What There Is by Kate McMurray

WhatThereIsLGTitle: What There Is

Series: N/A

Author: Kate McMurray

Genre: MM / Contemporary Romance

Length: Novella (67 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (July 31st, 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥2.5~3 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: Former professional baseball player Justin Piersol needs a new life after a career-ending injury, and his job as a high school baseball coach isn’t exactly fulfilling. Still, things are looking up: he finds the perfect room in an apartment in Brooklyn with Mark, who writes a popular column on sports statistics.

Mark is nerdy and socially awkward and intensely shy, and he immediately develops a terrible crush on Justin, who barely seems to notice him. As they get to know each other, Justin admits he misses playing baseball, that coaching doesn’t scratch the itch. Mark confesses he thought he’d be married by now, that he wants a serious relationship. So they make a pact: Justin will help Mark find a man, and Mark will help Justin find something he loves more than baseball.

They put their plan into action… and then life gets complicated. Mark meets a nice guy named Dave, and Justin is suddenly crazy with jealousy. Justin realizes he wants to let go of the past and focus on the present, but as Mark and Dave become an item, Justin fears he’s too late.

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4047

Review: A very nice, short story with the old-time classic theme of two roommates falling for each other. The saying of you only see what you got in front of you once it goes away was supporting the prime theme and made for a little alleviation from the smooth and sweetly going plot.

The characters were simple enough; Mark, a shy guy who doesn’t have the guts to go for what he wants, and Justin, a gorgeous athlete who lost his chance on being pro and sulks around thinking what if. It was clear where the plot was going from line one, when Mark opened the door to show his new roomy the apartment. The entire romantic plot was transparent and even when Mark started dating Dave the element of intensity was somehow lacking. No drama or angst here, simply the wait while our protagonists solved things over and just as smoothly came together.

While there was a serious lack of chemistry or anything that would grip you and make you a slave to the read for the duration, I still enjoyed it. Somehow, this book came just when I needed a very light and romantic read to simply sooth me through the day, hence I’m recommending it for such occasion.

Five Star Review by Lara Brukz

5602050Title:  Five Star Review

Author: Lara Brukz

Genre:  M/M Contemporary Romance

Length:   Novella (105 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (April 11th, 2012)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥2.5 to 3 Hearts

Blurb: Gay romance author Cade Montgomery is so thrilled when his latest book is given an excellent review by Eric Carillo that he sends Eric a personal e-mail thanking him for the rating. Occasional e-mails become frequent, and soon Cade and Eric are talking online almost every day. Their online relationship spans a thousand miles, but that doesn’t mean it’s not real. Can their virtual romance survive in the real world? Because both men want to give their own romance a five star review

Product Link:http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=2872

Reviewer:  Showme

Review: Cade is a romance author who has had his heart-broken and swore to never give it away again. Sex without attachments is what he likes. He strikes up a friendship with Eric after he reviews his book for an online gay book review site. Eric is a huge fan of Cade’s writing and quickly becomes a fan of the man himself. After months of flirting online Cade lets Eric know he’ll be in Seattle, Eric’s hometown, for work and would love to meet him. The physical attraction is there and an error in the reservation at Cade’s hotel leaves him staying at Eric’s house. It doesn’t take long until the two give up the fight and end up in bed. It’s so much more than either man thought but both know at the end of the week Cade goes back to Phoenix so they decide to enjoy every moment they’re together.

Hmmm… from the blurb this sounded like a fun read. What I read seemed more like a satire of a gay romance novel. Everything was just a little too sweet, a little too sappy, and a little too dramatic to be taken seriously. The situations were a little over the top. Drunk driving, stalking, death, disability and of course insta love/lust all wrapped up in one short book was maybe a little much for my tastes. It wasn’t as bad as some of the reviews I’ve read but I did cringe at some of the dialogue and soap opera-ish drama. I enjoyed the online flirting and can tell the author is probably a fun person in real life but it just didn’t translate well to paper. Too bad because I liked the premise of the story.

Don't Judge a Book by its Cover by Robbie Michaels

15755356Title:  Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover

Series:  Most Popular Guy in the School, #1

Author:  Robbie Michaels

Genre:   Young Adult

Length: Novel (178 Pages)

Publisher:  Harmony Ink Press (July 15th, 2012)

Heat Level:  Low

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts

Blurb:   High school can be some of the best years of life-and some of the toughest. Mark Mitchell’s strategy for surviving is to emulate the mighty turtle: pull back inside his protective shell and keep a low profile to avoid trouble. And it works-nobody bothers him. Of course, nobody really knows him, either, even in a town so small it seems like everybody must know everyone else.

Mark certainly knows Bill Cromwell, whom he meets officially when his father volunteers him for manual labor at the school. Bill is his polar opposite: outgoing, gregarious, athletic. But when a massive snowstorm traps the two boys together for three days, Mark learns that being popular doesn’t mean you can’t be bullied or abused-or gay-and that bullying doesn’t stop at the school doors.

Mark isn’t naive. He’s seen the news reports of gay teen suicides, and he’s determined not to become a statistic. But it’s not himself he’s worried about.

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3731

Reviewer: John

Review: I loved the plot of this novel, but there were a few things that did not sit well with me. The story stars Mark Mitchell and Bill Cromwell. Mark is an outcast in his high school since he pulls back and tries to fly under the radar and that actually works for him. No one knows who he is or if he even exists. Bill Cromwell is the opposite of Mark. He’s popular, outgoing, athletic, and handsome. What do they have in common? They are both gay teens with unique families. When the two meet one day, there is an instant connection between them. Soon, they become good friends and then lovers.

