Mating His Nightmare by Shea Balik

91AXJ4k73JL._SL1500_Title: Mating His Nightmare
Series: Paranormal Wars: Stone Haven, #5
Author: Shea Balik
Genre: Paranormal
Length: Novella (139 pages)
Publisher: Siren Publishing, Inc (August 14th 2014)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4.5 Hearts
Blurb: Wolfe Koa grew up only knowing pain. As a newborn wolf shifter, he was placed in a lab where every experiment known to man was inflicted on him. When he was finally freed, he vowed to destroy every lab the humans had built to torture paranormals in the name of science.

Caleb Reid was a scientist who loved helping others. When his own race, the psy, kidnapped him and forced him to create a breed of super soldiers, humans that were infused with animal and shifter DNA, Caleb rebelled. His act of defiance had his father’s finger cut off with the threat of the same happening to his four-year-old sister. Not having a choice, Caleb did the unthinkable and gave in to the psy’s demands.

When Wolfe realizes Caleb is his mate, he fights the need to be with his mate. Can Wolfe overcome the mate pull or will he end up mating his worst nightmare?

ISBN: 978-1-63258-179-2

Purchase Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/mating-his-nightmare

Reviewer: Leigh

Review: This book is part of a series and should be read in order.

Caleb knows that creating the were creatures is wrong. But he has no choice if he wants to keep his adopted shifter family safe. He hates what he is doing but until the Alliance can locate and save his family, he has no choice. Even knowing Wolfe is his mate, Caleb needed to continue with the psy. The only contact they have with each other is in their dreams where they start to fall in love with each other.

Wolfe is damaged from the time he spent among the human/psy labs. He never dealt with his issues and instead would just jump into wars all over the world. With Caleb as his mate, not only a psy but also a doctor Wolf has a lot to come to terms with. I can see his issues and understand the angst he goes through, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t want to smack him upside the head a few times.

Caleb and Wolfe do not have the best mating in the start and it was mostly due to Wolfe’s emotional issues. Wolfe does not deal with who and what Caleb is very well. In the process, he hurts Caleb emotional and almost loses him.

I liked this book because they did not have a perfect instant loving mating. There were real issues that needed to be handled by both. They did love each other but especially Wolfe needed to face up to the fact that he needed to open up and let Caleb truly in.

Secui Domus by Kiernan Kelly

81rZoOqJVRL._SL1500_Title: Secui Domus
Series:
Author: Kiernan Kelly
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novella (65 pages)
Publisher: Torquere Publishing (March 5th, 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts
Blurb: When their college dorms are shut down, Aiden and his best friend, Bobby, find themselves without a roof over their heads. Rather than face leaving school, they take up temporary residence in their local gay-friendly bar, FUBAR, along with a handful of other down-on-their-luck students.

Faced with the possibility of being expelled if they don’t secure permanent housing, the boys hatch a plot to put on a strip show to earn the cash necessary to bring a donated house up to code, and establish themselves as a fraternity on campus.

In the midst of preparing for the big show, things get complicated when Aiden realizes his feelings for Bobby go deeper than mere friendship-with-benefits.

Originally published in the anthology Kegs and Dorms.

ISBN: 9781610406604

Product Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=4142

Reviewer: Prime

Review: This was a difficult one to pin down a rating. I liked it, but I didn’t love. The story is both sweet and sexy and unconventional. I really wanted to get more involved with the story, but something wasn’t quite there to keep my attention captured.

It is the story of college kids using their ingenuity to somehow stay in classes and find a new place to live when they lose their on campus housing. Aiden and Bobby, the two students spearheading the scheme at one of the local gay bars called FUBAR, have been friends for a couple of years through their previous job that helped them pay the bills. FUBAR is owned by an ex-marine called Hank, who has also an intriguing story to tell.

The main storyline featuring Bobby and Aiden is entertaining and the ending is quite pleasing. We are also given a glimpse at a number of characters from their classes that had also resided in the dorms, but are a bit fleeting in some cases. However, as I just said, Hank the bar owner has an even more intriguing story. It’s hard not to feel sorry for Hank as his background is uncovered and quickly his past catches up with him.

But quite honestly, I was left wanting to know more about Hank and his man, even with the loose ends tied up at the end of the story.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

How to Make a Carrot Cake by Francis Gideon

71Oaoiud-AL._SL1425_Title: How To Make A Carrot Cake

Series:  N/A

Author: Francis Gideon

Genre: Contemporary/Drama

Length: Novel (195 Pages)

Publisher: MLR Press (August 28th, 2014)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts

Blurb: When Nate Reid meets the vegan Billy Lawson, he is forced to spend a lot more time in the kitchen before he can truly understand that Billy is more than just what he keeps on his plate.

Nate Reid never considered veganism until he meets Billy Lawson, a skinny, quiet kid who works at the local grocery store. With Billy’s help, Nate slowly learns what he can and cannot make during the beginning months of their relationship until a family secret from Billy’s past threatens their bond.

Will their conflicting desires in the kitchen make an exciting partnership or will Billy’s refusal continue to isolate him? Nate searches through cookbooks, his best friend Marlee’s advice, and his favorite novels from his college years in order to find answers for both of their futures.

ISBN # MLR-1-02014-0288

Product Link: http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=FGHTMACC

Reviewer: Gigi

Review: When I read other reviews, I came to the conclusion that this is a very misunderstood story. How To Make A Carrot Cake really isn’t about vegan lifestyles, it’s about love, powerful love, sacrifice, painful loss and soul shattering life experiences.

One truly must experience what Billy is going through to understand his reactions, his behaviors, and how painful it is to let someone else in. I can’t give the big secret away or it ruins the book, but when you are going through what Billy is, your whole life revolves around it, your life is not your own, you live, eat, sleep and wake according to the other person.

I still to this day do not wear a watch because I had to set my life patterns, and that of the other person, to the face of that watch.

I have lived what Billy did and can feel each event, I understand the effort it takes to let another person in, and wanting to compartmentalize them so you can feel a bit of respite, and then get back to reality. I was so proud of Nate for taking the path he did with Billy, he is a huge hero. You can see this type of decision making in Nate’s character is his true nature, just to observe how he takes care of Marlee, you can see that.

