Month: June 2015

We, King Henry VIII Part 1 by S. Joy P. Guest Post!

S. Joy P. - We, King Henry VIII Banner 1

Henry VIII of England seeks his way home – into the arms of his lost lover

on the pages of a fictional autobiography We, King Henry VIII. This new release will delight you if you love Henry and enjoy supernatural fantasy in your gay fiction. Sounds good? Read on to find out more. I’ve got a sensual excerpt for you, but let’s start with the book blurb.

S. Joy P. - We, King Henry VIII Cover

We, King Henry VIII Part 1

by

S. Joy P.

On the 27th of January, 1547 AD, one hour before midnight, Henry VIII is mere three hours from his death. On his deathbed, he only pines to behold his true love for one more time. To catch but a glimpse of Adhamh’s face – that he desires above all things. For his whole life fearful of God, he would now give his mind, body, and soul to the Devil if the Dark Lord promised him but one moment with his lost lover. Only his heart Henry could not give, for Adhamh has it in his keeping. It has always been so, from the day they met. And there the story of their star-crossed love truly begins.

In the hot August of the year 1521 AD, England lazily revels in its still young King Henry VIII, the most accomplished and the handsomest monarch of the Christendom. For whole the world, Henry plays the King who lacks nothing, and who fears nobody save God. Deep inside, he is a man tormented by dark secrets shrouding his marriage, tortured by fears for the fate of his dynasty. His summer morning is not filled with idle delight; it brims with barely concealed terrors – until the moment when God sends him a sign: a wolf trapped in the royal chapel. From the first heartbeat of the unexpected encounter, the beast exudes an aura of unalloyed loyalty vested in Henry alone. Overcome with the sight of the wolf’s unconditional surrender into his hands, Henry believes him to be a messenger of God and spares his life.

But… a human heart beats in the wolf’s chest. Adhamh the Seventh, the only son of the House of Svar, the Margrave at Zuria Labarra is the second most powerful man after the King of Cerbeden – and a werewolf cast out of his world as a punishment for a fateful failure. The High Immortal who so sentenced him to die as the Devil’s Own knew nothing about an uncanny resemblance between the King of England and the King of Cerbeden. Neither does Adhamh. In Henry, he sees his own beloved liege lord, whom he could never harm. The moment of his surrender gives birth to a new unbreakable bond and triggers events which neither he, nor Henry could ever foretell.

The affection that arises between them faces constant dangers, both seen and unseen. Constraints placed on them by social norms and Henry’s religious beliefs can be overcome, but what if Adhamh is yanked back into his own world one day? This ever-present peril cannot be provided for. Nor is it the darkest threat lurking close.

Amazon

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Strictly Professional by Iyana Jenna (Just Desserts) Book Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Anthology - Just Desserts 960x350

Hi guys, we have Iyana Jenna popping in today to show off her newest release Strictly Professional which is part of the Just Desserts anthology. We have a great excerpt and a brailliant giveaway so enjoy the post and click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~

Anthology - Just Desserts 1 (1)

Strictly Professional

(Part of the Just Desserts Anthology)
by

Iyana Jenna

As the only senior graphic designer at Downey Handbags, Zane Kotsky expected to become the head of the creative art department when the company planned to expand its business. His hope crashed when it turned out that the company wanted someone from outside to be the manager. Knowing that, Zane planned to leave the place at once, but that was before he met the man who would become his boss, Joachim Wessling.

Continue reading “Strictly Professional by Iyana Jenna (Just Desserts) Book Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!” →

Scent of the Heart by Parker Williams Blog Tour, Interview, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

Parker Williams - Scent of the Heart 960x350

Hi guys, we have the incorrigible Parker Williams and his newest release Scent of the Heart, I pinned Parker down and asked him a couple of questions, we have a fantastic excerpt, an awesome giveaway and my review. So enjoy the post and click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~

Parker Williams - Scent of the Heart -400x600 2

Scent of the Heart

(Shifting Needs 02)
by

Parker Wiliams

Casey Scott grew up being told he’d never amount to anything, and despite the unwavering love and support from his best friend, Jake, the idea sticks in the back of Casey’s mind. When he discovers he has a unique destiny in an enclave where shifters and humans live together, he seizes the chance, wanting for once in his life to be someone special.

