Blurb: Dageus is a demon warrior sworn to protect his Prince even if it means sacrificing his past. Even without his memories, ice blue eyes and hard male touches haunt his fantasies. Despite his disturbing desires, Dageus has more important things to worry about when his prince and fellow warriors travel from Demontia to Earth to escape the assassins hot on their trail.
After years of searching for his lost lover, Kalel, Master Vampire Alexander never expects to find him walking through the doors of his theater. But Kalel is no longer the same young dancer Alex remembers. Kalel is now a Ravyn warrior with a new name and no memory of their love.
When Dageus finds himself face-to-face with the man of his dreams, he can no longer deny the desires that have driven him in the years since becoming a Ravyn. He must learn to balance love and duty in order to find happiness in a world full of killers, vampires, and dances that are hot enough to scorch the sun.
Review: This is a first published work for this author and I am excited to say that it is really good. Dageus is haunted by sparkling blue eyes and a hard body, he is also haunted by the fact that he desires men; he tries to suppress both hauntings by ignoring them and protect his prince. Alex longs for his lost lover and is shocked and delighted when he spots Kalel in the VIP balcony but then upset when he realizes that Kalel can remember nothing of the past.
This is a brilliant storyline and plot, the writing is smooth and flows well and the characters are incredible. We get to know all of them well and there is some great world-building between the demon realm and Earth. This is a story that makes you love and hate these characters because as you are drawn into the story, you are conflicted on how to feel about the supporting characters. You are pulled back and forth between loving them, because they are great, and hating them because of what they do to Dageus. These are the characters that you know that there will be future books about (I can’t wait).
You feel sorry for Dageus/Kalel as the past is revealed and his story unfolds, the emotions between him and Alex are incredible and as they get everything sorted out you root for them. The sex between them is wow! Believe me it’s really hot and sensual and definitely passionate and they are soooo romantic when they first meet up after six years apart.
So I recommend this to those who love danger, vampires, demons, hot passionate sex, a great story and a happy ever after that touches you.
Lieutenant Conrad Herriot and Seaman Tom Cotton have been master and servant for over a decade and friends for almost as long. When Tom is injured during a skirmish, Conrad forgets himself and rushes to Tom’s side, arousing suspicion about the true nature of their relationship.
All Tom wants is the chance to consummate their love and embark on a new life together, outside the law that condemns them. Yet he fears Conrad won’t risk his career and his honor to become Tom’s lover.
Conrad believes his lust for Tom will damn his soul. There’s also their difference in class—a gentleman doesn’t socialize with a common tar. As Conrad struggles to refute the gossip on the ship, he must decide whether to commit the crime the crew’s already convicted them of, or part from Tom for good to save both their necks…
Reviewer: Portia
Review: I have come to the unfortunate conclusion that I am not a fan of the historically accurate historical gay romance. Sure, Ms. Beecroft has woven a fabulous action filled plot around two beautifully crafted characters, but my poor heart just can’t take the constant danger of discovery that was the norm for this age.
If I had a lick of sense, I would have deleted this book from my Kindle and moved on. Unfortunately, the need to watch these two men fall in love was too strong a draw. I had to know if Conrad was strong enough to defy everything he’d ever been taught to be with the man he is finally able to admit he loves. Needing to know if Tom had what it took to deal with being the male lover of an Admiral’s son was enough to keep me reading.
This was my first Alex Beecroft read and I’m sure it won’t be my last. Guess I’ll just have to make an appointment with my primary doctor to insure my poor heart can stand anymore stories like this. It was fast-paced, well plotted, and historically accurate and is highly recommended.
Blurb: Kyle has worked hard at being the invisible student, toiling through high school in the middle of Nowhere, Texas. Brad is the baseball star at Foster High. Both boys are damaged in ways that the rest of the world can’t see. When they bond over a night of history tutoring, Kyle thinks that maybe his life has taken a turn for the not-so-lonely.
He finds out quickly that the promise of fairy-tale love is a lie when you’re gay and falling for one of the most popular boys in school, and if being different is a sin in high school, then being gay is the biggest sin of all. Now Kyle and Brad need to come to an understanding amidst the scrutiny of their peers or their fledgling relationship will crash and burn before it ever gets off the ground.
1st Edition published as a short story under the same title by Dreamspinner Press.
Review: Kyle has made himself as invisible as he can at school. he does everything he can not to draw attention to himself, until the fateful day Brad steps into his path. Brad needs help with his history midterm and he’s been told that Kyle can help him. by the end of the tutoring Brad wants something more.
This is an incredibly in-depth touching coming of age, coming out story. The story is from Kyle’s POV and there is an incredible amount of description and emotion from this seventeen year old boy, that you actually get a fantastic in-sight into what it must be like for an intelligent, socially awkward, lonely, physically abused boy who has an alcoholic for a mother and who is gay. In less than a week Kyle’s world changes as he gets to know Brad and they share a secret and an understanding of how that secret affects them inside. The hopes and dreams that seem to be shattered one by one as his faith in Brad is tested and Brad keeps failing.
This story is well written and I loved Kyle because he doesn’t try to be something he’s not. Yes, he hides behind his cloak of anonymity, he doesn’t talk to people, he doesn’t look at them, he ignores them and he drifts through school like that every day, but he doesn’t pretend to be something he’s not. Whilst Brad lives up to being the golden boy and it causes conflict between the two… Go Kyle!!!
