Blurb: Until now, Drew and Garrett have been playing at dominance, but things have to change. Drew is already losing himself to the implacable will of his new Master and they have yet to make anything official. That’s what this weekend is supposed to be about – Garrett making Drew his – unless the memories from Garrett’s past are too strong to let him meet Drew’s ultimatum of the real thing or nothing at all.
Review: Erm… well… can’t add anything ‘cause the blurb says it all but what I can say is this… wow, a real hot little number that starts off as it means to end with a hot display of dominance at the beach and it doesn’t let up.
You can feel Drew’s insecurity and doubt about Garret being his master and you can also sense when he accepts Garret’s full dominance. You feel his discomfort at the exhibitionism that Garrett forced on him. Unfortunately, as this is from Danny’s POV, you don’t get a feel for Garrett at all. So you can’t work out his reasoning for what he is doing.
The sex is hot and sensual; the D/s is well done and not over the top. The characters seem well suited. Mind you, there isn’t much of a storyline other than Garrett accepting Drew as his sub and Drew accepting Garrett as his Master but it’s well written.
So I’d recommend this to those who love D/s, hot sex and a HEA for a sub and his Master.
Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand Publishing (24th September 2011)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: Ben, a werewolf, has spent a decade being experimented on by a mad scientist. Retreating into a fantasy world to cope with his pain, he eagerly awaits a hero to save him. Jasper, a lifelong screw up, proves heroic in rescuing him, but is convinced of his own ill-worth and terrified he won’t be able to live up to the romantic fantasies Ben has of him.
Once mated, the two broken men gain access to each other’s dreams, where neither man can hide from the shadows of his troubled past, and the skeletons in both their closets threaten to overcome the love they both need so badly. Jasper and Ben are bound together for eternity, but will they find in each other their destruction…or their salvation?
Review: Ben is trapped in the basement of a scientist and dreams of a hero to come and save him. He has it all worked out in his head about how everything would progress… after all he’d seen enough films to know. Jasper stumbles across Ben when he visits Dr. Pierson ex-PHD and Bio-revolutionary about a Miracle drug of epic proportions and discovers the Dr’s test subject is a werewolf and rescues him.
Another fantastic story where we are given more world-building for the other plane, Morgana. We get a closer look at Ben and Jasper this time round. With Ben, you wonder how he isn’t a quivering wreck curled up in a corner rocking back and forth after being held for ten years having experiments done on him. And you really have to admire his determination to have a hero even if that hero is flawed because that was the only thing that kept him going for so long; your heart breaks for him. Jasper is an emotional mess and you really feel for him. What with how he pushed his feelings away after what happened to his parents, it’s not surprising; he tries his best not to give into any of his feelings. and it makes you want to weep at how much shame and disgust that he holds for himself after he went off the rails and how it affects him now with his mate.
A truly wonderful story where you can empathize with the characters and know that it isn’t all a bunch of roses for them but that they actually have to work at it and let go of their own fears and worries. Some fantastic hot sex scenes and angst, and some danger that is pretty freaky.
This has a strong storyline with a good plot that leaves us open for the next book which I guess with be Alex and Jacob’s story. Hopefully, we will find out what happened to their parents for the last 10 years (pretty pleaseJ).
So I recommend this for those who love shifters, hot sex, angst, danger, hot men, a brilliant storyline and a promise of more to come.
Blurb: Mac MacAllister is obsessed; the online news reporter needs enough evidence to write a story accusing billionaire art collector Daniel Terrebone of stealing The Golden Dancer, a priceless work of art, from son-of-a-Nazi Horst Von Berg. The story promises the recognition Mac craves, but then Mac meets a real golden dancer, ballet star Trelain Medveyev, and his attraction to the man rocks his formerly straight world.
When the mysterious Terrebone “collects” this beautiful dancer, too, Mac rushes to the rescue like a knight in shining cargo pants and plunges into a three-way passion that tears him between love and guilt. Can Mac keep investigating when his story could send one man to prison and another to the morgue? Will this reporter get his story or get his men?
Publisher’s Note: This book contains explicit sexual situations, graphic language, and material that some readers may find objectionable: male/male sexual practices, ménage (m/m/m).
From the Author
Writing romantic suspense is a skill I’ve always admired — from afar. I used to beta read manuscripts for a dear friend who was a very successful romantic suspense writer. All those twists and turns and double crosses. I loved reading it but never dreamed I’d write it myself. Then Loose Id put out a call for manuscripts for their Men of Mystery series. What fun. Give us your secret agents and super heroes, your undercover cops and assassins, they said. I don’t usually write those guys. Not yet anyway. But I had just started a story I was inspired to write with a ballet dancer hero. Not exactly Navy SEAL material. But I had woven a story around my ballet dancer that involved an investigative reporter and a billionaire technologist who may or may not also be an art thief. Hmm.
Art theft? What if that theft had bigger implications? What if there was an outside villain who was a seriously nasty guy and what if he had a henchman that would make Ian Fleming proud? What if one hero is pitted against the other in a web of lies and mistrust and what if they both want the same thing? Hey, whaddya know? I had the makings of a romantic suspense. I pitched. I WON! They accepted my proposal. And then I had to WRITE it. Yikes! LOL.