Tsvetok Yerokhin lost his parents to the evil ruler of the enclave when he was a boy. The responsibilities of raising his two younger brothers nearly overwhelmed him and self-doubt took over. When the new Alpha and his Protector arrive in time to save his life, Sev is grateful, but he’s even more shocked when he scents his mate with them.

Casey isn’t prepared for the feelings that sweep over him when he meets Sev, but he refuses to act on them because he’s straight. Still, there is something so alluring about Sev that Casey can’t help being drawn to him.

As the two explore the edges of their new discovery, an evil returns, determined to control the enclave or destroy it. The Alpha and Protector are powerless to stop it, but Casey holds the key to victory. If he can discover what it is, he has a chance to save them all. To be the hero.

Unfortunately, the hero has to be willing to make the ultimate sacrifice, and for Casey that means losing his heart.

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Crossed Wires by T. Strange Book Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!

T. Strange - Crossed Wires 960x350

Hi peeps, we have T. Strange popping in with her latest release Crossed Wires, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway so check out the post and click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~

T. Strange - Crossed Wires 1400

Crossed Wires

by

T. Strange

Rory isn’t expecting much more than clowns and elephant poop when he agrees to take his niece and nephew to the circus, but he finds himself entranced by the trapeze performers. Returning to the circus another night, he meets Lev and Tanner after the show and finds himself just as interested in the men themselves. They take him back to their hotel room for a night of steamy sex. After the circus leaves, Rory can’t stop thinking about the duo, though they never call him. He enrolls in a trapeze class as a distraction, and is astonished to find out who’s teaching the course.

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Ari by Cheryl Headford Release Day Blitz & Excerpt!

Cheryl Headford - Ari -banner

Hiya guys we have Cheryl Headford popping in with her brand new release Ari, to help show off her new book Cheryl is letting us have a peek at an excerpt, so check out this book! <3 ~Pixie~

Cheryl Headford - Ari -smallpreview

Ari

by

Cheryl Headford

After having known each other online for some time, writers, Benji and Ari meet at a convention.

Their attraction is both immediate and mutual.

But all is not straightforward—Ari is intersex and Benji transgender.

Together they embark on a journey.

A journey that unites families, and heals old wounds.

But not everyone is happy with the blossoming love between these two unique and special individuals.

Will an act of aggression crush the flower before it can bloom?

Continue reading “Ari by Cheryl Headford Release Day Blitz & Excerpt!” →

Summoning Doll by A.L. Wilson

fb195c45f57001be4b84b28cf487ed9e3bfca000Title: Summoning Doll
Series: The Haunted Case Files, # 2
Author: A.L. Wilson
Genre: Mystery/Paranormal
Length: Novella (108 pages)
Publisher: A.L. Wilson (April 19th 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3 ½ Hearts
Blurb: It has been thirteen years since Dr. Lorenz Meissner was forcefully parted from his beloved parents. The sight of the two of them being carted off by German soldiers still haunts him. His lover, the Vampire Cyrus, finally convinces Lorenz to go in search of the couple, but the journey will require complicated travel arrangements.

In order to obtain passage on a supernatural-creature-friendly cruise liner bound for the United States, Cyrus and Lorenz agree to investigate a string of curious occurrences besieging witches. According to a coven leader, someone or something has been threatening witches, demanding the return of an unknown object.

Cyrus and Lorenz begin their investigation by visiting the homes of the accosted witches and warlocks only to find the individuals have vanished. Eventually, they come to the scene of a gruesome murder of an elderly witch named, Ma’dam Collette. This propels the couple into a case much more complicated than they previously anticipated.

Curses, dark magics, and ancient rituals surround a mysterious porcelain doll. With a dangerous group of cultists nipping at their heels, Cyrus and Lorenz fight to understand the nature of what they are dealing. Can our heroes decipher the clues and unlock the secrets of the doll before the cultists can complete their sinister plans?

Or will a chance meeting with a genteel vampire named Le Von Funar, tear the couple apart before they have even begun?

ISBN: 978-1-31147-324-0

Product Link(s): http://www.amazon.com/Summoning-Doll-Haunted-Case-Files-ebook/dp/B00WDG7E0S

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/536690

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: As with the first book this book has no shortage of mystery and danger in it. It was intense at times with people after Cyrus, a vampire, and Lorenz, his lover, to obtain what was given to Lorenz. I loved how this story progressed. The way the other characters were introduced was great. I was afraid for Cyrus and Lorenz throughout.

