“I feel like a better title for this book would be ‘Perfect Season’ .” Review of Training Season by Leta Blake

“I feel like a better title for this book would be “Perfect Season” because that is what it was all about to me. It’s what we want: perfection. It’s what we want to see in others: perfection. It’s where we want our lives to be – the place we want to live. It’s just not always the most realistic viewpoint to carry.

I’ll spare you the blurb, which actually describes this gem perfectly.

From the characters to the prose to the level of angst and love this one delivers a Gold Medal winning performance. I loved both characters – though sometimes I didn’t like them very much. It felt absolutely real. We all strive for the “Perfect Season” in our lives and so very rarely do we get it – until we look back on what we’ve done, seen, loved, and worked towards and realized that it really was all for a reason. Sometimes we get kicked down so hard that we think we’re so far underground we won’t see the light of day, well, ever – and yet we keep going. The drive, the motivation, to do something like Matty is doing seems foreign to many – but people who have it, who give like that, who commit like that, it’s overwhelming, painful, endorphin producing, rewarding, and downright costly. All at the same time.

What great fortune to also find a book that contains BDSM but is not about it. No fancy schmancy clubs here with paraded twinks naked with collars. No discussion or negotiation, no BDSM101 lecture, nada. No “Boy” this and “Sir” that protocol. Just honest need, want, and desire that gets expressed with a more D/s theme running through. I will definitely say that this one has two kinks that are neither common nor comfortable for a great amount of people: breath play and medical (enema). Yet I would challenge anyone to read this and not to understand what was going on, how these fit in to the story, and come away with the thought that it was those things that identified the book. Because they just so don’t. The scenes’s are memorable for how they express the characters relationship and growth and understanding. They are expressions – of something far greater and far more importance. Divine.

A top 5 pick of the year for me. I very rarely stay up until 4am to finish a book. I did here and didn’t regret it one bit and didn’t even wake up tired. I woke up with this feeling that I’d just left my Grandma’s house on Christmas day after all the food, festivities, and love and I so want to go back to that place again. For that moment, in that time, at that place – it was, for me, The Perfect Season.”

 

Amazon.com: AlexJouJou’s review of Training Season.

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"Does Training Season by Leta Blake live up to all it's crazy hype? IT SO DOES!" - Breann, Boy Meets Boy Reviews "A tale told with such flair and tenderness, and with such insight into the two main characters that I will read it over and over again." - Susan Mac Nicol, The Romance Review Site "If you are looking something real with passion that leaps off the pages, read this book. Now. You will NOT be disappointed." - Mama Kitty Reviews "I am stunned. I am shocked. What did I just read? A wonderful story? A gorgeous tale of love, hope, loss, acceptance, forgiveness? All of the above? You bet your sweet ass." - The Risque Redhead Reviews "I loved it in pretty much every way it's possible to love a book and its characters." - Lisa, The Novel Approach
“Does Training Season by Leta Blake live up to all it’s crazy hype? IT SO DOES!” – Breann, Boy Meets Boy Reviews
“A tale told with such flair and tenderness, and with such insight into the two main characters that I will read it over and over again.” – Susan Mac Nicol, The Romance Review Site
“If you are looking something real with passion that leaps off the pages, read this book. Now. You will NOT be disappointed.” – Mama Kitty Reviews
“I am stunned. I am shocked. What did I just read? A wonderful story? A gorgeous tale of love, hope, loss, acceptance, forgiveness? All of the above? You bet your sweet ass.” – The Risque Redhead Reviews
“I loved it in pretty much every way it’s possible to love a book and its characters.” – Lisa, The Novel Approach

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Rainbow Award Runner Up! Best Gay Erotic Romance 2015! Training Complex by Leta Blake #gay #yay

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I’m so honored and excited to announce that the Training Complex, the critically acclaimed sequel to fan favorite Training Season, was a runner-up for Best Erotic Romance in the 2015 Rainbow Awards hosted by the amazing Elisa Rolle.

This judged annual awards competition not only help to promote LGBT books across all genres, but help to raise funds for LGBT charitable organizations. In 2015 the Rainbow Awards raised over $17,000, going to a variety of LGBT charities worldwide. I couldn’t be prouder to be associated with these awards and to have had Training Complex do so well overall.

Thank you, Elisa and judges, for your efforts in the LGBT literary community!

