Cover Reveal! Dad Next Door by Willow Dixon

DAD NEXT DOOR

Crimson Club - Book Five

by Willow Dixon

Cover & Excerpt Reveal

Release Date: May 8, 2024

Cover Design: Lori Jackson Design

Photographer: Michelle Lancaster

Model: Andy Murray

Genre: M/M Romance Standalone
Tropes: Best friends-to-lovers, bi-awakening, single dad, age-gap, found family, fake relationship, opposites attract, mental health rep, neighbors

---

Synopsis

Moving into my first house is step one in starting my new life. Next is setting up my contracting business. I’m so focused on my future that a relationship is the last thing on my mind.

Then I meet Tristan, the single dad next door. He might be my total opposite, but we click in a way I’ve never experienced, and he quickly becomes one of my closest friends.

After attending a wedding as his fake date to make his ex, and his ex’s new boyfriend, jealous, I can’t deny that things between us have changed. I always thought I was straight, but being with Tristan doesn’t just feel good, it feels right.

Having a fling with my neighbor might be a recipe for disaster, but it could also be exactly what we both need to finally move on from our pasts.


Quinn and Tristan’s story is a best friends-to-lovers, bi-awakening romance between a retired porn model who just moved into his first home, and a single dad trying to navigate life after divorce. Expect a fake relationship, an age gap, found family, mental health rep, lots of spice, and all the feels as these neighbors find out that sometimes opposites really do attract.

---

Add to your TBR List!

GOODREADS LINK

---

Excerpt

Needing to relax, I slipped onto the balcony and breathed in the fresh air.

Lights drew my attention to Quinn’s property, and my breath caught as my gaze settled on Quinn in his hot tub. The jets were off and the canopy was open, giving me an unobstructed view of him in all his glory.

I should go. Peeping on my neighbor while he was relaxing in his hot tub was peak creepy, but my feet wouldn’t listen to my brain and stayed rooted in place.

Even from this distance, I could see how in shape Quinn was. He sat against the side of the hot tub, his outstretched arms resting on the rim of the tub and his head back. His shoulders and arms were a work of art, as were his chest and stomach. I couldn’t see below the waterline because of the darkness, but the droplets of water glistening on his skin emphasized his incredible muscle definition.

Yeah, it was time to go back inside. Quinn was a friend, and he would be horrified to know I was creeping on him like this.

Before I could move, Quinn stood, the water splashing around his thighs as he climbed out of the hot tub.

Naked.

Holy shit, Quinn was naked.

My eyes traced down his rippling stomach and stopped on his dick.

Jesus H Christ, he was hung. I’d never asked for his modeling alias because I hadn’t trusted myself to not look him up.

But now that I’d seen the goods, I understood why he was making enough money off nudes to live in this neighborhood.

Shit. I wasn’t just creeping on him; I was violating his privacy and trust. I needed to leave. Now.

In my haste to get back to the door, I didn’t notice how close to the metal railing I was and knocked my beer bottle against it.

The hollow crack of glass on metal echoed in the night.

Quinn’s head snapped up, and his eyes connected with mine.

We stood there for a few beats, frozen. Then Quinn lifted his hand and waved, a smirk-smile replacing his earlier shock.

On autopilot, I waved back.

Wait, no. I was waving to my naked neighbor and still staring at him.

Shit.

Darting away from the railing, I fumbled my way through the door, barely missing hitting my face, and scurried into my room.

“Oh, crap.” I leaned against the wall next to the balcony door. “Shit!”

What had I done?

Quinn was the first friend I’d made since my divorce. The first friend I’d had in over fourteen years who wasn’t a mutual with Simon.

We’d grown close over the past three months, and I honestly didn’t even know how it happened.

The night he’d invited me over for a beer had been one of the best nights I’d had in years. Between work and being a dad, I didn’t have much time to socialize. And I was usually too distracted during my off-custody weeks to do anything with my free time except be sad that I couldn’t see Leo and try to catch up on work and chores.

That first night had turned into a tradition where Quinn was ready and waiting for me in his garage when Simon left with Leo. We’d have a beer, wait for dinner to arrive, and he’d listen patiently while I went on a tirade about all the things I’d held in all week.