I will recommend this to everyone as it is a great coming of age story with conflict that reminds you of your school days and your own struggles, and because sometimes the little guy wins.
Blurb: A serial killer targeting gay men results in four men’s lives intertwining–Devin and Gary, ex-lovers–Vanni, gay-club habitué–and Hollis, the case detective. Can they stop the killer, finding love in the process? Or will tragedy destroy their connection?
A cannibalistic serial killer targeting gay men is on the loose.
Devin, who has become increasingly erratic in the last two months, just split up with Gary, his lover of three years. Vanni, a habitué of the gay clubs, makes extra spending money on his knees in the club johns. Is one of these men the killer? Or will one of them instead become the killer’s next target?
Detective Hollis Robbins is in charge of the case. He intends to stop the killer, if he can.
When the killer strikes again, the four men’s lives intertwine as the search for the murderer intensifies. Will the attraction that two of them begin to feel for each other survive the hunt? Do they have the strength to continue on after tragedy strikes and teaches them that love can be bittersweet?
CONTENT ADVISORY: This title involves a “happily for now” conclusion.
Reviewer: Enigma
Review: This was an absolutely fabulous read. It starts by following three gay men who awaken after a night of clubbing not being able to remember details of their night befores. Intermingled is a police investigation, where gay men are turning up dead. It was very Agatha Christie and I loved it. I HAD to move to the next chapter to see who might have gone missing next.
In my mind, this book could be divided into three parts. Unfortunately, I can’t put labels on those parts or I’d have to give away the whole story. Suffice it to say, Edward Kendrick has penned a tale that is equal parts romance and suspense. There is grittiness in this book that I think he was going for in some of his other work but didn’t quite achieve.
I’d also like to note that I really appreciated the inclusion of an HIV positive character, albeit one of the secondary characters. Don’t worry, the guy doesn’t die or anything, but it was nice to see an author addressing the issue without getting all angsty.
I will say this: The Beast Within is not a quick paranormal read. There are no sexy werewolves or shifters coming to save the day. The Beast could dwell in anyone.
If you are up for a well-written tale of intrigue, broken men coming to terms with life and death and more than one beautiful love story…this is a definite must read.
Chat with Edward Kendrick
Edward and I had an opportunity to chat over the weekend. Below is the cleaned up version. Please leave a comment about The Beast Within or any of Edward’s books. He’d love to hear from you and is giving away a free copy of The Beast Within to one lucky commenter…might as well be you. 😉
Portia de Moncur Anyway, (actually questioned omitted to not give away plot)? How could you do it? Not the normal happenings for your stand MM romance novel.
Edward Kendrick Humm. Because it had to happen?
For the drama? Because it felt right for the story? I’m a pantser when I write. It just…happened.
Portia de Moncur I neared to have a heart attack and almost threw my Kindle. I think I’ve read all but one of your books. Is it me, or did you lean more towards suspense with this one? I have to admit the first third of the book had me on pins and needles.
Edward Kendrick I like writing suspense/mysteries. *smile* and no throwing Kindles. It tends to damage them *G*
Portia de Moncur Did you mean to have so little sex? I seem to remember you being pretty good with a love scene.
Edward Kendrick For me this was more about the relationships than the sex per se. And about the suspense too…
Portia de Moncur I loved the whole book and gave it a top review (to be published later this afternoon.) I liked the fact that the romance just kinda evolved along with the mystery. Which character popped into your head first?
Edward Kendrick Thank you….Now that’s a good question as to who was first. In my head it began as a mystery and evolved into being Vanni’s story somewhere along the line. The three club men were the beginning, as in ‘who done it or who might be a victim’. Then there had to be the cop of course. But the more I wrote of Vanni, the more I saw him as the central character because he was ‘angsty’ for lack of a better word.
Portia de Moncur My only complaint would be that you didn’t really address Vanni’s tricking. It’s not like he needed the money.
Portia de Moncur I think I liked Beast because it was different. Do you find MM romance churning out lots of sameness…or is it just me?
Edward Kendrick What I find is there seems to be an emphasis on ‘it’s not good if it doesn’t have lots of sex’ in the minds of some people. So I think, and it could be just me, that sex is thrown in so a book will sell. Which makes for ‘sameness’. And honestly at this point I don’t read too many, primarily because I don’t want to be influenced by them. If that makes sense?
Portia de Moncur That makes a lot of sense. I write erotica and love steamy romance, but I also like stories that have more of a build up to the “good stuff”. I particularly take offense to the books that make all gay men seem like bed hoppers.
Edward Kendrick I have one coming out in January from Silver. It’s my first stab at fantasy. It’s M/M too, titled ‘Mage of Silence’; Action, adventure, etc, etc.
Portia de Moncur Man you are really churning them out. And I for one love watching you grow as an artist.
Edward Kendrick Oh boy. Good question. The inability to understand the other person and where they’re coming from. The inability to say what you’re really feeling. The inability to be honest with yourself and others. And of course the craziness in the killer.
Portia de Moncur Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with me today. I’m not just blowing smoke when I say I really enjoy your work. As an aspiring writer, I take courage in the fact that publishing houses will take a chance of writers who push the boundaries of the known literary universe.
Edward Kendrick Thank you very much for having me, and for the compliment. As for publishing houses, I was very lucky to find Silver because I think they’re excellent at doing that.
