Month: March 2013

Catching Fireflies by K.C. Kendricks

firefliesTitle:  Catching Fireflies

Series: Follows Between the Moon and The Deep Blue Sea- though it stands alone.

Author: KC Kendricks

Genre:  MM contemporary

Length: Novella (86 pages)

Publisher:  Amber Allure Press (February 24th, 2013)

Heart: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Heat Level: Explicit

Blurb: Sequel to the Amber Allure best-seller Between the Moon and the Deep Blue Sea…

Dale Langley longs for some triple R time—rest, relaxation and rejuvenation. He accepts his cousin’s invitation to winter over on Ocracoke Island, far away from the hustle and bustle of life on the mainland. He’s always loved being a rolling stone, traveling for his job without the worry of a place to call home, but it’s time for something different. Now Dale anticipates several blissful months to learn how to be still with no demands on his time while he prepares for the next phase of his life.

Aubrey Zimmerman came to Ocracoke to attend a friend’s commitment ceremony. Never one to settle down, Aubrey’s had enough of involvements that took him from man to man without a place to call home. He needs a break—and a little solitude. Housesitting while his friend is on his honeymoon is the perfect way to clear his head and catch up on his sleep. At least it seemed that way until Dale arrived and Aubrey realized sleep is the last thing he needs.

Fate has changes in store for Dale and Aubrey, the sort neither one knew they wanted. Sometimes the more you wander the closer to home you get.

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

Reviewer: Cat

Review: This is a story about Dale that has been through a beating and robbery. He lost his job for taking off too much time recuperating.  He goes to Ocracoke Island where his family used to spend summers and is going to stay the winter with his cousin Sam to try to get his head cleared and perhaps find a new job and place to stay. There he meets Aubrey who used to live with older rich guys, basically as a kept man. He is leaving his ex and that leaves him with no job, no real skills and no home. He comes to Ocracoke to attend his friend Chad’s commitment ceremony and housesit while they are on their honeymoon.

I found this story well written, the characters all very interesting and the story hard to put down once I started. Well, I didn’t put it down, I finish in one sitting.  Both Aubrey and Dale are dealing with some heavy stuff. Aubrey keeps warning Dale not to get attached and Dale knows he shouldn’t or that Aubrey shouldn’t get attached to him, either.  The other characters were all interesting also, though not a lot was mention of them just in passing.  The first book is Chad and his partner’s story and since Chad and Aubrey are connected I am sure he is in that one, too.  This book stands perfectly on its own and I had no clue it was a sequel until the end when it told about the other book.  Of course I will be reading it too! Great story here and I can’t wait to see if there is more!

Recommendation: If you like stories of starting over, Rich men, men on the mend, hot mansex this one is really good!

Redbird Fires by Madeleine Ribbon

RedbirdFires400x600Title: Redbird Fires

Author: Madeleine Ribbon

Genre: Paranormal

Length: Novel (219pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishers (16th March 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥3 – 3 ½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Michael is a phoenix counting down until his next death and rebirth. One of his coffee shop customers is determined to set him up with her grouchy older brother, and the new relationship has unexpectedly explosive results.

Michael, immortal phoenix and coffee shop owner, is getting ready for his rebirth. Burning to death hurts like hell and he wants a little moral support. He’s hoping to enlist the help of his new boyfriend, but the relationship isn’t turning out the way Michael thought it would.

Michael’s best customer and weekly coffee-and-gossip date, Avery, takes it upon herself to make sure Michael knows he’s getting played. She also plans to hook up the handsome café owner with her brother Bren, a grouchy botany professor at the local college. When Michael’s boyfriend turns out to be a cheating asshole, Avery does everything in her power to push Michael and her brother together.

Her plan has unexpectedly explosive results.

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/redbird-fires-ebook-p-1417.html

Review: Michael is the phoenix.  An immortal being created by Ra.  his five hundred year rebirth is approaching and he wishes he had someone to help him through the scary time. When he meets Dylan, he thinks he might have found the man to help him. But, he soon learns that trusting Dylan would be a huge mistake. Michael’s coffee shop friend, Avery, wants him to meet her brother, Bren, but when they do meet, it isn’t in the greatest of circumstances.

This is an interesting paranormal story that has a fresh look at the Phoenix legend. Michael has lived for a long time, and he is preparing for another rebirth and he has met a man who he hopes will be there for him during the difficult time. Discovering the truth about his lover knocks him on his ass especially when he discovers he has inadvertently hurt a friend.  Bren is protective of his sister, Avery, and he doesn’t quite trust her new friend, Michael. Discovering the truth about Michael’s origins is shocking, but he swears to help him. As they grow closer, the sparks fly between them, but Michael’s rebirth is more explosive than either of them thought.

I found this story to be interesting with the intricate ceremony that Michael has to prepare for his rebirth and also his simple memories of historical artifacts. Michael is a pretty simple character to get to know.  He’s the phoenix who is reborn every five hundred years and he has had love in the past and always lost them to death. When he falls in love with Bren, it sparks something inside and when he confronts Ra, he demands relief for his long existence. Bren is a character that we don’t get to know all that well; we actually get to know his sister, Avery, and his mother better.  We discover he has lost a loved one before and that he is a professor and that he adores his nephew, but he does seem to fall for Michael quite quickly.

