Title: Yes, He’s My Ex Author: Julie Lynn Hayes Genre: Romantic Comedy Length: Novella (152 pages) ISBN: 978-1-62798-642-7 Publisher: Dreamspinner Press Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥2 ~ 2.5 Hearts Reviewer: Thommie Blurb: Sometimes Sonny Scrignoli forgets he’s Tim Mansfield’s ex. He waltzes in and out of Tim’s apartment like he still lives there, driving Tim crazy. Is it really so hard to remember they’ve broken up? Then again, maybe Tim should quit having sex with him.
When Sonny disappears for two weeks, Tim can’t help but be concerned. A strange phone call and a mysterious cry for help leads Tim on a desperate search for his ex.
Sonny’s in big trouble, and it’s Tim to the rescue! He’s the only one who can save his ex from a fate worse than death. Bumbling gangsters, a thick headed former boyfriend, and secretive FBI agents lead Tim and Sonny on a merry chase full of laughs and quirks. Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4845 Review: I really, really wanted this book to work for me. And it was so promising, the beginning so much fun. I actually had to grab my sides at times to keep for falling apart with laughter. That only lasted until chapter six, aka 1/3 of the book. It was there after chapter seven that things started going downhill for me and I really began to feel like I fell in that damn rabbit-hole, a hole I never managed to quite get out off.
So first, let me start by saying that the writing and the humor was very great. Tim was that kind of character with that kind of snark that simply drags you in and doesn’t let go. He was the perfect character for me, one I could easily get lost in and be my favorite. I didn’t even mind Sonny’s little kid in a big man’s suit persona. Somehow, Sonny’s obliviousness and Tim’s reaction to him were a blast. Seriously, this story had so, so much potential to become a hell of a laugh till the very end.
However, the plot really ruined it with the surreal and ludicrous scenes. The rest of the cast was so much over the top, which I couldn’t take them in stride as much as I tried to. You can’t have everybody, and I literally mean everybody, be stupid, period. You can’t have crimes going on in that kind of capacity and let them roll like that by simply attaching the label humor on them. Some things become unbearable when they veer past reality so much.
If one or two supporting characters had a bit intellect in them, this story would be way different, but as it is it became a drag, challenging every idea of a comedy ever. It was more like those TV shows were everyone and everything is a satire of reality. Hmm, now that I think of it, if this read was labeled as satire I’d be more inclined to give it a higher rating.
The romance itself was great on the early chapters, but again it took such a fast turn from get-off-of-me-you-big-baboon to I’ll-love-you-for-ever that I wonder I didn’t get a whiplash. Also, it lacked information. Toward the end of the book, we get some insight on the reasons Sonny was an ex in the first place, but it did nothing to diminish the fact that we were on the dark for most of the read. I simply wish things were not so flat and shallow all the time. I feel there should be a balance and that was not accomplished at all, crippling the story and leaving you thinking, “Is this book ever going to end?”
So in the end, as much as it was intriguing at first, the book failed to achieve its goal, failed to entertain me and make me close its pages with a smile on my face.
Hey guys, you can’t get rid of me today! LOL ,So now I am bringing to you F.E. Feeley Jr who has popped in to show us his releases The Haunting of Timber Manor and Objects in the Rearview Mirror, he has also brought us great giveaway where a copy of each book is up for grabs, so check out the books and my reviews and then click that Rafflecopter link to have a chance to win these great books 😉 ~Pixie~
Blurb for Timber Manor:
While recovering from the recent loss of his parents, Daniel Donnelly receives a phone call from his estranged aunt, who turns over control of the family fortune and estate, Timber Manor. Though his father seemed guarded about the past, Daniel’s need for family and curiosity compel him to visit.
Located in a secluded area of the Northwest, Timber Manor has grown silent over the years. Her halls sit empty and a thin layer of dust adorns the sheet-covered furniture. When Daniel arrives to begin repairs, strange things happen. Nightmares haunt his dreams. Memories not his own disturb his waking hours. Alive with the tragedies of the past, Timber Manor threatens to tear Daniel apart.
Sheriff Hale Davis grew up working on the manor grounds. Seeing Daniel struggle, he vows protect the young man who captured his heart, and help him solve the mystery behind the haunting and confront the past—not only to save Daniel’s life, but to save his family, whose very souls hang in the balance.
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.
F.E. Feeley Jr was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan and lived there for twenty years before joining the military. He is a veteran of the US Armed Services; having done a tour in support of Operation Iraq Freedom in 2002-2003, he turned college student, pursuing a degree in political science. He now lives in Southeast Texas where he is engaged to the love of his life, John, and where they raise their 1½ year old German shepherd, Kaiser.
As a young man, reading took center stage in his life, especially those novels about ghosts, witches, goblins, and all the other things that went bump in the night. His favorite authors include such writers as Stephen King, Dean Koontz, and Anne Rice, whose work allowed him to travel to far off places and meet fascinating and scary characters. As a gay man, he wishes to be able to write good fictional literature for those who love the genre and to write characters that readers can relate to. All in all, he is a cigarette smokin’, whiskey drinkin’, rock and roll lovin’, tattoo wearin’ dreamer of a man with a wonderful husband who puts up with his crap and lets him write his stories.
Enjoy!
Authorgraph page for those who’d like a digital autograph for their book copies.
Hey peeps I am back and I am bringing you Adrienne Wilder’s newest releases the My Brother’s Keeper Trilogy, now this is a fantastic series that I loved. Adrienne is spotlighting this Trilogy and she has also brought you a great giveaway where one of you lucky readers will get the chance to win the entire Trilogy and another 10 lucky winners will win the first book. So check out the books take a peek at my reviews and click that Rafflecopter link… Good Luck *snuggles*~Pixie~
The My Brother’s Keeper Trilogy
The town of Gilford has a Big and Terrible secret hidden in the ground.
Infecting those it touches.
Exploiting their darkness.
Consuming their souls.
It’s hungry. It’s vile. It’s evil.
And it wants out.
Book One: The First Three Rules
Marshal Jon Foster lost his purpose and his sanity the day he saw the image of his dead brother. The distraction saved Jon’s life but cost the lives of innocent people including his best friend and partner. It was a price for survival Jon couldn’t live with and was sure he’d never understand.
Driven by grief and guilt he tried to escape his past by fleeing to a small town in the middle of nowhere. Only instead of peace, the memories festered.
Then the offer of a stick of gum from a stranger changes Jon’s life and puts him on a road out of the nightmare he’s trapped in.
Ellis Harper has lived the past twenty years isolated from the outside world and sole caretaker for his mentally disabled brother, Rudy. While Ellis loves his brother, he longs for a life he’ll never be able to have.
Shut away, his days consist of chores, endless cartoons, and games of Go Fish. A world that seemed to have no end until an innocent misunderstanding turns Ellis and his brother into a target for a town bully.
It’s a fight Ellis can never win on his own but thanks to a chance meeting with a stranger, he doesn’t have to.
What begins as a new journey in love for both men quickly unfolds into something neither of them could have ever imagined.
A new chance at life comes in many forms: For Jon it’s a family made with Ellis and his brother Rudy. For Ellis, it’s Jon, who has brought the outside world into the protective life he’s built for his mentally disabled brother.
Together they have discovered true happiness and what it means to be loved.
Then one perfect disaster after the other pushes Jon’s resolve to its limit and Ellis over the edge. If they have any chance of saving what they’ve built both men must face their deepest fears.
It’s a test Jon thought he’d already passed and one Ellis never imagined he’d have to face. The journey will forever change who they are and redefine who they were meant to be.
And what reason could ever justify losing those you love?
If only there was a simple answer. But the more questions they ask, the farther they must travel into the darkness and the things they see are not human, or even possible.
They are, in fact, Big and Terrible.
The plague is rising in Gilford. To stop it from spreading Ellis will have to embrace his destiny and Jon will have to let him go. Both men must be willing to lose everything in order to save the innocent.
Georgia bred and born, Adrienne Wilder spent most of her childhood exploring fantastical worlds hidden in her own back yard among tall grass, and shadowed kudzu tunnels. When she was not dragon hunting, she spent most of her time, reading, writing, drawing, and digging holes.
Currently Adrienne lives in Dahlonega, GA where she shares her home with a variety of dogs and one cat. She still spends most of her time, reading, writing, drawing, and digging holes. Although now she calls the reading “research,” the drawing “artwork”, the writing “books,” and the holes “ponds” and “gardens”.
Hi guys, today we bring you A.E. Via and her newest release Nothing Special, she lets us have a peek at a steamy excerpt and she is also offering 3 Free E-Copies of ‘Nothing Special’ and a $5.00 Amazon Gift Card (so make sure to leave a comment with your email address), we also have Tams review and I think Tams has fallen in love with A.E.’s stories! So good luck with the giveaway and enjoy our post 🙂 ~Pixie~
Synopsis:
Detective Cashel ‘Cash’ Godfrey is big, tattooed and angry so people typically keep their distance. He’s fresh out of the police academy, however, no one is looking to partner with the six foot four beast with a huge chip on his shoulder and an inability to trust. When Cash scans the orientation room he wasn’t expecting to find sexy hazel eyes locked onto him. Eyes of the handsome Detective Leonidis ‘Leo’ Day.