That had evolved into us meeting up a few times during my off weeks and chatting over a beer when I got home from work too.

Hanging out with him was the only social time I spent with another adult who wasn’t my colleague or sister, and I looked forward to our conversations all week.

On paper, we were complete opposites, but hanging out with Quinn was easy. He was an incredible conversationalist, and his sense of humor matched mine. He was also well read and constantly dropped info dumps about whatever we happened to be talking about, and he didn’t mind when I did the same.

Ping.

This time, when I pulled out my phone, I expected to see my sister’s name in the notifications.

It was Quinn.

“Shit,” I muttered, opening my text app.

Quinn: open your front door

Quinn: I’m outside and don’t want to wake up Leo

My heart fell. I’d hoped to have until tomorrow before I had to face him.

My stomach roiled with unease and shame.

Tristan: be right down

Bracing myself for the impending conversation, I made my way downstairs. Putting the bottle I was still clutching on the table in the foyer, I opened the front door.

Quinn stood there in a pair of low-slung sweats and a white t-shirt that was essentially transparent because of how wet it was. His expression was blank. Was that better than irate?

I stepped onto the porch and closed the door behind me so the dogs wouldn’t notice and none of my animals could escape.

“I’m so sorry,” I blurted. “I didn’t know you were out there until I did, and it was too late to stop looking, but I didn’t stop even though I should have and—”

He raised his hand to silence me, a tiny smirk tipping up the corner of his mouth. “Breathe, Doc. You’re gonna pass out if you keep going like that.”

I did as he said, sucking in a breath and holding it in for a few beats.

“Can I say something?” he asked as I blew it out.

I nodded, ready for whatever dressing down he was about to unleash on me.

“So, did you like what you saw?” He smiled, his face the picture of serenity.

My jaw dropped like it had been unhinged.

He laughed. “You should see your face right now.”

I closed my mouth, shock taking over from my earlier shame and horror.

“Relax, Tris. I’m not here because I’m gonna chew you out or anything.”

“You’re not?” I blinked at him.

“Nope. I know you can see into my yard from your balcony. This is as much my fault for not closing the canopy.”

“You’re not mad?” I gaped at him.

“Why would I be mad about an accident?” He tucked his hands in the pockets of his sweats.

“I violated your privacy.”

“Not on purpose. And I make my living showing my junk on the internet. You’d see a hell of a lot more of me if you googled my stage name.”

My ears burned so hot I knew they had to be dark red.

“Are you okay? It looked like you opened the door on your face.”

I touched my forehead. “Yeah, I’m fine. Didn’t actually hit anything, just flailed like a moron.”

“I’m serious, Tris. This isn’t a big deal. I’m not mad, and you didn’t do anything wrong. Shit happens, and it’ll teach me to close my canopy if I don’t want anyone accidentally getting an eyeful.”

“I’m still sorry.”

“I know.” He grinned. “This’ll be a funny story one day.”

I smiled, most of the tension leaving my body. Maybe I hadn’t fucked everything up.

---

Pre-order Link

Amazon Universal ~ https://geni.us/DadNextDoorPL

---

Giveaway

One of Five eARC's for Dad Next Door

a Rafflecopter Giveaway

ENTER HERE

---

Other Titles Within this Series

PURCHASE

PURCHASE

PURCHASE

PURCHASE

---

About the Author

What can I say about myself? It’s kind of like being the new kid in school and being asked to tell everyone a bit about yourself. Anyone else forget everything they’ve ever liked, thought of, and even their name in those moments?

A few facts about me; I’m a veteran, I’m Canadian, and I love books! I’ve been writing my own stories since I was eight and wrote my first novel at sixteen. I’m the first to admit those attempts weren’t my best work, but they started me on a journey of creating stories that has led me to fulfilling my dream of becoming an author. I’ve written and published in several genres under different names, but MM is by far my favorite, and I’m so happy to be able to share my stories with people today.

I currently live on Canada’s east coast with my kiddo and my cats. I have a shoe collecting addiction, and I enjoy taking long walks, discussions with friends, and reading anything and everything I can get my hands on.