Mark was a really amazing character just like Bill. The story is solid and there are few twists that I liked. For example, Bill is the one being abused at home by his alcoholic father. The only thing that blew me off was the way the story was written. There were a few times when Mark sounded like a teenager and in others were he sounded like a forty-year-old man. There wasn’t a constant narrative voice throughout the novel. There were a few scenarios that sounded unreal, but this is YA Fiction so that is fine by me. Besides that, I really loved the plot and characters.

I recommend this novel to anyone who loves YA novels with special little twists that will keep you wanting more.

Charming Monsters by Kannan Feng

417bFmtK39LTitle:  Charming Monsters

Author: Kannan Feng

Genre:  M/M erotic horror

Length:   Novella (45 pages)

Publisher: Torquere (January 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts

Blurb: Wesley is a college professor with a deep and unhealthy fascination the darker side of things. When he starts writing a book on a series of serial murders, he comes to the attention of some very dangerous people. Jack is sent to silence Wesley, but discovers that he is far more interested in Wesley himself.

When Wesley looks up after his first class of the semester, he notices a very avid, very handsome student who asks all the right questions. When Jack follows him to an isolated study room in the library, it is only the beginning of a journey that will have unexpected consequences for both of them.

Product Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=96&products_id=3783

Reviewer:  Showme

Review: So I’ll just start of by saying this was not really my type of read. I like dark but this pushed my comfort zone and left me a little squeamish. I however, don’t want to penalize the story for my uneasiness at the rough sex and fascination with inflicting and receiving pain. I guess everybody has their thing that gets them off.

Wesley has always been fascinated with monsters of the human variety. Maybe a little too fascinated. Researching the murder of four boys brings a dark stranger into his life. Though Wesley has is finally admitting his desire for pain he’s never actually acted on it. Jack, the dark stranger, sees what Wesley wants and the idea of giving it to him excites him. Jack acts on the desire in a bordering non-consensual way and thus begins this twisted romance.

Jack scares Wesley often but behind the fear is desire and the author makes a point of telling us Wesley is right there with Jack in the moment. Enjoying the rough sex and demeaning talk. I can try to understand all of that even if it’s nothing I’d ever enjoy, but the part that I found creepy was how both men liked to look at pictures of tortured boys. It was just too much for me once I knew that. Overall, the writing was good and I liked how aggressive Jack was to a point but this book isn’t for most. Not your average m/m read that’s for sure.

Heir to the Throne by Maria Albert

HeirtotheThroneLGTitle: Heir to the Throne

Series: Descent of Kings 02

Author: Maria Albert

Genre: High Fantasy

Length: Super Novel (450pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (29th July 2013)

Heat Level: Nil

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: “It would not be the first time I made such a grave tactical error. I have made many. It is not your responsibility to save this world from the evil that threatens to consume it, Aras. Do not blame yourself for my shortcomings.” —Prince Talon of the Amontir

When his bonds to his cousins Hunter and Beryl are unexpectedly severed, Talon is devastated, fearing his kinsmen dead. In his darkest hour, Talon succors a young Wood Elf, Aras, unaware of the crucial role his new friend is destined to play.

Prince Jargas thought he would never learn the secret of his grandsire’s line and his lost heritage. He never suspected the answer might lie in a Dwarven dungeon or that it could cost him the life of his beloved twin sister, Jarina.

Young apprentice trader Rion and his guard, Tarrell, thought Athanark would be their new home until they met Talon and Aras.

Friends become enemies and enemies become friends as new alliances are forged, men die, cities burn, and kingdoms fall. Everyone has secrets, and no one is who or what he seems.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4075

Review: This story is part of a series and must be read in order. Talon is devastated when his bonds to both Hunter and Beryl are broken; he is driven to near madness at the thought of both his kinsmen dead. But, the Wood Elf he rescued, Aras, helps to keep him sane and also helps to save his people when unwitting betrayal could lead to the Amontirs downfall. Aras knows far more of the Enemy than he should and is far from the simple Wood Elf than he seems, he will play a pivotal role in the upcoming war. Prince Jargas stumbles across an Amontir when seeking to reunite his father’s people; he also learns the secret of the lost heritage of his mother’s line. Rion and Tarrell thought Athanark would be their home but a devastating attack has Talon and Aras coming to their rescue and leading them in a new direction.

This is a great second installment to an epic high fantasy adventure, with allies becoming enemies, bonds being broken and re-forged and doubts and fears being realized. This story continues on from not long after Prelude to War ended, we re-join Talon as he is inexplicable drawn to a small town that is being plagued by wolven. The story then switches to Aras as he leaves his home and sets out on a journey still feeling the bitter sting of his father’s rejection. Then other players come into play, Jargas, Hunter, Beryl, Rion, Tarrell, and Thorn keeping the story flowing and adding many new secrets and revealing hidden details the longer we read.

Trying to describe the details of this story is much too hard to do, there is so much going on, and that many secrets being hidden that it is a very heavy story to read. Trying to keep track of the multiple characters and the details that each are hoarding can get confusing. And, then there are the characters themselves some we know and new ones being introduced adding to the heavy weight as many of them have two names we must keep track of. This really is a story that will drag you into a world of mystery, intrigue, and danger with characters that come alive as you read about them and with a storyline that is soaked in detail.

