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Road to Blissville #5

Smoke in the Mirror

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Memphis Sullivan thought he was coming to Blissville to help his cousin out, but instead, he gained three meddlesome females, a tribe, and a permanent home. More than a year later, he owns a popular comic book and vinyl record store and doesn’t think his life could get any better. That all changes when the star of his favorite television show and bad-boy fantasies rides into town and spices up his vanilla world.

Lyric Willows’ decision to visit an old friend in Blissville will change his life in ways he never dreamed possible. The paranormal investigator is immediately drawn to the mysterious disappearance of the town’s founder in 1850 and rumors that his former home is haunted. More alluring to Lyric than the history of Bliss House is the immediate connection he feels to the adorably geeky owner of Vinyl and Villains, who also happens to be his friend’s cousin.

Lyric becomes Memphis’s houseguest when he decides to stay in town to conduct a paranormal investigation. Tight spaces lead to sexy encounters, and before long, ghosts aren’t the only things that go bump in the night. The more they unravel about Anthony Bliss’s disappearance, the more tangled in one another they become. How is it possible for two virtual strangers to feel like they’ve known each other for their entire lives? Was their love written in the stars, or is it nothing more than an illusion?

Smoke in the Mirror is the fifth book in the Road to Blissville series. Each book can be read as a standalone book or part of the series. This book contains sexually explicit material and is intended for adults 18 and older.






238 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 12, 2018

234 people are currently reading
381 people want to read

About the author

Aimee Nicole Walker

71 books2,006 followers
I'm a wife and mother of three teenage kids. I've been married to the same wonderful man for twenty years. I've decided that if I can survive raising three kids then I can survive anything!! I haven't uttered the Mama's curse yet, but it could happen any day now. You know the one..."I hope you have a child just like you someday."

I'm an avid reader and lover of all things romance. I've spent my entire adult life waiting to follow my dreams of becoming a writer. One day this past summer, I decided to just do it. No more wishing and hoping. I haven't quit my day job, but that is my ultimate goal...make a living telling stories of love.

I write contemporary gay fiction. I hope you will love reading my books as much as I enjoy writing them.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
Profile Image for Cadiva.
3,996 reviews437 followers
July 12, 2018
You know when you read a book that's just absolutely perfect for the mood you're in that it gives you a huge smile and a warm fuzzy feeling? That's what this book did for me.

I adored Memphis in his previous appearances in this series but here, with the ultimate of bad boys with a soft centre Lyric, he truly came into his own.

The paranormal investigation element of the book is brilliant and gave the whole story a really different feel which I thoroughly enjoyed.

And this book is off the scale hot, I think Aimee's excelled in demonstrating just how much chemistry these two men have. It never felt rushed or even approaching a sense of "instalove" even though everything happens in a relatively short time.

Let me just say, I don't think I've laughed as much while simultaneously having a hot flush as I did with this book. Wash cloths will never be the same again!

Fabulous book in what's been a brilliant series imho.

#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Profile Image for Vanna.
803 reviews96 followers
October 9, 2019
3.5 stars!! 💓 Liked it 👍. The Road to Blissville series continues with the story of Memphis and Lyric who had smaller supporting roles in the earlier books. Also playing a pretty big role in this one is the ghost of the Blissville house which Lyric comes to town to investigate and make his documentary on. Memphis, already a big fan of Lyric's show offers him a room in his home, free of charge while he's in town. Although they initially think that they can keep their relationship strictly professional, the spark they ignite is hard to ignore and soon they are steaming up all the popular spots in Blissville 🔥😉. Nevertheless there is also a mystery to solve about the haunted house, but after that Lyric will be back on the road to continue his show, therefore anything between Memphis and Lyric has to be temporary only 😢
But what happens when they start developing feelings as they find out more about each other? Will Lyric finally confide in Memphis why he's so commitment shy? Will Memphis trust Lyric with his heart? And finally, will the mystery of the haunted Blissville House get solved?
This book had the perfect combination of likable characters, 🤩steam and sizzle🔥, a hint of paranormal activity 😱and a historic love story in the background ❤️😍. I would have liked a little build-up between the two MCs.., it felt like it was insta-lust-to-love. However, it is still a pretty enjoyable book; a low-angst MM romance with a dash of ghostly activity. 💕😱😍 👍
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews870 followers
July 11, 2018


