One Small Thing by Piper Vaughn and M.J. O'Shea

Title: One Small Thing

Series: One Thing #1

Author: Piper Vaughn & M.J. O’Shea

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length: Novel (214 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (May 4^th, 2012)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 hearts

Blurb: “Daddy” is not a title Rue Murray wanted, but he never thought he’d have sex with a woman either. Now he’s the unwitting father of a newborn named Alice. Between bartending and cosmetology school, Rue doesn’t have time for babies, but he can’t give her up. What Rue needs is a babysitter, and he’s running out of options. He’s on the verge of quitting school to watch Alice himself when he remembers his reclusive new neighbor, Erik.

Erik Van Nuys is a sci-fi novelist with anxiety issues to spare. He doesn’t like people in general, and he likes babies even less. Still, with his royalties dwindling, he could use the extra cash. Reluctantly, he takes on the role of manny—and even more reluctantly, he finds himself falling for Alice and her flamboyant father.

Rue and Erik are as different as two people can be, and Alice is the unlikeliest of babies, but Rue has never been happier than when Alice and Erik are by his side. At least, not until he receives an offer that puts all his dreams within reach and he’s forced to choose: the future he’s always wanted, or the family he thought he never did.

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=2905

Reviewer: Any

Review: There are so many things to love about this story. The writing is engaging, simple and effective. The story is sweet. And the characters all made me smile. Particularly Erik, who tries hard to overcome his social awkwardness to help out a neighbor with his child. What a wonderful guy he is! I loved him and his addiction to Star Wars.

The romance was good in the end, but I must admit, I didn’t really feel the love connection between Erik and Rue as much as I did for Erik and Dusty. For a long while there, I was hoping—even though I knew it couldn’t be the case—for these two characters to see how well they fit together. I think partly the reason I felt this way was due to the way Dusty was written. I “felt” him and was more emotionally attached to his backstory than with Erik. I sympathized with him for his unfortunate luck with past romances, and the times when he and Erik were together, I was shown their connection and care for each other, rather than told it, like I felt was the case for Erik and Rue.

Nevertheless, this is a sweet story with a tender heart to it, and it kept me curious and wanting to read on. . . . And now I want to know that Dusty gets his Happily Ever After too!

Business or Pleasure by Douglas Black

Title: Business or Pleasure

Author: Douglas Black

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (81pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (20^th April 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: When Jack Campbell is unceremoniously dumped by his long term boyfriend, he knows a fresh start is in order. Against his better judgment, he heads to Marbella to take a job house-sitting, but finds pleasure, rather than business, waiting for him.

When Jack Campbell is dumped in favor of his high school best friend, he decides he needs a fresh start. He spies an advertisement in The Times. Clark Thomas is looking for a house sitter for his villa in Marbella. In a slightly inebriated state Jack sees this as the perfect chance to get away from his troubles but when he lands in Spain, he finds a lot more than a job opportunity waiting for him.

There must be something in the Spanish air; the heat is doing strange things to Jack. He’s behaving in ways he never has before and certainly never with an employer, but knowing what he’s doing is wrong doesn’t stop it from feeling right.

CONTENT ADVISORY: This title is an erotica title and contains a HFN ending.

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/business-or-pleasure-ebook-p-1436.html

Review: Jack needs a break after his ex-boyfriend dumps him. applying for a house sitting job he spotted in a newspaper, Jack is now heading to Marbella for nine months and wondering if he has done the right thing. Clark is still out of sorts after his own breakup and although Jack isn’t the usual sort he’d hire to house sit, he does so because Jack’s side note made him laugh. The attraction between them is mutual and Clark briefly shows Jack around, but nothing can come of their attraction as Clark is jetting off and Jack will be house sitting. But, the attraction is stronger than either thought.

This is a great hot novella that scratches several itches. Jack has shaken up his life now that he is single. Rather than hanging around moping, he has an opportunity to have the time of his life in Spain and it starts just after he has landed at the Spanish airport. Even though it is far from his normal behavior he seizes the moment, but wishes he had the chance to clean up before he meets his new boss. Clark is pleased with Jack and can’t help but offer to show him around, although it is something he has never done before, and it isn’t long before he can no longer resist and acts on his attraction.

Jack and Clark seem to be great characters. the story is set over just a couple of days so we don’t get to know them well. They connect to each other very quickly and they do spend time getting to know each other a bit, but it is very sexual between them and when it comes time for Clark to leave neither of them wants it to end. It isn’t an instant love match, but it is the beginning of something between them. I will admit that Douglas Black has a way with his characters, even the ones on the peripheral like the woman on the plane, she was a hoot. There is a brief sexual encounter between Jack and a random stranger in the airport, but the encounters between Jack and Clark are way hotter.

I will recommend this to those who want a touch of storyline with a potential relationship, with hot sex and a happy for now ending.

A Beautiful Disaster by Willa Okati

Title: A Beautiful Disaster

Author: Willa Okati

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (136pgs)

Publisher: Loose Id (26^th March 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: After being betrayed and abused by an ex-lover, Sean trusts no one–but he can’t help wishing he could trust gentle-hearted tattoo artist Riordan. When these two vulnerable men, scarred inside and out, find each other, neither is willing or able to walk away.

Both starved for touch and lonely in his self-imposed exile, Sean can’t help wanting Riordan both body and soul and in his bed, and Riordan is captivated by the sweet nature and the beauty he can still see beneath Sean’s scars. Yet despite his hunger for affection, Sean can’t break free of a cycle of shame and despair, not even as Riordan’s falling in love with his beautiful disaster.

Will Sean be able to break through the barriers he’s built around himself and let Riordan in–and will Riordan find the key to unlock Sean’s frozen heart?

Purchase Link: http://www.loose-id.com/a-beautiful-disaster.html

Review: Sean has trust in no one anymore. Abused, betrayed and then nearly killed, it has taken everything in him just to live again. trusting another human being is next to impossible, but when he meets Riordan he begins to have a yearning for touch and comfort. The second Riordan sees Sean he is drawn by something in him. Beneath the scars, the pain and the betrayal Riordan knows that there is a strong soul just looking back at him. A warm loving person that needs to be nurtured back to humanity and Riordan is determined to be the man who does it.

This is a very touching story that is filled with a wealth of pain and survival, of determination and beginning to live again. Riordan is a nurse and a tattoo artist he combines both careers to help those who have lasting scars. Creating beauty in a show of strength. Sean used to be an artist, it is no longer an option, but he is still drawn to the beauty of art and it is really all he has left. When Riordan and Sean meet, Sean has issues controlling the hurt and anger still dwelling inside him. But, Riordan’s gentle coaxing begins to ease his heart. Riordan can’t explain what about Sean draws him in. Sean’s wall is drawn tight around him, but Riordan wants to pull it down.

Both Riordan and Sean have faced death. Riordan from being in the wrong place at the wrong time and Sean because of a betrayal that led the man he was trying to run from straight to him. Both men are scarred, but Sean’s scars are far deeper, delving into his emotions and destroying his trust. I found both men to be vastly interesting and the trauma each man has suffered through was touching. The connection both men found in the other was unique and although it was hard to pin point, there was something special between them.

Although I was happy with how the relationship progressed between them, I found other things unsatisfying. Sean should have been in heavy therapy to help him work through everything that had happened to him; to get over the disappointment of the police failing him, to forgive the act of betrayal that led to him being nearly killed and for the loss of his life as he knew it. Riordan might have had experience with external scars and emotional hurt, but he just didn’t have the experience to deal with Sean’s baggage.