I have to recommend this to those that love heavy high fantasy, mystery, intrigue, new secrets being revealed, friends and enemies becoming blurred, danger, hope, fear and anger and with new twists coming to the fore. 

 

 

The Long Con by Lori Toland

13482583Title: The Long Con

Series: Dangerous Affairs, #1

Author: Lori Toland

Genre: Contemporary Romance / Action / Light Kink

Length: Novel

Publisher: Loose Id (April 17th, 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: British Agent Nathaniel Bradley is tasked with bringing home a stolen heirloom. After tracking the Faberge egg all the way to a group of criminals in New York, Bradley infiltrates a ring of con artists and gets sucked into the role of a high priced prostitute.

While hoping for a chance to take back what is rightfully his, Bradley’s sole mission becomes to seduce Tony Terranova, Jr., the heir to a notorious mafia dynasty. Though Tony is strikingly handsome, the usually dominant Bradley is hesitant to submit to the sexual whims of a dangerous Mafioso.

What Bradley doesn’t expect is for Tony to fall to his knees so eagerly for him, leaving him blindsided by how intensely their dark tastes complement each other. Now Bradley is caught up in a deadly game of lies and desire, where what he truly wants may not be what duty requires.

Product Link: http://www.loose-id.com/the-long-con.html

Review: My impression on this book varies from loved it to oh my God kill me now.

The action plot here was quite interesting, the pace set was my favorite, the intensity the story managed to grip me with was breathtaking, and I managed to devour the book in only some short hours. The erotic factor was mouthwatering and the erotic scenes (which were plenty, and I mean plenty) were pretty brilliant. The author has a knack of making you jump into that eroticism along with the characters no matter what’s going on in the plot and all around you in real life. It’s safe to say that I completely left my outside world for the duration.

As gripping as it was though, the plot had some serious holes there that every fan of action/mystery/suspense would say a big NO to. On many occasions the undercover work was plain ludicrous, the characters gave themselves away and the incredulity of the events that followed was big enough to slow you down and think about what a shame it was. The way that egg (the stolen heirloom) moved in the end was just too easy. The way how an agent reacted when faced with a bully-criminal like Silvio was so not realistic and at some point some events were dragged a bit too much.

Speaking of too much here comes my favorite part. The insta-love thing. How fast can you fall utterly in love with a person you don’t know? Is a day enough? Add to that, you’re an agent and he is a Mafia kid and you have a completely non-realistic romance shaping right there. As much as I loved the entire sexual ordeal between Tony and Bradley, as much as it blew my mind with the hot and freaking awesome scenes, there was always the “love” in between them that put me off faster than an ice-cold shower. Add to that the desperation card that got overused there and the drama nearly suffocated me.

So in the end there were many, many things that would make me give this book not a favorable rating, but as I said in the beginning it still managed to drag me with it and not let me go till I reach THE END. Odd isn’t it? So when you consider that, that is the purpose of a book I can’t help but recommend it despite the cons.

Beneath the Mask by Mychael Black

508fa0e867ef5f36e770c2e781ff723d73f359f6Title:   Beneath the Mask

Author: Mychael Black

Genre:   Paranormal

Length:   Novella (66 pages)

Publisher:   Torquere Press (July 23rd, 2013)

Heat: Explicit

Heart: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Reviewer:   Cat

Blurb:   Lance Shaw has achieved the impossible: secured an interview with the enigmatic and reclusive leader of the Inferi Brotherhood, a splinter group of vampires that broke off from the Romanorum in the 13th century. When he meets Triarius, he’s instantly intrigued. The vampire is petite but possesses a personality that far exceeds anyone Lance has ever known. Triarius isn’t beautiful by any means, and the silver mask he wears over half his scarred face attests to the brutality of his world. But just when Lance thinks he’s done, Triarius changes the game. Abducted and dragged deep beneath the Snowdonia Mountains in Wales, Lance discovers an entire world no one has ever seen, and, in time, he discovers the true man behind the silver mask.

Originally published in the Spiked anthology.2722652

Purchase Link:   http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=78_91&products_id=3949

Review: Lance is a reporter and has been investigating vampires for years. He gets an interview with Triarius, the mysterious, dangerous head of the Brotherhood, but does he get more than he bargained for?

I really liked this book. I loved that the vampires were evil, scary creatures. I liked how the tow bonded. I also liked the fact that Triarius wore a mask, his face was disfigured, and he wasn’t the typical pretty boy, hot sexy vampire model.

I did feel this book reminded me way to much of Interview with a Vampire though, and there was a lot of repetition in the sex scenes, but over-all the story was fascinating, captivating, and pretty hot too.

I recommend this if you like reporters, new worlds, Ghouls and of course Vampires!

Making it Personal by K.C. Wells

18068487Title:  Making it Personal

Author: K.C. Wells

Genre:   Contemporary Romance

Length:  Novel (155 pages)

Publisher:  Island Tales Press (June 18th, 2013)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb:   Blake Davis is in the closet. And he’s going to stay that way. Because if his father finds out he’s gay, Blake could lose everything he’s worked so hard to achieve during the last six years as CEO of Trinity Publishing, the fastest rising star in the publishing firmament. Not that coming out wouldn’t solve a couple of problems. Maybe then his father would stop trying to set him up with yet another empty-headed, social-climbing girlfriend. And better still, Blake could stop using that escort agency when he wants a night of hot sex with a cute guy…

Will Parkinson has had a tough life so far, but he’s back on his feet. Okay, so he’s working as an escort – with ‘benefits’– to pay off his student loans, but that does have its advantages, such as the really hot guy who hired him. Yeah, Blake rocked his world last night – several times. So imagine how Will feels when he arrives to be interviewed for his dream job as PA in a publishing company, and the guy who’s hiring is… Blake.

