Hiya guys, we have Alina Popescu popping in today with the tour for her newest release Strength to Let Go, a paranormal story with a difference! We have a great excerpt, a fantastic giveaway and we also have Leigh’s review for you to check out, so enjoy the post and click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~
Strength to Let Go
(Tales of the Werewolf Tribes 01)
by
Alina Popescu
After being abandoned by his mates, Shiki Kirishima, beta of the Dragons of the Fang werewolf tribe, returns to his home in Tokyo.
Crippled by grief, Shiki decides to end it all by going into the territory of the Siberian Killers tribe and challenging them to a battle to the death.
His death.
Ganzorig, beta of the Siberian Killers, however, sees the potentially disastrous consequences of having Shiki die in battle.
Instead, he saves him.
Having suffered loss himself, Ganz takes it upon himself to help Shiki deal with his pain.
Blake, Shiki’s best friend since childhood, is as determined to show him there is life after a wolf’s ultimate loss.
Could there also be something ‘more’ for them after friendship?
Title: Remember Him Series: The Amsel Clan, # 1 Author: Kazy Reed Genre: Paranormal/ Vampires Length: Novel (171 pages) Publisher: Extasy Books (August 1, 2015) Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts Blurb: Will the bond of blood outweigh the passions of the heart?
While sketching the Temple of Dendur, graduate student Carter Denwright meets—and is seduced by—a powerful vampire by the name of Alder. Though they were once kept secret from the human world, now everyone knows of their existence. Blinded by mistaken feelings for Alder, Carter allows himself to be drawn into his life. Too late, he realizes two things: one, Alder is vicious and cruel, and two, Carter’s true love is Alder’s brother, Freyr.
The attraction between Carter and Freyr is strong, but they must fight this feeling or face the wrath of Alder. Despite their best efforts, Alder discovers the truth, and punishes Carter, hiding him from Freyr in a cruel game of cat and mouse.
Freyr is not as strong as his brother, but he vows that he will find Carter again and will stop at nothing to get him back. Carter, caught in Alder’s cruel grip, commits an act of desperation that will change all their lives forever. The question is: can Freyr find Carter, and is the bond between him and Carter enough to break Alder’s hold and spoil his plans to ruin them both?
Review: An awesome story that portrays the lives of two vampire brothers Alder and Freyr. Both different as night and day and the human caught between them, Carter. Alder was very controlling and evil in my opinion. The thing this man put human through was horrifying. I wanted to seriously hurt him for all the pain he caused Carter. His evil plans and the revelation of things past that he had a hand in left me stunned speechless.
Freyr was the complete opposite of his brother. Sweet at times and kind. When he sees Carter he knows he wants him. I found it so sweet that Freyr tried his best to make Carter happy no matter the cost. He was truly a knight in shining armor when Carter needed him the most at times.
The rest of Freyr’s crew were strong and sure of themselves yet funny in a way I didn’t expect. There were some amusing scenes that had me laughing. There was such a unique blend of cultures in the story that I was amazed. I hope to see more of them in future books with a little more detail about each of them.
Amazing and beautiful details of the artifacts and countryside in Germany as well as the castle itself made me feel like I was actually there seeing it with my own eyes. The artifacts and pieces that Freyr had accumulated over his long life amazed me. I loved the details surrounding some of them even though some of the artifacts Alder had were macabre in there display I still enjoyed reading about them.
This book is the perfect blend of drama, action, adventure, mystery and love. It was well written and immediately grabs your attention from the start drawing you into the story until you have to finish it to find out what happens. I highly recommend this fantastic book it is a must read for everyone. I am looking forward to what other stunning story the author has in store for the next book.
Fantastic read with some hot sex to spice things up that set the pages on fire. I absolutely loved this book. * I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Knave of Broken Hearts Series: Love in the Laguna, #2 Author: Tara Lain Genre: Contemporary Length: Novel (224 pages) Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC (August 3rd, 2015) Heat Level: Moderate/Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.25 Hearts Blurb: Jim Carney has a full-time job—running from himself. Since he walked out on his wealthy family at sixteen because he’d wrecked his best friend’s life over some yaoi graphic novels, Jim has lived a macho, blue-collar existence of too much booze and too little responsibility.
Then Billy Ballew, the man Jim most admires, gives Jim a chance to come through as his construction supervisor. For once, Jim is determined to make someone proud. Then Jim goes in for a physical for his new job and his yaoi dream comes to life in the form of cardiologist Ken Tanaka.
Jim discovers he has two heart problems—a wonky mitral valve and a serious attraction to his doctor. But Ken is a major player, and Jim might be just a notch on the doc’s stethoscope. To Ken, Jim is unforgettable—but the living embodiment of his traditional family’s worst nightmares.
How come the minute Jim decides to be responsible, he finds himself taking care of his kid brother, getting a proposal from a wealthy woman, making a deal with the devil, and winding up in the hospital—when all he really wants is the Knave of Broken Hearts?
Review: This book is part of a series and I recommend it to be read in order, because many characters from the first book are present in this one as well. I liked this book a lot more than I liked the first one, and that one was pretty good to start with.
