Blurb: Discarded most of his life, Jamie had learned as a teen that he was a Soul Collector, one of a mysterious group who fought the demons that attacked fellow humans. Cast out into the world, alone, the orphan fought hard to find his way, ending up in a seminary of all places. But chastity wasn’t a problem. He had no time or trust for relationships, let alone love.
Ios felt protective of the Soul Collector, the one the prophecy claimed would one day be his mate. Following the human for years, Ios had done everything he could to ensure his safety without stepping out of the shadows. He also held his lust in check, knowing Jamie would never accept him.
The time was upon them to join forces. Could Jamie handle who and what Ios was, and trust the growing feelings between them before it was too late?
Review: Jamie was just fifteen when he discovered, in a horrific way, that he is a Soul Collector. Now, eight years later, he battles demons. Nightly, saving the souls they have stolen and by day he’s in St. Bartholomew’s Seminary University trying to discover more about that which he battles. Jamie meets Ios who is a lot more than he seems and when Jamie learns the truth, he has an important choice to make. One that could affect his and Ios’s worlds.
This was a very interesting fantasy that kept me in its grip from the beginning. Soul Collector’s rescue doomed souls that have been taken by demons and when a Soul Collector dies, he takes them with him to heaven. Jamie is one such Soul Collector, but according to Ios, Jamie is also the Soul Collector of prophecy, who will save his world. But, Jamie is doubtful, especially when he discovers that he is supposed to mate with Ios. Ios has known for years that Jamie would be his. But, Jamie thinks in black and white, which makes Ios think that Jamie will never accept for what he is.
This story is wonderful and is well written. It has a bit of something for everyone, from angst to love, from danger to devastation, with a lot of mystical/spiritual magic thrown in. The storyline is brilliant and it is quite realistic to the storyline the way that Jamie is constantly torn with his feelings for Ios. Even though Ios has always expected to mate with Jamie, it is explained fully how he feels for Jamie and why and it adds to the depth of the story. Yes, we see Jamie confused and scared, but he man’s up and accepts what he is truly feeling and what he needs to do; after all there are worlds depending on his actions. The world building was good and we got a pretty good feel for Ios’s world, I really can’t wait for the rest of the series.
So, I will recommend this to those who love fantasy, demons, paranormal, hot sex, angst, confusion and guilt, a huge demon battle and complete annihilation of the baddie demons and a happy ending finally for Jamie and Ios.
Don’t forget to scroll down and check out Pixie’s interview with Caitlin.
Title: Almost Paradise
Series: Pine Hollow Wolves 01
Author: Caitlin Ricci
Genre: Paranormal
Length: Novel
Publisher: Silver Publishing (June 16th, 2012)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Blurb: Travis will do anything to keep his daughter safe, now that he finally has custody. Financially ruined, he cannot even afford food for himself most days. Could a stranger’s offer to dogsit be the solution Travis has been hoping for?
Travis has done everything to keep his daughter safe. He’s fought a long, hard battle with the courts to gain full custody and has finally found some breathing room. But that security comes at a heavy price.
Staying in a motel and living off his quickly dwindling savings is no way to raise a toddler, so when Liam steps into his life and offers him hundreds of dollars just to watch his dogs for a weekend, it almost seems too good to be true.
But when he finds out there is more to Liam than he ever thought, he has a hard decision to make. Can he and his daughter stay and be safe or will he need to leave?
Review: Liam is running an errand for his Alpha when the scent of a man gets his attention. Even without his shifter senses, he can tell the other man is down on his luck. But, being a shifter he is keenly aware that the other man is just as attracted, if not a tad leery of Liam. But attraction isn’t enough to make Travis accept Liam’s invitation to lunch. Fortunately, Travis’s daughter, Hannah, has no reservation about getting to know Liam better.
I’m not sure how Almost Paradise is going to be received. I personally loved it. There was enough of a break from the same ole same ole paranormal shifter stories that flow through my inbox that I was hooked from the beginning. There’s enough back-story to hook me, but enough left unsaid for me to look forward to the next book. And as I know that Book 2 is about the Alpha, who came off like Don Corleone, I can’t wait to see how he redeems himself. Not to mention the Alpha’s sister, who is a rather scary woman.
Anyway, back to this book. We are introduced to Liam first and I wasn’t sure if I was even going to like him. I got that his position was similar to a traditional pack’s beta, but because of the dynamics, he came off as more of a mob errand boy. But, as he interacted with Travis and Hannah, he shifted, in my mind, from paid lacky to more like Tony Soprano. And not just his character, but all the shifters. They have a clannish elitism that just reminded me of New York mafia family. Which might not mean anything to you, but I’ve always found authoritative men with an air of mystery uber hot. The fact that he’s all about the pack and family only made him that much sexier.
And as much as I loved Liam, I loved Travis more. He’s been through hell, trying to retain custody of his daughter. Now that everything is pretty much settled, he’s broke and unemployed, yet trying to maintain some level of normalcy for his child. Sue me, but I’m a sucker for real daddies. And, as much as he wants Liam, he is no pushover. He makes Liam work for their mating bond, like a first-rate trial attorney.
I really applaud Ms. Ricci for creating a shifter world that is both interesting and different. I look forward to reading Samson’s story and getting to know Liam, Travis and Hannah more in the future. I’m recommending this title to readers who believe that men can handle a bit of courtship, patient shifters and far-sighted little girls.
Caitlin stopped by the MM Good Book Reviews interview room, yes we have one and agreed to be interogated…I, mean interviewed by Pixie. 😉
Caitlin Ricci I’m good. Just woke up and had some breakfast. How’s your afternoon?
Pixie Mmgoodbookreviews It’s wonderful. Kids not back from school yet, so a bit of peace and quiet.
Caitlin Ricci That’s got to be nice. No kids here (yet), but planning on at least three.
Pixie Mmgoodbookreviews Lol. I have three, makes me crazy sometimes. Well, Caitlin, I have looked around a bit and you are an honest to god brand new writer. So tell us a bit about yourself
Caitlin Ricci Yep, I am completely brand new. I’ve been writing for years, ever since middle school, so around the age of twelve. I don’t know what middle school is called there (England), since I know you have primary and then secondary, but for some reason, I thought secondary was for older kids. I never really felt like my stuff might be good enough to publish though until I wrote a short a while back and submitted it. It got rejected but after that I realized that the sting wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be so I got on this path with the Pine Hollow Wolves and Almost Paradise was born. I’m 27, live in Colorado, have a dog, a fiancée and a Blue Tongue Skink which is honestly the coolest reptile people can have as a pet. I’m in college for my bachelor’s in Human Services with a concentration in Domestic Violence and then I’ll be getting my master’s in either Social Work or Child Psychology. I want to be a school counselor with a primary focus on GBLTQ kids and their issues of bullying, acceptance, coming out, dating and suicide.
Pixie Mmgoodbookreviews Wow. So you want to help all those poor kids who are having a hard time in school or at home. I think that is admirable. I hope you get your qualifications for that. And as for the Blue Tongue Skink, I’ll take your word for it. Lol. I know you got knocked back a few times by publishers before Silver Publishing snatched you up, so can you tell us a little about your experience with that and what would you say to someone going through the same situation now?
Oh, and secondary school is for ages 11-16, then they can go onto college and then university.
Caitlin Ricci Good to know if I ever have a book set in the UK 🙂
As to your question, mostly I’d say…just keep writing. I love a quote that NaNoWriMo sent me once that said that you can’t edit a blank page. Yeah, it hurts to be rejected, especially when you love the story and the characters, but it’s gonna hurt when someone gives you a less than stellar review or a good friend says that they didn’t like your book or any number or other things. You can’t please everybody and if your story is good someone will publish it.
Pixie Mmgoodbookreviews Lol. So, you are my first Silver author interview. Can you walk us through their process and how much support you get ;-)?
Caitlin Ricci Wow. That’s kind of awesome. Yay, team SP! The process is actually really simple. They’ve got a form on the website that you just fill out so no query letter stress there and you don’t have to try to sell yourself or your book. Just be honest, sound a little interesting and put in the info that they want. I submitted Almost Paradise the day before the deadline for the father’s day submission call. You get an automatic response saying that they got it and then a week later Alison sent me an email saying that it was accepted. It was 5 am when I read it and I was getting ready to go into work. I was bouncing around the room trying not to wake Scott (my fiancé) up.
I signed the contract, did the pre-edits, sent it back, talked to my cover artist, and did some more edits, talked to the cover artist again, a few more edits and then boom! Everything was done. The process is actually very easy, the editors are there to help and my cover artist is an awesome person who I would gladly work with again.
Pixie Mmgoodbookreviews I am glad Silver looks after you so well. So have you had support from other m/m authors? I know Dreamspinner has an author forum, does Silver have something similar?
