New Beginnings by Edward Kendrick

51XNr3fw9zLTitle: New Beginnings

Series: Phoenix Rising 04

Author: Edward Kendrick

Genre: Contemporary,

Length: Novella (171pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (29th December 2012)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Rome, a police detective, and Jeff, a closeted construction worker, become friends and then much more. Then Rome joins Vance Montgomery’s team of covert ops. Soon afterward tragedy strikes and the team must deal with the aftermath as Vance implodes.

Rome, a police detective, and Jeff Reynolds, a closeted construction worker, have maintained a loving relationship for four years while keeping their sexuality hidden. Then Rome is outed, quits the force, and finds a new job as part of Vance Montgomery’s covert ops team. He and Jeff move to New Orleans to begin their new life together.

When a job goes bad, Van goes off the deep end, hiding in the bottle, unwilling to see anyone. Eventually his associate, Rico, faces him down and makes him accept he cannot continue on the way he’s been going. With the help of his friends, Van straightens out his life, and goes after those who caused his grief.

CONTENT ADVISORY: This title includes a bittersweet ending. 

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/products_id/903

Review: Rome (Roman) and Jeff have maintained a secret relationship for four years before Rome’s new Captain begins giving him trouble, Rome is approached and offered a job with Vance’s covert ops team which would also allow him and Jeff to move and be out as a couple. When a job goes wrong for one of the team Vance sinks into the bottle but the knowledge that the perps are still out there forces Vance to clean up his act and with the help of his friends, he goes after those who caused his grief.

This is a story of two parts; the first part is about Rome and Jeff, while the second part is mainly about Vance and his struggles. Rome and Jeff meet when Rome moves cities to work at the Denver Police Department, Jeff is a neighbor and works for his father’s construction company and the two strike up a friendship, both men admitting that because of their respective circumstances they can’t be out and it isn’t long before both men fall in love and embark on a secret relationship, years later the opportunity to move cities and be out in their relationship comes up and it is an opportunity that Rome doesn’t want to turn down. Vance has sunk low, the pain he feels can only be numbed by alcohol and he is drowning in it just now, having a moment of clarity he begins to clean up his act, he has an enemy to hunt down and with the help of friends he makes his plans… but just how far will Vance go for justice and when does justice turn into revenge?

This book is more like two stories in one, in the first part we see the progression of Rome and Jeff’s relationship, from where they meet and become friends to their relationship progressing to more and then we have flashes of times through the next four years right up until they start their new life together. Then the story changes with Vance being the focal point and we follow him through a trying time as he also has to weigh what is best for him as he boarders on full-out revenge, with only his friends Rico and Roger to pull him back with coaxing words.

I must admit to liking this story even though I was confused as to the way it lay out, first we have all Rome and Jeff and then as soon as Phoenix comes into play we see Rome very briefly… I felt like Rome and Jeff’s story was cut off abruptly. Vance’s story is shocking and really makes you want to smack the crap out of the bosses of Phoenix… ‘The job needs to be completed’, that’s twice they have done that to him now. Vance’s story has soul-searching and plans for vicious revenge and it is only his friends that advise Vance that stop him from doing something that would later destroy him.

I will recommend this to those who love devastation and loss, determination and justice, new love and relationships and an ending that pulls at your heart.

Frostwick by Megan Derr

15988833Title: Frostwick

Series:  Wick 01.5

Author:  Megan Derr

Genre:  Fantasy World

Length: Short (61pgs)

Publisher: Less Than Three Press (5th December 2012)

Heat Level:  Low

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥3 ½Hearts

Reviewer:  Pixie

Blurb: To save the life of the crown prince, Starwick took a curse upon himself, but the curse leaves him in excruciating pain alleviated only by Tyrwick, the king’s bastard son and a man who has always despised Starwick. If he wants to live they must find the man who cast the curse and take back the ring he stole, but Starwick’s real challenge is not hunting a man—it is fighting his own despair, reinforced by Tyrwick’s cold disregard and his own shadowy life.

Purchase Link: http://www.lessthanthreepress.com/books/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=92&products_id=400

 

Review: Starwick was cursed while saving the life of his crown prince. Now, he is traveling with Tyrwick to find the thief who cursed him and stole a powerful ring. It is torture for Starwick to travel with the man he secretly loves but who dislikes him in return, to have Tyrwick’s hands on him when he wards against the curse and to have him sneering and scowling at him. Together they must catch the thief and retrieve the ring but Starwick has to fight against his own despair.  

This is a charming story of misunderstood feelings, standoffish men, and racing to break a curse. Starwick gets himself cursed saving the crown prince, now he has to chase down a thief to retrieve the ring he stole and the only thing that can break the curse. Tyrwick, the King’s bastard son has to accompany Starwick and keep him safe, but to Starwick it is torture because he wants Tyrwick who can barely seem to stand him, on the journey Starwick has to face some unpleasant truths before he can accept what is in front of him.

We have heard of Starwick before in Wick and we finally get to meet him in this story, ten years after he left the characters of Wick we meet up with him on his journey with Tyrwick as they rush to break Starwick’s curse. Starwick is a character that sees the bad things in life and he thinks that has tainted how others see him, he has made bad choices in life, and he thinks everyone hates him. Tyrwick is a closed off character but he cracks finally for Starwick, and we see some passionate kisses between them. It was also nice to see some of the characters of Wick again and to see how they were doing.

I will recommend this to those who love fantasy, cracking a standoffish persona, seeing the truth about one’s self and accepting the love that is freely given.   

 

Bodyguard to a Sex God by R.J. Scott

16149076Title:  Bodyguard to a Sex God

Series:  Bodyguards Inc 01

Author:  R.J. Scott

Genre:   Contemporary

Length:  Novella (122pgs)

Publisher:  Love Lane Books (5th January 2013)

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4HEarts

Blurb:   Bodyguard Adam Freeman draws what everyone else thinks is the short straw at the convention for a procedural cop show, as bodyguard to TV actor Logan Brady. Or as the Internet has labeled him, Logan ‘Sex God’ Brady.

