Month: November 2011

A Change of Pace by J. M. Cartwright

Title: A Change Of Pace

Series: Change 03

Author: J.M. Cartwright

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (143pgs)

Publisher: Torquere Press (10th August 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Andrew Cunningham is ticked off. He’s taken the fall for his old boss, the mayor of Chicago, and is forced to head to Asheville, North Carolina to avoid the press. He’s not in the mood to be nice. Once he meets sexy cabinet-maker Ridge Huntington, though, he unbends enough to get up close and personal.

Ridge isn’t sure that Mr. Right Now is worth the aggravation. They argue, Drew curses a lot, and Ridge rolls his eyes.

Drew manages to step on a few toes as he adjusts to life in the south, and Ridge finds himself entertained in more ways than one. Can an uppity Yankee and a laid-back Southerner meet in the middle?

Purchase Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=96&products_id=3251

Review: Drew is mega miffed.  He’s had to throw himself under the bus for his old boss and is being exiled to Asheville until the press backs off.  He’s not bothered that he lost his job (he hates politics), but he’s furious that the press was digging for dirt on his boss and twisting things. Ridge is a carpenter; he is also half owner of the inn where Drew is staying. They hit it off but Drew gets a lot more than he bargained for from the sexy Ridge.

Ridge is a surprising character as, at first, he came across as submissive but you soon find that he has a steel backbone.  He won’t let anyone walk all over him, which he shows Drew time and time again. Drew is just a natural asshole who really can’t stop acting that way no matter how hard he tries.  He has a natural reaction to keep people out (compounded by his ex-boyfriend cheating on him) and it takes Ridge to show him how to accept and admit love.

This story-line was brilliant and flowed well and I thought that it was a great set of characters. The pairing of Drew and Ridge is a match made in heaven.  Ridge can and will pull Drew aside and point out when he is being a prat and doesn’t let him get away with hiding his feelings. Drew seems to lend Ridge more confidence as he seems to become more confident with himself the longer he knows Drew. I loved Drew’s mum and dad and thought Ridge’s best friend was cool. The sex scenes are really hot and sexy and quite detailed as well.

So this story I would recommend to those who love hot men, hot sex, and hanging on to denial with your fingernails, a great story-line and a wonderful happy ending.

 

Body of Water by Stuart Wakefield

Title: Body of Water

Series: The Orcadian 01

Author: Stuart Wakefield

Genre: Paranormal

Length: Novel (169pgs)

Publisher: Self-Published (12 August 2011)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 4 ½♥♥♥♥♥

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: “Stay away from the water.”

Leven has heard that rule all his life but, when he breaks it, he loses the ones he loves.

Bereaved and broken-hearted, escape seems like his only option. At the invitation of the father he never knew, he flees London and seeks refuge in the storm-battered Orkney Islands.

Thrown together with the handsome but volatile Dom, a series of strange and terrifying encounters lead Leven to the reason the rule existed.

Something in the water is coming for him.

But as evil rises, so must good.

When he is born from chaos can he calm the storm?

Purchase Link: UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B005H7UVAA

US: http://www.amazon.com/Body-Water-Orcadian-Novels-ebook/dp/B005H7UVAA

Review: Leven is a young man with anger issues.  He has been passed around foster families before he is taken on by Ruth and Alex where he manages to settle in and be accepted.

This is a well written book that has a very good plot and a rock solid story-line. The first third of the book is based in London.  We see Leven at 9 years old trying to drive Ruth and Alex away when they want to foster him.  Then with his first boyfriend at 16 years old and the disaster when Sean’s parents find them.   His heartbreak and loss at 18 years old when his adoptive mother dies and then his fear when a mysterious letter arrives and he knows that it will change everything for him.  So we get a great build up for the rest of the book which is set in the Orkney Islands.

The setting that we get for the Orkney Islands is incredible and sets the tone for the rest of the book perfectly; it’s dark, menacing and threatening. It’s as though the very weather with the wind, rain and pounding waves trying to warn Leven that there is danger when he first arrives. What we then get is Leven trying to get to the bottom of a mystery that he has only had a slight hint of and nobody willing or able to help him solve it. As he uncovers the truth he is immersed in Myth and Legend that he finds difficult to believe, but he must if he is going to save not just himself but all the inhabitants of the island. Leven’s relationship with Dom is fraught with difficulty and tension as they both have to learn to trust the other.