It’s hard to describe the relationship that develops in Aimee Nicole Walker’s Smoke in the Mirror because while it was extremely sexual, it was also very sweet and unexpected by the two men involved. When a famous psychic medium comes to town to investigate a legendary home he finds more than the answers to the ghost that has made him presence known, he finds a man he can’t forget even though he believes he’s not equipped for a relationship.

Moving to Blissville was perfect for Memphis Sullivan and he loves his shop Vinyl and Villains, but for the life of him he doesn’t understand when he opens his mouth and invites his cousin Emory’s friend and his celebrity crush, Lyric Willows, to stay with him when in town to investigate the otherworldly events at Bliss House. From the moment they meet there is heat between them followed by an epic embarrassing event, a plea of “just friends,” to realizing the impossibility of keeping their hands, mouths, and other body parts to themselves. While it was easy to feel they would crash and burn because Lyric was bound and determined to not let himself love or to be loved and Memphis was a realist that love doesn’t last, somehow between sneaking kisses, hot as Hades sexy encounters, and some ghostly investigations these two form a bond and a trust neither one can deny.

I loved the easy way these two fell not only into each other but into a relationship especially given their hang ups and past. Memphis opened up his home and heart and gained Lyric’s trust something even Lyric didn’t understand. As Lyric unburdened himself to Memphis talking about his life and his gift, he became a better man. Memphis’s understand and acceptance made it easy for Lyric to realize what a gift he had in Memphis.

While at times this book seemed busy with their friends and family keeping tabs on them and their relationship, it also was a testament to how much they wanted to see both of them happy.

Funny, flirty, and fabulously sexy, yet with a serious side to balance it all out, I loved Smoke in the Mirror by Aimee Nicole Walker.
Profile Image for Denise H..
3,243 reviews268 followers
July 24, 2018
*** A marvelous historical town mystery, with a ghost who won't let go of Bliss House.
I liked this snazzy story, the terrific characters and the extremely hot sex scenes !
Our men scorch the pages and singe our finger tips. We see previous characters, including psychic Emory and Jon. Lyric is a tattooed, leathered, raspy-voiced paranormal investigator, in town to see Bliss House and it's ghost.

Memphis, curly hair, glasses, owner of Vinyl and Villains store,

has offered Lyric a place to stay. * You will laugh like I did when you see the "dildo disaster" with the hilarious - humiliating Big Bob adventure !
Memphis's dog, a Chihuahua, GiGi and Lyric's Great Dane, Daisy, get along well.

* They may have just met, but Memphis has lusted after Lyric from his television show for quite awhile. These men explode into a volcano of lustiness, very exciting and hot. We get to see the investigation into Bliss House's past owner who haunts it, and then the trip to San Francisco for more answers.
It's fun, interesting, gripping, and sexy. This story will hold your attention. I loved the Curl Up and Dye series, and now the spin-off of Blissville.
Highly recommended. ENJOY !


=====
Profile Image for Chris.
2,070 reviews
July 14, 2018
This really was a sweet read that made me smile. It was low angst, warm and somewhat fluffy at times - even though both Memphis and Lyric were cool cats ! This book was more about the heart and not the heat for me... I love this series ❤️
Profile Image for Bookreader87(Amanda).
1,168 reviews44 followers
July 23, 2018
Lyric is a paranormal investigator coming to the small town of Blissville to investigate the mystery of the Bliss house. Memphis is the owner of Villian's and Vinyl who volunteers his home as a place for Lyric to stay during his investigation.

The two of them have a physical attraction to one another immediately. However, Lyric is hesitant to start anything with Memphis. He is unsure if Memphis can keep the relationship strictly physical but Memphis is too much to resist and the men fall into bed together. The more time they spend together the more Lyric realizes Memphis is more to him than sex.

