A Little Bit Country by S.J. Frost

ALittleBitCountry_Cover_50Title: A Little Bit Country

Series:  N/A

Author: S.J. Frost

Genre:  Contemporary/Musicians

Length: Novella (64K)

Publisher:  MLR Press (August 18th, 2013)

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:  Rock singer, Ash Ivers, and country music star, Jackson Abrams, have intense passion that brings them together, but will they be able to overcome all their differences when Jackson’s career is threatened?

Ash Ivers says and does what he wants, and with being the lead singer of the world famous rock band, From Ashes, he gets away with both. Three years ago, his mouth got the better of him, and he started a media feud with county music star, Jackson Abrams. When they’re both booked to play a charity concert, he sees his chance to finally confront Jackson in person. Though, he’s uncertain if his anger will hold against his attraction to the singing cowboy.

Jackson Abrams is the darling of country music. He’s polite, charming, handsome…and he has a secret that he fears could jeopardize his career. When it comes to the cocky rock star, Ash Ivers, he’s infuriated and intrigued by him. He wants their feuding to stop, but he also doesn’t want to lose the attention it gives him from Ash.

As Ash and Jackson meet, the heat of anger turns to passion. But when Jackson’s world starts crumbling around him, will their differences make them stronger, or drive them apart?

***Author’s Note***11994343
This is the expanded, full-length novel. The original novella, “A Little Bit Country,” was approximately 28k. This book is approximately 60k. It takes the original novella, and where it ended, this one continues on to complete the story.

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

Reviewer:   GiGi

Review: At first I thought this might be one of those really angsty roller coaster romances, but it isn’t. It’s actually a rather sweet love affair be tween a good ol’ country boy and a punk rockin’ lead singing, out and proud firecracker. The rock world where Ash excels, accepts his homosexuality, but Jackson Abrams’ country music genre isn’t as tolerant, and coming out for Ash could ruin his career. Through the trials and tribulations of coming out, or being forced Ash stays by Jackson’s side, but will their efforts, be enough to keep them together? Can the city mouse and the country mouse make a home and a career together? Read this sweet and hot story to find out!

Memorizing You by Dan Skinner

18188319Title: Memorizing You

Series:  n/a

Author: Dan Skinner

Genre:  Coming of Age/1960’s-1970’s

Length: Novel (292 pages)

Publisher: Cerberus Inc. (July 9th, 2013)

Heat Level:  Mild

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts

Blurb: Two high school boys from different walks of life: Ryan, a handsome athlete, and David, an average Joe from a blue collar family, discover their desires, stealing their kisses under the cover of an old oak at night. Their love begins a secret life, hidden from their families, friends, and classmates. As their passion grows, so does the danger of their discovery. Their only hope is to create a separate world where every kiss is a treasure and every moment… memorable. First love. Secret love. Unforgettable love.

Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/Memorizing-You-ebook/dp/B00DUXS4Z2

Reviewer:   GiGi

Review: This is a coming of age story with many turns and twists. I read this story feeling like I got an honest view of what it was like to discover your sexuality as a gay man in the late sixties. There was fear, hate, bigotry, and hiding, but through it, all there was also beauty, acceptance, joy, and true love. There are many painful parts of this story, and it’s that pain that makes me feel this is real. There’s not a perfect ending, but there is plenty of heart-lifting joy and hope. I also can’t say enough about the characters! Ryan, who on the outside was supposed to create the facade of typical jock, is anything but. He’s passionate, he loves his gardening, and to see things grow and thrive, and he’s poetic. I mean to say that the letters and conversations he has with David in this story make me misty-eyed and contemplative. And I can completely relate to Rosemary, having a similar experience in life, and the way she turns that unrequited love into a great friendship. There are parts of this story that my gushy heart would have wanted written differently, but bottom line, life isn’t that way. You can’t just rewrite the ugly parts; it’s what makes us who we are. The one shining theme that sticks with me way after finishing this book is that yes, there are lots of ugly parts in life, but we need to see the beauty of what it provides too. Memorize that beauty, bathe yourself in it, and hold it up as your standard. Use love and beauty to conquer hate, fear, and ugliness. And yes, even after tragedy, keep on truckin’ through life; you never know when that second chance will hit. This is a wonderful book, a time warp, and a great message. Read it. You won’t regret it.

Box of Nails: This Young Stud by Sean Micheal

71E1zMhTrQL._SL1500_Title: Box of Nails: This Young Stud

Series:  Box of Nails

Author: Sean Michael

Genre:  Contemporary/BDSM

Length: Novella (130 pages)

Publisher: Torquere Press (August 7th, 2013)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:  Jeff has hired on as the manager of the house owners Dev and Barney are trying to create for the servers at the Hammer Club, and dealing with all those twinks is like herding cats. Still, he loves his new job, which is partly due to meeting hot, interesting sub, Paul.

Paul is Devvie’s best friend, a bartender at the Hammer Club, and a sweet little bottom. He believes he breaks Doms, though, so when he falls for Jeff, he figures the best thing he can do is stay away. Jeff won’t let him hide, and soon they’re seeing each other, despite Paul’s worries.

Can Jeff and Paul overcome the past and make a life together?

Product Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=3956

Reviewer:   GiGi

Review: How fun would it be to work as a Dom/RA for a house of subs? Trying to manage the care and feeding of a bunch of young twinks fast becomes a challenge for Jeff, a young Dom hired by Devon and Barney to help manage this house of young men who work at The Hammer.

Paulie, Devon’s best friend and slightly frantic, reserved young sub, immediately fascinates Jeff. Problem is Paulie believes he breaks Doms and doesn’t deserve Jeff’s attentions. There’s also the matter of other jealous subs in the house and one extremely introverted and damaged young man named Mikey who needs both Paul and Jeff’s care and attention. Yes, it’s a house of drama, but it includes lots of sexy and even tender D/s scenes. Jeff makes it his mission to convince Paulie of his worth, and to claim the beautiful sub as his own. Paul learns to shine and appreciate his own worth as a sub and in serving. What a fun series! I missed the first one so I’m cracking that one open a.s.a.p.! And so should you!

The Pauper Prince (2nd Edition) by Sui Lynn

18133494Title: The Pauper Prince (2nd Edition) 

Series: Changing Moon 01

Author: Sui Lynn

Genre: Paranormal, Shifter, Action/Adventure, Fantasy, Suspense/Mystery, Vampires

Length: Novel (201pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (5th July 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥ 4 ½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Warning: Some readers may find some scenes disturbing – mention of rape and abuse.

Blurb: Orphan Lance runs after he’s attacked and ends up with blood on his hands. He runs again when a shape shifter, Andrew, discovers him in his barn. Is Lance a savior? A Murderer? Can they find trust as well as love?

Lance Fitz is an orphan, lost in the foster care system. He’s a survivor and tough as nails. Attacked and beaten, his attacker is murdered. Lance, with blood on his hands and a broken spirit, flees to the solitude of the peaceful pine forest of the Black Hills of South Dakota.

Andrew Reed, a handsome shape shifter discovers a man in his barn loading a duffel bag with supplies. Before he can ask questions, the young man spots him and runs. Andrew chases after him. What he discovers at the end of a fast-paced run through the woods astounds them both.