Edward Kendrick LMAO. I will. And you do a very good interview. Not the usual ‘how did you get started’ kind. I like. Again, thank you so much. It was fun.
Blurb: Reckless, flamboyant Keigo is bisexual. Blunt, aloof Masaki is straight. Their conflicting personalities make them unlikely friends, but after some careful maneuvering on Keigo’s part and one strawberry-flavored kiss, Masaki gives more of himself to Keigo than he ever thought possible. More than he’s willing to share with his girlfriend. But Masaki’s fear of commitment threatens to shake their rocky relationship to pieces.
Keigo’s new feelings for Masaki are confusing enough even before his on-again, off-again lover, Kaname, blows back into town. Kaname is a manipulative beast, demanding Keigo’s undying fidelity in return for his cruelty, and Keigo’s fragile relationship with Masaki cracks under the weight of his presence. If Keigo really wants to build a life with Masaki, he’ll have to discover the strength to free himself of Kaname and convince Masaki to be with him forever.
Warning: Some readers may find some of the content offensive e.g. Abuse, rape and violence.
Review: Masaki is a bad boy always in getting into fights. He is brash and plain-spoken. When Keigo starts hanging around him he is brash, tries to ignore him and tries to drive him away when that fails he begrudgingly accepts him as a friend. Keigo noticed Masaki some months ago and finally found the courage to approach Masaki as he gets to know him more his feelings develop until he can’t resist making a play for him.
This is a very good story that at times makes you cringe when you see the way that Kaname treats Keigo. Keigo learns that he deserves more than what he has received at the hands of Kaname when he thinks about his relationship with Masaki and how Masaki treats him even when they are just friends. Masaki panics when he realizes that he feels a lot for Keigo and reacts by lashing out. Masaki doesn’t like to let people close as he feels like his father deserted him and his mother and then his mother died as well, he also had a difficult childhood because he was always bullied.
I enjoyed this book as it was angsty and is a gay for you, the storyline was good and the emotions and reactions of the two MCs were good. I really liked Keigo and his bravery in standing up to Kaname even though he is still stuck in that situation. Masaki’s description of the relationship between Keigo and Kaname was spot on. I will admit that you don’t always like these two main characters as sometimes Keigo comes across as spineless and weak (you want to smack him and tell him to grow a pair) and Masaki comes across as a heartless b*****d (you want to bang his head against a wall).
I will recommend this to those who like yaoi, hot sex, angst, conflict and an eventual HEA.
Blurb: Joshua Becket enjoys being a truck driver and the independence it brings. All he wants is to save enough money so he can buy his own rig. But the bad economy and his company being sold stand in his way.
Robert Oldfield has completed the takeover of his estranged parents’ trucking company and moved back to Nashville, Tennessee. He hopes making Gordon Trucking a success will give him the recognition in his home town that he’s so far only found in New York.
The two men take one look at each other and fall in lust. They soon want more. Can they make a relationship work? Will it survive the attacks from a jealous competitor–or will they lose sight of what’s really important?
Reviewer: Portia
Review: I love Serena Yates; and I loved this story. I love hot steamy sex as much as the next reader, but it’s always nice when intimacy is woven seamlessly into a nice little mystery.
At first, I expected Joshua to be some kind of damaged soul. That seems to be a pretty common character flaw in MM romance, recently. Instead, he turned out to be so much more than his past hurts. Sure he’d been hurt, who hasn’t, but he doesn’t allow his past to define him. He has definite goals and is a hard worker. When Robert takes an interest in him, he’s all for the amazing sex, but isn’t sure if he’s ready to jump into the murky possibility of a relationship. Not to mention that he’s sleeping with the BOSS.
Robert, on the other hand, is almost too good to be true. Once he found Joshua, he was willing to do anything to make their relationship work. It is so cool how he shows Joshua, in little ways, that he loves AND respects him, despite the huge differences in their bank account balances.
This was a really sweet romance that left me with a smile. It unfolded at a nice pace and I found myself rooting for them the whole time. Nice work, Ms. Yates.
Blurb: For K-9 Officer Shane Walker, transferring from the Tulsa police department to the elite L.A.P.D. was a dream come true. He nearly forgets he’s in Hollywood until he responds to a 911 call that brings him to the home of actor Tyler Donovan.
It appears that Tyler has it all – a career that’s on fire and a loving, long-term relationship with his partner, Alex. But then Shane uncovers the truth that Tyler had been trying to hide, and the illusion comes crashing down.
Can Shane help Tyler break free of a life he’s convinced he deserves before it’s too late, and in the process help them both find love?
Review: Shane has recently moved to LA to work in the LAPD K9 Unit with his partner Casey when he gets a call to respond to a disturbance where he meets Tyler who he has an instant attraction to. Tyler is in a situation that he thinks he deserves until Shane convinces him that his life could be on the line.
This is a sweet romance that has some danger thrown in. Shane and Tyler become friends before they become lovers and it is fantastic that they take it slow with their relationship. Not rushing it as Tyler makes sure that his instincts are right about Shane, this is a truly romantic loving story. We see both of these men cope with the other’s jobs; Shane dealing with Tyler being a movie star and Tyler dealing with Shane being a police officer. It was also great that this story was from Shane’s perspective and the detail that was written about police practices and procedures was great, it gave us good insight into Shane.
Now these two men don’t have sex they make love and I loved how they both supported each other through everything that is thrown at them. The storyline is solid, the plot great and the characters feel realistic and make a great couple.
