The Combat Zone by Vincent Wilde

 

970589_10200413642078504_332815821_nTitle: The Combat Zone

Series:  N/A
  
Author: Vincent Wilde
 
Genre: Contemporary/Murder Mystery/Suspense (not romance)

Length: Novel

Publisher: Silver Publishing (June 22nd, 2013)
Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts

Blurb:
From the underbelly of Boston’s officially sanctioned red-light district–The Combat Zone–to a neo-Nazi compound in the secluded mountains of New Hampshire, gay cross-dressing sleuth Cody Harper hunts a murderer. Cody is a man who enjoys wielding a whip as much as slipping into a silk chemise. When unrequited love interest Stephen Cross tells Cody about the death threats he’s received, Cody resorts to all the tricks in his make-up bag, including his drag persona, Desdemona, to protect his friend. A pious presidential candidate and members of an underground group called “My America” stand in Cody’s way in this thrill ride of suspense and mystery.

CONTENT ADVISORY: This title is not a romance title. It has a bittersweet ending. This title contains a scene of violent rape and a fairly brief remembered scene of animal abuse.

Product Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/blog/2013/06/15/the-combat-zone-by-vincent-wilde/

Reviewer:   GiGi

Review: This is a dark, edgy, and often times uncomfortable murder/mystery. The author takes you on the dark and seedy side of the city known as the Combat Zone to locals. You’ll walk along side prostitutes, murderers, sociopaths, cults, cops, and political activists. See this world through the eyes of a Dom/Domme drag queen and the murderer himself. I like a good thriller, especially if I’m kept guessing whodunit, and the puzzle pieces were fed to us one at a time throughout this dark and dangerous story. If you like, dark and edgy suspense…this book is for you! There are a few hot sexual scenes, but this is not a romance, it’s a murder mystery thriller, and a good one.

Painting In the Rain by Dev Bentham

PaintingRainTitle: Painting In the Rain
Series:  N/A  
Author: Dev Bentham
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Extended Novella (34K)
Publisher: Amber Quill Press, LLC (June 16th, 2013)
Heat Level:  Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Blurb:
Helping teenagers is tough. They face so many dangers—peer pressure, drugs, pregnancy, STDs. As a trained social worker, Mike knows all about it. He’s taken a temporary job on the Oregon coast working with at-risk kids. But when he meets Gabe, the father of one of his charges, he finds himself in another type of danger—that of falling in love and getting stuck in a small, conservative town, not to mention living with an angry teenager. And yet, he’s drawn to Gabe in a way he never imagined possible.

Gabe, whose own father left before he was born, stays in a town where he no longer feels welcome. He’s living the life of a lonely artist so that he can be a father to his son, a bond that’s been threatened by divorce and Gabe’s public coming out. When he meets Mike, Gabe is bowled over with a longing so deep that he finds himself willing to risk everything.

But there are plenty of dangers in a small town, and when a gay kid gets hurt and they refuse to leave him to his fate, Mike and Gabe may be risking more than their hearts.

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

Reviewer:   GiGi
Review: I’m an artist, so I have soft spots for other artists and was immediately attracted to the MC, Gabe. This is a risky and fast-paced romance between a single father with a surly and confused teenage son, and a young social worker who juggles teen on a daily basis. The sex was hot, the romance seemed a bit quick, and I must admit to being pleasantly surprised by the twists and turns in the plot! This is a great rainy day read!

Attachment Strings by Chris T. Kat

18038265Title: Attachment Strings

Series:  A Jeff Woods Mystery, #1  

Author: Chris T. Kat

Genre: Contemporary/Romantic Suspense

Length: Novel

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (June 17th, 2013)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4 1/2 Hearts

ReviewerGiGi & Thommie

Blurb: Detective Jeff Woods and his partner have a new case. Someone has been making threatening phone calls to the mayor’s daughter, vowing to kill her disabled child. Though there have been accidents at the girl’s school—enough to take the threats seriously—the facts are few, and leads are sparse.

Needing a breather from the burden of the case, Jeff heads to a bar, where he meets Alex Fisher. Alex isn’t his type, but he’s young and cocky and perfect for a one-night stand. Or two. Soon Jeff starts thinking about how difficult and lonely it is being a cop, and that maybe Alex could fill a void in his life. But Alex has his own obligations: a disabled brother who is the target of threatening letters.

Jeff isn’t sure he’s ready to play house or overcome his prejudices, but he begins to think Alex might be worth it. Caught between his growing affection and his inner demons, Jeff struggles to focus on the case and protect Alex and his brother as the danger builds.

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3951

Gigi’s Review: Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts

This book will make you look at those living with special needs or caring for them in a new light. Life is hard enough, so imagine combining that with being a single, gay, caretaker for your disabled and misunderstood younger brother…life can be breathtaking and scary.

This story is about overcoming one’s own prejudices, taking down those walls protecting the heart, and allowing one’s self to become vulnerable and sacrifice for love and family. The author’s writing is powerful and I felt the sting in my own heart as I read on through the nail-biting plot. The whole range of emotions from humor, arousal, anger and hurt, to fear and fulfillment hit me while reading this highly recommended book! That, to me, shows the true skill of the author.

Thommie’s Review:  Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts

Now this was a book, which at first sight had me thinking I wouldn’t like it. The Homicide Detective Jeff Woods started his introduction in a not very appealing way for me, what with him being closeted, his preferences were butch/macho/buff men like himself and his counterpart was the not his type, who he didn’t want to hook up with at all, etc. etc. etc. However fairly quick in the introduction of the story it became apparent that it was an excellent one.

As I said, Jeff is closeted and adamant that he will not come out, especially in his line of job, for anyone. He doesn’t need the trouble that comes from homophobic colleagues and in the end there is no one in his life worth coming out for. Jeff has long stopped believing in that special someone with whom he’ll form that special relationship and those unicorns are right there side by side with love in the dream realm. He has no expectations for something like that, even if his house is starting to feel quite empty and his life quite hollow. But that’s how it is and that Friday night at the club, he’s not trying to find his better half, simply someone to get off with. So when tall, blonde and sexy Alex hits on him, Jeff still has no intention of even hooking up with Alex. He is so NOT his type at all. And Jeff has no intention of staying cuddled in bed after the deed either. He especially has no intention searching for him at the same club two weeks later. And definitely, he has no freaking intention falling in love with a guy who has the care of a child, a disabled one at that. Yeah, things didn’t really go as planned for Jeff.

And I think that this book was simply great. It had it all. Lovable characters, both Jeff and Alex were exiting, appealing, flawed, and real. I had a blast with Alex; he was quite funny despite his life or because of it. He was also extremely sexy and hot. His and Jeff’s encounters were sinful and sensual and aroused feelings from you that were from sweet to downright carnal. It was a great chemistry, a pair I loved reading about. Jeff was also the hilarious type making you smile even when you wanted to give him a good shake.

