Month: June 2012

Sins of Autumn anthology by DJ Manly, AJ Llewellyn and Serena Yates

Title: Sins of Autumn

Author: D.J. Manly,  A.J. Llewellyn, Serena Yates

Series: The Seven Deadly Sins

Genre: M/M contemporary

ISBN: 978-0-85715-775-1

Publisher: Total-E-Bound Publishing (November 7, 2011)

Format/length: ebook 463 KB

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts

Reviewer: Artemis

From the Publisher:   The Sins of Autumn weaves a general thread of revelation loosely tying these tales together. Wrath, gluttony and pride are explored in these hot m/m tales involving action, burning hot sex and out-of-this-world adventures that will leave you hoping for cooler weather—soon!

About the Authors:

D.J. Manly:   I write not only for my own pleasure, but for the pleasure of my readers. I can’t remember a time in my life when I haven’t written and told stories. When I’m not writing, I’m dreaming about writing, doing something wild and adventurous, or trying to make the world a better and more open-minded place to live in.

A.J. Llewellyn:   A.J. Llewellyn lives in California, but dreams of living in Hawaii. Frequent trips to all the islands, bags of Kona coffee in the fridge and a healthy collection of Hawaiian records keep this writer refueled

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

My Review:   The first book of this anthology really grabbed me right from the start. In Hail Storm by D.J.Manly, Chance and his friends absolutely worship the rock band Hail Storm and form a tribute band in their honor. Chance doesn’t realize that he has a connection to the lead singer until they meet face to face. It turns out that Hail, the lead singer, is actually Chance’s brother and the two quickly form quite a deep bond. A little thing like falling in love with the same guy (Storm, a key member of the band) might just tear them apart.

From the very beginning of this book, I could feel the hormonal angst of a young guy and his passionate obsession with his favorite rock band. There is a lot of hero-worship going on and he cannot believe it when Hail tells him they are really brothers. Chance is torn between the loyalty he feels towards his brother and the deep feelings he develops for Storm. Hail is obsessed with Storm and Chance knows that by falling in love with him, he will bring Hail’s wrath down on both of them.

I loved the way the author portrayed the conflict in this story. Hail gives Chance everything…opening his home to him and helping him achieve his own success, but in return Chance falls in love with the man Hail wanted to claim as his own. There was no malice involved, just circumstance, and as the pages turned and the conflict was resolved I had to smile at how right things ended up in the end.

The second book of this anthology, Full by A.J.Llewellyn didn’t grab me quite like the first one did. Barney Calloway is an extremely overweight voice over actor in Hollywood. He has struggled with his weight his whole life and after a particularly embarrassing party mishap he finds a business card tucked under his windshield wiper saying one word. Full. On the back is a phone number (which he calls) and miraculously the next morning he wakes up at his ideal weight. Family members and old flames react oddly to the new Barney and he isn’t sure that being overweight was really his only problem.

The message that the author portrays here is a powerful one….our happiness cannot be achieved by being physically perfect. Barney is overweight at the beginning, yes, but after the weight comes off, he starts to realize that maybe he had a ‘fuller’ life than he thought he did. While I liked the story, I think the writing was a bit choppy. I would have liked for the pace of the story to slow down a bit, maybe have the author pick a few key characters to focus on, and still keep the same storyline. Great message, though and one Barney finally understood in the end.

In Autumn Quest by Serena Yates there is a parchment thief stealing books and scrolls from the Royal Library and he must be stopped. The Khan decides to put his youngest son, Bayar, in charge of solving the mystery of the thief’s identity. Bayer chooses an assistant…Chinux, a bounty hunter…to help him in this quest.

The contrast between the scholarly Bayer and the rough and tumble bounty hunter is quite evident. Even though Bayer should be in charge (being royalty and all), it is clearly Chinux that is leading this expedition. They are shocked to learn the true identity of the thief, but their combined strengths and talents allow them to overcome evil in the end. There is a nice bit of adventure, intrigue, and passion all wrapped up in this story. These two characters really complement each other well and I was rooting for them to not only find the thief, but maybe find a life together in the end as well.

Overall, the Sins of Autumn Anthology is a nice collection of stories that illustrate the sins of wrath, gluttony, and pride and how passion can play a part in all of them.

 

Tor by Lynn Lorenz

Title:  Tor

Series:  Werewolf Fight League 01

Author:  Lynn Lorenz

Genre:   Paranormal

Length:  Novel

Publisher:  Loose Id (April 2nd, 2012)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts                                                                             

Blurb:   To the Werewolf Fight League, Tor is a champion fighter. To his master, he’s nothing more than a slave. When Tor’s mate Jin is killed in a brutal cage fight, Tor never wants to fight again. His master, Marrack has other plans for him.

Sky is a beautiful young sex slave, trained to perform sex on whoever buys him. But Sky is special; he’s a virgin and the man who owns him will be very lucky to be the first.

When Marrack buys Sky for Tor, his plan to get Tor back in the cage is set in motion. How could the big were resist mating the beautiful boy? Marrack has one month to get Tor back into shape and fighting again. Everything is riding on this –Tor’s reputation, Sky’s freedom, and Marrack’s money.

Will Tor find love again with a slave boy, or will Tor be betrayed by his new mate?

Publisher’s Note: This book contains explicit sexual situations, graphic language, and material that some readers may find objectionable: BDSM them and elements, exhibitionism, master/slave, violence (including rape).

Readers with a history of rape or sexual abuse may find elements of this story disturbing.