Logan is taking part in a convention at a London Hotel for his show ‘Night Cop’ and someone is threatening his life.

Adam gets more than he bargained for when his client combines coming out of the closet with them both trying to stay alive.

Product Link:  https://www.lovelanebooks.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=17&products_id=22

Reviewer:   Pixie

Review:  Adam gets stuck with being the bodyguard to a ‘pretty boy’, otherwise known as actor Logan Brady. Logan has received threats and was involved in a near miss ‘hit and run’. It’s Adam’s responsibility to ensure Logan’s safety on U.K. soil, but Adam has to fight his attraction for the closeted TV star. Logan is freaked out by the threats and on top of his own personal confusion; he has a lot of decisions to make that don’t just impact him, but his close friends as well. Everything comes to a head in the U.K. and he can’t fight his attraction to Adam, but his stalker is still lurking around and their personal relationship may just interfere with their professional one.

This is a great story that makes you keep turning the pages as twists and turns emerges and heartfelt confessions are made. Adam hates ‘pretty boy’ duty as nearly every ‘pretty boy’ he has been assigned to has turned out to be a spoiled brat, but with this new assignment, he discovers that the man he’s guarding has hidden secrets and he has to fight his attraction for him. Logan has hidden in the shadows and behind his ‘girlfriend’ for fourteen years. He’s sick of hiding who he really is, but fears he will no longer get the acting parts. Having a stalker adds to his problems, but Adam turns out to be a really good thing. Adam is hot and having a fling with him may not be a great idea. But when they cross the boundaries, both of them find it hard to let Adam do his job.

I loved this story for its storyline, characters, and smooth flowing plot. R.J. Scott brings the characters to life, giving you insight into not only both main characters, but also into some of the supporting characters, like Stacia and Robert. She even gives the stalker a spine tingling personality! Adam and Logan have a wonderful connection and their attraction is tempered with the realities of their situation. They are a hot couple and they do take time before consummating their relationship (mainly because of circumstances), but there are enough scenes between Adam and Logan to whet your appetite.

I have to recommend this novel to those of you who love falling for the bodyguard or falling for the TV star. This is a great storyline fill with hot sex, psycho stalkers, wonderful characters and a very happy and wonderful ending.

Pride by Allison Cassatta

PrideLGTitle: Pride (2nd Edition)

Series: Dear Diary 02

Author: Allison Cassatta

Genre: Young Adult, Coming Of Age, Contemporary

Length: Novella (130pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (17th July 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Prom ends with a bang of unexpected epic proportions and leaves Chris with a disheartened outlook on where he is in his life, when he should be on top of the world. He’s graduating high school with honors and has the best boyfriend in the world, but things still aren’t right. Bullies make him doubt his choice to accept the way he feels and come out of the closet. Those friends turned foes make him realize how much the narrow-minded masses can hate gay people.

And everyone Chris loves starts to worry about him.

To give Chris a new perspective, his parents and loving boyfriend send him to his first gay pride—but Chris doesn’t see the point, and he damn sure doesn’t want to go. Will pride help him see there’s nothing wrong with him? Will it change his feelings and his mind?

1st Edition published by Allison Cassatta, January 2012

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4022

Review: This book is part of a series and must be read in order. Chris and Josh share a dance at the prom but come up against abuse from people Chris thought were friends, Chris is disheartened by their reactions and becomes wary. Graduating high school should be one of the proudest moments of his life but the bullies make it a day of humiliation and Chris begins to wonder if the love he has for his boyfriend Josh is worth all the abuse and humiliation. Josh and Chris’ parents decide to show him that not everyone is bigoted and small-minded by arranging a weekend away at his first gay pride, but Chris doesn’t want to go until Josh sweet talks him.

This is an absolutely sweet and touching coming of age story that has angst, fear, anger, kindling hope and determination. In Dear Diary we are told the story of Chris and everything that had come about until the moment he was getting ready for his high school prom, in this story it picks up on the way to the prom continuing Chris’ and Josh’s story. Chris is cautious when he first gets to the prom, even though he knows that Josh is disappointed but he takes a chance and asks Josh to dance and it ends badly. Chris has to face up to the fact that some of his friends are now foes even though he doesn’t want to believe it, but the message is sent home further when he is cornered in the school bathroom. Josh tries to give Chris something to look forward to but to also give him perspective of the world around him with a trip to gay pride.

This isn’t a cutesy, rainbows dancing, love fest it’s a realistic coming of age, coming out story warts and all. Chris is faced with hate and anger from those he called friend, and he begins to wonder if being gay is worth the hassle. It is only because of the love and support of his family and friends that he gets through Graduation, but even that is tainted by humiliation. Josh is a super supportive boyfriend that sticks it through the tough times and gives Chris the love he rightly deserves; he also knows that seeing gay pride just might be what Chris needs.

There is a huge gamut of emotions that you feel as you read this book and we are made to see the fear, loss and anger that a young man faces when friends turn to foes. We see the effect it has on his confidence and emotions as he tries to work out why they are so prejudice and bigoted. We see the incredible support he gets from those that truly love him and the love he has for one special man. Josh and Chris’ relationship couldn’t have gone through a harder time, but their love for each other shines through and smashes the doubts. They are sweet together and their lovemaking is wonderful.

I recommend this to those who want a hard-hitting coming out story, who want a young love that’s built from stone, that want realistic problems being faced and our young couple facing the fire and coming through stronger together.              

Heart's Truth by Tasmin Baker

18105195Title: Heart’s Truth

Author: Tamsin Baker

Genre: Contemporary, Coming Out

Length: Short (61pgs)

Publisher: Steam eReads (17th July 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Marcus is a 30-year-old successful architect. He wants someone to love and knows the right man will turn up when he least expects it. That moment arrives at his friend’s party. He sees Danny for only a moment, yet his interest is piqued. What could be more irresistible than a blue-eyed beauty who is completely untouched?