It is a cute little romance with very little drama. Once Lyric gets past his personal demons and opens up to Memphis their relationship is smooth sailing.

I was probably more interested in the story of Anthony Bliss and Wallace Bennington III. It has everything I like a forbidden love that can't be denied, risking everything for one another and a HEA. Where is their book? LOL

As for this story, overall it was an ok read.
Profile Image for Joyfully Jay.
9,076 reviews517 followers
August 10, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.

4 stars


Smoke in the Mirror is the fifth installment in Aimee Nicole Walker’s Road to Blissville series. It can be read as a standalone and, being unfamiliar with the other books, I found no difficulty following the cast of extras and how they all fit together in this latest release.

I’ll be the first to admit that a reader will have to be looking for this type of story. You must check any disbelief at the door, so to speak, when it comes to love at first sight and everything easily working out for the main characters. I would venture to say that this is the perfect fluff piece one might like to read when looking for sexy men and witty dialogue. The paranormal element was well done; it’s never over the top and pretty convincing and kept the story moving along as well. All in all, fans of these stories will enjoy Memphis and Lyric and those new to this series may just find themselves checking out the previous books to find out more about this quaint little town and its inhabitants.

Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
Profile Image for Rin (indefinite hiatus).
595 reviews28 followers
March 18, 2022
Continuing my listen of this Curl Up and Dye spin off…

I am SO GLAD we’re back to quality writing. This book had it all. An interesting mystery, endearing characters, fun side characters, little bit of drama… steam. After the disappointment of the last book, this one went back to what Walker does best. I really enjoyed Memphis and Lyric’s story.
Profile Image for Jennifer☠Pher☠.
2,970 reviews273 followers
July 16, 2018
Well now, I am super pleased with this addition to the series!

I haven't had the best of luck with the spin-off, but totally enjoyed this installment. It was just easy, breezy, beautiful. No angst really, no unnecessary drama and just a overall feel good read.

Sometimes that is all you need in a book, yeah?

I liked both Memphis and Lyric. It is so refreshing to enjoy both MCs. I loved their honesty and their ability to communicate.

Overall this was just a great romance that easily swept me away.

Profile Image for The Novel Approach.
3,094 reviews136 followers
August 20, 2018
~ 4.5 Stars ~

I find myself in a constant state of waiting anxiously for the next installment of anything that is released in the Blissville universe. For me it really is a universe, and I am not picky about which book releases when. There are (as far as I know) three series which take place in Blissville— the Curl Up and Dye Mysteries, The Lady is Mine Series, and, of course, this one. The quaint town is one of those places where people are always meddling in each other’s business, shenanigans can always be found, and love seems to be in the air. Pretty much as soon as the next book in any one of these series pops up and is available, I dive into it with a ravenous hunger and devour the words and story in barely a blink of the eye, and then I settle in to start the vicious cycle over and over again.

I love the town of Blissville. I love the small-town vibe, which is described in such detail I am now at a point where I pretty much picture the town in my head, and it’s like my own little ongoing television show with quirky characters and always something happening. It feels to me almost like a Stars Hollow; it’s as if the town is its very own character, and I just adore it to pieces.

Memphis I love so much. I have been intrigued by him since he moved to Blissville to help out Emory (his cousin), but I truly got attached and needed his book after I read This Time Around, where he is a more prominent secondary character. Do you have to read the prior books in the series to love Lyric and Memphis? No. I suppose Smoke in the Mirror could be read as a stand-alone, but I truly to do recommend starting at the beginning, or heck, go back and begin with the Curl Up and Dye Mysteries to really get immersed in the Blissville network and players. You can enjoy the book by itself, but for me the fact that I know the whole history makes it all the more pleasurable. I was already attached to Memphis coming into this, and after him getting his HEA, I feel like I got an extra dose of the warm fuzzies.

