Hi peeps, T.M. Smith’s The Cellar is finally here and T.M. has written a special post about her series Opposites, she also brought along her fab giveaway and there’s my review of The Cellar. So enjoy the post and then click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~
The Cellar
(Opposites 02.5)
by
T.M. Smith
It’s time to learn the truth about what happened that day in The Cellar.Taryn and Thanos are the formidable Ambassadors of House Orion. Taryn was born into power, bred from birth to lead the people of Greece along with his sister Theresa, Thanos was never a part of his mother’s plan. The son of a fisherman was not a suitable match for the son of Greece as far as their mother was concerned, but Taryn always takes what he wants.
The Cellar is the story of how these two men met and fell in love, and what lengths Taryn went to, to ensure he kept his man. This novella also contains a more detailed accounting of what happened the night Raven and Tanis went for a walk on the beach, and the adult version of Mistletoe and Mayhem that was initially released as a free short through goodreads.
The Cellar is the second novella in the Opposites series, the series should be read in order.
** Warning, Opposites is an Adult Dystopian majorly M/M series that contains explicit sexual content and relationships between gay, straight and lesbian couples. However, The Cellar is strictly a M/M novella **
Title: Fixing the Hole Author: Katherine Halle Genre: Contemporary Length: Novella (80 pages) Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (November 5th 2014) Heat Level: Mild Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3 Hearts Blurb: Heavy rains and strong winds slammed an uprooted tree through Steve Crowell’s roof, leaving a gaping hole to match the one in his heart.
After his ex left him for a younger man, Steve’s not sure he’s ready to handle another disaster. His best friend highly recommended the contractor, but the man’s already late, and when he shows up with his music thumping, Steve isn’t impressed—until Riley steps out of his pickup truck. Personable, gorgeous Riley talks a mile a minute, which Steve finds both ridiculously endearing and terrifying.
Piecing together a heart isn’t as easy as fixing a roof, but Riley might just be the right man for the job.
Steve still hasn’t completely recovered from his younger boyfriend leaving him for an even younger guy. And now a storm has landed a tree on his house and left a hole in his roof to match the one in his heart.
Riley is everything that Steve likes in a guy… sexy, charismatic and some fifteen years his junior. But Steve worries about opening himself up again and the possibility of being hurt again. They spend most of their time dancing around their mutual attraction, but Riley has the good sense to push the envelope and see where the chemistry takes them.
I’m a huge fan of age gap stories, and I really liked the edge this story took with Riley having to be the persistent one and Steve being hesitant. But the ending was very anticlimactic for me. They spent the entire book dancing around each other, then *snap* they go on a date and the end. I wanted to see more of the connection between the two characters after they accepted their feelings for each other.
Overall, this was a short, sweet story but it felt unfinished in the end. I would read a sequel for sure though. I’d be interested to see what happens in the future for Steve and Riley.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: The Balancing Act Series: 52 First Dates Episode Four Author: A. Lusch Genre: Contemporary Length: Short (42 pages) Publisher: A. Lusch (November 21st 2014) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts Blurb: David’s mission is underway; go on 52 First Dates and find a husband. It seemed easy to begin with…how hard could dating be?
But with several dates already under his belt, the true difficulty of his challenge is emerging.
Now, with his heart being pulled in many directions, from his fun time friend Rav to one of the Greek twins, Alex, it’s becoming clear that finding a husband is far more than dating; it’s a careful balancing act that has to be done with extreme care and precision.
Review: David is still on his search for a husband, but he keeps getting distracted with his online dating app, a wandering eye and his friend with benefits, Rav. A random hook-up at a bar doesn’t quite go as planned, Alex isn’t as available as David would like, and then there is a new blip on his radar, a very persistent Sam.
Alex seems to be everything David could want in a man, but then so could Rav in many ways. David finds himself really questioning what it is he wants after he and Rav share another passionate tryst, that is followed up with a tender moment of affection that is usually absent between them. Balancing dating, working, Rav, Alex and now the addition of Sam is starting to look more like a juggling act.
While this installment wasn’t as sexy as the previous shorts, it showed some personal growth for David. Something happens that makes him step outside his box, see things a little differently, and consider not only how it makes him feel, but also how his similar actions in the past made people feel.
