Blurb: Rhas-Khan is the god of the abyss and Eilian is his lover. The need for pain with their pleasure has Eilian asking Rhas-Khan for a whipping while bound with an extra surprise of Rhas-Khan’s choosing to further spice the session up. Because of the immense love Rhas-Khan has for Eilian, he decides to take the session one step further to please his lover, giving Eilian something he’s often asked for that ultimately leaves them both sated and even deeper in love with each other.
Review: Do you dare look into the eyes of the Abyss? Do you dare look into the Abyss of your own soul? Are you strong enough to face it and live to tell the tale?
Many men have the arrogance to believe they can, few ever get out of it sane, one managed to love it and be loved by Abyss himself.
Enticing isn’t it? I thought so myself and I was rewarded with a very well written short erotica. It did help the fact that I’m a sucker for pain-plays and sadomasochistic scenes, for this is a read that will make you cringe if you’re not drawn to the genre.
As it is, it made even me wince and that mean something. I loved how the author made this work, from introduction, where she entices you with glimpses of the Abyss, till the very end, where you get to breathe in their love. I felt every single word of this short electrify my brain with the subtle power it holds.
So if you are a lover of good erotica placed in a fantasy and wrapped in pain and sensuality, while being utterly hot, you’ll love this shorty.
Blurb: Robin goes out to have an itch scratched and ends up with more than he bargained for in Tyler. Or maybe he didn’t bargain enough.
Robin Lloyd has it all, he’s successful, makes good money, and he’s handsome enough to get laid without having to think twice about it.
Tyler Anthony, the lay of the day, catches him off guard in more ways than one. Robin has no idea he’s taking a prostitute home, or that he’s going to become addicted to the guy, even if the sex they’re having could hardly be mistaken for affectionate.
Review: Holy Mother of Hades and all the freaking Deities together, what a sweet, hot, freaking erotic read.
Alright, after that exuberant exclamation I’m in control of myself. Hah! Seriously, though, I loved this book. What is there to say about a story that has you engrossed from the first line? It was fantastic.
Robin is a self-assured man. He’s made his life from scratch and reached all the way to the top. Yes, he has no personal life, but whenever he wants something, he gets it.
So he’s out on the prowl for something easy, someone to spend his night, or a couple of hours with, lacking the drama of separation and the awkwardness of the morning after.
As the music of the club beats hard and unrelenting, he sees a man utterly irresistible. Gorgeous, even if he can’t make all his details in the lousy club light, the man has his immediate attention, and when he asks him if he’s willing to pay the price to get what he wants, Robin fails to see the meaning behind the phrase. He wants this stunning creature that has his blood soaring, and he wants him know. Even when the info slams home and he is being told loud and clear that Tyler is a hooker, even as his whole being convulses from shame that he’ll have to pay for sex, he can’t stop himself. But everything changes when he has the most amazing night of his life with the man and realizes that for Tyler he’s just a trick.
An exquisite story that begins like every other hooker/client story, but changes and twist right at the moment when you think you got it all figured. Brilliantly written, drenched in sensuality and slightly tinged with desperation you can almost feel excluding from Robin as his heart starts getting lost in the whirlwind left from Tyler’s antics, this story will literally get you hooked.
Repeating myself, I know, but I loved it. I would have loved some more info on Tyler. I admit he’s still a bit of a charming stranger to me. I would have loved to see the reasons of why he treated Robin the way he did (hence the whacking of a heart out of this), I would have loved some more background story for both MC’s, but I understand that the short length of the book did not allow for greater elaborating.
As it is, I strongly recommend it to the fans of the genre, to all of you who search for a gripping story that is fast and erotic and will enslave your attention for the duration. It’s well worth it.
Blurb: Shane and Leo have been best friends forever: through high school, dating disasters, and family losses. Lately though, Shane has been feeling more and more unsettled. His girlfriend dumped him because he wouldn’t spank her, and he can’t stop thinking about the kiss he and Leo shared in high school, long before life happened and they grew up.
When Leo confronts Shane about his depression, the whole, unpleasant story about the breakup comes spilling out. Leo offers to spank Shane so he can understand the appeal, and shockingly, Shane wants to agree, but both of them are straight and he’s not sure it’s a good idea. Besides, he’s not into pain and he feels weird asking his best friend for sexual advice—Leo is too important to him to risk their friendship over something like this. So what if he can’t figure out why the idea is so intriguing?
Review: Well, if you’re looking for a short story, for escapism purpose only and you don’t really care about the plausibility of the plot, rather prefer two really hot friends that experiment with their curiosity and end up with hot and smexy scenes and love declarations ending it, then by all means this is a perfect such short.
Shane is having a problem. He’s been dumped by his girlfriend for two weeks now and his best friend Leo can’t understand why he’s still cranky. When Shane tells him the reason his ex left him was because he could not bring himself to spank her Leo’s big mouth runs ahead and proposes Shane to be on the receiving end for experimental purposes only. After all, when both were teenagers and had a hard time finding girlfriends, that’s exactly how they learned kissing. On each other…
Are you seeing it yet? Yeah, the bi-curious boys are the theme here and the plot is quite easy to follow. Shane, after squirming and pretending to refuse, finally succumbs to Leo’s whim. One thing leads to another, the past comes smashing heads with memories, and longings gripping them both and not letting them go.
Yes, we have two bi guys who have to come to grips with their sexuality, Shane more than Leo. Yes, we have full on intercourse while both are virgins on male/male lovemaking. Yes, all the while we have this spanking kink and a slight bondage (there is a safeword mentioned there too) to spice thing up a bit.
No, this is not my thing at all. I’ve always been wary of first timers and especially when kinks are combined. I just felt it was way over the top, although if I’m honest I loved the ending scene when both exes barged in and started a confrontation. I found that hilarious really.
