Month: January 2014

Double Hue by Briana Lawrence with Interview

Hey everyone, today we are interviewing a newer author to the MM Genre Briana Lawrence! Double Hue is Briana’s first MM novel and I think she has enthralled our little Kitty Cat with this thriller, so I let Cat out of her cage to ask Briana a couple of questions and the little minx tied Briana up with her questions! So read Cat’s review and stick around to see how Briana handled her interview and if Cat finally let her go 😉 ~Pixie~ 

 

Briana Lawrence - Double Hue1Title:  Double Hue

Author:  Briana Lawrence

Genre:  Thriller

Length: Novel (214pgs) (80, 815 words)

Publisher: Eternal Press (November 15th 2013)

Heat: Moderate

Heart: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Cat

Blurb: When there’s red, close your eyes and try again.

“Maybe he’s right. Maybe I am the cause of this. Maybe you were normal before meeting me.”

When something tragic happens, you want nothing more than to close your eyes and make all of the pain go away. For Gable Peterson it’s a little more complicated than that. When detective Maurice Ashford shows up at his door with news that his boyfriend, Avery Blair, has been found dead, Gable is left devastated. Seeking some sort of comfort, Gable closes his eyes and imagines a world where none of this happened.

Only, when Gable wakes up, he’s surprised to see that Avery is still alive.

Purchase Link:  http://eternalpress.biz/book.php?isbn=9781629290775

Review: Wow! This was one heck of a wild ride. This story reminded me a little of the movie groundhog day but a mystery/ thriller.  Let’s see where shall I begin?

Gable and Avery have been lovers for four years. They are in their last year of college. They love each other very much and have such a fabulous relationship.  One day Gable wakes up to a knock on his door and a detective tells him his Avery is dead. As we read on this begins to repeat. No. I am not saying this story is repetitive since each time we read it something changes, at first just a little, then a lot, then when you think you have it all figured But…BAM the entire scene changes, view changes and things get even crazier.

There are so many twists and turns in this story it’s like an amusement park ride; you go slow and sweet (the love between the characters), then faster (the announcement Avery is dead), then round and round, the twists and then it slows down and you think it’s over …whoosh—another big twist, change of direction (character point of view) and we go twisting and turning again right up to the end. My fingers are sore where I chewed my nails to the quick.

I loved Gable. He is the perfect boyfriend and you could just feel his pain and panic throughout this story. I also adored Avery. He is fun and also brilliant.  As the story unravels you can just about picture his beauty and wit. The bad guy? Now he is just scary…one of those people you trust, then find out they are just sick. At times I did feel a bit sorry for him, just a little.

This is a unique, brilliant story and if you like time-travel, sweet loving relationships, a mystery with lots of twists and turns, a psychological thriller and nail-biting suspense this is for you. 

Cat’s interview with Briana Lawrence!

Hi everyone! *Cat waves as she enters the dungeon .., oops… Interview room* Our victim…oops… guest today is Briana Lawrence.

Cat: Hello Briana. How are you today?

Briana:  I… um… *looks around*  … is this a dungeon?  Nevermind, I already agreed to the interview… I’m doing fine!  *shaky smile*

 Cat: That’s fabulous. Would you like to tell our readers a little about yourself?

Briana:  Sure!  I’m a child cleverly disguised as an adult.  All right, all right, I suppose the correct term is “child at heart.”  Give me a bowl of cereal and a Netflix marathon of some 90s cartoons and I’m a happy girl.  That’s not to say that I don’t enjoy the occasional fancy restaurant or planning a dream vacation… or planning a movie day with friends.  I’m sort of a mixed bag?  Though, deep down, I’m a geeky girl who loves her video games and anime, but I also do crafts like woodburning and painting.  My partner and I go to conventions together with our art and, now, our books.  We also cosplay.  It’s a lot of fun!  Sometimes you just want to dress like Princess Tiana, you know?

Hey Cat… are you restraining my hands?  That’s not really necessary…

Cat: I just finished reading Double Hue. I absolutely loved it. How did you come up with the story?

Briana:  *forgets about restraints due to compliment* Thank you so much!  I’m glad you enjoyed it.  Let’s see, how did “Double Hue” come to pass…

I got the idea in my head a few years ago.  I imagined someone being told that his lover was dead, and how when we lose someone, we usual think about how we want them back in our lives.  Well… what if you could go back?  What if that person didn’t have to die?  That’s how it all started, then it took on a life of its own over time.   Thanks to some motivation via National Novel Writing Month I finished the book!

Cat: Was any of it based on actual people or events?

Briana:  Somewhat.  I mean the thought of wanting someone back who we lost is something I think about sometimes when I think about my older brother, who died when I was 13.  So little thoughts like that made it into the book. 

Also, Gable and Avery’s relationship kind of mirrors my relationship with my partner.  Not anything too huge, but the small things: me being a gamer and her watching me play (though she doesn’t make fun of me as much as Gable does Avery… sort of.)  Also, there’s the coming out theme.  The fact that Gable and Avery do it their senior year of college is definitely a page from my partner and I because that’s the year we came out to our parents (except for my mother, who I came out to prior to that).  Avery’s parents react horribly, and while my partner’s parents and my dad didn’t take it positively at first, they didn’t flat out disown us like Avery’s parents.  Also, our parents eventually came around.  We’re all a big, happy family now.     

Cat: What is the significance of the title?

Briana:  Originally it was called “Double H” after the murderer in the book.  But then while I was editing it I realized how many times colors played a part in the story, so I ended up thinking of “hue.”

Cat:  Colors play an important factor in this story.  What made you think of making a box of colors so important?

