Month: February 2013

Cambion:Dark Around the Edges, Episode 01 – Heaven's on Fire by Cari Z.

Cambion_500Title: Cambion: Episode 01 – Heaven’s On Fire

Series: Cambion: Dark Around The Edges

Author: Cari Z.

Genre: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal

Length: Short (41pgs)

Publisher: Storm Moon Press (8th February 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: The Season Pass includes every episode as it is released, the final compiled ebook, and bonus material not available any other way!

Devon Harper is a cambion, the offspring of an incubus and one of his female followers. Discovered by those who could’ve helped him too late to be saved from his nature, he barely survived a brutal childhood before getting a handle on his powers of seduction. Lust, sex, desire: these are second nature to cambion, and are their road to both riches and ruin. Devon has the power to bring people to their knees with a glance, to drive them so crazy with pleasure that they forget their names, and occasionally forget to breathe as well. He could use his birthright to force the world to worship him, but Devon is trying to fight against the pull, to do what he can to track down people with the power to summon a demon and stop them before more cambion can be made.

But Devon doesn’t realize that the path he and his friends are following is only one strand of a web laid in place by a demon who’s not content to wait on the whims of humanity to get out of Hell. Devon is this demon’s key to staying above ground permanently, and when he finally catches up with the cambion, he’s not taking no for an answer.

Episode 1: Heaven’s On Fire

Devon’s infiltration of a Chinese kingpin’s lair doesn’t quite go off as planned, and lands him in a dangerous predicament. Shangdi knows about Devon, and knows how useful a cambion can be, particularly to his partner, the mysterious demon summoner Porter Grey. With time running out for Devon, it’s up to the even more mysterious Rio Pagani to storm the compound and pull Devon out before Porter can put his plans for the cambion into motion.

Purchase Link: http://www.stormmoonpress.com/books/Cambion-Season-1-Dark-Around-the-Edges.aspx

Review: So, this is the first installment of a serial, and it is a fantastic start. Devon works for Safeguard Systems and he has infiltrated a private club to shut it down and to also capture demon summoner, Porter Grey.  But, things don’t go according to plan. Rio is Devon’s backup and maybe the only person to be able to resist Devon. When things go wrong Rio leaps in to rescue Devon before Porter can carry out his plans for Devon.

This short installment was brilliant. We have a seductive cambion working to bring down criminals.  We have the mysterious Rio who can send demons to hell and we have a demon summoner who is trying to stay one step ahead of Safeguard Systems to carry out a plan for his employer. I have to admit that I am hooked.  The entire storyline has me panting for more. With Devon being a cambion, you expect a world weary seducer.  But, what we get is a young man who has a sweet energetic countenance who loves sex.  He also has a major crush on Rio because he knows that when Rio is with him it’s because Rio wants to be there with Devon, because a cambion nature has no effect on Rio. Rio is a mystery as we get to know him, Devon’s power doesn’t affect him and he can send demons to hell with a touch, he is also secretly fond of Devon, and he has more fire power than a small nation.

This story has it all… seduction, guns blazing, explosions, hot explosive sex, a great storyline, mysterious characters, escapes and an ending that will lead nicely to the next installment. I have to recommend everyone has a peek at this because I doubt that you will be disappointed.

 

Westford Hall by Lisa Worrall

17238890Title: Westford Hall

Author: Lisa Worrall

Genre: Paranormal, Ghosts, Mystery, Suspense

Length: Novella (98pgs)

Publisher: White Stiletto Press (17th January 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Westford Hall lies back from the quad, quiet and empty. A dark reminder of the horrific murder of six members of the Tri Delta brotherhood thirty years ago, and the subject of Ethan’s thesis.

Ethan Reece is in his second year of Professor Allen’s paranormal psychology class, and is hoping to be the first to establish documented proof that Westford Hall is haunted. Hiring the university’s best photography student to help with the investigation, Ethan is disappointed when he has to be replaced after an accident. Which is how he finds himself saddled with the university’s best stoner instead.

Daniel Cartwright comes from money. He won’t deny it. Why should he? More than aware of the reputation he has on campus, he ambles through life with the help of his parents. At least that’s what everyone thinks. When his friend breaks his leg and volunteers him to assist the biggest nerd on campus with his spooky investigation, Dan is not exactly ecstatic.

Thrown together by fate; to their surprise the two young men find they are drawn together by mutual attraction, but that’s not the only surprise awaiting them in Westford Hall. Coming face to face with an actual ghost, they uncover a story of murder, deceit and despair that leaves them facing a danger they were not prepared for.