Product Link:  http://www.loose-id.com/WereWolf-Fight-League-1-Tor.aspx

Reviewer:   Portia

Review:  Tor is the WWFL heavyweight champion…technically.  One month ago, he was almost fatally wounded and his mate was raped and killed, in front of him.  Now, he refuses to fight.  His body has healed, but his heart is still grieving.  Unfortunately, as a slave, he is still under his master, Merrick’s control.  And Merrick is betting that the beautiful, virgin sex slave is exactly the man to bring Tor back to fight ready status.

This was a really enjoyable read.  The world that Lynn Lorenz has created is very different from the normal Were/shifter romance.  In this world, Were are feared by humans and breed and enslaved.  The fighters of the WWFL only fight to protect their mates.  In exchange, they are given relatively comfortable existences, albeit under guard.

This is a very sexy romance.  Sky is a virgin when Tor claims him.  Having the big, sexy were as his personal plaything is better than anything he’d been taught in his harem. Their play sometimes takes on a mild bondage tone, but never anything too hardcore.

Of course, Lynn Lorenz can’t write without sneaking in a bit of angst.  Amidst all that hot lovin’ questions loom.  Will Tor accept Sky? Not just as his mate, but as his love?  Will Sky stay with Tor or accept a deal for his freedom?  And all the while, Tor’s dead mate, Jin, is the unseen “other man”.

I really enjoyed this story.  It is dark, in places, but beautifully written and paced.  Highly recommend this for readers who are drawn to darker paranormal, sexy werewolves and beautiful sex slaves.

What Doesn't Kill You by Valentina Heart

Title: What Doesn’t Kill You

Series: Between Worlds

Author: Valentina Heart

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal

Length: Short Novel (150pgs)

Publisher: Loose Id (5th June 2012)

Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: After another disastrous sexual escapade, Jae only has escape in mind. Running down the stairs, he slips, falls, and blacks out. The first thing he sees once he wakes up is a gorgeous stranger offering him a beautiful future in just a single gaze.

Kian is a light demon who’s been looking for his chosen one for years. Even with that set goal in mind, it’s never been an easy path. Once he sees Jae, all the pieces fit into place. The clock starts ticking but they have to run for their life, run hard, if they’re going to get that perfect future.

With demons at their heels and dangers lurking around every corner, Kian and Jae have to rely on each other — find their strengths, defeat their enemies and nurture their delicate, still forming connection. What doesn’t kill them is definitely going to make them stronger.

Purchase Link: http://www.loose-id.com/What-Doesnt-Kill-You.aspx

Review: Jae is fleeing the building after being unceremoniously turfed out of bed. He is upset and can’t understand why men always treat him like crap. After he takes a tumble down the stairs, he comes to and finds a stranger tending to him. But, that stranger will give him everything he has ever wanted. Kian has been searching for his Chosen for many years and now he has finally found him. But, it is just the beginning of their trouble. They now have to cross to the demon realm and register their mating. But, danger lurks ahead and it’s a race against time to get to Verdelet (demon who performs the ceremony), before the catchers get them.

An absolutely brilliant fantasy that is great in detail, as well as imagination. Jae has somehow always picked losers and men who treat him like crap. The latest one, Varick, has turfed him out of bed.  So bitterly disappointed and upset, Jae falls down the stairs, Kian is there when he awakens and just from contact Jae knows that Kian will be everything to him. But, it is a lot for Jae to take in, as they have to leave immediately to avoid the catchers who would kill them both. Kian knows it isn’t the ideal situation for them, but this was how it was for demons. To reach Verdelet and perform the ceremony before the catchers get them is the way of the demons. But, for a human, it is fraught with worry, fear and danger, because if the catchers don’t get them, the other demons and animals might.

Wow. All I can say is…wow. The opening paragraph miss-led me because it was from Varick’s POV, so I thought there would be more of Varick throughout the book. But, no, we don’t see him again until the epilogue, where we then see what his connection is. Jae and Kian have an instant bonding, which is the way of demons, and they really are perfect for each other. We learn more about the bonding, as we go through the book and you understand then why they meld together so quickly. The demon realm is described in all its breath-taking starkness, with the dangers and pitfalls being vast and numerous. The stark contrast between day and night and the differences between demons being varied and colorful.

The world building for the demon realm is impressive; from the scorching sun that will kill to the blackest night where the creatures come out to play. from the Forest of the Dead Trees (which comes to life at night), to the vast sands surrounding Mestif’s ruins, to the Crystal Road and the Glass Sea and the numerous deadly animals that stalk them, it’s breath-taking and vivid in detail. Just getting from their starting point to their finishing line is an arduous journey, without the animals and catchers thrown in to plague them.

This is not the usually romance, as with this story their romance and love is a sure thing… surviving to enjoy it, is another matter entirely. The sex between them is hot, erotic and passionate, but as you might be able to guess, it’s few and far between that we see these scenes as they fight for survival. There are also one or two characters that a different story begins to evolve for, so that’s something to watch out for in the future.

So, who do I recommend this to? Well, if you love fantasy, paranormal, danger, instant bonding, fighting for your life, dangerous animals, dangerous demons, more danger, harsh conditions, incredible world building and a happy ever after, then this is the book for you.

Lust in the Wind by Jayden Knight

Title: Lust in the Wind

Series: Dark Horse 06

Author: Jayden Knight

Genre: Paranormal

Length: Novella (162pgs)

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand Publishing (2nd June 2012)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: When Dark Horse Agent Nick “Gust” Vermont is sent on assignment, he comes face-to-face with his destiny—Seattle Homicide Captain Chris Taylor. Despite the undeniable chemistry sparking between them, Nick and Chris aren’t allowed to act on their attraction due to their positions. In a playful comparing of battle scars, Chris and Nick take it a step too far and end up wrapped in each other’s arms.

