Month: June 2013

A Marine Affair by Heather Long

AMarineAffair-300x450Title: A Marine Affair

Series: Always a Marine, #13 (mixed genre series)

Author: Heather Long

Genre: Contemporary, Military

Length: Short (57pgs)

Publisher: Decadent Publishing (4th June 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 – 3 ½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Secret lovers for years, Commander Rick McConnell and Colonel Elijah Masters have nurtured their very private relationship with planned vacations and leaves, always meeting somewhere different—always escaping off the grid. It worked for them—career officers with a desire to serve their country and a passion for each other.

The repeal of the military’s policy, Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, provides them with the tremendous opportunity to come out to their friends and loved ones. Rick wants to seize the day, but Eli isn’t so certain. His hesitation leads to a fight, an ultimatum, and a breakup. Rather than confront their issues, Eli takes a foreign assignment.

A year’s separation changes both of them. The last person Eli expects to see when he steps off the plane is Rick, but the physician wants another chance with the only man he’s ever loved, and he has a plan. Will bitterness, recriminations, and loss keep them apart or can these two officers rediscover the faith and loyalty that bound them for so long?

Purchase Link: http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=790

Review: Rick and Eli are both military men and were secret lovers for years. snatched vacations, weekends away and brief coffee meet ups was all they had, but then ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ was repealed and Rick wants them to come forward as a couple. Both to the military and their families. but, Eli won’t even talk about it, he storms off and leaves on a foreign assignment. A year later and Eli is returning home and Rick is waiting for him, refusing to give up on Eli and the love he has for the man. He hasn’t given up on the hope of them being a couple, but he has to get Eli to talk. Can Rick and Eli finally come to an understanding and claim back their love?

This is a nice short military story of two men who have had a secret relationship for ten years. When ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ is repealed, one wants to come out and the other doesn’t, causing a rift between the two men. Rick wants to be out in the open with his relationship with Eli, but Eli won’t even talk about. Now, a year later, Rick is determined to get Eli to talk and fix the rift between them. Eli hasn’t told anyone he is gay, not even his family. He has no plans to come out, and it is because he still feels guilt over his brother. When Rick tries to mend the rift, Eli isn’t sure what he wants, but a chat with his mother makes him finally face Rick and open up.

Although, I enjoyed this story to an extent and I liked the characters Rick and Eli, I found some things hard to swallow. Like Rick waiting for selfish Eli for a year, damn man where was your pride? I really wanted to like this story because it is military men and their relationship after DADT, but I just couldn’t get to grips with Rick waiting around for a man who walked out on him or with Eli’s reason for walking out. What I did like about it was that they would get together and talk. it was a year late but *shrugs*, Eli finally opening up about why he doesn’t want to take the step out of the closet and Rick trying to decide if a limited relationship is what he wants. And when they finally get most of it sorted out they have some really hot sex.

I will recommend this to those that love military men sorting out their differences, hot sex, being honest and a happy ending. 

 

Don't Ask, Don't Tell by Melissa Kendall

dadt2__83363.1363576049.300.450Title: Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell

Author: Melissa Kendall

Genre: Contemporary, Military

Length: Short (33pgs)

Publisher: Evernight Publishing (16th March 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 – 3 ½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Sergeant Jason Holt and his boyfriend Sergeant Patrick Wentworth have been in a secret relationship for almost ten years. When the daily paper brings news of the repeal of the military’s ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy, they think their prayers have finally been answered. Yet things aren’t always as easy as they seem, with not everybody at work supportive of their lifestyle and even their parents skeptical. Will they finally be able to be out and proud?

Purchase Link: http://www.evernightpublishing.com/dont-ask-dont-tell-by-melissa-kendall/

Review: Jason and Patrick are both military men who have been in a secret relationship for ten years. When they see the news with ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ being repealed Patrick is overjoyed that they can be open about their relationship, but Jason cautions him to be patient and wait for the right time. With hopes of being out and proud they face some opposition at work and then they have their families to face.

This is a great little short that covers a period in two military men’s lives as they come out to family, friends, and the military after the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Jason and Patrick have spent nearly ten years in the closet together, hiding their relationship from everyone else because of the stance of the military about gays. When they get the news of the repeal they are both excited and while Patrick wants to rush forward, Jason convinces him to wait until the dust has settled before they announce their relationship.

This is a hot read that is still pretty easy-going, while there is one or two moments of tension it isn’t angsty and boy do our guys show how much they still want each other, even after ten years together. These guys are perfect together and while Patrick seems the more impulsive one, he does know when to pull Jason back from confrontation, Jason is more cautious where revealing their relationship is concerned but put a homophobic asshole in front of him and he won’t back down. These guys are hot together and we have plenty of opportunity to see them both showing how much they love each other, in great detail, in some not quite appropriate places, but always enjoyable and hot.

If you love military men coming out of the closet, hot sex in every place imaginable, a solid stable relationship, and just a touch of tension, then you will want to read this book.

 

Words of Divinity by Kayla Bain-Vrba

17559313Title: Words of Divinity

Author: Kayla Bain-Vrba

Genre: Fantasy

Length: Novella (143pgs)

Publisher: Less Than Three Press (1st May 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Daniel is a sorcerer, good at magic and taking all the credit—or so it seems to Liam. In Daniel’s eyes that’s vastly preferable to being Liam, a hunter who excels at killing beasts and sleeping with everything else. They cooperate only to keep their country safe—until a new and greater danger calls for desperate measures that takes them to the land of gods, and the only way home again is by facing monsters, gods, and truths they’ve been avoiding. 

