One Good Deed by Andrew Grey

OneGoodDeedLGTitle: One Good Deed

Author: Andrew Grey

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length: Novel, 200 pages

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (February 10th 2014)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Reviewer: Tams

Blurb: Luka Krachec immigrates to the United States to find his cousin dead and his cousin’s wife hospitalized after a terrible accident. He meets Peter Montgomery at the funeral. The American seems nice and captures Luka’s attention when he offers to help him with his English.

Peter has spent most of his life believing he shot his father at age six, and his family uses his regret and overwhelming guilt to keep him under their proverbial thumbs. Peter does his best to make up for what he did by helping others, and agreeing to help Luka with his English yields something amazing when they hit it off.

When Peter opens up to Luka about what happened when he was a child, Luka senses some holes in the story and suspects Peter needs some help, so he approaches the head of the psychology department at the college where he works. Neither expects to open a long-barricaded door to secrets, denial, and family manipulation.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4655

Review: Luka Krachec left his home in Serbia for America in the hopes of a better life. When he arrives, he learns that his cousin who was to be his sponsor has been in a car accident and died, his cousin’s wife is still in critical condition. The members of their small Serbian community in Milwaukee still make Luka feel welcome though, and he continues with his plans. He settles into the apartment his cousin got him, settles into his job teaching at the local college, and starts English lessons with his sexy yet guarded tutor, Peter.

Peter Montgomery has spent most of his life alone and deep in a self-imposed misery. Believing he’s responsible for the death of his father when he was just a child, he’s convinced himself that he doesn’t deserve to be loved. That is until he meets the smoldering, self-confident, gay Serbian man who won’t let him hide anymore. Luka lost his lover Micha some years ago, and he’s attracted to the same qualities in Peter that he loved about Micha. Kind, gentle and utterly selfless; Luka sets about breaking down Peter’s walls and helping him come to terms with his painful past.

Luka is determined to break down the barriers Peter has enclosed himself in, and Peter fights the attraction at the start. Piece by piece, Luka takes down a stone and uses it to build a foundation for him and Peter to start a life. There are other obstacles in their path aside from Peter’s innate need to be miserable and alone. Peter’s family and his past, has he finally found something, or someone worth facing the truth for? And the Serbian government has decided they want Luka and the things he knows back in Serbia.

Andrew Grey delivers a flawlessly designed story yet again. He gently knits together the lives of these two men with a shared past of love and loss. And their only hope of a future together is for them to deal with what they’ve lost in order to be fully open for the love. Luka is a compass for Peter, guiding him through the choppy waters with the hope of bringing him to shore in one piece. There are no ‘type A’ personalities for these characters, they are written as equals and it reads that way within the words and descriptives.

I think the moral of this story is: Love conquers all. In depth characters, an engrossing storyline and some hot and heavy make out scenes! I give this one my thumbs up!!

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

http://www.mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com

Come Clean by Dawn Kimberly Johnson

ComeCleanLGTitle: Come Clean

Series: A Valentine Rainbow

Author: Dawn Kimberly Johnson

Genre:  Valentine Novella

Length: Novella (52 Pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (February 10th, 2014)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts

Reviewer: Lisa

Blurb: Peru Cabral, the youngest of five brothers, has just come out to his family. Lawson Todd has returned to his small hometown in disgrace after losing his corporate advertising job. When Peru and Lawson spot each other at the family Laundromat where Lawson works, the attraction between them is undeniable. But the fears, insecurities, and false fronts both men are hiding behind might doom the relationship before it begins—unless the brothers Cabral step in.

 

A part of the “A Valentine Rainbow” set of 14 holiday stories. Get all 14 stories on Feb. 1 when you purchase the set.

Product Link:http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4679

Review: This is a really cute story and I absolutely loved it. It had just the right amount of humor to it.

 

Lawson takes one look at Peru and he knew he wanted this beautiful young man. He realized that he was at least seven years older than Peru and had many family members who loved him, as did he. Each was hiding something from each other, but with the help of Peru’s family, everything would work out just fine. I laughed throughout the story and got a bit misty eyed also. I can see myself reading this every Valentine’s Day.

 

I loved it.

A Boyfriend for Christmas by Iyana Jenna

91XdIKI9zvL._SL1500_Title: A Boyfriend for Christmas

Series: N/A

Author: Iyana Jenna

Length: Short (23 Pages)

Publisher: Leap of Faith Publishing (November 16th, 2013)

Heat Rating: Low

Heart Level: ♥♥♥♥3.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Lisa

Blurb: Cold, injured, and afraid his ex-boyfriend will come find him, Oliver chooses instead to run away from the hospital and hide in his cabin on Christmas Day. Little does he know that Santa Claus and the Big Boss will drop a surprise for him through his fireplace. The surprise’s name is Derek.

Product Link:http://www.amazon.com/A-Boyfriend-Christmas-Iyana-Jenna-ebook/dp/B00GR0D6IA

Review: This is a very cute story, that I absolutely fell in love with.

Oliver had been abused and just wanted to get away. He was scared of everything, so when he awoke to a burglar he was scared out of his mind. Derek had been sent to him by the big boss and he knew he wanted Oliver. Derek was kind, gentle, and very loving. It is a cute and adorable little story line, that I wished had been a lot more. This story is just so sweet and tender that you can’t help but think of reading it every Holiday. Which is what I intend to do, to put it on my Christmas Eve story time. It is a story that would stick with you.

The only problem I found was that it was too short and missed many parts that would make it a great story. I wished that it had done more background on both Oliver and Derek. Then put a little more action into it.

Loved by a Werewolf by Bronwyn Heeley

cover artTitle: Loved By a Werewolf

Series: Moonlit Wolves, #1

Author: Bronwyn Heeley

Length: Novella (68 Pages)

Publisher: Extasy Books (January 15th, 2014)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts

Reviewer: Lisa

Blurb: When you’re screwed anyway, hope for the best and get what you can.

Kidnapping the son of one of the mob leaders isn’t easy, and when said son happens to be a werewolf’s mate, it’s bound to get messy.

Product Link:http://www.extasybooks.com/loved-by-a-werewolf/

Review: This story has a lot of potential to make a great series. It caught my attention from the start and kept it all the way to the end. The only thing was it left me hanging. Now I will definitely have to wait for the next book in this series.

Matt and Jex had been friends since high school. Best friends, where both of them wanted more from the other. The only problem was neither one knew. Well that and Jex was the son of a mob leader and Matt was a werewolf. Matt knew that Jex was his mate, but thinking that Jex was straight, he had made the decision to always be friends even if he could never have the whole mate stuff. When Jex gets kidnapped, Matt does everything to save his mate even if it meant death. When it come outs to both of them how the other felt, well you can say they sat the forest on fire. The sex was hot, passionate, and full of sparks.