Briana:  Ha!  I just said that, huh?  Actually, it’s Avery’s fault!  While I was writing, he became more animated.  Gable is sort of more serious and is the “I need to study for the top grade” boyfriend.  Meanwhile, Avery is like, “Gonna play Kingdom Hearts then practice for my musical by singing all night.”  In the beginning of the story, Gable mockingly calls Avery a starving artist and comments on how he’ll “have to feed his ass” since he’s career focused and Avery’s all, “I wanna see my name in lights.”

This isn’t to say that Gable isn’t supportive of Avery, because he is, and he wants to see his boyfriend’s names in lights.  He knows that Avery’s acting is just as serious as his own career goals.  This is just an example of their banter.  Avery’s always talking about how boring Gable’s life would be without him while Gable comments about his Liberal Arts major.  By writing for the two of them, a thought came to me of Gable being one of those kids who didn’t play with the power of imagination.  His grandfather got him crayons and Gable was like, “Blah.”  He was the kid who needed the actual toy, you know?  No using your imagination, he straight up wanted the fire truck because it was, indeed, the fire truck – none of that “pretend that your shoebox is a truck” stuff.  That was the first time the crayons came up, and with colors playing such a huge part I thought, “What if those crayons are a recurring theme?”

Cat: Is this your first story? If not, how many other books do you have, and where would we find them?

Briana:  Does fanfiction count?  Don’t answer that.  Fanfiction is important but you don’t need to answer that because I have waaaaaaaay too many fanfics.

As far as published works, “Double Hue” isn’t my first.   This is my first novel length M/M tale, but I do have other books too.  I can include links and blurbs for you.  I think every single one has M/M content somehow.

  1. Briana Lawrence - Treat Me KindlyTreat Me Kindly (my first book)

I only ask that you treat me kindly, then I will do the same for you.

 

The words of the invitation whisper gently into your ear, speaking of rare and exotic animals unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. To detective Alex Sampson, however, that invitation speaks of something else. Death. Attendees at a prestigious animal auction are turning up dead, each murder more brutal than the last. The only clue to each crime points to a different animal, but when did birds and butterflies go from being aphrodisiacs for fairy tales to deadly mass murderers?

Amazon Link:  http://amzn.com/1615729887

  1. Briana Lawrence - Press Play to StartPress START to Play (a short story featured in an anthology through Dreamspinner Press)

Lukis Singleton’s once-popular sports column is fading fast, thanks to the terrible track record of the local football team. In an attempt to save the column, Lukis’s editor, John, decides he needs to go in a different direction. Video games are all the rage these days, so John insists that sending Lukis to a huge video-game tournament in Los Angeles will shake up his current readers and bring in new ones. Lukis isn’t thrilled about reporting on games with impossible powers or gamers who still live in Mom’s basement, but then he meets a tempting flaw in the gaming stereotypes of unwashed man-children. Aaron Sanders is a gorgeous breath of fresh air at the tournament who takes Lukis’s less-than-stellar view of gamers and turns it on its head, leaving Lukis to wonder if it might be worth being Aaron’s player two.

A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2013 Daily Dose package “Make a Play”.

 

Amazon Link:  http://amzn.com/B00D4KFVM0

  1. Seeking the Storyteller (adventure series with my partner)Briana Lawrence - Seeking the Storyteller

I know of the Storyteller, it whispers into the man’s ear, I’ve met him. If you promise not to kill me, I’ll take you to him. 

Alix Andre DeBenit and Randall Fagan are Hunters, part of a hidden network of humans who track and kill the monsters lurking in our world so everyone else can pretend they don’t exist. But when a living shadow mentions someone called the Storyteller, Alix hesitantly decides to learn more. 

They say the Storyteller lives in a massive library full of books that tell every being’s life story. He can read these books, rewrite them and change anything he wants, even if it’s already happened. That’s the power Alix wants, the power to bring his murdered family back and he’s determined to make the Storyteller do it. 

He just has to decide if working with the very creatures he’s supposed to kill is worth it.

 

Amazon Link:  http://amzn.com/B00HCJP0PM

Cat: What do you do in your spare time?

Briana:  I sort of mentioned it before, with my crafts and going to conventions and cosplay.  I can share links to those things!  I’ve even written an article about my cosplay for xoJane, so my spare time hobbies are becoming more of, well… a thing?  It’s pretty amazing when things work out that way.

  1. Etsy Shop:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/snowtigra?ref=si_shop
  2. Cosplay Page:  https://www.facebook.com/brichibicosplays

Cat: Are you currently working on anything new? Will it be in the same genre or is it something different?

Briana:  Currently we’re getting ready for conventions and I plan on having my books there.  With “Seeking the Storyteller” just coming out in December, my partner and I are both working on promoting it while I’m promoting “Double Hue” at the same time.  So, currently, I’m not working on too much.  I did just submit two stories into Dreamspinner though, so I hope to hear something back that’s positive.  One is a Christmas story with a fun twist and the other is about voyeurism.  So they’re not as heavy as “Double Hue,” but they are still in the realm of M/M romance.  I really like writing M/M work, so it usually makes it into my work somehow.

I do have a plan for an anthology I’d love to write.  It’s romance, but for geeks.  Just different, romantic tales in the geek community, from cosplay, to gaming, to going to conventions, and just… anything and everything I can think of.  And I want it to feature all sorts of diverse couples.  I have an outline written out at the moment, it’s just a matter of starting it.

Cat: Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule. *unties restraints* is there anything else you would like to share with us?

Briana:  I thought my wrists would hurt, but wow, you tied me down with great care!  Thanks so much for the interview!  And thanks to everyone who read it, and who are keeping up with my works.  I hope you find enjoyment in them!

Cat: Just in case there are other stalkers…ooops .. I mean readers, where can we find you?