Purchase Link: http://www.lessthanthreepress.com/books/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=92&products_id=473

Review: Daniel’s a sorcerer, Liam’s a Hunter both fighting for the same side against the hell spawn and Idonahites. Daniel despises Liam for his callus attitude and his bed hopping and bragging and Liam hates Daniel for his cold snobbish behavior, but when they fall for a trap Daniel has to take drastic action. Liam and Daniel end up in the land of the Gods to get back home they have to face gods, monsters, and their own truths before finally arriving home just in time to help in the final battle.

This is a pretty good fantasy story where two men hate each other, but when they are searching for a way home they begin to understand what drives the other. Daniel has great power and he has a special power that makes him invaluable to the fight against the hell spawn, he can hear their thoughts, but it is a power that comes at great cost. Liam is a hunter and it is what he is good at, well that and seducing any man he sees, he was a street rat and the hunters saved him from a life on the street or prison. Liam lives each day to the fullest and grasps any hint of happiness in both hands. Daniel protects his heart from hurt and keeps everyone at arm’s length.

Both Liam and Daniel are well written characters, the story switches between their perspectives so you get a very clear picture of what each of them think of the other. Liam gets on your nerves a bit with his sluttish attitude and bragging skills and the way he callously treated Daniel when they first met, but as you get to know him he sort of grows on you as you begin to figure out that his attitude is its own shell to protect Liam. Daniel is the one that you get close to straight away because his damage is all there for us to see as soon as we get in his head, his botched romance, and the debilitating pain he suffers from because of his powers and his wish that he had someone just to talk to.

The storyline is quite good with the twist of going to the Gods lands and having to cross the lands to get back to the human realm, with the monsters and mind games that is thrust upon them. I liked the way that both men first started out as tentative friends but then turned to adversaries when Daniel discovered Liam’s plan to seduce him then brag about it. The way that on the journey they began to understand why the other ticked and came to a sexual understanding and then love, only to have it implode just before they got home and then after the final battle they both put aside their pride to maybe start something meaningful.

I recommend this if you love fantasy, hellish creatures, magic, dealing with the Gods, finding love that is rocky and a happy for now ending that could well be a happily ever after. 

 

Out by J.W. Kilhey

16006042Title:  Out

Series:  None

Author:  J.W. Kilhey

Genre:   YA

Length:  Novel (234 Pages)

Publisher:  Amazon Digital Services, Inc. (August 4th, 2012)

Heat Level: Medium

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5

Blurb:   Joe Dawson is a driven young man, hard working, and eager to please his father. But Joe has a secret…perhaps he has a few. In small town like Holton, South Carolina, Joe is the biggest thing around: young, talented, destined for greatness. As the pressure builds from the outside, Joe feels close to snapping. He is not being honest with himself about who he is and what he wants. He must make a choice: be what everyone else wants him to be or strike out and be his own man.

Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/Out-ebook/dp/B008T8PDR0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1372121756&sr=8-1&keywords=out+by+kilhey

Reviewer:   John

Review:  What an emotional ride this was! Whoa, I absolutely loved this novel. Yes, there were times I wanted to strangle Joey, the main guy, but at the end, he came through.

Okay, this very interesting novel stars Joey. Now, Joey is a very sexually confuse jock who would let his geeky friend, Darwin, blow him from time to time. Joey lived for the game and his dad would bully him to make him better (Yeah, what an asshole!). I hated Joey’s dad more than anything in the word. Joey’s relationship with his dad reminded me so much of One Tree Hill’s Nathan Scott with his father.

I don’t want to give the plot away, but this book was really good. Joey went through a lot in his senior year as he came face to face with his sexual orientation. My heart went out to Darwin. He went through hell for Joey, but at the end, everyone found happiness.

This novel is fascinating and I cannot recommend it enough. Yes, there will be times that you would want to kill Joey and Darwin, but just keep on reading and you will end up loving it as much as I did.

The Celestial by Barry Brennessel

 

15836460Title:  The Celestial

Series:  None

Author:  Barry Brennessel

Genre:   YA/Historical

Length:  Novella (180 Pages)

Publisher:  MLR Press (September 7th, 2012)

Heat Level:  Low

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:   Love was the last thing Todd Webster Morgan expected to find while searching for gold in 1870s California. But that was before he met Lâo Jian.

Hardened beyond his nineteen years, Todd Webster Morgan is determined to find gold high in the Sierra Nevadas. But his dream is violently upended. Complicating matters even more, he meets a young Chinese immigrant named Lâo Jian, whose own dreams of finding gold have been quashed by violence.

But life back in Sacramento isn’t any easier. Todd’s mother struggles to make ends meet. His invalid uncle becomes increasing angry. Todd seeks employment with little success. Meanwhile his friendship with Lâo Jian turns to love. But their relationship is strained as anti-Chinese sentiment grows.

Todd vows not to lose Lâo Jian. The couple must risk everything to make a life for themselves. A life that requires facing fear and prejudice head on.

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

Reviewer:  John

Review:  I really wanted to like this novel. It was well written and thought out. The historical pieces in the novel seemed legit and it showed that the author really did his research; however, this wasn’t my thing.

The Celestials stars Todd Morgan. Now, Todd comes from a very humbled home. He’s very small and people still call him kid even though he’s an adult. Now, Todd wants to find gold in Nevada, but what he finds is the love of his life, a Chinese guy name Lao Jian.