Purchase Link:

US: http://www.amazon.com/Westford-Hall-ebook/dp/B00B2DT9BA

UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Westford-Hall-ebook/dp/B00B2DT9BA

Review: Ethan is hoping to find proof that Westford Hall is haunted for his paranormal psychology class.  all set for a night in the reputed haunted house on campus with a great photography student, he is disappointed when he ends up with the man’s friend as a replacement instead. Dan helps his friend out by taking his place at Westford Hall, being stuck with nerdy Ethan in a supposed haunted house isn’t his idea of fun, and when things start to happen all he wants is to stay the hell away from the place. But, a mystery unfolds that Ethan and Dan get caught up in.  just how do they help put to rest a ghost who wants the truth to come out?

This is a great ghost story that is in parts funny and others poignantly sad with a great twist at the end. Both Ethan and Dan are great characters; Ethan is a nerd who is surprisingly judgmental, but who is quick to admit his mistakes. Dan is rumored to be a slacker, but is in truth the opposite, his reputation as a slacker was earned protecting a friend, he is an absolute gem with his reactions and he plays nicely off Ethan. The ghost is wonderful with his poignant story and his wicked sense of humor, and with his determination over the years to get the truth of his death in the open.

Westford Hall is a great combination of fun, love, mystery and suspense. The elements have been woven together to give a delightful tale of a ghost who wants justice. The relationship between Ethan and Dan was sweet, them finding common ground when at the start they clashed. I found Dan’s reactions to the events in the haunted Westford Hall to be both funny and realistic. While you could see Ethan’s scientific excitement and his eagerness to dig deeper, I had to agree with Dan’s reactions.

There are some flashbacks to the events of the past, but they are beautifully slotted into the story and they add a touch of knowing to the suspense. There was only one thing that confused me though… just when did the young men die? I ask because when Ethan was telling the story of the murders he said it happened in nineteen seventy-four, but then later during a flashback it described the house from nineteen eighty-two. Other than that small discrepancy I have to admit that after finishing this book I am left with the hope (and praying) that Lisa Worrall will give us more from Dan and Ethan in the future, *sigh* well I can only hope.

I am recommending this story as a must read if you love ghosts finding justice and discovering their lost love, a new love developing, mystery, suspense, a great twist and a very happy ending for young men and ghosts alike.

Hearts and Flour by Tara Lain

17287966Title:  Hearts and Flour

Series:  Stand Alone book

Author:  Tara Lain

Genre:   M/M Romance

Length:  Novella (91 Page)

Publisher:   Etopia Press (February 1st, 2013)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:   A raw food fanatic and a cupcake baker—can two hearts rise above the flour?

Healthy, vegan food is Micah Truveen’s religion. So when his devoted customers start showing up with white flour cupcakes, Micah’s ready to scream. When he discovers who’s been spreading the cupcake poison to the community, there’s going to be trouble. And to make a bad day even worse, Micah comes home to find his boyfriend in bed with someone else—on the day before Valentine’s Day! In frustration, he throws the rat out and agrees to go to his friend’s orgiastic Anti-Valentines party. Not his style, but lately, his style seems to be crumbling around him like stale baked goods.

Southerner Quentin Darby wishes he could stop wearing women’s clothes. He desperately wants to live up to the glowing opinion his grandmother holds of him, so he’s never even told her he’s gay. And now there’s this guy from the party who makes him wish he could just be who he is—a man who likes women’s clothing, loves to bake, and thinks everything’s better with cupcakes. Until a man with an axe to grind decides the time to grind it is now…

Product Link:  http://www.amazon.com/Hearts-and-Flour-ebook/dp/B00B8UBC8A

Reviewer:   Tams

Review:  Micah Truveen’s life is just about perfect.  The openly gay, devoted vegan runs a successful raw food restaurant, teaches classes on how to prepare raw food and has the best boyfriend a guy could want.  Or so he thinks.  First he catches his supposed vegan customer’s eating cupcakes, and then he walks in on his boyfriend with another guy. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Quentin Darby leads a double life.  By day he takes care of his grandmother and together they make the cupcakes that have Micah seething; by night he’s the cross dressing Queen.  While Quentin is a closeted gay, trying to keep up appearances with his grandmother, Queen waves her freak flag, proudly!  In her skimpy red dress, sky-high stilettos and sexy undies that drive Micah crazy and make him see double.

Micah spots Queen at a friend’s Anti-Valentine’s day party and he’s instantly enamored with her… him.  It doesn’t take long for Micah to figure out Queen is a guy, and it takes even less time before these two are trying to devour each other!  When Micah finally learns that Quentin is the infamous cupcake baker, is the relationship doomed before it even starts?

All along the way Lain gives us not only some knock your socks off romps in white sheets, but she also touches on hatred, bigotry, blackmailing and stupidity.  When Micah finally figures out he’s no better than everyone else by being completely closed-minded about the cupcake issue with Quentin, will it be too late for him to have a second shot at happiness with him?