Leo is charming, witty, hilariously sarcastic and the only one that can make Cash smile. He’s proud, out and one bad-ass detective.
Together Cash and Leo become the most revered and successful narcotics detectives Atlanta’s ever seen. Able to communicate and understand each other, without even having to voice it, they quickly climb up the promotional ranks.
When Cash saves Leo’s life in a raid that turns deadly, Leo begins to see something in the big man that no one else does…something special. But Leo fears he’ll never break through the impenetrable wall that protects Cash’s heart.
Nothing Special takes the reader through various emotions throughout the richly fulfilling plot that’s full of erotic gay romance, heartache, passion, trials and tribulations, police action scenes, and an intriguing twist that comes to an amazing ending that’s impossible to see coming.
Title and Synopsis created by the LaSalle Sister of Man2Mantastic
AUTHOR BIO:
A.E. Via is the new best-selling author in the beautiful gay erotic genre. Her writing embodies everything from spicy to scandalous. Her stories often include intriguing edges and twists that take readers to new, thought-provoking depths.
When she’s not clicking away at her laptop, A.E. runs a very successful paralegal-for-hire business, and in her spare time, she devotes herself to her family—a husband and four children, her two pets, a Maltese dog and her white Siamese cat, ELynn, named after the late, great gay romance author E. Lynn Harris.
While this is only her third novel, she has plenty more to come. So sit back and grab a cool drink, because the male on male action is just heating up!
Go to A.E. Via’s official website http://authoraevia.com for more detailed information on how to contact her, follow her, or a sneak peak on upcoming work, free reads, and where she’ll appear next.
God and Day fell into the front door kissing and grabbing at each other. Day just barely kicked the door shut before he was yanked out of his coat. They’d kept the PDAs to a minimum while with God’s brother, but Day was serious when he said he really need to touch his man.
God pushed Day against the wooden door and captured his mouth in a ruthless kiss. Day pulled Cash’s coat off his shoulders letting it drop down to the floor. Day squeezed the handle of God’s Desert Eagle and sighed at the erotic way his d**k jumped from the touch. Day stroked the long black chamber down to the felt grip panel.
“You stroke a man’s gun like that, you might as well be stroking his cock,” God said gruffly and moved Day’s palm to his already fully erect dick and pumped his hips back and forth.
Day felt God fumbling with his belt. He yanked his mouth away from God’s and moaned when God gripped the back of his neck, chased his mouth and sucked his bottom lip into his mouth and bit it. Day placed both his hands flat against God’s massive chest and pushed him hard. God growled, knocked Day’s hands back down and crashed back into him again.
God spun Day around and pushed him hard against the wall while grinding his pelvis into his ass. God made quick work of unzipping Day’s jeans and shoving his hands inside to give his balls a rough massage.
Day bucked back against God. “Ugh. You motherfucker.”
“You going to give it up willingly, or do I have to take it, Leo?” God’s whisky-rough voice vibrated Day’s body.
Day moaned at the assault, reared back and caught God in his hard abs with a sharp elbow, enjoying the loud grunt from the big man and took off up the stairs.
Day was rounding the landing when he heard God call out to him.
“I only enjoy it more when you fight, Leo,” God said taking the stairs two at a time.
Blurb:Detective Cashel ‘Cash’ Godfrey is big, tattooed and angry so people typically keep their distance. He’s fresh out of the police academy, however, no one is looking to partner with the six foot four beast with a huge chip on his shoulder and an inability to trust. When Cash scans the orientation room he wasn’t expecting to find sexy hazel eyes locked onto him. Eyes of the handsome Detective Leonidis ‘Leo’ Day.
Leo is charming, witty, hilariously sarcastic and the only one that can make Cash smile. He’s proud, out and one bad-ass detective.
Together Cash and Leo become the most revered and successful narcotics detectives Atlanta’s ever seen. Able to communicate and understand each other, without even having to voice it, they quickly climb up the promotional ranks.
When Cash saves Leo’s life in a raid that turns deadly, Leo begins to see something in the big man that no one else does…something special. But Leo fears he’ll never break through the impenetrable wall that protects Cash’s heart.
Nothing Special takes the reader through various emotions throughout the richly fulfilling plot that’s full of erotic gay romance, heartache, passion, trials and tribulations, police action scenes, and an intriguing twist that comes to an amazing ending that’s impossible to see coming.
Review: Dangerous duo Detectives Cashel Godfrey, God, and Leonidis Day, Leo, are already in a marriage of sorts before they delve into a committed partnership both in and out of the precint.
For five years these two have had each other’s backs every day at work. They are the best partnership on the force. Trusting each other in the most dangerous situations on the job with each other’s lives, they can finish each other’s sentences and know each other inside and out. Leo is openly gay and has dated several guys along the way, but no one made a lasting impression. God is about as straight as they come and his list of girls is as long as he is tall, but he is more of a one night stand kind of guy. On their latest assignment something changes and Leo starts to see God in a new light. He suddenly realizes that he wants so much more from his partner than just “watching” his back.
God doesn’t want to be just another notch in Leo’s belt though, he wants it all. Love, commitment, solidarity in their relationship. Once the door is opened both men come to realize that they have slowly fallen in love with each other over the past five years. It’s actually admitting how they feel and dealing with the fall out professionally that will be the challenge. And the road to happiness is not without the occasional speed bump or pot hole, that is for sure! God has some family issues he’s dealing with, they have lunatic drug dealers at work as well as seemingly homophobic co-workers and an unwelcomed suitor that has his eye on Leo, and won’t take no for an answer.
I loved the relationship between the two ML in this story. God is large and in charge and everyone knows it. But Leo won’t be man handled, he refuses to let God take the lead when they are at work. He wants to continue to be God’s equal in that aspect. And although they are equal in their personal relationship as well, God is definitely the boss in the bedroom. Leo gives him that control whole heartedly and loves every minute of it. Had the story been written any other way it wouldn’t have made sense or been as appealing, so I’m glad Via portrayed them that way.
I absolutely love A.E. Via! She is climbing the ladder within the M/M genre and leaving us some delicious books along the way. Her writing is raw, realistic and erotic. I commend her on taking on the threesome, foursome and multiple partner aspects in her stories that many authors’ shy away from. She also weaves great multi character storylines and manages to give each person equal time without weighing down the story. The sex in her books is passionate and steamy but again, it isn’t overbearing or distracting from the story.
My only complaint about this particular book was the twist toward the end. The foursome threw me for a loop only because it didn’t quite fit for God’s personality. Leo, absolutely. But God was a very controlling and jealous big bastard. It was a little hard to reconcile him agreeing to letting another man touch Leo and not break their arm. That being said, the scene itself was very erotic, passionate and well written. So yes, I recommend you read this author’s books. I believe she’s only written three thus far. But I am certain that there is so much more to come from Miss A.E. Via, and I for one, cannot wait!
Title: A Stick and a stone (Rings of Glory) Author: Laurie Terson Genre: Contemporary Length: Novella (64 pages) Publisher: MLR Press Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts Reviewer: Eli Blurb: Grabbing Olympic gold and finding love, for Tony and Jamie it’s happening on the ice.
Olympic gold has always been Tony Marino’s dream, only two things stand in the way. His missing wrist shot and the testosterone filled world of hockey. He’s got to find one and ignore the other for his dream to come true. Jamie Cunningham has his own dream of glory and gold with Team USA Curling. Who knew a look into the stands would scores him more than just a gold medal. Over the ruts on the ice and in life, Tony and Jamie find that there’s an even better prize than an Olympic gold medal. Purchase Link: http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=LTSTKSTN Review: This is a very sweet little story about the Winter Olympics. In light of the real life drama that occurred in Sochi and the huge issues with gay athletes, reading stories like this are heart warming and help the reader believe that eventually the world will be okay with whomever someone loves.
Tony struggles with his wrist shot and Jamie participates in one of the most unusual sports out there. The two men meet and bond as all men should over food and sports. While it is a short story, the author does a good job of spanning time and allowing the reader to get a good sense of the development of the relationship between Tony and Jamie. The addition of Jamie’s family also rounds out the story nicely allowing the men to appear three-dimensional and not just existing in the story either as solely lovers who are bound to be together or tools for a story about the Olympics.
The reader will enjoy reading about how these men prepare for their rigorous sports and understand the sacrifices and commitment that is essential to perform at the Olympic level. Additionally learning about the sport of curling was just an additional bonus in this short feature.
Blurb: Landon Jennings is not having a good day. He has been kidnapped not once, but twice. Only, the second kidnapper isn’t a sexy male with the prettiest blue eyes Landon has ever seen. Regis has diabolical plans for Landon, and he just might succeed if Kyle doesn’t save him in time.
