Russian Roulette by Alex Alders

Title: Russian Roulette

Author: Alex Alders

Genre: Mystery/Suspense

Length: Novella (150pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (August 30, 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb:  When the new neighbor first moves in, Jacob thinks everything is going to be perfect: Nate is smart, funny, gorgeous, and basically everything Jacob ever wanted wrapped up in a pretty green-eyed package. But when a string of horrific murders starts up in the city shortly after Nate’s arrival, his new neighbor’s quiet, reclusive nature starts to take on new meaning. Jacob could be falling in love with the serial killer next door, and he may very well have to risk everything he cares about in order to make it out alive.

 

Review:  This is a good suspense mystery that keeps you wondering until the end. Jacob Sinclair is a teacher of martial arts and after a disastrous engagement, has not had a real relationship since. Nate Jennings has recently moved after fleeing from a secret in Dallas, he hopes to build a new life. The two men get off to a great start, but then Jacob starts to get suspicious of Nate’s behavior and tries to force the issue…it does not go well.

Okay, so I wasn’t too impressed with Jacob when he jumped to conclusions, because if all the evidence he had pointed to Nate being a serial killer, then I think half my ex’s were serial killers. Nate’s reaction was totally spot on. Other than that it was great, these two men meshed well, the sex is hot and the suspense is good. The story is well written and moves smoothly and even though I haven’t been able to find anything else by this author there is NO WAY this is the author’s first book, there will be something out there under another name or on a free author site somewhere because this book is too good to be a first book.

So I recommend this for anyone who loves suspense and mystery with a little romance thrown in.

The Playwright by Carolyn LeVine Topal

Title: The Playwright

Series: The Male Room 03

Author: Carolyn LeVine Topol

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (August 30, 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥ 4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb:  Nick’s writing partner and best friend is tired of watching his buddy screw his life away to overcome the heartbreak of his first great love affair, and he also thinks that a romantic comedy playwright should actually write what he knows!  Before Nick can wriggle out of it, he finds himself begged, nagged, and cajoled into a coffee date with one of the men who liked his profile at The Male Room, an online dating service for gay men.

No one is more surprised than Nick that the date is a success, and he’s interested in getting to know full-time news reporter and part-time theater critic Mark better. But better means closer, and the closer Nick gets to Mark, the more he remembers why he doesn’t go for long-term relationships. Long term affairs just lead to heartbreak, right? Nick’s imagination runs overtime, and he’ll have to trust in his heart if he wants this love story to have a happy ending.

Review:  This is a quick moving story and not quite insta love but close. Nick is dumped in at the deep end by his best friend and writing partner Ken, Ken in his infinite wisdom has signed Nick up to a dating website. Nick agrees to a date with one of the men and meets Mark, who seems too good to be true.

Nick panics as he fears falling in love again and especially so quickly. Mark is determined to at least make a go of it and it doesn’t take long to convince Nick.

This is a great feel good story and I loved the characters and even though they fall in love quickly, they don’t jump into bed too quickly and it’s a while before they even broach moving in together. I highly recommend this one.

 

 

 

Simple Treasures by Alan Chin

Title: Simple Treasures

Author: Alan Chin

Genre: Western/Native Indian/Native American

Length: Novella

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (August 30, 2011)

Heat Level: Mild

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 1/2Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Newly released from a mental institution, Simple’s first job is caring for Emmett, a crusty drunkard dying of cancer on a ranch in Utah. Simple’s first fragile friendship is with Emmett’s grandson Jude, a gay youth in Gothic drag who gets nothing but grief from his grandfather. In an attempt to help both men, Simple, a Shoshone Indian decides to perform a ceremony that will save Emmett by transferring his spirit into the body of a falcon.

Working to capture a falcon will bring Emmett and Jude closer as Jude and Simple’s growing love for each other blossoms, but all is not well. When the ranch, Jude’s future, and Simple’s happiness are threatened, more than Emmett’s spirit faces a bleak future.

Review: This is not your usual romance; this book touches you with its simplicity. There are no huge sex scenes, there’s some conflict but mostly it’s about life.

Simple has just been released from a mental institution where he did not belong.  he doesn’t look back just forward.   he reads the last ten pages in his journal every day; as he can now no longer remember anything from the day before, he writes his life down so he can manage.  Jude wants to live his life away from this town; he plans to move to San Francisco as soon as he has enough money.   Simple fascinates him and he plans to get to know him better.

At first, I thought that Simple truly was nuts, but he really isn’t.   he is just very immersed in his Indian roots. His interaction with Emmett is brilliant and his encouragement to Jude in reconnecting with his grandfather is good.  I thought Emmett was brilliant for such an ornery old man and the way he embarked on becoming a warrior.  Jude starts to change and maybe learn some control.

There were one or two things that I wasn’t sure about and was left too unresolved for me, what happened to the guys from the Institute that tried to grab Simple? What about the men that Lance tried to sell the ranch to?

I really enjoyed this book and recommend this to anyone who wants a simple gentle romance.