I really liked Todd. He was very determined and outspoken. I loved the fact that he took matters into his own hand and decided to move to Nevada to find gold and a better life for his Ma and Uncle Ed. I also liked Lao Jian. He was sweet, but a part of me didn’t connect with him. There was one character that peek my interest and that was Breandan. He seemed like the perfect guy to take the lead role in the novel, but sadly, he died.

I wanted to like the novel, but after Breandan’s death, I lost interest in it. I liked Todd, but Lao Jian seemed un-relatable to me. What I did like about this novel was the historical parts. The way the Chinese were treated back then was horrible and sickening.

I recommend this novel to anyone who is into old western novels with a very unique young adult couple who would do anything to be together. You may like it. Give it a try.

Gives Light by Rose Christo

15810499Title:  Gives Light

Series:  Gives Light #1

Author:  Rose Christo

Genre:   YA

Length:  Novel (315 Pages)

Publisher:  Rose Christo (July 10th, 2012)

Heat Level:  None

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:   “Skylar is my name, tragically.”

Sixteen-year-old Skylar is witty, empathetic, sensitive–and mute. Skylar hasn’t uttered a single word since his mother died eleven years ago, a senseless tragedy he’s grateful he doesn’t have to talk about.

When Skylar’s father mysteriously vanishes one summer afternoon, Skylar is placed in the temporary custody of his only remaining relative, an estranged grandmother living on an Indian reservation in the middle of arid Arizona.

Adapting to a brand new culture is the least of Skylar’s qualms. Because Skylar’s mother did not die a peaceful death. Skylar’s mother was murdered eleven years ago on the Nettlebush Reserve. And her murderer left behind a son.

And he is like nothing Skylar has ever known.

Product Link:  https://www.createspace.com/4005338

Reviewer:   John

Review:  Gives Light is a very touching story. This novel stars Skyler St. Clair, a half Native American boy who lost his mom when he was six. His mom was murdered at their home and he was attacked by her attacker that slit his throat, rendering him mute. I really liked this story, but it just wasn’t for me.

After Sky father’s disappears one day, he goes to the police and he’s put under the protection of his grandmother at a Native American Reserve. Skyler and his dad left the reserve many years ago after the murder of his mother. It is there where he meets Rafael, the son of his mom’s murderer and that’s where the story takes off.

I really liked this novel. I just don’t know why it didn’t appeal to me. The story was well written and planned out. It instantly pulls you into a very rich and cultural world. My respect goes to the Native Americans in the USA. Their culture is rich and very inspirational. Sadly, this novel was not for me. I did appreciate the culture portrayed in this novel though. It was really sweet and a learning experience.

I recommend this novel to anyone who wants to read a very detailed and cultural novel about friendship, love, family, and forgiveness.

 

 

 

The Year of Ice by Brian Malloy

147993Title:  The Year of Ice

Series:  None

Author:  Brian Malloy

Genre:   YA

Length:  Novel (272 Pages)

Publisher:  St. Martin’s Griffin (October 11th, 2003)

Heat Level:  None

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:   It is 1978 in the Twin Cities, and Kevin Doyle, a high school senior, is a marginal student in love with keggers, rock and roll, and–unbeknownst to anyone else–a boy in his class with thick eyelashes and a bad attitude. His mother Eileen died two years earlier when her car plunged into the icy waters of the Mississippi River, and since then Kevin’s relationship with his father Patrick has become increasingly distant. As lonely women vie for his father’s attention, Kevin discovers Patrick’s own closely guarded secret: he had planned to abandon his family for another woman. More disturbingly, his mother’s death may well have been a suicide, not an accident.

Complicating the family dynamic is the constant meddling of Kevin’s outspoken Aunt Nora–who will never forgive Patrick for Eileen’s death–along with Patrick’s inability to stay single for very long. His loyalties divided between his father and his aunt, between his internal reality and his public persona, Kevin is forced to accept his gay identity and reevaluate his notions of family, and love as painful truths emerge about both.

Product Link:  http://us.macmillan.com/theyearofice/BrianMalloy#buy-the-book

Reviewer:   John

Review:  I absolutely loved The Year of Ice. This novel starred Kevin, a secret closet case who was madly in love with Jon, a straight kid. I fell for Kevin instantly. He lost his mom at a very young age in a car accident and he was left under his dad protection. But as his senior year advances, Kevin becomes a young man and he begins to see his father under a new light.

Kevin, to me, was the bomb. He was the Alpha of his group and loved bossing Jon around just to have him close. In other words, he was simply trying to attract his attention. I also loved Aunt Nora. Yes, she was a little crazy, but she was real and I really liked her. I HATED Kevin’s dad. Yes, he took care of him, but as the story unfolded, we got to see the trash he truly was. Trust me, I was shocked that he was that kind of person because at first glance, he seemed so nice and the perfect dad. Maybe, he was the reason why I fell for Aunt Nora.

You have to read this novel. Kevin’s life was really interesting and entertaining. The one thing I didn’t like was that there were a few spelling errors and missing punctuations throughout the book. Maybe, that happened when they transformed the novel into an eBook format. Overall, this story is pretty awesome since it tells the story of a father and a son as they discover their paths in life.

The Art of Touch by Dominique Frost

17605560Title:  The Art of Touch

Series:  N/A

Author: Dominique Frost 

Genre:   Contemporary

Length:  Novella (79 pages)

Publisher:  Loose ID (March 12th, 2013)

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥3Hearts

Blurb:   Jared Hamilton is the director of the famous law firm, Hamilton & Hamilton. He’s a brusque, no-nonsense type that doesn’t suffer fools gladly. Thus, it is no surprise that he finds Kyle Washburn instantly and aggravatingly annoying.

