Blurb: Billy Lawson is jealous. Every day he watches his boss, Cole, and his boss’s lover, Jonah, prove again and again how deeply in love they are. Billy’s never had a real relationship, and he didn’t believe true love existed until Cole proved otherwise. Now, he longs for what Cole and Jonah have.
When he meets Levi, a scared, wounded shifter who needs his help, he ignores the chemistry that flares between them, thinking he’d be taking advantage of Levi at a vulnerable time in his life. Before Levi can convince Billy they were made for each other, his past catches up to him, and both men must fight for a chance at love.
Review: Billy is forced to go on a vacation by his boss, a wolf shifter. Billy’s been content to just have random sex, but now watching Cole and Jonah, he wants more.
Levi is a scared young boy, lost and alone on the streets, and on the run. Though looks can be deceiving; he is also a mountain lion.
I think the story is pretty good, though I didn’t initially realize this is a second book in a series, and was lost for a chapter or so. Eventually the backstory was filled in, sometimes in big chunks almost like dropping back and reading another book. I also find it a bit hard to believe how the shifters all live together: like Jonah being a horse, and his lover being a wolf, then bring in poor, sad, young Levi as a mountain lion to work and live on the. But, this is fiction after all, and when you set that aside and don’t overthink these things, the story is sweet and loving. I am always a sucker for hard-fought true love, so I like that the seemingly meeker Levi is more dominant in private with the more controlled Billy. I will be getting the first, and look forward to the third!
I recommend this to anyone liking unusual shifters like horses and mountain lions, or werewolves, mystery, and hot mansex.
Blurb: Robert Westfall’s life is falling apart—everywhere but in math class. That’s the one place where problems always have a solution. But in the world beyond high school, his father is terminally ill, his mother is squabbling with his interfering aunts, his boyfriend is unsupportive, and the career path that’s been planned for him feels less appealing by the day.
Robert’s math teacher, Andrew McNelin, watches his best student floundering, concerned but wary of crossing the line between professional and personal. Gradually, Andrew becomes Robert’s friend, then his confidante. As the year progresses, their relationship—in school and out of it—deepens and changes. And as hard as he tries to resist, Andrew knows that he and Robert are edging into territory that holds incalculable risks for both of them.
J.H. Trumble, author of the acclaimed Don’t Let Me Go, explores a controversial subject with extraordinary sensitivity and grace, creating a deeply human and honest story of love, longing, and unexpected connection.
Review: Andrew McNelin is a high school teacher. He is still quite young, only 24, a father of a two-year-old, and gay. Yes, he is gay, but he and his wife have a workable relationship.
Robert Westfall’s father has been ill for a long time and is now terminal. Robert is dealing with being a high school senior, a so-called boyfriend, and how the illness has affected him and his family.
This story deals with how each man deals with his own life struggles, and how their lives cross.
This is such a poignant, well-written story of how unfair life can be, and how people struggle with love, death, and life in general.
I fell deeply in love with both characters, and cheered and cried through the entire story. I can’t think of a thing I didn’t like, and unlike most stories I didn’t want to smack any of the characters. Well, only the two main characters. I’d like to have smacked all of Robert’s family on his father’s side, and a couple of the student’s on both men’s sides.
I highly recommend this to anyone that likes a longer story with well-written, believable characters, strife, the struggle to find and keep love, and just an all-around good story!
Blurb: Out jock Tommy Johnson and former bully Jason Strummer have settled into a surprisingly comfortable routine. They’re even planning a special camping trip for just the two of them for their one-month anniversary. Tommy doesn’t think things can get any better—until Jason’s past catches up to them.
Jason’s stepdad will stop at nothing to put Jason back in his place. As Jason spins out of control, Tommy tries desperately to hold the edges of their world together. But the pressure of dealing with Jason’s increasingly erratic behavior and keeping a growing number of secrets under wraps may prove too much for Tommy to handle.
Then Jason blows it and their comfy world falls apart. When he finally texts Tommy for help, they both learn some secrets aren’t worth keeping.
Review: This book is part of a series and must be read in order. Tommy and Jason are coming up to their one-month anniversary and they have plans to celebrate. But, Jason reacts badly when his step-father confronts him. As Jason reacts to his pain, Tommy is left to pick up the pieces and trying to be supportive, but just how much of a burden can a seventeen year old take?
This story continues with Tommy and Jason’s relationship from Heartless. We see how the two boys are handling their relationship and the horrors of Jason’s past. Things are going well between Tommy and Jason and they are planning some alone time for their one-month anniversary, but Jonathan (Jason’s step-father) wants Jason back and it sends Jason on a course of self-destruction that Tommy is desperate to contain and stop. The burden becomes too much when Jason turns to Tommy and Tommy feels used and just when they begin to get back on an even keel Tommy has no choice, but to tell the adults what has been happening.
J. Roman has yet again written a story that tries to rip your heart out. She has written a story that gives us the hardships that these two young adults are facing, the pressure they are under and the heartache that they suffer. This story is all from Tommy’s point of view, so we see the true pressure he is under as he tries desperately to be the rock that his boyfriend needs; to keep a devastating secret that is destroying the one he loves and trying to corral his boyfriend before he self-destructs. Jason acts out, driving the ones who want to help and support him away, refusing the help he needs and he ends up placing himself back in the way of danger.
I have to recommend that everyone reads this book; it is filled with anguish, angst, fear, heartbreak, love, and hope. It has two young adults who are trying to deal with a secret that would bring adults to their knees, but it also shows that it is better to place a secret that devastating into the hands of the ones who can do the most good.
Blurb:Can Jordan stop Tyler’s life from spinning out of control and save their love for one another, or will tragedy tear them apart?
Tyler Curtis is a rock star with a notorious reputation as legendary as his awesome talent, but reality is far different to the myth a controlling manager has built up around him. Jordan Braxton is a website designer, prefers a quiet life, and is ready to settle down with one man. A chance meeting with Curtis turns Jordan’s ordered world upside down. Can Jordan stop Tyler’s life from spinning out of control and save their love for one another, or will tragedy tear them apart?
Review: Tyler Curtis (Alec) is a huge rock star, but the man behind the icon is far from the image that is portrayed. A chance meeting in a hotel brings him the love of his life, but he is entangled in a web created by his heavy-handed manager and Alec doesn’t know which way to turn. Jordan would rather rip his tongue out than talk to Tyler Curtis, but a chance meeting shows him the man behind the image. Now Jordan wants nothing more than to protect Alec from the world, but facing the maelstrom might be too much for both men and Jordan has to become Alec’s eye in the storm.