A fantastic story that I highly recommend… this is for those who love the paranormal, Myths, danger and an ending that will touch your heart.

 

 

 

The Institute: Healer by Cassandra Gold

Title:  The Institute:  Healer

Author:  Cassandra Gold

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Length:  Novel

Publisher: Amber Allure (October 30, 2011)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb:  For years, Dr. Tristan Matheson has hidden his unusual healing abilities, pretending to be an ordinary doctor instead. And he’s eluded detection–until now. When Tristan’s targeted, a mysterious shapeshifter named Cam becomes his only means of escape.

A member of the Delphic Institute, Cam is capable of taking the shape of anyone he’s ever seen. Retrieving Tristan was supposed to be an ordinary mission, but the feelings the doctor stirs in Cam are surprising and unwelcome.

Unfortunately, Tristan and Cam have a bigger problem than their mutual attraction. A war brewing between groups interested in “recruiting” people with special talents could tear them apart before they ever get together…

Product Link:  http://amberquill.com/AmberAllure/Institute_Healer.html

Reviewer:  Portia

Review:  I absolutely loved the first book in Cassandra Gold’s new Series, The Institute.  Basically, this is the X-men for grown-ups.  And like the most recent X-men offerings, between a bunch of action scenes, there’s a steamy romance with more than a touch of angst.

Now the Title character, Tristan, is a sweetie; a heart of gold and off-the chart healing abilities.  It takes him a while to get used to not having to hide his abilities, when he first gets to the Institute, but it doesn’t take long for him to get with the program.  Having a hottie like Cam no doubt made settling in even easier.  Speaking of Cam, he is without par my favorite character in this story.  Watching him fall in love was like seeing a car wreck in slow motion.  What’s that saying?  The bigger they are, the harder they fall.  Definitely applies to our jaded Shapeshifter.

There are also a heap of neat secondary characters that are introduced .  Hopefully, Ms. Gold won’t feel the need to just stick with just MM romance, in this series.  I would love to see Dixon fall.

So, like I said, The Institute:  Healer is a fabulous beginning.  Nice world-building, realistic plotting and excellent pace for both the romance and the action.  I look forward to book #2.

Knightly Love by Fyn Alexander

Title: Knightly Love

Author: Fyn Alexander

Genre: Historical, Medieval, Kink

Length: Novel (133pgs)

Publisher: Loose Id (1st November 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: In the days when men sought to rescue damsels in distress, Sir Benedict Childerley’s only desire is to rescue Lord Robin Holt from an arranged marriage. Lord Robin, a sweet, gentle boy from a wealthy family, wants a knight in shining armor.

When they meet Sir Ben is not charging in a white steed, but on his back unconscious after a jousting accident. Temporarily banished to a Welsh monastery, Lord Robin tends the knight’s injuries, and despite this ignominious first encounter, Lord Robin quickly realizes that the handsome knight is the only man who can win his heart. Sir Ben, the bastard son of a rich lord, is willing to fight an army in order to keep his beloved boy.

Purchase Link: http://www.loose-id.com/Knightly-Love.aspx

Review: Robin has been banished to a monastery after being caught with his hose around his ankles.  His father was ever in despair, as he was never manly enough, but pushing his marriage early his father hopes it will make a man of him.  Ben is a manly knight who Robin tends to when he is injured.   When the time comes for them to leave, Ben to his home and Robin to get married, Ben takes things into his own hands to try to stop the marriage.

This is a very good medieval historical type story which is well written with very good characters and a great story-line and plot. Robin seems to have a very submissive personality that has been abused and trod upon by others, Ben expects men to behave in a certain way and Robin will act that way because Ben will train him. Robin is a lovely man and it was nice to see him develop into a more confident man.  Ben, on the other hand, I wasn’t sure of because, at first, he seemed really nice then he changed and it made me not keen on him.  But he came through in the end and turned out to be a proper knight in shining armor.