Briana:  Stalkers huh?  Are they the kind who support writers and artists?  Because if so…

My Website:  http://brichibi.wix.com/whisperedwords

My Facebook Author Page:  https://www.facebook.com/BrianaLawrencesPenAndPaper

My Writing Blog:  http://brichibiwritesthings.tumblr.com/

My Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7055998.Briana_Lawrence

My Amazon Author page:  http://www.amazon.com/Briana-Lawrence/e/B00D9ULZ70/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

The Perfect Mistake by Vicktor Alexander

19231934Title: The Perfect Mistake

Series:   Mistakes

Author: Vicktor Alexander

Genre: Contemporary

Length:  Novella (49 pages)

Publisher: Totally Bound (January 3rd, 2014)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts

Reviewer: Eli/Mandingo

Blurb:  Stumbling into Xavier’s cabin in the middle of a snowstorm is the perfect mistake Russell’s life needs. 

Russell Heter takes his best friend Keith up on his offer to take a much-needed vacation up in the mountains of Wyoming. Having just obtained his degree in Child Psychology, Russell is due some rest and a big graduation present. After buying an SUV much too big for his small frame, Russell heads off to the mountains, only to have his new vehicle break down in the blinding snow. Trekking through the snow to the cabin, Russell collapses inside and finds himself staring down the barrel of a shotgun, held by Xavier Edmond. 

Xavier is the former mayor of Atlanta, released amid controversy when pictures were released of him having an affair…with another man. Xavier escaped to Wyoming in shame. He’s become bitter and closed off, spending his days missing his children and his nights wishing for someone to love. So when the snow prevents Russell from leaving his cabin, Xavier finds himself wondering if Russell might just be the man, he’s been waiting for.

Purchase Link:   https://www.totallybound.com/the-perfect-mistake

Review: There are a chock load of mistakes in this book.  Russell makes a mistake by buying too much car.  Xavier makes a series of mistakes in denying his sexuality, getting involved with the wrong man and then cheating on his wife.  Those are all basic mistakes.  But the perfect mistake is actually how Russell ends up in the wrong cabin with Xavier and these two men who have no way to logically make a future together realize that what they share trapped in the snow might be a route to happiness.

Xavier is a man tortured by his past and the mistakes he’s made so he’s retreated to the wilderness to lick his wounds and hide from the world. He is ashamed of who he is and what he’s done. Russell is a man just starting out in life and while he can see Xavier’s mistakes, he doesn’t judge the man for it. Instead, whenever he can help he does and that makes him a valuable part of what might begin Xavier’s healing process.

The reader cannot quite see the path that Xavier and Russell will travel, but that does not seem to be the author’s aim. The story ends with a plethora of possibilities that the men could explore which would mimic real life; and, as such, the ending makes the story even that more intriguing as the reader wonders… “Well, what now?” Even with its cliffhanger ending, the story does not disappoint. Good read.

The Forester by Blaine D. Arden

13107565Title: The Forester

Series: The Forester Trilogy #1

Author: Blaine D. Arden

Genre: Fantasy / Suspense-Mystery / Fae

ISBN: 9781937058418

Length: Novella (50 pages)

Publisher: Storm Moon Press (December 22nd, 2011)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5~4 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: Kelnaht, a cloud elf, is a truth seeker caught between love and faith. Worse, a murder committed ten days before Solstice reveals an illicit affair between two tree elves he desires more than he can admit: Kelnaht’s former lover Ianys, who once betrayed him, and the shunned forester named Taruif, who is not allowed to talk to anyone but The Guide, their spiritual pathfinder. When Taruif turns out to be the only witness for the crime, Kelnaht has to keep Ianys from sacrificing himself and losing his daughter, while at the same time realizing he’d gladly sacrifice himself to end Taruif’s loneliness.

Product Link: http://www.stormmoonpress.com/books/The-Forester.aspx

Review: Okay, so after reading Oren’s Right – book #2 in Tales of the Forest series – I had this feeling I’m going to like this world. No, scratch that, I already liked this world, now I simply love it.

So I went back and picked up book #1, because yeah I do that sometimes, start a series backwards that is. I felt like I just had to read the first book and wait for the last one to come, you know, there was this pull from this world I couldn’t resist, and the writing, well the writing is just so easy and smooth, flows like water and all you have to do is let it carry you along. And I let it, and I’m so glad I did.

Kelnaht is a Truth Seeker (aka a cop/investigator for the elves’ community) and he’s tasked with finding the elf responsible of a hideous act; murder. During his investigation, he discovers that his ex (who dumped him) is having an illicit relationship with the Forester (who he secretly desires but can’t have). Choices, choices… If he turns his ex to the Elders’ council, his ex will be shunned just like the Forester. His feeling for both men are stronger though and his call as a Truth Seeker is battling with his desires. Not to mention that there’s a killer there loose. So Kelnaht does what every man would do. Deals with one problem at a time, focusing on the killer at the moment. Problem is, the Forester is a witness that can help the investigation, and Kel is being granted permission to speak with him.

Okay so, the mystery-suspense parts were good, not too much, but not full of plot-holes, either. For such a short read, it was really good. The lows and highs were nicely balanced and made for a fun murder case to read. The romance was even better. We had a law officer (kind of), we had the ex who still haunts his wet-dreams, we have the new object of desire who just makes everything mouth-watering, and damned it all to Hell, this author needs to let go more, because this plot was so raw material for an all-out carnal erotica *sigh*. As it is, the intimate parts tend more toward romance and sensuality, leading you to thoughts that burn, but not blatantly saying it on the text. Sneaky.

As I felt with Oren’s Right, this book too ended on a satisfying note for such a short length. I mean it’s a 50 pages read and it has a very nice structure to it, makes a whole circle and the end leaves you wishing for no more. Well, no more from this story, because frankly it would be a shame to abandon this fascinating world. Fairies are plenty out there, but original, unique characters such as we encounter on this series? Let’s just say it is invigorating seeing authors take risks and make their fae unique.