This story is a re-released edited version of the original 2008 edition; there are some minor changes, but nothing to detract from the awesomeness of the book. So first off, hands up, I have read every edition that I could get my hands on, and yes I have read The Curtis Reincarnation numerous times… more than fifteen and less than thirty and let’s leave it at that. Zathyn Priest has created a story that gives you most things that you want (I will forgive him for the lack of bloodshed and gore, the pub scene more than makes up for it), it has angst, stress, medical issues, love, adoration, hope, devastation, vindictiveness, friendship and just deserts.
Jordan and Alec meet by chance and are both soon swept away in the flush of new love. Yes, it happens quickly, but it fits them both as characters. Alec confides the truth about his lonely existence and Jordan sweeps in to support Alec as he makes sweeping decisions that his nasty manager will not like. It’s the beginning of the reinvention of a rock star, but Alec faces so much more on a personal level when the mother who abandoned him suddenly gets in touch. Jordan is the man who picks up the pieces and proves that Alec Tyler is a man who deserves the unconditional love that he is showered with.
All the characters in this book are brilliant, they are well written and worm their way into your hearts, well except Frank (manager) and Leanne (mother), but they earn your contempt nicely. The story flows well, and there will be times where your eyes fill with tears and your breath hitches. There will be times that you smother a laugh or giggle and there are times when you sigh and ‘awww’. There are sweet moments, angsty moments, devastating moments and happy moments, there are some fumbling moments and erotic moments and some very loving moments, one of my favorite moments is during the wedding reception, it was just so horrifyingly beautiful.
This is a story not to miss, and if you haven’t already read it, then come out from under your rock and read this wonderful book. I personally will be re-reading this book until the release of the sequel The Violin Player.
Blurb: In the slave city of Spire, Ellis has been discarded. His former master, a man who was supposed to teach him and take care of him, passed away, leaving Ellis alone and in danger of being taken to the Facility. Ellis is desperate to avoid that fate. He seeks a master to take him on, guiding him into adulthood as well as a profession. Ellis has had desire stolen from him—he’s been trained to blush, to submit, to give in. He doesn’t know how to cope with William, a man who wants the real Ellis.
William is a Master, a man born in a neighbour city that does not deal in slavery. He has had bad experiences with slaves in the past, but all that changes when he rescues Harte, a young slave whose abusive master had all but destroyed him. Together, they are content in their mutual roles, not looking for anything more. But when Ellis catches the eye of Harte, and by extension, William, their relationship changes in ways for which they are unprepared.
Harte is a born submissive, a young man who lives for his role. He’s bratty but genuine. William, his master, is his entire life. Harte never expected to have room in his heart for another, but Ellis is beautiful and different and fills a place in his life that he hadn’t known was empty.
If only Ellis could learn to ask for what he desired, what he needed, then maybe William and Harte could help him. But Ellis is trapped inside himself, insecure and afraid. To stay with William, he only has to ask…but that’s the one thing Ellis cannot do…
Review: The most intense thought that burned my head the moment I reached the end of this book was “I must read this again… Now!” The very next one was of how horrific this read was. There is this constant feel of fear all through the book that doesn’t let go, even when I reached the end and there was no more, I still had this fear in me that the next page is going to bring a greater devastating event that would literally kill me reading it. How very fascinating that this author maintained that level of intensity throughout the book. Terrific!
This book is narrated entirely by Ellis point of view. Ellis is unfortunate enough to be smart. In the city of Spire that means that when he reaches the age of 16 years old he must be put for servitude until he’s twenty. And that means that his body, mind and soul no longer belong to his but his master. He is to be trained his master’s profession, he is to serve that master in any sexual way and obey his every whim. He is his property. The unfortunate event of his master’s death leaves Ellis facing the Facility, a place where slaves without a Master to claim them go. A place to avoid at all cost.
In his desperation to find an owner Ellis comes across Harte and his Master, William. Not a very conventional Master/slave relationship one might say. It seems that Harte has his Master wrapped in his little finger. It seems that Harte is a spoilt slave. But those two are perfect and content in their relationship, for that is what it looks like to Ellis, who is dumbfounded to witness how Master William truly cares for his slave. That is almost unbelievable and causes great jealousy to Ellis who wants nothing more than a master to claim him, to own him and care for him like William does.
In an attempt to help a fellow slave from facing the Facility, Harte begs his Master to sponsor Ellis and so Ellis is taken into their home. However, the wonderful environment and care he experience there has Ellis scared. Scared that he will want to be a part of that, and if he’s honest the three of them seem perfect together. But Ellis is the kind of submissive that will never ask. He is not Harte, he will not want or if he does he will never show it.
And this is how a very painful emotionally story begins. A story that follows the horrors a slave endures in the hands of cruel masters, a story that follows the attempt and often failures of those kind Masters to change the law, a story that shows that cruelty is more acceptable than love in this peculiar world.
This is a love story first and foremost. A non-conventional love story between three people who literally go through hell, pain and horrors, a love story that goes against the world itself in order to survive and bloom. I loved all three main characters here. I adored Harte, a seemingly weak person who had an incredible strong will to live and love. I loved William, an amazing Master with an iron personality that bend enough to reach the sweetest feeling and conveyed a strong desire to love and respect him. Most of all I loved Ellis. That character was supreme in his beauty. Insecure most of the time he reached an amazing level of power in the end, when he finally sorted in him what was it that he wanted and that he must take it upon himself to make those wants reality for him.
And as you probably figured out, this book being about slavery, the sexual content was a bit more than explicit. The entire plot revolves around the sexual exploit of people, people being forced for years and years to endure horrible sexual tortures. The scenes are horrible and do not shy away from the gruesomeness or the pain. Many of those scenes may make your stomach churn and cause bile rising in your throat. However there is the threesome relationship of William-Ellis-Harte that will make up for it with a beauty and a balance that might leave you panting. I found them amazingly hot. The scenes were gorgeous and the writing was perfect even if it was seen in only one POV. The dramatic flavor of finality and the loss that was feared at every corner made for some very intense scenes as well. It was a feeling that will keep you constantly on your toes and won’t let you relax at all unless you reach the end line. I loved it, every single bit of this book.
And if you are so inclined and enjoy the hard-core BDSM read you will too love this book. As I said in the beginning of this review, my very first thought when I was done was that I must re-read this book… Now!
Mark Mendelson’s life is close to perfect: he has good friends, a successful business, and a solid reputation in the jewelry industry. He fought hard to get what he has after nearly losing it all fifteen years ago, when his then boyfriend, Cole Porter, stole his designs.
When a handsome man enters Mark’s store to request a commitment ring—a design Mark made specifically for Cole—Mark wants nothing to do with him. All he can think about is his rage at Cole’s betrayal, something he thought he’d dealt with long ago. But Mark’s would-be customer, Dr. Liam Watson, returns to the shop, thinking Mark might provide some answers. For years Liam has tried to convince his cousin Jon to leave Cole, who abuses him. As the relationship between Jon and Cole disintegrates, a fragile new one forms between Liam and Mark—but Mark can’t move on until he confronts Cole once and for all.