So all right, I had a thing with the insta-love again, especially since there wasn’t just the leap from single to a relationship, but from single to a family involved here. And there was the mystery part where it wasn’t such a mystery at all, but rather a matter of time till the detectives saw what was in front of their damn eyes, making me wonder what the hell were they waiting for and why couldn’t they see what I was seeing all along and getting me frustrated a bit there because I felt it dragged a bit too long. And really, the end was a bit too much; I mean come on, no matter how much of a lunatic that end was a bit stretched.

As for the story’s ending and the guy’s relationship, well I’m left with a “what the heck?” roaming my head. Is it just me or was that a tad abrupt?

But anyway, I loved the entirety of this book, it was funny, it was fast, it was a bit dramatic and emotional, it had a variety of things and evoked many emotions from the reader and I had fun reading it. I’m also very much interested in Parker’s relationship with David; I mean who can resist a “pup” right?

So totally recommended guys, it is a heck of a ride.

 

 

 

 

Faraway by Piper Whitney

18109205Title: Faraway
Series:  A Fairy Tale Escape
Author: Piper Whitney
Genre: Anthology/Fantasy/Fairy Tale
Length: Short Stories/Anthology
Publisher: Sil
ver Publishing (June 22nd, 2013)
Heat Level:  Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Blurb: A prince asleep for a century, a young chef traded to a beast for his father’s life, a step-son gets a chance at a better life, and a lost man meets seven snow boarders as he runs for his life from the people he should trust. Sleeping Beauty, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, and Snow White–Welcome to the twenty-first century.

Fairy tales can come true, right? Join Sleeping Beauty, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, and Snow White as they are rewritten for a modern era

Product Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/blog/2013/06/15/faraway-by-piper-whitney

Reviewer: Pixie

Review: Sleep, Beauty, Glass, Snow are the titles of the four fairy-tales that have been re-written with a unique modern day twist. In Sleep, we have Prince Tristen cursed to sleep for a hundred years until his true love (Jae, a photographer/journalist in a sports car) re-awakens him and his kingdom. In Beauty, we find Finn who loves to cook, traded to a beast for his father’s life who discovers the heart beneath the beast, Prince Samuel. In Glass, we have Payne who is sick of being treated like a slave and wishes for a better life and meets his very own prince, Hayden. In Snow, we have Mason who loves to snowboard, his stepmother tries to be rid of him, Mason discovers seven snowboarders, and one of them is his knight in shining armor.

Each story we read gives us a unique modern twist, each story is changed slightly to fit more into modern times but sticks to the fairy-tale love. With Sleep it begins in the traditional setting with the birth of the much longed for child and the curse that was uttered at his birth celebration, fast forward and we have Jae who is sent to discover the truth about a sleeping kingdom. It’s a very sweet story, although you have to question the stupidity of someone trusting a stranger who promises to make you ‘feel good’. The sweetness of the story comes from Jae and Prince Tristen getting to know each other before getting their happily ever after.

In Beauty, it really stays with the traditional story with the generous youngest sibling Finn, the more selfish older brothers and sisters and the slightly bumbling father, and the horrific beast. So not much to add to it other than it was sweet.

 

In Glass, we have a thoroughly modern update including mouthy fairy godfather, foul-mouthed CinderFella, Payne, hunky Prince Hayden and very selfish stepmother and stepsisters. Very fast moving storyline in this one with Payne and Hayden discovering an instant attraction and connection.

In Snow, the story is twisted with Mason’s prince charming being one of the snowboarders, the evil stepmother not giving a damn about anything but herself and Mason’s father, James, just wanting the pair of them to get along. It’s a good story that has its bones in the original but swerves away from the original enough to give it a fresh twist.

Each story has sweet lovemaking in it, happy endings and perfect couples, so this is one you want to read if you want modern twists to your fairy-tales but some originality laced through them, with loads of hot men and sigh worthy endings.

Reviewer:   GiGi
Review: A fun and unique twist on classic fairy tales. The author not only successfully turned the main characters in to m/m romances, but did an interesting and sometimes humorous, sometimes edgy job of weaving contemporary settings and scenarios into our favorite classic childhood stories. You’ll never think of Snow White the same way again!

Worlds Collide by R.J. Scott

s7covTitle: Worlds Collide

Series: Sanctuary 07

Author: R.J. Scott

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (121pgs)

Publisher: Love Lane Books (28th June 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: It is the day after New Years and Dale is en route back to Albany in a private jet with Emily Bullen. She is coming back home after turning states evidence on her husband Senator Thomas Bullen.

What no one factored in, not Sanctuary or the FBI, was the lengths Griffin Ryland would go to in the effort to protect himself. When Joseph finds out Dale is in trouble and it is only with the help of his team of SEALs that he can make sure Dale is safe and that Griffin Ryland can’t cause any more trouble.

A snowy New Years, a deserted airport and a hostage situation with people already dead and suddenly the worlds of Sanctuary and the SEALs collide, with terrifying consequences.s2oedcover

Then, two weeks alone at a resort, falling deeper in love leave the two men with decisions to make and suddenly there is the chance to make forever a possibility.

* * * * *

Featuring Dale and Joseph from The Only Easy Day.

Purchase Link: https://www.lovelanebooks.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=10&products_id=29

Review: Dale has the task of seeing Emily Bullen to Albany safely after she turned state’s evidence against her husband. It is supposed to be an easy run, but no one took into account Griffin Ryland’s plan to keep his secrets hidden. Joseph is attending his best friend’s wedding in Albany, looking forward to the following weeks, when he will be spending time with his lover Dale. But, a frantic call in the middle of the night has him jumping to action with his Seal teammates. Neither men has really bared their hearts, and if they get out of the airport alive they will have two weeks of uninterrupted bliss to decide if they have a possibility at forever.

Oh. My. God. Whoop! we see Dale and Joseph again as they reassess their long distance relationship and get a grip on the loose ends of the Bullen’s case. We saw Dale and Joseph meet and begin to fall in love during The Only Easy Day and now we revisit them as they plan to meet up for two weeks of uninterrupted them time. To add excitement we connect with them just days before when Dale is escorting Emily to a safe house and Joseph is attending a teammate’s wedding. Both their worlds collide when Sanctuary needs the SEAL’s back up when a rogue FBI agent decides to silence Emily Bullen permanently and Sanctuary agents are all snowed in.