I was looking forward to Ru’s story, so imagine my surprise when I realized I wasn’t going to get it this time around. This is Jim’s story; remember Jim from Love in the Laguna? He was very supportive of Billy and I liked him; in this book we get to know him very well. He’s a closeted man, to the point where he fools himself on a daily basis when it comes to his sexual preferences. I must admit he became aggravating at times in his determination to not accept his sexuality, and I might have felt the urge to smack him around.
Ken Tanaka is the sexy Asian doctor who takes care of Jim’s heart; he was my favorite character! I have a weakness for pretty Asian characters and Ken definitely is both. The chemistry between him and Jim is pretty easy to see, although if you’re looking forward to steamy, intense, melt-your-brains sex you might be a little disappointed. We do get the sex, but the steam factor is affected in a negative way by the constant humor and by Jim’s issues.
Whoa! Did I just complain about humor? But I love humor in my books! In this case humor was both a good thing and a bad thing. You know that invisible line when it comes to humor, which when crossed, makes a book too silly and less intense? That’s exactly how I felt about it. The sex had the possibility to melt by brains, but it was too silly and it felt short. Even so, this book was a solid 4.5 to 5 stars….until we got to the end.
The last two chapters were too cheesy, too silly and hard to believe. A very traditional Japanese mother MIGHT accept her son is gay, but she still insists on marrying Ken the traditional way to a husband of her own choice. Except all of a sudden at the end, she’s impressed with Jim, but not because of his shiny personality of his great quality of life. She came across as a materialistic, socialite, selfish person and I didn’t like her at all.
But hey, next book IS going to be Ru’s book and I’m so excited to read it! Is it here yet? * I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Hi guys, we have Annabeth Albert stopping by now with her newest release Treble Maker, we have a great excerpt, a fantastic giveaway and we have reviews from Aerin & Cat! So enjoy the post and click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~
Treble Maker
(Perfect Harmony 01)
by
Annabeth Albert
On Perfect Harmony, the ambitious competitors heat things up on stage and off…
Cody Rivers is determined to be a rock star, but couch-surfing between bar shows gets old fast. Joining an a cappella group for a new singing competition show could be his last chance at real fame—unless the college boy from the heart of the country messes it up for him. Lucas Norwood is everything gothy, glittery Cody is not—conservative, clean-cut, and virginal. But when a twist in the show forces them together, even the sweetest songs get steamy as the attraction between them lights up the stage. Lucas wants to take it slow, but Cody’s singing a different tune—and this time it may be a love song…
Hiya guys, we have Victoria Sue popping in today with her newest release Broken Circles, I asked Sue a couple of questions, there’s a great excerpt, we have a brilliant giveaway and we have Leigh’s review. So check out the post and click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~
Broken Circles
(Sirius’ Wolves 02)
by
Victoria Sue
Blaze, the most powerful werewolf on the planet has found his omega, Aden. Together with Conner and Darric they finally become true mates, fulfilling an ancient prophecy by the goddess Sirius and forming Orion’s Circle. The battle against the terrorist group, the Winter Circle, has begun.
Blaze, however, is fighting his own battle. Aden is due to birth a child, and despite Blaze’s six hundred years of being an Alpha, nothing has prepared him for his hardest challenge yet — how to become a father. His struggles are hurting the people he loves the most and threatening their bond.
The madman who kidnapped and tortured Aden still hasn’t been caught, and when the worst happens and their circle is broken, Blaze has to fight his biggest threat yet – his own inner weakness – an enemy against which his Alpha strength will be useless. Blaze has to learn that true strength is only found in forgiveness, and sometimes the most powerful weapon is love.
Hi peeps, we have Jon Keys stopping by with his newest release Spurred On, we have a great excerpt and a fantastic giveaway so enjoy the post and click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~
Spurred On
by
Jon Keys
Kegan’s new stepfather and stepbrothers are out to make his life miserable. Between the bullying and being overworked, he’s nearly at his wit’s end. When his mother leaves on an annual cattle buying trip for the ranch, he’s determined to suffer through. He must, if he expects to protect her like he promised his dying father.
When the family of a young man he’s been infatuated with holds a rodeo, Kegan can’t see a way he can compete. Not until a mystical medicine hat stallion walks into his life. It’s not long before they are the talk, and mystery, of the rodeo.
The only thing more daunting than keeping his identity secret is how Kegan is going to balance all this with his draw to the man of his dreams. Will Cole end up being his magical prince, or is Kegan going to find himself left in the dust?
Hi guys, we have K.J. Charles visiting today with her upcoming release A Fashionable Indulgence, we have a great excerpt and a fantastic giveaway so check out the post and click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~
A Fashionable Indulgence
(A Society of Gentlemen 01)
by
K.J. Charles
In the first novel of an explosive new series from K. J. Charles, a young gentleman and his elegant mentor fight for love in a world of wealth, power, and manipulation.
When he learns that he could be the heir to an unexpected fortune, Harry Vane rejects his past as a Radical fighting for government reform and sets about wooing his lovely cousin. But his heart is captured instead by the most beautiful, chic man he’s ever met: the dandy tasked with instructing him in the manners and style of the ton. Harry’s new station demands conformity—and yet the one thing he desires is a taste of the wrong pair of lips.
After witnessing firsthand the horrors of Waterloo, Julius Norreys sought refuge behind the luxurious facade of the upper crust. Now he concerns himself exclusively with the cut of his coat and the quality of his boots. And yet his protégé is so unblemished by cynicism that he inspires the first flare of genuine desire Julius has felt in years. He cannot protect Harry from the worst excesses of society. But together they can withstand the high price of passion.