Can Andrew help Lance heal enough to trust him? Can he convince Lance to stay before he runs out of Andrew’s life, forever beyond his reach and the slavery that has him bound to the land and vampires?

First published with Silver Publishing 2012.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3966

Review: Lance has grown up in the foster system being passed from foster home to foster home and State to State, when a foster-father is killed, Lance goes on the run and begins to discover the secrets of his past. When Andrew discovers a young man in the barn, he gives chase, when he finally catches up with him he is delighted at what he finds.

This is a wonderful story that had me enthralled with its craftsmanship. Sui Lynn has created a world that is complex but easy to follow, she explains well the world of her shifters, and although we don’t get all the answers in this book… it is only the start of a great new world. When Lance is caught by Andrew, it starts a slow building relationship between the two men, it is a relationship where trust has to be earned, and where love develops slowly. 

Lance has been badly abused in the past and although he grows to love Andrew, he doesn’t think that the relationship will ever progress to sex. Andrew adores Lance and will do anything for him, when he realizes the extent of Lance’s abuse he knows he has to hold back and hope that Lance will overcome his past because they have already declared each other as mates and they have to consummate their mating… or it will get violent as their animals take over.

This is a wonderfully written story where secrets come out and Lance finds out about his parents, he starts to learn about the shifter world and the circumstances that the shifters species find themselves in. The characters in this book are wonderful from the two MC’s to all the supporting characters; the emotional depth to the book is startling and well-rounded out. The background of the shifters is well-developed and I loved the fact that the shifters and animals choose each other instead of just being born a certain type of shifter.

Although this story doesn’t answer all our questions, it is a fantastic start to a series that promises answer’s in future books (the next one is called A Royal Bind). It has introduced us to a world of shifters and vampires that I found fascinating, it is also a book that is based on building trust and overcoming ghosts from the past and looking towards the problems of the future. A really incredible story that I adored.  

I have to recommend this book to anyone who loves shifters, mystery, a bit of action, some danger, a slow love story, some hot lovemaking, and a happy ending.

Heart of Stars by D.C. Juris

81WUwvXFL3L._SL1500_Title: Heart of Stars

Series: N/A

Author: D.C. Juris

Genre: Alternate World (???)

Length: Short Story

Publisher: Torquere Press

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: It takes a bloody battle, the death of several of his men, and a near death experience of his own for Afron to see what lies in his heart for Makara. Now the barbarian won’t let anything stand in the way of their destiny — not even the prostitute’s petulant (if half-hearted) refusal to see him.

Product Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=79_93&products_id=3953

Review: A fun, fast and quite enjoyable short story Heart of Stars is another take on the “whore finds love” theme, spiced up quite a lot by the era it’s placed upon.

Afron is a barbarian Chieftain. He has for long while visiting Makara, a whore that made an impression to him, yet he can’t bring himself to think more of that, or give the whore anything else but coins.

It does take a brutal battle to wake Afron from his blindness and see that Makara is not a mere infatuation, rather his fated mate. But the last time he visited Makara, Afron was told it indeed would be the last time. Could he have lost his love forever?

Now this was a story I’d surely love to read not in this short “peek a boo”, but in a rather developed novella. The idea is quite enticing, the execution and writing style were great, and the lingering wistfulness that accompanied the end of the story was unexpected. I mostly enjoyed the initial battle, the descriptions of which made me crave for more and more… *sigh*

As it is, if you’re in search for a hot Barbarian wrapped up in the spell of Fate and a sexy rent-boy, this is the story for you. The intimate scenes will make it while worth it. 

Snow Cat by Edward Kendrick

c4c66426aa137ba49c8752561a043119.image.300x450Title: Snow Cat     

Author: Edward Kendrick     

Genre: Paranormal     

Length: Novel (218pgs)     

Publisher: Silver Publishing (24th August 2013)    

Heat Level: Low – Moderate    

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥3½ – 4 Hearts   

Reviewer: Pixie     

Blurb: Wynn has a problem. An enemy wants him dead. Mick also has problems. Helping Wynn survive and finding the elusive ‘Snow Cat’. There’s another problem–their growing interest in each other, which may never have a chance to be fulfilled.

Artist Wynn McGuire has a problem. An enemy wants him dead.

Sheriff Mick Greene also has problems. Helping Wynn survive and finding the elusive ‘Snow Cat’ that is prowling outside his small mountain town.

Wynn and Mick have another problem as well–their growing interest in each other. When Wynn disappears, Mick is certain he’s either dead or has gone back to where he’d come from. Then he discovers the truth about Wynn, just days before Wynn comes back into his life. Will this truth, plus Mick’s ex-lover and another man seeking to kill Wynn, force them apart? Or can they surmount the obstacles and learn that love, indeed, conquers all.

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/snow-cat-ebook-p-1517.html    

Review: Wynn is an artist who caught something on camera that places him in danger. On the run, Wynn takes shelter in a small town and becomes close with the sheriff, Mick, but Wynn has a secret to hide and when his enemy catches up with him he has to disappear. Mick was intrigued by Wynn and when Wynn disappears, he hopes the man will return, but when Mick discovers Wynn’s secret he isn’t sure if he ever wants to see him again. Wynn returns to the small town having been unable to forget the sheriff, but just as the two men begin to reconnect an ex-lover of Mick’s causes trouble, and another man seeks revenge on Wynn. Can Wynn and Mick overcome the obstacles in their path to be together or will their pasts overcome their love?

This is a great story that has a touch of action with a paranormal thread through it. Wynn is a great character who lands himself in danger by catching something on camera that could put an end to his enemy. Mick is the local sheriff who helps Wynn out when Wynn needs a place to hide. Both men find themselves attracted to the other and they mildly flirt with each other before Wynn has to leave. But neither man can forget the other and they reunite, but Mick has found Wynn’s secret and they have a slight confrontation. Danger still lurks for them though and comes from unexpected angles. 

Wynn and Mick’s relationship certainly has some ups and downs, it also has to overcome secrets and danger but they face it together and they make a wonderful couple. The storyline is really good and I really liked the simple shifter aspect; the story is of two men who both face danger falling in love and one of them just happens to be a shifter. The danger side of the story is great with it being kept pretty simple but happening a couple of times, the first time you know it is coming but the other two times it is unexpected and adds more excitement to the story. Wynn and Mick’s relationship is easy-going and nicely paced, they get to know each other before jumping into bed together and they are pretty hot when they eventually do. 

I recommend this to those who like facing danger, a cheeky snow cat, great sex, wonderful characters, a great storyline and a sweet ending. 

 

A Royal Bind, 2nd Edition by Sui Lynn

RoyalBind[A]LGTitle: A Royal Bind (2nd Edition)

Series: Changing Moon 02

Author: Sui Lynn

Genre: Paranormal, Shifter, Vampire, Alternative World

Length: Novel (193pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (30th August 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Lance Fitz and Andrew Reed are a blissfully mated pair, but Andrew’s benefactor Stephon, a born vampire, isn’t happy with the pairing, especially after he discovers Lance’s pedigree. Stephon attempts to find answers using his mental connection with Andrew, and when his efforts fail, he goes after Lance’s new shifter family. Enraged, Lance severs the tie to Stephon. He wants to tear apart the abusive vampire and free his mate and family for good. But before he can try, the family reminds Lance that the death of one vampire won’t change the social status of shifters as an enslaved people. The fight won’t end with Stephon, even if Lance succeeds. 