Good story with an atmosphere that draws the reader in. Great details plus the need to figure out what was going on made for a good read.

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

Wynne's Surrender by Kelex

09cee42c2b906e43d42274d397c72f475fe3f65fTitle: Wynne’s Surrender
Series: Quads of Alpha S, # 3
Author: Kelex
Genre: Sci-fi / Aliens /Vampires / BDSM
Length: Novella (106 pages)
Publisher: Twisted Erotica Publishing (December 16th 2013)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
Blurb: Wynne Cotton is sent to the outer reaches of space, running from his past. Soon he learns it’s still not far enough. On a rescue mission to Alpha S, he concocts a plan to lose himself on the planet’s surface, not knowing the ship will crash and all his crewmen will suffer the same fate.

Once there, Wynne is claimed by a trio of Shadows, inhabitants of the planet’s circumference. The males are intent on keeping the sexy science officer to themselves, no matter how much Wynne tries to push them away.

When a fifth member to their quad emerges, Wynne knows it could help bring them together or rip them apart. The bad part is, Wynne still isn’t sure which outcome he’d prefer.

ISBN: 978-1-31078-225-1

Product Link(s): http://www.amazon.com/Wynnes-Surrender-Quads-Alpha-S-ebook/dp/B00HDFDVGK

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/388972

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: This is book three in Quads of Alpha S series. I felt so bad for Wynne as he felt he needed to run from an abusive Dom rather than just break things off. After crashing when a mission goes wrong he finds himself attracted to one of the aliens.

However after the way he’s been treated he sticks to his guns and remains true to himself as he gets to know the other being. I loved Wynne’s character as he overcomes what he has been through. Hot sex spiced up things in this wonderfully written story.

Loved it.

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

Doctor Troubles x2 by Lei Carol

23109581Title: Doctor Troubles x2
Series: Cascade Pack, #1
Author: Lei Carol
Genre: Paranormal/ Ménage a Trois
Length: Novella (121 pages)
Publisher: JK Publishing (August 26, 2014)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts
Blurb: In book one of the Cascade Pack: Thomas Wolfenson made a decision ten years ago that he thought was for the best of everyone involved. Instead it has haunted his every step. Even his wolf refuses to come forth after the bad decision was made. However, a call sends Tommy rushing home, but what he finds when he gets there not only shocks him, it has the potential to change his life forever.

Kyle has grown up with the knowledge his fated mate never wanted him. But when he shows up making a claim on him, Kyle struggles with the sudden change in his fated mate. Afraid that if he gives his heart it will be broken once again.
Is Thomas strong enough to right the wrongs that were made long ago? And when the caller who sent him home is revealed, does it cost Tommy more than he ever thought he could lose? Or does fate allow a second chance, offering him more than he ever thought or wished for in his life?

ISBN: 978-1-31166-660-4

Product Link: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/469559

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Other than the fact that this story skips quite a bit in the story and seems rushed, it is a pretty good book. I was not happy that it skipped parts though. I think if you had gotten the guys whole story, it would have been a Five Hearts book.

Thomas had known that Kyle was his mate, when Kyle was still a child. He had left for college only hearing from Kyle a handful of times. One day he gets a call from a stranger, who turns him the hell on, and tells him he needs to come home to save Kyle from getting killed. He gets there in time for another sexy wolf to save Kyle, and then throw himself over the cliff. What he had not known was he had two mates.

Kyle had loved Thomas for a long time, but had not known he was his mate till he smelt Thomas shirt on a lonely night. However Thomas never came back. He didn’t come back when his parents died, nor did he come back for when Kyle was in a coma. He had told him off and never to come home. He screwed that one up. He however started falling in love with Cale.

Cale had love Thomas since he was a child but stayed away because he had known Thomas was mated to Kyle. He had intended to give his life to stop the pain, but that doesn’t always work. Thank god because it seems he was mated to them both.

Now all of that is good, but you are missing their lives to see how they got there, and then you are missing all the juicy details of Cale and Kyle. There was just too much missing to make this a great story. It had all of its possibilities but it comes off rushed. It felt like the author didn’t take the time to give me a story that took heart.

I loved this book, don’t get me wrong, but was disappointed in it also. I hope that the next book has more meat to it. I can’t wait to read it that is for sure.