So, overall I loved this story and totally recommend it for fans of the genre. As for me, I have The Forester II: Lost and Found waiting for me the moment I end this review. Enjoy!  

 

Chantilly Lace by E.M. Woods

81o7UKUQwBL._SL1500_Title: Chantilly Lace

Series:   N/A

Author: EM Woods

Genre: Contemporary

Length:  Short (46 pages)

Publisher: Totally Bound (January 2nd, 2014)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

Reviewer: Eli/Mandingo

Blurb:  When appearances aren’t everything… 

Shea Laporte is a twenty-four year-old professional twink. He gets his way with a bat of his eyelashes and a swish of his hips. Coffee bars, nightclubs, and late, lazy mornings in bed are routine for him. He’s never regretted being who he is—after all, his lovers know what they’re signing up for—but he’s keeping a secret. One he’s more than happy to keep to himself until he meets Murdock ‘Murk’ Rouse, the new tenant in his apartment building. 

Murk has been watching Shea flounce in and out of their shared complex for months. At first glance, he thought Shea was nothing better than the whores down on Eight Mile, but after one brief run-in with the spunky blond, he knows all Shea needs is a firm hand and a man who sees him for everything he is—smart, kinky and sexy as hell.

Purchase Link:  https://www.totallybound.com/chantilly-lace

Review: Murk has been watching Shea for some time and decides to make his move. Just like the operative he is, he picks the time to strike and always makes sure that his opponent will not get the upper hand.  Shea, however despite appearing to take on the trappings of a high-class long-term rent boy is a very deep and complex character with much to offer a partner who’s willing to take the time to get to really know him.

Murk has the time and Shea develops the inclination to want to be only Murk’s. As they explore what they both feel, Shea is able to be more himself with Murk that anyone else and can finally find his forever someone instead of his ‘let’s get together for six months’ someone. 

Murk and Shea are both very complex and intense characters and that shows well even in the short story. The weaving of their tale is done well and does not feel rushed despite the brevity of the book. The reader does feel that they both know and understand what motivates both Murk and Shea – the odd pairing makes perfect sense.  Often short stories that focus on such intense characters fall flat, but this one holds its own very well even without the epilogue which simply serves to tie a neat bow on the characters and ensure a happy ending for the readers.

Murk and Shea are interesting and colourful and their coming together is hot and consuming. Well worth the short read.

Admetus Gaea by N. J. Nielsen

8c932b7538ec41c62c1301096a4ea106.image.300x450Title: Admetus Gaea

Series: The Gaean Prophecies 01

Author: N.J. Nielsen

Genre: High Fantasy

Length: Novel (247pgs)

ISNB: 9781622321193

Publisher: Silver Publishing (25th January 2014)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: When their world calls for a savior to come forth–they don’t always get what they ask for. Instead, they get someone better, who happens to save the world along the way. They get Grayson Gellespie–defender of Admetus Gaea.

Jarkebb Arindad: The banished son of Lord Jondalar Arindad, ruler of the Elven-kind, was sent to find the savior foretold by the prophecies. He came back with his foster-brother and best friend–Grayson.

Grayson Gellespie: Just a man who finds himself thrust into the role as the savior of a world he believed was nothing but an imaginative story. What does he do when he finds out it’s all real? How will he find the way to save them all?

Bailin Greer: Warrior of the Deepwoods Faerie, Bailin is tasked by the Lady to be the savior’s eyes behind enemy lines. What happens when the bad guy isn’t the enemy?

Alone they’ll fail. Together, their combined forces will have the power to forever change the world in which they live Three stories woven together to tell the beginning of the Gaean Prophecies. Apart from saving the world, our heroes have to fight for the right to be with their bond mates along the way.

CONTENT ADVISORY: As a serial novel, this story has a “to be continued” ending. Stay tuned for further adventures in BROKEN SERENITY, coming soon!

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/admetus-gaea-ebook-p-60461.html

Review: Jacob and Grayson have grown up together as foster brothers, with Jacob telling incredible tales to the younger Grayson. Now as adults, they live together and Grayson is still addicted to Jacob’s wonderful stories, but what happens when those stories seem to come to life? Jarkebb is Elven and was banished when he was young to find the one the prophesy spoke of, finally called back home he brings Grayson back with him hoping that Gray will be able to handle the truth. Grayson is human and awakes alone and thinks he is in an incredible dream and sets out to find the characters that Jacob spoke of, knowing that they will lead him back to his best friend, Grayson begins to unite the people of Gaea. Bailin is Faerie and finds himself with an important part to play in the prophesy; bring the leader of the enemy to Gray. Together they will bring together the people of Gaea and fight the evil who wishes to rule.

Oh what a brilliant fun story, I loved every second of it and can’t wait for the second installment! Grayson is a brilliant character who, for a long time, wished he was in a coma dreaming the world he finds himself in, when faced with reality he has already begun the journey that the prophesy speaks of. Jacob/Jarkebb loses his memory on the journey back to Gaea but luckily is found by his betrothed, unable to remember but knowing there is something he has to do. Bailin is reluctant in his task at first but finds something he didn’t think he ever would and embraces his task. All three of these characters are given their own little stories within this story, finding the ones they are meant to love.

I actually found this story to be the beginning of an epic adventure of the fantasy kind; it is filled with fantasy creatures that are arrogant, friendly, awkward, and brilliant. We meet many important characters who drag you into this wonderful story and take you away from reality. The storyline is actually a pretty simple one that is easy to follow, although we have different characters perspectives it is never confusing, it is very clear who we are following so we don’t get lost or dumped out of the story.

Grayson is a blast to follow, he has no qualms about riding roughshod over someone when it is needed, he couldn’t care less what race or species he is talking to, they all get treated the same. Jacob and Bailin both play their parts well and we see how they fit in but their parts aren’t as big as Gray’s, maybe we will see more of them in future books. While Gray is exceptional at getting people to work together he is terrible with his own love life, it takes a long time for him to accept who The Lady Gaea has bound him to, but he gets there in the end. Oh and a very special shout out for Misha, he was my favorite character and an absolute sweetheart.