Other than the fact that it left me hanging, not knowing what was going to happen, it was a damn good story. One that I couldn’t wait to read. I wished it had been a bit longer in length, but it was an amazing story.

Pony by S.J.D Peterson

18738795Title: Pony

Series: Guards of Folsom, #3

Author: SJD Peterson

Genre: BDSM/Kinks & Fetishes

ISBN: 978-1-62798-479-9

Length: Novel (200 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (December 30th, 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: Grant Maxwell, aka Max, wakes to find his coffeepot has died in the night. Not one who can start his day without his favorite brew, he heads to the local coffee shop. Max finds something even more appealing than caffeine in the form of twenty-six-year-old hottie Aiden James. For the first time in his life, well-established, confident, and respected Dom Max finds himself sputtering and unsure in the face of Aiden’s charms.

Aiden lives with three roommates, works a dead-end job, and isn’t sure where his life is heading. That is until he meets Max. Max introduces him to a foreign yet intriguing lifestyle, and they soon discover they have something more than mutual attraction in common.

A shared kink is one thing, but Aiden’s past vanilla sexual experiences as well as his fear of losing himself in Max may keep Aiden from experiencing his fantasy. Max has an obstacle of his own to overcome. He must somehow figure out how to help Aiden explore his submissive side when, for the first time in his life, he’s head over heels in love.

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4520

Review: Oh my, is it hot in here or was it the book…? Don’t answer that question, it’s quite rhetorical. This book was one hot ride and oh my God, finally a light one in the Guards of Folsom series. After all the grief and hardships of the previous two I’m so freaking glad to have a story that was not only highly erotic, sensual, and light, but fun as well. I enjoyed this installment immensely. The kink it involved was whew steaming hot, the couple it followed was just awesome, and the end was sweet with a touch of spicy.

So, a little meet the folks; Max, we’ve met him briefly and saw that there was someone in his life in Tag Team, when he showed up in Florida. And here we get to see exactly who that someone was. Remember Lorcan’s Desire? Yeah, Lorcan’s brother Aiden makes an appearance, or rather takes the spotlight as his the man who screws Max’ life and thoughts and turns everything upside down. I like this development, made me want to go back and re-read Lorcan and Quinn just for fun… again.

But, I digress. So, in this book we have Max, a bachelor until now, secretly envying his fellows for falling in love and having their D/s relationships. Until one day, his coffee-machine gives its last breath and he’s forced to run at the local coffee shop. One bad thing though turns into something he wouldn’t have expected in a million years. All his confidence, control, and grasp of reality, not to mention his goddamn psychiatrist diploma flew out of the window at the mere sight of Aiden.

Just a note here that I absolutely LOVED this little detail, for there is nothing more amusing for me than a Dom who loses his wits in the face of a young stud.

They finally start dating after Max finds his courage and initiates it only to discover that while Aiden has no idea about Max’s lifestyle, he harbors some kinky fantasies that drive Max insane with lust.

The story is simple, there are no big things happening here, only two people getting to know each other through a D/s relationship and exploration and slowly yet steadily falling in love. There are all kinds of emotions involved; there is fear and anticipation, there is intimacy and love blooming, and there are some spats of course that the men overcome in the end. What it is mostly is one hell of an enjoyable ride, sexy as it gets and erotic to the point that it takes your breath away and leaves you panting like crazy.

For me this was perhaps the best in the series. It had it all, the kinks, the awesome couple, the hot mind-blowing scenes, and joy. Yup, that’s mostly my favorite part, the fact that it made me have this stupid grin on my face during the entire read. Do I recommend it? What, are you blind or what? Of course, I do, go read it and you’ll nod your head at my words. This is one fun book definitely a must read if you like the genre. Enjoy!

Going Home by Rex Patrick

Portrait of two young boys gay on a black backgroundTitle: Going Home

Series:   Home to Harmony

Author: Rex Patrick

Genre: Contemporary

Length:  Short (49 pages)

Publisher: Rex Patrick (October 22nd, 2013)

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥2.75Hearts

Reviewer: Eli/Mandingo

Blurb:  At age twenty-four, Evan Parker was on the way to becoming rich by anyone’s standards. He just didn’t look it, act it, or feel it. He’d left the tiny town of Harmony, Maryland, for William and Mary, and grad school at the University of Virginia, Wharton School of Business. He hadn’t seen Isaac Wells in four years, not since Isaac told him that he didn’t really love him, and probably never had. He’d decided that sex with men wasn’t for him, that it all had been a mistake, a cruel joke, and that he was going to marry Janet Bourne, and live a normal life. 

Purchase Link:   http://www.amazon.com/Going-Home-Harmony-Rex-Patrick-ebook/dp/B00G2UWW5S/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1389145564&sr=1-1&keywords=going+home%2C+rex+patrick

Review: The story premise for this book is VERY good. Unfortunately, it just doesn’t reach its full potential for a number of reasons.  While the character of Evan is outlined with some degree of clarity, the reader doesn’t even get a chance to understand Isaac.  He’s presented as a multi-faceted character, but we don’t know why.  The reader never discovers what makes Isaac tick or why Evan liked him during their previous relationship or why he still carries a torch for him. We don’t really know what Evan does for a living (something in the financial field which makes him very wealthy at twenty-five, but doesn’t require him actually going to a job), and the descriptions of Isaac’s professional life are drawn in broad strokes. The reader doesn’t really know why they should root for Evan and Isaac to be together, since the reader doesn’t know what connects them in the first place.

The story also jumps around a lot and the lack of effective editing sometimes makes the story difficult to follow.  Many times throughout the story, the reader will become confused between real speech and the characters thoughts as well as which character is actually speaking. The conflict and climax of the story sneak up on the reader without any warning, at which point the story seems to unravel through what appears to be a lack of planning and thought as to the steps to make this a believable series of events. Then once the conflict is resolved, the story rushes to its HEA and the reader is left a bit bereft.

So the story premise is great and this reviewer hopes that the author revisits the story and does some serious editing, which would greatly improve the story flow, followed by adding a few paragraphs here or there to round out the main characters and to fill in some missing plot details.  Another five or ten pages and the story will realize its potential and become a much better read.

