Month: June 2013

Club Arrest by D.J. Manly

17935014Title: Club Arrest

Author: D.J. Manly

Genre: Paranormal, BDSM, Ménage

Length: Novella (86pgs)

Publisher: Amber Allure (19th May 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Vampire Richard’s membership in the Immortal Police Squad (IPS), along with managing his dance bar called Club Arrest, is his motivation to keep on living. It also doesn’t hurt that his partner, Caleb, is a hunky stripper who just happens to be a werewolf.

But when their beloved handler on the Vegas PD is killed, Richard suspects foul play. And in the sin-drenched city, foul play is everywhere just waiting to ambush them.

Caleb tells Richard not to stress when they are told they have a new handler named Christopher Light, but Richard hasn’t had a lot of luck in the past with handlers. 

When Christopher turns out not to be a stranger after all, but someone with whom Richard once had a hot night of sex, Richard suspects he and Caleb are being set up.

For these immortals, mobsters and vampires make life complicated in the city of Vegas, not to mention playing fun sex games and maybe even falling in love…

Purchase Link: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/ClubArrest.html               

Review: Richard is a vampire who works for the Immortal Police Squad (IPS). He also has his own club, Club Arrest. his partner in both ventures and casual lover is Caleb, a werewolf. When their handler dies, Richard suspects’ foul play, but no one will listen. When they are given a new handler, Christopher, Caleb and Richard are led into a trap. Someone inside the police force wants to get rid of them. Now, Caleb and Richard have to clear their names and capture the culprits and they have to rely on Christopher for support. But, Caleb becomes jealous and Richard has to examine his feelings before it’s too late.

This is a great paranormal story that combines the paranormal with police, and has cover-ups and police corruption. Richard is a pretty oblivious vampire. He has a casual lover in Caleb and he has sex with whoever he wishes and he never sees what it does to Caleb. Caleb does keep quiet about how he feels, but when Christopher comes into their lives he becomes jealous. But, they both have more important things to worry about when they are set up and Christopher is their only contact.

I did enjoy this story and how it was written. It’s a great storyline that involves sexy vampires, hunky werewolves and a sexy police lieutenant overcoming corrupt police and mobsters. There is plenty of hot sex both m/m and m/m/m and there is danger. But, there is also the realization of love. I must admit to wanting to learn more about the IPS and how it works, because the police work hand in hand with the IPS and know about the paranormals. There wasn’t any background on the IPS and very little on Caleb, other than what we learned from Richard. But, it is still an interesting book. While Richard’s and Caleb’s relationship is coming to fruition, the main storyline is focused on who killed their old handler and why, the set-up and finding the culprits.    

I recommend this to those that love paranormal, danger, hot man on man loving, light BDSM, m/m/m hot sex, a good storyline, and a very hot ending.

 

 

Canine, Crosshairs and Corpses by Angel Martinez

17909338Title: Canines, Crosshairs and Corpses

Author: Angel Martinez

Genre: Paranormal, Fantasy, Mystery

Length: Novel (183pgs)

Publisher: Amber Allure (19th May 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: What’s a Lord of the Dead to do? Hades’ bride of several thousand years has served him with divorce papers and she doesn’t just want him out of her life, she wants the palace and the dog, too. Hades’ nephews and his faithful ferryman, Charon, are determined to find their uncle something to distract him before he expires of brooding misery.

Tiberius Snyder had a good future, until his mother dies and his employer shuts down. When he finds himself alone with nowhere to live, he turns to panhandling and to drink, depression slowly killing him.

He just wants a place to sleep out of the cold wind, but Death finds him in a dirty alley. Odd. Ti never thought Death would be so hot… 

Purchase Link: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/CaninesCrosshairs.html

Review: Hades (Aiden) doesn’t know what to do, his wife has just served him with divorce papers and kicked him out of the palace. His nephews and his friend, Charon (Karl), rally round to help pull him out of his misery. Tiberius (Ti) has fallen on hard times and lives on the streets, drink and depression plaguing him. Ti just wants a place to sleep undisturbed when a shambling figure disturbs him and Death finds him. Who would have thought that the God of the Dead would save a life?

This is a great story of new beginnings and discovering love, mystery and a new twist with the Greek Gods. Hades has to begin a new life in the human realm when his wife wants a divorce. With the help of his ever faithful ferryman, Charon, he is encouraged to take up a new profession as a Private Investigator. His first case catches his eye when he realizes that a string of murders must be connected and he begins to investigate. Coming across a young homeless man who witnesses the murder of another homeless man. Ti is just trying to keep out of the cold, he doesn’t know for sure what he saw, but he wakes up in a warm room with a man who says he wants to help him. Ti doesn’t know what to make of the gorgeous strange man and his scary looking friend, but he finally decides to stick around to help discover who is murdering homeless men and why.

I really loved this book with Hades as a wonderful character with a great love of dogs, Charon as a great friend and with Ti as the victim of circumstance who catches the eye of a lonely God. Hades and Ti’s relationship is a slowly progressing one. They offer each other comfort and friendship and then they take it to the next level with Hades willing to give it all up just to have Ti back. The mystery is interesting and leads to danger for Ti and has Hades calling his family for help.