The case takes a turn for the worse when the victims are identified as previous clients of Dark Horse and now the agents are all under suspicion. Chris must put his job first and set aside his feelings for Nick. The agents are all suspects, including the man he’s fallen in love with.

When the killer is revealed, it sends a shockwave through the elemental world and may be the one thing that keeps Nick and Chris apart—permanently.

Purchase Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/lust-in-the-wind

Review: Nick ‘Gust’ is sent on assignment and meets Chris. It’s instant attraction on both sides, but they have a job to do and the job leads to bizarre sightings; somebody has being messing with the elements. As Chris and Nick work together they become close, but Nick’s boss and workmates are against it. Now, Chris and Nick have to decide if they are meant to be together and how far will they fight for their love.

Okay, so I have to admit that this is my first Dark Horse *ducks head* (I know… but there are so many books out there) and even though I haven’t a clue what happened in previous books, I got into this one quite quickly and didn’t feel like I had missed anything, even when previous escapades were mentioned. Nick and Chris have an instant attraction, but because Nick is a Caller (has an elemental power) and Chris a Weeple (a normal human), Nick’s boss and co-workers (also like family to him) try to stop him from seeing Chris. Chris knows it could be difficult for them, but thinks it’s worth it.

Nick and Chris make a good couple and Nick knows straight away that Chris is the man for him and Chris falls for Nick easily. Unfortunately, Nick’s family is unhappy about it. While arguing with the other Callers, they still have to work together to solve the mystery of two murders that look like they have been done by Callers and as they dig deeper and strange things are sighted the answers just might rock the elemental world.

I wasn’t sure how I felt about the other Callers. I am sure that if I had read their stories I would have liked them more, but some of their attitudes towards Nick and Chris in this book made me dislike them…especially Burn. Nick and Chris are made for each other and it is a fight which ends with Nick turning his back on his family as they try to force him to do what they want. The sex between Nick and Chris is explosive and I was really happy that they decided to stick together and ignore the pressure they were under.

So, I will recommend this to those who love elemental magic, conflicting emotions, refusing to give in to pressure, hot sex, solving mysterious murders and a happy ending.

 

Alpha Bear by Winona Wilder

Title: Alpha Bear

Series: Northern Shifters 02

Author: Winona Wilder

Genre: Shifters

Length: Novella (106pgs)

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand Publishing (25th May 2012)

Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Blake feels lost after his best friend settles down with a mate. They were both initiated into the Marcelle wolf pack as orphans, but now it’s only Blake without a past or future. He has a spark of hope when his alpha mentions a buried box that could contain the answers he seeks.

The only problem—the box is deep in bear territory.

When Gage meets a foreign bear near his bathing pond, he’s immediately attracted to the dark-haired stranger. They engage in a passionate love affair, only to question their relationship when the lust settles. Blake’s different customs continually rouse Gage’s suspicions. Is he a human, bear, or a wolf trespassing on their land?

Can an alpha bear and wolf bridge the gap in their worlds for the sake of love? Will the contents of the buried box bring them closer or tear them apart?

Purchase Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/alpha-bear

Review: Blake is finding it hard to keep steady after Jacob mated. They were best friends, but now Blake feels all alone and it is made worse by the fact that he has no clue as to his past. Well, now he has a clue, but will he brave bear country to find an answer. Gage is fed up with his parents trying to force him into a mating, so when he comes across a strange man in his forest he is intrigued by him. They both quickly realized that they feel a pull to each other, but insecurities and unanswered questions just might pull them apart.

I so love the way that these shifters live. They don’t live in harmony with other shifters, they are closer to their animals and don’t interact that much with humans. Blake is a wolf who wants to know something, anything about his past and Redden (Alpha) has finally admitted that there is a box that might have something in it. But, the box is buried in bear country. Blake goes against his Alpha’s wishes when he hunts for the box. But, Blake doesn’t care, as he meets Gage, a bear who appeals to him like no one else ever has. Gage lives mostly in his bear form, he finds it hard to handle human emotions and feelings, but when he comes across Blake he finds that he is quite happy to follow the human urges. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been quite honest with Blake and now he has to try to see a way forward for a bear and a wolf who are mates.

I really enjoyed this story and thought the story line was really good. Both Blake and Gage are lovely characters with Blake feeling lost, as he is now the only wolf in the pack with no knowledge of where he came from. Gage is an absolute sweetheart, who due to bear customs is a virgin and is expected to mate with a female his parents have chosen, but he really doesn’t want to. When these two come together it’s hot and sexy, with Gage and Blake being a perfect match, but that doesn’t mean it is going to be easy. Blake ends up hurt when he finds out about the betrothal and they also have to find a way to be together without aggravating a war between the wolves and the bears… although it is a close run thing.

So, if you love shifters but want them a bit more animal, want a story with a bit of bite, a mysterious box that could hold answers, hot sex between a hot wolf and an alpha bear and a happy ending with just a bit of conflict, then I recommend this book for you.

 

 

Charlie's Mission by Lynn Lorenz

Title: Charlie’s Mission

Series: N/A

Author: Lynn Lorenz

Genre: M/M Contemporary

Length: Novella

Publisher: Amber Quill Press

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: Charlie’s cut himself off from the pleasures of life. After all, he was a drug addict who killed his brother and doesn’t deserve them. He also believes he should have never gotten out of prison, but he did, and now every day he struggles to do penance for his crime, and working at a shelter for homeless men in Katrina-ravaged New Orleans is his way of doing it.

Devon is mysterious, dark, and dangerous. Especially to Charlie. Devon’s refusal to speak about what he does, his comings and goings at night, all lead Charlie to one conclusion—Devon’s a drug dealer. And for a recovering cocaine addict, a dealer is the last thing he needs in his life, because the need for the white powder is always there.