Wedded Bliss by A.J. Llewellyn

81EXhh5HVbL._SL1500_Title: Wedded Bliss

Series:   N/A

Author:A. J. Llewellyn

Genre: Contemporary

Length:  Novella (84 pages)

Publisher: Amber Quill Press (December 10th, 2013)

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts

Reviewer: Eli/Mandingo

Blurb:  Jack Callahan is in a financial bind, so when Australian novelist Bruce Logan offers him a small fortune to marry him so Bruce can get his green card, Jack agrees. The two men know enough about each other to pull off the immigration interview at Homeland Security, and they can happily share an apartment in Los Angeles until Bruce establishes legal residency.

The problem, though, begins when Jack develops feelings for Bruce and becomes torn when his new husband starts dating another man. Not only that, but Bruce’s expected book royalties fall way short of expectations. Now, not only can Bruce not pay Jack the promised “marital fee,” but also it seems that he’s in love with his new man. And with Jack’s lengthy solitude broken, his feelings for Bruce only deepen.

Can the two married men actually find wedded bliss with each other?

Purchase Link:   http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/WeddedBliss.html

Review: Okay, let’s just start with the fact that I loved how real this book was – Real from the point that marrying someone for a green card is illegal and will create HUGE legal issues for both parties.  However, this occurs all the time in this country. The notion of this now occurring with two men is an interesting twist and can be sure to become a very regular occurrence when marriage equality is achieved across the nation. So the author takes this premise and then layers it with some Hollywood drama complete with two slightly insecure men, and then two females who’ll help to save them from themselves. 

Jack Callahan is a perfectly nice man and when the reader first meets Bruce, he seems nice enough.  However, mid-way through the book, his charm tarnishes and it doesn’t really return until close to the end of the book.  Jack is a very likable character, Bruce less so; BUT he does redeem himself in the end and one can only relate this to the flaws that anybody would have. Real life enters when finances are not as they seem, libidos get in the way, exes make themselves apparent and feelings get hurt.  The book does a good job of encapsulating a lot of activity taking place in short time frame, and the romance between the men feels very real and true to life rather than seeming like the usual formulaic love story that is usually seen. The story is well paced, well-written with well-developed characters; and, the plot is believable.  Additionally, despite Bruce’s slightly douchy moments, you do want to see him and Jack end up together.  A good read.

Wolf Heart by Arvel Amaya

Young modelTitle:  Wolf Heart

Series:  Wolf Bonds, #3

Author:  Arvel Amaya

Genre:   Paranormal Romance

Length:  Novel (146 pages)

Publisher:  Amaya Books (January 19th 2014)

Heat Level:  Moderate to Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts

Blurb: Sid has never wanted a mate. Sex and fun has always been good enough for him. That is until he meets Bradley, the very human veterinarian that changed his world and pulled a bullet out of him all at the same time.

Bradley always considered himself a normal open-minded straight guy, but his life takes a drastic change when he finds a wounded wolf that isn’t a wolf at all. Instead he meets the witty and frustratingly gorgeous, Sid, who drives him crazy and has him chucking away every heterosexual notion he ever had.

With Sid struggling to resist the claim and Brad determined to win him over, they both must decide the lengths they would go for each other.

Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/Wolf-Heart-Bonds-Arvel-Amaya-ebook/dp/B00HYHB4PW/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1390531037&sr=1-1&keywords=wolf+heart

Reviewer:   Tams

Review:  Bradley Lotters is the local Vet and son of the mayor. When he saves a wolf from rogue hunters and pulls a bullet out of him, he’s far from prepared for what happens next. The wolf transforms into a man, a very sexy red-haired man with a bad attitude to match his chiseled body. Bradley is instantly and insanely attracted to the shifter. Which confuses the hell out of him, since he’s straight?

Fans of the series will know Sid as the red-headed wolf of the pack that has were blood in him. He and his brother Chase have had a hard time adjusting to pack life, and if you recall, he challenged Tommy for the position of beta. Sid has never been a fan of rules, he lives his single life sleeping around, finding a mate is the last thing he wants or needs. So he is less than receptive when he feels that overwhelming pull to the human that saved his life.

The majority of the story is a push and pull between Sid and Bradley. Sid is a loner, he’s had a hard life being part were and he’s seen the negative aspect of the mate bond. He continually pushes Bradley away, turning his body inside out as he tries to ignore his attraction to the human. Bradley just wants to love and be loved, have a relationship and a life with someone. He fiercely pursues Sid. He is confused by his attraction to another man at the start, but recognizes the feelings that run deep and the opportunity for something more.

This story hit the ground running and there is action, suspense, and lots of sexy shifters throughout. There is a very real threat from rogue hunters that are going after the wolves for a profit, putting Sid and Bradley in the line of fire. Bradley will do just about anything to have a future with Sid, it’s not until Sid is faced with the very real danger of losing Bradley that he admits he’s in love with the human.

I love this series. The comradery among the shifters truly makes these books significant. And Amaya does a fantastic job of exploring their struggles to keep their pack and their love lives separate and safe. This is definitely a must read series. Fans of hot, sexy, gay shifters will love it!

Echoes of Us by Teegan Loy

18691994Title:  Echoes of Us

Author: Teegan Loy 

Genre:   Contemporary Romance

Length:  Novel, 230 pages

Publisher:  Dreamspinner Press (November 18th 2013)

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb: Most people think falling in love is a wonderful thing. For Rylan Blake, love only complicates his life. After a disastrous trip home, Rylan and his best friend, Maggie, head back to Chicago to meet their new roommate, Jade Marin, and prepare for their final year of college.

Love is the last thing Rylan expects when he meets Jade. But as the two men get to know each other and discover their mutual love of music, friendship becomes more. They compose songs and, at Maggie’s urging, post their work on YouTube—where the videos go viral and a music producer discovers them.

But hitting it big isn’t always a good thing, especially when it comes with a price. When Rylan and Jade sign a deal with a big music company, they’re ordered to hide their relationship from the public and take fake girlfriends. At first, it’s a game, but as their fame grows, Rylan feels forced to choose: Does he stay and live a lie, or does he walk away from a life of fame—and from Jade?

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4372

Reviewer:   Tams

Review:  Love and money don’t always mix well.

Rylan Blake and his best friend and roommate, Maggie, return home from a disastrous trip to see Rylan’s family to meet their new roommate, Jade. Rylan is fresh off of a break up with their last roommate and coming out to his family, so his mood is understandably gloomy. Rylan promised Maggie after his last faux pas that he would keep his hands off the new roommate.

Jade Marin is fresh off of a break up with his girlfriend as well. He is oh so sexy and sweet and Rylan has a little trouble with his ‘hands off’ policy, so Jade makes the first move. The two become much more than friends and roommates very quickly, and bond over a shared love of music. When Maggie puts one of their songs on YouTube, it’s a huge success and the pair becomes insanely famous almost overnight.