Kyle was kicking himself for the way he handle the situation with Landon. His mission had been to warn the human of the dangers out there, not kidnap him. After letting the handsome human go, Kyle and Justin get a call. It’s Landon, and he’s in the trunk of Regis’s car.
Kyle must find Landon before Regis auctions the human off. He travels across the country to rescue the human, only to have his heart captured and a blaze of desire burn through him like nothing he’s ever felt before. But trouble hasn’t finished with either man yet. When a myth appears, the RiverWalkers must battle to stop Rupert from destroying the home they’ve built with their mates. Purchase Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/blaze-of-desire Review:This is book five in this amazing series and they need to be read in order. Trust me you definitely want to start with book one otherwise you will kind of get a bit lost.
When Landon goes to the bar, it is not to pick someone up. He just goes there and reads. However, this time he meets a man who just won’t leave him alone. And for once, he is very glad for it. Kyle kidnaps him and of course, he tells Kyle and Justin that he wants to do it on his own. He doesn’t trust a word they say. He was a special kind of mate, one that will save the panther race. This means he can get pregnant. What he had not expected was three days later to get kidnapped by an evil man who is going to sell him to the highest bidder. Now he wishes he had stayed with Kyle.
Kyle rushes out to find his mate and save his sexy butt from Regis’s auctions. There is a lot of danger out there for those mates that can get pregnant. They have dangers coming at them from all directions. He has fallen for his little mate even though his mate is quirky and has an attitude that would make you grimace.
This story is just so cute that you can’t help but read it more than once. It just shows a different sort of evil out there. The Chekota Breeder’s are in demand by many of the panther’s for their ability to save the panther race. They are sold off to men who don’t mind raping them to get what they want. You can’t help but want to grab them and protect them with all you have in you.
I loved this story just as much as the first five books in this series. Lynn always gives you wonderful characters you will love and an amazing world that you can lose yourself in to when times get rough and you just want a place to go and hide.
It is not a really long story but once you read it, you will be caught. That is what it did for me, caught my attention from the start, and kept it all the way to the end. I cannot wait to see what comes next.
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (2nd Edition February 19th 2014)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4.0Hearts
Blurb: 2nd Edition – A Blue Notes Novel
Blame it on jet lag. Jason Greene thought he had everything: a dream job as a partner in a large Philadelphia law firm, a beautiful fiancée, and more money than he could ever hope to spend. Then he finds his future wife in bed with another man, and he’s forced to rethink his life and his choices. On a moment’s notice, he runs away to Paris, hoping to make peace with his life.
But Jason’s leave of absence becomes a true journey of the heart when he meets Jules, a struggling jazz violinist with his own cross to bear. In the City of Love, it doesn’t take them long to fall into bed, but as they’re both about to learn, they can’t run from the past. Sooner or later, they’ll have to face the music.
1st Edition published by Dreamspinner Press, December 2011
Review: When life implodes who wouldn’t benefit from two month in Paris? Jason, Jaz, Green heads to the city of love hoping to reflect on his life choices so far, find out what is missing, and rediscover himself. And, oh boy, does he! What he discovers might just be the reason for his failed relationship with Diane, and his unsatisfactory personal life so far. He’s ignored something that has been simmering below the surface since grade school, his attraction to guys. Once Jules, a very talented, very attractive, and very flirtatious Frenchman enters the picture, it all becomes pretty clear to Jaz.
Not only do we get to go along on the wild rollercoaster of a ride sexual self-discovery brings to Jaz, we get to confront his past, his fears and the future with him too.
I enjoyed the flawed characters, their ups and downs, but what made this story stick for me was the time Jaz had once he was back stateside without Jules beside him. Yes, he was heartbroken. Yes, he had to confront Diane and go on living without her, or Jules for that matter. He had time to adjust to himself, and an experience being attracted to yet another handsome gay man, even though he quickly realized it was Jules that made it not just sexy, but loving. You know this is going to have a HEA, but the characters have to work for it, and that makes it all even sweeter!
The adventures of living in Europe, enjoying the attractions, absorbing the day-to-day way of eating and living enjoying all the details is authentic. I miss those details, taking time to appreciate the craft of eating, vintners, daily treks to pick up fresh-baked goods.
This was a wonderfully written romantic, sexy, and enjoyable escape to the city of love, with a beautiful HEA. The writing was smooth, and painted a wonderful picture for my imagination. I enjoyed being introduced to other characters and can’t wait to read the other stories in the Blue Note Novels! Luckily this is a 2nd edition so there are already plenty out there for me to dig into!
Title: In the Pride’s Best Interest Series: Ariel Estates Series, #2 Author: Jessica Lee Genre: Paranormal Romance / Shifters Length: Novel (212 pages) ISBN: 9781607356417 Publisher: Resplendence Publishing (March 6th 2013) Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3 Hearts Reviewer: Thommie Blurb: Eli Novak, lion-shifter and Secretary of Ariel Estates has never been more fulfilled. Or more torn and confused in his life. No male has ever heated his blood or crept into his dreams before. Well, except for one. But that was over long before it ever started. So he’s straight, right? He loves women. Always has. So how can this strawberry-blond human male who stumbled onto their land have him questioning everything he ever thought he knew about himself.
Shayne Matthews is lost in the Smokey Mountains when a light in the distance leads the way to what he thinks could be a potential rescue. But it’s a decision that ends up landing him in a cell. Inside a world he never knew existed, fear turns to lust and a whirlwind of an adventure that puts him in the middle of a battle for dominance and power.
When the thirst for blood at Ariel Estates rears its ugly head once more, Eli is forced into a triangle of options where there is no right move. He must choose between his best friend, the human who’s claimed his heart, and what is in the Pride’s best interest. Purchase Link: http://www.resplendencepublishing.com/m8/558-978-1-60735-641-7–in-the-pride-s-best-interest-ariel-estates-series-book-two-by-jessica-lee.html Review: Oh my God, what a start! Talk about gripping your attention and stealing your breath away along with your mind from the first chapter.
The second book in the Ariel Estates Series starts with the tried and proved big bang like the first one did. A fast-paced story filled with anticipation, action, and lots of chemistry comes to steal you away for a couple of hours and take you on a ride where big badass lion shifters will fill your senses and make you gasp. What I like most about this series is the fact that the “cats” are mostly very well profiled. They have a very nice balance between their human and animal parts, and their instincts are such that require shifters to remain hidden from the world lest their inner animal surges forward and their secret is revealed.
And it’s precisely that secret the Secretary of Ariel Estates, Eli Novak, tries so hard to protect in the absence of his Alpha and best friend, Silas. But when a lost hiker stumbles upon the Prides lands and trespasses, Eli finds himself in a very peculiar predicament. Having harbored feelings for a male only once and a very long time ago, Eli felt safe in his sexuality until he lays eyes on Shayne. Everything turns upside down and while he makes sure the human is no danger for the pride, Eli can’t stop thinking of him.
I really liked how the author dealt with this dilemma here. The constant agonizing Eli felt gave the text a tension and a hint of despair. Already it has been established in book one how the pride feels for same-sex relationships, but the addition of a human in the mix makes things even more complicated, putting Eli, and Silas by proxy, in a hard and a rock place. When Eli goes to find Shayne outside the Estate, in order to explore his consuming emotions, things become dangerous. As Ariel does not lack for people with grudges and harboring hatred toward their new leader and his friends.
The action that takes place was lovely for me. I just loved the animalistic reaction even as I’d have preferred that “all hell breaking loose” to be a bit more, a bit grander. But even as fast as the villains went down – and at this point I need to highlight the fact that the villains are a bit overdramatic and mad as hell – what made the story a bit awkward was the final intimate scene between Eli and Shayne. The dialogues between them was, how should I this, off-putting, killing the mood, and after paragraphs of talking about the logistics of how and why, the act itself was fast, furious, and unfulfilling. While all other intimate scenes had this very good dose of sensual in them and eroticism was a constant, the final one, where fireworks should be exploding, well it failed. I also have that little thing with the phrase “like it?” It is certainly turning in a deal breaker for me.
Nonetheless, this book was still good and gave a bit more light in the Ariel Estates Pride, albeit we need more lore, but it was a very nice and gripping story, complimenting the first book in the series wonderfully.
Title: Dancer’s Heart Author: DP Denman Genre: Contemporary Length: Novel (319 pages) Publisher: North Shore Press (December 29, 2013) Heat Level: Low Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts Reviewer: Eli Blurb: Not just another breakup story.
Simon Leander is living a lie. He hides the truth from his partner in a relationship he’s determined to tolerate…jealousy, rants and all. Michael was supposed to be the love of his life and he’s not ready to let go of that dream even though the romantic has turned tyrant.
