Month: December 2013

Warming Up Sebastian by Stephani Hecht and Jackie Nacht

4273warmingupsebastian510w-430x645Title: Warming Up Sebastian

Series: Birds Of Prey # 3

Author: Stephani Hecht & Jackie Nacht

Genre: Paranormal / Shifters

ISBN: 978-1-77111-775-3

Length: Novella (118 pages)

Publisher: Extasy Books (December 15th, 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb:  Thrown into a world of paranormal of violence, there’s only one thing to do: create your own destiny.

Sebastian has been tossed into the thick of a war between the Birds of Prey and Blood Demons. He’s heard it all about fate, destiny, and this is how it’s going to be. Oh, hell no, it isn’t. Sebastian has his connections and will use them to help him and his mate Wren solve the problem of the mates’ loss of freedom.

Wren has been drawn to Sebastian since he laid eyes on him. Hurt by his refusal to even be near him, Wren feels at a loss of what to do until he follows Sebastian one night. Wren discovers that Sebastian may have been in this world a lot longer than they all ever knew.

Product Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/stephani-hecht/warming-up-sebastian/

Review: Now this installment of Birds of Prey was a nice surprise after the slight disappointment of the earlier ones. I suppose having a flock created by Athena it is bound to be a greater agenda behind the scenes, an agenda that now is reaching our eyes.

This book follows Wren and his fated mate Sebastian. Honestly I groaned a bit inwardly when I read the blurb, as Sebastian made it pretty clear on the previous installment that he does NOT want a mate, therefore causing me a bit of wariness for the upcoming fights between the inevitable lovers. However, as I said I was pleasantly surprised as Sebastian proved to be more, much, much more than reaches the eye. He (thankfully) is not the weak mortal mate in distress being haunted by the blood demons who desperately needs his immortal one to save the day every little step of the way. Nope, Sebastian can perfectly stand up to his enemies by himself. What with his Father and brother making an appearance, promising more to come I have the impression this is turning to be one exciting turn of events.

As for Wren, well his insecurities are still there – they do come with the little wren thing – but he manages to get over that fact and not cause lots of drama, thus allowing us to focus on his relationship with Sebastian and the action that takes place.

Again being totally honest, I must say that while this installment was a great, great improvement from the previous one, with the plot picking up and becoming highly interesting, Gods and Demi-Gods coming in to play and finally the mates not being all prey for the Demons, I still found Sebastian and the story around him not properly exploited. Some of the explanations given between the couple felt rather hasty and rushed, simply stated and over with, and that gave cause for a bit of detachment. I am having a feeling that we will see more in the future though so I’m reserving judgment, but I can’t help feel that these books should have been a bit bigger, a bit more.

As it is, my interest is highly spiced and though I began reading this book with the thought let’s give this series another try I ended up fascinated and anticipating what is to come. Please let it be Fallon and Raven.


Recommended!

Goblins: Book 1 by Melanie Tushmore

18158120Title: Goblins: Book 1

Author: Melanie Tushmore

Genre: Paranormal / Fantasy / Fae

ISBN: 9781620042373

Length: Two Novellas (189 pages)

Publisher: Less Than Three Press LLC (September 25th, 2013)

Heat Level: Low ~ Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: In the 17th Century, the ancient sprawl of Epping Forest is bursting with magic and those who go unseen by human eyes: the elves who rule the summer court, and the goblins who rule the winter court. It is said that if a human catches the eye of one of the fey, they are either doomed or blessed.

Wulfren & the Warlock
When Wulfren wakes from a strange dream of a human captor with long silver hair, and grey eyes, his brothers tell him they rescued him from a warlock, and take Wulfren back home to the goblin king’s palace. But Wulfren isn’t so sure the matter is that simple. Why was he missing so long? What are the strange dreams of the beautiful man with the silver hair? Dalliances with humans are severely frowned upon, especially by Wulfren’s father, but Wulfren is willing to risk the scorn of his family to find the human who haunts his dreams.

Quiller & the Runaway Prince
After a hard winter, Quiller is sent deep into the forest on a family errand, and is surprised when a human stumbles into his path. Quiller swoops in to pester him, perhaps even eat him, but there is something special about the human: his scent is royal, though he protests that he is not, and soon Quiller finds himself agreeing to help the human with his troubles—in exchange for a kiss.

Product Link: http://www.lessthanthreepress.com/books/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=502

Review: I can’t believe I hadn’t read this one earlier really. What an enthralling read these two stories were. I absolutely adored them. But here, let me walk you through each one separately.