So there you have it, take it, or leave it, it’s up to you, and your personal likes.
After a whirlwind vacation on the Isle of Wight, where he found the love of his life, Sam Owens sends Liam Marshall home to Michigan to tie up loose ends so they can be together forever. When all communication with Liam goes silent, Sam worries. Fearing the worst, he enlists the help of his brother, British Metropolitan police officer Paul Owens, to help him find Liam and get him back safely in time for their wedding. Paul has little difficulty digging into this mystery across the pond. Paul is also good-looking and openly bisexual, all of which adds to the dismay of Wisconsin Detective Olaf Skandik.
Olaf is ex-military and still closeted now that he’s part of the police department. He’s frustrated, hemmed in by the walls he’s erected, and when he meets Paul, he wonders if this may be the time and opportunity for change. Looking into his brother’s missing fiancé, Paul also starts looking into Olaf, and business soon mixes with pleasure, a bit of romance that may strengthen his case for them to make a future together.
Review: In Book 1, The Isle of Where, we were introduced to Sam and Liam. Now in wishes Liam has approval to move to and live in the UK so he and Sam are crazy busy planning their wedding. When several days pass with no phone call, email, or text from Liam, Sam knows something is wrong. He calls his brother Paul, who’s a police detective, and the Owen’s family backs the brothers as they make plans to fly to the US to find Liam.
Paul puts his experience as a cop to work and quickly gets information on Liam’s missing rental car and get’s the local police involved. The officer assigned to Liam’s case is Olaf Skandik, an extremely tall and extremely attractive cop with blonde hair and aquamarine eyes that stirs something inside Paul. A few stolen glances from Olaf, and Paul is assured that the feeling is mutual. But the sexy US cop is so far in the closet he probably couldn’t find the knob with a map and a flashlight!
Paul is really good at his job and gets under Olaf’s skin in more ways than one, as he wiggles his way into the investigation. While following the leads to find out what happened to Liam, the two become very close, in more ways than one. When Olaf finds himself in London for Sam and Liam’s wedding, will it be just one last hoorah for him and Paul? Or will he find that knob, and have the courage to turn it so he can be happy with Paul?
I’ve read several of Brown’s books now and I’ve yet to be disappointed. I love the way she’s able to show the difference in the various characters with speech and mannerisms, I can seriously hear Paul and Sam bickering with their British accents in my head while I’m reading! She also conveys the differences in cultures to the reader. Paul is a bi-sexual cop in London who hasn’t been given much grief about the fact that he likes girls and boys. A few heads spin when he falls in love with a man, but overall there aren’t any big waves. Olaf on the other hand stands to lose everything and everyone. But he’d gain one sexy as husband that he can’t keep his hands off of and the obnoxiously loud and loveable Owens family.
Must read for Sue Brown fans, another success. Hopeless romantics that love a couple of sexy men that can’t stop throwing themselves at each other just might like this one as well, I sure did!
Blurb: The Top End of Australia—a tropical paradise filled with beauty. Wonder. Danger.
For two young boys growing up in the Northern Territory—half-Aboriginal Jarrah “Jad” Yindi and his best friend Luke Lawson—the remote beaches and aqua waters of the Top End are a playground of adventure. And as two best friends become young men, true love washes over them like the sea upon the sand.
But life is full of challenges and change, and if Jad is to discover who he really is, he must piece together his ancestral past, his dream-filled present and his uncertain future to become the man he was always destined to be.
Through water and fire; through love and loss; through the days of youth to the stories of the world’s oldest living culture, journey across the heart of Australia—
—to discover what’s in the heart of one young man.
Review: This story was simple but beautiful. Erotic but tasteful and well worth the read!
Jad and Luke have been best friends since they were children in their exquisite community by the ocean in Australia. They swim with dolphins, dive for pearls and live life to the fullest. As they grow up to together they form a bond and a love for one another that is unmistakable and unbreakable. But they graduate and go off to college soon and Jad is leaving for Sydney to go to medical school. Absence makes the heart grow fonder though, right?
While at school Jad meets Brandon, a fellow med student who is also gay. Struggling with being away from his home, family and Luke; Jad is confused with his feelings for Brandon. He loves Luke and he’s only ever wanted to be with him. But there is an undeniable attraction to Brandon. When a call comes that Luke has gone missing, Jad is on the first plane back home to find his friend, and lover? Still confused with his feelings, Jad has to decide between his dream of being a doctor and travelling the world helping people, going back to Brandon. Or staying where he knows in his heart he belongs, with Luke.
The Pearl is a beautiful and emotional coming of age story with one hell of a background. The land and the culture are just as much a part of the story as Jad’s journey through life. He’s always surrounded by love. Be it from his family, Luke or Brandon. There was never a transition from Jad and Luke as friends to Jad and Luke as lovers, it was seamless. And when they finally come together one night on the beach they’ve grown up on, it’s absolutely perfect. Luke gives Jad his pearl he got that day during their dive. Jad carries that pearl with him through everything from that day forward. They come full circle years later on that beach, with each other and the pearl.
This is a must read for my fellow lovers of romance. There are some emotionally charged, sexy guy on guy scenes as well, bonus!
Blurb: The Shadow Worlds are dying. Can two sworn enemies manage to get past their differences and ignore their burning attraction to each other long enough to save them?
Brandon is a Weaver, a member of an old, powerful race. His discovery that Master Weavers are disappearing, presumed murdered, is a shock. Even more so, when he realizes that the person responsible is not actually a person at all, but a Revenant, and worse, the creature also known as the Abomination.
Things are not quite, how they seem, however.
Jaime is a Revenant, a creature born from death and designed to do his Master’s bidding. He’s been living in the shadows for years. Now, the Shadow Worlds are dying, Weavers are disappearing, and Jamie is no longer the only Revenant to survive their Master.
