Month: November 2011

Salvation by Jambrea Jo Jones

Title:  Salvation

Series:  Alliance

Author:  Jambrea Jo Jones

Genre:   Sci-fi, MMF, Futuristic

Length: Novel

Publisher:  Total-E-Bound

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb:  Salvation: Can three people save each other?

Rock is a gun runner who was set in life. The only thing missing is a partner. He thinks it could be Sela, but he wants to be sure he isn’t after her because she reminds him of an old crush. When Dr. Alexander d’Ado explodes onto the scene, he is a goner. Can he have his cake and eat it too?

Zander is a scientist who lives for his work. He is usually oblivious to anything else. When his ship explodes around him can he find salvation in two roughened warriors? He has no idea why someone would be after him, but the three race to find out before someone kills him.

Will the trio find love while on the run?

Product Link:  http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=1218

Reviewer:   Portia

Review:  Okay, let me start by saying that Jambrea Jo Jones is now among a handful of romance writers that do MMF the way I like it.  There’s no leg of this triad that is stronger than the other.  The love and the loving are divided evenly among all the lovers.  That being said, Rock, Sela and Zander are the perfect Triad.  Watching them fall is love was a true pleasure.

The first thing I liked about this book is that even though I jumped into the middle of series, I didn’t feel like I was missing key elements of the storyline.  The world building and back-story were easy to follow.  For those of you who did it right, Rave and Kain from the first book, Retribution, are in there and sexy as ever.

Favorite character?  That would be a hard choice.  Sela spends a lot of time trying not to fall in love with not one man, but two.  Rock is such a he-man, but you always know that his heart is in the right place.  Then there’s Zander, sweet geeky Zander who falls in love with two warriors and is constantly questioning his ability to pull his weight in their unconventional relationship.

I loved this book on every level.  Whether in pairs or all together, the sex with these guys is off the chart hot.  And not just erotic, get ya hot hot, but sensuous loving that allows each to be vulnerable with and strong for the others.  I can honest say I’m looking forward to the next MM book, Freedom, scheduled to release 12/05/2011, like a kid at Christmas.

If you love a story with smoking hot loving, uber bad guys and a happy ever after, Salvation should definitely be on your to-read list.  Trust me.  You will not be disappointed.  Excellent writing that you can always expect from Jambrea Jo Jones, fabulous plot twist and characters you can’t help but love.  Highly recommend!!!

 

 

Nathan's Angel by Melissa Bradley

Title: Nathan’s Angel

Author: Melissa Bradley

Genre: Dark Fantasy, Paranormal, Shifter

Length: Novella (101pgs)

Publisher: Amber Quill Press (Amber Allure)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Sometimes, the laws of Heaven were meant to be broken…

When his soul-mate is stolen from Paradise and reincarnated, Ramiel, angel of death and transformation, defies Celestial Law to find out why. As punishment for his crime, he is banished to Earth in human form without his powers. His only hope lies in recovering the grace he lost in his fall from the Divine Realm.

Nathan, a beta werewolf, knows all too well what it’s like to be vulnerable and at the mercy of unfair people and situations. He is considered weak in the eyes of the alphas of his pack. Ramiel literally falling into his life changes Nathan. Determined to help the sexy angel, he takes charge of the situation, and to his surprise, begins to exhibit some rather alpha behavior.

As they search for Ramiel’s grace, a white-hot, forbidden fire ignites between them, an inferno that sets them ablaze, fusing them body and mind. A passion that makes them question everything they’ve ever known. But if they find Ramiel’s grace, will they have the strength to let each other go?

Purchase Link: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/NathansAngel.html

Review: Ramiel was caught consorting with a Fallen One and now he is being banished to Earth as punishment.  Nathan is on his way home when fire-ball crashes down to earth.  he is shocked when he finds a naked man (a very sexy, hot naked man) where the fire ball crashed.

This is a very good story-line and plot and is very well written. Nathan is shocked by his reaction to Ramiel and also can’t understand why he keeps getting aggressive since he met Ramiel. Ramiel needs help finding his Grace and to find the re-incarnation of Xerxes.  He needs to find out who violated Council Law by re-incarnating Xerxes. Ramiel has an instant attraction to Nathan and as they look for his Grace they explore the attraction.

I loved how these two characters reacted to one another and I thought Nathan’s reaction to a discovery was realistic and that the way Ramiel explained his own reaction and his own discovery about how he felt was brilliant. Both these men’s emotions were described wonderfully and the sex between them is incredible.

Now I already know what you’re thinking… ‘If it’s so good, then why the 3 ½ Heart rating?’… Because I had no choice, there really was no way around it. I was thinking about a 4 or even a 4 ½ depending on the ending but I got to the end and I nearly screamed in frustration, there was no closure at the end for their actions, I mean they made a big deal about what happened and how they would be punished and I went to the next page getting all excited thinking there was going to be a big explosive ending and it went… splat, nothing, nada, zip, zilch… it just finished.  I thought it can’t end this way… I must have a faulty file… there must be a chapter missing… but I checked, so because I felt that the ending let the rest of the book down I had to give it a 3 ½.

Now even though I was disappointed by the ending this is still a really good read which I think many will enjoy.  and you never know there may be a sequel just around the corner, (I hope so that would be a brilliant book.) So I still recommend this to those who love Shifters, Angels, a bit of danger, hot sex and a good story-line.

 

 

 

More than Chains to Bind by Stevie Woods

Title: More than Chains to Bind

Author: Stevie Woods

Genre: Historical Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Light BDSM

Length: Novel (212pgs)

Publisher: Amber Quill Press (Amber Allure) (26th June 2011)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rting: ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: When Prince Liander and his Guardian, Hollis, are captured during a raid while visiting the south coast of Tesla, they find themselves chained in pairs to other captive villagers. Once taken aboard ship, they realize they’re prisoners of their country’s ruthless enemy, and for his protection, it’s vital Liander’s identity is kept secret.