Title: Treble Maker Series: Perfect Harmony, 01 Author: Annabeth Albert Genre: Contemporary Length: Novel (285 pages) Publisher: Kensington: Lyrical Shine (August 4th 2015) Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating:♥♥♥♥♥ 4 3/4 Hearts (combined) Blurb: On Perfect Harmony, the ambitious competitors heat things up on stage and off…
Cody Rivers is determined to be a rock star, but couch-surfing between bar shows gets old fast. Joining an a cappella group for a new singing competition show could be his last chance at real fame—unless the college boy from the heart of the country messes it up for him.
Lucas Norwood is everything gothy, glittery Cody is not—conservative, clean-cut, and virginal. But when a twist in the show forces them together, even the sweetest songs get steamy as the attraction between them lights up the stage. Lucas wants to take it slow, but Cody’s singing a different tune—and this time it maybe a love song
Not only is this a great book but the cover is awesome as well.
I am going to keep the rundown short as the blurb above captures the story nicely. Basically Cody’s agent got him a gig on a hit TV an acapella show. His group is him and four other friends of his. Cody only does one night stands and does what he has to do to keep a roof over his head. If that means a blowjob with a producer then so be it.
Lucas is out as gay, but his school has an abstinence contract. Lucas believes sex should only be between married couples be they gay or straight. His group doesn’t last long but a twist puts him in Cody’s group.
I can safely say I loved this story, thought I haven’t read one of Anna Beth’s I haven’t fell in love with.
Cody and Luca’s characters were very unique and complimented each other so well. The story line reminded me a bit of a fanfiction for TV program and was like reading the show instead of watching, but I found that quite fun. There is a lot of camaraderie, fun flirting, tears, and some pretty hot sex scenes.
You may think this is a predictable romance, I picked it up figuring it was but sometimes I need to know what I am getting. There were a couple twists and some things didn’t turn out like I thought they would. It is a great story with a happy ending and a little bait for the next book which I can’t wait for
If you are looking for the perfect summer read on a hot day. Grab this, curl up under the air conditioning with a cool glass of your favorite beverage and enjoy a sweet, sexy romance.
If you like new adult, coming of age, acapella music, and a sweet and sexy romance I highly recommend this!
Aerin’s Review: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4.5 Hearts
I love it when an author gets better and better, and Mrs. Albert definitely does. This is a bit different from her previous MM books, but I liked it a lot! I can honestly say Treble Maker is my favorite book written by her to date.
The plot of this story is a talent/musical/acapella competition which seemed real and was entertaining, while not taking the focus away from the romance between Lucas and Cody. Lucas and Cody start off as “enemies” of some sort, both members of different acapella groups. They are as different from each other as night is from day.
Cody is everything virginal, wholesome, innocent Lucas isn’t: a promiscuous man, with a rock star Goth sex appeal, sure of himself and set to reach his ultimate goal. I really liked the differences between them, and I especially loved the bad boy corrupts the innocent virgin theme.
Both main characters are complex and interesting, and we certainly get to know them both very well. Their romance felt real to me, nothing was overdone, and Lucas’s family drama was well written without making it seem trashy. The secondary characters are also complex, not to mention different.
We have the petty drama and cattiness a competition like this brings forward. There’s some backstabbing and betrayal that inadvertently makes an appearance in situations like this. But everything rang true and it didn’t overshadow the plot. I liked and got annoyed by many of the secondary characters, and mostly I found things to love and get mad over within the same characters.
One thing I really liked was the sex between Lucas and Cody. It was hot, intense and the connection between them was always there. I think the fact that Lucas was a virgin and all his sexual experiences with Cody were new to him, made the sex scenes even more intense. The HEA put a big sappy smile on my face and it felt very satisfying.
I can’t wait to see what this author has in store for us next. I’d definitely love to read Trevor’s story.
Title: Big Man on the Campus Series: Campus Cravings, #20 Author: Carol Lynne Genre: Contemporary/ Interracial Length: Novella (80 pages) Publisher: Pride Publishing (Aug 4th, 2015) Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts Blurb: What happens when the man you think you want isn’t the man you need?
After his high school sweetheart breaks up with him, Benny Allenbrand arrives at college intent on winning back Chase. Unfortunately, Chase isn’t speaking to him, forcing Benny to seek comfort elsewhere.
Jamie Whitmore is the son of a conservative senator from Connecticut, and on his own after coming out to his father. His life is messy enough without falling in lust with a six-foot-seven football player who happens to be in love with another man.
What starts out as a purely physical relationship between Benny and Jamie soon has both men embroiled in political controversy. Will the media coverage tear them apart or bring them together?
Reader Advisory: This book contains some racist language.
Review: Benny heads off to college determined to win back his high-school sweetheart Chase whom has dumped him for an older man. Benny is sure once Chase sees how well toned up he is now and is seeing him on the field regularly he will be ready to take him back.
Jamie is the son of a senator that hasn’t been happy. He finally decides to dome out and pursue his degree in potter instead of political science. When his father wants him to join him to help him win over what his father calls ‘his peers’ Jamie refuses. Knowing he will be cut off he stays in his professor’s pool house waiting for a room to open. He sees Benny at the local bar and is interested right away but Benny makes it clear it is sex only until he wins Chase back.