But with fame and money come the good, the bad, and the ugly. In an attempt to keep up appearances, their new manager adds a girlfriend clause to their contract, and attaches them with a guard dog in the form of a homophobic driver. Thankfully, they make quick work of the driver, but Maggie and Rylan’s sister posing as their girlfriends ends up going too far. Maggie is getting hate mail from diehard fans, and Rylan’s sister is cracking under the pressure of standing up as Jade’s arm candy. All Rylan wants is to go back to the way things were, when Jade could sit next to him on the couch writing music and link their ankles together in a show of love and affection. But Jade’s eyes are glassy with the promise of fame and the expectation of riches. Will he choose the lime light and the money? Or will he follow his heart and choose Rylan?

This is a coming of age emotional story about two young men that found their soul mates early on in life. But face the very real danger of losing each other when one of them loses sight of what’s important. Loy did an amazing job of conveying Rylan’s inner turmoil to the reader. He struggles with having to pretend he is straight and hide his love for Jade from the public eye. When Rylan made the impossible choice to leave it all behind, and Jade as well, if he couldn’t just be happy just loving Rylan, my heart broke for him. And then on top of all that he has to face family tragedy as well.

A little dark and extremely emotional, but the love that these two have for each other literally jumps off the pages. You will be drawn into their story and feel their pain with them. And let me just say, Loy balanced the pain with some pretty hot sex. I wasn’t kidding when I said Jade made the first move, and it set the stage for their relationship going forward. When they go at it in a supply closet at a venue, then come out wearing each other’s shirts, they come out in more ways than one!

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

http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com

Accepting the Alpha by J.J. Black

acceptingthealpha_exlarge_PNG-210x336Title: Accepting the Alpha

Series: Great Lake Wolves, #1

Author: J.J. Black

Length: Novel (149 Pages)

Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing (January 17th, 2014)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts

Reviewer: Lisa

Blurb: Can an Alpha wolf convince his straight mate to give love a chance, before an unexpected enemy tries to rob them of all they hold dear…even their own lives?

Eli Steele is a wolf without a pack. An invitation from his best friend brings him to Grand Rapids and a meeting with the local Alpha changes Eli’s life in ways he ever expected.

Kellan Reeves, Alpha of the Grand Rapids Pack, had lost hope of ever finding his mate until Eli came to him, looking for a pack. Realizing Eli is his mate, he feels things couldn’t be more perfect…discounting the angry pack Eli left behind. There’s also the insignificant fact that Eli’s not gay. It’s nothing an Alpha wolf can’t handle.

While Eli struggles to understand his feelings for Kellan, an unexpected call for help has everyone on edge. As enemies move in and a horrifying plot is revealed, Kellan and Eli fight back, not only for themselves, but also for the fate of all shifters.

Product Link:https://www.totallybound.com/accepting-the-alpha

Review: I want to thank J.J. for giving me an awesome new love. I have always loved paranormal romance especially with two very hot and sexy men. This book was amazing and I loved it. J.J. has an amazing gift for telling stories. This one has ranked up into my favorites list. This is book one in this series and you have got to read it.

Eli was a beta for his father’s pack and he hated it. When his best friend got kicked out for being gay, he had to stay to protect his weaker pack mates until his brother took over as alpha. He is strong-willed, loyal, protective, caring, and very loving to his family and friends. He is also straight, however that comes into question when he meets his mate. A very strong and sexy alpha by the name of Kellen. Kellen has taken an interest in his mate now all he has to do is get him to submit, or so he thinks. Kellen is all-alpha all the way even with attitude. The sex is amazing, hot, and very passionate.

This story has a lot of danger coming from inside the pack and out of it. They have to fight together to protect each other. This story has everything I ever wanted in a story. It has danger, lots of anger and pain, frustrated males, jerks up to no good, betrayal, and lots of passion, fights, and loving. This has given me a new series to love and I cannot wait for the next book in this series.

Objects in the Rearview Mirror by F.E. Feeley Jr.

20558417Title: Objects in the Rearview Mirror

Series: Memoirs of the Human Wraiths 02

Author: F.E. Feeley Jr.

Genre: Paranormal, Ghosts/Spirits

Length: Novel (200pgs)

ISNB: 978-1-62798-427-0

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (5th February 2014)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Their new home on Frederick Street in Clay Center, Kansas, was supposed to give writer Jonathan David and his husband, clinical psychologist Dr. Eddie Dorman, an opportunity to enjoy married life. Jonathan has just released his first major bestseller, and he hopes to finally escape his traumatic past and find the quiet existence he has always craved. Eddie has taken a job at the Kansas State University psychology department, and they intend to begin anew.

They have barely settled in when the nightmare begins. Noises, disembodied voices, and mysterious apparitions make Jonathan’s life hell. Part of the house has decided to bare its teeth, show its jagged edges, and bring back the worst of Jonathan’s past. At first, Eddie cannot perceive the spectral events and fears for his husband’s sanity. When he’s also affected by the haunting, he’s unsure of what to do but refuses to be beaten.

Together, they seek a way to fight the forces trying to tear them apart. The world is a frightening place, but confronting their fears plunges Jonathan and Eddie into absolute horror.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4690

Review: Jonathan is looking forward to settling in his new house with his husband Eddie, it’s to be a new beginning for the couple away from the bustle of the city. But as they set the house to rights, strange occurrences begin and Jonathon begins to doubt his sanity especially when Eddie refuses to acknowledge the paranormal. Eddie worries for Jonathan, thinking that Jonathon is sinking into despondency caused by an abusive past, but soon even Eddie can’t deny that the houses past is rearing its ugly head and Eddie will have to support Jonathon as he confronts the past and lays the ghosts to rest.

This is an incredible well-written story that draws you in and holds your attention from the very first page. This story actually opens up in the past, laying the groundwork for the present, it shows us the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate spirits that linger. Jonathon is haunted by his past. Even though he tries to look forward sometimes, the past creeps up on him leaving him feeling despondent. Eddie does what he can to ease Jonathon but even he feels the strain sometimes. Moving was to be a new beginning for them both, the chance to leave the past behind them with only the future to look forward to, but their new house has a surprise in store for them and they have to stick together to come out the other side stronger than ever.