And then things get really complicated….

Product Link:  http://www.amazon.com/Making-it-Personal-ebook/dp/B00DG9E0YE/ref=sr_1_5?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1371630673&sr=1-5&keywords=making+it+personal

Reviewer:   Tams

Review:  Blake Davis is the super successful and super sexy CEO of his father’s publishing house. He’s worked hard to get where he is, but he refuses to be honest with his father about his sexual orientation for fear of losing not only his job but his father’s respect as well. In an attempt to keep his private life a secret, Blake uses an exclusive escort agency that adheres to the utmost discretion. Blake never expected to walk into work and find the delicious escort that rocked his world and curled his toes the night before, interviewing for his current PA position.

Will Parkinson came out to his family when he was a teenager and the result was disastrous. The very thing Blake fears most is what Will had to suffer before he was even an adult. The job with the escort agency is simply a means to an end, so when he comes face to face with his client from the previous night while interviewing for the job he really wants, he’s certain he won’t be getting the position. When Blake calls and offers him the job he’s pleasantly surprised. The two make a strong effort to keep things strictly professional, but soon they are having some mind-blowing, set the office on fire HOT sex on Blake’s desk! When Blake’s “beard”, a spoiled rich bitch socialite discovers their secret, she will do anything and destroy anyone to tear them apart and keep Blake for herself. Will Blake find a way to keep the man he’s falling in love with? Or will the secrets he hides and the fear of ‘what if’ lead him down the wrong path.

I was hooked by the end of the first chapter. The story flowed well with three-dimensional characters, rich secondary characters, and an intriguing storyline that covered the ML’s past, present and future. Blake and Will have their share of highs and lows as they build their relationship and learn what trust, love and perseverance are all about. Hopeless romantics will love this story, I sure did! There is some steamy, sweaty sex and a glorious HEA!!

Zombie Boyz – A Wilde City Press Anthology

18126254Title:  Zombie Boyz

Series:  A Wilde City Press Anthology

Author:  TJ Klune, Eric Arvin, Ethan Stone, Daniel A Kaine, Ethan Day and Geoffrey Knight

Genre: M/M Zombie Romance 

Length:  Anthology (93,000 words)

Publisher: Wilde City Press (July 17th 2013)

Heat Level:  Mild to Moderate

Heart Rating:  The sex is a 3Hearts. The scare factor climbs from a 3 to a 5 by the end.

Blurb:   Board up the windows, push an old dresser against the door and load your shotgun. A zombie apocalypse is about to hit Wilde City, and if you want the best survival tips, six of Wilde City’s boys are here to help.

You’ll never want to exercise again as Eric Arvin and TJ Klune turn a gym full of hunks into a smorgasbord of terror in GHOUL’S GYM.

Gather your friends and fight for the man you love, as Ethan Stone and Daniel A Kaine turn Vegas into a zombie nightmare in SURVIVING SIN CITY.

And bring a date to dinner to celebrate Grumpy Grampy’s 90th birthday and introduce your family to your new zombie boyfriend in Geoffrey Knight and Ethan Day’s GUESS WHO’S COMING AT DINNER.

You’ll scream with terror and howl with laughter as Wilde City’s boys bring you our first undead anthology ZOMBIE BOYZ.

Product Link: http://www.wildecity.com/books/gay-mainstream/zombie-boyz/#.Ufgdt74o45s

Reviewer:   Tams

Review:  Guess Who’s Coming at Dinner is more comedy than sexy M/M Romance with some fantastic one-liners and an absolutely hysterical chapter around the dinner table. 19-year-old Chandler has crushed on Zane for as long as he can remember. When Zane is infected by the recent zombie pandemic, it doesn’t stand in the way of true love. Knight and Day weave a tale that is so farfetched it’s actually believable with GWCAD. Chandlers ongoing commentary will have you giggling and Zane with steal your heart (figuratively speaking, of course). Flesh eating zombies, mad cows and sexiness are kept to a minimum in this first part of Zombie Boyz.

Surviving Sin City is more the traditional zombie story, with two consenting adult males pounding each other into oblivion as an added bonus! Cooper is a Brit on vacation in Las Vegas when he finds himself smack dab in the middle of a zombie apocalypse. While trying to get out of Vegas and back to England he runs into Kaleb, an American trying to stay alive and hide while he looks for his brother. The sexual chemistry is evident from the start and it doesn’t take long for Kaleb to find a safe place to bury himself, if you catch my drift. Can these two find Kaleb’s brother as well as safety while surrounded by hoards of zombies that get smarter with each brain they eat? This second story of Zombie Boyz is definitely more hard-core with lots of blood, guts, brains and some sexy guy on guy action when Cooper and Kaleb redefine the term “mile high club”!

Ghouls Gym is full on zombie bloody and scary. There is a wee bit of sex and a whole lot of naked men throughout the story. A manipulated strain of a virus goes rogue resulting in a gym full of naked, horny, gay zombies. There wasn’t nearly enough sex in this part for me, and although I loved the concept that Klune and Arvin were aiming for the story was slightly chaotic and disjointed. Ghouls Gym is “B” horror movie meets gay movie.