I will be honest and say although we can clearly see Michael’s attraction to Bren, it was a lot harder to see Bren’s attraction to Michael, and I believed he was only tolerating Michael for Avery’s sake… until he actually confessed to the attraction. After that, the flames between them had to be cooled down because they were that explosive together, and they shared their pasts and secrets together as they became closer. So they did convince me in the end that they were perfect for each other.

I will recommend this to those who love paranormal love stories, sacrifices, dangerous situations, taking chances, some hot sex and a happy ending.

The Astral Mage by Hurri Cosmo

TheAstralMage400x600Title: The Astral Mage

Series: The Captains of the Wolf 01

Author: Hurri Cosmo

Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy

Length: Novel (243pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publisher (16th March 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥3½-4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Until beautiful Kyrus fell into his arms, Tilbarr thought he was happy running around destroying turborus before the bad guys could get their hands on it. Clearly Kyrus trusted nobody and rightfully so, but Tilbarr was determined to change that.

Kyrus is a wanted man. He’s an Astral Mage, better known as a “Soul Giver”, a race of people who can reattach life force energy back to its source. In other words, he brings the dead back to life. For years the Confederated Authority, the governing body for planets, has been methodically hunting them down and Kyrus is as pure as they’ve seen. So it becomes a huge risk when Tilbarr, the captain of the Wolf, brings Kyrus on board his ship, and absolutely not because he was falling for the man. But it’s not long before Tilbarr realizes he just may have to give up everything in order to save Kyrus… all in all, not a bad trade off.

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/the-astral-mage-ebook-p-1414.html

Review: Kyrus has been captured and is being sold off, all because he is an Astral Mage. A person who can manipulate energy and reattach souls back to their bodies.  For years he has had to hide and run, but it looks like his luck has run out or so it seems until pirates board the ship he is kept prisoner on. Tilbarr is the captain of the spaceship Wolf.  He takes great pride in liberating certain vessels of their illegal goods.  On one such trip he comes across a young prisoner that intrigues him.  Taking him back to the Wolf is a risk, but it is a risk he takes and it has nothing to do with his attraction for the mage. When Kyrus falls into the wrong hands, Tilbarr realizes that he would do anything to save Kyrus, but has the realization come too late?

This is a really good science fiction story that has a slight twist of fantasy. Kyrus is a full-blooded Astral Mage and has to be on his guard against betrayal. Being different will lead the ConFed to him and if the ConFed get him, then he will never be free again.  Kyrus would disappear just like all the other Astral Mages before him. Meeting Tilbarr gives him a little hope that he can finally trust someone, but the danger that could follow him is too much risk.  But, when Kyrus needs Tilbarr most, the man he has fallen for is there for him. Tilbarr takes a huge risk with Kyrus as his second in command, Slydane, repeatedly tells him, but Tilbarr has never felt such an instant connection to someone before and when he thinks he has lost Kyrus forever.  He is willing to give up everything to get his man back.

I found this story to be really interesting.  Discovering a little bit about what an Astral Mage could do was fascinating and I would have loved to discover even more.  But, I don’t think even Kyrus knew all that much about it poor guy. Now Kyrus has had a really crappy life because of his abilities and never knowing who he could trust, but when he meets Tilbarr he has an instant connection to him, which I kept thinking was like a mate-bond, but a bond like that was never mentioned. Tilbarr is a really good character and although he did waffle a touch at first, he threw himself into going after Kyrus with his guns blazing, and showed his love and devotion in a reckless and terribly romantic way (well I thought it was anyway).

Well, I can honestly say that the sex between Kyrus and Tilbarr is explosive.  Although, at one point I paused and thought the timing was a bit strange, but then really I just might throw myself into it as well if I was chancing capture or death like they were. I am hoping for more about the mysterious experiments that ConFed is conducting in future books, but we will just have to see what Hurri Cosmo comes up with for Slydane.

I will recommend this to those who love science fiction/fantasy, dangerous circumstances, space explosions, really hot sex, escapes and a very happy ending.

 

Tapestry by Hallie Burton

TapestryLGTitle: Tapestry

Author: Hallie Burton

Genre: High Fantasy, Young Adult

Length: Novel Plus (276pgs)

Publisher: Harmony Ink Press (Dreamspinner Press) (15th March 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: In Ollas, anything that stirs the emotions is forbidden by the governors—especially music. So when Tallie Tarmelin, a farm boy from a lower-tier guild, is offered a scholarship for his talent in design, he keeps his head down and follows the rules. He’s terrified of breaking one of his society’s many laws and ruining his future. But feeling lost and alone in an unfamiliar city takes its toll, and Tallie accepts sympathy from a guildless social outcast even though he knows it could destroy his reputation.

Despite the rules against casual touching and fraternizing in public, Jonis Sinter offers Tallie comfort instead of denouncing him for an excessive emotional display, and they fast become friends. Secret friends, though, because Worran, the respectable son of a governor, has asked Tallie to be his partner.

