Under the Australian Sky by A.J. Kelton

Title: Under the Australian Sky

Series: Australia Day 2013 / Love Across Time 01

Author: A.J. Kelton

Genre: Contemporary, Time-Travel, 1860, BDSM, Kink

Length: Novella (129pgs)

Publisher: ManLoveRomance Press (25^th January 2013)

Heat: Explicit

Heart: ♥♥♥3Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: What would you do if you suddenly found yourself transported back in time?

Being a farmer in the 1800’s is hard; being a gay farmer even harder. Ethan has given up on finding his soul mate until a strangely dressed man wanders onto his land spouting nonsense about phones and cars. Jack is King of the one night stands, refusing to give anyone his heart until a chance encounter with Christian, a matchmaker longing to earn his cupid wings, sends Jack back in time. Can Jack give his heart to Ethan or will he become another conquest? Will Christian ever earn his cupid wings? Will they find love under the Australian sky?

Purchase Link: http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=AJKUNDER

Review: Jack is a playboy who has a love ‘em and leave them attitude. When he crosses paths with Christian, he ends up learning a few lessons about love. Christian just wants his cupid wings. When he is given the chance it seems like a simple task, until he learns the truth. All he has to do is unit Jack with his soul-mate, a soul-mate trapped in the past. Ethan lives a hard life on his farm in the Australian Outback in 1860; a time when being gay could get you killed. When he comes across a strange man wandering on his land he takes him in, even though he acts strange, and it isn’t long before Jack works his wiles.

This is a story with a very interesting concept, what is a wannabe cupid to do when his assignment seems impossible… time-travel, of course. I must admit to being surprised by the characters in this book. Ethan is a doll who you take to straight away and you want him to find the love that is so forbidden. Jack is a more complex character, at first you hold him in contempt for the way he treats men, but then he turns into a near perfect sweetheart (he still annoys a bit) when he is with Ethan. Christian was a character that I really liked at first, but towards the end of the book I wanted to take the cupid wings and shove them down his throat, *flutters eyelashes* you will understand.

The storyline is good. Christian wants his cupid wings, but his ex-lover Donovan doesn’t want him to become a cupid, so gives him an impossible task of matching Jack with his true match. Because of a mistake in the past Ethan’s soul is trapped searching for his soul-mate never able to move forward. Jack’s soul moved on and will be unable to connect with Ethan’s. Christian comes up with a way for them to meet. But, Jack’s from the future; will he really be able to give up a life of comfort for a hard life in the 1860s Australian Outback? This is a unique story. I have never come across a time-traveling story for Australia before and I found it really interesting. Especially, having the rich playboy face his behavior towards other people.

The one thing that will get your pulse racing is Jack’s prowess as a lover; he is imaginative, inventive and passionate. There are plenty of opportunities for him to show us as well. Although the romance is between Ethan and Jack, Ethan isn’t the only one that we see Jack having sex with and the sex is playful, kinky with just a touch of BDSM. The historical timing of this story isn’t perfect. I was thrown a bit by the language and terms of endearment they called each other, but Ethan’s reactions to being gay at that time were perfect.

I will recommend this to those who love Australian Outback love, hot kinky sex, finding true love and a happy ending.

Exile by Lola Lebellier

Title: Exile

Author: Lola Lebellier

Genre: High Fantasy, Bittersweet

Length: Novel (198pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (8^th February 2013)

Heat: Low – Moderate

Heart: ♥♥♥♥3½ – 4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Once, in the land of Nier, five elemental spirits terrorized the land. To contain them, five humans sacrificed themselves, losing their bodies and minds. It wasn’t until decades later, when a set of restraints was formed, that the vessels could live normal lives and take their rightful places as leaders of their clans.

Now Aless of Serac, Guardian of Water, has returned from exile, a punishment for embarking on a killing frenzy when his restraints broke. He soon discovers all the restraints are breaking, and if he cannot find a solution, chaos will follow. But Aless can’t solve this problem on his own.

Though Corin of Zephyr has large reserves of mana, the trait that signifies proficiency with natural magic, he shows little aptitude for casting spells or using his power. But that doesn’t bother him as much as the threat from the breaking restraints. Together, he and Aless might find a solution—but as the restraints begin to crumble, it becomes clear that their situation is more dangerous than anyone could have foreseen: Aless, Corin, and the other guardians will face abuse, attack, and even death in their quest to save their world.

A Bittersweet Dreams title: It’s an unfortunate truth: love doesn’t always conquer all. Regardless of its strength, sometimes fate intervenes, tragedy strikes, or forces conspire against it. These stories of romance do not offer a traditional happy ending, but the strong and enduring love will still touch your heart and maybe move you to tears.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3558

Review: Aless is the vessel that carries Serac, Guardian of Water. He is returning to the monastery after ten years spent in exile after his restraints broke and Serac went on a murderous rampage. Things have changed and he discovers secrets are being kept from him, but he is easily distracted by Corin. Corin is an apprentice with a huge well of mana, but he isn’t able to access it and struggles with even the most simple of spells. When he discovers the truth about the Guardian’s restraints breaking he offers his help. It’s a race against time as the Guardian’s face going feral. But, Aless and Corin fall in love and Corin discovers the truth behind the restraints.

This is a great story with a very bittersweet ending. Aless still doesn’t know what happened ten years before when his restraints failed and Serac broke loose and took control. Returning to the monastery after his exile, he discovers things have changed and secrets are being kept from him. Corin is as drawn to Aless as Aless is to him, but his Master Selena doesn’t want him having any contact with Aless. Searching for the truth about the restraints and why they are failing, Corin discovers that some of the story is missing, and it will take the entire monastery of Guardians working together to solve the mystery before it is too late.

I loved the world building in this story. The true story of the spirits slowly being fed to us, and only one person being able to save them all. There’s a lot to learn concerning the Guardians and the spirits they house, as well as finding out the truth about the restraints and how they came about. As you progress through the story, you will have light bulb moments where you go ‘ah-ha’ as some detail suddenly smacks you in the face, and what has happened and what is to come, suddenly begins to click together. Although this story scored high in the storyline, it missed (for me) with the relationship between Aless and Corin. Don’t get me wrong there is an attraction between them, but from what I saw in the story there was still a long way to go between them before love came into the equation.

This story has many interesting characters, although some of them we get to know better than others. Each one is well written and you become vested in them discovering a solution. Sometimes you feel that petty feelings cause more problems than was needed, but it adds to the tension in the story. I wish that we could have seen more of the relationship between Aless and Corin and how it was developing between them, but others were interfering, and it made me feel as though they only had a longing to be together, rather than a developing love. There is one scene that may disturb readers and that is an m/f rape scene that we are given no warning about. Although, it fit perfectly in the storyline, it was still disturbing to have had no warning at all, not even on the publishers’ site.