Now the sex is hot, in a primal medieval way and we do see quite a bit of kink because of Robin’s conditioning when he was younger.   Robin also keeps secrets because he is ashamed but they keep being exposed which causes problems with Ben.  Ben also has his own problem because he thinks that some things are just for women, which doesn’t make Robin to happy.  There’s also some action in the fighting department which is quite cool.

So I recommend this for those who love medieval knights, hot men, a great story, sword fights, hot sex and a great ending.

First Watch by Peter Hansen

Title: First Watch

Author: Peter Hansen

Genre: Action, Alternate History (1926), Horror, Romance, Dark Fantasy

Length: Novella (56pgs)

Publisher: Riptide Publishing (30th October 2011)

Heat: Explicit

Heart: 4

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Do you want to live? In the darkness of a WWI battlefield, young Legionnaire Edouard Montreuil lies dying. As teeth nibble his flesh, a voice whispers, Do you want to live? Frightened and desperate, Edouard bargains his freedom for a second chance.

Aboard the Flèche, a grim submarine captained by the nightmare who granted Edouard new life, Edouard pays the price for his survival. Each night, he gives his body to his captain as the bells sound first watch. But surviving is not living, and as the days stretch into months beneath the waves, Edouard grows desperate for escape.

Can Edouard’s old comrade Farid Ruiz help him break this devil’s bargain, or will Ruiz fall to the same fate, trapped beneath the waves at the mercy of a monster whose hunger knows no bounds? Edouard and Ruiz served together once before, and slept together too, but courage and passion failed to save them from the eldritch beasts who roamed the night. This time, the cost of failure is nothing so clean or simple as death, and the spoils of victory are not just life, but love.

Purchase Link: http://riptidepublishing.com/titles/first-watch

Review: Edouard is desperate to escape from the clutches of the monster that saved his life.   He begs his friend to help him out of his situation. Farid agrees to help his old friend and lover out of the mess he is in without knowing the full facts and he just might live to regret it.

Whoo hoo…dark fantasy, come to momma. This book is very good and will give you a myriad of emotions to ponder. Edouard wants out of the bargain he made during WWI as his payment is too much to take any longer.  He’s tried to run in the past but he is always found. Farid agrees to help him but it backfires and now… well, let’s just say, it wasn’t the best plan in the world.

The story-line was good and was really well written but I must admit the cover mislead me slightly.   Okay, it mislead me a lot because I was expecting it to be a science-fiction inter-species romance and then I read the blurb and I was a bit disappointed.   but I said to myself “hey it’s fantasy paranormal type so chin up”.

Now we have dubious consent sex scenes between the Captain and Edouard although it’s mainly foreplay that we witness between them and the scenes are quite erotic for those of us who are twisted like that.  For others it might be quite horrific. The scenes between Farid and Edouard were erotic and hot and I also felt sorry for Edouard because he kept having flash backs. I also felt very sorry for the Captain because although he was a monster he genuinely seemed to love Edouard and I wanted to cry a little as he lost Edouard.

So I recommend this to those who love alternative history, paranormal, dark fantasy, kinky tentacle sex, hot man sex and a happy for now ending.

 

 

 

Grown Men by Damon Suede

Title: Grown Men

Series: HardCell Universe: First transmission

Author: Damon Suede

Genre: Science-Fiction

Length: Novella (101pgs)

Publisher: Riptide Publishing (30th October 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Every future has dirty roots.

Marooned in the galactic backwaters of the HardCell Company, colonist Runt struggles to eke out an existence on a newly terra-formed tropical planetoid. Since his clone-wife died on entry, he’s been doing the work of two on his failing protein farm. Overworked and undersized, Runt’s dwindling hope of earning corporate citizenship has turned to fear of violent “retirement.”

When an overdue crate of provisions crashes on his beach, Runt searches frantically for a replacement wife among the tools and food. Instead he gets Ox, a mute hulk who seems more like a corporate assassin than a simple offworld farmer.