I’m still a fan of Rav and I can’t help but wonder if David is going to wind up with the familiarity of him in the end, but I can also understand some of David’s reasons for not pursuing a more serious relationship with the sexy man who seriously rocks his world. I loved that David is finally figuring out that it’s not all about the sex, it’s the complete package he wants long-term.
Anxiously awaiting the next episode in this serial with the introduction of Sam and the questions that were left unanswered about Alex. If you like a super sexy story about a guy that is looking for his Mr. Right, then look no further. But please, do start with episode one, that is a must!
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Contact Series: Titan Year 1, #1 Author: Tatum Throne Genre: Sci-fi Length: Short (42 pages) Publisher: Luminosity Publishing (September 12th, 2014) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.75Hearts Blurb: What would you do if they contacted you?
NASA scientist Cooper Hart is dying. He’s determined to spend his final days hoping to hear a signal from a far away world. When the encryption first comes in, he quickly discovers that this isn’t a prank. They want to meet.
Elian Moten has spent the last four years searching for a life form compatible to his. His world is dying from the lack of ability to reproduce. They need males to repopulate. After researching the planet within the Benidi Region, also known as Earth, he chooses Cooper Hart to bring back to the royal family. He isn’t prepared for the intense attraction he feels for Cooper or the overpowering urge to claim him.
After three months aboard the Titan, Cooper wakes up to discover he isn’t dead. He’s been given a second chance, but he’s not sure if he’s prepared to take it. When he looks at Elian, he only knows how to say yes.
Reader Advisory: Sci-Fi MM erotic romance, containing consensual relationship between human and alien. Light BDSM, spanking.
Product Link: http://luminositypublishing.com/product/contact/ Reviewer: Shorty Review: Cooper is elated to finally meet an alien before he dies of stage four cancer. He is not expecting to be asked to go with the alien but he accepts. I loved the difference between Elian and Cooper. Was very happy that with Elian’s treatment that Cooper was cured of cancer. Cooper and Elian make a great couple.
I hope that Elian’s home world doesn’t retaliate for him keeping Cooper as his instead of taking him to the Royal family to mate with one of them to help repopulate their world. The sex was hot. Good read.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com*
Title: Flibbertigibbet Author: Willa Okati Genre: Contemporary Length: Novella (96 pages) ISBN: 9781784300555 Publisher: Totally Bound (June 20th, 2014) Heat Level: Medium Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts Reviewer: Zane Blurb: Is Donovan ready to leave routine behind and take a chance on a flirtatious flibbertigibbet?
Donovan thought he had his life all planned out. He knew where he was headed, and how he’d get there. Might not have been the most exciting life, but it was safe. Sensible. Practical. Just what he wanted.
That was before his house burned down in a freak accident. Now, Donovan’s life is all about crash space on a friend’s houseboat and entertaining the antics of his new neighbour and marina maintenance man Leaf. If Leaf ever took anything seriously in his life, he shows no signs of it. He’s loquacious, outrageous, and not even a little shy. Absolutely not the kind of man Donovan had thought he’d fall for before he tipped head over heels for the flibbertigibbet’s offbeat charm.
When it comes down to a choice between sensible and scandalous, is Donovan really ready to leave routine behind and take the plunge into deep water?
Review: I am sure it comes as no surprise that I read this book because of the instant mental connection to The Sound of Music. As soon as I saw the title, I heard it in my head – “A flibbertigibbet, a will – o – the wisp, a clown…” and was immediately transported to the singing dilemma of solving the problem called Maria.
That joyous playful feeling is exactly what you get from the character of Leaf. No compunctions about anything, his charm and levity are quite the breath of fresh air. Much like the above-mentioned song, he has a lightness of being that makes me wonder he will do and say next. Sexy, fun, and laid back, it was easy to be captivated by the unrepentant ‘take me as I am’ Leaf and to enjoy his flirty and tenacious pursuit of Donovan.
On the other hand, Donovan is a bit of a downer. While it is understandable that he would be devastated to a certain degree, Donovan doesn’t seem to see the bright side of anything. Even though we do see good things in his life, there is quite a bit of negativity on his part. It isn’t until he gives in to the chase and starts to fall for everything wonderful that is Leaf, that he emanates any kind of hope at all.