Can these two men ignore the hatred, and the passion, that burns between them, and work together to find out just what is happening to the Universe around them?
They must uncover age-old secrets of the Weavers, and defeat enemies who are closer to them than they’d realized.
Reader Advisory: This book contains scenes of non-consensual sex including the detailed account of a gang rape, not intended for titillation, which some readers may find distressing.
Review: If you have read Weaveworld by Clive Barker then you will easily get into and understand this world and new series A Brewing Storm introduces us to. No, it’s not the same concept, it’s not an adaptation of Weaveword. It simply relies in the same idea when it comes to the magic the characters wield. It doesn’t happen in the blink of an eye and it’s rather explained and compared with weaving. But let me start this differently, perhaps from the beginning.
The Shadow Worlds are vanishing. A dark storm cloud is falling onto them and leaving nothing in its wake. The Shadow Worlds – parallel worlds identical to our Earth – were once numerous, with the farthest World being the home of the Weavers. People that learned how to manipulate and weave the energies and create Spells, Ritual etc. Through their magic, they could also manipulate the “walls,” for lack of better word, between the worlds and travel through and into the different Shadows of the Core World (our Earth). But now the dark storms are moving and every couple of hundred years they are swallowing another world. The numbers are falling and eventually there won’t be any place for the Weavers to be, but the Core World itself.
Through the thousands of years, the Weavers move from world to world they started helping their hosts and making their life better using their magic. They never lost a war and their greatest ritual was that of Binding a Revenant. A Revenant is the Weavers greatest warrior, for they are dead people whose part of their soul was brought back and bound to their body and the Weaver’s will by magic, making said body stronger, faster, and simply more that it once was, while they obey completely to their Master’s will, as long as their master lives, but they go mindless “zombies” the moment their master dies and are therefore extinguished.
All except one, the best warrior of them all, the Abomination, the only one to live after his Master’s death and retain his awareness and his soul.
I am hooked with this new series. I am sold completely, I’m a slave to this author’s work, and I literally cannot wait till the next book comes. I loved it, adored it, and couldn’t believe it when it was over how fast I consumed this book. The backbone of the story is incredibly solid, it’s such a strong work and it can host so many installments, it makes a perfect ground for many, many books to come.
The beginning is somewhat slow, with a steady pace; slowly introducing you to the lore and the basics of the story, while in the meantime introduces you to our protagonists. Through flashbacks, we get to know Jaime, the Revenant, who he was and what his life was like before he died, his new life as a Revenant and ultimately what his purpose is. We also get to know Brandon, a young weaver, somewhat naïve whose life changes in a matter of days when he discovers that everything he knew as facts had been carefully hidden lies, and that his people and mostly his father have been abusing and corrupting their spells and powers.
In a beautiful web of intrigue, romance, betrayals, use, and abuse, and the sparks of lust and undeniable attraction, this story grips you and takes you down in its magical core, letting you only to resurface when it’s over. Even then your brain refuses to let go, eagerly anticipating the follow-up installment that ironically is called The Beginning, because even if this is the first book of the series, it’s only the introduction for what I suspect to be a great Saga.
What more can I say, I loved it and I recommend it wholeheartedly to all fantasy/alternate world fans, for it is an exquisite read.
Publisher: Annette Gisby (16th June 2013) first published March 20th 2010
Heat Level: Low – Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3½ Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: The neighboring kingdoms of Oscia and Arcathia have been at a tentative peace for three years after centuries of warfare. Prince Severin of Arcathia has been brought up to put duty before all else and as the only son of the King and Queen, it is his duty to marry and produce an heir. His parents want him to marry an Oscian princess to cement that tentative peace. Unfortunately, Severin isn’t interested in princesses. Now, if he had his pick of princes that would be another matter.
Havyn has been a slave all his life. When his aptitude for wizardry is discovered, he finds himself purchased and freed by Prince Severin and apprenticed to the royal wizard, Ildar. His duty is to stay chaste to keep his powers strong, but his feelings for Severin sorely test his resolve.
With kingdoms at war, the throne hanging in the balance, magic in the air, and outside forces trying to keep them apart, can the two men find happiness together, or is duty more important than love?
Review: Severin is a prince in his own country of Arcathia, he is traveling in Oscia, who they are recently at peace with after a three-year war, and comes across a slave market. Arcathia doesn’t have slaves and Severin wishes he could buy them all, but buy’s one of them to set free once he reaches Arcaitha. Havyn has always been a slave, the kindness of his new master astounds him, and to be offered an apprenticeship with a wizard! Severin must marry a princess to continue his line but he would much prefer Havyn under him, Havyn must stay chaste to keep his magic pure and fights the temptation the prince offers. With two kingdoms in the balance, murder, and betrayal, Severin must decide if duty is more important than love.
This is a great fantasy story that has intrigue, mystery, and secrets buried. Severin doesn’t want to marry but knows he has to do his duty, when he gets to know Havyn he can’t help but dream for a different outcome. Havyn discovers that he is much more than just a slave when he meets Prince Severin and the wizard Ildar, and he has difficulty keeping chaste when Severin tempts him so much. Setting off to meet his future bride a terrible tragedy occurs and Severin faces more difficulties to come.
I quite enjoyed this fantasy story and the developing relationship between Havyn and Severin. I liked the storyline and the mystery that is hovering just on our peripheral vision, you know there is a secret that will be revealed you just don’t know when or by who. There are a couple of things that happen that make this story interesting but I won’t ruin the surprise. The relationship between Havyn and Severin is rocky but they find their way with some sweet loving and gentle reassurances. The journey that Severin, Havyn and Ildar undertake is a decent adventure, it never bores, and it does lead to the solution to Severin’s marriage problem.
I recommend this to those who love fantasy, interesting storylines, twists, murder, betrayal, hopeless love, sweet lovemaking and a great ending that wraps everything up nicely.