Very fast, actually. I ate up the whole book in one enjoyable sitting and, for the most part, I was satisfied.
What really worked for me in this novella were the mystery elements and the very clear story goal that pushes the reader through to the end. It didn’t lag. The writing was sparse on description and to-the-point. For a novella, it worked.
Mark is an interesting character, and I liked learning more about his past relationship bit by bit. The deliberate suspense the author employed to keep us interested and involved in the story worked just nicely.
That being said, I feel there was so much more potential for this story—particularly in the romance department. I found Liam was difficult for me to grow attached to. He wasn’t often in scenes, and when he was, it was hard for me to like him. I just couldn’t get a good feel for him. There were also a couple of points where I wanted to shake him for just leaving after having sex without a word to Mark. Ah, no, you don’t just do that without a reason.
Also, the book ended with no clear HEA, only the hope that there might be one.
Still, I have to say I really liked that there was a lot of action in the story. I’m a fan of unanswered questions that are over-and-above the ‘will they get together or won’t they?’ It felt like there was a solid plot here. Though I would have liked if the ‘love’ had been amped up a bit for an even more satisfying ending.
Blurb:Jay and Kyle have been mated a week. A happy, love–and lust–filled week but now everything is starting to fall apart. Jay’s abusive step-father, hunters, and kidnapped shifters complicate things. Jay needs to stop his dreams becoming reality.
Jay and Kyle have been mated a week. Jay has the man and family of his dreams, but now things are going wrong. He has to face his abusive step-father, survive attacks by hunters and keep his sanity.
Are his dreams just fiction or is he coming into his destiny, becoming what he was always meant to be? With no time to figure it out, Jay and Kyle have to find and rescue kidnapped shifters and navigate their way through Alpha politics, all while doing damage control for Jay’s uncle.
Can Jay keep control of his own mind or will he let the powers that be take over and cost him the person he loves more than anything?
Review: This story is part of a series and is best read in order. Jay and Kyle are still settling into their mating when Jay starts having nightmares. But, are they just nightmares? Both Kyle and Jay face the future together, with Kyle supporting Jay when Jay goes to confront his step-father. They then discover there are hunters, missing shifters and traitors, and they also discover Jay is far more than he seems.
This is an interesting story with a couple of twists, danger and unexpected answers. Jay is still struggling with his past and although he knows that Kyle loves him, he still thinks he isn’t a true equal to the young Alpha. Kyle adores Jay and just wants to protect him. He tries to make Jay see that Jay is perfect for him, but Jay’s insecurities are riding him hard. When they begin to piece together everything that is happening, Jay begins to come into his own. But, both their lives are in danger when they discover hunters on pack land.
I have to admit that this story intrigued me with the twist of Jay’s family. Throughout the book new pieces are discovered adding to the mystery that is Jay. We are given mysterious hints as to what is happening or going to happen and we see as Jay develops and grows as a character. Both Jay and Kyle are really good characters. They are perfect together, playing off each other and complimenting each other. They are also hot together. I loved seeing Kyle and Jay becoming stronger as a couple and seeing Jay start to come into his own. But, Jay does get on your nerves a bit at times with his lack of self-worth, especially when you can see how strong he really is by his actions.
The writing isn’t as smooth as it could have been and at times it felt disjointed, but the storyline is great and all the characters are great and with some of them you wish you could have learned more about them. There are clear indications that we can look forward to more stories in this series, and I for one can’t wait to see Jay as he hits his potential, with his Alpha standing beside him loving him the way that he deserves.
I will recommend this to those who love shifters, danger, mysteries, a great storyline, hot sex, deep love and a happy for now ending.
Blurb: Dominic Novak left more than a legacy for conservation and an instinctive love for animals behind when he died.
He left a son, Aiden, who craved the instinct for animals that his father had… and a pupil, Mitchell, whose life changed after hearing Dominic Novak speak in a lecture.
Aiden is hiding, scared of people finding the real him, hiding his identity from the world.
Could working together at a placement in Khutzeymateen, a grizzly bear sanctuary in British Columbia be the making of them, or will it end up destroying Aiden?
Review: Aiden has spent most of his life in the public eye, but after the tragic death of his father he has become a mass of insecurities. Now, about to step into his father’s shoes, he wants a couple of weeks in anonymity at a bear sanctuary to have a hands on experience. Mitchell was inspired by Dominic Novak to work in the field of animal conservation, he usually teaches, but a last-minute spot has opened up at Khutzeymateen, and it is an opportunity that just might bring him love.
R.J. Scott has written a wonderful story that draws you into the world of an insecure young man, who feels like he is living in the shadow of a great man, who was also his father. Aiden had an incredible emotional trauma when he was younger; it still lingers and was then compounded by a further emotional betrayal when he was nineteen. It has left him with extreme self-esteem issues and had him building an invisible shield around himself, and isolating him from real contact. Going on the bear census is a way for him to find the man he wants to be. Mitchell loves conservation and teaching, meeting Aiden is a nice surprise. Getting to know the young man is an experience and beginning a relationship with him could be the best thing that ever happened.
The characters in this story are incredibly written. Both Aiden and Mitchell are well-developed, bringing this story to life. We join them on a journey that takes us into the heart of a bear sanctuary with beautiful details and a burgeoning love. There is much to say about this story, but no way to really explain the incredible relationship that evolves between Mitchell and Aiden, or the emotional pressure that still plagues Aiden, or the ghosts that haunt him. It’s a story that you have to read for yourself.
I recommend that everyone who loves a great story, brilliant characters, emotional pressure, low self-esteem, finding the man who can bring out the best in you and an ending that makes you smile, read this story and enjoy.
Blurb: When dream hunter Dylan Ryve spots a beautiful shapeshifter raising hell in a bar, he knows he wants the wild young man. But Travis Feris is more to Dylan than a few hot minutes outside in the snow; he’s the assassin’s ticket into the magical town of Arcada. He didn’t plan to rescue the kid, but when he found the shifter being attacked, the opportunity to play hero was too good to pass up.
Through the solitude of a long winter night, Dylan walks in Travis’s fevered dreams, learning about Arcada and the pack, and showing the shifter the man he’d been so very long ago. When morning comes, both men know their lives will be forever entwined.
From Dylan, Travis learns that he is a strong, valued member of the pack. The dreamwalker sees his own worth reflected back at him in the dark blue eyes of the wolf. Yet when Dylan has the chance to free himself from centuries of enslavement, can he betray the man he has come to love?
Review: Simply beautiful. The first book in the series, Blacque/Bleu left you wanting more and this one definitely delivered. Belinda took the time to develop an interesting plot and give the characters real personality and depth. You can see she is definitely improving her skills as a writer. I actually loved Silver/Steel more than I did Blacque/Bleu. I have been chomping at the bit for the sequel to come out and had been hoping that Lukas and Oliver, the main characters from the first book, would be in this one and they were.