While the two balance each other out with their dance of light versus dark, the pace was quick and I wanted more depth, more back-story. In Donovan’s case, it would have given me reason to be more invested. If I had more history, more emotion I’d have connected better with him. The opposite was true of Leaf – I just liked him so much I wanted to know everything about him! It was as though I was chanting “More Leaf! More Leaf!” in my head.
Overall, a very cute novella scattered with humorous sexy moments, the prerequisite bit of angst and then the ‘happy ever after’. Bonus: a sweet and ebullient flibbertigibbet of a character that will steal your heart away.
. ** I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through www.mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com **
Heat Level: Moderate – light bondage / non penetrative sex
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3 Hearts
Reviewer: Harper
Blurb: College freshman Shane Hahn finds himself unexpectedly shuffled to a new dorm room–which is fine by him, but his over-involved mother takes one look at toothpick-chewing, motorcycle-riding Derek McClain, his new roommate, and gets on the phone with the school. The school requires that Shane be the one to file the room-change paperwork, but Shane’s reluctant.
He’s attracted to Derek’s independence, even though that independence means Derek has to pay his own way through college, which he does by making leather products (you know: belts, wallets…bondage gear) and selling it online. Shane isn’t even allowed to work while he’s in school, much less join a band, which is what he really wants to do with his life. Unfortunately, his parents are holding his guitar hostage until he can prove he’s taking his future seriously.
Purchase Link: http://www.loose-id.com/the-roommate-situation.html Review: I liked the idea of this book, and was really excited about reading it. Unfortunately, for me, it was just ok.
The pacing was the biggest problem for me, it was very slow and drawn out.
The book is set in College. Shane is a freshman finding his feet away from the tight reins of home. His original roommate commits suicide, so he gets moved to a new residence, cue Derek.
Derek is a mysterious leather wearing biker, who happens to have a business making leather items including bondage gear.
There was a lot of page filling, which made you understand about Shane’s parents control but in all honesty, it was too much, I just wanted to “get in to” the story.
Neither Shane or Derek have been with another guy so the initial get together was quite cool but for me it needed more depth- it wasn’t insta love but there was definite insta attraction/awareness.
I liked the way Shane and Derek were there for each other, with each of them having personal issues during the book. It showed a realistic mutual need and appreciation.
There was a fantastic scene created where Shane takes control, it truly had my toes curling. But sadly, that was the only one I really thought WOW about.
I think I was expecting a bit more from the kink, but it was very tame. I’m surprised the author didn’t have them experimenting more (maybe that’s in the next book).
I was most disappointed with the ending though, you finally get a feeling the story is going to get going and then Bam – THE END! There was no gradual ending, no closure, it was just done. I’m hoping there will be a follow-up book so we can see how the boys play out.
To summarize, this book is a coming of age, double gay for you, college romance.
Would I recommend it? Yes…but you have been warned. 😉
Title: Plummet Author: Dawn Kimberley Johnson Genre: Contemporary Length: Short (27 pages) Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (July 28th, 2014) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts Blurb: Dealing, or rather not dealing, with a recent breakup, Ari Melrose, CPA nearly takes his car over a cliff. Instead, he is rescued by Brandt Steuben, a big, burly ex-firefighter who pulls him to safety and into his arms. Near-death experiences can make normally careful, rational people grab life by the horns, or men by the biceps, and hop on for a wild ride, so Ari figures what better way to get over his problems than to work them out with his super-hot saviour?
But a fateful afternoon soon leads to more than physical passion, and Ari finds he might not want to let go of Brandt.
Review: We hit the ground running with the action and the tension in this brilliant short story. At thirty-five, Ari Melrose has been dumped by his boyfriend for a younger man and Ari is having problems coming to terms with the breakup and what feelings he had once held for his ex. Brandt Steuben comes to save the day when Ari is more than a little foolish and clearly not concentrating on the road.