The new slaves are horrified to learn they’re to be trained in the use of swords, other weapons, and unarmed combat so they can fight in an arena for the entertainment of their captors. The situation is made worse because Fortil, to whom Liander is chained, has no respect for his prince and has only one goal—to force the young man to have sex with him. Yet there is only one man Liander is interested in, and it certainly isn’t Fortil.

Hollis worries about his charge, wishes to whisk Liander to safety, but there’s nothing he can do as they are kept separate in different training halls, chained to other slaves, and seeing each other only rarely. Escape seems impossible, and desperation grows when it becomes obvious they may be forced to one day battle each other for their very survival…

Purchase Link: http://amberquill.com/AmberAllure/MoreThanChains.html

Review: Okay, I’ve labeled this Historical Fantasy because even though it is a fantasy world it kinda reminded me of Viking raids where they raided our coastal towns and carried our people away and of Romans training slaves to fight in Arenas. Liander is the youngest Prince of Tesla who is checking some historical research in a coastal town. On his last night there he is captured when the town is raided.  Hollis is a Guardian (bodyguard) to the Prince and the only reason he too is taken is because the leader of the raiders says his ‘spirit is that of a warrior’; he is glad as it means he can stay near his Prince.

This book has an incredible strong story-line and plot, its characters are good and the world building and descriptions are great. Hollis has deep feelings for Liander and although he knows that Liander would be able to take physical abuse he worries about the psychological effects that Liander may suffer. Liander loves Hollis but has never acted on it but now being in danger with no way of escape he takes the plunge and tells Hollis how he feels; Hollis swears that some way they will escape.

These two main characters are brilliant together, they have known each other for years, they have kept their feelings to themselves and even when their passion threatens to overtake them, they can rein it in because they know they have to survive. I really enjoyed this story because even though there are flashes of intense longing and passion there is a lot of focus on the story-line so it’s the story that counts and not the sex. But speaking of sex… oh yeah, it’s hot!   There is some slight rope-play so you receive a dose of kink and its gooooood.

So… if you want a historical feel to your fantasy, some intense longing and passion to your sex, soft touches and glances to your love and a bit of danger and torture to your story then this is the book for you.

Mate of the Tsatrya by Ann T. Ryan

Title: Mate of the Tsatrya

Author: Ann T. Ryan

Genre: Paranormal, Fantasy, Science Fiction

Length: Novella (144pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (12 November 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Attending the annual Event, Joseph encounters a Tsatrya Leader capable of making him question his own sexuality. Can Mykael of Lithonur convince him that they are true mates or will Joseph deny their connection?

Joseph Archer never gave much thought to the Tsatrya, a race known for their superiority to humankind in strength and speed, as well as extreme good looks. That is…until he met Mykael of Lithonur, ruler of one of the continents of the New World. Joseph’s uncontrollable desire for the man challenges his belief in his own sexuality. Falling hard and fast for the Tsatryan leader, Joseph’s first instinct is to deny the connection. Will Mykael be able to convince him they are true mates?

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/new-release-c-1/mate-of-the-tsatrya-ebook-p-659

Review: Joseph is talked into going to the Event by his best friend Jess, he really doesn’t want to go and doesn’t see the point as he is straight and can’t get pregnant. Mykael is being pressured to take a mate, as the leader of the Continent of Lithonur he is expected to have an heir, but the mate he finds is not the one that his friends expected.

Wow really, really great book that has a wonderful storyline and a great plot. Joseph may have met the only man/Tsatryan of his dreams but that doesn’t mean he’s going to rush into anything, Mykael has found his true mate and really doesn’t want to let him go. I loved this story as even though they both felt the bond Joseph wants to make sure it’s the right thing for both of them and even though Mykael would like to push the issue he lets Joseph make his own decisions.

This is a well written thought out story that isn’t overdone or crammed with too much information; you get just the right amount of info to keep you interested without it being long-winded or to technical. Fantastically done is all I can say. The plot was brilliant and gave you a good twist that I didn’t expect, there was worry and angst which was in keeping with the circumstances and there was happiness and joy for all concerned in the end. Yes I know I am being very vague but there is no way that I will give the plot away for this one, all I will say is that the Tsatrya race are all male and they can get pregnant but a successful pregnancy is rare, does that give you a clue? Maybe but don’t count on it.

The twist in this is really well done and the explanation is short and succulent and is brilliantly done so you don’t feel cheated at all. The characters are all brilliant, the sex is hot, everything fits together nicely and it’s a bloody good read, so I recommend you get this book and enjoy.

P.S. If you read this Ann T. Ryan then I want a sequel for Jess with his story being told. Please with whipped cream and cherries on the top… I’ll even add sprinkles.

 

 

Premonition by D. H. Starr

Title: Premonition

Author: D.H. Starr

Genre: Suspense, Paranormal

Length: Novel (213pgs)

Publisher: MLR Press (28th October 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Martin Proctor has been on the Boston Police Force for ten years. His record is impeccable and he’s helped his precinct and captain maintain one of the best crime records in the city. But no one knows Martin has premonitions which help him solve cases others find impossible.

Justin Franklin is also on the Boston force. Justin may not have supernatural abilities, but as an openly gay man, he possesses a courage that draws Martin in.

When Martin has a premonition about the death of Justin’s brother and fails to save him, their lives become intertwined. As they work together to discover the truth behind Larry’s murder, Martin foresees Justin’s death.

The closer they come to cracking their case, the less time Martin has to piece together his fragmented visions and save Justin before it’s too late.