 

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"I don't think any fans of Training Season will be disappointed in [Matty & Rob's] continued journey. Leta Blake is a story goddess!" - 3 Chicks After Dark Reviews "I just can't get enough of Matty and Rob and love them so much." - Jay, Joyfully Jay Reivews "These two love like no others. Leta brings that all consuming, old fashioned, From Here to Eternity feel to the love they have. Of course on a hotness scale it just explodes. SO HOT!" - Diverse Reader Reviews "This sequel gave me a book hangover of the best kind!" - Rainbow Gold Reviews

Buckle up – Matty’s back!

Figure skater Matty Marcus didn’t capture Olympic gold, but he won rancher Rob Lovely’s heart.

After Rob sold his ranch and Matty hung up his skates, they started a new life together in New York City. Now Matty has taken on a fresh challenge as a figure skating coach, and Rob’s second career as a physical therapist should be everything he’s dreamed of. But in the brutal heat of their third summer in the city, Rob yearns for the wide-open country, and the intensity of city life awakens Matty’s demons.

Matty asks for increasingly intense BDSM scenes, and his disordered eating and erratic behavior ramp up the stakes. Rob struggles to stay in control, and after a well-intentioned anniversary gift goes awry, he still thinks he can handle the fallout. But the concrete jungle is closing in and his coping skills are unraveling.

Their love is deep, but Rob will have to admit the truth about what he really wants before they both tumble into chaos.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“The D/s gave their relationship a beauty and intimacy that was perfect to the story.” | Review of Training Season by Leta Blake

“Rob was such a beautiful, inspiring character. He is the partner that most of us dream of having; caring, considerate, loyal, and steadfast. And although the story is based around Matty, Rob is the one I connected to. The kink and D/s was at a level I hadn’t expected, but very much appreciated. It was done very well, and I completely bought into the dynamic between Rob and Matty. The D/s gave their relationship a beauty and intimacy that was perfect to the story.”

via Amazon.com: BookAddict’s review of Training Season.

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A Montanan rancher and a flamboyant figure skater find lust, then love, but can they find a life together?

Unquestionably talented figure skater Matty Marcus is willing to sacrifice everything for his Olympic dream, but his lack of discipline cost him the gold once before. Now the pressure’s on. He needs a coach who can keep him in line, but top coaches don’t come cheap, and Matty can’t afford to stay in the game no matter how badly he wants to win.

When a lucrative house-sitting gig brings him to rural Montana, Matty does his best to maintain his training regimen. Local residents turn out to be surprisingly tolerant of his flamboyant style, especially handsome young rancher Rob Lovely, who proves to be much more than a cowboy stereotype. Just as Matty requires a firm hand to perform his best on the ice, Rob shows him how strong he can be when he relinquishes control in the bedroom. With new-found self-assurance, he drives himself harder to go straight to the top.

But competition has a timetable, and to achieve his Olympic dream, Matty will have to join his new coach in New York City, leaving Rob behind. Now he must face the ultimate test. Has he truly learned how to win–on and off the ice–during his training season?

*This book contains BDSM elements

Training Complex NOW AVAILABLE at Nook, ARe, Coming Soon to iTunes, Kobo!

I’m so pleased to announce that the Kindle Unlimited enrollment for Training Complex has expired! The sequel to Training Season is now available on Nook, ARe, and Smashwords. It will soon be available at iTunes and Kobo, as well. Those of you who have been waiting for its availability on non-Amazon platforms, the time has finally come! 😀

“I don’t think any fans of Training Season will be disappointed in [Matty & Rob’s] continued journey. Leta Blake is a story goddess!” – 3 Chicks After Dark Reviews
“I just can’t get enough of Matty and Rob and love them so much.” – Jay, Joyfully Jay Reivews
“These two love like no others. Leta brings that all consuming, old fashioned, From Here to Eternity feel to the love they have. Of course on a hotness scale it just explodes. SO HOT!” – Diverse Reader Reviews
“This sequel gave me a book hangover of the best kind!” – Rainbow Gold Reviews

Buckle up – Matty’s back!

Figure skater Matty Marcus didn’t capture Olympic gold, but he won rancher Rob Lovely’s heart.

After Rob sold his ranch and Matty hung up his skates, they started a new life together in New York City. Now Matty has taken on a fresh challenge as a figure skating coach, and Rob’s second career as a physical therapist should be everything he’s dreamed of. But in the brutal heat of their third summer in the city, Rob yearns for the wide-open country, and the intensity of city life awakens Matty’s demons.