I loved this story because not only do we have the excitement of thwarting Griffin in his desperate attempts, but we also have Dale and Joseph coming to terms with their relationship; how they feel for each other and what they should do in the future. Dale and Joseph’s long distance romance hasn’t been easy for either of them. Their schedules clash a lot and plans made were broken. so they have only seen each other briefly since they first got together. They both know what they feel for the other and when they meet for their two-week vacation they both plan on telling the other exactly what they feel.

Ahhhh. These people are so romantic in their own macho way and they are surprising sweet together. Joseph has a lot of thinking to do about his future. Not just about his relationship, but also what he wants to do in his work life. Dale is just happy to have whatever time he can have with his sexy SEAL, especially if it involves him naked. These guys still have that explosive spark and they are still macho men. what they feel for each other is clear to see in their actions and thoughts and I can finally sigh in relief as they get their happy ever after.

I have to recommend this to those who love alpha men, facing the future, accepting and receiving deep love, bombs, hostage situations, getting the bad guy and a very satisfying happy ending.  slidesanctuarynew

Forever Promised by Amy Lane

ForeverPromisedLGTitle: Forever Promised

Series: Promises 04

Author: Amy Lane

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Super Novel (350pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (28th June 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Crick has been home from Iraq for five years, Jeff and Collin are finally married, and Shane and Mikhail are quietly making lives better for the dispossessed teenagers who come their way. Everything is right in Deacon’s world, but nothing ever stays the same. 

When Deacon’s best friends, Jon and Amy, answer the call of an opportunity in Washington, DC, Deacon figures that’s life. You love people, and they leave you, and you survive. Even Benny, Crick’s little sister, is close to grown and ready to start her own future. But Benny loves Deacon, and she owes him—she may move beyond The Pulpit and Levee Oaks one day, but not without leaving something of herself behind. And so she offers Deacon and Crick an amazing gift… and a terrifying decision.

Benny’s offer forces Deacon and Crick to dredge up every past mistake and offer of redemption. And not just the two of them—everybody is forced to examine the chances they’ve been given and the promises they’ve made. In a real family, a child is a promise, and to the men and women of Promise Rock, keeping that promise will change their lives forever.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3980

Review: This story is part of a series and must be read in order. Crick and Deacon have settled together and everything is right in their world. Jeff and Collin are finally marrying. Shane and Mikhail love managing Promise House. Benny and Drew are about to make a big decision in their lives. Kimmy and Lucas receive some devastating news and Jon and Amy are offered a fantastic opportunity.

This is a tearful, happy, and sometimes somber farewell to the guys of The Pulpit and Levee Oaks. As we see them for the final time, we discover what is happening in their lives. This story takes all our favorite characters from Keeping Promise Rock, Making Promises and Living Promises and gives us glimpses into their lives as they deal with the opportunities offered, decisions made, celebrations, and losses. They face everything together and alone, leaning on each other and standing tall, offering support and encouragement as only a family can.

I loved this story. watching everyone come together and be a family of choice touches your heart. I want so much to go into detail, but I want you to discover for yourself the joy, happiness, laughter, fear, anger, loss, devastation, surprise, pure honest to God love and the tears of both happiness and sadness. This book has it all as we visit with the characters as important decisions are made, and we really do visit most of the characters seeing from their perspective what is happening in their lives and it is done beautifully.

We are introduced to some new characters as well from Promise House. One of whom is a close connection to Crick and Benny and one girl who will break your heart. There will be times when you have to clear your eyes of tears, when you try to stifle your laughter and where your heart will swell with love for these characters.

This is a story that must be read, I really can’t recommend this story enough so stop dithering and go and get it. 

 

Bryce's Cop by Toni Griffin

BrycesCop400x600Title: Bryce’s Cop

Series: Hot Encounters 02

Author: Toni Griffin

Genre: Paranormal

Length: Novella (150pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (29th June 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 2 ½ – 3 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Question: What’s a vampire to do when he’s arrested by his sexy, straight police detective mate? For Bryce Denahli the answer is simple. Stalk the man.

Question: What’s a vampire to do when he’s arrested by his sexy, straight police detective mate?

For Bryce Denahli the answer is simple. Stalk the man.

Lucas Ford can’t get the vampire out of his head, and after weeks of fighting himself, he tracks the vamp down, causing things to come to a head. Unfortunately, Bryce’s life is put in danger because of Lucas’s actions. Can Lucas reconcile the thoughts and feelings he now has towards a man in time to save the vampire’s life?

Meanwhile bodies are piling up around the city due to rogue vampires who have started to move in.

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/bryces-cop-ebook-p-1491.html

Review: Bryce is surprised when he is arrested by his mate, his decidedly straight acting mate .but; he doesn’t let that get to him and decides that he will stalk the man. Lucas can’t get the vampire out of his, especially seeing as he sees him everywhere he goes. He decides to confront the sexy vampire and his actions cause problems for Bryce. Lucas has to get his head around his attraction to the man, before it is too late.

This was an interesting paranormal story, but I found it hard to believe the romance. Lucas was attacked by a rogue vampire and now months later there are more and more deadly rogue vampire attacks. He and his work partner are tasked with finding out where the rogues are coming from and stopping the problem. Bryce is trying to stop a fight in his club when he is arrested. He knows instantly that the cop is his mate and is disappointed that the guy is ignoring him. Lucas has a hard time fighting his attraction to the male vampire and he is confused by his feelings, he isn’t gay. Bryce is happy as he claims his mate, but devastated when he is then rejected. Merrick has to interfere to get the two men together before the worse happens.

I liked the paranormal aspects of this story and was pleased to discover more about the rogues in the city. Bryce and Lucas’ relationship isn’t easy and I like the way that Lucas didn’t fall at Bryce’s feet. Bryce’s stalking was a little creepy and I was disappointed that neither character tried to get to know the other until it was nearly too late. I found it really hard to accept the relationship. Bryce never approached Lucas to try to win him over and Lucas would never have approached Bryce the second time without Merrick’s encouragement. I found it really hard to believe that Bryce just gave up and was willing to die and wouldn’t have even told Lucas it would have caused Lucas’ death as well. It was just wrong. So was Lucas’ abrupt turnaround. he was so deep in denial and then suddenly he was all over Bryce, it just didn’t fit.

I will recommend this to those who love vampires, paranormal, rogues, hot sex, and a happy ending. 

 

 

 

Santuary 7 is here!!

Dear Portia de Moncur,

 

Spirit Bear

Hi guys…

New to Love Lane Books

Sanctuary 7 is now available to buy on the Love Lane Books Website for $4.99. The first two chapters are available to read on the website.

Blurb

It is the day after New Years and Dale is en route back to Albany in a private jet with Emily Bullen. She is coming back home after turning states evidence on her husband Senator Thomas Bullen.