Yes, Nate and Billy cook together, and Billy teaches Nate about vegan cooking. The real issue is not about vegan-ism, but about why people make the life choices they do. What triggers such a big life change and who are they really doing it for, themselves or someone else?

The intimate scenes are good, the ones toward the end are very powerful, but that is not really the meat and potatoes of this book. My only criticism is about the style in which this is written, the he did this, and he did that kind of description gets a bit documentary. I like more showing less telling in writing.

Other than that, How To Make A Carrot Cake is a beautiful, powerful story about the human condition, love, understanding, and sacrifice.

Edge of Control by Lynn Hagen

23148978Title: Edge of Control
Series: Brac Village, #16
Author: Lynn Hagen
Genre: Paranormal/ Shape-Shifter/ Vampire/ Werewolves/
Length: Novella (112 Pages)
Publisher: Siren Publishing (November 24th, 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb: After offending an alpha wolf shifter, Myron must run for his life. A pack of wolves are hot on his heels, chasing him into Brac Village. Scared out of his mind, Myron escapes into the back door of a restaurant. Little does he know, he’s running straight into the arms of his mate. But Myron fights the pull, and after one moment of passionate sex, he leaves his mate behind.

Caleb is part owner of the Lucky Clover. He’s worked hard to build a life for himself and is stunned when a fox shifter scurries into the kitchen of his restaurant. When he discovers that Myron is his mate, Caleb claims the man. But Myron is stubborn, cheeky, and pushes Caleb’s control to the edge.

When the alpha pursuing Myron catches up to the fox shifter, Myron must not only fight to stay alive, but also learn to confront his personal demons before he loses the one man he realizes that he can’t live without.

ISBN: 978-1-63258-517-2

Product Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/edge-of-control

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: This is part of the Brac Village series and they should be read in order. For me it gives me an insight into their world and into the lives. Each story focuses on a new romantic character. Characters that will have you falling in love.

Now this story had more feisty attitudes than the others, which made it even more intoxicating then the ones before it. I love the feelings that I got from reading this. Myron was a little fox shifter with a big mouth. He has little problem, when his mouth opens his behind gets in big trouble. After getting pretty wasted, he goes home with a total stranger.

That stranger not only turned out to be a wolf alpha but a total prick also. He was going to teach Myron a lesson. So what does Myron do, he runs for all he is worth. He runs right into a cafe in Brac Village and right into his mate. A mate that happens to be a wolf shifter.

Caleb owns the cafe and is pretty fed up when he runs across a little fox. The dang fox ran through the door and heads for cover. Now Caleb figures it is not a normal fox but a shifter. What he wasn’t expecting was a shifter with attitude. And this particular shifter is his mate. Now all they have to do is to learn how to give in and let go. However first they have to deal with the dangers coming for Myron and the vampire hunter who is new in town.

I love the fact that Lynn always has the perfect amount of excitement, heat, adventure, danger, lust, and fun. She always manages to give me a perfect story, one that has me wanting for more. I had a blast with this story. It captured my attention from the moment I started reading and kept it all the way to the end. It gave me everything that I could want in a story and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next story.

Brac Village is a branch off of Brac Pack, so you might want to start with those first. Each story is a riot and you can’t help but fall in love with these series. They have the perfect amount of serious attitude and humor. In fact, I would say it usually gives you a bit more in the humor department.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Bright Star by Talia R. Blackwood

71eFPd+Dg0L._SL1350_Title: Bright Star
Series: N/A
Author: Talia R. Blackwood
Genre: Science Fiction/Futuristic
Length: Novella (164 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (October 8th, 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts
Blurb: “I am his guardian angel. I don’t know who he is. I know every line of his face—the curve of his lips is carved in my soul—but I don’t know his name. I always called him just Prince.”

Tasked to watch over a young man in suspended animation, Phae, a clone, spends his life alone on an empty spaceship, focused only on the protection of his ward. Prince isn’t scheduled to wake for another twenty years, but an attack on the ship starts the automatic awakening procedure.

Prince relieves Phae’s loneliness and teaches him the meaning of love. However, the mission becomes more complicated than either man was led to believe—and far more dangerous. Their destination is a world held hostage, where clones are disposable and Phae is scheduled for “recycling” when his duty is done.

ISBN: 978-1-63216-278-6

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5525

Reviewer: Prime
5 of hearts logo red on black smallReview: This is a fantastic book! It’s just… wow! Being the science fiction fangirl that I can be, this book immediately made me think of a mix of Firefly, Star Trek and even some Wall-E. It’s certainly unique, which makes it more appealing. (The use of alien, as seen in most of sci-fi, is what reminded me of Firefly). Not only there, this is packed with emotion and you can feel the plight of both characters. The only problem is I don’t want to gush so much that I give away the entire thing.

The book is written in first person, but the setting and the setup of the plot lends itself to it. The only thing is that the first person actually swaps between the MCs, Phae and Prince, and it might take readers a while to get used to the change in tone when the swap is made. Certainly surprised me when I went from Phae to Prince’s voice.

There are definite subtle differences between the characters that make it interesting: Prince is far for relaxed in his language than Phae is. Prince is the one responsible for words like “yeah” and “crappy” in the beginning, while Phae is more formal, for example he uses the more formal “cannot” to start with but once he’s known Prince awhile, he starts saying “can’t”. There are a few interesting things like that.

Phae is not hard to love. He is the strong silent type. He’s also incredibly sweet, innocent and naive. He’s lived in isolation for many years, completely alone except for the sarcophagus of the man he is watching over, who he calls Prince. He is a clone, raised by another clone for the sole purpose of watching over Prince. It’s bittersweet to read as the love grows between the two men, Phae learn what true companionship, and love is.

Prince on the other hand is much worldlier than his “guardian angel”. Circumstances have forced him to go into suspended animation and sent to some other corner of the galaxy. Because of this, he resents his father and chooses not to talk about his family to Phae. Understandable, I get that. There is also some sort of loneliness in that doesn’t come from actual aloneness, but from lack of love or something thereof. Prince is rather charming, no pun intended, and despite his rough exterior, I think he’s a pretty decent sort.

These characters are so isolated there is very little in the way of supporting characters in the background, unless you count Ship (because ships are characters too!). Of course, there are a few unlikable person when Phae and Prince leave their isolated life, but not a lot of detail was given. My only complaint comes from what happens to Prince and Phae, and the use of the first person voice.