Wulfren & the Warlock

Oh how I loved this story. It was fascinating, the goblins just to die for, and their personalities so much of what I’ve always fantasized them to be. Playful and pure trouble they very well could be the little terrors of the forest. I think this is one of those rare stories about the fae that makes a decent and relatively logical approach to their magic and life. It just awakens that fire inside you whenever you think about the magic of the forest and Mother Nature herself.

Wolf is the seventh son of the Goblin King, and though he plays around with his brothers, there is something missing in his life. When one day he awakens dizzy and without memories he feels out of place and terribly irritated. His brothers explanation that he was captured and enslaved by a warlock makes no sense as dreams show him memories of his time with Ash, and though he was enslaved the first time he met him, he was set free after that.

So what happened? Why has a season gone by, one he doesn’t remember? What happened in between and why does his heart feel cold and his arms empty?

A fantastic story filled with magic, naughty goblins that cause lots of trouble, and love. Mostly love, for this is a wonderful, brilliant love story where one willingly would give everything he has, even his own life for the privilege to be loved back.

Quiller & the Runaway Prince

The second story actually picks up where the first left and follows Quiller, Wulf’s brother. Half Goblin half Bird spirit, Quiller finally has two seasons off. Spring and summer are perfect as the Rotten Ring’s dwellers rest. But on his very first day off Quiller finds himself tasked with chores yet again. Irritated he sees to it nonetheless and his reward is a beautiful runaway prince. A human prince but royalty nonetheless, one that smells deliciously and has Quiller’s imagination sparkling with mischief. This is the perfect opportunity for some meddling and fun, but alas, as Quiller goes through the bargain and helps his Charming Prince, he falls into the oldest trap of them old. He falls in love…

So both these stories have this thing in common. They made me recall old tales told in hushed whispers from my great-grandmother in order to scare us children into behaving. The fear of the dark when the spirits rise and the little people come out to startle us. Tales of spells and magic cast to the fools who aren’t wary enough, and so on. Yes, these tales had an old touch in them, one that made me literally melt and enjoy them wholeheartedly.

Quiller’s story is fascinating too, a bit more intense action wise, a bit more entrancing as he sets out to save his distressed Prince. I loved it, I enjoyed it immensely, but the end left me wondering. Having met the Goblin King and with the happy for now sort of end, I couldn’t help but wonder how would Quiller and his Prince’s future be like.

Other than that though, both stories were so very worth reading that I couldn’t recommend them enough. I hadn’t thought it possible to like Goblins as much, but here you have it, I’ve been yet again surprised and fell yet again a little bit more in love.

Fire and Air by Pelaam

71PGGT9GxsL._SL1425_Title: Fire and Air

Author: Pelaam

Genre: Paranormal, contemporary

Length: Novella (14K)

Publisher: MLR Press (December 13th, 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Cat

Blurb: When Kenton meets Con, sparks fly

During an investigation for suspected arson, Kenton’s ESP tells him there’s more than meets the eye in regards Con. However, he isn’t prepared for the overwhelming attraction he feels, which appears mutual, and when the two men get together, sparks fly. Kenton’s suspicions about Con are correct, and when he thinks he’s been used, he’s heartbroken, and goes away to lick his wounds. But he’s about to find out that when fire and air combine, there’s nowhere to hide.

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

Review: Kenton has ESP and uses it to help investigate crimes with his best friend and business partner Nathan. He feels he is being watched and finally meets his stalker the sexy, mysterious Con.  They get involved quickly and soon Kenton finds Con’s secrets.

This is a very intriguing story. I loved the new, unique characters. Kenton is sweet sexy and with his ESP is very intriguing, and Con was very interesting with his air abilities. Edan a fire starter was unique also. I just wish that perhaps the story was longer so we could have gotten more details on these characteristics and more in-depth story. I loved the mystery and the depth of feelings.

If you love a good story with unique characters, mystery and intrigue, hot mansex and just a good ole, sweet, cosy story to cuddle up with on a cold winter night this one is for you.

Friends and Frenchmen by A. Lusch

91yHI0VpoIL._SL1500_Title:  Friends and Frenchmen

Series:  52 First Dates, Episode Two

Author:  A. Lusch

Genre:   Contemporary Romance

Length:  Short (38 pages)

Publisher:  A. Lusch (October 31st, 2013)

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts

Blurb:   With David in his mid-30’s, it’s time to get serious about finding a husband. Too many men and not enough time, mean he’s embarked on the challenge of a lifetime; to date a new man every week for a year until he finds THE ONE.

With one date out the way, and many more to come, David’s realizing there’s a reason it’s so hard to find a soulmate. And, with friends, lovers and lust getting in the way, finding a husband might be harder than he thought.

Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/Friends-FRENCHMEN-52-First-Dates-ebook/dp/B00GDHYVYK/ref=la_B00EB6OWSU_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1386549493&sr=1-2

Reviewer:   Tams

Review: Oh yes, this one is short, sexy and steamy as well.

So when we last left David he’d set his plan in motion to have 52 first dates over the next year. He’s been on a couple of dates now that didn’t pan out for one reason or another. But he’s already got more lined up. It’s while he’s out one day to meet up with his bestie that he spots a gorgeous Italian guy checking him out from the coffee shop. They find each other online and start talking, making plans to meet.

In this second installment, we learn more about David’s daily life, his relationship with his friends and yes, he blurs the lines between casual and possibility again. But it’s so much fun! There are a few twists and turns as well. Personal issues with friends, somebody is mugged, and somebody is pregnant. All the while, he’s getting ready for his date with the hot Frenchman, and chatting up the Italian. Let’s just say the Italian has a nice little surprise for David that could totally change the rules for the game.

Aside from a couple typographical errors, this novella was quite good. The reader gets to see every aspect of David’s life from dating to hot sex and hookups and hanging out with friends. The guy is just so normal, and yet, so interesting. Maybe it’s the plan and all the hot steamy sex. I can’t wait for episode three, I suggest you grab episodes one and two and get caught up with David and his antics before then!

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through MM Good Book Reviews*

http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com

White Frog The Movie

white-frog01Movie: White Frog

Genre: LGBTQ YA drama

Run time: 93 minutes

Movie website: http://www.whitefrogthemovie.com/

Streaming through Netflix: http://movies.netflix.com/WiMovie/White_Frog/70260077

Buy from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CKZE7FC/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=36162691960&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2038291635903222033&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_1nudvgmde7_b

Synopsis: High-school freshman, Nick (The Twilight Saga’s Booboo Stewart), is a neglected teen with mild Asperger’s syndrome whose life is challenged and ultimately changed forever when tragedy hits his family. WHITE FROG is a universal story of the power of family, friendship, and love positioned to appeal to a broad audience in the same way as ORDINARY PEOPLE and STAND BY ME. 

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Tams

Review:  Nick has Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism, and the only person that can get close to him is his brother Chaz.booboo04 When Chaz is killed, Nick goes into a tailspin and only finds his way back through Chaz’s friends. But along the way Nick not only learns so much about himself, but he learns a secret his brother was hiding, a secret that threatens to destroy not only Nick and Chaz’s family but all the progress Nick has made.

The family dynamic that has always been closed knit and portrayed a level of perfections is torn apart when Chaz dies. His mother withdraws, his father who was never much present for Nick anyway becomes even more unavailable. And Nick reverts back to non-communicative. One of Chaz’s friends reaches out to Nick and starts including him in the activities his brother used to do with all of them. Slowly Nick comes out of his shell and Chaz’s friends become his friends. But then a picture changes everything.

The-Cast-of-WHITE-FROG-Directed-by-Quentin-LeeSo often, both of the major aspects of this movie are misrepresented in films. This movie was so spot on with the Asperger’s Syndrome idiocentricities and the little things that people who don’t live within the spectrum don’t know. They don’t like to be touched, they focus on certain or very few colors, and they are highly intelligent but socially awkward. And Boo Boo Stewart was so believable as Nick. He is such a great young actor. He has this innocence about him that translated to this role. Then there is the LGBTQ aspect to the movie that is conveyed in a positive manner as well. Nick has to decide how he feels about learning one of his new friends is gay, and this is a very hard thing for an Aspie to do. Not just figure out but deal with their feelings, and then to express them is a whole other ball game. Especially when he was raised in a church and within a family that is slightly homophobic.

I just loved everything about this movie. It made me laugh, it made me cry, and it made me laugh while crying. Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion. This is a must see movie, if you have Netflix it’s streaming! I would even say its family friendly. Even with the LGBTQ aspect, it’s not an adult movie. It’s a fantastic family movie. I think I’m going to have to buy a copy and add this movie to my collection.

Kuro by Ana Raine

81QW6gW9etL._SL1400_Title:  Kuro (Trick or Treat

Author:  Ana Raine

Genre:  Paranormal/ Erotic Romance

Length: Short (29 pages)

ISNB:  06623-02130

Publisher:  Changeling Press LLC (October 7th, 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Eric

Blurb: While shopping for candy for his friend’s Halloween party, Preston saves a strange black cat from a group of teenage boys. Overcome with a desire entirely new to him, Preston takes the black cat home and discovers things are not always what they seem, especially on Halloween.

The cat, a demon named Caleb, has been searching for his mate for months and can’t help but be fascinated with sweet Preston. He’s determined to drag Preston down to his home in the underwater demon world. Now Preston must choose between his mortal life or one full of demons — and love.