 

 

 

Torched by Chloe Stowe

Title: Torched

Series: Hellesgate 01

Author: Chloe Stowe

Genre: Contemporary/ Erotic

Length: Novel (178pgs)

Publisher: Ravenous Romance (January 16, 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb:  A house burns on the stark Kansas horizon…

Its flames make a New York businessman abandon the back road in hopes of helping, in hopes of being the hero instead of the villain for once…

His nerve is immediately tested as he witnesses a man run into the inferno. As the New Yorker risks all to save the stranger, his life becomes forever embroiled in both a madman’s deadly game of fire and revenge, and a soldier’s fight not only to save his family but to save his own soul…

The New Yorker is thirty-two-year-old Matthew Archer. He is a hard man to like, a harder man still to love. Few in the world make an effort at either.

The soldier is twenty-six-year-old Cane Summerfield. He is a hero, a man who gave up his independence to defend his country.

The men are two strong, fierce personalities, from backgrounds as different as heaven and hell. They should never have met, let alone fallen in love… but theirs is a story of Fate riding in on the coattails of sin.

Theirs is a story born of fire…

Review:  Matthew Archer is a businessman on his annual 4-week break from work.  He sees smoke and decides to go to the rescue; he ruins his car, partially falls through a floor and passes out. Cane Summerfield runs into a burning building to save his aunt’s precious memories; as he makes his escape he has to rescue the man who came to rescue him and it’s the start of a weird relationship.

They have to combat a town split down two sides and the person trying to make Cane look crazy and dangerous. They both decide that it’s a one night stand, just one night of hot, dirty, hard sex and continue to try to convince themselves that is all it is.

This is a genuine funny book. At first, I thought it was all going to be dark and dour, but Cane and Matthew are two funny men, their humor, come-backs, snide remarks and just general attitudes had my lips twitching, it doesn’t take away from the danger though. The other characters added to the story and were really just as whacked out as Cane and Matthew.

I think some people may have difficulty with it as it does seem to go off in different directions when they talk but… well I was all right with it (‘cuz I do that myself a bit), so a word of advice if you find yourself lost, it’s not you it’s the characters, they are nuts.

So my honest opinion is … (well helps if you are a bit weird (or is that just me)) if you like your characters quirky and slightly off-beat, your men hot but weird and your story serious but funny then this is definitely for you.

 

 

Sam, the Man by Jude Mason

Title:  Sam, the Man

Author:  Jude Mason

Genre:  GLBT Contemporary BSDM

Length:  Novella

Publisher: Total-E Bound

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥3Hearts

Reviewer:  Pixie/Portia

When Gregg Jackson’s wife passes away after a prolonged illness, can the care giving, flamboyantly gay, Sam Nicholson, convince him that being a bad boy is a good thing?
Blurb: (From Total-E Bound Blogspot)
Sammy Nicholson’s day job done, he heads home. Sammy’s a flaming gay man who goes out of his way to show off his swishy walk and his penchant for wildly flamboyant clothing. In his free time, what there is of it, he volunteers for the local hospice foundation, which is where he meets Jean and Greg Jackson. Sparks fly between the two men, and while Sammy is reluctant to allow things to go too far, Greg needs comforting.Guilt and remorse may crush the love growing between them. Will Sammy be able to discover a way to win the luscious Greg over?We’ve never done this, but our opinions were so different, I thought it would be interesting to include both reviews.  Would love some feedback on either the dual review format and/or the individual reviews.  What’s your opinion. 

Pixie’s Review:   This is a lovely short story, Jean is dying from cancer and extract’s a promise from her hospice carer Sam to look after her husband when she is gone, she is happy in giving her blessing to Sam and Greg.

Greg struggles with his grief and guilt after she is gone and Sam has to help him break through so he can love again. Sam takes Greg through his own version of Sex Therapy hoping that Greg really does love him as much as he loves Greg.
I really thought I was going to cry during the first few pages as Jean asks Sam to look after Greg and as the book progressed I thought I was going to burn up… wow it’s hot. This isn’t a book about betrayal, Jean knows what’s going to happen and she approves. Its Greg’s own guilt and grief that hold them back and they have to work through it together.
This is a really good short, with D/s that’s hot and I heartily recommend it.

Portia’s Review:  Maybe I read the blurb wrong, but this book really disturbed me.  It was totally not what I was expecting.  There is more bondage…humiliation, than I would classify as mild.  But, that wasn’t the part that disturbed me.  I had a hard time with the fact that the men begin an affair before this woman’s body is even cold.  Regardless of the nature of their relationship, I would have expected more time after her death for Greg to grieve before moving on.

The writing is excellent and I wish that I could have enjoyed it more, but every time Sammy popped into a scene I kept thinking, what a sleaze.  It would have been a lot more enjoyable for me, if Greg had found healthy ways to deal with his grief before moving on.  Or maybe to been privy to more of his thoughts, the way we were able to eavesdrop on Sammy.