I will recommend this story to those that love hidden stories, magical spirits, some incredible details, a longing for love and a very bittersweet ending.

Prince of Submission by Jana Downs

Title: Prince Of Submission

Series: Fae Scandals 01

Author: Jana Downs

Genre: Paranormal, Light BDSM, Kink

Length: Novella (144pgs)

Publisher: Siren-BookStrand (2^nd February 2013)

Heat: Explicit

Heart: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Corrin DeMarco is a prince of the light court of Fae whose days of freedom are about to end. He only has a week before he must return to his kingdom and start his training to be king. Though it’s forbidden, he engages in an affair, never expecting to meet the man who would become his fantasy.

Adrian Cadence is a prince of the dark court of Fae who was kicked out of the Seelie kingdom for his love of other men. When he runs into Corrin he’s drawn to the Seelie prince who likes to dabble in darkness, and an unexpected proposal leads to a night of passion.

A cross-country pursuit, an unconventional courtship, and an opportunity to find love will make Corrin face his desires. But he will have to decide if love is enough for him to shrug off duty and turn his back on everything he’s been taught in order to become Adrian’s Prince of Submission.

Purchase Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/prince-of-submission

Review: Corrin is a prince of the Seelie Court. He has spent the last five years in the human world and now it is time for him to return home. But, before he settles down into the life planned for him, he has one week to enjoy himself with his two human best friends and what better way to begin than a night in Purgatory, a fetish nightclub forbidden to the Seelie. Adrian is a prince of the UnSeelie Court drawn inexplicably to a sexy man with white-blond hair. Taking the young Seelie on a journey of discovery in the forbidden, he knows he will take any risk to see him again. But, Corrin has a choice, live a miserable life ignoring his needs or embracing the forbidden and facing banishment.

Well, well, well, Jana Downs what a naughty girl you are, you have written a story that has a wonderful blend of want, need, love and kink *bites lip* oh yeah, kink *shudder*. Corrin has had forbidden dreams for years, dreams of submission, dreams of a man. It’s something that he knows he can never have, because if he ever caved into the dark needs he would lose everything. Adrian embraces his sexuality with open arms and embraces the task of initiating Corrin in the ways of man on man sex and submission. But, when Corrin disappears back to the Seelie Court, he looks for any way to get the delicious submissive back.

This is a great story of accepting your wants and needs, finding love in unexpected places and a determined love. I have to admit that the world that Jana Downs has created for her Fae world is startling in its views. The Seelie Court is very strict and everything is proper. Men join with women and their sex is strictly vanilla. If you fail to comply, then you are either beaten and exiled or entered into the ‘sexuality rehabilitation program’ (brainwashed). While the UnSeelie Court embraces those who are seen as perverted by the Seelie and encourages them to be who they want to be.

Adrian and Corrin’s relationship is wonderful and the sexual spark between them is explosive. The sex between them is intense, passionate and erotic with a delightful dash of BDSM and you know that the intensity of their feelings will endure. I really enjoyed this story and have to admit that it did produce conflicting feelings, because although I loved Adrian, Corrin and one or two of the Seelie, the rest of them could get trapped in hell for their attitudes. Corrin pulls at your heart towards the end, his torment makes you want to cry.

I have to recommend this to those who love paranormal, Fae, a judgmental society, angst, kink and light BDSM, hot explosive sex and a love that will endure.

Teaching Dallas by Gem Frost

Title: Teaching Dallas

Series: N/A

Author: Gem Frost

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (18500)

Publisher: Self-published (July 14, 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts

Blurb: Adrian Matthews is a newly-minted assistant professor, and he knows it’s wrong to get involved with Dallas Palmer, a student at the university where he teaches. But the happy, exuberant Dallas is like a ray of sunshine in his shadowed life, and somehow he can’t help reaching out for the younger man’s warmth…

Product Link: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/269044

Reviewer: Cat

Review: Adrian and Dallas have been very close friends for over a year. They both want more, but Dallas is a virgin, Adrian is older and a teacher at the University Dallas attends. Dallas finally gets tired of waiting for Adrian to make a move.

I really liked this story. It was very hot and sexy. I could see how much they were in love with each other, and see Adrian’s reasoning for being so cautious. He has a lot to lose, plus a secret from his past. I only had one issue, and that was how Adrian’s past is mentioned in small bits; it feels repetitive. One reads there is a past that has similarities to what he has with Dallas a few times, but nothing is said until much later. But once it gets to Dallas and Adrian being together, and things begin to change a bit, the story picks back up.

Palehua by A.J. Llewllyn

Title: Palehua

Series: Last Warrior #2

Author: A.J. Llewellyn

Genre: Supernatural Mystery

Length: Novel (155 pages)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (January 26, 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts

Blurb: Lio Paikai is adjusting to both his new, extremely passionate relationship with his lover, Kord Ashley, and his status as ‘Ailani, the reincarnated, loyal warrior who fought for the last king of the Hawaiian islands Oahu and Maui. Having severed his ties with his mother, Kalani, Lio grows closer to his father and his new family, but Kalani won’t leave them alone.

Violating a restraining order of protection, Kalani is arrested. Hours later, when Lio accompanies his stepmother to a birthing class, a strange woman falls from the sky landing on the hood of his SUV. Old wounds, old curses and the demand for retribution threatens to destroy his entire family. Lio must uncover the identity of the fallen woman and soon learns her heartbreaking connection to his mother and the damage it has caused Kalani her entire life. Lio must right an ancient wrong and appease the old island gods that demand an immediate Palehua: blood sacrifice.

Product Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/palehua-ebook-p-1365.html

Reviewer: Any

Review: A mysterious read with an exotic backdrop.

Not having read the first in the series, it took me a while to connect to Lio and Kord, and to understand exactly what it was Lio could do. As I read on, this became clearer—and more interesting. I really liked the imaginative set up in the Last Warrior world. I was particularly drawn into the “reliving the past” moments that Lio finds himself in, as the mystery of the dead Monday woman is revealed.

The writing is quick-paced, full of banter, and easy to read. That being said, I found there were a few too many harmonious scenes where my concentration waned. This came partly because of the romance. Lio and Kord’s attraction to each other is passionate and sexy, but filled with neither tension nor conflict, and I felt the book would have benefitted to see these two lovers being tested in some way.

Things did become really gripping at the climax of the book where, through Lio, we learn the truth about the terrible murder of the Monday woman. . . .

The Accident by Lee Brazil

Title: The Accident

Series: N/A

Author: Lee Brazil

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella

Publisher: Breathless Press (January 11, 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts

Blurb: Pulling over to help at the scene of an emergency was the right thing for Dr. Madison Cahil to do.