Danny knows he doesn’t find women attractive, but how is he going to find out if he’s gay? His sister’s party answers his prayers and the most gorgeous guy he has ever seen asks him out. But, can their love survive when Marcus wants more than a closeted partner and Danny wants nothing more than to hide forever?

Purchase Link: http://steamereads.com.au/product/hearts-truth/

Review: Marcus turns up to his friend Sienna’s party sure he will be the only gay person there, but he gets a nice surprise when he spots a gorgeous young man who pings his gaydar. Discovering the young man, Danny, is Sienna’s brother puts him on guard, but he can’t resist the temptation to discover if the attraction is mutual. Danny hasn’t had any satisfaction in his sexual experience and he has tried hard to find it. Discovering he is more attracted to men has him nervous, he has no way to discover if he really does want a man, until he meets Marcus and they begin a secret relationship. But, Marcus is an out and proud gay man and Danny is deep in the closet, can they really make a relationship work when it is carried out in the shadows?

This is a great story of a young man finding the courage to face his family and admit the truth to them, even knowing they might turn their backs on him. Marcus discovers something special in Danny, something he recognises after just one night together, and although Danny feels the same way, Marcus knows that Danny is scared of his family’s reaction. Marcus can only hope that Danny loves him enough to come out of the closet. Danny knows he is lucky to have met and fallen in love with Marcus and although he adores Marcus, he fears his family’s reaction to his being gay, unfortunately, Sienna sees something she wasn’t supposed to and Danny now has a choice to make.

I really enjoyed this story with a slightly older man guiding a younger man into the joys of gay sex and love. Both characters are wonderful with Marcus at times being a bit cocky and overpowering and Danny at time naïve, scared but willing to learn. Marcus has already ‘been there, done that’ with his coming out and estrangement from his family, so he is patient with Danny as the younger man finds his footing. Danny already knows how his parents will react and dreads telling them and you really do understand why when you do finally see their reaction. Sienna was kinda two-faced with her reaction to Danny; it was okay for her friends to be gay but not her brother.

We do see some really good bits in Danny and Marcus’ relationship and we see how easily they mesh together, we see how quickly they support each other and you just know that they are a perfect match. They are also explosive in their attraction and are extremely hot even when they are fully clothed; damn they make a hot grope at the side of the house steamy.

I recommend this to those that love coming out and first time love stories, great characters who only want love, difficult decisions, hot sex and a great reconciliation ending.          

Ten in the Bin by N.R. Walker

51zW-UpNsVLTitle: Ten in the Bin

Author: N.R. Walker

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Short (47 pages)

Publisher: N.R. Walker (June 30th, 2013)

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Heat Level: Moderate

Blurb: A short story, approx. 12.5K words. 

Heartbroken, Dean Cartwright leaves Sydney and heads home, to the coastal town of Newcastle. In a bid to make new friends, he signs up for a local rugby league team where he meets a man known as Macca.

Dean and Macca are both front row forwards, meaning they’re the biggest guys on the team. Over six feet tall and over a hundred kilos each, they’re a force to be reckoned with on the field.

But when Dean gets knocked out, Macca gets even by punching the other guy and both Dean and Macca end up on the sideline. 

Dean soon realizes that being knocked unconscious is the best thing to ever happen to him.

Story is set in Australia, and uses Australian English

Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/Ten-in-the-Bin-ebook/dp/B00DPROWWW/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1373917390&sr=1-1&keywords=ten+in+the+bin+by+N.R.+walker

Reviewer: Cat

Review:  Dean moves back home near his family after a breakup with his ex. He is a big man and played rugby in school so he joins the local team to make a few friends. One night while playing an opposing team player hits him hard. One of his teammates; a mild-mannered but man even larger than himself, gets even with the other guy. He offers to take Dean home instead of going out with the guys to celebrate.

This is a beautifully written sweet, charming story of two men that have a slight attraction but are not sure of the others sexuality. The characters are likable and very masculine, the storyline is short but sweet, and the sex is hot and sensual.

Recommendation: If you like, two big guys, sweet romance, rugby, and sensual mansex this one is for you.

Moon Resonance by Lexi DeHalo

6158288Title: Moon Resonance

Series: BeWare, 03

Author: Lexi DeHalo

Genre: Paranormal, Weres

Length:  Novel (123 pages)

Publisher: Siren Publishing

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts

Heat Level: Moderate

Blurb: [Siren Classic ManLove: Erotic Alternative Paranormal Romance, M/M, shape-shifters, sex toys, HEA]

Charlie Throne never expected fate to pair him with a feisty Halfling who has a penchant for attracting trouble, but something about Xander captivates Charlie and he knows they were made for each other. Convincing the Halfling of this, however, is much harder than Charlie had originally thought.

Xander Wilde is a Halfling who has spent his life searching for a way to harness the power of the Resurrection Stone. But so far, the stone is proving to be more of a curse than a blessing as hits on his life from those that seek the stone’s power become more frequent. When a shifter comes to his rescue and agrees to help him, Xander is tempted by the dark promises that resonate inside Charlie’s soul and finds it impossible to resist the wolf’s charms.

But what price will the Halfling have to pay in order to have his happily ever after? Could surrendering his heart mean losing everything he’s ever known?

Product Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/moon-resonance

Reviewer: Cat

Review: Charlie is a werewolf sent to bring Xander to meet with his Alpha. Charlie has no idea what his Alpha wants with Xander. When he arrives, Xander is surrounded by Vamps. He saves Charlie to get no thanks just attitude.

Xander has a stone his father left him a resurrection stone and he has been learning how to use it but to no real avail. Now vamps and hunters are after him and he has to leave his home and go find the Sage to learn the secrets of the stone. But that were just won’t leave him be. Why?

This is book 3 of this series. I know I have a habit of starting with book three. This series, however, doesn’t seem to be need to be read in order. I followed just fine. The story stood along fine.