The resulting book, Golden Dancer is a M/M/M ménage. Here are a few things I learned:
·
Even with no suspense elements, a ménage is challenging. You need to get far into the heads and hearts of all three men and show their motivations, loves, concerns. When you layer on top of that the need to create a suspenseful plot, you have a lot on your hands.
·
The beginning of the book, always a big hurdle in any book for any writer, is a huge challenge in romantic suspense. Especially erotic romantic suspense. You need to introduce the elements of the mystery or conflict right away, but the reader also wants to know who the romantic heroes are going to be. It’s a lot to get on stage at once. Especially when you have three heroes!
·
If you want to create a great hero, write a really good villain. As my husband always says, “Nazis make the best villains.” I took his advice.
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Find the right balance between the sex and romance and the mystery and suspense. The reader will get antsy if the romance is ignored in favor of the suspense or vice versa.
·
Keep up the pace. Romantic suspense is not leisurely!
I had enormous fun writing Golden Dancer. I notice that all my books are getting a little more suspenseful as a result. I hope you enjoy it — the suspense, and, above all, the romance! : ) Ta
Reviewer: Portia
Review: I’m not going to lie. I haven’t found too many M/M/M that do it for me…until now. There always seems to be an inequality that sets my teeth on edge. Daniel, Trelain, and Mac find a way to make it work. It is no secret that I am Tara Lain’s biggest fan. I love the way she lets us fall in love with the characters as they fall in love with each other. There is plenty of ménage, but you also get to see the MCs interact individually outside the bedroom.
When I started reading about Trelain, I thought we were going to meet the twin of Roan from, TheScientist and the Supermodel. But, other than being beautiful men at the top of their artistic fields, Lain has created two characters with unique voices.
Regardless of the fact that this book was called The Golden Dancer, this is really Mac’s story. Trelain and Daniel are his companions and lovers on his journey. A journey that ends his finding acceptance and love that he never expected.
My favorite character among the trio is Daniel. He is a switch on every level and you never knew what was going to come out of his mouth. He is the fuel that powers this romance.
Finally, I know this is listed as a contemporary ménage romance, but there is a pretty decent suspense subplot woven into the steamy bedroom scenes.
Tara can’t write fast enough to satisfy me. I highly recommend this book, and encourage you to go back and read her earlier releases, The Scientist and the Supermodel and Genetic Attraction.
Blurb: When photographer Leon Davis takes a job tracking down the nearly-extinct Zanzibar leopard, he isn’t expecting to fall in love with the mysterious and sexy Tuareg tribal leader, Ibrahim Ag Akhamok. Ibrahim has his own secrets, and he knows more than he lets on about the leopard. And what about Piers, the murdered photographer that Leon replaced? Until Leon discovers what Piers was doing in Zanzibar, and who killed him, he can’t face his own demons — and he can’t earn the love of the powerful and dangerous Tuareg.
Review:
This book has a lot more going for it than what the blurb explains.
Leon is a photographer for the Wilderness Coalition for Africa who takes over a shoot when the previous photographer (Piers) is found dead. He is also asked to find out more about the mystery of that death and the leopard in the final photos sent by Piers. Ibrahim is the ‘sheik’, the Tuareg leader, and will do anything to protect his family. He is suspicious of Leon, at first, thinking that he might be the same as Piers but Leon somehow manages to get under his skin.
Leon seems like quite a submissive kind of fellow, going with the flow and trying to smooth things along but get him riled up and God help you. He also has great sorrow and guilt in his past which he is still living with and you can see how being on Zanzibar and mixing with its people seem to cleanse him. Ibrahim is a take charge, fierce and protective type of man who expects total loyalty and you can see why when you discover his secrets. These two will make you fall in love with Zanzibar and its people. I really liked all the secondary characters (except Peter) and found that they did play a very solid thread through-out the story and I found the mystery surrounding Piers death intriguing.
I will recommend this to anyone who likes mysteries, hot men, hot sex and exotic locations.
Blurb: Sometimes it takes losing everything to find out what matters most.
Josh has a fondness for hot pink, penguins…and one wicked man he knows he shouldn’t trust. Nick is a confused, angry man, one who has been denied the opportunity to know his half-siblings, who was ignored and treated less than second best—until the fair-haired children fell out of favor with a resounding thud. Now Nick has something he isn’t sure he wants—a ranch left to him by a father who never cared for him, and a fascination with a certain hot-pink, penguin printed, scrub wearing nurse who makes his blood boil in a way no woman ever had.
But Josh left him hurting on the floor the last time he dared touch the man. Nick had never thought the attractive dark-haired man with the jewel-bright eyes would be anything other than a tool to spy on his half-siblings, but somehow, Josh has gotten under Nick’s skin, and Nick isn’t sure he ever wants it any other way.
But the choice isn’t just his, and it’s more than just their futures that are at risk… And Nick doesn’t know if he can get past Josh turning away from him once again, or if he can be strong enough to reach for what matters most…
Review: Josh is a nurse who will do anything to protect his family, even if it means keeping secrets from them. When he figures out the truth about Nick he is really not pleased. Nick wants to know more about his half-siblings but he can’t contact them directly so he comes up with a plan. A plan to get close to Josh and find out about them, his main problem though is he’s not gay.
