Month: March 2013

A Shadow of Wings by Linda Gayle

67521361541708Title: A Shadow Of Wings

Series: N/A

Author: Linda Gayle

Genre: MM / Contemporary Fantasy

Length: Novel

Publisher: Linda Gayle

Reviewer: Thommie

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: 4.5 Hearts

Blurb: Thrown out on the street by his homophobic stepfather, Dylan struggles to get his life together. Years of being used and abused have left him tough and determined to make it on his own. When he sees a dog getting beaten, his protective instincts drive him to rescue her. But as the attackers turn on Dylan, out of the shadows comes a hero. One with mysterious eyes and a shy sensuality Dylan can’t resist.

Cam Coburn can’t reveal his true identity to the man he rescues. Nor can he reveal that he’s a freak among freaks, a cockatrice shifter with an unwanted gift for seeking out conflict rather than treasure. Newly independent from his mentor, Cam sees in Dylan his first chance to test the limits of his human guise. Defying every rule, Cam succumbs to Dylan’s seduction for just one night. But Cam finds he can’t let his lover go, and Dylan breaks down every barrier. For he is the one human who can gaze in a cockatrice’s eyes without fear.

Yet even as their bond deepens, danger closes in on them from all sides, and Cam’s dark secrets may save them—or lead to their destruction.

Product Link: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-ashadowofwings-1076319-140.html

Review: Oh My God!!!

Yes, I’m excited and I can’t praise this book enough to my satisfaction. Some people simply have both talent and the ability to put that talent down and swipe you away in their beautiful, gorgeous, astonishing world of imagination. And no, don’t be mistaken to think that this story is place somewhere exotic, like a different world or another planet… It’s on Earth and in our times and yes there is the Church involved. Can’t help it, I’m a sucker for hidden groups that are Church/Conspiracy related, and when you throw in the mythical creatures that are bred in secrecy to be used for the High Power and a couple of hot guys, and I’m bound to melt on your feet.

Meet Cameron; oh my God what a character. He is a Cockatrice, a mythical creature whose species nearly got extinct along with the dragons centuries ago. Now his species is being bred by a secret brotherhood in the name of the God. Cam’s true form is a bit like a cock, a bit like a snake and a bit like bat (it’s his wings). However that form is subdued by a gold chain which allows him and his species to maintain their human form. Sheltered from humanity and literally not allowed to come into contact with humans, Cam feels like something is wrong with him. He is different from his kind, he feels compassion for humans and he has a special calling that urges him to help helpless people. And like this he bumps onto Dylan.

Meet Dylan; a throwaway. He never felt loved or cared. He lived on the streets and was in the wrong relationship that used and abused him. But he’s a stubborn man and doesn’t like to give up, or lose that one thing in him he holds precious, his humanity. It is like that he throws himself in front of a boot that was aimed to a poor dog. It’s like that he got nearly beaten to a pulp. And it’s like that he meets Cam, when his knight in shining armor steps in and beats his bullies away.

Cameron should have left after that and never thought it twice. He’s not supposed to contact humans and especially without his glasses. His eyes can kill yet he’s drawn to that man like the moth toward light. Dylan can’t fight the attraction either. This shy man who won’t meet his eyes call to him in strange ways, and when he finally looks him in the eyes the warmest feeling curses through his body.

Oh my God, again and again. This book is bloody fantastic. It got me from page one, from first paragraph and didn’t let me go till it ended. What a story, what a great plot and what amazing characters. I loved, loved, loved Cameron. I loved both his forms; I loved his incredible, submissive character; I loved his need to be loved and to do whatever it took to feel that feeling. But I adored Dylan; the flawed human, what some would call a lowlife. What a brilliant idea from this author to have the hero be a shabby guy nearly in the lowest step of human form. And how fantastic it was to see him rise and shine, fight for what he felt even before he knew what the heck that was. It might have been Cameron who saved his life, but damn, it was Dylan the true knight in this fantastic story.

And saying this was also one hot story, with some very heated scenes, would be the understatement of the year. Damn it, that pair of men had chemistry all over the place and you can feel it run into you while reading it. I loved how the author made it happen between them, the before and the after. Brilliant work indeed, and if there isn’t going to be a sequel for this I’m gonna be really, really disappointed. The end was a bit rushed in my opinion and while it was satisfactory, there were some questions left behind unanswered. The whole what happened to the order, what with the new species and what with the shadowy demons…

Anyway, back to this book; you’ll love it. It has action, suspense, mythical creatures, conspiracy, hot guys and an epic love story. What more do you want?