The end is from Phae’s POV, so unfortunately what could have been a few additional, really interesting chapters from Prince’s POV, were skipped to get to the climax. Not that I’m letting this affect my enjoyment of the book. Prince explains things briefly enough, it’s just the engrossed sci-fi nerd in me wanted details!

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Road of No Return by K.A. Merikan

22573348Title: Road of No Return
Series: Sex & Mayhem, #1
Author: K.A. Merikan
Genre: Contemporary/ Bikers
Length: Novel (277 pages)
Publisher: Acerbi & Villani Ltd (July 17th, 2014)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts
Blurb: On the day of Stitch‘s divorce, lust personified enters the biker bar he‘s celebrating at. Tattooed all over, pierced, confident, and hot as hellfire, Zak is the bone Stitch has waited for life to throw him. All Stitch wants is a sniff, a taste, a lick. What follows instead is gluttony of the most carnal sort, and nothing will ever be the same. Forced to hide his new love affair from the whole world, Stitch juggles family, club life, and crime, but it‘s only a matter of time until it becomes too hard.

Zak moves to Lake Valley in search of peace and quiet, but when he puts his hand into the jaws of a Hound of Valhalla, life gets all but simple. In order to be with Stitch, Zak‘s biker wet dream, he has to crawl right back into the closet. As heated as the relationship is, the secrets, the hiding, the violence, jealousy, and conservative attitudes in the town rub Zak in all the wrong ways. When pretending he doesn’t know what his man does becomes impossible, Zak needs to decide if life with an outlaw biker is really what he wants.

As club life and the love affair collide, all that‘s left in Zak and Stitch‘s life is mayhem.

ISBN: CRBVLL0000001

Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/Return-biker-erotic-romance-Mayhem-ebook/dp/B00LXLACZS/

Reviewer: Prime

Review: This book gave me mixed feelings. I think instead of my usual writing, I’ll list everything off and explain what I mean by mixed feelings.

– The story is gritty, it’s stated in the book below the blurb. I don’t mind gritty, I like the tension, but occasionally I found it difficult to keep my attention on the book. In the same way, I was halfway through the book when I realized that I wasn’t absorbed in it, yet I found it hard to not want to know what happens.

– This is a biker gang story, I know it appeals to some because of the fantasy of hot men, but this is more like a biker gang war TV shows (Australians will probably understand this reference because I’m think of the various Australian gangland war series), or even a Sons of Anarchy type thing. Except without the drugs and alcohol.

– Stitch, the deeply closeted character, is really not likable to me. I found trouble liking him at all. I can’t put a finger on exactly why. Maybe because it is a more realistic look at a biker gang I don’t like what Stitch does. He also has a borderline abusive temper that seems to explode at the least provocation.

– Zak, on the other hand, the not so closeted tattoo artist, is great. I really do like him. He’s a normal type of guy, just trying to run his business, which just happens to be in the middle of biker territory. He’s probably the most sensible character in the book.

– The ending was good. Also stated in the book after the blurb, there is no cliffhanger, yet at the same time, I don’t really felt quite complete by it.

I’ve tried to be unbiased here when I’ve described these points because I realize that this type of story is exactly what some people want to read. However, as I said, I liked the book and I really did want to know what happened at the end. It was probably the circumstances that surround Stitch more than anything else that bothered me and I found myself thinking that Zak really just needed to bail.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Mating the Predator by Shea Balik

81DJl302lDL._SL1500_Title: Mating the Predator
Series: Paranormal Wars: Stone Haven, #4
Author: Shea Balik
Genre: Paranormal
Length: Novella (106 pages)
Publisher: Siren Publishing, Inc (July 17th 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4.5 Hearts
Blurb: Zeke Torres was always picked on because he was a scared mouse shifter. When his mother married a hawk shifter, he had to suffer through his stepbrother’s cruelty on a daily basis. He fought hard for his independence and vowed to never be under the control of anyone else.

Rangi Ku was an eagle shifter and Director of Communications for the Alliance’s Northern Territory. Working late one night, he was shocked when his computer was hacked (a feat that no one had ever done), with a message asking for help. He saved the man who hacked into their network, and was surprised to find Zeke was his mate.

When Alek, their Alpha Primus, accuses Zeke of being a traitor, Zeke must find the courage to put aside his reservations and trust Rangi to protect him. A predator mating his prey may not seem plausible, but Rangi is determined to show his little mouse he is more than just a bird of prey.

ISBN: 978-1-63258-035-1

Purchase Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/mating-the-predator

Reviewer: Leigh

Review: This book is part of a series and should be read in order.

I loved Zeke. He has been beaten down all his life and is scared. But he is also smart. When his stepbrother, who is hiding from the Alliance, takes over his apartment, he is living in hell. When Zeke gets the chance to contact the Alliance, he does it to get help. After receiving a beating that leaves him on the verge of death, he meets his mate Rangi another predatory. Instead of walking away in fear, he instead allows himself to trust that Rangi will not hurt him as his stepfather did to his mother.

Rangi is amazed he has found his mate in Zeke. He wants to protect him and assure him that he will never hurt Zeke. He thinks Zeke is adorable. He gives no thought to the fact that Zeke is a mouse. In fact, he tells Zeke that he is not his eagle, and that the shifter does not make the man. When it looks like the Alpha is going to railroad Zeke as a traitor to the Alliance, Rangi is willing to take him on to protect Zeke. He treats Zeke at all time as the precious gift he is. I loved the relationship between Zeke and Rangi. They are so cute together once Rangi convinces Zeke to trust him. Rangi never doubts Zeke and fights when he is accused of being a traitor.

This was a great addition to the series. The writing was very fast paced and the secrets about what has been going on are being revealed in each book. There is a complex level of betrayal going on in the Alliance and I like that this book reveals another piece of the puzzle.

The MCs have their own love story, but also have a part in finding out the mysteries going on. Characters from other books make regular appearances and keep their sometimes quirky personalities. Each book fits into the cohesiveness of the series and adds its own unique twist.

I enjoy the world the author has created and look forward to more.

