take us through the maze of New York streets, following the complicated life of one Michael Rodriguez, a Puerto Rican teacher, who thinks that hiding his feelings is his best card and who believes in family values and in a man who was there with him through the bitter and the sweet. It is a journey that will make us discover how magical it could be for two friends to realize the love they hold for each other.

Nunzio, a sexy, very possessive Italian teacher is the best friend Michael would've ever asked for. The two bonded over their parents’ abuse, while comparing their "battle scars" and they stayed close even after 20 years. Michael has never thought of Nunzio other than his friend for life, but after a steamy encounter on a hot July night, his thoughts take a new dangerous turn. 

Even though we get to experience the book from Michael's point of view, one can only assume that he is going to be the star of the story. Nunzio is a force daring not to get recognized and I fell in love with his stubbornness, his sex appeal, and his foul mouth. He is what you could only hope for a best friend to be - caring, protective and always there.

I also loved the dynamics of Nunzio and Michael’s friendship. They are always honest with one another but they also show a massive but shy side of affection. Nunzio's unlimited love for Michael is endearing, him always putting Mickey first and always coming back to him no matter what.

I did relate to Michael's case. When he starts feeling like he’s suffocating, he sinks into the numbness offered by alcohol and pills, but in my case it's hiding from reality by disappearing into the universe of some book. Also, the brilliance of the writing made me go through series of intense emotions from one chapter to another, from the immense pleasure of two hot dudes getting it on, to the extreme amount of distress when it started getting angsty, and, last but not least, the tears escaping now and then because I'm a sap and I can't really rein my emotions in when I’m too immersed in the story.

What I appreciated more in this first book of it’s the deep exploration of every dimension in the life of the characters, Michael's tense relationship with his family, and, of course, his fellowship with Nunzio. Hiding his struggles, doing his best to be a role model for his students, even if it's weighting him down.

But, most importantly, I loved being there every wrong or right step of the way Michael has taken through every circumstance life has thrown on his way, leading to the epiphany of his life – that to try harder and put together what was torn apart.

All of this was offered in one package by Santino Hassell, with an extremely straightforward and blunt language, honest enough to make you believe it, mysterious enough to let you anticipate and drink from its hands till the last drops of letters.

I can only say that this book is yet another brilliant work of Santino, who never fails to surprise us from his fluid and easy-on-the-eye storytelling, to the deepest darkest corners he would let us explore. "Sutphin Boulevard" is now classed as one of my favorite books of 2015. It deserves to be read, to be on top of the TBR lists, to be known more. I would undoubtedly recommend it for anyone wanting to read a time worthy and excellent story!

Santino Hassell was raised by a conservative family, but he was anything but traditional. He grew up to be a smart-mouthed grunge kid, then a transient twenty-something, and eventually transformed into a guy who spends his days and nights writing romance with an edge.

Santino is a dedicated gamer, a former fanfic writer, an ASoIaF mega nerd, a Grindr enthusiast, but most of all he is a writer of queer fiction that is heavily influenced by the gritty, urban landscape of New York City, his belief that human relationships are complex and flawed, and his own life experiences.

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