When Worran’s mother learns of Tallie’s association with an outcast, she dispatches the militia. Worran sends Tallie a warning, and Tallie flees the city and civilization with Jonis. Surviving the wilds will take every ounce of perseverance they can muster, and the rediscovery of music might be their only solace— unless they recognize the love that’s growing between them.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3694

Review: Tallie is quite happy with his life. He is about to become a Journeyman in the Design Guild.  He has a Master who will guide him and he is about to accept the partnership of a wonderful man.  But, it all begins to fall down around his ears when his friendship with Jonis, a guildless Bonder, is discovered. Fleeing from the militia for breaking a secret Fundamental law, Tallie and Jonis begin a journey that will bring love and hope back to all the people of Ollas.

This story is of an incredible journey of two young men who discover that the restrictive society that they have grown up with has been stifling the spirit and the joy that can be discovered in a simple life. Tallie is a young man who has gone along with the rules set down by those before him.  But, when his friend Jonis breaks a law that they don’t even know about and the militia comes for both of them, they flee to the wilds and begin to discover what the Governors have been suppressing for three hundred years. Sharing their discovery with others is risky, but both Tallie and Jonis agree that the joy they feel must be shared and it begins a change within Ollas that can only make a better life.

This is a very in-depth story of a very repressed society, where anything that could entice emotions is banned and you could get punished for the simplest of touches. I found this story to be fascinating.  Nobody but the governors knows what the Fundamental laws are, but the breaking of a Fundamental law is severely punished, so you could break a law and not even know about it. Jonis and Tallis’s journey is incredible as they set out to survive in the wilds while dodging the militia who won’t stop hunting them, falling in love along the way and discovering the true tapestry of life.

This story is well written and the storyline is really good.  An entire society will be changed by the simple discovery by two young men. The descriptions are wonderful and at times feel spiritual, but not in a religious way, more pure and celebrating life type of way. The characters are wonderful and they pull together well. Slowly realizing that what has been hounded into them since they were young isn’t right. The characters face danger and love and they buck against a system that is draining the life out of them. They all end up on a journey of discovery, with Jonis and Tallis leading the way and having, sometimes, dangerous brushes with nature.

I have to recommend this story to those who love shaking the foundations of society, finding love, discovering joy and bringing people together, and a happy ending.

Nights in Canaan by Kendall McKenna

Nights_in_Canaan_Final_Front-651x1024Title: Nights in Canaan

Author: Kendall McKenna

Genre: Paranormal

Length: Short (65pgs)

Publisher: ManLoveRomance (15th March 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Love and hate. Good and evil. Life and death. The universe requires balance, whatever the cost. An ancient vampire rises, time after time, threatening the survival of the human race. An ancient warrior is reborn, again and again, with the singular purpose of halting the vampire’s bloody rampage. With each encounter throughout time, their passions burn and their emotions deepen. The vampire shares his body and the warrior shares his blood. When they are no longer able to cause one another harm, the lovers hesitate to fulfill their destinies. Will the ancient warrior sacrifice the whole of the human race, in exchange for eternity in the arms of the vampire he loves?

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

Review: One vampire, one warrior, destined to battle repeatedly throughout time.  Destined to meet.  Destined to love.  Destined to end in bloodshed. Each man determined to stop the other, with one it is his destiny to put an end to evil, with the other it is his wish to turn his beloved and rule the world.

Well, hmmm, ah hell. What do you do when the man you love would bring devastation to the world? For the warrior Jesse/Imad/Jayden it gets harder each time to choose and more painful. The vampire Saul/Christophe/Kareem has only one impulse, to turn as many humans as possible and try to convince his beloved to join him. Throughout the years it is a pattern that is repeated with no end in sight. Kareem returns and soon Jayden will follow, they spend a short time together before the warrior remembers his purpose and it is repeated again.

Oh hell, this is one of those stories that is a timeless love story, but very, very bittersweet. The story is set in three lifetimes, with the first two being brief flashes, while with the third we see their entire encounter. It is a doomed love; there is no way to ever see them finally being together.  But, each time they hope circumstances on Earth have changed and they can finally be together. But, each encounter leaves them both in despair as one knows his lover will kill him and one knows he has to kill his lover.

God damn you, Kendall McKenna.  it’s torture reading this story because we want them to finally get their happily ever after… it even got to the stage that I wouldn’t have cared if Earth went to hell and we all died at the hands of bloodthirsty vampires as long as Jayden and Kareem could finally break their cursed love. *Sigh* Both warrior and vampire are wonderful characters.  The warrior standing tall doing what is right for humanity, but destroying his heart in the process and the vampire shamelessly murdering and turning humans in his bid for the world knowing that his time will soon end with the return of his beloved.  But, both of them enjoying a few days of respite having hot passionate sex before the warriors memories return.

There’s no real way to tell you how bittersweet or poignant this story really is, but if you love vampires, hopeless love and hot vampire/marine sex then you have to read this story.