But if emergency services didn’t arrive quickly, he would miss celebrating his anniversary at a swanky restaurant with his lover, Shane. He’d already disappointed the man he loved; now the whole night would be ruined. Not that Shane would make a scene. He’d smile sweetly and declare that it was fine. Madison hated that word. Fine never meant fine when Shane said it. Fine meant fuck off, asshole.

Product Link:

http://www.breathlesspress.com/index.php?main_page=product_free_shipping_info&cPath=1&products_id=411

Reviewer: Cat

Review: Dr. Madison Cahil is in a rush to get home to his lover for an anniversary celebration. On the way, he comes upon accident. What should be one of the happiest moments of his life could turn into one of the worst.

Lee Brazil always writes such sweet and charming stories. So if you want a very short, quick read, especially to kill time at a Doctor’s Office or any place you have to wait or a trek on the treadmill, give this author a try. You can always count on one of his books to take you away and make you sigh. I do have to say, I found this story a bit predictable, and the editing was a bit slack, but it still was a very good, sweet story, with hot mansex. The cover is awesome!

You also get two more free short stories. All Nighter and Summer Vacation. All three are sweet and charming in the always sigh-worthy Lee Brazil style.

I recommend this story to any one that likes doctors, sweet, loving stories, and hot mansex. And of course, Lee Brazil.

Life After My Unfortunate Demise by Edward Kendrick

Title: Life After My Unfortunate Demise

Series: N/A

Author: Edward Kendrick

Genre: MM / Paranormal

Length: Short Story

Publisher: Silver Publishing (February 16^th, 2013)

Reviewer: Thommie

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥2.5Hearts

Blurb: Ghost Lesson 101: you can’t move on if there’s unfinished business. So Mark tells newly dead Dixon. They have to find out who murdered them. But apparently there is more to it than that, including their growing feelings for each other.

Product Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/life-after-my-unfortunate-demise-ebook-p-1383.html

Review: Well, damn if this wasn’t a weird shorty and it started so well. what with the witty narration of Mark and his “Unfortunate Demise”.

The story is not complicated. Mark is dead for many years and because he has no idea who killed him he can’t move on. All he does is run the hallways and the offices of the building he was killed at, and although after life is pretty boring for him, it has its perks. He can freely ogle a young lawyer, Dixon, and have fantasies starring them. Until the day Dixon is killed.

It is then that things take a 180 turn and they discover that not only they are both into each other but their deaths are somehow linked. All they have to do now is prove their cases and “move on”. If only that was that easy and if only they had their heart into it.

I don’t know, as I said it started great, I was laughing with this short from first paragraph. Mark is a witty character and had a charming thing about him when this story started. But, then as the plot moved on, I found out that there was not much about it, as a plot that is. Pretty predictable, it had nothing to keep you really interested there, and it got pretty sappy in the end.

As for the characters themselves, though I did like Mark since I saw this “after death” world through his eyes, I had no connection at all with Dixon. Made me wonder in the end, beside him being hot and gorgeous, why they make such a “forever” decision.

Oh well, perhaps it’s just me and my poor ability to appreciate ghost stories, but this one was not a story I will go back to.

The House of Silence, Volume 1 by J.A. Jaken

Title: The House of Silence, Volume 1

Series: The House of Silence

Author: J.A. Jaken

Genre: LGBT, Gothic, Suspense

Length: Novel (283 pages)

Publisher: Fantastic Fiction Publishing (April 27, 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb: The House of Silence is an elite male bordello catering to the obscenely rich. No matter how extreme or mundane the fantasy, the House of Silence is rumored to serve. Master Charon employs a group of versatile, beautiful young men–some lewd, some innocent, many with tragic pasts and hidden secrets of their own–who depend on him for safety. This volatile mix erupts when danger threatens. (M/M+)

Product Link: http://fantasticfictionpublishing.com/content/house-silence-volume-1-ja-jaken-0

Reviewer: Cat

Review: The House of Silence is a house located off the border and is by invitation only. Charon Marqui selects his workers, as well as his guest, very carefully. He has the best boys and the most prestigious clients. Everyone has a dark secret, be it the Boy, the guest, or Charon.

I felt his book started out a bit slow. It read more like an anthology or compilation of short stories. The first few chapters seemed a bit disconnected. Each one was very good and interesting, but I failed at that point to see it as a cohesive story. Then a bit past halfway, things got very intriguing. Once the plot came into view, the story unfolded fast and was quite intriguing. The boys seemed to be forming bonds as well as some of the houseguests. You would think a story of a bordello would have vulgar language and raunchy sex, but this one had none of that. The sex was so sensual and well phrased; it made me swoon and not cringe. By the time I got to the end, I was salivating for the next. I was glad I had it ready to go and didn’t have to wait.

I recommend this to anyone that likes Lords, rich business men, Cabals, dark fantasy, M/M erotica, sensual steamy sex, BDSM (not the soft and flowery kind), D/s, mystery, and intrigue- it’s all here, and more.

Wicked Solutions by Havan Fellows

Title: Wicked Solutions

Series: Pulp Fiction Wicked Solutions 01

Author: Havan Fellows

Genre: M/M contemporary/detective/mystery

Length: Novella (8619 words)

Publisher: Appleton Publishing Avenue (January 15, 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb: Sometimes the only way for justice to prevail is to get a little Wicked…

People who call him know the deal. He’ll solve their problems, but he’ll do it his way. That’s the only way Wick Templeton plays the game. His years on the force and connections to all types of specialists put him in a league of his own. That’s how he intends to keep it.
An ex-boyfriend in need puts Wick on a path that crosses that of Ned Harris, a stranger who proves to be a worthy adversary.
Wick’s simple agenda gets a little more complicated. Item one: Clear his ex’s name. Item two: unmask the enigma that is Ned Harris.
It’s a good agenda. Too bad Wick can’t seem to stick to it.

Product Link: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-wickedsolutions-1043044-145.html

Reviewer: Cat

Review: Wick is an ex-cop gone Private detective. He is hired by his ex to clear his name in a company scandal. He meets Ned Harris, a supposed employee at the company where his ex works. Why is Ned snooping around? Why is he following Wick? Is Ned the Mole? Does Wick want to get back together with his ex? I’m not telling you. You will have to read this one.

I loved this story! It was fast paced and kept me on the edge of my seat. Twists and turns abound. I can’t wait for the next in this series!

I highly recommend this one to anyone that likes a short, fast paced mystery with lots of suspense and a hint of hot man-sex.

Winter Warmers Anthology

Title: Winter Warmers

Series: N/A

Author: Anthology (Clare London, Chrissy Munder, JL Merrow, Josephine Myles, and Lou Harper)

Genre: Anthology, Contemporary

Length: Novella

Publisher: Pink Squirrel Press (November 26, 2011)

Heat Level: Moderate overall, though a few of the stories were more explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts for anthology as a whole, each story has ratings in review.