Loved the non-traditional pairing, and I guess I would recommend this book.  If for no other reason, to find out someone else’s opinion.

Blind Items by Kate McMurray

Title: Blind Items

Author: Kate McMurray

Genre:  GLBT Contemporary

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (July 28, 2011)

ISBN: 978-1613720684

Length: Novella

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3 1/2Hearts

Reviewer: Artemis

From the Publisher:  Columnist Drew Walsh made his career by publicly criticizing conservative, anti-gay politician Richard Granger. So when a rumor surfaces that Granger’s son Jonathan might be gay, Drew finds himself in the middle of a potential scandal. Under the guise of an interview about Jonathan’s new job teaching in an inner-city school, Drew’s job is to find out if the rumors are true. Drew’s best friend Rey is also Jonathan’s cousin, and he arranges the meeting between Jonathan and Drew that changes everything.

After just one interview, it’s obvious to Drew that the rumors are true, but he carefully neglects to mention that in his article. It’s also obvious that he’s falling for him and he can’t stay away after the article is published. Still, Jonathan is too afraid to step out of the closet, and Drew thinks the smartest thing might be to let him go—until Jonathan shows up drunk one night at his apartment. The slow burn of their attraction doesn’t fade with Jonathan’s buzz, but navigating a relationship is never easy—especially in the shadow of right-wing politics.

About the Author:  Kate McMurray is a nonfiction editor by day. Among other things, Kate is crafty (mostly knitting and sewing, but she also wields power tools), she plays the violin, she has an English degree, and she loves baseball. She lives in Brooklyn, NY. Visit her web site at http://www.katemcmurray.com.

My Review:  Drew is an out and proud writer for a very liberal, left wing newspaper. He covers just about anything that might be of interest to the gay community, especially the anti-gay rantings of right wing politician Richard Granger. When rumors surface that Granger’s son Jonathan may actually be gay, Drew is assigned the story. Even though after the meeting Drew is sure that Jonathan is gay, he can’t bring himself to out the poor guy and instead finds himself falling head over heels in love with him. Problem is, Drew isn’t willing to climb back into the closet!

From the beginning of the book I found myself not liking Jonathan very much. I found his insistence on not standing up to his father quite irritating, although I am sure this was part of the author’s plan! The book is written in the first person (Drew’s point of view) so you don’t really get to understand much of what is going through Jonathon’s head for most of the story. I think I would really like to understand him a little bit more!

I thought the relationship between Drew and his best (straight) friend Rey played a bit too much of a role in the story. Rey is a really nice guy and he goes back quite a ways in Drew’s life. He is also Jonathon’s cousin, which I thought was a bit too much of a coincidence to accept.

Kate McMurray’s writing style is stellar. The story flows smoothly and there are a number of very humorous moments and plenty of angst. There are several fairly hot sex scenes but they are well written and work into the story quite nicely.

While I liked Jonathan’s coming out at the end (I thought it really was quite romantic), I don’t think the story should have stopped there. I really wanted to learn more about how Jonathan’s father handled the situation and see how the relationship between Drew and Jonathan progressed. This could have easily been expanded to a full length novel and I think I would have given it a higher rating! I just felt like I was left hanging a bit!

 

Incoming Freshman by Carol Lynne

Title: Incoming Freshman

Series: Campus Cravings 13

Author: Carol Lynne

Genre: Gay MM/ Contemporary

Length: Novella

Publisher: Total E-Bound

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3 1/2Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb:  Three years ago, Chet Sloan left a promising job as Offensive Line Coach at the University of Arizona in an effort to put distance between himself and an Incoming Freshman. Bobby Ray Sikes first came to Chet’s attention as a high school sophomore when he took his small Arkansas town’s football team to a state championship. For two years Chet watched Bobby Ray Sikes play, knowing the boy was meant for greatness. When he recognized his feelings had grown from adoration to something more, Chet ran. In an effort to save his career and Bobby Ray Sikes’s chance to one day go professional, Chet took a job at North Central Idaho University.

For three years, Bobby Ray Sikes played for a team he hated. Not only was he expected to act like the rest of the guys on the team, but the one man he’d agreed to play for had left him high and dry. After reading an article on BK House, a privately funded all-gay dormitory, in OUT magazine, he decides to do the unthinkable and transfer colleges his senior year.

Most coaches would be thrilled to learn a two-time All American was transferring in to play ball for their team, but Chet’s feelings for Bobby Ray Sikes haven’t changed. Will he be forced to run again or can he coach the man he loves?

Review:  It’s been nearly 3 years since we last saw the boys from Campus Cravings and I have to say Carol Lynne hasn’t let us down with the story which re-starts the series.

Bobby Ray Sikes knows what he wants for his future and it includes Chet Sloan in his bed and his heart. Chet thinks he knows what Bobby wants and what he needs and that’s Football. Bobby tries to make Chet understand that there is more to his life than football and he doesn’t want to go pro. Chet only wants what is right for Bobby and tries to keep his feelings to himself.

