REVIEW TOUR - Your Pace or Mine by Kim Stephenson

 

REVIEW TOUR - Your Pace or Mine by Kim Stephenson

True love is a marathon, not a sprint.

Length: 80,000 words

Series: Running for the Romance, Book 1 (can be standalone)

Prior Reading: n/a

Genre: contemporary, sports

Tropes: Fake dating, grumpy/sunshine, class difference, sports

Trigger/Content Warnings: Reference to coercive sex (not between MCs)

Designer: 100Covers

https://getbook.at/YourPaceOrMine-rev

Elite marathoner Darius Hewitt is the golden boy of British athletics until a media scandal brings his Olympic dreams crashing down. With his reputation in tatters, Darius reluctantly agrees to help out at a charity running clinic, hoping to regain favour with the Olympic selection committee.

Enter Jamie—a sharp-witted West End dancer, training for his first marathon. Jamie comes with a crumbling career of his own, outrageous fundraising target, and a whole different brand of publicity challenges.

In the lead up to the London Marathon, a fake relationship seems like the perfect solution for both their image problems, so Darius and Jamie strike a deal.

But the more time they spend together, the less pretend it starts to feel.

Can they stop running from their fears long enough to give love a shot?

Your Pace or Mine is a heartwarming contemporary MM sports romance packed with fake dating, sharp banter, and plenty of running

EXCERPT:

It wasn’t that Darius was in the closet, per se. Everyone in his life, everyone that mattered, knew. Which, fine, amounted to like three people he actually liked, and his father. He just firmly believed that his personal life shouldn’t have any bearing on his professional life, and he knew it would if he came out. 

It was different for Darius, he didn’t just have the usual sporting press to deal with like his contemporaries. His title and the Ethiopian heritage he’d inherited from his grandmother had long made him the aristocracy’s favourite piece of diversity window dressing. Far more approachable than his father, he was easy to parade out when appearances demanded it, making his life fodder for the tabloids—and British tabloids could be fucking vicious. One minute they loved you, the next they would tear you apart for clicks. His family had learned a long time ago that keeping everything under wraps was essential to survival. It was safer for him to keep his private life, well, private. 

Liking dick didn’t make him a better or worse runner, so why the fuck should it matter, anyway? 

Jackson didn’t understand what it was like to be under the level of scrutiny Darius was under. To carry the weight of expectations Darius had on his shoulders. 

Jackson rolled his eyes. “Oh no, someone might realise you’re not an aristocratic clone and have actual human feelings and desires.” 

“You’re a terrible friend.” 

“I’m a great friend,” Jackson replied. “Which is why I’m going to drag you kicking and screaming to that training clinic.” 

“I don’t need to do it. I have the fastest times of anyone. I’m not going to be the one who gets cut. Anders could never justify it.” 

Jackson’s grin fell. “Thanks for the reminder, mate.” 

“Fuck. You know I didn’t mean to imply…” 

“It is what it is. I know I’m at risk, right? Especially with Elliot Owens in contention,” Jackson shrugged. 

Darius grimaced. “Yeah, but Owens is a dick.” 

“A dick that’s been training with Anders for nearly three years now and can pretty much match me stride-for-stride,” Jackson replied. “I had that DNF too, in Boston,” Jackson reminded him glumly. 

Darius winced. He wasn’t wrong. “A DNF just means you’re a smart runner—you know what they say DNF stands for…” 

“Did Nothing Foolish,” Jackson finished the sentence in unison with Darius, reciting a line Ellison had drilled into their heads. “You’ve never had one, though,” Jackson groused. “Yes, but I’m a robot, remember?” Darius laughed. “Or sorry, an aristocratic clone.”

AVAILABLE NOW

A fun debut romance centred on marathon running. Jamie, a dancer, signs up for the London Marathon for career exposure, while Darius, an elite runner from a wealthy family, coaches newbies for PR reasons. 

After some friction, they agree to a fake relationship that slowly turns real. The main tension comes form class differences, handled thoughtfully. Jamie’s ending choice felt realistic.

about the author:

Kim Stephenson is a UK based author with a love for running and romance.
When not writing you can find them hitting the local pavements and trails chasing PB's and HEA's.
@runningfortheromance (ig)
Kimstephensonauthor.com

https://www.tiktok.com/@runningromance

https://gayromancereviews.com/

Audio Promo Blitz: Something to Prove, by Lane Hayes

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New Release: THREE BOSSY BOYFRIENDS by Emma Foxx

 

THREE BOSSY BOYFRIENDS

Emma Foxx

Release Date: September 22

Meet Emma Foxx:

Emma Foxx is the super fun and sexy pen name for two long-time, bestselling romance authors who decided why have just one hero when you can have three at the same time? (they’re not sure what took them so long to figure this out)! Emma writes contemporary romances that will make you laugh (yes, maybe out loud in public) and want more…books (sure, that’s what we mean). Find Emma on Instagram, Tik Tok, and Goodreads.