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4119 

Review: This book is part of a series and must be read in order. Lance and Andrew are happily mated, well they would be if people didn’t want Lance dead, but Andrew is still tied to Stephon and Lance is far from happy about that fact. As Lance begins to learn of the political mechanics, he has to wade through, Andrew and his family seeks to support and protect Lance as those who don’t want change, seek to put an end to the pureblood.

A Royal Bind is a great continuation from Pauper Prince. Lance and Andrew have many political maneuvers to endure as they decide what must be done to protect Lance from the assassins; Lance also wants Andrew free from Stephon and just wants to be with his mate. They have many decisions to make because as a pureblood, the only pureblood to be known to live, he is a danger to the vampires rule over the shifters and that is not something that most vampires want and some shifters. They have to be careful of who they trust because enemies may not be enemies and allies might not be allies.

I really enjoyed this second installment of the Changing Moon series, the characters Lance and Andrew still adore and love each other, but now as more people learn of Lance’s bloodlines they begin to learn that there are even more people that they might not be able to trust. Lance is a great character who may not want anything but his mate, but will try to do what is best for everyone, he also shows his backbone more in this one and I was thrilled at his and Andrew’s developing skills. Andrew is an absolute sweetheart and I really love his entire family (well except Uncle Dave).

This isn’t a story where the lines between allies and enemies are clear, you just can’t tell who is really out for Lance and some characters will surprise you, and I have a strong feeling that by the end of the series we will be left reeling as to who the enemy really is. You will love some of the new characters that we finally meet face to face (so to speak) and you begin to have doubts about others but as I said there are no clear lines so you are left guessing. Lance and Andrew’s love is plain to see on every page, as is Lance’s inexperience of the shifter and vampire world and you can only hope that he is being guided by the right people.

I will recommend this to those who love shifters, vampires, paranormal, strong love, hot sex, developing characters, a great story and being left with a desperate hope that the next book will be published soon. 

 

Thornless Rose by T.C. Mill

71I89DYI9WL._SL1500_Title: Thornless Rose     

Author: T.C. Mill     

Genre: Science Fiction     

Length: Short (79pgs)     

Publisher: Storm Moon Press (26th July 2013)    

Heat Level: Explicit     

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥3 – 3½ Hearts  

Reviewer: Pixie     

Blurb: Tyrel Uvieras, a bodyguard serving the Union of planetary governments, has been assigned his most interesting charge yet: Verithe Jerrith, Union’s ambassador to what might be the most cursed planet in the galaxy. Something distinctly unsavory surrounds Corrina, whose first contact with Union space came through the stolen equipment of a stranded spaceship. Yet, Union policy requires an answer to the Corrinans’ request for negotiations. The best they can do is sending a well-prepared diplomatic party—if it’s possible to prepare for what they find on the planet’s surface.

Tyrel and Verithe discover a mutual attraction, though Tyrel also thinks Verithe perhaps too lighthearted given their dire mission and certainly too gentle—like a thornless rose—to survive long in a dangerous world without protection. Tyrel tries to provide that protection, but the two men are captured in what is just the beginning of their descent into barbarity and treachery. They will be called upon to make unbelievable sacrifices and confront the “curse” of Corrina that brings out people’s darkest desires, endangering sanity and soul. Even their feelings for each other might not give them the strength to endure.     

Purchase Link: http://www.stormmoonpress.com/books/Thornless-Rose.aspx    

Review: Tyrel is a bodyguard and has been assigned his newest charge, an ambassador who is assigned the task of negotiating with a primitive planet. Verithe is an ambassador for the Union of planetary governments; he is heading for negotiations with Corrina, a planet, which is called, cursed. Verithe and Tyrel find themselves stranded on the planet’s surface and fighting for their lives, but the one thing they don’t fight is their attraction to each other. Tyrel wonders how Verithe will manage such a hostile territory with his lighthearted and gentle nature and Verithe wonders if Tyrel will be able to ignore the seductive pull of the violence and danger. 

This is a great science fiction story that takes us on a journey to a primitive world where only the strongest survive. Verithe is heading to the cursed planet Corrina after they demanded negotiations, not knowing what they face but knowing already what the Union has decided. Tyrel has one job and that is to keep Verithe safe, unfortunately keeping him safe proves harder than he thought when the Corrinan’s aren’t happy with the way negotiations are going. The two men survive by sheer will and a survivor from a previous expedition, after they are betrayed by one of their own, now they just have to wait for rescue and pray that it comes in time. 

This story is wonderfully written; it gives us enough back-story so we aren’t left in the dark over what they are facing on the planet and lets us know that their time on the planet isn’t going to be easy. Verithe seems like a gentle soul and although he doesn’t like violence accepts that sometimes it is the only way. Tyrel is a character that is harsher; he will do what must be done but sometimes loses himself to the violence. Both characters coming together balance each other out and Tyrel sees the steel running through Verithe and Verithe helps to keep Tyrel tempered. Their sexual relationship is very hot, but at first came out of nowhere when they were still in a very precarious position, it was also a shock because although there was vague murmurs about attraction there wasn’t any indication that it was that strong.

I loved the way Corrina was portrayed as a primitive violent place where you could easily let your inner dark side take over, letting yourself be seduced by the darker undertones of survival of the strongest. I liked how Verithe somehow managed to keep Tyrel leashed and how Tyrel loved the more easygoing Verithe. This is a really good storyline that is original and has plenty of action; it has a love developing in horrid conditions and has friendships emerging with the less violent Corrinan’s.

I recommend this if you love science fiction, primitive planets and inhabitants, strong characters, hot sex, action and danger and a very satisfying ending. 

Designs of Desire by Tempest O'Riley

18139107I don’t often have such a wide gap in ratings, but since I did, I thought I’d publish them both and let readers decide. *Portia*

Title: Designs of Desire

Series: Desires Entwined #1

Author: Tempest O’Riley

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length: Novel

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Heat Level: Explicit

Blurb: Artist James Bryant has forearm crutches in every color from rainbow for fun to sleek black for business. He even has a pair with more paint splatters than metal. After his family’s rejection and abuse from a man he thought loved him, James only just gets through the day by painting. He lives in constant fear that he’s not worthy of anything, let alone love.

As CEO of his company, Carrington Enterprises, Seth Burns is a take-charge kind of guy, and he is instantly smitten by the artist helping with his newest project. When he witnesses James, suffer a panic attack, a protective instinct he never knew he had kicks in. He truly believes nothing is unobtainable—including James—if he’s willing to put in the time and effort.

James is shy and confused by Seth’s interest in him as a person. With Seth’s support, can he work through his fears to finally find the true love he deserves, or will someone finally land the crushing blow he won’t survive?

*M/M Contemporary Romance w/ (lite) BDSM elements*

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4038

Madison’s Review:  ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts

Despite his physical disability, James is a strong, self-sufficient individual. After surviving a great deal of physical and emotional abuse, he understandably has difficulty trusting people, and he tends to limit his social encounters to spending time with his best friend, Chase.