The Besties by Vicktor Alexander

bestiesTitle: The Besties

Series: N/A

Author: Vicktor Alexander

Genre: MM / Contemporary Romance

Length: Novelette (44 pg)

Publisher: The Rooster & The Pig Publishing (March 5th, 2013)

Reviewer: Thommie

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb: Kelly Jeter is a 30-year old virgin who suffers from an acute shyness and extreme anxiety. He lives in Manhattan and collects lighthouses. He is the quintessential nerd. He also doesn’t see how gorgeous he is, so when he meets Hawk Caliarchi, a friend of his besties, Krystal and Amy, he can’t believe the hulking Greek man wants anything to do with him. So when Hawk shows an interest in him, Kelly does the only thing he can do… he has an asthma attack and almost passes out.

Hawk finally gets Kelly to agree to a date but before these two completely opposite men can settle down into a relationship, Hawk must face his past and Kelly must face his insecurities, fears and overcome his low self-esteem. Will he be able to conquer his battles before he loses Hawk for good and will he be able to thank his besties for introducing him to the love of his life?

Product Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/the-Besties

Review: So here I am thinking “I hope to God this shorty is worth it”, since I’m not very fond of them, and finding myself dumbfounded by the hilarity and the incredible good time I had reading The Besties. I absolutely LOVED this one.

Kelly is our hero here and he is an incredible character. One you cannot fail to love immediately. He’s small, slim, gorgeous hair and appearance, but for one flaw, his low self-esteem. His birth family having disowned him in a very young age and his jerk of an ex-boyfriend having treated him awfully have left a serious case of baggage. Add to that his asthma and panic attacks whenever he meets a gorgeous man and you have a miserable Kelly, still a virgin at thirty.

As I said, you cannot help to love this character. Not only he is adorable, but he has this fantastic humor that will have you laughing with him all the time while reading his story. Speaking of, this is the story of how Kelly met Hawk (I’m drooling over him still) a gorgeous man who is the personification of Kelly’s dreams.

Kelly’s best friends, Krystal and Amy, tired of seeing him miserable and alone introduce him to Hawk and a series of hilarious to the point of tears events start happening. Not all of them are funny though, there is definitely some drama taking place, and while I mostly despise it, I found our little drama-queen quite lovable. I don’t know, the connection was pretty instant there and the whole first-time scene took me back to my own shenanigans. Emotions and events felt like I was living them myself and all this from a very short read. Loved it.

This being the first title I read from this author I’m very pleased. The narration voice was wonderful, writing itself excellent and although the author claims this to be the first romantic book he’s written I would so love to see more and then some. As for The Besties itself, strongly recommended, it’s guaranteed you’ll have a fabulous time reading it.

Two for One by T.A. Chase

twoforone_ssnax_800Title:  Two for One

Series:  N/A

Author:  T.A. Chase

Genre:  M/M, M/M/M, Gay, Polyamory, Three-Way, Firefighter, Horses, Contemporary

Length:  Short (64 pages)

Publisher:  Total-E-Bound Publishing (December 10, 2012)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb:  When Jack receives a Two for One offer at a local club, he doesn’t realize the two men would change his life.

Jack Samson moves to Sumerset to start over again. He’s looking forward to his new veterinary practice and maybe having some fun once in a while. He certainly isn’t looking to fall for two men.

Simon Wittman and Brady Vanderly have been partners for fifteen years. They love each other, but they like to play. When they pick Jack up at a local gay bar, they think they’re just looking for a night or two of fun. They end up finding so much more.

Product Link:  www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?P_ID=1883

Reviewer:  Patrick

Review:  This story between Jack, Brady and Simon is beautifully written and presented. Long-time couple, Brady and Simon, meet Jack at a local club, and lust is born that turns into something else before the night is even over. A lot of people might see a three person relationship (polyamory) as wrong, but love is love, and what gives anyone else the right to say who you can or cannot love? I love the fact that neither of the two men make Jack feel like he is a third wheel, and enable him to join them without feeling guilty, though in the beginning he feels a bit insecure. He has a hard time believing either of these two men can genuinely like him, much less allow love to bloom for them. The sex is incredibly delicious and done with taste and no jealousy. A polyamorous relationship soon evolves, and in the end they all realize it was already there from basically the moment they met. As Jack helps each of the two men weather a crisis in their professional lives, there is no doubt in anyone’s mind that this is exactly where all three men need to be; in each other’s arms for the rest of eternity, as a unit.

 

Morvea by Jennifer Wright

morvea-coverTitle: Morvea

Series: Finding Home 02

Author: Jennifer Wright

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Parallel World

Length: Super Novel (233pgs)

Publisher: Total E-Bound (11th March 2013)

Heat: Moderate

Heart:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Keddrick has denied claiming his mate for four years, separating them by worlds just to keep the man he loves safe…from him. Can he resist temptation when his love lands on his doorstep in need of help?

Eli has lusted after Keddrick from the moment the vampire stepped through the portal and into Earth. He had desperately wanted to go with Keddrick when the man returned to Pavarus, but it wasn’t allowed—not to mention Eli was under the impression that Keddrick was straight. Four years later his wish has come true, but not in the way he wanted. Barely escaping death by the hands of Wayland, head of the human council on Earth, Eli flees to Pavarus in search of help. The line of events that get him there release a hidden secret deep inside of him he never knew existed, and would soon change his life forever.