I had mixed feelings about this at first when I learned that Nick was straight but the more we get to know him and how he was brought up and his reaction to Josh the better I felt about it. I felt really sorry for Josh and the way he was treated by his brothers, Justin and Nick. But Nick redeemed himself nicely though I can’t say the same for Justin. Josh had to go through a lot of angst before things worked out for him and Nick had a lot of soul-searching to do as well.
These two MCs had a lot of angst for different reasons. Nick because he only inherited as his father, Ian Calhoun, wanted to hurt his other two children, his mother’s attitude towards him and the stipulations in the will, when all he wants is to know his brother and sister. Josh because he feels used by Nick and he is also keeping secrets from Annabelle and Rory about who Nick is. We see quite a few misunderstandings on both sides before they eventually sort themselves out.
I would recommend this book to those who like strong characters, hot men, hot sex, angst and a well written story.
Publisher: loveyoudivine Alterotica (28th September 2011)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: Corey Shaw is torn between a vacation with his family, his burgeoning attraction to handsome dancer, Raul and solving the mystery behind a series of explosions that follow the ship from London across the Baltic Sea. Can he protect the ones he loves and identify the terrorist before an even greater tragedy occurs?
Paranormal sleuth Corey Shaw is enjoying vacation with his family in the Baltic Sea when terrorists bomb restaurants hosting World Cup parties in London and Copenhagen. On each occasion the explosion coincides with the cruise ship leaving port. Although the United States isn’t attacked directly, Corey and his colleagues are unavoidably drawn into the investigation with or without the blessing of international intelligence agencies. When a third bomb goes off in St. Petersburg, Russia, Corey is convinced the answer lies aboard his ship.
He must use all his psionic abilities to protect his family, and his friends, and keep the world safe from this worrying upsurge in international terrorism.
Review: Ah, I love mysteries and this one was no different, a pure joy to read. Corey is on vacation cruise with his family for his mother’s birthday but as the ship pulls away from the docks he has a vision of an explosion and so begins a mystery that follows him across the sea.
This is a well written storyline with a good plot that doesn’t keep you hanging for too long. Corey is still suffering mentally from what happened to him in Murder at the Green Lantern and decides to just go with it on this vacation. With the encouragement of his sisters he hooks up with dancer Raul while trying to help solve the mystery of who the terrorists are.
I really liked Corey in this story and I will hold my hands up and admit that I didn’t read Murder at the Green Lantern because I didn’t like Corey in Breathless but now I have to go and read it… gggrrr. I have to say that it was great to see Corey with his family and his romance with Raul was hot. The mystery was good and although I did guess who the bomber was, I really liked the twist that emerged.
So I would recommend this for those who love mystery, danger, hot sex and the paranormal but don’t expect everything to smell of roses.
Publisher: Silver Publishing (24th September 2011)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3 ½
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: Jace, a Shapeshifter, is held captive by vampires after a mission gone wrong. A turn of events puts him in close contact with Link, the very same human that facilitated his capture. With Link working for vampires, can Jace cope with the fact that Link just might be his mate?
Link never wanted to work with vampires, but led astray by his curiosity and the promise of money, he is now stuck in a dangerous arrangement he can’t escape. Meeting Jace might be his ticket out. He sure as hell isn’t going to do what the vampires tell him to when they request he find a “cure” that will eliminate all shifters… and use Jace to do so.
Review: Jace is a leopard shifter; he has an M.D. and is currently being held hostage by an insane, off their rocker Vampire. Link is a bar owner who just happens to have his own chemistry lab in the back rooms so he can make special drugs for the insane, off their rocker Vampire.
Jace is a cool character who is snarky with a get stuffed attitude. So what if he has a gun pointed at his head, he’s pissed and will let everyone know it. Link has landed in it up to his eyeballs and must do what the Vamps want to keep others safe. He has no intention of following through with some things though, after all what the Vamps don’t know won’t hurt him.
I thought these characters matched well and suited each other to a ‘T’. I loved the fact that their mating wasn’t easy or all tied up with a pretty bow. I liked that they both struggled with it and that Jace didn’t let Link off scot-free for what he did. The sex between the two is passionate and intense and Jace might be the shifter but didn’t always come out on top. We also got to know more about Jace’s and Solomon’s background which fleshed the series out nicely. So we will hopefully see more conflict in the future.
The storyline and plot were ok but there were a few things that niggled at me and left me unsatisfied, where was the concern for Casey and Zane? Were the Vamps just driving around when they happened upon the kids? And why did it take so long for Link to confess his secret to Jace?
All in all though this is a good read and I’d recommend this to those who love shifters, conflict, danger, a bit of angst, hot sex and a storyline which promises more to come.
Blurb: On a trip for his Alpha, Jake is forced into close quarters with the one man he has kept at a distance for ten years. While so close to the man he secretly loves, can he keep his mind on business and off his forbidden mate?