Strongly recommended!

Only in Your Dreams by L.M. Brown

OnlyInYourDreams400x600Title: Only in Your Dreams

Series: N/A

Author: L.M. Brown

Genre: MM / Contemporary Fiction / DreamWorld

Length: Novel

Publisher: Silver Publishing (March 2, 2013)

Reviewer: Thommie

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts

Blurb: Jay Sommers has the power to control his dreams and travel into the dreaming minds of others. But can he make his dreams a reality before his nightmares come true?

Jay Sommers has always had the power to bend dreams to his will. When he reaches eighteen his powers grow and he discovers he can travel into the dreams of others. But his new ability doesn’t come without problems. Hiding his sexuality from his homophobic father during the day was hard enough, now not even the haven of his mind is safe, especially when he finds it increasingly difficult to resist the temptations of his dream lover, Cory Irwin.

Jay soon discovers that when you’re sleeping hours are as real as your waking ones; your nightmares can come true in both worlds. Can Jay make his dreams come true as well?

Product Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/only-in-your-dreams-ebook-p-1407.html?zenid=26a332a923c3d4d83b18095c08c44c99

Review: Jay has always been able to dream whatever he wanted. Literally. If he had a nightmare, then he simply imagined his monsters gone and dreamed of happier things. But, when he became eighteen years old things changed for him and his life took a turn he never would have dreamed of.

First, he meets this very sexy guy named Randall in a pub’s toilets, of all places, has his first kiss with him and God knows what more if they hadn’t been interrupted by Randall’s phone. Yes, he didn’t get his phone number and probably never see him again. But, for Jay, that kiss was his perfect birthday gift.

Then Jay gets a visit by his father in his dream world. Shocked he learns that while he was sheltered by other dream-walkers while he was a minor, now anyone with the same ability as them could invade his dreams and if stronger could trap him in there. What’s more he learns that if you get hurt or if you die in your dream, you carry than on in your reality, aka you die in the dream your dead for good…

And lastly, Jay gets a visit from a young man, vaguely familiar, but one he definitely never met before and they became friends in his dream world. Ok, a bit more than friends. Problem is his new friend, Cory, has no recollection of his waking hours and keeps intentionally vague about his life. Who is he and why is he constantly stalking Jay in his safe place when the night falls?

Ok, so when I started reading this book every word I read gave me the impression that there would be some dream-action here and you know suspense and some bad guy chasing our Jay and… well you get the picture. It is safe to say that is not the case. This is more of a bittersweet story and I don’t know how I really feel about it. The story in itself is really good and quite a bit funny in a twisted way in the beginning. But, then the sadness starts growing and growing and at some point it’s simply unbearable reading it.

And I honestly don’t know how to feel about the fact that Jay finds himself in this strange triangle between Randall and Cory, one in the sphere of reality, the other in his dreams and all linked together in such way. It was weird. However I liked it, it was very interesting and quite unique somehow. Even if the romance level was pretty low and I didn’t quite figure out how on earth Jay fell in love in the end with all that mess around, or why for that matter. It still got to be an enjoyable read and if you’re fan of the genre I recommend you give it a try. It might surprise you.

 

Deadly Shades of Gold by L.E.Harner and T.A. Webb

2940016315645_p0_v1_s260x420Title: Deadly Shades of Gold

Series: Altered States #2

Author: L.E. Harner & T.A. Webb

Genre: MM-MMM / Paranormal / Urban Fantasy

Length: Novella

Publisher: Hot Corner Press (February 20th, 2013)

Reviewer: Thommie

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb: “Wolf or vamp? Decide. It has to be now.”

Those were the last words Sam Garrett ever heard—as a human. Now on the para side of normal, the NOPD slammed the proverbial door on his career.

Travis Boudreaux knows exactly how his former partner feels—but when some doors close, the golden window of opportunity opens. Crimes against supernaturals require a new and different approach, and once the Feds show up, the Odd Squad isn’t the only law enforcement game in town.

After a revenge-seeking vampire creates deadly havoc, the new agent-in-charge is on a recruiting mission—and he’s more than ready to fight fire with fire. What do you get when you mix old friends, new enemies, and a license to kill?