Blurb:Carlo has a problem, after years away he’s finally returned to his South Carolina roots – but instead of peace and quiet all he’s found are nosy wolves, romancing twinks, an out of control roommate threatening to expose them all, and a demanding Alpha who just won’t go away.
All his Alpha wants is to show Carlo who he really is, and where he belongs. But Carlo Montefiore is a man fighting his instincts, memories, and responsibilities. His beachside home was supposed to provide sanctuary, but pack politics, unruly roommates, and human neighbors at risk of discovering that shifters exist, are making life anything but peaceful. Twinks Kevin and Grady have their own problems. Two college freshmen are no match for a couple of hot wolves who like to play chase. If they don’t stop playing games they’ll miss the biggest thing to happen in their young lives—love.
Review: Carlo is an Alpha wolf but he was sent away from his pack when he was forced to go to a college, now he has returned but he turns his back on the responsibility of the pack like they turned their backs on him. Angelo has had to look after the pack as the only other Alpha, but now with Carlo finishing college he can hand over the reins and think about his career in the military, what Angelo never counted on was Carlo refusing the Alpha role and staying away from the pack. Kevin and Grady are humans who are reconnecting their friendship with a holiday at the beach, falling in with a couple of wolves proves to be an interesting time and forces them to confront their feelings for each other.
This is a very cool book that has a couple of different story threads that blend together to make for a very interesting read. Carlo is bitter, Angelo is angry and neither man will step back. While Angelo was following Carlo’s fathers instructions, he inadvertently drove the younger wolf away, now Carlo wants nothing to do with either him or the pack. Carlo has started his own small pack with two friends, living by the beach but his friends are still young wolves who can’t keep it in their pants. Joey and Ted set their sights on their new neighbors and nearly end up in sever trouble during a party.
Well, there is a lot going on in this story that grabs your attention, there are some mysteries that need to be solved and some very deep hurt feelings that might never be repaired. Okay, well… hmmm where to start, well for the last several years Angelo has been the Alpha of the Montefiore pack looking after it for the true Alpha while he is in college… unfortunately he didn’t handle it properly and Carlo thinks he has been forced out of the pack so Angelo could have it to himself. Angelo has an attraction to Carlo, and Carlo has an attraction to Angelo but Carlo is very bitter and their dealings are angry and bitter. Ted is a wolf from a different pack but his background is a mystery, Joey grew up with Carlo and is a complete horn-dog. Kevin and Grady are two cute guys who just happen to be staying next door to the wolves.
I found this story to be intriguing but packed with confusion as to what is going on. There is very little page time between Carlo and Angelo and what there is, is confrontational and angry, and you can’t help feel that if Angelo had handled things differently years before, then he wouldn’t be having the problems he is now dealing with. Carlo is bitter and it is blinding his future, you can understand why he felt abandoned but his hurt is driving him. There’s some pack politics that emerge that I am sure we will get a clearer picture of as the series continues, but for now we are left with questions and a rough direction of where the story is going. The only thing that I really couldn’t work out was the involvement of Kevin and Grady in the story, yes they made a great side story and their involvement produced some really hot sex, but other than their involvement with the wolves making them confront their feelings for each other, it didn’t really expand the storyline.
I recommend this to those who love shifters, confrontation, bitter feelings, pack politics, explosive sex, and a twisty ending that leaves you intrigued and wanting more.
Blurb: What happens when an innocent is sent to the dark side?
Anarchy is the new leader of hell. He doesn’t believe a young new arrival, Josh, can be a cold-blooded killer. He intends to find out why Josh killed two men and if he deserves the tortures of hell or the peace of heaven. If Josh has to be chained, naked and about to burst from pleasure to tell the truth, well then so be it.
Review: Anarchy has been the leader of hell for 100 years, when he meets new arrival Josh he finds it hard to believe that Josh could be a cold-blooded killer. Determined to get the truth, he sends Josh to his own residence with plans to sexually torture the truth out of him… and to also discover why Josh makes him feel the way he does.
Gulp, this is a hot short that has kink and sexual pleasure galore. Anarchy is puzzled about why Josh is in hell, but Josh won’t give him the full story. When Anarchy discovers the truth he has a choice of his own to make, ask heaven to take Josh and lose his mate or keep Josh in hell where he will be miserable.
Ah damn, I really don’t know how James Cox can give us a sexually pleasing story that also has a great storyline in only 22pgs. This is a really hot short where the truth comes out, forgiveness is given, Anarchy finds a mate, hot kinky sex is enjoyed and we also get a happily ever after (after a bit of despair). This is a great story that whets the appetite and satisfies it at the same time, it fulfills a quick paranormal fix while giving us a kink fix as well.
I recommend this to those who love kinky paranormals, hot kinky sex, a sweetish love story and a great ending.
Blurb:Alpha wolf shifter Dillon and his mate, Rick, are tracking a rogue when they run into Copper, a lion shifter. Instant attraction flares between the pair and the feline as they team up to catch a killer.
A rogue wolf shifter with his growing army of killers sets alpha wolf and security expert Dillon into motion. Together with his long time mate, Rick, they track the string of deaths to a small rural town.
Copper, an alpha lion shifter, isn’t thrilled the Wolf Council sent the pair to stick their nose into his business but finally agrees to accept their help, determined to solve the case quickly and send both wolf shifters on their way before he gives in to his primal urges.
Sparks fly as they grapple with their instant attraction and jockey for top dog position while Rick sits back and watches the fireworks with amusement, realizing they just might have found their third mate. The sexual tension is building while a deadly band of killers is culling out the next victim in their game.
Can they put aside their differences and find a way to stop the killings before one of them ends up in the crosshairs?