Where Least Expected by D.C. Williams

71PyJV-LbzL._SL1425_Title: Where Least Expected
Series: Surprised by Love, #1
Author: D.C. Williams
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novella (95 pages)
Publisher: MLR Press (November 9th, 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts
Blurb: Blake is totally not still hung up on Jeff, his hot ex-boyfriend. And he’s so not sleeping with Bob, Jeff’s annoying hippie roommate. Except he is. And even though they have absolutely nothing in common, Bob might just show Blake that there’s more to their relationship than just sex.

If Blake can share some of his secrets and let his guard down just a little bit.

ISBN: MLR-1-02014-0325

Product Link: http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=DCW_WLEX

Reviewer: Prime

Review: This was an interesting book to read. I found that it was a realistic feeling college romance saga – let’s face it, romance around that age always seems to be embarrassingly like a saga. Blake is out for his twenty-second birthday when he ends up sharing a drink with his ex-boyfriend’s roommate, Bob.

First off, it is sometimes difficult to find sympathy with Blake because he is shallow, and not only admits to it, he is somewhat proud of it. Then, when we find out about some of the trauma he went through when he was around sixteen/seventeen, it’s hard not to sympathise with him. The best way to describe him is that he damaged but sweet.

Bob is a fantastic character. He’s a purple-haired hippie-type who also sports dreadlocks, and funnily enough, he wants to get into law school. Bob’s only just starting to discover himself. It was difficult not to feel sympathy him because of this, it felt like Blake was just being an arsehole at times. Bob just seems so cute, naive and confused I don’t think anyone who enjoys this book would find it hard not to feel protective of him.

Over a series of months, Blake and Bob are in a strictly sexual relationship. However, at the same time, it was really nice to see them grow and get to know themselves. Particularly Blake, I had my concerns about him but he pulled through well. There were a number of interesting minor characters, including Bob’s family. But it was Jeff, Bob’s roommate/Blake’s ex, that I liked. He had the protective bear vibe going on and I found him likable despite the fact that he dumped Blake.

I have to say, I’m really looking forward to this series after this taste!

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Council's Agent by Bellann Summer

ecm-bs-lm-councilsagent3141117_0315Title: Council’s Agent
Series: Lubirea Mai, #2
Author: Bellann Summer
Genre: Paranormal/ Shape-Shifter
Length: Novella (104 Pages)
Publisher: Siren Publishing (November 27, 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb: When human Riley Buchanan’s best friend faced going to the cat council’s headquarters to spend a week trying to create a child with a stranger, they decided running was the only answer. What he hadn’t counted on was being tackled to the ground by a gigantic lion in the middle of their escape.

Fate smiled on lion shifter Samuel Craydon when it gave him human Riley Buchanan as a mate. Except Riley hates the council and Samuel is a council agent. After a lot of talking and loving, Riley seems to be coming to terms with Samuel’s responsibilities. But when Samuel’s brother finds out Samuel has mated a human, he sends him on a mission, setting him up to fail.

How is Riley going to react to the council representative’s bigoted hatred when Samuel is punished for an assignment gone wrong?
 
ISBN: 978-1-63258-617-9

Product Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/councils-agent

Reviewer: Lisa

5 of hearts logo red on black smallReview: This is the second book to this series and they need to be read in order. Each story gives you a new romantic couple. I had a blast reading this story. The way it is written feels like you are still going through the stages of freedom that book one gives you. The way it just flows off the pages and into your mind is amazing. I loved that it captured my attention from the moment I started reading and kept it all the way to the end. This story gave me everything I could want in a story.

Riley and Katherine had been friends for a very long time, enough time for Katherine to trust him with her secret. Not only her secret but also the rules that they have after a shifter reaches five hundred years. They are to turn their selves in for one week to mate with another lion. So Riley had left his home and job to run away with Katherine to keep her from having to go to that pain again. The problem was he had not expected to be tackled by a lion.

Samuel is one of the council agent’s that are sent after those who cause problems. Riley hated the council for what they put the lions through. However, the bigger surprise was that they were mates and not just any typical mate. But a mate that was lubirea mai and of course this has an even bigger surprise for Riley. He can have a child.

Talk about a shock. Another problem was that the leader of the lions and Samuels brother, Simon was not happy about Samuel being mated to a human. So he sends him on a quest to bring in a shifter for kidnapping. It ended badly, and Simon was a complete ass and the punishment was to be given out. All this because Samuel mated a human.

I had a blast reading this and cannot wait to read the next story. It gave me sexy shifters, feisty human mates, mates that can get pregnant, a surprise ending for Riley, excitement, a touch of danger and some amazing sex. I would recommend reading this book, especially if you love all of that and so much more. I loved it and cannot wait to check out the rest of Bellann’s books.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Mating in Stormy Waters by Shea Balik

23148969Title: Mating in Stormy Waters
Series: Paranormal Wars: Stone Haven, #6
Author: Shea Balik
Genre: Paranormal
Length: Novella (119 pages)
Publisher: Siren Publishing, Inc (November 13th 2014)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4.5 Hearts
Blurb: Dasan Toomre is a water mystic who is having a rough day. Then he meets his mate, Jalin Black, a shark shifter and things start to look up. But before they are barely introduced, a bomb rips through Stone Haven killing nine residents. Dasan’s father was one of those residents. Devastated, he throws himself into his work in order to lessen the pain.

Jalin couldn’t believe his good fortune in meeting his mate. When his Dasan loses his father, Jalin does his best to comfort his mate, but it seems as if Dasan would rather be alone. Too hurt to stick around, Jalin goes to the only place he finds solace, the ocean.

Once Dasan realizes he’s pushed Jalin away, he chases his mate to the Pacific Ocean. As he looks out at the vast body of water, he can only hope he’ll be able to find his mate in order to beg for a second chance.

ISBN: 978-1-63258-557-8

Purchase Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/mating-in-stormy-waters

Reviewer: Leigh

Review: This book is part of a series and should be read in order.

Dasan is a forty-year-old water mystic. He runs the Alliance garage with his father. When one of their employees starts relating blanking out on time, Dasan takes him to the doctors. While there, he meets his mate Jalin, an original member of the Cadre. After learning what is really happening with the employee, everyone rushes back to the garage only to have it exploded and kill everyone inside. What should have been the happiest day meeting his mate, turns into grief for Dasan as he loses his father.