Rick Holland has watched as his brothers settled into mated bliss, quietly dying inside knowing he will never have the same. Rick has lived for the last ten years with the knowledge his mate doesn’t want him. When his brother and Alpha asks him to take a trip, will Rick have the courage to forget his hurt and move on with his life?
Jake Richmond has watched from the sidelines as his mate grew from a surprisingly sexy sixteen years old into a stunningly handsome man. He’s done everything within his power to keep that man safe–aware that his mate believes he’s not wanted but unable to reveal the truth. Can Jake finally let go of the man he loves or will everything come crashing down when the pair are thrust together in their search for much-needed answers?
Review: Jake has stayed as far away from his mate as shifterly (is that a real word? Lol) possible trying to protect him and keep him safe. All the while longing that he could claim him. Rick has accepted that his mate won’t claim him even as he still longs for the other man. Now they are thrown together to do a task for their Alpha. Can they both survive the longing to be together?
A well written story that answered many of our questions… well mine anyway, but still left a few to be answered (maybe a new series involving the Alpha of all of Australia (hint hint)). Rick has waited for Jake to claim him since he was 16 years old and after ten years knows it’s just not going to happen. Jake wants nothing more to claim his mate but knows that if he does his mate’s life will be in danger.
I think this storyline was strong. One mate protecting the other mate, although I was disappointed that Jake took it all onto himself but really what can we expect he’s male lol. I liked that it seemed a bit angsty for the two men and it wasn’t easy for them to spend time together. and I thought that Rick has a core of steel and a very forgiving heart to be able to forgive his mate so quickly. Jake, on the other hand, I thought he was a bit spineless at first because there were a lot of people that he could have turned to who would have helped him out. I found that I began to admire him though and he kinda grew on me.
As for the twist from the last book, yeah the explanation was good but the reasoning for keeping it secret from the packs especially the Alphas is stupid and causes more harm than good. But, I have to keep reminding myself that it’s fiction and to let it go… it’s just a story. That’s how good Toni Griffin’s writing is.
So what do I recommend… this is for those who love shifters, hot men, hotter sex, a good storyline, a bit of angst and a bit of danger.
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (30th September 2011)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: Veterinarian Seth Davies comes to Senaka, Wyoming, looking for peace and anonymity, trying to escape his past. He’s always been a target for trouble and pain, and Seth has had more than his share of both. Kasey Whitedove takes one look at Seth and assumes the worst. No white man could love animals the way the mostly Cheyenne population expects, and Kasey makes Seth’s first days in Senaka more than unpleasant.
Then an accident puts Kasey in the uncomfortable position of eating crow—and helplessly desiring Seth—despite the danger of Kasey’s life as a werewolf and Seth’s stressful secrets. Chasing Seth down and keeping him safe from his past has just become Kasey’s most important job.
Review: Another touching angst filled book by J.R. Loveless. Seth has only now started having a semblance of balance after a traumatic event over two years ago. He has come to Senaka for the peace it brings him; little knowing that his life is about to change again. Kasey is the Sheriff of Senaka and he really can’t believe that the old vet sold his practice to a ‘white man’ I mean come on what would a ‘white man’ know about animals except how to hurt, hunt and kill them.
This is quite a controversial story as it has racism and a bigoted attitude by the Cheyenne but not about being gay (no everyone is fine with that). What we have in this story is a firm belief that only the Cheyenne or a Native American could be a werewolf and any person who was white that could change into a wolf is one of the Created and to be hated and feared as well as killed, as they would eventually give themselves over to the wolf and become a monster. Fantastic absolutely fantastic. J.R. Loveless has given us a great story to chew on; one to make us think and to give us a story that isn’t all sweetness and light when it comes to werewolf abilities. A fantastically written storyline and plot that doesn’t give us an easy ride as you will hate and love these characters in equal measure. Although, there is just a little extra sneer from you for Kasey’s father for not telling his pack the truth years ago.
The characters aren’t immediately loveable. They grow on you as you get to know them. With Seth your heart aches when you learn that he has been sheltered from the wolf-shifter world and not even told the most important facts that would keep him safe, the abuse he suffered at the hands of the Created or the prejudice of non-white wolves. I think that after everything that he has been through and now finding a mate who is disgusted with him, that his breaking down and crying every now and again is understandable. He has fear; anger and depression with little hope or joy to look forward to. With Kasey you have a bigot who thinks that the whites are a waste of space and you see his struggle when he finds out that his mate is white and according to him must be a Created One because he’s white. When he accepts the truth you then see his struggle to get his mate to accept him and to be patient while his mate overcomes his fears.
I fully recommend this to everyone who loves shifter and interracial stories because the conflict is good. For those who love hot sex, as it’s scorching and those who love angst and danger… danger with a twist that is.
Blurb: Three years after making their dreams come true, James and Payne are happily committed and living in New York. But just as they’re about to embark on a special weekend, their world turns upside down when Jamie’s mother calls to say that his sister and her husband have been killed in a horrific accident.
Helping Jamie’s mother with funeral plans and adjusting to the reality that they are now the legal guardians of Jamie’s three-month-old niece would be hard enough, but Payne and Jamie must also deal with Jamie’s alcoholic father, Russ. If Payne and Jamie want to move forward as a family, they’ll have to learn to deal with old pain, fresh grief, and new responsibilities.