Shackwacky and near-starving, Runt has no choice but to work with his silent partner despite his mounting paranoia and the unsettling appeal of Ox’s genetically altered pheromones. Ox plays the part of the gentle giant well, but Runt’s still not convinced he hasn’t arrived with murder in mind.

Between brutal desire and the seeds of a relationship, Runt’s fears and Ox’s inhuman past collide on a fertile world where hope and love just might have room to grow

Purchase Link: http://riptidepublishing.com/titles/grown-men

“Seedy Business”

HardCell Universe: second transmission

Free novelette written for the M/M Romance group’s “Hot Summer Days” event.

Revenge can get sticky.

This prequel to Grown Men* is a crazy sci-fi short about sperm piracy and sibling rivalry gone seriously wrong.

When corporate mercenary Beirn agrees to a sleazy organ harvest job, he walks straight into his worst nightmare, a trap set by the twin brother he betrayed. Against his better judgment, Beirn teams up with a semen smuggler to save his own skin and hopefully make amends to the only family he has left.

Loathing turns to lust as the two men grapple with their violent impulses and their growing desire. In one terrible night, impossible feelings will force Beirn to understand the brother he betrayed and the mistakes he’s made.

Warning: double-crosses, dirty sex, and designer testicles

* These stories can be read in any order.

You can get the Grown Men prequel Seedy Business for free here: www.allromanceebooks.com/product-seedybusiness-612751-143.html

Review: Runt is contracted as a terra-former and trying to eke out an existence on a backwater planet.   He’s doing the best he can; trying to do the work of two.   When the supplies arrive he thinks the worse when he spots Ox. Ox is starting anew and the pair gets along well but when Runt finds his kill-kit he thinks the worse.

This is a great story line with a good plot and some fantastic world-building. Ox is a gentle giant who wouldn’t hurt a fly.  He’s running from something in his past and he is quite happy to be on the newly terra-formed planet with Runt.  Runt really wanted a new clone-wife but got Ox, he admits that Ox makes life easier and the two start to become good friends. The progression of the relationship was good.   I liked that they were friends before they became something more and that there was no pressure on either side.

I thought that the way that this book was written was brilliant.   It was paced well.   It’s told from Runt’s POV.   We got to know what Runt wanted, what he hoped for, but we also got to know his personality as well.  Then Ox is introduced and we get a whole range of different emotions and fears from Runt. We then follow the progression of their friendship and Runt’s revelation about Ox.

Now, I have to admit I had read Seedy Business a while ago so I already knew what Ox was running from but I must admit Damon Suede knows how to tell a story because even though I knew that I didn’t know why Ox was there.  I mean was he sent there to kill Runt or not? Was this some sort of bargain that Ox had made with HardCell?

So I recommend this to all those who love science-fiction, erotic sex scenes, a slight mystery and a friends to lovers, gay for you, happy ever after. I really can’t wait for the next transmission.

Master Class by Rachel Haimowitz

Title: Master Class

Series: Master Class 01

Author: Rachel Haimowitz

Genre: BDSM

Length: Short (57pgs)

Publisher: Riptide Publishing (30th October 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts 

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Performing before a crowd of thousands? No problem. Baring his heart before a crowd of one? Better tie him down first.

Broadway darling Nicky Avery is a shooting star by night, but by day he bounces from one heartless one-night stand to the next. A quick flogging, a rough lay, a new whip-hand to manipulate—yet still he yearns for something he cannot even name.

He finds his first true hint of satisfaction in Devon Turner, a self-possessed film star and expert Dom. Devon knows what he wants the moment he sees it, and what he wants is Nicky Avery. Nicky’s never learned to trust and has a nasty habit of topping from the bottom, but he learns fast that in the bedroom, Devon won’t tolerate his actor’s masks.

Nicky’s a broken boy, but Devon knows exactly how to put his new sub back together. With patience, care, and all the punishments his little pain slut can handle, Devon breaks Nicky down one scene at a time, revealing a mind that yearns to trust and a heart that hungers for the ecstasy of true submission at last. 