Purchase Link: http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=DHSPREMO

Review: Martin is a hard-working detective who borders the line at work sometimes as he has premonitions.  Premonitions which he just can’t ignore. So sometimes he dodges trouble by the skin of his teeth. Justin is also a detective who has just suffered the loss of his brother.  As the two men work together they are drawn into danger even as they become more than just partners on the force.

This is a really great suspense/romance/paranormal story that at times will have you chewing your fingernails and perched on the edge of your seat. Martin has a heavy burden to bear, he has premonitions and although he does his best to change the outcome of those premonitions sometimes his best just isn’t enough.  The guilt of those failures weighs heavily on his soul.  He can’t share his knowledge without fear of being thought of as crazy so he stands alone without anyone to share his burden. Justin feels betrayed that Martin kept a secret from him and he finds it difficult to let it go and forgive him.  The pressure is also affecting their working partnership and Justin struggles to trust Martin to do the right thing with the case. We get to experience both these men’s’ emotions; which is brilliant as they both experience anger, frustration, despair, love, hope, fear, betrayal and shock so you get the whole range of feelings.

This story-line is brilliant, the plot fantastic and the characters were incredible. This story will have you wondering and pondering, it will have you frustrated and miffed off and it will have you empathizing with both main characters. With both Martin and Justin, you can’t help wanting to choose sides and pick a favorite, but you can’t because you can see the problem from both points of view and they are both right… and wrong.  Their relationship progresses well and they also share secrets early on but it doesn’t feel too soon.  They both have an instinct to trust each other and you get the feeling that they were meant for each other. The sex between them is hot and erotic and there was one scene where Martin undressed when he was by himself that I found really erotic *pant pant, wiping drool from my chin*.

The suspense and mystery are great and moves along smoothly, it also keeps you guessing as the story pulls together.  Warning:   there are one or two strings left untied. So I have some questions that I’d like answered… who was Mouse? How did… (Oh that would give the story away), What about… damn everything I want to know will give the story away. Okay D.H. Starr at least please promise me that there is a sequel planned so that I can find out the answers.

So fantastic story, great hot sex, a wonderful mystery, lots of suspense, hot men, danger, paranormal, angst, and a great ending… I don’t know why you are still sitting there reading this review and not already clicking the link to get this book?? Honestly some people can’t take a hint. I recommend this story to everyone who loves any of the above.

Developing the Counselor by Serena Yates

Title: Developing the Counsellor

Series: New Horizons (#7)

Genre: M/M Contemporary

Author: Serena Yates

Publisher: Total-E-Bound (October 17th 2011)

ISBN: 978-0-85715-788-1

Format: ebook short story

Heat Level: Moderate

My Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts

From the Publisher:   Emilio Scarpino is a self development counsellor who can’t seem to lose the extra pounds he believes stop him from finding love. He likes eating and hates perfectly fit men like his personal trainer – until he meets ex-Army man Ivan Macer. The man is not only a hunk but very interested in Emilio.

Ivan became a security specialist when he left the Army two years ago and now co-owns a small company with his friend Leo. Part of the reason he left the Army was that he couldn’t be himself – and he still hasn’t come out, but would for the right man.

Can Ivan convince Emilio that he cares more about who he is than what he looks like? Can Emilio believe him and develop a new sense of self?

About the Author (from the Publisher):   I’m a night owl who starts writing when everyone else in my time zone is asleep. I’ve loved reading all my life and spent most of my childhood with my nose buried in a book. Although I always wanted to be a writer, financial independence came first. Twenty-some years and a successful business career later I took some online writing classes and never looked back.

My Review:   I had a friend when I was younger that constantly battled his weight and as a result, he had some serious misconceptions about himself. In a similar fashion, Emilio firmly believes that no one could possibly be attracted to him because of his excess weight. He suffers from a serious case of low self esteem and also some inward hostilities towards people he believes look ‘perfect’.

Emilio is in serious need of a vacation and is envious of his friend Felix’s blossoming relationship with his new boyfriend. He decides to takes some time off from his counseling job to go visit him. When he shows up at Felix’s office he discovers the absolute physical perfection of Ivan Macer. Exercise buffs, personal trainers, and ex-Army men all get his guard up so he just has no clue how Ivan could possibly be attracted to him!

We were first introduced to Ivan in Ms. Yates previous book ‘Saving the Bodyguard (New Horizons, #5)’ when he suggested that his partner go for anger management training. He feels an instant bond of friendship and camaraderie form as soon as he meets Emilio and is quick to admit that he is physically attracted to him as well.

This is the part that I sort of had a problem with…in the earlier pages, Ivan says multiple times that he cannot admit that he is gay (although there are some allusions to brief M/M encounters?) but he grabs Emilio, pushes him up against a wall and dives into bed with him without one ounce of hesitation. I have to be a bit skeptical of this situation. I would think there would be a bit more resistance to getting physical if he is as ‘not gay’ as he suggests.

The author does a great job with Emilio’s character. We are given quite a wonderful and emotional look into what drives him, his insecurities, and his dreams. Leo’s character didn’t really come together for me. He is sweet and encouraging to Emilio but went from dominant and aggressive to insecure and hesitant depending on the scene.

The interactions between Emilio and Ivan were well written and there was both passion and tenderness in their relationship. I would have liked to see the story keep going a little bit more, I thought maybe it ended a little too abruptly.

Overall, not a bad story. Tender and passionate with a real look at what weight problems can do to a person’s self confidence. I just would have preferred Leo’s character be a bit more defined.

 

Crescendo by Rachel Haimowitz

Title: Crescendo

Series: Song of the Fallen 02

Author: Rachel Haimowitz

Genre: Fantasy, Medieval type Adventure

Length: Novel (107,000 word count)

Publisher: Storm Moon Press (18th November 2011)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: History made them enemies. Chance made them master and slave. Love overcame it all. But love isn’t always enough….