Purchase Link: http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=2130

Review: Preston is planning on heading over to his good friend’s house for her fourth annual Halloween party when he comes across a cat in distress. He rescues the cat and ends up taking it home with him. As soon as he gets home, he finds himself shocked to see the cat having turned into a sexy man who made him both confused and incredibly turned on.

This Hot Flash goes to show what happens when dangerous men trigger a hidden desire. It provides the excellence of an erotic romance and the enjoyment of hidden desire and what it can bring forward.

I’m the kind of person that loves a well-paced erotic story to sweep me away from a long day and this one is perfect for that sort of occasion. I find it to be a fantastic read, a quick one, and well written.

I would certainly recommend this for anyone that loves to read quick stories and become enthralled by an amazing romance during Halloween.

Out of Options by Naomi Brooks and Angelia Sparrow

81XnY8WvLqL._SL1500_Title: Out of Options

Series:  Like it or Not

Author:  Angelia Sparrow & Naomi Brooks

Genre: M/M, contemporary, dubious consent

Length: Short (27 pages)

Publisher:  Storm Moon Press (June 22nd, 2013) 

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Reviewer:  Cat

Blurb: When Connor’s rent money is due and not even hooking can make up the shortfall, he is willing to do almost anything. So when playboy Jarrett makes him a very generous offer, he doesn’t look too closely at the terms—and lives to regret it. Because now he’s literally, a slave to Jarrett’s sadistic appetites, and the longer he stays, the more he feels his own identity slipping away.

Note: This story was previously published in the Like it or Not anthology.

Purchase Link: http://www.stormmoonpress.com/books/Out-of-Options.aspx

Review: This is a short story and was part of the Like it or Not anthology. The anthology is a collection of stories with dubious or non-consent.

In this story, Connor goes on the street occasionally to earn his rent money. He meets Jarrett a playboy that offers to help if he gets in a bind. When the job Connor has plays out and he has run out of options, he takes Jarrett up on his generous offer of help. Their first time together had left him wanting more of Jarrett. He was the first of his clients to be kin and considerate of Conner’s needs as well as his own. Not reading the contract Jarrett insisted on; was one of the worst decisions Connor had ever made.

This story is not for the faint of heart. I guess this one I will call dubious consent, since Conor did sign the contract and Jarrett even brought up that fact. Never trust a stranger. Perhaps never trust a friend that much for that matter. This one really makes you sit up and think. I will say I found it pretty hot though. I found it well written and intriguing, the characters very deep and interesting even surprising. I never saw the twists coming.

If you like stories of college men, playboys, hot sex, very rough BDSM and dubious consent this is for you! Wickedly hot!

Salva Me by Autumn Montague

81jK1YWE8QL._SL1500_Title: Salva Me

Series: Blood Sworn 1

Author: Autumn Montague

Genre: Historical/Vampires/Paranormal

Length: Novel (192 pages)

Publisher: Loose Id (October 31st, 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts

Blurb: England, 1816. A nosferatu, a rogue vampire, hunts unchecked through Sussex. Jeremy Takeshi Colbourne is honor-bound by ancestral duty to find and destroy such madmen. Foremost among the vampires of England, he must find a way to ensure the safety of the English citizens and the Nosferii that live among them. Then Jeremy and his blood-host Morgan Holland discover a brutally savaged girl. With this latest victim of the nosferatu, Jeremy realizes the time has come to make Morgan aware of the Colbourne responsibilities. But the situation could not have come at a worse time.

For years, Morgan has served as Jeremy’s blood-host. Though Morgan adheres faithfully to his Contracted terms, he refuses to surrender to the sexual seduction that completes each feeding. He yields neither his body nor his heart, though Jeremy yearns for both. As nosferatu’s atrocities grow, Jeremy must ask everything of Morgan to gain the strength needed to fight the ravening monster. Will Morgan relent and give up body and heart to help Jeremy defeat their enemy, or will the battle destroy them?

Product Link: http://www.loose-id.com/blood-sworn-salva-me.html#product_tabs_description

Reviewer:   GiGi

Review: I love a good Vampire bromance…and this one has enough unique details and twists to keep me captured!

I really like the details about contracted blood hosts and Jeremy’s strenuous control over his lust providing plenty of tension between he and Morgan. Also interesting if the blending of eastern culture into vampire lore. Most stories keep with the tradition of Carpathian, or Northern European roots for such stories, and it’s refreshing to get a new view a new cultural twist.