I will recommend this story to those who love emotional damaged men, overcoming fears, finding love and a happy ending.

Brainy and the Beast by J.M. Cartwright

Title: Brainy and the Beast

Author: J.M. Cartwright

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (311pgs)

Publisher: Loose Id (9^th April 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½ – 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Robotics researcher Henry Travis uses his brain for just about everything, but once he meets Nick Shelton over the hood of his 1960 Mercedes 300, he’s at a loss. How does he control his attraction to this brash, sexy mechanic?

Nick owns his own classic car garage, and he is more than willing to hit it with the brainy, seriously hot, Henry. What he doesn’t need is the aggro that comes with feelings. But since his 14yo nephew, Grant, has come to live with him, he’s been dealing with aggravation every day. And now his dad lives with him, too. A dad who doesn’t mind commenting on Nick’s lame parenting skills.

With Henry turning his crank in a big way, and Nick enjoying not being in charge for a change, things heat up pretty fast. They’re actually dating, with dinner and everything, before he knows it. And the after-dinner drinks at Henry’s gorgeous house have Nick wiping the sweat from his brow.

But Henry and Grant don’t get along; Nick isn’t sure he wants a relationship at all, and Nick’s dad, Big Mike, has an opinion on everything.

How’s a guy to have fun on the weekends – even during the week, for crying out loud – with all the family baggage hanging around?

Purchase Link: http://www.loose-id.com/brainy-and-the-beast.html

Review: Nick is a mechanic who has a thing for smart guys. When Henry drives into his garage, Nick gets tongue-tied over the hot, smart genius and proceeds to wonder how he can catch the robotics researcher’s eye. Henry is a robotics researcher and likes things just the way he wants them. Driving into Nick’s garage disrupts his orderly life, when the hot mechanic catches his eye.

This is a great story of opposites attracts. The genius and the grunt both bring something unique to a relationship that balances on a knife edge. Nick has always had a thing for smart guys. He knows the relationships will never last, but the alluring pull of brains just keeps tantalizing him. When he meets Henry he is instantly attracted to him, but his bumbling makes him think Henry would never be interested. So, when Henry asks him out he is surprised, but pleased. Nick thinks his relationship is doomed though, when he keeps saying the wrong thing and it doesn’t help when his family problems interfere.

Both Nick and Henry are great characters, although you only get Nick’s perspective on things Henry’s character still shines through. Henry is rigid, his emotions rarely really engage with anything other than his work, his fish and his garden. So, when he begins to have feelings for Nick it throws him a bit. Nick really does think he is stupid, but he isn’t, he just doesn’t know what to say when put on the spot and finds it difficult to articulate what he wants to say. Expect fireworks as Nick and Henry clash and expect explosions when they make up.

They storyline is good and not just the relationship between Nick and Henry, but the development of Nick’s relationship with his nephew, Grant, the worry over his father Mike, and the prejudice aimed at Grant’s perspective girlfriend, Shawn. I did enjoy the story but at times found that the wealth of information at times was just too much, it was more like rambling in Nick’s mind and didn’t keep my attention.

I will recommend this to those who like opposites attracting, bumbling relationships, hot sex, a touch of kinky sex talk and a very happily ever after.

Sixteen Songs About Regret by J.S. Cook

Title: Sixteen Songs About Regret

Author: J.S. Cook

Genre: Contemporary, Historical (1972, 1981)

Length: Novel (232pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (20^th May 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥1 ½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Prodigy pianist Simon Duckworth has a dark past. After being violently raped when he was thirteen, he flees to London, ashamed and determined never to tell a soul. He gets a job at a Denmark Street music shop, but it stifles him. At the first opportunity, Simon answers an ad for a musician, an act that changes his life forever.

Stephen Abednego has seen the same ad. He arrives in London with little more than his ambitions and a sheaf of poems, but together, they’re enough to get him hired. Under their new manager’s watchful eye, Stephen falls for Simon—but Stephen deeply closeted, and Simon may be too emotionally scarred for a mature relationship.

With their manager’s help, their music rises, dragging them into the hectic world of superstardom, but success doesn’t come without a price. Each step out of the ennui and coal smoke of 1960s industrial London must be paid for in regret. With social convention standing between them and the whole world watching, Stephen and Simon discover that finding each other is not as easy as it seems.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3814

Warning this story contains scenes of rape, homophobic violence, drug abuse and child abuse.

Review: Simon has a past that haunts him, and not just by the rape when he was thirteen. When he meets Stephen he falls in love, but Stephen rebuffs him. When Simon is plucked from obscurity and thrown into stardom his past dogs his steps. Stephen feels more for Simon than he will ever let on; he doesn’t want to be a poof and does everything he can to prove that he isn’t. As the two become more famous their relationship becomes strained. Simon spirals into drugs and Stephen buries himself in a woman. As Simon reaches the brink of his sanity, the two men splinter apart.

This story had a great story premise. Two young men meeting and shooting to stardom, one is fine with his attraction to men, the other doesn’t want to face his feelings for men at all. Simon has been kept under his mother’s thumb, Stephen is spreading his wings, together they make for stardom but their feelings for each other and Simon’s past makes things hard. Simon spirals out of control and his mental health is severely tested. Stephen can’t face admitting how he really feels and it drives the two men apart, but they can never forget each other. Finding each other again might not be easy. but their feelings never fade.

Both Simon and Stephen are great characters. The time they are in limits them to what they can be to each other. Stephen also doesn’t want to want another man, whereas Simon embraces that side of him even with earlier trauma’s haunting him. The storyline is quite dark really, with lots of drugs, Simon’s precarious sanity and just an overall depressing feel to the writing.

Okay, so this book wasn’t for me, not even a little bit. Usually, rock stars make for a great story and it might have been if it wasn’t for the way it was written. This is a story that is really hard to follow. it jumps backwards and forwards with no warning, and actually makes very little sense as you try to follow what is happening. The constant shift in perspective and backwards and forwarding in the timeline gave me a headache as I tried to keep up with what was going on. Having to flick backwards to the last page to see if I had missed something had me wanting to bang my head in frustration as I still didn’t get why it was written like that. I personally felt like someone had taken the book, cut paragraphs up and then stuck it back together willy-nilly.

I will recommend this to those that like the 1970-1980 music scene, difficult relationships, an unstable/unbalanced rock star, a confused songwriter and an ending that gives them hope.

Until Forever Comes by Cardeno C.

Title: Until Forever Comes

Series: Mates 02

Author: Cardeno C.

Genre: Paranormal

Length: Novel (204pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (20^th May 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Ethan Abbatt is a wolf shifter who can’t shift. Plagued by pain and weakness all his life, he hopes to find an honorable death by joining his pack mates in a vampire attack. Instead, Ethan learns two things: draining his blood releases his pain and his wolf, and he has a true mate—a vampire named Miguel.

Miguel Rodriguez is more than four centuries old. Strong, powerful, and vicious, he walks through life as a shadow, without happiness or affection. When a young shifter tells Miguel they’re true mates, destined to be together, Miguel sends him away. But Ethan is persistent, and Miguel can’t resist for long. Once Miguel gives in, being together comes naturally. The challenge is keeping themselves alive so they can stay by each other’s side until forever comes.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3815

Review: This story is part of a series and can be read in any order. Ethan is twenty and has never shifted. he’s grown weaker by the year and suffers from unexplained pain. Deciding that he wants to accept death on his own terms, he goes with some pack mates to town to hunt down vampires. Instead of dying though, he realizes that bleeding out released his wolf and that Miguel, the big badass vampire is his mate. Miguel is over four hundred years old. He has no interest in playing nice and when crossed is vicious. His thirst for blood is strong and is only getting stronger. When Miguel crosses paths with wolf shifter, Ethan, he is puzzled by the shifter’s reaction to him. And when Ethan keeps turning up, Miguel gives in to his attraction. But, with shifters and vampires hating each other they have opposition to face.