Review: Dillon and Rick are wolf shifters who have the task of tracking a rogue wolf and his rogue pack; they have to stop the rogue before he wipes out more humans. Dillon is an Alpha and Rick is a Beta they are mates and looking for their third, when they come across lion shifter Copper the attraction between the three flares to life but Copper fights the attraction to concentrate on finding the wolf that is hunting humans on Pride land. As the three work together Alpha, personalities clash and Rick sits back to watch the sparks, but when one of them is injured they all realize that their flirtation is much more serious and if the Alpha’s can come to an agreement they just might have a true Triad.
This is an interesting shifter story that has some great pack structure and a hunt for rogue shifters. Dillon is a typical Alpha; he has to be top dog and doesn’t have much room for compromise. Rick is an interesting Beta, who is very easy-going; his relaxed attitude is a great balm to Dillon’s more brash attitude. Copper is a great character who has a laid-back attitude but is far from a pushover, he gives Dillon a run for his money in the Alpha stakes and gets along with Ryan beautifully. The rogue wolf wants the shifters to rule the world and is collecting shifters who are dissatisfied with pack life or have been abandoned by their packs, but he hunts for fun, killing humans and has drawn the attention of the shifter Councils.
I really liked the small bits of information about the packs structures and how they work, the storyline was interesting with a rogue wolf bent on destruction, and ruling the world and the relationship between the three men was scorching with want and need. I must admit to having wanted more in the way of storyline dealing with the rogue shifters, having more details about them and what drove them. Although I thought Dillon, Rick, and Copper made a great Triad in the end, I got fed up with Dillon’s Alpha-ness early on, especially since he was puffing up against an Alpha lion. Copper handled dealing with another Alpha wonderfully, ignoring the blatant challenging on his own Pride lands, I also liked the fact that he didn’t expect to jump into bed with them even with all the pheromones flying about.
I recommend this to those who love shifters, danger, alpha clashes, hot sex, dealing with rogues and a great hot ending.
Blurb:Hunzinger’s Mechanical Circus, a rollicking seaside carnival where imagination meets machinery, shines as the only bright spot in the dreary city of Purinton. A shadow is cast there one day when a tall, cloaked figure approaches the stand of Will Marchman, a young patent-medicine salesman. Fanule Perfidor, commonly known as the Dog King, isn’t welcome at the Circus. No resident of Taintwell is; they’re all Branded Mongrels, officially shunned. But Will is beguiled by the stunning, mysterious Perfidor. Their mutual wariness soon gives way to desire, and a bond forms.
Soon the naive but plucky pitchman becomes embroiled in a dangerous quest. Fanule suspects Alphonse Hunzinger and Purinton’s civic leaders are responsible for the disappearance or incarceration of countless Branded Mongrels. But why? As Will’s passion and regard for his tormented lover grow, he’s determined to help Fanule get answers and prevent any further persecution… or worse. They just have to stay together—and stay alive long enough—to see their plan through
Fanule is a branded mongrel, and the elected official of Taintwell. He is finding more and more mongrels are being arrested or disappearing. also his madness is getting worse.
Will is a hawker at the Mechanical Circus selling an elixir. Until he finds its mongrel, blood used to make it. He meets Fanule by happenstance and they immediately become fond of each other. But, developing feelings could be dangerous to both of them, since Fan has a bounty on his head. Simon is a bounty Hunter, but has a conscience. He had been seeing Will only for physical pleasure, then meets Clancy Marrowbone, the vampire, at Will’s one night. He likes Clancy’s company and joins Clancy and Fan to help find out what is going on with the missing mongrels.
This is a fabulous story set in an intriguing Steampunk setting, with lots of steam, mechanisms, an old-fashioned backdrop, with different unique types of part human creatures and vampires. The story is intriguing, fast paced, sensual and mysterious. There are twists and turns around every corner.
I read the second book first and had to read this one. I love all the characters but especially Fanule. He is dark, sexy mysterious, dangerous, but also caring and devoted. My kind of man. My only issue is the relationships are skirted around too much, id have liked more detail especially on how Clancy and Simon ended up together.I will say the names and cities are a bit cheesy, but add to the unique style of this story. I love it!
I highly recommend this if you like Steampunk, old-fashioned settings, vampires, mongrels, and sensuous love stories.
Blurb: Marshall volunteers at the handicapped student office at Columbia University at the end of his fifth term to keep out of trouble. As an undergraduate working toward a sociology degree, he likes working with people, and he’s assigned to work with Lyle, who has Asperger’s syndrome. In trying to find a way to work together, the two develop a close bond. Then their roles are reversed when Lyle discovers Marshall needs tutoring about sexuality.
Review: This is billed as an erotic romance between a student aid and a student with Asperger’s syndrome. I was anxious to read this story to see how the relationship would build and play out. I was sadly disappointed. As the mom of an Aspie, Lyle was an unrealistic character. The author seemed to take all the positive behaviors of the disorder and incorporate them into this one person. The writing as well was stilted, with the majority of the story being conversations about a history paper. There wasn’t anything erotic or romantic within this story that I found. It pains me that I didn’t like this book, I really wanted to.
Blurb: Matt Dixon, a young firefighter, is the golden child of his family, and he never dreamed that coming out would challenge more than the way his church sees him.
For years, Matt has led a double life hoping to avoid ridicule. When a self-righteous pastor’s statements provoke him to defend his recently deceased best friend’s honor and subsequently out himself, he suffers the brutal aftermath of his revelation. Everyone in his life, including his family and his new lover, Darian, must deal with the ramifications as Matt struggles to come to terms with guilt, shame, and his very belief in God.
Darian Weston lost his fiancé when Jamie took his life and his feelings for Matt added guilt to his burden of grief. Confused and lonely, Darian clings to Matt despite his inner strife. But small-town realities keep intruding, and if Matt and Darian hope to make a life together, they must first take a stand for what they believe in, even if they fear the cost.