I’d recommend fans of the M/M genre give this one a go. If you like zombie stories as well that is a definite plus! I’d love to see a full story for Chandler/Zane and Cooper/Kaleb, sadly I’d have to pass on Uly and Jake.

Forget Me Not by Adrianna Dane

6335018Title:  Forget Me Not

Author: Adrianna Dane

Genre: Contemporary

Length:    Novella (65 pages)

Publisher: Amber Allure (March 25th, 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥ 2.5 to 3Hearts

Blurb: It was a friendship that forged their relationship. It was passion that bound them together. And tragedy that tore them apart. Yet time and distance could not destroy their yearning. A failed marriage could not quench the memories. Nothing could make either forget what they had once shared…

Boyhood friends, now mature men reunited after eighteen years apart. One had saved the other’s life. Cooper Lynch is a man locked by his mer blood to the town of Raven’s Cove. He cannot leave. Ever. Bound by cursed blood and by ancient duty. Ian Lynch is a man who feels rootless, now at the crossroads of his life, when fate brings him back again to Raven’s Cove and the only person he’d ever desired. It was a love they had tried to deny. A love that was never meant to be. But one that changed both their worlds with a night of passion they could never forget.

Different worlds, different lives. Will this forbidden love defy the demands of fate?

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

Reviewer:  Showme

Review: Cooper and Ian have regretted the paths they chose in life ever since their one desperate night together. Both men were obviously confused by the intense attraction they felt for each other after years of friendship. Cooper is worried he took advantage in Ian’s moment of weakness and Ian isn’t sure he remembers things being as amazingly passionate as the dreams he has about his one and only time with another man. Fate or Ian’s need for closure puts both men on the island together again. Their kids from failed marriages meet and become good friends forcing the men to confront each other and the feelings they’ve held onto for eighteen years.

This was a short, sweet and angsty story. I thought the mermaid lore was interesting and would have enjoyed more about it. It felt a little rushed at times. Everything happened rapidly and it felt that way. Some of the dialogue switched from modern to historical sounding at times, which threw me because that wasn’t how the character spoke in the beginning of the book.

Not bad but not great.

His Grandfather's Watch by N.R. Walker

16153509Title: His Grandfather’s Watch

Series: None

Author:  N.R. Walker

Genre:   Young Adult

Length: Novella (57 Pages)

Publisher:  Free Read at Author’s Site

Heat Level:  Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb: It was just an ordinary day for Alex Harper at Harper’s Antiquities, until Callum Winters walked in with a watch.

“It was my Grandfather’s. I was hoping you could tell me something about it.”

A love story of two couples, generations apart.

Disclaimer: This is a rewritten fanfiction. And is available only as a free read. Do not pay to download.  It has not been professionally edited. 

Product Link:  http://nrwalker.blogspot.com.au/p/free-reads.html

Reviewer:   John

Review:  I really loved this short but sweet story. This novel stars Alex Harper and Callum Winters. Alex works at an antique shop and his specialty are watches. He knows everything about them. One slow day, Callum walks in with his Grandfather’s watch. This is the moment where the story takes off.

I loved Alex. He was sweet, sensitive and had the best family ever. Callum was the bomb for me. He was a little shy since he was still not comfortable parading his sexuality around. Both main characters somehow helped and balanced each other off. The story behind Callum’s watch was tragic and sad. Callum’s grandfather (Hale) was in love with another young man named Billy. When Billy’s father caught them in a compromising situation, he forced Billy to enroll in the army and Hale to marry Bill’s younger sister, Mary. When Billy dies, Hale is forced to move on with only his memory and his new wife.

I recommend this novel to anyone who wants to read a sweet little story about two couples, generations apart. 

Love Lessons by Kelly Rand

LoveLessonsLGTitle: Love Lessons

Author: Kelly Rand

Genre:  Contemporary

Length:    Novella (74 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (January 16th, 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb: College student Danny Davis has dedicated his life to singing and dancing. That commitment lands him a spot in a boy band heading to Europe to pursue a life of pop stardom. There’s just one thing he wants to do before he goes—so he places an ad in the campus paper stating that he’s looking for his first sexual experience with another man.

Danny begins a correspondence with a secret admirer who turns out to be his roommate, Kirk. Eventually they embark on an emotional and sexual relationship so intense that Danny considers not going on tour. Then a phone call from Kirk changes everything. Believing Kirk never loved him, Danny leaves to take Europe by storm. Six years later, he learns the truth

Product Link:http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3517

Reviewer:  Showme

Review: This book takes place in the nineties and centers around a college student, Dani, about to set out on his first tour as part of a boy band. It’s been his dream since he can remember. Until then what Danny wants is some companionship. Male companionship. So he sends out a wanted ad for a friend, possibly more. Some of the letters aren’t at all what he wanted but one peaks his interest. They start a correspondence through letter only. What Danny can’t believe is that the man he’s been talking to is his roommate who he’s crushed on and what a wonderful opportunity to live out his physical fantasies before leaving for Germany. Danny falls hard and fast for Kirk and reconsiders his once in a lifetime opportunity because he can’t stand the thought of leaving what he and Kirk have.

What follows is fairly obvious but that made it hurt no less. One of my favorite nostalgic moments was when Kirk makes Danny and actual mixed tape. Brings back memories and definitely transports me back to those days. The story didn’t feel rushed. The characters were enjoyable and fun. The chemistry between the MCs was sexy but sweet in that new and first love kind of way. The ending was kind of left open so maybe we’ll see more from these boys.