Jalin does all he can for his mate Dasan. However, Dasan becomes so wrapped up in guilt and grief he starts to only focus and rebuilding the garage. After a while, Jalin feels abandoned and alone in the mating. The story shows both MCs points of view, and it was easy to at things from both of them and understands it to a degree. Neither MC is perfect and they both have their issues, but the main one was that neither took the time to talk to each other.

I liked this story. It was more emotional and heart-warming in a way. The was plenty of sex and it was hot, but that was not the problem for them. Dasan let everything else take the front seat instead of his mate Jalin. It wasn’t until it was almost too late that he got his ass in gear and did what he should have done from the start. Dasan forgot for a while that his mate should be the most important thing in his life. Jalin taking off was the best thing he could have done. It forced Dasan to reevaluate things and own up to what he was doing to their mating.

As for the storyline arc for the series, it showed the Alliance that they were not as safe as they thought and that the psy will do anything to win the war. It will be interesting to see what happens next and I look forward to more books in the future.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Cash by Tyler Robbins

812e3Fd1yXL._SL1500_Title: Cash
Series: Blue Haven Boys, #1
Author: Tyler Robbins
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novella (64 pages)
Publisher: Naughty Notions Publishing (June 18th, 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥41/2Hearts
Blurb: Ryan Blake had never been far from his small Texas town. Single and hating it, Ryan wanted nothing more than to change his relationship status. However, falling for his best friend, Cash, an experienced pretty boy, hadn’t been part of his summer plans.
Still reeling from an embarrassing heartbreak, Jameson Cash looked forward to another summer working at the Blue Haven Resort. He didn’t need the money, but surrounding himself with great people, a beautiful lake, and countless days of fun in the sun, was just what he needed to move on.

Cash was down for anything, but never dreamed that would include his best friend, Ryan. One amazing night changed both of their lives forever, showing them a life they’d never dreamed possible.
Unfortunately, just when they thought they’d figured it out, an unspeakable act of violence strikes too close to home, and they soon realize, no one’s future is certain.

The only thing better than having a friend to watch your back, is having a best friend to scratch it in your bed.

ISBN: B00L4K5GYK

Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Haven-Boys-Tyler-Robbins-ebook/dp/B00L4K5GYK

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: Ryan loves his best friend Cash. When things change for them one night they both begin a journey a of exploring and discovering just how deep their feelings for each other are. Just when things are going great an unthinkable event happens that strengthens their feelings even more.

Loved this story about friends becoming lovers and more. So sweet how Ryan and Cash came together and actually talked before jumping into things. It was horrifying what happened to Ryan because of a homophobic guy. I was very glad Ryan had Cash to help him with his recovery after the incident. The intimate scenes between Ryan and Cash were sexy and hot. Great read.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com*

The Snow Garden by Christopher Rice ~ Audiobook

41IPmQ2FFvL._SS500_Title: The Snow Garden
Author: Christopher Rice
Narrator: James Daniels
Genre: Mystery/ Thriller
Length: 12 hours and 20 minutes
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer (originally published 9-11-2008 this is a re-release for 12-9-2014)
Heat Level: Mild
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts
Blurb: A shocking death exposes dangerous forces of seduction, obsession, and vengeance lurking beneath the idyllic surface of a prestigious New England university.

It is more than just the late November weather that has cast a chill over the campus of Atherton University. When the wife of respected professor Eric Eberman is killed in a tragic accident, his secret student lover, Randall Stone, fears the professor tried to avert career suicide by committing homicide. Or do the dead woman’s haunting last words point to an even more damning crime?

Fearing the truth, Randall digs into his lover’s hidden history. But what he finds draws him and everyone he cares for into a dark dance of sexual manipulation, twisted retribution, and murderous rage where nothing is as it seems. And no one will escape from it unscathed…if they escape at all.

In this emotionally gripping tale from New York Times bestselling author Christopher Rice, the past may seem buried, but it can come back with a deadly vengeance.

Product Link: http://www.audible.com/pd/Fiction/The-Snow-Garden-Audiobook/B002V5D8NI

Reviewer: Tams

Review: Atherton University, freshman year. Kathryn, Randall, and Jesse come from different worlds, but find themselves drawn together in unexpected ways. For each of them, college promises a bright future and a way to disconnect from a dark, haunted past. But as winter sets in, their secret histories threaten to disrupt the layers of deceit that protect their fragile new lives.

Kathryn along with her roommate April, her openly gay best friend Randall, and his roommate Jesse who gives new meaning to the term promiscuous are just a few months into their freshman year at the prestigious Atherton University. The backdrop is a picturesque New England college town fraught with murder, mystery, mayhem, snow, and random college hookups.

The story opens twenty something years in the past with a chilling memory of lies, deceit and death that sets the stage for the series of events that about to unfold.

Kathryn, Randall and Jesse… the troublesome trio, have all come to college in an attempt to escape their own individual realities. All three haunted by their pasts and all three determined to make a fresh start and own their futures. The secrets they don’t share are the ones that could get them all killed though. When their Art Professor’s wife dies under somewhat mysterious circumstances, leaving behind and broken trail of clues as to what may have happened that dark, snowy night, Randall sets out to discover the truth behind her death.

What his friends don’t know is that Randall was having a torrid, secret affair with Eric Eberman, Art Professor and widower to the late Mrs. Eberman that just died in said crash. And he is just as determined to keep that secret under wraps. Kathryn and Jesse can sense the unease, the change in attitude and demeanor of their friend. They just can’t put their finger on the why.

With the Holidays approaching, Kathryn’s parents are hounding her to fly home, the last place she wants to be. And Jesse’s dad, who is in rehab, is looking for money from the same person he always looks to for cash, his son.

These three “friends” have to deal with normal, everyday college antics, studies, demanding families, a lover with a dead wife, their own psychotic tendencies and the discovery of another death that happened on campus over two decades ago that is directly linked to Eric. With danger around every corner there is a darkness lurking in the shadows that surround these three young adults, a darkness that could devour them all if they aren’t careful.

This book was a total mind f*ck! So many twists and turns with an ending that I didn’t see coming, not at all. The story started out a little slow, but once the pace picked up it didn’t stop. And regardless of the slow start, I was completely enthralled after that prologue, taking a look back to the past at Atherton University. That one chapter set the tone for the story and is directly linked to everything that is happening in the present.