Pure dynamite.

Product Link: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/287840

Review: Deadly Shades of Gold is most definitely NOT yet another vamp/were story in so many ways. It is the multi-dimensional plot that marks it as way different for me, plus the fact that it doesn’t shy away from the blood and gore. Yes, I do have something of an appeal when it comes to brutality. It suits the book just fine, though, and it made for a fascinating read.

Normally, most books have a pair of protagonists and a pretty simple action plot. Not the case here and I couldn’t be happier. If you want to stretch things, though, you could say that this book of the series is about Sam and Travis.

The story starts with the, ironic should I say, near-death and change of Sam.  ironic because Sam hates all things non-human. So much so, that it cost him his friendship with Travis when the man was bitten and changed into a vampire two years ago and tried to attack him. After having thought things through, Sam went to see him and ask for forgiveness. He never managed though, at least not as human.

It was very interesting seeing those two “men” in this story. They don’t have too much time, we don’t get to see them together a lot and therefore one might say that their relationship didn’t have space to develop.  Yet, that couldn’t be more wrong, as from the first moment those two are in the same room, and every single time afterward, the air cracks with the tension that flows between them. There is something special that marks those two, and their future, in the next book is predicted to be of high interest. I am perhaps a bit disappointed that they had so little space here or that the length of the book was so short.

Moving on, there are other characters that have an equally important role in the story. The Alpha Werewolf and his Beta, Jet, are quite amusing in a way and Danny and Clint promise a new cracking pair. But, what had my real attention was the “baddie” Henri du Champ. I think I fell in love with that guy who is not only the mastermind behind so many of our boys’ troubles but the Master Vampire of the city and I’ll admit it that is quite hot.

I could go on and give you a pretty clear idea of what to expect and how the story goes. I won’t do it this time, as I’m confident that this is one of those books you should just let go, and be swiped by the story and the very interesting plot. I must recommend though, if you haven’t already, to first read book #1 of the Altered States series, Deep Blues Goodbye. It will help you have a clearer view of the story and acclimate faster. However this can be read as a stand-alone and I bet it will mark the way of how you’re going to view paranormal stories in the future.

Strongly recommended!

 

 

The Healing of Idrys by T.N. Tarrant

The_Healing_of_Idrys400x600Title: The Healing of Idrys

Series: N/A

Author: TN Tarrant

Genre: MMM / Contemporary Romance

Length: Novel

Publisher: Silver Publishing (March 2nd, 2013)

Reviewer: Thommie

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb: Hadrian and Reilly meet over two puppies and a kitten. Now they want to include Idrys. Will they convince him it’s not a crime to be with them, or will Idrys’ family destroy any chance they have for life together?

Idrys Barber is a lonely, closeted man, whose life is completely ordered and controlled by his parents, until his sister files a complaint with the DA. Add to that, Reilly Lucas invades the dreams that plague him, along with Hadrian Merkel. Hadrian and Reilly meet over a pair of Boston Terrier puppies and a black kitten, dating each other and now they want to include Idrys, but will they convince him it’s not a crime to be together with them, or will Idrys’ further destroy any chance they have for a good life together?

Product Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/the-healing-of-idrys-ebook-p-1409.html?zenid=eb504e3430415b2aa1bd74f0cfcc7429

Review: Reilly is a lonely man. After a bad breakup he is left in a big house all alone and needing to fill his life with creatures that would love him unconditionally; he decides to adopt two dogs. What he finds in the animal shelter, though, is much more. During the process of adopting two gorgeous pups and a kitten, he falls for the flirtatious vet tech, Hadrian.

Hadrian has an instant lust experience with Reilly, but what hits him more is the image of being sandwiched between Reilly’s and Idrys’ arms. Idrys is an animal control officer that has captured Hadrian’s heart for years, but his closeted life in utterly unapproachable. As much as Hadrian fantasizes the three of them together, he knows that will not happen.

Now this story is a little bit complex in the beginning. Honestly, I couldn’t see how on earth the three men would come together the way it started. Hadrian is the over-exuberant type, Reilly is the guy that indulges him and always finds him cute, but Idrys is such a complicated character. While there is instant attraction between them all, the fact that Idrys’ past and present are horrible has everything standing by in cold wait.

