Day: November 20, 2014

Remnant by K.J. Charles and Jordan L. Hawk

7aab74ed2516f987da0189eb3f32942e485d8db2Title: Remnant: A Caldwell & Feximal/Whyborne and Griffin Mystery

Series: The Secret Casebook of Simon Feximal #3/Whyborne and Griffin #3.5

Author: K.J. Charles and Jordan L. Hawk

Genre: Historical Industrial Revolution/Paranormal

Length: Novella (51 Pages)

Publisher: Smashwords (March 11, 2014)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb: London, 1899. The beautiful people are dying…

A malevolent power is attacking London’s bright young things, and the only clue to what’s happening is written in ancient Egyptian script. As ghost-hunter Simon Feximal and his companion Robert Caldwell investigate the mysterious deaths, the arrival in London of a notorious scholar-sorcerer seems to hold the answer to more than one of their problems.

A quiet break in London while en route to Egypt turns dramatic for Dr Percival Endicott Whyborne and his lover Griffin Flaherty when they encounter the hostile ghost-hunter. Feximal clearly suspects the worst of Whyborne – and his flirtatious sidekick seems to think a great deal too well of Griffin…

Jordan L Hawk’s heroes Whyborne and Griffin meet KJ Charles’ occult detectives from the Secret Casebook of Simon Feximal in a mystery that takes all four lovers through the decadent underworld of Victorian London in pursuit of an ancient and deadly evil.

Product Link: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/404000

Reviewer: GiGi

Review: I think this is like my fantasy match-up! Jordan Hawk and K.J. Charles get together to write a short story that combines their captivating, mystery solving, sorcery-filled series!

As Percival Whyborne crosses the Atlantic in search of documents and research on an Egyptian dig that his co-worker Doctor Putnam is working on, he, as usual, stumbles into trouble. In the form of the domineering and scary ghost hunter/sorcerer Simon Feximal.

Simon thinks Whyborne is dangerous and up to no good, and it takes his partner Robert and Griffin to convince him otherwise. While these two couples seem to have a lot in common, both Whyborne and Feximal seem to have a distinct distrust and even rivalry.
Insecure once more, Whyborne isn’t happy with the fast friendship that develops between Robert and Griffin, and this element plays into the plot very nicely. All of us Griffin fans know better, he’s wrapped around Percival’s talented spell casting fingers!

Back to the plot…yes something dark is happening again, and it involves sorcery. Once Feximal figures out it isn’t Whyborne behind the dark deeds, they work together to solve the murders and handle the dark magic and dark sorcerer behind them. Another very Hitchcock-like feel to the whole story.

While the Whyborne and Griffin series is much more developed, the two fit together seamlessly as this is written as a set of journal entries. We see things both from Robert Caldwell and alternately Percival Whyborne’s point of view. Plenty is known about Whyborne if you’ve read the series, and many very tasty details about Simon Feximal are sprinkled in among the plot that leads me to want to know so much more about Caldwell and Feximal!

I love both of these series, and would love to see another joint effort in the future! I love the way they leave the respect/reflect relationship between Whyborne and Feximal. I have the feeling that while they have finally come to respect each other, trust and irritation keep that fire burning hotly. They make a great dynamic alongside their partners Griffin and Robert who get along smashingly well.

Mating the Beast by Shea Balik

91yYfN0jueL._SL1500_Title: Mating the Beast
Series: Paranormal Wars: Stone Haven, #2
Author: Shea Balik
Genre: Paranormal
Length: Novella (135 pages)
Publisher: Siren-BookStrand, Inc (May 8th 2014)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
Blurb: Jason Jachovich never dreamed he’d be sold to the psy only to be turned into a monster from an old Hollywood movie. When the psy try to use him and the other humans they changed in a war with other paranormals, Jason manages to get free, but only to watch as the others like him die in a war they didn’t want to be a part of.

The Alliance is stunned to see what the psy have created in an effort to defeat the Alliance. In order to defeat the were-creatures the psy have sent to fight, the Alliance must kill them, but one manages to survive. Dr. Adam Pratt is sent to study this were-creature in hopes of saving any more they come across.

What he didn’t expect was to find his mate and become willing to do anything to save him.

ISBN: 978-1-62741-727-3

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

Reviewer: Leigh

Review: This book is part of a series and should be read in order.
Adam was one of the first paranormals born 300 years ago. During his time, he has become a medical doctor and a veterinarian. He also helped the Alpha free paranormals from the humans. After the events in the book, prior Adam has been charged with figuring out if the new paranormals created by the psy can be saved. What Adam doesn’t expect is that the one surviving changed human captured would be his mate.