I liked this story. It brings back some characters from Cattle Valley. It is cool seeing the kid’s from there growing up into men and dealing with new problems. I even liked the cockiness of Benny and felt sorry for him knowing he didn’t stand a chance with Chase. There were times I wanted to knock the crap out of him but his actions were true to an 18-year-old football player.
I really liked Jamie and felt sorry for him a lot. I felt the two were a perfect balance and I liked the small twists that kept the story interesting. And in true Carole Lynn style it is very sexy!
I will say I felt the epilogue was a bit rushed, but I did like seeing how the story ended!
If you like college football players, pottery, interracial romances, a touch of drama and some very hot man-sex this is for you!
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Blind Ride, 2nd edition Series: Roughstock 01 Author: B. A. Tortuga Genre: Contemporary Western Romance Length: Novella (137 pages) Publisher: August 4th, 2015 by Pride Publishing Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts Blurb: Jason Scott has everything a bull rider wants: success, money and traveling partner, Andy Baxter. When he loses his sight in an accident, he stands to lose it all.
Jason Scott is at the top of the bull-riding game, on his way to a winning season. Along with his traveling partner, Andy Baxter, he’s riding hard on the circuit, working around the country with all of the other bull riders and bull fighters, living the good life.
The only thing he wishes he had is Bax, but he’s afraid to take the step that would make them more than friends, worried it will ruin everything.
When a terrible accident leaves Jason unable to see, his whole life goes south. Jason decides to chuck it all, determined to go home and hide at his momma’s ranch. Bax has other ideas. He wants to make sure his best friend doesn’t give up, and he hatches a plan that stuns Jason and makes their friends and family think he’s crazy.
With the help of the other bull riders and a very persistent bull fighter named Coke, Bax convinces Jason to give life one more try. With Jason cautiously learning to hope, and his relationship with Bax going to the next level, life gets pretty complicated.
Everyone gets in on the project, from Jason’s strong-willed mother to an entire ranch full of children, all of them working to help Jason do what he loves.
Publisher’s Note: This book was previously published elsewhere. It has been revised and re-edited for release with Totally Bound.
Review: After a tragic accident Jason is afraid he will lose more than his eyesight. Jason hides at his moms ranch hoping that his eyesight will return so he can get back to work and be with Bax more.
Bax worries about losing Jason and does all he can to convince Jason not to give up.
This is a very emotional story. There is a lot of angst and it gets a little dark at one point when Jason decides to give up.
I loved the love between these two men even though the first half of the book they were merely very close friends.
The story is written in both men’s view and I love that. I loved the internal thoughts where we saw from the beginning both men wanted more. The actual sex isn’t until the middle of the book, then it seems to really take over the story.
The story tugged at my heartstrings quite a bit. The first half hoping they would finally act on their feelings and then when Jason got injured.
I did wish there had been a little more physical description. I did see that Jason was a very small man in contrast to Bax with the nicknames Bax used, but I never could picture these men in my mind. Another thing was the abrupt ending of the story which I am hoping just means it will pick up in the next book.
If you like cowboys, rodeos, Bull-riders, friends to lovers, determination and some pretty hot man-sex this is for you.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Playing for Keeps Series: Glasgow Lads, #2 Author: Avery Cockburn Genre: Contemporary/Sports Length: Novel (327 pages) Publisher: Avery Cockburn (17 June 2015) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts Blurb: Rule One: No Drama!
Fergus Taylor is damaged goods. Reeling from a brutal breakup, he’s determined to captain his LGBT soccer team out of scandal and into a winning season. For that, he needs strict rules and careful plans. He does NOT need a brash, muscle-bound lad messing with his head and setting his body afire.
John Burns has a rule of his own: Don’t get attached. Boyfriends are for guys with nothing to hide. Nobody—not his university mates, not the men he beds—knows his family’s shame. Now his double life is starting to unravel, thanks to a certain Highlander whose storm-riddled eyes turn John inside out, who wears a kilt like he was born in it.
Fergus is the first man John wants to share his secret with—but he’s the last man who could handle it. John knows the truth would shatter Fergus’s still-fragile heart. But how can he live a lie when he’s falling in love?
Note: The Glasgow Lads series contains dirty talk with a Scottish accent, naughty bits of a gay nature, and characters who call soccer “football.” Approximately 95,000 words/325 pages
– Play On (novella), May 2015 – Playing for Keeps, June 2015 – Playing to Win, September 18, 2015 – Play It Safe (short story), November 2015 – Playing with Fire, January 2016
Review: This is my first book I’ve read by Avery Cockburn and OMG, I loved it. Playing for Keeps is the first book of the Glasgow Lads series. It is actually shown on Goodreads as book 1 but there is a prequel, as it is though Playing for Keeps can be read as a standalone book.
Okay, I’m going to admit bias on my part. I love a Scotsman, I love reading the Scottish brogue – Highlander or Lowlander, I won’t discriminate. And like many readers/viewers of Outlander, I am suffering a severe lack of Jamie Fraser so anything Scottish is appealing to me.
Onto the actual story, the Glasgow Lads series follows a LGBT friendly soccer club (obviously) in Glasgow which means that it is an almost entirely gay/lesbian/trans team which is playing in just a normal soccer league. I like this because it seems to be a greater celebration of diversity than basing the stories in a purely LGBT league. It’s just guys, for the most part, being guys and having fun.