It is Idrys’ life that left me with these great emotions of disbelief, anger, frustration and some more anger. This character has been abused forever from his family. His father beat him constantly for being gay, while his mother read passages from the Bible. They not only brainwashed him into believing that being gay is evil and wrong, not only made their controlling his life seem normal. They literally destroyed every chance Idrys might have to happiness. The cruelty Idrys suffered is beyond my imagination. I had trouble believing that what is described in this book could ever be real, but then again there have been cases of more horror that have occasionally seen the light, so I turned down my incredulity and kept reading.

What I read was a lovely love story between three men who cared for each other and stood strong and by each other’s side through some very ugly and disturbing events. While it took a wild turn toward drama, the plot was intoxicating in a way that I couldn’t stop reading it. I loved how the author approached Idrys’ healing. I loved how everything was considered and not rushed. If you think this is your classic ménage with hot steamy sex, than you couldn’t be more wrong. There are some very sensual scenes in the book, but what marks this story are feelings and emotions.

In the end it is a very sad story with an amazing end and a great writing if not a bit dramatic. I strongly recommend it if you like contemporary romance. Grab a box of tissues and dive in.

Enchanted by Pelaam

pelenchantedTitle: Enchanted

Author: Pelaam

Genre: Fantasy, MM, FF

Length: Novella (94pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (2nd March 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Lucien is betrothed to Evania, and his new-born sister to Evania’s brother Teige. On the day of her christening, Isabella is cursed. When she and Teige fall under the sleeping spell, whose kiss will awaken the sleeping beauties?

A re-telling of a well-known tale—with a twist.

Prince Lucien has been betrothed to Princess Evania from her birth. When his sister, Isabella, is born, she is immediately betrothed to Evania’s younger brother, Teige.

On the day of her christening, Isabella falls victim to a curse from the black witch, Caera, but instead of death, the white mage, Marged, makes the curse one where Isabella will sleep until wakened by true love’s kiss.

Despite the precautions taken, Isabella falls under Caera’s curse, as does Teige and Lucien, Evania and Dashiell are the only ones who can save them. They must defeat Caera to reach them. But whose kiss will awaken the Sleeping Beauties?

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/enchanted-ebook-p-916.html

Review: Two kingdoms hoping to come together through the betrothals of their children, and the black witch who wants revenge. Lucien was betrothed to Evania at an early age and when his sister, Isabella, is born she is betrothed to Evania’s brother Teige. On the day of Isabella’s christening the black witch, Caera, enacts her revenge but Marged, the white witch, alters the curse. When Isabella falls victim to the curse Caera ensures it will never be broken and makes Teige succumb to the curse as well. Lucien, Dashiell (Lucien’s cousin) and Evania have to fight more than just a curse as they try to rescue their family, and just how will the curse be broken?

A wonderful twist to Sleeping Beauty with some come conflict between children and parents. This is a great story of abiding love and surprising new love with the puzzle of breaking a curse and defeating a black witch. Lucien is betrothed to Evania and Teige is betrothed to Isabella. But, with the curse hovering over the families, Isabella is taken to a hidden location so Caera can’t find her and set the curse in motion. Years later when Isabella’s guardian discovers that Isabella has begun to get close to a hunter she is returned to the castle and it sets in motion a chain of events that nearly rip both families apart, even before the curse has a chance to strike.

I loved this story.  Pelaam has woven a tale that misleads and misdirects even as she tells us of great love and witches curses. Each character is enchanting and the love that we see will make your heart ache for the beauty of it.  The love-making is incredibly touching and loving and is filled with such happiness and joy that I had a slightly watery smile as I witnessed a true love coming to fruition. It isn’t easy sailing for any of the lovers and some of them face challenges that are life and death, even while they are dealing with conflict within the families. I am sure that some of you will be wondering at the label of FF, well I am here to tell you that although we do see the beginnings of a sweet love between women, we are left with the knowledge that they making love, but we don’t see it. Now the MM lovemaking is incredible and sweet and gentle and loving and just sigh worthy.

I will recommend this to those who love fairy tales with a twist, true love conquering all, incredible lovemaking, wonderful characters and a happy ending for all.

Frozen Hearts by Teegan Loy

77b1d9f2b6c7f8e0db90fc4232b95b74.image.200x300Title: Frozen Hearts

Author: Teegan Loy

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel Plus (258pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (2nd March 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating:   ♥♥♥♥♥4½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Forced to live a lie for an image, the best college hockey player in the nation is quitting the game. Can Erik make peace with his past and the boy he left behind, or will he fold under the pressure?