Blurb: Tiernan Guaire is a Fae in exile. Forced from the Realm into the human world for the unimaginable crime of a brother’s murder, he lives by a century-old vow, to trust no one, and never to allow himself to love or be loved.
Kevin Almstead has just lost his future, to a vote of the partners at his law firm. Trying to escape for an evening, he ventures into Purgatory, the hottest all-male nightclub in Washington, D.C., where he allows himself to be seduced by a stranger with long blond hair and ice-blue eyes.
Drawn into a Soulshare bond with his intended one-night stand, Tiernan soon learns that the most ancient and evil enemy of the Fae still walks the human world, and it will stop at nothing – certainly not Kevin Almstead – to possess the magick of a Noble Fae.
Review: Tiernan was exiled from the Fae Realm 165 years ago for the unforgivable act of killing his brother. The Pattern tearing his soul in two and leaving him to roam the human Realm, only half the Fae he was. Tiernan chances upon his Soulshare completely by chance in a club and doesn’t realize it till to late. But, how can he accept his Soulshare when he can’t love? Kevin is unhappy; he has just been turned down for partner again and decides to drink his sorrows away in an impulsive act. Meeting Tiernan rocks his world more than he could ever realize, and he ends up facing his greatest fear that Tiernan will never love him.
This is an excellent Urban Fantasy story that catches you from the beginning and keeps pulling you along as more of the plot teases your interest. Tiernan committed the most horrific crime of the Fae Realm that of Kinslayer. The punishment is severe and he ends up on the human realm with only half of his soul, meeting Kevin throws him completely and he tries to run and hide in alcohol and sex. But, he is drawn back to the man who is the other half of his soul. Kevin doesn’t know what to do when he finds himself thinking and missing Tiernan after just one night with him, but he has other things to think of when he discovers something hinky going on at work. But, when Tiernan comes back, Kevin discovers things that he never dreamed of and both man and Fae get drawn into a fight for their lives.
Tiernan and Kevin are a very interesting fit, because they are basically one soul so what one lacks the other more than makes up for. But, because of that, Tiernan is in the firm belief that he will never love and Kevin has all the love for both of them. The storyline that we get pulled into is at times brutal. The thing that hunts them is nasty and evil and the stuff of nightmares, we also have the shady practices that Kevin uncovers at work and the complex relationship that Tiernan and Kevin share.
This is a very nice twist on exiled Fae and it has a lot of passionate sex between Tiernan and Kevin, an interesting baddie or two, gruesome descriptions, some violence, loads more hot sex, and a very sweet and happy ending that has a visitor who makes it clear that nothing is over yet and it is just beginning.
I have to recommend this if you love Urban Fantasy, fantasy, Fae, hot sex, great characters, horrid baddies and a very happy ending.
Blurb: Danny Marshal has always lived his life out loud, but his androgynous appearance is only a small part of who he is. One night at a frat party, Danny meets Lance Lenard, football jock and apparent straight guy. Lance is shocked when he’s immediately attracted to Danny’s feminine side. Danny is happy to be the subject of Lance’s first man-on-man experiment—until Lance begins to struggle with the fact that despite his appearance, Danny is indeed a man.
Lance’s whole life has been focused on his goal of playing in the NFL, and he knows those dreams will be smashed if anyone finds out about his little secret. Although Lance has grown to crave Danny’s touch, he’s not willing to give Danny what he’s grown to crave: a boyfriend who’s proud to love him for every flamboyant and snarky cell in his body.
Life sends Danny and Lance in different directions, each of them focused on his respective Plan A. But the best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.
Review: Danny doesn’t give a damn what anyone thinks of him. If he wants to wear makeup, high-heeled boots and dress flamboyantly, then he will; he has firm plans for what he wants from life, and that life involves the theatre and NOT a jock who seems to have a kink for feminine men. Lance has his own life plans, the NFL, but his attraction to Danny is confusing him, being gay would ruin all his hopes. Their plans and needs rip them apart… but what happens when Plan A doesn’t go according to plan?
This is quite a good story of a straight jock and a gay theatre student becoming involved, but their plans and dreams stopping them from taking it further. Danny is a great character who lives life to the full. Meeting Lance throws him though, because there is just something about the man who has snagged Danny’s attention. Lance is a character that we don’t get to know quite as well because everything we learn about him is from Danny’s POV, and that view is slightly tainted by Danny’s feelings. The storyline is great and plays out nicely, while the writing is smooth and well-paced, and there’s some great emotional tugging of confused feelings, angst and love.
I really did enjoy this story and watching as Danny and Lance danced around the truth between them. Both of them knew, from the beginning, that with each of their plans, there would never be a future for them. But, knowing and being able to protect their hearts are two different things, and there is only one thing that can be done. The conflict that Danny goes through will touch your heart, falling for the jock that may never be able to admit he’s gay is something he never wanted, but he won’t live in the closet or deny who he is. Their years apart haven’t changed the feelings for either of them, and after an explosive confrontation, they just might have the timing right where Plan A can turn into Plan B.
Okay, for some of you this story will be perfect just the way it is, but, and I hate to say this, I wanted Lance’s story as well, his turmoil, his confusion and his heartbreak because although it was great from Danny’s perspective, it would have been brilliant to have had Lance’s as well. This story is about two young men finding a love that interferes with their life plans, but we only get one side of that story, we see it all from only one POV and although I thought Danny was great, he wanted it all and on his terms, there was no compromise.
I will recommend this to those who love straight jocks going gay, a gay guy wanting more, conflicting plans, some angst, some hot sex and eventually a very happy ending.
Blurb: Father Esteve hires Xavi to trace the true owners of the gold found in the crypt of San Pedro-by-the-Wall, but it’s an old and tangled web. Someone has an undisclosed agenda, and a rising tide of anti-vampire reaction sweeps through Barcelona. It’s focused on Xavi and Andreas, which causes additional problems with the vampires of Renaissance. Then Xavi meets a handsome young man who isn’t all he seems, and that’s when things begin to get even more complicated…
Review:This story is part of a series and is best read in order. Xavi and Andreas have their hands full; Xavi tracing the owners of the gold and Andreas keeping the peace with the humans. it isn’t long before Xavi is dragged into a plot to discredit the vampires and he has to turn to Andreas for help.
Okay, first off, I have to hold my hands up and admit I haven’t read the other books in the Fool’s Odyssey series. no, I have not been living under a rock. I just haven’t got around to reading them *ducks head*. But, I am going to rectify that. Xavi and Andreas are an established couple, but Xavi still feels the need to push the boundaries. when it comes down to it, he no longer really has the desire to test Andreas’ control. Andreas knows that Xavi will sometimes test him and Xavi knows how Andreas will take control. Andreas also realizes that Xavi really doesn’t recognize how he really feels. During this story, Xavi does seem to evolve before your eyes, he goes from a slight brat to a more responsible vampire, resisting his urges and finally admitting to himself what Andreas truly means to him.