Purchase Link: http://riptidepublishing.com/titles/master-class-master-class-1

Warning: Some readers may find some scenes offensive. E.g. bondage, breath play, CBT, humiliation, rape fantasy (consensual), sadomasochism 

Review: Nicky is a messed up boy; everything has come easy to him and he thinks he should be punished for it… he is not just a sub, he is a true masochist. Devon is an experienced Dom; he recognizes the need in Nicky and decides to take him under his hand.

Okay, I have always been honest in all my reviews so I am not going to stop now. Before the end of the first chapter I wanted to stop reading but I was reading to review so I gritted my teeth before continuing, by the end of chapter two I wished it was a paperback so I could tear it up, stomp on it and then burn it, by the end of chapter three I couldn’t stop reading.

These characters confused the hell out of me because at first I thought that Devon was a nasty b*****d and my view didn’t change until chapter 3.  Nicky on the other hand came across as a pain freak who didn’t care how he was treated or abused and that view lasted until near the end.

Nicky is in the scene for the wrong reasons.   Although he enjoys the pain and submission he doesn’t want any tender feelings that go with it; he just wants the pain and abuse. Devon sees through Nicky’s masks and then strips them away until Nicky shatters.  Only then can Devon begin to rebuild him. I actually started to feel sorry for Devon when it began to feel like he wouldn’t get through to Nicky because he wants more than just rough sex from Nicky. For Nicky I could have cried as he was stripped down to his soul and forced to face his needs.

This story will have your feelings confused and not sure how to think, it has very heavy BDSM… okay fine sadomasochism, bearing of souls and the beginning to a relationship that has a lot to build on… So if you are into any of that then you will love this book.

SUBlime: Collected Shorts by Rachel Haimowitz

Title: SUBlime: Collected Shorts

Series: Master Class 02

Author: Rachel Haimowitz

Genre: BDSM

Length: Short (47pgs)

Publisher: Riptide Publishing (14th November 2011) re-release

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Broadway darling Nicky Avery gives commanding performances on stage, but when he comes home at night, it’s Devon Turner who commands him. Devon—that’s “Sir” to Nicky, of course—owns Nicky heart and soul, and neither of them could possibly be happier with that.

This collection of vignettes explores the gifts of submission and domination—Nicky and Devon’s ultimate expression of love and trust. The ten short stories range from sweet and sensual to hot and hardcore, from cross-dressing to knife play, and so much more.

Dom or sub, curious beginner or 24/7 lifestyler, the stories in Sublime will tease and tantalize, arouse and thrill. And don’t mind Devon and Nicky . . . they like to be watched anyway.

(Stories include “All-Nighter,” “Down in the Woodshop,” “Stainless Steel,” “Pretty,” “Milk Run,” “Too Much,” “A Hairy Situation,” “Wrapped Up,” “One for the Road,” and “Pony Up.”)

Note: This second edition is a revised re-release of the same title first published in 2010.

Purchase Link: http://riptidepublishing.com/titles/sublime-collected-shorts-master-class-2

Warning: Some readers may find some scenes offensive. E.g. bare-backing, biting, bondage, breath play, CBT, chastity, cross-dressing, flying, impact play, insertion, knife play, marking, masturbation, mummification, pony play, power exchange, public play, sadomasochism, sensory deprivation, shaving/plucking, size, slavery (consensual), spanking

Review: Short snippets of Devon and Nicky’s life and scenes together.

These are all very good snippets, I can’t do individual reviews as they are too short but they are all quite powerful. In some, Nicky pushes Devon to get what he wants.  In others, Nicky shows us just how far he has come with his submission as he waits patiently for his Master.  And he also shows us what he will endure and how far his limits can be pushed just to please his master.

Each story is erotic and as most are from Nicky’s POV.   You get a clear feeling of what is going on inside his head and why he is doing things to annoy, coerce or please his Master. There is one from Devon’s POV, which I think pushes even his limits as he tries to battle for control with Nicky,  in the only way he knows to win; leaving Nicky alone, tied and ignored without risking Nicky’s safety.

I recommend this book for those who love BDSM, pushing the limits, hot erotic scenes, stories that are sweet, hard-edged or dark and a love between a sub and his Master.

