Gold in the Clouds by Hayden Thorne

Gold_in_the_Clouds_400x600Title: Gold in the Clouds

Author: Hayden Thorne

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult

Length: Novel (200pgs)

Publisher: Queerteen Press (14th April 2013) 

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥3 ½ – 4 Heart 

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: After his fifteenth birthday, Blythe Midwinter finds himself in a bit of a pickle. It’s high time for him to be a productive member of his family, taking up work he detests in order for his older sister, Molly, to follow her dreams of success as a talented baker. Though the three orphaned Midwinter siblings — Molly, Bertie, and Blythe — are lucky enough to work, they still earn only enough to keep themselves clothed and fed. Blythe desperately wishes for more, and it doesn’t help that his best and only friend, Jack Wicket, refuses hard, honest work in favor of good luck as the only means for quick success and instant riches.

Blythe’s dreams of a better life get more desperate when he attracts the attention of another boy, the youngest son of a rebellious old artist, whose family rises well above Blythe’s in wealth and station. Embarrassment and shame muddle Blythe’s perceptions of luck, work, and the promise of love — that is, until Jack Wicket’s foolish decision to exchange his beloved cow for a handful of magic beans forces Blythe to look past castles in the clouds and understand what it is that truly measures a man’s worth.

Purchase Link: http://www.queerteen-press.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=84

Review: Blythe is fifteen and his sister, Molly, has decided it is time for him to start work. turfed out of bed every morning at dawn to sell bread is not Blythe’s idea of a decent job, but Molly is insistent that Blythe sells the bread while she concentrates on baking cakes. Blythe wishes for an easier life and it isn’t helped by his layabout friend, Jack, and his sore feet. But, letting Molly down isn’t an option, if he wishes to keep his hearing and not be strung up by his sister. When Blythe meets Edrik, a well off boy, he is tempted by Jack’s dreams of luck.

This is a great young adult fantasy story that shows a lad’s changing views, as he enters manhood and the hardships of adulthood. Blythe suddenly has to start bringing in the money when he turns fifteen. Although, he whines that he is too young, his sister, Molly, points out that both herself and their brother, Bertie, both started work at fifteen. As Blythe reluctantly takes over the bread selling, which according to Blythe is a girl’s job, he still dreams of an easier life. Jack keeps trying to tempt him with doing nothing, but hoping for luck. When Blythe meets Edrik, he can’t understand why the other boy would be interested in him. He’s poor and Edrik’s family is rich.

Blythe is like so many other young adults in his town. He’s at the age where he should choose what he wants for a job, but he wants to cling to the last vestige of childhood. Having a friend like Jack doesn’t help him. Jack believes in luck and that he doesn’t have to do anything and riches will fall in his lap. When Blythe is embarrassed in front of Edrik, he is tempted by Jack’s offer of instant riches. Hayden Thorne has created a wonderful fantasy world where gossip is abound about fairy-tale horrors. A boy catches the eye of a rich boy and where a friend has his head in the clouds. Blythe is a wonderful character who is down to earth and cheeky, Jack is obnoxious, Molly is trying to keep her family going, and Bertie has really bad night gas and Edrik is sweet on Blythe.

I thought this story was vastly entertaining, with its down to earth characters. With the simple dreams of the characters and with its gentle learning curve for Blythe. This story is all from Blythe’s perspective, so we get the unfettered view of life from a fifteen year old boy with his hopes and dreams, but, also with him learning that life isn’t perfect, but you can be happy with what you have. Jack’s a character that does get up your nose, Edrik you don’t see very often but he is a lovely character who is super sweet on Blythe and what we see of Molly and Bertie is good.  

I recommend this story to those that love fantasy, young adult, obnoxious boys, growing up, finding a sweetheart, a touch of adventure and a happy ending. 

 

The Photographer's Closet by D.T. Dragon

9effc8f9733a4bad30bb1c7f763e02da.image.200x300Title: The Photographer’s Closet

Series: N/A

Author: D.T. Dragon

Genre: MM / Contemporary Romance

Length: Short Story

Publisher: Silver Publishing (April 20th, 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥2.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: Yesterday’s Tomorrow fandom is mostly women in Steampunk costumes. Pat, a photography undergraduate, needs a man for his exhibition. Derek answers his plea, a professional cosplayer with recent losses. Is there more to this meeting than meets the eye?

 Yesterday’s Tomorrow fandom is a funny place, mostly full of women dressing up in steampunk costumes. Pat, a photography undergraduate, needs a man to complete his exhibition. His plea is answered by Derek, a middle-aged professional cosplayer, who is suffering the loss of his friend and the downturn in his business. It’s something of a mid-life crisis for the Welshman. Is there more to this meeting than meets the eye?

CONTENT ADVISORY: This title contains a HFN ending.

Product Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/the-photographers-closet-ebook-p-1437.html

Review: Now this was an weird story that while my inner geek liked it and was somehow fascinated, it didn’t hold much story-wise.

Here we have Derek, a man who is not young yet we have no idea how old he is or exactly how he looks and that just irritated me, who answers an ad from a young photography student who was seeking a pro cosplayer.

Derek agrees to help young Pat and while there were many descriptions of the wonderful costumes Derek has, and there was this wanting he suffered for Pat during the photo shot, that was just it.

There was nothing to keep you interested in the plot; there was no intensity since there was a lack of an actual relationship. There was no courtship at all between the characters or flirting, they simply jumped to the next level and meanwhile nothing. Only a narration of posing before the camera this way and that and changing costume. No twist, no longing, no lust to keep you going.

As I said while my inner geek found it fascinating, but as a whole, I found it lacking and not something I really enjoyed.

Portia’s Two Cents:  I sometimes cringe when I read Thommie’s reviews, because she can be brutally honest.  But, in this instance I kinda agree with her.  This is not a badly written piece, but the divergence for the norm that I expect from Silver was odd. Kudos to Silver for trying something new, and I look forward to reading something a little longer from this author. I would recommend that you buy this book, just so you can read and review it.  And while The Photographer’s Closet left me staring at my Kindle, I have to admit, it kept my attention.

Prelude to War by Maria Albert

PreludetoWarLGTitle: Prelude to War

Series: Descent of Kings 01

Author: Maria Albert

Genre: High Fantasy

Length: Super Novel (380pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (22nd April 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: “Never make a mistake, Beryl. Never, in your youth or ignorance or arrogance, do something that might endanger your people, that might cause others harm.”
– Elven Prince Eladar

Eladar, second son of the Elven King of Riviera, can never atone for his disastrous initial foray into the Lands of Men, but he yet hopes to make his family proud. Before his simple mission to meet Prince Talon of the shattered kingdom of Amontir is done, he saves lives and takes them, finds love, and stands to lose all he holds most dear as he leads Talon’s cousin, Beryl, to sanctuary amongst his people.

Caravan guard Alnas is searching for an unconventional love and thinks he’s found it in Hardred, but he must first overcome the former mariner’s tragic past. Neither man dreams their act of kindness in freeing Master Trader Oberas’s snagged cargo vessel will trigger events that alter the fate of their world.