I really enjoyed this story with its strong paranormal aspects and the way that the characters have to examine the past to move forward to the future. Both Eddie and Jonathon are excellent characters, their relationship is strong but feels the strain of Jonathon’s despondency and when you throw in the strange occurrences you can see why Eddie acts as he does at first. I adored how Eddie rallied round when he could no longer deny the truth, supporting his husband and doing everything, he can to solve the problem. With Jonathon, you feel his despair as things start to get too much and I loved that he could open up and accept the help that was offered, even if it was grudgingly.

The paranormal aspect was brilliantly written, a father and son held by fear and regrets caught in a cycle that neither could break until a connection is made to someone who has suffered and is haunted by his own past. It is wonderfully described with the pain, fear, and anger shining through. This really is a great story where the past and the present collide and where the only answer rests with confronting the past for all concerned and the steadfast love of an understanding spouse.

I recommend this to those who love tortured souls, facing the past, steadfast love and commitment, brilliant characters and a wonderful ending. 

The Recalling of John Arrowsmith by Alyx J. Shaw

71Hb8cN-AHLTitle: The Recalling of John Arrowsmith

Series: A Strange Place in Time #1

Author: Alyx J. Shaw

Genre: High Fantasy

Length: Novel (221 pages)

ISBN: 978-1-61040-598-0

Publisher: Prizm Books, Torquere Press (October 13th, 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5~4Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb:Raised in a motorcycle gang, John Arrowsmith has a bad case of wanderlust. He’s not sure what drives him, but he knows he has to go, and he has the perfect machine to ride on; the big custom bike he calls Harley. When he and Harley get run off the road and wake up someplace completely unfamiliar, Arrowsmith knows something has gone pretty darned wrong.

With a cast of characters that include thieves, Moonhounds, and ogres, John has to find his way through this new world, trying to understand why he’s been transported there, and why he’s falling for a guy named Infamous. What Arrowsmith finds out surprises him, and might just kill him. Can he survive to find his way home?

Purchase Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1193

Review: Oh my freaking God, I can’t believe the cliffhanger. Just kill me now! Or rather don’t, I have #2 waiting for me so I won’t suffer long, though I fear what the end of that book is going to bring.

But back at this one, well what an enticing book this was. The first thought that came into my mind was “I’m reading a really weird book. Nice weird. Tolkien weird. It’s fascinating!” and then again further into the story I was reminded of World of Warcraft’s Wrath of the Lich King. It was surreal somehow that this book mixed up an assortment of favourites for me. The World it was set upon, the magical creatures and the people who inhabited this world, they were all alluring slowly drawing me in and managing to capture my interest and hold onto it.

I admit at first the book was hard to follow. The information required to understand this world was a lot to digest and every turn you took something new popped up. It was really hard to keep up with at the beginning. Then there were the twists it took, and as things constantly moved with deeper meanings, hidden subtexts, and the eerie feeling that something is about to happen, yet you had to wait and wait and wait some more made the entire read a bit frustrating and challenging your patience.

I also admit that things only come into perspective after half the book was read and became clear as crystal when the end was reached. That however was another exercise at patience on itself. There were characters left to know and understand, there were dark evils and enemies hidden in the shadows that were not revealed, yet you know for a certainty that they are their bidding their time. There was the mother cliff hanger that makes your head spin and I don’t know how I would have felt if I didn’t already have book #2 to pick it right up.

And there was the romance part that was somehow crippled. We have the main character Arrowsmith and he’s human. Through a series of weird events, he ends up into a strange place that looked quite medieval. He ends up working at the Mountain Cabin and sharing the house for the winter with seven really weird people. Warriors of the Moon Goddess, wolves, wizards and mages, werewolves and shadowy thieves, elves and half elves, dragons and the stars know what else, this world has them. It’s a lot to take when you’re a human raised to believe them as myths. When he falls for the half elf though, it was weird as it gets. One moment he wants another guy, the other he falls deeply for the Master Thief because it felt right, it felt familiar. Hmm, I don’t know what to think of that. When they came together, their lovemaking lacked the intense passion that would perhaps solidify how their relationship came to be and where it was going to take them. I just felt that particular part was not written well enough to make the entire read explode. It could, but it missed.

However, when I take a step back and look at the entirety of this book, even as I feel it needed more length for the background storyline and a little bit more love-making, I still found it absolutely captivating and certainly a must read for fans of high fantasy, because as I said at the very beginning, I just can’t wait to get to #2. Strongly Recommended!

Enjoy!

Catting Around by Charlie Richards

91L3QSFhM6L._SL1500_Title: Catting Around

Series: Kontra’s Menagerie, #16

Author: Charlie Richards

Length: Novella (69 Pages)

Publisher: Extasy books (January 15th, 2014)

Heat Level: Mild

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts

Reviewer: Lisa

Blurb: On the Road: Sometimes, learning to get past your own problems, means focusing on someone else.

As an orphan, Chip had never really had a home or even much to call his own. After being adopted, he’d hoped he’d found acceptance. Unfortunately, a year later, he shifted into his bobcat for the first time and his new parents had thought him possessed. Forced to run, Chip lived mostly as an animal for decades. Having grown up alone in foster care, it hadn’t been much different and he hadn’t thought it too bad…until the day he’d been captured and tortured by scientists. Rescued by Kontra and his gang, Chip finally sees the light at the end of the long, lonely tunnel of his life. Scarred, malnourished, and suffering from panic attacks, Chip struggles to get his body and mind back under control. When the gang visits a pride of lion shifters, Chip meets Grimes, who claims they are mates. Can he manage to get past his hang-ups and grab onto the happiness Grimes offers him?

Product Link:http://www.extasybooks.com/charlie-richards/catting-around/

Review: Once again, Charlie has written an amazing story that I love. She has such a gift at story telling that I will always buy her stories no matter what. She has a way with characters that you can’t help but love them and cheer them all the way.

Chip is sweet, innocent in pack ways and mating, tender-hearted, and scared to death of crowds. Kontra and his gang had rescued Chip from scientist who was cruel and hated with a passion. He just wants to get over what had happened in captivity and his mate. Grimes is a lion shifter, wanted by many of the females of the pride but only interested in a certain bobcat. He has found his mate only to realize he had to go slow and tender with the little cat. He is strong at will and heart, tender and caring with his mate and loved by many. He wants to protect his mate with everything in him even if it meant his death. The sex between them is hot and fierce.

This story has an amazing story line that has pain, anger, danger, excitement, and love throughout. I have always loved the paranormal and when it comes with two sexy men loving one another, getting through the past problems and finding a way to go forward makes the story even better. I can see myself sitting on the couch, my feet tucked under me with the light on besides me and loosing myself in this story more than once. It was amazing and I loved every minute of it. It captured my attention from the start and kept it to the end. I would recommend reading it, but you should start with book one in this series to get the full context to everyone. I can’t wait to read it again. I also can’t wait for the next book of this series to come out.