This is a brilliant story that tells us the tale of Miguel and Ethan who we met briefly in Wake Me Up Inside. This story begins just over fifty years before Wake Me Up Inside, with a young Ethan who has been shunned by his pack because he is different. Never having shifted and being weak, Ethan can’t believe it when he wakes up the morning after the vampire attack. Not only is he still alive, but he is a wolf and has never felt stronger and he has found his mate. Miguel is in town to buy land, but since he has been in town his thirst for blood has grown. Meeting Ethan confuses him because Ethan is a wolf and Miguel wants him. His blood smells wonderful, but shifter blood is poisonous, and why does Ethan say they are mates?

Miguel and Ethan are wonderful characters; Ethan with his simple needs and plain words and Miguel with his badass attitude and need to protect Ethan. I can’t tell you how much I adored Ethan and his easy attitude, his willingness to forgive others and how he wraps Miguel around his little finger without even trying. I loved Miguel’s take no crap attitude and how, when he accepted his feelings for Ethan, he would do anything for him even when it goes against what he wants to do. I loved the easy storyline that has just a smidge of danger and the sex is hot and they are made for each other in every way. It just warms you up seeing them together.

The storyline is great and we learn a lot more about the world the paranormals live in; when they were even further removed from humanity and when the animosity between vampires and shifters was high. This story is an easy read with just a touch of danger from jealous vampires. Ethan and Miguel are this story, their coming together, being perfect for each other and providing just what the other needs. both of them helping to save the pack even when they turn their back on Ethan and the discovery that not all wolves have shifter mates and that true mates could be anywhere or anyone.

I recommend this story to all those who love shifters and vampires, a great love story, hot sex, a touch of danger, a pissed off vampire and a very wonderful happy ending.

Cowboys and Vampires by Hank Edwards

Title: Cowboys and Vampires

Series: Venom Valley 01

Author: Hank Edwards

Genre: Paranormal, Historical Western

Length: Novel (197pgs)

Publisher: Wilde City Press (17^th April 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: In the frontier town of Belkin’s Pass, as a vampire quietly feeds on the local saloon girls and their customers, a tragedy teaches resident Josh Stanton he has the ability to raise the dead. Knowing he is now a wanted man, Josh flees into the arid plains of Venom Valley. Pursued by Dex, the town deputy and Josh’s best friend, the two realize their friendship is truly something deeper, and Dex has to decide if he’s a man of the law, or a man in love. The vampire, drawn by Josh’s power, circles ever closer, gathering his forces against them.

Purchase Link: http://www.wildecity.com/books/gay-mainstream/cowboys-vampires-venom-valley-book-one/#.UYzeOLWG2AU

Review: Josh knows he has to run. Nobody would ever believe the real reason why he put bullets in two people… they came back from the dead. Dex investigates when a young girl says she saw a murder, what he finds disturbs him and he doesn’t want to believe that Josh would ever do such a thing. Meanwhile, strange things begin to happen in town at the saloon and Dex begins to wonder if there is a connection. Dex has to find Josh before anyone else in town does, leading Dex and Josh to admit their feelings are more than friendship. But, danger lurks as a town wants justice and a mysterious vampire wants Josh.

This is a great start to what looks to be an action filled series with a dark vampire and a mysterious power. Josh has a strange power, one that scares him to death. When he is near a dead body he begins to heat up and the body will begin to move. Shooting the dead is a problem when you can’t tell the truth and justice in a wild west town can be swift and brutal. The only thing now that Josh can regret is losing his best friend, Dex, the man he has secret longings for. Dex wants to protect his friend, Josh, but there is no way that the town will listen to reason. so Dex has a choice to make between duty and love. Dex and Josh face a greater threat though, when a mysterious man who calls himself a vampire decides that he wants Josh.

I really enjoyed this story with its paranormal aspects. It starts with a hint of danger that twists into a mysterious power, and next we have secret forbidden longings and a danger that lurks in the shadows. Josh and Dex have a heart to heart, where Josh shares the astounding truth and they share a magical night together, before reality comes calling and they are both hunted in the night. The story has shifting perspectives and Josh, Dex and Glory are the ones who give us clear insight into what is happening. Josh and Dex are to be expected, but it is Glory who first gave us a glimpse of the vampire and Glory has a secret of her own as well. One that I think we will see more of as the series continues.

This story is really well written. The scenes are described brilliantly, the images of dead people shambling towards you with wolves just waiting to pounce was vivid. Josh and Dex’s relationship beginning was really hot and quite sweet. The action and danger are great and the storyline is really intriguing, as we discover that there is a lot more to Venom Valley than just a few rattlers and wolves. I have to admit the ending left me wanting more.

I have to recommend this to those who love deputies, cowboys, mysterious goings on, discovering love with your best friend, hot sex, a vampire with dark deeds on his mind and an ending that makes you want the next book now.

Faelon by A.J. Kelton

Title: Faelon

Series: The Forgotten Touch #1

Author: A.J Kelton

Genre: MM / Paranormal / S&M

Length: Novel

Publisher: MLR Books (April 4^th, 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥2 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: Who knew that loving a Nephilim could be so dangerous?

Faelon, a 3000-year-old Nephilim, fleeing a demonic master, found safety with the church. He has repaid their kindness by translating various artifacts. Father Donovan has watched as Faelon became a recluse, fearing those who would harm him.

Jax, wanting a change, moves to Salem, MA where he finds work as a churches security guard. Not believing that Faelon is a Nephilim, he is forced to confront his own beliefs in the supernatural.

Can he learn to accept Faelon, and be the master he requires? Or lose the man he loves to the demons who would harm him.

Product Link: http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=AJKFAELN

Review: Read through this book a thought kept bothering me. How can you mess up such an enticing idea? A Nephilim, a creature born from an Angel and a mortal, an immortal himself existing for thousands of years as a pleasure slave, passing through from master to master until he was kidnapped by a demon who basked and gained power from the nephilim’s sexual pain. Living through nightmares on the Demon’s hands, he finally escapes only to fall from the sky and get saved by a priest. Ever since the contemporary days, he lives hidden in the basement of the Church, his secrets passing from Father to Father each of them choosing the next who will replace them, each of them protecting a half angel in the heart of their Church from mortals and immortals alike, until the day that the last Father does not choose another priest, but a mere human for their nephilim’s protection.

I mean the idea is great, you can explore it in so many ways and get a hell of a story from it or many more. You can’t go wrong with this, or so I thought.

The writing is bad and for me it ruined a perfect chance for a great series. There is the classic telling without showing. There is the multi-head-pop where you know everybody’s thoughts. There is constant repetition of details and facts. We were told over and over again the same facts, for several paragraphs and from different characters. The character’s development was horrible. They were all limited in dimensions, almost flat, their personality lacking and a note of constant whining overcame them, a somewhat petulance that had me not only not care for them but utterly dislike them too.

The fact that there was now “showing” meant that we didn’t get to experience any feelings/emotions between the characters. The Master/slave relationship between them was shot to pieces by numerous factors. The romantic relationship was beyond surreal taking a flare from day one with Faelon blurting out all his sadomasochistic cravings and in the matter of a week the two men went from strangers, to lovers, to declarations of love and a falling apart.