When Drew appears, Simon’s determination begins to waver. Drew is everything Michael used to be but isn’t anymore. Drew also knows his secret. When the truth he works so hard to hide bursts from the shadows he must decide whether he can trust Drew and if love deserves a second chance Purchase Link: http://www.amazon.com/Dancers-Heart-DP-Denman-ebook/dp/B00HLT7C72 Review: This is not a story about the romance between Simon and Drew. This is really the prequel so that story.
Simon is in an abusive relationship but he’s afraid to leave for all the same reasons that most persons won’t leave – they are still in love with the person they first met and not the monster they now live with. They keep believing that the person will change. Simon, however, has great friends and a life of dance, which allows him to escape from his abusive life. Drew has his own demons to bear but the story does not take the time to develop his back-story with the detail that it does Simon. The story would have been much better had time been dedicated to Drew because his sadness is palpable in the story, but so too is the deep feelings that he has for Simon. The reader, however, doesn’t really know or understand why those feelings flourish, that is not very well-developed in the storyline.
The story does explore domestic violence and it’s repercussions as well as some forays into other dark secrets of the gay community such as rape and how many crimes against gay men occur and how they are handled; and how the men embroiled in those situations handle themselves personally. As such, the story is a dark one – but at its core, this is Simon’s story and how he has to move from one reality to another and learn how to rebuild his life. Along that journey, Simon will learn his value as a man, a friend, and employee and a lover and it will ultimately allow him to grow from this horrific experience he’s had and perhaps learn that he is worth of love and a good man.
Genre: Post-Apocalypse, Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Length: Novel (232 pages)
ISBN: 9781622321445
Publisher: Silver Publishing (29th March 2014)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 – 3 ½ Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: An apocalypse forever alters the world and people are forever changed. Emanuel Comstock, a fat, shy guy no one wants around, hides a frightening, terrible power within himself. And the Dark Ones want him.
The world ends and Emanuel reels from shock. His secret love and best friend, Lucian, abandons Manny for a life with Raide and the orphan baby, Brigit. A Dark One kidnaps Emanuel to sell as a slave and he doesn’t fight back. Why bother? He’s just a clumsy guy nobody wants.
The new rules of the world confuse Black Rose. He doesn’t care about Dark or Bright Ones. He wants to be left alone. When Ghost asks him to start an exploratory journey toward the mountains, Black Rose grabs the opportunity, but he’ll need a slave for the trip.
Emanuel and Black Rose leave their former life behind. The struggle to survive in a hostile world among cannibals and monsters is challenging. But Emanuel understands Black Rose is more than just a crook, and Black Rose realizes the humble slave shines with a light much brighter than anyone suspects.
Through their discoveries, inner growth, and mutual awareness, their trip to nowhere turns into a battle to remain together.
Review:This story is part of a series and must be read in order. Emanuel (Manny) survived the merging of two parallel worlds, having his secret love meet another man and the creatures of the night, but now he has been captured by the Dark Ones and sold off as a slave. Black Rose (Darius) was in prison when the world ended and is now with the Dark Ones, he couldn’t care less about the Dark or Bright Ones and just wants to be left alone to survive. Being sent out to explore is the excuse Black Rose needs to leave the Dark Ones behind but he takes his new slave with him as company. As they struggle to survive against cannibals and monsters, both Darius and Manny realize that the other is more than he seems. And they find something in the other that they thought was forever lost.
This is a great addition to the Apocalypse series, which starts just after the end of The Event. Manny is still hurting from the rejection of Lucian, it was one last blow to his self-esteem so when he is captured by the Dark Ones he can’t see the point of fighting. Darius takes Manny with him because he needed a slave; he finds Manny annoying with no backbone and too timid and wants Manny to run away from him. When Manny finally has enough of being treated badly he runs and finds himself in major trouble, when Darius tries to come to his rescue they both find themselves captured and it results in Darius coming to realize how important Manny is to him, and with Manny finding his backbone.
I really enjoyed this addition to the series and was happy to see Manny find someone who appreciated him, even if they had a very rocky start. This story continues with the storyline of the Dark Ones and Bright Ones and we have more discoveries about the Apocalypse and the survivors. The relationship between Manny and Darius is not very pleasant at first with some forced sexual contact; it also has a very strong feel of D/s in the mix, which later adds a bit of excitement to their relationship. We see a huge development in both Manny and Darius as both men find that they aren’t as they see themselves; Manny isn’t quite the fat, timid, shy man he thinks he is and Darius isn’t the bad, mean, incapable of caring man he became. Their fight for survival has them meeting other survivors both Dark and Bright, and in one town just wrong, who add more to the overall storyline and Manny proves to be so much more than just being a sidekick to Lucian.
I have been impressed with the continuality of the storyline as it arcs over the three books but one thing has me stumped and that is Lucian’s continued existence… why? Well we already know that doubles disappeared but Lucian apparently never died in the other world… he was a world-famous rock-star at the time the worlds collided but the accident that would have killed Lucian’s double happened two years before…. And we already know that the worlds were only about 3 months out of sync. Yeah so I am stumped. Other than that, I am liking where this story is going, there’s danger and darkness, some mystery as to what is happening to them all and we are getting great relationships developing. We also know that there are more interesting relationships to come, as they dig into what really happened to the worlds.
I recommend this to those who love post-apocalypse struggles, love developing in hard times, danger and darkness lurking in the background and more stories to come.
Title: Running off the Edge Author: Megan Linden Genre: Contemporary Length: Novella (52 pages) ISBN: MLR-1-02014-0198
Publisher: MLR Press (February 7th, 2014) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts Reviewer: Eli Blurb: Former lovers meet again in Sochi and have a chance to learn that a gold medal isn’t the greatest prize you can win at the Olympics.
After the knee injury, Liam O’Connor, the former gold medalist, is no longer able to compete in the Olympics. He’s in Sochi as an assistant coach for another male figure skater and hopes to avoid Eric Lanney as much as possible. Meanwhile Eric is back to compete for gold in pair skating, but is that the only thing that will be important to him? Maybe when the former lovers meet again in Russia, they will both learn that a gold medal isn’t the greatest prize you can win at the Winter Olympics. Purchase Link: http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=ML_ROFTE Review: This was yet another story that broached the issue of same-sex love and the controversy that brewed with the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics. This story however had another layer which added a wealth of rich meaning to what it really means to accept who you are despite what the world may think or what you think you need to do in order to achieve your goals and dreams.
Eric and Liam were lovers,who broke up because one of them could not deal with the pressure of being in a gay relationship while pursuing their sport. When Liam loses his ability to compete and must find a new life for himself, he must deal with that personal anguish. He must then also deal with the relationship he had which ended badly and still has never been truly resolved. Eric on the other hand must fight his own personal demons and determine for himself what is most important to him if he is to be truly happy.
This story when measured against the backdrop of the Sochi issue, which required gay men and women to not be true to themselves in order to compete at a world-class level provides a very humbling dichotomy and throws equality back some fifty years. Layering Eric and Liam’s relationship and what broke them up in the first place and their being able to find each other again and accept their new reality, how they feel and have always felt about each other and accept who and what they both need to do and be in order to be happy is the theme which makes this short story one which is a great read.
Hey my little minions, today we have Jaime Reese and her re-release A Better Man, we have a quick look at an excerpt (which tempts us), and Thommie gives us her opinion on the new edition (Thommie reviewed the first as well) and Jaime Reese also has 2 ecopies of A Better Man to giveaway so make sure you click that Rafflecopter link! 🙂 ~Pixie~
Matthew Doner is starting over. After a five-year prison term that alters every aspect of his life, he receives a bequest from his aunt with the stipulation that he use the money to make things right. Breaking free of the long-standing role he’s played and inspired by the few who support him, he decides to create a safe place where people like him can find purpose and start a new life.
Julian Capeletti likes challenges. He is confident, brash, stubborn, and just what Matt needs. Desperate for work after a downturn of luck, he accepts the job to renovate Matt’s crumbling building.
Over the course of a year, romance simmers between them as they restore the house. But there’s a bigger renovation that must take place in their hearts. To become better men, they need to learn to trust each other even with secrets and painful memories they fear may rip them apart.
This was the last thing the bubbly radio forecaster announced before Julian Capeletti switched off the radio. It was just too damn early in the morning for that much perkiness.
“Great,” he grumbled as he sat up in bed and tried to rub the sleep from his face.
He hated mornings. Some people heard birds chirping, appreciated sunrises, and saw everything through rainbow-colored glasses in the early morning hours, but that just wasn’t him.
Especially when he didn’t have work.
He just couldn’t muster the energy needed to be as functional as he was in the late hours—when he found his groove and could tackle even the most complex third plane mathematical equation anyone could throw at him. Mornings, well, it was a short list. Wake up, shower, drink coffee. Oh yeah, and don’t forget to get dressed somewhere in between. He didn’t need to have the perky announcer tell him about the weather, he could feel it firsthand as the sweat began to trickle down his chest.
“Fucking gross,” he moaned as he rose from bed and made his way to the bathroom.