The storyline is good, the Renaissance is getting publicity that some of them really don’t want. there are stories appearing in the papers that are anti-vampire and Xavi hunts for the true owners of the gold that was discovered at San Pedro-by-the-Wall. The complex weave of the storyline is really good, having each string entwined with each other until they come together in a pretty bow, and a twist that was very surprising. All the characters were well written and Xavi is the perfect foil for Andreas, keeping Andreas on his toes and also giving Andreas a reason to shed his hard shell.
I have to recommend this to those who love vampires, a great storyline, twists and surprises, some hot sex and a brilliant happy ending.
Blurb: For Captain Harry Thompson, the command of the prison transport ship HMS Banshee is his opportunity to prove his worth, working-class origins be damned. But his criminal attraction to his upper-crust First Lieutenant Garnet Littleton, threatens to overturn all he’s ever worked for.
Lust quickly proves to be the least of his problems, however. The deadly combination of typhus, rioting convicts, and a monstrous storm destroys his prospects…and shipwrecks him and Garnet on their own private island. After months of solitary paradise, the journey back to civilization – surviving mutineers, exposure, and desertion – is the ultimate test of their feelings for each other.
These two very different men each record their story for an unfathomable future in which the tale of their love – a love punishable by death in their own time – can finally be told. Today, dear reader, it is at last safe for you to hear it all.
Review: I was expecting a bit more romance than historical content to this book. I learned a few interesting things, but I also noticed a couple of small inconsistencies. For instance, while it was punishable by death to be found having a sexual relationship with a person of the same-sex, it was done all the time among military personnel and the royal families. History glosses over it quite a bit, but if you dig deep enough, it is there to be found. Now, if you are caught, yes there is a death sentence, but on the ships for the various military Naval personnel, it was very common and most people always looked the other way and pretended it wasn’t happening, especially considering the short life spans, the time away at sea, the constant threat of war and more. If you were flagrant about it though and flaunted it, it would get you killed.
Captain Harry showed the time-honored tradition of denial and thinking something must be wrong with him, as is still the case today for a lot of people, no matter their age when they are on the cusp of coming out of the closet or admitting to themselves who they are. Through the storms, the mutiny, the prisoners, desertion, shipwrecks, disease, rescue and more, two people managed to find one another, but because of the determination to not be something sinful and criminal, things may never have happened without catastrophic interventions, which happened here in this story, more than once.
I still do not understand the reasoning behind the dramatic act outs of the brother arguments at the end of the book though. Then the sudden, oh this happened, but I will sum it up in one sentence thing? Really? That is when the story could really have taken off! That promised for something great, thrilling and exciting, but instead the book ended on just and dead-end kind of note. However, altogether, the story was a nice read, especially with all of the historical information. But next time, the romance should be fleshed out and put more action into this type of story, rather than just the great details of travel and storm. The rebellion of the prisoners could have been a really exciting extra chapter or two.
Real-life superhero Push knows that better than anyone. When the Cape Cabinet decided to boost their numbers and commissioned the release of Wrath, a former supercriminal, Push and his best friend, Scratch, got the arduous assignment of rehabilitating Wrath and showing him heroism’s ropes.
Now all three are stuck in Shove Point, Arkansas, lying in wait for one of Wrath’s evil villain ex-buddies. Between the mysterious plane crash in the center of town and the spacecraft that self-destructed, Shove Point is weird enough. Then the utterly straight Scratch suddenly professes his undying love for Push.
As the situation heats up—between him and Scratch and in Shove Point—Push decides to call in reinforcements. Giant robots stomping all over the small town do not help matters, nor does a rampaging cyborg, nor Push’s unresolved attraction to Wrath. Then they discover there’s a mole in the Real-Life Superhero association. Whatever their differences, the newly formed team must put aside their baggage and work together to prevent an even greater tragedy.
Review: This story is part of a series and must be read in order. Push, Scratch and Wrath are stuck in Shove Point trying to find an escaped supercriminal, Pranksta Gayngsta, and a wanted supervillain, Sloth, but things still aren’t going their way and having giant metal monsters and alien slime, as well as a strange pod to find means they call in help from their friends. Too many things happening in Shove Point and the experimental equipment they find, points to a mole in the Real-Life Superhero association.
This story continues from where Push Comes To Shove ended (if you ignore the epilogue). The story broadens in this installment of No More Heroes, we see Push and Scratch come to an understanding between them, they are still trying to capture Sloth and more things crawl out of the woodwork which means they call in a friend to help them. In the last book the team had aliens to deal with, well in this one they have metal monsters to contend with. We get to know more of the superheroes in the shape of Professor Trixter, Wiccan Witch and Scarlet Queen and we discover a little bit more about the main characters Scratch, Push and Wrath.
I enjoyed this story for the simple reason that it was a complex storyline, and it is looking to get even more involved and complex as time goes on. Push and Scratch and their relationship is moving forward even with Push’s doubts about Scratch’s feelings, so there is much questioning in Push’s mind, especially because Scratch is straight. We also see confusion in what the men have gotten into just by being at Shove Point, everything seems to be happening at once and there is no end to the strangeness that heads their way. Their bosses seem to be ignoring the aliens and they discover that people are being lied to, and pinning Sloth down isn’t as easy as they hoped.
The relationship between Scratch and Push begins to move forward and we see some hot scenes between them, although Push tries to hold back at first because of his fears. The storyline and plot really begins to pick up and I can honestly say I haven’t got the foggiest idea where it’s headed… I can’t wait to find out though. I have to warn readers that if you are hoping for answers, then all you will find is more questions, and doubts, *sigh* just when you think that maybe you are getting a handle on what is happening, something happens to throw you off kilter. I must admit that the epilogues to these books leaves me guessing, who are these men? What part do they have to play? And most importantly when will we find out?
I have to recommend this to those who love superheroes, great characters, metal monsters, incredible situations and a storyline that leaves you guessing.
Blurb: In a war that shook the earth, the Six gods of Nendor defeated their brother Neldin, god of evil. For the three thousand years since, Nendor and the Seven Kingdoms have known peace and prosperity.
But then a new wizard unleashes the power of Neldin. Meglar, wizard king of Zargon, uses dark magic to create an army of creatures to carry out his master’s will.
One by one, the sovereign realms fall. Soon the only wizard who can stop Meglar is Grand Master Farrell, the Prince of Haven, the hidden home of refugees. An untried wizard, Farrell carries a secret that could hold the key to defeating Meglar—or it could destroy the world.