The characters were well-developed. At least Charlie and Xander were. The other towards the end I could tell were from the previous books but it didn’t hurt the story at all; the story is predominately Charlie, Xander and the mystery of this resurrection stone.

This is a pretty run of the mill Shifter meets mate story but it does have a good storyline, lots of action and plenty of mystery. I plan to read the other two books and follow this series. It’s one of those lighthearted, sweet stories that make you feel good. A great summer read.

I also love this cover. I can really see both Charlie and especially Xander with his bratty attitude.

Recommendation: If you like a sweet shifter romance , stories of finding your mate, some mystery, an unusual shifter( I won’t tell you what Xander is you have to read to find out), some sweet sensual hot mansex and a Happy Ever After this one is for you.

Fated by Blood by Christine Shaw

cs-rc-fatedbyblood-200x300Title: Fated by Blood

Series: The Reilly Coven, 01

Author: Christine Shaw

Genre:  Paranormal/Vampires

Length: Novella (80 pages)

Publisher: Siren Publishing (July 10th, 2013)

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts

Heat Level:  Explicit

Blurb: Choosing one’s mate is a special occasion. The knowledge that you both have chosen each other to live with and love forever is spectacular. But what happens when that person dies? Robb Reilly experiences this all too well. Being left in a world where he has to care for nine sons without a partner is a hard job, but one he revels in, one he loves. But he cannot cook to save his life.

Seeing an advertisement for a chef wanted in a vampire coven, Smith Reed instantly wants it. It is as though his gut is telling him to get the job. Of course, when he arrives he is in for more than he imagined.

A sexy-as-sin vampire whom he thought to be straight is now his mate. Not a chosen mate. Instead, Robb is his fated mate, the person he was created for. It’s a phenomenon that hasn’t occurred in over a thousand years. And Smith is lucky enough to have one.

But when trouble comes, can being fated by blood save the two mates or not?

Product Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/fated-by-blood

Reviewer: Cat

Review: Robb is a vampire a very old one. He had a chosen female mate and she has died but he hasn’t, which confuses him since mates usually die with each other… They and nine sons all of which they had adopted. Now he has to move on, his focus is his business and his coven of 9 sons. He can’t cook so he hires a chef.

Smith was raised in a vampire coven, was always fascinated with them, and had always secretly wished he could be a true blood mate for one but knows through history lessons that had pretty much died out. Then he arrives on the steps of Robb for his new job as a chef. Everything changes for all the men.

This is a very cute take on Vampires and mates. It is sort of a Cinderella vampire romance; your basic boy is fascinated with vampires and dreams of being ones mate, fate steps in and the rest is history. I loved all ten vampires, each has a unique personality, and you can see all the setting up in this book for the series. There was a bit of action that made it a bit less sparkly, and the sex was pretty hot. The stage is set and I’m ready to see what comes next.

Recommendation: If you like Vampires, sparkly and bad ones, mate bonds, sweet romances with hot sex, you will adore this one!

Rendezvous with Hymera by Melinda De Ross

Melinda_DeRoss333x500Title: Rendezvous with Hymera

Author: Melinda De Ross

Genre: Contemporary

Length: 94 pages

Publisher: Front Porch Romances (June 21, 2013)

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts

Heat Level: Low

Blurb: Rendezvous with Hymera follows the development of a beautiful love story and a bizarre chain of events, which lead to the investigation of a mystery that falls into a strange and somewhat paranormal discipline – Yoga.

The amateurish investigation starts when Clara DeVine changes her plans for a vacation and ends up in a strange place, where strange things happen. In the scene enters Colin Lambert, a special man from Clara’s past. Their attempts to elucidate the intriguing mystery bring them close again and the unfinished business between them turns into a beautiful and hot love story.
The fate of the female enigma of this story seems to resemble in a strange way that of the people inexplicably lost during The Philadelphia Experiment.

Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/Rendezvous-With-Hymera-ebook/dp/B00DJJWLCO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373916731&sr=8-1&keywords=Rendezvous+With+Hymera

Reviewer: Cat

Review: Clara is on vacation and is led to a strange place. She immediately makes friends with the other guests and in town runs into a man from her past, the one that she still dreams of. She sees strange things on the lake and Colin is more than happy to help her unravel the mystery.

This story had a lot of premise as both a romance and a supernatural mystery. For me it fell a bit flat with too much colorful description that added nothing at all to the story. There were many things that were skimmed over and a bit unbelievable like how her and Colin meet up after all these years and immediately are in bed and in love. The mystery was fabulous and intriguing but skimmed over a bit. This story would have been amazing with a bit more detail on the characters’ lives and less surrounding description. It is a sweet romantic read with a happy ending for a hot afternoon.

Recommendation: if you like sweet romance with a touch of mystery and supernatural and lots of colorful descriptions of surroundings this one is for you.

Incoming by Robert Cummings

IncomingLGTitle: Incoming

Author:  Robert Cummings

Genre: Contemporary, MMM

Length: Novella (45 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (July 24th, 2013) 2nd edition

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Heat: Moderate

Blurb: Specialist Jack Russo is a lonely, closeted soldier serving in Iraq. He doesn’t have a regular outlet for his sexual frustrations until a roadside bomb injures the driver of his gun truck and Private First Class Shawn Farrelly arrives on base. The young soldier attaches himself to Russo and they end up on a rescue mission that turns into an ambush.

Alone and cut off from the rest of their unit in a hostile neighborhood, the soldiers take refuge in an old woman’s shed. The men fear they can’t make it out of their situation alive and choose to go out with smiles on their faces. They take advantage of the momentary privacy to fulfill their animal desires and leave labels behind.

 First edition previously published by Silver Publishing (February 18th 2012)

 Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4033

Reviewer: Cat

Review: Jack Russo being a gay man in the military; especially a war zone during don’t ask don’t tell had a tough time. He had to resort to staying secret and only satisfying his needs himself.