This story had plenty of elements that divided my loyalties. While I felt I wanted to cheer for the side of Jeremy, vampire of honor and unrequited lust, I found I kept being frustrated by Morgan. Not because he resisted his attraction and longing for Jeremy, but because of his leaving his family behind. I had a hard time swallowing the fact that Morgan left his entire family behind, and at the peril because he came across Jeremy’s path. Even with the draw of a life-mate type situation, it’s hard to accept the casualties of their new bond.

All in all this was a great read that kept my attention, delivered plenty of action, excitement, danger, and lust. I look forward to the next book in this series.

The Wolf's Mate by Marie Medina

19034352Title: The Wolf’s Mate

Series: The Year of Stars, Book 1

Author: Marie Medina

Length: Novella (90 Pages)

Publisher: Evernight Publishing, December 6th, 2013

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5 to 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Lisa

Blurb: Hatori’s life changed forever when he discovered that his real father was a Lycan, as his frequent illnesses suddenly made sense. After achieving his first shift into wolf form, he hoped the last remaining clan of Lycans could offer him some relief after a lifetime of suffering.

Yet nothing goes as planned when he travels east to meet with this clan. Since his first full shift, Hatori’s sensitivity to—and craving for—vampire blood has been a great burden. Surrounded by very tempting vampires and confused by what the Lycans have to tell him, Hatori doesn’t know what his next move should be. But when one of the vampires tastes Hatori’s blood, it becomes obvious the fates wanted Hatori to travel east for a very different reason.

Product Link:  http://www.evernightpublishing.com/the-wolfs-mate-by-marie-medina/

Review: I must say that this book is very intriguing. It caught my attention from the start and actually kept it all the way to the end.

It was told in such a serious tone, but did have its humorous parts also. Hatori is a half-breed, part Lycan part human. He knows that he should have died a long time ago, but went to the Lycans to find out if there was a cure. He had this desire for vampire blood and it was very sexual to the point. Kyo is basically the head of the vampires there, and he was as straight well as straight as he thought he was. After a strange way of tasting Hatori’s blood, he finds out that he has found his mate. Hatori is very easy to love, but lacks self-confidence and trust in himself. Kyo is strong and loyal, he is also very much in love with his mate.

You get these two together and they just about burn the house down with the passion between them. It is hot and steamy. You won’t be able to turn your head from this story. This story has lots of twist and turns that will drive you insane, but is very pleasing also. It will entice you to read this story more than once. I cannot wait to doing just that. I look forward to the next book in this series.

Firehouse Six 2: Fire and Mistletoe by Draven St. James

81ZYgUUj6hL._SL1500_Title: Firehouse Six 2: Fire and Mistletoe

Series:  Firehouse Six, 02

Author:Draven St James

Genre: Contemporary/Holiday

Length: Novella (87 pages)

Publisher:Loose-ID (December 23rd, 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Cat

Blurb:When Greyson Hayes envisions the perfect first Christmas with Mica Cruz, he sees twisted sheets, a bottle of wine and a roaring fire. What he doesn’t see is a holiday spent with the uproarious Cruz family. Grey hasn’t taken part in a family Christmas since the death of his parents. Despite his misgivings, he can’t seem to form the word no when it comes to Mica.

Mica knows that Grey’s not a Grinch. Hell, the man shares so much Christmas cheer during the holidays that he leaves no time to experience any for himself. Not this year. Mica plans to make a few changes, starting with a few wicked and whimsical gifts. He enlists the help of his co-workers at Firehouse Six. They band together and strive to provide Grey with the same joy he gives to everyone else–with five a.m. tree hunts, strategically placed mistletoe and Mica playing Santa’s not-so-little helper.

But while Mica is busy being nice, Grey has plenty of time to be naughty

Purchase Link: http://www.loose-id.com/fire-and-mistletoe.html

Review: Grey and Mica are smokin’ hot! What more need I say.   This is a fabulous story of two men in love and in the early stages of a relationship. Grey is not used to being out where Mica is.  Grey has reasons why he doesn’t decorate and go all out on Christmas himself but throws himself in covering shifts for others and volunteering. Grey is such a wonderful character, even his faults are sweet.  Mica also is a fabulous character though he and Grey are a little different they blend well and let’s say when they get together and they do every chance they get they set the pages on fire. (Yes, I had to toss in a pun) There are a few more interesting characters in this story and I think I can see some more stories coming soon or at least I hope so

This is such a great story for the times you just want to snuggle up with a hot, sweet sexy read. This is definitely perfect for one of those hot cocoa nights.

If you like sweet generous men; hot, sexy romance; Christmas stories, Santa, and of course hot firefighters this is for you!