The best college hockey player in the nation is hanging up his skates because he’s tired of living a lie. Five years ago, Erik Fox was forced by his father to change schools in the middle of the night when his father found out about his indiscretion. Erik had a boyfriend and hockey players do not date boys.

With his college career over, Erik is determined to change his life. Can Erik make peace with the boy he left behind and find the life he wants to live, or is he going to fold under the pressure from his father and everyone else who thinks he is defined by the game of hockey.

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/frozen-hearts-ebook-p-1408.html

Review: Erik is giving up one of the things that he used to love because it no longer gives him joy and because it helped cost him the only one he has ever truly loved. Now, wanting to be honest with himself and the world, he is hanging up his skates and breaking away from his father’s control. Living life by Erik’s own rules is all that he wants now; even if he can never get back the one man he loved.  Facing his past mistakes and gaining forgiveness from Tyce is something he never thought to have, but the dangers he now faces are harsh and unfair.  Just what will he do to keep Tyce safe?

This is an excellent story of standing on your own two feet and taking control of your life, facing the challenges that are thrown at you and hopefully becoming stronger for it. Erik has just finished his college hockey career and everyone is expecting him to sign for the Pros, but he wants to live honestly and if he is honest with himself he long ago lost his joy in hockey. Walking away from hockey is just the beginning and when his first love is brought back into his life by his wonderful, but interfering sister, Arielle, Eric admits to himself that he has always wanted Tyce, but his own fears kept him away.

There is so much going on in this story that it takes your breath away with the sheer amount or stuff that Eric and his friends have to cope with; strangers turning on Eric for giving up hockey, friends and strangers turning on him for coming out and his father turning on him for everything, the threats, the assaults and the stalking.  It’s all scary stuff. When Eric and Tyce do meet up again there are a lot of regrets and recriminations that they have to get through and none of it is brushed over, and when Eric tries to protect Tyce, their friends try to make Eric realize his mistake. There are some moments when we are taken to the past, as Eric relives moments when he was truly happy, those moments when he and Tyce have their first kiss, and discover their love for each other.

There are many great characters in this story and they act like true family and friends, telling you like it is and trying to smack sense into you when you are being stupid, and Eric needs quite a bit of both. Tyce is a wonderful man who even though he was hurt in the past still opens his heart to Eric. Arielle is a great big sister and friend.  Sam, Dix and Marshy are friends that can be counted on and are true friends. I must admit there are times that you think that Eric is getting the rough end of the stick and is being blamed for things he has no true control over, you wish that someone would just hug him and tell him it will all work out.

I recommend this to those who love first loves finding each other again, of facing difficulties head on, of staying strong in the face of hatred, finding forgiveness and love and finally a happy ending.

Perfect for Me by D.H. Starr

PerfectforMe_draftTitle: Perfect for Me

Author: D.H. Starr

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (265pgs)

Publisher: ManLoveRomance (22th February 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Sean Sullivan is a principal and a happy person, but he has one major complication. HIV. Frustrated with constant rejection, Sean decides to stop dating negative men. When a student experiences a crisis and Sean meets Emery Benton, the case worker assigned from Child Protective Services, his decision is challenged.

Sparks fly the moment they meet, but Emery is negative and Sean doesn’t want the pain of another disappointment. As he struggles with his feelings for Emery, a war between the fear in his head and the fire in his heart force him to answer one simple question. Is this the perfect man for me?

Purchase Link: http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=DHSPF4ME

Review: Sean has a lot going for him, he has a great job, he has a great apartment and he is handsome.  But, finding a man is difficult, because the moment he reveals his secret they turn tail and run. When one of his student’s lands in hospital it brings Sean into contact with Emery, a caseworker for Child Protective Services, a man who refuses to run. Emery isn’t one to back down from a challenge and when his work brings him in to contact with a middle school principal he is in for one hell of a challenge, helping a young man find the support he needs and convincing Sean that he wants to be around for the long haul.

This is a really good story about the conflicts and doubts that someone with HIV can face… even when that conflict is from within. Sean has faced rejection because of his illness many times. He has just decided to only date other Positive men when Emery walks into his life.  Emery who he feels instant attraction to, but who he fears to date. Emery wants to get to know the sexy principal better and they seem to hit it off.  When he learns that Sean has HIV he doesn’t bat an eyelid, but Sean is throwing obstacles in the way and Emery finds it hard to fight Sean’s fears.