I really loved this story. Though I will say I don’t agree with the categories. I didn’t see much BDSM at all and the MMM that’s was pretty much pushing the envelope also. But I found it a fabulous contemporary MM story. I loved how well depicted Jack’s character was and also Shawn. I loved how this story unfolded by Jacks memories of the past and compared to his present. I found it overall beautiful and extremely hot and sexy.

Recommendation: If you like stories of men that have to stay hidden, soldiers, and really hot sex though most is fantasy this is for you. I highly recommend it if you’re looking for a fast read on a hot summer day.

Left on St. Truth-be-Well by Amy Lane

LeftonStTruthbeWellLGTitle: Left on St. Truth-be-Well

Author:  Amy Lane

Genre:  Mystery Suspense, Humor

Length: Novella (152 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (July 24th, 2013)

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Heat Level: Moderate

Blurb: Carson O’Shaughnessy has one task: track down his boss’s flighty nephew, Stassy, and return the kid to Chicago. Then Carson can go back to waiting tables and being productively bitter about his life. He didn’t count on finding a dead body in Stassy’s bed, and he certainly didn’t count on the guy in the flip-flops and cutoffs at the local café helping him get to the bottom of the crime.

But Dale Arden is no ordinary surfing burnout—he’s actually a pretty sharp guy with a seductive voice and a bossy streak wider than the Florida panhandle. When he decides to boss Carson right into his bed, Carson realizes Stassy’s not the only one who’s been lost. Carson likes to think he’s got his life all figured out, that sex with guys is your basic broom-closet transaction; he may just have to revise his priorities, because nobody plans on taking a left at St. Truth-be-Well and finding love at the Bates Parrot Hotel.

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4031

Reviewer:  Cat

Review: Carson is sent by his employer to bring home his runaway nephew. Carson goes reluctantly since his boss gives him no choice and as we find out  later on in the story more of why his boss is so persuasive, but the main reason Carson goes is he feels responsible for Stassy running off since they had a brief encounter in the broom closet. But which man really is the one hiding in the proverbial broom closet? Stassy or Carson?

I absolutely loved this story of mystery and intrigue presented with a lighthearted humorous style and peppered with some sweet and hot mansex. The characters were intriguing the story slightly spoofy with the name of the hotel Bates Parrot Hotel and the mystery as it unfolds is also a bit spoofy, but I loved it. It was funny, cute, light-hearted and the real aspect of the story was the romance between Carson and Dale, and Stassy’s involvement and Carson’s sexuality.

I read this in one sitting not wanting to put it down and I’m not sure what kept me going the cheesy mystery or the sweet sexy story between Carson and Dale. All I now was I couldn’t stop reading till the end. LOVED it.

 

Recommendation: If you like stories written with humor, mystery and intrigue, sweet sexy romance and a couple twists that may shock you and a very good short read for a hot summer night this is a must!

When We Picked Apples Last Autumn by Hank Fielder

WhenWePickedApplesLastAutumnLGTitle: When We Picked Apples Last Autumn

Series:  N/A

Author: Hank Fielder

Genre:  Mystery suspense

Length: Novella (64 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (July 24th 2013)

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Heat Level: Low

Blurb: At twenty-eight, Josh Adams has more than a few secrets and personal demons. He’s an international traveler and doesn’t think he’ll ever be ready for the serious attention handsome and heroic airline pilot Benny Mills is ready to pay him. Their shared near-death experience seems to clarify everything for Benny, who wants nothing more than to share his stunning home in an idyllic Wisconsin apple orchard with Josh.

Benny offers commitment and a contented life of peaceful, loving comradeship far from the high-flying hazards of foreign travel. But for sexy love-’em-and-leave-’em-hot Josh, only another life-and-death adventure can convince him that the smoking heat of their mutual attraction is destined to be more than a hit-and-run entertainment.

With time running out, finding refuge from his increasingly dangerous world just might be what Josh needs after all. Especially when his and Benny’s very lives depend on it

Product Link:   http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4032

Reviewer: Cat

Review: Josh is on a plane in a turbulent storm and meets the captain that saves them Josh is a one-night stand type of guy. The captain lets him know right away he thinks they could be something more and offers it but Josh tries to push it away. He is happy with his life as it is, no strings attached and he doesn’t do relationships. He also has a secret reason as to why.

This is a very uniquely, yet beautifully written story. I love how it starts out with Josh’s thoughts and the line ‘When did I fall in love with him.’ This question gets repeated a couple of times and the story unfolds sweetly. Then a big monkey wrench gets thrown in changing the story entirely, from contemporary romance to mystery and intrigue. Before you really find the answer at the end… Fabulous transition! Beautiful story! Sexy sensual romance! Mystery and intrigue! What more can you ask for?

Recommendation: If you like a unique story with one big twist, sweet sensual romance, deep feelings, mystery and intrigue, hot older pilots, mysterious troubled younger men and of course I can’t resist this one, picking apples… this one is for you!!

Stripped Bare by Susan Mac Nicol


18138740Title: Stripped Bare

Series: N/A

Author: Susan Mac Nicols

Genre:  Contemporary romance

Length: Novel (290 pages)

Publisher: Boroughs Publishing Company (July 22nd, 2013)

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3.5 Hearts

Blurb: Now that Shane Templar has stripped the armour from Matt Langer’s heart, will either of them ever be safe again? Though two years past, Matthew Langer is still getting over the death of a loved one. He’s steered clear of serious relationships, but when he meets the irascible, dirty mouthed and tempestuous Shane Templar that decision has never been harder. Shane is sexy, warm and funny, and Matthew finds himself trying like hell not to fall for him. Especially when Shane, with his quick wit and hacking skills, is quick to stand up for justice and avenge wrongs. Then Shane strikes at the wrong target, and Matthew realizes just how far he’s already fallen. At the threat of losing for good yet another man who has broken through his armor, Matthew finds his heart stripped bare. He must face the demons of his soul or a future without love.