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

Lost Then Found by Alex Carreras

lostandfoundTitle: Lost Then Found
Series: McCloud Brothers, #1
Author: Alex Carreras
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story
Publisher: Siren/BookStrand Publishing (June 16, 2015)
Heat Level: Low to Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts
Blurb: After the death of his parents, Shane McCloud rents an apartment with his younger brother, Ian, on Perdido Key, Florida.

Vowing to start anew, the two brothers decide to go out to a local bar to have some well-deserved fun. That night Shane meets a man named Roger who blows him away in more ways than one. After a quick romp in a men’s room stall, Shane can’t stop thinking about the attractive man.

Anthony Antonelli didn’t mean to give a false name but he never expected to see Shane again, anyway. Hell, it had been years since he last saw his high school crush so the chances were slim to none…or so he thought.

Unable to stay away from Shane, Anthony finds himself at the bar where they first became reacquainted the following night. And after seeing Shane, all goes well but unfortunately Anthony can’t resist telling one more lie.

Then another.

And then another.

ISBN: 978-1-63259-468-6

Product Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/lost-then-found

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: The main problem I saw with this book was the fact that the author used the wrong names for the guys. Anthony goes into to the restaurant and is talking to his dad. Anthony says he talked to Anthony today, when it should have been he talked to Shane. A few pages before that it was Shane’s brother telling him that Shane showed up to see him. This happens a few times in the book. It drives me up the wall that an author has a great story and when you come across mistakes that are so easy to catch it leaves me with questions.

This is the first book that I have read from this author and as I said it would have been a great story if it had not had all the mistakes that I had noticed. It makes it come across like the author rushed this book.

Shane and his brother Ian lost their parents to a car crash, and were more or less forced to move. Finding an apartment was on their side and so were the great neighbors. When they decide to celebrate at the club, Shane was shocked to find himself doing some hot stuff in the bathroom. It wasn’t till his new neighbors take him to a restaurant that he finds out the truth. His sexy lover had lied about who he was.

Anthony has always liked Shane, but was ashamed of who he was at one time, so he lied about who he was. Anthony had been a big boy when they were in school and he wanted to come off as someone else. Too bad it gets his ass in trouble.

Now normally when I am disappointed in a book I don’t normally look forward to reading the next story. However since this is the first of a series, I am wanting to see what he does with the next book. So far I am disappointed in the mistakes that were easy to notice. I hope the next book is edited better.

Now overall, the story is sexy, hot and has great potential. I look forward to hearing about what Ian is going to get into.

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

More than Patient by Charlie Richards

4868morethanpatient510w-430x645Title: More than Patient
Series: A Loving Nip # 4
Author: Charlie Richards
Genre: Erotic Romance/ Paranormal/ Shapeshifter
Length: Novella (89 pages)
Publisher: Extasy Books (June 15, 2015)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½ Hearts
Blurb: Just a little love bite: Patience is a virtue…until someone’s life is on the line.

Garner Vorzman suspects that his beloved—the other half of his soul—is none other than Brock Sanchez. While everyone considers the human an all-around good guy, he is also a womanizing playboy. Having spent almost one hundred years in the military, Garner draws on his knowledge of strategy. He uses the levity of the coven Christmas party to his advantage and seduces Brock.

Unfortunately, the human runs from their connection. Hoping if he leaves Brock alone he will come to crave what they’d shared, Garner waits for months. He runs out of time when drinking blood from other donors becomes nearly impossible. Angry at the human’s apparent obstinateness, Garner tracks Brock down and issues an ultimatum. Give them one dalliance every other week so Garner can draw the blood he needs, or their one night stand will no longer remain a secret.

If Brock agrees, can Garner turn the strong-arm tactic into something that will win the man’s affection?

ISBN: 978-1-4874-0416-1

Reviewer: Shorty

Product Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/charlie-richards/More-Than-Patient/

Review: Garner, a vampire, finds his beloved in Brock, a human.

However Brock denies his feelings for Garner. Garner is determined to make Brock see they should be together no matter what others think. I loved how Garner gave Brock his space to work things out yet still managed to show up at times to show Brock he’s serious.

Although I understood Brock’s reluctance I felt he was using excuses to keep Garner away due to his own insecurities. But all worked out once Brock realized how much happier he was with Garner. The only gripes I have with this book were the demon being introduced for a very short time then the cliffhanger at the end. I certainly hope the next book will shed more light on the demon and Peter’s disappearance.