The tension of the potentially deadly situation Ari found himself in quickly becomes a very hot and heavy encounter with his rescuer. Brandt is a calm, sensitivity and passion rolled together, and Ari is just adorable (and intelligent). An encounter with Ari’s ex made me cheer for some happiness in Ari’s life, more specifically, happiness in the form of Brandt.
Short, sweet, to the point and a couple with great chemistry – what else could you want, other than a longer story featuring Ari and Brandt?
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Partnership Reborn Series: Partnership in Blood #8 Author: Ariel Tachna Genre: Vampires/ Werewolves/Shapeshifters/ Urban Fantasy Length: Novel (306 pages) Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (October 31, 2014) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts Blurb: All his life, wizard Raphael Tarayaud has dreamed of a vampire—first as a friend, then as a lover. His search for his missing soul mate brings him to the attention of Sebastien Noyer, one of his childhood heroes. While Sebastien isn’t his soul mate, he could be the perfect partner for Raphael’s best friend Kylian Raffier.
As strange coincidences mount up, Raphael offers his research expertise to try to help Kylian and Sebastien understand what is happening to them, though the more he learns, the less he likes it. But it won’t keep him from fighting with everything he has to secure Kylian’s future.
When he finally meets Jean Bellaiche, former chef de la Cour and grieving widower, the meeting is disastrous, but Raphael can’t let it go. He doesn’t stand a chance with Jean—who could compete with the ghost of Raymond Payet?—but nothing can stop him from dreaming.
ISBN-13: 978-1-63216-363-9
Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5513&cPath=54_160 Reviewer: Shorty Review: The description of this book is somewhat misleading as Raphael and his best friend Kylian go to a club to see if Raphael can find his partner but Kylian ends up meeting Sebastian. A least half or more of the book is about their coming together yet fighting their feelings for one another.
Not only that, but Sebastian keeps mentioning Thierry, his partner he lost 33 years before, to Kylian.
It seemed to me that Sebastian really wasn’t ready to move on especially when he drank someone else’s blood other than Kylian’s and was unconscious then Kylian feeding him blood and when he wakes he calls out Thierry’s name. No, I don’t think Kylian was Thierry in another life.
It seemed the ritual spell to bond Thierry and Sebastian was still connected to Sebastian even after Thierry passed so when Sebastian bonded with someone else finally the spell activated and carried over to Kylian. This book confused me a lot and I didn’t enjoy as much as the others in the series.
Though I was very fascinated in learning the spell that bonded Sebastian and Thierry was made using folklore, magic and spells from Vampires, Wizards, and Werewolves. Very interesting that they even got it to work considering.
The sex scenes where hot, though I didn’t really pay attention to them as I was trying to figure out what was going on. I stopped reading on page 192 and by then Jean and Raphael had only met once. This is from the PDF version, there is 306 pages total in the book. However, the actual story ends on page 288. There are ads for other books by the author filling the rest.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com*
Title: Ethan in Gold Series: Johnnies, #3 Author: Amy Lane Narrator: Sean Crisden Genre: Contemporary Romance Length: 10 hours and 46 minutes Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (04-25-14) Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts Blurb: Evan Costa learned from a very early age that there was no such thing as unconditional love and that it was better to settle for what you could get instead of expecting the world to give you what you need. As Ethan, porn model for Johnnies, he gets exactly what he wants—comradeship and physical contact on trade—and he is perfectly satisfied with that. He’s sure of it.
Jonah Stevens has spent most of his adult life helping to care for his sister and trying to keep his beleaguered family from fraying at the edges. He’s had very little time to work on his confidence or his body for that matter. When Jonah meets Ethan, he doesn’t see the hurt child or the shamelessly slutty porn star. He sees a funny, sexy, confident man who—against the odds—seems to like Jonah in spite of his very ordinary, but difficult, life.
Sensing a kindred spirit and a common interest, Ethan thinks a platonic friendship with Jonah won’t violate his fair trade rules of sex and touch, but Jonah has different ideas. Ethan’s pretty sure his choice of jobs has stripped away all hope of a real relationship, but Jonah wants the whole package—the sexy man, the vulnerable boy, the charming companion who works so hard to make other people happy.
Jonah wants to prove that underneath the damage Ethan has lived with all his life, he’s still gold with promise and the ability to love.