What no one factored in, not Sanctuary or the FBI, was the lengths Griffin Ryland would go to in the effort to protect himself. When Joseph finds out Dale is in trouble and it is only with the help of his team of SEALs that he can make sure Dale is safe and that Griffin Ryland can’t cause any more trouble.

A snowy New Years, a deserted airport and a hostage situation with people already dead and suddenly the worlds of Sanctuary and the SEALs collide, with terrifying consequences.

Then, two weeks alone at a resort, falling deeper in love leave the two men with decisions to make and suddenly there is the chance to make forever a possibility.

* * * * *

Featuring Dale and Joseph from The Only Easy Day

I wanted to give Dale and Joseph their happy ever after and I really hope you enjoy the story…

HUGS RJ XXX

A Knight to Remember by Anne Barwell

KnighttoRemember[A]LGTitle: A Knight to Remember

Series: Dragons of Austria 01 (tentative series)

Author: Anne Barwell

Genre: High Fantasy, Fantasy

Length: Novel (204pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (28th June 2013)

Heat LEvel: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: “The last of your line will be in the embrace of a dragon.”

Aric, Crown Prince of Astria, has been brought up to believe that all dragons are evil. But when he speaks with one, he finds himself questioning those beliefs. The dragon tells him to find a sword in Sherwin Forest to save not only his kingdom but also his sister, Georgia, who must otherwise wed the prince of a neighboring kingdom.

At the start of his quest, Aric dons a disguise and meets Denys, an archer and herbalist who lives alone at the edge of the forest. Denys agrees to guide Aric into the forest, but then Georgia appears, revealing Aric’s true identity.

However, Aric learns he is not the only one keeping secrets. Denys has a few of his own that could change both of their lives forever.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3953

Review: Aric might be the Crown Prince of Astria but he is firmly under the thumb of his father as is his twin sister Georgia. After a forbidden visit to his aunts Aric meets a dragon and he begins to realize that not everything he was taught was true, the dragon tells him to find a magical sword that will save his kingdom and his sister. Heading off on his quest in a disguise, he meets Denys who begrudgingly offers to act as his guide to Sherwin Forest, as they progress Aric discovers he isn’t the only one with a secret.

This is a brilliant fantasy story that I hope we will see much more of in the future. Aric is butting heads with his father the older he gets now twenty-four he feels that his father is losing his grip and putting the kingdom in danger by ignoring the information, Aric discovered. When a dragon tells Aric of a way to protect his kingdom he sets out on a quest. Denys is a loner who lives at the edge of a forest when he comes across a traveler who has a magical cloak, he offers to escort the man to his destination if no one else will and finds himself returning to Sherwin Forest. The two men become close on their journey but their tentative relationship is nearly destroyed when Georgia turns up and blurts out the truth about Aric. Continuing on the journey their joy at finding love is cut short when Aric loses his memory, they still have a quest to fulfill and they discover enemy’s from within the kingdom.

I did really enjoy this story and liked the way that it was developed, the flow of the story was pretty smooth and was very easy to read. The characters were great and we get a really good feel for both Aric and Denys, at times Aric would let his mind wander and Denys would seem a bit standoffish but they were characters you could connect to. There was some pretty good background to the story, which we discovered more of as we progressed through the story, and secrets were uncovered which added nicely to the story. The story is quite interesting and at times, you can understand why things are, the way they are in the kingdom, but you can also see where the over-reaction has taken place and the ill effects it has wrought.  

There were many things to enjoy with this book but there was also things that annoyed, like why Georgia joined Aric on his quest, I couldn’t see the point other than she was a brilliant archer, she didn’t really add much to the story other than stopping Aric and Denys from getting intimate at times. She does come in handy later in the book though. The ending had me gritting my teeth in frustration because nothing has been resolved, the very reason why Aric went on the quest still lingers and because of the circumstances you don’t see how it ever really will be either, and this is where we fall on our knee’s and pray that Anne Barwell will continue with this as a series.

I will recommend this to those who love fantasy, dragons, magic, a quest, betrayal, finding love and a happy for now ending.  

 

 

Banned Books by R.J. Astruc

BannedBooksLGTitle:  Banned Books

Series:  None

Author: R.J. Astruc

Genre:   YA

Length:  Novella (70 Pages)

Publisher:  Dreamspinner Press (June 27th, 2013)

Heat Level:  None

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:   A Harmony Ink Press Young Adult Title

At St. Peter’s, an exclusive British boarding school for boys, a teacher’s word is law—and Anthony Parker is leading a rebellion. When he is found reading a book containing “questionable content,” he receives a reprimand from the headmaster. Parker responds by secretly lending questionable materials to other students, aided by his best friend and long-time crush, Rafe.

The situation escalates when their draconic literature teacher discovers their subterfuge and compiles a banned books list. Parker and Rafe fall in with Peter Fritz, a broody outcast who’s turning the ban in his favor by buying and lending banned books to students—for a price. As the banned books library grows and hidden feelings threaten the boys’ burgeoning partnership, they discover that the challenges of growing up might outweigh the rewards of bucking the system.

Product Link:  http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3979

Reviewer:   John

Review:  I liked Banned Books. It was a very entertaining read and you learn a lot about books in this short little novel. Now, Banned Books stars Anthony Parker, a normal gay kid who is attending an exclusive British boarding school for boys. Everything in his life is normal and boring until he is caught reading a very controversial book by Miss Lowry.

I liked Anthony. He was smart, young, and naive. He is in love with his straight best friend, Rafe, who loves him like a little brother. I loved their relationship and Rafe is a really nice guy. I liked Fritz. He was unique and a rebel with a cause. He hated how society works and following its rules.

The one thing that turned me off about this novel was the ending. It was so vague and you don’t really know if Anthony got his happy ending after all. I recommend this novel to anyone who wants to read a short story about a group of friends who rebel against society and follow their own rules.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shadowcraft by Jean Woolf

ShadowcraftLGTitle: Shadowcraft

Series: N/A

Author: Jean Woolf

Genre:  Steampunk / Alternate World

Length: Novella

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: In the city of Tessera in the twenty-third century, the law can be as ruthless as those who break it. Li, hustler by night and drug runner by day, is caught in the crossfire.

His best friend and occasional lover is a prostitute, like himself. His nemesis and occasional savior is a man with a secret identity. But then, everyone’s identity is a secret in Tessera. Everyone is a shadow. If he plans to survive, Li must blend in—he must remain quiet and unseen, passed from hand to carnivorous hand without getting captured by a single one.

But what happens when he is captured? Will the shadow, once trapped, manage to escape? Or will Li fade away into the endless night, a shadow among shadows, one death among many?