Even though these two say they love each other it’s been 3 years since they last saw each other so they don’t really know the men they are now, so they have to get to know one another again, another happy ending for the Campus boys?

There was one thing that puzzled me though… early in the book it say’s Chet’s starting to lose his hair at the age of thirty-two but later he says he’s fourteen years older than Bobby, but Bobby is twenty-two?? So is he thirty-two or thirty-six?? Anybody with an answer please leave a post.

I think anyone who’s read and liked the previous books in the series will like this one as well as it follows in the same vein, so thumbs up from me.

 

 

 

Between Sinners and Saints by Marie Sexton

Title: Between Sinners and Saints

Author: Marie Sexton

Genre: Gay / Contemporary

Length: Novel

Publisher: Amber Quill Press (Amber Allure)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb:  Levi Binder is a Miami bartender who cares about only two things: sex and surfing. Ostracized by his Mormon family for his homosexuality, Levi is determined to live his life his own way, but everything changes when he meets massage therapist Jaime Marshall.

Jaime is used to being alone. Haunted by the horrors of his past, his only friend is his faithful dog, Dolly. He has no idea how to handle somebody as gorgeous and vibrant as Levi.

Complete opposites on the surface, Levi and Jaime both long for something that they can only find together. Through love and the therapeutic power of touch, they’ll find a way to heal each other, and they’ll learn to live as sinners in a family of saints

Review: This has got to be one of the sweetest romances that I have ever read. Levi Binder wants nothing more than complete acceptance of his family but when he doesn’t get it, well, he might as well live up to his sin. Jaime Marshall lives in near seclusion until Levi burst’s into his life, after he reject’s Levi’s advances they become good friends.

This is an incredibly written story which will hold you in its grip as you join these men on their friendship and their struggles. The longing that Levi has for Jaime is poignant; the way these friends interact is wonderful. Levi knows that Jaime has something traumatic in his past and tries to help him any way he can, while being patient and hoping for more. Jaime fights his way through his fear just to have Levi as a friend and he doesn’t know if he will ever be ready for anything more.

The description of both these men’s feelings whether it was happy, sad, fearful or angry is wonderful, Levi’s family is quite involved in this story and I found how Marie Sexton handled the religion and homosexuality view to be inspiring.

This is a true wonderful loving romance and I would recommend it to everyone.

 

 

The Incident by Xavier Axelson

Title:  The Incident

Author:  Xavier Axelson

Genre:  GLBT Contemporary

Publisher:  Seventh Window Publication

Length:  Novella

Heat Rating:  Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer:  Portia

Blurb:  In the line of duty, decisions that will change your life forever are made in a split-second. Nobody knows that better than Officer Michael Carmac, whose fatal split-second decision haunts his days. Tormented by guilt, Michael seeks solace in a bottle and the friendship he has with his partner, Officer Bertram Angel. But the more he leans on Angel for support, the more Michael discovers a longing that he’s kept hidden for too long. Can Angel help ease the pain of guilt or will Michael’s hidden desires be the end of their friendship?

Review:  When I first went to rate this I scored it kinda low.  But, that didn’t feel right.  It’s been a while since a book had me as twisted up as this one.  It wasn’t until I stopped trying to make The Incident a love story, could I truly appreciate its literary value.

Sure, there is a romantic sub-plot, but this is the story of Michael’s road of discovery and recovery.  Angel is just a piece of the puzzle.  The Incident shakes Michael on a core level.  He is a true Alpha personality and mistakes are something that other people commit.  I love the way Axelson doesn’t sugarcoat the harsh reality of post-traumatic depression and recovery.  Loving Angel might have given him the strength to make healthy choices, but Michael had to want his healing for himself as much as for his lover.  I also really appreciated the fact that the road to happily ever after included more than just some “love conquers all” bullsh*t.

This story is not for the faint of heart.  It’s raw and dirty, yet absolutely beautiful.  I highly recommend adding this to your library.

 

Life, Love and Lemon Cookies by Ally Blue

Title:  Life, Love and Lemon Cookies

Sequel toLove’s Evolution

Author:  Ally Blue

Genre:  GLBT Contemporary

Publisher:  Samhain Publishing (August 16th, 2011)

Length: Novella

Heat Level:  Hot

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer:  Portia

Blurb:  When life hands you lemons…make cookies.

A Love’s Evolution Story

Chris Tucker’s perfect life has just gone up in smoke. The fire that destroyed the best restaurant in Asheville took his head-chef dream job along with it—and the owner is walking away. Sure, Chris still has his beautiful home and blissful marriage to his soul mate, Matt Gallagher. But for the first time in his working life, he’s unemployed and spiraling into depression.

Matt’s trying hard to be supportive, but it’s tough when every time he tries to get Chris to open up, the man shuts down tighter than a live clam. Maybe it’s best to hide his hurt and back off. Yet as Chris’s fruitless search for work wears on, Matt begins to wonder if his lover will ever come around.