Jason was sold to the psy by his father after he admitted he was gay. He was mentally and physically raped by the psy for two years before they decided to change him into a bear shifter. Then the psy sent him into battle against the Alliance and he almost was killed. When he wakes up he is in an Alliance base and he meets Adam. Jason is afraid at first but his bear is determined to get his mate.

Jason has trust issues after everything that happened to him, but because of the mate bond, he is able to overcome pretty fast. That is a usual quirk in paranormal books along with the instant love. Even with that, Jason and Adam are well written MCs. The sex scenes were descriptive and well done. The secondary characters are interesting and bring humor at times. The writing is fast paced and it ties nicely into the book prior and continues the details of the new war the psy has started.

I liked the book, but I was not as drawn to Jason and Adam was I was on the first book in the series. I am not really sure why. Something was just missing for me. However, this is still a well-done addition to the series.

Taming Tarek by Taylor Brooks

tamingterakTitle: Taming Tarek
Series: Z Pac Alpha Shifters, #1
Author: Taylor Brooks
Genre: Fantasy/ Shape-Shifter
Length: Novella (126 Pages)
Publisher: Siren Publishing (September 2, 2013)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4Hearts
Blurb: Tarek Falco was hardened as a young boy after witnessing the tragic death of his mother at the hands of a Panthatarian. Over the years, he grew to detest their breed and all those around him. Now as an Oath Keeper, his job is to keep Zarantaria safe, though few can tolerate him.

Micah Tulsen is the youngest of his Spartician brothers. With his rugged good looks, he usually has more suitors than he knows what to do with, though none of them much interested him like someone always had.

On the twentieth anniversary of Tarek’s mother’s death Micah watches him from afar, unnerved by the unrelenting connection he feels for him. With Tarek focusing solely on seeking revenge against the Panthatarian that killed his mother, Micah steps in refusing to let the past eat away at Tarek and destroy him.

The question remains…can Micah tame his wild beast? Or will Tarek’s unrelenting rage end up destroying them both?

ISBN: 978-1-62740-514-0
Product Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/taming-tarek
Reviewer: Lisa
Review: This is the first book to the Z Pack Alpha series. It is a pretty good story, one that I look forward to reading.

I have been reading for over thirty years and I always am amazed with the authors amazing gift at telling a story. I was introduced to paranormal romances a few years ago and I think that they are my favorite of romances. This story was pretty amazing, although it seems like I was reading it through a fish bowl. It seemed to be missing something for me to absolutely love it.

However, it is an amazing book. The characters are beautifully written with so much feeling that it seemed like you were right there with them. I felt what they were feeling when they were around each other or by themselves.

Tarek had been a young child wanting time to himself when his family searched for him. His mother had been killed in front of him. Now all he felt was anger, violence, the need for revenge and fear. He was feared or hated by many of those he protects, but in a way, he is angry with himself. So when Micah shows up he is a total ass to him, but he is also feeling the desire there. He wants Micah, now if only he would let the anger and pain go.

Micah had also been a young child when Tarek’s mother was killed. He had heard Tarek’s scream and had been there to comfort him. Although Tarek had not remembered that, he just knew that Micah was his now.

This was an awesome story, although as I said, it was missing something for it to be perfect. It caught my attention from the moment I started reading and kept it all the way to the end. It gave me almost everything I could ask for in a story. If you love sexy men, shifters, excitement, just a hint of kink, a remembered past, and a very hot and passionate love.

I would recommend reading this story. I can’t wait to read book two in this story. I want to see how they are as time goes by.

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

Smoky Mountain Dreams by Leta Blake

Title: Smoky Mountain Dreams

Author: Leta Blake

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (412 pages)

Publisher: Leta Blake Books (November 13, 2014)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Sometimes holding on means letting go
After giving up on his career as a country singer in Nashville, Christopher Ryder is happy enough performing at the Smoky Mountain Dreams theme park in Tennessee. But while his beloved Gran loves him the way he is, Christopher feels painfully invisible to everyone else. Even when he’s center stage, he aches for someone to see the real him.

Bisexual Jesse Birch has no room in his life for dating. Raising two kids and fighting with family after a tragic accident took his children’s mother. He doesn’t want more than an occasional hook-up. He sure as hell doesn’t want to fall hard for his favorite local singer, but when Christopher walks into his jewelry studio, Jesse hears a new song in his heart.