Kyle is Jared’s massage therapist and is cheeky and irreverent. Jared doesn’t like cheekiness or irreverence. Unfortunately, Kyle also turns out to be absolutely brilliant at his job, which means that Jared can’t find an excuse not to return to the massage parlor when Kyle’s massages are clearly having such a beneficial effect. Jared is more relaxed and congenial than ever–well, as congenial as he can be.

It is only when another one of Kyle’s customers implies having had sex with Kyle that Jared realizes that he, too, finds Kyle sexually desirable–and that the thought of anyone else touching Kyle is unbearable. This revelation changes Jared’s perspective and his behavior, and he finds himself more and more attracted to Kyle with each therapy session. But does Kyle want him, in return, or is all that flirtation just part of the art of touch?

Product Link: http://www.loose-id.com/the-art-of-touch.html

Reviewer:   Tams

Review:  Jared Hamilton is irritable, cranky and extremely unlikeable at the start. The domineering attorney has no time for love, a life, or the massage his assistant has booked for him. He’s wound so tight she’s afraid he might snap and run off all their clients. He’s rude and standoffish to the massage therapist, Kyle from the get go.

Young twink, as Jared refers to him in his inner monologue, Kyle is outgoing and friendly. Jared immediately recognizes that he’s gay since he is as well. Jared fights his attraction to Kyle with snide remarks and accusations, which Kyle counters easily with his dry wit and sarcasm. When Kyle’s mom lands in the hospital and Jared insists on driving him to her, Kyle realizes that Jared really does care.

This book was slow to start for me. Disjointed and scrambled throughout, I didn’t really start enjoying it until Jared finally pulled his head out of his ass and showed Kyle that he truly cared for him. There was some good potential for a full-length story, and I could definitely get more involved if that were the case. Perhaps the story would be more cohesive if the author could fully explore the different aspects of the story. If you can get past that, and you are looking for a short read with some really hot M/M action then this is the book for you.

Dragon's Eye by Stephani Hecht

10188539Title: Dragon’s Eye

Series: N/A

Author: Stephani Hecht

Genre: MM / Fantasy / Dragons & Sorcerers

Length: Novelette

Publisher: Total E-Bound (January 17th, 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: After a decade of living under the iron rule of a sorcerer, dragon shifter, Duncan Moore finally has his chance for freedom. With his former master dead, all Duncan has to do is steal the very thing that has been holding him captive all these years, his dragon’s eye. The stone holds his magic and his dragon self and without it, he can never go home again.

What should be an easy theft turns complicated when he finds that someone has beat him to the eye and he has no idea where it could be. To add to things he suddenly finds himself teamed up with the dead sorcerers’ son, Trent. For years Duncan has longed for Trent, but had never dared act on his desires. Then one night of passion between the men changes everything and Duncan realizes that he could lose something far more valuable than his dragon’s eye, he could lose Trent.

Will Duncan be able to save them both? Or will he have to make the ultimate sacrifice?

Product Link: http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=1056

Review: The dragon element is always quite enough to draw me into reading a book. In this little story, we have dragons and sorcerers in their eternal fight for dominance.

Duncan has been captured and a slave to a powerful and cruel sorcerer; he’s been patiently waiting and silently hating the decade he’s been a prisoner to the sorcerer’s whims. Finally, his slave master dies and Duncan must take possession of his essence in order to be truly free and not fear another cruel master. Unfortunately, his Dragon’s Eye is not where it should be and in order to find it he must put faith and trust at the most unlikely person, his dead master’s son, Trent.

I liked this story, it was not bad at all, and the grounds in which the characters stood were quite solid. Their passion was lovely, even though the dominance showed came a bit at odds with how we first see Duncan at the beginning of the this tale. Honestly though I wanted, more and this story had all the premises for that. I was a bit disappointed that the dragon didn’t fight, I was a bit disappointed that there was no show of real power from the shifters and that the only shifting occurred when Duncan had to fly back home. Also if I dig deeper there were some loops and holes there when Trent had to fight his uncle, I mean if I was Adam, I wouldn’t have left the Dragon’s Eye behind since every Dragon’s Eye meant more power for the Sorcerer. And if you add in there the typos that ran throughout the text, then a bit of frustration might have hit me at one point or other, but as I said, I’m bias when it comes to dragon tales and while this was not the masterpiece or the intense read it could be I sill liked it and enjoyed the couple and their HEA.

If you’re like me, if you have a thing for lovely dragons and their quest for love, then you might enjoy this story as well. J

 

In the Dead of Night by Jamieson Wolf

17346756Title: In The Dead Of Night

Author: Jamieson Wolf

Genre: Post-Apocalyptic, Zombies

Length: Novella (158pgs)

Publisher: Breathless Press (26th January 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥1 ½ – 2 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Ikarus remembers nothing.

One moment there was darkness and the next, there was light. However, Ikarus Kane remembered nothing.

The world he knew is gone. Waking from a coma, he finds the world as he knew it greatly changed. It is now infested with the living dead. Ikarus has one choice: find shelter and hide or risk becoming one of them.

He finds shelter in an abandoned bed and breakfast. But there is someone there already. Mikhail Jones is a man who has survived more than just the zombie apocalypse. There is something about him that sets Ikarus’ body on fire and, despite knowing him only moments, he wants Mikhail desperately.