The destinies and lives of these men and others become inescapably intertwined with that of Rion, son of a minstrel and a City Guard, in a world about to be consumed by war. Their trials and tragedies, mistakes, and triumphs will either save the world or destroy it.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3833

Review: Eladar, Talon, Beryl, Alnas, Hardred, Oberas and Rion are all main characters in this book. We are introduced to each character and their lives in this excellently woven fantasy. Eladar is given the task of meeting Talon, but Talon is late. Alnas and Hardred come to Oberas’s aid on the river. Eladar saves Hardred’s life, when he drowns. This is just the beginning of the journey that brings these men together, throughout the story in adventures, danger, rescues, love and loss.

Well, this is a very complex story that is just the beginning of a fantastic series. There are many characters that we follow as they journey across land and sea: each on their own journey, but crossing paths with other characters that will affect their lives. The story begins with Hardred and Alnas working as guards on a caravan, when they come across a boat stuck in the river. They lend a hand to Oberas, but Hardred disappears while chopping down an underwater tree. We are then introduced to Eladar, a water elf, who is waiting for his brother’s friend. He pulls Hardred from the water and revives him, just as Talon and his cousin Beryl show up. They join up briefly with the land caravan and water caravan and we discover Oberas and Eladar are previously acquainted. We then head straight to the town where they are all heading, Ardock, and young Rion who wants to be an apprentice trader with Oberas.

This story jumps from character to character, but shows it clearly. It also jumps from place to place. so we could be in the forest, water or town depending on who we visit next. Although we learn some of what is happening, there is much left unsaid. Just who are Talon and Beryl? Just who is their Enemy? What is going on? This story is just what it says it is, the prelude. We get to know the characters, some of their back stories and we know that something evil is coming, but we don’t know what roles they will play in the future. We become invested in the characters, as we discover more about them. But, we are left with the mystery of why they are so important. There is danger, rescues, escapes, death, loss, fear, anger, happiness, developing love and young crushes.

This isn’t the sort of story to read if you want something light and easy to read. There are many threads to this story that twist and twine around the characters. There are also many more characters that we meet who will probably also be important to future books and there are three more to come. This story is a bit confusing. especially with names, as some characters have more than one. You also begin to wonder where the story is going, because it is complex with the different species of humanoids; water elves, wood elves, humans, Amontirs, the Enemy and nothing seems to get answered. This is just the beginning and it is a book that is a great story, but it isn’t a story that is finished. Not by a long shot. There is much more to come before we have all the answers and it will be littered with danger, loss, hope and love.

I will recommend this story to those who love high fantasy, a complex in-depth storyline, new budding relationships and an ending that leaves you wanting more.

 

French Lessons by Pelaam

dd6e3005ea1fe2a4c29dcad199aa878e.image.200x300Title: French Lessons

Series: N/A

Author: Pelaam

Genre: MM / Contemporary Erotica / Light Kink

Length: Short Story

Publisher: Silver Publishing (April 20th, 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: Jesse goes to French classes with a friend, but soon spends more time having erotic daydreams about the teacher than he does on learning the language.

He is caught not paying attention once too often. Corwin, the class tutor, gives Jesse an ultimatum–a one-on-one lesson to prove he’s worthy to continue or be thrown out of the class.

Jesse accepts the challenge, but is his French up to the mark?

Moreover, is that the only lesson Corwin wants to give him?

Product Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/blog/2013/04/13/french-lessons-by-pelaam/

Review: Cruelty! Cruelty I say. How can someone learn a damn thing with Corwin as his teacher?

When Jesse followed his friend to French Lessons he didn’t imagine spending all his time daydreaming about his teacher, Corwin. Try as he might to concentrate on his teacher’s words, all that assaults him is a baritone voice laden with sensuality that is racking his brain from inside out. And really, how is he supposed to resist that man who seems to be sex on legs? How can he think anything else but submit to his fantasies?

But, when faced with focusing on his French lessons or drop the class entirely, Jesse is willing to do whatever it takes not to lose even this from-afar image of Corwin.

A lovely, lovely short story by Pelaam that is so delicious and mouth-watering it makes you lose your brain for the short while it lasts. I liked it, I liked Corwin, and he’s just irresistible, quite hot and sexy. No wonder Jesse was having troubles focusing. I’d have loved having a teacher like him myself, even if it didn’t lead anywhere. Just the eye-candy he was presented as is enough.

And Jesse, oh my, strong, brave boy. I didn’t know if I was envy of him or pity him half the time. Poor fella, in the end though he got much more than he fantasized. I loved the sensuality between them and the intensity created from page one. Too sexy in my opinion.

So, if you’re looking for a fast, hot and lightly kinky story this is it. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it as much as I did. J

 

The Art of the Deal by B.A. Stretke

ArtoftheDeal[The]LGTitle: The Art of the Deal

Author: B.A. Stretke

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (200pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (22nd April 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Sean Robbins’s life rarely goes according to plan, which leaves him suspicious and determined to make it on his own. But when he learns why he failed to win a coveted internship with Chicago’s leading lawyer, Coleman West, he soldiers on and takes a lesser position in West’s firm instead. It won’t stop him from snubbing Mr. West whenever he runs into him. Never mind that Mr. West is not only brilliant but gorgeous. Sean has his pride.

People assume Coleman West was handed everything he has on a silver platter. Not so—he fought and scraped his way to the top of Chicago’s elite. That hard work taught him to set high standards for those he chooses to work with… or date. So when he gets on an elevator and runs into the very man he dismissed as being beneath him, the instant chemistry surprises him.

Sean and Coleman could be happy together, but first they must overcome everything that stands in their way: backstabbing, jealousy, and their own pride and prejudices.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3771

Review: Sean has fought hard for everything he has, so when he discovers he has been snubbed for a top internship with Coleman West and the reasons why, he refuses to allow another man’s snobbish prejudices to affect his life and ploughs onwards. Ignoring Mr. West is harder than he thought when the man won’t leave him alone. Coleman has high standards and anyone who doesn’t live up to his personal expectations get nowhere with him. But, Sean leaves him reeling when he meets the man and he is nothing like Coleman’s preconceived notions. Wanting to get to know Sean is hard though, because Coleman’s own damning words come back to haunt him and his reputation as a harsh man won’t let Sean trust him. Can Coleman break down Sean’s walls? Can Sean trust Coleman not to betray him?

This is a very sweet love story that has a very Mills & Boon/Harlequin romance feel to it. Sean is a lovely character. He is honest, hardworking and loyal and he also has his pride. Coleman West is a harder character to like. He is an elitist snob. He comes down hard on those that cross him and has a love ‘em and leave ‘em attitude. He also likes to get his way, no matter the cost. When Sean accepts a lesser position in Coleman West and Associates because he isn’t ‘good enough’ for the top internship, he knows he has to avoid Coleman West at all costs. it’s not just his internship on the line, but Edward Murray’s job as well. Coleman becomes intrigued by the young man who disappears every time Coleman sees him. Determined to discover who the mysterious man is, he is shocked when he discovers it is the very man that he looked down at for working in a pub.