There are several stories slowly unfolding throughout this novel that converge in the last few chapters, and Rice did an amazing job of slowly weaving each thread together from one chapter to the next, that when it all explodes at the end it makes perfect sense.

It’s hard to truly describe this story and not give anything away. I will say that it is one of the best books I’ve ever listened to. The writing was so intricate and personal, the spine was the suspense as it held the story up, the bones was the mystery as it flowed underneath the skin, a never-ending current. And the skin was the storyline that was strengthened by flawed, literally f*cked up characters that will keep you on the edge of your seat long after the story ends. I recommend this read to fans of mystery, suspense, psychological thrillers, and just a well-written story that is anything but predictable.

As for narration, this was my first listen with James Daniels leading the way. It will not be my last. I love a good storyteller, someone who can embody the words the author has written and deliver them in a way you can easily follow and recognize changes in tone and character. Daniels did just that with his re-telling of The Snow Garden.

Famous Last Words by J.S. Cook

FamousLastWordsLGTitle: Famous Last Words
Author: JS Cook
Genre: Historical/Mystery
Length: Novella (109 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (November 12th 2014)
Heat Level: Mild
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Blurb: When former Indiana farm boy William Henry Rider goes on a bank-robbing spree in Benedict Fouts’s corner of Depression Era Illinois, it’s up to Ben to bring him in. But Rider is no ordinary criminal. Famed for robberies that happen in the blink of an eye, Rider becomes a folk hero who steals from the rich and burns the mortgage papers of poor farmers teetering on the edge of financial ruin.

Intrigued to learn that Fouts has been assigned to his case, Rider approaches him in a darkened movie house with a unique proposition: “We’ll have ourselves a game of Cops and Robbers. I’ll run, and you catch me. The clock starts right now, Ben.”
Ben knows he’s the only one who can stop the Bureau from murdering Rider, but he’s soon struggling with another reason to chase the enigmatic fugitive.

ISBN: 9781632161710

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5677

Reviewer: Tams

Review: A very interesting story set in the 1930’s when the FBI was making a name for themselves by bringing in the mobsters and putting a stop to gangs like Bonnie and Clyde. Benedict Fouts is an up and coming agent that longs to add one name in particular to his list of accomplishments, William Henry Rider.

Agent Fouts seems to always be one step behind the bank robber extraordinaire, but he is determined to bring Rider in. When Rider learns exactly who it is chasing him, he issues a challenge, one that Fouts puts entirely too much thought into.

While Fouts is chasing Rider from state to state in hopes of nailing him (pun intended), he learns that the bank robber doesn’t kill, he tries not to hurt anyone and he burns deeds for poorer people so they won’t lose their home or land. It would seem that Rider is actually somewhat of a modern-day Robin Hood.

But somewhere along the way, the lines between what Fouts needs to do and what he wants to do get blurred, and the two become lovers. With the entire force of the FBI after Rider, not much caring if he is dead or alive when they find him, Fouts has to think fast on his feet if he is to save Rider and his heart.

Short, Sexy, and Steamy, that is what this book was. Fans of prohibition era stories like Bonnie and Clyde, The Untouchables and Boardwalk Empire are going to love this story of the upstanding FBI agent that falls for his mark. Cook delivered a very entertaining story full of suspense, intrigue and some juicy twists.

The story was weighed down a few times briefly when Fouts thoughts would be overly descriptive, but overall I really enjoyed the game of cat and mouse Fouts and Rider played throughout. Definitely recommend this read, especially if you are looking for something fun, and quick.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Wolf Scent by Isabel Dare

818k9zE9wXL._SL1500_*Title was free on Amazon at time of posting*

Title: Wolf Scent
Series: Mountain Wolves #1
Author: Isabel Dare
Genre: Paranormal
Length: Novella (186 pages)
Publisher: Isabel Dare (January 8, 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Blurb: Kirk Anderson likes living alone in his mountain cabin, or so he tells himself. He’s a monster, after all. How would he ever find a man who can deal with his other self–the wolf?

When a reckless young hiker named Leo gets his leg caught in an old bear trap, Kirk rescues him, tracking him down by scent alone. While Kirk takes care of his injuries, Leo’s bright, sunny presence slowly wears down all Kirk’s defenses. But as the full moon rises, Kirk struggles between the urge to protect Leo and the demands of the wolf, who wants only one thing: to claim his mate…

ISBN: B00H3JVMGM
Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/Wolf-Scent-Mountain-Wolves-Book-ebook/dp/B00H3JVMGM
Reviewer: Shorty
Review: Leo gets his leg caught in an old bear trap while hiking. His rescuer is Kirk, a wolf shifter, who takes him to his cabin to recuperate. While Kirk fights his wolf instincts for his mate and to shift, Leo falls for him.

Loved the scenic views of the mountain and how Kirk tries to protect Leo from himself, as the full moon grows closer. Leo ends up following Kirk when leaves to shift and finds out what he is but doesn’t care.

Great read with some hot sex between Leo and Kirk. Can’t wait to see what happens next.

The Alpha King by Vicktor Alexander, 2nd edition

81o49UzZvAL._SL1500_Title: The Alpha King (2nd Edition)
Series: Passion’s Hero 01
Author: Vicktor Alexander
Genre: Science Fiction, Shifters, M-preg
ISBN: 978-0692325810
Length: Novel (258pgs)
Publisher: Rooster and Pig Publishing (30th November 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Blurb: Centuries after the destruction of Earth, destiny is being fulfilled and plans are in motion to restore not only the Earth, but mankind, to its former glory. One family is fated to bring about this amazing destiny. One man puts it all in motion, the day he crashes onto the wolf-planet of Tumaro and meets his mate.

Talon Versuthion always knew that some kind of way, life was going to screw him over. His parents died when he was just a boy and he can’t remember a thing about them. He was adopted by a great family only to have them tell him that he is a Vermithian, one of the most despised humanoid species. Even worse than that? He has no idea that a prophecy was made about his family, one that mentions that someone from the Versuthion family will bring back a pure human race. And there are people out there who will stop at nothing to make sure that never happens. No matter what.