But so is the physical and emotional need Charlie feels for Devon. Charlie fights his attraction, but he knows he’s in a losing battle. He’s always been a sucker for a bad ass, and to him, Devon looks to be the baddest of them all.

Can Charlie keep his internal pledge to pay for his crime, or will Devon destroy everything Charlie’s worked so hard to build? Or will giving in to Devon be the freedom Charlie’s secretly prayed for?

Product Link: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/CharliesMission.html

Review: Oh whoa! What a book. Lynn Lorenz’s novella was so my cup of tea. Very realistically written Charlie’s Mission had all the elements I love in a romance. A protagonist beaten from wrong choices, horrible mistakes, guilt, despair and self-punishment meets a dark, mysterious man that is so much more of what he seems and the battle of heart vs. mind.

Charlie is a self-loathing ex-addict. He is the reason for destroying his family and the murderer of his own brother. Or so he thinks of himself. He believes that he’s a worthless being and doesn’t deserve happiness or joy. Ever since the day he accidently took his brother’s life, he has not allowed himself even the simplest pleasure of dating a man. He has devoted his life to the shelter. helping other ex-addicts and homeless men, trying to give something back for what he took. But, it hits him like a hurricane, when he sees Devon, who appears in the middle of the night, holding a man-child in his arms, asking Charlie to take care of him. Devon is tall, dark, wrapped in a mystery veil and most of all dangerous, or so he thinks…

I like realistic characters. I love their flaws and I adore their pain. That’s how we are, foolish and reckless and we pay the price. Charlie is exactly that, taken from the streets and put in a novel and you can’t stop yourself from loving this character. Oh and he’s hot! And Ms. Lorenz makes sure we get that part from the start. That is what makes Devon go crazy all about Charlie. It’s like Charlie flows in his body from head to toes in first sight. And even though Devon tries very hard not to get involved with a priest (as he at first thought) and an ex-addict (as he later was told) he just cannot stop… Having a serious case of “I want to save the world”, Devon wants to try to save Charlie from himself and show him what a wonderful and strong man he really is.

The plot is great and the way their relation evolves is even more so. With Charlie thinking that Devon is a drug-dealer yet lusting for the bad-ass type, his inner fight between craving for human touch and emotion; and not allowing himself to get that and on top of all this Devon’s insistence in meeting him, wanting him and making him see how good they are together.  the book keeps you at a level of intensity of wanting to know what lies on the other page.

If it was one thing that spoiled it for me was the fact that Ms. Lorenz lets us know, from the very beginning of the story, of who Devon is and what he does for a living. Although I won’t give any spoilers here, it is pretty obvious from the very 10 or so pages what the storyline is. Had she kept it a secret until it was necessary to reveal it, it would have been a great, great novel, with high levels of suspense and the mystery would had captivated us even more. However this book is still very much worth reading and I am certain that if you’re a fan of romance you will love it as much as I did.

Acting Out by Tibby Armstrong

Title: Acting Out

Series: Previous book No Apologies

Author: Tibby Armstrong

Genre: LGBT Contemporary

Length: Novel

Publisher: Loose Id (May 8th, 2012)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts

Blurb: Jeremy Ash, aspiring actor, is single, gorgeous…and openly, quietly gay. When he lands a starring role opposite America’s favorite former child star, 21-year old Kit Harris, he’s ecstatic and more than a little attracted to the enigmatic star.

Kit Harris’s career has been flagging and his agent promises this new film, an edgy coming out story with a famed director, is just the thing to get it back on track. The problem is that the film is relatively intimate in nature, and Kit’s definitely not gay. He’s not even slightly bent.

When the two men collide in a crushing first test kiss, Kit’s left reeling and Jeremy’s left wanting, and both are left gasping for air. And that was just the screen test. When filming starts and the two men are brought into close proximity every day, passions ignite and souls collide–both on screen and off. The two men find that the only way to assuage their mutual lust is to give in to it. Kit’s sure this strange new attraction will run its course; Jeremy’s hoping it never has to end.

But when a manipulative model obtains salacious film footage of the two men in bed, Kit’s prepared to do whatever it takes to save his career. But how far is too far to push the boundaries of love and how long can one man hide from himself?

Product Link: http://www.loose-id.com/Acting-Out.aspx

Reviewer: Thommie

Review:  I found this book great and very captivating. It starts with its near end and makes you want to scream out of agony for the entire duration with Kit and Jeremy having a break up fight followed by Kit’s bike accident on the very first chapter.

Greg and Aaron from the first book “No Apologies” are continuing with their relationship, which is as stormy as ever. Greg writes their story and is casting for the actors. He has already found his “Aaron” on the face of Kit Harris, a very attractive, straight and already accomplished actor. Kit has been a child star looking for a new turn to highlight his career and “No Apologies” is just perfect for that. He is the typical Hollywood actor, all charm and confidence, wearing a very James Dean personality. He is what every new actor’s dream.

Jeremy Ash has been looking for a serious role for a long time. New to the ways of Hollywood he goes from casting to casting trying to make it through. He’s tired of being rejected and constantly fighting for next month’s rent or money for his next meal even. When he gets pick in Greg Falkner’s co-leading from the hundreds of other actors waiting in line, he gets no high expectations that he’ll actually going to get the part. Not even when he meets Falkner himself and it’s like seeing through a mirror and some years ahead in the future. Falkner is captivated by Jeremy’s resemblance to him and the way Jeremy seems to get into the part.