Laure by T.D. McKinney & Terry Wylis

med_LaureTitle: Laure

Author: T. D. McKinney & Terry Wylis

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Extended Novel (per Amber Allure)

Publisher: Amber Allure (January 13th, 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts – OMG

Blurb: It was everything college graduate Joshua Huggins could have dreamed and more. A new job on a big Southern estate named Laure, a generous salary, and the perfect boss, Adrien Brette, a scion of deep-rooted Mobile society, older, stunningly handsome, and just a little mysterious. But the mystery may be darker than Joshua imagined. Something ominous is stalking Laure. Adrien lives in seclusion, and his sister hides under the care of a strange nurse. Even Adrien’s aunt and her boyfriend are strangely protective.

Despite all the barriers Adrien puts up, he’s still the most compelling man Joshua has ever met, and the younger man can’t help following his heart. Even though Adrien can’t return his love. Even though the truth of Adrien’s wife’s death could destroy everyone at Laure.

Now, Joshua must choose between sacrificing the honor and naïveté Adrien so adores, or losing everything he’s come to love. Among the Spanish moss and azalea blossoms of Laure, the past is never dead…

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

Reviewer:   Sage

Review: McKinney and Wylis’s latest release, Laure, is a modern gothic contemporary. They twist the traditional gothic tidbits of naïve heroine, brooding hero and magnificent estate in their own unique fashion to craft a wonderfully contemporary gothic gay romance.

Our narrator, Joshua Huggins, begins the book an all but broke new college graduate seeking his first real job as a personal assistant. He’s overwhelmed not only by where the meeting is, but the man himself. Despite his nerves, or perhaps because of them, Joshua opens up to Adrien in ways that leave him wondering later if he blew his chance. Instead, he won the job and moves out to Adrien’s estate, a Greek Revival plantation house and its surviving grounds which is the Laure of the title. There he meets the expected cast of characters in the forbidding nurse, the slightly crazy sister, and the close-knit relatives. The story unfolds slowly as Joshua learns more about both the house and Adrian until you reach the inevitable nerve-wracking conclusion.

Because the story is told in first person by Joshua, it is difficult to go in-depth about my likes and dislikes with the story. It’s intense, there’s no other way to put it, and pulls you in completely. I wasted a whole day devouring this book because I just had to know how Joshua and Adrien’s story would conclude. Would love triumph over all or would it all crash and burn? Each character in this novel, no matter how minor, is unique. They linger in your mind long after the final page is read, but especially Joshua and Adrien. They’re enjoyment of Laure’s veranda will stay with me for a long time.

Laure is a book I cannot recommend enough. And, when you realize I hate first person stories with a passion, that’s really saying something indeed. If you love classic Gothic romances in the vein of Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca, than you’ll definitely love Laure.

Latitude Extreme by Stephanie Hecht and Jackie Nacht

latitudeTitle:  Latitude Extreme

Series:  Latitude 02

Authors:  Stephani Hecht & Jackie Nacht

Genre:   Contemporary, Adventure

Length:  Novella (85 pages)

Publisher:  eXtasy Books (January 15, 2013)

Heat Level:  Low

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts

Blurb:   Craig and his sister Lana have officially been recruited for season two of Latitude on the famous LGBTQ network. The only problem is that Lana is now going to be teaming up with her new boyfriend, former camera man Angel. So why are they contacting him to come on the show this season with no teammate? And after what happened last season, he feels a trap coming.

Luke Nolan knows that this probably isn’t the way to reunite with Craig. In fact, it’s probably a terrible mistake after the debacle of a fight they had five years ago before graduating from high school. However, after seeing him on the show last season, he knows that he hasn’t gotten over Craig. He will do anything to get him back, even go to the extreme. But will Craig listen long enough to rectify the misunderstanding that has been haunting Luke these past five years?

Product Link:  http://www.amazon.com/Latitude-Extreme-ebook/dp/B00B4XSUUO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1360588123&sr=8-1&keywords=latitude+extreme

Reviewer:   Any

Review:  An amazing race around the world.

This book was all go-go-go and I went-went-went with it—and with a smile, too. In this book, teams race against each other for clues that lead them to the million-dollar finish line. The big question pushing me through the novella: who will win?

This was a satisfying action-adventure read with a nice twist of conflict. Craig is teamed up with a guy he hated from his high-school days. They must work together not only to complete each challenge, but to overcome their past issues as well. In the first half of the book, the tension between Luke and Craig is strong and held my interest, however, I did feel it wane in the middle when Craig was very quick to forgive Luke. I would have loved to see that step taking a bit more time and emotion.

Still, the romance was enjoyable and, coupled with the race—and the other awesome team characters—this made for an enjoyable evening read.