The plot itself was one dimension for me as it focused solely on the sexual games between the pair – games that held no passion, sensuality, eroticism whatsoever. If there was more to the plot it felt dropped there for the sole purpose of making the sex-games going.

The villain’s character, the demon Caymen, was beyond flat. He made one appearance and that was in passing. He actually bumped shoulders with our Hero, Jax, admonished him with a “what it mortal” and vanished. That was all his part in this book, everything else about him we got to learn it from Faelon’s “telling”. I wonder, what is the purpose of a demon chasing a Nephilim, killing bodies that we are told in the very end of the book they are look-alike of said Nephilim, blowing up a church in the middle of the day and then vanishing. Never got that one.

And then we had the sudden guest appearance of Delgorio, Faelon’s real Master, an Ariel Nephilim Prince, who comes to the rescue, and I’m left staring there wonder what the hell did just happen and why would Delgorio show up now and not what Faelon was kidnapped by the demon and viciously tortured for centuries.

Here I go again ranting. I can go on pointing at every single detail gone wrong with this book but that won’t do, it would take me forever. This simply was not ready to get out there in the current state. It’s in dire need of editing, revision, a solid plot and some serious character development before even hitting the shelves. As it is I disliked it and would not recommend it.

Murder Book by Marshall Thornton

Title: Murder Book

Series: Boystown 05

Author: Marshall Thornton

Genre: Mystery, Historical (1982)

Length: Novel (185pgs)

Publisher: ManLoveRomance Press (5^th April 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: With the Chicago Police stretched to their limit by the Tylenol murders, private investigator Nick Nowak is spurred to action when the Bughouse Slasher strikes again.

In the fifth book of the award-winning Boystown mystery series, its fall 1982 and Chicago is gripped by panic after five people die from poisoned Tylenol capsules. Amid the chaos, the Bughouse Slasher takes his eighth victim, this time striking close to private investigator Nick Nowak. With the Chicago Police Department stretched to its limit, Nick takes matters into his own hands. But what will he do with the Bughouse Slasher once he finds him?

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

Review: This book is part of a series and is best read in order. Nick is left reeling with shock when the Bughouse Slasher strikes again. He begins to investigate, trying to piece the vague clues left behind. The Chicago PD and Cooper have the same clues, but for them all hands are needed when poisoned Tylenol capsules kill seven people.

Okay, this is going to be a really short review because everything I can think of to say would give the entire plot away. When a new victim is taken by the Bughouse Slasher, Nick takes over Harker’s Murder Book, trying to piece together clues to discover who the killer is. Briefly teaming up with Christian (reporter) nearly proves to be a disaster and Cooper has his hands full with the Tylenol poisonings. Nick also has his own cases to work and he has to prioritize what is most important.

Nick is such a great character. He doesn’t have much time for soppy feelings and keeps his feelings close to his chest. That doesn’t mean that what has happened hasn’t affected him or that, at the right moment, he won’t grieve. This is a brilliant story that kept me gripped. I had to stay with Nick as he fought to put together the clues. As he fought frustration and anger and then as he tried to handle the realization of what Harker had done. The mystery surrounding the Bughouse Slasher is great and the 1982 setting is fantastic. The way that Marshall Thornton immerses us in the time with the actions and words of the characters is brilliant. This story is a harsh reality of that timeline; with the cause of AIDS still unknown, the scenes of sexual contact wasn’t as frightening. The outlook of this story is bleak and beautifully written, this story isn’t a romance.

I recommend this to those that love realistic 80’s, mystery, private detectives, dealing with grief, and solving mysteries. I am looking forward to the next book and truly hope that the outlook will be much happier.

Making the Grade by Shannon West

Title: Making the Grade

Series: N/A

Author: Shannon West

Genre: MM / Contemporary Erotic Romance

Length: Novelette

Publisher: MLR Books (May 3rd, 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: Will misunderstandings and shadows from their past sabotage Travis and Shane’s hot new romance?

Travis is trying hard to make enough money to pay at least part of his tuition so he’s not still paying off student loans with his social security checks.

Enter Shane Bradfield, rich, sexy and sinfully good looking. Shane has never been attracted to cute little twinks, even those who look like Travis, but when Travis darts out in front of his motorcycle, he falls for Travis quite literally.

They begin a hot romance, but shadows from their past, misunderstandings and Travis’s notion that Shane is way out of his league all threaten to sabotage their budding romance.

Product Link: http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=SWMKGRAD

Review: A typically rich boy/poor boy college romance? An assistant teacher/student stereotype? Or a cliché college romance with lots of sex that are thrown in a transparent plot?

None of the above. This story is absolutely delightful and we get to see it from the very first line. The witty humor and special way of narration begin then and in a unique way we get engrossed in a most fun and lovely story.

It’s lust on first sight for both of them. Travis, a poor kid, working his way through college is trying very hard to juggle the tutoring sessions, the assistant teaching job and his own studies. His private life is nonexistent, socializing has become a distant memory and he all but falls asleep on his books every night. Add there this sense of unworthiness and you got a young man who doesn’t expect much from others. Especially a guy like Shane. That is… well, sex on legs? A wet dream walking? Whatever you call him, he is that and more.

And he knows it. Yet, when the young twink seems not to bow his head to his charms and literally ignoring him, Shane’s ego makes a stand and he gets hell bound on impressing that incredible creature that dared escape.

And what starts as an ego boost and insta-lust chase, escalates into much more when Shane finds that the young twink is hiding so much more under his shyness and clumsy ways.

But, I feel inadequate to properly describe this book. It’s way too funny. the author has managed to get the entire text, even the serious parts, sparkled with a light humor. The writing is engaging and the surprise was that we get to see it from both views in a quite unique way, at least for me. You see every chapter is a different point of view. First we see Travis and his thoughts, then second chapter comes and we see most of the first through Shane’s eyes, and the same event is described through each character’s “personality”. One would have thought I’d hate it. I usually dislike the repetition with a passion, but damn, and here is where I love the author and quite literally bow to her talent. In this instance it worked, because the author avoided repeating word for word the events and rather focused on the experience and emotions as were felt for each individual character.

And it worked for me, I loved them both. I loved Travis and his shy personality. I loved that his thoughts were firm and he opened his mouth to push Shane away and be professional and all, but utterly failed every time succumbing instead to this incredible man who wanted him. I loved that he was such a nice guy even if nothing was ever easy on him.

And Shane, egotistical and arrogant Shane. Well, I admit, while I recognized his charm from the beginning, I very much wanted to bitch-slap him at some points. And even when his behavior was totally explained and “justified”, I still remained a bit on the defense with him, wanting to give him a good shake. Still, what a good fit and how delightful being in his head was.

I had a blast reading this book, it was funny and fun. It had a plot that was light yet properly developed and for its length perfect and it was sexy and sensual. It was a very good fast read for every fan of college-romance and “inappropriate” relations between teacher/student. A very engaging read that I don’t even hesitate recommending.

Falling In Love With Crazy by Dane Waters

Title: Falling In Love With Crazy

Author: Dane Waters

Genre: Contemporary, Multicultural

Length: Novel Plus (240pgs)

Publisher: Loose Id (15^th May 2013)

Heat: Moderate – Explicit

Heart: ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Economics professor Ryuu Tanaka suffers through the embarrassment of playing softball with his students to get closer to the man sitting under a nearby tree. Ryuu finds Daniel to be more attractive, more intelligent, and more mysterious than any human being has a right to be. Despite the fact Daniel isn’t gay, possibly isn’t all there, and isn’t interested in any future conversations, Ryuu has no intention of letting Daniel walk out of his life for good.