---

Connect with Willow

Website: https://www.willowdixon.com/

Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3hQpa68

Facebook Author Page: https://bit.ly/3vjfWmg

Facebook Reader Group: https://bit.ly/3FZeg66

Goodreads Author Page: https://bit.ly/3WGqR5z

Instagram: https://bit.ly/3Gi2C7U

TikTok: https://bit.ly/3WEX7p0

Amazon Author Page: https://bit.ly/3YPBq7H

Bookbub Author Page: https://bit.ly/3I3LvI9

---

Black Dagger Brotherhood Book 22: The Beloved by JR Ward

 

Black Dagger Brotherhood Book 22

Zsadist. His daughter. Her true love... what could POSSIBLY go wrong?

The daughter of a legend finds the love of a lifetime in this passionate, heart-wrenching installment in J. R. Ward’s #1 New York Times bestselling Black Dagger Brotherhood series...

Nalla, the blooded daughter of Zsadist, has led a sheltered life. Protected by her father and the Brotherhood, kept away from the deadly war with the Lessening Society, she is chaffing against the walls of the very safety that has ensured her survival. One night, she gives into her restlessness... and finds herself face to face with a male whose inner darkness rivals even that of her sire’s horrific origins.

Nate is a fighter with nothing to lose- and nothing to live for. Tortured in a human lab as a young, then cursed with immortality, he is all vengeance and no purpose because he cares for no one, not even himself. The Brotherhood know this all too well, and following his deliberate violation of the cardinal rule in the war, they declare him a dangerous liability that must be dealt with.

When Nalla and Nate find themselves fighting side by side, daggers aren’t the only things that fly. A sizzling attraction is ignited, except she knows her sire will never accept him- and on his side, Nate has made a secret bargain to end his immortality. As the enemy closes in, and Nalla realizes she must choose between her mate and her sire... what starts with such passion may well end with eternal sorrow and no chance of a reunion, even in the Fade.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/176443921-the-beloved

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

The Black Dagger Brotherhood is one of my favorite worlds to be in. The previous book left me with all kind of mixed feelings. And not going to lie, I was still a bit cranky going into this book. So much time has passed in that world. And it’s the kids’ turns to start getting their happy endings. And what better way to start the kids’ stories than to start with one of the first? Yeah, it’s Nalla’s turn. Her and Nate’s story was the right move to kick off this new shift in this series and world. And it’s hard to stay cranky with a series this good when you read about their story. 

So, Nalla is all grown up and she has been struggling with her place in her family’s life. It’s hard to not feel like you are in the way or not a priority when it comes to her parents’ love for one another. The truth of the matter is that Nalla doesn’t truly understand the challenges until she meets Nate and understands everything he has been through. But it also doesn’t help when her father is Zsadist, the scariest and most protective of the Brothers, who scares off anyone Nalla may be interested in but who isn’t ready to die at his hands. Lucky for Nate, dying isn’t exactly a problem. Nate has been through a lot and has become a ghost of himself since we last saw him. His curse has taken a toll and he has pushed everyone away and he is just ready to be done but he can’t. Well, at least until he learns there is a way. But things begin to change when Nalla and him cross paths and actually stick together. Is she enough to make him want to live a life of immortality? 

It’s weird to see the kids grown and falling in love. You never expected certain pairings and this one wasn’t one I could have seen coming. But they make sense. Their story and everything that happens between them? There is no one better for one another than them. I adored their story and I’m looking forward to the rest of the kids’ getting their stories. We see plenty of hints of the others and perhaps who I believe are the next two. This world continues to get interesting and I can’t wait to see where this next phase of the series takes us. 

Elite Connections: an LGBTQ Romance Charity Anthology

Every need met. Every desire fulfilled.

Welcome to Elite Connections, the secret, exclusive service where money is no object and your every wish is guaranteed to come true.

Fake dates, arranged marriages, or just some company for the night, whatever it is, with Elite you are covered.

Benefitting Outright International, an organization that works to amplify inclusion and equality across the world, and Lambda Legal, fighting for the civil rights of LGBTQ+ people.

Elite Connections is a queer charity anthology containing MM, FF, and other LGBTQ+ romances and will be available for a limited time only. All proceeds will be split between the chosen charities.