 

Feral Dream by Talon ps

tmp_a82e1939f973093c8c004d55268bf795_ojKJ5P_html_45bb8151Title: Feral Dream

Series: N/A

Author: Talon ps

Genre: MM / MMM / Paranormal / Erotic Romance

Length: Novel

Publisher: Self-published (January 29th, 2013)

Reviewer: Thommie

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts

Blurb: Ever since their chance encounter, Talon can’t seem to get Kelon off his mind or his libido. The need and allure to the potent and powerful alpha male has got him spun around, but when his grandfather calls to tell him about a dream, the attraction Talon has with this man just got complicated.

Kelon is the Alpha Guardian at the Underground Keep, a safe haven and gathering spot for the paranormal, in the heart of New Orleans. Kelon’s no stranger to the fondness of sex, but when a human man walks in and marks his soul, he not sure what to think about it. But his Rougaroux Beast and his Wolf side have already made up their minds to make Talon their mate, the Man in Kelon just needs to find a way to make it happen without killing him.

Little did either man know the solution to their mating and a long forgotten curse came in the body of an androgynous man named Mykin.

“That’d be the sexy Kelon Thorton above— just a couple of weeks ago he had a spur encounter with an Injun man named Talon {me} and damn was it hot— now he wants more— but they both come from different worlds— will the differences be too great a jump for them to come together or will the Feral Dream they touch within bring them together in a bond no animal spirit can deny?” ~ Talon ps

Product Link: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/278869

Review: It is one of the rare times that I find a book’s title fitting its contents so much. Feral Dream is exactly that, a feral, visceral dream.

While normally I would start with the points that I loved, this time I’ll do it differently. I’ll start with the things I disliked and annoyed the hell out of me, such as the poor editing and grammar errors. I found that this book was rushed and not properly taken care of before it went to the “shelves”. Paragraphs being repeated, errors in grammar that should’ve been obvious when proofreading and some loops and leaps that could be avoided in a simple revision had me shaking my head.

In addition to the above there was “role-playing” approach. Certainly I understand it, I’ve role-played quite enough myself, but I feel that this book would gain so much more if it was worked as a novel narrated by one all-knowing author. As it was, the frequent hopping from character to character caused me the mother of all headaches.

Now that being said, I absolutely loved and adored this book. It was so multidimensional and emotional and well… feral, that had me sticking to it despite the above mentioned problems.

The story starts in our time, seemingly contemporary, and without a prologue to clue us in. It worked and it manages to draw you right in the heart of the events, even if you don’t realize it at the moment. We jump head first into a raw, carnal relationship, or the beginning of one, between two unlikely characters.

Talon is a simple man, a human, who found himself wandering through the world aimlessly until he drops in New Orleans where some instinct tells him to settle. Though being a Native American his relationship with the spiritual world and Nature is fairly close, Talon discovers that more than that exist in the world, even more so that he just stepped into it the moment he stepped foot at the Underground Keep. There he met Kelon and the attraction between the two men was of such a deep level neither can understand. The need to be with each other, the constant pull they between them seem as old as the world itself. But Kelon has a secret, one he’s afraid not only will push Talon away from him, but will be dangerous for the mortal should they continue this madness.

Just as Talon comes to terms with Kelon being a wolf, Kelon withdraws and avoids him. In Kelon’s mind they cannot mate, as his inner beast is not in control and might unwillingly kill Talon in the process of the mating.

Up until this point I had no connection whatsoever with either character. What I read was a constant rutting and carnal sex between the two men, with Kelon keeping to his human form. The intensity of their lust was there and God it was palpable, but that was it. Just as I was thinking that I would have a hard time reading an entire book with only sex scenes there came Mykin, like a Fallen Angel, and changed the scenery in the most brilliant way.

It is at this point where I understood that this is an Epic Love Story, told in the most brutal, if you will, way. After all, a love between immortals is only logical to be followed by pain, violence and blood. A Love that began in a world when love didn’t even exist, when the world was a mere baby and the deities were all about carnal pleasure, such love was bound to be envied and cursed.

Through the millennia Mykin, Kelon and Talon have been searching for each other, pair often but never all three together, as was expected in order to end the curse. Now finally the day has come to end it once and for all, for the Heart, Body and Soul to finally be together and through eternity. If only they can manage to overcome the darkness that follows them in each lifetime…

A brilliant story indeed, a sad one I might add, a story that if you give it a chance will make or break your heart. For me it was a very rewarding read. Mind you, this is not the light read that you will gaily go through, this is not the shiny bubbles romance type, it’s more the painful side of love where you really need to work and literally fight to get to. In addition to all that this book had a take on the Were-wolf existence that I truly adore. You will not find pups, and wolves to neither pet here, nor will any of the wolf’s aspects be in pace with human logic. You will read pure, unadulterated animalistic performance, so beware. The paranormal take is incredible, carnal and even brutal.

In the end this is a story that for the fans of the genre is a must read. Overcome the poor edition and dare dive in the dark world of Feral Dream.