Matty asks for increasingly intense BDSM scenes, and his disordered eating and erratic behavior ramp up the stakes. Rob struggles to stay in control, and after a well-intentioned anniversary gift goes awry, he still thinks he can handle the fallout. But the concrete jungle is closing in and his coping skills are unraveling.

Their love is deep, but Rob will have to admit the truth about what he really wants before they both tumble into chaos.

Click for reviews and praise for Training Complex!
Buy at Amazon

Buy at Barnes & Noble

Buy at All Romance Ebooks

Buy at Smashwords

“It was just PERFECT!” Review of Training Complex by Leta Blake #gay #amreading

“Their ending couldn’t have been more perfect! I honestly can’t remember feeling this happy and content after reading a book. It was just PERFECT!

I am a huge fan of Leta Blake. If you haven’t read any of her books, you really should give her a try!”

read more via Amazon.com: Leda Helgeson’s review of Training Complex (Training Season Series B….

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Click for reviews and praise for Training Complex!
ARe|Amazon|Smashwords|Barnes & Noble|iTunes.

“Incredibly Satisfying Sequel!” review of Training Complex by Leta Blake #mmromance #gay

“Matty and Rob are back! Matty and Rob are back!!” I literally said that out loud when I heard there was a sequel in the works favorite book of 2014, Training Season. I just could not love these characters any more than I already do. Even more now that I’ve read the sequel Training Complex.

If you liked the first book, you owe it to yourself to read this sequel to see how the boys make it to their HEA. If you loved the first book, you’re probably already reading/read it. I HIGHLY recommend this one and am deliriously happy!”

via Amazon.com: Jen “Gigi”‘s review of Training Complex (Training Season Series B….

 

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Click for reviews and praise for Training Complex!
ARe|Amazon|Smashwords|Barnes & Noble|iTunes.

“Leta Blake’s writing sort of leaves me speechless.” Review of Training Season #gay #romance

“Leta Blake’s writing sort of leaves me speechless. Her story crafting is phenomenal, and I adore her characters. The emotions evoked are raw and real, and if you’re thinking of forging into the world of m/m romance, or are already a fan, I’d highly suggest giving this one or Smoky Mountain Dreams a read.”

via Goodreads | Katrina Passick Lumsden (Charlotte, MI)’s review of Training Season.

Training Season is available now at:

AMAZON
B&N
SMASHWORDS
iTUNES
SCRIBD
OYSTER

And now at KOBO.

Look out for Training Season’s sequel coming Spring 2015.

Fan Favorite Training Season by Leta Blake is 50% Off For May! #mmromance #gay

50% off for May!
50% off at Amazon for May! Click to purchase!

In advance of the release of Training Complex (Training Season #2), I’ve decided to put the first book up for 50% off! The sale price is available on Amazon or with the following code on Smashwords.

Training Season on Smashwords
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Training Season on Amazon

The story of figure skater Matty Marcus and rancher Rob Lovely has been a fan favorite for several years now.

  • “Does Training Season by Leta Blake live up to all it’s crazy hype? IT SO DOES!” – Breann, Boy Meets Boy Reviews
  • “A tale told with such flair and tenderness, and with such insight into the two main characters that I will read it over and over again.” – Susan Mac Nicol, The Romance Review Site
  • “If you are looking something real with passion that leaps off the pages, read this book. Now. You will NOT be disappointed.” – Mama Kitty Reviews
  • “I am stunned. I am shocked. What did I just read? A wonderful story? A gorgeous tale of love, hope, loss, acceptance, forgiveness? All of the above? You bet your sweet ass.” – The Risque Redhead Reviews
  • “I loved it in pretty much every way it’s possible to love a book and its characters.” – Lisa, The Novel Approach
  • “I’m emotionally drained after finishing Training Season by Leta Blake! Nothing better than a story that keeps you thinking of the characters when you aren’t reading. And now that I’ve finished, I want to go back and reread it.”- Lady McNeill, Ms. Condit and Friends Read Books
  • “Highly recommended with 5+ glittery hearts and one unforgettable North Star!” – Wendy, Hearts On Fire Reviews
  • “I feel like I could talk about this book forever. It took me on an emotional journey that was really wonderful and I highly recommend it.” – Joyfully Jay, M/M Romance Reviews And More
  • “This book is the epitomy of perfection.” – Yuki, Read Me to The End of the World
  • “A memorable story so sweetly told that it’s a real hardship when the story ends and you realise that even though Rob and Matty have their Happily Ever After, you don’t because you want to keep on reading!” – Susan Mac Nicol, The Romance Review Site