Reviewer: Astrid
Review: Sequels can be tricky beasts. Can they be read as a standalone? Will the author have to dedicate a third of the book to rehashing the first book so a new reader has a clue what’s going on? And for those of us who did read the previous book…will we remember the finer points? This can be frustrating for a reader. With Moving Forward, Lisa Marie Davis made it as simple as ABC – genius! Whether you’ve read the previous story or not (I recommend you read it – ‘cause it’s wonderful), you are given a concise history that isn’t jarring and are immediately immersed into the present story.
Two beloved characters, Payne & Jamie, are back and its three years later. They are happily married and looking forward to a long weekend when tragedy strikes. Jamie and Payne are grief-stricken but their devotion to one another gives them the strength to face the nightmare, which includes a confrontation with Jamie’s father Russ aka – alcoholic, homophobe extraordinaire.
This novella packed an emotional punch, had a development I didn’t expect but welcomed (I’m not telling), and hopefully (pretty please) is the groundwork for a third i
Blurb: There is something different about Aurel. Though he’s lived his whole life as a Temple Boy in remote Mantua, no one seems to know when he arrived, or even when he was born. Despite a strict edict against sexual contact in the monastery, somehow even the most devout of men seem unable to stop from throwing themselves at Aurel. But things really get hairy when God shows up speaking Catalian and demands Aurel help him find his true love.
Now giant stone beasts are running him down at mass, witches are dropping out of the sky, and a sad, headless man whispers of lost love to Aurel in his dreams. It isn’t until a band of vengeful amazons drag him into the desert hills, however, that Aurel realizes how much of not just his life but the lives of others are at stake—but he can’t do anything until he figures out which God, if any, is real.
Publisher’s Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: anal play/intercourse, dubious consent, ménage (m/f/m with m/m content), rape, same-sex practices (m/m, f/f), and strong violence. Readers with a history of rape or sexual abuse may find elements of this story disturbing.
Review: This book is part of a series and you HAVE to read the first book or you just won’t get this book at all. The first book, The Seventh Veil, starts with world building and the beginning of the story and the main characters that appear through-out the series. Aurel’s life will never be the same again when he wakes up from a dream where the god died and it leads him on a journey of discovery and to his true love.
In this book, we have the return of Charles, Timothy, Madeline and Jonathon. And in true Charles fashion he screws up pretty early in the book which leads us to Aurel who is our main character in this one. Aurel is a Temple Boy, in a Cloister Temple, who will eventually find his love Chakide when he is captured by Zamoa warrior women. This is not an easy light read. This story is more like an installment of an epic adventure. I have to say, it is incredibly fantastic, the world building is brilliant, the characters come to life and the storyline is like nothing I have ever seen before.
This book I would say is for readers who like long heavy fantasy. It switches back and forth between characters and could be confusing if treated like a light read. It does have scenes of rape but thankfully does not go into too much detail about it. If you read the first book, then you know that there will be more to follow as each veil is revealed and this is only the second veil, so still no happy ending for Charles and Timothy yet.
I will recommend this to those who love fantasy, true love, hardship, a fantastic storyline and an author who is going to continue to give us quality stories. But I cannot stress enough that you have to read the first story before this one.
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (26th September 2011)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 1/2Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Sequel to A Matter of Time Vol I & II (AMOT)
Blurb: Jory Harcourt doesn’t have to go looking for trouble. Wherever he goes, it seems to find him—particularly when his partner, Sam Kage, is working undercover on a federal task force.
After the recession forces him to close his business, Jory goes to work as a matchmaker and event planner. From there, it’s only a matter of time before his big mouth and up-front attitude make him the rope in a tug-of-war between a trust fund baby and a drug-smuggling criminal. Then, as if that situation weren’t delicate enough, Jory’s undercover lover shows up working for the smuggler.
Between the men who want him and the men who just want him dead, Chicago is getting a little crowded for Jory, so on the advice of his brother, his boyfriend, and the FBI task force, he heads for Hawaii… where a serious accident threatens his quality of life. Can Sam and Jory keep the faith and prove that their relationship really is bulletproof?
Review: Ok when I first heard that Mary Calmes was writing a sequel to her Matter of Time series I thought she had gone off her rocker because really what else could happen to Jory and Sam and how on earth would she be able to top her Matter of Time series because it was brilliant. But, after reading Bulletproof, I have to say Mary Calmes is a genius.
Its three years later for Jory and Sam. Sam has been away undercover for nearly 4 months and Jory is really missing him. In pure Jory style, he stumbles across a man being threatened and rushes to the rescue not knowing the world of trouble he is about to land himself in. I have got to say, I loved it, only Jory could land in sooo much trouble so easily.
Jory and Sam are the same men with the same personalities and haven’t changed a bit. Jory is still insecure, ditzy and oblivious and Sam is still macho, tough and charismatic and they both love each other with a passion that is overwhelming. You can’t help but love these two characters and the lengths that they will go through for each other. The plot and storyline are very good and it’s also well written and has managed to stay in the style of AMOT without changing any of the characters personalities as some authors are want to do after years of not writing about them. This story keeps you on your toes wondering what more trouble can Jory get into and the fact that although he isn’t very happy with how Sam behaved he will humiliate himself before he gets him in trouble.