Keddrick’s restraint towards Eli is being seriously tested, and every day Eli stays with him at the coven, the harder it gets. He wants to keep his distance, but at the same time he wants to do everything he can to please Eli. Yet as time goes on, he feels his resolve slowly crumble, his love for the man too strong to ignore. When Keddrick finds out about Wayland’s threat on his and Eli’s life, he is determined to stop the madman anyway he can, even if that means going against Eli’s pleas for him not to.

Through blood and tears, years of love and moments of betrayal, can these two men find their way through the hardships and into a life of happiness in each other’s arms?

Purchase Link: http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=2017

This title can be purchased up to 4 weeks before release with the TEB VIP account.

Review: This story is part of a series and best read in order. Eli fell in love the first second he laid eyes on Keddrick, but Keddrick was from Pavarus and only visiting for a month and anyway Eli is sure the sexy vampire is straight. After being attacked by the head of the human council, Wayland, Eli flees to Pavarus grievously injured.  He hides the truth behind the attack from Keddrick and when Keddrick discovers the truth, it drives a wedge between them. Keddrick has denied his feelings for Eli to keep Eli safe, but Eli isn’t so understanding when he finds out Keddrick is his mate.  But, first they both have to face the threat from Wayland, before they can resolve anything between them.

I strongly recommend that you all read Pavarus before this story as there are characters and storyline links to that story. Keddrick has denied his mate Eli because of a recurring nightmare and to keep him safe from the dangers of Pavarus.  When Eli appears on Pavarus, injured and near death, it shakes Keddrick to his foundations and it is harder to resist the urge to claim Eli as his mate. Eli ends up having more on his plate than he counted for, when he recovers from his wounds.  He protects Keddrick by hiding the truth, but the truth comes out and Keddrick, Remus and Zane head to Earth to put an end to the danger… expecting Eli and Wes to wait for them.

I really am enjoying this series with its parallel world and Vampires and Dragons, the simple explanation for humans and Earth and the brilliant characters that we are introduced to. In this installment it is Keddrick and Eli’s turn to come together.  With each of them trying to protect the other from danger, discovering what the other has hidden and both of them feeling betrayal. They are perfect for each other and are a good fit.  They strike sparks off each other and clash and inadvertently cause each other pain, but they are each trying to do the right thing.

The storyline is really good and I loved how it played out, Jennifer Wright doesn’t pull her punches either so watch out for Jones. I love all the characters in this series and the way they work together, with the author weaving each character in so we get to know them and want their stories.  I really can’t wait to read Zane and Larken’s story and I am hoping that Damien will get his own book.  I also really want Aliam to have some happiness, even if it is just finding peace. It was nice to see Wes and Remus and having them interacting with Keddrick and Eli without being overpowering, Ms Wright mixed them in nicely.

I will recommend this to those who love parallel worlds, vampires, a mad human bent on domination, two hot men working out their problems, danger, hot sex and a happy ending with the promise of more to come.

 

Soldier Mine by Amber Kell

soldiermine_800Title: Soldier Mine

Series: The Thresl Chronicles #1

Author: Amber Kell

Genre: MM / Science Fiction

Length: Novella

Publisher: Total E-Bound

Reviewer: Thommie

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts

Blurb: When Kreslan is attacked, little does he know the shapeshifting beast who saves him will completely change his life.

When Kreslan Piers is attacked in the cargo hold, he is rescued by a rare shape-shifting beast who transforms into the reincarnated leader of an entire planet. Will Kreslan be willing to give up his dream of being an ordinary soldier to partner with an extraordinary creature?

Vohne has been named by his human half, and the longer they’re together the more he’s remembering the details of their previous lives—lives he shared with Kreslan before watching him die. When they reach the Thresl home planet, Vohne has to break the news to his skittish mate that they not only does he belong to Vohne, but he is fated to be his other half for the rest of eternity.

Product Link: http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=2018

Review: Whoa! Damn, what a fascinating book, what an idea and an incredible world has Ms. Kell created here. I abso-freaking-lutely loved this book.

Kreslan is a low ranking soldier who is having quite some difficulties in his current task as the spoiled, brat son of an Admiral keeps pushing his limits and abusing him every chance he got. It is like that Kreslan finds himself in another difficult position, when said brat along with two other friends of his tries to beat Kreslan to pulp, and all that would have happened but for a strange creature called a Thresl.

Thresls are cat-like creatures.  They bond with humans of their choice and when that happens they change form forever assimilating a more human-friendly one, creating a pair to be truly feared. Due to the rarity of their bonds they are highly wanted and at a great price, mostly for very rich people/politicians. When one of these creatures saves Kreslan from certain death, it quickly becomes obvious that his troubles have just begun. His military career is now over and Kreslan has to wrap his mind over the fact that he’ll never become a captain in a ship and have a normal life, a husband and well, whatever he has ever dreamed before is now over. He is now the mate of a Thresl who appears to be bigger and stronger than the others of his kind.

What Kreslan never imagined though is that the Thresl he is now bonded with is the very King of the all Thresls and he therefore he is the King-Mate. A very powerful position to be and an even more dangerous one, as many are willing not only to capture the King for their own agendas, but many want his death so they can take his place.