Coleman is a very arrogant character and he has very set ideas about people and you seriously want to punch him for his preconceived notions about people. But, this time Coleman’s arrogance bites him in the arse when he meets Sean. Sean has no intention of forgiving Coleman for his prejudice (you cheer for his determination), but Coleman is a lot nicer in person than his reputation says he is. But, it still takes Coleman time to wear Sean’s walls down. These two characters are very different and they each struggle with their feelings for the other man. Sean is warned repeatedly by people about Coleman’s reputation, so he doubts that Coleman wants him for anything but a passing fancy. Coleman has never felt anything for anyone before and struggles to get things right.

The storyline is pretty good and we also get some interesting twists in the way of a slimy professor and a vindictive classmate, well-intentioned people and the MC’s own doubts and insecurities. It’s a light read that you can enjoy with a cup of tea. Although, there are times when you wonder why Sean doesn’t want justice and just accepts Coleman’s excuse for his original rejection. At times, it got a bit too much sugar and became overly sweet with Coleman running to the rescue and taking over, whisking Sean away to the country house or new apartment and fixing Sean’s problems.

I will recommend this to those who love tarnished white knights, good characters, an easy reading storyline, some sweet loving and a very happy ending.

 

Temporary Mark by Kim Dare

90._Temporary_MarkTitle: Temporary Mark

Series: Collared #3

Author: Kim Dare

Genre: MM / Contemporary / BDSM

Length: Novella (111 pages)

Publisher: Total E-bound (March 25th, 2013)

Reviewer: Thommie

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5 Hearts

Blurb: Can a temporary collar ever lead to a permanent relationship? Mark and Mr. Nolan are about to find out.

Mr. Nolan’s last relationship lasted for over two decades. But, since suddenly finding himself single, two years ago, he has struggled to find a submissive who can fill the void in his life. Maybe a temporary arrangement is exactly what he needs to ease him back into the lifestyle he loves so much.

Mark’s never experienced life under the protection of a good dom. He’s merely had a series of abusive partners. He’s used to being treated as a temporary feature in a man’s life, then thrown away when they tire of him.

When mutual friends push them together, the last thing Mr. Nolan, or Mark, expects is to end up hoping a temporary collar will become permanent.

Reader Advisory: Please note that the stories in the Collared series are connected solely by theme. They can all be read as standalone titles and in any order. Mr. Nolan previously made an appearance as a secondary character in Bi Now, Gay Later, however it is not necessary to have read that book first.

Product Link: http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strPageHistory=home&numSearchStartRecord=0&P_ID=2075&CAT_ID=0&numRecordPosition=1

Review: I’ve been a fan of Ms. Dare, since I started reading her books.  And although I don’t always go head over heels with all her works, I have to say I did like this one quite a bit. In book three of the Collared series we meet Mr. Nolan and Mark. Each of these characters is interesting in his own way.

Mr. Nolan is a long time Dom who had lost his submissive of twenty plus years for nearly two years now. In all this time his friends have been introducing him with many subs in an attempt to fill the void his Frank left, without results. Mark, on the other hand, is a natural sub who’s had one bad relationship after another with several sadistic and abusive men. His idea of self-worth is utterly disordered and in short terms he’s completely screwed inside out. Damaged is perhaps an understatement.

The pair meets when friends they have in common introduce them and ask Mr. Nolan to take Mark in under his care temporarily. It’s all that’s needed for Mark to try to be worthy of a Dom such as Mr. Nolan. And the sexual part, while not exactly what Mark expected was definitely what he always dreamed. Even if it means that he has to fight a ghost in order to keep it.

I liked this story very much. If it wasn’t for the fact that almost all Ms. Dare’s characters have this common fault of not hearing what’s being said instead making their own conclusions in their head, I would have enjoyed it even more. I suppose the for years abused brain of Mark couldn’t easily accept that a Dom could be kind to him or even considerate, but still it was irritating when he heard one thing and understood another.

Nevertheless this was quite a sweet story as well. This author has a unique ability into making even the shortest of stories and ideas no matter the genre turn into romance. For me that is exactly what this work is about. A romance born out of need and circumstances and perfect timing for both characters. Yet again my dislike for the quickly dropped “I love you” line tampered my enthusiasm, but hey, I’m too cynical to trust that feeling in the spawn of a week.

Bottom end, I loved the story and totally recommend it for fans of the genre.

 

Help Wanted by Parker James

HelpWanted400x600Title: Help Wanted

Author: Parker James

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Short (42pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (20th April 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Rand figures out why his relationships tank and wants a fresh start. Cheyenne manages a travel agency and needs an agent. A spur of the moment interview leads to on the job training and a wild adventure for both men.

During his downtime managing a travel agency, Cheyenne substitutes fantasy for reality. Adventurous encounters in exotic locales keep him occupied while he waits for a customer, or better yet, an applicant for the ‘Agent Wanted’ position he has available.

Rand wants a fresh start. His reunion with a childhood friend provides the reason his previous relationships never satisfied him. A new job and a new town will give him fresh perspective on his newly focused life–and lifestyle.

An ‘Agent Wanted’ sign sparks Rand’s interest and his prospective employer whets his appetite. His interview leads to some on the job training and a wild adventure where passports aren’t required.

CONTENT ADVISORY: This title has a HFN ending.

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/help-wanted-ebook-p-1438.html

Review: Cheyenne is looking for an agent to help out in his office. Someone to help relieve the boredom in his downtime, instead of the wild fantasies of exotic holidays with hot men that he has to dream up. Rand has recently discovered why he had such unsatisfactory relationships. With the help of an old friend, he discovers what really trips his switch. Now, Rand is looking for a new job in a new town and walks into a travel agency with an ‘Agent wanted’ sign and a cute manager. Cheyenne is over the moon when sexy Rand walks through his door and decides he has to give him a very thorough interview.

This is a sexy short that will get you hot under the collar. We meet Cheyenne first, stuck in travel agency bemoaning his boredom and daydreaming about his fantasy holiday. Then, we meet Rand recently moved to a new town to begin a new life, looking for a job he thinks back to the night that he was ‘awakened’ to his newly discovered sexuality. The story then progresses to the two men meeting and hitting it off with sly looks and touches and a very thorough and hot job interview. Both Cheyenne and Rand seem to find exactly what they are looking for in those oh so brief moments together, and we are treated to some hot steamy sex and maybe the beginning of something that will definitely be hot but could also be special.

I will recommend this to those who want a hot sex fix, two men making an instant connection and maybe the beginning of a very sexual connection.         

Inescapable by Mina Kelly

inescapable_1Title: Inescapable

Author: Mina Kelly

Genre: Science Fiction

Length: Novel (210pgs)

Publisher: Loose Id (16th April 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: When a theft goes wrong and Jared finds himself under arrest, his daring escape results in an extra passenger. Richard Kuiper the Seventh does not appreciate being magnetically handcuffed to a common criminal, even if he does enjoy the chance to indulge his sexual appetites guilt free.