It was really interesting to see how this story was woven, with Hades having to look back on his relationship with Persephone and seeing the truth of their relationship. It was really telling how Hades was more affected by the loss of Cerberus. How Hades has an instant protective instinct over the waif he finds in an alley and how he begins to open up towards the young man. Ti inadvertently seeing something he shouldn’t and now in grave danger and not even knowing it. The developing love between the two and the risks that are taken were excellent. All the characters are brilliantly written and wonderfully described. This is a great story for an afternoon of relaxation and enjoyment.

I have to recommend this to those who love updated Greek Gods, paranormal, mystery, finding love unexpectedly, new beginnings and a great ending. 

 

 

Infected: Undertow by Andrea Speed

Infected-UndertowLGTitle: Undertow

Series: Infected 07

Author: Andrea Speed

Genre: Werecat, Suspense

Length: Super Novel (344pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (14th June 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4 ½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: In a world where a werecat virus has changed society, Roan McKichan, a born infected and ex-cop, works as a private detective trying to solve crimes involving other infecteds.

Now Roan is locked in a coma as the struggle between his human and werecat sides reaches a new extreme. All Dylan can do is sit, wait, and think.

Meanwhile, Roan’s assistant, Holden, wants to shed his old street life and his relationship with Scott, but he can’t seem to do either. Holden doesn’t want a relationship with Scott but finds himself drawn to him all the same, even if he can never fully reveal his past.

With Roan out of commission, Holden looks into the murder of an old friend. At the same time, Fiona takes on a case about underground death matches between infecteds —one with connections to the Church of the Divine Transformation.

Finally Roan wakes only to discover that his shifts have new consequences. His lion’s strength is growing, and he can’t hide from it any longer….

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3913

Review: This story is part of a series and must be read in order. While Roan is still locked in a coma with Dylan worrying beside his bedside, Holden tries to make sense of his relationship with Scott and fails miserably. Holden takes a case involving the murder of an old friend and Fiona digs into some unsavory happenings at the Church of the Divine Transformation. When Roan wakes he realizes he and his lion are more closely entwined than he realized. Trying to get back into the swing of things, Roan helps Holden with his investigation and takes over from Fiona with Holden’s help. But, it just leads Roan to wonder just how much of a danger he really could be.

This story continues from where Lesser Evils ended, with Roan in a coma that no one knows if he will recover from. Holden is confused by his non-relationship with Scott. He doesn’t know what the two of them have together and he doesn’t know if he likes it either. On another note, Holden dives into investigating an old friend’s murder and is quite happy with his escort business. Dylan is left adrift with everything that emerges about Roan, but knows he has to stick by the man he loves. Even when said man drives him insane. Roan and his lion become better acquainted as his Infected status develops further.

Damn. How the hell does Roan even get out of bed in the morning with all the crap that comes his way? Roan has his hands full with his investigations and keeping a tight rein on his lion. Dylan has his hands full dealing with Roan and Holden is much more involved with the investigations. Holden has more of a starring role in this story and the assistant investigator/escort gets a headache trying to figure out what he is doing with Scott. Dylan is still on the fringes when it comes to what is happening between Roan and his lion, but Roan opens up more to him. And Roan is beginning to worry about his control of the lion, which sends him into a tailspin.

This story is as harsh and brutal as the ones before it. Roan’s lion is beginning to get a foothold and it shows. The investigations are as interesting as always, especially when it comes to the church. Roan’s development is scary, startling and worrying, but you can’t help love the man for his take no prisoners’ attitude. There’s a wealth of emotions running through this book from anger and frustration to senseless loss and helplessness, and you know that there is nothing anyone can do about it. I have absolutely loved this series from the very beginning. It’s a brutal shifter story that doesn’t pull its punches. It is laid out in all its glory; from horrific shifts to the bigotry and hatred from others and it never apologizes for the bloodshed.

I have to recommend this if you love brutal shifters, unapologetic actions, great investigations that could turn bloody at any moment, fantastic characters, deep love, confused relationships and an ending that leaves you wondering where it’s going next. 

Randall's Romance by Lee Brazil in collaboration with Raven McAllen

17880856Title: Randall’s Romance

Series:  Behind Closed Doors Book 1

Author: Lee Brazil~ In Collaboration with Raven McAllan~

Genre: Historical

Length: Novella

Publisher: Evernight Publishing (May 2nd, 2013)

Heart: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Heat: Explicit

Blurb: Behind Closed Doors, 1

When Randall Gretton’s father leaves his family behind to seek out his lost love, Randall finds an unexpected sympathy in his father’s actions. The dashing soldier takes completely to heart his father’s advice to his children, “If you are fortunate enough to find love, and then seize it.”

Is a chance encounter at a masquerade Randall’s chance at lifetime love?

Be warned: m/m sex, sex toys

 Product Link: http://www.evernightpublishing.com/randalls-romance-by-lee-brazil/

Reviewer: Cat

Review: Be warned:  m/m sex, sex toys

After a tryst at a masquerade party, Randall finds himself intrigued by the man he thought was his lover, but found out, too late, was not.  He wants to see the mystery man again, but will he be able to handle the truth of who his mystery man is?