Product Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Portia

Review: Christopher is an understudy singer at Smoky Mountain Dreams. It’s one of those cheesy places, like Dollywood, where singers who could make it in Nashville go to perform.

He’s not happy, but he’s not unhappy either. He has a job that he enjoys and a Gran who adores him. But, he wouldn’t mind being someone’s first choice to love.

This was such a sweet story. Christopher just melted my heart and I wanted nothing more for him, than a happily ever after. And I was surprised by both Jesse and his family. Because he was married, I kind of assumed he would be this closeted guy, who wanted to keep Christopher a secret. But, that wasn’t the case. If anything, Chris was the one pushing for discretion.

What really made this book for me, were the sub-plots. Christopher’s interaction with Jesse’ daughter neared to break my heart. While Jesse thought he understood his daughter, Christopher really got her. And the in-laws were amazing people, another nice change from some many similar stories.

Jesse and Christopher romance has a nice slow burn. Which sounds weird when you consider their first interaction was kinda hot. But, even when they became more physical, it takes some time for them both to figure out if this is a forever love or not.

I have a list of hopelessly romantic authors…and Leta Blake just made the cut. There is tension, drama, misunderstanding and hope, all the things I like in my HEAs.

Highly recommend.

Anthology Volume 1 by Scarlet Blackwell

4625anthology510web-430x645Title: Anthology Volume 1

Author: Scarlet Blackwell

Genre: Contemporary/ anthology

Length: 231 pages

ISBN: 978-1-4874-0071-2

Publisher: eXtasy Books (October 1st 2014)

Heat Level: mostly Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts overall

Reviewer: Cat

Blurb: Scarlet Blackwell’s first collection of short stories is a mixture. Mostly contemporary, with a fantasy story and a Victorian setting thrown in for good measure, the stories feature lovelorn m/m couples from every walk of life some sportsmen, some porn stars, some mentally challenged. The common theme is love, as always and the finding of that one special person.

Purchase Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/scarlet-blackwell/Anthology-Volume-1/

Review: Overall, this was a very intriguing collection of stories. There were a few I absolutely fell in love with some I liked a lot and a couple that I felt were ok. There is a bit of something for all tastes.

In My Darkness, I Found a Light ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Robert is in a bad place in his life. He is unhappy. He doesn’t like being around people. Day to day life and loneliness is getting to him. He bumbles through life each day, depressed, sad, and alone.

This is a very morose story with a happy ending. A tragedy brings two men together. My heart went out to Robert. I see this in so many people these days. I love how the author makes the tragedy and eye-opener for Robert and hopefully anyone in that dark place.

A Tale of Two Halves ♥♥2 Hearts

Luke is a footballer and he is playing against his arch nemesis Dieter. The German is up and coming and everyone loves him even though he has come out as gay. Luke hates him and wants to do him bodily harm. In one attack, they land on top of each other and Dieter taunts him, saying he knows he wants him thrusting his hips into Luke. Luke becomes confused. They get into a fight and both penalized. They both go shower while the game goes on.

Ok. This wasn’t a bad story it just wasn’t for me. There were a lot of football terms. I didn’t quite get and I just didn’t get the violent nature. Having said that, there was a lot of sexual tension and it was hot if you like a rough and tumble type sex.

Guilt ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Evan is in a bar. He is use to one nightstands and hook ups. He sees a sexy man and approaches. One thing leads to another and he is in Stevens. Evan thinks it’s time for a change. He likes Seven. Suddenly Steve turns on him and makes him leave. Angry Evan goes back the club later and finds Steven again to confront him.

I really liked the premise of his story. This is he sort of story that need t to be longer. I would love to rad more about both of these men. The twist through me for a loop and I sure would like to see what becomes of these two men.

RoMANce ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts
Fox Reed is a major name in porn stars and works exclusively for RoMANce studios. He doesn’t like porn for porn sake and only does films with story lines. Jamie Warner is an up and coming actor at a competitor’s studio and has signed to do a movie with Fox. Jamie is always a top and Fox is surprised that Jamie is going to bottom for this film. As soon as he meets Jamie, sparks fly between them. But is there attraction more than just a job?

I have to say that normally the porn type stories aren’t my thing but having said that, this one is an exception. There is a lot of storyline in this short tale and oh, man is the sex smokin hot. It’s a wonder my kindle didn’t catch fire!

This Wave Always Breaks ♥♥♥3 Hearts
Karl is faced with his past when his boss hires Daron his ex from 15 years ago as assistant manager.