Review: Evan Costa was a happy little boy with a loving mother, devoted father and way too many cranky sisters. Until a teacher violated his innocence and pushed his mother over the edge. Afraid to touch her own son or let anyone else, Evan became withdrawn and isolated.
As he grew and matured, he sought solace in his therapy sessions, a love of Manga and a group of equally nerdy teenagers at school. Life continues to deal heavy blows to Evan as he navigates his way through bullying, being a gay teenager, a friends attempted suicide and a very unique need that was spawned by his Mother’s lack of empathy.
Johnnies becomes the family that Evan longs for and he transforms himself into Ethan, the big, burly porn star that longs to be touched, and shines like gold when he is. His co-workers become his family and they share a kinship and a camaraderie that he has ached for since he was five years old. But a real life relationship with a real life boy is out of the question as far as Ethan is concerned. He feels he is too damaged and broken to bring anything good to anyone’s life long-term.
Jonah Stevens works a job he can’t see going anywhere and lives a life less ordinary in order to be there for his ailing sister. He meets Ethan at the pet store where he works and is enamored with the big guy’s confidence and swagger. Jonah is a very non-confrontational, laid-back guy, but he finds himself taking chances and taking charge in an effort to turn his friendship with Ethan into something more.
Ethan has dug in his heels, convinced that his past and his internal demons would be too much to ask Jonah to accept, so he continues to push Jonah away. Perseverance is not a trait Jonah thought he had but he quickly learns the only way he is going to win Ethan’s heart is persistence and tenacity.
Ethan may have been with dozens of guys during his tour with Johnnies, but when it comes right down to the mechanics of a relationship, he is just as inexperienced as Jonah is, and they will have to learn how to be a couple and be in love together. The obstacles they have to overcome are many.
Ethan is severely scared mentally from the incident when he was a child and the reaction of his family, mostly his mother, in the aftermath. He doesn’t think he deserves to be loved. And while Jonah knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that Evan is what he wants, he will have to come to terms with the life Evan leads and learn how he fits into it.
I swear to Jesus, Amy Lane is going to be the death of me! That woman takes my heart, rips it out, stomps up and down on it, and then hands it back to me all bloody and bruised. This was an intense, emotional story and Lane really made me feel Evan’s pain in the words she used to describe it. It is such an insane journey following his thoughts, seeing how he coped with the madness that is his life on a daily basis.
It wasn’t all sunshine and roses for Jonah either, though he never doubted his parent’s love for him even with the stress of a terminally ill sibling, he had to deal with his own issues of self-worth and loathing. They have to learn how to balance the confusion with confidence and take the good with the bad and find a way to keep moving forward in order to make a life together.
Sean Crisden has narrated all the books in this series thus far, and I hope he continues to lead that charge. His voice has become another one of the brother’s in this motley crew of a family that is Johnnies! It’s all about the tone change, nuances, and subtle inflections he uses from one character to another that gives Lane’s words a voice and makes these characters a reality inside my mind.
This book left me wrung out and exhausted, but it was so worth it in the end. Dramatic, slightly dark, definitely sexy, and just so well written. A must read for fans of Amy Lanes work, as well as those that like gritty romances with an edge.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Crying in the Rain Author: Debbie McGowan Genre: Contemporary Length: Novel (182 pages) Publisher: Beaten Track Publishing (November 12th, 2014) Heat Level: Low Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts Blurb: For many years, Ade Simmons has been an outsider, trapped in an abusive relationship, seeking sanctuary in his job as a radio producer, and in the checklists he makes in an attempt to regain control of his sorry excuse of a life.
Actor Kris Johansson is patient, gentle and passionate – everything that Ade’s ex-boyfriend is not. When Kris takes a role in one of Ade’s plays, the attraction is mutual and instant. It is the turning point for Ade. Either he can stay on the same path, with Fergus – the bully, who has repressed, used and isolated him from his friends and family – or he can look in the other direction, towards Kris – the handsome actor with family and friends who readily accept him.
But, Fergus will not give up his punching bag so easily – can Ade finally find the strength to fight back?
Review: Crying in the Rain is the first book I’ve read by Debbie McGowan. This is one of those books that are both sweet between the MCs, but intense when it comes to their lives and the drama. It’s also one of those books that left me thinking about the characters after finishing the novel.