While on a delivery for the GPA with his adopted sister Josie, however, Tal’s space shuttle crashes onto Tumaro, the notorious wolf-shifter planet. Tal is lucky to be alive, though Josie can’t be found. He is desperate to find her, but destiny steps in and history is changed forever. Because the Alpha King of the planet, Blazell Roughshire, is Talon’s mate. And before the two men can even settle into their new relationship, they must deal with conspiracy, murder, kidnapping, and a centuries old plot to completely eradicate the human race.

Will Blaze be able to keep his mate safe from those who would see him dead? Is Tal truly the only one left from his family who can fulfill this centuries old prophecy? And can Tal, who has made it a point to never fall in love with anyone, open his heart, and let Blaze be Passion’s hero?

Publisher’s NOTE: This is a previously published work. Over 22,500 words have been added to the original.

Purchase Link: http://www.amazon.com/Alpha-King-Passions-Hero-Book-ebook/dp/B00P54AM2C

Pixie’s Review: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
This is the 2nd Edition, there are some extra scenes, and editing clean up but there are no changes to the storyline. Talon can’t remember anything from before his parents disappeared. His adoptive parents have told him everything he knows about being Vermithian and he has sworn to never find his mate for the very real fear of pregnancy.

On a routine delivery with his adopted sister, they are thrown across the universe during a storm. Crash landing on Tumaro is the least of Talon’s worry when he awakens and can’t find his sister and is confronted with his mate, Blaze. Blaze is overjoyed to finally have his mate, discovering his mate is also Vermithian is a blessing. Having their mating blessed by The One makes everyone happy, but there are a few who decide that they must go and they face a conspiracy that is centuries’ old, Blaze also has to look for Talon’s brothers and rescue them, brothers that Talon has no knowledge of.

This is a great science fiction story, weaving together an interesting view on what the human race could become. Blaze is the wolf shifter Alpha King. It was prophesied that an Alpha King would mate a Vermithian and change Tumaro forever. Talon has a target on his head, someone high up in GPA wants him, and his family wiped out. Crash landing on Tumaro leads him to the man that he is destined for, a mate he doesn’t want. Coming to terms with his new circumstances, Talon embraces his mating, but still holds back a little, doubting he could fall in love so quickly.

Talon is a fantastic character; he’s fun, bossy, and sweet. Blaze is a wonderful man; he’s an understanding, strong Alpha. He will do anything for his mate and his every breath is devoted to Talon. They make a fantastic couple and are very hot together. The storyline is brilliant and we meet lots of interesting characters who hopefully will get their own stories.

There are a couple of different threads that come together in this story; an old conspiracy to eradicate humans, a prophecy of the Alpha King, a character being blackmailed, some complicated matings, and interesting background stories that look like they will be continued in future books. We are given a story filled with conspiracy, kidnapping, murder, plots, and love.

I recommend this to those who love science fiction, shifters, falling in love, m-preg, a touch of kink, great characters, a brilliant storyline, lots of hints for the future and a very happy ending.

5 of hearts logo red on black smallShorty’s Review: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
This is the first time I am reading this as I did not read the original. Amazing story with nonstop adventure, action, drama, and danger from start to finish. This book will grab hold and keeps your attention to the very last word. Simply breathtaking details on the palace grounds and inside the palace. I was struck speechless by how smooth a read it was. The sex between Alpha King Blaze and Talon was hot and passionate.

There is a glossary at the beginning and at the end to help with the meanings of different words that are throughout. This was very helpful. Talon is one of three brothers who were separated when they were children by someone evil who wanted them gone as the prophecy states that these young boys will one day help in restoring humanity.

Amazing descriptions of the different worlds and species that are mentioned throughout. I honestly did not care for what happened to Buck when he was 16, nor did I understand why nothing was done about considering his mother who was the Queen at the time, told his father to get those responsible but nothing else was said about it. Maybe it will be answered in the next book.

I could not believe that Torqan, GPA leader, had Talen’s much younger brothers given to a slave ship. I sincerely hope he gets what is coming to him. I could not believe the evil plot that Freud, Anglania, and Elder Bryce thought they’d get away with. Excellent beginning to what is sure to be an outstanding series to read. Highly recommended.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com*

The Best Corpse for the Job by Charlie Cochrane Blog Tour, Review & Giveaway!

Charlie Cochrane - Best Corpse for the Job banner
Hiya guys, today we have Charlie Cochrane popping in with her newest release The Best Corpse for the Job. Charlie answers a couple of questions and there’s a fantastic giveaway, we also have York’s review so you can see what she thinks of Charlie’s new book, so enjoy the post and then leave a comment with your emails 🙂 <3 ~Pixie~ 
Charlie Cochrane - Best Corpse For The Job _500x750

The Best Corpse for the Job

by

Charlie Cochrane

Tea and sympathy have never been so deadly.

Schoolteacher Adam Matthews just wants to help select a new headteacher and go home. The governors at Lindenshaw St Crispin’s have already failed miserably at finding the right candidate, so it’s make or break this second time round. But when one of the applicants is found strangled in the school, what should have been a straightforward decision turns tempestuous as a flash flood in their small English village.

Inspector Robin Bright isn’t thrilled to be back at St. Crispin’s. Memories of his days there are foul enough without tossing in a complicated murder case. And that handsome young teacher has him reminding himself not to fraternize with a witness. But it’s not long before Robin is relying on Adam for more than just his testimony.

As secrets amongst the governors emerge and a second person turns up dead, Robin needs to focus less on Adam and more on his investigation. But there are too many suspects, too many lies, and too many loose ends. Before they know it, Robin and Adam are fighting for their lives and their hearts.

http://riptidepublishing.com/titles/best-corpse-for-the-job

Continue reading “The Best Corpse for the Job by Charlie Cochrane Blog Tour, Review & Giveaway!”

L'historire de Francois Vampire by Edward Kendrick

LhistoiredeFrançois_100dpi_cvrTitle: L’historire de Francois Vampire

Series: Immortal Angst Book 01

Author: Edward Kendrick

Genre: Paranormal

Length: Novella (20K words)

ISBN: 978-1-925180-68-8

Publisher: Wilde City Press (19 November 2014)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

Reviewer: Cat

Blurb: Since his turning in 1022 young spy, François, has hated all humans. And yet, in 1347, he falls in love with one, only to be betrayed by Giles who tells his liege lord that François is a vampire. The lord blackmails François into spying for him. Years later, François gains his revenge on Giles through his son.