Hiding out with some old friends of Jared’s while they attempt to unlock the handcuffs, a bond grows between the two men that’s more than magnetic, but Jared’s initial mistrust comes back to haunt him. When the cuffs are removed Richard storms off, straight into a trap, and now Jared must decide what he’s willing to risk for a man he’s barely known for a week: his life, certainly, but his heart? He’s never risked that before.

Purchase Link: http://www.loose-id.com/inescapable.html

Review: Jared finds himself in a tough spot when he is cornered by police. But, his daring escape plan goes awry when he finds himself handcuffed to his hostage. Richard isn’t amused to find himself kidnapped, but his kidnapper is not at all what he is used to. In fact, being magnetically handcuffed to him for a few days could be an adventure. The connection between the two is strong, but Jared’s plan B blows up in his face and Richard leaves him the second the cuffs are off. Discovering Richard has been kidnapped again, Jared has choices to make. Can Jared risk his freedom to rescue Richard?

This is a great science fiction and opposites attract story throwing in some danger and just a touch of political maneuvering. Jared is a thief, getting caught in the Field is not an option and his escape plan brings him more trouble than he thought. But, spending the escape journey in close quarters to the sexy hostage, Richard, brings its own opportunity and Jared just might regret it. Richard is an important person. When he is kidnapped, he uses it as an opportunity to shake off the restrictions in his life and his unusual kidnapper has piqued his interest. Both men take the opportunity that fate has handed them. But, problems arise when Jared’s plan B is discovered and Richard is snatched in a bid to start a war.

I quite enjoyed this story with its opposites attract and science fiction setting. Both Richard and Jared are great characters, who connect even though they are both completely different. The development of their relationship is fast and, at first, quite surprising considering the circumstances. The sex between them is detailed and quite erotic and adventurous, and their feelings for each other shine through and both their actions show it clearly. The storyline is great and the settings interesting. The detail and imagination that goes into them gives you a glimpse of what could be; the way that even though Richard is rich just simple fresh fruit and vegetables thrills him, while Jared is more blasé because he has them more often. I loved the way that Jared was willing to give everything up for Richard and that Richard would do anything to make sure Jared was safe, true love on both sides.

I will recommend this to those who love science fiction, opposites attracting, hot sex, potential rebel maneuvering, danger, daring escapes, daring rescues, forgiving idiotic plans and a very happy ending. 

 

Two Silent Cries by TN Tarrant

Two-Silent-Cries_thumbTitle:  Two Silent Cries

Series:  N/A

Author:  T N Tarrant

Genre:   Contemporary

Length: Novel (178 pages)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (April 6th, 2013)

Product Link:  https://spsilverpublishing.com/two-silent-cries-ebook-p-1431.html

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:  Micah Valery and Dr Santiago Curtis meet over Micah’s unconscious golden retriever. Santiago tranquilized her. That’s a good way to start a relationship, right?

Micah Valery is hearing impaired and unable to speak. As if that didn’t make life interesting enough, he also suffers from a panic disorder that regularly disrupts his life. With a wonderful assistance dog named Goldie, however, he manages to live independently, and comfortably.

When something goes wrong with Goldie, he meets Dr Santiago Curtis, a veteran veterinarian with issues of his own to cope with. Still, the attraction is strong enough to explore, and a new romance blooms.

Enter Micah’s estranged family, attempting to deprive him of his inheritance.

Reviewer:   Pammie

Review:  This story has two well-matched, sexy men and a supporting cast of adorable furry friends.

Micah and Santiago make a great couple. Both men have disabilities and problems, yet find ways to overcome them together. I have deaf/hearing impaired friends, so it was good to see such a couple so well presented. Their romance wasn’t rushed, and they overcame their obstacles wonderfully. Micah is actually far stronger than he thinks.

Situations come thick and fast for the couple, and while this is enjoyable and keeps a reader on their toes, I would have loved to see more of the couple just enjoying one another.

Micah’s human family has no redeeming qualities, but his and Santiago’s furry family is just adorable.

I would recommend it to anyone who likes hot, sexy guys, a dash of hurt/comfort, cute furry friends, and a HEA.

Take a Gamble by N. Wood

TakeaGamble400x600_zps7550a57eTitle:  Take a Gamble

Series:  N/A

Author:  N. Wood

Genre:   Contemporary

Length: Novel (183 pages)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (March 30th, 2013)

Product Link:  http://spsilverpublishing.com/blog/2013/03/23/take-a-gamble-by-n-wood/

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts

Blurb:  When Isaac finally decides to take a chance and make a move on the handsome guy who’s been coming to the bar where he regularly works, will his gamble pay off or will he lose big time?

Working the bar at Blackjack’s has its advantages for Isaac Anderson: free music, decent tips, and all the ogling of customers his eyes can devour. When his sights lock onto a regular Friday night patron, Isaac likes what he sees, but there’s just something not quite right about the mysterious Caleb Miller. If he wants to discover what that is, Isaac must take a gamble, but will it pay off or will he lose big time?

Reviewer:   Pammie

Review:  This story revolves around Isaac (Neo) and the mysterious Caleb.

Isaac thinks he’s blown his chances with the mystery man he’s eyed at the bar for months. The man doesn’t even finish a free drink before he’s running away after Isaac mentions ‘gay erotica’. However, he returns, and Isaac persuades him to go on a date. It’s not long before Caleb runs again, but this time, Isaac catches him, and discovers Caleb’s secret is epilepsy, as his new friends suffers a seizure.

Isaac reads up on the condition, and still wants to pursue a relationship, despite Caleb’s worries and initial resistance.

It’s a sweet story. Although the epilepsy is very debilitating for Caleb, he’s still quite dominant once he gets past his initial shyness. A lot of the story is the lead up to the revelation of Caleb’s condition, and then a cautious courtship. I would have liked to have seen more development of their physical relationship.

I recommend this to anyone who likes to see hurdles overcome, sexy guys, a dash of hurt/comfort, and a HEA.

Six Ways From Sunday by Mercy Celeste

17727309Title: Six Ways From Sunday

Series: N/A

Author: Mercy Celeste

Genre: MM / Contemporary / Erotic Romance

Length: Novella

Publisher: Beg For Mercy Press (April 12th, 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: Take one NFL tight end, and one Marine, add one week and watch the sparks fly.

Bowen Murphy craved two things, football and Dylan. After high school he had football but he lost Dylan.

Dylan Sunday walked a different path, one laid down before him by his father and his grandfather. Losing Bo one day after discovering they shared more than football wasn’t part of the bargain.

Six years of missed connections and finally Dylan is able to come home to the man he left behind. The spectacle of the biggest game in the NFL is only the beginning of one sizzling week. After that time and fate would decide if Bo and Dylan would walk the same path, or if one of them would make the ultimate sacrifice.