This was a beautifully written Regency romance full of hot sex, mystery intrigue and true love.   I loved this collaboration between two fantastic authors and can’t wait for the next one.  I thought the sex was graphic and hot, but well written into the mystery and intrigue. So well that it came off also loving and sensual. Very good story by two great Authors!

Recommendation: If you like Regency romance, mystery, intrigue, very hot graphic sex, Lee Brazil or Raven McAllen you won’t be disappointed.

Heaven by C.J. Anthony

CJA_HeavenTitle: Heaven

Series: An MLR Mixed Tape
  
Author: C.J. Anthony
 
Genre: Historical Romance(1980s)/Humor

Length: Novella (38,000 Words)

Publisher: MLR Press (June 2013)

Heat Level: Mild

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb: Brian has climbed the high school social ladder, dating the pretty Popular girl—but he just wants to be with his best friend, Joey.

Your high school years will be some of the best years of your life—yeah right. Try some of the worst. Best friends since they were five, Joey Whitcomb–a Freak—and Brian Davis—a Brain—just want to survive the landmine of their 80’s high school years. Upheaval begins when Brian gets elevated unwittingly to boyfriend of the Queen of the Popular clique. But when Brian (with a little help from Bryan Adams) comes to an epiphany about his true feelings for his best friend does he risk ruining their friendship for a little piece of Heaven?

A “Gay” Wonder Years

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

Reviewer:   Gigi

Review: This is a sweet story that, if you were born in the 70’s and came of age in the 80’s, this will be like a trip down memory lane. To me this storyline is much like that TV series I loved as a young adult, The Wonder Years. Only instead of the MC falling in love with the girl next door, it’s the boy next door. Many of the songs and much of the language and social activity bring me right back to my youth. I’m thinking generation Y and beyond just won’t feel the references. But I loved it! It was sweet, funny, sentimental, and had an HEA that left me smiling for hours after. Note: because this deals with a coming of age romance, don’t expect hot kinky smex, but it does contain sweet lovin’.

Wouldn't It Be Good by Logan Zachary

1219013Title: Wouldn’t It Be Good

Series: An MLR Mixed Tape
  
Author: Logan Zachary
 
Genre: Contemporary Romance/ Erotica

Length: Short Story (6,000 words)

Publisher: MLR Press (June 7th, 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥2Hearts

Blurb: Jock jumps out of the closet.

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

Reviewer:   Gigi

Review: I think this theme of the football star coming out of the closet to rescue and admit his undying love for the beaten down gay geek, was too much for a short story. The sexual content seems to be off somehow. possibly is was meant to be imagined through the POV of an inexperienced young adult, but then one of the MCs comes off as a master of deep throat fellatio. It was a good try, but there was not enough length to the story to make all the pieces fit.

Torque by Chacelyn Pierce

17232387Title: Torque

Series: Drag and Drift

Author: Chacelyn Pierce

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length: Short Story

Publisher: Evernight Publishing (May 10th, 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: Rance is thrilled to finally meet his friend’s roommate he’s been eyeing via social media. One problem, the feeling isn’t mutual. Hudson wants nothing to do with him and the street racing world. If Rance is anything, he’s tenacious, and soon realizes that Hudson’s attitude is nothing but a shield over his heart. Winning a race is easy but earning Hudson’s affection might prove to be the toughest challenge yet.

It’s no secret, Hudson Maas doesn’t trust easily, and over the years he’s created a thick armor over his heart to keep from getting hurt again. It shouldn’t matter, Rance isn’t his type and no guy in their right mind would want to date him with his disability. Situations soon demand Hudson must trust the one man he shouldn’t. However, depending on Rance seems to go a lot further than a ride home.

Product Link: http://www.evernightpublishing.com/torque-by-chacelyn-pierce/

Review: This was quite a sweet story with sexy, hot and gorgeous Rance trying to win over heartbroken and shell-locked Hudson. It was quite fun seeing that the persona Rance had adopted to get away from his weak-self – the multi-millionaire winning businessman – had no charm over Hudson. On the contrary, it had quite the opposite results.

Hudson has been hurt enough in his life, his disability making him a target of cruel men who wanted him only for his money. He is not going to let this playboy charm him and lose his heart yet again.

But this story is the “don’t judge a book from its cover type”. I liked it a lot. Although, it was too short and things happened too fast for me. The trusting issues Hudson had were dissolved in a matter of one night and that made the read lose some credibility in my eyes. Even if the insta-love was somehow avoided by making it insta-lust instead, it still held that longing of intimacy love gives.

Despite the things that didn’t sit well with me and some typographic errors that were to be found throughout the text, I liked this one and found it quite entertaining. And if you like a fast read, sweet and romantic, with insistent and gorgeous protagonists that don’t give up even in the face of cruel rejection, then this is the book for you.

 

Confessions of a Gay Rugby Player by Patrick Darcy

17934177Title: Confessions of a Gay Rugby Player

Series: N/A

Author: Patrick Darcy

Genre: Contemporary/Erotica

Length: Novelette (12K words)

Publisher: Wilde City Press (May 14th, 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: Star Irish rugby player, Conor Murphy, lives and breathes rugby. He spends his weekends playing rugby, drinking beer, and singing songs with his teammates. There is only one thing he loves more than rugby, and that is hot rugby players. But after the final whistle sounds, the real competition begins: the hunt for the hottest men.