Caitlin Ricci They do and we’re all very friendly over there. I’ve connected with a lot of SP authors here on FB as well. And I belong to a group that is just for MM authors in Colorado which is fun since we’re hoping to do some in person events pretty soon and our Out in the Rockies blog hop is going on right now. Networking is just as important as an author, as it is in any other arena. Although writing is often a lonely solo type of excursion it’s great to have other people around to bounce ideas off of, get help when you’re feeling unmotivated or jazz over a new cover.
Pixie Mmgoodbookreviews That’s great, I also heard that you are quite new to reading m/m as well, tell the readers how that came about.
Caitlin Ricci I am actually, which is pretty crazy that my first book published is MM. I’ve been reading erotica for a while including Lauren Dane and Maya Banks so the idea of MMF or MMMF wasn’t new to me. Then a friend told me to try out Kim Dare. I read her free shorts and then read Duck!. I fell in love with the characters and decided to start writing MM. The idea of two guys in love though wasn’t completely new to me. In high school I was reading Yaoi and Shonen-Ai, watched Queer as Folk and loved Will and Grace.
I still write other pairings including MF and FF and MFF, but my guys have sort of taken over WIPs.
Caitlin Ricci Yep :). I like it a lot and thankfully I’ve got friends and a fiancée who support me.
Pixie Mmgoodbookreviews Yeah, your guys are kinda wonderful. Just in case none of you readers know Caitlin’s new book is Almost Paradise which is the first in the Pine Hollow Wolves series. Can you tell everyone about your book?
Caitlin Ricci Thanks for saying that they’re wonderful :). Alright, so what few people know is that Almost Paradise was actually the second book that I wrote in the series. The sequel (working title Man’s Best Friend) is about the alpha and his love interest. Travis (from Almost Paradise) was mentioned in it and I liked him instantly, had to know more about him and after I finished Samson’s story I wrote Almost Paradise. Luckily it came together in time for the submission call. AP is about Travis, a single father who has worked his butt off to keep his little girl. Liam sees him when he’s trying to get a job and invites him to lunch, knowing that he’s got to do something to make this guy’s day just a little better. While they’re there Liam gets a call from his boss, Samson, telling him that he’s got to go out-of-town. With no time to get a sitter for his two dogs he asks Travis to do it and things just sort of fall in place from there.
And Hannah is freaking awesome. She’s the little girl and she’s adorable.
Pixie Mmgoodbookreviews Yeah I know, me and Portia had a cat fight over who was doing your review… I got to interview you Lol. *mean boss* Not that it isn’t lovely to be chatting to you!! Now I also heard that there is a Nap sized story about Travis and Liam, will that be published at all?
Pixie Mmgoodbookreviews Yeah, a really short one. It’s like the smallest short story that doesn’t take long to read… Nap sized.
Caitlin Ricci Ah okay. Sorry, wasn’t familiar with the term. *blush* wow so I’m a noob. There is a short with Travis and Liam that I’m hoping silver will accept for their Christmas line. In it they’re off on vacation with Hannah and they’ve been together for seven years now and they’re visiting Ireland. Some interesting things happen in that story that set up Hannah’s YA series later on when she’s 15.
I love this couple and couldn’t just let either them or Hannah go by the wayside.
Caitlin Ricci Total long game. They’ve been married for years at that point, Hannah loves having two dads and in her series her best friend is a younger Shifter named Ippy (Phillip) so she’s all for having a Shifter father and belonging to the pack.
I like HEA and for me that’s when they’re old they’re still sitting on the back deck, drinking sweet tea and watching their grand kids run around with more giant dogs.
Pixie Mmgoodbookreviews And as for the Nap thing I think it all depends who you talk to. Some would class it as a day-dream. Whatever floats your boat…for me its nap sized. Anyhoo, tell us more about your book, was it a conscious decision to not have any sex or was that how the characters wanted it.
Caitlin Ricci I put myself in Travis’s shoes. He’s not having hook-up. His daughter is right there in the next room and he’s trying to do what’s best for her. He’s a father first and always has been. That lessens in later stories when he realizes that he doesn’t have to be the only one there for Hannah and that she’s actually got an entire pack right there waiting for her if she ever needs anything, but right now his primary concern is making sure that she’s taken care of. For me having sex in there felt like it wouldn’t be doing that side of him justice. There’s one point when he’s angry, but Liam doesn’t want it to be like that with him. When they come together it’s because the time is right for both of them and Travis is willing to let Liam into their lives fully and let him be Hannah’s dad as well. The later stories are all explicit, including theirs.
Pixie Mmgoodbookreviews Oh, you authors are always teasing me with future books, damn. So, where did the idea originate from? And although there are shifters we don’t see a change and it seems like you have put a lot of thought into what your shifters will be like… you know not instant mates and changing at the drop of a hat.
Caitlin Ricci There is a change :). I don’t like instant mates because it seems to be forcing the other person into a relationship. Arranged marriages are fun and I may do a story about one someday but forced forever binding relationships are not something I find sexy. The idea started with Samson. In his story (Pine Hollow Wolves #2) he rescues a child from a fire, finds himself overcome with smoke and passes out. He finds himself in an animal shelter and can’t get out without exposing himself since there’s cameras in the shelter. I like magic based Shifters as opposed to traditional werewolves where the bones break, there’s lots of pain, they end up naked, etc. I thought about having them naked but with Hannah around that wasn’t going to happen. They can choose clothes or not though. They’re no larger as dogs than they are as humans, which is still really big. But there’s no sudden change of mass to try to explain.
Pixie Mmgoodbookreviews Yeah, but that change doesn’t count *raspberry*, Ha Hannah is a proper cutie and I loved how you worked her into the book without it getting to silly… got to say though that I admired Travis’ patience. I so wouldn’t have been able to stop myself from hauling off and giving someone a beat-down!!
So tell us about your hobbies or what you do in your spare time.
Caitlin Ricci Me neither. I think the only reason he didn’t was because he knew that Hannah was there and no good parent wants their child to see that. It was a hard line though deciding how much Liam would do, since he’s far more into justice and making sure that his new little family is safe than worrying about what people think.
Classes take up a lot of my spare time when I’m not writing. I’m also a nurse aid and I work with Alzheimer’s patients and other forms of dementia. I have a dog that I love that I try to take on a walk every day. I enjoy movies, listen to loads of different music and do a ton of laundry. Ideally, though, I’d like to cut that back to writing most of the day, walk with the dog and a movie at night. I enjoy horseback riding. I used to write poetry, but I haven’t in years, camping, fishing, shooting at the range, painting and cooking.
Caitlin Ricci Lol. Most of that I do on my minimal vacations. Generally, my life is writing, school, work, fiancée, dog. I work part-time so that makes the rest of it fit in nicely. Shooting is done on the weekends, same with fishing generally since we like to go early in the morning. Writing I can do whenever I want to though since I take a pen, paper and my tablet with me everywhere. A few hundred words is still writing and when people get nosy I get to tell them that I’m working on my next novel. They either get curious or give me the “you’re crazy” look and go away.
Pixie Mmgoodbookreviews Lol. So you said Scott (the fiancé) is supportive. What did he first think when you started writing m/m?
Caitlin Ricci He said the same thing that he says now- that he’s happy for me, but wants me to go back to writing my YA MF series that he told his family about, so he can share it with them. They are supportive of that I write, but they don’t know what. Same with my family. He stopped caring that I watch gay porn and call it research though which is a nice plus. Really though, he’s supportive no matter what I choose to write, because it makes me happy and my eventual goal is to live off writing. If I can support us both with something that I love to do and he can take care of the house and the kids while I play with beautiful men in my head that would be awesomeness rolled in chocolate and dusted with glitter.
Pixie Mmgoodbookreviews Aww. That’s so lovely. I must admit I have heard some horror stories from other authors about how their family’s reacted badly or someone leaked it and they lost their jobs *shakes head* some people are just stupid. Right, so any secrets you want to share? *raises eyebrow*
Caitlin Ricci I write under a pen name, so that I don’t lose my job or my future career. Not many people would be okay with their child’s counselor writing MM erotic romance, or any erotica actually. I’m still debating on whether or not to keep the name for my YA stuff or not.
Caitlin Ricci Hmmmm…. secrets…. I worry that I bother the SP staff too much and that they’ll realize I’m not worth the trouble :).
Pixie Mmgoodbookreviews *Laughed myself silly* Damn girl, I read your book they won’t be letting go any time soon.
Caitlin Ricci Thank you darling 🙂 With my book coming out the day after tomorrow I realize that’s not likely, but it’s still hard to believe that my story got turned into a book which people have read and will be reading and that people will hopefully like and that my second book, Taming the Lion Tamer, was accepted as well, but there’s no release out on that yet.
Pixie Mmgoodbookreviews Ohhhh new book *stars in eyes as gazes off into a dream world*. ~shakes head~ Okay, I was about to ask if there was anything else in the pipeline other that Pine Hollow Wolves. Will Taming the Lion Tamer be a series or a stand alone?