Ikarus is more powerful than he knows, however. Ikarus and Mikhail become entangled in a fight for survival where only they can save the world; only they don’t know it yet. They are part of an ancient prophecy that has been set in motion.

When they find a woman named Ruthe in one of the bedrooms upstairs, with no memory of how she got there, things are only beginning to get interesting.

In a desperate race to find answers, Ikarus and Mikhail cling to the only thing that feels right: each other.

They will need the love that blooms between them if they are all to survive the night…

Purchase Link: http://www.breathlesspress.com/index.php?main_page=product_free_shipping_info&cPath=17&products_id=418

Review: Ikarus is hiding from the living dead, he finds an abandoned B&B and seeks shelter and runs into Mikhail who is also hiding out. Their reaction to each other is explosive but they have bigger problems to face than their attraction to each other, like the woman (Ruthe) who mysteriously appeared in an upstairs bedroom, like the zombie hordes gathering outside the B&B and the fact that Ikarus can’t remember anything before three months ago. As Ikarus, Mikhail and Ruthe run for their lives they pick up two more survivors Rapphael Higgins and a young girl, Sati. All of them are connected but none of them knows how, and when they are betrayed they discover someone has been pulling their strings and needs them for their own purposes, the five of them have to work together to stop their destruction and to stop a madman from completely destroying the world.

This is one of those stories that begins with great potential but then gets too complicated and fanciful. The story starts with a series of news items explaining that there was a chemical spill and the results of it, we then meet Ikarus as he hides from the Zombies. The story progresses quite quickly and sometimes, it feels too quick, we are left with little information and mysterious characters who confuse us and leave us clueless. Other things come into play and you shake your head as the story becomes even more confusing. The one thing that results from reading this story is that you understand that a lunatic listened to some voices in his head and created a chemical that resulted in the world inhabitants becoming Zombies, the rest just leaves you banging your head.

I love a good post-apocalypse Zombie outbreak as much as the next person, but this one fell short by trying too hard. The storyline became too complicated with the five survivors being the impossible, and the maniac apparently ‘making’ them what they are. I couldn’t wrap my head around the coincidences as they suddenly all appeared in just the right place at the right time, half of them not remembering anything from before they were found. The only ones who remembered anything was Mikhail and Higgins, but we still didn’t get that much background from them. What really annoyed me was how the women seemed to know things no one else did and they also refused to share most of what they knew. It was like the blind leading the blind while being mysterious about it.

The relationship between Mikhail and Ikarus was impossible to believe, the instant attraction you can understand but saying the ‘L’ word after just a few hours was just wrong, them taking Higgins to bed after just meeting him was over the top, especially seeing as Mikhail and Ikarus hadn’t even had sex yet. Some things I did like though, like the descriptions of the Zombies and their movements, how the fresher they are the faster they move, so yeah I really liked the Zombies and how the world was infected, it just got complicated when it went off into fantasyland.    

I would only recommend this to those who love fanciful zombie stories, absurd happenings, mmm, and an ending that leaves you wondering. 

The Bitter Rednesses of Love by Dominique Frost

18085969Title: The Bitter Rednesses of Love

Author: Dominique Frost

Genre: Regency, Steampunk

Length: Novella (84pgs)

Publisher: Loose Id (18th June 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Anthony Clark, degenerate genius and impoverished nobleman, finds himself wedded to the painfully proper young aristocrat, Stephen Ayers. They’ve been pledged since before Stephen’s birth.

Will their marriage prove intolerable to them both, or will they find a happy equilibrium, instead? As Anthony teaches Stephen the pleasures of the body, will Stephen be able to teach Anthony the pleasures of the heart?

Purchase Link: http://www.loose-id.com/bitter-rednesses-of-love.html

Review: Anthony loves his life just the way it is; drinking, whoring and his inventions. But, the time has come for him to finally marry his betrothed, a man who is rich, handsome, and a prude. Stephen has known all his life who he is to marry and can only hope that his husband will give up his whoring ways, but knows there is little chance. When Anthony finally realizes just who he truly wants, will he be able to crack the shell his husband has erected around his heart to prevent further hurt?

This is a great little novella of a regency timeline that incorporates just a touch of Steampunk and gay marriage. Anthony is in his thirties and has enjoyed his life of freedom to the fullest. Marriage isn’t something he wants, but his betrothed is of age and the time has come to settle down. Although, he has plans that don’t quite involve giving up all his vices. Stephen is twenty-one and has saved himself for his husband. He is resigned to the fact that he will not be able to change his husband, but after a great start to his marriage, hope begins to grow until it is shattered by one careless act.

I found this story to be quite sweet with the way that Anthony suddenly realizes that his husband has crawled under his skin and wormed his way into his heart. I liked the way that Stephen was willing to give Anthony a chance until he betrayed his trust and I really liked how Stephen doesn’t back down on his stance or just forgive Anthony. Anthony really gets a shock when Stephen turns his back on him and he begins to realize what a mistake he made. He does try his best to prove he has changed, but the damage has already been done. it takes a terrible accident to bring them together again.

The Steampunk aspect is very loose, based on steam engines and developing machinery used in battle, it is an occupation that keeps Anthony busy. Anthony isn’t a very likeable man at first, but he does grow on you and you like Stephen straight away for his sweet innocence.

I recommend this if you like Steampunk tinged regency, an innocent falling in love and being hurt, a rake who falls in love despite his plans and a very happy ending.