When he meets Seth, there’s an instant attraction, but James hesitates to get involved with someone for fear that he’ll get hurt again. Seth sees through James’s defenses, though, and gently but firmly plants himself in James’s life. I love how understanding Seth is and how in tune he is with James’s needs.

There are some elements of BDSM in the story, with James being the more submissive partner. Seth comes across as a loving and gentle dom who is sensitive to James’s needs and who comes up with some creative workarounds given James’s physical and emotional limitations. Seth is also very giving, both in and out of the bedroom, which I loved.

The story is well written and definitely threw some unexpected twists at me! I love that James got the family life he so wanted by the end. I know they’ll be very happy together!

Thommie’s Review: ♥ 1 Heart

Just how much is too much?

This was the main question popping in my mind while reading this book. I did not like this at all. The overbearing plot that was suffocated with so many elements and incidents, so much hate attacks onto one single person was plain and simple unreal.

We get to witness a most non-realistic relationship blooming seemingly out of nowhere. Seth and James met and in a matter of – God I don’t even know how much time passed as the concept of time was a blur and you could never really get a grasp of it – a heartbeat they became not only a couple, but a family, with a child in the ready and a happily ever after that was more than Godsend. The premises of their relationship were non-existent, the BDSM element that came with it as a non-negotiable fact was ludicrous, and I had no idea how the “Sir” calling on James’ behalf came about? Especially since James was, so hell bound on not having a “kinky” relationship to begin with. The obsessive and controlling behavior on Seth’s part was quite surreal, so much so that had me cringing and questioning the sanity of that character. James’ reaction to him came awfully near to a person suffering from Stockholm syndrome. They simply did not make sense. Nothing they did really made sense.

And as for the abuse, James suffered from practically everybody in this damned story that was just too painful to read. And again, I come to ask myself; just how much is too much? Because what I read surpassed even that.

I made notes on thing I came across that were out of context or lacked credibility or out of the sphere of reality altogether. But as I reviewed them in order to get my wits about and write this review so it could be constructive, I saw they were too much and sorting them out and writing them, down would make this review an essay on this book.

So I’m not going to dwell and linger on them. For me this book was not good and required a serious case of revision before it went out on the shelves, because while the idea was enticing, everything failed to make it an enjoyable read.

 

Abandoned by Silvia Violet

18375465Title: Abandoned

Series: Galactic Betrayal 01

Author: Silvia Violet

Genre: Science Fiction, Action, BDSM

Length: Novella (88pgs)

Publisher: Silvia Violet Books (23rd August 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit/Scorching

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Lark left Derek in the hands of alien torturers. Derek refused to believe Lark could be innocent. But desire still burns between them, and they need each other to survive Can they overcome the lies and betrayal of their past?

Lark Zaccaro and Derek Carlson were partners and friends. Lark wanted more. Then someone at the Intergalactic Investigations Bureau sold them out to enemy aliens. Lark was forced to abandon Derek to the enemy, and Derek bought the IIB’s story that Lark betrayed them all.

When Lark’s deep cover mission and Derek’s new job in search-and-rescue collide, the desire simmering between them explodes. Lark needs Derek’s help to escape a new enemy, and Derek needs to discover the truth about what really happened on that alien planet. Can they overcome lies and betrayal and find the love and comfort they seek, or will their past forever keep them apart?

CONTENT ADVISORY: This title contains scenes of dubious consent.

Purchase Link: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-abandoned-1271251-147.html 

UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Abandoned-Galactic-Betrayal-ebook/dp/B00ERACBNI

US: http://www.amazon.com/Abandoned-Galactic-Betrayal-ebook/dp/B00ERACBNI

Review: Lark has no choice but to leave his partner behind when his partner got captured, he has lived with the guilt for six months but he tried everything he could to get his partner out, now six months later Derek is his prisoner and Lark tries to get Derek to face the truth. Derek doesn’t know what to believe but he knows that he has to try to resist the man he loves and escape out of the hellhole he is in.

This book is well written and is extremely intense from the beginning till the end. Lark knows the truth of what really happened six months ago while Derek believes what he has been told by the Intergalactic Investigation Bureau now they are face to face and both men are bitter and angry and it is directed at each other. This is a very emotional explicit story as we see both men struggle with their feelings of anger, betrayal, and guilt for different reasons.

There are unexpectedly numerous explicit, erotic sex scenes, which have a BDSM kink but nothing really heavy. All the scenes are intense as we progress through the book and we get an overview of what happened to separate the two men in the first place and we see the progression of the relationship as they admit their feelings to each other but it isn’t an easy ride for either men as they try to sort out their doubts, escape and to admit that they had both changed since they last saw each other.

The storyline is good and I really can’t wait for the next book in the series as I really want to see how the plot will unfold, we get the beginning in this book as Derek finally realizes just where the betrayal came from and Lark knows beyond a doubt that he was left on Lancarina in deep cover to die, now with both men back together anything is possible ;-). We also have some dark areas where torture and rape are alluded to and the brutal treatment that Derek suffered and Lark had to dish out while undercover are spoken or thought of.

I have to recommend this one to those who love science fiction, brutal worlds, deep betrayal, lies, truth, really hot erotic sex, two men looking for the truth and a happy ending. 

Dreamspinner Releases for the 08/26/13

MakeMeWholeLGMake Me Whole by Marguerite Labbe

 

After a grueling battle in ancient Greece, lovers Dexios and Lykon committed their lives to each other in the name of Goddess Cythera. After the war, fearing the strength of his love for Dexios, Lykon abandoned his vow and returned home. Heartbroken, Dexios called on Cythera, who changed him into four unfinished statues. In that form he would wait for his fickle lover to return, break the curse, and make him whole.

 

Thousands of years have passed when Galen Kanellis finds the disassembled pieces in the storeroom of a Seattle museum and makes them the focus of his new exhibit. Needing information, he contacts his ex-lover Nick Charisteas. Nick has a lifelong dream of finding the Dexios Collection, and the last thing he expected was for it to wind up in the hands of the man who broke his heart. As both men search for answers about the statues, worries of abandonment and fear of loss test their renewed relationship, threatening to separate them again—this time permanently.

 

Length: Novel (294p.) | Genre: Fantasy, Contemporary, Paranormal, BDSM/Kink

Release Date: August 26, 2013 | Buy as eBook ($6.99 ISBN: 978-1-62798-056-2) | Buy as Paperback ($16.99 ISBN: 978-1-62798-055-5)

 

NoAngelLGNo Angel by Daniel A. Kaine

 

Born with a birth defect called Devil Syndrome, it is impossible for Josh Harper to hide the two small stumps of hornlike bone atop his head. If people also knew about his ability to create force fields with his mind, they’d lock him up for sure. Left to fend for himself on his eighteenth birthday, Josh tries to make it on the streets. When he’s attacked, he’s rescued by Sam Mitchell, who has an equally strange power—and a set of pure white wings.