Christmas at the Lakelands' by Lynn Hagen

18723608Title: Christmas at the Lakelands’

Series: Brac Pack, #33

Author: Lynn Hagen

Length: Novel (160 Pages)

Publisher: Siren Publishing (December 23rd, 2013)

Heat Level: Mild to Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts

Reviewer: Lisa

Blurb: Running from his past, Ares Kattamon left his psychology practice behind to become an assistant producer at a small independent film company. When he arrives in Brac Village to shoot a movie, he discovers a man who makes Ares hunger in ways he never knew existed.

Daniel Constantinople was the last of his brothers to mate. Daniel didn’t think it was in the cards for him to find love—not when his father continued to appear, still abusing Daniel, threatening to force Daniel home. When Daniel realizes that a small independent film company is coming to town, he sees his opportunity to escape his father’s demands. If he secures a part in the movie, then Magnum has no reason to come after him.

Or so he thought.

Magnum is determined to destroy Daniel’s life and turn everyone against him. Daniel must find a way to escape Magnum’s clutches, save Ares from the Ultionem, and help Ares to discover why the cast is slowly disappearing before it’s too late.

Product Link:http://www.bookstrand.com/christmas-at-the-lakelands

Review: This is book thirty-three in this series and to get the full knowledge of characters and their situations you should start with book one. It has a pretty cool story line with humor and seriousness throughout. There is a lot of kick to this story but you can see the love between everyone. The way everyone protects the others that are not strong is very sweet.

Daniel is a vampire who had run from his father Magnum. He likes staying in Brac Village but he is bored out of his mind. Until he realizes there is a small independent film company and he wants to try out for a part. Ares is the assistant producer and he takes an interest in Daniel. More than normal interest, he just can’t figure out what. Daniel is a sweet, tender-hearted and very caring young vampire whose self-esteem is very low thanks to his father’s belittling and meanness. Ares is a tough and rough character who can fight his way out of anything. However when it comes to Daniel he is loving, charming and very tender to him. He is also very protective and will protect him no matter what. There is a lot of twist and turns to this book with danger and excitement among those twist. Ares and Daniel make one hell of a sexy couple and the sex is out of this world.

Lynn always makes the stories just jump out, grabs my attention from the start, and keeps it to the end. I enjoy reading them and will continue to read them. I can’t wait for the next book to come out, but can’t wait to start reading them over again. She has the gift of imagination and storytelling that I love. The right amount of anger, pain, love, and sex mixed with danger, excitement is amazing to me. I would recommend reading this series.

Walk With Me by Cardeno C.

WalkWithMeLGTitle: Walk With Me

Series: Home 07

Author: Cardeno C.

Genre: Contemporary, Humor

Length: Novel (224 pages)

ISBN: 978-1-62798-547-5

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (7th February 2014)

Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: When Eli Block steps into his parents’ living room and sees his childhood crush sitting on the couch, he starts a shameless campaign to seduce the young rabbi. Unfortunately, Seth Cohen barely remembers Eli and he resolutely shuts down all his advances. As a tenuous and then binding friendship forms between the two men, Eli must find a way to move past his unrequited love while still keeping his best friend in his life. Not an easy feat when the same person occupies both roles.

Professional, proper Seth is shocked by Eli’s brashness, overt sexuality, and easy defiance of societal norms. But he’s also drawn to the happy, funny, light-filled man. As their friendship deepens over the years, Seth watches Eli mature into a man he admires and respects. But when Seth finds himself longing for what Eli had so easily offered, he has to decide whether he’s willing to veer from his safe life-plan to build a future with Eli.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4708

Review: This story is part of a series but can be read as a stand-alone. Seth is about to start his new job as associate Rabbi when he meets his boss’s son Eli, Seth is blown away by the blatant flirting of the younger man and quickly shuts him down. Eli has had a crush on Seth for years and starts a campaign to make Seth his but he soon realizes that he would rather have Seth as a friend than drive him away with his blatant sexual come-on’s and a lasting friendship forms. Seth tries to ignore his attraction to Eli but finally has to face what he feels, but can he give up a future that could be for the future that Eli offers.

This is the last story in the Home series and we bid a fond farewell to the guys of Emile City with this brilliant story of Eli and Seth. Within the first ten pages of this book, I was already chortling and I realized this was going to be a cracker of a book and that Eli and Seth were going to leave a lasting impression. Eli is only eighteen when he makes it clear that he has set his sights on Seth, being knocked back (repeatedly) takes time to sink in and he finally settles on friendship but as time goes on and his feelings mature the childhood crush develops into full-blown love, but he won’t risk his cherished friendship no matter how much he now loves Seth. Seth struggles with his feelings for Eli and has to do some serious soul-searching, it is a long time coming, but just as he decides to start his own campaign for Eli, a secret is revealed that shocks Eli to the core.

I adored this story, watching as Eli grows into an incredible man who cultivates his friendships with care and holds on to what is most important to him by holding back on his feelings was incredible, Eli is an astonishing character who develops wonderfully throughout the book. Seth is a wonderful character who is sure of who he is… until he meets a grown Eli who makes him question everything he thought about himself, we watch as Eli admits truths to himself and explores what he has discovered about himself and we pause with breath held as he struggles with his choice to act on his feelings. Eli and Seth has an exceptional friendship that we have the pleasure of seeing evolve, and when it finally evolves into a relationship it takes our breath away.

I have to question myself as I write this review as to whether it is tainted with the poignancy I feel to be saying goodbye to the Home series, but then I think about the incredible characters, the wonderful dancing of friendship and love, the amusing disastrous weddings, the flashes of painful young love and the solid storyline that draws us deeper into Eli and Seth’s story and I know that Cardeno C. wrote another perfect story and my rating is well deserved.

I recommend this story to those who love brilliant stories that have you smiling and grinning, that leave you aching for the young man who had to wait years to finally get his man, that draws you in as soul-searching is conducted and doubts are examined and a beautiful relationship is fulfilled.  

Song of the Spring Moon Waning by E.E. Ottoman

18753657Title: Song of the Spring Moon Waning

Author: E.E. Ottoman

Genre: Fantasy, Trans

Length: Novella (106 pages)

ISBN: 9781620043004

Publisher: Less Than Three Press (15th January 2014)

Heat Level: Low – Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Upon waking up one morning, Wen Yu is surprised to find a note asking him to return the song thrush given into his care while the owner was sick. The only problem is that Wen Yu was never given a song thrush. 