During the casting, Kit and Jeremy have a very strong chemistry together and when they kiss, it turns from a part of their role to a very substantial one that leaves Kit confused about its meaning. During their months on the set, the two men get into a very intense, yet complicated relationship, with Kit trying to find his identity, as in what he actually is and Jeremy trying to find a place in his heart. Although their chemistry is acknowledged by everyone, Kit’s denial keeps getting in the way. Along with his abusive past, Kit’s non-commitment is tearing Jeremy’s heart apart.

It is very frustrating and at some point I am compelled to have some strongly negative feelings for this character. Wanting Jeremy, yet not, going forward to claim him. It got me really charged at some points. It wasn’t until the near end of the book that I got to actually see and feel the position Kit was in. Blinded by the force of his emotions, he gets pushed and pulled into a painful game played by his “girlfriend”. Ms. Armstrong, congratulations, you made me for the first time to want to punch a fictional character. I didn’t get satisfied at all by her “ending”.

And the end comes the same way it began. After their final fight Kit gets on his bike to go and find Jeremy and finally explain to him how much he loves him and why did he had to be so cruel for the past 4 months. The bike slides and the world goes black, with the last thoughts of love on Kit’s mind….

Highly recommended “Acting Out”.  It is a very well written story, full of emotions, suspense, hotness, humor and a view on those hard parts of life. this book lacks nothing. Enjoy!

 

X Bar by Michele L. Montgomery

Title:  X Bar

Series:  N/A

Author:  Michele L. Montgomery

Genre:   Contemporary

Length:  Novel

Publisher:  Self-published – Cre8ive Inspirations: Imprint of Dare Empire eMedia Productions (May 30, 2012)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts                                                                          

Blurb:  “Unless things have changed since the beginning of time, it’s not even remotely possible for two guys to make a baby. A family of two, yes, but not three.”

Being a straight, single man wanting to adopt in today’s society is hard enough. Not being straight? Whole new level. Red tape, classes, interviews, not to mention the expense, drive so many away with shattered dreams.
Steven comes from money, has a degree in business management, even though he’s chosen to work as a bar tender, he believes making a family can be done. He’s determined to do it, with or without long time lover Jorge.

At thirty-four, it’s time. Fate, of course, has other plans. His haunting past, and the brutal grind of daily life all have the power to destroy both the life he has with Jorge and the family he’s trying to build. Determination might not be enough to keep his dream of a family alive.

X Bar is about a man finding the truth in lies, lies in truths, and learning how to be stronger than he ever thought possible.

Product Link:  http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/167443

Reviewer:   Cat

Review:  X Bar is a beautifully written story of a gay man trying to fulfill his life’s dreams. He wants a bar of his own, to be with the man he loves and most of all to adopt a child. For most of us, that is easy to accomplish, but for a gay man it’s like fighting a losing battle.  His battle is a struggle and keeps us the edge of your seat, page after page, as he hit many obstacles and setbacks.

All Stephen wants is to adopt a child and live his life, like a normal person. He lives with three roommates, his best friend Cassidy, and another friend Simon and sometimes Cassidy’s lover Jackie. Stephen is in an open relationship with a much younger man Jorge. He loves Jorge very much, but has commitment issues after being in a long-term abusive relationship with Clay.

Even with things going well in Stephen’s life, Clay tries to control him. Clay’s father has a stroke and he talks Stephen into breaking the restraining order he has on Clay and helping him with his father. Trouble ensues with Jorge. Stephen still has feelings for Clay, but is in love with Jorge.  As if the triangle of Jorge and Clay and the trauma of Clay’s father’s coma isn’t enough, a woman, Jasmine, shows up accusing Cassidy of getting her pregnant. More drama ensues… So,does Stephen ever get to adopt a child? Does Jorge leave him because of the time he is spending with Clay? Does Clay win Stephen back? Does Clay’s father die? I‘m not gonna tell, you will have to get the book… You won’t be sorry.

I recommend this book to anyone that loves a great heartfelt romance. There are several here.  D/s relationships, which here was the only thing in the book I didn’t quite get, was how submissive  Stephen is with Clay, to an obsession. But, he was more a Dom with Jorge. But, it really didn’t hurt the story.  If you love hot man-sex and  hot bartenders that dance  provocatively ( my favorite parts and it was in there a few times…Michele you should make us a video of this it was amazing I go to sleep dreaming about Cassidy and Stephen’s dancing!!

Clean Living by Derek Adams

Title:  Clean Living

Author:  Derek Adams

Genre:   Erotica

Length:  16 pages (122 KB)

Publisher:   eXtasy books (December 1, 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥2Hearts

Blurb:   Joel’s new boss advocates celibacy for his employees. Joel is totally cool with it…until a friend tells him what it means.

Joel’s new boss founded the ‘Clean Living’ movement to promote healthy living through celibacy, which Joel thinks is totally cool until a friend tells him what it means. Mr. Jeffers is also a stickler for hygiene – especially Joel’s—and his approach always includes a hands-on demonstration. Still, the job is easy and the pay is good, so who…or what…is a guy to do?

Product Link:  http://www.extasybooks.com/clean-living-4/

Reviewer:   Artemis

Review:   Joel has started working for the ‘Clean Living’ movement and his new boss Mr. Jeffers is meticulous about cleanliness.  He insists on celibacy and frequent hands on inspections to make sure that Joel is keeping himself scrupulously clean.  Since Joel is a fairly clean sort of guy, this doesn’t really worry him too much until he starts getting excited about Mr. Jeffer’s inspections.    Turns out, Mr. Jeffer’s celibacy requirement only goes for intercourse with the opposite sex.  That means Joel is fair game for his bosses sexy advances.

This is a very short book…only 16 pages…so there isn’t a lot of time to really get to know the characters too well.  It is pretty obvious that Joel is not all that bright or experienced when it comes to sex.  Mr. Jeffers is definitely a clean-cut and very determined man who has his sights set on his young and very attractive employee.