Conor’s muscular body and roguish good looks ensure he can have his pick of the sexiest players. But what happens when this alpha male meets his match on and off the field?  Who will come out on top when he meets the horniest rugby players from the USA? Can two alpha males have the night of their lives?

Product Link: http://www.wildecity.com/books/gay-erotica/confessions-of-a-gay-rugby-player/#.UZpmhLU3Brq

Review: Heh. this was a fun read and erotic as it all gets. The blurb says it all people, we have rugby players out on man-hunt. Get the picture, big, tough, aggressive men high on testosterone and out on the prowl.

The read starts with Conor getting ready for the final night and the author gives us the pleasure of his lovely, but battered body. Nothing is left undetailed; we get the image live in our head of a sexy as hell Irish rugby player with cuts and bruises and gashes all over a mean muscled body. Damn it, but it was hot.

And right when he’s out of the door and into the club, we get a flashback of the game itself, and God but it’s just a prelude to what is about to happen once Conor starts hooking up and it’s going to be a big, nasty and dirty fight. The game’s description was a new one for me. I had an idea of what rugby was about, but involuntarily, I got dragged right in the heart of it from this slightly short read. It’s terrifying and has me wanting to see lots and lots of rugby games and wondering what the hell I’ve been doing all this time. Just as the game ends, we know who the protagonists are going to be.

Conor’s got his sight set on Tonio and they are mirror images of each other; the hardest you give, the hardest you take. It was like that on the field, and it is like that on the bed, too.

It’s porn. Its pure unadulterated, downright dirty, nasty, no holds barred sex. Coarse language and rough mannerisms. It’s what I love to call Man on Man sex. Yes, with a capital M. You don’t get to see flowers and satin sheets here. No soap smells and delicate handling. Forget all that. If you can stomach the eroticism of a sweaty man going on another man using his own saliva as lube and feeding from his body in the most primal and carnal way, then you will love this short story. Otherwise, I advise you stay well away from it.

For me it was one hot, passionate and utterly intense read. But, I’m known to love dirty fun, and rough and tough erotica.

 

—

Riley's Vampire Prince by Jess Buffett

17669030Title: Riley’s Vampire Prince

Series: Hunter Clan 02

Author: Jess Buffett

Genre: Paranormal

Length: Novella (102pgs)

Publisher: Siren-BookStrand Publishing (22nd May 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Riley McLeod has never gotten over the loss of his family to murderous Vampires, and often hides behind his sarcasm and carefree attitude. So imagine his shock when he discovers he is not only mated to one, but his mate is the Prince of the Vaucluse Coven.

When Caleb Vaucluse arrived at the Hunter Clan, he never expected to meet his mate. His joy soon turns to devastation when he learns that Riley fears him. Caleb struggles to get past Riley’s defenses and prove that they are meant to be. Unfortunately just as they come together, pride and old wounds prove hard to overcome for the pair, and threaten to tear them apart for good.

As an enemy is revealed and more questions are raised, Caleb and Riley have a choice to make. Do they keep their pride and stand alone, or stand together and embrace the love fate gave to them?

Purchase Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/rileys-vampire-prince

Review: This story is part of a series and must be read in order. Witnessing the slaughter of his family by Vampires, has left Riley scarred and he hides behind sarcasm and a carefree attitude. Discovering his mate is a Vampire, Riley doesn’t know if he can ever get over the memories and his fear. Caleb never expected to meet his mate when visiting the Hunter Clan and he never expected that his mate would be terrified of him. Getting past his mate’s defenses is hard and they begin to make progress… but, then misunderstandings get in the way.

This is a great addition to the Hunter Clan series and continues along the storyline of the Potestas and their intention to wipe out Mages. Riley is confused by his conflicting emotions when it comes to his mate Caleb. He just wants to climb all over the sexy Vampire and lick him all over, but his fangs scare the hell out of him. Caleb isn’t sure how to approach his sexy little mate. He knows what happened to Riley’s family and doesn’t want the fact that he is a Vampire to keep them apart. Both characters have been through their own horrific trauma and while Riley shares his, Caleb keeps his hidden which causes problems.

I really enjoyed this addition to the series with both men having their ups and downs. struggling to fit together as a couple and then sharing their pain with each other. When The Kayan’s Mage ended, Riley and Caleb had just met. Now, it’s a couple of months later and Caleb has given Riley space to get used to him. I loved that. The fact that they were mates and they were able to take their time, it’s such a refreshing change from the ‘instant mates, must mate right now’ attitude that most paranormal books follow. The progression of the storyline is good and new questions arise about the Potestas when the Hunter Clan receives a mysterious e-mail. The way the story was left has me wanting the next book Dmitri’s Little Spitfire; this is proving to be a very intriguing series.