As the tension between them reaches breaking point, Chris faces the fact that it could be the end of an era for him and Matt. Unless one sweet idea can turn his mounting troubles into a fresh-cut path back to the arms of the one man who makes him whole.

Warning: This book contains gay sex, lots of angst, occasional smartassedness, and an abundance of cookies. Ally Blue and Samhain Publishing will not be held responsible for any resulting food-porn habit.

Review:  I enjoyed this book.  That’s not to say that there were multiple passages where I wanted to say…really?  Chris and Matt’s story started six years ago with Love’s Evolution.  The passing years have not dimmed their passion one iota.  Which makes it really sad when Chris keeps pushing Matt away.  I understand about needing space to collect your thoughts, but come on.  Six years and a handfasting later, you would have thought Chris would have made better choices.

This is a pretty short read and there’s  a bit of really steamy sex…quite a bit.  For a very sweet love story, fabulous make up sex and a happily ever after, I highly recommend this book.

Oh, and there’s a really great recipe included. 😉

Hooked by Sara Winters

TitleHooked

Author:  Sara Winters

Genre: GLBT Contemporary

Length:  Novel

Publisher:  Ravenous Romance

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥3Hearts

Reviewer:  Astrid

Blurb:  Carlos Valendez has everything under control: his boxing career, his academic life and the string of men who never manage to encourage more than a passing interest. When his friend Michael Dywer moves into his dorm room, he never imagines how easily it could all change.

Michael is a distraction. A sexy, bewildering temptation who entices Carlos with the briefest of looks but refuses to act on, or even acknowledge, the tension between them. When Michael hints that his fantasies have the potential to be more, Carlos finds his priorities shifting to accommodate the unexpected complications of exploring a relationship he never knew he wanted and can’t easily control…

Review:  I’ve always enjoyed the “not so straight guy” stories. And Hooked is an example of good story with a nice range of emotion, conflict and character development.

Carlos is buried under with commitments – junior year in college, brutal training schedule for his boxing and an unrelenting crush on his dorm mate Michael. Can anyone say pressure cooker? Michael, the not so straight guy, is in a long-term relationship and there doesn’t seem to be any doubt of his straight guy status… until there is… doubt.

Once they realize that the attraction goes both ways you expect it to develop quickly but it actually became more emotionally fraught for Carlos. I had trouble accepting that Michael would see Carlos behind the girlfriends back. It just seemed dishonorable for a guy who holds himself back emotionally from Carlos until he can trust his commitment.

There are some parts where I had difficulty deciphering between Carlos’ fantasies and reality. But one thing that was crystal clear is that not everything was going to magically be rectified. Between the insightful dialogue and the internal mutterings of conscience the characters are realistic, honest and believable.

 

Moonlight Becomes You by Piper Vaughn and M. J. O'Shea

Title: Moonlight Becomes You

Series: Lucky Moon 01

Author: Piper Vaughn & M.J. O’Shea

Genre: LGBT Contemporary

Length: Novella

Publisher: Loose Id

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥ 4 1/2Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

You can also download More Than Moonlight a collection of FREE short stories a prequel to this series at http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-morethanmoonlight-578423-145.html

Blurb:  Eleven years ago Shane Ventura made the biggest mistake of his life when he caved in to pressure from his record label to kick his best friend Jesse Seider out of their band, Luck. Though he had a gorgeous voice, Jesse wasn’t beautiful, and didn’t fit the label’s ideal look. But Shane’s never wanted anyone else more, and all the sex and alcohol in the world can’t fill the void Jesse left behind.

As his thirty-second birthday approaches, Shane feels more miserable than ever. Even the prospect of teaming up with Britain’s hottest band, Moonlight, for an epic world tour can’t get him out of his depressive funk. Until he meets lead singer, Kayden Berlin, and falls into instant lust.

Though Kayden acts like he’s not interested, Shane knows he feels the spark between them. But the harder Shane pushes, the more Kayden pulls away. Then one explosive night things finally come to a head and Shane is left nursing a broken heart. That seems to be Shane’s lot–lucky at everything but love, the one thing that matters most. But there’s a lesson Shane still hasn’t learned: when it comes to love, you can’t always leave things to chance.

Review:  This book was great, it has rock and roll, sex, betrayal, a little bit of *******… (I am soooo not telling you), heart break and forgiveness.

I loved all the characters (well except for Nicky, Shane’s brother). Shane made the biggest mistake of his life when he betrayed his best friend and lover Jesse and he has regretted it ever since.   Now he mets someone that he wants even more than he wanted Jesse, Kayden, but Kayden doesn’t want anything to do with Shane.

You feel Shane’s frustration and bewilderment from the first time he meets Kayden.  You also see Kayden making his dislike of Shane and his brother well known.   Shane tries his best to get on Kayden’s good side but whenever he seems to make a breakthrough, Kayden always reverts back to disdain. Can he ever break through Kayden’s walls?  And what about Jesse? Shane still has dreams about him and there are flashbacks to his life with Jesse.