While helping Nerti, queen of the unicorns, Farrell saves Miceral, an immortal muchari warrior the Six have chosen to be Farrell’s mate. But Farrell approaches love with caution, and before he can decide how to proceed, Meglar invades a neighboring kingdom. Farrell and Miceral find themselves in the middle of the battle. Farrell pushes himself to the limit as he and Miceral fight not only to stop Meglar but for their very survival.
Review: The Seven Kingdoms are being systematically conquered by the dark wizard king, Meglar. he won’t stop until he has them all under his rule and there is nobody powerful enough to stop him. Farrell is a young Grand Master wizard and he knows that the Gods have plans for him. he will one day have to face Meglar, but first he has to help some of the Gods’ followers.
This story is absolutely brilliant, an action-packed high fantasy that drags your imagination along on an epic journey. Farrell is the Gods’ Chosen, he knows that one day he will have to face the dark Grand Master, Melgar and is preparing for that day. When he is asked by the Gods to help a neighboring Kingdom and informed that he will meet his mate, he is determined to do as the Gods ask. Meeting Miceral in the midst of battle surprises him, but the safety of a nation comes first. This is the beginning of an adventure filled with magic, danger, negotiation and love.
I really don’t think that I am able to really do justice to this story. I have to admit that I am floundering as to get my thoughts into words…this book dragged me in and didn’t let go until the last page and even then I wanted more. The storyline is fantastic, the characters are brilliant and the action is incredible. I loved every magic filled minute. Farrell is a character that is secure in his position as a wizard and a prince, but when it comes to love is unsure and scared. Miceral knows that Farrell is the one for him and has no doubts. he has to ease Farrell’s doubts and convince him that Farrell is more than enough for him. For some people it will seem that they connected very quickly, but when it has been ordained by the Gods, well, how can you complain?
There are lots of incredible details in this story, even during the battles. they give you enough so you can picture in your mind exactly what it must look like. With some stories we can become bogged down with details, but with this story there is always just enough to fuel the imagination. Farrell and Miceral’s relationship is great. they are well-suited and are a great support for each other. when they have the joining ceremony it is a beautiful moment in the book. The interaction between all the characters is brilliant and each one is drawn into the story in their own right and they fit perfectly. There is so much I want to say about this story, but to be honest; I would ruin it because this is just one of those books that you have to read for yourself.
I have to recommend that everyone gives this book a shot, because this story is filled with everything that you could ever want from a high fantasy; magic, magical creatures, great battles, rescues, escapes, and an assortment of great characters, a brilliant storyline and an ending that leaves you wanting more.
Blurb: It isn’t true love until someone gets hurt.
Sam’s a new man. Yes, he’s still too tall, too skinny, too dorky, too gay, and has that unfortunate addiction to romance novels, but he’s wised up. His One True Love is certainly still out there, but he knows now that real life is nothing like fiction. He’s cultivated the necessary fortitude to say “no” to the next Mr. Wrong, no matter how hot, exciting, and/or erotic-novel-worthy he may be.
Until he meets Ian.
Ian’s a new man. He’s pain-free, has escaped the job he hated and the family who stifled him, and is now—possibly—ready to dip his toe into the sea of relationships. He’s going to be cautious, though, maybe start with someone who knows the score and isn’t looking for anything too complicated. Someone with experience and simple needs that largely revolve around the bedroom.
Until he meets Sam.
Sam’s convinced that Ian is no one’s Mr. Right. Ian’s sure that Sam isn’t his type. They can’t both be wrong . . . can they?
Review: In between battling off the heat and nursing my poor abs that got hurt from excessive laughter this book was a perfect hit in the romance genre for me.
I met Anne Tenino’s writing style with the first book in this series Whitetail Rock and I loved her. It was a short story but it was good. Then came The Fix and even though it was even shorter than the previous one (more like a filler) it was still good. And we meet Sam and Ian there, shortly, but if someone told me that this author would make such a good story out of them I’d laugh and wave it off. As it is, I’m the fool for this story was perfect.
Sam, as I met him, was a weird guy, too much into romance novels, too much expecting life to be like one. He was so encompassed in them I never thought he could see reality, if it hit him in the face. And that was that is somewhat true. Sam is this very tall, very skinny, very awkward guy with a load of issues trailing him. His romantic past, not so romantic, you could even say he’s been awfully used. But then again, the way he sees himself no wonder he doesn’t expect good things to ever happen to him. Yeah, sure, he dreams of mister perfect, and while I roll my eyes at that, mister perfects hits him right in the head… with a rugby ball… and his semi naked…
The moment Sam lays eyes on Ian he’s mesmerized. How could he not when Ian runs toward him half-naked, with only his shorts looking like he came down from the Highlands. Only thing missing is the damn kilt and a sword on his hand. Before Sam could think twice he asks Ian for a cup of coffee… Big, big mistake. A Demi-God like Ian would never, ever, ever go out with him… Right?
Right! Ian is anything but relationship guy. Sam is not even close to being his type and he bluntly tells him so. Better be cruel now and save the kid a heartbreak, cause Ian is far from perfect. Issues with his family have left Ian trying to find his emotional balance and in order to do that he has vowed to stop the pure sex hook-ups and try to find a guy he’d want to be in a relationship with. Not yet, but someday. But Sam? Nah, he’s so not his type.
It’s a stereotype in romance I know, and the plot is pretty much what you think in the beginning. Hot guy meets not so hot guy and falls in love despite him wanting to. That’s the general idea, but, and it’s a big but, Ms. Tenino has an Ace under her sleeve. Her ability to transform a stereotypical romance plot into a perfect, romantic, hot to the boiling point, dipped into humor that is so exquisite you almost never stop laughing your heart out the entire duration of the book, is absolutely, freaking amazing.
Her men are gorgeous and brilliant. Ian is this hard-assed, totally handsome, almost a model guy, ex-fireman with some scars on his back that make him even more sexy, who turns from a guy with emotional/commitment issues to the perfect boyfriend in an almost surreal way. And Sam? Oh God, Sam was a damn crown jewel. Never would have thought it that weird kid could be so funny in his awkwardness and that low self-esteem could be turned is such a cute waiting-to-happen disaster. I laughed with him, I felt sad with him, I felt anxious with him and hell, I felt it all with him along the best ride toward love I’ve recently read. And I’m not even approaching the steaming hot sexual experiences those two had. It’s too hot to touch or even get close. Even the role-playing scene with Ian actually wearing a kilt was perfect (I thought it’d be such a cliché, but then again I already admitted being a big fool judging before reading).
There are probably too many things I want to add in this review that are currently tangled in my brain and won’t come out, but bottom end is I truly enjoyed this book. It was interesting, entertaining and so very romantic that it made it easily in my “to read again” list. Highly recommended for the fans of the genre.
Blurb: Rubbing a toppy sub, a submissive Top and a Dom with attitude together is guaranteed to send sparks flying — but what will they ignite?