Review: When Jamie Miller committed suicide, he forever changed the lives of the two men he loved most; His best friend, Matt, the young firefighter and his fiancé, the young lost soul, Darian. In the aftermath of Jamie’s death, Matt and Darian begin an unconventional relationship that is fueled by grief and lust. The attraction is undeniable and immediate, and even though both men struggle internally with their relationship and the fact they really should not be doing this, they can’t seem to get enough of each other.
Matt has only recently come out to his parents and his church and is still dealing with the aftermath. His parents are initially standoffish, but they eventually come to their own terms with his homosexuality. Crazy church members and homophobic co-workers only add to the grief in his life, and he’s still recovering from the loss of his best friend.
Darian’s part in the story is a little darker. He is consumed with grief in the aftermath of Jamie’s death, to the point that it manifests itself as Jamie, ridiculing and condemning him for having a relationship with Matt. Darian’s addictions are scary and he was by far the most interesting character in this story for me. He literally hit rock bottom and struggled immensely to regain his footing and attempt to be happy, not just with Matt, but with life in general.
This is the first book by Kelly that I’ve read, but it won’t be the last. I’m a huge fan of love stories that are rooted in reality. Characters that have depth and overcome enormous odds to be together and be happy. Kelly delivers all these attributes and many more within the pages of this book. Her writing is intense and gripping. There is a HEA for us hopeless romantics, and some hot sex scenes with our two ML, in fact at the start of the book I don’t think they strayed far from the bed! Definitely a must read for fans of the genre.
Publisher: Independent Published Author (July 30th, 2013) First published January 2013
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts
Blurb: *Recently re-released with extended content and a sparkly new cover*
27-year-old Tyler Marcus has always done the right thing. He’s intelligent, quiet, made good grades, and went on to become a celebrated civil rights attorney. But the one thing he has always wanted was the one man he should not. Mark Riley realized at 33 that his life was not what it should have been. He’d been in a marriage of responsibility, raising his son that was a teenage mistake, taken the job his father had pushed on him on the police force and had been miserably drifting along, until one night his teenage son’s friend was visiting from college and woke him from his miserable slumber. Tyler Marcus changed Mark’s life with a simple act of kindness and with one chance meeting, 5 years later, may also end up giving him the world
Review: Tyler has had a crush Mark for several long years. A chance meeting at a local gay bar brings the two face to face again after 5 years without contact. When Tyler wakes up wrapped in Mark’s arms the next morning, with expletive details of the night they shared replaying in his mind, he’s sort of standoffish. You see, it’s not just the age difference between Tyler and Mark that worries him. Or the fact that he’s been in love with Mark for what seems like forever, Mark is also his best friend’s father.
What started out as a friendly conversation on a swing set many years ago, set Mark down a path that landed him back at Tyler’s doorstep. Mark spent his entire life pretending to be someone he wasn’t. Forced to marry young by his parents, when his then girlfriend ended up pregnant, then forced into a job he hated by the same parents. One conversation with a young man who was wise beyond his years set in motion a series of events that would forever change the lives of everyone involved.
When their mutual families learn of their relationship, let’s just say the shit hits the fan! Tyler’s mom is livid. And her best friend, who happens to be Mark’s ex wife, is infuriated. And just waits until Mark’s son, Tyler’s best friend finds out. Add to that a jaw-dropping act of violence against Tyler and you have an intriguing story with just enough angst to keep you turning the pages. Boehme does an excellent job of weaving everyone’s stories together and then bringing the focus back to Tyler and Mark in the end.
In the end Wide Awake was a beautiful love story about two men that defy everyone’s logic about why they shouldn’t be together, in order to be together! Overall, this was a sexy, romantic read with a HEA ending that I just loved.
Blurb: Jordy Hurrell is the singer of rock band Rogue Night. Dave McCray is their lead guitarist, talented, beautiful, and totally oblivious to Jordy’s feelings for him. Jordy would give up his whole world for one night with Dave, but instead he has to endure night after night of seeing Dave in the arms of a gorgeous groupie.
By the time, Jordy finally raises the courage to tell Dave how he feels, someone else has stolen the guitarist’s heart and the revelation threatens to tear the band apart. Will Jordy lose everything he loves, including Rogue Night, or will he finally find someone who plays to his beat?
Review: I thought this story was really touching. The strain, the isolation of a gay singer living up to a set image of heterosexual rocker is palpable in this story. You really get a sense of desperation that Jordy is going through enduring an unrequited love interest in his best friend and bandmate, and then a sense of hopelessness once Jordy realizes he does not stand a chance with Dave. Once the story progresses into Jordy coming out I actually felt the relief the main character experiences.
This author is very good at writing emotion into their story lines. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, even without a sexy love scene, didn’t need it.
Blurb: Gay BDSM Fantasy. Adam is a submissive masochist living on a planet which systematically persecutes sadomasochists. Like other exposed sadomasochists, he has been forced into a street life. Nevertheless, he is determined to find his sir. Adam believes he is searching for a man, but his search leads him to a black winged angel. The story contains explicit material and is intended for adults only.
Warnings: Sadism/masochism, explicit sex between men, bondage, dominance, and submission.
Review: An immortal being often called an angel or God, and often referred to as monster, Camulus, visits a planet that he finds somehow weird in its society structure. While gays were once upon a time prosecuted and hunted, nowadays they are tolerated by their peers, but everyone in this world has a strong hate/disgust attitude toward masochistic submissives of any genre. Even the once that were once chased and often brutally killed have now same sentiments toward their fellow citizens due to their show of affection and need for mixing their pleasure with pain. Ironic is the fact that sadist don’t bear the same fate as they are far in between and are somewhat tolerated. Ironic is the fact that Comulus is one sadistic creature who adores masochists that are wired to thrive in pain.
When Comulus sets his eyes on Adam, a man of a rare disposition, a pure-breed masochist, he makes up his mind to stop his wandering through the starts, settle on this planet for a while, and enjoy this rarity. And this is how this story begins.