Well, what can I say but… wow way to get your *******. It’s blistering hot, sad, forgiving and heartfelt. It’s a great read that will have you chuckling, smiling and hopeful. A definite feel- good happily ever after.

 

 

When Memory Fails by D. W. Marchwell

Title: When Memory Fails

Sequel to:  Falling by D. W. Marchwell        

Author: D.W. Marchwell

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥ 4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb:  It’s been two years since Hank Ballam and Scott Alan fell in love, moved in together, and started building their life. Hank has kept his promise to his boss—and Scott’s brother—Brian, proving he can be both his adrenaline-seeking self and a good worker. While Hank enjoys being Brian’s right-hand man, nothing gives him more pleasure than going home to Scott every night. But then a major announcement gets Hank thinking about the family he left behind, and he wonders if there is any hope of including them in his new life with Scott.

Seeing Hank’s turmoil, Scott quietly reaches out to his lover’s family—without telling Hank. Scott is overjoyed when Hank’s sister seems receptive, but the reunion doesn’t go as planned, leaving Scott to wonder if he’s unleashed a series of events that might take Hank from him forever.

Review:  This is a beautifully written story which is about Hank and Scott and is two years after the end of Falling. When they receive happy news it gets Hank thinking about his own family and how he wants to reconnect but doesn’t think they will approve of Scott, Scott knows that Hank has been thinking more and more about his own family and decides to do something about it. What we see after that is that their love is deeper and stronger than ever before, that they will never let each other down and that they will always put the other first no matter what.

The sex scenes are loving, intense and experimental; these two men really know how to burn up the sheets. There is happiness, there is sadness, there are doubts but most of all there is love.

So I think this story has a bit of everything in it to make it worth your while to read and most of all it has a Happy Ever After.

 

 

 

Lorcan's Desire by SJD Peterson

Title: Lorcan’s Desire

Series: Whispering Pines Ranch 01

Author: S.J.D. Peterson

Genre: Western

Length: Novel

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (May 30, 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb:  Despite the loving support of his family, Lorcan James wants to try life on his own, so at twenty-one, he finds himself walking half way across the country in search of adventure. What he finds is desperation, desperation that leads him straight to the Whispering Pines Ranch and right into the path of its strong, arrogant, gorgeous owner, who awakens something in Lorcan he didn’t even know, existed.

Quinn Taylor is up to his neck in grief and frustration dealing with a neighboring rancher who wants nothing more than to see him go belly-up. He doesn’t need more complications, but from the moment he lays eyes on Lorcan, his world turns upside down. Despite finding in Quinn what his heart craves, Lorcan refuses to be Quinn’s dirty little secret—and Quinn isn’t the only one vying for Lorcan’s attention. Ranch hand Jess will happily declare his love for Lorcan to the world, something Quinn won’t offer—something Lorcan needs above all else.

Review:  Now don’t fall over in shock, but I had no choice but to give this book a 5 heart rating. Yes, I know, I’m more of a 4 heart rating kinda girl, but what can I say, this book is brilliant and the author is evil for the way we have been left hanging and panting for the next book.

I am not giving anything away about this book because you have to experience it for yourself but this I will tell you; we get to know the characters well, we end up loving and hating them and wishing they were real so we can shout at them and tell them to pull their heads out of their butt’s. And I mean the three main characters here; the supporting characters are lovable and sweet.

You end up nodding your head in understanding, shaking your head in bewilderment and muttering to yourself about stupid men who just don’t talk. The sex scenes are hot, the frustration and disappointment feel real and the heartbreak is touching, this book does not end how you want it to (no matter how you beg and plead it to), which is why I am waiting with hope for the sequel. I actually want to do a Kathy Bates (for those of you who haven’t heard of her read Misery by Stephen King) and make this author write at least 5,000 pages more, but I suppose I will have to wait just like everyone else for books 2 & 3. Just don’t make me wait too long… Bwahaha Mwahaha. (Sorry that just slipped out. Lol)

So what would I recommend…? Get the book, read it, and then hang there for ages waiting for the next one. (Yeah ‘cuz I have to (boo hoo)) Buy the book and wait for the other books to be released. (Wish I had that option) but whichever one you decide to do I will always recommend that you buy this book ‘cuz it is BRILLIANT.

 

 

 

Come Unto These Yellow Sands by Josh Lanyon

Title: Come Unto These Yellow Sands

Author: Josh Lanyon

Genre: Romantic Suspense/Mystery, Gay Contemporary

Length: Novel

Publisher: Samhain Publishing

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb:  Sometimes the adventure chooses you.

Lover of fine poetry and lousy choose-your-own-adventure novels, Professor Sebastian Swift was once the bad-boy darling of the literati. The only lines he does these days are Browning, Frost and Cummings. Even his relationship with the hot, handsome Wolfe Neck Police Chief Max Prescott is healthy.

When one of his most talented students comes to him bruised and begging for help, Swift hands over the keys to his Orson Island cabin—only to find out that the boy’s father is dead and the police are suspicious. In an instant, the stable life Swift has built for himself hangs on finding the boy and convincing him to give himself up before Max figures out Swift’s involvement in the case.