Meet Tyler Kane. Ballsy and headstrong, he’s far from being the submissive type. Francis Hollister, Dom and proud owner of a BDSM club, couldn’t agree more — and yet, as Tyler carelessly suggests a bet, Francis sees an opportunity arise and decides to take him up on it.
Soon Tyler finds himself in Francis’ club and about to be trained as a sub. When Shae, the gorgeous Top Francis has assigned to teach him, doesn’t appear to be quite as dominant as his role would lead to believe and Francis turns out to be a rather versatile Dom, Tyler sees a perfect match just waiting to be made happen. Too bad though that he’s the only one who sees it. Or maybe he isn’t?
Curious to find out what happens when you rub a submissive Top, a toppy sub and a Dom with attitude together and what exactly the sparks from that explosive combination ignite, Tyler enlists the help of Pierce, Francis’ brother, and his partner Noah, and sets out on a mission.
While Tyler’s plan seems to work out astonishingly well, it seems that there’s more than one man in the club who is pursuing a hidden agenda…
Review: I absolutely loved this book, but if I ever had trouble writing a review then this is the one. I frankly don’t know where to start, how to continue and were to finish. That is perhaps due to the fact that this is a very complicated story in its simplicity. The complication comes to the fact that there is not one couple to focus on rather than triangles and couples within couples and… Oh! Let’s start with the main hero the way I see it.
Tyler is an ordinary guy, a car salesman who is at the moment in London for work. His sex life? Pretty vanilla. That all changes when he meets Francis, a Dom if ever there was one. Somehow Tyler manages to insult Francis’s lifestyle and in return Francis tells Tyler that he wouldn’t last a day in his world. That’s all it takes and Tyler finds himself in a situation where he willingly will submit for a month…
I think in this book the most straightforward character was Tyler, he’s that plain old good guy, with a heart made of gold and a strong sense of friendship. That “I can’t stand people suffering out of stupidity” kind of guy who tries to make thing better for all the people around him. It’s easy to love this character, it’s easy to follow him around and it’s easy to understand his motives. Even the stupid decision of getting himself into sub-training when he clearly isn’t one. J
Next comes Shae, a deeply submissive guy. Shae doesn’t “play” the sub part; Shae is a sub through and through. Unfortunately, a scene gone awfully wrong left Shae shattered, taking away his trust and leaving him incapable to submit. He then is offered the role of a “service Top” at the club and ends in training Tyler on how to be a proper sub… Get the picture? The role reverse is pretty wicked in my humble opinion and the author pulled that off astonishingly well. Shae’s submissive nature collides with Tyler’s domineering nature and the results are fascinating to say at least.
Now Francis is the club owner. He’s the first Dom to train Shae. The two of them go way back and their relationship is clearly deeper than they let on. Francis has tried hard to help Shae overcome his trauma and find himself again, with no results. However, he does not let go so easily. In the story, one would think that Francis is the character that hides the most, and then you’d get confused and think that he’s pretty transparent, and then you’d go back and change your mind again…
There is one thing I can definitely say about this book. It kept me on my toes and in anticipation for the entire duration. For me this book is one of the best to show the different faces of “BDSM”. A perfect example that you cannot label anything, a thing may have lots of meanings and in the end nothing can be generalized as we are all unique and tick differently.
This book is also very, very entertaining if you’re into “BDSM”. I loved all the scenes, I loved looking at them from Tyler’s perspective, I loved looking at them from Shae’s perspective and hell, Francis point of view was thrillingly hot. Their chemistry worked so well for me. I was enchanted with how the trio worked together and I wish there was more to it, it felt it ended too soon for me. Yes, I’m insatiable.
The beauty of this novel was that it was in the end a wonderful love story, a story of friendship and of life with the most unexpected twist. Talk about hidden agendas alright and lessons to be learned. I truly believe that even if you’re not into BDSM you will like this book and if you are into it, then you’ll adore it. Definitely recommended.
Blurb: Liam loves his life as a linguist and trader on the Rownt homeworld, but he has ignored his heart and sexual needs for years. He won’t risk letting anyone come too close because he won’t risk letting anyone see his deeply submissive nature. For him, submission comes with pain. Life burned that lesson into his soul from a young age. This fear keeps him from noticing that the Rownt trader Ondry cares for him.
Ondry may not understand humans, but he recognizes a wounded soul, and his need to protect Liam is quickly outpacing his common sense. They may have laws, culture, and incompatible genitalia in their way, but Ondry knows that he can find a way to overcome all that if he can just overcome the ghosts of Liam’s past. Only then can he take possession of a man he has grown to love.
Review: This book brought such a smile on my face my cheeks still hurt. What a beautiful world Ms. Gala created here, how very fascinating. This story is located on Prarownt, the planet of a reptile-like species called Rownt. Rownt are traders at core, everything in their life is seen in pure logic and calculation in order to gain outmost profit. Their entire take on life, their beliefs and life structure is often not even conceived by human logic.
Liam job is to trade with the Rownt and learn as much as possible from them, about them. He loves his job, he adores this planet, but unfortunately his new Commanding Officer is threatening his life here. His CO’s abuse is taking its toll on him and affecting his trading. Rownt trader Ondry, one of Liam’s favorite, notices his discomfort and changes his entire attitude toward Liam. In his five years on the planet, Liam has never seen such display, never has a Rownt came too close to him and never, ever has one attempted to touch him. Confused he might have somehow unintentionally insulted Ondry, Liam’s control is fast slipping from his hands. His CO’s public confrontation and insults does nothing to help the situation and suddenly Liam find himself in the inexplicable position of being chained in Ondry’s bed.
Confusion, panic, fear and hurt claim Liam’s mind. While the Rownt tries to explain to him that Liam’s new status is to be his palteia, a new term that gives him no explanation at all, Liam only finds his mind drifting to darker places of his past. Back when he was used, abused and shattered to pieces. Burying his sexuality for years this new situation not only awakens him, but it terrifies him. His longing for a strong man who will provide safety and love and his inability to let go and trust has him nearly torn in half. The fact that human and Rownt concepts are so very different do not help at all and Ondry has to find a way to get in his mind and make Liam see life through his eyes. If only Liam would give up and trust him his sanity.
And I am not doing a good job in my attempt to tell you what this story is about. How could I, this book approach so many things. Perhaps if I were to tell you that this books focus is more toward the relationship and feelings aspects than the sexual one. After all, Rownt and Human biology are not compatible. Rownt are a species that do not use sexual intercourse for pleasure, nor intimacy. They do not display such behavior and only use sex to reproduce, the very act being somehow brutal in human eyes.
This book focuses more into D/s relationships, on how a Dom and a sub react, what they expect and what they give, seen from different perspectives. The Rownt logic that sees things human would call brute as normal and vice versa. How one’s status is scorned from some societies and adored from others. How the beauty is in the eyes of the beholder so to speak.