In 1876 New Orleans, François joins forces with Vasile, a master of the city, to take on human vampire hunters. Then Vasile’s human lover dies and Vasile turns to François for comfort. Will love ensue, or is François destined to always be alone?

Purchase Link: http://www.wildecity.com/books/gay-mainstream/lhistoire-de-francois-vampire-immortal-angst-book-one/#.VG4MS4vF-uQ

Review: This story tells about Francois, how he became a vampire and why he hates humans so much. He is a very vengeful type man, though once you read his story you will see why he is so bitter.
This is a pretty good set up for a series and also a historical setting.

For some reason, I never really related to Francois. Perhaps if I knew more of his human past I would have connected more. Also to me, the story skipped around some and I had a hard time really getting into it. But having said this, it is an intriguing set up of François and his world and the end has me wanting to see where the story goes.

If you like historical settings, vampires that don’t sparkle, deceit, betrayal spies and paranormal series, this is for you

Dirty Little Lies by Julie Lynn Hayes

DirtyLittleLiesTitle: Dirty Little Lies
Series: N/A
Author: Julie Lynn Hayes
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novella (55 pages)
Publisher: Amber Allure, Amber Quill
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½ Hearts
Blurb: Levi Thornton is the closeted gay son of homophobic televangelist Marshall Thornton. So what’s the perfect gift for the father who never cared? Levi’s going to find a yummy young man on Christmas Eve and bed him all night long! And then he’s going to “out” himself on live national TV on Christmas Day in front of his father and God and everyone else.

The problem is, he’s having no luck at finding that special someone with whom to share this moment. Just when he thinks his quest is hopeless, however, in breezes Darjeeling Crane, and it’s off to the family hideaway for a night of fun.

This will be a Christmas to remember, if Levi has anything to say about it…
ISBN: 978-1-61124-706-0
Product Link: http://www.amberquill.com/store/p/2074-Dirty-Little-Lies.aspx
Reviewer: Shorty
Review: Great story about a man who decides he’s not going to hide who he is anymore just because of who his father is. Levi meets Dar and sets plans in motion to out himself at his father’s, Reverend Mitchell Thornton, Christmas party on live TV. But instead realizes his brother and father are like him and trapped in the life they chose to lead by getting married and being with men on the side.

Being true to who he is, Levi and Dar leave together to start a start a new life. Wonderfully written. Lots of drama and hot sex add spice to an already great read. Loved it.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com*

Texas Fall by R.J. Scott Book Blast, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

R.J. Scott - Texas Fall Texas Seris LLB
Hi guys, we have R.J. Scott stopping by with Texas Fall book six in the Texas series. R.J. Lets you have a peek at an excerpt and there’s a fantastic giveaway. So enjoy the post and click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~
R.J. Scott - Texas Fall Texas Fall 400x600

Texas Fall

(Texas 06)
by

R.J. Scott

Jack is focusing on building an equine therapy school for children with special needs and works hard along side his normal horse training and breeding program. He and Riley have settled into a softer, quieter, kind of family life, but that doesn’t stop them using the barn with the door to the fullest!

But the lull comes before the storm.

Riley and his new assistant travel to Laredo, and across the border into Nuevo León as part of an exploratory team and things very quickly go to hell. Riley is caught in some serious Cartel problems and suddenly everything Jack holds dear is threatened.

Add in Vaughn and Darren’s story, revisiting Robbie, Eli, Liam and Marcus, alongside Sean and Eden and the wedding that never was, and this story promises you everything you want from a Texas series book.

Continue reading “Texas Fall by R.J. Scott Book Blast, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!”

Swimmer by Louis J. Harris

9465c11fc22c99cf434818326d76ed68400ecbc2Title: Swimmer
Author: Louis J. Harris
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novella (60 pages)
Publisher: Louis J. Harris (July 8th 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts
Reviewer: Tams
Blurb: When a man loses the love of his life, he has various options. He can find another, he can find himself, and he can also become reclusive, or he can drown in a cloud of guilt.

Basil chooses the latter. Four years previously, his lover left him without a note, without as much as a telephone call. He decided then that he will pursue his dream of becoming a renowned artist, and to hell with love. He isn’t looking for a man.

And then he meets the Swimmer.

Even though he’s not looking, the Swimmer knows that only one thing can save Basil from himself. True love. Will Basil find it? Will the Swimmer give it? A story of love, loss and above all, hope. He can love himself. Invest in material things that can’t hurt him.

Will is a young Olympian whose soul has been places, a wise person beyond his years. A man who will fill the void Basil left behind four years ago. It won’t be easy, for there is a price to pay, and once paid, will they be able to move on with their lives, together?

Purchase Link: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/456074

Review: Basil lives a secluded life at his house on the beach, painting and mourning the love he lost when his boyfriend left him. He is alone, but he finds solace in the loneliness, afraid to love again and refusing to give in to desire that would only lead to a one-night stand.Then he sees a man on the beach, swimming, and he watches him every day until he works up the nerve to talk to him.

William is an Olympic swimmer that prefers the fresh water of the beach and sand beneath his feet to the chlorine of the pool, much to his coach’s dismay. The attraction Basil and Will share is undeniable, but Basil will not be just a notch, so he keeps Will at arm’s length. This just gives them the time to really get to know each other and, eventually, the chemistry kicks in and passion ignites. But an ex that won’t go away and an unfortunate accident threatens to break apart their fragile union.

I thoroughly enjoyed watching Basil and Will really get to know each other before they jumped into bed, you don’t always get that type of character development and I thought that was refreshing. There were a few typos and the tense bounced back and forth a few times, which was confusing, and there were some things left unfinished in the end.

I wanted to know why Basil’s boyfriend left, what was the purpose of prison being mentioned and the aftermath of the accident threw me, just to name a few. So while I liked the connection between the characters, there were a few hiccups with the story itself.

I can only hope that Harris was dangling carrots and intends to write a sequel and tie up all those pesky loose ends. Still worth the read, especially if you are looking for a short story with great character development.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *