Month: April 2012

Stone Heart by Sui Lynn

Sui Lynn Stone HeartTitle: Stone Heart (2nd Edition)

Author: Sui Lynn

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal

Length: Novella (131pgs)

Publisher: eXtasy Books (15th May 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Justin’s running from a past that refuses to let go. He finds refuge renovating an old gothic church. It’s been a century since the church’s gargoyles have awakened but Justin sees them and hears the beating of their Stone Hearts.

With renovations of his old Gothic church almost complete, Justin prepares for the grand opening of his gallery. Now content and happy, Justin feels safer than he has in a long time, but it’s shattered when he’s attacked and beaten in his own home!

When David finds Justin and leaves unwanted gifts, Justin’s no longer safe, day or night. His dreams of warm strong arms and dark wings are his only comfort, offering him an illogical security through the night.

Gargoyle, Cullen sits his post as he has for centuries, guarding the souls of those who enter the church. Awake for the first time in a century, he notices the new owner with curiosity and a possessiveness he’s never known before. Will Justin finally find peace, wrapped in dark wings and the beating of a Stone Heart?

Reader’s Advisory: Though Stone Heart is not officially part of the Elements of Love series; Stone Heart takes place in the same universe only pre-Apocalypse.

First published March 2012 with Silver Publishing.

Purchase Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/stone-heart/

Review: Justin has settled into the city where he hopes his stalker won’t find him. As he works on the old church, that he will call home, he talks to the gargoyles that guard his sanctuary.  When he is attacked, he dreams that his favorite gargoyle comes to him to offer comfort and support. Cullen has spent much time listening to the human talk to him, now he finds that his human needs protection and he and his fellow gargoyles will ensure his protection.

Justin is an artist who is opening his own gallery.  As he works on the old church, he awakens the gargoyles and they will protect him from those who would do harm.  But, the gargoyles are helpless during the day, so Justin calls in an old friend. This is an interesting gargoyle story that I found wonderful for the simple fact that although they came alive at night they still turned to stone during the day and not even Justin’s love changes that, it really was refreshing.

Justin might have thought that he had fled his stalker, but the man just won’t give up.  Cullen is really sweet in his need to protect Justin, but even he knows that he has limitations. Now, even though this story is focused on Justin and Cullen there are other things that are going on in the background that are just as interesting that involve Justin’s sister, her son and her high school sweetheart, you also have the other gargoyles Bob, Draco and Snout who make for interesting reading.

I really enjoyed this story and am looking forward to Sui Lynn’s future gargoyle stories. With this one, I will recommend it to those who love gargoyles, hot sex, an interesting story, a slightly more realistic gargoyle story (do not go there, I know it isn’t real so *raspberry*) and a happy ending for everyone involved. (Except Bob because his angel really is just stone.)

Abstract Realism by Edward Kendrick

Title: Abstract Realism

Author: Edward Kendrick

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (82pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (31st March 2012)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Tonio, an artist, is in self-imposed hiding after an attacker scars him both physically and emotionally. When the attacker reappears, Tonio seeks help from the handsome bodyguard Jonam. It falls on Jonam’s shoulders to keep Tonio safe, and in the process teach him to live, and perhaps love, again.

Tonio, an artist, is in seclusion after being viciously attacked by the lover of a casual acquaintance in an act of jealousy which scarred Tonio inside and out.

Tonio’s only contact with the world is his sister Jessie, who implores him to shed his self-imposed exile. When his paintings go on display at a gallery, Jessie convinces Tonio to attend the opening night and a party to be held in his honor.

Jonam, the handsome owner of a close protection service, offers to come to Tonio’s aid when Tonio’s attacker begins to make new threats. The question then becomes, will Jonam be able to keep Tonio safe, and in the process teach him to accept he is not defined by the scars he carries but by who he is inside? Only if he can, will Tonio be able to live, and love, again.

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/products_id/825

Review: Tonio is terrified that the man who attacked him before will come back to finish the job.  But, as time passes and he starts to feel relaxed enough to begin to live his life the phone calls start. Jonam has his own security firm and offers his help to Tonio to put a stop to the man’s torment.

A well written novella that I found to be quite enjoyable. Tonio is still recovering from the psychological effects after he was brutally attacked by a jealous boyfriend of a casual acquaintance and just when he has started to live his life in the simplest ways he starts to receive phone calls from a blocked number. Tonio is scared in more than one way not just physically but mentally and emotionally as well, Jonam starts to show him that some scares are only skin deep.

I liked this story for the slight suspense feel to it, Tonio getting caught up in a drama of another man’s relationship and that man’s boyfriend making Tonio a target instead of looking to himself as to why his boyfriend wants out. Jonam shows Tonio that he has begun healing from all his wounds. There is one sex scene between them is quite emotional and touching. I must admit that I didn’t feel a connection between the two men; I really couldn’t tell if there was an attraction between them when they first met or during the subsequent meetings until they were in Tonio’s apartment the last time.

There really wasn’t that much interaction between Jonam and Tonio, so we don’t get a good feel for Jonam. The epilogue was very sweet and I was glad to read a bit about their future and that Tonio seemed to have recovered fully from his attack.

I will recommend this to those who want some slight suspense, some hot sex, an emotionally scarred man, some angst and a happy ever after.

 

Sachael's Test by Serena Yates

Title: Sachael’s Test

Series: Celestial Justice 05

Author: Serena Yates

Genre: Fantasy

Length: Novella (122pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (7th April 2012)

Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: What if you’re the angel of water and suddenly face more droughts and floods than even you can bring back into balance?

Sachael has been the angel of water for centuries. He used to love his job, but humans have caused serious droughts and more suffering than he can stand. He performs a miracle which brings rain to East Africa, but is caught and appears before the judicial panel. His boss intervenes, hinting at new ways of doing things and sends him on a ‘vacation’ to Earth.

Victor Lomack didn’t want to inherit the family farm in the most drought-ridden depths of Kansas, but is the only child. He isn’t able to sell the farm, and taking in a mysterious stranger who appears on his doorstep is the last straw.