Blurb: Baby, it’s cold outside! Beat the chill with Winter Warmers – a seasonal anthology

Mulled wine. Butterscotch kisses. Hideous sweaters. Candy at the beach, or a trip to a sex shop in Amsterdam. And the man of your dreams, wrapped around you…

Winter warmers come in many shapes and sizes, from the tongue-in-cheek to the hot-as-hell. Enjoy a quintet of heart-warming tales of men loving men from Clare London, Chrissy Munder, JL Merrow, Josephine Myles, and Lou Harper that are guaranteed to leave you with a smile on your face.

One thing’s for sure—it’s going to be a red-hot Christmas!

Product Link: http://www.smashwords.com/extreader/read/108246/1/winter-warmers

Reviewer: Cat

Review: Overall I found the stories all very cute and interesting. I did have one caveat on the overall book and that was there was no titles on each stories It just seems to flow into the about the author then into the next book with no warning. But once you figured out where you were the stories were as sweet and fun as can be!

Individual stories

Lucky Dip by Clare London

Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

I loved this one. Andy is a teacher getting ready for a school fundraiser. He is going to have to share his corner with a volunteer that turns out to be his ex-boyfriend Greg.

I laughed until I cried over this one. The kids were so cute and funny and the story was a sizzler; sure to warm you on a cold winter night.

Butterscotch Kisses by Chrissy Munder

Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

I also loved this one! Mathew was afraid of heights and this fear cost him his boyfriend and a lot of humiliation. After purchasing a self-help program, he goes daily to the toboggan run to climb the steps. He meets “cute Ticket guy”. Does he conquer I his fear? Do he and ‘cute ticket guy’ go out’? What do butterscotch kisses have to do with heights? You will have to read this one and see! This was another very cute story written with a lot of wit and humor. The story of the fear of heights is easy to relate too and you can just feel Mathew’s fear. And the hats on cute ticket guy? Just hilarious!

Wintertide by Lou Harper

Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

I really liked this one, too. It’s not as humorous as the last two, but just as sweet and sexy. Jem lives in the run down part of Hollywood and is alone for Christmas. He goes to the beach and sees an older man who he finds intriguingly handsome. He watches him throwing in candy in the water. They meet and immediately hookup. Jem wakes up at Oscar’s and looks around, seeing a lot of photos of another handsome man. Assuming Oscar has a boyfriend, Jem leaves.

This story has a very sad backstory, so be sure to have some tissues on hand. It is very sweet and sexy also! A real heart-warmer.

When in Amsterdam by Josephine Myles

Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts

Brandon went with his boyfriend, Jos, to Amsterdam for their version of Christmas. They wind up at a kink shop. Brandon isn’t into the kink scene, but knows Jos is.

This was my least favorite of all five stories. It was a good, but it centered mostly on the D/s, and sex thing without a real plot. I did like the loving relationship that Brandon and Jos had, and the fact that Brandon loved Jos enough to try new things.

A pint of beer, A Bag of Chips, and Thou by JL Merrow

Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

This one was another very cute funny one. I loved the way this one felt like the author was speaking directly to you, even asking you questions. I found myself answering a few! I laughed and laughed. I would definitely read more JL Merrow books.

Liam was a son of a witch. His family is quite eccentric, as is he. He plays his sax in the tube for money. He has his eye on a man who frequents the area, but is sure the man is far out of his league. His aunts and mom give him these horrendous knitted Christmas gifts: one a day for three days. You will have to read this to see what they are and how they play a part in the story! You won’t be sorry! The story is cute, sassy and sexy as heck! A great one to cuddle up under a blanket with hot cocoa!

I recommend this collection to anyone that loves a good anthology. Witches, Doms, peppermint lovers, cute guys in silly hats, and lots of laughs! Oh, I almost forgot the hot mansex!

Something New Under the Sun by L.A. Witt

Title: Something New Under the Sun

Series: Falling Sky (Book 02)

Author: L.A. Witt

Genre: M/M Cyberpunk

Length: Novel (212 pages)

Publisher: Riptide Publishing (January 21, 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts

Blurb: Liam Lansing is heir to a prominent family of bio-modified vampires. That is, until he chooses the wrong lover and is cast down to the Gutter to scrape for his life.

Daniel Harding is heir to Cybernetix and a prince of the corporate Sky. That is, until his ideology drives his father to put a price on his head, forcing him into the Gutter.

But Daniel and Liam won’t vanish meekly into the smog. Together, they plan to rip open the hidden corruption that runs the Sky—for vengeance, for justice, and for hope. They strike against the corporations in a daring raid. When everything goes wrong, Daniel must betray his core beliefs to save the man he loves and protect his dangerous secret. Only through courage in the face of death—or worse—might he and Liam change the world they live in and create something new under the sun

Product Link: http://www.riptidepublishing.com/titles/something-new-under-sun

Reviewer: Showme

Review: If you haven’t read A Chip In His Shoulder by Witt, the first book in this series, then I’d highly recommend you’d do so before starting this. The Falling Sky series takes place in a world where the rich and powerful live in the sky, and the poor lower class lives in the gutters. They aren’t just separated by neighborhoods, but one lives above and one lives below.

People in the Sky buy mods, alterations to themselves, for almost anything you can think of, while the people below make these mods, while living in poverty and smog fanned down from the Sky.

In the first book, Liam, once an elite of his race, has become a cyborg vampire assassin after falling from his father’s graces. Five years in the gutter changes Liam. He’s hired to kill Daniel, the man he used to love, and the man who betrayed him. Daniel, has learned a lot since he made the biggest mistake of his life, so he’s not all that surprised to learn that his father has hired his lover to take him out.

Book two of the Falling Sky series picks up where the last one left off, with Daniel and Liam in trouble. They’ve escaped the Sky, but the danger continues. Neither man is under the illusion getting to the smog and crime ridden Gutter means they’re safe from Daniel’s father. There’s also the discovery that the UV mod does in fact exist. Since both men are wanted by the authorities, and Daniel, is a known member of the anti-mod movement, they need to get their hands on that mod for proof, and that means breaking into Cybernetix. To do this, they need the help of some friends like Gizmo, a mod and tech genius working out of a secret lab in the gutter with a mechanical arm and a great sense of humor. Daniel’s friends lend knowledge and through them, Liam and Daniel learn that Cybernetix is planning something far more diabolical than withholding the UV mod. They’ve developed a mutated biomod that threatens lives. This makes their mission about more than taking Daniel’s father down.