Maybe This Time by Eva Clancy

MaybeThisTimeLGTitle:  Maybe This Time

Author:  Eva Clancy

Genre:  Contemporary

Length:  Novella (61 pages)

Publisher:  Dreamspinner Press (January 16th, 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts

Blurb:  Wrong place, wrong time.

Every few years, Will Hardwicke runs into Rob Cunningham, his first crush. Unfortunately, something always prevents them getting together. As teenagers, Will is too scared to publicly admit he’s gay. Years later, Will’s out, but Rob already has a boyfriend. It seems the stars are aligned against them.

Finally, Will gets another chance. This time, when Fate decides it’s time for his once-a-decade run-in with Rob, Will wants to ensure things are different. For the first time, Will and Rob are both out and available—it’s now or never.

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3518

Reviewer: Showme

Review: I really enjoyed this. Shorter stories sometimes suffer from feeling too short and rushed but this felt like a complete story. Not to say I wouldn’t have loved more because I would have. This story proves that sometimes timing is everything.

For us, Will and Rob’s journey begins graduation night of high school. Will can’t wait to get out of his hometown and live his twin dreams: leaving home and coming out. Rob’s on the rugby team, handsome and popular and of course, he loves his hometown. Both guys plan on heading to different universities in the coming weeks. Will has been lusting after Rob for years. He went as far as trying to join the rugby team to get some time with Rob, who to his knowledge is totally straight. He’s a little surprised to see Rob slide into his booth and strike up a conversation. It makes Will a little nervous and he says some things he shouldn’t. He gets a flirty vibe from Rob but can’t bring himself to put himself out there and see if he’s right so the two go their separate ways.

Fate brings them together and tears them apart again. I was surprised at how much it hurt to see the guys walk away from each other and also surprised I’d have liked to sit through more.:D I really fell for the guys and wanted them to get their HEA. I’d recommend this book to everyone and I will.

 

Burning Bonds by Sasha L. Miller

15839851Title: Burning Bonds

Series: The Bestiary: Bundle 2

Author: Sasha L Miller

Genre:   Fantasy

Length:  Short (38 pages)

Publisher:  Less Than Three Press

Heat Level:  Low

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts

Blurb:   The charms and elixirs crafted by the fae are highly prized and notoriously difficult to obtain. The fae charms Fihr sells at his stall are lucrative business, but he would happily throw it all away to have a chance with Satu, the beautiful faerie who makes the charms. When he catches Satu trying to run away, terrified of his betrothed, Fihr throws all caution aside, determined to help Satu no matter what it takes.

Product Link:  http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/254833

Reviewer:   Pammie

Review:  A flight into the world of fae.

When Satu determines to run away rather than face an arranged marriage, Fihr steps in quickly to help. He learns Satu’s parents agreed for him to marry a wealthy gnome, but Satu fears all the gnome is really interested in is his ability to create powerful fae elixirs.

Fihr agonized over how to talk Satu into staying with him, only to find it’s what Satu always wanted.

They decide to marry to ensure Satu can’t be forced into marriage with the gnome. However, the gnome doesn’t give up quite so easily.

This is a nicely crafted, if brief, venture into the world of Fihr and Satu. I recommend it for those who love fantasy and who want something short and sweet.

Only in Dreams by Caitlin Ricci

17382364Title:  Only in Dreams

 Series:  Heart of Darkness, 02

Author:  Caitlin Ricci

Genre:  Paranormal

Length:  Novella (70 pages)

Publisher: Afternoon Delight Publishing (February 2013)

Heat Level:  None

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥3Hearts

Blurb:  
Back in Hell, Malphas is using his time to slowly recharge before seeing his Jamison again. He’s impatient and eager to get back to the detective before he does something foolish. Like fall in love with someone else. Except there’s a slight problem in his plan. His place in Hell is uncertain after his absence and Jamison isn’t exactly happy to see him the next time Mal comes for a visit. If only being a demon could be easy.

Product Link: ???

Reviewer:   Pammie

Review:  This is the continuation of Heart of Darkness. Here we discover that Mal is Malphas, a demon. However, this demon has a soft spot for Jamison. When he oversteps the mark, revealing too much about the demonic world to carter, it’s Jamison who is threatened with punishment.

Seeking to protect his human, Malphas offers to accept punishment, although first, he has to go into Jamison’s dreams and punish the man he loves before returning to hell for his own penance and torture.

When he discovers he has been betrayed and demons are being unleashed, including one who will go after Jamison, he breaks free. He goes into the human world as a demon of earth and Jamison’s protector.

However, when Jamison wakes up from a coma intended by Malphas to protect him, he fears Mal.

This is part of a series and, like the first, ends with a cliffhanger. Unfortunately, I find it disjointed and even though I’ve read both 1 and 2, I don’t feel any connection with either Malphas or Jamison.

However, if you enjoy series, paranormal/demon, with a side dish of torture, this is one for you.

The Baron's Gargoyle by Cassandra Pierce

15839847Title:  The Baron’s Gargoyle

Series:  The Bestiary: Bundle 2

Author:  Cassandra Pierce

Genre: Fantasy

Length:  Short (57 pages)

Publisher:  Less Than Three Press (November 14th, 2012)

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts

Blurb:   Banished from court when the King runs out of patience for his predilection for men, Jothan is forced to take up the title of Baron of Darkwood and charged with the task of making the lands profitable again. But when he arrives, all he finds is a crumbling castle, neglected servants, and a monstrous creature no one else ever seems to see …

Product Link:  http://www.lessthanthreepress.com

Reviewer:   Pammie

Review:  This is a sweet tale of the power of love.