Drawing by Heart by Joey James Hook

c871cf501662076e54bf12a359798e7b.image.300x450Title: Drawing by Heart

Series:  Xander, Book#3

Author: Joey James Hook

Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary

Length: Novel (306 pages)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (November 23rd 3013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Cat

Blurb: For Kay Xander-Doyle, college is amazing, but his boyfriend Johnny Collins is pulling away. When the unexpected happens and Kay has to make a life-or-death choice, he’ll have to decide how to best protect the ones he loves.

Kay Xander-Doyle thinks college will be the best years of his life, and they are. The biggest problem with spreading his wings is feeling like his boyfriend, Johnny Collins, is pulling away the more Kay gets out into the world. Through the friends he’s been making, Kay meets Drew Robinson, a sweet, charismatic guy with an eye for elegant detail. Drew pulls Kay in, leaving him at a loss for how to move forward with Johnny. When the unexpected happens and Kay has to make a life-or-death choice between the past and the present, he’ll have to decide how to best protect the ones he loves.

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/drawing-by-heart-ebook-p-60423.html

Review: This is book three in the Xander series. This one can standalone since it mainly follows Kay and Johnny, after Kay goes off to college.

This book has more sex in it than the other two. But, it is hot and sexy and adds to the story very well. There isn’t as much angst as the first book or the second, but it does deal with deep emotions. 

Kay is in his second year at the institute and he and Johnny have been together for three years. They have a very deep loving relationship, but Johnny is Kay’s first love and Kay can’t help but feel that there is more out there. Also, Johnny keeps Kay as a bottom and keeps control of their relationship and that bugs Kay. Since, Kay actually likes girls also and would like to top some. He feels that Johnny doesn’t have enough trust in him.

I really, really like Kay. He is a very unique individual.  I even liked Johnny and all the new characters introduced. The one thing like so much about these stories is that the other characters all play an important role, fit in so well, and make you want to know them more. I would love to see every single one of their stories.   There was also a little mystery slipped in that added intrigue and excitement.  There is quite a bit of partying and drugs and drinking involved but it didn’t really bother me much since it is reality.

This book is different from the first. One, Two, Three Shatter covered the main character from youth to adult, whereas this one focuses on a shorter time frame.

If you like a good story of new adults finding themselves, don’t mind drugs and alcohol, like a loving romance, lots of emotion, some unique characters and some pretty hot, sensual mansex; this is for you. I can’t wait for the next one.

Paradise at Main & Elm by Barry Brennessel

18159623Title: Paradise at Main and Elm

Author: Barry Brennessel

Genre: Contemporary, Romantic

Length: Novel (325 pages)

ISNB: 9781925031577

Publisher: Wilde City Press (November 25th, 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Eric

Blurb: Adrian Stockwell and Ezra Cherevin both battle the fallout from their broken families. Yet each one’s strategy is as different as each one’s past. Adrian’s childhood was left void by apathy, Ezra’s upended by violence. The written word soon becomes their therapy, their escape. This shared passion for literature is the vehicle that brings them together.

But their journey is filled with personal and familial potholes.

Can these two young men carve out a life together by learning to navigate a sea of challenges? And can the people in their lives do the same?

Purchase Link: http://www.wildecity.com/books/gay-mainstream/paradise-at-main-and-elm/#.UsB8ZPRDvRw

Review: So perfectly written, this novel was downright beautiful. I found myself starting it and never wanting it to end. I wanted nothing more than for Adrian and Ezra to be together. And when they did get together, I leapt with joy.

The story of two people, one of which had a violent past and the other with careless people. It’s just downright amazing. Loved the plot. Loved the characters. They were three-dimensional. And you found yourself confused about Ezra at first but a little later, it becomes an understanding of why he is how he is.

The Breeders by D.J. Manly

a9871f699d0b4fadd5ca5b40b6b2b0cb.image.300x450Title: The Breeders

Author: DJ Manly

Genre: Science Fiction – Conspiracy / Utopian – Dystopian (M/F elements)

ISBN: 9781622320806

Length: Extended Novel (679 pages)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (November 9th, 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: Two heroes fought impossible odds for their right to love. 4006 was the year the aliens came. The Compound was a place of so-called reeducation, where healthy, young GLBT people were imprisoned to accept the ‘cure’ or die.

After a woman is murdered en route to see a dying old man named Sasha, he decides to open a box entrusted to him by his father on his deathbed. In it is the truth about a rebellion waged seventy years ago. Sasha brings the box to the grieving husband and a story of two men begins to unfold–a love story about two heroes who fought against impossible odds for their right to love.

4006 was the year the aliens came, a race on the verge of extinction. The Compound was their invention, a place of horrors and so called reeducation, where healthy, young GLBT people were imprisoned to eventually accept the ‘cure’ or find death.