Caitlin Ricci And, if anyone is wondering if they’ll like my writing or not they can always pick up the Silver Shorts which are available for free off the SP website. I’ve got shorts in most of the ones from week 20 on.
Caitlin Ricci Right now it’s a standalone, but there is a sequel that might happen. Taming is about Quinn and Charlie. Charlie has a sister who has been divorced for about 2 years now, but she will get back together with her ex in her own book.
Blurb for Taming the Lion Tamer- Charlie thought it would be like any other Friday working as an animator. Then in walked Quinn and his rescued Asiatic Lion. For years Quinn has devoted his life to rescuing big cats so when an animation company offers him a donation in exchange for bringing one of the cats in to model he jumps on it.
Charlie’s so nervous that he can barely look at Quinn, much less talk to him. Quinn is confident, friendly and too handsome for words. Charlie can’t believe it when Quinn notices him, and then invites him up to the sanctuary for the weekend. He’s enthralled and finds himself falling hard for the man his sister calls Sex God Quinn Fitzgerald.
Draft blurb…so it won’t be the final, but it’s a sneak peek.
Pixie Mmgoodbookreviews Hmmm. looks interesting… we will all keep our fingers crossed for you. **whispers* You are supposed to push books at the end so you can put up all the links *wink**
Caitlin Ricci There’s no link though yet: P. I will follow the rules next time!
Hmmm, more new stuff…… working on Pine Hollow Wolves 2 and 3.
Book 3 being with Samson’s sister, Evangeline.
I have another MM planned called The Runaway. I also have two MM stories (a 5k short and something over 20k) awaiting acceptance at Silver Publishing
Pixie Mmgoodbookreviews So, there will be a lot of scope for you to play with and a lot to choose from.
Caitlin Ricci The 5k short is a St Patty’s Day fun little thing and the 20k is (working title) Marked by Grief which I’m pretty proud of. It made a beta reader cry so at least the emotion is strong in it 🙂
Caitlin Ricci totally busy but that’s how I like it. Oh! And I forgot to mention the MMM story that is my current WIP PITA. I say that lovingly, of course. It’s my first time writing MMM, so getting the dynamics right is like playing with lit matches and trying to juggle them all at once.
Pixie Mmgoodbookreviews MMM is a hard one to do. But, if you have the right balance between the characters it should work well. Looks like you will be keeping Silver busy for some time 😉 and we will have lots to look forward to *g* lucky readers.
Caitlin Ricci :) I certainly hope so. It’s a lot of fun to write about guys and before trying it I had no idea how enjoyable it could really be. I still like writing about women, but there’s something different and fun and OMG sexy about two guys who happen to fall in love.
Pixie Mmgoodbookreviews There is and you also have more diversity with the characters as well. Okay, so I am getting dirty looks off my starving kids so just a few more questions. This is the most important one… if the world were to change into a magical world what magical or mythical creature would you be?
Caitlin Ricci Hmmm…. gah hard one. And I thought this would be easy :P. Okay… thinking…. thinking… thinking… A shifter absolutely. But something that could fly…. so probably a dragon. Something fierce, protective, could still go bounding around the countryside with my dragon friends, but wouldn’t be nearly helpless like a unicorn or Selkie.
And flight would be important, although I’d be large so staying hidden would be an issue. And eating knights would be a pain. But, being a griffon wouldn’t be that much fun either and there’s no way I’d be a basilisk. So yep, a dragon.
Western, not eastern.
Pixie Mmgoodbookreviews Lol. You wouldn’t go back in time. *snigger* Hell Hound beats all of them hands down… that’s what I’d be.
Caitlin Ricci A hell-hound would be an awesome choice, especially considering all of their powers. It’s the imminent death thing that I wouldn’t like though. Sounds lonely when if someone sees you, they know they’re going to die.
Pixie Mmgoodbookreviews Yeah, but remember they guard the gates of hell, which means they would have loads of friends on tap. 😉
Okay. So, before I choke to death laughing, tell all the readers who will become your fans *scowl* they will!! Where they can find you, so they can tell you how awesome you are.
Caitlin Ricci Lol. True. I’ve wondered what it would be like to be Ammut, too. Same idea, only not nearly as cool looking. And she just eats the hearts so only sort of the same.
Lol. Fans would be awesome and comments are always appreciated! They can contact me here on FB or on my blog at http://authorcaitlinricci.blogspot.com/. And Silver Publishing is giving away a copy of Almost Paradise tomorrow so make sure to enter if you haven’t already. My blog is also a great place to find good music and sexy pictures of guys.
Stalkers are welcome, too. Since it’s a public profile :P.
Gah Hannah is so freaking cute on that cover!
Pixie Mmgoodbookreviews Yep. So, I have to bring this interview to a close (why do we call it an interview when it’s a chat and free for all?) and I have to thank you for being gracious enough to join us here at MM Good Book Reviews and thank you for being a good sport and putting up with me;-)
Caitlin Ricci Seriously, the pleasure was all mine and I had a great time. Thanks for inviting me over and it was great talking with you.
Pixie Mmgoodbookreviews Great talking to you to, and we will do something in the future when you are an old hand at being an author. Thanks again Caitlin… Bye.
Caitlin Ricci Sounds great. Have an excellent evening and thanks again for your time. Bye!
Blurb: Chad Rarig and Sonny Phillips have been friends since skinned knees and after school homework. Life is pretty normal, if a bit bland for Chad, until he receives a phone call that changes the rest of his entire life. With Sonny’s strong shoulder in friendship and his mother’s support, he cautiously embraces his fate, one that includes binkies and an utter loss of sleep.
Sonny offers a chance to let Chad settle into this new wilderness of parenthood, sharing his home with his best friend. Only he definitely hadn’t anticipated having to deal with an attraction that left him panting and hungry as a starving man for his best friend. His gay best friend who thinks Sonny is straight, because he’s never told him the full truth to preserve their friendship above all else.
Can Chad come to terms with all the challenges of fatherhood and still keep Sonny’s friendship? Will either be willing to take the risk to cross that line from friendship to something more?
Review: Chad is learning the hard way that sometimes it just doesn’t pay to be nice. Never, in a million years, did he think his little deposit into a paper cup would get dropped off his door step. But, his three-month old daughter, Annalee is living breathing proof that Fate has a twisted sense of humor.
The Good Life starts out with poor Chard knee-deep in a panic attack. When he agreed to donate sperm to his friend, Elizabeth, he just assumed she would always be around to take care of her kid. Hell, they weren’t even that close. If his name hadn’t been on Annalee’s birth certificate, it could have been months before Chad even found out Elizabeth was dead. Fortunately, just like he has always done, Sonny comes up with the perfect solution for Chad’s new little family. They can use his spare rooms and he can help out as much as he can. Who knew that having his crush under foot could be pure hell?
I am such a sucker for friends to lover romance and insta dad stories really do it for me. When they are combined, you really have to screw up for me not to enjoy it. Fortunately for me, Diana DeRicci is one of the biggest romantics people who I know and The Good Life was a joy to read. She spun a tale that had me smiling and awwwing from beginning to end. Chad goes through so much just trying to adjust to parenthood. Then to have his straight best friend profess love was just too much.
Was the storyline kinda predictable? Maybe a little. Was the dialogue sappy? Sometimes. Did I absolutely love it? Hell, yeah. This is the kind of sweet romance that is perfect for Father’s Day. I knew there was a HEA coming, but DeRicci made me work for it. I mean, Sonny loves Chad, and Chad loves Sonny, but does Chad really love Sonny, or is he just a convenience. There was just enough twist to make a potentially tired plot sparkle.
I recommend this one for readers who like HEAs, but want to believe neither party is just settling for the nearest warm body.
Series: Lancaster’s Way 01 (Father’s Day 2012- 06)
Author: N. J. Nielsen
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novel
Publisher: MLR Press (June 15, 2012)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Blurb: Question: What is the stupidest thing an openly gay man could do?
Answer: Move to Texas and marry a woman.
Tossed off the Golden Spur with nothing but the clothes he was wearing and his newborn son. Riley Stuart contemplates his life. He gave up everything he knew to come halfway around the world to find things don’t always work out like you planned. On her deathbed his wife outs him to her family — her very bigoted family.
Noah Johnson finds a naked man and infant in his barn. What are they doing there, and where did they come from? In the course of helping Riley get back on his feet somewhere along the way he felt their souls collide.
Review: Riley is having a very bad day. His wife’s body hasn’t even been laid to rest and her family has already decided that a gay son-in-law and a Eurasian grandson are not welcome in their home. Without a backwards glance, Riley and his son, Kai, are dumped on the side of the road…in the rain to fend for themselves. Thousands of miles away from Riley’s native Australia, with fifty-seven dollars and some change and the clothes on their backs.