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3898

Review: Well hello, I loved this book. Do I seem surprised? Yes, I am, because frankly the blurb or the title didn’t prepare me of what exactly I was going to read. See the blurb made me think that something “shadowy” was going on and it could be I’ve been reading too much paranormal lately, but I somehow got that feeling that this book would have something of a paranormal element in it. My bad though.

So this story locates in an alternate world and has the Steampunk feel in it. Li is an unfortunate kid out of many who hustles himself for survival under the protection of Mother Hen. He’s expected to work all night, every night, turning all profits except a small amount that barely is enough for food. So are all the other prostitutes that work for Hen. His clients are rarely gentle, that’s not what they pay for, but the most brutal of them all is Li’s first client ever.

Yes, we witness a fair amount of non-consensual intercourse here. Li is being the perfect profile of a degraded human being whose life means nothing and is expendable in a heartbeat should he not conform with what his life throws at him. Pain is a constant in his life, thus his character is always gloomy and sullen. That acceptance of the inevitable usually doesn’t make me like a character, but I have to say that Li has a certain charm about him that draws you like a moth to flame almost unwillingly. There is also strength about this character and a spark of life that is carefully revealed through the story. That actually happens when a dangerous client approaches him. Honestly when Soren makes his appearance I thought he was this dark character and the story would be about dark cravings and some D/s relationship between a whore and his client. I was wrong.

When Li meets Soren it seems like another encounter in his line of job, albeit a dangerous one. Danger though he gets, Soren is nothing what Li expected, and he finds himself unwillingly pulled in the middle of a fed/drug lord war. To comply with Soren means probable death at the corner, not to means imminent death by Soren’s hand, but the stakes rise when the life of his best friend and the only person Li can still call family is threatened. Because no matter the choice Li would’ve made he’s the most compliant pawn when Matt is concerned.

Ok, so, did I say I loved this book? I did, very much so. The dynamics between the characters were fantastic. Matt and Li were simply perfect together, so sensual and sweet in the midst of all that degradation and despair. Li and Soren were astonishing. I did not expect that. Soren for the icy and chilly character he was displayed broke my heart. In the end I felt so, so sorry for him. I almost wished Li had stayed with the lonely agent; nah scratch that, I do wish Li and Soren had stayed together. Meh, that doesn’t bode well with the HEA of the story right? As for the other characters, yeah they were pretty solid as well. The cruel drug Lord, the unfeeling brothel owner, the non-committal, and detached agents, they all had their charms. I loved them, each of them and the writing style was fantastic. When the end came, although it was a happy end, what made me pin for it even more was the fact that the author maintained that melancholic touch that seems to follow Li in every step. There was this bittersweet taste in it due to the fact that Soren was left behind, and damn it I’m still feeling so sad for him, so much so that I wish a sequel will follow and give him a story of his own.

In any case I hope I gave you a hint of what this book is about without revealing too much and destroying it for you. For me it was a delightful read, just my cup of tea. J

 

Down Under by Tam Ames

DownUnderLGTitle: Down Under

Author: Tam Ames

Genre: Future (2089), Paranormal

Length: Novella (128pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (26th June 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: The year 2089 finds Australia split between east and west, with a wall to ensure the east stays safe. College student Aiden Taylor is traveling from Perth to Sydney to see Men at Work, who have been revived after cryogenic freezing. Regrettably, only days into his trip, his moped is stolen—and then he meets a naked man from the east. The man turns out to be Matthew King, who offers Aiden a ride—no strings attached—all the way to Sydney. 

When another attack occurs the following night, Aiden discovers Matthew’s impossible secret: he’s a were-kanga. At least that gives them something to talk about when they experience delays at the wall. One thing leads to another, and soon friends with benefits turns into something more. But when the summer is over, Aiden must return to school in Perth. How can he leave Matthew behind?

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3918

Review: Australia has been split in two since 2050 with the East shutting itself off from the West when someone accidentally caused a nuclear explosion. Aiden is looking forward to the Men At Work comeback concert and sets off from Perth for Sydney, it’s a long journey by himself on his moped, but he desperately wants to see the group. Unfortunately, his moped is stolen along with his money and his prized ticket. Aiden then he meets a naked man, Matthew, who turns into his shining knight who offers him a ride to Sydney. When Aiden is attacked again Matthew comes to his rescue and Aiden discovers the myth about were-kanga’s is true, both men have secrets that they hide and it gives them a lot to talk about when they are held up at the border. They become close but Aiden’s time in Sydney is limited, could they have something more than just a summer romance?

This is a great story that was surprisingly funny and sweet in equal measure. Aiden is a brilliant character who has an unhealthy obsession with murderous Tasmanian devils; his inner monologue is hilarious and is even funnier when it slips out of his mouth. Matthew is kind and generous and is the perfect foil to Aiden’s slightly manic mind, they fit together from the start and make a great couple especially when Aiden stops panicking. The shifter aspect isn’t really that much of a big deal and neither is Aiden’s mutation, it’s more a story of two men who meet on the road and hit it off, shacking up together and falling in love but then one has to leave to return to his life and they decide what to do for the future.

The story is an easy fun read that has the twist of Matthew being in the closet and his dad trying to fit him up with a woman, rather than being angsty it is just a bit tense with some great reactions from Aiden that has you smiling quite often. There is some great sex and Matthew and Aiden certainly make the most of it. What I loved most about this story was that although they quickly jumped into bed together they spent plenty of time getting to know each other before saying ‘I Love You’ and Matthew also had a great explanation for his initial feeling for Aiden.

I recommend this if you want a different kind of shifter, if you want a humorous light read, if you want guys falling in love and finding their happy ever after, this is definitely a story that you should give a chance.

 

 

Mountain Prey by Lyn Gala

MountainPreyLGTitle: Mountain Prey

Series: N/A

Author: Lyn Gala

Genre: Action-Adventure / Contemporary / BDSM-KINK

Length: Novel

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (June 19th, 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: Stewart Folger lives in the Appalachian Mountains, where people take care of their family and follow the Bible. He feels that Appalachian pull in his blood, but that hasn’t tamed his wild side. A youth full of pranks left him with the nickname Stunt and a preference for danger in and out of bed. Other than a few contrary moonshiners who hate him for philosophical reasons since he’s a forestry technician and federal employee, he doesn’t have a problem in the world. Then one day he runs into Alex Soto, a man out for revenge.

Just out of prison, Alex knows firsthand that the justice system doesn’t treat poor and rich equally, so he’ll have to go outside the law to avenge his brother’s death. When an innocent man lands in the middle of his plans, he doesn’t know what to do… other than take him hostage. Unfortunately, he never planned to have to deal with Stunt or with the twisted logic that passes for reasonable in Stunt’s mountain home.