I will recommend this to those of you who enjoy… loving men, police storylines, excitement, danger, romance and two beautiful men who make one beautiful couple.
Publisher: JMS Books (10 October 2011) Re-release.
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: Mitchell Nolan is a bartender working late on Christmas Eve. As the last patrons leave, he stays behind to clean up. Why hurry home? There’s no one waiting for him, and he knows Santa won’t bother leaving anything special for him this year.
Then he meets Romy Lariner, who ducks inside the bar when his car won’t start. Sparks fly between these two lonely men this Christmas Eve. Maybe Santa has a little something up his sleeve for Mitchell after all …
Title previously published by Aspen Mountain Press.
Review: Mitchell is feeling the loneliness of his life as he closes up the bar. Thinking back to his ex and how it ended with an ‘it’s not you’ speech, when a handsome man comes in. Romy enters the bar to use the phone when his car breaks down and gets more than he bargained for.
This is a hot short that makes you hot under the collar. There is instant attraction between these two men and it is a sensual seduction between them as they flirt and touch and then have some explosive hot sex. We don’t get to know the characters and there is no big storyline but it is one hot little short that gives us the very beginning of a relationship that hopefully lasted longer than just one night, the potential was there.
So I would recommend this to those who love short stories, instant attraction, hot bar sex and a sweet ending.
Blurb: When you get past the basics of survival, what next? Brian Cooper recovered from the attack that almost killed him, and Tate Walker faced down his own demons. Now all that’s left is… each other. Growing up together and growing into their love is everything but easy.
Talker’s eternal optimism and Brian’s quiet faith just might be able to conquer the obstacles, big and small, in their way—as well as overcome the complications of having all their dreams come true.
Review: This is the touching third book in the Talker series and I have to say they should be read in order. Talker and Brian are still struggling to cope with the effect of the beating that Brian suffered; they are working through the physical limitations that Brian now suffers with Talker finding ways to help Brian’s recovery and to encourage him.
I‘m not ashamed to say that I choked up a few times while reading this book. It is a beautifully written story that tugs at the heart-strings and makes you realize that if you love someone enough then nothing can separate you. The way that Talker loves Brian is brilliant. He adores him with all his heart and will do anything for him. He just still can’t see or rather believe that Brian loves him as much. The part where they are in the Gallery when Talker finally realizes the truth of Brian’s love for him is just so incredible beautiful that it brought tears to my eyes.
I won’t ruin this story for everyone by blabbing on about it but I will tell you this… this is a story of true pure love that no matter what anyone throws at it will always come through stronger, tougher and sweeter than ever before.
I recommend this for those that want a story of true love, sweet lovemaking, total devotion and a happy ever after.
Blurb: Sometimes revenge is a kinder fate than justice. – Helios Dayspring
As king, Helios Dayspring is desperate to secure the future of his people and their new home-world. His memories are slowly returning, bringing with them danger and betrayal.
As the king’s consort, Griffin Hawke wrestles with growing isolation from his lover. As Helios’ secrets begin to come to light, he finds that he barely recognizes his lover anymore. Griffin is also haunted by his own secrets, as nightmares bring torture and death to his sleep.
When Helios and Griffin undertake a dangerous journey on behalf of their people, everything they fought for could be lost. Surrounded by enemies and allies, seductive aliens and dangerous operatives, Helios and Griffin find themselves tested to their physical and moral limits. Not knowing who to trust, they can only turn to each other.
Review: Helios is under constant pressure from his council; he has secrets that he has to hide and his memory is still patchy. The only one that he knows he can trust is Griffin, his lover and consort. Griffin tries his best to help Helios out but now he feels Helios pulling away from him, keeping secrets. Now he is beginning to doubt Helios’s feelings for him.
This is a fantastic second book where we can see the relationship being tested as they both face the realities on their new home-world. Griffin wants to protect Helios and help him and love him, but when he finds out that Helios has been keeping secrets from him he begins to doubt Helios’s love and trust. Griffin is keeping a secret of his own; one that devastates him every time he thinks of it. How can he tell Helios when he himself cannot even bear to think of it? Helios loves Griffin but in his role as King he can’t tell him everything. He’s also being pressured to marry and produce more children and the council is trying to refuse his wish to marry Griffin.
This is a story filled with doubts, suspicions, danger, intrigue, love, sadness, happiness, passion and secrets, lots and lots of secrets. This is a really well written story that will make you want more. The plot is great, the characters fantastic, the danger and intrigue brilliant and the struggles that these two men face realistic to the storyline. I don’t know if Belinda McBride has any more stories planned for this series but I sure hope she does as there are a couple of characters that I want to find out more about… So pretty please with icing and a cherry on top. J
I will recommend this to those who love hot passionate love, danger, fantasy, intrigue, futuristic, space opera, loads of sexy gorgeous men and a really great fight.
*A digital copy of this title was submitted by the publisher for review.
Blurb: To follow in his father’s footsteps, Gold’s son will need to defeat Ariston in the arena to become champion…but Ariston might be the love of his life.
Nicolaus has lived in the shadow of his father all his life, a father who was the greatest gladiator of them all. His desire is to prove himself in the arena, even though it is against his father’s wishes. He also has other desires, forbidden desires for his father’s lover, and a love/hate relationship with the slave he must defeat if he is to reign victorious as a gladiator in the arena.