Though he has no time for distractions from his studies for the palace examination, Wen Yu goes in search of the unknown Liu Yi who left him the note. What he finds is a beautiful imperial eunuch, a talking tortoise, and a collection of mysterious moon poems that force Wen Yu to question what path in life he is truly meant to be walking …

Purchase Link: http://www.lessthanthreepress.com/books/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=92&products_id=551

Review: Wen Yu is an honorable scholar student who is determined to live up to his father’s expectations of him, but when he finds a note asking for the writers song thrush returned it leads to a path that has Wen Yu questioning what he really wants. Liu Yi is an imperial eunuch and he has suffered from a mystery illness his entire life, when the Moon Poems are left in his care he believes there might be a cure hidden in the mysterious language. The two are brought together by a song thrush and a talking tortoise but can Wen Yu really help with the Imperial Exams so close, and, can he really reveal his dark secret to the eunuch he is falling in love with?

This is a wonderful little story that is filled with a slight whimsical fantasy thread, old world tales coming to life and a sweet love developing between two young people. Wen Yu has had his life planned out for him by his father, honor and family has been drilled into him from a young age, and his commitment to study is now engrained in him. Liu Yi is looking for his song thrush to be returned but meets a studious student instead, when he discovers that Wen Yu was directed his way he begins a tentative friendship Wen Yu and asks for his aid with the Moon Poems.

I must admit that I was drawn to this story from the opening scene, the Dragon of Jade Mountain and the Jade Rabbit of the Moon Palace, two lonely immortals, exchanging poems across realms but their chance to meet is lost and the Dragon sets off to recover the missing pearl. That scene does link in later with the main storyline of Wen Yu and Liu Yi and we are left wondering if there will be more to come at a later date. Liu Yi and Wen Yu’s relationship is a sweet one with both of them accepting the other and the storyline of the moon poems and the Dragon and Jade Rabbit are intriguing.

I became confused as to Wen Yu’s gender because I found myself becoming lost with descriptions and explanations… was Wen Yu a girl, made to act as a boy (Wen Yu’s explanation of his father’s secret) or was Wen Yu a hermaphrodite (sexual descriptions), I have gone over the book three times to see if I missed something, but I am left with the same confusion each time. Other than that I found the story to be enjoyable and liked seeing Wen Yu make his own decisions for his future, Liu Yi is a lovely young man who showed Wen Yu another future, a very cute couple who finally find the love they both deserve.

I recommend this to those who love sweet love stories, finding your own future, resolving a mystery, and an ending that is also a beginning.  

The 12 Days of Dennis by Jude Dunn

12 Days - cover3Title: The 12 Days of Dennis

Author: Jude Dunn

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Short (75pgs)

ISNB: 9781620042984

Publisher: Less Than Three Press (18th December 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 – 3 ½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: When an unexpected package is delivered on December 14th, Martin is more than a little intrigued by the contents—especially as they’re from his boyfriend, Dennis, and come with instructions to wear them when they go to dinner with Dennis’ parents the following night.

And that’s only the beginning of Dennis’ suggestive gifts.

Purchase Link: http://www.lessthanthreepress.com/books/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=90&products_id=547

Review: Martin is surprised to receive some unexpected gifts from his lover, Dennis, on the run up to Christmas, but he throws himself into the spirit of the gifts. Each day brings a new gift with instructions, the gifts become more suggestive, and Martin gets a Christmas to remember.

This is a cute little story that brings a new meaning to the 12 Days of Christmas with Dennis’ very erotic twist. Martin is slightly more reserved than his cross-dressing lover Dennis is but he gets into the spirit when Dennis sends him sexy gifts. With a variety of gifts from a condom in a jockstrap to five gold rings *wiggles eyebrows* they have some interesting nights out but when Dennis springs the final surprise it just might be more than Martin can handle.

This is a great little story that has snippets of Dennis’ and Martin’s lives on the run-up to Christmas, although we don’t get to know these guys well we do see enough to know that they have a great relationship and that Dennis loves slinky underwear and Martin is slightly more reserved. We see some great reactions to Dennis’ gifts, which have you grinning like a fool, and the last night of gift giving is a pure blast. Although we never see, any sex scenes we are left in no doubt that the gifts are being put to good use.

I recommend this to those who love cute couples, surprising lovers, some fun and games and a fun ending. 

Blessed With a Curse by N.J. Nielsen

81Xq5-E6p0L._SL1425_Title: Blessed With a Curse

Series: The Experimentals, #1

Author: N. J. Nielsen

Genre:Paranormal

Length: Novel (132 Pages)

ISBN:MLR-1-02013-0189

Publisher: MLR Press (January 16th, 2014)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Lisa

Blurb:What doesn’t kill me – had better start running…Storm Gennaro

When the past calls Storm Gennaro for assistance, he willingly comes to help the man who walked away from him. Thirty years is a long time to be parted from the one person meant to stand at your side forever.

Heath Madden is sick, and his family calls Storm to help save him. All the hurt and betrayal suffered at the man’s hands resurfaces, but not everything is as it seems.

The past has come back to wreak havoc on their lives, and as they dig deeper, they realize they aren’t the only ones whose lives are being played with.

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

Review: Well, for one I hate it when you are left hanging. Now I will be sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for the next book to learn how the war goes on. This book was amazing. It had just the right amount of anger, pain, danger, and love. It caught my attention from the beginning and kept it all the way to the end. It amazes me that they have the ability to overcome such pain that they can learn to love again.

Storm and Heath were mates, but at one time Heath didn’t want it, as he should. So when someone tried to tell him that Storm was cheating, it gave him the excuse to abandon and hate him. The only problem was that all the evidence against Storm was lies. No matter how much pain Heath had caused, Storm watched over him kept him safe as he could. However when Heaths family came to him, it turned out it was because Heath was dying. Poisoned by his own father. The problem was to save Heath, Storm had to have sex, and love had to be open for it to work. Heath realized that he had caused Storm so much pain, that Storm would be forever gone if he didn’t fix it. They had danger coming at them from all different angles. They would do everything to keep each other safe, even if it meant death. The sex between them is hot and very tantalizing. Fae, demon and humans were involved, now all they had to do was save those who were in danger also.

This book has the right amount of danger, excitement, and sexy men. It will keep you on the edge of your seat and have you begging for more. I can’t wait to read more, because it left me hanging wondering what was going to happen next. I loved this story and will be reading it more than once. N.J. has a gift of storytelling with worlds that come alive for you and characters you will fall in love with.