I have always said that Mary Calmes books are feel good stories and this one doesn’t let us down. We have the action, adventure, danger, hot men, passionate explosive sex and a HEA that Ms Calmes is well-known for…so really why don’t you already have this book?
Publisher: jms books (re-released 25th September 2011 or 1st October 2011)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: The year is 1883. Eduard van De Lier is a Dutchman overseeing a spice plantation on the island of Java, in the South Pacific. His obsessive attraction to dark-skinned men is just one of his many secrets. His wife Marien knows of his indiscretions, but as she’s content with their Colonial lifestyle, she stays silent.
Until a former lover of Eduard’s shows up in their parlor with thoughts of blackmail.
Reza was a crewman on the ship that brought the van De Liers to Java. During the passage, Eduard spent many a night in the younger man’s arms. Two years have passed, and the last person Eduard expects to find in his drawing room is Reza, a letter in hand that could destroy the life he and Marien lead.
Seeing him again ignites Eduard’s lust for his first dark lover. He hopes to retrieve the letter, either through seduction or subterfuge, and the longer Reza eludes him, the more his desire grows. But they’re on shaky ground, and before things can heat up between them, their world explodes — literally — when the unstable island of Krakatoa erupts.
Review: Eduard is a man of deep passion; a passion for the native men of Java. Reza is a sailor who Eduard seduced on the voyage to Java and has come to demand what is his.
I thought this was a brilliant historical novella and it really drew me in from the beginning… because really who doesn’t love a seduction on the first pages. Having Reza come back into his life really shakes Eduard’s world but that doesn’t stop him from being determined to seduce Reza again. Seeing the realization dawn on Eduard as he begins to understand that his lovers of the past two years have been pale imitations of Reza was nicely done and Reza’s determination to have Eduard all to himself and the way he manipulated the situation was brilliant.
I thought the setting was good and the descriptions of the earthquake’s and the volcanic eruptions and the subsequent tsunamis were detailed and scary, very well written. I know that the eruption of Krakatoa was a real event and I thought the author has done a good job of bringing it to life in a fiction story.
I recommend this to those who love historical, delicious and erotic, a male nymphomaniac and a man who knows what he wants. A definite good read.
Blurb: Sam is free of his meddling family but hardly manages to make ends meet working as a waiter. A hungry kitten in the restaurant’s back alley distracts him into missing two thugs until it’s almost too late. When Theo, Sam’s old neighbor, saves him and offers a ride home it is almost too good to be true. Sam has admired Theo for years but is afraid to become dependent again. But Sam’s apartment has been trashed and Theo insists on taking Sam home with him. Will the two men be able to build a future together?
This story is part of the 2011 Charity Sip Blitz collection. More than thirty authors have written short fiction pieces and have agreed to donate all proceeds of the sales of these stories to the It Gets Better Project. Torquere Press Inc. will match the authors’ donations completely.
Review: Sam is a down on his luck waiter who empathizes with a starving little kitten as he knows what it’s like to be cold, lonely and hungry. Theo breathes a sigh of relief that he has finally found Sam again. he’s wanted him from afar for some years and missed him terribly when he moved out of his brother’s house two years ago.
This is an incredible sweet gentle romance that makes you ache with its sweetness. these two men have yearned for each other and finally find each other in a dark dingy alley where Sam needs a white knight and Theo is that knight. You feel a compassion for Sam in his predicament when all he wants is happiness. you can’t help comparing him to the little kitten and just wanting to put your arms around him and giving him a big hug. with Theo you are rooting for him to be a complete gentleman and the white knight that Sam deserves.
I recommend this if you want a story that has sweetness, love, compassion and a need for family, a definite ‘feel good’ story that leaves you with a warm glow.
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave Publishing (30th September 2011)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: Ragnar, a hardened Scottish soldier, is indifferent to English rule of his homeland until he falls in love with Gylis McIvoy, a fellow Scotsman. They have a brief and passionate affair, but circumstances tear them apart permanently. Ragnar swears vengeance, and soon becomes a freedom fighter modeled on the recently captured and executed William Wallace.
Ragnar manages to raise a ragtag army that rains terror down on Longshanks’ occupying forces, but in the process, he has a chance meeting with the king’s son, Prince Edward of Wales. Sparks fly between them despite the impossibility of an English prince taking a Scottish enemy soldier as his lover—giving new meaning to “the love that dare not speak its name”. These two star-crossed lovers may cross swords on the battlefield by day, but they still manage to heat up the night.
Review: Ragnar is bent on revenge on the English after they killed his lover Gylis. He is determined to raise an army and drive the English out of Scotland. Edward Prince of Wales and heir to the throne is not a happy chappy as he is currently locked in the Tower for criticizing his father’s, the King, campaigns in Scotland and he is now plotting his uprising against his father.
This is a great story as you can imagine most of what’s described as happening back then. A lot of thought went into this storyline and I really enjoyed the plotting and the intrigue. The backstabbing and the scheming, most of the characters are in the history books and did in history what was described in this book. The author changed it up a bit but it doesn’t stray too far from known history so I supposed that you could call this Factual-Fiction. The story draws you in and with the problems that Ragnar and Edward face with being from enemy countries and one a peasant and one a royal. You really don’t see how they could possibly end up together, but the ending is great it left me with a grin on my face.
Ok… I loved this book. I know this is fiction and the author has artistic license and the author did fantastically with the story BUT I do have a few problems with it namely the timeline. it starts in 1283 but Edward Prince of Wales wasn’t born ‘til 1284 and there was some other stuff that was mixed up as well with the timeline, I know I am being picky but the author could have written this easily into the timeline and truthfully it’s not that far from the truth anyway.
So what would I recommend…? I would recommend this to anyone who love a pampered Prince, a Scottish Barbarian, sword fights, political intrigue, backstabbing, intense hot passion and men who fall in love with the enemy.
Blurb: William loves Vicente with all his heart, but can he give him the life he deserves, free from financial worries and danger, without making Vicente lose his self-respect?
William Fortin is a forensic scientist who has returned to Riverside after six years for his first job. He wants a social life and to settle down, and when he runs into his old crush from high school, Vicente Vasquez, he knows he has found the man of his dreams.
Vicente is a shy Mexican American who works hard so he can pay for the medical care his wheelchair bound father needs. He is a courier by day and a bartender by night, just to try to make ends meet. Dating the man who was his science tutor in high school is a dream come true.
But how can they possibly be partners when Vicente is struggling just to keep the creditors at bay and his traditional family can’t possibly find out he’s gay?
Review: Yet another incredibly touching story by Serena Yates. Vicente is struggling to cope after his life took a turn for the worse when his parents were involved in a car crash. He still clings to one dream though… William Fortin the man he’s had a crush on for over six years. William has returned to Riverside after a six-year absence and is overjoyed when at his welcome home party he spots Vicente Vasquez across the room.
This is a charmingly sweet romance that warms your heart. We fall in love with these men as they fall in love with each other and we hope that everything works out for them as they have to hide their relationship from Vicente’s family because they are homophobic and would cause serious problems for them. This storyline is a realistic one where they have to balance their love with reality and family. Vicente’s independence and family duty are to be admired and so is William’s honor and support. These two men were made for each other and complement each other well.
We fully understand Vicente’s fear of discovery when his brother finds out about them and his reaction is terrifying, I thought it was really well done. I only wish that there was something about Vicente’s father finding out as I thought it left the story a little unfinished.
So I would recommend this for those of you who love sweet romance, hot sex, family in dispute, hunky men and a sweet happy ending that leaves you feeling warm and happy.
Publisher: Razor’s Edge Press, Changeling Press (19th or 24th September 2011)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: Luke Jackson has been hot for his boss since the day he started work. When he’s offered the chance to win a promotion, he has no idea what his boss expects in return until he finds himself on his knees in his boss’s office. For Luke, his promotion doesn’t just come with better pay but also the fulfillment of all his submissive desires.
Review: A hot sexy short that will raise your blood pressure. Can’t tell you much about this one as it’s too short but Luke definitely gets just what he wants and it is definitely going to make you hot under the collar as he fulfils a fantasy that I think many of us have had.
An incredibly hot story for the amount of pages, some D/s nothing too heavy though and I have got to say an incredibly horny making book, no love or romance or even a HEA just pure want, need and sex.
This is for those of us..er..I mean you that want a quick sex fix that will have you hot and horny in just a few minutes.
Blurb: Two men molded by the fierceness and pain of their lives form a bond that ignites their passion, but will their love be strong enough to endure the violence of their pasts?
Lucas Matthews has loyally served his race for over two centuries, forced to kill the criminals of his own kind. When his Commander decided to take their laws into his own hands and give Lucas the choice to join his select group of rebels or die, Lucas ran. He refused to bow down to the corruption of his commander and kill humans for profit. After four years of hiding and six years of well-earned peace, his life was once more turned upside down when a small wisp of a man captured his heart.
Kyle Jennings’ desperate need to find love and acceptance landed him under the cruel domination of a sadistic boyfriend for five years. When Lucas appeared to rescue him one day, like a fierce, protective hero, he found himself succumbing to the gentle yet firm hand of the Dom. Through guidance and care, he finally found the courage to regain his independence and willingly surrender his control to Lucas.
Together, they create a soul-bond forged in love, but they must fight to keep it. With the Commander once again on Lucas’ trail, they each find themselves with a decision to make. Will Lucas have to forfeit his freedom for the sake of his love’s happiness, or will Kyle choose to sacrifice his life for his Dom?
Warning: This book may contain some content that may offend i.e. Physical abuse, BDSM, forced submission etc. etc.
Review: Lucas is a Tsielen and a Mackaeo (Tsielen police) but fled the Mackaeo when some of them became corrupt and tried to make him kill humans. Kyle is desperately unhappy as he is stuck in an abusive relationship that his brother allows as his ‘boyfriend’ gives his brother gifts and an easy life and now he sees no way out.
This is a great paranormal story that keeps you interested from the start. Lucas owns a wine store and Kyle is his employee. We find out early on (by his behavior) that Kyle is being abused and Lucas offer’s him help if he ever needs it. Lucas runs to the rescue when Kyle needs it and we see the start of a beautiful relationship. This is a great story as we don’t get dumped with information too soon or too much; it’s given to us more gradually and is spaced out well. The story line is rock solid and the relationship is believable and is paced out well. The way that Lucas supports Kyle while he deals with his injuries and nightmares is great and not rushed and Lucas also has a great friend in Bastian who also supports Kyle when he needs it.
The BDSM between Lucas and Kyle is light as they work together to get Kyle past his fear but Kyle is determined as he has a submissive nature and he just wants to take care of his Master. The sex is hot and intense, and doesn’t happen too quickly between them, although their feelings develop quickly.
All in all I’d recommend this to those who love light BDSM, paranormal, alien superpowers, sweet protective love and a great story.
Blurb: Adam Masterson paid a steep price for doing the right thing, but it might be more than worth it if he can get through tough cop Les Stanton-and if they can survive one man’s plans for vengeance.
All Adam Masterson tried to do was the right thing-stop a psychotic man from hurting anyone else. While he may have succeeded, he also put himself in the crosshairs of the man’s wealthy father, and Adam soon finds himself battered, homeless and unemployed. When his mother is also evicted from her home, Adam packs up his car and takes Charlene, his mother, with him as he heads to Texas to plead for help from someone he isn’t sure will help.
When Officer Les Stanton pulls over the beater car with Montana plates, he already knows who is in the vehicle. His friend Josh has been complaining about his partner, Nick, helping out the too-attractive blond from Montana. Les soon finds himself irresistibly drawn to Adam. Even his fear of Charlene can’t keep him away. Now, if he can just let go of the past and learn to trust, he and Adam might have a chance-unless one wealthy man swearing vengeance destroys them both.
Review: Adam does a good thing and now he’s been chased out of the city along with his mom. Les feels attraction for someone for the first time when he pulls over a car with Montana plates, now if only he can get over the fear of the man’s mom.
This is a brilliantly written story, we have big macho Les who is terrified of becoming ill and women (especially mothers) and lithe sexy Adam who knows how to fight and look after himself. These two men come together when Adam needs it most and we see them both letting down walls and letting each other in. Les has more complex issues that will break your heart and make you want to mother him. While Adam hopes that Les really is the man for him.
The storyline is good and the characters are great, we met both the MCs in the last Xxchange book and this story is fantastic for the two of them. It’s great that we get to know both of them so well. Charlene (Adam’s mother) is a fantastic supporting character as are Josh and Nick (Meant to Be). There were a few characters in this one that I would love to meet again; namely Chase, James, Billy and Talbot.
I recommend this to those who love hot sex, great men, a wonderful storyline and a great happy ending.
Blurb: Palm Springs, 1973. Don Harris is a piano player on the run after killing a Chicago mobster’s son in a bar fight. On the lam, he meets a pretty blonde girl in town for a convention. He lets down his guard and spends the night with her only to discover she’s the younger sister of his best friend all grown-up. Foolishly, she tips her brother off to Don’s location, and he’s on the run again, hoping to find a safe place to land.
Out of money and desperate, Don accidentally walks into a gay bar where he allows a kid named Harlan to pick him up so he’ll have a place to stay. As the mob chases them, Don begins to fall for the kid, putting them both in harm’s way. Harlan has problems of his own, and Don knows he shouldn’t get involved but he can’t help but step in when Harlan gets in trouble. To save himself, Don’s got to save Harlan.
Warning: Explicit m/f scenes in the early part of the book.
Review: Don, a Vietnam Veteran, is on the run after accidentally killing a mobster’s son. He meets with a woman who turns out to be his best friend’s sister and he has to run again. Harlan is a ‘caretaker’ to a Hollywood movie star and after a couple of games of pool picks Don up and helps him out.
Now, I will admit that this wasn’t a favorite of mine as it had explicit m/f scenes but they were a part of the plot and storyline. I can’t deny that it’s a really good book with an interesting storyline and a good plot though. So… I really can’t complain. Don’s straight and decided to use Harlan as he has nowhere else to go but in the process he learnt a thing or two about himself and his sexuality. Now this is a Gay for You and was done really well. Don questions himself about what he’s doing and what he feels and passing it off saying “I’m not gay”, before he finally admits how he truly feels. I found that Harlan was a great character who refuses to believe at first that Don could change from being straight to gay and doubting how Don feels; especially seeing as how they are in such a dangerous situation.
I found the setting interesting and enjoyed being taken to the seventies. Liked the way it was written that Don struggled with his flashbacks and nightmares of Nam. We also got flashbacks to when Don was younger as the author described that Don had been tempted by men in the past. The action and danger seemed realistic to the time. I also liked the fact that the author didn’t make Don into a cold-blooded killing machine but had him feel guilt about those who had died… even those who were trying to kill him.
I would recommend this to those who love a more realistic action/danger/suspense story, a great plot and a HEA.
Title: New Linen