Lyric is not a resident of Blissville. He is a paranormal investigator looking into the mystery of the haunting of Bliss House. Memphis is best friends with the owner of Bliss House, and somehow Memphis finds himself offering for Lyric to stay with him during his investigation. There is insta-lust and attraction, and the sparks fly pretty much from the get-go. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey as the comic book loving, superhero t-shirt wearing nerd nabs himself the bad boy of his dreams. The two set the pages on fire with their chemistry, but they also make you say awwww with how dang sweet they are together, which gave the budding relationship a dimension and connection beyond lust. In fact, I think Memphis may be my favorite main character so far in this series. He is quirky and cute while being confident in his skin. Memphis and the Big Bob disaster had me laughing to the point I had to literally wipe a tear from my eye. I love it when I can see how two characters bring the best out in each other, fitting into each other’s lives despite the differences, making the connection they have more tangible.

Blissville has had a little trace of paranormal through the different series set the in universe. There was a tad bit of ghost tampering as well as Emory’s psychic abilities, giving it just a touch of something supernatural. I wouldn’t necessarily categorize this as a paranormal series, as that is never really a main plot point; rather, there’s just a little sprinkling to keep things interesting. While Emory can see the future, Lyric’s talent is communicating with ghosts through different methods. The mystical portion of this story is a little more prominent than in some of the other books, as it is the reason Lyric is in town in the first place. But don’t get too excited about a ton of spectral interaction; it’s there, but minimal. Most of the mystery is good old-fashioned research and putting the puzzle together. I think I would have liked a bit more time seeing Lyric work his ghost magic and seeing what happened in San Francisco in more detail, but I also get this is first and foremost a romance, and too much focus on the ghostly interactions could change the perception of the series as a whole, when the supernatural is not present in every book.

Despite not getting as much ghost action, I honestly love this series. I am a huge fan of Aimee Nicole Walker’s ability to create such diverse and interesting characters that keep me wanting more and more. If you are looking for sweet and hot read with relatively low angst, plenty of quirky characters and humor, then jump into the Blissville world and give it a shot. I am sure glad I did.

Reviewed by Lindsey for The Novel Approach
Profile Image for Carol.
3,766 reviews137 followers
June 30, 2024
Lyric is a paranormal investigator looking into the mystery of the haunting of Bliss House. Memphis is best friends with the owner of the house and somehow finds himself offering Lyric to stay with him during the investigation. There is instant lust and attraction, and the sparks fly pretty much from the start.

I thoroughly enjoyed the journey as the comic book loving, superhero t-shirt wearing nerd nabs himself the "bad guy" of his dreams. The two of them set the pages on fire with their chemistry, but they also make you say "aww" with how sweet they are together, which gave the budding relationship a dimension and connection that went beyond lust. Memphis is quirky and cute while being confident in his skin. You'll have to wait to find out what "Big Bob" is, but our Memphis managed to have an epic disaster with "Big Bob" that had me laughing. It's great to see how the two guys bring the best out in each other, fitting into each other’s lives despite their differences, making the connection they have more tangible.

The small town of Blissville has had a little trace of paranormal through the different series set there. There was a little bit of ghost tampering as well as Emory’s psychic abilities, giving it just a small touch of something supernatural. Emory can see the future, and Lyric’s talent is communicating with ghosts through different methods. The mystical portion of this story is a little more prominent than in some of the other books, as it is the reason Lyric is in town. Most of the mystery is just good old-fashioned research and putting the puzzle together.

I'm a big fan of Aimee Nicole Walker. I love her ability to create such diverse and interesting characters that keep her fans wanting more. If you are looking for sweet read with relatively low angst, plenty of quirky characters and humor, then stop off in Blissville.
Profile Image for Dee Wy.
1,455 reviews
August 20, 2018
The flow of the story, the depth of the characters and a very interesting paranormal mystery made this story come to life for me. I was smitten from the beginning. Really enjoyed the pace of the romance right up to the HEA. I would read again!
Profile Image for Rachel Emily.
4,464 reviews378 followers
August 23, 2018
Surprisingly (and I only say that because I thought it'd be a different couple) this might be my favorite book in the series! I just LOVED Lyric and Memphis together! Their first couple of chapters literally made me giggle (talk about embarrassing! Oh boy! - y'know, Big Boy) and I loved their banter together and interaction.

