Blurb: Father Esteve hires Xavi to trace the true owners of the gold found in the crypt of San Pedro-by-the-Wall, but it’s an old and tangled web. Someone has an undisclosed agenda, and a rising tide of anti-vampire reaction sweeps through Barcelona. It’s focused on Xavi and Andreas, which causes additional problems with the vampires of Renaissance. Then Xavi meets a handsome young man who isn’t all he seems, and that’s when things begin to get even more complicated…
Review:This story is part of a series and is best read in order. Xavi and Andreas have their hands full; Xavi tracing the owners of the gold and Andreas keeping the peace with the humans. it isn’t long before Xavi is dragged into a plot to discredit the vampires and he has to turn to Andreas for help.
Okay, first off, I have to hold my hands up and admit I haven’t read the other books in the Fool’s Odyssey series. no, I have not been living under a rock. I just haven’t got around to reading them *ducks head*. But, I am going to rectify that. Xavi and Andreas are an established couple, but Xavi still feels the need to push the boundaries. when it comes down to it, he no longer really has the desire to test Andreas’ control. Andreas knows that Xavi will sometimes test him and Xavi knows how Andreas will take control. Andreas also realizes that Xavi really doesn’t recognize how he really feels. During this story, Xavi does seem to evolve before your eyes, he goes from a slight brat to a more responsible vampire, resisting his urges and finally admitting to himself what Andreas truly means to him.
The storyline is good, the Renaissance is getting publicity that some of them really don’t want. there are stories appearing in the papers that are anti-vampire and Xavi hunts for the true owners of the gold that was discovered at San Pedro-by-the-Wall. The complex weave of the storyline is really good, having each string entwined with each other until they come together in a pretty bow, and a twist that was very surprising. All the characters were well written and Xavi is the perfect foil for Andreas, keeping Andreas on his toes and also giving Andreas a reason to shed his hard shell.
I have to recommend this to those who love vampires, a great storyline, twists and surprises, some hot sex and a brilliant happy ending.
Blurb: For Captain Harry Thompson, the command of the prison transport ship HMS Banshee is his opportunity to prove his worth, working-class origins be damned. But his criminal attraction to his upper-crust First Lieutenant Garnet Littleton, threatens to overturn all he’s ever worked for.
Lust quickly proves to be the least of his problems, however. The deadly combination of typhus, rioting convicts, and a monstrous storm destroys his prospects…and shipwrecks him and Garnet on their own private island. After months of solitary paradise, the journey back to civilization – surviving mutineers, exposure, and desertion – is the ultimate test of their feelings for each other.
These two very different men each record their story for an unfathomable future in which the tale of their love – a love punishable by death in their own time – can finally be told. Today, dear reader, it is at last safe for you to hear it all.
Review: I was expecting a bit more romance than historical content to this book. I learned a few interesting things, but I also noticed a couple of small inconsistencies. For instance, while it was punishable by death to be found having a sexual relationship with a person of the same-sex, it was done all the time among military personnel and the royal families. History glosses over it quite a bit, but if you dig deep enough, it is there to be found. Now, if you are caught, yes there is a death sentence, but on the ships for the various military Naval personnel, it was very common and most people always looked the other way and pretended it wasn’t happening, especially considering the short life spans, the time away at sea, the constant threat of war and more. If you were flagrant about it though and flaunted it, it would get you killed.
Captain Harry showed the time-honored tradition of denial and thinking something must be wrong with him, as is still the case today for a lot of people, no matter their age when they are on the cusp of coming out of the closet or admitting to themselves who they are. Through the storms, the mutiny, the prisoners, desertion, shipwrecks, disease, rescue and more, two people managed to find one another, but because of the determination to not be something sinful and criminal, things may never have happened without catastrophic interventions, which happened here in this story, more than once.
I still do not understand the reasoning behind the dramatic act outs of the brother arguments at the end of the book though. Then the sudden, oh this happened, but I will sum it up in one sentence thing? Really? That is when the story could really have taken off! That promised for something great, thrilling and exciting, but instead the book ended on just and dead-end kind of note. However, altogether, the story was a nice read, especially with all of the historical information. But next time, the romance should be fleshed out and put more action into this type of story, rather than just the great details of travel and storm. The rebellion of the prisoners could have been a really exciting extra chapter or two.
Real-life superhero Push knows that better than anyone. When the Cape Cabinet decided to boost their numbers and commissioned the release of Wrath, a former supercriminal, Push and his best friend, Scratch, got the arduous assignment of rehabilitating Wrath and showing him heroism’s ropes.
Now all three are stuck in Shove Point, Arkansas, lying in wait for one of Wrath’s evil villain ex-buddies. Between the mysterious plane crash in the center of town and the spacecraft that self-destructed, Shove Point is weird enough. Then the utterly straight Scratch suddenly professes his undying love for Push.