 

Behind Iron Lace by Mercy Celeste

Title:  Behind Iron Lace

Author:  Mercy Celeste

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length: Novel

Publisher: Silver Publishing (October 31, 2011)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb:  Darcy Butler is a fish out of water and is suffocating in the humid New Orleans heat. Dissatisfied with his career, his life, he is homesick and heartbroken. Above all Darcy is straight. Or so he believes until he meets the drop-dead gorgeous photographer he wants to revamp the art department of his e-magazine.

Caleb Mitchell, bad boy extraordinaire, lives life on the edge. He’s been around the world covering murder and mayhem. Back in New Orleans to tend his dying mother, Caleb is worn down by grief. He seeks the diversion of working at a local e-magazine to help keep him sane. He doesn’t expect the instant attraction to the bright-eyed editor/owner. That Darcy is probably straight doesn’t matter to Caleb. Because when Caleb wants something, nothing will stand in his way.

Not even Darcy.

Product Link:  https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/new-release-c-1/behind-iron-lace-ebook-p-648

Reviewer:   Portia

Review:  I really didn’t think that there was a book good enough to distract me from National Novel Writing Month, better known by its acronym NaNoWriMo.  In 30 days I, along with thousands of other crazy people, have committed to produce a 50,000 word novel.  My plan for November was basically just publishing the reviews that were sent in my reviewers and doing just enough to keep MM Good Book Reviews running smoothly.  Maybe read and review a book or two if I was on track with NaNoWriMo.

Then I made the mistake of starting Behind Iron Lace.  I’m ashamed to admit that until I started it, I’d never even read the blurb.  I just loved the cover art and knew from our online friendship that I loved Mercy Celeste twisted sense of humor.

From the very first paragraph I was hooked.  Being a Yankee, who after 20 years, still dreads deep Southern summers, I could totally relate to poor Darcy’s first summer in New Orleans.  Couple that with the fact that New Orleans is my favorite city in the world and Behind Iron Lace was off to a stellar beginning.  Mercy does a fabulous job of bring N’awlins unique ambiance to life.

From moment one, the chemistry between Darcy and Caleb is intense.  At first, they appear to be polar opposites; Darcy the straight-laced, Northern intellectual, Caleb the bad-boy Southern artist.  But somehow it works.  Which was really surprising as neither man is really out of the closet.  Hell, Darcy doesn’t even realize that he is in one.

Truly, this is my favorite kind of MM romance.  It moves along at a nice pace and you really get to know the characters and get to watch them fall in love.  Watching each of the main characters drop their individual baggage, to get to the place where they could even entertain the possibility of a relationship, was a joy to read.  *side note:  Mercy, If you’d made poor Caleb wait any longer to get into Darcy’s pants, you and I were going to have a long talk about suspense vs. torture.*

So yeah…I’ll be up late tonight pecking away at my keyboard, because while I was supposed to be writing earlier, I was cuddling with my Kindle…and it was sooooo worth it.

Borderline by T. A. Chase

Title: Borderline

Author: T.A. Chase

Genre: Contemporary, Suspense

Length: Novel (139pgs epub)

Publisher: Loose Id (18th October 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Mac Guzman is a Texas Ranger and lead detective on a serial killer case rocking the city of Houston. He’s willing to take help from anyone, especially when it comes in the form of the gorgeous FBI profiler, Tanner Wallace. Mixing business with pleasure has never been an option for Mac, but he just might change his mind and seduce Tanner into his bed.

Tanner Wallace joined the Bureau and became a profiler to catch bad guys. Also, it might have a little do with making up for the evil caused by his family’s business. When he’s called in to consult on a serial killer case in Houston, Tanner never expects to meet Mac. The handsome Texas Ranger brings to mind hot, sweaty nights wrapped in each other’s arms, yet Tanner knows Mac would walk away if he ever found out who Tanner’s family really is.

With the threat of another murder hanging over their heads, Tanner and Mac will have to find a way work past their differences before the killer strikes again.