This story focuses on character’s Ade, a radio producer who is experiencing problems with his abusive ex, and Kris, an actor who is everything that is kind and compassionate and has an amazing array of friends. Another theme of this book is that of healing and coming to terms. Interestingly, what I really enjoyed was that despite his initial appearance of carefree and happy, there is also something that Kris needs to heal about, which is obviously completely aside from Ade’s issues with his ex, Fergus.
When Kris works on a radio play that Ade is producing the two become friends, and to some extent confidants. It’s clear that they both want more to happen, too, and slowly we see their relationship evolve. The emotions had me tossing back and forth between sadness, anger, happiness and laughter. I also liked the fact that Kris was more complicated than he initially appeared and was really interesting.
A secondary character that was by far my favourite was Shaunna, Kris’s ex-wife but the two are also best friends. They’ve been through a lot together and are each other’s confidants. They have a lovely relationship and I laughed when she became cheer squad for Kris and Ade’s fledgling relationship. There are a number of other minor characters who are more than interesting, including two of Ade’s more elderly neighbours and a friend that is trying to help him get Fergus out of his life.
This leads me to Fergus, throughout the book he is portrayed as a typical abusive villain that as readers, we encounter in countless books. I really enjoyed the epilogue for this book because here, we are presented with very much the typical solution to such a destructive and abusive character, except there is a twist and it makes it so much better. We are given a more tragic figure that actually had me feeling empathy for the man; especially after all he had done to Ade.
If it was written in the usual way and had an epilogue, I think I would have felt cheated out of words for Ade and Kris’s story. On the other hand, like many stories, this ending could have been a footnote. I can’t say too much, obviously, but all you need to know is that it is a great twist on something we’ve seen many times (actually, I think I’ve complained ever so slightly about an almost identical solution in another book recently).
All I can say is this a fantastic book. Read it and I hope you enjoy it! The characters and the plot are all great and interesting.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: From the Rubble Author: T.A. Chase Genre: Contemporary/Men in Uniform Length: Novella (23K words) Publisher: Amber Allure, Amber Quill Press (November 16th, 2014) Heat Level: Low Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5Hearts Blurb: Ever since watching a search and rescue team find his lost sister, Keaton Goodwin has worked and trained to become a SAR handler. He raises the perfect dogs to work with him, and he loves his job. When he’s called to take his dog, Kaiser, to Bogata, Colombia after a devastating earthquake, Keaton heads out not sure what he’ll find.
And what he doesn’t expect to find is Master Sergeant Nodin Standing Bear.
Nodin’s squad has been sent by the Army to help keep the SAR teams safe during the search and rescue part of the operation. He’s done a lot of this kind of work during his twenty-three years of service, yet there’s something different about Keaton, and Nodin knows a disaster area isn’t the best place to start a relationship.
When Keaton disappears, Nodin has to face how much he really cares about the younger man. Will the emotions they feel amongst the rubble be enough of a foundation to build a future?
Review: I loved this book. If what you want is a couple of hot men, men in uniform working to save lives and then throw in a dog, this is just the ultimate guilty pleasure. It’s a cute, sweet story about two very strong heroes, along with a wonderful rescue dog.
Keaton Goodwin, trainer and search and rescue (SAR) dog handler, meets Master Sergeant Nodin Standing Bear, while they are on a military escorted mission. For Keaton the new mission is his first back in the job after a life threatening accident and the resulting severe injuries had him out of action. The two experience an instant attraction, but instead of any type of insta-love or falling into bed together, we get to see a really nice friendship form. A friendship, which both seems to sense, is leading to love, but neither says anything.
The backdrop of the search and rescue aspect is wonderfully written and adds some enjoyable tension. I especially liked it when Keaton finds himself and his dog, Kaiser, in a bit of a situation, a situation you I couldn’t help but to chuckle at. I was thinking of all these bad scenarios, but really in the end he earns the respect of a rather unsavoury character.