Ariston falls in love with Nicolaus the moment he sets eyes on him. A slave all his life, he has never known freedom but he is the unbeatable champion. The fact that Nicolaus can’t decide whether to bed him or kill him greatly complicates his life when he becomes the newest addition to Gold’s ludi.
Review: This is a perfect example of a well written story. Nicolaus wants to be the champion and resents his father for denying him the chance; he sets out to prove himself and refuses to listen to anyone. Ariston falls hard for Nicolaus and will do anything to be close to him, even if it means training Nicolaus so he will eventually fight him in the arena.
This story draws you in slowly; sneaking up on you and making you want to keep reading. Nicolaus comes across as a spoilt child at first and it was amazing to see how he developed from a childish 18-year-old brat into a grown 18-year-old man as he trains to become a Gladiator to prove himself to Gold but along the way he loses his heart and tries to ignore it. Ariston admits his feelings early and is left feeling bruised by Nicolaus and is determined to not let it happen again. We also see Gold and Samson as secondary characters and all isn’t rosy for them either.
Now at first this story just didn’t rock my boat, but then before I knew it I wanted to know what was happening next. What was Nicolaus going to do? How had Gold and Samson come to this point? What was Julian playing at? And just what would Ariston do about Nicolaus? I really don’t know how it happened; one minute I did not like it and the next I couldn’t put it down. The storyline was really good, the characters were great, the sex was hot and the love story was a rollercoaster ride.
I will recommend this to those who love hot sweaty Gladiators who are glistening in oil, flexing their muscles, wearing little loin clothes, rubbing up against other hot sweaty gladiators and…. Err *cough* sorry lost my train of thought there *cough* yeah, so anyway, I recommend this for the men, the hot sweaty Gladiator sex, the great storyline and the love (but mainly the hot sweaty Gladiators).
From the Publisher: Years ago, Dieter Krumpf’s grandmother died and left him everything, including a photo album containing pictures of the art collection she left behind when her family fled the Nazis. Now, Dieter is calling on the services of a lawyer, Gerald Young, to determine whether his family’s legacy might be returned to him.
Gerald doesn’t hold out much hope that the paintings will be returned, but Dieter’s earnestness speaks to him and he agrees to help. At first he concludes that while Dieter has a case, suing in Austria isn’t practical. But Gerald is a good lawyer, and as his feelings for Dieter develop, so does his determination to win the case. Together, Gerald and Dieter navigate research, hearings, and a dysfunctional family in the pursuit of fine art—and discover the art of love along the way.
About the Author: Andrew Grey grew up in western Michigan with a father who loved to tell stories and a mother who loved to read them. Since then he has lived throughout the country and traveled throughout the world. He has a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and works in information systems for a large corporation. Andrew’s hobbies include collecting antiques, gardening, and leaving his dirty dishes anywhere but in the sink (particularly when writing). He considers himself blessed with an accepting family, fantastic friends, and the world’s most supportive and loving partner. Andrew currently lives in beautiful historic Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
My Review: I have read several of Andrew Grey’s books and have always been very pleased with how well he develops his characters. In this book, you have shy and reserved Dieter who has been raised by his grandmother ever since the death of his parents when he was little. Then you have Gerald, an up and coming young lawyer who is smart, ambitious, and actually has morals! A great change of pace from most lawyer characters you read about!
After his grandmother’s death, Dieter (quite by accident!) learns that he may be the rightful owner of some extremely famous artwork that is currently residing in an Austrian museum. Thanks to the Nazis, his heritage has been lost but Gerald is determined to find a way to return these paintings to their rightful owner.
I loved the attention to detail that the author put into the plot of this story. Reading about the legal aspects of the court battle was really fascinating and I kept on reading just to find out if Dieter would be successful in bringing home his ancestor’s portrait!
I admit I like my characters a little bit bolder and more confident than Dieter is portrayed but that is part of his charm and why his relationship with Gerald works so well. Gerald works hard to bring him out of his shell and show him what he has been missing out on in his sheltered life.
The relationship between Dieter and Gerald is both sweet and hot…this is a real romance! They don’t jump right into bed with each other in the first chapter but when they finally do make it to the bedroom there is real emotion between them. There is also quite a bit of heat to their bedroom scenes as well! I think it was the perfect balance!
Overall, a very good book! A wonderful plot that really kept my attention, plenty of romance and heated love scenes and characters that were very enjoyable!
Note: A digital copy of this title was provided by the publisher for review.
Title: The Blancmange
Series: Elemental Superpowers 02
Author: A.J. Llewellyn & Serena Yates
Genre: Paranormal, Mystery
Length: Novel (164pgs)
Publisher: Total E-Bound (10th October 2011)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: Finn wants justice in the Water Court’s controversial murder trial – but two jurors have already been killed and now an assassin is after him and won’t give up…
Finn Garrison is a Water Mage who lives in Bermuda and teaches swimming to water-phobes, assists in the salvage of ship wrecks and rehabilitates local wildlife in his spare time. When he gets called to be a juror in a high-profile Water Court trial and his life is endangered, he knows he needs help.
Ty Anglin is an experienced Water Marshal who doesn’t really want to become someone’s glorified bodyguard. When he meets Finn, he’s not only attracted to him, but also suddenly very protective. Two attempts on Finn’s life later, they are both sure there is more going on than meets the eye.