Avoiding arrest as a stalker is only the first hurdle Ryuu must overcome to be with Daniel. Once he does, their friendship quickly turns into a love that has Ryuu planning long nights with the perpetually horny and submissive Daniel bound and at his mercy. But Daniel’s failing mental stability forces Ryuu to delve into Daniel’s past. Ryuu learns Daniel’s real last name, the possibility of a child and that the man in his bed may not be Daniel at all.

Ryuu is desperate to keep the certifiably insane Daniel from slipping into his fantasy world with Armor, the version of Ryuu Daniel has created in his mind, but a homicidal student with a crush has other plans.

Purchase Link: http://www.loose-id.com/falling-in-love-with-crazy.html

Review: Ryuu goes to great lengths to meet the beautiful man in the park. Plays softball with his students, follows him, and hangs around a coffee shop until he finally gets a date with the man. Ryuu finds Daniel fascinating and interesting even though Daniel says he isn’t gay, isn’t interested in coffee or conversation and has just a slight problem with reality. Ryuu is put through his paces as he tries to get Daniel to fall in love with him in five days, but Ryuu believes Daniel is worth every second. But, as Daniel’s mental stability fails Ryuu has to dig into his past and makes several discoveries. And that isn’t Ryuu’s only problem when a student who has a crush on him shows his true colors.

This is an absolutely brilliant story that has huge doses of humor, light-hearted teasing and then crashing reality. Ryuu is a very confident man, he knows he is attractive and appeals to many men. So when he sees a man he likes, nothing will stop him from at least talking to him once. Daniel has a past that is shrouded in mystery, with mental health difficulties and preferring to be alone. Daniel isn’t really ready for a man like Ryuu to burst into his life, but as the two get to know each other, Daniel needs Ryuu to help to keep him tethered to reality.

Oh. These characters are fantastic. They had me chuckling throughout the book. Ryuu and Daniel are brilliant. they strike sparks off each other and when they finally come together physically they are perfect and sexy. Ryuu is a man who won’t give up on Daniel, no matter what obstacles are thrown in his path, even those that are put there by Daniel. Daniel is a much more complex character. He is honest and pretty open, but some things he just won’t talk about, and he has a nasty habit of getting lost in his head. Daniel has plenty of ghosts in his past, many of them terrible and each one has left its invisible mark on him, God, you just want to smother him in love and protect him from the world and his own mind.

Although much of the book is written with humor towards the end of the book it becomes more somber as someone who wants Ryuu for himself gets nasty and Ryuu sees the reality of Daniel’s mental health problems. This book is wonderfully written. It draws you in with its great characters. It keeps you entertained with its humor and keeps you reading with the mystery of Daniel’s past. Oh and the ending, it was so wonderful that I am hoping for an update of Daniel and Ryuu in the future.

I have to recommend that this story be put on everyone’s must read list, especially if you love confused young men, finding a way for love, humor, great sex, a touch of mystery, a touch of danger, determination never to give up, great characters and a brilliant storyline with a wonderful ending.

Soul Mates by Shawn Bailey

Title: Soul Mates

Author: Shawn Bailey

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (111pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (18^th May 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 – 3 ½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Edna Murphy places a personal ad to find her son, Jovan, a mate. He rarely dates anyone, spending his time working or fishing with friends. Gemma Costas answers, hoping to hook her son Galen up with a nice young man.

Edna Murphy places a personal ad to find her son, Jovan, a mate. He spends most of his time working or fishing with friends and rarely goes out on a date. She wants him to find someone nice and settle down.

Galen Costas drives his mother crazy. He cooks dinner three times a week, does the grocery shopping, and cleans and arranges the furniture. And he doesn’t even live in the same house. Gemma thinks he needs a life and takes matters into her own hands by answering a lonely heart ad.

Jovan and Galen click the moment they meet. But their match made in heaven could be ruined by a man from Galen’s past.

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/soul-mate-ebook-p-1467.html

Review: Edna loves her son to bits, but he still lives at home and is shy. So she takes matters into her own hands and places an ad for a soul mate for her son, Jovan. Gemma adores her son, Galen, but he is a worrywart and tries to look after his parents constantly. When she sees an ad placed by another mother she answers in the hopes of distracting Galen and finding a bit of space. When Galen and Jovan met the sparks are instant and the pair click, but Galen’s own penchant for shiny cars and a conniving ex-lover nearly ruins their perfect match.

This is a great little cutesy story of opposites attracting and interfering mothers. Jovan is shy, hardworking and has few really good friends and he still lives with his parents. He doesn’t want to leave them alone and he quite likes having his mom look after him. Galen is successful, energetic, high maintenance and loves looking after his parents, he cooks for them and cleans and visits them every day. When Galen and Jovan meet they are perfect together, Galen has someone to look after and share things with and Jovan has someone to look after him and spend lots of time with. Their parents are ecstatic that their boys have found the perfect partner, but Galen’s ex-lover turning up nearly wrecks what Galen and Jovan are building together.

I did enjoy this story, Galen and Jovan’s instant attraction to each other was hot and both their parents are wonderful if a little interfering. Although the storyline moves quite quickly it’s a simple boy meets boy, boy falls for boy and begins to have a happy ever after when boys ex turns up trying to tempt boy with shiny toys, boy does something stupid and learns his lesson. Both Jovan and Galen are excellent characters, with their love for their parents shining through and the rapid development of their relationship was actually perfect for them, their sex life is very hot and Galen really does like to switch it up.

I will recommend this to those who love soul mates meeting, hot sex, making mistakes, forgiving the one you love and a nearly perfect happy ending.

Surrounded by Crimson by Lexi Ander

Title: Surrounded By Crimson

Series: Sumeria’s Sons 04

Author: Lexi Ander

Genre: Paranormal, Fantasy, M-preg

Length: Novel (228pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (18^th May 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Nine days until the birth of the heirs of the Seat of Zeev, the Wolf Throne, and life couldn’t be more hectic or more dangerous for Tristan and Ushna.

Tristan has agreed to bond with Ushna but there is still much to do. Returning to Tribe Enkidu puts everyone on edge and Tristan is being stalked like prey. It doesn’t help that he fights depression as he mourns the loss of Nikita, or that claiming his birthright becomes a battle of wills with the Elder Council, and the pleading of his adoptive daughter adds to the oppressive feeling. Stumbling onto a secret prison while searching for Ushna leads Tristan to risk everything to free a lost God. But breaking the tie to his Flame has more repercussions than Tristan knew and the assistance of a forgotten Goddess and a centuries old lover may not be enough to save him.

CONTENT ADVISORY: As part of a series, this title has a HFN ending.

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/surrounded-by-crimson-ebook-p-1470.html

Review: This story is part of a series and must be read in order. Tristan is just days away from giving birth. Ushna is overjoyed that Tristan has agreed to bond with him and they are both still dreading heading to Georgia and the Elder Council. Bahbelle becomes a trial for Tristan as he faces down the Elder Council, sets forth the fate of those who attacked him and his pack, stumbles across a hidden prison and faces the loss of everyone that he loves.

Holy cow, this series just keeps getting better and better. This story picks up where Dreams of the Forgotten ends. There is a brief summary covering some of what has come before, but all the books do need to be read in order. Tristan and Ushna are looking forward to bonding now that Tristan has accepted that they are meant-to-be. They still mourn the loss of Brian (Ushna’s twin flame) and they begin to understand that what is between them was always meant-to-be. But danger comes when they are in Bahbelle, Georgia. On top of the challenges they face with the Elder Council and Tristan’s claim and pregnancy, Tristan makes a choice that could just permanently separate him from Ushna and a surprising twist awaits us all.