He followed the same routine every morning. He stared at himself in the mirror, in search of…what, who knew. He splashed some water on his face and looked again. Maybe he should try holy water or some other miracle that would change what stared back at him. He saw the hint of dark circles under his eyes and he hated it.
Vanity wasn’t the issue, the dark circles were a reminder of the turn of bad luck that had plagued him for almost two years.
Like a series of snapshots, he always ran the images of that day through his mind. The one that marked the beginning of when it all started going to shit with no end in sight. Well, more than usual at least. The day his last steady foreman project ended because the owner faced trafficking charges and fled the country to avoid his impending capture. With assets frozen, the site was closed down and everyone was out of a job and a steady paycheck. He’d left work early to seek comfort in the arms of his partner, an eternal optimist, and found him busy giving comfort of a different type to another guy.
“Asshole,” he mumbled into the towel as he dried his face. Maybe a shower would work. Even if it didn’t wake him up, at least it would wash away the disgusting reminder of the South Florida blazing summer heat and humidity.
Freshly showered, Julian read the classifieds as he sipped his coffee. He closed his eyes and exhaled, enjoying the caffeine and sugar slowly bringing him to life. Finally. He skimmed the want ads searching for anything new that morning, something he hadn’t already called on that week. He grabbed the monthly community paper and spotted the listing with a large bold headline “Handyman Wanted for Repairs”. A long list of requirements followed, far beyond those for a traditional handyman. He exhaled sharply and frowned. He had seen this a lot lately, another potential employer taking advantage of the desperation in the workforce, wanting to hire someone for nothing. The laundry list of responsibilities read like the licensing exam for a contractor, not a handyman’s job description. Cheap bastard. “Contact Mr. Boner” it read toward the end, followed by an address and phone number. He couldn’t resist smiling at the play on words.
“No wonder Boner wants a handyman.” He chuckled.
A knock at the door interrupted his morning read through the ads.
“Hey, Jules, you in there?”
Julian cringed, not just at the nickname he hated so strongly, but at the voice he knew came to deliver bad news. He reluctantly rose to answer the knock.
“Hi, David,” he said as he slowly opened the door to greet the short, paunchy landlord.
“So, you got my rent this month?” David asked hopefully.
“I’ll have some money for you by the end of the week.” He rubbed his hands on his towel and looked away.
“That’s what you said last week.” David shifted to cross his arms in an attempt to intimidate.
Julian looked down at the short man and couldn’t blame him for trying. He knew David well enough to realize that he didn’t have a choice but to push at this point. He figured the guy was getting some unneeded pressure from the boss.
“I gave you some money last week.”
“That was to cover the rent from two months ago. What about last month or this one?”
Julian’s head began to hurt. This had been the ritual almost every day for the last month. He was a creature of habit, but there were some customs he wished would change.
“David, I told you I’d have some by the end of the week. I just need a little time.”
“That’s what they all say!” His landlord raised his arms in frustration.
“Look, I know I’m late, I’m not denying that, but at least when you come knocking, I don’t run and hide from you like your other tenants. I said I’ll have money for you at the end of the week and I will. I’ve never backed down on my word.”
“Yet, you’re late on your monthly payment.”
“And I told you I would be. Fuck, David, I said I was going to be late and you agreed it wasn’t a problem as long as I paid you something each week. I’m doing that.” He rubbed his shaved head roughly.
“How much? Will it be enough to cover the two months you owe me?” David pleaded.
“I don’t know. I’m guessing probably not by the end of the week.”
“Jules, I can’t keep doing this.”
“I know. I just need some time,” Julian said quietly, looking away as he rubbed his wrist cuff.
“Why don’t you sell your truck?”
Julian looked at him as if the burly man had sprouted another head. “Dude, I’m not selling my truck. I need it for work.”
“Please, Jules, I like you, but I can’t have you livin’ here for free. You know that. My bosses are pushing me for the rent. I need two months’ rent by the end of the week or they’re forcing me to kick you out of here.”
Julian could see both frustration and understanding in the man’s eyes. He’d known this day would come. Had dreaded it for the last few weeks. He rubbed his head and looked away. He tried to make an honest living, avoided trouble, and where did that leave him? Standing in his doorway with a towel around his waist trying to think of ways to scavenge up two months’ rent just to be back at square one again. He couldn’t think of anything to say so he simply nodded.
David looked at him and patted him on the shoulder. “Jules, you’re a hard worker and a smart cookie. I’m sure you’ll find a way.”
Ugh. First Jules now cookie. Seriously?
“Thanks, David,” he grumbled, hoping that would give the man the signal to turn and leave.
Mission accomplished. He closed the door and leaned his forehead against it. He blew out a deep breath, willing a new idea to blindside him. He thought of different quickie jobs and crossed each one off for different reasons. Well, he always had the option to sell his ass on Eighth Street, but who was he kidding? No one would give him two months’ rent for his bits. He laughed at himself. He had to. It was the only way he’d remain sane when life gave him the shit end of the stick. He turned to see the newspaper still sitting on the table. He walked over and grabbed his coffee and gulped the little bit of remaining java along with his pride.
If the guy needed a handyman, he was going to be the best damn handyman that cheap bastard had ever seen. If that didn’t work, well, Eighth Street was actually starting to sound pretty damn good.
Jaime Reese is the alter ego of an artist who loves the creative process of writing, just not about herself. Fiction is far more interesting. She has a weakness for broken, misunderstood heroes and feels everyone deserves a chance at love and life. An avid fan of a happy ending, she believes those endings acquired with a little difficulty are more cherished.
Blurb:Matthew Doner is starting over. After a five-year prison term that alters every aspect of his life, he receives a bequest from his aunt with the stipulation that he use the money to make things right. Breaking free of the long-standing role he’s played and inspired by the few who support him, he decides to create a safe place where people like him can find purpose and start a new life.
Julian Capeletti likes challenges. He is confident, brash, stubborn, and just what Matt needs. Desperate for work after a downturn of luck, he accepts the job to renovate Matt’s crumbling building.
Over the course of a year, romance simmers between them as they restore the house. But there’s a bigger renovation that must take place in their hearts. To become better men, they need to learn to trust each other even with secrets and painful memories they fear may rip them apart.
Review: This is a re-release for this book and for me it’s a re-read too. When I first read this book I loved it, even as the sap and drama were a bit too much. I didn’t really mind it back then. The characters were quite interesting despite the stereotypes they were bathed in and I had no problem getting in the heart of the story, staying there for the duration and having a great time reading it. I loved the characters, especially Julian, and that didn’t change this time around.
Julian is one of those typical hard-working, caring, and lovable male leads that one simply cannot resist. He has suffered an abusive father, the loss of his brother and mother, and yet he has come out of his life stronger, with his ideals intact. He’s also very charming and easy in the eyes and ears. My imagination created a very hot image of him based on the descriptions the author provides us. If I had one issue with Julian that I had hoped the re-release would have fixed it, was the “fight” scene between Julian and Matt, the one that lead to the graveyard, as it was quite unnecessary for me. Or, how should I put it; I didn’t quite get why would that fight be so big, when it was very simple in my eyes to have been fixed with a couple of straightforward words. The reactions of both characters there was way too much for my taste.
Matt is another story altogether. I truly hoped he would have been depicted a bit differently this time around. His being metaphorically emasculated by his mother was and still is very unappealing to me. It ruined some of my fun and lead the character to reactions that most definitely didn’t charm. The passing out scene at his mother’s house was an overreaction I could do without. Other than that and considering how much he’s been neutered his entire life, Matt is a nice character, fighting to be the man he is meant to be and not the puppet his mother tries to make him still.
The chemistry between them remains good as it was the first time around. Their intimate scenes, the passionate kissing and the emotions that flow the text are definitely something to cheer for, romantic and overwhelming at times. Sensual eroticism and passionate lovemaking go hand in hand with the chemistry and the kind of personality these men have, making this read sweet and mellow without it being too much. I loved that yet again.
The changes that this re-release brought were nice and it did make the ending better, however I had higher expectations especially on the drama front. The fact that there was no real closure with the mother – again – somehow disappointed me, not to mention the fact that the supporting characters were still a bit vague and non-existent.
Overall the book remains a good romantic story, quite recommendable for the fans of the genre. Let’s see what the sequel will bring us as I’m eagerly anticipating Cameron’s story.
Crescencio “Chenco” Ortiz pulled himself up by his garter straps after his father’s will yanked the financial rug from under his spank-me pumps. He doesn’t need anyone, yet when Steve Vance steps into his life, the prospect of having a sexy leather daddy on tap begins to take on a certain appeal.
There’s a hitch when he learns Steve is friends with Mitch Tedsoe—the half-brother Chenco never knew except through his father’s twisted lies. Despite his reservations, soon Chenco is living his dreams, including a performing gig in Vegas. Now if only he could get Steve to see him as more than just a boy in need of saving.