I really enjoyed When Souls Collide. If you haven’t read any of N. J. Nielsen’s other titles, this might be a nice place to start. She is obviously a firm believer in HEAs. Riley is a real sweetie. When his online friend finds herself pregnant, with a conservative family screaming that she have an abortion, he doesn’t hesitate to offer her marriage. Unfortunately, there is no disguising Kai’s Asian heritage. Even before Karen’s death,Riley’s life has been a living hell. Winding up butt-naked in a barn is just par for the course.
Noah’s family is too cute, assuming that his gay guest is the answer to his pitiful love life. Noah isn’t willing to believe that the hottie that he found is going to be interested in a relationship. And even if he does, Riley is going home as soon as he can raise the funds…isn’t he?
I really enjoyed this Father’s Day read. My only complaint is that Riley and Noah’s romance evolved really quickly. Not the intimacy…I could have got on board for that, but the I love youforevers. Not quite instalove…but pretty close. Mind you, there are all kinds of crazy people in the town, trying to keep them apart…but, I still think Riley should have made Noah work a little harder. 😉
But, because Nielsen created such a great supporting cast, I choose to overlook that. There are several cowboys that would make very nice leading men, if N. J. ever decides to revisit this corner of Texas.
I’m recommending When Souls Collide for readers who like lonely cowboys, sexy Aussies and sweet baby boys.
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Gay, Historical, Paranormal/Alternate World, Romance, Thriller, Western
Length: Novel
Publisher: Silver Publishing (May 26, 2012)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts
Blurb: Something left behind in the abandoned Ruby Lode gold mine attacks four friends, exploiting their weaknesses and insecurities, threatening their sanity, friendship, and ultimately their lives. Can they solve the mystery of Ruby Lode in time to save each other?
After six long months of research, adventure seekers Bowen McAlister, Cyrus Curran, Duff Gentry, and Lockhart Dawson are on their way to Boulder, Colorado to explore Ruby Lode, an abandoned gold mine. Duff, a born psychic, senses something isn’t quite right, and the closer they get, the more his unease grows.
Something left behind long ago in the deep shafts and drifts of Ruby Lode makes its presence known by exposing dark, heavily guarded secrets. Preying on each of their weaknesses and insecurities, Ruby Lode’s own destructive secret threatens their sanity, friendship, and ultimately their lives.
CONTENT ADVISORY: This story contains elements of rape/near rape.
Review: Normally, I begin a review with a bit of a blurb. But, I have to preface that with a bit of a confession. I am always nervous when an author jumps genre. I know, that sounds petty, but oh well. Sue me. I like when my favorite writers are predictable and consistent. But, every now and then, one of them surprises me. Scotty Cade shocked the hell out of me…in the nicest possible way.
Now as a writer, I can tell you flashbacks can be hard to pull off. If you put them in the wrong place, or cover the wrong time frame, you can lose your reader. Scotty Cade pulled wove flashbacks into this entire story brilliantly. The Mystery of Ruby Lode begins at the beginning, in the spring of 1914. Frink and his best friend Counter are two young prospectors trying to strike it rich. Realizing that they lack both experience and equipment, they hook up with two other miners to better their odds of actually striking gold. Before they can pull a single piece of ore out of the ground disaster strikes.
Then, we jump to present day. The four friends have been on this type of adventure before. But, this time is different. This time not only their lives are in danger, but their very sanity.
This is a fabulous romantic suspense. I can’t say that enough times. Absolutely brilliant. The pacing was just right. The flashbacks that are woven into the main story let us stay just a head of the four friends. And the touch of paranormal is so well done, that it if you don’t believe if ghosts, you might.
For those of you who are wondering, there is some really hot sex, but it is always tempered with the intimacy of lovers…at least in the present day. 😉 And in true Cade fashion, these are grown ass men, who don’t play head games with their lovers. Each has a secret that must be revealed in order to solve The Mystery of Ruby Lode, all trusting that their secrets will be safe, with their closest friends.
I am recommending this one for, of course, all the Scotty Cade fans…trust me, he delivers. And anyone who loves a good cold case mystery with a touch of paranormal thrown in. Highly recommend.
Blurb:Jacen Ives comes face to face with his past when he finds himself sharing a house with Kayne Henderson and his children. Will a childhood crush lead him to happiness or destroy his life?
Jacen has always hidden his feelings from the boy he knew he was meant to love, while Kayne, eighteen and confused, married his high school girlfriend and started a family, unaware of the trouble looming ahead. So with one last kiss goodbye, Kayne lied about his feelings for his best friend’s brother and let his heart walk away.
Six years later, Kayne and Jacen must work together to find out who is trying to destroy their lives–George, a jealous, unstable ex-boyfriend responsible for assaulting Jacen; or Teagan, the woman overcome with seething hatred towards the man who stole her ex-husband’s heart?
Review: Jacen left to start a new life when he left for college. All he had to really remember Kayne by was one last kiss goodbye. But, now years later he is back and his and Kayne’s lives become entangled again, but this time the truth comes out. Kayne hid his feelings, six years ago, to allow Jacen to grow and become the man he was meant to be and is now single with two young children. Kayne hopes to make up for the past and make Jacen face the truth.
This was a lovely story that had a bittersweet parting, some angst, some danger and some making up. Jacen believes that Kayne is straight. he has always believed it and still he is in love with him, even after all these years. Kayne couldn’t let anyone know that he pined for Jacen and ended up having a family. But, now he’s getting divorced and Jacen is coming home. But between their exs, trouble is following both of them.
This is quite a sweet novella, if you just concentrate on Jacen and Kayne’s relationship and ignore the flying debris of their past relationships, Jacen loving Kayne for years, Kayne wanting Jacen for years, but Kayne knows that Jacen has to spread his wings and become a man. He lets Jacen go physically, because no matter what he wants, at that point Jacen was only 15 and heading for university. Jacen takes that kiss with him knowing that is all he will ever have of Kayne. But, years later they struggle to connect, as Kayne tries to make Jacen realize that it is him Kayne wants. If we bring in the previous relationships, then we get quite a messy story as Kayne’s ex, Teagan, just wants to punish him and Jacen’s ex, George, wants him back even after beating the crap out of him. (Stupid man)
So, a sweet but troubled romance story, that will have you going awwww and dewy-eyed as their love unfolds. It’s the type of romance that you would tell the grandkids. letting love go and then fighting for it at the right time, becoming stronger for what has gone before and accepting that sometimes you have to take a chance on new/old love and believe that it’s right for you. This is a well written story that was a joy to read.
So if you want a story of lasting love, growing up, making mistakes, reuniting, a touch of danger, some angst and a wonderful ending then this is the book for you.
Blurb:On the eve of his annual medical, Darcy Reed visits his favorite club to calm his nerves. He wasn’t looking for love but finds more than he expected in the arms of his physician Dr Sheridan Scott.
Getting up close and personal is not what people expect when they go for their annual medical, but Darcy Reed has to try hard not to enjoy it too much. He has a thing for doctors and this year his medical is about to get interesting.
On the eve of his medical, he visits his favorite club in search of the mind-numbing release only alcohol can bring. Instead, he meets the enigmatic Sheridan Scott.
The chance encounter is only the beginning. Sheridan is a doctor and Darcy is about to get more than he bargained for when he goes for his physical. Darcy hasn’t had much luck in love. Will Sheridan be just what the doctor ordered?
Review: Darcy is worried about his physical the next day, so goes out for a drink to relax. There he meets a man who sparks his interest, the first man in eight long years. Sheridan is surprised when the man he nearly picked up the night before is his new patient and he quickly remedies the problems that might cause. Now Darcy and Sheridan begin a journey of discovery as they explore their fantasies.
This is a gentle novella that is a slow courtship for a man who has been hurt in the past. Darcy has been wary about men since his last relationship ended. But, now a new man has sparked his interest and his fantasies after eight long years. Sheridan has fantasies of his own and he imagines Darcy filling the role. But, he has to take it slowly with the sensitive younger man, as he has little experience and was hurt in his past relationship.
Well, what to say? This is a gentle love story where, from my point of view, Sheridan really did all the work, he gave a lot and pleased Darcy sexually and didn’t really get much in return. There was also a huge deal made out of Darcy having been hurt emotionally in his previous relationship, but, we weren’t given many details, just vague references. and those we did get, didn’t make me feel like it would take eight years to get over it. Darcy still being a virgin… well, that I can understand, he isn’t the type of man to give himself unless he is 100% sure of his partner. Sheridan was a sweetheart taking his time and courting Darcy until he was sure.
The sex between Sheridan and Darcy is really good, but it does feel solely one-sided until near the end and the kink is hot and has some bandage play. It isn’t heavy Medical play, just the very edges of it and is nicely done for a virgin. Both characters are well suited and this is a really nice love story.
So I will recommend this to those who want light kink, light medical play, a touching love story, some really hot sex and a happy ending.