I loved the story of them solving the mystery as they start things casual - but, of course, can't keep it that way. I thought that there was a lightness and freshness to Lyric and Memphis' romance, especially having come after the last book where there was so much hostility and anger with the main couple.

Really LOVING this series! Dreading the end of the Curl up and Dye series, but am happy knowing that we'll sill get to see Gabe and Josh in Bissville!
Profile Image for Elithanathile.
1,927 reviews
August 2, 2018
The whole Anthony Blissville ghost mystery REALLY overshadowed the story for me :-/!! I couldn't have cared less about Meagan's house and the whole mystery surrounding it!! I mean, it's nice that they wanted to do such a nice thing for Anthony & Wallace's spirit, but did it have to overpower the whole book?!!? Meh!! I wasn't impressed with this one AT ALL!!

Books #3 and #4 were good ones though ... so I'll be keeping an eye out for upcoming books in this series; hopefully I'll enjoy the next one as much as I did book #3 :-D!!
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
1,008 reviews26 followers
July 20, 2018
Not horrible but way too "Duh they are going to end up together and there is nothing else interesting going on here." When I really got involved in the paranormal mystery I was let down because we didn't even get like an AHA moment on page. I was disappointed with this one. Also took me three days to read it. I know a book has lost me when that happens.
Profile Image for Vicki.
954 reviews23 followers
June 15, 2020
This series is a spin-off from the "Curl up and Dye" series, and I love it just as much. The characters are fun and loveable and fully realized. The stories are light, fun, and entertaining. There is not any unnecessary whining or angsting. The sex is hot and sexy and fun. Are you noticing a trend here? And with Joel Leslie narrating it, you just can't lose.
Profile Image for Faye Errington.
215 reviews18 followers
July 21, 2018
Freaking awesome ❤️❤️

Damn this book is freaking amazing!!! This just may be my favourite m/m series ❤️
I’ve been dying for this book since meeting Memphis and Lyric... and wow this book did not disappoint!!!
I’ve been dying to find out how the Bliss house mystery all turns out and wow I didn’t not expect that!! I was totally gripped from the get go..
Sigh... Smoke in the Mirror was everything I could have every wished for from an amazing book to read, it’s the kind of book that once you start reading you just can not put it down. It’s the kind of book that leaves you feeling amazing and your life feels better for having experienced the amazing journey the author created right along these two awesome guys 😍
I really just don’t have the words to tell how amazing this book really is, anything I say I feel will no where near do it justice... it’s just that perfect
I have laughed, cried, swooned, blushed and fallen in love right along with these characters, their story is so well told you feel like your the characters.. and I think that’s what most of us readers love about great books, getting to live the lives of these characters and escape the “real world” for a short while
I don’t think I’ve highlighted a book so much as I did with this one, damn I had a side stitch from laughing so hard at Memphis and Lyrics crazy banter 😂 freaking awesome!!!
I really loved how these guys had that instant connection even before they met, then when they did meet... wow you can feel the tension coming off the pages
I loved how the amazing sweet Memphis showed Lyric that true love does exist.. and that the love they had was a once in a lifetime love....sigh, it was just really lovely to see them fall in love ❤️

Now I am dying for the next book!! I need it like now!!! I never want this series to end... I wish Aimee could write about theses guys forever ❤️ I’m dying to know who the next book will be about, normally we have a tease as to who it could be... but I’m thinking maybe the sweet guy that hit on Memphis (can’t remember his name) or even officer hard on 😏 anyway no matter who the next book features I can guarantee it will be another 5 Star Read

I want to personally that Aimee... (not sure if she even reads these😏) for creating these amazing men and sharing them with us readers... truly you are a very talented storyteller.. thank you xoxo
Profile Image for R.
2,115 reviews
July 9, 2018
Memphis has settled into life in Blissville. His business is doing great. He has wonderful friends and he's happy. His celebrity crush comes to town to do a story on the founder of Blissville for his paranormal television show. When they meet Memphis is surprised to hear himself say that Lyric can stay with him while he does his research.