Connect with Emma Foxx:

https://www.instagram.com/emmafoxxwrites/ 

Blurb:

Everyone’s always said I’m a troublemaker. So it’s not exactly shocking when I fall for my boss, his boss… and the guy I put a curse on in high school.

This summer, I’m working as a paralegal at a fancy law firm, trying to keep my head down.

Then Evan—charming, ambitious, definitely too-hot-to-be-a-lawyer—asks me to be his fake girlfriend to help him make partner. I say yes. Obviously.

I also meet Christopher: senior partner, older, bossy, and practically married to his tailored suits. Turns out he has a soft spot for brats… and for sharing women—with Evan.

Things are getting very interesting.

And then Tucker walks in.

My high school nemesis. The guy I cursed out (and cursed for real) during my goth phase. He’s back—and now a ripped, repentant construction foreman who wants to make peace. And maybe more.

I don’t stand a chance. These three men are charming, dominant, and ridiculously into me. They’re breaking down my walls one steamy encounter at a time.

This summer fling is supposed to end in July. I’m supposed to leave, keep my heart locked down, and not fall in love with three men who are completely, totally, inappropriately perfect for me.

Oops.

Three Bossy Boyfriends is a standalone MMFM why choose rom-com full of chaos, curses, and chemistry. Expect fake dating, enemies-to-lovers, workplace hijinks, and enough steam to melt your Kindle.

Buy Link:

https://a.co/d/1QdRXz4 

Available in KU 

Three Bossy Boyfriends by Emma Foxx is a wild, steamy workplace rom-com packed with fake dating, office drama, and enemies-to-lovers sparks. Finley, a paralegal with a knack for trouble, finds herself tangled up with three very different bosses—charming Evan, commanding Christopher, and her tattooed ex-nemesis Tucker. Chaos, heat, and plenty of laughs guaranteed!

Promo Blitz: Full Tilt, by Becca Seymour

 

PROMO BLITZ: Full Tilt by Becca Seymour

Length: 60,000 words
Series: Love the Game book 4 (shared world, standalone)
Prior Reading: n/a
Genre: contemporary, sports
Tropes: Banter, bruises, and unexpected tenderness. Featuring: grumpy/sunshine vibes, emotional intimacy, found family, a meddling little brother, and the hottest “oops, I sent you a sex tape by accident” moment in romance.
Trigger/Content Warnings: n/a
Designer: Story Style Cover Designs

                                  getbook.at/LoveTheGame5

Camden Crawford knows how to take a hit.

As the thirtysomething captain of the Exeter Seagulls, he’s built a career on strength, silence, and shielding his emotions as ruthlessly as he does his teammates. But when an injury rocks his team—and a series of frustrating media storms threaten to unravel his legacy—Cam finds himself one mistake away from losing everything he’s worked for. The last thing he needs is a distraction.

Enter Brent Parks: sunshine in tattooed skin, newly settled in Exeter, and a little too perceptive for Cam’s comfort.

Brent came to England chasing purpose. What he didn’t expect was a brooding rugby player with eyes like winter and walls like stone. But the chemistry? Immediate. Irresistible. And very, very mutual. Brent isn’t afraid to get under Camden’s skin—and he’s definitely not afraid to stay there.

When a one-time tattoo consult turns into stolen kisses, slow mornings, and a summer of something that feels a lot like more, both men are forced to face the truth: Falling for each other wasn’t in the game plan. And neither is what happens when the spotlight turns on their relationship.

With mounting pressure, cross-continental tours, and past insecurities clawing their way to the surface, Camden has to decide if love is a risk he’s finally ready to take. And Brent? He’s ready to prove that he’s not just a distraction—he’s the reason to stay.

A swoony, slow-burn MM sports romance full of banter, bruises, and unexpected tenderness. Featuring: grumpy/sunshine vibes, emotional intimacy, found family, a meddling little brother, and the hottest “oops, I sent you a sex tape by accident” moment in romance.