Product Link: http://boroughspublishinggroup.com/books/stripped-bare

Reviewer:   GiGi

Review:  A mysterious hacker and elite escort, Shane lives a bit on the wild and unstructured side, until he meet’s Mat Langer, who is just this side of OCD, but for very serious reasons. These two live in very different worlds that collide over a mutual friend and client. An interesting combination of corporate espionage, murder/mystery, love, loss and a touch of D/s make this book a fast-paced nail-biting read. At times, I got so very frustrated with both MC’s that I wanted to throw the book across the room, but that’s a great thing! I love it when a work of fiction can stir me so! Loss of a partner and the guilt over the attraction so someone new, someone out of their comfort zone, is the major driving force of this book. Each character’s side stories, David’s, and especially Timmy’s intrigue me. I have a feeling we’ll be hearing more from this writer!

Hammer and Tongs by B.A. Tortuga

hammerandtongs400Title: Hammer and Tongs

Series:  N/A
  
Author: BA Tortuga
  
Genre:  Western/BDSM

Length: Novella

Publisher: Torquere Press Publishers (July 17th, 2013)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb: Virgil is in trouble when he flees to the badlands of New Mexico, and he’s pretty sure the desert is going to kill him before the posse does. He’s running from his past, from a forbidden love. What he finds is half Native-American blacksmith Asa, who happens to be the stuff of dreams. Asa isn’t about to let the skinny man he finds in the desert die. And when Virgil recovers, Asa thinks maybe he’s found a soul mate, just like his friends Tak and Loko have found in each other. Through everyday life and a series of erotic lessons, Asa thinks he can teach Virgil that love shouldn’t have boundaries. Can Virgil accept the plans that Asa, with the help of his friends, have for his future?

Product Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=3946

Reviewer:   GiGi

Review: This is some of the hottest BDSM I’ve read in a while! A fun combination of the old west, cowboys and Native Americans just adds to the character of the book. Every scene is hot, but the scenes involving Tak and Loko just drive me loco! When Virgil gives his body to Asa, hard work, and sex magic medicine ensue. Just the image of a sweaty blacksmith, with muscles, and control get my heart pumping. There are brief confrontations with the white men from town, and the book ends with the distinct feeling that this isn’t the end of the story and that Asa will go to no ends to protect his boy from them. This book is very steamy, and combines sensual and edgy BDSM with ménage scenes. Did I mention I also love the secondary characters of Tak and Loco?! I highly recommend this read for fans of BDSM.

You're the One by Gene Taylor

YouretheOneLGTitle: You’re the One

Author: Gene Taylor

Genre: Contemporary Fantasy

Length: Novel (210 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (July 19, 2013)

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Heat Level: Explicit

Blurb: Intimidated by the clubs and cabarets of 1970s Chicago, shy English teacher Graham Thomas needs a miracle just to be able to talk to a man. When help arrives from a Robert Redford look-alike wizard, Graham brushes him off—he’s obviously certifiable. Or so Graham thinks until he tries out a popular song title as a come-on line and everything changes.

Given the power to make others fall in love with him, Graham begins to enjoy the nightlife. But when he misuses his gift, he finds himself with accidental and unwanted suitors, including the senior dean at his school, a ticket-mad cop, and a rich young banker. Then Graham meets Mark Matthews and finally faces the moral issue of whether it’s fair to use magic to make someone fall in love. It would be so easy…

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4060

Reviewer: Cat

Review: Graham is a gay English teacher that is looking for true love. After some pretty tough experiences, he meets a strange man who gives him a power to make others fall in love with him.
After a couple accidents and a couple mistakes, he realizes he doesn’t want this power. If he is going to have a lover, he wants it to be real and not magic. Does he find real love? You should read it and see.

I was pleasantly surprised by this story. It’s really cute, yet funny, and the paranormal twist was unique and interesting. All the characters were interesting, charming, or outright funny, but I can’t say much else without giving the story away. The story got a bit cheesy at times with some of the clichés and puns, but that added to the humor of it. I loved how Graham knew what he wanted and how each relationship unfolded. This is such a fun, sweet, funny, and pretty hot story.

Recommendations: if you like stories of searching for Mr. Right, coming out, old music, hot sex, and oh yeah… Magic… this is definitely for you.

 

Bring the Heat by M.L. Rhodes

400000000000000313937_s4Title: Bring the Heat

Author: M. L. Rhodes

Genre:  Contemporary/Mystery/Suspense

Length: Novel (127 pages)

Publisher: Amber Quill Press (June 28th, 2009)

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Heat Level: Explicit

Blurb: Police Detective Riley Ellison has a new habit…stopping by a coffeehouse called the Java Pit on his way to work. The coffee’s good, but it’s not the rich flavor that lures him to drive blocks out of his way each morning, and it’s not an addiction to caffeine either. He’s half-embarrassed to admit it, but it’s the man who keeps him coming back. The long-legged, painted-on-jeans wearing, dark-haired, edgy sex god with the teasing eyes. He’s everything Riley—who has a history of geekdom and being flustered around hot men—is not. Riley knows he should put a stop to the daily forays because nothing can ever come of it. Guys like that aren’t interested in men like him. Yet every time the hunk meets his gaze across the crowed shop and aims a sizzling grin at him, Riley gives in and comes back to participate in the silent sexy, flirtation another day. 

The last thing he’s expecting when he goes to question a witness about a murder at a local gay strip joint is to discover the witness is his coffeehouse hottie. Dane Scott works as a stripper strictly for fun. He doesn’t need the money—he’s got plenty in the bank from his other career. He just likes to have something to keep him busy a few nights a week. When one of his fellow dancers turns up murdered outside the strip club, the police detective who shows up on Dane’s doorstep asking questions is none other than the sexy, blond cutie he’s been flirting with at the coffeehouse for weeks. Riley Ellison’s a fascinating contradiction—rugged, strong, serious-eyed hero, and bashful boy next door. A combination Dane finds all too appealing and a refreshing change from the selfish, shallow men he’s known and dated in the past. From the moment Riley flashes his badge at Dane, Dane’s determined to show the skittish cop they can make magic together. 