The characters in this story are brilliant; Sean is a loving and caring man who is HIV positive and is constantly being rejected by men because of it.  When he does find someone who accepts him, he finds excuses and reasons to sabotage the relationship because of his own fears. Emery is bubbly and has a great personality; he is stubborn and he will try to do the best for all the children that come to his attention, and he will also do his best to beat down Sean’s walls. Lamar is a thirteen-year old student who is going through a hard time because of his parents.  He just wants to go back home to help his mom, not really realizing the danger he could be placed in. Sonya is a foster-mother who takes care of her boys like a mother tiger, she also mothers Emery to some extent, and she is totally wonderful throughout the book.

I have to admit that at times Sean got on my nerves… he has a man who meshes with him perfectly and he kept pushing him away saying they were too different because Emery was Negative.  He was doing to Emery what other men had done to him… rejecting someone for their HIV status. I mean, yeah, you can see where he is coming from and that his fears are valid, but damn he was irritating at times. Emery is fantastic and you root for him to break down Sean’s walls.  But, the best moment in the book for me was when Sean was sat on his bed collecting his courage to make that phone call and he has an epiphany about what he truly wants and needs. The relationship between both men was wonderfully written and the fears are very real, but sometimes you have to take a chance and Sean nearly loses Emery before he can take his wholeheartedly.

I have to recommend this to those who love overcoming obstacles, breaking down walls, accepting love, protecting children, great characters and the beginning of a beautiful relationship.

Jack's Back by A.C. Katt

JacksBack_432Title: Jack’s Back

Series: Indiscreet 02

Author: A.C. Katt

Genre: D/s, Mystery

Length: Novella (117pgs)

Publisher: ManLoveRomance (15th February 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating:   ♥♥♥2½ – 3Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Jim Menetti was Reed Davis’s sub until Reed’s old flame Jack came back. Jim picks himself up and makes a life for himself apart from his job at Indiscrete. He even begins to date but then Reed changes his mind.

Jim Menetti had a life at Indiscrete, the Gay BDSM club owned by Bear Drummond and Reed Davis. His life revolves around Reed, his Master, and his position as manager of the Club. On Jim and Reed’s third anniversary, Jack Leary, Reed’s on and off flame comes back and Jim’s relationship with Reed unravels. Jim picks himself up and makes a life for himself apart from his job, he buys a home, makes it a cozy retreat and gets a cat he names Waltzing Matilda. He even has a new love interest, the mysterious Professor Caleb Brickner, an expert in the Spanish Inquisition and medieval torture. Then, Reed changes his mind.

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

Review: Jim loves his Master, Reed and is making a wonderful anniversary cake to mark their third anniversary.  But, he is scared to death, because Reed didn’t come home the night before and Jack’s back. Brian and Bear (from A Matter of Trust) help Jim to pick up the pieces of his life and start afresh.  But, just when his life is looking up and a new man walks into his life, Reed decides that he might have made a mistake.

This is a story that has a few surprises in store for us, but is disappointing if you were expecting BDSM. Jim has been Reed’s sub for three years and he thought that everything was nearly perfect between them.  But, when Jack, Reed’s ex, comes back to town Jim is dumped and slowly begins to rebuild his life.  When he meets Caleb he thinks that he just might have struck gold.  But, it isn’t long before a shadow hangs over them and Jim begins to have his doubts. Reed has a past that haunts him and he truly believes that Jack is the only one who can accept him the way he is.  But, he begins to think he has made a mistake and he realizes what he threw away when he let Jim go.

Jim is the character to watch in this story as he has a lot hidden up his sleeve and he is far from the twink we first imagine him to be. Reed is a character that you hate and then warm up to, as you learn just what in his past haunts him.  You still find it hard to forgive his treatment of the wonderful Jim, but you begin to understand what drives him. The storyline is interesting with the mysterious Caleb and his overpowering nature and Bear and Brian are wonderful friends to Jim.  The only disappointment that I truly had, was there was no BDSM or anything like that really.  It was mainly focused on Jim’s new man and on Reed’s handling of his past.

I will recommend this if you love complex men and their emotional difficulties, mysterious dangerous men, hidden depth’s, admitting your faults and finding forgiveness and love.