*Note* Book details have been updated to the 2nd edition release. Title: Less Than All
Author: Lee Brazil
Genre: Historical, Regency (1800+)
Length: Short (63pgs)
Publisher: Lee Brazil (14th June 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb:Nicholas Danville doesn’t trust his lover, certain Victor cannot share the depth of his attraction. With him only for now, Victor must marry to fulfill his duty to his family. Surely that will mean the end of their liaison?
A youthful indiscretion leads to a humiliating encounter between Nicholas Danville and Lord Victor Ware. Nicholas returns home in disgrace, and Victor continues life in the Ton. Years later, Nicholas’s reproving parents send him to town to attain a degree of polish before he prepares for life as a member of the clergy.
A chance encounter with an old friend leads to a new confrontation between Nicholas and Victor. This time, the attraction between them burns brighter, Nicholas is old enough to know his own mind, and Victor is done with self-denial.
From ballrooms to gardens and opera houses, Victor sets about proving that a passionate liaison between two men is possible even under the narrow gaze of the Ton.
Review: Nicholas has a crush on Victor, his best friend’s older brother, but he knows that it is futile as Victor has to carry on the family name…even if he did notice him. Victor burns for Nicholas, but doesn’t act on it. Instead, sending Nicholas away, after catching him with his brother. But, now years later, he can’t fight the pull anymore. But, Nicholas won’t give him what he wants most, because Nicholas doesn’t believe Victor loves him.
This is a well written regency romance, showing a difficult time for gay men and their relationships. Victor finally gives into his longing for Nicholas, but Nicholas begins to run, Nicholas realizes that what he feels is deeper than just a fling and he panics when he realizes that Victor will have to marry and have children. Victor can’t understand why Nicholas is backing off and gets demanding with Nicholas. It is only later, after a heart to heart with Victor’s brother, that Nicholas wants to grab the memories with both hands.
Victor is typical of a Lord; he demands and his demands are met. But, with Nicholas, he can’t have what he demands and instead of asking and finding out why Nicholas refuses, he threatens Nicholas instead. Nicholas wants more than a passing fling and he does get in over his head with Victor. The thing is, they complement each other well, but because of the era, it’s a struggle for both of them. It isn’t until both of them confide in good friends, do they maybe see a solution. I liked the story and I thought the characters were well done for the time period. Both men’s attitudes also reflected that time and what sex we do see is erotic and hot.
I will recommend this to those who love historicals, regency, secret lovers, hot sex and a happy for now ending.
Blurb:Paxton, a forensic scientist whose wife has deserted him and their twin sons, is working on a serial killing while trying to cope with his feelings for Jordy, an ex-lover from his past who is now the boys’ teacher.
Paxton, a forensic scientist whose wife has deserted him and their twin sons, becomes embroiled in trying to catch a serial killer when the boys discover a human finger-bone while rock-hunting. As more bodies turn up, and his housekeeper takes temporary leave, Paxton turns to Jordon, the boys’ grade school teacher, to watch them after school.
There is only one problem, Paxton and Jordon were lovers before Paxton married. Now, with his wife gone for the past two years, Paxton finds he still has feelings for Jordon, feelings which may be reciprocated. For the sake of his sons, who hope their mother may someday return home, and his own belief that she might, he fights to be an honorable man.
Review: When Paxton was given an ultimatum by his father, many years ago, he caved in and did what his father wanted. But, he had to give up Jordan. Now, years later, Jordan is back in his life as a friend and Paxton won’t let it go any further, because he still hopes that his wife will come back, even if it is for the sake of the children.
This is quite a good second chance romance. But, if I am perfectly honest, I got more caught up in the serial killer plot than the romance. *bows head in shame* Paxton gave up the love of his life to do what his father wanted. Now, after so many years and his wife’s disappearance solved, he can make a new start, hopefully with Jordan. Jordan is a teacher and has Paxton’s children in his class. They have a good friendship, but they don’t stray too far into unwanted remembrances that will bring forth recriminations.
Yes, Paxton is an honorable man now but he wasn’t very honorable when he allowed himself to be bought. He married a woman his father chose as part of a business deal and his father would continue to pay for his tuition and education. This hurt Jordan badly, as Paxton had always said he loved him, but now years later they are friends. Jordan is a lot more forgiving than me, but he still loves Paxton and now he and Paxton have a second chance.
Right. So, on to the part I really, really enjoyed. one of Paxton’s sons uncovers a finger bone while digging for a fossil. Paxton, a forensic scientist, calls in his brother-in-law, who is a detective and it is just the beginning as more graves are discovered. Identifying the skeletons is harder than they thought and finding a killer before they strike again is a challenge. Loved it, and the identity of some of the bodies is a surprise. The mystery is well written, and the way it ended has given me hope that there will be more in the future for this couple and the mystery will be fully solved.
So, I will recommend this to those who love second chances, forgiveness, realizing your mistakes, solving murders, intelligent kids and a happy ending.
Blurb: Todd and Nick Ruger are alive and on the run in the Yellowknife Protectorate, but maybe not for long. After narrowly escaping New Colorado, where they were implicated in the assassination of Chancellor Shaffer, they’re running out of steam: Todd is gravely ill and Nick’s injured. Just when it seems like the harsh winter will get the best of them, they find refuge with a doctor in the isolated town of Elk’s Ridge.
On the surface, Elk’s Ridge seems the ideal place to rebuild their lives. Nick begins training as the doctor’s apprentice, and Todd works in a lumberyard until they’re recovered enough to return to their duties as Sentries. They make friends, forge a new life, and most importantly, there’s no sign of anyone from New Colorado.
They should have known it was too good to be true. Victor Raleigh, the new Vice Chancellor of New Colorado, knows all about Nick’s psychic abilities, and he wants them in his corner. When Nick is betrayed and captured, Todd sees no alternative but to head back to the war zone to rescue him. But will Nick be the same man Todd loves after Raleigh’s pet psychic vampire is through with him?
Review: Todd and Nick are looking for somewhere to live, where they don’t have to worry about someone recognizing Nick. Just as they find a new town, Todd becomes ill and Nick struggles to get him help. As they settle in, Nick has made an enemy and he soon finds himself in the hands of Raleigh. It’s a tough time with only his dreams of Todd, but the psychic vampire is a hard one to battle. Can Nick hold on until Todd comes for him or will Raleigh’s hold prove too tight?
Todd and Nick are back. They are on the run after the circumstances from Together Bound, so yeah, you have to read books one and two (bwahahahaha). But, Todd is falling ill (although he says allergies) and they are trying to find somewhere to live. Nick and Todd finally settle in a town, but trouble follows them and a spiteful person makes Nick’s life hell. When Nick is taken, Todd follows as quickly as he can, but it could be too late to undo the damage.
Whoot. Whoot. Now, boys and girls, I have told you that you need to read both previous books and that is so you can fully appreciate the world we find ourselves in. it is set in the future, after a disaster that leaves mankind reverting back to the old ways, but psychic powers emerge, monsters come out and ghosts linger and slavery comes back. If you have read the previous books then you know all about Todd and Nick’s relationship and what they do. if you haven’t, *scowl*, then Todd and Nick are master and slave, a bonded pair, mates and love each other to death and they work, or worked for the New Colorado Protectorate as Sentries protecting the surrounding area. Okay, happy now? *looks around and nods* Good. So Nick and Todd have a solid relationship, which is pushed to its boundaries and stretch it to its limits in this book.
This is a really well written novel, which holds your interest from the start, as we see the struggle to find a new home; with Nick’s nightmares and fears, with being wanted men, with someone sniffing around Todd, with kidnappings, escape, rescue, betrayal, more escapes, nasty baddies, feelings of guilt and the total love that Nick and Todd have for each other. I am fully expecting there to be a number four story, because this ending just left me with the expectation that there will be more adventures for Todd and Nick.
So, if you love post-apocalyptic, futuristic, adventure, danger, hot loving, psychic powers, guilt, angst, and an expectation of more to come then this is definitely the book and series for you.
Publisher: Goodreads M/M Romance Group & S.J.D. Peterson (4th June 2012)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: Part of the Goodreads M/M Romance group’s Love is Always Write event. Story Prompt
PHOTO DESCRIPTION: Sexy Marine sitting on the floor, shirtless with just fatigue pants, another sexy Marine leaning down with his hand resting on the other Marine’s lower stomach. Matching tattoos on their shoulders and upper arms.
STORY LETTER:
Dear Author,
He’s been in my life for two decades. Don’t Ask Don’t Tell ended too late for us as we were months from retirement. We spent so much of our lives in the closet, hiding our love that I worry if we can hold it together when we’re out. I’m scared of losing him. For me, he’s the hottest thing I’ve ever seen still and I know he could get guys half my age without trying hard. Why would he stick with me now? But he always knows…he knows when I need him to center me—to remind me of what we have. We’re in it together to the end.
If an author selects this…I LOVE BDSM. Please, please…
Edited to clarify: I see the man facing forward as a sub and the other man as his Dom. They’ve had stolen moments over the years but never the time and privacy to truly explore their D/s needs at the level they have desired. Now they do since they have retired. I enjoy a little angst (no cheating) but definitely want a HEA. Moderate BDSM would work great. Author, up to you if you take this mind. Ultimately, author, if you pick this one I’ll be pleased no matter what you do to give my guys a story!