 

The Vampire Contract by RJ Scott

16173258Title: The Vampire Contract

Series: Supernatural Bounty Hunters #1

Author: R.J. Scott

Genre: MM / Paranormal

Length: Novella (131 pages)

Publisher: Extasy Books (February 1st, 2013)

Reviewer: Thommie

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:    A vampire guilty of murder on the run from justice to prove his innocence. A werewolf sent to retrieve him with one thought – that only the guilty run.

Vampire Micah Jamieson is found guilty of killing his human husband. He runs from the execution he is facing to get home. He just has to pray he’ll reach home before supernatural law enforcement, in the shape of a Glitnir Court Retriever close in on him.

Wolf shifter and Retriever, Connor Strand easily captures Micah and he’s fully prepared to take the runaway in. But his wolf has other ideas. Something about Micah challenges Connor and his long-held beliefs.

What if Micah is actually innocent? Will Connor put to one side his own prejudices, and then risk both his life and career to keep Micah safe?

Product Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=3892

Review: Oh. I loved this book, and what a nice start it was for a series.

RJ Scott created a beautiful background for this adventure through species. Werewolves, Vampires, Fae (although the latter didn’t made an appearance in this first book), a world trapped in old traditions and royal clans along with pure-blooded arrogance. It all painted scenery that promises action and war impending, strong love fated to struggle through fights that are not easy won, and love lost leaving back pain and hurt.

The Vampire Contract focuses on Micah and Connor. Micah is a Vampire accused for the murder of his own husband by the Glintir Court, the one responsible for applying justice and law on all the paranormal species. When Micah runs away Glintir Court Retriever Connor Strand, a Werewolf, is tasked to bring him back. Connor is one of the best, however he is in for a surprise when it appears that this little Vampire is not that easy a job and to top it all his wolf gets in the way when he recognizes Micah as his mate.

Connor faces the difficulty of struggling with his emotions, with the truth that is slowly unveiled and with a whole new amount of knowledge that threatens everything he ever believed in to be true and just. The most important thing of all though is that his love for Micah is undeniable and he’s going to face that his one true mate is faced with death.

A lovely, lovely story that had many treats that truly fascinate me. Werewolves being nearly feral, instincts that were demanding but placed in a logic frame, Vampires that were charming and seductive and enticing and sexy as Hell, magic thrown in there for good measure. A chase that went wrong, a love lost never to be found, a new love rising in the middle of ashes. The relationship between Micah and Connor was almost funny, it started in the middle of them trying to kill each other and right when you think one of them is going to end up dead, heat goes up and all things go South with base instincts taking over. It was also tinged with a dramatic layer when realization hit the pair that one or both of them are facing death straight in the eye.

In the end, after a very entertaining read, this book leaves you with the distinct feeling that not only it didn’t end, but this whole adventure just begun, and honestly I can’t wait for the next installment to come out. Anticipation is a very annoying thing when you have no patience at all. So in any case I strongly recommend this for all the lovers of the paranormal genre and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.

 

 

Slayer by Pelaam

Slayer -lgTitle: Slayer

Author: Pelaam

Genre: Paranormal World (1500)

Length: Short (54pgs)

Publisher: Torquere Press (6th February 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥3½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Alexus’ role in life as a Slayer is to remove or eliminate preternatural beings as dictated by his town’s bishop, Mathias. He is deeply in love with Josiah, the town apothecary, who also creates weapons and protective garb for Alexus. When dealing with the latest supernatural threat to the town, however, Alexus quickly realizes that the real threat is something far darker and more deadly than it first appears.

When Josiah is attacked, Alexus goes after his abductors and uncovers the true evil. But in trying to save Josiah, will his own life be forfeit?

Purchase Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=96&products_id=3808

Review: Alexus is a Slayer, he eliminates evil on the command of his Bishop Mathias, but he is starting to yearn for the quite life with his lover, Josiah. Josiah is the town apothecary and is always waiting for his lover, Alexus, when he returns from a journey. But, this time there is a threat to the town and they both fall under danger. Alexus has to make life and death decisions and can only hope to defeat the evil haunting the town.

This is a great little story that shows love, danger and a solution to Alexus and Josiah’s problems. Alexus has spent most of his life working for the church. he knows that his love for Josiah would be frowned upon if he wasn’t a Slayer, but he now wants out to be with his lover, vowing that it will be his last mission he and Josiah look into the preternatural goings on around town. Josiah just wants Alexus and will have him anyway he can.  He knows that if Alexus ever gets away from the church, then they will have to leave and he is perfectly happy with that. But, first they have to face the horrors in the mist.