Jothan accepts that being entitled, as Baron of Darkwood is a means of removing him from court. When he arrives at the dilapidated castle, the first thing to cross his path is a living gargoyle.

He offers protection to a rag-tag of peasants, who become his servants. However, one appears only after sundown, the mysterious Delphas. No one other than Jothan sees either the gargoyle beast or the elusive Delphas.

He and Delphas become lovers, although the young man refuses to say where he goes by day.

Jothan discovers that Delphas was the squire, and nephew, of the last Baron, Lord Peredur. Delphas explains he is cursed by his aunt, a witch who killed his uncle, and who died herself at Peredur’s hand. Jothan is prepared to fight the curse, and kill whatever demon pursues Delphas. However, he is shocked to discover that Delphas and the gargoyle are one and the same.

Jothan will not give up his beautiful lover, saying that even when Delphas is in the guise of the monstrous gargoyle, he sees only love. Can he and Delphas find a way to break the curse?

The Taste of Devotion by Trina Lane

15778173Title: The Taste of Devotion

Series: Phantom River Series

Author: Trina Lane

Genre: Paranormal/Wereshifters

Length: Novel (178 pages)

Publisher: Total E-Bound (July 30th, 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb: One man searching for a place to call home stumbles into the arms of another wishing for a mate to complete his.

Cooper Tessen, enforcer for the Phantom River Pack and Sheriff of Stonepass, has watched each of his two best friends enjoy their mated bliss. He’s thrilled they’ve found happiness; however, he feels a distance growing between him and his blood brothers because he has no experience of the connection between a shifter and his mate. Cooper fills the hours of his lonely days by spending as much time as possible working at the station to protect his town, and, secretly, off on dangerous missions for the government. Burning the candle at both ends gives him little time to focus on his longing to have a mate of his own.

Darren Caisil is on the run. Accused of a murder he didn’t commit, it’s either become a lone wolf or be killed by the very pack he’d spent his life trying to serve. He hits rock bottom when he finds himself lost, alone, hungry, and freezing in nowhere Montana during the dead of winter. His last semi—conscious thought as he succumbs to the inevitable is that an angel is lifting him towards heaven. When he wakes up in unfamiliar surroundings, he finds it wasn’t an angel after all, but a man. And not any man, but another wolf shifter…one who claims to be Darren’s mate.

As they explore their mating bond, Cooper tries to get Darren to open up about his past but the man refuses to share his secrets. Frustrated, Cooper decides to do a little digging on his own. Unfortunately, it seems Cooper’s investigation may have stirred up a hornet’s nest when it draws the attention of some of Darren’s former pack members who are bent on revenge…

Reader Advisory: This book can be read as a stand-alone, but may be more enjoyable when read in sequence.

Product Link:http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?P_ID=1749

Reviewer: Thommie

Review: I did not expect it, but I really liked this story. I get a bit paranoid when it comes to wereshifters and werewolves but, oh my, Ms. Lane had this were-lore nailed. I’m not going to bother with the story as the blurb pretty much says it all but I’m going to stand on the points that I like so much.

First, there is the mating issue that we have often seen on were-stories but not very often is pulled so good. The magical issue of mating is a pro and a con when it comes to explain relationships between were-pairs, in this case, there is the link that allows the pair to channel their thoughts, but it doesn’t mean that they will automatically know each other’s thoughts. There can be secrets, that gives a notch of suspense in this story since Darren tries indeed to keep his past a secret, and Cooper, well Cooper has a whole big pit of them.

Then I loved the time that Ms. Lane gave her characters to build their mating bond. Yes, yes I admit that at some point I thought perhaps she gave them a lil bit too much time, you know, it kinda got boring with all that talk and all that emotional charge; but it worked for me this time, since Darren is an emotional character, being secluded and abused his entire life and having a major culture shock, I think he is entitled of time.

And of course, there was the sexual dynamic between the pair. Now I have not read any of the other books of the series, or any other book in general from this writer, but damn she had me with the sexual scenes; very intense, very sensual, and oh so very hot. I think the author handled Darren’s virginity with great mastery and well, if I didn’t liked Cooper until that point (which ofc I did), I loved him for his sensitivity. Made me wish I had a were-mate myself 😉

Last I just loved the Phantom River’s pack; their interaction with the outside world and humans, the way the pack works within, the friendship and respect that are in a blur yet distinguish themselves when necessary, everything about this were-story was great for me and I enjoyed it so much. I totally recommend this to anyone with a thing for wolves, fantasy and adventure for this book has it all.

Perceived Love by Viki Lyn

400000000000001020512_s4Title: Perceived Love

Series: Finally Ever After

Author: Viki Lyn

Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal

Length: Short (39pgs)

Publisher: Musa Publishing (14th December 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Pride will be the death of him.

When psychic Nate Coleman dreams of a murder, he knows it’s a premonition. He can’t forget the image of his ex-lover with a bullet hole through his chest. Nate has no choice but to confront William and face the skeptical scientist’s ridicule.

Dr. William Ryner doesn’t believe in what he can’t prove. When Nate comes back into his life, it’s not to rekindle their love, but to bring up more of that mumbo jumbo that split them apart.

Despite William’s refusal to listen, Nate can’t ignore the premonition. And, William can’t ignore Nate. Before the gunman strikes, William must either trust in Nate’s ability or rely only on the facts, but if he does the latter, pride could be the death of him.