 

Micah's Refuge by Lynn Tyler

micahsrefugeTitle:  Micah’s Refuge

Series:  Pack Mates, Book 2

Author:  Lynn Tyler

Genre:   Paranormal

Length:  Novella (70 pages)

Publisher:  Liquid Silver Books (June 24th, 2013)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:   Faced with the choice of hunting down and killing his human lover or being banished from his pack, werewolf Micah is forced to leave everything and everyone he loves. He finds a new pack in Northern Ontario that is willing to give him refuge. Determined to start over, Micah hopes to find a mate he can settle down with in Smooth Rock Falls.

Forensic chemist, Shea, rarely gets any down time, and that’s fine with him. As much as he loves his pack, he’s a bit of a loner with no wish for a mate. After all, his slight obsessive-compulsive tendencies and a fear of having anyone count on him do not make him mate material. But when a new wolf joins the pack, Shea experiences emotions he’s never dealt with before, turning his whole tidy world upside down.

Micah is well aware Shea isn’t looking for a mate and doesn’t know if he should pursue the genius or if he should look for a mate elsewhere. But when tragedy strikes and passion ignites, can Shea just let Micah walk away?

One man in need of sanctuary, another in need of emotional security … together they will find the refuge they have both been seeking. Lynn Tyler steams up the pages with passion and desire in the newest addition to her Pack Mates series, Micah’s Refuge.

Product Link:  http://www.lsbooks.com/pre-order-coming-soon-romance-books-c322.php

Reviewer:   Tams

Review:  Short, Sexy, and Steamy… my three favorite colors! Micah is new to the Smooth Rock Falls pack, having been forced out of his former pack because he refused to kill the human he’d slept with. When he learns that, his new Alpha is not only gay, but also mated to a man as well. He’s certain he’s made the right choice for his new pack.

Shea is drawn to Micah pretty much immediately, and the feeling is mutual. A loner at heart, he fights the pull to Micah. His emotions, his head, and his wolf are at war amongst themselves. His heart wants to love, but fears getting hurt. He’s never felt this way and it scares him. But, his wolf is ready to claim his mate. Micah tries hard to get Shea to agree to be his mate. But, Shea continues to back pedal, eventually pushing Micah towards another wolf that is all too willing to snag the big, sexy wolf. Shea finally admits he’s fallen in love with the other shifter when Micah lands in the hospital after an accident. But is it too late to claim him?

Full of passion, intensity and some steamy guy on guy action, Refuge will leave you wanting more from this elusive pack of shifters. I can’t wait to see what Tyler has up her sleeve next for this pack. If you are a fan of strong alpha males, sexy shifters, hot and sweaty man sexiness and a HEA, this is a must read for you.

A Rampant Hunger by James Cox

18043478Title: A Rampant Hunger

Author: James Cox

Genre: Science Fiction, Erotica, MMM

Length: Short (66pgs)

Publisher: Evernight Publishing (6th June 2013)

Heat Level: Scorching

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: How far would you go to save the man you love?

Earth is dying. Sam Bryant is a scientist traveling through space in search of a new world for the future of our species, but what they find threatens humankind’s very existence. The man Sam loves is now bitten and infected by a strange creature. Time is running out and Kael is beginning to mutate. He claims to feel a hunger inside his body that food cannot sate.

The mission to save Earth has turned into a will to survive, but will they both make it home?

Purchase Link: http://www.evernightpublishing.com/a-rampant-hunger-by-james-cox/

Review: Sam is a scientist with a crush, but being a nerdy scientist doesn’t get him attention on a spaceship searching for new world to call home. Kael is a Colonel leading the expedition and it’s his job to find a safe planet, but the first one they come across isn’t as safe as they first thought. Tavish is the Chief Medical Doctor going with them in case of injury and when Kael is bit by a dangerous creature, he has to try to figure out just what is going on.

Holy cow, this is a perfect blend of sci-fi and erotica that will please both nerds and sex seekers. Sam has only had his hand for company for the last five months and he has been secretly panting after the expedition leader, Kael. now he is chosen to go to the new planet’s surface along with all the muscle bound hunks. Accidently catching Kael and Tavish in a compromising position, it is a vision that he plans to put in his spank bank. Sam thinks his chances with Kael are shot until a night under the blankets changes his mind. The unexpected danger nearly takes Kael from Sam, but Sam’s utter determination gets them back to the ship…. Only to discover disaster and come to the rescue of Tavish. Now they have five months before they get back to Earth with a mutated Kael who has A Rampant Hunger that Sam and Tavish have to feed.

This is a brilliant sexual fix that really gets the juices flowing, the blood burning and gives your inner geek a high. Three characters who mesh perfectly together. doing what they have to, to survive *snigger*. This story has a great storyline; the Earth is dying and humans are seeking a new world. The expedition lands on a compatible world and inadvertently unleashes death. One survivor is bitten and is changing and the two others have to feed his hunger, and they love every minute of it! James Cox has done it again with his highly charged erotic writing, giving us an entertaining story while overdosing us on pure sex and giving us men who just love to fall in love.

If you are in the market for science fiction that’s got a dash of danger, a hankering for some scorching hot sex, and a yearning for three men falling in love, then this is the book you want to read. 

6048819_orig

Sharp Dressed Man by T.A. Chase

Chase_Final_Front_Cover_5_18_2013Title: Sharped Dressed Man

Series: Mixed Tape Series Volume #1

Author: T.A. Chase

Genre: MM Contemporary Romance

Length: Novelette

Publisher: MLR Press (June 7th, 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥2.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: For twenty-five years, Jim and Dan have thought about what could have been, and now they have a chance to find out.