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3895

Review: So this is yet another book that I took on reading utterly blind. meaning I didn’t read the blurb, I didn’t care about the genre, nothing other than the other. Why? Well, because it’s Lyn Gala, of course, and somehow, somewhere along the run she made my favorite author’s list. Did I get disappointed from this? Nah, not a chance.

In fact, Mountain Prey was the book I desperately wanted to read without even knowing why. It was made clear to me though, from the first page what was that I needed and that was the fact that this book is absolutely, brilliantly funny and hilarious. which made my day and lightened my spirits. It was also ludicrous in so, so many ways. Mountain logic is a phrase you will encounter many times and by the time you’re done with the book, that very phrase will cause a whole fit of laughter to you on its own.

But, let’s take a peek on the story. This is the incredulous story of Stunt (Stewart) and Alex. Stunt is mountain folk and Alex, of course, would be the city folk. Two very different cultures meet and crash and in the end, of course, come together in a stunningly beautiful way. Alex is on a vigilante mission, tracking down the man who killed his brother – who happens to be a big Drug Lord – up in the mountains. Bidding his time, checking this man’s routine, and schedules, so he’ll find the right time to make his hit. Alex stumbles right at Stunt, or was it the other way around? Oh yeah, Stunt, being a federal forester taking care of the trails, is the one who stumbles right on Alex, gorgeous Alex, ugh and perhaps psycho killer Alex? Stunt doesn’t know. What he knows is that he’s suddenly a hostage to a very strange guy, whose moods change in a heartbeat. What he discovers is that his kidnapper is not only on a vengeance mission to what he believes is a righteous cause and he also is very good, no extremely good with binding a man. Stunt should know, after all the years he’s spent in the bondage scene. after so many Doms having used ropes on him, Stunt does know that Alex is much more than he lets on a first sight. And so their adventure begins.

I had a blast reading this. I had to clutch at my belly and wipe away the tears because this story was way, way too funny. Stunt is a character so freaking unique, so funny albeit unwillingly so. So extraordinary that it’s near impossible not to love him. It is obvious that this character was created with a lot of care and passion. He is a vortex that absorbs you into his world and doesn’t let you go. instead makes you love irrationality in a way no other character has ever achieved. And Alex, damn, no tell me who can resist a god on a vengeance mission? No one, I assure you. But, what I like more about this character was his Dom side. Now you know how I love myself the kink and BDSM scenes. I find few authors that can pull ‘em off and make ‘em real in a piece of paper, and well Ly is one of them. The whole Dom/sub relationship that occurred, the buildup and the final strike, how it followed up and continued, the intimate scenes that left you near breathless, panting for air and fanning yourself because their hotness was simply unbearable. My God, what a gorgeous piece of work, what an erotic result, un-freaking-believable. And last, but not least, I must, must mention Elijah. I will forever remember this character and hold close to my heart that damn shotgun wedding he performed that had me nearly pissing myself and hurt so much from laughing that I still feel sore on my abs.

There is so much to say about this book that if I indulged in all that I’d be writing on forever. Bottom end this was brilliant and so fresh that it managed to give me a new appreciation for this author. The book is totally worth the read, and then re-read, and then a twice a year dust off just for the fun of it. Definitely one of my favorites overall.

 

Whipped Cream by Andrew Grey

1010767_641559562538384_1613169080_nTitle:  Whipped Cream

Series:  N/A

Author:  Andrew Grey

Genre:   Contemporary Romance

Length:  Novella (80 pages)

Publisher:  Dreamspinner Press (June 26th, 2013)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:   Former model Brent Phillips now works the other side of the camera. He makes his money on senior portraits but wants to create an art exhibition. His only problems are lack of a central image and a three-week deadline.

Enter Brent’s friends, who resolve to discover the perfect model for his project. They find him in Tristan Greer, a college student who left home after coming out and is trying to make ends meet.

Though initially reluctant, Tristan agrees to work with Brent to capture the image Brent wants—a gay version of Herb Alpert’s Whipped Cream album photo. It turns out the camera loves Tristan, and the photographer may as well.

Product Link:  http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3978

Reviewer:   Tams

Review:  Short, Sexy and Steamy.. say it with me now, my three favorite colors! Brent is a former model turned photographer. Being familiar with both sides of the camera gives him an edge that his rival, Xavier doesn’t possess.

Tristan is a college student trying to make ends meet, and the perfect model for Brent’s latest project. To spite the age difference, the two begin a passionate affair. Brent falls hard for the young, charismatic model, but does his best to hide his feelings. Because there is no possible way Tristan feels the same way about him, is there?

This is the first short I’ve read by Grey, and he manages to capture the emotions of the story and the characters just as he does with his full length novels. I can almost see Tristan looking at Brent as I’m reading, with love and longing. These two have some hot, steamy sex as well. Again, Grey is very good at conveying to the reader the way Tristan makes Brent feel, the sensuality of their relationship.

Definitely a must read for Andrew Grey fans. And if you are a fan of romantic, sexy, HEA stories this one is for you.

Directing Traffic by Charley Descoteaux

DirectingTrafficLGTitle:  Directing Traffic

Series: 

Author: Charley Descoteaux 

Genre:   Contemporary

Length:  Novella (65 pages)

Publisher:  Dreamspinner Press (June 26th 2013)

Heat Level:  Moderate to Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:   Neil Sedwick expects to spend his vacation in a sleepy tourist trap mourning his late partner’s death. Instead, he puts his recently acquired CPR certificate to use and saves an elderly resident’s life. But it’s the survivor’s nephew, sexy middle-school teacher Ty Bigelow, who causes Neil to reevaluate his routine and consider reopening his heart.

Though the electricity between them is undeniable, Ty is struggling with his own feelings of inadequacy, and Neil is moored to the past. Even the healing peace of an old man’s garden and the ever-changing waters of the Oregon coast may not be enough to prepare Neil to overcome a crisis of the heart.

Product Link:  http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3917

Reviewer:   Tams

Review:  Short, Sexy, and Steamy, my three favorite colors! Although the sexiness is not overbearing and there is really only one HOT sex scene, it is only a 65-page novella; this was such a fun read.

Neil Sedwick is going through the motions in life after the loss of his partner of 18 + years almost 2 years ago. An accidental meeting on the street changes his mundane life forever. Ty Bigelow has suffered personal loss as well, even if not to the extent Neil has, so they are kindred spirits of sorts. The attraction is immediate and intense, but a simple misunderstanding pulls them apart before Neil can even begin to show Ty his true feelings. Will Ty realize that Neil isn’t trying to take control before he walks out of his life forever?