Max enjoys splitting an infinitive or two with his favorite nutty professor, but he’s not much for sonnets or Shakespeare. He likes being lied to even less. Yet his instincts—and his heart—tell him his lover is being played. Max can forgive lies and deception, but a dangerous enemy may not stop until Swift is heading up his own dead poets society.

Warning: The Surgeon General has determined that Josh Lanyon’s smart, sexy, sophisticated stories may prove hazardous to your heart.

Review:  This is a great suspense/mystery that keeps you on your toes. Swift somehow manages to find himself in grave danger, just by helping a kid out. Max is furious that Swift helped out his murder suspect and is soooo not happy that he seems to keep holding things back.

From Swift’s musing’s I took a dislike to Max but as the book developed I realized my mistake and it was because Swift seemed to live in his own little world and didn’t notice anything but himself really, So it wasn’t so much as Max holding the relationship back, it was neither of them communicating and just letting things slide. The description of Swift’s battle with his addiction was poignant and his finally seeming to need Max made me smile as Max seemed very eager to help.

The Mystery is great and you really can’t see where it’s going until near the end, and you really do wonder how on earth did a Professor of Literature seemed to fall right into the middle of it all.

So all in all a cracking good read and you’d be insane to miss it.

 

 

 

Feet of Clay by Amanda Steiger

Title: Feet of Clay

Author: Amanda Steiger

Genre: Gay Romance/ Contemporary

Length: Novella

Publisher: Torquere Press

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb:  When Galvin Cloud — a shy young magazine writer — is unexpectedly offered a chance to interview his favorite author, he ought to be delighted. Instead, he’s terrified. Galvin has always idolized Spike Radcliff, but the idea of actually meeting him face to face is overwhelming…and despite the sensitivity of his prose, Spike has a reputation for being a surly, reclusive misanthrope. Galvin knows he can’t pass up this rare chance.

After a disastrous attempt at an interview, Spike surprises Galvin by offering him a job as his assistant. As they spend more time together, Galvin discovers that beneath the harsh exterior is a complex, broken man…one he’s quickly falling in love with.

Review:  This book is not a happy light read; it’s slightly dark and angsty.  Gavin and Spike have both got tragedies’ in their past that still affect them but in different ways.  They both suffer from feelings of guilt, both believing that if only they had done something different then the tragedies would never have happened.

These two men come together and they seem to relate to each other as though only the other can help them become whole again.

It is nice to see these two broken souls meet and embark on a journey together to heal; this would be suitable for those who like slightly dark and angsty with a slight touch of D/s.

 

 

 

Exposure by Elizabeth Lister

Title:  Exposure

Author:  Elizabeth Lister

Length:  Novella

Publisher:  MLR Press

Genre:  Erotic Romance

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts

Reviewer:  Portia

Blurb:  When 23 year-old Jeremy Trask wanders into Martin Lewis’ photography studio one bleak October day and requests photos for a modeling portfolio, neither man is prepared for the immediate and intense attraction between them. What follows is a series of progressively intimate encounters that leads them on a scintillating erotic journey together. But Jeremy has a secret. Will his revelation destroy the burgeoning intimacy between them? Or will Martin rise to the challenge of loving a ‘less than perfect’ man?

Review:  Exposure is the debut offering of Elizabeth Lister.  I’m not going to lie…this book surprised the hell out of me.  I was expecting to find many of the mistakes that new writers make.  I was surprised with the maturity that Ms. Lister brought to the party.   The sexual chemistry between Martin and Jeremy burn hard and fast from the beginning.  There is no lengthy “get to know your mind” period for these two.  What I expected was more of the steamy porn on paper where this book begins.

But, this book was so much more than just exquisitely written sex scenes.  I don’t want to give away the meat of the book, but I loved the way Ms. Lister developed both of her main characters.  The crisis that drops into their budding relationship, had the power to destroy it, before it had a chance develop fully.  As a former healthcare worker, I assure you the medical aspects this book, especially the emotional reactions were spot on.

Ms. Lister is definitely one to watch.  There are portions of this book that qualify as literary orgasms.  Hot. Hot. Hawt.  But, there is enough angst to make you want to go back and reread it, the moment you are done.

 

Muffled Drum by Erastes

Title: Muffled Drum

Author: Erastes

Genre: Historical Romance

Length: 187pgs – 43,000w

Publisher: Carina Press

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 1/2

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Bohemia, 1866

They met in a port-side tavern, their lust-filled moments stolen from days of marching and madness. After eighteen months, Captain Rudolph von Ratzlaff and First Lieutenant Mathias Hofmann have decided to run away from everything they hold dear. Resigning their commissions is social suicide, but there’s no other choice. Someone will eventually see Rudolph’s partiality toward Mathias.