Alexus and Josiah are really great characters and the opening scene in the book shows us how much they love and need each other. The supporting characters are good and add a little extra and the storyline is good with an added twist. This story is one that could be expanded if Pelaam ever wish to; it has such potential and not just as a Slayer story and I am hoping that there are follow-up stories with the various characters in this book. I must admit it reminded me a lot of Van Helsing with a twist and the added bonus of hot sex.

I will recommend this to those who like old world paranormal, nasty surprises, good surprises, hot sex, abiding love and a happy ending.

 

 

Wolf Wanted by Marie Harte

{6DBF15AB-6FEE-456A-A8EE-0E079D9E45C0}Img100Title: Wolf Wanted

Series: Mark of Lycos #2

Author: Marie Harte

Genre: MM / Paranormal

Length: Novella

Publisher: Total E-Bound (January 31, 2011)

Reviewer: Thommie

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts

Blurb: Only a sacrifice can break his curse, and only the love of a maddening werewolf can satisfy his heart.

Trying to avoid an arranged marriage is easier said than done. But Anson seems to have accomplished the impossible. Now if he can put off fighting his twin to the death, he can avoid becoming alpha of his clan as well. The Wolf in the Forest hears and grants his unspoken wish, because one minute Anson’s in Alaska with his clan, and the next he’s in southern Germany surrounded by athmae—lust demons. One particular demon takes an interest in Anson, a very personal interest. Anson isn’t attracted to men, but around Liam, he can think of nothing but getting to know the demon in every way possible.

Liam cast a spell for a wolf, and Anson exceeds his expectations. He’s golden, he’s sexy, and he’s a werewolf— a unique being in the world of shifters. After a hundred years of cursed living, Liam has a chance to finally break free from the spell holding his inner wolf at bay and embrace both his wolf and demon heritage. He never planned on falling in love with Anson, or of taking the maddening werewolf to mate. But his plans for a happily-ever-after come to a screeching halt when the evil sorceress who cursed him returns. She refuses to take ‘no’ for an answer, and then she sets her sights on Anson…

Product Link: http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=1067

Review: I totally loved this paranormal world. I was completely fascinated by the Silver Wolf Clan and the Athmae world. If there weren’t some holes in the story I’d have been completely takes by this book. So I’ll venture and tell you what I loved and what I felt was lacking and let you make your own mind.

So the story follows Anson, a twenty-five years old wolf who barely reached voting aged and his uncle-Alpha of the Clan is practically forcing him to take part in the mating ritual. But, Anson is special in too many ways. He is direct descendant of Lycos, baring his star.  He also has no interest in having a mate and he has no wish in becoming an Alpha, which among others involves fighting his twin brother to death. In addition to all that, Anson is also a Werewolf, a rare species deeply respected by the rest of the shifters for their ability to combine Human and Wolf nature into one.

Anson’s only wish is to be free. Part of the pack, but with no obligation that all come from his legacy. So when forced to take part in the mating ceremony, his prayer to the Wolf in the Forest (the spirit wolf of the pack) is for that freedom, silently begging not to be mated with a she-wolf yet… Well, he should have been more specific in my opinion.

Liam is part Demon, part Wolf. After declining a sorcerer’s proposition she cursed his Wolf in eternal prison within his soul. Crippled Liam has tried for over hundred years to undo the curse. This year he cast a different spell, one that calls to the Wolf in the Forest for help, for another wolf to come to his side and help him unleash his imprisoned part. Little did he know he cast a mating spell.

While fighting his confusion of traveling through space and finding himself from Alaska in Germany, Anson has to fend off a very horny demon as well. Apparently in Liam’s world, intimate relationships between males is a pretty normal one. As are orgies. To top it all, this half Demon/half Wolf not only requires his help but seems too fond of him, too intimate perhaps. And what is that that he called him? Mate? That can’t be true… or can it?

Love, lust, carnal instincts. Wolves, Werewolves and Sexual Demons. Creatures mate for sex and fight, poisonous seduction and flaming love. Orgies that were not only frown upon but encouraged and part of the world. Bonds created from body fluids that were made stronger when the animal within those creatures came forth. Well, I loved it all. It was fascinating at least.

But, I didn’t get how Anson was going to help Liam in first place. The way it evolved, he was only able to do that within his ability as Liam’s mate, so the original spell Liam cast for a wolf didn’t make sense. And then there was the Queen of the Athmae who was supposed to be powerful yet she stayed well hidden when things went toward a fight. What was with that? And I’m not even going to comment on the fight with the Evil Sorceress. I had been anticipating that fight from the start and… well… it actually disappointed me. It was too fast and not nearly bloody enough to show the hundred years of fury and desperation she caused. In the end, the only feral, carnal and downright base instinctive action in the book was the sex scenes.

The end of the book was (again) too lukewarm for the intensity promised in the beginning. It left me with wanting to know more of Anson’s twin brother, and I don’t think he’s going to have a book for himself.