There is a lot of angst and sadness in this story. There was a lot of potential. This one just fell a bit short for me. I really didn’t connect with Karl. He seemed so whiny and like a teenager not a grown man. I will say that I did find the end to this very satisfactory. There are a lot of characters for such a short story. I do think that if this were a full-length story so that we knew more about the characters and more about Karl, that it would be a pretty good story.

Happy Birthday♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts
It’s Lewis’ birthday and he is alone in the office working. A man comes in and proceeds to strip. Being a loner, he can’t figure who would hire him a stripper but he is glad.

Wow. Was this hot! Then the twist came at the end turning a very graphic story into a very sweet one. I loved it.

The Long Road Home♥♥♥3 Hearts
Kester has been infatuated with Melek for 5 years though he hasn’t even gone to speak to him. A stranger comes to town and things escalate.

I can’t say much more without spoiling it, but it was a sweet story.

The Rent Collector♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Jacob lives in a slum and can barely make enough to eat little less meat the rent. The collector comes by and is new. He begins having Jacob perform favors in order to stay since his rent is so far behind.

I really liked this. It is a bit angsty and could be considered dubious consent, but once the twist comes at the end, I felt a bit more like I could empathise with William. I felt it was a very sexy story with a satisfying ending. It’s not going to be for everyone but I really liked it a lot.

Homeless♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts
This is one of my favorites of the collection.
Michael is a straight man who just broke off with his girlfriend he is rich, handsome and really doesn’t have to have a steady girl. Walking home drunk he stopped in the alley and a young homeless man propositioned him. He gave in and paid but only had $100, so Poe said he owed him another service. Michael swears he won’t be back.

I loved this. It is a bit angsty but it just pushed all my buttons right. I loved the feelings of confusion from Michael and Poe both. It’s sexy with a very good ending. I would have loved more of this story.

Rematch ♥♥♥3 Hearts

This is a second part to the Tale of Two halves. I have to say I liked this one somewhat better. I think if all these parts were combined and this made into a full-length story, it has potential to be very good. I would like to see what happens with Luke and Deiter.

Charlie ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts
I fell in love with Charlie. If I had to pick one favorite of the batch, it would be this one though there a couple close seconds. Charlie is mentally handicapped. He is very childlike but very handsome. Jude is shopping for stuff to make a Charlie Chaplin costume when he meets Charlie and is taken by his looks and charm, though he realizes that Charlie is handicapped and tries to stay away.

Jude has to be applauded for accepting Charlie as the man he is and eventually seeing that he is a wonderful man with needs. I applaud the author for touching on such a topic.

My Love is Me and I am Him
This is more like a poem or flash it’s so short I can say too much but I will say it intrigued me and I’d love to see these men’s story… Controversial… Yes… Intriguing idea? Absolutely.

Almost Heaven by Kimberly Gardner

51WN3ji9ZtLTitle: Almost Heaven
Series: Exception to the Rule #1
Author: Kimberly Gardner
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novella (90 pages)
Publisher: Loose Id (September 28th, 2010)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Blurb: When Chris meets Kevin at his brother’s school, he instantly gets hot for teacher. He can only hope that the sexy guy is gay. Later, when Kevin shows up at the gym where Chris works, Chris is sure he’s got him hooked. A shared kiss is absolutely electric but then Kevin turns tail and runs. What the hell? Maybe he’s in the closet.

Yes, in fact, Kevin is in the closet, Deep in the closet. He has to be. He’s going to be a priest. While he’s very attracted to Chris, he simply can’t pursue it. Giving in to that attraction would ruin his life. Still, he can’t deny what he feels so instead he vows to stay away from Chris.

But steering clear is not so easy when what you’ve found is Almost Heaven.

ISBN: 978-1-60737-873-0

Product Link: http://www.loose-id.com/almost-heaven.html

Reviewer: Prime

Review: This is the first book in the Exception to the Rule series. However, it is a stand-alone. In fact, I read and review book 3 of the series before going back to read the previous volumes. It certainly added a bit more insight when I think back on book 3, but the information was in no means vital.

This is the shortest book of the series, but it is still a fantastic read. For anyone who has a fetish for priests, this is the book for you (or rather brother/deacon – whatever the terminology, it’s been 10 years since high school religious education class). It puts an interesting twist on the common ploy of one experienced partner and one, well, virgin. It’s also a twist on the “deep in the closet” type story.

I absolutely love the two main characters, Chris and Kevin. Chris is a manly man, for lack of a better description. He has a red mustang, very nice indeed! But he is also the protective older brother, although it isn’t said in the book he seems to have helped his mother raise his younger brother as there is no father in the picture (explanation never given as to why). Chris meets Kevin when he goes to pick up his brother from school. Kevin is a teacher there, he just also happens to be training to be a priest.