Now, the idea was too enticing for me to pass. A society so judgmental on one aspect of someone’s sexuality or sexual needs that they go into obsession and downright hatred against this small group with outrageous displays of brutality. A relationship between an Immortal and a mortal in the mists of chaos. The birth of outmost trust when fear and betrayal wait in every corner. A sadomasochistic pair whose dynamic should be wondrous to witness and explore. It has everything I require in a read, everything that grips me and make me succumb.
Unfortunately, despite the advantages, this read lacked the one thing that would make it grate. It lacked the connection between book and reader. The narration was too clinical, too detached for you to feel the characters deep in your core. The Angel, a powerful being that should have served the rise in the intensity level, lacked the mysticism of his presence. Adam’s needs and the danger level of his very existence were lost in narration and the way the story was told left you no way of feeling it or relating at a minor point with its characters.
Both Comulu’s and Adam’s introduction was hastily made, with no build up for their interaction, and there is a serious lack of passion as the story start. We only get to see more of them after the second chapter, but then again the text suffered from “telling” and the sensuality, the eroticism, and the powerful dynamics of an S/M relationship blooming were not felt. Every intimate scene was spoilt by the inner thoughts of the characters, taking you away from the scene itself until it was over and you were told the end result. All my eagerness for the masochistic streak of the protagonist was lost, as I did not feel his levels of tolerance; I did not get to lose myself in the magic of such creature and the pleasure of ultimate erotic pain. Even the air suspension scene was lost in thought about completely different things and Adam’s chance to shine was lost in the time leap. Such a shame that one was.
The end itself was in line with the start. The narrator jumped the years and gave us a mild satisfactory end where Adam gets some sort of acceptance from the one who betrayed him while he got a completely different reaction from the one who supposedly loved him. The contradiction made for a perfect example of society and human interactions. I also totally love the last final line.
But all in all, I felt this read did not explore its full possibilities and while it could be quite powerful with its idea, we got a mild, detached story.
Blurb:Horror writer Scott Wallace has been waiting for his husband, Private Kristian Schon to come home from Iraq for the longest two years of his life. Two years filled with writer’s block, fear, and sleepless nights. When the two are reunited, everything starts out perfect except when Kristian starts to show signs of PTSD and Scott consumes himself with his work as a means of escape. Can the two of them learn to work through their problems or will the war in Iraq tear them apart? Product Link: https://www.nobleromance.com/Books/453/My-Soldier%2c-My-War
Reviewer: GiGi
Review: The very beginning of this book had me biting my nails with anxiety, just as the author intended. This entire book is an emotional roller coaster. These guys had a great relationship over the past eight years, and then two years with Kristian serving in Iraq being an extreme struggle for both of them. The relief at being reunited is short-lived before what we all expect starts to happen: readjustment problems, PTSD, sexual issues, secrets and more test this relationship. Bring in the addition of Henrico, the best friend and long time admirer of Scott, and you have a whole other layer. There is not a lot of military, really, this book is more about relationship struggles, and I feel the need to warn you. There is a ton of emotion packed into this powerful little novella, and it’s not for the light of heart, but if you have a deep dark, heart like mine you’ll really enjoy this read. Just be sure there is no one in the room when the emotions get rolling, they might wind up a target for your e-reader when you toss it across the room!
Author: Thaddeus J. Genre: Contemporary Romance/Military
Length: Novel (93k word count)
Publisher: Createspace (July 10th, 2013)
Heat Level: Mild
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Blurb:Turner Michaels is an idealistic junior enlisted communicator that wants nothing more than to successfully execute his duties. After being transferred to a light armored reconnaissance unit in the middle of the Mojave Desert, the young U.S. Marine starts to feel a bit overwhelmed and out of place from his usual role of support – that is until he is reunited with his old friend Jace Sozio. Reconnecting with one another is simple, but neither of them could have imagined the intense yet awkward attraction that would grow between them. Though admitting these feelings to one another poses a dilemma for the men, as neither wants it to threaten their close friendship. Taking things to a whole new level raises a number of other questions as well. First and foremost, would their peers accept them, or would they have to forever hide their relationship? And admitting their true feelings for one another is easier said than done. Their harsh supervisor is demanding and makes life miserable for the pair, and they also have a number of very good (though sometimes annoying) friends that make them question if they even need enemies. But with the help of their family and inspiring leaders, the two will discover that loyalty and support are stronger than bigotry and misperception. Proving that the Corps indeed is a sacred brotherhood where men can trust one another with their very lives. Product Link: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/334900
Review: This is an enduring friends to lovers story that is layered with all the pressures of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell on the conflicted lover’s shoulders. Most of the story occurs during non-combat training in various bases in the U.S. Pressure builds as Turner and Jace each keep secret their attraction for each other, even though Turner has come out to his barracks mate, keeping secrets like this has an ill effect on his performance. Jace’s strange behavior starts raising red flags with another long time friend and bunkmate until the final confrontation explodes into full fury and threats of dishonorable discharge. The details of the barracks, the bases, and surrounding landscape are so descriptive I can’t help but believe the author spent some time serving or working on the bases. This is an HEA, but the struggles to get there kept me glued to the pages throughout.
A living piece of art, I exist to please the divine rulers of Kered. With nowhere to turn after my father died, I tried my luck in the capital city. Little did I know how quickly I would be robbed, beaten and forced to sell myself into servitude. But I was lucky enough to gain the attention of Roberd Tallisk, an irascible but intriguing tattoo artist who offered to mark me with enchanted ink for the enjoyment of the nobles. I was given a chance to better my station in life, and I could not refuse.
But the divine rulers want not only the art but the body that bears it. In their company I can rise above the dregs of society and experience a life most only dream of, at the cost of suffering their every desire as a pawn in games of lavish intrigue. Their attention is flattering, but I find I’d rather have Tallisk’s.