Will Sachael make the right decision? Or will he fail the test and lose everything?

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/products_id/826?zenid=d0497fa87d6d8b9ecd5b4f5ab7ba005b

Review: Sachael has reached a point where he can no longer just sit back and watch the suffering of innocents.  So he performs a miracle and lands in serious trouble.  His boss steps in when he appears before the judicial panel and he ends up on vacation on Earth to find more joy. Victor is in a situation that he hates.  His hands have been tied by his father’s will and now he is stuck with a farm, in drought ridden Kansas, with no way to make money or sell it.  When Sachael appears and saves him with a minor miracle, Victor begins to have hope of rescue.

This is a sweet little novella that gives us more of a broader spectrum of what is happening in the celestial hierarchy. Sachael has difficulty controlling his tongue when he is confronted with his actions and tells his boss exactly what he feels; that Heaven is out of date with its rules and regulations, when it comes to what the angels are allowed to do to keep balance.  He is surprised when he hears of a plan to take a different approach. Victor has a lot to push through; as he accepts that he is stuck at the farm.  His memories are painful and he just wants the farm off his hands.

I loved this story in a lot of respects.  I loved Sachael’s pure innocence and the way he reacted to everything and his wonder at new feelings and the way he reacted when Victor tried to pressure him into helping him out. I liked the way that Victor was so desperate that he was begging Sachael to help him and I loved the fact that he lambasted himself for letting his desperation get the best of him and running Sachael off. Even though I felt it was done very quickly their attraction and beginning of the relationship was sweet and I really liked how they both said that even though they didn’t know where it was going between them they wanted the chance to try.

Sachael’s reactions are so cute that I could go on about them for ages, but I won’t ‘coz that would bore you.  So, I will just say, his reaction to kissing is wonderful and Sachael and Victor are a great couple that burn up the sheets.

And I will recommend this to those who love angels, miracles, sweet men, hot loving and a happy ever after. I also can’t wait for more in this series to see what will happen to the celestial panel.

 

 

Jazz by Jude Mason

*This is the first review by our newest member of the review team, Thommie.  *

Title:  Jazz

Series:  Daybreak 2525 02

Author:  Jude Mason

Genre:   Futuristic/Action-Adventure/MMF and MMM ménage

Length:  Novel

Publisher:  Total E-Bound (March 12, 2012)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥3Hearts

Blurb:   A city of death where Jazz must find Doc’s sister, or die trying.

Jazz and Doc are on a rescue mission. This time it’s personal, really personal. Robin, Doc’s sister, was taken to the nearby city and enslaved. Jazz lived in the city for years and although he dreads the return, he can’t refuse to guide Doc in. What they find there is worse than any memory.

City peeps who barely survive and a Warlord gone berserk are just the beginning. Can Jazz find Robin? Will the two men survive themselves? And what of Zoe, the lady love they left behind?

Reader Advisory: This book contains some violence and lots of swearing and sexual assault.

Reader Advisory: This book is number two in a series and should be ideally read second, but may be read as a standalone. Contains scenes of hot m/m, m/m/m and m/m/f intimacy.

Product Link:  http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=1516

Reviewer:   Thommie

Review:  In a futuristic world where human kind has suffered a great war that sent humanity in a state of complete wildness, forgetting feelings such as compassion, respect for human life and civility, survival in the city has become the most dangerous situation one can find himself into. Yet there is exactly where Jazz and his lover, Doc must travel and find a way to rescue Doc’s sister, Robin from a frightening warlord that has enslaved her. Through the misery of this unfeeling world they manage to find love in strange triangles. However, confronted with mistrust and deceit, they get entrapped into the very warlords’ kingdom.  Yet, against all odds, they manage not only to find Robin, but to drive themselves along with many other slaves into freedom.

I would recommend it if you’re up for a nice story where one would do anything and risk anything for the ones he loved, where love and determination conquers it all, although it lacked suspense and sensuality and certainly dint blow my mind away.

 

Mirrors by DJ Manly and AJ Llewellyn

Title: Mirrors

Author: D.J. Manly & A.J. Llewellyn

Genre: Contemporary, Mystery, Suspense

Length: Super Novel (280pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (7th April 2012)

Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Aaron Mayer has lived in poverty, while his identical twin Troy enjoyed a privileged existence. When Aaron unexpectedly hears from Troy, he discovers his twin has committed suicide. In a letter, Troy offers Aaron the chance of living his life…

Troy and Aaron Mayer, identical twins separated from the age of two, have lived wildly different lives. Aaron has struggled taking care of their alcoholic, gambling-addicted mother, leaving his finances in disarray. Troy, living with their father, experienced luxury. He calls Aaron asking to see him after years of silence. When Aaron arrives at his brother’s boat, his twin has committed suicide. In his farewell note, Troy offers Aaron his car keys, his money and… His life of riches.

Aaron, on the run from the loan sharks he owes money to, finds his new life is even worse. Everywhere he turns he discovers somebody Troy devastated… including his handsome, charismatic husband, Dave Alvarez, who is on the verge of leaving Troy. Can Aaron turn things around for Troy… and for himself? Or are some mirrors just meant to be broken?

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/products_id/828?zenid=7655563b0076f4c7f2b3159d0279047a

Review: Aaron thinks its providence when his brother phones him and offers to help him out of the trouble his mother landed him in, but when he turns up for the meeting, things are much different from he thought they would be.  With the opportunity to experience the life he could have had, Aaron embarks on an adventure that will take him to the highs of joy and the depths of despair.

This is a story that will grab you by the throat, shake you about and then toss you on the floor like a used towel and you’ll take it then ask at the end ‘but will they find it?’. Aaron is desperate when his brother phones him, so he jumps at the chance to meet him.  But, when he arrives and Troy is gone and there’s a note saying ‘you’re welcome to my life, enjoy’. It doesn’t take him long to take the option that will keep him alive. Dave is Troy’s husband and although Dave loves Troy, he can’t take any more of the treatment that is always being dished out.  When he returns from a business trip Troy has changed for the better and it has him reconsidering his plans.