Charley packs a great story into this novella with amazingly well-rounded characters and a fantastic back-story for them both. Ty’s uncle and Neil’s longtime best friend add that little something extra to the story, just to take the reader outside of the romance between the two ML. One of the best “first times” I’ve ever read as well.

Like romance, steamy guy on guy action and a HEA ending? This is a must read then, and it’s short so you will just breeze through. I’ll definitely be reading this one again though.

Same Page by Lily Velden

SamePageLGTitle:  Same Page

Series:  How the Light Gets In, Book #1

Author:  Lily Velden

Genre:   Contemporary

Length:  Novel (340 pages)

Publisher:  Dreamspinner Press (June 14th, 2013)

Heat Level:  Explicit and Erotic

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5! Hearts

Blurb:   Book One: How the Light Gets In

He was like the only splash of color in a black-and-white photograph.

The man was beautiful.

At an exhibition opening in Sydney, jaded Hollywood heartthrob Jaxon Moncrieff lays eyes on publicity-shy artist Liam Lassiter for the first time and is immediately captivated. But he doesn’t get far into their first conversation before he realizes what he’s feeling is attraction, which brings him up short. Jaxon has always been a womanizer.

Despite his reservations, Jaxon makes a play for Liam, but Liam has his own issues. Unlucky in love and orphaned at sixteen, he is reluctant to open his heart to anyone, and dismisses Jaxon out of hand.

Driven by a need he doesn’t understand, Jaxon organizes a return to Sydney to film his next project. If he can’t be with Liam, maybe they can be friends. Of course, that creates a whole new problem. Now Jaxon is falling in love for the first time. How can he move their relationship from friends to lovers without destroying the trust he’s worked so hard for?

Product Link:  http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3893

Reviewer:   Tams

Review:  Jaxon Moncrieff is gorgeous, famous, talented, and straight. The tall and tanned actor with his curly, shaggy blonde hair and dazzling blue eyes can have (and probably has) any woman he wants. While in Sydney promoting his latest movie and at the urging of his assistant and best friend, Alison, he attends an art showing. He spots a man across the room with red, gold, and brown hair and bronze eyes to match. He’s immediately captivated by the lean curves of his body, which throws him for a loop at first; he’s straight, so why is he feeling this immediate and overwhelming attraction to another man.

Liam Lassiter is a terribly gifted artist with a terrible past to match. Orphaned at sixteen and then raised by his parent’s best friend, Garrett, he’s only had two meaningful relationships that both ended in disaster. He’s jaded and bitter so as soon as Jaxon approaches him Liam dismisses him thinking Jaxon isn’t looking beyond his good looks.

They go their separate ways, but both men spend the next several months fixated on each other. Jaxon, more so than Liam. Even going as far as to strike up a friendship with Garrett just to get one step closer to the brooding and handsome artist. Jaxon ends up back in Sydney filming his next movie and, of course, his first stop is Liam. The two begin an unconventional friendship that blossoms into love. Can a relationship that truly is built on friendship and love survive the enigma that is Hollywood? Will Liam be able to leave his past in the past, or will his failed relationships drive a wedge between him and Jaxon?

This is by far one of the best M/M romances I have read, ever. It wasn’t insta-love by any means. Jaxon and Liam learned about each other and their pasts, became basically best friends before they became lovers. What they have to learn if they are going to make their relationship last is trust. Watching them fall in love was beautiful and mesmerizing, I couldn’t put the book down! Then once they finally come together what follows is not just a heated night of passion; it’s a full-blown love affair with all the bells and whistles! I thought my kindle might explode from all the heat these two put off in the bedroom, and the living room, and the shower. Oh good god, the things they do in the shower just might be illegal in a dozen or so states!

Extremely well written, emotional and passionate, Same Page is a love story at heart. Jaxon and Liam are three-dimensional characters with flaws and depth. Velden even gives us some page worthy secondary characters with Garrett and Alison, the two leading men’s respective best friends. Who, coincidentally, end up falling in love with each other. I anxiously await book 2 in this series, I’d pre-order it if Dreamspinner had it listed! HIGHLY recommend this book.

Tattoo You by Willa Okati

18074182Title: Tattoo You

Series: NA

Author: Willa Okati

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (60 pages)

Publisher: Torquere Press (June, 2013)

Heart: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Heat: Explicit

Blurb: There’s very little Jacob Lee wouldn’t do to please his Donathan — except get a tattoo. The way Jacob Lee figures it, his lover’s got more than enough ink for both of them with his tasty rainbow body, and Jacob Lee has a major phobia when it comes to needles. But as Jacob Lee learns more about the art of tattooing, his lover’s past, and their shared dreams for the future, he finds it might just be possible to face and overcome his fears after all.

Product Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=3923

Reviewer: Cat

Review: A quick rundown: Jacob Lee loves his Donathan so much he wants to do something special for him for his upcoming birthday and it will take overcoming some fears to do this.

This was a very charming short story. Perfect for when you need a little something to uplift and warm your heart. These men had a very sweet maybe too perfect relationship, but don’t we all wish for one like that. I was a bit turned off by all the Jacob Lee’s but all in all it was adorable!

Recommendation: If you like a sweet romance with a Happy Ever After, this one is for you

A Reason to Believe by Diana Copland

{0ABABB9A-07B2-443B-A5C0-1F430BE44D1E}Img100Title:  A Reason to Believe

Series:  N/A

Author:  Diana Copland       

Genre:  Paranormal/Mystery

Length:  Novel (217 pages)

Publisher:  Carina Press (October 22nd, 2012)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb:   Detective Matthew Bennett doesn’t believe in ghosts. So when the spirit of a murdered child leads him to her body, he’s shaken to the core–and taken off the case. Unable to explain his vision, or to let go of the investigation, Matthew turns to renowned medium Kiernan Fitzpatrick. Though he has doubts about Kiernan’s claims to communicate with the dead, Matt is nevertheless drawn to the handsome psychic, who awakens feelings he thought were long-buried.

Haunted by the lingering spirit of the little girl, Kiernan is compelled to aid in the search for her killer. The chance to get closer to the enigmatic Matt is an unexpected bonus. Although Kiernan’s been betrayed by people who turned out to be more interested in his fame than in himself, with Matt he’s willing to risk his heart. As the two men grow closer, Kiernan helps Matt rediscover that life offers no guarantees–but love offers a reason to believe…

Product Link:  http://ebooks.carinapress.com/8228EC74-965E-4CD3-A937-3FBB938D00EC/10/134/en/SearchResults.htm?SearchID=10835145

Reviewer:   Tams

Review:  I loved everything about this book. Fantastic character development, intrigue, suspense, three-dimensional secondary characters and a heartwarming love story.