The ending is sweet, too. I was a bit nervous because I couldn’t see what was happening between Keaton and Nodin, but once again TA Chase does not disappoint. I would have liked this to be longer, if only to see more of Keaton and Nodin’s story, true heroes that certainly deserve a happily ever after.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Knights to Remember Series: Knights to Remember, #1 Author: Nicole Colville Genre: Contemporary Length: Novella (54 pages) Publisher: Nicole Colville (November 16th, 2014) Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts Blurb: Sebastian Knight is an ordinary nineteen year old who struggles to juggle his hated bartending job and his University studies as well as fitting in time for partying and family.
When he walks out on his job and finds his car has been clamped with a boot, fate steps in and offers him a chance to change his life.
The amazing opportunity for him to earn some easy money is thrown into his lap by one hot George Clooney type at the bar one night, and he jumps at the chance to become a male escort. But the very man who set him on this journey is the one who keeps calling him up and forcing Sebastian to feel for him when all he wants is to enjoy his newfound freedom and money.
Join Sebastian and his nights to remember.
A new ten book short story series from Nicole Colville.
Review: This is the first installment of a series that should be read in consecutive order. To me, it was immediately interesting from the blurb alone. Just reading the blurb already had me say mentally to the page, “Don’t do it Sebastian! Bad stuff happens when you do that in a book!”
Sebastian is a 19-year-old who hates his job as a bartender but he needs the money for university, and to just to live in general. As soon as I started reading, I found myself agreeing with Sebastian’s point of view about his job. Then, I was quickly diverted further with some hot sex between Sebastian and the man who basically asks, “How much for a blow job?”
This is really an enjoyable read. Since it’s the first book in a series of 10 short stories, we just have a tantalizing introduction to Sebastian and his world. It’s a bit Pretty Woman at first, but Nicole Colville calls herself out with Sebastian thinking the same thing, which I really liked.
Then there is Sebastian’s mysterious pick up, Robert. He remains elusive until the end, but it’s clear that this is all set up for the next parts of the series.
Cannot wait for the next installments of this series!
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Shatter by Glass Series: N/A Author: Emmi Lawrence Genre: Paranormal Romantic Suspense Length: Novel (210 pages) Publisher: Loose Id (September 30, 2014)) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts Blurb: When Detective Brettoni Rhodes is assigned to investigate a murder that occurred in the desert outside his city, he doesn’t anticipate the victim to be a man straight out of his past. Nor is he at all prepared to find clues that the murderer could be an old lover he hasn’t seen for twelve years. An old lover who, once they reconnect, isn’t interested in staying an ex.
With Luca Baino going from old lover to new lover all over again, Brett struggles with whether they’re on the path to something real. And if it they are, what then? Because in the desert city of DaSunder, death is the punishment for murder and Luca’s conjuring abilities have put him at the top of a very short list of suspects.
In order to save the man he loves, Brett would have to go against the laws he’s sworn to uphold.
But with evidence stacking up against Luca and conjured creatures appearing in the city, Brett doesn’t know if he can protect Luca… Or whether he should even try.
Review: Brett a detective is assigned along with his partner to solve a grisly murder. What shocks him is he knows the victim is Dafid a sand conjurer. They immediately start gathering clues and talking to different people to establish alibi’s.
I really enjoyed this story very much. I didn’t understand why Luca sister, so was so quick to claim that Luca was the killer without any concrete evidence. Nor did the story say exactly what the accident was that ended up killing a man and sending two young men on the run twelve years earlier.
I loved the details of the case and how Brett tried to investigate every lead or idea he could think of. The different conjurings were simply breathtaking. The fight scene was intense. It left me stunned at the end because I never saw that particular person as the killer so I was surprised. The sex scenes between Brett and Luca were hot and passionate.
Great story to read with mystery, drama, action, and suspense throughout.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com*
Hi guys, we have Felice Stevens stopping by with her brand new release A Walk Through Fire, we have a great giveaway and Zane’s review. So enjoy the post and click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~
A Walk Through Fire
by
Felice Stevens
Years after running away from an abusive foster family, Asher Davis still inwardly struggles with the guilt of leaving his foster brothers behind. He’s climbed to unimaginable heights as a ruthless, high-powered attorney, creating a life of power and control. He takes whatever and whoever he wants.