With stories from:

Ana Ashley - BA Tortuga - Colette Davison

Emily Silver - Erin Zak - Jax Calder

Kelex - Frances M. Thompson - Jodi Payne

Rhys Everly - Sarah Zane

Saxon James - V.L. Locey

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/204467548-elite-connections

********

My Review: 4/5 Stars

Elite Connections can do it all. An organization that is known by few and only by word of mouth, if you need something then this is the place to go. From fake relationships, arranged marriages, event planners, body guards, and so much more, they can do it all. And of course, with every new story is a chance for people to fall in love. This queer charity anthology has something for everyone. My draw to this book started with Saxon James. She is an author I love and her story revolves around a character we have seen in some of her books. It was nice to see that character, Elle, finally get a story! I also enjoy Ana Ashley’s books and though the story in this book was connected to a series I haven’t read from her yet, I am definitely tempted to check it out. I also enjoyed getting to know all these other authors as well. This is a great way to discover new authors and find a quick read. 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Available Now! Morgan by Riley Hart

Dusty worships my body in ways no man has before

Morgan, an all-new friends to lovers, small town, M/M romance from bestselling author Riley Hart is now available!

When I left Birchbark angry and heartbroken, I vowed never to return.

Fate had other plans.

The father I hate had a stroke, so now I’m back in the Upper Peninsula to take care of him. The locals treat Dad like royalty, while Dad vacillates between open anger and flat-out ignoring me. Throw in my messy relationship with my brothers, and being in Birchbark becomes unbearable.

The only saving grace is Dusty, my childhood best friend. He’s always had my back, save for one night ten years ago that changed everything.  Despite my endless family drama, Dusty becomes my solace, and it’s not long before our emotional connection becomes more. Dusty worships my body in ways no man has before, but more importantly, he’s stolen my heart. Except Dusty’s home is here, and mine is in Santa Monica, as far away as I can get.

While I’m battling it out with Dad and trying to hold the family together, my every impulse is to leave the first chance I get. But I can’t leave Dusty behind. Not again. If I want a chance at real happiness, I’ve got to work through this anger and grief…even if the hits keep coming.

Morgan is a small-town, friends-to-lovers romance with all the feels, heat, and character development you expect from a Riley Hart novel. It deals with themes of grief, loss of a parent/sibling (off-page), and toxic family relationships.

Start reading today!

FREE in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon Worldwide: http://tinyurl.com/umefadf3

Add Morgan to Goodreads: http://tinyurl.com/58y946ph  

Keep reading for a look inside Morgan!

Easton is thirty minutes late. 

This is the first time in two months, so I try not to get too frustrated, but it’s hard. 

Because Morgan spent so much time taking care of his family, I spent a lot of time with them too. In many ways, Easton feels like a little brother to me. While people on the outside know what the Swifts have been through, I saw it from the inside. I felt it through Morgan, as much as someone other than a Swift could feel it. 

So yeah, I have a bond with Easton. I care about him a whole hell of a lot, but this is also my place of business, and being professional is important to me. 

“Sorry I’m late,” the tattooed blond in question says as he comes in through the shop’s heavy metal door. Dusty’s Collision Repair is my baby. I’ve always loved putting cars back together—not the fixing of mechanical parts as much as the body work. It’s really all I’ve ever wanted, which is why Easton not taking it as seriously is like sandpaper against my skin. 

Leaning against the wall, I stare at him a moment. Sometimes it’s hard to believe he’s the same little kid who was the first diaper I ever changed, hard to believe he’s Morgan’s little brother. As far as I know, my ex-best friend doesn’t have any tattoos, and Easton is covered in them. He’s the only Swift who didn’t go to college or who has a record. I guess it’s possible those things have changed with Morgan in the last ten years, but I doubt it. 

“East, we talked about this. You know your shit—you’re probably the best apprentice I’ve ever had—and it’s clear to me how much you love it.” I’m not sure East has ever loved anything the way he does auto body work, much to Mayor Swift’s dismay. “But I can’t keep letting you get away with—” 

“Morgan’s back,” he interrupts, making my heart drop to my gut. 

I guess I shouldn’t be surprised, not with Gregory’s stroke, but then I know how Morgan feels about his dad, and about Rhett—and clearly about me since he left town and never spoke to me again. 