Steve’s attraction to Chenco is overshadowed by too many demons, ones he knows his would-be lover is too young to slay. Yet as he gets to know the bright, determined young man whose drag act redefines fierce, Steve’s inner sadist trembles with need. He begins to realize Chenco’s relentless tough love might be the only thing that will finally set him free.
Warning: This story contains glamorous drag queens, exhibitionist secondary characters, and no-holds-barred BDSM play, including water sports. Readers advised they may well leave this novel feeling uncharacteristically fierce.
Review: I’m going to begin with the end, and that so much happened so abruptly that it left me wanting more, and that’s a good thing! Being that this baby was already 408 pages. I understand the poor author didn’t want to make us read an encyclopedia, but damn, there are so many new directions, so much drama, just so damn much!!!
Okay, enough with my rant. Tough Love fits beautifully in this collection of Special Delivery stories. Mitch and Sam were mouth-watering, we all knew Randy needed something special and Ethan fit that bill, but what I didn’t see coming was how very special Mitch’s unknown little half-brother would be. Chenco, Crescencio, Ortiz, is a hot little package of stress, survival, angst, and the strength of a queen. His alter ego, Caramela, a strong as steel drag queen, is a very interesting illustration of the alter ego and strength in us all. Only Chenco gets to let her out physically instead of just figuratively. Only even with the strength of Caramela within Chenco, his life is going to hell and he’s about to reach a breaking point when he learns he’ll become homeless after the long-awaited death of his hideous father.
Enter a big Papi with the need to help, the need to control, the need to direct Chenco, to help him free his pain and give it to him. Oh yeah, did I mention big Papi Steve is a sadist, oh, that first release was pulse pounding, hot, and just, yeah. What also fits this book into the series are the very hot, very edgy, very kinky erotic scenes. You will not be disappointed if this is what you’ve come to expect from Cullinan.
Problem is, both of these characters have problems, big problems, big flaws, and even though we see them overcome them, there are plenty of issues left unresolved, at least for me on Steve’s part, by the end of this story.
Tough Love illustrated two main needs, both taboos in most social circles, the lifestyle, and persona of a drag queen, and the very real needs of sadists/masochists or those taking the BDSM lifestyle seriously. Through her words, and the characters actions, we see the needs, and the execution, the resolution of that need in both areas. Drag isn’t about a man in a dress, and those living the BDSM lifestyle aren’t playing spank me please games, they’re venting a need in a way that is productive, and safer for the world at large.
We also get to see more of Crabtree in Tough Love, and I grow to like him and fear him more and more. Though I feel he failed here, I think that peek into his past and look at his present could lead to a much bigger story. Can’t’ wait to find out!
I could not put this book down. In fact, I had a death grip on my poor Kindle. When my hubby suggested I turn it off and get some sleep, the crazed look in my eyes made him back away slowly, roll over and accept defeat. As long as you enjoy kink, I highly recommend Tough Love, I know I’ll be rereading it again soon!
Title: On the Home Front Series: This story has been previously released as part of the Stand to Attention anthology by Totally Bound Publishing Author: Jambrea Jo Jones Genre: Contemporary Length: Novella (57 pages) Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing (March 13th, 2014) Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts Blurb: Forgiving yourself is the hardest battle…
Peter “Bulldog” Jakes killed his mother. People tell him it isn’t his fault, but he is just as guilty as if he pulled the trigger. Bulldog knew being in the Army Special Forces would eventually hurt his family.
Moby Edwards’ heart aches for his First Sergeant and he wants to help, but Bulldog blows him off—every time.
When Bulldog is forced to take leave, Moby follows, but will things out of their control ruin what could be the healing power of friends turned into lovers? Product Link: https://www.totallybound.com/on-the-home-front Reviewer: Portia Review: As some of you may know, Jambrea is my go to author for Sci-fi. And as much as I love her in that little box, On the Home Front has made me realize that girlfriend can write Contemporary, too.
Don’t tell anyone, but this was my favorite story in the Stand to Attention Anthology. It had it all, just enough angst, and a bit of suspense, hot soldiers, and steamy lovin’. Moby is the best boyfriend. He just seems to know what Bulldog needs. From dealing with “parenthood” to dealing with his past, Moby helps without taking over. That rung true, for me.
And speaking of parenthood, I really felt like I was watching the birth of a family. I always enjoy watching big, strong men deal with little girls. I also liked the fact that I didn’t guess the bad guy. (This is my only complaint, although the suspense made sense, I would have like to see a bit more foreshadowing.)
This story could easily have been a full novel, but Jambrea did an excellent job within such a limited format. Highly recommend.
Title: All the Colors of Love Author: Jessica Freely Genre: Contemporary Young Adult Length: 8 hours and 23 minutes Narrator: Paul Morey Publisher: Harmony Ink, Dreamspinner Press (1-31-14) Heat Level: Mild Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts Reviewer: Tams Blurb: It sucks being the son of a super villain. At home, Harry spends half of his time getting medical treatments and the other half tied up in his father’s underwater lair. It was different when his mother was alive, but she disappeared when Harry was six. He can’t seem to stay out of trouble at school, and his new roommate, Antonin, thinks he’s a spaz, but somehow Harry has to find a way to stop his father’s evil plans.
Antonin Karganilla wants to become a comic book artist, but other than that, being gay is the most normal thing about him. His uncle is an aquatic plant man, his aunt is a molecular biologist back from the dead, and his mom is an overprotective pain in the butt. Antonin’s in boarding school and it’s starting to look like he and this Harry kid might have a lot in common… and that means a whole new set of problems.
Review: The description of this story is a little bit misleading, or I misunderstood. I was expecting a darker type of Sky High (the high school for super hero’s kids Disney movie) with a gay twist. What I got instead was definitely dark in some places, but also an uplifting story about a young man trying to find his way in life, separate from his evil father, equating everything he feels to colors.
Harry’s mom left when he was six years old, supposedly on a trip with his father, but she never returned. His life from that day on was the content of nightmares. He had already been a medical guinea pig of sorts, enduring ‘life saving’ injections and now abuse across the board, physical, mental and verbal, all at the hands of his father. Harry bounces from school to school, as he lashes out at everyone and everything that isn’t his father, wishing that it were, resulting in nothing but trouble. He’s just been dumped off at his latest school with the threat of being locked under the sink for the rest of his natural life if he steps so much as one toe out of line.
Antonin is a model student, graphic artist and openly gay. And now he is Harry’s new roommate. Antonin comes from a loving, overprotective and slightly psychotic family. He’s very talented with his comic book with the writing and the art. He’s also very inquisitive by nature. Harry sees him as nosey and dorkish at the start, but when Antonin steps up to some bully’s in defence of Harry, the two become friends. Antonin accepts Harry as his friend and trusts him to spite his shady past. The two grow closer with each passing day. Harry seriously fights the attraction, but not for the reasons one would think. He see’s being gay as wrong but he is in no way hateful or hurtful to Antonin because of his sexuality. He just doesn’t understand how he himself could be bad at one more thing. His father has his psyche so twisted by this point.
Harry accompanies Antonin home for the Christmas break even knowing that his father agreeing to him going will come at a price, a price Harry isn’t sure he can pay. He tries very hard not to grow attached to Antonin, to develop feelings he knows will be returned. It scares him, to be loved unconditionally. It’s not something he comprehends. As Harry and Antonin navigate their way through family dramas, love, loss, betrayal and more abuse, Harry learns that love is a valid emotion, one that comes in many colors.
This really was an amazing story that defined the grey area between ‘children learn what they live’ and ‘we are our own destiny’. Harry’s father is a cruel bastard who doesn’t care about anyone but himself. Antonin’s mother is overprotective and overbearing to a fault, which cause some of the same personality conflicts between them that we see between Harry and his father. The two of them could become very dangerous people given the circumstances of their lives until now. But together, they can become something wonderful, something more.
Narrated by the best, Paul Morey, I don’t think there is anyone better at voicing those subtle nuances and changes in tones when going from one character and/or emotion to another as well as Morey.
There is one scene in the story that skirts the boundaries of YA and NA, it is passionate but appropriate. It’s all about a love and awareness between Harry and Antonin. The simulated rape scene is more graphic in nature to be honest, but nothing ever goes quite over the line of young adult and adult. As I said, there is a darkness to this story, but overall it’s very engrossing with the slightly sci-fi aspect. I’d definitely recommend this audio book. It has a little bit of everything and progresses so smoothly, your day will fly by.
** I received a copy of this audio book from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review through MM Good Book Reviews ** http://www.mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com
Title: Prince of Tricks Series: Demons of Elysium, #1 Author: Jane Kindred Genre: Angels & Demons / Alternate World / Kink & Fetish Length: Novel (375 pages) ISBN: 978-1-61922-089-8 Publisher: Samhain Publishing (January 7th, 2014) Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts Reviewer: Thommie Blurb: When desire rises, angels will fall. One, by one, by one…
Over the past century, Belphagor has made a name for himself in Heaven’s Demon District as a cardsharp, thief, and charming rogue.