This world is wonderfully vivid. The picture is clear without long wordy descriptions. The storytelling keeps you comfortably on edge throughout most of the book. It is action packed and the love story feels real. The on-page sex in this book is sensual and intense. You can tell the guys don’t know if they’ll make it, and savor every moment they spend together. There’s no angst. Liam and Daniel know they love each other.

Liam’s feedings seemed inconsistent, and the vampire lineage was kind of skimmed over. I would have liked to know more about them. Why were they created? I wasn’t lost at any time but they were an interesting element that wasn’t explored much in the books. Gizmo was a fascinating character that I’d love to read more about.

I would HIGHLY recommend this book to anybody who enjoys reading about alternate realities and nonstop action where good battles evil with a love story.

The Thunder in His Head by Gene Gant

Title: The Thunder in His Head

Series: N/A

Author: Gene Gant

Genre: M/M Contemporary/ Young Adult

Length: Novel (200 pages)

Publisher: Harmony Ink Press (May 15, 2012)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb: Kyle Manning is a tall, strong, openly gay sixteen-year-old who makes decent grades and plays on his school’s basketball team. He’s a good kid who cares deeply about his family and friends. But his life has become a mess. His mom, Lela, has finally had enough of her husband Joe’s serial cheating. Kyle’s parents are headed for divorce, and the collapse of their marriage torments him.

Divorcing parents is bad enough, but Kyle also has to deal with new people in his parents’ lives. He likes Stephanie, his father’s girlfriend, but he finds himself increasingly attracted to his mother’s handsome boyfriend, Reece. As Kyle struggles with his fear and frustration, he grows angrier and more erratic.

Then he meets Dwight Varley, a buff, attractive athlete from another school who takes an instant liking to him. Having Dwight around doesn’t solve all Kyle’s problems, but it does make life more bearable. As their relationship develops, Dwight becomes a bright oasis in Kyle’s harried life. But Dwight’s life is more complicated than Kyle ever imagined, and just when things start to get better, Kyle discovers the truth about Dwight—and about his father.

Product Link: http://harmonyinkpress.com/new-release-the-thunder-in-his-head-by-gene-gant/

Reviewer: Artemis

Review: Thunder in His Head is a coming of age story about Kyle’s struggles to deal with growing up, being gay, and falling in love. In the beginning of this book, I get the impression that Kyle is a little bit confused, slightly angry, and really just wants to be left alone. His parents are separated, and while his dad’s girlfriend seems to be okay, he is developing one serious crush on his mom’s boyfriend. The author does a great job of portraying Kyle’s torn emotions. He understands that his feelings for Reece are wrong, but that doesn’t stop the heart and the hormones from wanting what he shouldn’t have.

In comes Dwight, and Kyle’s life takes quite a turn. We see the relationship between Dwight and Kyle develop as a teenage romance with lots of angst, anger, and miscommunication between the two of them. Along with the relationship between Kyle and Dwight, we see the struggles of the secondary characters as well. They are all very well written and seem quite ‘real’. In fact, all of the characters in this book are very realistic. The dialogue doesn’t come off as stiff or forced at all.

At the end of the book, I felt like I had a better understanding of Kyle’s inner struggles when it came to his parents and their significant others than I did with his relationship with Dwight. I wish the book had continued on for a few more chapters to JUST focus on Dwight and Kyle.

This was a great coming of age story with realistic characters who are struggling with difficult issues and emotions.

Duet by Eden Winters

Title: Duet

Author: Eden Winters

Genre: Historical (1758), Paranormal, England, Scotland

Length: Novel (200pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (18^th February 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: A conqueror’s decree can’t separate Aillil Callaghan from his Scottish heritage. He wears his clan’s forbidden plaid with pride, awaiting the day he becomes Laird, restores his family’s name, and fights to free Scotland from English tyranny. An Englishman in his home? Abomination! Yet the tutor his father engaged for Aillil’s younger brothers may have something to teach the Callaghan heir as well.

Violinist and scholar Malcolm Byerly fled Kent in fear, seeking nothing more than a quiet post, eager minds to teach, and for no one to learn his secrets. He didn’t count on his charges’ English-hating barbarian of an older brother, or on red-and-green tartan concealing a kindred soul. A shared love of music breaks down the barriers between two worlds.

Aillil’s father threatens their love, but a far more dangerous enemy tears them apart. They vanish into legend.

Two centuries later, concert violinist Billy Byerly arrives at Castle Callaghan—and feels strangely at home. Legends speak of a Lost Laird who haunts the fortress in wait of his lover’s return. Billy doesn’t believe in legends, ghosts, or love that outlasts life.

But the Lost Laird knows his own.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3585

Review: This story is a re-release of the original 2010 Torquere Press edition. Malcolm is a teacher who is looking for a way out of his present position after two of his fellow teachers were given ‘righteous justice’ after being caught at a ‘molly house’. Given the opportunity to teach in Scotland he snaps up the offer and discovers a love that will follow him through time. Aillil hates all that is English and having an English teacher for his younger brothers is something he rails at. But, getting to know the young man has him falling for his enemy. Fate intervenes and Aillil swears to wait for all eternity if he has to for his beloved Mael Caluim. Over two hundred years later Billy sets foot in Scotland and the legend of the Lost Laird comes to life, with the Callaghan heir setting plans in motion to reunite the two lost lovers.

This is a story that is a story of two parts, we have the first half where Aillil and Malcolm first meet, fall in love and then get torn apart. Then, we have the second half where Billy is drawn to various places in Scotland as his soul is called to Aillil; to release Aillil’s essence from its lonely existence and claim his love. Eden Winters has created a story that takes a strong deep love through the years and that sends shivers down your spine every time Malcolm’s soul touches Scottish soil and Aillil’s music tries to call him home.

The historical part of this story is wonderful. Malcolm tears through all of Aillil’s defenses with his gentle, fierce loving nature and Aillil tearing through Malcolm’s fears with his gentle soul beneath a fierce Scottish exterior. The latter part of the story is set in the present day and is about Billy’s soul finding what he didn’t even realize was lost, the reuniting of lovers first through music and then, with the help of the Druids, the flesh. This is a strong storyline and the characters are wonderful. I loved the way that characters from the historical part of the story popped up in the present day in new incarnations. The historical part of the story is brilliantly done and while the present day was good as well, it didn’t carry the emotional impact that the first half did.

I have to recommend this to those who adore historicals, a Scotsman and Englishman falling in love, reuniting parted lovers, a haunting love story and a very happy ending.

Fragile Bond by Rhi Etzweiler

Title: Fragile Bond

Series: N/A

Author: Rhi Etzweiler

Genre: MM / Military / Sci-Fi

Length: Novel (48.4K words)

Publisher: Riptide Publishing (February 18^th, 2013)

Reviewer: Thommie

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb: Sniper Sergeant Marc Staille and his trusty rifle, Mat, are on bodyguard duty at a mining operation on a backwater planet. The resource-rich valley is crawling with tawnies, the native dirt-colored predators. Huge things that hunt in packs and kill as well with tooth and claw as Marc ever has with Mat.