I wasn’t sure my goddamned heart would ever recover. Sometimes I’m still not sure it has. Case in point, my words are still lost to me after the two simple ones East spoke. Morgan’s back. 

I clear my throat. “And you were with him?” 

Easton shakes his head. “Haven’t seen him yet. Just thought you might want to know. I won’t be late again.” 

Cleary done with the conversation, East heads over to the SUV we’re fixing after it was rear-ended, and he gets right to work. 

I shouldn’t let him get away with that. I should say something, any-fucking-thing, but I don’t. 

Morgan is back. 

I’ve often wondered how much Easton or their dad know about our loss of friendship. Rhett is at the center of it, so he knows. Plus, he and I struck up a friendship after Morgan left. Rhett and Morgan went years without talking at all, but now they call each other when it has to do with the family. Rhett wanted to tell him to call me, but I nipped that in the bud. No good would come of it. All it would do is make Morgan pull away even more. The idea of Rhett going to him about anything would get him all up in his head, automatically on the defensive. The Swifts are all tangled in so much family drama, so much pain, that none of them can see any of it clearly. 

Not my problem. None of it is my problem. 

But I’ve sure as shit done a good job keeping myself entangled with them my whole damn life. First through my friendship with Morgan, and then in the way it was blown to hell. 

“Fuck,” I groan to myself before heading to the paint stall, where I have a Honda waiting for me, hoping it will keep my mind off the Swifts, but knowing it won’t.

For more information about Riley Hart and her books, visit her website: 

https://www.rileyhartwrites.com

Weekday Weirdos Book 1: Red Flags & Tuesdays by Nordika Night

 

Weekday Weirdos Book 1

Waking up to his one-night stand trying to flee the scene, Reid sits back to enjoy the show. This blond boy is all snark and quick-wit, but there’s an awkward side to him that intrigues Reid enough to want to con him into a second date. After numerous failed attempts, Atticus reluctantly agrees to an on-the-spot date, and things get quirky from there.

A philosophy major and a wayward son, these two work through their differences, battling red flags and a slew of Tuesdays that have them bonding in ways they never saw coming. There is no normal way to date Atticus, and Reid soon learns that this ‘romance lover’ has no idea what romance is, but he’s willing to put in the work.

Reid is taking back his life. Atticus is taking back Tuesdays.

Together, they’re a brilliant disaster.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/209998419-red-flags-tuesdays

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

The moment Reid wakes up and catches Atticus trying to sneak out from their hook up is the moment Reid knows that he isn’t ready to let go of Atticus just yet. But convincing Atticus to see him again? A whole other challenge that Reid is at first surprised by but more than ready to fight for. And it’s a fight for sure. Atticus isn’t afraid to call out their flaws and differences while also name every red flag between them. He knows he is strange and will never be an easy person to be with and is more than ready to push Reid at every moment. But the more Reid actually gets to spend time with Atticus, the better he gets at reading him. And in doing so, he understands him better each day and falls a little bit harder. These two were entertaining as hell. Strange at first but like with each other, you get to know them and get a better sense of who they are with every turn of the page. And by the end, I couldn’t help but adore these two and their complicated and weird yet very passionate relationship. This just ended up being a fun read with some dark twists and turns, but a love story nonetheless. One that they fought hard for even when most of the fighting was with one another. I loved their debates and how their conversations made one another find a new perspective but also gave the reader one as well. Definitely looking forward to meeting more strange and unique and highly entertaining characters in this series!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Castle Swimmer Volume 1 by Wendy Martin

 

In the gorgeous first installment of the hit Webtoon series Castle Swimmer, two young mermen reject their destinies and embark on an epic adventure full of romance and danger, featuring exclusive bonus material.

From the moment Kappa tumbles into existence on the ocean floor, his life’s purpose is already decided for him: He is the Beacon, a light to all sea creatures, and destined to fulfill their many prophesies. In high demand and under immense pressure, Kappa quickly realizes that fame and glory are small compensation for a life of predetermined self-sacrifice.