 

Sam ran away from home a year ago, and the new life he’s built for himself includes living in an abandoned house and looking after three younger kids, all with Devil Syndrome. Then along comes Josh. After a rough start their relationship grows and the two young men find a haven in each other’s arms. But when tragedy strikes their newfound family, Sam’s hatred of regular humans spirals out of control, and Josh will have to make Sam see sense before everything he’s worked so hard to build is destroyed.

 

Length: Novel (200p.) | Genre: Contemporary Fantasy, Paranormal, Coming of Age

Release Date: August 26, 2013 | Buy as eBook ($6.99 ISBN: 978-1-62798-124-8) | Buy as Paperback ($14.99 ISBN: 978-1-62798-123-1)

CallMeButLoveLGCall Me But Love by Tracy Rowan

 

Mercutio is a funny, moody, complex foil for Romeo in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, but in the four stories presented here, each an independent tale, Mercutio’s love for his friend goes far deeper, always somehow entwined with the fates of Romeo and Juliet.

 

The first tale sets the trio back in Renaissance Verona, where Mercutio vies for Romeo’s love. Romeo is oblivious, but the love triangle has deadly consequences. Next, we find Romeo and Mercutio in Victorian England. Though Romeo knows Mercutio loves him and returns his passion, he struggles to fit his desires into the strict mores of the day. The third story takes us to post-WWII America, where war-weary Romeo, Juliet, and Mercutio long for the right to love whom they choose. The final story in the collection brings the three characters into contemporary times, a band on a road trip that will change their lives forever. 

 

Length: Novella (74p.) | Genre: Contemporary, Historical (European, Americas)

Release Date: August 28, 2013 | Buy as eBook ($3.99 ISBN: 978-1-62798-014-2)

 

RidetheWindLGRide the Wind by Anne Dudley

 

Alex Durant lives in a room behind the motorcycle repair shop where he works as an underpaid mechanic, bullied by his boss. There’s a truth he’s ignored most of his twenty-three years: men on their bikes turn him on, not women on the pin-up calendars that line the shop walls. It’s during a well-earned vacation to Sturgis, South Dakota, to attend the motorcycle rally where he comes face to face with his truth.

 

He meets the confident and outgoing Jordon Baker, who races motorcycles as a career. Alex is overwhelmed by Jordon’s incredible smile and kind eyes and his need to live life to the fullest. In the week they spend together, it’s Jordon who shows Alex things he’s never experienced: concerts, races, and the stars. It’s Jordon who shows him that two male bodies can ignite in pleasure when they come together. By the end of the week, Alex sees in Jordon’s eyes what he feels in his heart, and the truth of that scares him to the core.

 

But Sturgis week has ended, and Alex is back to the grind. He’s now stuck with making a difficult choice: continue to live his sad life alone and in hiding, or live his truth with the man who has big eyes for the world.

 

Length: Novel (246p.) | Genre: Contemporary, Coming of Age | Release Date: August 28, 2013

Buy as eBook ($6.99 ISBN: 978-1-62798-033-3) | Buy as Paperback ($14.99 ISBN: 978-1-62798-032-6)

HeartWithoutBorders[A]LGA Heart Without Borders by Andrew Grey

 

Pediatrician Wes Gordon will do just about anything to escape his grief. When opportunity knocks, he signs on to work at a hospital in a tent camp in Haiti. One night while returning to his quarters, he comes across a gang of kids attempting to set fire to an underage rentboy and intervenes, taking the injured René under his wing. At the hospital, diplomat Anthony Crowley tells Wes that the kids involved in the attack are from prominent families and trying to hold them responsible will cause a firestorm.

 

In spite of the official position Anthony must take, Wes’s compassion captures his attention. Anthony pursues him, and they grow closer during the stolen moments between Anthony’s assignments, escaping earthquake destruction for glimpses of Caribbean paradise. When Wes realizes the only way to save René is to adopt him, Anthony is supportive, but time is running out: Wes must leave the country, and Anthony is called out on a dangerous secret mission. Now Wes must face adopting a boy from Haiti who has no papers without the support of the one person he’s come to rely on most and may never see again.

 

Length: Novel (200p.) | Genre: Contemporary | Release Date: August 30, 2013

Buy as eBook ($6.99 ISBN: 978-1-62798-020-3) | Buy as Paperback ($14.99 ISBN: 978-1-62798-019-7)

 

RoyalBind[A]LGA Royal Bind by Sui Lynn

 

2nd Edition

Changing Moon: Book Two

 

Lance Fitz and Andrew Reed are a blissfully mated pair, but Andrew’s benefactor Stephon, a born vampire, isn’t happy with the pairing, especially after he discovers Lance’s pedigree. Stephon attempts to find answers using his mental connection with Andrew, and when his efforts fail, he goes after Lance’s new shifter family. Enraged, Lance severs the tie to Stephon. He wants to tear apart the abusive vampire and free his mate and family for good. But before he can try, the family reminds Lance that the death of one vampire won’t change the social status of shifters as an enslaved people. The fight won’t end with Stephon, even if Lance succeeds.

 

 

1st Edition published by Silver Publishing, 2012.

 

Length: Novel (200p.) | Genre: Paranormal, Vampires, Shapeshifters, Mystery/Suspense

Release Date: August 30, 2013 | Buy as eBook ($6.99 ISBN: 978-1-62798-062-3) | Buy as Paperback ($14.99 ISBN: 978-1-62798-061-6)


StrongEnoughLGStrong Enough by Cardeno C.

 

A Book in the Family Series

 

When twenty-two-year-old Emilio Sanchez sees handsome Spencer Derdinger walking by his construction site, Emilio makes it his goal to seduce the shy professor. Getting Spencer into bed isn’t difficult, but Emilio soon learns that earning the trust of a man deeply hurt will take time and patience. With a prize like brilliant, sweet Spencer on the line, Emilio decides he is strong enough to face the challenge.

 

Spencer is surprised when he’s approached by the gorgeous construction worker he’s admired from the safety of his office window. Acting spontaneously for the first time in his thirty-eight years, Spencer takes Emilio home. When the casual hookup turns into the potential for love, Spencer realizes that if he wants to build a life with Emilio, he’ll need to be strong enough to slay his personal demons and learn to trust again.

 

Length: Novel (200p.) | Genre: Contemporary | Release Date: August 30, 2013

Buy as eBook ($6.99 ISBN: 978-1-62798-052-4) | Buy as Paperback ($14.99 ISBN: 978-1-62798-051-7)

               

Forbidden Moon by Lexi DeHalo

forbidden-moonTitle:   Forbidden Moon

Series: Be-Were, 02

Author: Lexi DeHalo

Genre:  Paranormal/ Shifter

Length:   Novel (173 pages)

Publisher:   Siren Publishing

Heat Level: Explicit (BDSM)

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Reviewer:   Cat

Blurb:   Siren Classic ManLove: Erotic Alternative Paranormal Consensual BDSM Romance, M/M, shape-shifters, spanking, flogging, whipping, cropping, sex toys, HEA

Adam Anderson must put aside his broken heart for his Pack. Taking on a dangerous mission deep within the mountains is a step in the right direction. When Adam is severely injured, he is rescued by a lone shifter with a past as troubled as his own. What evolves from there is a romance that awakens feelings he hasn’t had since the death of his mate.