CONTENT ADVISORY: This story has a HFN ending. This is a re-release title. This title contains MF, MFM, and MM sexual situations.

Product Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/the-breeders-ebook-p-60420.html

Review: An impossibly gripping story The Breeders is placed forward in the future of human kind. The year is 4085 and the Earth leaves in peace. There are only two continents, the East and the West, and the relationship between human’s are what one would call ideal. It’s a Utopia in all forms… until a woman dies. In this perfect place someone doesn’t want the past revisited.

It is an incredible story and it managed to shake me a lot. You already know from the beginning that the story you are about to read is that of a couple who lived and died in the biggest rebellion of human kind that saw aliens invaders out of Earth. You already know this couple is long dead, yet the feelings of hope never manage to fully let you go.

As a dying old man is trying to pass along secrets and information his long dead father gave him, death seems to be right at the corner and catching up fast. Reaching the husband of the murdered researcher, Sasha opens the hologram disk and together they see the story of the Alien invasion and the turn of LGBT youth into prisoners where they were brainwashed, tortured, made to hate themselves, and finally used for breeding the under-fertilized and dying race of the Tantonians, just as if they were animals. The two men witness the horrors that these aliens force upon mere children that are treated like they have a disease instead of a natural sexual orientation. Brutally beaten, verbally and physically abused, what the LGBT community suffered was pure genocide. However, as the horrors are unveiled and the past starts catching up with the future a deeper horror shows up, one that has not been exterminated by the rebellion, rather managed to survive and gain in power.

The past is not over, the prison might have been demolished and no longer exist as a literal figure, but the LGBT genocide never really stopped and now the present has become as deadly as the past once was, perhaps even more so…

Honestly, I just loved this story. While the descriptions used here are not awfully explicit, the text manages to give you the visual and images needed to actually see this story in your mind as if you were right there with the characters watching that damn hologram. It is agony! That’s what it is. The pace is fast and between the flashes back into history and the return to present it makes your head spin (the nice way) and it makes your heart beat like a hammer. It is also quite painful. Not only the torturing, not only the brainwashing and self-hate mere children suffer, but the love story between the two MC’s is also heartbreaking. I couldn’t stop reading from the moment I picked it up, even as I stood for at least twenty minutes in trepidation when Jude first appeared. Yes, it took me twenty minutes to make my mind and find the guts to dive in, but once I did, there was no stopping.

As I said, the intimate scenes are not explicit as this story is a record on a disk and the narrators, Jude and Dante, do not go into full details about how they made love. But that is perhaps the very secret ingredient into making the love between the two of them even more powerful for the reader. They are both constantly surrounded by enemies both alien and earthlings. Their chances of survival are slim and they risk not only their own life, but also the life of every LGBT person on earth if Dante’s mission fails. The tension of the situation gives great intensity to every emotion and you feel overloaded by the end of the book.

I must admit that the end itself while greatly emotional as well, felt a bit rushed for me and left me with questions. If a sequel is scheduled for this book then it makes a bit sense to leave it at that, but if not then the end fell short of my expectations.

Overall, though this was a great, great read, one I would suggest to every fan of the genre.

Fences and Freedom by Bailey Bradford

18798824Title:Fences & Freedom

Series:  Mossy Glenn Ranch, 04

Author:Bailey Bradford

Genre: Cowboys/Mystery/Suspense

Length: Novel (153 pages)

Publisher: Totally Bound (December 27th 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Cat

Blurb:Ramsey Carmichael has never cared about anyone or anything except writing the next story, until one innocent man turns his life around.

Barney Rader can’t shake the label he’s always carried—that of the town’s poor kid. It’s been him and his mom ever since his dad died years ago. He’s struggling to make a living and bring home enough money to keep him and his mom going. After months of trying, Barney gets hired at the Mossy Glenn Ranch, and the first thing he learns is that he wants Ramsey Carmichael. Bad.

Ramsey Carmichael has fucked more men than he can remember, and Barney is one tempting piece of ass. But while Barney might be naive, he isn’t stupid. Before Ramsey knows what hits him, he’s tangled up with Barney—and re-examining his life. Ramsey doesn’t like what he discovers, but turning his life around is a lot easier said than done.

Purchase Link: https://www.totallybound.com/fences-and-freedom

Review: This is book 4 in this series and this one stands alone quite well, though I do suggest checking out the other three.

Ramsey isn’t liked by the other ranchers or his bosses. He doesn’t care and goes out of his way to be grumpy and disliked. He is the same with lovers. He only does hook-ups and never anything personal or intimate.  He is desperate for sex and none of the men on the ranch give him the time of day so when a new hand arrives he is ready for some fresh meat, especially when he gets a good look at the new boy and sees he is just his type, big soft and sweet, a type he never gets much of with hook-ups since only the twinks want to be screwed.