The writing isn’t really my style….the author gets the point across in a very blunt way, leaving very little to the imagination.  I think the story could have been told just as well with a little bit more finesse.  There is a certain amount of buildup and exploration but the majority of the story is some fairly graphic sex.  If that is what you are looking for in a story, than this would be a good choice.

Riding with Heaven by L. C. Chase

Title:  Riding with Heaven

Series:  N/A

Author:  L. C. Chase

Genre:   Romantic Suspense

Length:  Short Novel

Publisher:  Loose Id (June 5th, 2012)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts                                                                       

Blurb:   When his flight home for his brother’s birthday is canceled due to a Category 5 hurricane on the Eastern seaboard, art major Evan McGrath places an ad on Craigslist for a rideshare from Colorado to South Carolina. He hadn’t expected an immediate reply, nor had he expected to fall head-over-heels for the handsome and mysterious driver, Lucas Briscoe.

As the miles disappear behind them Evan grows more and more attracted to the enigmatic Lucas, and the desire is mutual. The only problem is that a serial killer dubbed “The Domino Slasher” has just escaped a federal prison transfer, and funny little coincidences keep pointing toward Lucas – who looks like Heaven incarnate, but who could be the Devil in disguise.

Publisher’s Note: This book contains explicit sexual situations, graphic language, and material that some readers may find objectionable: male/male sexual practices, violence.

Product Link:  http://www.loose-id.com/Riding-with-Heaven.aspx

Reviewer:   Portia

Review:  Hurricane Rex has derailed Evan’s flight plans home. Thankfully, an impulsive listing on Craig’s List has yielded a ride share to South Carolina.  He was all set to endure 3 days in a car with a stranger. But, after meeting Lucas, he’s thinking these 3 days might be more like riding with Heaven.

I. Loved. This. Book.  This is definitely one that goes into my “should be a movie” pile.  Evan and Lucas are steamy together.  After the “is he…isn’t he” question gets answered, they screw their way from Denver to the Carolinas. But, it was the suspense element that had me clicking my eReader at the speed of light.  Oh, yeah.  I forgot to mention, there’s an escaped serial killer on the loose and uh…it might be Lucas. The author had me guessing right up until the end.

This one has it all; lots of hot sex, great chemistry between the main characters, beautifully executed suspense and a brilliant climax. I recommend this title to readers who like their loving explicit, the good guys smart and snarky and the bad guys not so easy to spot.  Highly recommending.

The Wrong Impression by James Ryder

Title: The Wrong Impression

Series: The Right Kind Of Wrong 01

Author: James Ryder

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Short (65pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (9th June 2012)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Ben Garrett might have got it wrong about his former High School bully, Corey Donovan, who now regrets the past and wants to be friends. But when sexual attraction shatters their tentative truce, Ben wonders if the wrong impression might have been the right one after all.

Getting roped into writing essays for his former High School bully is the last thing Ben Garrett anticipated doing at college. Corey Donovan is an arrogant, privileged jock. And to make matters worse, he’s hot as hell!

To Ben’s surprise however Corey wants to be friends…and possibly more? Corey’s killer smile and charismatic seduction is impossible to resist. Did Ben get it wrong about Corey? After all, people change, don’t they?

But their night of passion comes at a high price. Corey is nowhere to be found and Ben might just have landed himself in a whole lot of trouble with Corey’s homophobic frat brother, Teddy Hayman. Was Ben’s wrong impression the right one all along?

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/products_id/873/?zenid=8137c5d742659880966931c77dcef7ed

Review: Ben is unhappy when he is roped into doing Corey’s college work, because Corey made his life a living hell in high school. But, now Corey claims to be sorry for how he treated Ben, in the past. But, after a night together, Ben is sure he was right about Corey being an asshole in the first place. Can both Ben and Corey find a way forward? Can Corey admit the truth to himself? And can Ben forgive Corey for his actions?

This is a pretty ugly enemy to lovers to enemies to friends’ story. It gives it to you in the bare truth without a pretty ribbon and it leaves you wondering if Ben actually has any sense at all. Ben is pressured by his best friend to help out the newest jock. He’s not happy about it and is furious when he finds out which jock it is. But, he grits his teeth and accepts it or tries to. After a night of passion with Corey, he accepts that he had the man all wrong, but the next time they see each other Corey makes a nasty accusation. Corey is confused and torn apart about how he is acting, but he has an image to uphold and the realization that he could be gay shakes his very foundations.

Okay. So, being honest, I didn’t like Corey at all and found it very hard to believe that Ben would sleep with him given everything that Corey had done to him in the past. Yes, I know people change, but Corey’s actions showed that even though he said the right things, his actions proved to be much louder than the words. Ben admits to himself that he is attracted to Corey, even though his behavior disgusts him. But, even he falls under Corey’s spell. So Corey might be scared that people will discover who he really is, but in my eyes that doesn’t excuse his actions. It sickened me to read what he said about Ben and Ben sickened me later just by accepting Corey’s apology yet again. And, you really don’t want to know what I think about a best-friend who would pressure a friend into doing something they didn’t want to do, just so that they could get in good with the jocks.

So, if this story left me feeling like this then why the 3 Hearts? because it’s a good storyline and plot, because there are real situations and relationships in the real world that started out just like this, that there are boys/men who are so confused about their sexuality that they have treated other people like this, and maybe regretted it for the rest of their lives, that there are boys/men who have been treated badly but have forgiven their tormentors and even found love with them. Who am I to judge who they should forgive? Who am I to judge their actions? Just because I didn’t like the by-play doesn’t mean you won’t like it.