Warning: bittersweet tale of two hot men, making up for six years of separation. May not be suitable for sensitive readers. Contains scenes of male/male sexual practices.

Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/Six-Ways-from-Sunday-ebook/dp/B00CBP5SOA

Review: Oh my God, I really do think after this read that Mercy Celeste is a wicked, wicked woman. She cannot possibly have pulled this incredible story.

You just know from page one, from first paragraph, hell from first line that this story is going to be intense and is going to rock you. The pace is set and it’s fast. You need to keep running along with the story and you need your wits about you.

Long time friends Bo and Dylan not only take separate paths when Bo goes to college and Dylan hits the Marines, but that day they realize that both are attracted to each other and their feelings are reciprocated. Many years of friendship seem a bit lost when they could have had more and now they are going to be apart for who knows how much time…

So at this point you think nice start and nice little characters. You see the temper Bo has. You see the love he harbors for Dylan and vice versa, and you get one hell of an intense first time between the two young lovers. So, the question remains, what is the author going to do with that? And Celeste does not disappoint delivering one hell of a week with our heroes six years later.

Both characters are more mature. Dylan has already become someone in the Marines. He is no longer the young boy who left, rather a man who is absolutely delicious to read about. Surprising Bo at his Super Bowl game, he is in town for one week. Bo has changed too, he has come to realize that that friendship they had is not only the same, but rather stronger and the love he once harbored for Dylan is right there simmering under his skin waiting for Dylan to come back to him.

What follows is a week of hot, steamy, incredibly erotic sex between them. And I do mean incredibly erotic. Perhaps it was that shadow of desperation in the air, the fact that after six years all they have is a week and it seems so little time for those two. The text does manage to convey everything and while doing that you get so engrossed and caught up that you completely forget that something is coming up. That twist in the plot catches you off guard and hits you full force.

It’s a roller coaster of emotions and feelings, their intensity growing higher and higher, leaving you breathless and shocked. Personally, when Bo lays eyes on Janine, Dylan’s mother, I had to take a break and stop to get my brain in order. It was heartbreaking and after all that good time the pair spent this was like cold water splashed in your face. Cruel in so many ways, I can’t begin to describe or even hope that I could find the words to do so. You see, up until this point, this book was a four hearts rating for me. Because, while sexy and sensual and erotic, it was just that. With this twist, it made a full five hearts and while I was cursing the author all the time I could see the brilliance of the twist. She made it real. And then, while trying to come to terms with the text, while trying to make the end and get a hold on my dispersed thought she does it again.

I mean really? Really? What on Earth woman. How twisted can you be? I don’t know what was more cruel, the first twist or the second? Of course, I couldn’t be happier with the result. I looooved it. The impossibility that a novella, with a limited space for development could turn you upside down like this was the best surprise ever and if my enthusiasm didn’t show it, and if you need me to spell it loud and clear, people do read this book. It’s not to be missed.

Angel Baby by Cherie Noel

1146894Title:  Angel Baby

Series:  N/A

Author:  Cherie Noel

Genre:   Paranormal vampire

Length: Novel (42,000 words)

Publisher: MLR Press (March 21st, 2013)

Product link:  http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=CN_ANGLB

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:  Sent undercover in New Orleans’ steamy French Quarter in hopes of cracking a suspected case of rampaging Moneli demons, Gem and his partner find the case harder to crack than they ever imagined. Between the disappearance of Gem’s partner and a growing fear that Taskforce I.D.I.O.T. has a dangerous information leak Gem is desperate. He finds himself forced to team up with an intriguing “gifted” human named Angel. If Angel’s gifts can keep Gem from literally losing his head and Gem can get Angel to see past his initial misconceptions, the two may find more than the missing Vampire… they may find a love powerful enough to take on all the demons in hell.

Reviewer:   Pammie

Review:  This story has magic, witches, vampires, demons, and feisty humans.

In this world, the best a human can be to a vampire is a pet. Unless said vampire wants to be shunned. But, when his partner Don is kidnapped, and Gem is in danger, his instincts are to take the intriguing human, Angel, as a mate. And Angel is as protective of the big vampire as any true-mate would be.

To rescue Don, Gem and Angel have to be bound. Once bound, Angel can be Gem’s anchor in the human world, while Gem goes into the hellmouth to bring back Don.

Years have passed in that world while only just over a day in the mortal world. Gem succeeds in the rescue, but Don is literally a shadow of his former self, and he, too has a human mate, Carter.

When their boss, the witch Saskie, arrives, Gem is stunned to find that Don, Carter and Saskie are mates. Don then reveals that the rise in gifted humans is due to so many being vampire true-mates, but that vampire ‘purists’ are selling them to be fodder for the demon realm.

Saskie immediately advises Gem and Don they are in charge of the New Orleans branch of the taskforce, and new agents will be sent as they’re deemed cleared.

Let the Revolution begin.

This was an interesting twist on vampires, and a world where preternaturals walk openly. Gem and Angel make a great pair. The time difference in human world and demon world is one I’ve read in other stories, but hours in the one to years in the other felt extreme. That aside, it’s a great story.

If you like all things paranormal, and a hot couple, this is for you.

Small Miracles by Ellen Holiday

SmallMiraclesLGTitle: Small Miracles

Series: N/A

Author: Ellen Holiday

Genre: MM / Contemporary

Length: Novella

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (March 17th, 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: When runaway Cal Harrison steps into a bar to escape the freezing rain, he meets Matt Kirkland, who buys him a meal and eventually takes him home for the night. But Cal’s been on hard times, and he doesn’t believe something as good as Matt could possibly happen to him. Not without setting him up for disaster. So Cal leaves—only to discover Matt’s not just a rich kid but a well-known millionaire. Soon Cal begins to question whether he should have swallowed his pride and left his difficult life behind.

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3750

Review: A very sweet and touching story, Small Miracles tells the story of Cal, a homeless young man who is downright hopeless. On one of those most horrible days of his life, when he’s soaked wet from the rain and trying desperately to prevent fainting from cold and hunger, he is offered some kindness when gorgeous Matt offers him a cup of coffee and a meal. But, Matt’s offering continues when he offers Cal a place to crash for the night without any “payment” from Cal.

And that’s how Cal finds himself in danger of believing the fairytale. It’s so easy to soak up Matt’s warmth. It’s so easy to get lost in his generosity and it’s too easy to give himself to Matt. their attraction is huge and undeniable. But, the hurt and pain that comes when dreams shatter is not worth the try, or is it?

Yes. This story is very much the “contemporary fairytale” kind. It’s too easy to get attached to Cal. his life story is irresistible and quite heartbreaking. He’s had quite the bad luck and when a slight break comes his way, he is too afraid to take the risk and dare hope that things might change. His resistance is perfectly understandable and even though, at some point I was shaking my head at his stubbornness, I still could feel for this character.

Matt though is a different story and he is a character I totally distrusted. Wealthy beyond reason and way out of Cal’s league, he just picked Cal in an impulse and gave him “everything”, reasoning it as him being selfish and Cal being his soul mate. It’s this character that makes this whole read look like a fairytale.