Lexi Ander has done it again. She has swept us along with her paranormal beings, taking us to a fantasy world and dropped bombs into the storyline that shocks and astounds us. The beautifully created paranormal world we find ourselves in is beautifully described. It draws us in with its imagery and heartfelt emotions, with its epic storyline and brilliant characters. The scenes we find ourselves in are amazing, standing with our enraged Xenres (prince) in Lupe form awaiting his orders when his beloved is endangered. Or the soul crushing fear as we face a mythical creature. I honestly can say that this series is actually just one epic fantasy/paranormal with twists and turns and new discoveries that has your breath hitching and gasping in shock. It blindsides you with new details and has you desperate for the last two books… well, although I really want to read them and enjoy them, I am filled with trepidation that this incredible fantasy world would come to an end.

I recommend this to those who love incredible fantasy, brilliant world building, fantastic characters, danger, love, hot sex and a brilliant continuous storyline.

Finding Jackie by Lou Sylvre

Title: Finding Jackie

Series: Vasquez & James 03

Author: Lou Sylvre

Genre: Mystery, Suspense, Contemporary

Length: Novel Plus (270pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (17^th May 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Luki Vasquez and Sonny Bly James finally have their Hawaiian wedding, and it’s perfect, almost. But their three-phase honeymoon is riddled with strife. Luki’s status as a working badass spells discord for the newlyweds. A former informant from Luki’s days with ATFE brings a troubling message (or is it a warning?) from a Mob hit man. When Luki’s sixteen-year-old nephew, Jackie, is lured into capture and torture by a sadistic killer, the honeymoon is well and truly over.

The couple put aside their differences and focus on the grueling hunt, which takes them from leather bars to dusty desert back roads, and calls on Sonny’s deep compassion as well as Luki’s sharpest skills. Their world threatens to fall apart if they fail, but their love may grow stronger than ever if they succeed in finding Jackie—before it’s too late.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3812

Review: This story is part of a series and must be read in order. Luki and Sonny are having their Hawaiian wedding before they embark on their RV honeymoon, but they don’t get to enjoy it like they should when Luki receives a job offer. That could come in handy, until the past rears its ugly head determined to enact revenge. Sonny and Luki have to put their differences aside as they embark on a cross-country hunt. It needs the skills of both men as they search for Jackie, who has been lured into a trap and whose life is now in danger.

Okay, first on a light note: if I was related to Luki or Sonny I would be heading for an unmarked small Island to live out my life in peace. Luki and Sonny think that the past is the past and are looking forward to their honeymoon; little do they know that someone is smarting because of their actions in Delsyn’s Blues. Luki’s nephews are still recovering from their fathers’ actions with Jackie struggling. Jackie gets lured into a trap by a sadistic killer who is determined to make Luki pay for his actions. Sonny struggles with Luki’s decision with work and Luki is a little resentful about Sonny’s weaving.

Lou Sylvre drags us back into the world of Sonny and Luki with another devastating adventure. Sonny still has moments of grief about Delsyn. Luki feels that he needs the advantage of a badge and they are both completely happy with their marriage. Things go really bad for them though when Rita (an old snitch of Luki’s) comes to them with a message and then Jackie goes missing from home. From then on, there is a cross-country hunt with Luki initiating new recruit Brian in the ways of Luki. With a daring rescue to pull off Luki and Sonny have to face their fears.

This is a brilliant book that just won’t let you out of its grip. Jackie is such a sweet kid who is just looking to find himself, but through a twist of fate he finds himself the victim of a sadistic killer. The scenes with Jackie will have your eyes filling as he realizes his chance of rescue is slim. Loki and Sonny are as we remember them with Luki having relaxed just a bit so his edges are a touch smoother. The action and danger are excellent. The storyline is brilliant and the characters are wonderful. There are steamy sex scenes and touching moments, heart to hearts and facing fears, this book has it all.

I recommend this story to all those who love suspense, action, romance, love, hot sex, emotional scenes, danger and the baddie getting his.

Still by Mary Calmes

Title: Still

Author: Mary Calmes

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (190pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (15^th May 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: What happens when two men who have been together for seventeen years fall out of love? Sivan Cruz, a set director in San Francisco, and Walter Wainwright, a big shot Bay Area lawyer, find out the hard way. Walter loves Sivan with all his heart but rarely talks about it, and Sivan needs to hear the words. The language of the love they have shared for so long, that has enabled them to build a life together and raise two children, stops working. They become—still.

When Sivan asks for a divorce, Walter doesn’t know how to say no. They separate, but while Sivan sees the relationship as over, Walter sees only a temporary setback. He has never lost his passion for Sivan and decides he has to say something before he ends up loving his husband in silence for the rest of his life.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3810

Review: Sivan only sees that the relationship he has been in for 17 years has become stagnant. Deciding he has to let his husband go so Walter can find happiness, he asks for a divorce and begins to build a new life. Walter has too much pride to say no when his husband asks him for a divorce, but he never truly let’s go of the idea of getting Sivan back. But, convincing Sivan that he truly does love him is hard to do when Sivan refuses to really listen to what Walter is saying.

This is a great story of a well-established older couple whose relationship has fallen into a rut and one of the men decides the solution is divorce. Sivan needs to be told he is loved and wanted, and because he isn’t hearing the words he decides his relationship is over. Walter isn’t one to share his feelings; instead he shows his love with actions. But, when his husband asks for a divorce, instead of fighting for the relationship he agrees to the divorce. Both men try to move on, but Walter never gives up hope that Sivan will be his again. When Sivan has problems with an ex-co-worker, Walter swoops in to take advantage and convince Sivan of his love.

I really did enjoy this smooth story. Sivan is positive that because he isn’t showered with constant love and affection that his marriage is over. He really hasn’t got a clue how Walter really feels and instead of talking about it, he makes a decision for both of them. thinking he knows what is best. Walter is a great character. he is more of the strong silent type who is there when you need a rock. Sivan reminded me of an older slightly calmed down version of Jory from the A Matter of Time series. He needs reassurance that he is loved and when he isn’t reassured he acts thinking he knows best. Watching as Sivan finally comes around to the fact that he was all wrong is entertaining. seeing two men who have lost touch with each other open back up was really sweet and the sex they have is really steamy.

I have to recommend this to those that love drifting apart and reconnecting stories, rediscovering misplaced love, a touch of danger by a disgruntled ex-employee and a very happy ending.

Tats of Honor by Vona Logan

Title: Tats of Honor

Series: N/A

Author: Vona Logan

Genre: MM / Contemporary

Length: Novella

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (May 15^th, 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: Kegan Andrews wears his heart on his sleeve, or rather his skin—his tattoo is a testimony to those he’s loved and lost. The losses are piling up—like his young cousin’s suicide and his fiancée’s betrayal. He needs perspective, and the New Zealand trip he planned months ago seems to promise him that. Then Kegan meets Dominic, a man wrapped in so much grief and guilt it’s as if his own heart died two years ago with his long-time partner.

Dominic can’t move on—can’t even imagine it until Kegan jumpstarts his frozen heart. Dominic knows Kegan isn’t gay, so he fights his growing feelings, but Kegan embraces his new self-knowledge about whom he might love. Will Dominic stay mired in the safety of past heartbreak and become a distant memory etched into Kegan’s skin, or will he risk himself for the promise of a new beginning?