Bridging the hatred of centuries did not come easy for Freyrík Farr and Ayden Vaska. As prince of a war-torn human province, Freyrík could ill afford to fall for an enemy. And Ayden, and Elven warrior with three hundred years of bitterness in his heart, wanted no part of love—not Elven, and especially not human. Yet they came together despite themselves and despite the will of their peoples, joining heart and mind to fight a race of Dark Beasts threatening the extinction of mankind.

But the Dark Beast threat pales beside the dangers of the human High Court, home of the Aegis Exalted and the harshest test yet of Ayden’s and Freyrík’s fledgling love.

While Ayden is stripped of his magic, Freyrík is forced to choose between his love for elf, Aegis, and brother, all the while seeking the one uncertain path that might save his doomed race. Time is fast running out for mankind, and only by making peace amongst themselves and with their ancient Elven enemies can they end the Dark war—and undo the tragedy that’s plagued humans, elves, and Dark Beasts alike for the last three hundred years.

Purchase Link: http://stormmoonpress.com/books/Crescendo.aspx

Review: Please read Song of the Fallen 01 – Counterpoint first as Crescendo is a continuation of the story. Ayden has to put his faith in Freyrík, if they are both to survive the human High Court.  and it is not easy to hold onto that faith no matter how much he loves the human. Freyrík is torn between his elf, his brother King Berendil and his High King Aegis, no matter which way he turns, he has to betray one while always hurting his elf.

This is an incredible wonderful fantastic story that is written by a true storyteller who keeps you reading with every word written. We already know that these two, elf and human love each other deeply. In this part of Song Of The Fallen, that love is tested beyond measure as they both face challenges that are thrown at them while they are at the High Court.  And then as they journey into the Feral woods to find the source of the Feral’s; on an impossible task set by the High King Aegis.

This is a brilliant story-line and plot, the characters are incredible and the emotions of both the main characters are touching in places. You can’t help but feel sorry for Freyrík and Ayden as they are in a position that they can see no way out of. Ayden’s treatment at the hands of the humans is just terrible and then later Freyrík gets a taste of it from the elves.

The world building is again fantastic.  giving us a wonderful picture of the world they live in. Discovering why it’s called Song of the Fallen is an enlightenment that I never even suspected. This is an incredibly woven tale that I couldn’t put down (my kids would agree as I nearly burnt their dinner) and didn’t want to end.

I recommend this to everyone… it’s a fantastic fantasy.  It’s got some hot loving, it has mistrust, angst, danger, hatred, anger, adventure and it’s brilliant.

Tame by A. J. Llewellyn

Title: Tame

Author: A.J. Llewellyn

Genre: Shifter, Dark Fantasy, Mystery

Length: Novella (106pgs)

Publisher: Amber Quill (Amber Allure) (16th October 2011)

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Cavan Carmichael has just transferred to LAPD from rural Oregon. It’s Halloween and he’s expecting…well, the unexpected, since it’s the time of spooky things, and this is LA, after all. Nobody, however, could have predicted an animal abuse call that turns out to reveal a beaten, chained-up man in a garden shed.

Then come the words that Cavan knows will haunt him for life: “Don’t worry, I’m tame.”

Cavan rescues the man who, underneath the bruises and blood, is very handsome. And mysterious. Nothing about the stranger adds up. Nothing he says makes sense. For every medical test the doctors perform, only more questions arise. When Ludo, as he insists he be called, is admitted to the hospital, he has grievous injuries inflicted by a despicable assailant via antique torture instruments.

Unbelievably, Ludo’s injuries heal fast and Cavan, who visits the recuperating man, is astonished to find he is attracted and protective of the man. But can Cavan overlook the oddities, such as bristles under the man’s tongue? The strange wolf hairs in his wounds? Is the most beautiful man Cavan has ever seen really…tame?

Purchase Link: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/Tame.html

This title is part of the Howling At The Moon 2011 AmberPax™ Collection.

Review: Cavan is a cop; he’s just doing his job never expecting to find a man who desperately needs his help. Ludo is a man with secrets, he is stuck in a mess until he is rescued by a policeman and he finds that he is able to trust this man with a heart of gold.

This is a well written story that has a strong story-line and plot. Cavan has just transferred and is struggling to cope with his mother’s issues. Work is going great for him until he gets called to an animal abuse case and discovers a man who has been beaten, abused and shackled. Cavan helps Ludo as much as he can while trying to keep his attraction at bay. Ludo is grateful for Cavan’s support and help and quickly falls for the compassionate cop.

There is a darker flavor than the usual Llewellyn.  The mystery definitely has the center stage on this one.  The characters are great together and the sex is smoking hot, the story-line is brilliant and I love that myths were used in this story to explain the shifter. a nice change from the normal stories. There was a lot that was left open and hopefully there will be more stories to come. There were one or two problems with proof-reading that really shouldn’t have gotten through but otherwise this is a brilliant story.

So I recommend this to those who love shifters, hot sex, a great story and a happy for now ending. I really hope that A.J. Llewellyn has left it like this because he plans a sequel.

 

A Bit of Me by Bailey Bradford

Title: A Bit of Me

Series: Love in Xxchange 06

Author: Bailey Bradford

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Super Novel (231pgs)

Publisher: Total E-Bound (7th November 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Chase Murphy lost everything—money, his best friend, and his confidence-but one man wants to help him regain what was taken from him along with a love that Chase never expected to have and doesn’t believe he deserves.

Xavier Talbot has everything a successful man should, or at least he thought he did. Suddenly he discovers that his brother is a sick sadistic jerk, the boy he found on the streets and raised for the past several years is going to give Xavier a clear understanding of ‘empty nest syndrome’, and the club he’d built up from nothing, The Xxchange, now seems like a sleazy place instead of the GLBT paradise Xavier had imagined. Then a chance encounter with one man gives Xavier a bit of hope in his rapidly depressing world.