Kevin may not be experienced or streetwise but he is far from naive. The poor guy is conflicted and has to put his priorities in order so that he can at least find contentment in his life. I like the spark between them, Kevin is all cuteness and sweetness, while Chris is a manly man.

However, I now come to the problem of actually knowing what’s going to happen because of book 3. This story ends rather abruptly and while we know what resolution Kevin comes to, we don’t actually know exactly what he is going to do. But that’s minor details and for anyone worried about this, take it from me, don’t get too concerned because we will get glimpses further down that track that tie together the tiny threads left behind in here!

I also find myself fond of the minor characters, including a memorable scene with a sister of Kevin’s, as well as Chris’s younger brother Mark and the boy’s mother, Carolyn. Mark sticks out in my mind because he was a prominent minor character in book 3 and the next book (also my next review), is his story. Kevin’s uncle is also a charming character.

I loved the simplicity of the storyline. It was easy to follow and we got straight to the point with no unnecessary drama, which is what makes it totally my kind of book. I may have said this before with Kimberly Gardner’s series, Playing for Keeps, but I find her writing style easy to read and enjoyable, which is probably helped by an editor, but you are sure to know what I mean.

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

His Fair Lady by Kimberly Gardner

91VEMxmCM1L._SL1500_Title: His Fair Lady
Series: Exception to the Rule, #2
Author: Kimberly Gardner
Genre: New Adult/Transgender
Length: Novel (200 pages)
Publisher: Loose Id (April 1, 2014)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts
Blurb: Mark Talleo is something of a dog with the ladies. Any girl, anytime, anywhere is his motto until he meets Josie Frazier. The long lean redhead not only shares his love of musical theatre, but her smoky sexy voice and infectious laugh drive Mark wild and haunt his every step. Equally fascinating is his sense that she has a secret, one he is determined to uncover on his way to becoming her leading man.

Josie does have a secret, one she guards with her whole self. Although she has always known she was female, her name used to be Joey and she’s still biologically male. As much as she yearns for love and acceptance, her fear of rejection is just as strong.

Mark’s need to know the truth is matched only by Josie’s need to hide it. But when malicious gossip reveals her deepest secret, the price of honesty may turn out to be too high to pay. But if each can accept that the woman he wants is the woman she is then at last he may find His Fair Lady.

ISBN: 978-1-62300-707-2

Product Link: http://www.loose-id.com/his-fair-lady.html

Reviewer: Prime

Review: I’ve read a few books, which feature a transgender main character, but this is the second of such books that has really got to me with actual emotion. I really sympathised with both main characters. Although, I have to admit that personally in my mind, this particular in terms of transgender relationships is only second to Carol Lynne’s Hawk’s Landing, part of the Cattle Valley series. But that is totally off the point.

This story is a standalone story as part of the Exception to the Rule series. However, we do get a quick update of the previous couple featured in book 1, Chris and Kevin. Quite happily, though, not only do we hear about Chris and Kevin’s relationship, we also find out how much they have progressed as a couple. Very satisfying to read.

His Fair Lady starts a few years after Almost Heaven. Chris’s younger brother, Mark, is now in college. He’s also a bit of a ladies’ man. He spies a girl in class and becomes intent on pursuing her. That girl is Josie – was once Joe. She lives full-time as a woman now. She was incredibly lucky to have very supportive parents, who let her be who she is and never held her back. She also has a BFF and guard dog I love, Kyle. (Kyle’s story is in book 3 and I reviewed it before reviewing this title).

One thing in college that brings them together, other than a couple of classes, is the college theatre production, My Fair Lady, hence the title of the book.

Both Mark and Josie have their share of drama but everything is done to the point without, thankfully, the addition of any drama queen hissy fits. Really, don’t like those. The relationship between Mark and Josie reminds me of the awkward start of relationships in teen years. In that way, everyone can relate to that, particularly some awkward make out scenes. However, their relationship also shows the maturity of long-lasting relationships.

I like, in fact I prefer, the fact that Josie’s identity as a female wasn’t handled with all the shock and fanfare I’ve read in other books. Instead, all the emotion was based on Josie struggling to be herself under the fear (though I’m not sure I would call it fear) of being found out and the consequences in terms of Mark and basically everyone at college. That to me also felt realistic.