The team captain is Fergus. He’s only new to position and he’s intent on the team winning. After a horrible breakup he’s channelling all his energy into the team and an upcoming charity match. This is how he meets John Burns (though I kept thinking of the poet Robert Burns the entire time!). John is at university and works with a local charity that aims for equality. It’s John that is going to help the club organise their charity event. But John doesn’t want a boyfriend despite being attracted to Fergus because he has many dark secrets.
If that was just the entire plot, the story would be very different to what it really is. This is because John’s secrets are not entirely simple. Not only do we get a wonderful story of John and Fergus getting to know each other. Fergus has to do his own fair share of healing as the guys prepare for the charity match. Fergus is feisty but he is an absolute sweetheart, he seems to be the perfect counter balance to John’s more brash ways after you go past his secrets.
Fergus is the type of character that I think is absolutely adorable and yet I know that if he were real he would be pissed off to know.
However, it is John’s side of the story that is most intriguing. We get a bit of a basic guided tour of Scots nationalism and how proud the nation is. Certain parts of country are more proud of particular historical events, and then throw into this the savage rivalry between football teams.
For me it was fascinating to read since I had a vague knowledge of some of the historical events referenced – the continual fights between Protestants and Catholics (Papists) probably the most obvious.
I really loved this book and it should appeal to a number of different tastes. This is first and foremost a sport-based romance. Add into that anyone who, like me, loves just about anything Scottish. If you can’t read the Scots brogue, this would be a difficult read, there is a lot of dinna, aye, ye, ken, etc. that may prove a bit difficult for us sassenachs. Also people who have at least an interest in Scottish history will probably also like John’s part of the story, much like I did.
In short: I really, really, really, really, need to read the rest of this series.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Rite of Summer Series: Treading the Boards, #1 Author: Tess Bowery Genre: Historical Length: Novel (304 pages) Publisher: Samhain Publishing (2 June 2015) Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts Blurb:There are terrors worse than stage fright. Like falling in love.
Violinist Stephen Ashbrook is passionate about three things—his music, the excitement of life in London, and his lover, Evander Cade. It’s too bad that Evander only loves himself. A house party at their patron’s beautiful country estate seems like a chance for Stephen to remember who he is, when he’s not trying to live up to someone else’s harsh expectations.
Joshua Beaufort, a painter whose works are very much in demand among the right sort of people, has no expectations about this party at all. Until, that is, he finds out who else is on the guest list. Joshua swore off love long ago, but has been infatuated with Stephen since seeing his brilliant performance at Vauxhall. Now he has the chance to meet the object of his lust face to face—and more.
But changing an open relationship to a triad is a lot more complicated than it seems, and while Evander’s trying to climb the social ladder, Stephen’s trying to climb Joshua. When the dust settles, only two will remain standing…when they’re not flat on their backs.
Product Warnings Contents under pressure. Contains three men, two beds, one erotic piercing, and the hottest six weeks of summer the nineteenth century has ever seen.
Review: Rite of Summer is the first book in Tess Bowery’s series, Treading the Boards. As far as I can tell, not only is this the first book but the second book appears to totally unrelated to this story.
The story introduces long-term lovers, composer Evander Cade, and violinist Stephen Ashbrook. Stephen and Evander are supported by Evander’s patron, a duke, who made it clear from the start that Stephen and Evander were a package deal. That’s great for musicians in London who would otherwise be struggling.
Yet, that is not entirely true.
Stephen seems to have his own connections in London and other prospects if he weren’t exclusively only playing Evander’s music. Evander is a very controlling presence and from the start you can tell that something needs to happen between these guys because the control seems to border on abuse. While at a house party their benefactor is hosting, the couple meet Joshua Beaufort. He’s an extraordinarily talented artist and his Society benefactor is in fact a cousin.
The attraction between the men is almost instantaneous (even if some people seem a tad bit distracted at times). The best part is, I suppose, depends on how you look at it, but the blurb tell us ultimately what to expect. Only two of the men are going to remain standing, the question is which two men of the trio are going to end out together?
The plot is very simple and felt as though the characters were just let loose, letting the pieces fall where they will. Which, for the most part, is how a lot of the most enjoyable books are written or, at least, this is how it feels like they have been written. The characters are wonderfully written, though I think Evander in particular could have had more details/development.
Stephen is a great character, in many ways he is the primary of the three main characters. He goes through a bit of a roller coaster through the story and generally learns a lot of valuable lessons along the way. The same could be said for Joshua, who joins (in more ways than one) an already long-established couple. However, like Evander, there were times where he could have done with a bit more of something.
I apologise, I really can’t put my finger on what I felt was missing when it comes to these guys. But I suspect a lot of it is because a majority of the story is from Stephen’s side.