The heat between them quickly soars to the boiling point and not even a murder investigation can cool the passion they share. That is until new information on Riley’s case turns up that implies Dane may not be all seems… 

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

Reviewer: Cat

Review:  Riley is a police detective, and like order in his life. He has no idea why he is all of a sudden obsessed with the man he sees in an out-of-the-way coffee shop but he can’t seem to stay away.

Dane is intrigued by the sexy quiet man and everyday he comes in the more he knows he is more than intrigued, He wants to get to know this man and not just in a sexual way. Dane is handsome, outgoing, a successful model and a stripper, but not only is his stereotypical image wrong he loathes those kinds of people.

Riley keeps saying he is going to quit going back to the coffee shop but a case brings them together.

I really liked this story a lot. I loved both Dane and Riley. The storyline of the romance, why Riley hesitates, why Dane wants more, and the murder mystery are all intriguing and fit together well. My only issue was the story was rolling along then BAM! We find out from Dane it’s days later and the case has been solved and how it’s been solved. I would have loved to see it unfold and more about, the case but I can see why the author chose to solve the case in this manner. I really like how the o author drops description and tips through other characters. One of my favorite parts was the coffee barista looking Riley over describing him. I won’t tell you why but his was a very cute sweet scene. You will have to get the book and see! It’s worth it!

I thought the romance between Riley and Dane was awesome. I loved how Dane knew what he wanted and went for it but also knew how to step back and not push too hard, and the dinner in bed was so sexy, sensual, and hot!

Recommendation: If you like, mystery and suspense, police detectives, male strippers, coffee and a sexy, hot romance this is definitely for you.

Marginalia by Laney Cairo

tmp_6b02ff9f77b749d40a12d26661677d8a_qgDuaO_html_3bf0f5ceTitle: Marginalia

Author: Laney Cairo

Genre: MM Post-apocalyptic, Sci-fi- BDSM

Length: Novella (81 pages)

Publisher: Torquere Press (July 13 2013)

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts

Heat: Explicit

Blurb: Bailey likes to cut people—in a purely consensual way—which makes his work as a surgical technician with cosmetic enhancement corporation SirenCare his dream job. His recreational pursuits, however, would displease his employer, so he lives his personal life on the margins of Sydney, away from SirenCare’s corporate enclave, taking his chances in a city without water or power.

Quint is one of his chances, an illegal resident who pulls beer and breaks up fights. Quint’s not used to corporate men with the means to buy water, but he could get accustomed to being with Bailey and Bailey’s friend, Flynn, who engineers new and addictive body mods for SirenCare.

When Immigration incarcerates Quint as an illegal resident, only intervention by a corporation can free him. Can Bailey, with Flynn, persuade SirenCare that a disreputable bar tender is carrying experimental body mods, and should be rescued from detention?

Originally published in the Spiked anthology.

Product Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=78_85&products_id=3940

Reviewer: Cat

Review: Bailey is a cutter in a corporation and has the opportunity if a privileged life in a world where water, power and other stuff is all restricted and for the wealthy. He chooses to live in the outside world not the corporate world because he likes the touch of another man, he can afford some of the conveniences most can’t.

Quint is a bartender and an illegal, but he refused to join the military to get a real identity and job so he takes his chances. He is surprised when he finds out his newest sexual conquest is a corporate and interested in him for more than just a one-night fling. But can a corporate and illegal have anything else? You will have to read and find out!

I have to say at the beginning I got pretty confused, and during the book I had to ponder some of the slang, some I never quite figured out. I think a simple prologue giving us the gist of the timeframe and more about the characters would have helped immensely. Eventually I figured where the setting was( this also  solved a bit of the slang)  but still not  why this was happening or what the characters are, since there was allusions that not all are human. I also wasn’t sure what these implants were or why so many was wanting them ( a couple were easy to guess). But I read on and was glad. The story is very interesting and the characters very intriguing. I liked what I knew of this new world jus to would have liked to known more about it and  a little more about the characters, but the story was sweet, intriguing, suspenseful  and very hot. The ending very satisfying!

Recommendation: If you like futuristic stories, post-apocalyptic ( my favorite sci-fi), intriguing characters, a bit of mystery a good romance and very hot sex I highly recommend this book!

Demolished by Astrid Amara

aa_demolishedTitle: Demolished

Author: Astrid Amara

Genre: LGBT Mystery/ Suspense

Length: Novella (165 pages)

Publisher: Loose Id Publishing (July 16 2013)

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Heat Level: explicit

Blurb: Calvin Quarry thinks Felix Bracks is a fantastic lover. He fulfills all of Cal’s deepest fantasies, allowing him to fully embrace the wanton side of his sexuality. But Cal’s fantasy shatters when he realizes Felix was the driver in a fatal accident that killed Cal’s best friend back in high school.

Forgiving Felix his past transgressions is hard, but when Cal’s young cousin Robby becomes entangled in a dark and dangerous affair, Cal realizes there’s more to both their stories than what meets the eye. As a journalism major, Cal has a duty to not only shed light on the sinister world young Robby has stumbled into, but also to uncover the truth about Felix’s accident so many years before.

But those they fight have power, and ways of making them and their families suffer. Cal and Felix have to be willing to sacrifice everything to stop these horrors from happening again. But this wasn’t what either signed up for. This was supposed to be a casual sex hookup anonymously scheduled online. Can they truly trust each other enough to bring the crimes of the past to light, or will their budding relationship be demolished in the process?

Product Link: http://www.loose-id.com/demolished.html

Reviewer: Cat

Review: Cal is a gay man in a small community in his last year of college. He gets his sexual fixes from a male hookup site. He likes the kinkiness and has some wild fantasies but he is also a cautious man so he had been chatting with Bikenut for a month before actually going through with the well-planned fantasy. All goes well until he catches a glimpse of the man’s face and realizes it’s someone he knew in school and someone he wanted to forget that had caused him pain. Then his young nephew shows up with some problems and Cal finds out soon how serious Robbie’s troubles are and that there is also a connection between Robbie’s troubles and Felix’s past. Studying to be an investigative reporter this could be his big break or could it be life threatening for him, Robbie and/or Felix if he peruses this?