Unable to resist the call of destiny due to a magical yellow cord that appears from his chest and pulls him inexorably to any sea creatures he swims by, Kappa ultimately finds himself drawn to the Shark kingdom, where he is immediately imprisoned. The Sharks’ prophecy states that the curse maiming their people will only be lifted once their prince, Siren, kills the Beacon. But when Prince Siren decides to defy fate and help Kappa escape, Kappa realizes that there might be more to life than fulfilling endless prophesies, leading to a raucous adventure as big and unpredictable as the ocean itself—and a romance that nobody could have predicted.

Episodes 1-19 of Webtoon's Castle Swimmer Season 1 is collected in this stunning graphic novel, which also includes a never-before-seen bonus chapter featuring Kappa and Siren.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/203608473-castle-swimmer

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

Kappa is the Beacon. A being who is the hope for all sea creatures in the sea and who must fulfill many prophecies in order to help them. The prophecies pull him place to place without much choice from him. And the place he is currently pulled to may be the most dangerous prophecy to fulfill. Prince Siren has been told since he was a child that he was the hope for their people. His people are cursed and the scars that linger on their skins bring them closer and closer to death every day. So many of his people have died from the curse. Their only hope is to fulfill their prophecy. Prince Siren must kill the Beacon. But when the day finally arrives… killing the Beacon may be harder than he expected. Especially when he gets to know Kappa more each day and they have a lot more in common than they realized. And deep down, Siren knows it is the not the right thing to do. So what can he do? Castle Swimmer is such a fun story on Webtoon and I’m so glad to see that it is finally getting printed! I get to reread the story all over again. This is just the beginning of Siren and Kappa’s journey but it is one that will have you longing for more!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Haunted Ever After by Jen DeLuca

 

It's love at first haunting in a seaside town that raises everyone’s spirits in this new series from Jen DeLuca.

Small Florida coastal towns often find themselves scrambling for the tourism dollars that the Orlando theme parks leave behind. And within the town limits of Boneyard Key, the residents decided long ago to lean into its ghostliness. Nick Royer, owner of the Hallowed Grounds coffee shop, embraces the ghost tourism that keeps the local economy afloat, as well as his spectral roommate. At least he doesn’t have to run air-conditioning.

Cassie Rutherford possibly overreacted to all her friends getting married and having kids by leaving Orlando and buying a flipped historic cottage in Boneyard Key. Though there’s something unusual with her new home (her laptop won’t charge in any outlets, and the poetry magnets on her fridge definitely didn’t read “WRONG” and “MY HOUSE” when she put them up), she’s charmed by the colorful history surrounding her. And she's catching a certain vibe from the grumpy coffee shop owner whenever he slips her a free slice of banana bread along with her coffee order.

As Nick takes her on a ghost tour, sharing town gossip that tourists don't get to hear, and they spend nights side-by-side looking into the former owners of her haunted cottage, their connection solidifies into something very real and enticing. But Cassie's worried she’s in too deep with this whole (haunted) home ownership thing…and Nick's afraid to get too close in case Cassie gets scared away for good.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/202102032-haunted-ever-after

********

My Review: 4/5 Stars

Cassie is looking for a change and in doing so she finds herself in Boneyard Key with a house all to herself. What no one told her? That Boneyard Key is rather special. Known to have ghosts all over town, no one told her her house is haunted by a mean old spirit. At first Cassie is skeptical. Her laptop not charging? Faulty wiring. Right? But the longer she is in town, the more she begins to realize that maybe the people here aren’t so crazy. Nick has lived in Boneyard Key his whole life. He currently owns the coffee shop and isn’t phased by the ghost of the original owner who tends to text him when he wants to give Nick tips on the cafe. And when Cassie comes to town, he finds himself teaching her all about the ghosts around town and hoping that she will believe him. And hoping even more that maybe she will stay. Because it’s been a long time since he has had feelings for someone. And Cassie threatens to crumble the walls he has built over the years. The more time they spend together, the more they learn about the truth of Cassie’s new home and the ghost that lives there. Including something that no one expected. This book was a lot of fun! The ghosts were a hoot. And I loved how Cassie learned to roll with it and really embrace it. Her and Nick were a great pairing and it was sweet to see them build up their relationship. A really fun book from this author!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.