Detective Matthew Bennett walks through life on auto pilot since the death of his partner (both on the force and in life) some 18 months ago. When the ghost of the murder victim of his current case appears to him, showing him where her body is, his homophobic boss flips and puts him on “administrative leave”. Matt confides in his best friend, sister-in-law Sheila, and she drags him (kicking and screaming mind you) to see psychic Kiernan Fitzpatrick. Matt is convinced the extremely attractive, short, black-haired enigma with the piercing blue eyes is full of shit. That is until Abby, the recently murdered little girl, convinces him otherwise.

The romance that blossoms between Matt and Kier takes the edge off the seriousness of the story. A little girl has been murdered and the department that has shunned Matt is hell-bent on convicting the wrong person. But Abby herself is determined to make sure her voice is heard, even if it is through Matt and Kiernan. They may not know who killed this beautiful little girl, but the killer knows who they are, and if they aren’t careful they could end up spending eternity with Abby.

I was completely enthralled in this book; I could not put it down. Whether it was the tough as nails detective Matt that came into this only believing what he could see, touch, and put a name too. Ultimately opening his mind, and heart to Kiernan, and Abby believe it or not. Or Kiernan, the hyperactive psychic with a larger than life personality and a closet full of shirts with colorful anecdotes and one-liners. The attraction is electric and the romance resounding as each man reflects on their painful pasts, thankfully realizing there could be happiness and hope in their future.

Abby damn near steal the show. With her stuffed unicorn, skittles, and a playful personality befitting a 6-year-old. Complete with temper tantrums she is quite the spry little spirit. I love the way Kiernan explains her. That she’s still just a scared little girl who can’t comprehend what has happened to her. In the end she proves to be an old soul with some very wise words for Matt.

I would recommend this book to any PNR fans. Yes it is ultimately an M/M PNR but, the sex (although wonderfully explicit and toe curling) doesn’t dominate the story. A VERY well written story about love, loss, hope and believing in something that is unexplainable.

 

Living on My Own by Megan Slayer

livingonmyownbookpageTitle: Living On My Own

Series: Mixed Tape Series, Volume #2

Author: Megan Slayer

Genre: MM / Contemporary Erotica / BDSM

Length: Novelette

Publisher: MLR Press (June 16th, 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥1.5~2 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: Can the past really help the future?

Daniel Tate knew he’d walked out on a one in a million man, but some things are better dealt with alone. Leaving Kel meant losing his heart. He’s conquered his demons. Now he’s out to prove to Kelsey why being together is so much better than livMT_Mixed_Tape_2ing on their own. When Kelsey Schriver’s life fell apart, the last person he expected to come to his aid was his former sub. Their past burned bright, then snuffed out too fast for Kelsey. Is the past something he can forgive or something he can’t surmount?

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

Review: While this little short story is called Living on MY Own it follows a couple that are basically tired of doing just that.

Daniel messed it up big time when he chose booze of the love of his life and his perfect Dom five years ago. Now fate is giving him one last chance to try to get back not what he had, but more.

Kelsey was seriously hurt when his relationship with Daniel crashed five years ago, but his insecurities and sense of self-esteem got off the chart when his last boyfriend literally stepped over him. All that sense of control is slipping right of his fingers, and he’s tired of living on his own despite that being his favorite song.

When Daniel shows up in his life again, now changed and really sober, he finds it hard refusing the man. After all Daniel always, always got under his skin. But can he trust him with his heart again?

So, I didn’t like this story for many reasons. First it’s the fact that there are so many issues in one little short and there is no place for them to get sorted, thus there is the sense of things hanging around, things left unchecked and being rushed all over the place. I’m not a fan of fast forgiveness either and that didn’t help.

Then, there is the BDSM part. Now if you’ve followed my reviews you already know what a kinky person I am and how much I love a good BDSM. This was not good. There was total lack of that atmosphere a kink scene creates. It was hard connecting with the characters and thus their scenes left you not only detached, but I felt as if every stereotype of a bondage scene was recruited although not properly used. The spanking, the flogging, the “yes, Sir’s” all left me untouched. To add more pain, the thought “shut him the hell up” flooded my mind more than once when it came to Daniel. Talk about a pushy bottom and dear me, do I dislike the kind. Dear me, I got more invested emotionally when I wanted the character to finally shut up, than with the text and storyline. Not good, not good at all.

And a last reason I didn’t like the read was the love part and the reconciliation. We witnessed how good the pair was together sexually but the loving feelings were just out of reach. And when things finally got to the point of getting them all and the couple solving their problems, the entire plot got in there. The past, Daniels sobriety, Kel’s ex, their trusting issues, everything got in a tangled mess and in the end I really didn’t get it why on earth was Kel apologizing.

Anyway, you might or might not like the read, I’m too fussy when it comes to certain genres and this was not the read of my satisfaction.

Up Where We Belong by Rob Rosen

2940016594811_p0_v1_s260x420Title: Up Where We Belong

Series: Mixed Tape Series, Volume #2

Author: Rob Rosen

Genre: Erotic Romance /Contemporary

Length: Short Story

Publisher: MLR Press (June 17th, 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5 Hearts

Reviewer: ThommieMT_Mixed_Tape_2

Blurb: The road is long and there are mountains in their way, but love ultimately brings this unlikely pair together.

Two Ted Jacksons, one from the East Coast, the other from the West, both on business trips to Denver, where fate and a certain schmaltzy love song bring them together — on a fifteen-story balcony, no less — and just as quickly and sadly tear them apart. Months later, they find themselves united again in San Francisco, on the first Ted’s home turf — and on a rooftop parking lot this time. The road is long and there are mountains in their way, but love does indeed lift them up and ultimately brings them together, where they belong.

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

Review: Well, this was a nice surprise. Hot, sexy, and somewhat funny this short story made for quite the enjoyable read.

Two Teds meet on a business trip and the instant lust between them is not to be brushed off. Nope, they rather jump at each other and damn if I didn’t like the seduction part more than I thought. We got our selves the exhibition scene too, the two men being utterly erotic, delicious, and charming and… sigh. Yeah, it was hot.

I loved it, the follow-up was even better – yet another out there in plain sight scene – and even hotter. The characters had this special kind of sensuality about them and their charm simply drags you in the story, making you gulp it all down in one go.

I somehow missed the part where they fell in love. I mean there was no declaration of sort, but this was one of those reads where actions speak louder than words and damn if they didn’t fell in love with me almost missing the whole ordeal. And right there where I was thinking that this was one joyous and sexy ride it got emotional too.

So there you have it, a short, sexy, hot and very enjoyable read to pick up your interest, see this author’s writing skills – which by the way are quite good – and perk up your mood. Recommended.