A brilliantly written story that didn’t take the easy option of the twins knowing everything about each other.  They were strangers who hadn’t seen each other since a very young age. When Aaron takes over his brother’s life, he struggles with even the simplest facts, like where his brother lives. At first, it’s a struggle for him to fit into his brother’s shoes, but he bluffs as much as he can with the help of a list his brother wrote. I loved the way that Aaron contemplates how he is going to pull it all off and then the guilt he starts to feel as he begins to realize exactly what kind of man his brother is and then even more guilt as he realizes that everyone would hate him if they found out the truth.

There is a damn lot going on in Troy’s life that Aaron gets pulled into and how he bluffed like he constantly did was amazing. There are lots of secrets that become unraveled, mystery and suspense and there are a couple of twists and some violence. There are a lot of bitter feelings and betrayal, cons, lies and confessions and the reactions of some of the characters were well written and fantastically portrayed. This is one of those stories where not everything is as it seems and there are secrets inside secrets and you sit there shaking your head as you realize that someone is playing the long game.

The relationship between Aaron and Dave is far from easy, as Aaron tries to play Troy and he can’t have Dave divorcing Troy or they might find out who he really is. I really wasn’t sure about Aaron stepping into those shoes, but the authors both handled it well and they managed to blend it into the story where it seemed natural between Dave and Aaron when they do become intimate.

This story I am recommending to everyone as we have mystery, suspense, murder, secrets, twists, violence, lies, and cons and amidst all that we have a love developing that is sweet and some hot sex to sweeten the deal. P.S. Karma is a Queen bitch.

 

 

Built 4 It by Daisy Harris

Title:  Built 4 It

Series:  Love Bots

Line:  Twilight

Author:  Daisy Harris

Genre:   Paranormal/Science Fiction

Length:  Novella

Publisher:  Ellora’s Cave Publishing ( January 4, 2012)

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Blurb:   When a riot erupts in Built4’s stein-building lab, the alpha stein Kee drags a submissive young lab assistant into his cage. Kee’s been studying the human. Ben’s sad eyes and slender form call to Kee—urging him to equal parts lust and possessiveness.

Prisoner to the alpha, Ben surrenders to the stein’s fierce determination and gentle seductions. He’s long hated his job, feeling like a monster for following his boss’s orders, especially once he’s seen intelligence flickering in the alpha’s green eyes.

If Kee’s to escape, he needs Ben’s help to learn about the world outside the laboratory—a world full of people, sex and experiences Kee’s only beginning to discover. And guilt-ridden over the things he’s done, Ben can only forgive himself if the alpha forgives his sins first.
Product Link:  http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9852-built-4-it.aspx

Reviewer:   Portia

Review:  Ben is a low-level lab technician.  His duties include the care and feeding of steins, genetically engineered creatures that are deemed less than human.  He knows it’s wrong, but he can’t help being drawn to the Alpha of the group.  Every experiments, every termination he’s involved with, is just a little harder to perform as he feels closer to the alpha stein.

This was a very interesting read.  Kee is the largest of the stein.  He is their natural leader.  He watches Ben and knows the other man in not like the scientist that bring pain.  During hours in his cage, he has learned how to speak and understand language.  He knows he and his friends are slated for termination.  He has already lost his lover, of sorts.  But, doesn’t have the words to describe his feelings. Only his fascination with Ben and his feelings of obligation to the other steins keeps him from utter despair.

When Ben and Kee can finally begin to get to know one another, I enjoyed how Harris kept their interaction plausible.  Kee didn’t all of a sudden start using million dollar words and understanding calculus.  His evolution is gradual and Ben misinterprets plenty, before they wind up on the same page.

This is a well-written story that left plenty of room for another addition to the series.  There’s a touch of action, a bit of intrigue and a taste of lovin’.  Highly recommend.

Fade to Black by Scarlet Blackwell

Title: Fade To Black

Series: Clear Water Creek Chronicles 03

Author: Scarlet Blackwell

Genre: Contemporary, Crime

Length: Novel (185pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (7th April 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥3 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Finn Austen is settled with Brandon Schofield, Sheriff of Clear Water Creek, and trying to move on. That’s not so easy when ghosts of the past are around every corner…

Sheriff Brandon Schofield and Finn Austen are still struggling to overcome the ghosts of the past and Finn’s torture at the hands of his abusive partner, Dominic Bateman. Meanwhile an adult movie company has moved operations to an abandoned warehouse in Clear Water Creek and its stars are vanishing. Soon Brandon’s investigation leads him to Iowa and he finds the men involved have ties to Finn’s past.

As Brandon battles to bring down the crew behind the films and fight the demons–both real and those haunting the halls of Finn’s mind–he hopes to slam the door on the past forever and claim the joy he and his lover deserve.

CONTENT ADVISORY: This title contains scenes of dubious consent, rape, and excessive violence.

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/products_id/827?zenid=120dbbb6d80078adb278aa881d60609f

Review: Finn and Brandon are still finding their way in their relationship as Finn struggles with his demons. Brandon discovers an adult film set with dubious goings on and a ghost from Finn’s past emerges to haunt him.

This story continues six months after Smashed to Pieces and we see the struggle of Finn as he tries to shake long ingrained habits and as a new threat from his past emerges. Finn is desperate to move forward in his sexual relationship, but his fears and ingrained habits are making it difficult.  But, with Brandon’s love, he is getting there slowly. Brandon is walking on eggshells when it comes to sex with Finn.  He is terrified of suggesting something that might trigger a flashback for Finn, but he wants to move forward sexually with Finn. When he discovers an adult film company that is suspected of making snuff films it leads a man from Finn’s past to Finn.

There’s a good reason for the content advisory on this book and it is mainly for the disturbing videos of Finn that emerge and for the making of the snuff film.  The excessive violence is also for Finn’s flashbacks of his life with Dominic.  None of the scenes are done for titillation and there is nothing erotic in any of them.  It is to mainly show exactly how much Finn suffered at the hands of a man who said he loved Finn.

The storyline is quite good; as it shows the continued suffering of Finn and that he hasn’t been magically healed with the love of Brandon.  It also shows how he is beginning to heal and his revelation that he is still looking back over his shoulder instead of looking forward to his love for Brandon and the life he can now lead. Brandon’s patience with Finn is inspiring, but he is also just a little bit overwhelming in his need for Finn.  I must admit that there were one or two moments that his disregard of Finn’s feelings was a puzzle, i.e. when he brought a porn star who had been attacked home without even bothering to check with Finn first.

There are some slimy characters in this book and I hate to say one of them is the near victim of the snuff film, Zakes.  At first, I felt sorry for him, but then he showed his true colors and he was an intensely dislikeable man and I can’t say that I had much sympathy for him in the end either. Brandon understandably wants to know more of what happened to Finn so that he can help more, but his determination to watch the videos falters as he sees what Finn suffered. His dodging of Finn’s question was well done, because he never let anyone see the videos so he never actually had to lie to Finn.

I have to recommend this to those who love conflict, danger, mentally scarred men, strong partners who would do anything for the man they love and an ending that is happy for them.

Reviewer:   Cat

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Review:  I really liked this book. This was my first of this series and I was able to follow a long and enjoy it, even though there are two books ahead, which I must say, I will be going to get now. I am a hopeless romantic and the love between Brandon and Finn is sweet, sincere and passionate. Finn has a lot of issues and Brandon is a caring, respectful lover and is doing his best to help Finn work through his past.

Brandon is a sheriff.  He is alerted that there may be an illegal adult filmmaker in his town doing snuff films. He finds the warehouse and stops a film in progress. So he makes some enemies that know about his lover’s past and intend to take revenge on him.

So does Brandon find this filmmaker? Do the bad guys get their revenge? Does Finn survive? Does Brandon find out what he needs to further his relationship with Finn?  I’m not telling you… go read the book.  It’s worth it.

If you like hot sex, loving intense relationships and some mystery, maybe even some BDSM try this!

 

 

Neos Helios by Robin Anderson

Title: Neos Helios

Author: Robin Anderson

Genre: Thriller, Contemporary

Length: Super Novel (277pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (7th April 2012)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½ – 5Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: “Revenge is a dish best served cold.”  So says a modern-day Caligula (Neos Helios).  An “inverted, perverted” underwater palace, murder by roses–and that’s only the beginning! Soon the sinister overtones of Elagabalus (Sun God) become a terrifying reality.

Murder, mystery and unbridled mayhem, unparalleled since the time of Ancient Rome, return to the 21st Century with the reincarnation of two evil Emperors: the self-proclaimed NEOS HELIOS (The New Sun) and ELAGABALUS (The Sun God).

What is the ruse behind wealthy TIMOTHY TREMBLE’S underwater fantasy and his grim fascination with the dark world of designer, ROBERT BARTON?

CLASH OF THE TITANS pales into insignificance when the two–aided and abetted by their willing cohorts–cross phalluses.

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/products_id/836?zenid=8112142f5310e044687938cb415746a9

Review: Robert is riding high, his interior design company is in demand and he can have any man he wants. Timothy is a multi-millionaire and what he wants, he gets and he wants Robert to design him an underwater palace and he’s not taking no for an answer.

If you read the blurb, then I hope you understood it better than me, because until I read the book half of it went over my head. This book is the long game of revenge, intricate plotting and planning for years, bloodthirsty vengeance and power plays that draw you in and won’t let you put this book down until the conclusion. The opening of this book was disturbing and set the scene for the dark undertone that ran throughout the book. I really wasn’t sure how to feel about the prologue, but it set the scene for events later in the book.

The characters are a hodgepodge of people and at first you can’t see how some of them are relevant to the story, but you begin to suspect that they might just be important to what is happening. The interaction between the characters is bizarre; as insults and quips are traded and you really do wonder if they truly like or hate each other. As the plot begins to unfold, very slowly, the players begin to show themselves, but that doesn’t mean you have a chance of fitting it all together until the author wants you to know.  You might suspect the players and their part but you cannot be sure.

Characters are about to pay for what they have done over the years and revenge is elaborate and expensive, but will the players pay for their revenge. The last time that I read a book this involved in plotting and revenge was Jeffery Archers Not A penny More, Not A Penny Less but this is darker, but no less brilliant. The sexual aspects of this book are… well… kinda gross, let me just say poop fingers and coprophila (scat) and no more. There is no romance so to speak of and there is no happy ever after and do not expect detailed sex scenes you get the beginning or the end but not the middle.

This book is a thriller, murder, mystery and the characters just happen to be gay men, I know I haven’t given any detail about any of the characters but I can’t because if I start with one character then I will go into depth and end up giving the book away. Now the only thing that I was left unsatisfied with was the ending, I would have been happier with a detailed explanation as to what happened and how as I have been racking my brains and can’t work out how it happened without all the players involved.

So with this book I have to recommend it to those who love dark thrillers, murder, mayhem, revenge, intrigue, elaborate plots and powerful players.

 

 

 

What Torin Wants by Talon p.s.

Title: What Torin Wants

Series: Quantum Mates 01

Author: Talon ps

Genre: Science Fiction

Length: Novella (123pgs)

Publisher: Talon ps (Self Published) (17th March 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: A new life on the Quantum Transport Research Project is what Raffe Landau is hoping for, what he found was a lover with a rare and similar condition of mutation that makes everyone else untouchable. But there’s a reason the space station has laws that forbid anyone touching either of the TorinLee twins and when they’re attacked Raffe knows he’s to blame. And the only way to protect the young man he’d fallen in love with is to stop touching him.

Torin has never known human touch. That is until Raffe came along and it’s not just the touch. Raffe makes him feel things he never knew existed. So when Raffe pulls away, not only does he not understand, it’s not allowed.

Raffe’s about to find out that what Torin wants Torin gets.

Warning: This e-book contains sexually explicit homoerotic M/M sexual content, graphic language, and situations that may be considered offensive to some readers (attempted rape). For readers who are NOT offended may still experience some symptoms such as heavy breath, increased body temperature, extreme arousal and the uncontrollable need to pounce your partner.Should you feel yourself experiencing any of the mentioned, relax its natural and very healthy. Just go with the flow. Your partner will thank me later.

Purchase Link: U.K. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Quantum-Mates-Torin-Wants-ebook/dp/B007KM9Q9W

U.S.A. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007KM9Q9W

Review: Seriously, seriously some authors should not be allowed to have endings like this.  It’s just too stressful to refrain from the urge to throw the eReader on the floor and jump up and down on it in frustration. Raffe finally meets someone, after 27 years, that he can touch, but his joy is tampered with the knowledge that his relationship with Torin affects Torin’s twin Lee as well.  and that as a result of their relationship others think the twins are an easy target. Torin has finally found someone who can touch him and who he can touch, but when obstacles are thrown in their path he has no intention of giving Raffe up and anyone who stands in his way will pay.

This is a brilliant science fiction story that is set on a space station with various species that includes two Mantarian and one Thracian, who are mutated humans. TorinLee is unique and there is no way to get around the fact that although they have two separate bodies now, they are still one mind and what one feels so does the other. Raffe has a fierce attraction to Torin and is delighted when he realizes that they are so similar that they can touch and neither will hurt the other,  but things are thrown in the mix that make him feel like he is wrong to want Torin.

To be able to understand exactly what the situation is with TorinLee, you really need to read the book, because I can’t really explain it without sounding mad (and yes, I did try, and like I said…mad ravings), but it is fascinating.  The same for Raffe and it has something to do with the same ultraviolet nebula storm. There’s some scientific research to do with wormholes and there’s a really good spaceship chase and there’s interference from others on the space station and also an attack from visitors (who get what they deserve). Torin and Raffe’s relationship is very passionate, but they don’t go charging into full sex straight away.

I have to tell you that there is a cliff-hanger ending and that, for the first time in years, I will be reading an m/f when Catching Lee is released, because I have to know what happen. So I have to recommend this to those who love original science fiction, hot sex, passionate clinches, complex brother/sister relationships, valiant hopes and dreams and an ending that will have you pulling your hair out.

 

Sinders and Ash by Tara Lain

Title:  Sinders and Ash

Series:  N/A

Author:  Tara Lain

Genre:   Contemporary Fairy Tale

Length:  Novella

Publisher:  Amber Allure (04/01/12)

Heat Level:  Moderate-Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts
Blurb:   Work hard, stay anonymous and don’t expect much. That’s resort housekeeper Mark Sintorella’s philosophy of life. After being kicked out of his family home at sixteen for being gay, Mark knows what it takes to survive. But how is he going to stay anonymous when he wants to be recognized as a great fashion designer? And how can he control his expectations when he’s desperately attracted to Ashton Armitage, the son of the fifth richest man in America? If Ash doesn’t find a woman to marry, he’s going to lose his inheritance, but he can’t seem to resist the beautiful kid who cleans fireplaces while hiding behind a black cap and heavy glasses. And then this crazy elf of a man, Carstairs Pennymaker, has Mark running around looking like a fashion model wearing gorgeous women’s clothes. The clock strikes twelve and the wedding follows the ball. Two beautiful princesses line up for attention. But one isn’t interested, and one isn’t even a woman. Who will be the bride? And will the shoe fit? Only the fairy godmother knows for sure…
Product Link: http://amberquill.com/AmberAllure/SindersAndAsh.html

Reviewer:   Portia

Review:  Mark “Sinders” Sintorella is a throwaway kid who landed on his feet.  He might not have a glamorous life, working as a housekeeper in a ritzy resort, but he is saving money and one day he’ll be able to attend a fashion design school and really start living his dreams.

This is my favorite read this week…so far; a modern retelling of Cinderella…kinda.  There are no wicked stepmothers or evil step sisters, but there is a quirky fairy god father and a handsome prince, a bit of cross-dressing and mistaken identity and a lot of fun.

This is one of those books that would make a great made for TV movie.  Mark has been on his own since he was sixteen.  He learned the hard way that sometimes being invisible is a good thing.  He works hard, and is happy to stay in the background.  Falling in with Mr. Pennymaker’s mad schemes is fun and seemingly harmless.  In truth, the potential to meet high rollers in the fashion industry is an opportunity too tempting to pass up.  Falling in love with Ash is not in his five-year-plan.  Especially, given that Ash is deep in the closet and looking for a wife…of the female variety.

Ash has never had a reason to advertise his orientation.  On rare occasions, he pays discreet men to scratch that itch.  Not until Sinder did it occur to him that he could live a life other than the one laid out for him by his parents.  And the whole marriage clause in his grandfather’s will isn’t helping.  It’s hard to build a relationship, when you’re courting another woman.

The support cast of players are cute…especially Ash’s mom.  I can see her at a Pride Rally, as long as she has the right thing to wear.

Tara Lain is brilliant.  She writes love stories that feed my romantic soul.  Sinders and Ash is sweet and sexy and I highly recommend it.  I hope she is somewhere thinking of other poor charges that Mr. Pennymaker can work a little magic for.

Face Value by RJ Scott

Title: Face Value

Series: Sanctuary 03

Author: R.J. Scott

Genre: Contemporary, Action

Length: Novel (177pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (7th April 2012)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Beckett Jamieson is temporarily blinded by his uncle’s and father’s harsh beating. Rushed to safety by a secretive organization, the one person he trusted leaves him in care of Kayden Summers. Can he trust the doctor to keep him safe?

Beckett Jamieson discovers he’s adopted when a lawyer hands him a letter from his mother on his twenty-first birthday. His real name is Robert Bullen, but the Bullen family is involved in criminal activity of the worst kind. He decides to bring them down but ends up badly beaten and temporarily blinded. A Sanctuary agent takes him to a safe house to heal.

Doctor Kayden Summers, Sanctuary operative, isn’t happy about being stuck in the middle of nowhere with an unconscious man. When Beckett wakes, the situation goes from bad to worse. Beckett doesn’t trust him, is as determined as ever to find the evidence his mother hid, and on top of all that, Kayden finds himself attracted to the determined young man.

Can they overcome their issues and eliminate the threat from the Bullen brothers?

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/products_id/737

Review: Beckett is in grave danger, after finding out that he was adopted and that his own mother died he goes to his biological father to carry out the instructions in the letter left to him by his mother but now he is beaten, temporarily blinded and stuck in a safe house with a man he doesn’t even know. Kayden is frustrated to be stuck in the middle of nowhere when he could be out on assignment doing something, but then Beckett wakes up and things just might get interesting.

A great continuation of the Sanctuary series.  This book starting where the last book finished so I have to advise that you read the series in order. Beckett is searching for something that his mother left behind in her favorite room in the Bullen household when he is caught by his uncle.  He gets rescued by Sanctuary, but his recovery is not easy. Kayden is a slight enigma, because even though we find out a lot about his background and his skills I still felt like there was more to discover about him. Beckett is quite straight forward, as all he wants is to find what his mother had hidden and get the truth over his friend’s death, get justice and then get as far away from his father and uncles as possible.

So the story is well written, the emotions that they all go through are well portrayed and the relationship is off to a good beginning, so thumbs up R.J. We have a good feel for the mystery, suspense and the twist and we get to enjoy a bit of angst from Beckett until Kayden shares his past with him. I can understand Beckett’s frustration over not being able to do what he wanted when he wanted and Kayden’s slight humor at thwarting him. The two men do have an attraction to each other and a budding relationship is in the works, the sex is extremely low-key there’s some kissing and right at the end we get the very beginning of some foreplay… so I warn you now you might wish violence on the author for her abrupt ending. *Grrr*

I liked all the secondary characters (except the Bullens) even the FBI guy (although I felt perverse pleasure at his frustration) and I felt so sorry for poor Austin (the family lawyer), we get to see Manny again and we meet Adam who is also with Sanctuary. So how many more stories can we look forward to? *Squee*

A great addition to the Sanctuary series so I recommend this to those who love mystery, suspense, a bit of action, some danger, a budding attraction/relationship and two stubborn men who strike sparks off each other.

 

 

 

Stolen Dreams by Sue Brown

Title:  Stolen Dreams

Series:  N/A

Author:  Sue Brown

Genre:   Contemporary

Length:  Novel

Publisher:  Silver Publishing

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Blurb:   In a moment of madness, Morgan cheated on his best friend and lover, and Shae walked out without looking back. Five years on, and Morgan has a new life. He is engaged to a tempestuous and passionate Hollywood actor, Jase, and his career as an assistant movie director is thriving.

The last thing Morgan expects is for Shae to walk back into his life. It is clear from the start that he is still deeply attracted to Shae, and that feeling is returned. What is also obvious is that everyone else can see it, including his fiancé.

As Morgan and Shae get to know each other again, they discover the extent that friends meddled in their lives to keep them apart five years previously. Morgan finds that he cannot deny the fact he is still in love with Shae, but he is engaged, and Shae has secrets that he is not prepared to share. Morgan has some hard decisions to make as he struggles not to hurt the men that he cares about.
Product Link:  https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/new-release-c-1/products_id/785

Reviewer:   Portia

Review:  Five years ago Morgan cheated on Shae.  Shae walked away and Morgan slowly climbed back out of the bottle to build a pretty good life.  He has a job he loves, owns a successful business and is planning his wedding.  Then Shae comes back.

I was hesitant to pick this book up.  Sue Brown’s The Night Porter kinda scarred me.  I think folks across two counties heard me scream with the ending of that book.  Luckily, earlier this year, Sue released The Light of Day and fixed her earlier lapse in literary judgment.

I began this book peeking behind every page waiting for Shae or Morgan to do something really stupid to mess up their second chance.  I didn’t have to wait long.  If this whole writing thing doesn’t work out for Sue Brown, she should have no problem writing for daytime TV.  There are more lies between these pages than would be allowed in an episode of Pretty Liars.  One by one, the lies are unearthed.  He said, she said, they did…it’s not-stop.

There was a slight lag in the middle where I almost gave up on these Shae and Morgan’s willingness to commit 100%.  And Shae’s HUGE lie of omission had definite unforgivable potential.  By the time that came out, I was fully invested and needed to know if Happy-ever-after was even an option for these two.

The ending was nice.  I liked the fact that both the main characters and their friends were multi-dimensional.  With few exceptions, you might not agree with their actions, but you could see their motives were not malicious.

So for now, Sue Brown can stay on my To Be Read Pile.  Especially, if she promises hard liquor with purchase the next time she tries one of those innovative -cardiac-arrest-inducing endings. J  Highly recommend.

Oscar by Bailey Bradford

Title: Oscar

Series: Leopard’s Spots 02

Author: Bailey Bradford

Genre: Shifter, Paranormal

Length: Novel (155pgs)

Publisher: Total E-Bound (26th March 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: One sexy wolf is determined to show a grouchy kitty just how perfect they are for each other.

Oscar Travis has always been different, and not just because he’s a snow leopard shifter. Petite and pretty in a family where even the women are bigger and stronger than he is, Oscar has been protected by them except the times when no one could keep him safe. When he had to take another shifter’s life to protect his own family, Oscar’s world became a scarier place, at least in his head, not that he’s going to let his family know that. He will, however, help his dad Henry hunt down the cougar shifter who is trying to destroy one of Oscar’s own, his brother-in-law, Lyndon.

Which is why Oscar finds himself in San Antonio. Curiosity-always Oscar’s potential downfall-is the reason he’s in one of the city’s biggest gay nightclubs. And it’s his bad luck that he is cornered by four obnoxious shifters who are out to ruin his night. Josiah Baker has other plans for Oscar, plans of mates and forever, but once he makes sure his kitten is safe, he’s ditched like a two dollar whore. Good thing he’s a shifter too, and a determined one who doesn’t shy away from Oscar’s attitude. He sees the hurting man behind the pretty façade, and no one is going to keep him and Oscar from the happy ending they deserve.

Unless the cougar shifter Oscar was hunting has anything to say about it. Then Oscar and Josiah’s ending will be painful and in the immediate future.

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

Purchase Link: http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=1591

Review: Oscar lands in a bit of trouble when he visits a nightclub and a bouncer who thinks he’s coming to Oscar’s rescue doesn’t help. Josiah finds his mate in the little kitty shifter, but he keeps getting brushed off.  Oscar has an attitude about large men who try to take control, but with Josiah he might have met his match.

A well written story that continues with the story-line from Leopard’s Spots 01- Levi. Oscar has forever been protected by his family because he is smaller.  He had a hard time at school with bullying and he just feels like he is a misfit and has developed a hard external shell. Josiah might be an Alpha, but even he knows that he doesn’t stand much of a chance against his mate unless he can convince Oscar that he doesn’t see him as a misfit and there is nothing wrong with him.

I really liked this one, because although Oscar felt the mating pull he refused to give into it straight away and he also feels unsure of how Josiah will feel about him killing someone. The dynamics of Oscar’s and Josiah’s relationship was more even balanced with both men treating each other as though they are equals, with Oscar being slightly more Alpha than Josiah.  The sex between them is really hot and erotic and again the dynamics are equal between them.

Oscar struggles to face what he did in the first book and he has a hard time believing that he won’t snap and do it again.  Believing that he is turning into a monster, we get a good feel for what he is going through and the support that Josiah offers him. They are great characters and fit well together and the supporting characters are good, I really enjoyed the banter that Lyndon’s brothers brought into the book and there are a few surprises from them as well.

So if you love shifters, hot men, hot sex, twists, semi betrayal, dominate men, twisted guilt and a happy ending then I recommend that this book is for you.

 

Chulito by Charles Rice-González

Title:  Chulito

Series:  N/A

Author:  Charles Rice Gonzalez

Genre:   YA Urban Romance, Coming of Age

Length:  Novel

Publisher:  Magnus Books (December 13, 2011)

Heat Level:  Low

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts
Blurb:   Set against a vibrant South Bronx neighborhood and the queer youth culture of Manhattan’s piers, Chulito is a coming-of-age, coming out love story of a sexy, tough, hip hop-loving, young Latino man and the colorful characters that populate his block. Chulito, which means “cutie,” is one of the boys, and everyone in his neighborhood has seen him grow up–the owner of the local bodega, the Lees from the Chinese restaurant, his buddies from the corner, and all of his neighbors and friends, including Carlos, who was Chulito’s best friend until they hit puberty and people started calling Carlos a pato…a faggot.
Chulito rejects Carlos, buries his feelings for him, and becomes best friends with Kamikaze, a local drug dealer. When Carlos comes home from his first year away from college and they share a secret kiss, Chulito’s worlds collide as his ideas of being a young man, being macho, and being in love are challenged. Vivid, sexy, funny, heartbreaking, and fearless, this knock out novel is destined to become a gay classic.

Product Link:  Chulito: A Novel *Note:  There was no buy link on publisher’s website for this title.*

Reviewer:   Portia

Review:  In a lot of ways, Chulito is like a lot of urban 15 year olds.   He shares an apartment with his single mother, he sells drugs and he’s a high school dropout.  But, Chulito has a secret…he’s gay.

Oshun be praised!!! I loved this book!!!  Okay, had to get that out of my system.  Now, let me tell you about my Reviewers’ Find of the Week.  According to his website, Charles Rice-González has a bunch of fancy degrees and is a very busy guy.  He is the director of BAAD, The Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance and is a community activist. I am just thankful that he didn’t let real life get in the way of his writing Chulito.  This is the most authentic YA novel, of its genre, I’ve ever had the privilege to read in a long time.

Chulito is a young man and as such, very much a victim of the pact mentality.  He’s lived in the same building forever, had the same friends and is comfortable in his little world.  But, when he sees his openly gay friend kiss another guy, something inside him clicks.  It takes him a minute to realize the feeling gnawing at his gut is jealousy.  And even after he comes to acknowledge his attraction, he is too immature to break free from the pack.

This is an amazing coming of age story.  Chulito is forced to examine what it means to be a man.  His environment is steeped in Latino machismo.  His picture of manhood has been shaped by his neighborhood.  A working poor ghetto filled with drug lords and gangs. I spent much of this book praying he didn’t get killed before he figured it out.  The language is raw and some readers might be offended by the liberal use of urban vernacular and racial epitaphs.  I could do an educational rant on the intracultural use of the word “nigga”, but I won’t.  Just know that the N-word can be used as a term of endearment.

Throughout the book, Chulito wears many masks.  Each is real at the moment.  One minute he’s 100% gangsta, getting his hustle on, the next he’s a slobbering love-sick fool, wanting only to be with Carlos.  Luckily,  Rice-González has crafted an amazing support team for him in the persons of Kamikaze, Julio and Brick.  Through them, Chulito learns that no one is all good or all bad.  And regardless of what path you choose, a real man will forge his own way and take responsibility for his choices.

The story is set in the Bronx and  Rice-González did an excellent job bringing that world to life.  It’s easy to imagine the author as a young man in this vibrant world; not just some generic Latin world, but Newyorican New York, a unique blend of Black speech, Latin passion and New York rawness.  Chulito made me homesick for the energy of the city.  I saw the young men that I grew up with and loved as a teenager.

I have no doubt that Chulito will appeal to a wide range of readers.  His message of self-acceptance will resonate with adults who have crossed over to a world outside the pack and young people still finding their way.

I wouldn’t be much of a reviewer if I gave away the ending, but know that I cried.  Cried for the thug who loved another dude, for the young man who dared to dream and for the community that loved them both.

Chulito is beautifully written, wonderfully crafted; an exquisite addition to LGBT YA fiction.  If this book doesn’t receive any awards, it won’t be because I didn’t nominate it.  I am the newest Charles Rice-González fan.  Hopefully, I’ll be able to track him down and do an interview with him, at some point.  In any event, I hope he finds the time to craft another wonderful story in Chulito’s world.  Highly recommend.

Decision We Make by R. J. Scott

Title:  Decisions We Make

Series:  N/A

Author:  RJ Scott

Genre:   YA Romance

Length:  Novel

Publisher:  Love Lane Books (January 22, 2012)

Heat Level:  Low

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb:  Daniel Keyes is an orphan, fostered by the Walker’s. The product of a lonely childhood, he is thrown into the chaos of the Walker family and into the life of his new foster brother Jamie.

This story is the journey of Daniel and Jamie finding their place in the world. Through Jamie being a victim of hate crime to coming out to family and friends, there are many decisions the boys have to make before they become men.

Product Link:  http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thedecisionswemake-673763-145.html

Reviewer:   Portia

Review:  Daniel came to live with the Walker family after his mother’s suicide.  The quiet, shy musical prodigy is immediately taken under the wing of the family’s middle child, Jamie.  From the moment they meet, their bond is strong and unbreakable.  But, as the boys approach their high school graduation and Daniel comes out to the family, everything is about to change.

Not every adult fiction writer can transition well into the world of young adult romance.    RJ Scott is one that can.  Decisions We Make is a really well-written story.  Most of it is from Daniel’s POV.  It is heartbreaking to see how the decisions that he makes are painted with a brush dipped in the pain of loss and insecurity. *Note:  That was a really cool sentence, huh?* Jamie is his perfect compliment.  There are lots of flashbacks into the boys growing up years, but these are well-crafted and not at all distracting.

The Walkers are a tight-knit family that I wished every LGBT kid could have grown up in.  The parents are very upfront with both their concerns and their support.  Mark is the perfect big brother, ready to fight if anyone hassles the boys about their “new” relationship.  And their little sister never failed to make me smile with the stuff that came out of her mouth.

This book is not all flowers and kisses.  Some really bad things happen that bears evidence to the fact that some folks are filled with bigotry and hate; folks who become the victims of a scorned young woman, bent on revenge.  But, the “incident” did cause the boys secret out into the open.  I really felt for Daniel.  He would love to just love Jamie, but, he also worries that loving Jamie may bring rejection from the rest of the family.

The ending is great and I hope we get to see Jamie and Daniel as they head off to UCLA.  As a mom, I closed this book knowing most teenage romances don’t last, but hoping that this one does.  Highly recommend.

Brothers in Arms by Kendall McKenna

Title:  Brothers in Arms

Series:  N/A

Author:  Kendall McKenna

Genre:   Action/Adventure

Length:  Novel

Publisher:  Silver Publishing

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb:   Jonah Carver is a Marine. He experiences a scorching night with former commander, Kellan Reynolds, but then they lose touch–to Jonah’s regret. When a V.I.P. is killed on Jonah’s watch, the FBI arrives; including Kellan! Once reunited, sparks fly.

Jonah Carver is a Marine and combat veteran. He and his former Captain, Kellan Reynolds, once shared a scorching night, but then lost touch; something Jonah has long regretted.

When an investigation into government corruption, and the murder of U.S. troops, ends in the killing of a V.I.P. on Jonah’s watch, the FBI arrives. With them is Kellan Reynolds. Together once more, Jonah begins to believe in second chances and sparks fly.

Nothing is that easy, though, as the suspects will stop at nothing to bring the investigation to an end. Jonah must keep everyone in his charge alive while helping the FBI and Kellan find the proof they need.

When Kellan is kidnapped, Jonah has to find and rescue him. If he doesn’t, not only will the investigation unravel, but he’ll lose Kellan for a second time–for good.

Product Link:  https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/coming-soon-c-2/products_id/780?zenid=e2ed59be411a5871d3e308de495f8013

Reviewer:   Portia

Review: Jonah is a career soldier.  He is a highly trained RECON Marine.  They are the baddest of the bad, the toughest of the tough.  They are not babysitters. This story begins with Jonah and his team baby-sitting a government investigator.  Unfortunately, knowing what he is investigating is above their pay grade.

In my fantasy world, where I am queen, I would love to believe that Brothers in Arms is the result of my mad rantings.  In the real world, I know Kendall McKenna’s debut novel was already “headed to the presses”, when I asked the M/M collective for something new.  Nonetheless, Brothers in Arms definitely fits the bill.

I cannot imagine how much research went into this book.  There is a mind-blowing amount of detail to military life, both before and after deployment. But, I can appreciate the skill with which McKenna draws pictures with words of a war zone.  Names that appear daily in my, became real places populated with real people as I turned page after page. The words and actions of the marines were sometimes horrifically realistic, at other times tender or silly.  While I read, I was transported to the unforgiving heat of the desert.  Heat that is so constant, it is almost a character.

Jonah has swag for days, a real man’s man.  But, he is also the true leader of his platoon.  Sometimes, he forgets that the new guys haven’t “been there and one that”.  Till his memories of Kellan’s words guide him. I love him.  And Jonah and Kellan together…smokin’ hot.  Set before the repeal of DADT, their lovin’ is mostly secretive touches and glances across the room.  But, on the few occasions when they actually get to do the nasty…they get raw and dirty with it.

But, this is so much more than a romance.  Actually, it is a war thriller with a very nice little suspense thread running through it.  Corrupt government officials, gun running and dodging insurrectionists make for some very nice action scenes.  Then there are enough unanswered questions, that even if Jonah and Kellan don’t make it back to the desert, the intrigue can continue.

My only complaint?  What the hell happened with Yarwood?

Highly recommending this title and looking forward to seeing what else the brilliant mind of Kendall McKenna will produce.