After his pack’s betrayal, Cersin Everett swore never to trust again. He resigned himself to a solitary life far away from both pack and past. However, a hunting trip turned rescue mission brings him a man who can teach him what it means to hope again.

As Sin shows Adam his world, it becomes harder for them to deny their growing feelings. But theirs is a forbidden match, an unmated pairing. They will have to either surrender their newfound love or be torn apart by the world outside the sanctuary of Sin’s home.

Purchase Link:  http://www.bookstrand.com/forbidden-moon

Review: Adam and Leon are sent to meet with another pack about a treaty; Adam is attacked and wakes up in a cabin with a stranger named Sin. The extent of his damages cut him from his pack and it will take a while to heal.

This is book two of this series, though they are all written well and each stands alone perfectly.  This story is intriguing; the suspense is nail biting, as there are so many twists. The sex in this is even hotter than the others. There is some pretty hot BDSM. My favorite thing about this story is the unique take on the mate bond.

I recommend this if you like an interesting paranormal series, two broken men, magic, mates, destiny, shifters, BDSM (D/s relationship), and a satisfactory ending.

If I Was Your Man by Remmy Duchene

18302237Title:  If I Was Your Man

Author:  Remmy Duchene

Genre:   Contemporary Romance

Length:  Novella (81 pages)

Publisher:  Breathless Press (August 9th 2013)

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥3Hearts

Blurb:   When Christophe’s best friend tells him he needs to get out more, he reluctantly agrees. He never imagined that one bold step would change everything.

Christophe LaFavre is a Real Estate mogul. When it comes to business no one does it better. But when it comes to love, he just can’t seem to get it right. When his best friend talks him into going to a club to meet someone, he does it. What he didn’t expect was to find someone who made his body burn from the very first time their eyes meet through their masquerade masks. To make matters worse—this stranger is hell bent on teaching Christophe a few lessons, lessons that burns his body and tempts his heart.

Product Link:  http://www.breathlesspress.com/index.php?main_page=product_free_shipping_info&cPath=1&products_id=472

Reviewer:   Tams

Review:  Christophe LaFavre is self-assured and confident at work, in his love life, not so much. When his best friend and co-worker Jas nags him to go out and have some fun, he relents. He didn’t expect to stumble upon a man who could set him on fire with just a look. And there is something about his eyes and his voice that Christophe finds familiar, but he can’t place it.

I loved this book at the start with the mystery and passion between Christophe and the stranger. A little over half way through it took a bit of a nosedive into cliché’s and angst. There is some pretty hot, consensual sex that involves tabletops and chairs as well and not necessarily in that order or at the same time! Overall, though this was a fast paced, slightly sexy novella that is right up your alley if you’re in the mood for a quickie.

 

Out of the Woods by Amelia Bishop

18336816Title:  Out of the Woods

Author: Amelia Bishop 

Genre:   Contemporary Romance

Length:  Novella (116 pages)

Publisher:  Amelia Bishop (August 12th, 2013)

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:   Harrison is a botanist, working in the forest. Jackson is a man with a secret, hiding there.
By luck, or fate, they cross paths and form a fast friendship. As their relationship grows more serious, they each see in the other a chance for real happiness.
But Jackson’s past mistakes are not easily overcome, and it will take all of Harrison’s love and patience for them to find a happy ending

Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/Out-of-the-Woods-ebook/dp/B00EIR7LJ4

Reviewer:   Tams

Review:  Out of the Woods is a short and endearing story about love, life, and consequences. Harrison is a botanist and teacher trekking through the woods while researching his book. Jackson is a loner and a recluse who finds solace within the woods. He’s built a home and has cut off all contact with the outside world. That is until Harris stumbles into his life.

There is a mutual attraction that only grows over weekends spent together in Jack’s cabin surrounded only by nature, and each other. But Jack is afraid to let the real world become a part of his everyday life again, no matter how much he wants to be with Harris. The couple has no secrets as Jack told Harris about his past from the start. But the past has a way of catching up with you, especially when you run like hell trying to escape it, rather than face it. Ultimately, they find a way to build a life together centered on compromise and love. Jack is really thrown for a loop when his past catches up not so much with him, but with Harris.

This was a delightful and endearing story that brought tears to my eyes a couple of times. Jack is perfectly happy wallowing in his self-pity until Harris comes along and pulls him out of his stupor. Harris was patient, kind, and gentle as Jack learned how to live again, with him. Although this is a short story, it was quite in-depth following the lives of these two men over roughly a two-year time frame, as they only grew closer over every page. Definitely a must read for fans of a HEA ending that is based within reality with a little bit of a struggle to achieve that happiness.

Easy Ryder by Deanna Wadsworth

EasyRyderLGTitle: Easy Ryder

Series: N/A

Author: Deanna Wadsworth

Genre: Historical Romance (1970s)/Suspense

Length: Novel (228 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (August 23rd, 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: It’s July 3, 1976, the beginning of America’s bicentennial weekend, and everyone seems to be celebrating their freedoms except eighteen-year-old runaway Michael Ryder. Fresh from rural Pennsylvania, Michael is doing whatever and whoever it takes to get to San Francisco, where he hopes to find a new life with the freedom to love without fear.

While hitchhiking, a mysterious, tattooed biker named Snake offers him a ride west—on the back of his customized Harley chopper. During their journey across Route 66, Snake introduces Michael to new and steamy pleasures, leaving Michael aching for more than just a physical relationship. But a violent encounter with a cruel biker gang and a harrowing secret from Snake’s military past might destroy their unlikely relationship long before they reach the end of the road.

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4111

Review: Fantastic and brilliant, I absolutely adored every single line in this book. It was a positive thrill reading this book.

“I had experienced a milestone…

A lifetime in one week. I had fallen in love, mapped out a plan for my future, been betrayed, saved someone’s life, and bonded myself to another man through a terrible experience.

What tomorrow held for me, I did not know.”

I think the blurb and the above quote say more than enough about the book. What it doesn’t say is how enthralling the book really is. The characters are both very appealing; both their personalities are overwhelmingly gorgeous. You won’t help loving Snake, even if he seems (and probably is) a shady guy, and you won’t help but adore Ryder, even if you dislike his initial slutty side.

And that’s the beauty if this book. It’s real and it doesn’t shy from flaws and reality. There are no polished perfect characters here, there is no dreamy bubble of a perfect world where everything ends in a happily ever after. This is a book that has all the ugliness there is out there, a big range of feelings and emotions, and if the characters want a HEA in their life, they have work hard and risk everything for a chance at it.

What with all the above and the fact this book is set at the 70’s, I was sold immediately. The penmanship this author has is delightful. I was really surprised though by the fact that the whole story happens in just two days. I would have never thought that I’d love a book that has its characters falling in love so soon and has them going through a lifetimes events in merely two days. Yet this is the real beauty, the brilliance of this author’s writing skill. I couldn’t believe it really, even as I was reading, how effortlessly she made it happen, how very logical a conclusion it was, how beautiful the blend of the characters’ cravings, the growth they make, and ultimately how easy their intimacy seemed. The scenes between the two were absolutely hot, from the hook up to their lovemaking, it was scorching hot and sexy, and with an intensity that burned you along with them.