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

Butterflies by K.J. Charles

cb7ce5e5723fbd3906d6ffed8b2ba0adeadd954dTitle: Butterflies

Series: The Secret Casebook of Simon Feximal #2

Author: K.J. Charles

Genre: Historical Industrial Revolution/Paranormal/D/s

Length: Short Story (17 Pages)

Publisher: Smashwords (October 28th, 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb: Journalist Robert Caldwell is still smarting from his first encounter with ghost-hunter Simon Feximal. Their night in a haunted house was thrilling, but the aftermath leaves Robert hurt, disappointed, and resolved not to see Simon again.

But just a few days later their paths cross once more, this time investigating a pair of mysterious deaths: two corpses shrouded in butterflies.

Now Robert wants the truth – on the deaths, on where the butterflies came from, and most of all, on the attraction that still burns between him and Simon.

A free standalone short story (8700 words) in the Secret Casebook of Simon Feximal. The first Simon Feximal story is The Caldwell Ghost, available from Torquere Press.

Product Link: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/371325

Reviewer: GiGi

Review: Once again, a short story that really delivers a punch! 17 pages must be her lucky number because between the lines Charles delivers a truly odd mystery, dark edgy and complete with the odd couple that is like fire and water, or maybe kerosene and matches!

Once again, Simon Feximal and Robert Caldwell cross paths and solve an odd mystery. The ending is dark and rather similar to the feel of an Alfred Hitchcock story. The heat is there and Robert throws himself at Simon, I swear that man loves to be had and with rough dominance, that Simon needs to give.

I want to read so much more from this Secret Casebook! I hope K.J. Charles keeps writing them!

The Next by Rafe Haze

6180kdYM50L._SL1000_Title: The Next

Series: N/A

Author: Rafe Haze

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Length: Novel ( 257 Pages)

Publisher: Wilde City Press (April 26, 2014)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Heaerts

Blurb: He never thought he’d become one of the agoraphobic sludges of New York City—trapped with one view of a courtyard and a head full of wrenching memories. Dumped, disconnected, and depressed, he surrenders to spying on the neighbors as his only entertainment.

Until one day, without warning, the lascivious and suspicious behavior of the closeted lawyer in the huge apartment across the courtyard leads him to a spine-tingling conclusion… his neighbor is a murderer.

Perhaps collaborating with the beautiful and fierce Detective Marzoli to catch the killer can finally breathe life back into a man suffocated by the stranglehold of a tragic past. Unless the killer across the way decides to make him… The Next.

Product Link: http://www.wildecity.com/books/gay-mainstream/the-next/#.U3n_WnaA-So

Reviewer: GiGi

Review: I really enjoy a good murder mystery, hot cops, and twisted, damaged characters, so I knew this book would grab my attention right away, and it didn’t disappoint!

The whole story is rather reminiscent of a good Alfred Hitchcock episode, if good ol’ Al had included some hot man on man action that is. The depressed and agoraphobic songwriter, does not so much become clear, as gets laid out for us one depressing, frustrating, detail at a time. At first I don’t’ want to see that he is so damaged, and I want to shake him out of his stupor. Thank god for Detective Marzoli, who seems to have knocked on his door at just the right time, the bottom of this neurotic songwriter’s spiral.

Marzoli seems to see where the MC is at, The Next may very well be suicide, and he’s there not only to solve a murder, but also to stop the waste of humanity. The sexual sparks are there, though the MC has had a recent breakup with his girlfriend, I had the feeling that men were not foreign to him.

Add to the twists of mental breakdown, agoraphobia, the fact that the MC has given up on socializing, cleaning his house, earning money to pay his bills, and last but not least, VERY disturbing flashbacks to his youth after receiving a call about the death of his brother. Though I’m starting to wonder if the brother was real, or if the brother is him, that’s a concept for a much longer, more rambling review…

The MC (I’ll keep calling him that because I can’t seem to remember a name, (another reason I think he’s Paul) is interrogated by Marzoli about his upstairs neighbor, only to come to the conclusion that he’s been killed, not gone missing. As Marzoli challenges MC to open his windows, and himself, to life around him, he links the neighbor’s behavior to the missing/murdered twink upstairs.

The mystery deepens, and so does Marzoli’s relationship, friendly, sexual, and otherwise, as the plot thickens. We see MC gaining strength, as Marzoli exposed his own weaknesses.

So many little twists, so many mysteries among neighbors, so many layers. That’s what I like in a good book, layers, suggestion, the planting of an idea, to let it grow and fester in my mind until I can‘t help but demand the answers. I read until I completed this story, losing hours of sleep, and pieces of my mind to plotting and puzzling.