It isn’t all perfect though. Yes, I adore the characters, especially Riley. The sex scenes are hot. The storyline is great and the plot progressing along nicely. So what wasn’t perfect? Well, Riley reacts badly at one point and does a 180 in his attitude that I found surprising and a little disappointing. Then there was a scene later in the book where Riley and Caleb make up, but it was in an inappropriate setting. sorry, but that is a pet hate for me. Other that those two times though, I really enjoyed this story.

I will recommend this to those who love Vampires, Mages, hot sex, damaged characters, hot making up, misunderstandings, an excellent twist and a very happy ending for Riley and Caleb.

hunter-clan-bannercovers

Truth or Lie by Lynn Lorenz

generate_image.phpTitle: Truth or Lie

Series:  This title is part of the Immortals AmberPax™ Collection

Author: Lynn Lorenz

Genre: Contemporary, Fantasy

Length: Novella (133pgs)

Publisher: Amber Allure (19th May 2013)

Heat Level: ModerateImmortals_med1

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥3 ½ – 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Travis Conners is a firefighter who barely made it through high school. Why would Anthony Pappas, an adorable second grade teacher, be interested in him? Travis is willing to find out, if Anthony will give him a chance.

Being descended from a goddess, Anthony Pappas possesses a unique gift—he can tell when people are lying. Sounds good, until your boyfriends all end up lying to you. Anthony’s tired of it. It’s easier not to get involved than to have your heart broken time and time again.

When a little redheaded boy brings the men together, these two heroes will have to find the courage to take a leap of faith and follow their hearts… 

Purchase Link: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/TruthOrLie.html

Review: Travis is a firefighter who thinks he is dumb. He barely made it through high school and doesn’t think he is smart enough for the cute teacher who teaches his nephew, Rusty. Anthony is a second grade teacher who knows when people are lying. When he meets Travis he is impressed with the man and asks him out for coffee. But, Travis is wary because everyone seems to lie. But, he discovers trust has to go both ways and now both men have to take a leap of faith.

This is a really sweet cute story that had some really touching sweet moments. Travis might be good looking and have street smarts, but he doesn’t have many book smarts. When he meets Anthony, he is instantly attracted, but thinks the teacher is out of his league. Anthony is sick of boyfriends lying to him and has just about sworn off men when he meets Travis, a man who is completely honest about himself. he takes a chance and asks Travis out and they instantly hit it off. But, honesty is demanded by both of them and when Anthony confesses his secret Travis reacts badly and if he wants to stay with Anthony he is going to have to believe it is the truth.

I found this story to be sweet and cute and a wonderful feel good light read. I loved Anthony and Travis, but Travis was my favorite character. He was just so completely honest and open and was so wonderful with his nephew, he about broke my heart with the scene in the classroom when he talked about Rusty’s dad. Anthony is great, as well. he never looks down at Travis and even offers him help when Travis admits the problems he had in school. Travis and Anthony were really hot together and other than the bump in the road when Anthony admits his secret, they were perfect for each other. While I really enjoyed this story I have to admit that it would have been even better if both characters hadn’t picked themselves apart constantly. it wasn’t needed other than the first time to explain their lack of confidence in themselves, and while I found the paranormal aspect to be interesting it didn’t really add anything to the story other than a bit of conflict and angst.

I will recommend this to those who love cute kids, great characters, hot sex, two men coming together in honesty and a very happy ending.  

The Exam by Ravon Silvius

17875845Title: The Exam

Series: Enforcer’s 02

Author: Ravon Silvius

Genre: Steampunk, Fantasy World

Length: Novella (113pgs)

Publisher: Extasy Books (1st May 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½ – 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: More than just magic.

Thorn and Kenneth begin their lives after college, and Thorn has his work cut out for him when he goes to meet Kenneth’s parents. The Victeni are nobility and have no problem putting Thorn in his place—or worse, simply ignoring him.

But Thorn quickly learns that winning over Kenneth’s parents is the least of his worries. Kenneth has been selected to become an Enforcer, and with Thorn as his lifemate, Thorn has as well. To become Enforcers, they have to pass a test, and their examiners are not always straightforward about what they need to pass. Thorn is uncertain about his chances, and even less certain about whether or not he wants to be an Enforcer at all. He loves Kenneth and wants to stay with him, but as the test goes on he becomes worried if being an Enforcer will really let him help his people, or if he will just be seen as a traitor.

Purchase Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/the-exam/

Review: This story is part of a series and must be read in order. Thorn and Kenneth are facing a new future together, but first they have to get through the Enforcer’s exam. Thorn also has to meet Kenneth’s parents, which is a daunting task. Kenneth and Thorn are thrown into their examination tests and have to prove their lifemate bond. With Kenneth’s parents disapproving of Thorn and Kenneth having to make a stand it isn’t easy for Thorn. Especially, when doubts assail him. Can Thorn get through the tests, and does he really want to become an Enforcer and be seen a traitor to his people?

The Exam continues one week after Noble Magic ended and continues with the story of Thorn and Kenneth. Even though Kenneth is filled with confidence about his relationship with Thorn, Thorn is filled with trepidation, especially when he meets Kenneth’s parents and faces other magi. Thorn has serious doubts about himself in the story, as he is confronted with the reality of his new situation. Kenneth does his best to convince Thorn of his love, but it isn’t Kenneth’s love that he doubts, it’s his own ability he questions.