Blaming himself for the death of his parents, Dr. Drew Klein retreats into a shell of loneliness, merely going through the motions of life. After a disastrous, short-lived marriage, Drew decides to leave his lucrative medical practice to set up a clinic for abused young men and women. The decision has more repercussions than Drew could ever imagine when the dark and sensual Ash Davis volunteers to help.
Although Drew isn’t gay, Ash is inexplicably drawn to him. He vows to simply bed him and forget him like he’s done with every other man. However, Drew’s sweet and caring nature and unexpected passion stun and frighten Ash, who questions his right to any happiness at all. And when Ash befriends an abused young man who unwittingly draws the clinic into danger, threatening Drew’s safety and that of his beloved grandmother, Ash discovers that there is nothing he won’t sacrifice to protect the love he never thought he’d find.
Hi guys, we have Cameron D. James and his brand new release Bump and Grind visiting us today and he has brought along a guest post, excerpt and Giveaway for you to enjoy so check out the post and click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~
Bump and Grind
by
Cameron D. James
Liam loves the life of being a go-go boy—dancing, partying, constant adoration from hot clients. The only thing he has to worry about is if he’s using the right moves as he grinds to the beat to win the affection of the highest tippers.
But tonight, there’s a new patron at Club 21—Ryan, a dream hunk and former porn celebrity—and he’s got eyes for Liam, and Liam alone. A private dance is a no-touch affair, but when Ryan rents Liam for half an hour all for himself, the experience forever changes how Liam sees his life in the club.
Title: Royal Street Heist Series: N/A Author: Scotty Cade Genre: Romantic Suspense Length: Novel (206 pages) Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (November 9th, 2014) Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts Blurb: When valuable Civil War era art is stolen from a popular New Orleans gallery, NOPD Lead Detective Montgomery “Beau” Bissonet and his partner set out to solve the crime. When the gallery’s insurance company sends Tollison Cruz to the Big Easy to conduct their own independent investigation, personalities clash and battle lines are definitely drawn.
The heist quickly becomes a politically driven high profile case, and Detective Bissonet is furious when he’s ordered to work alongside Investigator Cruz to assure a timely arrest. The heat index soars to new levels when the two investigators discover they have a lot more in common than originally thought.
With the tension between them temporarily sated, Bissonet and Cruz finally start to work together, on more than just a professional level. But everything comes to a screeching halt when Beau discovers his cohort in crime has been withholding information regarding the investigation and has been concealing a very questionable past.
What happens next rivals the scorching summer heat.
Review: Have you ever had a favorite author, that you swear got into the Christmas spirits a wee bit early and decided to write a book outside of their normal genre. I’ve had this happen with mixed results. I always give the new series a try, but most of the time, it just doesn’t work for me.
Except with Scotty Cade.
Scotty Cade won my heart with his Unconventional series. I loved how he portrayed grown men lovin’. Employed, mentally healthy grown ass men. A refreshing change in a genre where half the characters are twinks and the other half are broken. Of course, I love his Love and Sunrise over Savannah series. Pure romance. And I was a bit nervous when he dipped into Historical Romance with TheMystery of Ruby Lode. But, that has proven to be one of my favorite titles. So I shouldn’t have been nervous when Scotty decided he wanted to try his hand at Romantic Suspense. Which is truly my favorite genre, regardless of MC pairing.
Well, I need not have worried. Scotty may be a Southern gentleman, but he has a deliciously twisted mind. The Royal Street Heist was an absolute joy to read.
I’ve read it twice, and I still don’t know who I like better, Bissonet or Cruz. Separately, they are both fine detectives with smart mouths, but together they are magic. Their mutual attraction is instant and hot. It was almost comical to watch them. Outwardly, they can’t stand one another, but they also can’t keep their hands of each other. This made for some pretty raunchy scenes.
And the suspense was well plotted. Like I said, I’m a real suspense junkie and I can usually pick out the killer early on, but Scotty kept me guessing, right up until the end. Speaking of the end, the end of Royal Street Heist left room for a series, and if I have a literary fairy godfather anywhere, he will hear and grant my wish for this to be just the first of an ongoing series.
Step aside Sherlock and Watson, Bissonet and Cruz are in the house…and they rock!
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