But, it was such a nice reading, I loved the writing very much. The author’s ability to evoke emotions and deliver sentiments is great. The pair’s lovemaking was exquisite and quite romantic as well. It felt almost like poetry when those two came together.

In the end this is a book I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to people who love a good happily ever after and romance.

The Mystery of Ruby Lode by Scotty Cade (2nd edition)

MysteryofRubyLodeLGTitle: The Mystery of Ruby Lode

Author: Scotty Cade

Genre: Mystery, Ghost, Historical (1914), Contemporary

Length: Novel (214pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (15th April 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: After six months of research, adventure seekers Bowen McAlister, Cyrus Curran, Duff Gentry, and Lockhart Dawson make their way to Boulder, Colorado, to explore the abandoned gold mine Ruby Lode. But when they arrive, Duff, a born psychic, senses something isn’t quite right—and the closer they get, the more his unease grows.

Something long-buried in the deep shafts and drifts of Ruby Lode makes its presence known by exposing dark, guarded secrets. Preying on the adventurers’ weaknesses and insecurities, Ruby Lode’s own destructive secret threatens their sanity, friendship, and ultimately their lives. Bo, Cy, Duff, and Lockey must work together to unravel the century-old mystery before they become another footnote in the mine’s history.

First Edition published by Silver Publishing, June 2012

Warning: Some scenes may upset readers – Near rape and a flash back to child abuse.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3765

Review: Frink, Counter, Hepp and Shull buy a mine together in 1914, but something happens to destroy all their dreams and they mysteriously disappear. In 2011, four friends, Bowen, Cyrus, Duff and Lockhart love to explore abandoned gold mines. But, even before they set off for Ruby Lode Mine, Duff, a psychic, has a sense of foreboding about the trip. Arriving at Rudy Lode, his disquiet deepens as insecurities, fears and hidden secrets are dragged out in the four friends. Something doesn’t want them at the Ruby Lode and is trying to drive them away. Duff, Bo, Cy and Lockey must band together to discover the mystery of Ruby Lode and lay the past to rest.

Scotty Cade delivers a wonderful, slightly spooky story that has a wonderful mix of past and present. The story starts in 1914 with Frink and Counter biding on Rudy Lode. When they are successful in their bid they are approached by the other bidders, Hepp and Shull, and agree to buy into the mine together as Hepp and Shull have the equipment needed. But, things go drastically wrong. Flash forwards to 2011 and we have Cy, Bo, Duff and Lockey about to embark on exploring the Ruby Lode gold mine. But, something in the Ruby Lode doesn’t want them there and it delves into each man, dragging out secrets and fears. The men have a choice: confront their pasts or be driven from the mine by a spirit that doesn’t want his secret found.

Well, this is the second edition of this story and the original was reviewed by ‘da boss’ Portia. I never even got a sniff in the first time round but now is my chance ;-). The storyline and plot are brilliant, past and present collide when four friends explore Ruby Lode, but that isn’t all this story is about. Each friend also has to face their own pasts and are basically psychologically tortured by a nasty spirit who doesn’t want its own past revealed. Friendship comes in many forms and depths and before their journey is over, each friend discovers that no matter how close they thought they were or how much they thought they dealt with the past, the truth is harder to bear.

There are several relationships in this story, each beautiful in its own way… well, except one where all the trouble stems from. Long-term relationships still going strong and their love unbreakable, still beautiful and passionate. Discovering new love that has been right in front of you, digging beneath the surface and finally laying to rest an old fantasy. All the love scenes are just that love-making, sweet, passionate and loving… well; nearly all of them are anyway. I will give a warning that there is near rape scene as well.

The characters are very well written and each deals with their past with regret, anger, shock and fear. There are tears shed, as they come to terms with what their friends share and there is great support and love. The flashbacks throughout the story are nicely done, but be prepared to be horrified as we have kidnapping, child abuse, bullying and abandonment. Bo, Cy, Duff and Lockey are great friends, but at times I got annoyed with how they seemed to interact, un-needed and unmindful comments and flippancy at friends requests. And they all seemed to do it at one time of another.

I will recommend this to those who love history and the present meeting, a spirit who has a secret to hide, four friends becoming strong, a new-found love, a long-lasting love, hot sex and a very happy ending.    

 

Getting Real by Christiane France

GettingRealTitle: Getting Real

Series: Office Affairs

Author: Christiane France

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella

Publisher:  Amber Allure (March 23rd, 2013)

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Heat Level: Moderate

Blurb: For TJ Delaney and Cole Labelle, it’s time to turn their lives around and get real.

TJ needs to exchange his playboy lifestyle for a job and prove he’s a responsible adult rather than a spoiled, rich brat.

Cole needs to free himself of his family’s control and their paranoid fears by proving being gay like his father is the only thing he and the man who gave him life have in common. And that by being openly gay he won’t cause them public embarrassment as his father did.

Can TJ and Cole achieve their goal of “getting real” and also find love in the process?

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

Reviewer: Catoffice2

Review: Tj is a rich young man who his dad cuts him off and tells him he needs to get real. Get a job, learn to be something and quit partying all the time. He goes out and finds a job setting up plants and maintaining them in a new office tower.  He hopes to see the hot guy with a bad attitude at the local nursery, but doesn’t. When he starts his job, the man in charge of the office building is none other than hot dude with attitude. He soon finds out that he is gay and interested, but very much in the closet. Tj convinces Cole that he needs to get real and live his life and not let his family control it.

This is a very good story of two young men having to learn to face reality. It’s a sweet hot romance that develops quite well and very naturally. The storyline is good, the characters are realistic and interesting, and it’s a fast fun read.

Recommendation I recommend this for anyone that likes an office romance, a story of two young men figuring out what they want in life and a sweet, hot romance.

Bullheaded by Catt Ford

BullheadedLGTitle: Bullheaded

Series: N/A

Author: Catt Ford

Genre: MM / Contemporary / Western

Length: Novel

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (March 15th, 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: Aging bull rider Cody Grainger needs bullfighter Johnny Arrow for more than just protection in the ring. Their bond of trust goes beyond the professional and into love, but while their relationship holds up to the need for discretion imposed by their sport and repeatedly having to watch each other put themselves in the way of dangerous animals, other barriers still tear them apart.

For one thing, Cody is ten years older than Johnny. But instead of contemplating retirement, he focuses on winning the championship, desperate to stay on top. Johnny is only beginning to find the professional recognition he craves. When frustration leads Johnny to walk away, Cody’s season slumps. While they’re apart, they both slowly realize they are meant to be together. But machismo abounds in the sport of bull riding, and their pride might be an obstacle too big for love to overcome.