The feelings between them are electric, too sharp and hot to ignore. A short while after he arrives in town, Lyric leaves a note for Memphis telling him that the only thing that will ever be between them is friendship. Lyric believes the love is just “smoke in the mirror”. That same day they get very close in a small space. They also get close in an attic, a shower, and just about anywhere they can. Both deluding themselves that this thing between them is temporary.

Lyric continues to ferret out the truth for his show. Learning more about the residents of Blissville and himself in the process. Not realizing quite yet that he had found a home after years of wandering.

I've loved all the Blissville characters but Memphis and Lyric’s story was just perfection. They resonated with me and just made me happy. For some reason this book seems more “adult” than the others in the series.

Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
Profile Image for Sue Milkovich.
1,725 reviews16 followers
July 21, 2018
GHOSTS*BAD BOYS*SUPERHERO UNDIES

Only in BLISSVILLE would Ghosts, Bad Boys and Superhero underwear make sense AND be sexy. Lyric is a famous paranormal ghost detective. Being sexy, secretive and unavailable to his adoring public, keep him at the top of the list for a few rabid fans. Memphis owns the popular Vinyl and Villains, he is a self proclaimed nerd. This is a fantastic story with great moments of fun and laughter. An intriguing mysterious ghost story. But most of all, watching a love story come together. This couple, I think are the most like Gabe and Josh from Curl Up and Dye. Just similar in fun and their insta-wet moments. These two had lots of both. If you love to catch up with previous characters, they are all here. If this is your first Road to Blissville Book, even though it's #5, the previous characters don't interfere with the current storyline. You can join in this series with whatever book catches your imagination. I HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND THIS INCREDIBLE SERIES!!!!!
Profile Image for Earlyn.
664 reviews2 followers
July 28, 2018
Blissfully blissville

Such a lovely romance if you believe in faith and love at first sight.
Lyric is a paranormal investigator who moves to Blissville to solve a mystery of the hunted house.
Memphis has a vintage record and comic book store. He has a crush on Lyric and was pleased that he accepted the invitation to stay with him.
From the moment Lyric meets Memphis the both knew that there was an attraction. They entered a relationship with the thought that it's sex and nothing more.
Memphis best friend a psychic already predicted a love for him.
This book was funny and engaging. I loved the undeniable attraction between those guys. Of course the mystery of the ghost also keep you guessing and entertained.
Good 4.5 stars.
Profile Image for Crystal Lacy.
Author 19 books329 followers
July 18, 2018
Adorably sexy and intriguing romance that will make you laugh out loud. I couldn't resist picking this up because the cover was just so yummy. This was my first book of Aimee's and it won't be my last. I was hooked right from the beginning when Memphis and Lyric experience the funniest icebreaker ever. This book is full of interesting characters and a ghostly subplot that actually had me turning the pages, waiting for the resolution. Also! Who doesn't love a hero who bakes delicious muffins?

Lovely fun.
Profile Image for Jenn (not Lily).
4,797 reviews27 followers
October 11, 2019
Hot hot Hottie McHottest! Yeah, I think I might like this one best out of the Blissville stories so far. Lyric is pretty steamy, and Memphis isn't a slouch either. I like the dynamic between the Miracle twins and their men with Memphis, and it's even better adding Lyric in the mix.
Profile Image for XI.
313 reviews
July 23, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. You can always trust Aimee to bring all the feels. She gives you emotion and the sexy too!
448 reviews2 followers
July 14, 2018
Awesome

This book is my favorite so far from this series. It was soooooo good. Lots of humor and love. The entire book just flowed, I couldn't put it down.
Profile Image for Beverly Southern Babes Book Blog.
434 reviews15 followers
July 16, 2018
Yes yes yes Memphis’ story is here. I have been waiting for his story! Mrs. Walker has such amazing ways of telling her stories. I never want to stop. They just keep getting better and better.

Memphis and Lyric’s story was so beautiful. So many emotions coming out at once. Also we get the answers we have all been waiting for about Blissville. But I have a feeling there is going to be more. At least I hope there will be.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews

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