Anyone who likes a historical MM story will no doubt enjoy this, especially those of us that like the whole Georgian/Victorian eras of English history. An exact year is not specified but we are either at the start of the French Revolution, or a couple of decades later around the height of the Napoleonic Wars. I like how the author put in a bit of a dose of reality as to how homosexuality was treated at that point in history, including the laws of both England and France at the time.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Hawaiian Vacation Sunset Concept, Two Beach Chairs at Sunset
Title: Love Come True Series: A Touch of Love Author: Shaye Evans Genre: Contemporary Length: Short (35 pages) Publisher: Dark Hollow Press (February 13th, 2015) Heat Level: Low Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts Blurb: Australian country boy Dean West grew up on a farm and as a result, he’s never had a Valentine. He hates secluded land and craves the freedom he has dreamed of – surfing and living on the coast – ever since his first visit at age eleven on one of his parent’s rare getaway holidays.
When his parents decide to holiday on the North Coast again, Dean decides to make the most of it by making some of his dreams, albeit temporarily, come true. First, he takes a dawn run along the beach and that’s where he meets Riley, a pro surfer who he feels instantly drawn to.
Sharing their mutual love of surfing, Dean and Riley begin to explore the attraction between them, but what will happen when the trip is cut short and Dean has to go home early? Will he spend another Valentine’s Day alone and unhappy, or will another one of his dreams come true?
Review: This is a short and sweet story of an Aussie country boy who longs for the surf and just about everything else the coast has to offer.
Dean is an eighteen year old from country Victoria and absolutely adores the fact he is on holiday at the beach with his parents. Doesn’t quite so adore the fact it’s only for a couple of days. Add in the fact that he has yet to come out to his parents… he’s got a complicated life. One day on the beach he meets Riley, he’s a young up and coming surfer and the two just click.
For the length that this story is, it is quite a good and enjoyable story. Part of me wishes there could be more words devoted to these guys because I couldn’t say that their attraction was smouldering or sizzling, it was definitely cute and has a lot of room for potential.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Grenzen Series: Love in Germany Author: Chris McHart Genre: Contemporary/BDSM Length: Novella (86 pages) Publisher: MLR Press (5 Dec 2014) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts Blurb: What do you do if the Dom you love is half a world away?
When work requires Ryan to leave behind warm and sunny Arizona for cold and snowy Germany, he decides to visit the famous Nuremberg Christmas Market where he meets sexy Julian.
But Julian isn’t an average guy, he’s a Dom. And he wants Ryan to be his sub.
That’s something Ryan has dreamt of, but never admitted to anyone, not even himself. With Julian it suddenly becomes possible.
But what happens once Ryan has to go home, especially since he’s developing feelings for Julian?
There isn’t a future for a relationship if you’re half a world apart…
Review: This is a delightfully short novella is the first book in Chris McHart’s Love in Germany series. It also happens to be a hot BDSM-themed Christmas story. Note: since this book was released eight months ago, I looked up and could not find out any more on this series although the author has various works in progress.
The story is told from the POV of Ryan. He is sent to Germany to work and while there falls in love with Julian, who meets at a market. The attraction is instant and it’s hot. Julian also happens to be a Dom, and Ryan is more than willing to be his sub.
Both characters are likable and it’s difficult not to feel Ryan’s highs and lows between meeting Julian and then having to return to the states. I feel that we’ve only just got a small taste of the passion that these two characters are capable of. At first Julian is so unassuming that I was finding it difficult to see him as a Dom, but he just fits the role perfectly.
It doesn’t have to be Christmas to enjoy reading this one. It’s hot and it’s a bit of fun too. If you like your BDSM, you’ll like it. But the characters are so damn relatable and I think it’s because they start off quite ordinary and unassuming.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Handsome bearded young man sitting wearing leather jacket on naked torso outdoors in urban environment
Title: Hard at Work Series: N/A Author: Tavish Lee Genre: Contemporary Length: Short (31 Pages) Publisher: Dark Hollows Press (November 4th 2014) Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥ 2 Hearts Blurb: Four red-hot tales of men who love to mix business and pleasure. Arcades, convenience stores, and run-down gas stations in the middle of nowhere might seem like dead-end jobs, but the guys who work there know how to give service with a smile and satisfy their customers every time!
Review: Well if you like porn then this is the book for you. It is a very hot little story but there is no real story here just guys that screw up at work and get screwed by their bosses. Well in the last story it is just a guy going for gas, however they are very hot.
I was a bit disappointed in it, but must say that it will get you hot and bothered that is for sure.
I can’t really go into details about the stories without giving them away, but if you are into porn books then this is the one for you.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Against the Grain Series: THIRDS, #5 Author: Charlie Cochet Genre: Paranormal/Suspense Length: Novel (220 pages) Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (August 3rd 2015) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts Blurb: As the fiercest Defense Agent at the THIRDS, Destructive Delta’s Ash Keeler is foul-mouthed and foul-tempered. But his hard-lined approach always yields results, evident by his recent infiltration of the Coalition. Thanks to Ash’s skills and the help of his team, they finally put an end to the murdering extremist group for good, though not before Ash takes a bullet to save teammate Cael Maddock. As a result, Ash’s secrets start to surface, and he can no longer ignore what’s in his heart.
Cael Maddock is no stranger to heartache. As a Recon Agent for Destructive Delta, he has successfully maneuvered through the urban jungle that is New York City, picking up his own scars along the way. Yet nothing he’s ever faced has been more of a challenge than the heart of Ash Keeler, his supposedly straight teammate. Being in love isn’t the only danger he and Ash face as wounds reopen and new secrets emerge, forcing them to question old loyalties.