The Next is a great mystery, thriller, and sexual twister. I highly recommend to those who love more than romance.

Dear Santa, Dear Dad by T.J. Masters

61fbshHkJML._SL1000_Title: Dear Santa, Dear Dad

Series: N/A

Author: T.J. Masters

Genre: Contemporary/Holiday

Length: Novella (54 pages)

Publisher: T.J. Masters (November 23, 2013)

Heat Level: None

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb: Widower Steven drives to the North of England two days before Christmas to meet his estranged son Andrew hoping for a reconciliation. Steven had rejected his son when, as a 19-year-old student, he came out to his parents as being gay. Andrew now lives with his partner Peter who initiates contact with Steven by forwarding on to him the almost childlike ‘Letter to Santa’ that the lad has written asking for a father who loves him.

At first, Andrew is hostile to his father’s overtures but the bad weather conspires to strand them all together over the Christmas period. Father and son both experience a steep learning curve, not helped by the father realizing that his son’s lover is actually older than he is. Proximity breaks down barriers and the three men work together in the spirit of cooperation and of the season to create a Christmas experience, which will change their lives forever.

Product Link: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-dearsantadeardad-1366340-149.html

Reviewer: GiGi

Review: Coming to terms with his son’s homosexuality, begging forgiveness, both during an impromptu visit to his son and his partner’s county home was difficult enough. Imagine Steven’s surprise when his son’s partner turns out to be his father’s age! That was what greeted him at the door, that and a whole lot of hurt in his son’s eyes.

Can he learn understanding, will Andrew ever forgive him?

Luckily, we have a long holiday weekend in the English countryside to find out! The snowy scene is complete with holiday cooking, decorating, Christmas shopping, Yule log splitting and gathering at a traditional community pub. I really enjoyed the details of the setting for this story, the family coming together and all that involved was icing on Andrew’s Christmas cake! Wonderful little read for the holidays.

I recommend this sweet gem to all.

The Parting Glass by Josh Lanyon

91347-4fUVL._SL1500_Title: The Parting Glass

Series: In A Dark Wood #2

Author: Josh Lanyon

Genre: Contemporary/Suspense

Length: Novella (72 pages)

Publisher: Just Joshin’ (September 29th, 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb: Two and a half years ago, travel writer Timothy O’Shay let NYPD Detective Luke O’Brien talk him into hiking into the New Jersey Pine Barrens to face down a monster.

Now Tim and Luke meet again under very different circumstances. The old attraction is still there — but so are some of Tim’s monsters. Is it too late to find their way back to each other?

Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/Parting-Glass-Dark-Wood-Book-ebook/dp/B00FIWNVRY

Reviewer: GiGi

Review: This book was passionate, compelling, painful, hopeful, and ripe with sexual tension that snapped and exploded in a good way! A large part of this storyline continued Tim O’Shay’s battle with alcoholism from the first book. I can practically feel his trembles as I’m reading through his temptations and encounters with friends at parties, dinners and other difficult situations that could easily knock him off the wagon again.

That ultimate sacrifice Tim made to cut his ties with his home and his friends to flee to California and seek help for his addiction was powerful for me. The fear Tim has of coming back and being confronted and tempted with his past are also huge parts of this storyline, handled beautifully and honestly. The pain, anger, heartache, and the desperate need Luke has to understand why Tim did it, why he cut him off so completely is palpable.

You need to read In A Dark Wood to get Luke and Tim’s back-story, but this book stands alone in its power, and is the stronger of the two by far.

I’m not one to easily hand out five star reviews…but this one deserved it, no question.

The Lost Prince by Harper Fox, 2nd edition

91zFHf+kftL._SL1500_Title: The Lost Prince

Series: Sequel to A Midwinter Prince

Author: Harper Fox

Genre: Paranormal/Suspense

Length: Novel (339 pages)

Publisher: Harper Fox (September 27th, 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb: Laurie and Sasha have built a bright new world together. Sasha is working for the Immigration Guidance Council, and Laurie is landing theatre roles he could once only have dreamed of. Best of all, they’ve spent the past two years enjoying the love they snatched from the jaws of Sasha’s violent, dangerous past.

But Laurie has a history too. He’s on edge, his talents increasing beyond his ability to deal with them. And although his father is dead, Laurie can’t deny the turbulent genetic heritage the old man has bestowed on him. Only Sasha’s love is keeping him anchored and sane – and Sasha is vulnerable, shaken by bad dreams about his life on the streets.