Though the airspirit is content with his own company, he enjoys applying the sweet sting of discipline to a willing backside. Angel, demon, even the occasional human. He’s not particular. Until a hotheaded young firespirit steals his purse—and his heart. Now he’s not sure who owns whom.
A former rent boy and cutpurse from the streets of Raqia, Vasily has never felt safer than in the arms—and at the feet—of the Prince of Tricks. He’s just not sure if Belphagor returns those feelings. There’s only one way to find out, but using a handsome, angelic duke to stir Belphagor’s jealousy backfires on them both.
When the duke frames Vasily for an attempted assassination as part of a revolutionary conspiracy, Belphagor will do whatever it takes to clear his boy’s name and expose the real traitor. Because for the first time in his life, the Prince of Tricks has something to lose. Purchase Link: http://store.samhainpublishing.com/prince-tricks-p-73194.html Review: This was a most refreshing book, the world it was set upon was Heaven itself, though a very intriguing and enticing view, not at all the cliché Heaven we’ve been bored out of our head off. To say I loved it would be accurate yet lacking something. Lacking the fact that this book nearly sent me spinning into fanfic mode, it was so inspiring and so enticing that you couldn’t simply read it without letting your imagination soar wild in this word.
The characters we meet in this wonderful tale are two lovely, albeit completely different from each other, demons. Set in a world where demons are the lowest form of life and angels feel more than entitled, these two characters draw you in an adventure a bit dark, a bit kinky, and way too dangerous from which you don’t want to escape.
Belphagor is a self-made character, strong and cunning, his smarts and wits are what have granted him the title Prince of Tricks. He is also a very dominant creature in bed, his inclinations being a lot on the rough and cruel side. He appears to have no weaknesses…
At least that’s what our second star of the story believes. Vasily, a rent-boy and former thief forewent his life, as he knew it when he met Belphagor. He gave himself to this seemingly uncaring airspirit, even as his heart hurts with the uncertainty that colors this relationship. Being a firespirit and a hothead, he constantly finds himself in peculiar situations until he gets in the worst predicament ever, charged with attempted murder against the very crown. Penalty is immediate death and both Belphagor and Vasily must take a wild journey through intrigues and emotions in order to survive this obstacle. For where Vasily has his life in the line, Belphagor has his heart.
I loved the tale, oh my God a fascinating one. It had action, conspiracy, a well-threaded plot put in a lovely pace that kept you always on your toes and most of all, and this damned relationship that was not just a relationship. Belphagor is a wild creature, a cruel, cruel “master” always goading and humiliating his “sub”, and as for Vasily, well the fact he’s a firespirit should give you a hint or two that while he submits it doesn’t happen easily and it’s always loaded with defiance. It is absolutely fantastic to read and damn well written too. So, you might wonder on the quotes I put for the words “master” and “sub”. It’s the fact that these words are never once worded in this book, though that’s exactly what Belphagor and Vasily are to each other. It’s the fact that there are no labels when it comes to the nature of relationships in this world, except perhaps when it comes to interactions between Angels and Demons. There are still judgments and slurs, but in a kind of different way, that makes it utterly non-Earthly, and that it made this book such a sweet and original read.
I could keep on going on and on about the nature of the dynamic between our protagonists, the fact that there were way too many lovers and non-lovers and m/f scenes and orgies, and sharing of partners, all written gloriously resulting in exquisitely hot and pant-worthy scenes, but I’m going to refrain. Because in the end you have to read it yourself and find the magic of this Hell of a tale. What I can do is recommend that jump through the rabbit-hole, or the Ascend of the stairway to Heaven, or the Fall from the Celestial… Ah, there I go and lose myself again. Damn this book stole my head.
Hiya guys, today we bring you Joy Lynn Fielding and her newest release Shifting Sands, we get to have a sneak peek at an excerpt and Gigi gives us her thoughts on the book and she is loving this series… oh yeah and there’s a giveaway so make sure you click that Rafflecopter link 😉 ~Pixie~
About the book:
The visit to Elk Ridge is supposed to be just another assignment for Tom Barrington. Then he encounters Bryce Reynolds, a generous, warmhearted cowboy who has the easiest smile he’s ever seen. It doesn’t take long for Tom to break all his rules and end up in Bryce’s bed.
Bryce Reynolds believes there’s no such thing as a hot politician, right up until he meets Tom Barrington. Tall, dark, and principled, Tom overturns all of Bryce’s prejudices, and Bryce starts to forget that he doesn’t do serious and he doesn’t do commitment. As Bryce and Tom struggle to make sense of what’s happening between them, they’re drawn into a political battle—one that could affect the future of every shifter. And when long-buried secrets start coming to light, things turn deadly. Nothing will ever be the same again for the Elk Ridge pack.
Excerpt:
Bryce pushed open the door, prepared for another snotty pen pusher like Taylor Cufflinks the Third, or whatever his stupid name had been. Because of that, it took him a moment to process that he was seeing what he thought he was seeing and that he hadn’t found himself in the middle of a really good dream. Except if it was a dream, presumably this guy would already be naked rather than pouring himself a cup of coffee while dressed in a crisp white shirt, open at the neck, and gray slacks that should have been illegal given the way they clung to the curves of a frankly spectacular ass.
If Tom Barrington was a pen pusher, it was a pretty heavy pen he pushed on a regular basis because those were definite muscles betrayed by the fit of his shirt. His hair was dark and just a little wavy, his cheekbones were sharply defined beneath flawless skin, and there was the suspicion of a five-o’clock shadow on his jaw, which somehow emphasized just how strong that jawline was.
Bryce was still staring when Tom looked up and gestured with the mug he was holding. “Hope you don’t mind,” he said, then paused.
Bryce was aware that he was being studied in return and stood a little taller, opening himself up for inspection by rich brown eyes. It seemed Tom liked what he saw, because he looked for longer than was strictly polite. Bryce grinned at him when his eyes returned to Bryce’s face, and Tom suddenly looked away, biting his lip slightly as if he’d been caught doing something he shouldn’t have been. Even that didn’t stop him sending another look sideways at Bryce, and the combination of that with the way his teeth were sinking into his plump lower lip had Bryce’s stomach tightening with arousal. This security check might be a hell of a lot more pleasurable than he’d figured. And he was not thinking about Tom Barrington and body searches in the same breath, because that wasn’t helping things settle down in the least.
“Sorry to have kept you,” he said, and sat down at the table. “I figured you’d be another twelve-year-old.”
Tom stared at him, and then he grinned. It was a really good look on him. “I forgot—you had Bressingham visit you, didn’t you?”
“I wondered if it was ‘take your son to work day’ but mom or dad got lost en route,” Bryce said.
“He’s one of Cheung’s protégés,” Tom said, sitting down opposite Bryce. “He’s got potential, apparently.”
“Or a daddy with deep pockets to contribute to a re-election campaign,” Bryce said, and pushed the sugar bowl across the table. Tom nodded in thanks and took a spoonful.
“So what do you need to know?” Bryce asked, all business again. The thought that the sooner they got business done, the sooner they might get to other things was not in his mind at all. No way.
Joy Lynn Fielding is a sucker for happy endings. She believes, however, that if characters don’t suffer along the way, they won’t fully appreciate being happy. Not all of her characters thank her for this viewpoint, but what do they know?
Joy lives in a small English market town, but also inhabits a number of fictional worlds at any one time, reflecting what she’s writing and what she’s reading. She has a tendency to share enthusiastically with anyone who will listen to the latest fascinating facts she’s stumbled across in her research for books. Thankfully she has a very patient Labrador, who has a gift for looking as though he’s interested in what she’s saying while he waits for the food to arrive.
Blurb: The visit to Elk Ridge is supposed to be just another assignment for Tom Barrington. Then he encounters Bryce Reynolds, a generous, warmhearted cowboy who has the easiest smile he’s ever seen. It doesn’t take long for Tom to break all his rules and end up in Bryce’s bed.
Bryce Reynolds believes there’s no such thing as a hot politician, right up until he meets Tom Barrington. Tall, dark, and principled, Tom overturns all of Bryce’s prejudices, and Bryce starts to forget that he doesn’t do serious and he doesn’t do commitment. As Bryce and Tom struggle to make sense of what’s happening between them, they’re drawn into a political battle—one that could affect the future of every shifter. And when long-buried secrets start coming to light, things turn deadly. Nothing will ever be the same again for the Elk Ridge pack.
Review: The sexy wolf pack from Elk Ridge returns in a political battle between members of the National Council wanting to control the only known Argent, and the struggles Matt faces in deciding to get the upper hand in letting people know about Jesse. As part of this whole struggle, Bryce Reynolds, Matt’s second, has to handle security screenings by political aides before some high-ranking council members come to visit.