Review: Ash Keeler and Cael Maddock have been partners and best friends for years, but lately, the mechanics of their relationship is shifting. Cael has been in love with Ash for almost as long as they’ve been friends, but he’s kept those feelings buried, believing his partner to be straight. When Cael’s life was threatened on their last mission, he decided not to go down without a fight and admitted his true feelings to Ash.
And as luck would have it, the feelings seemed to be mutual. But now Ash is pulling away and closing himself off again. Cael realizes he may forever be pining for a man who is incapable of returning the love, but if he has to wait forever, he will.
Ash is determined to keep Cael out of harm’s way and admitting his feelings for his partner means Ash’s enemies could use his love for Cael against him, possibly hurt the Cheetah shifter. That’s not all of it though; Ash doesn’t know how to handle his constantly changing emotions or how to deal with possible backlash from admitting he is gay. Not to mention the Supervisor over their current case seems to have secrets of her own, secrets that could get them all killed.
When Ash, Sloane and Hobbs are kidnapped in a hi-jacking gone wrong and Calvin is critically injured; Cael, Dex and the team will stop at nothing, risk everything to ensure the men they love are found. But there is still a danger to Cael, a threat from his past is somehow woven into the twisted mess they are trying to resolve and even if they find their missing team members and bring them home, will Ash and Cael ultimately loose one another regardless?
I thoroughly enjoyed watching Ash completely out of his element. He is large and in charge and used to being in control in every aspect of his life. But love is this psychotic, insane mix of emotions that you have to bend and flow with, you can’t control it, so Ash is having a little trouble with that aspect. It’s a constant push and pull between him and Cael, two steps forward, three steps back. And as frustrated as Cael is with it, he actually tells Ash at one point he’s so crazy stupid in love with him that he will probably continue to put up with the pain it causes him every time Ash pulls away indefinitely.
There is so much more going on under the surface though, Ash and Cael’s relationship drama is just the tip of the sword. The team is starting to wonder who is on the take and who they can trust. Calvin and Hobbs are having issues where those two usually have an unwavering confidence. Then there is the issue with Sloane looing control of his animal, more than once. To say their attention is stretched is an understatement, as they try to prioritize the decision is taken out of their hands with the hi-jacking and subsequent kidnapping.
I love this series and I love that with every question that is answered, another arises. Lots of potential for so many scenarios to play themselves out in the upcoming stories in this series. Personally, I’m anxiously awaiting Calvin and Hobbs story. I can’t wait to see how they navigate the rough relationship waters that both Ash and Sloane have succumbed to.
If you enjoy deeply intricate plot lines, well woven story lines and kick ass characters with real world problems then this is a must read for you. Lest I forget to mention the oh so sexy collection of alpha males that like to flare their nostrils and pretend they are in charge while their better half has them by the balls.
In a fun, sweaty, sexy sort of way.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Hi peeps, we have Victoria Zagar popping in with her upcoming release The Camp, we have a great excerpt of this young adult story and there’s a brilliant giveaway. So peeps enjoy the post and click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~
The Camp
by
Victoria Zagar
Jesse Harvan comes home from school one day to find his parents have discovered the gay pornographic magazine hidden under his bed. Disgusted, they decide to send Jesse to Camp Grady, a summer camp which prides itself on converting people’s sexuality.
Once at the camp, Jesse meets the other inmates: Charlie, a disabled African-American gay teenager, Natalie, a transgender girl, her sister Lita, Japanese lesbian Sakura, and last of all, Minister Grady’s son Jacob, who works for the camp under duress. These teens must learn to bridge their differences and get along if they’re to beat their common enemy and keep their identities–and sanity–intact.
Title: The Alpha’s Mate Series: Peyton City, #4 Author: E.A. Reynolds Genre: Contemporary/Paranormal/ Shape-shifter Length: Novella (126 Pages) Publisher: Siren/Bookstrand Publishing (July 29, 2015) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts Blurb: Valentine Voss wasn’t looking for love, but it slams into him hard and fast during a time of conflict that is tearing his people apart. Voss can claim Colby and expose him to even more danger than he’s in already or enjoy him as a lover.
Colby Summers is a snow panther, and an undercover agent for the Order. When he meets Voss everything inside him recognizes the alpha as his. Colby knows what it’s like to fight for survival, now he’s ready to put his heart on the line and claim the one man who was made for him.
Around them the enemy plots to destroy their race with a deadly toxin. With death just a heartbeat away and love a searing brand on his soul, Colby’s willing to risk everything to unlock the secrets of his past that hold the cure to save the future for his mate.
Review: Each book in the Peyton City collection features a different romantic couple. To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, I would recommend reading the series in sequential order.
Now this is the fourth book in this series and I must admit there is quite a bit of confusion at first and darkness that doesn’t work well. It has a mixture of actions that makes it a bit hard to follow. There are so many characters. That also makes it a bit hard. I am never sure of who is good and who is bad. Nor do I truly understand where they are headed.
Now that doesn’t last throughout the whole book but is questionable all the way around. However with all of that, I can tell you that it doesn’t take away from my having a blast with this book.
Voss is basically the alpha of two prides that I can tell and there is a war going on. He is surprised by a sexy panther that shows up and turns out to be his mate. All he is trying to do is to keep his people safe and now he is trying to keep his little mate safe. Boy is he in for a big surprise.