Review: Gunnery Sergeant Gunther ‘Gunny’ Duchene & Macalister ‘Mac’ Jones are both Marines who are coming up for retirement, now DADT is two months from being repelled and it gives Gunny an added worry that Mac will now go looking elsewhere as he no longer has to hide.
Oh, SJD. give you a little prompt and two military men, and you pull up your big girl panties and come up with a right sparkling little gem. Gunny and Mac have been exclusive for the last ten years, after Mac had a brief brush with blackmail. But, now as they come to the end of their careers, Gunny is starting to panic a little and he has no idea why, until it hits him that Mac could have anyone he wanted now without having to hide. Mac has a different idea about what will happen with their retirement, but he notices a change in Gunny and gives him what he needs most, together they can both lay their fears to rest.
A very well written short story that amazingly shows the needs and fears of Gunny very well (I mean amazingly because it’s so short, not because of the writing or anything like that 😉 ). Gunny has been coasting along very well for the last twenty years having Mac as his best friend and f**k buddy; although for the last ten it has been exclusive. But, now as the time of their retirement approaches he is beginning to panic as he realizes that retirement means Mac could go off in his own way and find someone new. This I found to be a very angsty part as Gunny is too scared to broach the subject with Mac and it was very telling that Gunny never even thought about himself looking elsewhere even before his revelation. Mac has his own plan and that plan very much includes Gunny, but as Gunny is a bit off kilter, Mac decides to help him clear his head with a little light bondage.
So, all in all…a really good short that was worth every penny. Oh hang on, it was free. Okay, so it was still really good and it has a very good selection of emotions that Gunny works through. The sex is mega hot, the slight BDSM is very well portrayed and carried out well, and Gunny final sees his relationship with Mac for what it really is. Mac is a very sure character, there wasn’t any doubt in his mind what he wanted, and I just don’t think he ever realized that Gunny was unsure of him.
Well, hot sexy military men, a touch of BDSM, some angst, a sharing of feelings and a happy ending what more could you want in a book? It’s free as well… fine, it’s a great story that you really get into if you read the blurb/introduction, as that gives you a good mind-set as to the main characters state of mind. I highly recommend that you read this story because it will have something for everyone.
Blurb: When the west clashes with fantasy, a group of rejected souls find themselves tangled in the same situation. A danger lurks close behind as they try to high tail it out of wherever they may be. On their journey escaping the persistent shadow they fall right into his hands. Raylan, a cowboy with the heart of fire and a sword sharper than the Grim Reaper’s scythe, progresses through the lands. Ready for a quick kill, he gets more than he bargained for by an innocent trip to take a piss, a day that would forever change his lone ranger habit. Gabe, a man who suffers from gaps of time, searches for something he doesn’t even know. Day by day he idly wanders unsure how he ended up in one place or another. One day he wakes up in bed, naked, beside Raylan. No memory of the night before, he struggles against the fate binding him to this cowboy who insists not leaving him behind. Fresh out of bed, the two venture off on their long journey side by side.
Review: Raylan is a drifter. He drifts from town to town and maybe sometimes he might do a bit of robbing… okay, so he’s a wanted man and on this night he enters a town where his fate just might change. Gabe wakes up next to a cowboy, but he has no recollection of him. Unfortunately, for Gabe the cowboy doesn’t remember much either. But, circumstances throw them together repeatedly. Mako ends up tagging along and ends up with his own companion Zack.
This story has a very good premise, but the execution was poorly carried out. Raylan is alternatively running from and then hunting something that used to be an old friend. Gabe is in a roundabout sort of way looking for revenge although he doesn’t know it. Zack just wants to be accepted and Mako is a young man who prefers the company of animals to humans. These four end up together traveling across the flatlands having adventures and facing enemies. While, Gabe begins to trust Raylan, in between his blackouts, and Zack and Mako become very close.
I found this book really hard to get into because of the writing style; it jumped from POV to POV with no warning. So one second you are in Gabe’s head and the next you were in Raylan’s. it was hard to follow what was going on and I would lose the thread as it jumped from subject to subject. But, if I ignored all that and just concentrated on the bare bones it held my interest. The storyline is more complex than we are led to believe, because Gabe’s blackouts are not just blackouts, and we are introduced to a variety of characters that inhabit his body. So, the very first encounter between Raylan and Gabe is actually between Raylan and Bane. Zack is really a wolf who can take on a humanoid form and Mako is very sensitive to auras.
Anyway, if this book had been from my personal library then I really don’t think I would have finished it, because, by the time I got to page 70 I had a killer headache from all the jumping about of POV (we even had the horses POV) and trying to keep the thread alive and the only reason I didn’t set it aside for a later date was because I was reviewing it. (I always said I’d be honest.) But, this author has a lot of potential, the bare bones are great, it was just the execution that fell short in my eyes and I am a sucker for this type of story. If the POV hadn’t jumped about so much or was at least clearer when it happened, and their own background stories clearer it would have got at least a 3 Hearts . And I would love to know what happened to the eye patch?
So, if you want a story at combines the Wild West with the paranormal, with shifters, unexpected trouble, a complex man, a brooding cowboy and a happy for now ending then give this book a try.
From the Publisher: Rook, Knight and Bishop have been searching for a fourth man to join their threesome for quite a while when Knight meets Jason, the live model in the art class he’s auditing. He thinks that Jason is the perfect man for them and his lovers Rook and Bishop quickly agree. The trick will be convincing Jason…
About the Author: Often referred to as “Space Cowboy” and “Gangsta of Love” while still striving for the moniker of “Maurice,” Sean Michael spends his days surfing, smutting, organizing his immense gourd collection and fantasizing about one day retiring on a small secluded island peopled entirely by horseshoe crabs. While collecting vast amounts of vintage gay pulp novels and mood rings, Sean whiles away the hours between dropping the f-bomb and pursuing the Kama sutra by channeling the long lost spirit of John Wayne and singing along with the soundtrack to “Chicago”.
A long-time writer of complicated haiku, currently Sean is attempting to learn the advanced arts of plate spinning and soap carving sex toys.
Barring any of that? He’ll stick with writing his stories, thanks, and rubbing pretty bodies together to see if they spark.
My Review: I wasn’t really sure how a book with 4 male characters was going to play out, but I was really impressed with this story. I can see why the author uses the game of chess as a comparison. The strategy and give and take in the relationships is similar to the moves each piece must take in a game of chess.
Bishop, Knight and Rook are looking for someone to join their threesome. They want someone who they can ‘play with’ (as they call it) for a year and Jason is their choice of playmates. Problem is, Jason insists that he is straight and not all that interested in sex. Unfortunately, Jason is also broke, about to be evicted from his apartment and lose his job so he tries to be a little bit more open-minded about the proposition. When Rook offers to introduce him to the pleasures of a M/M relationship, his world is turned quite upside down when he realizes he might not be as straight as he thought!
Each of these characters is completely distinct with their own voice, personality, and character traits. Bishop is, without question, the dominant force in this relationship. He is forceful, but caring and clearly loves both Knight and Rook in very different ways. Knight is a tortured artist, ex drug addict and very intense. He needs Bishop to dominate him and keep him in line and there is some light BDSM in their relationship. Rook is a sweetie and it is hinted at a couple of times in the story that one of the reasons they are looking for a fourth for their group is so that he has someone he can take care of and bond with. Bishop and Knight have a very dark and intense need for one another and while they both love Rook, he needs someone a little gentler and Jason seems to be working out fine!
I love that they author created such unique characters with their own personalities. It really helped, at the beginning, when I was first starting to get to know them all. This book is made up of a whole lot of sex, interspersed with joking and lighthearted bickering and a little bit of angst. If you are looking for lots of plot and mystery…this isn’t the book for you. However, if you are looking for well written characters with good personalities and fun dialogue that have lots of sexy fun, this is a great choice!
If I could have changed anything about this book, I would have added a little bit more back story. I really want to go back to the beginning of this threesome and see how the whole thing got started! With this being the first book in the series, I am looking forward to seeing how Jason’s part in this whole thing works out. He is a sweetheart and seems to be enjoying his introduction into the world of M/M sex.
Blurb: When the world ends, can a tough cowboy find true love?
The world suffers a plague that wipes out most of the population. For Benjamin, the last cowboy, it is a lonely existence. He spends his days on a farm and dreaming of someone to spend the rest of this miserable life with. That is until Cody arrives…
Cody has secrets, but the more time he spends with the lonely cowboy makes those lies harder to conceal. For this ‘in the closet’ virgin, life got a little more complicated, especially when that secret comes to the farm to kill them all.
Review: Benjamin has been alone for three years, ever since a virus wiped out a lot of the world’s population. Other than the odd straggler he’s had no company and his wrist is mighty sore. But, one day while lying nude next to a pond, someone spies on him and Benjamin has found a new companion. Cody is running and in Benjamin he finds a protector. Although, that isn’t all he wants Benjamin for and when his past catches up to him, will Benjamin even want to keep him safe, when he finds out he lied?
This is a great erotic short story, that is quite heavy on the sex or more on the want of sex, as poor Benjamin has been alone for three long and lonely years. Cody comes across Benjamin by chance, but Benjamin is wary, at first, as strangers are hard to trust. Benjamin might have a hankering for the city boy, but he still has to be careful that it isn’t some type of trap. And when the truth comes out, Benjamin has a choice to make. Cody and Benjamin are quite well suited and they make for a good story.
Okay, so there is a lot of sexual tension at the beginning of the book and it is laced throughout the book as well, but it settles down a bit after a while. The storyline is really interesting; humankind starting over after a virus wipes out most of it and going back to basic’s where money is worthless and goods are traded. Benjamin, at first, seems to have sex on the brain, but when he meets Cody he is actually interested in something longer term than just getting off. Cody is just looking for someplace to hide out, but Benjamin is more than he bargained for, and Cody ends up wanting more than just a hiding place. When these two are together sparks do fly, but Benjamin is really quite gentle with Cody as they ease into a relationship.
So, I will recommend this to those who like futuristic, post-apocalyptic, cowboys and city slickers, hot sex, a new beginning and a happy ever after. P.S. keep an eye out for the epilogue where we meet the characters for the next three books.
Blurb:Tim’s attraction to his friend Harry flares up once again when they run into each other at their ten-year reunion, but will it be enough to build the lasting relationship they’ve both longed for?
Tim Jacobi, who owns and runs his parent’s car dealership, is professionally successful but lonely. When his high school reunion brings his best friend Harry back to Riverside after a ten-year separation, he realizes he is still attracted to him. And this time around, he can admit it to himself.
Harry can’t believe the strong feelings his best friend awakens in him. Despite being afraid of rejection, he opens up and tells him the truth about the intervening years-why he is now divorced and has sole custody of his two children.
When Harry’s ex-wife reappears-demanding not only visitation rights, but threatening to sue for custody-Tim find himself facing more obstacles than he’d expected. Will he run for cover or help Harry get the relationship and life he has always wanted?
Reader Advisory: This story is the eighth in this series and the stories, while they can be read on their own, are best read in sequence.
Review: Tim and Harry meet up at a re-union after no contact for ten years. When they sit down to reconnect they make a discovery as to why they lost touch. It’s not long before sparks are flying between them. But, when Harry’s ex-wife turns up, wanting the children and making threats, Tim begins to wonder if it will work out.
This was a great story of two friends reuniting after ten years and discovering an attraction that they had never really noticed before. Harry had the great misfortune of being snared into marriage, after many years he is finally free to be himself. Tim has a new opportunity with Harry and he has hopes that things will work out between them, but if it comes down to it he will be satisfied with being just friends.
I really enjoyed this story and even though some will say I am wrong… I really enjoyed Harry putting Lisa in her place and that he stuck to his guns by not backing down and also not giving up Tim. That Tim cared so much for Harry and his children shone through in the sacrifice he was willing to make and that Harry cared for Tim in refusing to let Tim walk away. I really enjoyed the way that Tim and the kids interacted, it was very sweet. I think my only complaint would be that they didn’t sit the kids down and discuss their relationship or of them moving in together. I know that the kids discussed Tim and Harry and how they felt like a family again but it would have been nice just to clarify it.
So, honestly this is a very enjoyable story, with hot sex, a bit of conflict which is well written and has a good solid story-line… I’d highly recommend this to those who love any of the above and a nice family ending.
Blurb:Past and present exist side by side as the ghost of a young poet seeks to protect the family living in the house he haunts.
Robert ‘Robbie’ Clavell, a young Victorian poet, is murdered by a jealous competitor. But, his murderer, not content with ending Robbie’s life, also invokes an ancient curse that forces his spirit to remain earthbound.
When Jamie Barrett, a dancer in London’s West End, receives a phone call from his mother telling him of strange knocking noises and furniture moving about, he travels home to Manchester to investigate and give support to his mother and his twelve year old niece, Laura.
Advised to contact a psychic for help, Jamie meets Kevin Singleton, and despite the seriousness of what they discover, the two men find a mutual attraction. Kevin explains to Jamie and his mother that their recent family tragedies had opened a portal allowing base spirits to enter and feed off of Laura’s youthful and vibrant energy.
Kevin is able to make a psychic connection with Robbie who tells him that George Russell, his murderer, is the one responsible for the upheaval in the Barrett household. But when Robbie tries to help Kevin exorcise Russell’s spirit, Russell summons up an even darker force – one that could not only destroy the house and everyone in it, but ensure Robbie’s spirit will never find his way home.
Review: Jamie gets a phone from his mum and he rushes home to Manchester to get to the bottom of what is scaring his mum. Kevin gets called by Jamie to come and investigate the noises and the two men get close as he investigates.
This is a well written ghost story. Jamie wants to help his mum, but even when he sees it with his own eyes he still finds it hard to believe. So, when the police advise him to contact someone who deals with psychic phenomena, he decides to give it a go, still not really believing. Kevin is interested in the case, but after a while begins to think he has bitten off more than he can chew. But, with the help of Jamie to make him stronger, they just might do it.
There is instant attraction when Kevin and Jamie first meet and their relationship progresses quickly when they go to the pub for a drink and after to Kevin’s flat where the sex is really hot. The story is really good, as we have flashes to Robbie’s time and what happened to him, we also have a flash back to Kevin’s childhood as he explains his background and his connection to ghosts. The characters are really good together and seem to be well suited. I liked how they were with each other and that there was give and take between them.
I will recommend this to those who love ghost stories, hot sex, laying spirits to rest and an interesting love story.
Publisher: Amber Quill Press (First published October 14, 2010)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts
Blurb: Fight or flight? This has always been the way of Lindo Santiago’s life, and he has always chosen to fight. He has prepared for world championship boxing glory his entire career. From the Mexican slums to the hard streets of Hollywood, he gave it everything. Lindo thought he was ready until his world title shot arrived and almost killed him. Now, forced to retire by the California State Athletic Commission, he has defied the odds by surviving a three-month coma and severe brain injury.
Forced to choose a new path, to live a different life, Lindo is certain he can do it, with the help of Xu, a mysterious spirit force of a man who emerged in the darkest days of Lindo’s coma. Xu and Lindo’s homosexuality are his biggest secrets. Encouraged to take his first vacation ever, Lindo flies to Honolulu where Xu becomes more potent, yet more mysterious. Signs are everywhere that Lindo must choose between love and death, and he also must decide whether to enter into a relationship with a hot local, Turner Cypriano. But if he does, what will that mean for Xu?
Review: Such a lovely book. Boxing was, is and will always be one of my favorite sports and Llewellyn managed to capture the very essence of it. Very good job indeed! The training, the double-crossing, the injuries and the hiding that takes place, the cheating and all, yes very, very well done.
So, this is the story of Lindo Santiago who rose from the streets of Mexico to the world ranks of boxing. A naive athlete that got played by his very own manager and promoter. Lindo participated in a match that cost him two months in a coma and a very serious brain injury. His surgeon and best friend Marcella did whatever she could and eventually saved his life… or did she??
After the decision of the California State Athletic Association that Lindo can no longer box, there is nothing left for him to do but to take a long vacation and heal his troubled body and soul. Onward to Hawaii. Lindo starts with baby steps into a new life and with the help of the island’s magic he starts to realize how much he still has left. Perhaps his fighting days are over, but he has a life to live and love to let in his heart.
The author indeed has a magic touch in her hand when she introduces us the Island. It literally feels like we’re there; like we could smell the breeze and the flower’s fragrance. Absolutely perfect!
While in Hawaii, Lindo goes with an acquaintance to a boxing match, where he becomes witness of a repetition of his own fight. The young boxer falls head down and Lindo watches during the coming days, as another boxer falls into a coma. this time with no hopes of coming back.
Lindo also finds love and while it has its ups and downs, he and Turner become inseparable. The chemistry between them is almost palpable and the two of them are such a charming couple. Until Turner hear Lindo talk in his sleep, whispering the name of another man…
What? You thought I forgot Xu didn’t you? Of course not, but I had to leave him up for the end. You see, while I loved the story of Lindo the boxer that fight death and moves on even if all his former life has taken an end, I somehow didn’t quite liked Xu and “his” part in the story. I’d love to say more about him and his relationship with Lindo…but, that would be a major spoiler and I don’t want to ruin it for you.
All in all, this was a very nice story that I enjoyed reading and if you are into boxers that overcome their difficulties and fight for their life, go ahead and give it a shot, it is quite worth it.
Blurb: Upon witnessing a sultry, naked young man turn into a wolf after a car crash, Detective John Hamdon thinks he must be pretty messed up. When John’s beautiful hallucination arrives at Chicago police headquarters as a new detective, John knows he’s perfectly screwed. John can’t tell anyone he saw the new man turn into a wolf when John doesn’t believe it himself.
Detective René Bast from New Orleans is sexy, irresistible, and all wrong. John finds it tough to investigate a series of murders when he’s sure he’s riding shotgun with the perp. John knows his new partner has a past, but Bast’s records got washed away by Hurricane Katrina. Even as John digs into Bast’s ties to a Chicago crime lord, Bast won’t stand still to be hunted. It’s clear that John Hamdon is running from his own past. Bast turns the hunt around, even as he’s falling for the man he may need to kill.
Review: John’s involved in a crash when a dog runs in front of his car. But, he isn’t sure if he is hallucinating or not, when he briefly sees a hot man under his car. But, when the man turns up at his station, as a new detective, he has suspicions from the start. Bast is John’s suspect when the murders begin, because John knows what he saw and he is determined to take Bast down. Bast knows that John knows and digs into John’s past to find something to hold over him, but neither man can count on their own feelings anymore.
Jez Morrow produces some wonderful shifter stories that draws the imagination out. The beginning of this book is quite bizarre and slightly dark and shows us with actions what is later explained in further detail, so we can get clearly in our mind how it could happen. The legend of the loup-garou was really good and differs from the werewolf stories that we usually get with the loup-garou fighting the evil shadows. I really liked the way that Bast was portrayed, was he good? Or was he bad? We teeter between the two, as we wonder just what side he will fall on.
I will admit that I got thrown a bit when I started chapter six and I thought that I had missed something, but that was the way it was actually written. it just felt like there should have been more warning or at least a hint of what was to come and I can see where Bast had started to soften towards John… but love. It was thrown in from nowhere. I also really wanted to know how John came to fall into the trap and I really did think that as revenge it went too far. I was just really glad that Bast took it into his own hands and evened the score.
There are a couple of twists in this book that are quite good, but there are a couple of loose ends that do get tied up, but as they start to play out you wonder where the hell the storyline is going with it. But, explanations do clear everything up, it just felt a little disjointed. The relationship between Bast and John is more complex than you think, as we find out that John hasn’t been quite himself, but they are cute together when they finally figure it out.
I will recommend this to those who like a slightly darker shifter story, shifters with a difference, a more complex story line with some twists and turns and a couple that aren’t instant mates.
Blurb: In thirteenth century Cornwall, a fierce king must have a strong partner, and that is what King Christopher of Lysnowydh has in his handfasted mate. Or had before rival King Warin kidnapped and tortured Dafydd to the point that, months later, he is still afraid to leave the castle. Christopher longs for Dafydd to accompany him to the other strongholds in his kingdom and to London to pay tribute to Henry III, but Dafydd is not ready. Christopher begins to wonder if Dafydd will ever recover.
Dafydd hates to disappoint his lover, but he is not sure what to do. Since he will not leave the keep, he renounces his position as king’s marshal, vowing to focus on the healing arts instead. Though Christopher continues to pressure him to travel, Dafydd staunchly stays at home—until his second sight shows him he could lose Christopher if he cannot face his fears. Determinedly, Dafydd sets out to prove he can master them.
When Christopher returns home to find Dafydd gone, he knows exactly what Dafydd must have seen. As he once promised he would, he follows his heart across his kingdom—but even if he finds Dafydd, he may not be able to heal the rift between them.
A Timeless Dreams title: While reaction to same-sex relationships throughout time and across cultures has not always been positive, these stories celebrate M/M love in a manner that may address, minimize, or ignore historical stigma.
Review: This book is best read after The King’s Tale, as it continues the story of Dafydd and Christopher. Dafydd is still struggling somewhat with the after effects of his imprisonment. he just wants peace and quiet, but Christopher is pushing him to leave the Keep. But, it is just too soon to leave the place he feels safe. Christopher feels disappointed that Dafydd won’t accompany him away from the Keep. he feels that Dafydd should be able to put his past behind him and carry on with his life. As Christopher has to travel and Dafydd stays behind, both learn that sometimes it is better to learn apart, as it is to learn together.
This story continues on not long after The King’s Tale ended and shows us the struggle that both Dafydd and Christopher go through; as Dafydd begins to get a handle on what happened to him and the lingering fear he struggles with. Christopher wants nothing more than to declare to the world that Dafydd is his and wishes for Dafydd to accompany him on his travels, but Dafydd feels that it is too soon. Dafydd still needs time to get over his lingering fear, but he can feel that he has disappointed Christopher. and when he has a ‘vision’, he faces his fear in the hope that Christopher will come for him. But, Christopher learns a harsh truth while on his travels and Dafydd begins to realise that he can’t let his fear rule him.
Well, I thought this book was wonderful for giving us Dafydd and Christopher and the continuation of their story. this story is spread over a few weeks unlike the previous book which was over a few years. Now we see the true aftermath of Warin’s (who took Dafydd captive) actions and how Dafydd is still finding his way back to be the man he once was. Dafydd’s truly still suffering and Christopher, although supportive, doesn’t understand. But, with the help of others, Christopher begins to see how things truly are for Dafydd. Christopher’s impatience hurts Dafydd, but when faced with the possibility that he might lose Christopher, he faces his fear in the only way he knows how.
This is a truly lovely story of enduring love that might stretch and be bent out of shape, but was forged in fire. and although there is give, it will always stand against anything thrown at it. Both the characters are as we remember them, but Dafydd is now quieter, preferring his solitude and his stillroom. Both men realize that they have things to face and it hits Christopher hard as he faces facts and his own words haunt him.
So, if you love historicals, passionate love, facing truths, finding peace in your soul, accepting limitations and a happy ending, then this is the book for you.
Blurb: Though Dafydd is the fourth son of Welsh nobility, when he leaves his home he becomes a humble woodsman in small kingdom of Lysnowydh on the sea. During a fierce storm, a stranger seeks shelter in Dafydd’s remote cottage. He is no ordinary traveler—he is Christopher, King of Lysnowydh. The wild passion that flares between them rivals the storm, and love moves King Christopher’s heart to name Dafydd Marshal of his troops to keep him close.
However, love is never simple or safe when it must endure the pressures of political life. Though Dafydd proves himself in battle, Lysnowydh’s nobles protest his rise in position and power. Forces will conspire against Dafydd and Christopher, and they must endure treason, treachery, and the demands of a kingdom requiring an heir to secure their happiness together.
A Timeless Dreams title: While reaction to same-sex relationships throughout time and across cultures has not always been positive, these stories celebrate M/M love in a manner that may address, minimize, or ignore historical stigma.
1st Edition published July 27, 2009 by Dreamspinner Press
Warning: Some M/F scenes which are integral to the story.
Review: Dafydd is a simple woodsman and he is happy with his lot in life. but, his gentle soul and simple ways draw the Kings eye. as Dafydd and King Christopher fall in love, there are problems that arise and an enemy who wishes revenge. Can Christopher and Dafydd’s relationship stand the strain?
This is a wonderful historic novel that draws the eye to the problems faced when you needed an heir in the thirteenth century and enemies could be closer than you think. This novel is set in King Henry the third’s reign, when lesser kings were still about, before they were given the title of Duke. So, Christopher is one of those Kings, as the largest landholder in Cornwall, he knows he will have to eventually have an heir, but he will follow his heart for his happiness. Dafydd catches Christopher’s eye and it doesn’t take much for Dafydd to fall for his King. But, with pressure to produce an heir putting strain on their relationship and then a horrific event leaving Dafydd nearly broken in heart and spirit, it is a difficult time for all.
Dafydd and Christopher made a wonderful loving couple, but there were a few bumps in the road as Dafydd found his place and role in the Keep. Some people were not happy with the arrangement and later will lead to major trouble. The feelings and strain for both men was well written and it wasn’t made light of. Dafydd was an absolute angel when it came time for Christopher to provide an heir. I will be quite frank and say that Christopher’s attitude stank sometimes, but I had to make allowances for the time period and the fact that as heir and then King he was used to getting what he wanted when he wanted it; but that still didn’t give him the right to still sleep with Marged (woman chosen to bear his heir) after she had conceived.
Dafydd and Christopher are a passionate couple and show affection to each other frequently. Unfortunately, this is seen by some as a weakness and Dafydd ends up laying siege to one of Christopher’s vassals. The trouble doesn’t end there, as a lesser king from Christopher’s past seeks revenge and poor Dafydd ends up with the brunt of it, before Christopher musters his troops. There are lasting effects to all involved and it will be another strain on them all. This really is a beautifully written historical, with facts and customs for the time carried out and a beautiful setting.
So, I will recommend this to those who want a fantastic historical, hot passionate sex, danger, torture, solid love and a relatively happy ending.
Title: Losing His Religion