As the situation heats up—between him and Scratch and in Shove Point—Push decides to call in reinforcements. Giant robots stomping all over the small town do not help matters, nor does a rampaging cyborg, nor Push’s unresolved attraction to Wrath. Then they discover there’s a mole in the Real-Life Superhero association. Whatever their differences, the newly formed team must put aside their baggage and work together to prevent an even greater tragedy.
Review: This story is part of a series and must be read in order. Push, Scratch and Wrath are stuck in Shove Point trying to find an escaped supercriminal, Pranksta Gayngsta, and a wanted supervillain, Sloth, but things still aren’t going their way and having giant metal monsters and alien slime, as well as a strange pod to find means they call in help from their friends. Too many things happening in Shove Point and the experimental equipment they find, points to a mole in the Real-Life Superhero association.
This story continues from where Push Comes To Shove ended (if you ignore the epilogue). The story broadens in this installment of No More Heroes, we see Push and Scratch come to an understanding between them, they are still trying to capture Sloth and more things crawl out of the woodwork which means they call in a friend to help them. In the last book the team had aliens to deal with, well in this one they have metal monsters to contend with. We get to know more of the superheroes in the shape of Professor Trixter, Wiccan Witch and Scarlet Queen and we discover a little bit more about the main characters Scratch, Push and Wrath.
I enjoyed this story for the simple reason that it was a complex storyline, and it is looking to get even more involved and complex as time goes on. Push and Scratch and their relationship is moving forward even with Push’s doubts about Scratch’s feelings, so there is much questioning in Push’s mind, especially because Scratch is straight. We also see confusion in what the men have gotten into just by being at Shove Point, everything seems to be happening at once and there is no end to the strangeness that heads their way. Their bosses seem to be ignoring the aliens and they discover that people are being lied to, and pinning Sloth down isn’t as easy as they hoped.
The relationship between Scratch and Push begins to move forward and we see some hot scenes between them, although Push tries to hold back at first because of his fears. The storyline and plot really begins to pick up and I can honestly say I haven’t got the foggiest idea where it’s headed… I can’t wait to find out though. I have to warn readers that if you are hoping for answers, then all you will find is more questions, and doubts, *sigh* just when you think that maybe you are getting a handle on what is happening, something happens to throw you off kilter. I must admit that the epilogues to these books leaves me guessing, who are these men? What part do they have to play? And most importantly when will we find out?
I have to recommend this to those who love superheroes, great characters, metal monsters, incredible situations and a storyline that leaves you guessing.
Blurb: In a war that shook the earth, the Six gods of Nendor defeated their brother Neldin, god of evil. For the three thousand years since, Nendor and the Seven Kingdoms have known peace and prosperity.
But then a new wizard unleashes the power of Neldin. Meglar, wizard king of Zargon, uses dark magic to create an army of creatures to carry out his master’s will.
One by one, the sovereign realms fall. Soon the only wizard who can stop Meglar is Grand Master Farrell, the Prince of Haven, the hidden home of refugees. An untried wizard, Farrell carries a secret that could hold the key to defeating Meglar—or it could destroy the world.
While helping Nerti, queen of the unicorns, Farrell saves Miceral, an immortal muchari warrior the Six have chosen to be Farrell’s mate. But Farrell approaches love with caution, and before he can decide how to proceed, Meglar invades a neighboring kingdom. Farrell and Miceral find themselves in the middle of the battle. Farrell pushes himself to the limit as he and Miceral fight not only to stop Meglar but for their very survival.
Review: The Seven Kingdoms are being systematically conquered by the dark wizard king, Meglar. he won’t stop until he has them all under his rule and there is nobody powerful enough to stop him. Farrell is a young Grand Master wizard and he knows that the Gods have plans for him. he will one day have to face Meglar, but first he has to help some of the Gods’ followers.
This story is absolutely brilliant, an action-packed high fantasy that drags your imagination along on an epic journey. Farrell is the Gods’ Chosen, he knows that one day he will have to face the dark Grand Master, Melgar and is preparing for that day. When he is asked by the Gods to help a neighboring Kingdom and informed that he will meet his mate, he is determined to do as the Gods ask. Meeting Miceral in the midst of battle surprises him, but the safety of a nation comes first. This is the beginning of an adventure filled with magic, danger, negotiation and love.