Felix knew when he was young he was gay he was a loner in school and considered a troublemaker. A terrible decision when he was 17 cost the lives of 4 teenagers and almost his. He now tries to forget his past and make a new life but meeting Cal dredges up the ghosts form the past. Can he just forget Cal and go back to forgetting that bad time? Can he ignore what’s happening to Robbie when it’s so much like his past? I suggest you read this one and see!

I really loved this story. There is lots of mystery and intrigue, a lesson to learn for young men, some hot sex, a sweet love story, and it’s quite the page-turner. I wasn’t able to stop once I got started. I am not sure what pushed me on the most the romance building between cal and Felix, the need to know what happened to Felix and why, what was going on with Robbie or how this whole thing would end. I wasn’t disappointed!!

 

Recommendation: If you love a sweet romance with mystery and intrigue, investigative reporting, college men, and pretty hot mansex this is a must!

Grey's Hidden Fire by Draven St. James

DST_Grey's Hidden Fire_coverinTitle: Grey’s Hidden Fire

Author: Draven St. James

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella

Publisher: Loose Id (July 9th, 2013)

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Heat Level: Explicit

Blurb: Grey’s entire life is wrapped around his job as a firefighter. It is all he has ever wanted. That is until his new coworker Mica Cruz saunters through the door with his smoldering dark looks and dimpled grin. Suddenly he finds himself wanting to get to know what Mica looks like out of his gear and between the sheets.

Mica has one rule…keep his work life and his personal life separate. It was easy enough to follow until he meets Grey and finds that his rule can’t stand up to the fire that Grey ignites. There’s one big thing standing in the way of all of his lust filled musings. Grey is straight.

In a profession where being gay is often kept quiet Grey must come to terms with his growing attraction to Mica. How much is he willing to sacrifice? Can they come together before someone’s hatred threatens to destroy them both?

Product Link: http://www.loose-id.com/grey-s-hidden-fire.html

Reviewer: Cat

Review: Grey is a firefighter, a pretty easy to get along with person and straight. At least he thinks he is until he meets the new man Mica, and old memories from his childhood emerge and he can’t seem to get his mind off Mica.

Mica is gay, but he neither really hides it nor promotes it. He doesn’t flaunt it; he just hasn’t had to worry too much in the past at work since none of his coworkers pushed those buttons, until he meets Grey. Now all he can think about is the man and how he wants to be more than just friends but the biggest issue is Grey is straight. Right? I highly recommend you read this one to see.

This is a very beautifully written story of bigotry, friendship, and love. The characters are very likeable and the bad guys are just that true asses that you hope the get what they deserve. It’s a very realist and heartfelt story. The storyline is interesting how these two men deal with their feelings and the friendships they make along the way. The sex is pretty good too!

Recommendation: If you like, friends to lovers, stories of dealing with bigotry, learning your sexuality, camaraderie and some pretty hot mansex this is a must!! Highly recommend!

Self Preservation by Ethan Day

6249206Title:  Self Preservation (2nd edition)

Author:  Ethan Day

Genre:   Contemporary Romance

Length:  Novel (135 pages)

Publisher:  Wilde City Press (May 8th 2013)

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:   Davis always assumed they would wind up back together, until Jack calls and invites Davis to his wedding to Tadd Austin, a prominent architect in Chicago. Jack’s only known Tadd for two weeks, so whatever Jack feels for Tadd couldn’t possibly compare to what he shared with Davis. There’s no way in hell Davis can stand by and watch the life he always expected to get back slip away to some guy Jack barely knows. Tadd Austin, indeed…more like Toad Ass-ton, Davis thinks.

With his best friend, fashion designer Deseree Wildwood in tow, Davis has to shed his sweet, guy-next-door persona, and re-vamp his image into a self-confident, hot piece of eye candy. He’s going to the wedding with only one goal in mind: to do whatever it takes to win back Jack. The Toad is toast!

Once in Chicago, Davis discovers it isn’t going to be as easy as he thought. Not only is Tadd very un-Toad-like, but a mysterious British playboy named Alex Parker manages to interject himself into the mix. Only true love will survive as the tug of war ensues in this Bermuda love triangle from hell.

Publisher’s Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Anal play/intercourse, male/male sexual practices.

Product Link: http://www.wildecity.com/books/gay-romance/self-preservation/#.UYmovUko5es 

Reviewer:   Tams

Review:  This book is the gay, written version of My Best Friend’s Wedding! Davis receives a phone call from his first, and only, true love Jack. He’s met someone and he’s getting married. This throws Davis for a loop because he’s always assumed he and Jack would one day find their way back together. With his best friend Deseree’s help, (Deseree is the Grace to Davis’s Will), Davis makes over his boy next-door image into something more sexy and irresistible and heads to Chicago to stop the wedding and win Jack back. Hijinks ensue!

The story switches back and forth from the present to the past to show how Jack and Davis met, fell in love, their first time, and a random passionate encounter they’d had just a year prior to these pending nuptials. Although parts of the story were a little farfetched, like Jack and Tadd meeting and deciding to get married after only a couple weeks, but the writing never faltered. Day managed to keep the story cohesive through flash backs, I really fell in love with Jack along with Davis, seeing him through Davis’s eyes.

Although I loved the Dorothy of this story, Deseree, Alex really stole the show. He was sexy, funny, and witty with a wicked sense of humor topped off with that British accent just to make him all the more enticing. I could actually hear him speaking in his accent while reading! Davis has his share of steamy scenes with both his leading men, and events unfold throughout the story that will leave you wondering which one is going to steal the show? Jack his first love, or the enigmatic British playboy Alex?

Overall this was a fun, quick, sexy read and I highly recommend it if you’re looking for a comedy of errors with some hot guy/guy action and that ever elusive happily ever after!