I enjoyed this story with its exciting exam and Thorn’s soul searching, Kenneth’s show of support and the love they have developed. The storyline is focused on two points, the exam for the Enforcers and Thorn’s dilemma of what choice to make. Thorn faces scorn from Kenneth’s parents and his position is driven home by the talentless servants and his treatment by the Enforcer examination board. Kenneth does his best, but the doubts still pull Thorn down. Would he be a traitor if he works with the magi or could he really do some good for his people? These are the thoughts that plague him along with the question of what good would he be against a magic user other than a battery for Kenneth.

I loved how this story didn’t gloss over Thorn’s position or wave a magic wand making him equal to the magi instantly. How Thorn and Kenneth faced the other magi as a united front and didn’t choose the easy answers. Both refusing to be cowed by those older and more experienced than them and how they still managed to capture moments of bliss together. They truly make a wonderful couple. I am looking forward to the next installment when they are sent on their first assignment.

I recommend this to those who love Steampunk, magic, doubts and love, hot sex, confronting doubts and standing up for what is right, explosions, discovering strengths and a happy ending with more to come.      

 

Embracing Need by Silvia Violet

embracing-need-400x600Title: Embracing Need

Series: Wild R Farm 03

Author: Silvia Violet

Genre: Paranormal, Cowboy

Length: Novel (187pgs)

Publisher: Silvia Violet Books (10th June 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Horse shifter, Tristan Hayes, doesn’t believe in relationships. He believes in hot, sweaty one-night stands that leave him aching for days.

Private investigator, Wesley James, is looking for someone to settle down with, but it’s never occurred to him that someone could be a man.

Tristan loves a good game, so he flirts with Wes, never thinking anything serious will come of his attraction. Wes fends him off, but after three months of cat and mouse, both men are worn out from fighting what they feel.

When a young woman from Tristan’s herd goes missing, he asks for Wes’s help. Tristan keeps up his flirtatious façade until Wes calls his bluff, taking him out for dinner and dancing. As they search for the missing shifter, Tristan struggles to believe Wes could care for the man Tristan hides beneath his abrasive exterior.

Purchase Link: http://silviaviolet.com/book/embracing-need-mm/ (ARe, BN & Amazon links)

Review: This book is part of a series and is best read in order. After being hurt in the past, Tristan no longer believes in relationships. He believes in hot hook-ups and one-night stands to keep him satisfied and he can’t resist flirting with Wes and tempting the straight man. Wesley is looking for something serious. He never thought it would be with a man. A man he has tried to ignore for the last few months. When a member of Tristan’s herd goes missing, he calls Wes to investigate. Tristan keeps up his flirting nature until Wes calls his bluff. As they search for the missing woman, Tristan struggles with his feelings and Wes has to show Tristan he sees beneath the abrasive façade.

This is a great addition to the Wild R Farm series, bringing Tristan’s story to us and showing us the insecure man beneath the confident, flirtatious exterior. Tristan has been trying to tempt Wes with his constant flirting for months, but when Wes calls his bluff he doesn’t know what he wants to do because Wes just isn’t one-night stand material. Wes has never been tempted by a man before. He has always been attracted to women, but Tristan just pushes his buttons. Now, he just needs to convince Tristan of Tristan’s own worth.

I really enjoyed this story because of the turmoil that Tristan goes through as he tries to make sense of what he truly feels. Tristan was hurt deeply by his first love and it has molded how Tristan now acts towards men. When Wes calls his bluff he is left reeling. Wes can see the true Tristan and he wants that man. Convincing Tristan is hard though, especially when Tristan keeps running. The investigation that they both work on takes a harsh turn when they think they have found the location of the missing woman and they need the help of their friends to get back out alive.

This is a really well written story that combines danger and love really well. We see depths to Tristan that scares him and we see Wes accept his love for Tristan. I really liked how their relationship developed in this story and Tristan’s reaction to his newly discovered feelings for Wes. With Wes you see that he may have struggled at first with how he felt for Tristan, but he embraces it when he can no longer deny it to himself. They are brilliant together and Wes has to be patient as Tristan struggles with how he feels. Because of that painful struggle, you, at times, want to beat the crap out of the person who shattered Tristan so much.

I recommend this to those who love cowboys, private investigators, danger, discovering your own worth, accepting love, hot sex, difficult times and a very happy ending.    

Misunderstandings by Angel Rothamel

17973775Title: Misunderstandings

Series: SEALS of Cedar, Colorado Series 01

Author: Angel Rothamel

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (192pgs)

Publisher: ManLoveRomance (25th May 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥2 – 2 ½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: What would you do if you got a call informing you that the family as you knew it, was a lie.

Dan Brock, retired SEAL turned mechanic in small town Cedar, Colorado, gets a call that changes his life. Dealing with the family he never knew about, Dan takes his frustrations out on the man, that because of his good looks, Dan refuses to have anything to do with. Dallas Bainbridge’s primary job is flying Dan’s former CO from place to place. Getting a request to fly Dan to his father’s funeral, Dallas tries to keep to himself, not knowing why Dan doesn’t like him. Can the two men get past their differences, or will a simple misunderstanding keep them apart?