The rules change when a tawny uses an unexpected weapon: pheromones.

Commander Hamm Orsonna, leader of the fefa clan, is determined to chase off the invading aliens. The one he sets out to capture for intel is scrawny and hairless, not very intimidating—until it takes out his entire squad. Seasoned warriors, felled from halfway down the valley by its metal death stick.

Their sacrifice may be worth it, though. The alien male smells like he’s interested in making things right. He smells of other things too, but nobody else seems to notice. Before long, Hamm finds himself fighting off his own kind to defend the alien, who might be his people’s only hope for peace, and Hamm’s only chance for happiness.

Product Link: http://www.riptidepublishing.com/titles/fragile-bond

Review: Brilliant isn’t nearly strong enough a word to describe this book.

Human race travels space in search of inhabited planets that will provide resources for their survival. Caught up in a difficult position, with their resources dropping low fast, they reach planet Horace Deuce-Niner. A superficial glance of the terrain shows no sign of any intelligent species on the planet and the scouts are dropped, in order to provide safe path for the battalion and the scientists that would take the much-needed resources. Things however are not always like they seem.

Sniper Sergeant Marc Staille is good in one thing and one thing only. Along with his trusted rifle he’s an excellent hunter. The scary predators that live on this planet never had a chance against him and his trusted “Mat”. One by one they fell under his scope. Until one of them managed to locate and approach him in total silence. The only indication that something was wrong was the rich scent of soil that had Marc in complete surrender. Under the influence of the scent Marc manages to understand that is in fact pheromones, huge amounts that are deliberately thrown his way. As if the sharp claws and fangs the beasts had were not enough, he was reduced to mush by a vicious wave of arousal. As much as it didn’t made sense that their pheromones would be compatible, truth was they were, but what had Marc paling and going completely limp was the fact that the tawny predators were sapient indigenes. The horrible truth hitting him like a sledgehammer that he was “murdering” intelligent beings.

Commander Hamm Orsonna is beyond rage when he finally manages to capture the scrawny alien. Who would have thought that this little vulnerable being would succeed in taking out his entire squad? He should be killing him in sight if there wasn’t valuable intel he needed to extract from the alien. As it was, it took him by surprise when the need to dominate him emerged and the air around reeked of pheromones. What was even more shocking was the fact that the little alien responded and exuded his own very potent scent, a scent that hit him like a drug making it almost impossible to resist.

In the process of gaining intel and reaching a way toward peace Hamm and Marc find themselves in the middle of the strangest things of all. The forming of a bond where there should be none. A bond that could forever forge peace or doom them all.

There is no easy way to express myself as to how this story will truly affect you. It had a strong impact on me. I loved every aspect of it. The way the author wrote this book is simply brilliant. The focus on the natural instinct of each species, the aggressiveness, the attraction and the forging of the Human/Furr bond was simply perfect. You don’t simply read this book; you experience it as if you were in this strange planet, side by side with these strange creatures.

This story is not a romance in the stereotypical sense of it. It’s a beautiful combination of war, survival, grief, evolution and well… love. Never mind the word “love” is not mentioned. It didn’t need to and that’s the sheer beauty of it. Emotions are so palpable that words are not needed. It’s one of those books you wish made it to Hollywood and on the big screens just so you could see it in 3-D, hoping what you’ve “seen” in your head while reading it will match the screen.

Bottom end, if you have even the slight inclination toward the sci-fi genre you will absolutely LOVE this book. Highly recommended.

An Unconventional Union by Scotty Cade

Title: An Unconventional Union

Series: Unconventional 02

Author: Scotty Cade

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (220pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (18^th February 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Kincaid International Corporation’s CEO, Webber Kincaid, and his executive assistant, Tristan Moreau, have just returned from a Caribbean business trip gone horribly right. After years of hiding their love for each other, they finally came clean—and discovered KIC’s chief financial officer has been up to some shady business transactions. Now that they’re back, Tristan and Webber must expose the CFO’s indiscretions—and save Webber’s reputation, since he’s ultimately responsible for his CFO’s actions. With Tristan by his side, Webber faces KIC’s board of directors and a looming investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission and Department of Justice.

With all the uncertainty surrounding them, Webber and Tristan rely on the strength of their connection. Together, they plan an intimate wedding on the island of Martha’s Vineyard. But despite their love for one another, Webber and Tristan quickly realize they have some hurdles to cross before they can start their unexpected new life.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3583

Review: This story is part of a series and best read in order. Webber and Tristan are now a couple. after realizing their love for one another, they are facing the fallout from their business trip in the Caribbean. Webber is accused of misappropriation of business property and facing an investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission and Department of Justice after discovering shading business dealings by his CFO Nathan Bridges. Webber and Tristan plan their new life together and begin with their wedding, but they still have hurdles to cross and they turn to each other for support.

This story continues on from where An Unconventional Courtship ended, but this story recounts the pertinent facts from the previous book so if you haven’t yet read it (raises eyebrow and shakes head), then this book is still easy to follow. Webber and Tristan face uncertainty and worry even though they know they have done no wrong, the support they get from their friend’s bolsters them and they begin to make decisions for their future together. The problem with Nathan is far from over and they will face heartbreak and loss even as they should be celebrating their new life together.

Scotty Cade has written another beautiful story of love, this time with added tension, new hope and devastating loss. Webber and Tristan are a committed couple now and Tristan supports Webber’s decision to begin a new life when the investigation is over. Even though they know Webber is innocent, Webber still has fears that something will go wrong. Both these men are great characters and their love for each other shines through. As they plan their wedding with the help of Deanne, she becomes very close friends with Tristan and they are there for her during her pregnancy. Deanne is a larger than life character and we quickly take her into our hearts in this story, which is then callously ripped out and stomped on by the author (you made me cry *sulk*). Nathan lurks in the background trying to discredit Webber and Tristan reunites with his younger brother. We find out more about Tristan’s past and it is quite surprising, and for the life of me I couldn’t work out why Tristan kept trying to reach out to his parents and older brother. It puzzled me that after everything that happened he still wanted to have contact with them.

I have to recommend this story to everyone who loves bumps in the road, some unexpected danger, a beautiful wedding and an ending that will twist you up inside for its devastation and happiness, so keep some tissues handy.