Jim Stanton and Daniel Perkins fell in love with each other at a ZZ Top concert in 1987, though they never admitted it. After graduation, they let their love slip away, but never forgot. Their 25th class reunion gives them the chance to correct the mistake.

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

Review: A very sweet little story Sharped Dressed Man follows two High School best friends who drifted apart in the years that followed until one day, after twenty-five years, they received a Reunion Invitation.

The story is a bit weird in some part. See both men had this epiphany at a concert of ZZ TOP they both attended, that they were in love with each other. Neither though had the guts to share that little info with the other, instead being afraid that if their best friend would find out they’d lose the friendship they so much valued. Ending up, of course, not only trying to hide what they felt, but also losing their best friend anyway when High School was over.

As years passed by and each of them settles into their careers, neither has the same time to go back home for visits. Not once managing to see each other during these twenty-five years. The yearning though is there, the longing of seeing their best friend. The man who all others had to compare and compete for each. And now the time has finally come for them to make that happen.

So you see this story is quite easy flowing in concept. Jim and Dan’s families both are not only very accepting, but also trying to match them together. There are no complications and no angst at all in this entire story. Only the fears each character harbors that their feelings won’t be reciprocated. So when they finally meet right outside the place where their reunion is held their hunger for each other steps in and takes them both in a reunion of their own. A first time holding too much passion for them to contain.

Honestly, either I’m too picky or this was a bit too much for me, but the dialogues between the characters were not very fascinating, they rather put me down a bit. There was this huge going round and round blaming each other (thankfully the next day) about how stupid they were to have lost all this time. While in the meanwhile, there was no dialogue about their current state. How are these two men? What happened to them in so long they haven’t laid eyes on each other? They jumped so fast into the “I love you”, “let’s stay together,” and “let’s get married” that I sort of had a mental whiplash with that.

Bottom end, I would rather have a HFN than a HEA here. But, objectively, any fan of the sweet romance and the love conquers it all, even our fears of rejection, would probably love this story. It’s sweet, it’s easy, and it has a most satisfying end.

The Last Blade by Beau Schemery

LastBlade[The]LGTitle: The Last Blade

Series: Verses of Vrelenden 02

Author: Beau Schemery

Genre: High Fantasy, Young Adult

Length: Super Novel (350pgs)

Publisher: Harmony Ink (Dreamspinner Press) (30th May 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Ren Mallorian is finally a hero. He helped Celestrian, the lost unicorn, complete his quest and he defeated the kingdom’s worst enemy, Grimthorn. Now Ren lives in the capital city doing odd quests for the king and his nobles—but he misses Celestrian.

One day the king summons Ren and the Prince of Toads, a noble who has taken the role of irreverent sidekick, and tasks them with assembling a team to combat an uprising in the Zombie Kingdom. On their journey across Vrelenden, they gather allies: Discimus, an accomplished wizard and a smug bastard (it’s a good thing he’s pretty). Jaron A-Dale, the captain of a city guard and an accomplished knight. Acorn, a tiny and mysterious elf girl. And an unexpected and extremely dangerous traveling companion.

But is there more to the Zombie threat and its newly raised army of the undead than meets the eye? Ren is having a tough time keeping his head straight, and with Ren and Dish distracted—both by their romance of convenience and the absence of the men they love—this may prove Ren’s most dangerous quest yet.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3830

Review: This book is part of a series and is best read in order. Ren is now the Kingdom’s Hero after his adventure with Celestrian. But, he misses Celestrian desperately, not knowing when he will see his True Love again. When the King summons Ren and the Prince of Toads (Ren’s adopted sidekick) to take up a Quest, they discover some truths about zombies. They leave to gather a Party that will help them to quell the uprising in the Zombie Kingdom. But collecting their Party is going to be hard, as they have side Quests to fulfill before their allies can join them.

Ahhh, God. I just love fantasy adventures that are filled with the familiar and the new, and that has just the right amount of humor to make an enjoyable story. Ren is back and he is the Kingdom’s Hero. Celestrian is never far from his thoughts, but not knowing when they will next be together has Ren seeking comfort, and he knows Celestrian would never begrudge him those brief moments. Setting off on a new Quest to save the Kingdom has Ren and the Prince seeking the best of the best to complete their party; Discimus, a great wizard, Jaron A-Dale, a mighty warrior and Acorn a great healer. They also pick up the unexpected and dangerous ally Setsuo. They face danger and sneak attacks, they have to help with side quests to get the aid they need and there is bickering, falling out and finally they have friendships developing.

I loved this story, although I was a bit wary at first because Ren and Celestrian are separated and a new man comes into Ren’s life. But as the story progresses you come to see that although Ren finds Quest love, no one will ever replace his True Love. and you just know that Celestrian isn’t sitting chastely waiting for Ren. The characters in this story are just brilliant. Ren has developed his Hero skills greatly, and the Prince is as incorrigible as ever with his drinking and women chasing ways. The new characters, Discimus, A-Dale, and Acorn all add something in their own way to this story. Discimus is vain, smug, and self-involved, but you get used to his abrasiveness. A-Dale is a mighty warrior who has a good heart and seeks justice for those who can’t protect themselves. and then we have Acorn, a young elf girl who repeatedly save the Party’s lives… she is sweet and gentle and just wants to be loved after being terrified by her own father.