So recommending this story is easy, especially if you love high fantasy, brilliant characters, an epic adventure, bringing people together, finding love and accepting it and an ending that lets you know there is plenty more adventure to come.

Snow Job by E.M. Lynley

81N6RqfjlOL._SL1500_Title: Snow Job

Author: E.M. Lynley

Genre: New Adult

Length: Novella (102 pages)

ISNB: 9781623006570

Publisher: Loose ID (December 17th, 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Eric

Blurb: Two weeks in a remote mountain cabin with his hunk of a jock college roommate Monty Jameson has Zack Gregory hot under the collar in all the wrong ways. Truth is, Zack would rather be almost anywhere else, but it’s his only option if he’s to finish a project he needs to graduate from the University of Washington. Even worse, the nearest town is a faux-Bavarian village that looks like someone poured a snowglobe out on the eastern Cascades. Late-night fantasies aside, Zack’s no fan of manslut Monty, preferring his men with virtues that are more than skin-deep.

A few days into their retreat, Monty’s raw sexuality and flirtatiousness has Zack questioning his resolve. The idyllic setting is Zack’s Christmas fantasy come true, and even the splashy village eventually works its charm on him. Then when the cabin’s power goes out and Monty lays himself bare–in every way imaginable and then some–Zack sees a whole new set of possibilities. But will falling for Monty make the best Christmas ever, or is Zack just getting snowed?

Purchase Link:  http://www.loose-id.com/snow-job.html

Review:  This novella was downright addicting. Fantastic and then some. Zack cannot get over the issues he was having. And all because of a paper that he had to do before the end of the semester. One paper that would prevent him from graduating if he didn’t get it done and turned in before a week’s time. He planned to stay at the dorm until Monty offers to let him stay at his family’s cabin.

When they get there, the paper isn’t the only studying Zack does.

I found this book to be downright fantastic. Addictive and then some. Trust me. It is worth the read.

Rush Around the Clock by Silvia Violet

19307919Title: Rush Around the Clock

Series:   N/A

Author: Silvia Violet

Genre: Contemporary

Length:  Short (46 pages)

Publisher: Totally Bound (January 3rd, 2014)

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts

Reviewer: Eli/Mandingo

Blurb: Finn McMurphy convinces himself his spoiled dogs are all the company he needs. Then he meets Crawford, his sexy new neighbor, and everything changes. 

Patient soul Finn McMurphy teaches music and drama to middle schoolers. By the time he’s finished with after-school rehearsals and the private lessons he teaches to make ends meet, he’s too exhausted to think about dating or even hanging out with friends. He’s resigned to life with his music, his students, and his ludicrously spoiled Yorkies. 

Then he meets Crawford Bixby. Crawford may be the most perfect man Finn has ever met—kind, good with kids, gorgeous, and completely unconcerned with Finn’s lack of ability to be coherent around him. Finn falls hard for him, but he’s terrified of what he feels. Will he be able to step out of the controlled world he’s created for himself and take a chance on love, or will he keep making excuses—rehearsals, papers to grade, dogs to walk—and push Crawford away?

Purchase Link:   https://www.totallybound.com/rush-around-the-clock

Review: What happens when a man living with guilt and afraid to break free of the chains holding him to the past meets his future?  Finn and Crawford make a great couple, if Finn would allow himself to let go of his guilt and go after what he really wants without fear that the entire world he’s constructed for himself will suddenly implode.  Instead, what he does is lives in his cocoon even when life hands him everything he wants on a platter.  It will take a good patient man to wait for Finn and Crawford is that man.  So Crawford waits and Finn finally gets a clue and amidst singing demonic lap dogs and children performing show tunes – one man finds his way out of the unnecessary maze he lives in, and into the sunlight.

Finn is delightfully uptight and Crawford is steadfast and solid.  The reader will love both men even when Finn is acting like an ass and creating issues where none should be.  The two men find each other and the reader is happy.  A heart-warming short read.

Ride Me by Jambrea Jo Jones

19341534Title:Ride Me

Series: Dark Encounters, #3

Author:Jambrea Jo Jones 

Genre: BDSM/Contemporary

Length: Short (37 pages)

Publisher:Totally Bound (December 27th, 2014)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

Reviewer: Cat

Blurb:Let the games begin…
Franco James is in for a night of self-discovery when the owner of Dark Encounters, Trevor Keaton, takes him on a tour of the naughty toys on display for the Sex Carnival. They start with a nice Farris Wheel spanking and explore just how far Trevor can push Franco’s limits, but at the end of the night—will Trevor be his forever Sir?

Purchase Link: https://www.totallybound.com/ride-me

Review: Franco works for Trevor at a sex club called Dark Encounters. He secretly longs  for Trevor to be his Sir, but knows it will never happen as long as he works at the club since Trevor has a strict no messing with the help rule, and Franco needs and likes his job to much to quit especially since Trevor has never even hinted at any interest in him. Franco jumped at the chance to volunteer for the clubs carnival for a charity.

This is book three of the Dark Encounters series and my first time reading in the series. It stands alone pretty well. If you want more on the characters we probably need to read from the beginning though.

I liked Franco. He knows what he wants; he is a hard worker and dedicated to his job and boss. Trevor seems to be a good person too. I am sure I would know a lot more about him if I read the first two books but I got a very good feel of him here.  The story is pretty much sex based with a bit of a romantic interlude added in. The sex is pretty- hot, especially if you like BDSM and sex machines. I found some of these machines and stuff quite intriguing.

If you like BDSM, sex toys, sex clubs, carousels birdcages, and lots of hot sex this is for you!