Tainted Blood by Sam C. Leonhard

TaintBldLGTitle: Tainted Blood

Series: Tainted 01

Author: Sam C. Leonhard

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Alternative World

Length: Novel (296pgs)

ISNB: 978-1-61581-411-4

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (3rd May 2010)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Gabriel Jordan lives a lonely life on the streets, taking the rare job that usually means spending hours in the cold, waiting for a chance to take a photograph of a cheating spouse. That’s how he meets Dr. Aleksei Tennant—who he sees suspiciously jumping from a window of a woman’s apartment. Tennant introduces Gabriel to the hidden worlds, magical worlds connected to this one by portals. Gabriel is eager to learn the runes for opening them, Tennant is eager to teach, and a fragile friendship develops amidst a series of murders.

These aren’t just any murders. The killer has a grudge against the mixture of other races: he doesn’t kill humans, only those of the hidden worlds who are producing children of tainted blood. When the killer attacks them directly, Gabriel and Tennant have to team up to find the murderer, even though they’re putting themselves, their love, and any chance at a future together, in danger.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=1816

Review: Well, well, well what to say? Hmmm… Brilliant, Fantastic, Awesome and Fabulous. Gabriel lives on the streets and makes ends meet by doing crappy jobs for an investigator, he has always known that he is different but he finds out that he is even more different than he thought when he sees a man float down from an apartment window. Tennant (Aleksei) knows that no-one should have seen him so he is fascinated by the young man who saw him leave the apartment; he takes him home and starts to make startling discoveries and the young man becomes involved in a mystery that he is trying to solve.

This story is set in an alternative world where humans know of paranormal portals but do want any interaction with them. Gabriel is twenty-seven but looks about twenty and he’s part werewolf part human and part something else? So he has to keep a low profile otherwise will end up in prison or worse, Tennant is something else entirely and begins to teach Gabriel about runes and portals while trying to get to the bottom of Gabriel’s heritage and trying to solve a murder. Gabriel and Tennant become good friends but between misunderstandings and lies, it doesn’t look like they will come to their senses anytime soon.

I really enjoyed this story as although there is a bit of romance and some really hot sex near to the end, the story was more based on the murders, mystery, and Gabriel’s heritage. The descriptions in this book are wonderful I especially liked how it wasn’t easy travelling through the portals and the descriptions of the other worlds are good. I really liked the seagull bit as well. I was a bit disappointed that we didn’t find out anything concrete about Gabriel’s heritage but then right at the end of the epilogue it’s there… a cliff-hanger where we are given a tantalizing glimpse about Gabriel and a tantalizing taste that something is going to go horrible wrong in the next book. (Grrr, I have to wait for the next book, now.)

So honestly, I have to recommend this to those who love paranormal, fantasy, developing love, hot sex, gruesome gory scenes, magic (runes) and a happy for now ending.  

 

Bad Slave by Kay Berrisford

20526359Title: Bad Slave

Author: Kay Berrisford

Genre: Fantasy, BDSM

Length: Novel (189pgs)

ISNB: 978-1-62300-690-7  

Publisher: Loose Id (28th January 2014)

Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½ – 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: When the king commands former war hero Captain Jay Ghair to find him the perfect royal sex slave, Jay’s quiet new life, as a librarian is shattered. Jay discovers the boy he’s looking for in Alix, a lowly miner and wannabe court scientist, whom Jay can’t help but secretly adore. However, teaching the rebellious Alix to be a docile slave is difficult. Alix will behave for just one man, and it isn’t the king. It’s Jay.

Standing by while the king’s treatment of Alix becomes cruel is torturous for Jay. He longs to return to his library, yet he can’t bear to leave Alix, or his people, unprotected. To rescue Alix—and save the realm from the increasingly tyrannical king—Jay must confront the demons of his military past and take up the sword again. But his most important battle must be won through returning Alix’s love and learning to master this bad slave who submits only for him.

Purchase Link: http://www.loose-id.com/bad-slave.html

Review: Since the end of the war ten years ago, Captain Jay Ghair has lived the quiet life as a librarian in a quiet town, but his quiet life is shattered when he receives a summons from the king and discovers he is being tasked to find the king a new sex slave. Disgusted, Jay sets out to find the king a new slave and discovers him in a man about to be lynched, but getting Alix trained isn’t easy when the only man he will respond to and obey is Jay. While the despot king’s behavior becomes more erratic Jay has to stand by and watch as Alix is treated like an object and treated cruelly, but when the behavior of the king puts the people and the kingdom at risk Jay has to face his demons and also accept his feelings for Alix, the bad slave.

Hmmmm fantasy, a kingdom at risk, a cheeky bad slave and a reluctant war hero, mix them together, throw in a dash of BDSM and we get a wonderful story that has you hooked. Jay is a man of high principles, after retiring he has settled into a quiet life but when he is dragged back to the capital, he is disgusted by what he finds. Having no choice but do as his king bids Jay does his best, but as he grows closer to Alix, the thoughts running through his head would have him killed. Alix is a miner when one of his experiments goes wrong and he is rescued by Jay, he jumps at the chance to serve the king, Alix sees it as a way to get patronage for his scientific experiments but it isn’t long before he realizes he would much prefer to serve Jay.

Well, I have to tell you that Alix in no way comes across as a submissive of any kind, until he is under the gaze of Jay and then he turns into an eager student but only for Jay. When we first meet Alix he is a wily young man who will risk his life for his experiments, so when he eagerly accepts the role of sex slave to the king you aren’t really surprised, especially with all his thoughts focusing on worming his way into a patronage. But, Alix soon learns that a king who is focused only on his own pleasure will never see him as anything but a plaything. Jay does his best with Alix but a twisted king is far from easy to please. Alix and Jay’s relationship is one of instant attraction on both sides but neither man thinks there could be anything more for them, so don’t be surprised if the gushing of feelings doesn’t happen until near the end of the book.

I have to admit to really liking the action in this story but I was also drawn to the tension between Alix and Jay, them having to hide their feelings from the king so he couldn’t exploit it but them also hiding them from each other as well. This is a very good story where there is also concern about an outcry from the people as the king’s tyrannical behavior pushes them too far, but the kings’ solution places everyone in danger and it is our quite Captain who has to save the kingdom again. Perfectly written, nicely timed, and paced with some angst and danger but with some beautiful D/s moments. And yes, there are some sever punishments from the king that while shrouded by BDSM is actually twisted torture.

I recommend this to those who love medieval type fantasy, delicious D/s, brutal BDSM, a great storyline, a hot hero and an ex-miner finding love… oh and rescuing a kingdom!