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3763

Review: What a wholesome book. I totally loved it and when the story didn’t go the “predicable” way, instead of putting me down, I loved it even more. For me this novel had it all. Everything you look for in a book was there; realistic characters that you fell in love with, with their flaws and insecurities and big egos; a plot that was amazing from start to finish, hooking and griping and interesting beyond words; and an incredible writing skill that left no room for losing concentration or feeling detached to the story. I think I’m going to be a great fan of this author, because she really made me live this story. feel every emotion she so generously shared and read a book that seemed as if she picked it up right from the arena of bull riding.

The characters Cody and Johnny were amazing. They have an age gap of ten years and as so they are in different stages of life. They are also completely different men.

Cody is a man whose life has been kind. He is a bull rider and his personality suits his profession. He’s strong-headed and persistent. He never gives up and has a thing of always getting what he wants. Even his family is perfect, with a loving father and mother who never batted an eye at his sexuality. He might not be out in the bull fighting world, but when he’s home he is truly free. Cody is a winner!

Johnny is Native American, and his life is the opposite of Cody. He has a mother that doesn’t want to hear about his sexuality, and a family he has to support economically due to poverty. He was never a good bull rider, but he is great at bull fighting. His ability to “read” the animals is astonishing and that’s what’s making him visible in the NBR world. His career is just starting.

This book explores these characters greatly. I get to see a man’s personality from all points of view; when they’re in love, when they are blind, when they are at their best and their worst. I loved the fact that the pair starts together and then splits up. I loved it that life and their wants came in their way the way life really does, full force. I loved it that they had to work it out and it didn’t happen from one day to the other. These characters learned and grew up in the story and that’s what made them appeal more to me.

 But, I loved even more the fact that in addition to great characters there was a great, great plot as well that complemented them. The world of NBR was astonishing. I have read other books referring to bull riding, but the difference here was that this book literally took me there. Made me feel as if I was in that arena and behind the stage and in these people’s lives. I got to learn so much and in the end I became a fan as well, going online and Googling and watching on You-Tube and feeling as if I took more from this read than just a love story. It is amazing that this book also made me cry there at the end with Cody’s last performance. It was unexpected for me to feel it so much and therefore more cherished.

So, of course I recommend this book to anyone. It’s absolutely brilliant and intense and realistic. It provides enjoyment in all forms and it would be a shame to miss it.

Lord of the Forest by Kay Berrisford

Lord of the Forest - Kay BerrisfordTitle: Lord of the Forest

Series: The Greenwood 03

Author: Kay Berrisford

Genre: Historical (1217), Fantasy

Length: Novel (200pgs)

Publisher: Loose Id (9th April 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: England, 1217. Dark forces are rising. In the Greenwood, foul spirits grow powerful, and greedy barons plunder the lands. Only one man dares fight back–Robin Hood.

Robin’s band of brothers is broken. Now a lone warrior, he denies his famous name and laments the friends and lovers he’s lost. When the fair folk capture Cal, a beautiful young forester descended from the Greenwood’s ancient protectors, Robin rescues him and forges a new alliance.

Despite a sizzling attraction, Robin senses Cal isn’t like his old comrades, and he’s right. Cal’s been raised as a royal spy. He plans to seduce and betray Robin, but can’t harm the man he’s falling hard for. Mistrust and arguments spill into passionate lovemaking, as Cal learns the meaning of loyalty, fighting beside Robin, the only friend he’s ever known. Even the enchanted forest seeks to bind Robin and the returned protector ever tighter.

Their connection will be tested by nature’s wildest forces, Robin’s past, Cal’s lies, and in a baron’s darkest dungeon. To survive, Robin and Cal must admit their love and embrace their true destinies. Only then can they save England and each other–and win their happiness ever after.

Purchase Link: http://www.loose-id.com/newest/current-month/the-greenwood-3-lord-of-the-forest.html

Review: This book is part of a series, but can be read in any order. Robin Hood’s friends are all gone now, dead or starting families. All alone, he now wanders no longer with a focus. Entering the Greenwood, he just might find a new destiny at hand. Cal is a royal spy, trained to use anything at his disposal to ferret out the secrets of the Barons. From a young age, his mother warned him about the Greenwood and the warnings were dire. Now, trying to find a new secret leads him into the Greenwood and to Robin Hood. But, the fair folk are not happy to see him and his deceit and lies come back to haunt him. Robin knows that Cal might betray him, but fighting and loving together brings trust. Until outside forces seek to rip them apart and they have no choice, but to trust in each other if they are to survive.

Although this story is marked BDSM & Fetish there is no real BDSM or Fetish in this story. I think they have labeled it so because there is some fantasy tree sex (it is the Greenwood), a bit of spanking and a bit of a torture scene (involving whips). Robin Hood is alone and lonely.  His entire old band has gone. Finding himself in the Greenwood has him meeting folktales, an old enemy and a young man he shouldn’t trust. Cal’s mother fled the Greenwood when her lands were seized. She warns Cal never to go to the Greenwood, but an assignment forces him to and the fair folk have no forgiveness for traitors. Sometimes nature can be at odds with itself and can be less than forgiving. As Robin and Cal struggle to find their footing in the situation, their love grows. But, can they overcome lies, deceit and their pasts to embrace their true destinies?

Ah. The Greenwood that fantasy forest of the Green Man, Wild Men, Niogaerst, fairy Queen (Elfaene), Herne the Hunter and the water spirit, Sulis. We are pulled into a wonderful new story that combines fantasy with history, myths with facts, and legends with historical figures. combining everything together to give us a new spectacular Greenwood story. Robin Hood, one of the greatest English legends of all time, Cal a royal spy in the employ of William Marshal the Regent and Baron Odo, Robin’s greatest enemy and a thorn in the crowns side, put them all together and we have loyalties shifting, doubts played upon, lies and manipulation, greed, need, betrayal, lust and love. Robin and Cal make surprising discoveries and it is far from easy for both these characters as they make decisions that could drive them apart.

I will recommend this story to those that love history mixed with their fantasy, who love folklore and legends, hot sex and a happily ever after.  

 

 

Ascension by Bailey Bradford

ascension_800Title: Ascension

Series: Southern Spirits 07

Author: Bailey Bradford

Genre: Paranormal

Length: Novella (94pgs)

Publisher: Total E-Bound (22nd April 2013) Available from 25th March with TEB VIP club.

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Conner Sutherland never thought he’d meet the love of his life in the Afterlife…

Conner Sutherland has been alone for a long time. He can’t remember the last time he even felt the desire to be touched by another man. Sometime before his death, when he’d still been Laine’s lover. But Laine had found Severo years ago, and if any two people were meant for each other it was Laine and Sev. Where that leaves Conner, he doesn’t know, other than feeling lost and out of sorts.

He doesn’t want to think about the way he feels when he sees Ro—Rogelio, Sev’s nephew. Conner’s seen Ro grow from pretty boy into a handsome man, but wanting him is foolish and useless. Ro’s got a life to live, and even if he does things that hurt Conner, that’s not Ro’s fault. He doesn’t know he entranced Conner long ago.

Ro has only ever wanted one man for keeps. It’s a pointless want, though, because Conner Sutherland is dead and too busy pranking Laine and Sev to notice Ro anyway.