Now their plans have gone horribly awry… When Mathias goes to Rudolph’s tent after their last battle, his lover looks at him without a hint of recognition. Mathias can hardly believe the man he knew is gone. He wants to fill in so many of Rudolph’s missing memories, but the doctor says a shock could result in permanent damage. The pain of seeing Rudolph on a daily basis, when Rudolph doesn’t remember their love, is excruciating. Now Mathias must decide whether he wants to fight for the man he loves or forget him completely…

Review:  This is a devastatingly touching story and it was a privilege to read it.

Mathias and Rudolph make a great couple and plan to leave everything behind to start a new life together but during their last battle before they resign they are both injured in battle, Mathias gets bandaged up and then resigns excited to start a new life with the man he loves. Rudolph doesn’t recognize the young First Lieutenant who comes to his tent and then accompanies him on his journey back to Berlin.

I have got to say I don’t think I have felt such sympathetic pain before when reading a book; this book took my breath away. I can’t imagine anything that is as emotionally painful as having your lover completely forgetting you and thinking they love someone else.   Oh yes, I can, having it happen to you and then seeing them with that person and believing you were just a convenience.

This book is beautifully written, you just can’t see how this will work out for Mathias, and he now has doubts about Rudolph. He can’t see any way forward. Rudolph keeps having flashbacks that include Mathias but they can’t be true, can they?

It is a poignant, incredible historical.   All I can recommend is… you have GOT to read this book.

 

Catching Mr. Right

Title: Catching Mr. Right

Series: Dangerous Lovers 01

Author: Amber Kell

Genre: Gay MM/ Contemporary

Length: Novella

Publisher: Total E-Bound Publishing

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb:  Sometimes the perfect man is the one determined to give you away.  Tucker Right has loved Norman Wells since the first day they met, but the mercenary believes the beautiful scientist needs a gentler soul to care for him.

Determined to find his friend the perfect man, Tucker is astonished to learn Norm has no intention of being set up.

When the mob targets Norm for his scientific breakthroughs Tucker has to step up and claim the man who had every intention of Catching Mr. Right.

Review:  OK, so I have to admit to being a HUGE Amber Kell fan and yes I am one of the ones who follow her blog daily so I can read snippets of her future story’s and her blog story’s.  So, as a huge fan, can I be objective?? Well, lucky for me, I don’t have to find out, ‘cuz just like her other books this is a hit.

Norman Wells is a genius scientist who could rule the world if he were so inclined (lucky for us he is nice and not evil). Tucker Right owns his own security company and will do anything for Norm, even find him a man. Tucker loves Norm but believes he has too much blood on his hands for the sexy scientist, believing he needs someone who is gentle and nice. Norm wants Tucker but thinks that Tucker doesn’t want him.

When the mob target Norm and Tucker we find out which of them is scarier (hint it’s not Tucker). I truly found this chuckle worthy and loved the interaction between Norm and Tucker, and you can nearly here Tucker grinding his teeth when he hears how well the date he set up for Norm went.

This story is well written, all the characters fit well and the story line is very good. So if you want a story with a bit of sweet love, hot sex, a few chuckles and a happy ending then this is it.

 

 

 

Blood and Tears by Ethan Stone

Title: Blood and Tears

Series: Flesh 03

Author: Ethan Stone

Genre: Mystery/Suspense

Length: Novel

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb:  The last thing Gabe Vargas wants to do after losing his girlfriend and nearly dying is leave his young son. But that’s exactly what FBI Agent Drew Bradley is asking him to do. According to Drew, the only way to protect Gabe and find the killer is to fake Gabe’s death.

With an already established adversarial relationship, protecting a firebrand like Gabe isn’t exactly a picnic for Drew either. But when Drew lets his guard down, his feelings of desire for Gabe leave him confused. Before the crime can be solved, Drew will have to risk more than his job. He’ll have to risk his heart.

Review:  Wow! Ethan Stone you have done it again!! You have brought us yet another incredible suspense/mystery.

We start this one with Gabe in hospital after being nearly killed in an attack that saw Violet brutally murdered.  Gabe has to go into hiding with the FBI agent that he blames for the death of Casey (his male lover), Agent Drew Bradley.  As these two spend time together their feelings change into attraction.  Drew is horrified because even though he has nothing against gays he himself cannot be gay.  Gabe is determined to see what can happen between them, while Drew denies the attraction.

I wasn’t sure how I felt at first about Drew going from very straight to being gay but this author handled it brilliantly, you can feel Drew’s confusion and guilt over feeling something for a man especially when he was *taught* that it is a sin (insert *screamed at*) and the struggle as he works through what he is comfortable doing with Gabe.

Gabe is brilliant as he works through his guilt over Violet’s death and his attraction to Drew; he is also an incredible father to Victor balancing what he feels for Drew and what Victor needs. The suspense is thrilling and gripping, just who did attack Gabe and Violet and why. We also see Cristian Flesh and Colby Maddox return, as ghosts from the past emerge and try to destroy both Cristian and Gabe.  

If you like Brilliant, Gripping, Suspense, Mystery, Brainwashing and Hot man on man sex this is definitely the book for you.