So bottom end, I did like the book, I loved about two-thirds of it while the last part didn’t met the expectations. Never the less I recommend it to all paranormal lovers out there. It was a fascinating take on the merging of different species.

Whiskey Dreams by Ranae Rose

whiskey_dreams_coverTitle:  Whiskey Dreams

Series:  Sleepy Hollow  01

Author:  Ranae Rose

Genre:   Fairy Tale

Length:  Novella (66 pages)

Publisher:  Self-published (May 5th, 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:  The war that won the country its independence also lost many of the men who fought to achieve it, including Brom’s lover. Years later, he still feels as if he left half of himself on the battlefield. When a new schoolmaster comes to Sleepy Hollow, a spark and a whiskey-flavored kiss ignite feelings he thought were long dead. But in order to be with John, he’ll have to let the past be the past, or risks letting it destroy his opportunity to start over. And even then, loving another man is a dangerous endeavor.

Whiskey Dreams is a historical M/M romance, and contains explicit content that is suitable for adult readers only.

Prequel to the novel Haunted Passions. Both books are stand-alone titles and can be read in any order.

Whiskey Dreams is a novella of approximately 25,000 words. Also contains an additional brief (1,500 word) excerpt from Haunted Passions.

Product Link:  http://www.amazon.com/Whiskey-Dreams-Sleepy-Hollow-ebook/dp/B0080XQWME

Reviewer:   Tam’s

Review:  Short, Sexy and Steamy! My three favorite colors! This is the prequel to Haunted Passions and introduces us to Brom, John and Katrina. It can be read as a standalone Novella, but I strongly urge that you follow it up with the more full length novel, Haunted Passions.

Brom is still recovering from the loss of his lover during the war when the Enigmatic new school teacher, John Crane, arrives in town. Brom is immediately drawn to John’s innocence, and even though he’s an educated man he has a naiveté’ about him that reel’s Brom in even further.

John hides his attraction to Brom initially until the pair shares a glass of whiskey and a passionate kiss. Then Brom slips and address’s John as his former lover while THEY are making love, quite possibly destroying any chance he had of building something with the sexy school teacher before it even begins. But loving another man is dangerous enough as it is. Even if John can get past Brom’s slip of the tongue, so to speak, can he get past the lying and sneaking around for the few stolen moments he and Brom can share?

Blending into the background we have Katrina Van Tassel, quietly planting herself into Brom’s life as well as John’s. Given the name of the town is Sleepy Hollow and the names of the characters, it’s almost immediately obvious that Rose is giving the Headless Horseman classic tale a revamp, with a heavy dose of M/M action

 

Haunted Passions by Ranae Rose

13590339Title:  Haunted Passions

Series:  Sleepy Hollow #2

Author:  Ranae Rose

Genre:   M/M/F erotica

Length:  Novel (296 pages)

Publisher:  Self-published (April 7th, 2012)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb: Losing one’s heart to another man is dangerous enough without the added threat of a supernatural terror. But that hasn’t stopped John Crane and Brom Bones from falling hard in love – with each other, and with the alluring Katrina Van Tassel. When Brom becomes engaged to Katrina, John is sure the wedding will tear him and Brom apart, and their love sparks a struggle between passion and loyalty. But Brom is determined to keep both of his lovers, and Katrina has some secret desires of her own – desires that haunt only the wildest of John’s dreams and blur the lines they’ve all been fighting not to cross. Is it possible for three people to be in love? Their passion won’t be enough to keep them together if something isn’t done about the evil that’s haunting Sleepy Hollow: a headless horseman who rides to kill  

Product Link:  http://www.amazon.com/Haunted-Passions-Sleepy-Hollow-ebook/dp/B007SGFN0Q

Reviewer:   Tams

Review:  What an exciting, page turning, sexy little twist on The Sleepy Hollow classic! I read Whiskey Dreams and was so enthralled in Brom and John’s story; I had to grab Haunted Passions immediately. I loved that Rose took this classic tale and made it her own, right down to the Headless Horseman’s motivations.

A spooky little love triangle, with a twist, all three participants are willing and able! The intimacy between characters as well as plot and story are clearly defined and captivating; Rose has a knack for attention to detail, right down to that pesky blade of grass.

In the sequel to Whiskey Dreams, Rose takes the forbidden relationship between Brom and John a step further with the addition of Katrina Van Tassel. Brom is unabashedly in love with John Crane. The sexy, if a bit naive, school teacher. He’s also in love with the equally sexy and naive Katrina Van Tassel, Sleepy Hollow’s most eligible Mistress. When Brom and Katrina announce their engagement, John is all but destroyed and despondent. In a moment of weakness, he does something unthinkable, something that sets him right into the Headless Horseman’s sight!