Chase Murphy only wanted one thing—to find his best friend, James Stratton, who’d been kidnapped by a vengeful sociopath. Hurt and stranded in a town he has no intentions of staying in, Chase meets a man he wants to hate, but he can’t stop thinking about Xavier Talbot no matter what he does. Slowly, seductively, the town and its inhabitants draw Chase in and make him rethink his opinion on forming friendships and the possibility of a long term relationship. He isn’t sure he wants to hang around to see if things would work out, but it isn’t until James is found that Chase discovers the truth about what it means to love people, as friends and, for Xavier, as a lover.

Reader Advisory: This book is best read in sequence as part of a series.

Purchase Link: http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=1430

Review: Chase has had a hard life and it has only got worse in the last few months.  He now has nothing at all and his only friend is missing.  When he meets Xavier he finds it difficult to handle the attraction. Xavier has troubles of his own; his brother is losing control and Billy has met someone who he could love. When he meets Chase, Xavier thinks he may have just met the man for him.

This story has a great story-line that keeps you reading. Chase is only in the mess he is in because he helped a friend. But saying that, he probably would have done it anyway.  He is recovering from a severe beating when he meets Xavier and although he is attracted to him he holds back as he has trouble trusting people. Xavier will go at whatever pace Chase wants and between the two of them they manage to sort out their problems with the help of their friends.

I really liked how this story paced its self and was filled with enough conflict to keep it hopping. The hurt that Xavier feels over his brother is well portrayed and his feelings about losing Billy are all too true and described very well. Chase’s fear of getting close to people is understandable and his worry for his friend is brilliantly done. The relationship between Chase and Xavier is well done and not rushed or over the top and the sex is red-hot.

I will recommend this to anyone who likes mystery, a bit of danger, hot sex, hot men, a fantastic story and great taste in authors. I personally can’t wait for Billy’s story and then I am hoping for James and Shearing’s story.

 

 

 

Across the East River Bridge by Kate McMurray

Title: Across the East River Bridge

Author: Kate McMurray

Genre: Paranormal, Suspense, Mystery

Length: Novel (162pgs)

Publisher: Loose Id (11th October 2011)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: When Finn’s boss sends him to a museum in Brooklyn, the last person he expects to see is his old rival, Troy. Finn still blames Troy for sending his career off the rails, but Troy has research Finn needs. Troy also has an intriguing story; the museum he curates is haunted by the ghosts of two men who died under mysterious circumstances in 1878. Troy strikes a deal: he’ll help Finn if Finn helps him find out what happened to the men who died.

From diaries, police reports, and newspaper articles, Finn and Troy piece together the lives of the two dead men—and the romance that bloomed between them—and it becomes clear that the men were murdered. It also becomes clear that the ghosts are real and are capable of manipulating the dreams, thoughts, and actions of the living. When Finn and Troy start falling for each other, Finn worries that it’s all an illusion concocted by the ghosts to keep them working together to solve the mystery, but Troy is convinced the love between them is real. But how can he get rid of a couple of ghosts and prove it?

Purchase Link: http://www.loose-id.com/Across-the-East-River-Bridge.aspx

For more background on the historical element of Across The East River Bridge visit here:

http://www.katemcmurray.com/2011/10/across-the-east-river-bridge-special-features/

Review: Finn and Troy have been at logger heads for years. Finn hates Troy and tries to keep hold of his resentment while he helps Troy investigate the mystery of two men’s deaths in 1878. Troy needs Finn’s help with the mystery but that isn’t the only reason he asked him to help.  In return for Finn’s help, he will help Finn with the research he needs.

This is a great story that drew me in because of the interesting historical facts as well as a doomed 1870’s love story and the present love story. I must admit that I am a bit of a history nerd and love finding out new historical facts especially when it’s blended in with fiction and this author does that beautifully. This isn’t a light read; I’d class it as medium as we have two historical researcher’s digging into a mystery that is over a hundred years old and they are trying to figure out their attraction to each other; while one of them is fighting it and two ghosts are interfering with them as well.

Finn and Troy are two men that you want to shake.  Finn because he holds onto his resentment and anger like they are a shield and Troy ‘cause he can be a bit of a prat and he loves winding Finn up. These two men have great chemistry and when Finn doesn’t think… well the sparks and heat from these two men could start an inferno. The suspense and mystery were very good and the plot and story-line were smoothly written and flowed well. I liked that Finn was skeptical and wanted to make sure that what he was feeling was real, although I do think that he treated Troy a bit meanly. Troy fully accepted how he felt and wants everything with Finn.

So I will recommend this to those of you who like Mystery’s, finding out about history, love, a great story-line and a happy ever after for two men and two ghosts.

 

 

 

Moon-Touched by Vivien Dean

Title: Moon-Touched

Author: Vivien Dean

Genre: Dark Fantasy, Shifter

Length: Novel (155pgs)

Publisher: Amber Press (Amber Allure) (16th October 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Thomas Durling escaped his small-town upbringing for over ten years, until a single phone call draws him back. Told his mother has been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s, Thomas returns to the small northern Michigan town he once called home to find a mute stranger named Andre taking care of her in his stead. On the surface, Andre seems harmless enough, but Thomas has enough problems trying to deal with his mother’s illness. He doesn’t need a gorgeous young man to distract him, especially in a town that already drove him away once with its homophobia.

But Andre Nezat has nowhere else to go. A wolf without a pack, he’s been on the run since witnessing his father’s murder, always looking over his shoulder, never looking ahead. Taking care of Thomas’s mother has given him a welcome sanctuary, as well as a place he can call home for a couple months. He wants to stay, but more importantly, he wants to help, even if Thomas isn’t ready to accept that they can actually be friends…

Purchase Link: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/MoonTouched.html

This title is part of the Howling At The Moon 2011 AmberPax™ Collection.