Purchase Link: http://www.loose-id.com/Borderline.aspx

Review: Mac is frustrated by a serial killer who is terrorizing Houston.  In an effort to find him before he kills again his Captain requests the help of the FBI’s profiler who Mac has an instant attraction to.  But then the killer strikes close to home. Tanner examines all the evidence trying to find anything to bring the killer to justice, while dealing with the attraction to Mac and keeping his secrets close to his chest.

I have to say that it was difficult to decide what heart rating to give this one because at times the story-line seemed improbable but then you’d find out something later on that made it seem probable and you’d nod your head and say ‘Yeah that could work’.  I mean, I wondered about the killer and who it turned out to be and how likely that was to happen but then I remembered an episode of ‘Criminal Minds’ and thought ‘yeah it could happen’.

Mac and Tanner were two characters that I liked a lot.  They have both had a hard life Mac more so than Tanner and Tanner seems to be so much more open than Mac.  But they both connected on a lot of levels and their relationship moved fast. The parts with the serial killer and his victims sent a sliver of ice down my spine and we can work out who Tanner’s family are.

The story-line was good and the plot was great, the characters were pretty realistic and the romance and sex between Mac and Tanner was good.   The attempted blackmail of Mac made me wish that Mac had punched “him” a few times. The only thing that let it down for me was that there could have been more suspense, drama and danger, I mean the potential was there and the actual capture of the killer would have fulfilled it to perfection, unfortunately for us that scene wasn’t in the book *sigh* so I have to make do with my own imagination to fill in the blank *sigh*. The story is well written; which I did worry about because when I read the blurb I noticed that it was missing a couple of words, but the story was fine and I didn’t notice anything missing.

So, all in all, I thought this book was good and all I can say is give it a try.  I think you might enjoy it if you like cop stories, suspense, hot sex and a happy ever after.

 

 

Starting Over by Starla Kaye

Title: Starting Over

Series: 1Night Stand

Author: Starla Kaye

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Short (36pgs)

Publisher: Decadent Publishing (14th August 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: A virgin gay man, Corbin is ready to ease into his new lifestyle; still, making the move scares him shitless. He’s spent years fantasizing about embracing his true self, but what possessed him to agree to a 1 Night Stand? As he nears the long, lean man with shaggy, graying hair, a hard on pushing at the front of his swim trunks, and a sexy-as-hell grin, the dreams pale in comparison, and easing in takes on a whole new meaning.

Though tired of being lonely, Matt considers changing his mind about the one-night arrangement until a tall, well-built man strolls across the pool area toward him, then all thoughts of leaving flee. Those broad shoulders, the amazing pecs, the spattering of dark hair on his chest…all of it calls to Matt. He wants to touch it, play with it. He forces himself to calm down. Matt will be his date’s first male lover, and he intends to find the inner strength to take his time.

Intense physical attraction and Madame Eve’s magic ignite a sexual fire, but will it be enough for two men starting over?

Purchase Link: http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=325&osCsid=sof28li242oeplup3svo0k8df0

Review: Corbin is nervous to begin his new life as a gay man even though he has come out.  He is too nervous to go on a date so his ex-wife persuades him to try out 1Night Stand dating service to begin with. Matt is trying to get over the loss of his partner and to continue on with his life so he decides to take the plunge and contact 1Night Stand.

This was a very good story that I really enjoyed reading. Corbin is understandably nervous and scared about starting his new life as a gay man after he embraced his sexuality.  When he meets up with Matt he really hasn’t got any idea of what to do or expect. Matt is surprised at his reaction to Corbin, as although he agreed to the date he just thought it would be to ease back in to the dating game.

The two men have a great reaction to each other and both of them are in effect starting over in the dating game.  The sex is hot and I liked that we got a bit of background about both men even before they met.

Now one thing I noticed and I can’t believe one of the proof-readers missed it was that Matt’s partner was said to have died in a plane crash but the third time the crash was mentioned it had changed to a car crash.   Honestly, that simple mistake had me pulled from the book and going back to check the other times it was mentioned just to make sure I wasn’t going mad.

But, that aside, I recommend this to those who love hot men, hot sex, new beginnings and a happy ever after.