Then Laurie learns that Sasha’s Romanian gang-lord father is on the loose in London, and his deepest fears boil to the surface. The last time Stefan’s shadow fell, Sasha made a run for it, and Laurie can’t bear the thought of losing him again. When Laurie lands a part in the latest Hollywood blockbuster, he abandons England for a dream of safety in the States, persuading the astonished Sasha to come with him.

But the dream becomes a waking nightmare for both of them beneath an alien Californian sun. Laurie must meet his demons head-on, and Sasha must confront the inner barricades that have kept him from treating Laurie as a comrade as well as a lover and a friend. The frosts of a midwinter London brought them together – will this blazing summer crack them apart, or forge enduring love from first romance?

Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/The-Lost-Prince-Midwinter-Book-ebook/dp/B00FIA65ZQ

Reviewer: GiGi

Review: I had not read the first book, which even as the author does her best to fill in the back-story. I feel I need to do. However…this book I could not put down! I lost a ton of sleep last night, just to let you know! My first impression, is that this story was about watching a train wreck…the tracks were set, both engines were full steam full of mistakes, each picking up speed for a collision you know would happen but could do nothing to stop.

Sasha and Laurie hold so much passion. Both characters had me in their corner. I was in turns angry at and cheering for both love interests. Harper’s characters are truly human with beautiful flaws and painful strength. Every mistake they made to protect each other along the way was clear, I imagined myself making those same mistakes, and was more sympathetic to each character for it.

This book stabbed me in the heart, but mended the wound beautifully. There will be scars, but they just stand to represent strength. I loved this book for the passion, for the characters and for the adventure. Lots of surprises lay in wait around every corner, and all this is sprinkled with very hot and sometimes painful sexual encounters. Not only does the reader traverse the globe, but cultures, and relationships as well. There’s murder, covert operations, deceit, betrayal and forgiveness.

I also cant’ possibly end this review without commenting on the tongue in cheek resemblance of Blood Moon to another movie franchise we all love to hate. Readers, you’ll know what I mean when you crack this baby open, all I can say is I’m looking forward to attending live theater in the near future. High five, Harper Fox! Keep up the great work!

Three of Hearts by Kelly Jamieson Blog Tour, Review & Giveaway!

Kelly Jamieson - Three of Hearts Banner 1
Hi guys today we have Riptide Publishing’s Kelly Jamieson popping in to introduce you to her MMF story Three of Hearts, Kelly also brings along a great giveaway where there’s $25 Riptide Publishing store credit to be won, and Riptide gives you the chance to help them choose next years Holiday charity so leave a comment with the charity you’d like to help. <3 ~Pixie~
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Three of Hearts

by

Kelly Jamieson

Haylee Tremayne is tired of the road. The concert tour for Three of Hearts was a success, but she’s confused by the inexplicable tension between her bandmates, Ben and Lucas. She’s also ready to go home to her boyfriend in Nashville. Time off would probably help everyone relax, even if it is Christmas, a season with too many bad memories.

But right before their last concert, Haylee discovers she’s been dumped for a sexy girly-girl. Story of her life: all guys see is tomboy Haylee. At the after-concert party, she drowns her sorrows and—desperate to feel feminine for once in her life—asks Ben and Lucas for a threesome. And it’s just as sexy and fun as she hoped.

Back in Nashville, Ben and Lucas prove again and again that their first night wasn’t a mistake. But the tension between them is still high, and on Christmas Eve, their ménage takes a stunning turn. When it all falls apart, Haylee is terrified that their crazy relationship might cost them the band, their success, and worst of all, each other.

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Choosing Happy by Aria Grace Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

Aria Grace - Choosing Happy 2ChoosingHappy600x600Banner
Hiya guys, we have Aria Grace stopping by with her tour of Choosing Happy, we have a great excerpt, a brilliant giveaway and York’s review for you to enjoy. So enjoy the post and then click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~ 
Aria Grace - Choosing Happy CH

Choosing Happy

(More Than Friends 03)
by

Aria Grace

Book 3 of the More Than Friends Series. Can be read in sequence or as a standalone.  (Book #1 is free)

Steve is living in Portland with many regrets. He has alienated the people he cares most about by making bad choices that continue to haunt him. When he meets a kid that’s in a bad relationship and needs some help, Steve reluctantly offers it, knowing it’s his chance to redeem himself. What he doesn’t expect is to find happiness. It’s there, all he has to do it choose to accept it. 

For mature readers.

Categories: Contemporary, Gay fiction, M/M Romance

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