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

Review: Dan settled down in small town, Cedar, with the rest of his SEAL team when they all retired. He opened his own garage and life is good, until he receives a phone call saying his dad has just died and he is required at the reading of the will… but, Dan’s dad died when he was ten. Dallas is asked by his boss to fly Dan to the will reading and Dallas knows it will be a trying time. he’s tired and dislikes Dan because of the other man’s attitude from the second they met. There is an attraction lingering between the two men, but Dan’s misconceptions keep them apart. And just as the two men begin to come to an understanding… misunderstanding. And Dan’s new found family causes trouble.

This story had a great premise and the plot wasn’t too bad. But, the execution of the romance was a let-down as were some of the unbelievable scenes that played out. The first second that Dan laid eyes on Dallas he made a judgment call and treats Dallas with contempt. Dallas ignores Dan as much as possible, but when Dan seems to want to get to know him, he decides to give the man a chance. Dan’s new found family is not pleased with the will, and one of them decides to take matters into their own hands, when Dan doesn’t do what they want. and now Dallas and Dan have someone gunning for them.

Dallas and Dan’s relationship is far from easy. with Dan’s mind set in a certain way, wanting what he wants when he wants it, it causes fiction between Dallas and Dan and they both overreact. They are a passionate couple, but some scenes between them were just over the top, with emotions running high and over exaggerated. The danger that they face was a great idea, but it never quite fit properly, always seeming just a bit off. I also found it off-putting when Dan’s SEAL friends seemed to take over the storyline for a bit, as though setting the foundations for their future stories.

Don’t get me wrong the idea of the story was good. Dan finding out his real father has just died leaving him in charge of his sibling’s trusts, one sibling deciding they want Dan out-of-the-way and plotting accordingly. You also have Dan admitting he made a bad judgment call about Dallas and the two men give into their attraction. Danger then follows and both men clash over misunderstandings, before admitting their love. But, my problem was it was just too much and with over the top reactions and unbelievable actions.

I will recommend this to those who adore ex-SEAL’s settling down and finding love, danger, hot sex, pulling together in friendship and family and a very happy ending.   

Wishful Thinking by Pender Mackie

13069912Title: Wishful Thinking

Series: N/A

Author: Pender Mackie

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Short Story

Publisher: Silver Publishing (November 19th, 2011)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: Quiet, reserved Derrick has never had a date. That doesn’t stop him from wishing and dreaming, especially when he’s working a boring shift at the coffee shop. On a cold, rainy evening, the shop is deserted, and Derrick daydreams about his fantasy boyfriend, Rory, a fellow university student. Derrick doesn’t know much about Rory. They’re not in the same classes. They’ve never even talked.

When Rory is his last customer of the night, Derrick comes face to face with the man of his dreams. The real Rory is even better than the fantasy and he wants more than coffee… he wants Derrick. By the end of his shift, Derrick will find out if all his fantasies can come true.

Product Link: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-wishfulthinking-1213368-145.html

Review: Ah, this little short was too sweet and adorable. It was all about this freshman college kid named Derrick who is extremely shy. He’s been having daydreams, night-dreams, and all sorts of fantasies about Rory, a very cute guy he keeps seeing on campus, but never had the courage to actually go and talk to. He’s wanted to ask him out forever, or would have asked him if he ever found it in him to overcome his shyness.

So, there he is trying to spend the time in a very slow shift in the coffee shop where he works, when a bit before closing time a last customer comes in. And who would that customer be, but the very man who haunts his dreams and literally every waking minute. Rory, making Derrick’s heartbeat go frenzy and tying his tongue up in the most embarrassing way. But, little did Derrick know Rory’s true cause for entering the shop this late rainy afternoon.

As I said, too sweet, too adorable and extremely frustrating. You see this story focuses only on the fact that all that wishful thinking Derrick has had comes true when Rory makes the move Derrick has been dying to. It’s all about how these two lovely characters make the first step toward a date. The end. And I’m left there hanging and wanting more because I liked the writing, I liked the approach. I loved the feeling I got from Derrick and the way his oh so adorable reactions were described. In the end, I wanted to damn well read Derrick’s and Rory’s story. So please, pretty, pretty please, dear author write it for us and give us the pleasure of actually experiencing this lovely couple.

As it is, with the above in mind, I’d recommend it to anyone who doesn’t mind the cliff-hanger

When Darkness Falls by K.C. Grim

17934246Title: When Darkness Falls

Author: K.C. Grim

Genre: Paranormal

Length: Short (27pgs)

Publisher: JMS Books (12th May 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥2 – 2 ½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Shadow Chasers are dark and mysterious creatures of the night, among the oldest supernatural beings walking the earth. Their strength and ability to manipulate the darkness makes them powerful, but everyone has a weakness.

Jet is no exception. He’s always used his good looks and sex appeal to his own advantage. Never being the settling down type of guy, Jet is content with loving both men and women and then leaving a trail of broken hearts in his wake.