Purchase Link: http://musapublishing.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=44&products_id=494#.UNc5i3fDugQ

Review: Nate is psychic and has a nightmare that leads him back to his ex-lover William, William the man he has never gotten over but a man he couldn’t live with because of his scorn for Nate’s ability. Nate knows he has to help, but how can he help a man who refuses to believe in the improvable? William is a scientist who doesn’t believe in something that he can’t prove, when his ex-lover comes to him telling him an outlandish tale where his life is in danger he just doesn’t know what to do, but seeing Nate again awakens his feelings for the man, but how can William see his way to believing in what Nate does?

This is quite a good little short with some really hot office sex ;-). Nate and William parted way years before because of William being able to believe in Nate’s psychic ability, they loved each other but neither man was willing to budge so Nate left. Now, years later Nate has a premonition of William being shot and does everything he can to make William listen. William can’t believe in psychics, it has never been scientifically proven, so he treated Nate badly, but now, with Nate back in his life he realizes that his pride was stopping them from being together.

I quite enjoyed this story of what seems like star-crossed lovers, who love each other but the lack of belief from one causes them to be apart. I liked both characters and also liked the fact that neither would bend on their principles even if it drove them apart, but the fact that one of them would later admit that it might have been more about his pride and that it was that which kept them apart was a good way for them to be able to reconcile and kept it more believable. The office scene was hot and showed that even after years apart they can’t keep their hands off each other and that the flame between them was still as strong as it had ever been.

I will recommend this to those who love psychics, scientists, changing beliefs, reconnecting love, hot office sex and a happy ending.

Number One Pick by Heidi Champa

16143445Title: Number One Pick

Author: Heidi Champa

Genre:  Contemporary

Length: Novella (27,000 words)

Publisher: Amber Allure (November 11 2012)

Heat Level: Graphic

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts

Blurb: Blake Kaplan has been playing fantasy football with his old college buddies for years. He’s never managed to win, mostly because he’s never wanted to subject himself to the bets and pranks the other guys endured for a chance at glory. But this year, Blake is willing to do whatever it takes to get the first pick in the draft, even if it means sacrificing his dignity a bit.

To his surprise, his wager involves the one thing he’s worse at than fantasy football—dating. If Blake can survive a few dates with the gorgeous Landon O’Keefe, the bartender at the league’s favorite watering hole, he’ll get his number one pick in the draft.

But will he lose his heart along the way?

Product link: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/NumberOnePick.html

Reviewer: Heart

Review:  My second encounter with this author’s work this year passed much better than I’d expected. Two men with plenty to offer get themselves into a challenging adventure – because what’s worse than surviving your friends – and find their way to the top and a happy ending.

It all came to be thanks to fantasy football, something Blake has been playing with his college friends for years. All of them have paired up and eventually won first place except Blake and while with the chance for the title come the pranks and merciless teasing, this year Blake is determined and doesn’t even back down in front of the challenge of dating someone.

Landon, the bartender in the bar friends frequent, and Blake have been eyeing each other for some time, but Blake has never wanted a serious relationship and has had most of the gay and regular patrons of the establishment. Landon is ready, but what he wants won’t come with a one-night stand, exactly what he would be in Blake’s eyes. So he jumps at the chance to challenge Blake, five dates, no sex, and a chance to win the man he’s been aching for.

I was amused for the better part of this book, thoroughly enjoying Landon and his lovely personality while Blake presented the perfect challenge to make the story stick out a bit. Their interactions were funny, Blake’s friends somewhat crazy, and the challenge dates kept things going.

This book was nothing short of fun with a good idea and likeable characters, perfect for a slow afternoon.

Inseparable by Chris Scully

16192930Title: Inseparable

Author: Chris Scully

Genre: Contemporary, Christmas

Length: Short (68pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (1st December 2012)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: After a car accident, Adam wakes up in a hospital room with no memory and a man named Joe, who acts like his boyfriend. So when Joe says Adam is straight—and Joe’s not—and they’re just best friends and roommates, Adam is more than a little confused. But as Adam starts to fill in the gaps, the one thing that becomes apparent is that Joe is the missing piece that can’t be replaced.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3381

Review: When Adam wakes up in a hospitable bed with no memory, all he has to rely on is, a man called Joe who is there whenever he wakes. When Joe tells him they aren’t together, but are best friends and roommates, Adam is confused because he thinks they should be something more and he definitely doesn’t feel quite straight, and he decides that losing his memory is the best thing to ever happen to him.

This is a great friends-to-lovers story where best friends from a young age have been scared to admit their feelings to each other. Adam is hit by a car and when he wakes up in hospital with a man holding his hand, although he feels safe he has no clue who the man is. He doesn’t even know who he is. Joe will do anything for Adam, they have been best friends and roommates for years, but admitting how he feels to Adam would just drive him away.

Adam and Joe are great characters.  They have both been hiding their feelings from the other. Adam’s amnesia takes away the block that he has always had in place and he begins to dwell on what Joe makes him feel, and he tries to dig into his own past to discover why he always acted straight. I loved how the amnesia took away the inhabitations that had always stopped Adam in the past. He is now able to explore with no memories to hide behind, and poor Joe thought he was in love with a straight man. This is actually quite sweet and it is lovely when they both finally admit how they truly feel, with some passionate kisses and a longing for more.

I will recommend this to those who love friends-to-lovers stories, secret passions, interfering family (in a good way), and a happy ending for two best friends who have always loved each other.