Barney is sweet and sexy, tall and big, and has a very good heart. When he starts flirting with Ramsey and acting dominate it pushes buttons Ramsey dint know he had and isn’t sure he wants.  Barney is full of surprises and one of those is making Ramsey see inside himself. But when Barney finds out what Ramsey really is and what he is going to do to the Mossy Glenn will he still like Ramsey?

This story is awesome.  It didn’t have as many of the older characters in it at all but we did get a small glimpse of Will and also a little on Salt, but this book focused mainly on just Ramsey and Barney and also Barney’s mom Jen and Rocky, which I found refreshing.  At first, I was a bit disappointed not getting more of especially Will, Carlos and Troy, but then again, that may have taken away from this story and this story alone did not let me down. It is full of intrigue, very sweet, and also very hot. I loved Barney and actually came to like Ramsey.

If you want a good story full of hot sexy cowboys, poor young men finding themselves, men with secrets and some pretty hot mansex and did I say cowboys? This one is for you.

Man's Best Friend by Caitlin Ricci

19498998Title: Man’s Best Friend, 2nd edition

Series: A Pine Hollow Wolves Story

Author: Caitlin Ricci

Length: Novella (95 Pages)

Publisher: Extasy Books, December 15th, 2013

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3 Hearts

Reviewer: Lisa

Blurb: Getting captured was least of this stubborn alpha’s worries.

Officer Christopher Saunders just completed his K-9 training and he can’t wait to pick out his first partner. But when none of the specially trained dogs catches his eye, he gets disappointed, until he sees a heroic stray on the news. Christopher is sure he can train the dog himself, if only given the chance.
Too bad Samson has other plans. But going home with this man is a better idea than waiting for his pack to figure out he’d been stupidly captured like some common poodle. The collar and leash also had to go. There was no way he’d be wearing those for long.

This is an expanded re-release.

Product Link:  http://www.extasybooks.com/man-s-best-friend/

Review: This book was a tad bit hard to get into at first, but once I got over the first paragraph or two it flowed right on.

It was extremely funny and you can tell parts of it were suppose to be serious, but really it didn’t come off that away for which I am glad. I laughed my butt off with this story. There is not really much of a plot, but I imagine by book two there will be. It was a really cute story line. Human meets shape shifter and vice versa is one of my truly favorite reads. Christopher was an innocent it would seem, very gentle and kind with a heart of gold. He needed a k-9 partner but just couldn’t find one till he sees a dog on the news. What he had not expected was this dog was really a shape shifter. Samson however had different ideas, well until he actually realized he liked Christopher. Samson was the alpha of his pack, tough and hard, well until he hears a child. He saved the child from a house fire, but out of air he was just like anyone else, easy to catch. You can tell that there is fire between them, but Samson takes it really slow for Christopher’s sake.

I wished that this story were not only longer, but a little more background to it. I think I would love to read the next book in this series to see if it will tell a little more about their connection.

Santa-San by A.J. Llewellyn

SantaSanTitle: Santa-San, A Japanese Christmas in Hawaii

Series: N/A

Author: A.J. Llewellyn

Genre: Contemporary/Holiday

Length: Novella (18K)

Publisher: Amber Quill Press/Amber Allure (December 15th, 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts

Blurb: Koh Timura returns home to Honolulu for the holidays. It’s the first time he’s celebrated Christmas since his mother’s death years earlier. But unemployment and dealing with his stubborn dad and his extremely young stepmother doesn’t make Kohn feel especially merry and bright. His Japanese-born father is a traditionalist who likes to celebrate with the old country ways of doing things—fried chicken on the table and Santa-San bringing gifts to all.

But Koh soon learns that everybody deals with pain and loss in different ways. As he adjusts to being back in the islands, he encounters Adam Takagawa, the guy he loved all through high school. Will their passion flare again? Can some things broken really be fixed? Is sad and lonely Koh due a Christmas miracle after all?

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

Reviewer:   GiGi

Review: Yes, you can go home again.

It’s good to know that big things, the important things don’t change when Koh returns to his island home. His favorite restaurant, the beauty of the island, and the beauty of his high school crush. The two reunite and explore forbidden nature preserves and their reignited feelings together. Is there a reason for Koh to stay? Will he be able to mend the wound between him and his father and mother in law? After a tough time of it back in California, will Santa-san reward Koh for his patience and good behavior with a boyfriend for Christmas?

I found this to be a sweet and enjoyable read, with lots of interesting details about Hawaiian and Japanese culture as it pertains to the holidays.