But life, and death, has a way of surprising you, as Ro and Conner find out.

Purchase Link: http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=2076

Review: Conner has been hanging around McKinton ever since Laine and Sev fell in love. But, he is feeling lonely, wishing he could somehow find love again. But, for a ghost that is impossible, isn’t it? When he starts to notice Ro, Sev’s nephew, he keeps his distance so not to tempt himself because Ro has his whole life to live and he doesn’t need a ghost hanging around. Ro has been fascinated with Conner for years. He has fantasied about the ghost for as long as he can remember, but he knows that Conner would never even notice him even if it was possible to be together. But, life has a way of making the impossible possible, as Ro and Conner are about to find out.

I have followed this series from the beginning and I had always hoped for Conner to get a story of his own. But, I was left feeling sadly disappointed because there was so much sadness throughout the book. How could I be happy for Conner and Ro when my heart bled for Laine and Sev? Conner might have his living friends and his fellow spirits, but he still feels alone. Having the chance at love that he never thought he would have, he first has to put his own past to rest. Ro makes mistakes when his mother dies and he wallows in grief, but he can’t be too sorry when it brings him the man he has wanted for years.

This story is well written and you feel the grief of Laine and Sev as they deal with one blow after the other. Ro and Conner both deserve the happiness that they find and they make a great couple. Their sex is hot and they have a different kind of storyline. But, for me, I suppose I am just used to a different resolution when it comes to ghost and human love stories and I was unhappy with the amount of grief and devastation it took to give Conner and Ro their happily ever after.  

I will recommend this to those who want a different kind of ghost/human love story, of finding a love that neither man thought they would have and a very happy for them ending. 

Takeover by D.J. Manly

2069Title: Takeover

Author: D.J. Manly

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (108pgs)

Publisher: Total E-Bound (15th April 2013) Available from 18th March from TEB VIP club.

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating:   ♥♥♥3 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Clive is sent to take over Frost Trucking…Seth intends to protect his grandfather from corporate greed…and desire has plans of its own.

Corporate greed is in abundance in today’s economy, and Seth Frost is about to come face to face with it in the person of Clive Roberts.

Clive Roberts comes to Port Credit as a representative of a large trucking corporation—there to take over Frost Trucking, a company on the verge of bankruptcy. Seth Frost had taken time off from his job in the city to visit his grandfather in the hospital. He resents the fact that Roberts is there in Port Credit like a circling piranha, watching his ailing grandfather…just biding his time till he’s able to take over a company his grandfather built from scratch.

But there’s more to Roberts than meets the eye. In spite of his reason for being there, Seth feels a little off balance when he looks into his eyes. Forced to work together to get the best deal for Seth’s grandfather, the attraction between the two men grows. 9781781845103Clive may well be there to take over the trucking company, but can Seth stop Clive from also taking over his heart?

Reader Advisory: This story has been previously released as part of the Sins of Spring anthology by Total-E-Bound

Purchase Link: http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=2069

Review: Clive has one goal in life and that is to always have enough, enough food, enough money, enough everything. After a harrowing childhood where Clive never had anything, he now works hard to make sure he is never in that position again.  But, when he meets Seth he will take a chance and change because once he has a taste of love nothing else matters. Seth is determined to protect his grandfather and the town from corporate greed, but Clive gets under his skin and he works out a way to save the company and give his grandfather something to look forward to. But, Seth discovers the truth and turns his back on Clive and Clive has to scramble to find a way to save the company and his love.

This is a good story of hotshot corporate shark finding love and changing his ways. Clive is a great character who has suffered hardship in his childhood. He watched his sister die due to neglect and malnutrition and has sworn to never be in that position again, and if that means being seen as a cold heartless man, then so what, at least he won’t go without. Seth rushes to help his grandfather when he discovers that his grandfather is ill and his business in trouble, but what he discovers is so much worse than he thought. The business has two options, bankruptcy or Clive’s company. But, he needs assurances that the company’s doors will remain open. The two get to know each other, but lies get in the way and Clive ends up trying to prove that he can change.

Seth is a good guy. He gave up the opportunity for a good paying job to work for the poor and has never regretted it. When he meets Clive, he feels an instant pull to the guy which rapidly develops into love. Clive has a shell around his heart that Seth shatters and makes him want to be a better man. Together they make a great couple, but I felt that they fell in love too quickly. Over just a couple of weeks and in an awkward situation, it felt rushed. The story is well written and it flows well. You get a good feel for both characters and you hope that they do work it out and they get their happily ever after.

I will recommend this if you love corporate sharks who have a change of heart, a good guy who can forgive, some hot sex and a very happy ending.   

 

 

Reynaud's Redemption by Jaxx Steele

6d003b1d8e65ff3377d1593b71bca008.image.200x300Title: Reynaud’s Redemption

Sequel to Cam’s Best Friend

Author: Jaxx Steele

Genre: Paranormal, Magic

Length: Novella (83pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (13th April 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: After a year of bliss with Cameron by his side, Reynaud began to feel uneasy. Can a call from his past threaten to ruin his present and future with Cam?

Reynaud had everything he ever wanted with Cam and yet something nagged at him. Now that his magic was back, he could not ignore the pull he felt to go ‘home’. He hoped going home would ease his weariness, but it was apparent that things had changed during his absence. Friends had lost their places and enemies had gained power. Will the final confrontation with his past destroy everything Reynaud had in his present and prevent him from having a future with Cam?

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/reynauds-redemption-ebook-p-1432.html

Review: This story is the sequel to Cam’s Best Friend and they must be read in order. Reynaud is blissfully happy with Cam, but there is something tugging at his subconscious. Something that he should recognize. With Cam he returns to his old home, but everything has changed and the place where the council met is long gone, but that tugging is persistent. Leaving Cam at home, he sets out to find Madame Cousteau, the one who is calling to him. But, the council has changed and the danger of an enemy is strong. Can Reynaud defeat his powerful foe to return to the arms of his beloved Cam?

This story tells Reynaud’s side of things as he heads back to the magical world to see why he is being called. Cam and Reynaud are still deeply in love, but Cam is getting fed up with Reynaud denying there is anything wrong. Reynaud finally admits that he doesn’t know what is wrong, but that there is something calling him. Cam offers to take Reynaud back to where he used to live. Reynaud is devastated when he sees the destruction of his former home, but returns days later by himself determined to find the one who calls to him.

Although this is Reynaud’s story some of the book is from Baptiste’s perspective (Baptiste was responsible for Reynaud’s banishment). Baptiste has been biding his time and with the elders all getting close to the end of their time, he becomes power-hungry and resorts to nefarious means to get what he wants. Baptiste is a very nasty character and time hasn’t mellowed him in the least. Reynaud is great, although his disregard of Cam is annoying. He didn’t even leave a note, he just disappeared. Cam is much more forgiving than I would have been, but he loves Reynaud so it is understandable.

I recommend this to those who love magical paranormal, putting the past to rest, dishing out deserving punishments and a happy ending for Cam and Reynaud.