Cross Checking by Stephani Hecht

20560008Title: Cross Checking

Series: Blue Line Hockey, #9

Author: Stephanie Hecht

Length: Novella (86 Pages)

Publisher: Extasy Books (January 15th, 2014)

Heat Level: Hot

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts

Reviewer: Lisa

Blurb: Sometimes, your worst enemy can become the one you love the most.

Leo may be one of the best goaltenders in the minor hockey league, but he has one chink in his armor—Dern. A forward from Leo’s rival team, the two of them get along like fire and paper. Leo lives to stop Dern from scoring, and Dern relishes in getting a puck past Leo.
Then one night while Leo is out clubbing, he runs into Dern. Instead of squabbling, the two of them of end up heating up the sheets. But is it just a one-night stand? And if not, do the two of them have a chance of changing from enemies to lovers?

Product Link:http://www.extasybooks.com/cross-checking/

Review: I have always love Stephanie’s stories. She has such a gift of storytelling that leaves me wanting more. This series should be read in order to gather a bit more information on everything. I can guarantee you will love it though. I know I did.

Leo and Dern are hockey players who hated each other, or so it appeared. Leo is a goalie and Dern, a forward for a rival team. They fought each other. Basically, they were enemies. Well, until Dern shows up at a club. Leo is out and proud, but Dern is in the closet so deep, that Leo had always thought he was straight. Until one night at a gay club when Leo sees Dern. They are both strong, argumentative, edgy, with lots of charisma and sexual heat. They end up heating up the sheets. They made me laugh throughout the whole story.

I have never been interested in reading any sport romance, however this book made me rethink that idea. There is a lot of twist and turns to this story. It caught my attention from the first line and kept it all the way to the end. I love the way they fight and the way they love. It makes me smile to see how enemies turn to lovers. It is a definitely believable story. I loved how supportive some of the people they hang with and work with. I will definitely be checking the rest of this series out.

Big Bone Lick Pack Blog Tour with Giveaway!

Hey everyone, we have three great authors visiting us today… er two, Kendall McKenna’s been laid low by an evil flu bug but she sends her love. So lets see how Big Bone Lick Pack came to be and how Jambrea, Cherie and Kendall brainstormed this versatile pack…. oh and click on the Rafflecopter link to win a Big Bone Lick Pack T-shirt. 😉 Oh and a huge shout out to Madison Parker who snuck some pic’s of the crew from MLR Press at GLR ~Pixie~

BBL Blog IMG_20131018_173601BBL Blog Lucy Lou

We’re touring in support of the Big Bone Lick Pack, an anthology which came out January 24 from MLR Press. http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=ANTHBBLS

It features stories written by Kendall McKenna (www.kendallmckenna.com ), Jambrea Jo Jones (www.jambrea.com ) and Cherie Noel (http://talesfromthewritingcave.blogspot.com/p/my-books.html ).

BBL Blog 1491757_10151849323920488_262744904_nBIG BONE LICK PACK (ANTHOLOGY)

Bad Wolf & Devil Dog by Kendall McKenna

Big, Bad Bear by Jambrea Jo Jones

Shifty Fox Shenanigans by Cherie Noel

Blurb:

Welcome to the Big Bone Lick Pack: A more friendly and hospitable group of werewolves you’ll never meet! Visit with; ‘Devil Dog & Bad Wolf’, a ‘Big Bad Bear’ and enjoy some ‘Shifty Fox Shenanigans’. Watch yourself, ’round the state park, ’cause we had a grizzly on the loose, just a bit ago. Our brave men and woman of the Boone County Sheriff’s Department have everything under control. (Except maybe their own love lives!) But if you find yourself needing a doctor, head on down to Rabbit Hash clinic, or St. Elizabeth’s Hospital is just up the road a piece. We hope you enjoy your stay.

Brainstorming:BBL Blog IMG_20131017_183742

Jambrea: We’ve talked about the fun multi colored google doc. I think we’ve even talked about the back and forth on Facebook, but—there was more! What could it possibly be you might ask? Well… Picture this. It’s Oct. and GRL (Gayromlit) time. Guess who is going to be there? ALL THREE of us.

Those of you who have not been might not understand how hard it is to carve out time to just sit and talk. You’re on the go all the time and this year I had a couple author things scheduled that freaked me out because I’ve never done anything like it before. I mean… I did a reading. Of my story. In front of PEOPLE! Lol

We texted back and forth a couple times and finally got together on the last day. I was standing in the lobby looking for Cherie and Kendall. I couldn’t find them for the longest time until I spotted Kendall sitting down at a table. At this point I had maybe a paragraph done of my story. Um—it was due Nov. 15th. Yes, I was cutting it close, but everyone by now should know that none of us turned the story in on time. Lol I was a couple days late.

BBL Blog Madison Pic of Me & LisaSo finally, GRL is winding down. People are leaving and I’ve got Kendall sitting with me. Cherie—I think she was outside. Or upstairs. I don’t know. She didn’t answer my text. Lol Kendall and I started to talk a bit about our characters. I mean—one of mine was going to attack hers. The talk was too short, but Cherie did join us after a bit. I had my notebook where I’d written a page at the airport going to GRL and I wrote a few notes. I need to know about Park Rangers and how they would be added. A bit about the sheriff’s office because Kane was going to work for Asa.

It wasn’t until after we got home, maybe a week or so later when Kendall sent us the first bit of her story. And I needed that because my story was going to jump off from her story and we share a scene. We did some more back and forth, but it was fun to sit down with the two people you are writing with and hash a few things out. It was one of the highlights of the project. Well—that and Kris’ reminder that we only had 3 weeks left to write the thing. I’m pretty sure that came up a bunch at GRL.