Will they be able to find out who is behind the assassinations? Was the sea monster on trial really framed? And are freshwater people really being discriminated against by their saltwater cousins?
(Reader advisory: Do Not drink while reading)
Review: This book is part of a series and best enjoyed reading in order. Finn is a Water Mage who lives in Bermuda teaching swimming, discovering shipwrecks and saving people’s lives. when he is called to jury duty in San Francisco for a high-profile Water case, after an attempt on his life he is assigned a Water Marshal. Ty is the Water Marshal asked to protect Finn; he finds his hands full with stopping people from killing him and investigating the source of the assassination attempts.
Oh My God, this is a fantastic paranormal; magic, sexy men and an incredible cupcake story. Finn doesn’t want to be in San Francisco. He wants to be home in Bermuda but knows that it is a futile wish. He’s had enough of the trial that is dragging on which has seen jurors injured and threatened. You really feel his despair at the situation. Ty protects Finn as best as he can while admiring the man and the two start falling for each other. The storyline is brilliant, the plot fantastic and the characters are great. We are re-introduced to characters from the previous book The Cake and we find out more about the Superpower Courts.
This story has more twists and turns than a roller coaster, more ups and downs than a yo-yo and some surprising unexpected laughter (causing me to snort tea out of my nose lol). I have to say that this is one of the best Paranormal/Magic stories that I have read this year as the magic isn’t overdone, the mystery doesn’t unravel until near the very end. You might suspect people but you WILL be wrong and the incredible sex is actually incredible love-making and the danger is quite unique and disturbing (A.J., Serena whichever one of you came up with the attempt on Finn’s life in Ty’s bedroom… then you are seriously scary).
Now I don’t want to say this but I have to… I think A.J. Llewellyn and Serena Yates have shot themselves in the foot because now they have to produce the third and fourth books in this series and there is just no way that they will be able to beat this one. It’s fantastic. Everything was done perfectly and I think it will be one of my all-time favorites. So what’cha gonna do to top this one, huh?
I am going to recommend this to everyone. there is something in this that everyone will enjoy whether it’s the danger, the mystery, the hot lovin’, the laughs, the magic, the twists or the storyline and this is definitely a duo of authors that I hope we see a lot more work from.
Note: When one of the co-author’s found out that their new release, Elemental Superpowers 2:The Blancmange was in queue for review they notified MM Good Book Reviews that the series is a better read if read in order. For those of you unfamiliar with the Elemental Superpowers series, here is a review to catch you up to speed.
Title: The Cake
Series: Elemental Superpowers 01
Author: A.J. Llewellyn & Serena Yates
Genre: Paranormal
Length: Novel (158pgs)
Publisher: Total E-Bound (4th April 2011)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: Baking the best cupcakes in San Francisco is Daine’s true calling…who knew that the tastiest cakes could lead to a talent for danger?
Phillip Sedgwick is a lawyer who works for an unusual law firm: Arden, Bainbridge, Chinook and Damek is the supernatural world’s most prestigious company, protecting, and often prosecuting, members of the supernatural world for various crimes and infractions. His latest case involves the owner of Fabulous Cupcakes, Daine Paradis, who has been accused of abuse of his superpowers.
Daine is proud that he’s been able to keep his father’s bakery going and has made it a huge success. Weird things start happening, and hard work no longer seems enough to stay in business. When he meets Phillip the sparks fly, but will the two men be able to solve the case before everything goes up in flames?
Reader Advisory: This book contains mouth-watering descriptions of cupcakes and hot references to other foods.
Review: Daine is an owner of a bakery and loves to bake. Someone is trying to sabotage him and he doesn’t know why. Phillip has been sent to investigate claims that Daine is using his superpowers but he soon suspects that Daine is being set up.
Oh I loved this one. There is nothing better in the world than hot men, magic and fabulous cupcakes. This storyline and the world building are brilliant. The mystery that Daine discovers about his father and mother and the truth about superpowers is good and his bewilderment at someone sabotaging him and accusing him of having superpowers is great. I thought the court scenes were incredibly cool and Daine’s discovery of his powers funny.
I thought that they made a cute couple and they seemed to strike sparks off each other that could start an inferno. Seriously hot. Daine is a sweetheart, a very likable character who surrounds himself with nice but slightly whacky people. Phillip is charming, dedicated and honest; when he finds out the truth he does everything to clear Daines name.
I will recommend this to those who love magic, paranormal, hot men, hot lovin’ and a penchant for mystery. Now I’m off to read the second book so make sure you read this one.
Note: A digital copy of this book was provided for review by the publisher.
Title: The House of Driscoll
Series: Premier Book 01
Author: A.J. Llewellyn & D.J. Manly
Genre: Dark Fantasy, Vampire
Length: Novel (189pgs)
Publisher: Amber Quill Press
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: In the midst of the turbulent French Revolution, Max Driscoll turned his stable-hand Galien into a vampire mate to save him from the guillotine. Max later came to regret that rash act, however, when he realized Galien was not a good man, nor the right man for him. Since then, no matter how many miles, how many centuries Max puts between them, he just can’t shake the rogue vampire.
Lured from his French castle to New York City to “clean up” Galien’s series of abductions and murders in the city’s gay district, Max is forced into a long-awaited confrontation, and vows to eliminate his nemesis permanently. What he doesn’t know, however, is that it’s not Galien who’s on the killing spree, but a young man Galien turned. Now, Blue is a sweet, sensitive, beautiful, tragic vampire…and a homicidal maniac.