Review: Thomas is back in town to ensure his mother’s well-being.  He doesn’t need the added complication of being attracted to Andre, the man who has been helping to care for his mother. Andre has been on the running from the past some time, his attraction for Thomas complicates his plans when his past begins to catch up.

This is a well written story that is different from the usual run of the mill shifter story. Thomas returns to his hometown that he couldn’t wait to get out of because of the small-minded bigotry. , he returns because of his mum; she has been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s.  We see him struggle with the effect it has on him, as he sees how Alzheimer’s is affecting her. Andre is helping Thomas’s mum as much as he can but he knows that he will have to move on soon as his past is always following him. We feel sorry for him as we learn the truth of his injuries and the effect it has on him.

I loved how being a shifter in this book is not easy and that the change is harrowing and painful.  I thought it was great that there wasn’t any instant mating and that they got to know each other quite well in the short amount of time that they had. Thomas’s reaction to Andre’s change was great and wasn’t overdone or overplayed. The sex was emotional and connected the two men together in a way that was more than just physical release.

This is a wonderful story that I will recommend to those who love shifters, emotional pasts, a difficult present and a hopeful future.

 

 

 

Accepting His Animal by Charlie Richards

Title: Accepting His Animal

Series: Wolves of Stoneridge 03

Author: Charlie Richards

Genre: Paranormal, Shifters, Inter-mating

Length: Novella (107pgs)

Publisher: eXtasy Books (2nd September 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Doctor Gordon Digby came to Stone Ridge to help rescued shifters heal from their time abused by poachers. Finding a mate wasn’t even a blip on his radar. Fate throws a wrench in his plans in the form of sexy tiger shifter Grady Stryker. The man sets Gordon’s blood on fire and scrambles his senses. But Grady’s a detective, and the good doctor has secrets he doesn’t want revealed, including his own animal’s transgressions.

Detective Grady Stryker believes finding your fated mate is the greatest gift a shifter can receive so he doesn’t understand Gordon’s reticence, until a friend gives him a little insight into Gordon’s past. His resolve set, Grady realizes the best way to win his mate just may be the most fun: seduction.

Grady’s plans get put on hold when more poachers appear in Stone Ridge. Except these humans aren’t really poachers. They know about shifters, and if they can’t capture them, they’ll eradicate them. Can Grady convince Gordon to accept him in time to stop the humans from harming more of their friends? Or will they be too distracted to see what’s right in front of them?

Purchase Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=3330

Review: Gordon has done his best to keep his animal on a short leash. He is scared of what it will do if he lets it out.  That’s why he is unhappy to have discovered his mate. Grady is overjoyed to find his mate, now if only he can convince his mate that Gordon won’t hurt him.

This book was quite creative in its shifter pairing; it’s not very often you come across this exotic a shifter. Gordon lives in fear of his animal getting loose and wreaking havoc or hurting someone, so he keeps it under tight control. When Grady realizes what Gordon has been doing he sets out to show Gordon that releasing his animal and accepting it is better for Gordon and his animal side.

I enjoyed this book because even though it was instant mates, Gordon did try to ignore it because of his fear.  The way that Grady helped Gordon with his fear was really good and showed that they are a good match. This is a really good story-line that has a slight twist. There seems to be a link to experiments carried out over 170 years before which I thought was great. Grady is determined to not only keep his mate but to also find the poachers who have been kidnapping shifters. I also really like the fact that each story in the series gives us more to chew on with the poacher/kidnapping theme.  And the ending to this one… talk about a teaser, *sheesh*. Another thing that I loved about this one is that Gordon isn’t a sculpted muscle-bound shifter, he has a bit of extra weight and the best thing is, is that it isn’t a huge big deal and Gordon is quite happy with himself as well.

I recommend this to those who love shifters, inter-species mating, hot sex, hot men, a brilliant story-line and a happy ever after that leaves us with a cliff-hanger ending.

 

The Phoenix Rises by Mark Alders

Title: The Phoenix Rises

Author: Mark Alders

Genre: Paranormal

Length: Short (35pgs)

Publisher: eXtasy Books (1st February 2011)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Struck by the sight of an exotic bird while tree climbing, Wesley is left with an experience that haunts his dreams.

But the bird is something far more than what Wesley could have ever imagined. In fact, the bird isn’t a bird at all.

It’s a phoenix, a rare and magical creature who has been bonded with Wesley and can take the form of a man.

After a while, Wesley falls in love for the phoenix named Shojuno. But with the world turning against the phoenix, can Wesley make the love he feels inside him grow? Or will the greed of man end Wesley’s relationship with Shojuno before it’s even begun?

Purchase Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/the-phoenix-rises-6/

Review: Wesley spots a magical creature in his favorite Ghost Gum tree and is haunted by its image as he visits the tree day after day to see it again. Shojuno is hunted and he requires the help of Wesley so the one who hunts him doesn’t find him.   Can he get Wesley to believe and help him before it’s too late?

This is a well written short story that at times is whimsical and enchanting. Wesley has to learn to believe and trust in Shojuno and to accept that magic can happen. While Shojuno has only to avoid the one who hunts him.

This is a beautifully written story that is both gently erotic and sweetly innocent; the descriptions of the phoenix are exquisitely painted and make you long that you could actually see it.   Wesley’s longing for this incredible creature is quite poignant and his confusion about Shojuno is described wonderfully.

So I recommend this to anyone who wishes to read a story that will take your breath away.

 

 

 

 

Covenation by Mark Adlers

Title: Covenation

Series: Adventures of the Magician’s Coven 02

Author: Mark Alders

Genre: Fantasy, M/M/M, M/M/M/M

Length: Novella (135pgs)

Publisher: eXtasy Books (15th October 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Shane, Joel and Will are faced with a new threat. A weapon so powerful, so hard to resist that the lives of not only themselves, but all those they care about could be affected. What could the weapon be that could devastate them just as they have formed their coven?

His name is James Petrov, a devilishly handsome young man sent by Alistair and his coven to finish off what the dark magician couldn’t complete himself. Can Shane, Joel and Will see through Alistair’s plans before it’s too late? Or will James prove too much, seducing them to the dark coven and ending their own, leaving a wake of destruction in his path?

Purchase Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/covenation-5/

Review: Shane, Joel and Will are back and they face more than they ever realized. James Petrov is calling out to Shane trying to lead him to a trap; can Shane save his coven, James, Dr Obenweiser and Laurence before it’s too late?

This is a quite well written book with a great story-line and plot. This continuing story was great as we saw Shane discover new powers and become stronger with the love of his coven; embarking on an adventure that was fraught with danger and overcome obstacles with his coven’s love when it looked like all was lost.

Mark Alders definitely has a keen imagination and I love how he has his men undressed most of the time. The characters are still wonderful with the three young men still sex mad (thank god) and I love how even though there is a lot (and I mean a lot) of sex it is an integral part of the story and wouldn’t work without it… No I am not making it up or making excuses it really IS necessary to have that much sex… Honest. The adventure in this one is great and I think most people will like it. No, I won’t give you any hints but I will tell you that Dr Obenweiser joins them on this adventure but he won’t be quite as helpful as they had all hoped!

So great characters, great story-line and plot, fantastic magic, lots and lots of hot sex, a good adventure and a happy for now ending… really what more could you ask for?

 

 

 

The Demon Waiter by Laura Tolomei

Title: The Demon Waiter

Author: Laura Tolomei

Genre: Dark Fantasy, Paranormal, M/M, M/M/F, M/F

Length: Novella (127pgs)

Publisher: eXtasy Books (15th October 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Now he had the place. He had the lovers. He had the simultaneous come. And tonight was Halloween

He hadn’t expected it. Not at all. And yet there it was, Laurent De Berger’s heart wish was                a…impossible! And to think he had done it by the book, have sex in a dusty ghost town saloon with Anthony and Renée on Halloween night, only to find out…no, he still couldn’t believe it! But since there was no going around it, what to do now?

Purchase Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/the-demon-waiter/

Review: Laurent has one true wish and he decides that on Halloween, after searching long and hard for what he needed to perform the ritual, he can now perform it and get his heart’s wish.

I thought this book was okay.   The story-line was really good and so was the premise of the plot.  I liked that Laurent was starting to want more than just sex and he went about finding a solution in a paranormal way; which left him open to the Demon realm. There is plenty of hot sex with a multitude of partners but even when he meets his soul-mate it doesn’t end happily for him.

Now my problem with this book is that on the publisher’s website it says GAY romance. Yes, that’s right GAY.  Now to me GAY means that it is men having sex not m/f or m/f/m but just Gay men having man on man sex.  I knew from the blurb that there was a chance of m/f/m for the ritual but honest to god until half way through it was mainly m/f and m/f/m with a tantalizing bit of m/m thrown in.   This was a major let-down as I was expecting a gay story. Now that you all know that, it may hit your spot just right but at least you’ll know what to expect.  For me by the time it got to the best part I’d already lost interest.

Now that isn’t to say it isn’t a good book because it is.   It is interesting to find out why Laurent is so addicted to sex with Renée and Anthony and to see the paranormal world being woven into a great story-line.  I also liked the way the story ended leaving it open enough for a sequel, if the author wanted to.

So I will recommend this to those who love m/f/m, dark fantasy, paranormal, m/m, hot sex (and loads of it) and an ending that has you pulling your hair out.

 

 

Alpha by Ravon Silvius

Title: Alpha

Author: Ravon Silvius

Genre: Futuristic

Length: Novella (132pgs)

Publisher: eXtasy Books (15th September 2011)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: A noble goal, and a stupid risk, but will it pay off?

The world of the future is starkly divided. Those with the money to afford it can become Alphas, people with superhuman IQ. The rest? Mundanes, unable to get a job beyond being a mechanic or working in food service, if they can get work at all.

But Nick, a mundane, disagrees with the system, and so does his dangerous friend Riki. Their dream is to build their own machine to raise IQ and give people the equal opportunity they deserve. The penalty for this, however, is death, and it must be done in secret.

Unfortunately, Nick is new to crime, and he meets a handsome man in a bar after a hard day at work. When he finds out Julian is an Alpha, he’s nervous, but continues with the flirtation, resulting in a hot couple of nights. When he finds out that Julian is an investigator, he realizes he has put his dream at risk.

A noble goal, and a stupid risk, but will it pay off?

Purchase Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/alpha-4/

Review: Nick is putting everything on the line to make his dream come true and when he meets Julian he thinks maybe he can have the best of both worlds, until that is…Riki finds out.

This is a really good story-line and plot that makes you wish it was longer. I thought the connection that Nick and Julian had was great and Julian seemed to be a really nice guy. Nick wants everyone to be on a more even setting rather than just the rich having the best of the world.  Nick’s fear of being discovered was really well done and I thought Julian’s story was really sad and gave us a point of view of an Alpha.

The characters are well portrayed and I quite liked Riki as he’s got quite a dangerous edge to him. I wish there was more interaction between Julian and Nick as they did make a great couple and I really hope that there will be a sequel as this was a really good story and it has so much potential to be so much more as this has only whetted my appetite to find out more about the Alpha’s and the Mundanes.

So who do I recommend this to?  Well those who love hot sex, hot men, futuristic and a story-line that makes you want more.