Full Tilt is book five in a brand-new sports romance shared world. Featuring books from Willow Thomas, Becca Steele, Jodi Oliver, EM Denning, Becca Jackson, EM Lindsey, and Cora Rose.

AVAILABLE NOW

Camden has always kept his personal life tightly guarded. He's only close to a small circle of people, mostly his family, and he’s comfortable that way. The media has made it incredibly hard for him not to feel constantly scrutinized and under attack. No matter how cautious he is, he lives with the worry that his privacy will be invaded.

So, when his longtime tattoo artist mentions he's moving and wants Cam to meet the new guy taking over, Cam is understandably hesitant. But he never expects the instant connection he feels when he meets Brent.

Brent senses the walls around Cam from the moment they meet — but he’s patient. He doesn’t push. He won’t rush Cam’s comfort or betray his trust. Instead, he gently coaxes Cam out of his shell, earning his confidence day by day. And once they move past friendship? It’s everything they both didn’t know they needed.

I absolutely adored these two! Their connection was so sweet, and they balanced each other perfectly. Watching Cam slowly open up and realize how safe he felt with Brent was such a joy. I loved their story — and I’m also super excited about the side characters we met along the way. Can’t wait to read their stories too!
5 stars plus..

about the author:

Becca Seymour is a British/Aussie author and the #1 gay romance best seller of the True-Blue series. Known for "steamy and endearing" and "emotionally profound love stories" (InD'tale Magazine) her books have been nominated for multiple RONE Awards.

Becca has a sweet tooth for marshmallow-hearted monsters, swoon-worthy supernatural studs, and everyday guys and basketball players with hearts of gold. If you like your MM romance sweet, spicy, and occasionally action-packed, slip into stalker mode and fall hard for her True-Blue and Minnesota Eagles men—and maybe a shifter or monster two.

hello@beccaseymour.com

https://www.facebook.com/beccaseymourauthor

https://www.facebook.com/groups/rommancewithbeccalouisa

https://www.instagram.com/authorbeccaseymour

https://www.tiktok.com/@beccaseymourwrites

https://gayromancereviews.com/

New Covers + Review Tour: SUNSET COVE Series by Ella Frank

From Book 1: One note. Six words. A second chance.

Seven years ago, Daniel Finley left Florida behind for the bright lights and demanding pace of Chicago, building a life that came at the cost of family, friendship—and love.

But on his 30th birthday, a single note pulls him back home. Six words from Brantley Hayes, the man he's never forgotten.
Brantley thought he had everything; a fulfilling career, loyal friends, and an idyllic beachfront sanctuary. Yet something—or rather, someone—has always been missing. Honoring a promise made long ago, he calls Daniel back, hoping to reclaim what they lost.

But Daniel isn’t the same person who left, and tearing down the walls around his heart won't be easy. Sometimes, the first step home is also the hardest.

Finley is the first novel in the Sunset Cove Series and a standalone.

Sometimes the person you least expect is exactly who you need.

Derek Pearson keeps life simple—he's upfront, unapologetic, and never pretends to be something he's not. But behind his brash exterior lies a side few have ever seen.

Professor Jordan Devaney is complicated, vibrant, and Derek’s complete opposite. From the first explosive encounter, they've clashed and sparked, locked in a love-hate dance neither wants to end.

But when hidden feelings surface, Derek discovers that the man he least expected to matter might just matter the most. The question is, does Jordan feel the same?

Devil’s Kiss is the second novel in the Sunset Cove Series, and would be best enjoyed after reading Finley.

Derek & Jordan’s fiery, love-hate romance just got a whole new look—still as addictive (and deliciously snarky) as ever. ⁣

#OneClickHere 

https://amzn.to/3VT2L8G

Finley:

Seven years gone, but their passion never cooled.

Daniel Finley and Brantley Hayes have been apart for seven years, and this book finally reveals why Daniel left—and why he’s back. Their chemistry is still explosive, full of passion, heat, and a touch of humor that keeps you smiling.

Finn is still cocky and sexy, but here we see there’s so much more to him. What started as a forbidden attraction years ago has grown into a powerful, lasting love.

Brantley’s choices back then came from love, though they left Finn feeling betrayed and abandoned. Now, their story unfolds through alternating POVs and a mix of past and present, making it an emotional and deeply romantic journey.

Devil’s Kiss:

Professor + student + years of sizzling tension = one unforgettable love story.

Derek Pearson and Jordan Devaney—professor and student—noticed each other right away, trading sharp banter that only fueled the attraction between them. For years, the tension simmered before they finally gave in.