I can’t say how much in love I am with this book. I loved the Thresls as a species and more so Vohne, their king and Kreslan’s mate. The idea behind was that the species are in animalistic form until they bond with a human and shift to a human-like one, gain speech and can from there on evolve. The Thresl half not only shifts to his human’s needs but he also enhances and strengthens him. So we literally witness in this book how Vohne changes from a feral creature to a man who slowly loses that extreme violence and Kreslan on the other hand becomes stronger, more possessive and a bit more violent. The gradual transformation is perfectly balanced to the needs of the plot as things go more and more dangerous for this epic couple.

The background story is also very intriguing. The incarnations both Kreslan and Vohne have suffered over the millennia and the conspiracy behind the last hundred years that the King couldn’t reincarnate and claim his throne was fantastic. Personally I would’ve liked a bit more length in this book if only to allow some emotions to flow through. As it was, the entire story pace was bit too fast, too furious and left questions unanswered. It also left a serious hole in our pair’s relationship as they went from strangers to full-blown mates killing for each other in the blink of an eye, and I being I, wanted a bit more quality time for Vohne and Kreslan.

However Soldier Mine, being the first book in the series, was extremely hooking and the need to get all the rest of the books and inhale ‘em in one go is quite strong. So going on and recommending this book to you after all the above seem a bit unnecessary yet, if you love sci-fi and cat-like creatures, intelligent shifters and great action plot, there you go, this book has it all. Enjoy!

Stroke Rate by L.M. Somerton

strokerate_8003Title: Stroke Rate

Series: N/A

Author: L.M. Somerton

Genre: MM / Contemporary Romance / BDSM

Length: Novella

Publisher: Total E-Bound

Reviewer: Thommie

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb: Lucien Thorne likes to be in control, but the boy he wants to own may take some convincing.

Gorgeous but shy, Benedict Astor does his best to keep a low profile at the rowing club where he works. However, unbeknown to Benedict, he has attracted the attention of Lucien Thorne, rowing aristocracy, an Olympic medalist and a Lord.

Whilst looking for a new rowing partner, Lucien believes he has found what he needs in Ben. He pushes him to his limits on the water and it becomes clear that rowing with the pretty young man is not his only interest. Ben is attracted to Lucien but confused about his feelings. Lucien is demanding, arrogant and dominant—which Benedict responds to even though he feels he should resist.

Fighting emotions he doesn’t understand, Ben has to contend with the bullying rowing club president and a humiliating auction of promises.

Lucien recognizes Ben’s hidden submissive streak and makes his own need for control very clear. He bids for Ben’s time and then forces Ben to admit to his own desire to test the ground between them.

When the deeds to the boat club are gambled away, Lucien and Ben must work together to save it. Will their growing love survive the pressure, Ben’s uncertainty and Lucien’s desire to own him completely?

Product Link: http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?P_ID=1991

Review: Oh my, what a funny book.  I think I spend half the time reading while laughing and the other drooling over Lucien. Because, Oh. My. God. my imagination simply could not let Lucien alone after meeting him here. Lucien (sigh), tall, broad shoulders, dark hair, piercing blue eyes, domineering, an Olympic grade athlete  and a bloody damn Lord. So yes, I started drooling over this character the instant he came into view. Now add to this a very arrogant manner, possessiveness and a healthy dose of jealousy and you have a mix that makes you crazy. But I’m rushing ahead here.

First, we get to meet Ben, who is a young man of 21years and still in college. He has free membership and board on a small flat over the boathouse of a rowing club for working three hours a day. Nice deal, if it wasn’t for Seb, his boss. (I’ll come back to Seb later) Ben is quite handsome, but very, very shy. His behavior invites almost everybody around him to push him over and somehow abuse him (very disconcerting). He has this thing off wanting to make himself disappear into the shadows, failing miserably since almost everybody notices him. Lucien included.

Lucien has recently lost his rowing partner and while looking for another, guess who he thinks might be a suitable match? Yup, our little Ben. But, Ben also strikes other cords to Lucien, making him want to totally possess the young man and make him his.

This pair’s relationship starts in such a funny way it had me laughing so much at the beginning. Lucien being rude to Ben, ordering him around, pushing all his buttons, seemingly never regarding Ben’s wants and almost always humiliating him. And while all the time Ben is frustrated and wants to tell him off, his body and mostly a particular organ of his body, has a mind of its own. Hilarious. Even more hilarious is the beginning of their intimate time together, the Dom/sub thing was almost too much and Ben’s constant state of frustration was adorable.

Now I had my doubts when it came to the intimate, intimate scenes, because Ben is a virgin and their relationship since day one is a clear Dom/sub one with Lucien being quite aggressive. I literally winced on Ben’s behalf with their first time, that while being hot, it was also or looked very painful…

And there was also Seb (told you I’ll be back with him). Seb really had my jaw hanging. What on earth was up with that character? Abusive, a complete jerk and to top it all violent, nearly raping Ben. What on earth was his deal? Never really got that one. But the oddest thing is that Ben and Lucien not only didn’t do anything about his assault, but ended up helping him with the rowing club. Really? That so didn’t make sense to me. I’d rather he had rotten in jail and lost every damn thing, not have a HEA of his own. Alas, I must comply with the author’s wishes.