Packed full of emotions and tension this book delivers a look into two individuals who are meant to be together with one shying away from the other. Intense at times with an investigation which wasn’t much into the deaths of humans.

Loved it.

The Raven's Flight by Catherine Lievens

25641472Title: The Raven’s Flight
Series: Don’t Read in the Closet 2015: Love is an Open Road
Author: Catherine Lievens
Genre: Contemporary/ Paranormal
Length: Novella (103 pages)
Publisher: Goodread MM romance group (June 1, 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Heaerts

Blurb: PHOTO DESCRIPTION:13768753
The picture is a close-up of a gorgeous Native American man. His long, black hair moves with the wind and flows against his right shoulder. His dark eyes are looking straight at you, and you can almost feel them on your skin. His arms are crossed on his hairless chest, and there’s a barbed wire tattoo wrapped around his upper right arm. His plump, pink lips are highlighted by the dark stubble on his cheeks.
STORY LETTER:
Dear Author,

I have never ventured far from home. Being a shifter keeps me from becoming a part of society, but it seems that society is beginning to infringe on my territory. They, the humans, are all so full of themselves and think they are entitled to my land. But there is one man, who stands up to the others, who stands on his own… he draws my attention. Why?

Sincerely,

Raevyn

P.S. I would prefer a non-wolf shifter, but something strong. I would like for the human to be a smaller, more flamboyant man. Please no rape or torture. And I really want an HEA.

Reviewer: Shorty

Product Link: http://www.mmromancegroup.com/the-ravens-flight-by-catherine-lievens/

Review: I found myself chuckling a few times throughout this story with Kangee’s, a raven shifter, brooding and Jase’s nonstop comments. It’s not a normal pack story per se but more of two people getting to know one another and discovering who they truly are. I loved both MC’s in this book as they seemed opposites.

I also loved the fact that Rangee’s raven courted Jase when Kangee seemed unsure. These two seemed to really hit it off after a while and I so enjoyed reading about them. I just wish the story had been longer.

Sweet short story with lots of attitude that I loved.

Great read.

Art Theft 101 by Edward Kendrick

25438573Title: Art Theft 101
Series: NA
Author: Edward Kendrick
Genre: Paranormal Romantic Suspense
Length: Novel (159 pages)
Publisher: JMS Books LLC (May 17th 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts
Blurb: Vampire Philip Archer and his team of successful art thieves — Black Panther shifter Duff, ghost Rob, and Duff’s human girlfriend Liddy — are asked by the handsome Ian Croft, a potential client, to break with tradition and rescue a kidnapped child. When the caper turns out rather differently than expected, Philip is bitterly reminded why he has remained single for so long.

Yet, surrounded as he is by loving friends, he is not desperate. This is why, when he meets the newly-made vampire Ephram, he suppresses his attraction and focuses on being a mentor to the Fledgling.
Ephram was turned by Virgil Ionescu, an ancient vampire known for casting off his Children before they are ready. Living off the streets, Ephram’s future is precarious until he meets Philip. Ephram is immediately attracted to Philip and only too happy to be taken under his wing and taught the skills of surviving in modern New Orleans.
But Philip keeps secrets. Ephram can sense it, but he can’t penetrate the thousand-year-old Philip’s reserve. What will Ephram do when he discovers the big secret his new group of friends is keeping from him? Will his love for Philip trump all, or will he betray them? And, to complicate matters, Ionescu arrives unexpectedly in town, coming to check on his Child.

ISBN: 9781611527797

Product Link: http://www.jms-books.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=29_94&products_id=1434&zenid=DjlXuSyc1hMcUUKJjae3n3

Reviewer: Cat

Review: Stealing art can be an easy job if you have special powers. It’s even easier of each of your partners has these skills as well. Bring in Phillip Archer a vampire, Rob a ghost, Duff a shifter and Liddy, Duff’s human girlfriend and getaway driver. You have a merry band of misfit or should I say people with some awesome superpowers.

The story had good premise and the characters were very well-developed and intriguing. The plot was a bit lacking for me since it seems to have several small stories that weren’t really connected and a few scenes that led nothing to the story. I will say the interaction between these friends and the character development were enough for me to enjoy the story. I loved the addition of Ephram to round out the team and give a romantic interest to Phillip.