The Vampyre's Revenge by Tracy Rowan

Title: The Vampyre’s Revenge

Author: Tracy Rowan

Genre: Contemporary, Vampire

Length: Novella (130pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (13^th February 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Podgy fanboy Frank Vogel lives a dead-end life. He’s addicted to pop culture, Internet porn, and fantasies about Rebecca Hansen, a Buffy-like cheerleader from his high school days, but he yearns for something more. When he finds out Mrs. Carlson, his sweet, elderly landlady, is a vampire, a whole new world opens up to him. Blinded by dreams of sexy, mysterious vampires, Frank begs Mrs. Carlson to turn him. Against her better judgment, she does.

Unfortunately, Frank’s life doesn’t seem much different afterward. Then he runs into his unwitting nemesis, Will Chase–former high-school football team captain, former boyfriend to Rebecca–and makes gleeful plans to destroy him… until he discovers that he and Will have a lot in common.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3574

Review: Frank leads a humdrum life. He has no friends other than his landlady, Mrs. Carlson, and he spends most of his time alone. When he discovers that Mrs. Carlson is a vampire he envisages a glamorous life and convinces her to turn him. But, he quickly discovers being a vampire isn’t all he wished, other than having a craving for blood. When he bumps into Will, who was one of the most popular guys in high-school, he decides to enact vicious revenge, but comes to realize that he and Will make great friends.

This story is a complete new look for vampires and the awkward realizations of a lonely geek. Frank is a lonely guy; he fantasizes a lot, reads comics and works, when he sees an opportunity to improve his life (or so he thinks) he begs to be changed into a vampire. His first day as a vampire makes him realize that it isn’t as dark and forbidding as he thought. When he bumps into Will he wants to be all snarly vampire, but ends up making friends with him instead. Before long they are the best of friends, and when Will fixes him up with sexy Rebecca he realizes it isn’t what he wants, but the man who has caught his heart just might not want him.

Frank is an interesting character, but he is also, in a way, a lesson… the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Frank and Will become great friends. They have a lot in common and an easy camaraderie, but when Frank discovers that Will is bisexual he starts to wonder about men. In a way you can see where Frank is coming from, because he hasn’t been that interested in women before, and he wants to know more about himself. Will is a character that we only really see at first as a friend, and if I am honest until they first kiss, there didn’t seem to be any attraction between them at all.

I will recommend this story to those who want a geek who stereotypes vampires, some laughs, a sexually confused geek, a great friendship, friends to lovers’ story and a happy ending.

The Fireman and the Cop by RJ Scott

Title: The Fireman and the Cop

Series: Ellery Mountain 01

Author: R.J. Scott

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Short (78pgs)

Publisher: Total E-bound (11^th February 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Rescuing cop Finn Ryan from a burning precinct was easy; it’s keeping him alive after that which fireman Max Harrison finds difficult.

Ellery is a quiet town in the Smoky Mountains, at the base of Ellery Peak, and nothing ever happens. Max is escaping from his firefighting job in the city to take up a role as assistant to the Mayor whilst also holding the position of a volunteer fire fighter.

Finn Ryan is one of only three cops in the small town and it soon seems to Max that someone is out to hurt the sexy cop. Rescuing Finn from a burning precinct was the easy part; it’s keeping him alive after that which fireman Max Harrison finds difficult.

Purchase Link: http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?P_ID=1979

Review: Max is starting over in a new town. He’s working at the Mayor’s office and as a volunteer firefighter. Running into a burning police station leads to him meeting Finn, a cop who always seems to be in danger. Finn is delighted to meet firefighter Max. Of course, it would have been better if he wasn’t half unconscious at the time, but he gets the chance to know the sexy man better as Max investigates the fire.

This is a cute book that starts off a great new series. Max first meets Finn while rescuing him from a burning building. Finn catches Max’s attention when in his confused state he talks about firemen’s ‘hoses’. They have an instant attraction between them that sparks, but they have misunderstandings about how they are treating each other, and it isn’t helped by the fact that all the evidence points to Finn being in danger from an unknown foe.

I really liked Max and Finn they were both great characters. Although, they had a slight communication problem they seemed well suited and certainly sparks fly in the attraction department. The plot is fast-paced and you never know what will happen next, although you get a slight idea as to who the baddie is by a throwaway comment made by Finn. The supporting characters are great and it will be interesting to see Daniel’s and Kieran’s stories. The storyline wasn’t as tight as what I am used to from R.J., it wasn’t as well developed in just one area. I mean we get thrown straight into the danger and from then on it was fast-paced in the danger and mystery stakes, but lacked depth in the relationship department. I think I learned more about Daniel’s (Finn’s friend) past than Max’s. Don’t get me wrong this is a good story; it just missed the mark with Max and Finn’s relationship development.

I recommend this book to those who love cops and firefighters, fast-paced danger and mystery, a good storyline, some hot sex and a happy ending.

Glacialis by Pelaam

Title: Glacialis

Author: Pelaam

Genre: Steam Punk, Science Fiction

Length: Novella (82pgs)

Publisher: Silver Stream Press (16^th February 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Accepting their company’s assignment as medic and nurse on Glacialis, Shae and Bless find their welcome as frigid as the planet itself. However, when they stumble across more than mining, things turn from cold to dangerous very quickly.

Accepting their company’s assignment as medic and nurse on Glacialis, Shae and Bless find their welcome as frigid as the planet itself. Neither Adair, the mine’s foreman nor Merag, his head of security make the men feel welcome or wanted.

When one of the miners seeks medical attention for an injury he doesn’t want Adair to know about, Shae and Bless quickly find themselves investigating illegal activity at the mine, and embroiled in danger.

Shae finds himself falling in love with an undercover Ranger sent to investigate the mine, and he and Bless choose to help him. Peril takes three forms, each different, but as deadly as the other.

Purchase Link: https://silverstreampress.com/glacialis-ebook-p-1375.html#&panel2-1

Review: Shae and Bless find themselves on the frigid mining planet, Glacialis. It is only for a one month stint, but from the second they land they are made to feel far from welcome. When a miner comes looking for treatment, Shae gets the feeling there is more going on than just company mining, and he and Bless volunteer to help the undercover Ranger. As they investigate, Shae falls for the Ranger, Bless gets anonymous cards from an admirer and both they and their protector’s head towards horrifying danger.

This is a great combination of Steampunk and science fiction. A story that takes Steampunk to the stars while giving us an adventure of love and danger. Shae and Bless aren’t impressed when they reach Glacialis. The foreman and the security head both make it clear that they are far from welcome and Shae and Bless decide to keep their heads down. When Tuor (miner/Ranger) needs patching up, Shae feels an attraction to him, but it isn’t until Shae stumbles upon blood on an outside wall that Tuor admits the truth and the two come together in more than just investigation.