So, if you like enemies to lovers, a maybe relationship, peer pressure, standing up for yourself, doing the right thing and a blossoming of something new, then this is the book for you.

 

 

Stone Rose by Megan Derr

Title: Stone Rose

Series: The Lost Gods 03

Author: Megan Derr

Genre: Fantasy, Alternative World

Length: Novel (231pgs)

Publisher: Less Than Three Press (30th May 2012)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Nine gods ruled the world until the ultimate betrayal resulted in their destruction. Now, the world is dying and only by restoring the Lost Gods can it be saved.

The Kingdom of Piedre has been torn apart by feuding since the Basilisk was found dead. The Brotherhood of the Black Rose seeks to ensure the Basilisk is destroyed forever, while the Order of the White Rose searches desperately for a way to restore him.

The latest mortal incarnation of the Lost God of Death is Prince Culebra, the Basilisk Prince. Plagued by assassins, one lover dead and the other gone, Culebra spends his days in despair, painfully aware that his predecessors died only one of two ways: murder or suicide.

Purchase Link: http://www.lessthanthreepress.com/books/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=320

Review: Oh. I was so looking forward to this one and it was worth the wait. Culebra is the incarnation of the Lost God, Basilisk. He goes through life feared, hated and worshiped, never able to see, as his eyes are covered to prevent his deadly gaze from killing. But, now one of the Roses has him in their hands and the fate of the world rests in the hands of the lover he drove away; the Captain who comforted him, his kidnapper and his kidnapper’s closest friend.

A great re-written story based on the original blog story. The story-line may have changed, but the plot is still the same (well with one added addition). Culebra is still reeling from the shock and horror of listening to one of his lovers being killed by mermaids and driving his other lover away. When he gets a visit from Captain Midori (now a Lord), he begins to think he might be able to put the past behind him. Cortez is given little choice in the matter of kidnapping the Basilisk Prince and it leads to an outcome that nobody could have foretold. Dario was pushed away by Culebra after the death of Dario’s brother. Now, he has been kidnapped to force the prince to do as he is told. Fidel has also been kidnapped, as a way to force Cortez to do as the cult wants. Now, as they all come together, the actions of a few have terrifying repercussions that could affect the world.

Okay. After all that and getting all the main characters a mention, I’m tired *sigh*. Okay, I’m refreshed, so this installment of The Lost Gods saga has quite a bit going on and is separated to different character’s POV. Luckily, we don’t lose track of what is going on or what is happening to whom, and although there are five MCs it doesn’t lessen the enjoyment of the story. We have seen Culebra and Midori in previous books so we have a good idea of their back stories. Dario is the bodyguard who was also Culebra’s lover and also the brother to Culebra’s other lover (confused?). Cortex and Fidel are former members of The Brotherhood of the Black Rose. I will be honest, for more information you will have to read the book otherwise this review will be an essay!

Culebra and Dario’s relationship was torn apart when Granito died. The trouble they find themselves in pulls them back together and add a new third to their relationship. We get to see a bit of M/M/M and we also see some hot sex, but it is far from that important to the story; finding that Schatten (the country) and Teufel (the God Licht’s companion) is involved in the plot to harm the Basilisk prince is. We also see the Gods from the previous books as well.

Well. I recommend everyone read this book, but then I am bias, so I will just say this, if you enjoy kidnappings… well, multiply kidnappings, snakes, assassins turning good, earthquakes, sword fights, chases through the mountains, throwing ones-self over a waterfall and a happy ending then I recommend this book for you. And for those of you who read the original then this is definitely worth reading.

 

 

Purly Gates by Vastine Bondurant

Title: Purly Gates

Author: Vastine Bondurant

Genre: Historical (1930)

Length: Novella (53pgs)

Publisher: Self-published (24th April 2012)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: A lonely stretch of beach becomes a hiding place for two men who, when their paths cross, are determined not to be ships just passing in the night.

Purlman “Purly” Gates—dark, brooding, mysterious, hiding from his past and the hefty price on his head—is hopelessly attracted to the young man who strolls the beach every morning. At the risk of his own exposure and its deadly consequences, Purly succumbs to his desire and sets out to lure the beautiful enigma into his lair.

Lucky Cleary wants the swarthy stranger who watches him from the shadows of the cottage deck, and his morning promenades finally pay off when the man steps out onto the beach and into Lucky’s life in a move to bring their paths together.

But Lucky has a secret as well—a past mistake following close behind him, promising certain death if it catches up with him.

When each man discovers the other’s identity, the truth forms a powerful bond between them and fans the flame of their passion.

But is the meeting of these two lonely souls a beautiful destiny or merely a cruel twist of fate in which their desire is nothing more than the kiss of death for them both?

Purchase Link: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-purlygates-786423-162.html

Author also published under C. Zampa

Review: Purly is a man in hiding. He has done things, in his past, that people want him to pay for and if they catch up with him…well, then he is a dead man. But, while staying at the beach, he sees a man every morning, but fights his attraction for him. Lucky is also in hiding and every morning he passes a man standing on his deck smoking a cigarette, he finds the man attractive and is trying to find a way to speak to him.

This is a lovely gentle novella of a time when you used subtle words and actions to find out if a man was gay. Purly is lying low until he can move on. When he becomes enamored of a young man who walks along the beach every morning. Lucky is that young man, but Lucky is also lying low, but the man on the deck draws him to him daily. When the two first speak there is an attraction between them and although it is what they both want, Purly finds that he can’t go through with it and backs off.