BBL Blog IMG_20131017_210154Cherie: GRL is definitely madness, mayhem, and delightful foolishness. So yes indeed it is extremely difficult to carve out time to see everyone. I had only seen Kendall a little bit over the four days we’d been there, and Jambrea a touch more. Mama Kris was absolutely breathing down our necks to get ourselves all in one spot and hash out details. Kendall and Jambrea were calmly sitting in the lobby, sipping their coffees and discussing the starting points of their respective stories. And me? I was AWOL.

Here’s a secret most don’t know about me. As much as I LOVE going to GRL, as much as I LOVE seeing everyone face to face, the big events with tons of folk around scare the pants off me. I know it doesn’t look like that on the surface, because my go-to defense mechanism is to morph into a social butterfly. Which works okay to keep me from having panic attacks, but plays merry hell on trying to get actual work done.

BBL Blog Madison Pic of CherieWhile Jambrea and Kendall were getting down to brass tacks and moving fictional mountains out of the way, I was outside on the smoking patio, trying to hold onto my cool. Thank goodness those two were so rock steady. In the two or three fly by sneak planning attacks I managed in the time they were sitting together in the lobby, Jambie and Kendall gave me all the information I needed to get my story rolling.  I say again, I could not have done it without them.  And next time we’re all in one place (GRL2014?) I’m hoping to schedule a dinner or lunch out with just the two of them and Mama Kris. Because the only way I’ll manage to get there and sit there and actually stay in one place for more than two minutes is if they take me away from all the whoopla and nail my flitterty-gibbet wings to the chair I’m sitting in.

Even so, with me doing the fly-by method of contact, just being able to see their facial expressions, BBL Blog Madison Pic of Krishear the tone of their voices as we discussed details… well, it made all the difference for me. I left Atlanta with a firm grounding in the essence of the world we were building—not to say I didn’t stray from the clearly marked paths and have to be reined in by Kris, Jambie, and Kendall at differing times—but I recognized the paths when the three of them had to spin me around and point me ever so gently back in the right direction. I agree with Jambrea that you really can’t beat having some face time to get that extra level of comfort and trust built. It makes the project easier to accomplish.

The prize is going to be a Big Bone Lick Tee! Just click to enter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Dirty Deeds by S.E. Jakes, Riptide Publishing Blog Tour, Interview, Giveaway and Review

Oh do we have a treat for you guys today, we have Riptide Publishing with S.E. Jakes along with S.E’s newest release Dirty Deeds. S.E. answers a couple of questions for us and we have a great Riptide giveaway of Amazon gift cards. So see what S.E. has to say, read my review and enter the Rafflecopter giveaway by clicking on the link, good luck everyone! 😉 ~Pixie~

DirtyDeeds_TourBanner2Hey everyone!!! Thanks to MM Book Reviews for having me back here for my Dirty Deeds blog tour 🙂  Dirty Deeds is the first in this spin-off series of Hell or High Water.  Dirty Deeds focuses on Cillian and Mal, two characters who’ve been in both Hell or High Water books 1 & 2 (Catch a Ghost and Long Time Gone.) Dirty Deeds # 1 captures a very specific moment in time for the Cillian (the spook) and Mal (the former SEAL in exile).

 Here’s our questions for S.E. and her candid answers: 

Madeline: 01 – I absolutely love Mal already, will Cillian be deserving of all that Mal has to offer???

S.E: I know people have very mixed feelings about Cillian pre Dirty Deeds.  I think you’ll get to see another side of him that’s surprising.  For me, Mal and Cillian was a complete, unplanned surprise and it’s been a roller coaster from there.

Madeline: 02 – Will Mal and Cillian end up exclusive??? They both seem to have a thing for Prophet.

S.E: Yes, they will end up exclusive—but they’ve got a bit of work to do before their HEA (which WILL happen).  Mal and Prophet are very tight – the kind of friendship that’s literally been through life and death, so Mal’s thing for Proph is protective rather than sexual.  I don’t see Mal sharing well.  As for Cillian, his ‘thing’ for Prophet is complicated, but Mal ends up surprising the hell out of him.  As for Prophet—absolutely no sharing.  Although Proph shows his jealousy much differently than Tommy, could you imagine either of them handling that well?

DirtyDeeds_150x300 1Madeline: 03 – Will Tommy and Proph be showing up in Dirty Deeds, and will that damn couch be used????

S.E:LOL!  Mal does have something to say about the couch in Dirty Deeds!  And yes, you’ll get a bit of Proph and Tommy.

Pixie: 04 – Will we discover more about what Cillian is really doing hanging around Prophet or will it be a completely different storyline?

S.E: You find out much more about why Cillian’s hanging around Proph (and more on the John Morse storyline) in Dirty Deeds and Hell or High Water # 3 (their storylines run partly on the same timeline)…so by the time you get to Dirty Lies and Dirty Love, the Morse plot is done and Mal and Cillian have their own story to deal with.

Pixie: 05 – How did you come up with such fascinating characters and such a brilliant back story, and will we ever learn why Mal, Prophet and their friends can’t be together?

S.E: I’m VERY lucky – these guys found me  / picked me.  Prophet showed up one day and literally made his way into two books before I realized that he was never going to leave me alone until he’s got his own series.  It’s the first time I’ve ever written the same couple throughout the entire series, and I’m enjoying the hell out of it.  And yes, there’s a little of it in Long Time Gone (the CIA is responsible) but ALL of that will come out between Hell or High Water books 3 & 4.

Dirty Deeds:  Dirty Deeds book 1

 

Two seasoned operatives finally meet their match: each other.S.E. Jakes DirtyDeeds_500x750

Cillian works for the mysterious Special Branch 20: an organization that runs black ops commissioned by the British government. His specialty is deep undercover assignments with virtually no support. He’s been alone for so long that he no longer knows anything else.