I could go on and on talking about this book, but bottom end you simply need to read it to appreciate. This is certainly a book not to be missed and I truly believe that no matter the genre you favorite, you won’t help but love this one. It certainly my most favorite list.

 

An Unauthorized Field Guide to the Hunt by Kari Gregg

18207449Title: An Unauthorized Guide to the Hunt     

Author: Kari Gregg     

Genre: Science Fiction     

Length: Novella (102pgs)    

Publisher: Loose Id (13th August 2013)    

Heat Level: Explicit – Scorching     

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts   

Reviewer: Pixie     

Blurb: On Mariket, the strongest competitors win…by losing.

Narone native and former heir of Class II shipbuilder Denbo-West Industries, Shane West surrendered his perilous birthright to compete in the Hunt and tried his luck with the lusty cats of Mariket. Shane’s mastery of survival craft in the untamed forest made him an early favorite among gamblers, fans, and arena officials. When he lured a cat into an arousing chase the first night, mating with Lore to become the season’s first victor seemed guaranteed.

Then news from Arena 4 slowed to a trickle. Rumors emerged about cats who’d gone feral as well as shocking breaches in security. Unconfirmed reports of assassins and rogue predators circulated before offworld communications screeched to a halt.

In this unprecedented glimpse inside the arena, Shane peels back the veil of secrecy. What does it take to tempt a sexy cat? How does being marked as prey by a feline lover feel? Experience the wanton pleasures of the heat with Shane and his mysterious mate–and discover which of last season’s scandalous rumors are true.

Run, pounce, fuck.

Mate?

Welcome to the Hunt.     

Purchase Link: http://www.loose-id.com/newest/current-week/an-unauthorized-field-guide-to-the-hunt.html    

Review: Shane is participating in the Hunt determined to surrender his birthright that has only caused him danger, all he has to do is last as long as possible without becoming a cats victor and his new life will be set. Mariket has a Hunt as part of the negotiations with other planets, during mating season participants are chosen and the Hunt is broadcasted while the cats hunt their mates. Lore has found his victor but he is in danger from rogue cats and dangerous beasts, someone wants his victor dead and Lore will do anything to protect his mate. 

This is a great hot, scorching science fiction story that has a mating hunt twined with planet negotiations and a television spectacle. Shane is running from his birthright, a birthright that his brothers have tried in the past to kill him for, taking part in the hunt will give him a new lease in life if all goes to plan. Lore is enjoying his hunt, his human choice is a delight to chase and the capture, and release is fun. Shane discovers that the cat on his trail is not about to let him go and Lore has to convince the human to be his victor. But something is wrong; a rogue cat attacks, beasts from outside get into the arena and the target seems to be Shane. 

This is a great story and we are thrown into the thick of the action from the opening pages, it’s a fight for survival as well as a fight to tempt the cats. We are thrown into a world where sexual encounters are hot, passionate, slightly violent, but always scorching and broadcasted for all to see. Shane is a great character and he has a plan, it isn’t his fault that it doesn’t quite work out but he does try to fight the instinct to give up. Lore is a sweetie who treats his human like he is a treasure, well, after he has f**ked the man into submission. They have some rocky times as Lore tries to convince Shane that Shane is his victor, and Shane doesn’t give in gracefully at all. 

The secondary storyline is cool as you begin to figure out that someone is targeting Shane, disrupting the Hunt, and trying to destroy the negotiations of the cats. You really are surprised by who the culprit is and the lengths the assassin goes to, to pin Shane down, it might have worked as well if not for Shane’s determination to stay with his cat, and Lore’s determination to rescue his human. The sex in this story is really scorching and can be a bit brutal at times, those cat-mating instincts you know! 

I recommend this to those who love inter-species mating, scorching hot sex, hunting and claiming, a killer plot and a great storyline that keeps you on your toes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAJGFLB0xY8

 

 

My Secret Pain by Kim Flowers

cb58098b1b395e10c8b5e1969508a2605bfa165fTitle: My Secret Pain

Author: Kim Flowers

Genre: YA/ Coming of Age

Length: Short (19 pages)

Publisher: JMS Books (August 12th, 2013)

Heat Level: Nil

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

Reviewer: Cat

Blurb:Senior Dustin Ericson and his best friend Kadie have an unspoken agreement to never reveal they are gay. Dustin recently broke a school record in tennis and enjoys a new rise in popularity, but he’s still afraid of what everyone else would think if they knew the truth about who he is.

When Dustin gets asked to a prom after-party by Ryan, the guy he’s had a crush on since junior high, he can’t refuse. Ryan thinks Dustin and Kadie are dating, but Kadie refuses to be Dustin’s prom date until Dustin tells her Ryan is bringing Alyssa to prom … the girl Kadie has a crush on.

Dustin and Kadie plan the perfect date, including all of Ryan and Alyssa’s favorite food, music, even colors. Sometimes Dustin wonders if he is normal, and sort of feels like a stalker when he realizes he knows a lot more about Ryan than Ryan knows about him.

But, prom night doesn’t go well at all. Dustin drives with Kadie in the passenger seat, while Ryan and Alyssa tear each other’s clothes off in the back. Dustin feels ashamed he could have imagined making out with Ryan, instead. He hates having to hide who he is, and Kadie feels the same. Will things ever get better?

Purchase Link: http://www.jms-books.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=46&products_id=898

Review: I loved this cover!

This is a story of two best friends one a gay black tennis pro the other a white female Goth chic. They are both gay and have secret crushes.

This is a sweet story of crushes, having secrets, and finding your sexuality. It is beautifully written and bittersweet.

I recommend this to anyone that likes a bittersweet story of coming of age

Sinner's Fall by Avril Ashton

18245308Title: Sinner’s Fall

Series: Brooklyn Sinners book #4

Author: Avril Ashton

Genre: Mystery/ suspense

Length: Novella (93 pages)

Publisher:Ellora’s Cave Publishing Inc. (August 16th 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Cat

Blurb:Book four in the Brooklyn Sinners series.
Tommy Jankowski is hiding from a past he can’t escape and a man he can’t forget. With a new name and resolve, he settles in a small California town. It’s there he catches the eye of a predator. Fearing for his life, Tommy reaches out to his old boss for help. The man who shows up is the last person Tommy is prepared to face. 

Mateo Oliveros hasn’t forgiven himself for scaring Tommy so bad he took off running. When Mateo gets a call that Tommy is in danger, he doesn’t think twice before rushing to the rescue, but Tommy isn’t happy to see him. Mateo’s plan is to eliminate Tommy’s problem then walk away, but that’s getting harder and harder to do. The pull between them hasn’t disappeared, in fact, it burns hotter and brighter. With neither man willing to give in, they’re both headed for a fall. It’s only a matter of who goes first.

Purchase Link: http://www.ellorascave.com/sinner-s-fall.html

Review:Tommy ran from his past and the one man he cared about to find himself in trouble with a controlling man who won’t take no for an answer. He calls Pablo for help, not expecting who shows up to assist him. Does he run again?

This is book four of the Brooklyn sinner series. They each stand-alone, though you understand the other characters better if you read them in order.