For me this was a lovely read. A great Science Fiction with a wonderful take on BDSM and especially on D/s. I totally loved it, it was brilliant and I strongly recommend it.
Blurb: Mourning the sudden loss of his parents in a car crash, experienced Dom Eric Broderick escapes London society and his high-pressure law firm and retreats to Glebe House in Pittlesburne, a small village in Buckinghamshire. He tours the nearby woods and the charming village, but it’s really the guesthouse’s garden he’s taken with—or, rather, the gardener.
Tom Bestwick maintains the grounds of Glebe House for his fiancée and does odd jobs around the village. With little experience outside Pittlesburne, Tom finds fulfillment through his true passions, rugby and art. He has just one unrealized desire—one the guesthouse’s new occupant would be happy to help him with.
Late one night, while walking through the garden to clear his mood, Eric spies Tom enjoying a BDSM video starring two men. Having a sub to train might just help Eric forget his troubles, but as their feelings deepen, the real world intrudes. Eric can give Tom everything, but not until Tom decides where he’s meant to be.
Review: Hot and intriguing sex, but lacking in romance.
Let me start with the hot & intriguing part:
There is a lot of sex in this book, and not too much lead up before it happens. For a moment, I saw a glimmer of an interesting conflict that could really propel this book on a more mental level (Tom is engaged to a woman), but this is treated more as a simple circumstance that, other than the occasional ‘feel-bad’ reflection, doesn’t mean anything.
If you are put off by cheating, this is not the book for you.
However, if you can get past this, and you are reading to have a little carnal pleasure—or are super curious at an insight into the BDSM lifestyle—then this book has a lot to offer. Because, yeah, the sex is hot and a little mind bending too; I often found myself frowning and cocking my head while turning the screen around as I was reading, as if that would clarify the mental images of exactly how some of this sex worked. (On occasion there were more than two good-looking men involved.)
I think this was the most fascinating part of the story for me; especially considering the author has thirty years personal experience in the BDSM lifestyle. That gave the story/sex elements more credibility. So that is a definite plus.
Now on to the lacking in romance part:
It’s not that there’s no romance in here, in a way, there is a touch of care/love that simmers through between Tom and Eric, but I felt this development grew much, much too quickly. Eric is drawn to Tom from first sight and falls in love in the blink of an eye.
I guess it suits the more erotic story line just fine, but there are glimpses of some really nice writing in the story (especially in the first part of the book) and I can see this author could possibly offer a bit more than mostly mind-bending sex in his stories. (For example, there was so much potential for conflict with Megan, her father, maybe even some of Tom’s rugby players.)
So yeah. Hot and intriguing sex, but lacking in romance.
Blurb: Since mustering out of the Marines, Gordon Fisher has been off the grid and out of money, so when a group of ecoterrorists promises him big bucks to set some mistreated animals free, Gordon agrees. Unfortunately, the animals are Wally Schumacher’s large cats, and one of them decides to take a chunk out of Gordon.
Still hurting from a breakup, Mario Laria finds Gordon and escorts him back to Dakota’s ranch at gunpoint, only to have his heartstrings tugged on when he discovers Gordon is living out of his truck.
With Dakota doctoring, Wally wanting Gordon gone for good, and Mario falling in love, Gordon hangs on for the ride. But what looms on his horizon threatens to tear apart what little hope he’s found. No one knows Gordon’s past keeps him up at night, and the military wants answers he just can’t give.
A Volatile Range is book 6 in the Stories from the Range series by Andrew Grey, yet it stands very well alone. You can get into the concept and follow it without the need to read the previous books. It follows the foreman of the Range, Mario and a new character, Gordon, with the plot being somehow full. What do I mean?
Gordon Fisher is an ex-Marine. He is a veteran of both Iraqi and Afghanistan war. The proud Marine he once were no longer exist as an ambush that took down his patrol and killed his two best friends has left him with serious post-traumatic stress. Not only has the loss of his best friends has him mourning, but there is tremendous guilt caused by the fact that he has no memory of the incident and which makes him think and believe that he must have done something wrong. Driven by his ugly feelings and shame, Gordon runs away from everything and everybody becoming vulnerable to the hands of fanatics. Some very passionate ecoterrorists approach him and convince him to infiltrate a range where the owners supposedly abuse their animals. Money being scarce, he decides to take that job and tries to get them animals free. Little did he know of the change his life would take from that one mistake.
Mario Laria is in limbo. After his lover and the man he thought would spend his life with abandons him, Mario keep wallowing in the lost relationship, keeping his hopes up that David will see how they belong together and will in the end come back to him. Day in, day out he mechanically lives and works waiting. What comes though in the middle of the night is not his ex-lover, but an ex-Marine who tries and fails freeing the wild cats from their cages. The handsome man is found wounded from one of their tigers and although they have every right in them to charge him for trespassing the man’s puppy eyes tug in Mario’s soul. Not understanding precisely why Mario offers Gordon a place to work and sleep.
Now Gordon has to face with the addition guilt of nearly putting lives and animals in danger too. He owns up to what he did and vows to himself to make it right. In between facing his past’s demons and his present’s mistake Gordon has a new challenge too, love for the wonderful foreman. And Mario, while trying to move on from his pinning over what’s lost has to stand by Gordon’s side and help him through his demons while making him see that feelings are not a bad thing once you own up to them. But, things change on all sides when David, the ex-lover, shows up, the eco-terrorists keep infiltrating more and more and Gordon’s past finally comes rushing from the hidden chambers of his memory.
This story has many fronts to deal with. You get your perfect cowboy character, nice, charming and strong, with deep feelings and a manly attitude. And, you get the Marine character, silently strong, faithful and ready to jump through heaven and hell for what’s his. Always adorable and incredibly sexy, both Mario and Gordon are two characters that will charm you and make you love them. Each one’s stories are enticing and blend with the one they try to create for them both. However, I did find this quite a short book for so many stories. The rush of information, the quick pace they took to happen and the even faster pace it took to overcome some incidents was a bit too much and it didn’t help creating a bond between characters and reader.
Another fact that somehow displeased me was that every single soul in the Range was gay. Instantly it lost the realistic illusion for me and became a mere fantasy. As much fun as it was seeing all those pairs around and interacting with each other, it was way off reality and so the story lost that edge and became more of a tale.
Bottom end though I liked the story, it was fun and enticing. The pair’s lovemaking was sexy and the heat went up a lot when Gordon took over. Caveman, as Marion called him often, indeed. And as a treat for me was one of the last scenes where there was shooting and wounding and blood and bullets involved. That was the highlight of the story action-wise for me, with Gordon’s jealousy display coming right after.
So if love western stories, Cowboys and Marines, wild cats and noble causes you will love this book. Recommended.
Title: Arresting Love
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