I enjoyed this story for its imaginative creation of Steampunk in space, the characters interaction and the great storyline. We get a good understanding of the rules that they live under for space exploration, the company that Shae and Bless work for and why they are heading to Glacialis. The characters don’t get to interact much because of circumstances, but both their relationships hit them hard and fast; Shae and Tuor as they make plans and Bless and his admirer when Bless needs him most. There are some brilliant descriptions, from the steam machines used for space travel to the bleak world of Glacialis, the landscape and the danger they face.

This story is for those who love Steampunk, science fiction, action, danger, finding love in fleeting moments, rescues and a very happy ending.

Bachelor and the Beast by Jade Astor

Title: Bachelor and the Beast

Series: Once Upon A Man 02

Author: Jade Astor

Genre: Fantasy World

Length: Novella (106pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (16^th February 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart: ♥♥♥2 ½ – 3Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: A man-loving twist on a classic tale. Wounded after a battle he cannot remember, Sir Donlin seeks refuge with Baldemar, the lord of a mysteriously understaffed castle. As his memories return, his own dark past is revealed, but which of them is concealing a deadlier secret?

A man-loving twist on a classic tale. Lost and wounded after a battle he cannot remember, Sir Donlin seeks refuge with Baldemar, the lord of a remote and mysteriously understaffed castle. Despite his host’s strange ways and fierce mannerism, an attraction soon grows between them. As his memories slowly return, however, Sir Donlin begins to sense that he also has a dark past. Soon he wonders which of the two is concealing a deadlier secret.

Trapped by a curse that forces him to live as a bloodthirsty creature of the shadows, Baldemar is surprised to feel his human emotions rekindled by the knight who has wandered into his lonely keep and brightened his mournful existence. Yet every night he struggles not only with the fear that he will accidentally kill the man he is growing to love, but a suspicion that Sir Donlin is not quite what he appears to be.

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/bachelor-and-the-beast-ebook-p-1384.html

Review: Baldemar is lord of a castle. He enjoys his life as a knight living an indolent life, taking what he wants with little regard for others feelings and discarding those he is bored with. Until the day he did it to the wrong person. Now, he haunts his deserted castle by night with only the company of his loyal retainer. he is cursed to never again enjoy lazing in the morning sunshine. Sir Donlin woke up in a forest with no knowledge of his past. He knows he’s a knight and he knows his name, but everything else is a blank. When he comes across a run-down castle he seeks shelter and food, becoming enamored with his dark and mysterious host. With the help of the village apothecary he begins to regain his memories and his past seems darker than he could ever have imagined.

This is an interesting dark twist on an old fairy-tale, not quite a happily ever after, but definitely a happy for them ending. Both Baldemar and Donlin are what you expect from knights, big, manly and arrogant. Unfortunately for Baldemar, that arrogance bites him on the arse when his callus treatment of a minstrel results in his being cursed. Donlin is just in the wrong place at the wrong time. But, he has no memories of what has happened; as his memories begin to come back he fears what he might become.

I did like the twists in this story, but for the life of me I couldn’t quite like the characters. Both men start out extremely arrogant and I was secretly pleased when Baldemar was cursed. With Donlin, I didn’t like him because of how he treated Carew (Baldemar’s servant), and he had an expectation of how he should be treated even when he couldn’t remember who he was. The relationship that evolves between Baldemar and Donlin was good because they seem so well suited to each other, and the explosive passion between them is hot. I liked how the story evolved and developed and the twist near the end was really good, both men change as well becoming slightly less arrogant and more likable.

I recommend this to those who love darker fairy-tale twists, fantasy, arrogant men, hot sex and an ending that isn’t conventional.

An Unconventional Courtship by Scotty Cade

Title: An Unconventional Courtship

Author: Scotty Cade

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (230pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (12^th October 2012)

Heat Level: Sensual

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Tristan Moreau loves his job as chief administrative officer and personal assistant to Webber Kincaid, President, Chairman, and CEO of Kincaid International. It would be the perfect job… if only he hadn’t fallen in love with his boss as well as the work. After two years, he’s still doing everything in his power to keep his feelings hidden—mostly because he wants to protect the reputation of his famous boss but also because he wants to keep his job.

Webber Kincaid has stayed in the closet, using his best friend and confidante as his beard. Everything in his life was working out just fine until he met Tristan Moreau. Within months, Tristan stole his heart and became his lifeline. But Webber knows the rules of the workplace better than anyone, so he’s kept his distance.

But two years is too long to wonder “what if?”—especially when business takes them to a private Caribbean island. When Tristan and Webber succumb to the tropical heat, their professionalism starts to backslide. It’s a seemingly impossible relationship, making a go at it under the paparazzi’s microscope. It may be the best—or the worst—business decision they ever made.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3274

Review: Tristan has the perfect job working for Webber Kincaid and it would be his dream job if only he hadn’t fallen for the man. For two years he has controlled his feelings around his boss, but he is dreading the coming weeks where he will be on a secluded Caribbean island nearly alone with his Webber. Just how is he going to control his reactions being in such close contact with the man he can only love from afar? Webber has a secret that he has kept quiet for the good of the company, but now he has an opportunity to go after his heart and he has some confessions to make before he can act. Just how will Webber convince Tristan of the truth when Tristan believes he’s straight and has a girlfriend?

This is a very sweet story that has love, angst, misunderstandings and a surprising work-related twist. Tristan is a man who is very cautious about where he lays his heart after being burned badly in the past, but he stood no chance of saving his heart when he met Webber. For two years he has secretly loved his boss and now he will have to spend three weeks on a secluded island with the man. Tristan never expects the turn of events that sweep him off his feet. Webber loves Tristan, working with the man for two years has made him long for something permanent with the man, but first he has to fess up about his so-called girlfriend. After opening his heart and claiming his man they have a plan of action, but work interferes when they uncover double-dealing.

Well, this is a very sweet touching love story that digs into every person’s deepest fantasies; where we get swept off out feet by our very own prince charming, where the person we have longed for finally admits they feel the same and where we are romanced, wined and dined to within an inch of our lives before being loved with the heart as much as the body. Tristan and Webber are a couple made in heaven, both men denying their feelings before finally coming clean with each other. It isn’t easy sailing though, as Tristan believed Webber to be in a relationship. There are some tears and confusion until it’s cleared up and then bliss until Tristan spots some irregularities in a file they are looking over.

This is a true love story for those of us who are true romantics, but it is also a slight mystery with a bit of betrayal and attempted blackmail. I loved this story for the sweet relationship and the fact that although they knew each other for two years Webber and Tristan still have a lot to learn about each other. To my mind their Unconventional Courtship was nearly two years of office/work related side glances and cheese Danishes. I am looking forward to the next book An Unconventional Union where hopefully we discover what actions the board and authorities will take and find out more about Deanna.

I will recommend this to those who love romance, sensual sex, ups and downs, romantic gestures, a touch of mystery and attempted blackmail, confusion and a very happy ending.

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