 

 

 

Violet Tresses by Augusta Li

Title: Violet Tresses

Author: Augusta Li

Genre: Fantasy, Medieval

Length: Novella (79pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (12th November 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Sebastian has always wanted to escape the hardship of peasant life. A mysterious aristocrat, Herr Schadenfreud, comes to claim him on his eighteenth birthday, leaving Sebastian frightened and confused. Is his new life a dream come true or punishment for his wicked desires?

All Sebastian Blume has ever wanted is to escape the hardship of peasant life. When a mysterious man, Herr Schadenfreud, comes to claim him on his eighteenth birthday, the young man is frightened and confused. While the exotic and beautiful aristocrat is kind and indulgent toward Sebastian, he also subjects him to long periods of loneliness and isolation while he’s away. Sebastian doesn’t know whether his new life is a dream come true or punishment for his wicked desires.

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/new-release-c-1/violet-tresses-ebook-p-660

Review: What can I say about this one? How about brilliant! Sebastian is struggling to farm the land and provide for his mother, brothers and sisters when a strange man comes to the farm; his life is about to change. Shade (Herr Schadenfreud) has come to collect what he is owed by the villagers after they came begging for his help many years before.

I really liked this fairy-tale type story and thought it was well written with a good plot and story-line. Sebastian is scared as his life has changed more than he dreamed. He comes to love Shade, he also resents him.   Although he has luxury and comfort he hasn’t any freedom or company except when Shade visits him in the tower where he is kept effectively like a prisoner. Shade just doesn’t have a clue really on what to do for the human and I believe that he thinks that he is doing everything he can to make Sebastian happy.   But he won’t let him out of the tower as he fears Sebastian running off as he knows that Sebastian wasn’t really willing at first.

I loved the Rapunzel twist and really liked it when they sorted out their problems. although it did take a push from an unlikely source for them to be truthful to each other. The sex between them is gentle and erotic although Sebastian wants it a bit different. Shade we don’t really get to see as much as we would like, but the times we do see him he makes it plain how he feels for Sebastian. I think that for the length of the story this was really well done and conveyed the feelings of loneliness and loss that Sebastian feels and his desperation by gripping onto the first thing that comes along that offers him a chance to get out of the tower.

So I would recommend this to those who love erotic sex, fantasy and medieval, a bit of magic and a happy ever after. And really it’s fantasy/medieval so what are you waiting for and I said it was good.

 

The Valley of the Shadow of Death by Julie Bozza

Title: The Valley of the Shadow of Death

 Author: Julie Bozza

 Genre: Contemporary

 Length: Novel (218pgs)

 Publisher: Manifold Press (1st November 2011)

 Heat Level: Low

 Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½Hearts

 Reviewer: Pixie

 Blurb: Joshua Delaney and Carmine Angelo Trezini, cop and low-level mobster, should have absolutely nothing in common; yet, accidentally brought together, they rapidly became both lovers and allies against important crime figure Matthew Picano. Of course, taking down a man like that was never going to be easy – but Josh has no idea of the scale of the sacrifice he will eventually be called upon to make.

Purchase Link: http://www.manifoldpress.co.uk/2011/10/the-valley-of-the-shadow-of-death/

Review: Josh convinces Angelo to turn against Matthew Picano, a mob boss. They begin an affair but Angelo is convinced that he won’t live long when Picano finds out that he has turned on him.

This is a well written book that has a very good story-line and plot. Angelo is the guy that I fell in love with in this book.  He just seems to live life to the fullest, embracing his love for Josh and just going with it without procrastinating about how soon it is or the fact that the man was straight. Josh on the other hand I began to wonder if he had any feelings at all, at one point, as he just seemed to go along with the relationship with Angelo and it seemed to take him a long time to feel love for Angelo.  and he never told Angelo that he loved him, not once in the book and yeah I checked.

The story is great and kept me reading, I liked the characters and thought they had great potential but Josh came across as a bit of a dead fish, even with his wondering about his reaction to Angelo it felt clinical and not emotional in any way. The gathering of the statements and the court scenes were great and towards the end Josh was more open with Angelo and seemed to genuinely have fallen in love with him. The ending was devastating and I really thought that it would have ended differently.

This book I will recommend to those who love cop/mobster love affairs, court room drama and gentle love.

 

 

Conway by D. J. Manly

Title: Conway

Author: D.J. Manly

Genre: Paranormal, Fantasy, Werewolves

Length: Novella (73pgs)

Publisher: Amber Quill (Amber Allure) (16th October 2011)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Detective Ryan Hubbard is looking to catch a vicious killer, a killer with apparently no motive except the desire to kill.

Conway is looking for the same man, but for a very different reason.

The moment Ryan finds Conway, he becomes suspicious. And when Conway refuses to tell him what he knows, Ryan suspects the man may even be somehow involved in the deaths. Ryan, firmly on the trail of a hot lead when it comes to Conway, doesn’t intend on letting go. And once Conway gets a look at the hot detective Hubbard, he doesn’t either…

Purchase Link: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/Conway.html

This title is part of the Howling At The Moon 2011 AmberPax™ Collection.

Review: Ryan is looking to solve a case but an obstacle pops up in the form of Conway.  Conway is also on the hunt but when he meets Ryan he wants a different kind of prey.

This is a great paranormal that keeps you reading. Conway is a great character that made me laugh, he was just cheeky, flippant and flirty and Ryan’s attitude just slipped off his back. Ryan is uptight and just wants to solve the case but Conway frustrates him constantly. These two characters are perfect for each other and it was a joy to watch the conflict between them and to see Conway wear Ryan down.

The story-line is good about a rabid werewolf who has a blood lust for humans and a cop and an enforcer who try to work together to catch him. The sex is hot and sexy although at first you doubt that Ryan will give in to his attraction. I also liked that it wasn’t instant mates on Ryan’s side and also that the werewolves were of the scary movie type and that they were tied to change at will when the moon is out.

So I recommend this to those who love werewolves, cops, hot sex, and a really good story.