I really don’t think that I am able to really do justice to this story. I have to admit that I am floundering as to get my thoughts into words…this book dragged me in and didn’t let go until the last page and even then I wanted more. The storyline is fantastic, the characters are brilliant and the action is incredible. I loved every magic filled minute. Farrell is a character that is secure in his position as a wizard and a prince, but when it comes to love is unsure and scared. Miceral knows that Farrell is the one for him and has no doubts. he has to ease Farrell’s doubts and convince him that Farrell is more than enough for him. For some people it will seem that they connected very quickly, but when it has been ordained by the Gods, well, how can you complain?
There are lots of incredible details in this story, even during the battles. they give you enough so you can picture in your mind exactly what it must look like. With some stories we can become bogged down with details, but with this story there is always just enough to fuel the imagination. Farrell and Miceral’s relationship is great. they are well-suited and are a great support for each other. when they have the joining ceremony it is a beautiful moment in the book. The interaction between all the characters is brilliant and each one is drawn into the story in their own right and they fit perfectly. There is so much I want to say about this story, but to be honest; I would ruin it because this is just one of those books that you have to read for yourself.
I have to recommend that everyone gives this book a shot, because this story is filled with everything that you could ever want from a high fantasy; magic, magical creatures, great battles, rescues, escapes, and an assortment of great characters, a brilliant storyline and an ending that leaves you wanting more.
Blurb: It isn’t true love until someone gets hurt.
Sam’s a new man. Yes, he’s still too tall, too skinny, too dorky, too gay, and has that unfortunate addiction to romance novels, but he’s wised up. His One True Love is certainly still out there, but he knows now that real life is nothing like fiction. He’s cultivated the necessary fortitude to say “no” to the next Mr. Wrong, no matter how hot, exciting, and/or erotic-novel-worthy he may be.
Until he meets Ian.
Ian’s a new man. He’s pain-free, has escaped the job he hated and the family who stifled him, and is now—possibly—ready to dip his toe into the sea of relationships. He’s going to be cautious, though, maybe start with someone who knows the score and isn’t looking for anything too complicated. Someone with experience and simple needs that largely revolve around the bedroom.
Until he meets Sam.
Sam’s convinced that Ian is no one’s Mr. Right. Ian’s sure that Sam isn’t his type. They can’t both be wrong . . . can they?
Review: In between battling off the heat and nursing my poor abs that got hurt from excessive laughter this book was a perfect hit in the romance genre for me.
I met Anne Tenino’s writing style with the first book in this series Whitetail Rock and I loved her. It was a short story but it was good. Then came The Fix and even though it was even shorter than the previous one (more like a filler) it was still good. And we meet Sam and Ian there, shortly, but if someone told me that this author would make such a good story out of them I’d laugh and wave it off. As it is, I’m the fool for this story was perfect.
Sam, as I met him, was a weird guy, too much into romance novels, too much expecting life to be like one. He was so encompassed in them I never thought he could see reality, if it hit him in the face. And that was that is somewhat true. Sam is this very tall, very skinny, very awkward guy with a load of issues trailing him. His romantic past, not so romantic, you could even say he’s been awfully used. But then again, the way he sees himself no wonder he doesn’t expect good things to ever happen to him. Yeah, sure, he dreams of mister perfect, and while I roll my eyes at that, mister perfects hits him right in the head… with a rugby ball… and his semi naked…
The moment Sam lays eyes on Ian he’s mesmerized. How could he not when Ian runs toward him half-naked, with only his shorts looking like he came down from the Highlands. Only thing missing is the damn kilt and a sword on his hand. Before Sam could think twice he asks Ian for a cup of coffee… Big, big mistake. A Demi-God like Ian would never, ever, ever go out with him… Right?
Right! Ian is anything but relationship guy. Sam is not even close to being his type and he bluntly tells him so. Better be cruel now and save the kid a heartbreak, cause Ian is far from perfect. Issues with his family have left Ian trying to find his emotional balance and in order to do that he has vowed to stop the pure sex hook-ups and try to find a guy he’d want to be in a relationship with. Not yet, but someday. But Sam? Nah, he’s so not his type.
It’s a stereotype in romance I know, and the plot is pretty much what you think in the beginning. Hot guy meets not so hot guy and falls in love despite him wanting to. That’s the general idea, but, and it’s a big but, Ms. Tenino has an Ace under her sleeve. Her ability to transform a stereotypical romance plot into a perfect, romantic, hot to the boiling point, dipped into humor that is so exquisite you almost never stop laughing your heart out the entire duration of the book, is absolutely, freaking amazing.
Her men are gorgeous and brilliant. Ian is this hard-assed, totally handsome, almost a model guy, ex-fireman with some scars on his back that make him even more sexy, who turns from a guy with emotional/commitment issues to the perfect boyfriend in an almost surreal way. And Sam? Oh God, Sam was a damn crown jewel. Never would have thought it that weird kid could be so funny in his awkwardness and that low self-esteem could be turned is such a cute waiting-to-happen disaster. I laughed with him, I felt sad with him, I felt anxious with him and hell, I felt it all with him along the best ride toward love I’ve recently read. And I’m not even approaching the steaming hot sexual experiences those two had. It’s too hot to touch or even get close. Even the role-playing scene with Ian actually wearing a kilt was perfect (I thought it’d be such a cliché, but then again I already admitted being a big fool judging before reading).