This is a nicely written story, although I wasn’t too keen on the writing style (too much italic for me), but it could be beautiful and lyrical. I did enjoy the storyline, Lucky was genuinely attracted to Purly right from the start and it had taken him a lot to build up courage to speak to Purly. And for Lucky it was an added bonus that Purly could take him away from his exile and also keeps him hidden, because that is exactly what Purly has to do as well… stay hidden. Lucky seems to be a fragile young man, he has been abused in the past and we get a flashback to that time. Purly comes across as a cultured gentleman, but his past is shady and his life is in danger.

The ending had me on tender hooks, but I was able to breathe a sigh of relief. So, I will recommend this to those who want a more gentle, tender romance, low on sex, but high on feelings, with an interesting past for both main characters and a happy ever after.

 

 

Busted by D. J. Manly

Title: Busted

Series: N/A

Author: D.J. Manly

Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance

Length: Extended Novella (139 pg)

Publisher: Amber Quill Press/Amber Allure (05/20/2012)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb: Dorian Ruiz will do just about anything to score another major drug bust. The classic bad boy turned cop, Dorian lives hard and plays hard, happily straddling the dangers of life as an undercover narcotics officer.

But when he is chosen to infiltrate the world of a big-time drug dealer, Dorian is totally unprepared for the powerful attraction he feels toward the old man’s grandson, Mark Honeywell. And to make matters worse, the flirtatious university student fancies himself a bit of a bad boy as well, and tempts Dorian at every opportunity.

Will Dorian be able to gather enough evidence to make his bust, or will his growing obsession with Mark put them both in serious danger?

Product Link: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/Busted.html

Reviewer: Thommie

Review: Busted is a very romantic story. The kind where the “bad boy” finds love when least expected and finds meaning in his life that he never thought he needed.

Dorian is a very bad boy. His life is all about his job. He’s a detective working undercover and sex is one of the perks. Meaningless sex with guys that don’t know his name and that won’t stay long around for romantic dinners and flowers and love oaths. No, Dorian doesn’t do relationships. He’s only love is adrenaline and he lives his life as if there’s no tomorrow. His job helps a lot. When he gets assigned to go undercover as a bodyguard for the grandson of the most slippery mobster of New York he tries to avoid it. He dislikes kids and they dislike him. Little did he know that “the grandson”, Mark, is no kid, but a young man of 20 years old and very, very tempting. But, as they say, one cannot escape Fate!!

Mark is young, attractive and obsessed with sex. Of course, he is. He’s 20 years old and the only grandson of a very rich man. His only problem is that his grandfather is also obsessed with his safety and every time he comes home he’s forced to have a bodyguard with him at all times. But no more, this year Mark intends to have fun and is not going to take up with that anymore. After all he strongly believes that he’s in no real danger. But, when Dorian shows up to his dorm room… Voila! Revelation! Mark’s instantly struck by Dorian’s hotness and even though they don’t hit it off at all, he can’t stop thinking about him. This could be the man who could end his career as a “bad boy” once and for all…

The plot is great, fast, intense and very romantic. Sex between the pair is very hot and sensual, with Dorian’s jealousy spicing it and making it even more real. The supporting characters are quite interesting as well, providing a very nice and somehow funny background for Mark’s and Dorian’s tale. I didn’t like the police/mob scenes though. Many details were so unrealistic and spoiled it for me. Going into details about that would spoil the story, but if you’re a fan of crime/mystery you will want to keep this in mind and not raise your expectations. All in all a very nice reading and a great love story and if you like to see bad boys in action this is the book for you. Enjoy!

 

Mihael's Trial by Serena Yates

Title: Mihael’s Trial

Series: Celestial Justice 06

Author: Serena Yates

Genre: Fantasy, Contemporary

Length: Novella (128pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (2nd June 2012)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: What if you’re the angel of loyalty and have to choose between doing your job supporting the greater good and making a life with your newfound soul mate?

Mihael is the angel of loyalty and knows right from wrong better than most. He is shocked when he is put on trial for upholding loyalty over compassion. A mysterious assignment on Earth is supposed to help him understand…

Francis Portillo is a teacher struggling to support himself and his sister’s twin toddlers. Helping others is what he does, be it a bullied student or the somewhat confused stranger who signs up for his Spanish class.

Can Francis help Mihael learn the meaning of affection and compassion before it is too late?

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/products_id/1087/?zenid=99178972070034ec2cf49bb951bc8eda

Review: Mihael is the angel of loyalty, but what happens when loyalty means breaking the law? Mihael is given a trial to see where his loyalties will lie. Francis is struggling to work two jobs and support his sister and her twins, when a mystery man, who can’t remember much, crosses his path he lends a helping hand.

Another great Celestial Justice installment. This time we have Mihael, the angel of loyalty, who has to learn the art of compassion and tempering loyalty, so you don’t compromise your moral compass. Mihael is completely clueless when he is dropped in a conference room in Santa Fe. Especially since he had been told that he would be in Wyoming. Francis is running night classes teaching Spanish, when a stranger who seems to have amnesia signs up for his class, he is surprised when he is asked out on a date.

I enjoyed watching as Mihael realized that there are different types of loyalties now. As he began to understand that in this day and age loyalties could be conflicted and it is about standing up for the loyalties you believe in and not loyalties that are forced or expected. Francis is a wonderful gentle man who encourages people to stand up for themselves, to believe in themselves and not to take abuse off other people. When Mihael walks into his life, he is extremely happy to meet him and although he is slightly cautious, they make a great couple. There isn’t much that I can say for the storyline, as, if you have read the other books in this series (which you should have *scowl*) then you already know that God is trying to bring the angels to work closer to humans and bring a bit of flexibility to the rules (all without tipping middle management off too soon).

I have to recommend this to those who love angels, compassionate men, revelations, hot sex, sweet loving and a happy ending.