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3803

Review: This was quite a sweet and emotional story that follows Kegan and Dominic and their journey through pain to love.

Kegan has recently lost his cousin, who was also his best friend and more like a brother. His pain has overwhelmed him, but he knows that the only way to go is forward, moving on and appreciating life while he still can. Two months later, while boarding on a plane for a trip to New Zealand, he is left taking the trip alone while his fiancé abandons him at the airport. Yet as furious and disappointed he is with his life, his mind doesn’t fail to recognize that all he has to do is keep going and live life as if every day is his last.

Dominic has been a living dear for two years ever since he lost his partner of fifteen years partner in a car accident. Not only hasn’t he moved on, but he doesn’t really want to, feeling a sense of guilt doing so when his one and truly love has died. Thus, it takes him completely by surprise when he crosses paths with Kegan and the man’s easy going nature and love of life stir something in him. Scared he tries to push these unexpected feeling away and continue his lonely life, but it’s nearly impossible resisting Kegan’s charm. But, shrinking away from life for so long becomes a habit and it’s not easy moving on.

These two characters were very interesting. both plagued by death each dealing with it a different way and their personalities come crashing with each other when they meet. It was sweet, yet agonizing seeing Dominic overcome his pain and muster his courage to face life again. It was almost devastating witnessing Kegan loses the most unexpected love, and yes, I don’t mean his fiancé.

However the story lacked a certain passion for me. While I liked it, I didn’t get engrossed in it. In addition, I somehow felt a wonder with the approach on Kegan’s character as he has been a straight guy all his life, except one night in college. So his behavior, how in stride he took his attraction to Dominic and their first time together somehow baffled me. Plus the insta-love plot is not really much of an appeal to me.

Still the story was well written with highs and lows at times, some emotional parts and some fun. If you like that kind of story and have a curiosity about being a tourist in New Zealand this read offers quite some interesting descriptions of the place where a very sweet love-story begins.

Be My Alien by M.A. Church and Julie Lynn Hayes

Title: Be My Alien

Series: Moonlit Skies 01

Author: M.A. Church & Julie Lynn Hayes

Genre: Science Fiction

Length: Novella (100pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (8^th May 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 – 3 ½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: A man too busy for love…

Reed owns an upscale men’s boutique with a naughty back room. While making a late delivery to a client, he runs into Taz.

A man on a disastrous date…

When Taz agreed to come to Earth on a date, he didn’t expect to be dumped and left with no way home. Then he falls into Reed’s arms—literally.

A coffee date soon becomes a trip back to Reed’s apartment. But when Taz’s stripes begin to show, Reed discovers Taz comes from a planet far, far away.

Reed never believed aliens existed, but he’s facing one now. What in the world is he going to do?

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3801

Review: Taz is left miserable when he is dumped during a date on Earth. and what’s worse he is left stranded with no clothes, nowhere to stay and no way home until sexy Reed comes to his rescue. Reed is doing a last-minute delivery, when he finds himself with an armful of sexy man. taking pity on the young man who seems so lost and alone, he takes him for coffee, which quickly leads to more. but just what is Reed to do when he discovers Taz is an alien?

Be My Alien is a cute light-hearted story that will warm you up with its sweetness. Reed has been too busy with his boutique to really have a relationship. Meeting Taz when he is dropping a last-minute gift off to a client, pulls him into being spontaneous. Taz is sweet and naïve, but far from innocent. Being dumped on a date leaves him with no clue what to do next. meeting Reed has him acting without thinking and during an intimate moment reveals all of himself to Reed whose reaction scares him.

I did enjoy this story and Taz is such a cutie and Reed so charming that you can’t help but fall a little in love with them. the story is a little basic in a way, Taz and Reed meeting when Taz is left stranded, instant lust and then love following quickly… of course, there’s that little bit extra of Reed discovering Taz is an alien and Taz’s original date, Vorlod, trying to throw a spanner in the works. The sex between them is wow and you have to watch out for Taz’s tail. This is a great story to read while relaxing out in the sun, or in my case stuck in the back of a car during a traffic jam on the way home from the beach 😉

I recommend this to those who love cute aliens, charming rescuers, hot sex, a touch of selfish nasty baddie, finding love and a very happy ending.

The South Side Tour Guide by Shelter Somerset

Title: The South Side Tour Guide

Series: N/A

Author: Shelter Somerset

Genre: MM / Contemporary

Length: Novel

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (May 15^th, 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: Andrew Wingal’s life has become a farce. Unemployed for more than a year, he starts giving tours into the seedy parts of Chicago to tourists eager to witness real-life crime. The local media, politicians, the police department, and belligerent gang members don’t like him. When Andy’s job gets him into deeper trouble, his hotheaded boyfriend insists he flee town for a few weeks until things simmer down. With nowhere else to go, Andy heads for eastern Iowa, where his former brother-in-law, Harden Krane, lives on an idyllic farm with his two school-age children, Mason and Olivia.

Harden has his own specters haunting him. Left with his young daughter and son to raise on his own, he struggles to work full time and build a normal life for them. Yet when Andy shows up after a three-year absence, he hopes that the family’s hardships might ease up, if only temporarily. But during Andy’s stay, a common menace from Harden and Andy’s past appears unexpectedly—and Harden and Andy find solace in each other in a way neither imagined possible.

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3808

Review: Ok, so I loved this book. Really, it is written in such a way that even if you are totally indifferent to the story it will still enchant you and grip you till you’re done. Strange thing is, it’s not the fast and furious intense kind of book. It’s a mundane thing, with a steady and calm pace, with everyday routine things in a supposedly boring part of the U.S, Iowa, with cornfields, and farmers, and waking up in the morning, working 9-5 and coming back home to eat and play monopoly games with your kids. And still, there I am transfixed and unable to look away from the incredibly hooking main characters, Andy and Harden.

Andy who is this guy fed up with the world. This guy whose ideals have gone to the bottom of the drawer and has convinced himself that if the world is going to shit, he’s gonna go with the flow and profit from it. This guy that despite what he tells himself to get the job done and survive yet another day, hates it with all his might. This City-Boy who can’t even see himself anywhere but in the City.

Harden. God, what a man. What a character; Impossible not to love, impossible not to care for this one. A man whom life has elbowed right in the face repeatedly and still stands tall and still smiles, and still goes on. For what he doesn’t know, but he doesn’t stop. He got kids to raise and a family to keep and if he’s losing his mind and resources in the process, so effing what. He’ll keep going and smiling while he’s at that. Harden, good old American boy, damn lovable.

The story is a bit wild in my head because of how very cool Harden was and how very in stride he took things. The morning rained frogs… so what, he’ll wipe ‘em out and go to work. Even his sexuality and his revelations he dealt like that, with a smile and a “don’t dwell” attitude. In a way it was hilarious, in another somehow surreal. I mean, it’s not every day a divorced straight man falls for his ex-brother-in-law. It’s not every day that said ex-brother-in-law comes from the city in the middle of nowhere cornfield and sets in a rural style of life. And it’s definitely every day or anywhere that people of an entire city takes that thing in stride, too. But, I damn well loved it, couldn’t stop reading, couldn’t even think of sleeping when I finally gave in at 4 am in the morning and for the rest of my sleeping hours I kept dreaming the damn book. And it’s not even intense!!! Really it should be boring for me.