There are probably too many things I want to add in this review that are currently tangled in my brain and won’t come out, but bottom end is I truly enjoyed this book. It was interesting, entertaining and so very romantic that it made it easily in my “to read again” list. Highly recommended for the fans of the genre.
Blurb: Rubbing a toppy sub, a submissive Top and a Dom with attitude together is guaranteed to send sparks flying — but what will they ignite?
Meet Tyler Kane. Ballsy and headstrong, he’s far from being the submissive type. Francis Hollister, Dom and proud owner of a BDSM club, couldn’t agree more — and yet, as Tyler carelessly suggests a bet, Francis sees an opportunity arise and decides to take him up on it.
Soon Tyler finds himself in Francis’ club and about to be trained as a sub. When Shae, the gorgeous Top Francis has assigned to teach him, doesn’t appear to be quite as dominant as his role would lead to believe and Francis turns out to be a rather versatile Dom, Tyler sees a perfect match just waiting to be made happen. Too bad though that he’s the only one who sees it. Or maybe he isn’t?
Curious to find out what happens when you rub a submissive Top, a toppy sub and a Dom with attitude together and what exactly the sparks from that explosive combination ignite, Tyler enlists the help of Pierce, Francis’ brother, and his partner Noah, and sets out on a mission.
While Tyler’s plan seems to work out astonishingly well, it seems that there’s more than one man in the club who is pursuing a hidden agenda…
Review: I absolutely loved this book, but if I ever had trouble writing a review then this is the one. I frankly don’t know where to start, how to continue and were to finish. That is perhaps due to the fact that this is a very complicated story in its simplicity. The complication comes to the fact that there is not one couple to focus on rather than triangles and couples within couples and… Oh! Let’s start with the main hero the way I see it.
Tyler is an ordinary guy, a car salesman who is at the moment in London for work. His sex life? Pretty vanilla. That all changes when he meets Francis, a Dom if ever there was one. Somehow Tyler manages to insult Francis’s lifestyle and in return Francis tells Tyler that he wouldn’t last a day in his world. That’s all it takes and Tyler finds himself in a situation where he willingly will submit for a month…
I think in this book the most straightforward character was Tyler, he’s that plain old good guy, with a heart made of gold and a strong sense of friendship. That “I can’t stand people suffering out of stupidity” kind of guy who tries to make thing better for all the people around him. It’s easy to love this character, it’s easy to follow him around and it’s easy to understand his motives. Even the stupid decision of getting himself into sub-training when he clearly isn’t one. J
Next comes Shae, a deeply submissive guy. Shae doesn’t “play” the sub part; Shae is a sub through and through. Unfortunately, a scene gone awfully wrong left Shae shattered, taking away his trust and leaving him incapable to submit. He then is offered the role of a “service Top” at the club and ends in training Tyler on how to be a proper sub… Get the picture? The role reverse is pretty wicked in my humble opinion and the author pulled that off astonishingly well. Shae’s submissive nature collides with Tyler’s domineering nature and the results are fascinating to say at least.
Now Francis is the club owner. He’s the first Dom to train Shae. The two of them go way back and their relationship is clearly deeper than they let on. Francis has tried hard to help Shae overcome his trauma and find himself again, with no results. However, he does not let go so easily. In the story, one would think that Francis is the character that hides the most, and then you’d get confused and think that he’s pretty transparent, and then you’d go back and change your mind again…
There is one thing I can definitely say about this book. It kept me on my toes and in anticipation for the entire duration. For me this book is one of the best to show the different faces of “BDSM”. A perfect example that you cannot label anything, a thing may have lots of meanings and in the end nothing can be generalized as we are all unique and tick differently.
This book is also very, very entertaining if you’re into “BDSM”. I loved all the scenes, I loved looking at them from Tyler’s perspective, I loved looking at them from Shae’s perspective and hell, Francis point of view was thrillingly hot. Their chemistry worked so well for me. I was enchanted with how the trio worked together and I wish there was more to it, it felt it ended too soon for me. Yes, I’m insatiable.
The beauty of this novel was that it was in the end a wonderful love story, a story of friendship and of life with the most unexpected twist. Talk about hidden agendas alright and lessons to be learned. I truly believe that even if you’re not into BDSM you will like this book and if you are into it, then you’ll adore it. Definitely recommended.
Title: Fool’s Rush