Not only do we get lots of page time with the force of nature that is Brom and John when these two get tangled up together, but Rose adds Katrina to the mix. Creating one of the sexiest threesomes ever written! Just as this unlikely threesome are trying to work out the kinks in their would-be “relationship”, the Horseman makes his move. When John figures out exactly what, or who he is after, he will stop at nothing to protect the people he loves.

I’d call this an Erotic tale that is sensual, intriguing, mysterious and Romantic; above all it’s a fascinating Love story. Rose reinvents this story and gives it a breath of fresh air with the love triangle and her murderous ghostly version of the Headless Horseman. Warning; there are so extremely erotic scenes between Brom and John as well as Brom, John and Katrina that were so steamy, I thought my Kindle would catch on fire!

His Undoing by Aria Grace

17164966Title:  His Undoing

Series:  N/A

Author:  Aria Grace

Genre:   M/M, Erotica, Coming of Age

Length:  Novella (112 Pages)

Publisher:  Surrendered Press (December 23, 2012)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb:   Best Selling Gay/Lesbian Erotica Author brings you…

When Mike found out he would be sharing a dorm with a former football star, he was terrified. He’d been bullied by jocks all his life for being scrawny and weak and didn’t have high expectations of how it would go. To his surprise, Brett was a great guy that was easy to get along with and seemed to enjoy his company. When Mike learned that Brett was gay, it was a shock but it also explained the threatening letters that Mike had been receiving. Was Mike really at risk because of a jealous ex? Was there even anything to be jealous of?

*** Warning: Contains graphic descriptions of gay sex ***

Product Link:  http://www.amazon.com/His-Undoing-ebook/dp/B00ASP8BMG

Reviewer:   Tams

Review:  Let’s start with Cover Love!  It is simple and sexy, and completely fits the story it’s wrapped around.  I grabbed a copy from Amazon as a free read, but I would gladly have paid good money for this book.

Mike is in his first year of college in a foreign state, away from his family and friends.  Having spent much of his young life being picked on and bullied, the scrawny more academic than athletic type, is justifiably anxious to meet his new roommate.

Brett is the typical jock, the same kind of person that had picked on and bullied him in the past.  Imagine his surprise when he meets Brett and he’s not only friendly and easy to get along with, but he’s gay.

His Undoing is the story of Brett’s hidden attraction to Mike, who is none the wiser in the beginning.  As the story progresses Mike makes friends and even grabs himself a “girlfriend”, sadly, he also becomes the unwitting victim of a stalker that results in him being brutalized as the result of a hate crime.  Brett and Maggie both are there for him through the ordeal and the aftermath and as his relationship with Maggie progresses to the next level, Mike realizes that he’s not quite as attracted to her as he thinks he should be.

Grace does a phenomenal job of squeezing a lot of content into this short story, as well as conveying Mike’s emotional journey while adding depth and realism to it.  I loved the reality of the conversation he and Brett have when Mike is telling him how he feels.  This is the first book I’ve read where one page had me saying “Awwww, they are just so damn cute!” then the next had me fanning myself from the steam radiating off the pages when Brett and Mike finally get together.

My only complaint was the way the situation was handled when they discovered who it was that had attacked Mike.  I thought there could have been a better outcome, aside from that this was a well written, coming of age, gay love story with some Fantastic guy on guy action!

All Mine by Marie Medina

All_Mine__76134.1359490488.432.648Title: All Mine

Series: Tales of the Highwaymen 3

Author: Marie Medina

Genre: MM / Fantasy

Length: Short Story

Publisher: Evernight Publishing (January 28, 2013)

Reviewer: Thommie

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts

Blurb: Theodore has already been disappointed in love twice, and he isn’t looking for any more heartache. So when the handsome Nicholas, who happens to be suffering under a curse placed by Theodore’s mischievous godmother, informs Theodore that his love is the only cure, Theodore refuses to believe it. But Nicholas knows from their very first kiss that Theodore is the man for him. He isn’t going to give up until he convinces Theodore their love is what they’ve both spent years longing for.

Product Link: http://www.evernightpublishing.com/all-mine-by-marie-medina/

Review: A nice short story All Mine follows Theodore and Nicholas. Well mostly Nicholas’ desperate attempts to convince Theodore that they are meant to be together.

Quite a funny read actually, in the middle of a kingdom where the men of the story remind us of Robin Hood, and sorceresses curse handsome young men out of spite, curses that only true love can break.

I liked it, a lot. Theodore has to overcome his fear, after all he has lost love twice, and now an arrogant, gorgeous young man tells him he will fall in love with him. Theodore tries to make sense of the situation and feels once again as if he has no choice in his life. Like everything is slipping out of his control. But, truth is, Nicholas is irresistible and as much as he tries Theodore cannot escape fate…or love.

So, if you love a nice fairytale, with lots of love and a bit of romance this is a nice quick read for you.