Training Season on Smashwords
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Training Season on Amazon

“Hands down the best m/m romance I’ve read yet. Furthermore, one of the best romances I’ve ever read, period.” Review of Smoky Mountain Dreams #gay #romance

“Hands down the best m/m romance I’ve read yet. Furthermore, one of the best romances I’ve ever read, period. The characterization was fantastic, the story well fleshed out, the motivations and obstacles believable. I was really rooting for Christopher and Jesse, and I felt every hurt and loss each of them suffered with an intensity reserved for only my favorite literary protagonists.”

via Goodreads | Katrina Passick Lumsden (Charlotte, MI)’s review of Smoky Mountain Dreams.

Sometimes holding on means letting go Christopher Ryder and Jesse Birch are two men hanging on to the past. While Christopher has let go of his failure as a country singer in Nashville, he's still trying to please his narrow-minded, non-accepting family. His beloved Gran loves him the way he is, but Christopher feels painfully invisible to everyone else. He’s happy enough performing at the Smoky Mountain Dreams theme park in Tennessee, but even when Christopher is center stage he aches for someone to see the real him. There's more than meets the eye when it comes to bisexual Jesse. He's raising two kids and fighting with family after a tragic accident took his children’s mother. There's no room in his life for dating, his kids are his priority, and he doesn't want more than an occasional hook-up. He sure as hell doesn't want to fall hard for his favorite local singer, but when Christopher walks into his jewelry studio, Jesse hears a new song in his heart.
Sometimes holding on means letting go
Christopher Ryder and Jesse Birch are two men hanging on to the past. While Christopher has let go of his failure as a country singer in Nashville, he’s still trying to please his narrow-minded, non-accepting family. His beloved Gran loves him the way he is, but Christopher feels painfully invisible to everyone else. He’s happy enough performing at the Smoky Mountain Dreams theme park in Tennessee, but even when Christopher is center stage he aches for someone to see the real him.
There’s more than meets the eye when it comes to bisexual Jesse. He’s raising two kids and fighting with family after a tragic accident took his children’s mother. There’s no room in his life for dating, his kids are his priority, and he doesn’t want more than an occasional hook-up. He sure as hell doesn’t want to fall hard for his favorite local singer, but when Christopher walks into his jewelry studio, Jesse hears a new song in his heart.

Smoky Mountain Dreams is available now at:

AMAZON
B&N
SMASHWORDS
iTUNES
SCRIBD
OYSTER

And now at KOBO.

99 cents in November! Fan Fave Training Season by Leta Blake. #sale #99cents #gay

Just a reminder that Training Season is available for 99 cents through the end of November! Only at Amazon!

“Does Training Season by Leta Blake live up to all it’s crazy hype? IT SO DOES!” – Breann, Boy Meets Boy Reviews

“A tale told with such flair and tenderness, and with such insight into the two main characters that I will read it over and over again.” – Susan Mac Nicol, The Romance Review Site

“If you are looking something real with passion that leaps off the pages, read this book. Now. You will NOT be disappointed.” – Mama Kitty Reviews

“I am stunned. I am shocked. What did I just read? A wonderful story? A gorgeous tale of love, hope, loss, acceptance, forgiveness? All of the above? You bet your sweet ass.” – The Risque Redhead Reviews

“I loved it in pretty much every way it’s possible to love a book and its characters.” – Lisa, The Novel Approach

“I’m emotionally drained after finishing Training Season by Leta Blake! Nothing better than a story that keeps you thinking of the characters when you aren’t reading. And now that I’ve finished, I want to go back and reread it.”- Lady McNeill, Ms. Condit and Friends Read Books

“Highly recommended with 5+ glittery hearts and one unforgettable North Star!” – Wendy, Hearts On Fire Reviews

“I feel like I could talk about this book forever. It took me on an emotional journey that was really wonderful and I highly recommend it.” – Joyfully Jay, M/M Romance Reviews And More

“This book is the epitome of perfection.” – Yuki, Read Me to The End of the World

“A memorable story so sweetly told that it’s a real hardship when the story ends and you realise that even though Rob and Matty have their Happily Ever After, you don’t because you want to keep on reading!” – Susan Mac Nicol, The Romance Review Site

via Training Season – Kindle edition by Leta Blake. Literature & Fiction Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com..