This book is about Tommy and Mateo. The story had lots of promise, but I felt I was left hanging with the plot. Lots of stuff was brought up that never was answered, but I imagine it may be in the next book. I found the story a bit rushed as far as plot, but the romance between Tommy and Mateo was hot and sexy and the end was satisfying

I recommend this to everyone that likes gangsters and a good romance between two broken and tough men. 

Bite Me Tender by Kate Lowell

kl_bitemetenderTitle: Bite Me Tender    

Author: Kate Lowell     

Genre: Paranormal     

Length: Novella (105pgs)     

Publisher: Loose Id (13th August 2013)   

Heat Level: Explicit     

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts   

Reviewer: Pixie     

Blurb: Levi is a werewolf. His boyfriend, and the love of his life, is a witch. After living together for three years, they decided to commit to each other and change Glyn into a werewolf. Levi hoped the pack would accept Glyn more readily as a wolf. Glyn hoped it would eliminate his erratic magic and erase the OCD it caused. One year later, they’re still trying…

Levi can’t understand why his bite won’t change Glyn and he’s running out of time to figure it out. His pack is being threatened by a larger one, he’s facing dissension in the ranks of his own ruling council, and Glyn’s grandmother is poking her witchy nose into their relationship.

Under threat of a violent takeover, the council pushes another potential wolf at Levi, infuriating Glyn and adding weight to Levi’s own doubts. Council machinations divide the two lovers, leaving both men questioning their lives, their love, and what they’re willing to endure for each other.

Full moon is a time of power and change. It could be a disaster, or it could be the key to happily ever after. If they’re strong enough to take a loss and make it a win.     

Purchase Link: http://www.loose-id.com/bite-me-tender.html    

Review: Levi is a werewolf and is madly in love with his boyfriend Glyn and after being together for so long they have been attempting to change Glyn into a wolf… but Glyn is a witch and the change isn’t taking. Levi doesn’t know what to do, his pack is on his back about increasing numbers and a rival pack is making noises about taking over his territory but he can’t betray his lover to make more wolves. Glyn wants nothing more than to become a wolf like his lover, it should help to settle his magic and the pack would accept him fully, but each month the bite doesn’t take and the pack are trying to force his lover to change someone else. Can Glyn and Levi discover why Glyn isn’t changing and would their love survive if Levi caved in to his packs demands.

This story is brilliant. It is a paranormal story that has disagreements, temptations, danger, and realizations. Each month Levi and Glyn face disappointment when the wolf bite fails, they have been attempting for months to change witch Glyn but each time it fails. Now Levi’s pack are pressuring him to increase their numbers and there is only one way to change a human into a wolf and it involves lots of sex, Levi can’t do that to his lover but the pack are refusing to back down. Glyn’s magic has always been unstable and with the difficulty he is having, he turns to his grandmother for help, and discovers there is more each failure than he first realized. 

Glyn and Levi are an established couple who love each other madly, but the packs insistence is beginning to drive them apart. There is no way that Glyn could accept his lover having sex with someone else but the pack don’t care, putting Levi in an awkward position of having to choose between his pack and his lover. Both characters are brilliant, with Levi being torn over what to do and Glyn refusing to be walked on by the pack; it is a rocky time for both men but their passion for each other never lessens. When the discovery of why Glyn’s change never works is discovered Levi feels guilty but Glyn takes it all in stride, it makes a very interesting storyline and has a great twist for the shifters.

I really enjoyed this story as it wasn’t perfect mates and the changing of new wolves was pretty unique, both Glyn and Levi are hot characters and you can clearly see the struggle they both face as temptation is thrown in Levi’s face. I was amazed at the feelings this story invoked, disappointment and anger being the main ones. It really makes you feel for Glyn as he is faced with the possibility of his lover not only changing another, but having months of sex with that person as well. The thing is, you also see it from Levi’s point of view as well, and especially when he is trying to convince his pack that it is wrong for them to expect him to set Glyn aside for months. This really is a great story.

I recommend this to those who love shifters with a different twist, witches in a snit, fantastic sex, brilliant characters and a great ending. 

 

Glitterland by Alexis Hall

17727137Title: Glitterland

Series: N/A

Author: Alexis Hall

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length: Novel (248 pages)

Publisher: Riptide Publishing (August 26th, 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: The universe is a glitterball I hold in the palm of my hand.

Once the golden boy of the English literary scene, now a clinically depressed writer of pulp crime fiction, Ash Winters has given up on love, hope, happiness, and—most of all—himself. He lives his life between the cycles of his illness, haunted by the ghosts of other people’s expectations.

Then a chance encounter at a stag party throws him into the arms of Essex boy Darian Taylor, an aspiring model who lives in a world of hair gel, fake tans, and fashion shows. By his own admission, Darian isn’t the crispest lettuce in the fridge, but he cooks a mean cottage pie and makes Ash laugh, reminding him of what it’s like to step beyond the boundaries of anxiety.

But Ash has been living in his own shadow for so long that he can’t see past the glitter to the light. Can a man who doesn’t trust himself ever trust in happiness? And how can a man who doesn’t believe in happiness ever fight for his own?

Product Link: http://www.riptidepublishing.com/titles/glitterland

Review: The moment I started reading this book the first thought that hit my brain was “oh no”. I had a moment of panic there talking myself into abandoning the book because depression? Meh, been there done that, and frankly couldn’t be arsed to dive into that haze again. But even as the book starts with a sad, sad scene, it was nearly impossible to stop.

With an exquisite approach, the author introduces us Ash. This character is not a merely depressed one – which in itself is a very serious illness – he is also bipolar and well, insane. His world rests now between insanity and waiting for it to happen. He has no hopes, no dreams, and no expectations whatsoever. He is a writer and the only reason he is one is due to his stubbornness to not fade away into nothingness. Everything he once was before it hit him is gone, and he understands that golden child, that young man with the bright future is never coming back. If only his friends saw that too.

Ash is such a solid character. He drags you in his live want it or not and you can’t fail to relate in some way, however small, with him. In addition, he’s also the stereotypical Englishman for you. That snark, irony, and self-sarcasm, the peculiar sense of humor, all are there to entice you and make you laugh even through some really dark events. I won’t deny everything about Ash is appealing, even when he becomes a real jerk – and that had nothing to do with his illness, rather a habit born out of self-preservation – you feel for him, care for him, makes you want to yell at him and shake him up. Yeah, Ash evokes strong emotions all right.

As for Darian, oh my, what a charming one he was. Hilarious and funny, Darian takes Ash from the grey haze effortlessly and takes him flying to the clouds of normalcy and joy and happiness. While he’s not the brightest star out there, his optimistic attitude in life doesn’t fail to make Ash smile. But Ash has been in a self-destructive path for so long that it has now become a habit, a hard one to shake.

Lovely, lovely journey indeed. Everything was portrayed beautifully, the good, the bad, and the ugly. It made for an enthralling read and I couldn’t be happier to read it. I felt sad, I felt happy and I felt joy along the way with the characters. The plot was brilliant. It ended in the classic HEA, but there was nothing stereotypical about how it approached it. The characters were gorgeous and lovely, even Niall whom I wanted to strangle at some point. And it takes place in England, with absolutely charming Englishmen. Now what else do you need? Strongly recommended.