This is an action-filled story where the hero’s risk their lives constantly. they meet fascinating characters and have some interesting twists with characters from the previous book The Unlikely Hero, both good and bad, popping up. The villages we visit are wonderful, along with the colorful characters that live there. And there are strong hints of admiration for other high fantasy stories. There are some great scenes where it is hard to stifle your laughter. When some of the party are pretending to be Zombie, it’s just brilliant. The story is brilliantly woven, taking us on adventures that are exciting and at times that need tact. They face death and danger, and an old foe and just want are they going to do if the baddies succeed in making a dragon into a zombie?    

I will recommend this to those who love high fantasy, young adult, fantastic characters, fleeting love, great adventure, danger and an ending that leaves you wondering what Ren will face next.  

 

William's House by Amber Kell

17706428Title: William’s House

Series: Hidden Magic 01

Author: Amber Kell

Genre: Paranormal

Length: Novella (83pgs)

Publisher: Total E-Bound (13th May 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½ – 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: When William Stamson falls in love with a dilapidated mansion, he has no idea he’ll attract the attention of Cassius Grant…and disturb some magic better left alone.

Born a void, someone who cannot perform magic, William Stamson moves away in order to live on his own, away from his matchmaking family. While house-hunting, he falls for an old mansion that calls to him…and is situated on a vortex of magic almost limitless in power.

Cassius Grant, Cash to his family, is charged with getting rid of the house’s new resident. Determined to evict the interloper, he is taken aback by the beautiful, wilful man who refuses to abandon his new house under any circumstances. Cassius realizes the best way to deal with the man is to keep a close eye on him…and what better place than from William’s bed?

Reader Advisory: This book was previously released at another publisher. It has been revised and re-edited for release by Total-E-Bound.

Purchase Link: http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=2110

Review: William is a void, born into a very magical family. deciding he needs to get away from his matchmaking, slightly overprotective family, he buys an old mansion; ‘a painted lady’ that needs much love and care. But, the house is on a magical vortex and the council doesn’t want anyone living there and sends Cash to convince William to leave. Cash discovers it isn’t going to be easy though… his magic won’t work on a void and he discovers he is attracted to the beautiful William. When William is run down by a car, Cash has to protect him and all the clues point close to William’s family.

This is a great cute ‘gay for you’ novella that is wonderful for a relaxing night’s read. This really is a delightful story that takes a macho enforcer who loves women and gives him a beautiful man as a soul mate. A beautiful man who is a void, a rarity that will need protection if anyone discovers his secret. Cash and William make great characters and the attraction between them is really hot. The storyline is great, with a surprise with the house and a family twist and you really can’t but help enjoy this story.

This really is a great story if you just want a fun light read. William is a touch spoiled, rich and likes things his way. Cash is macho, hot and is used to getting his way and he is straight, very straight until he meets William. Add in secrets and mystery, a powerful family and you have sparks flying with just a touch of danger from a slightly deranged character.

I have to recommend that if you love magic, ‘gay for you’, great characters, an interesting storyline, and enjoyable light reads than this is the book to read. 

 

 

For a Dragon's Touch by Charlie Richards

4063ForADragonsTouch510w-430x645Title: For a Dragon’s Touch

Series: Highland Dragons #1

Author: Charlie Richards

Genre: MM / Fantasy

Length: Novella (105 pages)

Publisher: Extasy Books (June 1st, 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: Two men. One wants to kill the dragon. One wants to capture it. Both have secrets.

When men from the northern town of Brock come to Adencass, sharing tales of a dragon, Ian MacGree thinks it’s a ploy to get out of sending their share of support. His father, Chieftain Goth, sends Ian to discover the truth. Never does he think the stories of a dragon terrorizing the area would be true until he runs into Roark, who claims to be a dragon hunter. Ian’s attraction to Roark is almost instantaneous, but as the second son of the chieftain, romance has no place in his life, for his father plans to wed him to another to seal an alliance. But he’s not the only one with secrets. When he discovers Roark’s, will their secrets bring them together or drive them apart?

Product Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/for-a-dragons-touch/

Review: I just love a nicely spun erotic tale with dragons. But, when in that tale we have the added bonus of men in kilts, well what more can one ask?

I loved this novella. It was fascinating and extremely gripping. As the title of the series (because yes! this is a series) says, this the tale of a Highland Dragon, Roark and how he met his soul mate in the face of Ian. The plot was fun. Ian was sent to kill a dragon only to fall for one himself. The eroticism between them was fantastic, the writing skills more than good, and we had the opportunity to feel the heat between the pair and experience it as if we were there ourselves.

The plot also caught me unaware, because while I knew it’d have a nice ending, for a moment or two I was afraid it’d be a cliffhanger instead, when Ian practically abandons Roark in order to return to his clan and his duties as a Chieftain’s son. It served to heighten the anticipation and intensity levels a bit and it managed to do so rather handsomely. I loved Ian as a character there, he was appealing before, but at that moment, he became more and showed some depth of personality. while Roark showed a lovely side that makes dragon lovers love them all the more.

If I had some issues with the usage of the words “bisexual” and “lube” in a context that is supposed to be of a time long ago, making such words perhaps unavailable back then, I overcame them quickly. The writing was good enough for me not to mind such slips at all and the pace set was amazing. I was so lost in the story that I literally inhaled it in a matter of a couple of hours, and I was left satisfied and wanting for more, already anticipating the next one of the series to come.

So if you, like me, love a tale of erotic romance between dragons and humans, men that make your heart beat faster and also well written then recommend this book to you certain you’ll enjoy it as much as I did. It was great.