After jilting one too many lovers, Jet suddenly finds himself banished to the farthest reaches of the world, the Arctic Circle. Can a creature who has existed for centuries locked in darkness survive in the land of the midnight sun?

Purchase Link: http://www.jms-books.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=29&products_id=811

Review: Jet is a Shadow Chaser who works with a group of Vampires in security. But, Jet’s bed habits land him in trouble when he takes one lover too many and he is betrayed by his best friend and sometime lover, Roderick, and a disgruntled Governor. Finding himself rescued by a human, Holton, in the Arctic Circle, Jet finds himself in a position he has never been in before, trapped by the endless sun and falling for a human.

This short story wasn’t too bad, but just too short and lacking in detail to be truly enjoyed. It would have been much more suitable as a novella. Giving us, the reader, and the chance to savor the storyline. Jet is a man who hops from bed to bed, and then one day he goes too far. His punishment is harsh, but with the care of a human he finds something he has never had before, love. Holton has been hurt in the past and begins to trust Jet, but Jet’s past comes back and Holton is forever changed because of jealousy.

I really liked what this story was about and would have really enjoyed it if there were much more details. Like more of Holton’s background and more of the interaction between Holton and Jet. I would have liked more depth to the story and a reason why Roderick suddenly popped up again. Why he snatched Holton and why Holton acted like he did and did what he did. We were given no explanations for why Roderick betrayed Jet other than jealousy, but that wouldn’t have explained why the rest of the team turned on Jet. There was so much potential with this story from the paranormal aspects to the relationship between Holton and Jet. And then the final betrayal by Roderick… there was just so much missing for it to be fully enjoyed.

I will recommend this to those who like short stories with huge potential, finding love in unexpected places, danger, a twist and a happy ending. 

 

The Easy Way Out by R.P. Andrews

17974096Title: The Easy Way Out

Series: N/A

Author: R.P. Andrews

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella

Publisher: Silver Publishing (May 25th, 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: A Florida hustler goes through a rite of passage as his view of sex as a commodity is forever changed by the love of a bi-racial cripple, until their lives and everyone around them are turned upside down by 9/11.

At the turn of the millennium, Josh, a young, street-smart Florida drifter is snatched from his dead-end existence as a male hustler in a cheap Key Largo motel by Bishop, a Wall Street power broker. Set up as a trophy boy in Manhattan society, Josh leads a promiscuous lifestyle among New York City’s gay sub-culture until he meets Hylan, a young, bi-racial, down-on-his-luck, wheelchair bound musician. Hylan shows Josh what love can be between two men. But their chance at happiness and the lives of those around them are forever changed by the fateful day in September, 2001.

Product Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/the-easy-way-out-ebook-p-1471.html

Review: Oh damn, where to start and how to begin.

Well, if I had only one word to describe this book then that would be (excuse the language) a mind-fuck. Yes, that’s what this book is for me. I mean here the author took this character, young, hot, “white-trash”, from a completely fucked-up family, who ran away and became a hustler and was in a dead-end life, and created a brilliant story that you can’t help but inhale whole non-stop till you reach the end.

The blurb says a lot and honestly I don’t want to say more about the plot. I’d rather stick in the feelings I got out of this book. and boy were they plenty. First of all I want to stretch the fact that while there is mention of love in the blurb between Hylan and Josh, that love was brilliantly worked in this book.

There are no declarations here, no big sappy dialogues. Hell, I don’t think there were many dialogues between the pair. It was all so very pragmatic, so freaking realistic and the only way you know Josh loves Hylan more than anything is from actual deeds. and that made it all the more beautiful to read. Even their sex scenes were Oh My God real. Not in erotic and sexy and gets-you-horny kind of way, but in a more profound and bah… There are no words. Bloody brilliant that’s what it was and excuse my repeating myself.

The entire story was told by Josh and the way it started you know something awful has happened. But, it isn’t until the end that you realize, you really get what it was that Josh was saying when he began this story. And it was at that point that the author – God I wanted to smash him, yes the author, at that moment- literally performed this huge mind fuck. Up until that point – somewhere about 85% of the book – the story was engaging, it was an I-can’t-put-it-down kind, while not overly intense. it simply did not let on what was about to happen. You simply read on and waited for that awful thing you know from the beginning it is about to happen.

So, it’s like listening to this guy (Josh) telling you of his past, laughing at times and shaking your head at others. You get to meet all this guys he shagged and some incidents were hilarious, others plain sad. Some characters made an impression and others simply gave me a heart-squeeze. You get to see Josh slowly driving himself into another dead-end. You get to see things are not looking so good for him and his days as a trophy boy are coming to an end with a dark future looming all over the place, and then, just then a little bright sunshine-like hope peek around the corner and the big events of take place and everything, everything changes. You know it will happen, you’ve been expecting it, yet it still hits you –I’ll use a line from the book – like a Mack truck. And no, it’s not only that one twist there, it’s not only one bloody hit you get. The author decides to simply keep on going, and no matter how satisfying the end result was, I still think it was very sadistic on his part (the author’s) to play us like that.

Bottom end, this is not your everyday romance, this is not your everyday fiction either. This story is like taking a peek out there in the lives of real people in the real world and I simply loved it. Give it a shot, well worth it.