Mal’s also used to being alone. Wanted in several states and even more countries, he’s not allowed in the vicinity of any of his former Navy SEAL teammates. And his current assignment is to track Cillian in order to discover the spook’s endgame. Except he’s no longer sure which one of them is getting played.

Cillian isn’t about to let the mission that’s consumed him for the past several years crumble because an outsider is poking around where he doesn’t belong. But Mal forces his way through Cillian’s defenses—and into his heart—exposing a devastating betrayal that could destroy them both.

*

SE Jakes writes m/m romance. She believes in happy endings and fighting for what you want in both fiction and real life.

She lives in New York with her family, and most days, she can be found happily writing (in bed). No really…

Connect with SE:

Contest:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

1st prize: $50.00 Amazon Gift Card
2nd Prize: $25.00 Amazon Gift Card
3rd prize: $10.00 Amazon Gift Card

 

DirtyDeeds_400x600Title: Dirty Deeds

Series: Dirty Deeds 01

Author: S.E. Jakes

Genre: Mystery, Suspense, Action, D/s

Length: Novella (94pgs)

ISNB: 978-1-62649-093-2

Publisher: Riptide Publishing (13th January 2013)

Heat: Explicit

Heart: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Two seasoned operatives finally meet their match: each other.

Cillian works for the mysterious Special Branch 20: an organization that runs black ops commissioned by the British government. His specialty is deep undercover assignments with virtually no support. He’s been alone for so long that he no longer knows anything else.

Mal’s also used to being alone. Wanted in several states and even more countries, he’s not allowed in the vicinity of any of his former Navy SEAL teammates. And his current assignment is to track Cillian in order to discover the spook’s endgame. Except he’s no longer sure which one of them is getting played.

Cillian isn’t about to let the mission that’s consumed him for the past several years crumble because an outsider is poking around where he doesn’t belong. But Mal forces his way through Cillian’s defenses—and into his heart—exposing a devastating betrayal that could destroy them both.

Purchase Link: http://riptidepublishing.com/titles/dirty-deeds-dirty-deeds-1

Review: Cillian is an operative for the mysterious Special Branch 20, a British black ops organization. Deep cover is his specialty and he has been working on a case alone for the past several years, chasing down a figure that is more like a spectre and is always one step ahead. Mal is used to being alone, working in the background but unable to meet up with any of his former Navy SEAL teammates. Mal is currently assigned to keeping an eye on Cillian; to discover the real motives for his involvement in Prophet’s life. Mal works his way into Cillian’s defences and sparks fly, but what will happen when they discover just who the other is?

This is a fabulous story that has you guessing as to what is happening; we move smoothly through the story being pulled into the mystery that is surrounding these men. Mal is the silent one, he suffered a devastating injury that he nearly died from and left him mute, he always has his teammate’s backs and he is determined to learn everything Cillian knows. Cillian keeps his cards close to his chest, hunting for a traitor and keeping Prophet out of the game are his main goals. These two men are playing a game of cat and mouse, hunting for answers and keeping their secrets but conducting a tryst that only one of them really knows about.

We see a brilliant story being developed as we look on, Mal is incredibly sneaky drawing Cillian in like he is a fish on the line and Cillian thinks he is playing with Mal having no clue as to what is really going on. Their meetings are clandestine with want and need swirling through the air, their couplings desperate and needy and filled with mystery by their actions. *sigh* A perfect match who have a very rocky road ahead of them.

Oh My God, oh my god I need book two… right this second! There are no words to describe how badly I want to track S.E. Jakes down and make her write the entire series out, the ending for this book has me on tender hooks and I am desperate to know what happens next! Holy cow Mal, what are you going to do? Cillian, I hope you start running. While I want to tell everyone what’s in this story and what is really going on, I can’t because the surprise is just too juicy, both Mal and Cillian have surprises for the other and not all of them are pleasant.

I have to recommend this to those who love brilliant stories coming together before your eyes, secrets revealed that has the hair on your neck standing on end, a fantastic explosive burgeoning relationship that might just go down in flames and a beautifully written story that has you begging for more.

Silent by Sara Alva

18247083Title: Silent

Author: Sara Alva

Genre: Contemporary/New Adult

Length: Novel (383 pages)

ISBN: 1493665901

Publisher: Sara Alva (October 27th, 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Eric

Blurb: Alex’s life as a teenager in South Central LA is far from perfect, but it’s his life, and he knows how to live it. He knows what role to play and what things to keep to himself. He’s got it all under control, until one lousy pair of shoes kicks him out of his world and lands him in a foster care group home.

Surrounded by strangers and trapped in a life where he could never belong, Alex turns to the only person lower on the social ladder than he is a “special” mute boy. In Sebastian, Alex finds a safe place to store his secrets—those that sent him to foster care, and the deeper one that sets him apart from the other teenagers he knows. But Sebastian has secrets of his own, and when tragedy rips the two boys apart, Alex will stop at nothing to find the answers—even if it means dragging them both through a past full of wounds best left buried.

It might just be worth it, for the slim chance at love.

Purchase Link: http://www.amazon.com/Silent-Sara-Alva-ebook/dp/B00G8UF0JM

Review:  This book was long and quite complicated. You truly do get the understanding of Alex and who he is. When he understands something or learns something, you being to feel for him and learn.

Sara Alva truly shows what life in South Central LA is like. The tough times, the dark times and then some. I found this book to be a bit long for my taste and at the same time, I found it intriguing at the same time. Maybe it was too much for me but I’m sure someone who appreciates a great amount of detail would appreciate a book like this.

I just honestly didn’t like this novel. I don’t know specifically what made it a bit of a drag but I know that it was tough to start, tough to continue and then some.

What I did like was how the characters were willing to protect each other. How they were willing to hide the secrets each other didn’t want to voice. And while I didn’t like the length or how rough it was for me to read it, I found it to be somewhat intriguing.