Can Max tame Blue enough to make him his partner in the afterlife and a worthy member of the vampire community in the House of Driscoll?
Review: Okay, my lovelies, this is a definite pleaser in the making. Max is a bit of an urmm, err, well; let’s just say he couldn’t keep it in his pants if they were glued to him. He doesn’t believe in love and he can be quite callous to those who want him. Galien is in love with Max and has been for centuries and is a little obsessed… okay he is totally whacked out about Max and does some pretty horrific things to get his attention. Blue is a victim of Galien and is completely messed up in the head because of him; he’s done things he can’t remember and has Galien’s memories of Max (poor sod).
A great storyline and plot. I love how the story unfolds giving us bits and pieces and teasing us with the relationship between Max and Blue (it’s a will they – won’t they? teaser), which had me pulling my hair in frustration as every time they got close something or someone interfered. We get a decent background on the MCs as it flicks to 1793 to the time of Galien and Max’s affair and the present day. The storyline has twists that I didn’t expect and I have to say that I didn’t hate Galien like I expected to. I actually felt sorry for him. I thought Max was an ermm, err, b****** but for some bizarre reason still liked him, too. I think that Blue was the definite star of the show and I think that he will have Max by the short and curlies soon.
I will recommend this to everyone and wonder why you haven’t already got it, but really I know that this will appeal to those who love… hot men, hot sex, paranormal, vampires, twists, complex relationships and men who can be complete heartless b******s.
Note: A digital review copy of this title was provided by the publisher.
Title: AModest Proposal
Author: Felicitas Ivey
Genre: Science Fiction, Futuristic
Length: Novella (118pgs)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (28th September 2011)
Heat Level: Explicit/Scorching
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: Hagar is the captain of the cargo ship Midgard Serpent. Most of his shipments are legal, but he has a reputation for being an honest smuggler—a reputation that lands him some troublesome cargo. Shibito, an exiled member of the Nipponese imperial family, meets Hagar on Dunmore Station. Keeping his true identity secret, Shibito tells Hagar he’ll do anything to get out of there. Never one to turn down an offer like that, Hagar accepts.
But Shibito doesn’t have just any destination in mind, and Hagar is furious when he discovers that his mysterious passenger has altered their course without telling him. With no way to change course a second time, Hagar has no choice but to trust—and face the temptation of Shibito’s request for some rough handling, a proposal Hagar isn’t sure he can resist.
Review: Shibito was drugged, kidnapped and dumped onto a backward planet at the arse end of the universe. He escaped and now needs to get off the planet before the military find him. He finds what he needs at Mama’s bar. Hagar is an honest smuggler, most of his business is legit and Mama is a good friend of his, so when Mama says someone needs a ride he considers it little knowing what he’s let himself in for.
Hagar is like a gentle giant but he can’t seem to control himself around Shibito. Shibito is worried about how he wants Hagar to treat him as he never had these urges before he was drugged. I thought that the storyline was quite good and the plot was sound. I especially liked that there was a power-hungry Emperor, Kogon. I liked the idea that in the future the human race divides up the universe into sectors that were like countries i.e. American/European Settled Space, The Russian Collective, Scandinavian Cooperative and Asian Sector. This story also has a Yaoi flavor to it which works quite well.
The way the two men seem to be drawn together is good and it’s not instant love. It’s hot, hard, passionate, intense sex and neither man seems able to get enough of the other. The story is also left open so the two men can rescue other victims of the Emperor Kogon. Maybe more stories with the progression of their relationship (I can and will beg and plead :-)).
I will recommend this to those who enjoy science fiction, futuristic, space romps, secrets hidden, scorching hot sex and a D/s flavor to the sex and some angry passionate dubious consent.
Note: Digital review copy of this title was provided by the publisher.
Title: Kade and the Captives
Series: Symbiotic Mates 05
Author: Gale Stanley
Genre: Shifter, M/M, M/M/M
Length: Novella (94pgs)
Publisher: Silver Publishing (15th October 2011)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: A drunken bet with his boyfriend leads Noah to the Wolf Den and a night of wild sex he’ll never forget. But he gets more than he bargained for, when he ends up in the middle of a war between Lycans and vampires.
The pack Alpha orders Kade to seduce the human male drinking in the Wolf Den. Noah is easy on the eyes and Kade agrees, but sparks fly and the Lycan finds himself wondering if he’s been seduced as well. When the Alpha reveals his plans for the blue-eyed blond, Kade wonders if he’ll be able to carry them out.
Review: Hmmm, well errr… Noah lands in more trouble than he thought possible when he is goaded into a dare by his lover and he visits the Wolf Den. Kade is given the task of taking care of the human but it doesn’t take long for him to realize that he cares what happens to the little human. Jesse is worried about his lover when he doesn’t come home and goes looking for him only to find trouble.
This is a great story that is hot in all the right places and keeps you wanting more. Noah feels a connection to Kade but feels guilty for cheating on Jess. , Jesse admits that Kade is hot and Kade admits that both these men turn him on. We have a kidnapping, drugging, danger, a chase through the woods and then a bit of conflict with vampires and I enjoyed all of it.
But… even though this is set in Arcadia City and the Colony, it is more like a side story than a true Symbiotic Mates book as I thought only Lycans and Vampires could have a Symbiotic bond (if I am wrong please let me know). I have a feeling that there will be more of these three men’s story still to come as I really can’t see Christophe leaving it like it is now.