So even if Seb completely enraged me I loved this book. It was written in a wonderful voice, had that distinct British humor that is to die for and the entire love/action story was addictive and so very easy in the eyes. My own personal beliefs regarding love declarations had me shuddering a bit, but it’s so low on the list that it didn’t do much in my enjoyment of the story itself. I had a great night and felt my time worth spent and if you’re lovers of kinky romance I so recommend this one for you. J

A Highlander in L.A. by J.P. Bowie

{7E3C32F8-34EF-49FE-B77E-810DA59200FA}Img100Title:  A Highlander in L. A.

Series:  N/A

Author:  J. P. Bowie

Genre:   Gay MM/Time travel/Paranormal

Length:  Novella (80 pages)

Publisher: Total-E Bound

Product link: http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=1994

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:  An 18th century time travelling Scot finds the man of his dreams in present day Los Angeles.

When on duty LAPD officer, Darren Holden, is told to check out a possible dead body lying in an alleyway, he finds a man who is unconscious but very much alive. Not only alive, but gorgeous—and wearing a kilt. Darren is sure he knows the man, he just can’t remember where or when they might have met. It isn’t until that night, unable to sleep, that he realises the stranger is a man he’d been dreaming of for some time—a man who had made love to him night after night.

The Last thing Duncan MacGregor remembers is that he was home in Glen Ardor, Scotland, betrothed to Margaret Macallister as a bond between their two feuding clans.

Darren isn’t sure if Duncan is playing a game, suffering from amnesia of just plain nuts, but his attraction to Duncan outweighs his scepticism and he takes him home, determined to find the truth.

Duncan believes he was enchanted by a witch who told him his destiny was not in Scotland, nor to be married to Margaret but to have a life of love and adventure with a man—the man he had dreamt of night after night—Darren.

As much as Darren wants to believe him, his common sense warns him of the sheer impossibility of Duncan’s story. Nevertheless, the overwhelming sexual attraction both men feel for one another leads to a night of passionate lovemaking.

Even then, Darren’s logical mind refuses to accept that such a thing is possible, but when a dangerous event threatens to tear them apart, Darren must be a believer or lose Duncan forever.

Reviewer:   Pammie

Review:  This story has magic, time travel, and a sexy Scot.

As a chieftain’s son Duncan is being forced to marry a woman he doesn’t love. His friend, Fiona, regarded as a witch, creates a potion so that Duncan may fulfill his destiny. After unknowingly drinking the potion, Duncan wakes up in modern LA where he meets Darren who gets the Scot out of hospital.

Darren has been having sexy dreams for several weeks, and wishes he could meet the mysterious man of his dreams. To his shock, the John Doe he finds and takes to hospital, dressed in full Scottish costume, may just be that man.

He takes Duncan home, wanting to find out who the Highlander really is, not believing Duncan’s story about coming from 18th century Scotland. He’s stunned to hear that Duncan has dreamed of him, just as he dreamed of Duncan.

The attraction between them is irresistible, and they quickly end up in bed. The love-making is hot and sexy, just like the men themselves.

Unfortunately, Duncan isn’t the only time traveler, having inadvertently drunk from Duncan’s cup containing the potion, another man from Duncan’s time is also in LA.

Despite the love they share, Duncan’s honor demands he take Hector home, even though it will break both his and Darren’s hearts.

When Duncan awakes this time, he’s stuck up a tree, no Hector to be seen, just the pain of loss and regret in his chest for company. He spends the night where he is, determining to walk home the next day. When he does, he sees not the mountains of his Highlands’ home, but the skyscrapers of LA. The power to take him home had done just that, and Darren is his home.

I loved this time-travel, love story with a mix of magic. Darren and Duncan are hot and sexy, just like the love-making, and the ending is perfect.

I would recommend it to anyone who likes hot sex, hot guys, magic, time travel and a HEA.

Surviving Elite High: Loving James by John H. Ames

SurvivingEHSLJ23Title: Surviving Elite High: Loving James

Series: Surviving Elite High #3

Author: John H. Ames

Genre: MM / Young Adult

Length: Novella

Publisher: Ai Press (March 1st, 2013)

Reviewer: Thommie

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥3Hearts

Blurb: Surviving a normal high school is hard enough. Surviving Elite High? Close to impossible! Not until you learn the difference between love and obsession…

Sixteen year old James Gordon has it all. He’s rich, studious, and bears quite a strong resemblance to Justin Bieber. So, what’s stopping him from being a normal kid in high school? The deadly jocks. They torment anyone who’s gay or possibly closeted; even though Nick Wild Hawk, star of the football team and the love of his life, John, came out to the whole school in previous years and made being gay at Elite High just another walk of life.