Colby is an assassin and works for the lions. However he is not a lion and is holding back a lot of truths. He is in fact a snow panther and works undercover for the Order. He is trying to stop the war and the toxins that will kill them all. What he can’t figure out is why he is so damn attracted to Voss but he knows he will do everything he can to keep him safe.
It is a damn good story, but to truly follow it you have to start with the first book. Even having read it I was a bit lost because it had been a few weeks since I had read the last book. However I had a blast reading it and look forward to the next book. It gave me almost everything I could want in a story. And it might have been dark and a bit confusing but I could not take my eyes off of the story. I had fun reading it.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Double Cross Series: N/A Author: Shannon West Genre: Romantic Suspense Length: Novella (103 Pages) Publisher: Dark Hollows Press (July 23, 2015) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3.5 to 4Black Hearts Blurb: When F.B.I. agent Ryan Tucker gets the job of escorting a federal witness to court in D.C., he thinks it’s just another boring case on his downhill slide from the top. And then the fireworks start.
In Miami, the alcoholic and mediocre F.B.I. agent is assigned to bring the witness Jackson O’Malley from Miami to Atlanta for what promises to be a minor federal trial. Tucker travels there to find that Jackson is an intelligent, belligerent and gorgeous young man who tells him the odds are against his ever showing up in court alive.
Tucker learns Jackson will actually be testifying against a Colombian drug cartel, but there’s one serious problem. It’s his twin brother Dylan who saw the murder and Jackson never saw anything. After a serious and almost successful attempt on their lives at the airport in Miami, Tucker learns that someone in the F.B.I. doesn’t care who Jackson is. They simply want him dead, and think that Tucker is expendable as well. Not knowing who they can trust, Tucker and Jackson find a car and start driving toward Georgia and the federal judge familiar with the case.
Somewhere during that long, dangerous drive, they both learn face the truth about themselves and those they trust, as well as their own inner strengths. With everyone out to get them, they’re forced to rely on instinct and ingenuity if they are going to make it to out of this thing alive.
Review: This is not the first book that I have read written by Shannon but it is the first romantic suspense. It comes off very dark and a bit too wild for me. I didn’t much care for it, even though the characters were a blast.
Jackson would do everything and anything for his twin Dylan. That included getting him out of trouble that would definitely get him killed. He just hadn’t expected to spend three days in jail, or the unexpected surprise of the FBI.
Ryan had lost his wife a little over two years ago, but he continues to feel guilty. So when he was asked by his boss to bring back a witness, he was surprised but willing. He just hadn’t expected to actually like the guy he was sent to get, nor the danger that was waiting. It would seem that Jackson was not the only one with surprises.
After reading this I will definitely look at twins a bit different. There are a lot of surprises and twist to this story. Now it wasn’t my kind of story but I got to say it is a blast to read. There is no hint on who is behind it all and when the truth came out my jaw just dropped. It is a story that will definitely have you guessing, looking at all of the angles and a bit turned on. I would recommend reading this story.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: What’s Your Poison? Series: Blood Moon Pack Alliance, #5 Author: S.A. Welsh Genre: Paranormal/ Shape-shifter/ Vampire Length: Novella (83 Pages) Publisher: Extasy Books (July 30, 2015) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3 Hearts Blurb: Jackal shifter Jake has always had an affinity for the sciences, but Trevor’s toxic mixture is way beyond anything he’s had to deal with in the past. How can just one jackal find the answer? Stranger things had happened…a lone jackal living in a coven of vampires, for one.
After a long struggle, Jake has finally done it—he’s figured out the solution to the blood poisoning and the drugging smoke Trevor used to dose both sides of the Blood Moon Pack Alliance. Excited, he calls the three mated pairs he knows who will appreciate the find most, starting with the two vampire elders that took him in when he was lost and gave him a home.
But things aren’t always rosy. Just because others are getting their happy endings—or beginnings—doesn’t mean he is any closer to his own. In fact, he may be further away than ever before.
On the other hand, Elders Lavi and Van take great advantage of the new cure and take Jacko on a flight to remember, while Ashlock and Zeke get creative in a tattoo studio. Remy and Skylar take a very expensive shopping trip, and Micah and Rylan deal with the repercussions of the intense power spike from the alpha pair completing the bond.
Review: Each book in the Blood Moon Pack Alliance collection features a different romantic couple. To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, I would recommend reading the series in sequential order. There is nothing better than a good paranormal romance with two gorgeous men involved.
Jake is a pretty damn good scientist and has finally figured out how to fix the poison that has made it hard for the guys to mate. He is a bit scared of things from the way I read it but he has a great big heart. He knows who his mate is, but to bad his mate is an ass. The good news he has figured out how to help his friends with their problems.
This was the strangest book in this series. I mean other than the fact that Jake helped his friends, you get just a few pages of his own story. I am glad to hear about the others but not enough to like the story better. I was a bit disappointed in this book. It felt like instead of the series moving on, it went back a step. I can’t wait to see if the next book gives me what I want.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Remember Him
Title: Knave of Broken Hearts
Title: Big Man on the Campus
Title: Blind Ride, 2nd edition
Title: Playing for Keeps
Title: Rite of Summer
Title: Grenzen
Title: Against the Grain
Title: The Alpha’s Mate
Title: Double Cross
Title: What’s Your Poison?