The sex is mild, but good. You get one or two basic sex scenes, then the rest is hinted out or off the page. So if you’re looking for a very steamy story this isn’t for you. If you’re looking for a fun, vampire/shifter story that is unique, a little suspense, and good character interaction this is definitely for you.

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

Buck Baxter and the Disappearing Divas by Geoffrey Knight

BuckBaxter_Divas_100dpi_cvrTitle: Buck Baxter and the Disappearing Divas
Series: The Buck Baxter Mysteries, #2
Author: Geoffrey Knight
Genre: Historical Romance
Length: Novella (90 pages)
Publisher: Wilde City Press (June 10th 2015)
Heat Level: Mild
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts
Blurb: Something sinister is happening at the Maharaja Majestic Theater on Broadville Boulevard. The domineering actress, Dominique Darlington, has vanished without a trace, the opening night of the theater’s new production of The Snake Charmer’s Slave is now in jeopardy, and six suspects are about to have the pleasure of meeting Buck Baxter, Private Detective, as he investigates whether there’s a killer on the loose… or a phantom at the opera?

Could it be the handsome leading man, Errol Hemingway, who’s responsible for the disappearance of his leading lady… or perhaps it’s that sweet, doe-eyed understudy Olivia Overton? Is it the theater owner himself, the tall and mysterious Raja Khan who has committed the crime… or the show’s investor, the autocratic aristocrat Serafina Somerset? Or is it possible that the meek and mild stage manager Stanley Small, or the flamboyant and frustrated director Barnabas Blake, are guilty?

And what of Buck’s romance with playboy millionaire Holden “Harry” Hart? Will Buck get a backstage pass to access all areas of his one true love… or will this be the final curtain for Buck and Harry?

Follow the clues, and you might just solve… the mystery of the disappearing divas!

ISBN: 9781925180831

Product Link: http://www.wildecity.com/books/gay-mainstream/buck-baxter-and-the-disappearing-divas/#.VXg6AflViko

Reviewer: Tams

Review: Picture this…

High above Wilde City, Howard Hart flies one of his airships through the bright, morning sky. Only to find his son, heir to the Hart fortune, butt ass naked on his balcony with his lover, Buck Baxter Private Investigator extraordinaire, just as naked. Holding his spent lover in his arms. The tension is palpable. As if Buck needed another headache today.

First he’s very rudely woke by his assistant Stella who can best be described as a foul-mouthed dame that likes to “borrow” her bosses pipe and smoke all his pot! Then there is the new case at the theater where the leading lady disappeared into a puff of fog and black feathers. Yes, I said feathers.

From the start, something is amiss, but Buck has a hard timing putting his finger on the miss since he’s having to play good cop to Stella’s slightly hysterical bad cop. The theater seems to be alive with malcontent and mysteries. The playbill for the show is a substitute suspect list as Buck and Stella try to navigate their way through costumes, cranky actors, a pretentious backer and a very cranky snake. It doesn’t help that Buck’s focus is divided between the case and his now uncertain relationship with Harry.

This was just a fast, fun read. I love this 1920’s era world Knight has created as the backdrop, with these theatrical characters that breathe life into the story. I think Stella is my favorite, I just love the way she talks, like a twenties harlot. I picture a young Mae West while I’m reading her and I can just see her at the juke joint with her feather boa, glittery flapper dress, that long cigarette holder, or in Stella’s case, Buck’s pipe! I picture her wearing a way too long string of fake pearls that she could wrap around someone’s neck and choke the living shit out of them if they pissed her off.

Then there is the dual mystery of the story that kept it a little intense for the reader. There were little clues dropped throughout the dialogue if you were paying attention while reading, that made the suspects identity clearly obvious, but I didn’t realize that until the identity was revealed. That was very enjoyable.

Then there is the strain on the relationship between Buck and Harry unfolding in the background. The story flowed well and steady from start to nearly the finish, with a big finale that literally had me sitting up straight, freaking out just a little bit.

All’s well that ends well, that’s all I’m going to say. If you are a fan of slapstick mystery, Columba, the roaring twenties… grab yourself a copy of this little ditty, I think you’ll approve. I caution that you read the first book if you haven’t yet, otherwise you won’t understand or appreciate some important events and characters within this story.

Grab your pipes, pour yourself a glass of gin and sit back and enjoy Buck’s current comical caper, as he tries to solve the mystery of the Disappearing Divas! And try hard not to get caught with his pants down by his boyfriends dad again either.

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