Coming from completely different worlds—one privileged, the other not—their love was powerful, undeniable, and life-changing, as if permanently stamped on their hearts. Built on trust and deep connection, their bond shaped a future together.

 

RELEASE BLITZ: Undeniably Corrupt by J. Saman

 

Undeniably Corrupt by J. Saman is now live!

From USA Today bestselling author J. Saman comes a STEAMY enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, single mom, workplace romance with a morally gray hero and the fiery woman from his past he never got over.

When my ex leaves me and my little girl penniless, the last person I expect to step in is my childhood sweetheart, Vander Moore.

It's been years since he walked out of my life, and now he's barreling back into it, seeking redemption, and making me an offer I can't refuse--to become his new assistant.

But everything has changed, including him. The broody, sinfully hot bad boy CEO doesn't trust anyone. Especially me.

It isn't long before we're butting heads and fighting at every turn.

He’s a walking red flag. One I need to stay far away from.

Except when life throws me yet another curveball and my daughter and I are forced to move in with him, I start to see the man behind the mask.

And all the tension and heat we've been resisting ignites, consuming us both.

But with each forbidden touch and toe-curling encounter, I give him another piece of my heart.

He says he'll do whatever it takes to keep me and my daughter safe. Even if it costs him everything.

But there are some things even this undeniably corrupt man can't hack his way out of. And it's coming for all of us.

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

Amazon: http://geni.us/UndeniablyCorrupt

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3GlQ8iw

5 Stars plus!!

Undeniably Corrupt is intense. Just like the man Vander Moore.
This book is captivating from the start. With so many feels in between.
Ms Samans way of writing rivets you to read the story in one sitting. Its that gripping, steamy and an absolute page turner!
Goodness me! My heart was pounding as I read and I couldn’t get enough!
I felt for Liora, for her tenacity, her strength and ability to do what she had to, for her daughter!
The past dredges up all sorts of emotions for both Vander & Liora, but with the tension impossible to ignore, how the storyline goes will have you on the edge of your seat!
Absolutely brilliant writing!

New Release: GYM BROS by August Jones

 GYM BROS 

August Jones

Release Date: September 19 

Meet August Jones:

August Jones (She/They) is an author of erotica and a voracious reader of smut. She resides in Texas with her family, pets, and books. However, she reads mostly on her phone because she’s cheap, it has a built in backlight, and it’s almost always in her hand.

If you ever discover her real name, don’t tell her, just read the books she’s published (you’ll like them) and thank her later with a rating or review. Mwah!

Feel free to reach out to her on Instagram or check out her website https://augustjonesbooks.com where you’ll find a link to subscribe to her newsletter and get a sneak peak at any upcoming releases or free shorts.

Connect with August Jones:

https://linktr.ee/augustjonesbooks

Blurb:

Calyx

If I could teach yoga and never have to walk a runway again, I’d do it in a heartbeat. But tell that to my manager-slash- part-time lover. Eager to get me back to work, but willing to be patient, he asks me to help his son recover from a torn hamstring. I accept the opportunity to use my brain and my body to help get an athlete back on his feet. Samuel Ray is exactly what I expect for an amateur MMA fighter. Big. Brutal. Broody. And definitely not my type. 

Samuel

With my hamstring on the mend, I need to prevent future injuries that might end my career before it even starts. Yoga will improve my flexibility, but more importantly my balance, which is something my body and my life is sadly lacking. The opportunity to work one on one with an expert is perfect—almost as perfect as Calyx. My dad called him rare and special, and he wasn’t exaggerating. He’s the most physically perfect person I’ve ever seen. It’s his prickly personality I’m not so sure about. 

My guard goes up around him, but I can’t get him out of my head. It takes no time at all for him to become the object of all my salacious fantasies. The challenge is getting him to give a guy like me a chance, but I’ve never backed down from a fight, and I always play to win. 

Gym Bros is a high heat, forbidden, opposites attract MM romance intended for readers 18+. It is book two in the Bay Areas Bros series, but can easily be enjoyed as a standalone. HEA guaranteed.

Buy Link: 

https://mybook.to/gym_bros

Available in KU 

Gym Bros delivers sparks between an injured MMA fighter and a yoga instructor/model—instant attraction, plenty of push-and-pull tension, and a love that grows with every page. 
Add in a dangerous secret, some drama, and a whole lot of heart, and you’ve got a story that truly shines. 
Calyx and Samuel have perfect chemistry together .