Caught between factions, I learn that a revolution is brewing, one that could ruin Kered–and Roberd and myself along with it…
Review: Etan is a young man who is tossed out of his home after his father’s death, travelling to the Kered city is his only hope of survival. But things don’t go his way and he soon finds himself signing himself into servitude to survive, he is brought to the attention of Roberb Tallisk a master tattooist and jumps at the chance to become one of the Adorned. The Blooded are the only ones to ever see an Adorned’s tattoo’s, living art brought to life by enchanted ink, but they also want the body the ink is gracing. With the Blooded, living the high life is intoxicating but Etan begins to be drawn into a harsh reality with mumbling’s of revolution and the secret yearning he has for his master tattooist.
This is an amazing story that draws you into the life of a poor country boy as he makes his way in a world that has been war-torn and is trying to heal. Etan doesn’t really have much of a choice after he is kicked out of the only home he has ever had, even when he gets to the city his luck is abysmal when in a short amount of time he is beaten and robbed. Things begin to look up though when he is offered a helping hand and he makes the choice of selling himself into servitude for 5 years, he might work hard but he will be fed and have a bed. Luck falls his way again when he is offered the chance to become one of the Adorned, few are chosen but they live a life most would beg for. Being with Tallisk has him yearning for something more but his first duty is to his master’s patron.
You know, I could go on for ages describing this story and I still wouldn’t do it justice, so let me just say that we follow Etan’s life as he grows and discovers what he wants, we follow as he is settles in his own skin and finds what he really wants to do. We see as he falls in love and his devastation as revolution comes to the city. There are some amazing descriptions in this story of the tattoo’s and what makes them living art. We are drawn into a world of indulgence as the masses starve but the Blooded rule and none can gainsay them. The characters are all well-rounded and fully fleshed out, adding to this story and making it so much more intriguing. The harrowing scenes as the revolution takes hold and it isn’t just the Blooded who are punished. The love and joy that Etan finds with Tallisk is nearly cut short but miracles happen when you least expect it.
This is a very in-depth book showing us the journey of Etan as he develops from a naive young man to one who discovers his true path in life. Etan’s relationship with Tallisk doesn’t really show itself until near the end of the book, we know there is a connection between the two but it isn’t acted upon until near the end. The situation that Etan finds himself in between two factions, Blooded, and human, trying to please both while keeping himself neutral, is a difficult one and not easily negotiated. While Etan and Tallisk do get their happily ever after it isn’t an easy or painless journey.
I recommend this to those who love harsh fantasy, doing what has to be done, finding your own true worth, discovering love, and fighting to the very end for happiness.
Blurb: Even after a decade, the life that journalist Brent Walsh and Milwaukee homicide detective Shawn Mackey have made together is far from boring. But when a new case cuts a weekend getaway short, they aren’t quite prepared for how it will impact their personal lives. Suddenly there’s too much to juggle: Shawn will be working the case of the sharpshooter who is trying to infect random people with HIV, Brent needs to cover the story but fears a conflict of interest, one of Shawn’s colleagues is attracted to him, and Brent sincerely needs to mend the painful break with his childhood best friend, Ollie, and heal their broken hearts.
Though the case comes to a close, it’s not the end of their troubles. Shawn and Brent still face a past of old white lies, a present possibility of inviting another man to their bed, and a future with children, not to mention health issues and national fallout from the case. It’s enough to make them want to run away—until they realize they have to face those challenges head-on so they can get on with the life of love they’re hoping for.
Review: Journalist Brent and his husband, homicide detective, Shawn are enjoying a well deserved weekend away when it is cut short by a work call for Shawn, after ten years together it is something that Brent is used to but this case cuts close to home. Shawn has to find a sharpshooter firing tranquilizer darts and Brent is steering clear of the story, Brent also longs to mend the rift with his childhood best friend and a colleague of Shawn’s catches both of their eye. When the case closes Shawn and Brent, still have to face a white lie that shakes up their trust, the possibility of inviting another man to their bed, health issues, and the possibility of children. They have to face the challenges head on together if they want to keep their happy life of love.
This is a great story that mixes a police investigation, journalism and they everyday lives of a loving couple. Shawn and Brent are both great characters, they have been together for ten years but separated for a brief time five years ago, and even with the difficulties that separation has left behind they love each other completely. Investigating a shooting spree brings home to Brent his own situation and they begin to discuss children and their wish to have them. During a brief visit to Shawn’s work Brent meets, a colleague of Shawn’s who sets his mind to erotic thoughts, and a new idea forms.
I thought this story was brilliant, I loved the way it was written and the characters portrayed. Brent’s need to reconnect with his childhood best friend is touching and wonderfully done, the way the investigation is played out was brilliant and very original, keeping you wondering what could happen next. Brent’s and Shawn’s relationship is filled with love, with just a couple of ups and downs and you can see the close family ties they have. This is a really well written story that was well thought out and, to my mind, researched. When everything is tied together and finished, this is about a couple who have been through a lot together, love, and support each other through thick and thin.
Now, although I really enjoyed this story and thought a lot of it was wonderful I must admit to having some major disquiet with the threesome, I mean the idea came from nowhere, to a couple who had never wanted anyone else and suddenly they are contemplating adding a third to their bed for a one-off time…. it would have been different if they had at least thought about it or discussed it in the past but they hadn’t. It just felt wrong for it to be there tainting a wonderful story for the sake of thrills and sex.
I will recommend this to those who love slight thrillers, a genuine loving couple, mending friendships, looking to the future, love and forgiveness and a great visit to England.
Title: Into the Heart of the Abyss
![CostOfLoving[The]LG](http://mmgoodbookreviews.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/costoflovingthelg1-e1376786563827.jpg)