All this hassle becomes even more of a problem when Bryce is immediately drawn to Tom Barrington, the aide sent to do preliminary work, and Bryce makes an offer of a no strings attached fling. Toms’ first reaction is to turn him down, stay professional, but it’s been so long since his breakup, and he is attracted to Bryce’s forward honesty, and takes advantage of the offer. Problem is, for both of them the attraction seems much stronger. In fact, Bryce soon realizes that Tom is his mate. Bryce, who lives free of commitment, who doesn’t want to be saddled with a fated mate, he wants real love, but feels his heart is still bound to a man who won’t ever love him like that, Matt.
So we have Bryce with commitment issues, Tom with strong feelings of rejection from a failed past relationship and then from Bryce, Jesse and Matt trying to handle being in the spotlight, and all along the politicians from the National Committee may be involved in the slaughter of Jesse’s old pack.
Betrayal, murder attempts, and a chase to the capital all come to death-defying heights in Shifting Sands. There are hot passionate moments, punch in the gut rejections, and a nail-biting run and fight for life and justice. This book wasn’t as violent as some of the past, and maybe it contained a bit less angst, but I liked the political thriller bit. A smooth read and a fun series.
Title: Wolfheart Series: Wolfpack Series Book 1 Author: Dan Cash Genre: Paranormal/Alternate World Length: Novel (319 Pages) ISBN: 978-1-62232-121-6 Publisher: Silver Publishing (April 5th, 2014) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts Reviewer: Lisa
Blurb: After being drawn into a turf war, Dane is kidnapped by the handsome, rough, aggressive Connor. If that isn’t bad enough, the guy is a werewolf and refuses to let Dane go until Dane agrees to be his me.
Dane discovers his best friend, Nick, has been keeping a huge secret for five years. Nick is a werewolf and inadvertently gets Dane embroiled in a turf war. Nick has little choice but to come clean and tell Dane about his hidden side. Love-cynic Dane is irrevocably sucked into the rough world of werewolves when he’s kidnapped by the pack’s leader, Connor.
The lovesick Alpha holds Dane captive, trying to convince him they’re fated to be together as mates. With escape impossible, Dane needs to confront his fear of intimacy, especially if he wants to fall for the imposingly scary, but very sexy, Alpha.
Review: This is the first book to this amazing new series by Dan Cash. I am happy to have had the chance to read this book. It gives you an interesting world to lose yourself in. I have always loved paranormal books especially when they are not only romance but includes two hot men. One who happens to be an alpha of his pack. Dane has been friends with Nick for five years now, so when Dane is used as bait to draw Nick out he is scared but fierce. What surprised him was Nick had not told him everything himself. The fact that he is a werewolf and that there were more of them.
Nick is upset that he had not been able to tell his friend about werewolves but he knew now he had to take him back to the pack. The alpha needed to meet him and trust that Dane would keep their secret. What they had not expected was the fact that Dane was the alpha’s mate. Connor had basically kidnapped his mate and brought him home. Actually going so far as tying him up and putting him in the trunk. Luckily, he knew that going all Alpha on Dane, was not the way to go about telling him what they were. The big bad alpha was scared that Dane would run.
Dane had trust issues and his new mate and his best friend were not helping the matter. But, Dane found himself falling in love with the big, bad wolf. There are many other packs that would want to take over his pack. But, he Connor had not expected one of his pack mates was a traitor, although the signs had been there. He also had not expected them to have the balls to kidnap his mate. He would do anything to get his mate back, even kill. The sex between them is hot and full of sparks. Once you start reading it, you will not be able to put it down at all.
That is what happened to me. I picked it up and just started reading it and couldn’t stop. It caught my attention from the first sentence. I absolutely loved it and cannot wait to read the next book in this brand new series. It also gives me a new author to check out. I would recommend reading this story especially if you love, the paranormal world, shape shifters, werewolves, two hot and sexy men, great sex, and dangers to the pack. I have found another new favorite and cannot wait to read his stories.
Title: Serving Love at Carnival Series: International Men of Sports Author: T.A. Chase and Devon Rhodes Genre: Contemporary Length: Novel (168 pages) ISBN: 9780857156631 Publisher: Totally Bound Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts Reviewer: LeeAnn Blurb: Anything goes during Carnival, and two men are about to discover just how hot the nights can get in Rio.
A long-time member of a samba school, Pablo knows that Carnival in his hometown of Rio de Janeiro is always hot, and the tall, sexy man he hooks up with during the festivities is even hotter. He usually doesn’t go back for repeats, but something about Diego has him working harder than he ever has to try to meet up again.
Diego travels all over the world on the pro beach volleyball tour, but has found that the sexiest man he’s ever met lives right there in Rio. After a few false starts, they finally seem to hit a groove, but as time goes on, ghosts from Pablo’s past begin to affect their present.
It’s tough being the partner of a professional athlete, competing with travel, fans, and training for their limited time. Pablo’s always been let down by people who found it easy to leave him behind. Is he prepared to accept what Diego can offer?
Purchase Link: https://www.totallybound.com/serving-love-at-carnival Review: From the very beginning, I liked Pablo and Diego…a lot. I love how they met when neither was looking for anything more than a one-night stand. What they found was so much more than that. Their love grew over time. Whether they were texting each other or calling on the phone you see “see” a connection developing between these two men.
They had to learn to go to each other with their problems not a friend they have had for years. Building that trust was crucial and they did it very well. There was a great deal of lovemaking in this book. I could have said sex but not long after they, “hooked up” you could see it was more than sex for these two guys. I rooted for them to have a HEA and I was thrilled with how the authors worked it out. Here is to hoping Thi, Pablo’s best friend since his teens finds his HEA.
This is the sixth book in the International Men in Sports series. However, it is a standalone book. But I suggest, if you can, to get them all. The three I have now read are all wonderful stories.
Title: Joe Ray’s Story Series: Rough in the Saddle #4 Author: Hennessee Andrews Genre: Contemporary Cowboy Romance Length: Novella, 23,936 words Publisher: Siren Publishing (March 15th 2014) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 hearts Reviewer: Tams Blurb: [Siren Classic ManLove: Erotic Alternative Cowboy Romance, M/M, food play, HEA]
Joe Ray Mullins can’t escape the sins of his father and is constantly looking over his shoulder. Trouble seems to lurk everywhere he goes. When two men are looking for him at a rodeo, he is leery because his father has recently been paroled from prison, and many are seeking to find him.
Christian Wright didn’t want to be in Kansas City with the owner of the XYZ Ranch, Zander Wesley, scouting for new members to begin with. He liked the event even less when the hot calf roper, Zander, who he has his sights set on, sticks a gun to his head in the restroom. They cut their losses and chalk up the event as nothing more than time wasted.
When they find Joe Ray badly beaten in the parking lot, they miss their flight in order to get him to safety. Who knew the bad boy image Joe Ray projected is nothing more than a ruse?
Purchase Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/joe-rays-story Review: Short, Sexy and Steamy. Do you know what that is, why that is my three favourite colors!!
Joe Ray Mullins catches the eye of Zander Wesley, owner of the XYZ ranch, at a rodeo event. Zander doesn’t want Joe for his bed, mind you. Zander already has TWO men waiting for him back at the ranch. He wants Joe to come to work for him on the ranch where he can be at home and open about his sexuality, participating in their gay rodeo team. But Joe Ray is on the run, hiding from some former associates of his father’s that want something Joe Ray can’t give them. His father’s whereabouts.
Christian Wright works at the ranch with Zan and he accompanies him to try to sell Joe Ray on buying into the ranch, and coming to work with them. It doesn’t go as planned when Joe Ray mistakes Christian and Zan for the stalkers. He pulls a gun on Christian. Zan and Christian are ready to throw in the towel, but as they are leaving the event, they find Joe Ray in the parking lot being beat all the hell. Of course, they step in and take Joe Ray with them back to the ranch where he can be safe, at least for a little while, and heal.
Christian has been attracted to Joe Ray since he pulled a gun on him, pressing his hard tattooed body against him in that bathroom stall. Joe Ray notices and when they are at a rest stop shower, he deliberately stalks around naked in front of Christian. They spend way too much time fighting the attraction, when what they should be doing is pounding each other into oblivion! They figure out the mechanics of it soon enough though. But not everyone at the XYZ ranch is happy to have the son of a cattle thief at their breakfast table. Joe Ray worries that no one will ever be able to see past who his father is to truly see him. But Christian is about to surprise him!
I am in love with this little series. Each installment is a short story for a different couple and is just sexier than the previous book. But Andrews continues to keep the reader up to date with what’s going on at the ranch and in the lives of the men, we’ve meet throughout this series. Andrews writing style is kind of raw and fresh, and while there were a few hiccups along the way, I chalk most of that up to the length of the book.
This is a must read series for M/M and cowboy love fans. Each book could be devoured during your lunch break or as a sexy snack just before bed. Just think of the dreams you’d have! ** I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through MM Good Book Reviews ** http://www.mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com
Title: Yes, He’s My Ex
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