My recommendation is… a definite must read for paranormal fans, those who love hot sex and a semi happy ending? (As they are together but… what does the future hold for them?)
Blurb: Acerbic twenty-something Andy is living the dream in London. Too bad he’s totally broke. The way to getting paid is getting laid — or at least that’s what he discovers when his friend Michelle introduces him to her somewhat-highly-paid and definitely not glamorous world of call girls and boys. Told with frankness and biting humor, Andy sleeps his way through London: for the sex, the glory, and the rent money.
Review: This is a point of view of prostitution that we don’t see very often, someone willingly turning to selling their bodies for the extra cash. Andy is a plain down to earth lad who is struggling to make ends meet (‘cause he spends it on video games). He does a favor for a friend (and for the hundred quid) which then leads to him having more offers to help out.
This is a down to earth view of Andy’s life from Andy’s POV. It tells the story of how he got into the business, what he thinks of it and also how he develops as a person due to it. It also tells of his unrequited love, his love of sex, his friendships, the highlights and lowlights of his punters and the ups and downs of his life.
There is plenty of sex but, and I was surprised by this because of the title, it’s only sex scenes that have some sort of meaning to Andy. Whether it’s a bad experience or a good one, there’s something about it that affected Andy in some way. There were a few times that the wording slipped but otherwise this was very well written.
I’d recommend this to those who like dirty sex and getting a different POV of what life as a male prostitute is like.
Blurb: For Pestilence, the White Horseman, love becomes the most powerful cure.
Having lost his wife and child during the Black Death, Pestilence accepts the fate destiny has given him as one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. For centuries, Pestilence did his job, spreading plagues and disease around the world. He does it to keep the balance between good and evil, yet he hates every minute of it. He longs to be left alone, but suddenly fate seems to have a different plan for him.
When Bart Winston stumbles into an Amazon clearing, he’s terribly ill and sure he’s going to die. A tall white-haired man with unusual black eyes catches him in his arms and Bart’s life takes a turn into the unbelievable. Blaming the whole situation on his illness might have worked, but as he gets better and learns about the strange man who heals him, Bart must accept there are more things in the world than he ever guessed.
Pestilence and Bart heal each other, and begin to wonder if there can be a future for the White Horseman and the mortal he’s fallen in love with.
Review: I am a huge fan of T.A. Chase’s paranormal/fantasy stories. I have got to say she doesn’t let us down with this one. Bart has been abandoned in the middle of the Amazon by his colleagues; he’s ill and stumbling blindly to find his way out when he falls into the arms of Pest. Pestilence takes care of the man who collapsed in-front of him while juggling with his job as a Horseman; he ignores Death’s advice and ends up caring deeply for Bart.
This is a really good story about The Horsemen and I was fascinated by the premise of who they are, how they came to be and what their job really is. This story is focused on Aldo Bianchi, AKA Pestilence, who carries guilt with him. He hates what he is and hides deep in the Amazon as far away from humanity as he can. When he meets Bart something starts to change for him. Bart has his own problems to deal with, he is severely ill, stuck in a jungle with only primitive medicine and a crazy man to help him.
We get a good background on the MC’s and some really good story building on The Horsemen background. The sex is hot and the relationship between Pest and Bart is great. It isn’t rushed into or based just on sex. Bart helps Pest deal with his guilt and accept that there are just some things that happen. I loved Death and can’t wait for his story (it’s going to be a corker I just know it) and we met War briefly at the end, so is it War’s story next?
I will recommend this to everyone who loves hot sex, hot men, a great story and a brilliant paranormal plot.
Blurb: Sometimes people aren’t quite what they seem.
James Everett moved to a shifter town to escape his shifter-hating father. Little did he expect to catch the eye of the town’s sheriff. Louis Arktos can’t resist the new human.
Something about the other man calls to his bear shifter nature and makes him want to protect the human from all the dangers in the world. When James’ life is turned inside out, Lou rushes to save him from unexpected dangers and most of all from himself.
Reader Advisory: This book is best read in sequence as part of a series
Review: James moved to get away from his father. Unfortunately, he still needs the drugs that his father has developed for what his father has said is his rheumatoid arthritis. In his new town he is attracted to the sheriff but his constant pain prevents him from doing anything about it. Lou has watched James ever since he moved to town. He has now worked up the courage to ask James out on a date. Before they meet for their date though James ends up in hospital and Lou makes a surprising discovery.
This is another touching and heart-warming novella by Amber Kell. I can’t go into too much detail as it would give away too much of the plot but I will do my best. In this story, we find out more about the organization that is kidnapping shifters. We see James and Lou come together and Lou, bless his soul, willing to do whatever it takes to be with James. There is one point that you really feel for Lou as he has to face the possibility that he might lose James forever, and you can understand James’s fear of returning because of the pain he has suffered (see I didn’t give anything away, very artfully written). J
There are surprises. There is danger and kidnapping. There is some pretty hot and heavy sex and a well-written plot and storyline. This book give us some answers to our questions but leaves some others unanswered and gives us even more to ask as well. It’s great when you know there’s another story coming.
I will recommend this to those who love shifters, surprises, danger, love, hot sex and a happy ever after.
*A digital copy of this title was submitted to MM Good Book Reviews by the author for review*