 

 

 

Blood on the Mountain by India Harper

Title: Blood on the Mountain

Author: India Harper

Genre: Contemporary, Suspense, Thriller, Action, Adventure

Length: Novella (117pgs)

Publisher: Amber Quill Press (Amber Allure) (23rd October 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: When Gabe Callan left the FBI to start his own security business, he thought he knew who he was and where he was headed. Turned out he didn’t know himself at all. Fortunately, his wife (now ex) forgave him. Together they run Callan Securities, and in the little free time he has, well, one-night stands are good enough.

Then Nathan Graves walks in.

Nathan is a philanthropist and entrepreneur. He’s not a saint. As soon as he met Gabe, he knew he wanted more than just protection from the man. But they’re going to have two weeks in Rio to get to know each other better. A whole lot better, if Nathan has anything to say about it.

Except nothing ever goes to plan, and the two end up chased through the slums of one of the most glamorous cities on Earth, hiding from drug lords in the very shacks and hovels Nathan had come to replace. Getting to know each other better will have to take a back seat to getting home alive.

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

India Harper is the collaboration of Philippa Grey-Gerou (India) and Emery Sanborne (Harper)

Review: Gabe is the co-owner of Callan Securities along with his ex-wife.   When a new client comes in, his ex-wife decides that Gabe will be his security. Nathan needs security for when he goes to Rio and quite happily informed Gabe’s ex-wife that he would be perfectly happy with Gabe being his personal bodyguard.

I really liked these two characters and enjoyed the way they were with each other and how they talked to each other. The sex between them was very hot and plentiful and I thought they made a great couple and even with the distance between their homes they are willing to give it ago.

I also liked the suspense and danger, although it could have been a bit more fleshed out.  It was still satisfactory and enjoyable.  It was well written and the story-line was good.   I liked the fact that these men knew what they wanted and weren’t afraid to go after it (although Gabe needed a bit of a nudge).

So, if you like danger, suspense, hot sex, strip poker in dangerous situations, hot sex in dangerous situations and two men who are perfect for each other; then this is the book for you.

Dudleytown by L. B. Gregg

Title: Dudleytown

Series: A Cornwall Novella 01 (2011 Edition)

Author: L.B. Gregg

Genre: Contemporary, Thriller

Length: Novella (76pgs)

Publisher: Musa Publishing (28th October 2011)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: College sophomore Alexander Strauss has one rule: no messing around with straight guys. Especially not his mouth-watering roommate, Shannon. When their ride share drives off the side of a mountain, the two young men find themselves deep in an uninhabited forest searching for their missing friend. Wandering the famously cursed grounds of Dudleytown, Alex figures something truly unholy must be at play, because only insanity could tempt him to break his cardinal rule.

Purchase Link: http://www.musapublishing.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=9&products_id=75

Previously Published By Aspen Mountain Press 29th October 2010

Review: A fantastic Halloween read. Alex, Shannon and Ricky are car-sharing their way to Goshen when Ricky declares he knows a short cut… and their troubles begin.

This is a really great piece of writing, I loved everything about it; the characters were cool, the setting perfect and creepy, the story-line great and the suspense holds you by the hair on the back of your neck.

God. There’s so much I want to rave about, but I can’t without giving spoilers away… aarrrggg. So what can I tell you about… well, I can tell you that Alex seems to have a film for any setting and is quite descriptive and it’s quite eerie to have horror films mentioned and you can picture it perfectly and imagine being in the same situation and the tingles just hit your spine.  Alex also seems to be quite level-headed (except about film descriptions) and keeps his cool in what has to be quite a scary situation. Shannon seems to be more of a take action type of guy but he will ask for input from Alex and will also protect him and Ricky.  Well, let’s just say he really should have stayed on the main roads.

There are some hot scenes between Alex and Shannon even in the midst of spine-tingling suspense and it’s great when they sort out their misunderstanding. I loved how they worked well together and they made a great team.

I am going to recommend this to those who like thrillers, suspense, escaped convicts, a bit of danger, tingles down your spine, a bit of hot lovin’ and a great story.