There was one part though that I couldn’t swallow and made a difference in my personal rating of this book and that was the Ken incident at the near end. That was not only unbelievable but ridiculous in some ways. I mean come on; a police officer would not behave like that on someone else’s property. It’s just beyond the sphere of reality for me. But, thank God, the previous and the rest of the book more than made up for that one scene. And God, the intimate scenes between the pair, yeah, hot and sweet and familiar and yeah, repeating myself I know, but I loved it. I like this author’s writing style a lot. this slow trap he sets for you with an under the radar emotional story that before you’ve realized what has happened it has sucked you in its world and dares you to stop if you find the strength and the will, which you never do.

Recommend it? Hell yeah! Wonderful read, totally worth it.

Unlikely Hero by Beau Schemery

Title: Unlikely Hero

Series: Verses of Vrelenden 01

Author: Beau Schemery

Genre: High Fantasy, Young Adult

Length: Novel (160pgs)

Publisher: Harmony Ink (Dreamspinner Press) (15^th April 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Despite the suspicions Mother Dragon shared with Celestrian before her death, he may be the last surviving unicorn of Vrelenden—though most may simply think him some crazy person with a horn attached to his forehead. Nevertheless, Trian has nothing to hold on to but hope, and he’s about to hang that hope on an unlikely hero named Renwald Mallorian. Ren may have been born an accountant’s son, but he’s longed to be a professional hero for as long as he can remember, and he’s read every book on the subject he could get his hands on. When Trian arrives and hires him to find the last remaining unicorns, Ren jumps at the offer and their quest begins.

But the evil Father Denkham is intent on obtaining the last unicorn and sets a deadly assassin on their trail. If that isn’t bad enough, they’ll face a Vampire, Dragon, bandits, and zombies. Their only hope now is for Ren to prove he’s the hero he always dreamed of becoming—but no book in the world could have prepared him for what’s in store.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3743

Review: Celestrian (Trian) has lived with Mother Dragon since he was a small foal. But, now it is Mother Dragon’s time to pass and she has some last words of wisdom for the young unicorn; find a Hero to help him look for the last remaining unicorns. Renwald (Ren) wants to be a Hero more than anything. He has read every book he could find on Heroes and adventuring and now he has overextended himself buying two Elven-made Named blades and he owes a lot of gold to the local coin lender. Trian walks into an Inn looking for a Hero and Ren is drinking and contemplating his sorrows. together they join up to go on the Quest to find the last unicorns. But, the rumor of a unicorn reaches the ears of Father Denkham who sends an assassin on their trail. But, that is the least of their worries as they face bandits, Zombies, Ogres, Trolls and Orcs.

This is a brilliant young adult story that will appeal to high fantasy fans of all ages and who like their Heroes less than perfect. Trian is a wonderful character who has a delightful outlook in life; he also has a trusting nature and believes everything Ren tells him. Ren is a bit of a bumbling Hero. He fumbles with his heroic duty and realizes that it is a lot harder than the books say. Together they make a great team who face dangers and discover a love between them that is tested to its limits.

There are many things to enjoy about this book from the characters and the dangers, but I have to admit to enjoying the bumbling ‘Monty Python’ moments best. they were absurd, funny and ridiculous but so suitable to the general feel of the book. Ren isn’t perfect and when Trian crosses his path he seizes the opportunity to take advantage of Trian’s trusting nature. Oh, he also thinks Trian is insane. Trian knows that they will face possible dangers in their quest to find any other unicorns and thinks he has chosen wisely in his Hero. When he discovers that Ren isn’t as experienced as he claimed accepts that Heroes have to start somewhere.

Ah, this book at times reminded me of my youngest son playing on his Xbox 360. Slashing and bashing as he screams at his online friends to grab health packs and dishing out his wisdom with weapon advice. The storyline is great, the flow perfect and the sexual elements we do see are nicely done. Just giving us enough so that we know what’s going on even if we don’t get all the detail, it is perfectly done for young adults. The adventure keeps you reading and so does the desperate need to see what Ren is going to do next. Trian is a great character, but it is Ren that makes this book special. Although we don’t get a happily ever after at the moment, we are left with hope for the future.

I have to recommend this to those who love high fantasy, young adult, adventure, developing love, great characters and whetting the appetite for further adventures.

Ben by Toni Griffin

Title: Ben

Series: The Atherton Pack #2

Author: Toni Griffin

Genre: MM / Paranormal / Werewolves

Length: Novella

Publisher: Silver Publishing (May 11^th, 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥2 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: Tommy is coming to terms with abuse endured from his former Alpha, and a newly-found mate. Ben is happy to wait while Tommy heals and accepts their mating. Will threatening e-mails put a roadblock on their way to happiness?

Still suffering from nightmares due to the abuse he endured at the hands of his previous Alpha, Tommy Morgan is trying to come to terms with life and a newly-found mate.

The last thing Benjamin Taylor, Panneath Alpha of Australia, expected to find was his other half, bloody and broken at the hands of another Alpha. Now months later Ben is more than happy just to sit at his mate’s side while he gets his life together again and begins to accept their mating.

Threatening e-mails, though, set to put a hold on their happiness as someone wants revenge for the death of Alpha Kegan Wallis.

Product Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/ben-ebook-p-1464.html?zenid=563e92f0721482597d7615f211fff498

Review: This book while not extremely bad, did not appeal to any of my tastes. First of the blurb pretty much tells the entire story except one detail. There was nothing to look forward to and the passion/intensity that would make you jump on the ride with both feet was totally lacking.

Ben is the typical (stereotypical) Alpha. Big and solid and domineering, causing everybody to respect/fear him while showing his sensitive side to his mate, being considerate and loving toward him and him alone. I’m afraid I’m quite tired of the type. I disliked their first time (and only time) together with a passion, and that was unfortunately the only time this read evoked any feelings from me. Ben had been so understanding during Tommy’s healing, holding his urges at bay only to erupt as the big, bad, domineering mate in bed with the incredible line “You will take what I give you” and reveling in the fact that his mate is understanding in him being in charge.

Tommy on the other hand is yet another typical mate to an Alpha. Smaller, slimmer, weaker (even if he’s called strong for surviving the beating) and literally a pup with a wagging tail. Something akin to Pavlov’s dog that had me reeling and not wishing to continue. Holding on for months he suddenly does a one-eighty turn and transforms from a victim in hiding to a sexy devil in the blink of an eye. God, it was just so fast…

Now this read could have a chance of getting to me if there weren’t so many lost opportunities to create a bond between book/characters and reader. We completely miss Tommy’s beating and healing emotion-wise. We don’t get to live it with him, rather being simply told and that desperation and pain is lost in the haste of the book. Jumping from event to event with a speed that did not allow getting into it, the bond between the mates was treated in the same way, so did their mating. The fact that Tommy appeared to be the “hair-trigger” character with more ejaculations in the same paragraph than I’ve ever encountered didn’t help either.

The action plot as I said is already declared on the blurb. An Alpha-bitch-wanna-be that had her sights on Alpha Kegan Wallis, the man responsible for Tommy’s beating and other crimes, comes to take revenge. And that plot just didn’t do it for me either. No matter how vengeful you are, you must be a complete idiot to go hunting the Panneath Alpha of Australia just like that. I mean werewolves are supposed to have some sense of preservation right? Anyway, there were simply too many things wrong with the plot, too many holes and illogical incidents happening that ruined it for me.

The last drop was the male werewolves being able to carry children. Not only that is not supported with some kind of (even make-believe) facts as to how can this be possible at all, but it just about undid me with the transformation of a male into some semblance of an androgynous creature whose emotions were way beyond my comfort zone. It was too much for me to handle.

In the end this was a story that gave nothing to me except an overwhelming amount of clichés and stereotypes. Definitely not my kind of read.

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