However, even though the jocks have bullied James nonstop and made his life a living hell, he can’t help but fantasize about the king of the jocks, Nathan Parker. Nathan is rugged, straight and the most popular guy in school. When fate intercepts and places James and Nathan under the same roof, James’ torture really begins. And yet, through it all, James hopes that that his steadfast love for Nathan will change the jock into a lover rather than an abuser. Unless a certain hot, loyal, guy in the background can find a way to show James he is really, truly loved, and has been for a long time. Before it’s too late…

Product Link: http://ai-press.net/2013/02/25/now-available-surviving-elite-high-loving-james/

Review: Well damn, I really thought this one would be Jacob’s story, but it appears to James’ featuring Jacob toward the end. If you’ve read SEH: Senior Year then you will remember John’s tutee James. James has idolized John and even more Nick, who is his number one goal. Well not Nick himself since he’s taken, but someone like him; a jock, rugged and straight.

Unfortunately in his young and obsessed mind he makes the mistake of believing that special someone could be Nathan; Nathan who bullies and terrorizes him. In James’ mind Nathan could change for their love like Nick changed for John.

Yes, it is pretty obvious and pretty fast that James is one delusional kid and this story is beyond disconcerting on that account. James is so blind in his delusions that he almost puts himself in a very, very dangerous situation. With his father marrying Nathan’s mother, and the two boys living in the same house, James finds that the bullying he had to suffer at school gets tenfold worse in his own home, his own sanctuary. And with Nathan’s bipolar behavior James really doesn’t see the monster that is right in front of him.

Jacob on the other hand has dropped college to be a car/bike mechanic in James’ dad’s shop. And he has a silent crush on James never actually admit to it. That struck me as odd, since the Jacob we met in SEH was pretty forward when it came to claiming what he wanted. Anyway, he silently provides help and companionship for James even if the latter couldn’t really see straight and realize what’s good for him.

The story gets pretty brutal from a point on. That’s not what bothered me, but the fact that the plot leapt from one scene to another in a very quick pace. Just like the young teen that leapt from emotion to emotion, love to love in the blink of an eye. The fact that it was so much in the same tone as John & Nick’s story didn’t help. In some places you really could confuse James with John.

However the story was shocking and very intriguing and the emotions behind it even if a bit overly dramatic, still very strong. I personally would have loved more Jacob/James time, but never the less I had fun reading how wonderfully Jacob grew and matured. A wonderful addition for all the fans of SEH.

Asylum by Piper Vaughn

asylum_750x500Title: Asylum

Series: N/A

Author: Piper Vaughn

Genre: MM / Contemporary

Length: Novelette (17,000 words)

Publisher: Piping Hot Books (February 23rd, 2013)

Reviewer: Thommie

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥3.5~4Hearts

Blurb: Johnny Cairo is known as the Scaremaster. He works for Fear Asylum, his father’s traveling haunted house, and makes his living terrifying people. But Johnny has never frightened easily himself. That is, until he wakes up in the middle of the night and finds his best friend’s younger brother in his bed. Naked.

Johnny’s fought against his attraction to Brennan for years, worried that giving in to it will lead to losing the friendship he shares with Brennan’s older brother, Eddie. As much as he fights it, though, the lure of having Brennan in his bed proves too hard to resist. They start an affair that’s supposed to be no-strings-attached, but Johnny’s persistent denial of the growing feelings between them leads to a rift that might not be mendable. Then an accident at Fear Asylum nearly costs Johnny the one thing he holds dear, and he learns that while his nickname might be the Scaremaster, he knows next to nothing about real fear.

Product Link: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/288931

Review: This very quick story is perhaps a study in seduction. Loved it and mostly loved Brennan. His insistence was hilarious having poor Johnny scrambling for some semblance of sanity.

Johnny has crushing on Brennan for years, but Brennan being his best friend’s younger brother complicated things. Johnny has no intention of jeopardizing his friendship due to lust. While working on the Fear Asylum and keeping an eye on Brennan for his friend’s sake, Johnny fails to realize how much Brennan has really grown up. That is until one night he finds Brennan in his bed. So yes, Johnny is shocked and that keeps him from reacting and turning Brennan down… the first night. The second night he’s determined to do so, but Brennan kisses him and well, his brain melts and the third and the forth…

But eventually Johnny gets a grip in his sanity that seems to be escaping him lately and turns the young man down.  A bit harsh, admittedly, but the result is the same. Problem is Johnny never thought that he’d be missing Brennan this much and the very idea of losing him forever hits the target when an accident occurs and the very possibility that Brennan with leave forever knocks on the door.

The story was very sweet and sexy. As I said I loved Brennan. He was cute and persistent even when it hurt him. And Johnny, oh dear, poor guy lost his mind. It happens, of course, but reading it just brought memories and made me smile.

Problem is that it was too short of a story and left some questions behind. First off, I have no idea how old Johnny is. Brennan is twenty and calls Johnny “old man” at some point, but I’d love to have a clearer view. And the story being so short left no room for emotions to develop. Yes, the lust was almost tangible and the intensity of the guys’ lovemaking nearly there, but that desperation for me was due to a long longing and the fact that nothing was secure between them. I’d have loved if this story was a bit longer and gave us some more “quality” time with the guys.

As it was, it was sexy and fun enough and a quite enjoyable read. The writing was easy-going and I literally inhaled it. If you’re up for this kind of read I totally recommend it.

p.s.

This is definitely one of those stories I’d love a sequel to come by and give us a bit more. It’d be such a shame for Johnny and Brennan to end here.

 

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