Fire and Water by Andrew Grey Audiobook

Title: Fire and Water

Series: Carlisle Cops 01

Author: Andrew Grey

Narrator: Randy Fuller

Genre: Contemporary, Cops

Length: 6 hours, 33 minutes

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC (11^th March 2015)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Officer Red Markham knows about the ugly side of life after a car accident left him scarred and his parents dead. His job policing the streets of Carlisle, PA, only adds to the ugliness, and lately, drug overdoses have been on the rise. One afternoon, Red is dispatched to the local Y for a drowning accident involving a child. Arriving on site, he finds the boy rescued by lifeguard Terry Baumgartner. Of course, Red isn’t surprised when gorgeous Terry won’t give him and his ugly mug the time of day.

Overhearing one of the officer’s comments about him being shallow opens Terry’s eyes. Maybe he isn’t as kindhearted as he always thought. His friend Julie suggests he help those less fortunate by delivering food to the elderly. On his route he meets outspoken Margie, a woman who says what’s on her mind. Turns out, she’s Officer Red’s aunt.

Red and Terry’s worlds collide as Red tries to track the source of the drugs and protect Terry from an ex-boyfriend who won’t take no for an answer. Together they might discover a chance for more than they expected – if they can see beyond what’s on the surface.

Product Link: http://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Fiction/Fire-and-Water-Audiobook/B00UI528S4 | https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/fire-and-water-by-andrew-grey-1023-b

Reviewer: Prime

Review: Fire and Water is the first book in Andrew Grey’s Carlisle Cops series. For the sake of complete honesty, I have to admit that I forgot that I had actually read this book (which is odd because I have read the series). However, the point is that I actually enjoyed this story more listening to the audio than actually reading it.

The story follows Red and Terry. Red is a cop in Carlisle, PA. He isn’t the prettiest guy, as a child he was in a car accident with his parents which left him permanently scarred and his parents dead. On a call, he meets Terry, the local life saver at a local swimming pool. The meeting was pure chance and Terry was a hero that day but there is more to Terry than meets the eye. Red thinks that Terry is shallow, and perhaps circumstances have led him to act that way, but Terry finds new strength to be become a man he didn’t know he could be.

This story was thoroughly enjoyable. Cops – sexy men in uniform in general – is difficult to resist. It’s probably why I chose to listen to the audio book, something I’m glad I did because as I said, I enjoyed this so much more than I did the first time around. The story line is interesting as Terry unknowingly has become part of a major crime through his abusive ex.

The only downside to this for me was that sometimes I did not truly like Randy Fuller’s narration. I can’t put my finger on it much better than explaining that his tone did not always seem to match what was going on in the story.

The Last Enemy by Christian Beck

Title: The Last Enemy

Series: Agents of Influence #1

Author: Christian Beck

Genre: Gay Erotic Romance, Contemporary, Suspense, Military

Length: Novel (200 Pages)

Publisher: DSP Publication (July 5, 2016)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Highly decorated Delta Force operator and Iraq war hero Simon Monk loses everything when his romantic partner defects to Beijing after being caught selling US secrets to Chinese Intelligence. Monk is drummed out of the Army from the blowback but gets a second chance at a career when he is recruited into a covert group within the CIA.

Years later Monk’s latest assignment sends him to Cairo, where the head of station has disappeared amid a highly publicized sex scandal. But things are not what they seem. When the base chief turns up dead and the Egyptian government looks the other way, Monk and his team hunt down the assassin.

All roads lead to a ruthless and lethal cult from Egypt’s ancient past who discard every unwritten rule of espionage to win. Monk is forced to take to the shadows to find and destroy his most dangerous adversaries yet, as a chain of events threatens to ignite war in the Middle East.

ISBN: 978-1-63476-892-4

Product Link: https://www.dsppublications.com/books/the-last-enemy-by-christian-beck-272-b

Reviewer: Lisa & Pixie

Lisa’s Review: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

This is the first story by this author that I have read and I must say I am ecstatic about it. Although I have to tell you that I was thinking sexy man in a uniform, hot sex and so forth. That is not what this story is about; there is romance to it, but more action, suspense and danger then anything.

Simon Monk is ex-army, ex-delta force who was drummed out when his lover turned out to be a traitor to their country. He had finished five tours in Afghanistan and ended up working for the CIA in a way. He was sent to kill those who posed a danger to others. He is extremely lethal and hard to kill.

This story is an action packed one with espionage, assassinations and deadly men. Egypt is not known for allowing gays so when a known married couple are assassinated, it is time for Simon to step in. He is ordered to lead the investigation. However, in what would seem like a case of homophobic hate, the situation has turned into something more dangerous. Someone wants to take over Egypt and it is up to Simon and Ben to stop them.

If you like dangerous situations, espionage, politics, foreign relationship, traitors, spies and so forth then this is the book for you. This story turned out to be quite extensive in how long the author had to do research. The plot is so damn twisted and complex, but it works for this particular story. The details were fully developed and so damn well designed that it was jaw dropping. The pace is a little off to me though.

I had trouble concentrating on the story because it was a slow building story. If you’re looking for hot sex then you might want to read another story because this is more about the action, suspense, danger and assassinations. Although the author seemed to be really into details because I thought some of it was just not needed. It took away from the story itself for me. Also the fact that women were in it, not as sexual characters but as military and so forth was a bit strange to me, I just could not see the bad guys having a female assassin or spy or infiltrator or whatever she was.

I understand that this is a series, but I am afraid that as well written that this story is, it was not for me. If you are into military and war stories though, this will be for you, but it is not really a romance story.

Pixie’s Review: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

I agree with a lot of Lisa’s review, this story is action pack, with a lot of dangerous situations, espionage, political minefields, foreign relationship, traitors and spies. The story flows smoothly and it’s pretty fast paced for the type of storyline.

The story is really all about Simon Monk; nearly everything that happens happens around him with a couple of scenes with other characters highlighted to move the storyline along. Monk’s love interest is a man called Ben Namajunas, Special Forces, who is called in to help Monk with his mission. Ben and Monk have a long history and this time around Ben longs for something more from Monk rather than brief sexy times together.

Whereas Lisa finds it strange that women are used as strong key characters whatever their role, I found it to be quite refreshing that women were fit into roles that many authors would have left to men. The only thing that irked me was that the women were all stunningly beautiful; I’d have liked it if at least one of them was a ‘plain Jane’.

The storyline is strong; it keeps you gripped as it drags you along after Monk, dodging bodies, bombs, gunfire and traitors. The relationship between Monk and Ben was low key throughout the story, hanging around in the background with just a hint every now and again to keep the interest piqued. I loved the way the story was built; layers were added with every chapter until you had a full picture of Monk and what his life entails. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

I recommend this to those who love mystery and suspense laced with action and danger, who adore in depth characters, who love a solid storyline that is laced with just a bit of budding relationships.

Stasis by Kim Fielding (2nd Edition)

Title: Stasis (2^nd Edition)

Series: Ennek Trilogy # 1

Author: Kim Fielding

Genre: Fantasy

Length: Novel (204 pages)

Publisher: DSP Publications (May 17, 2015)

Heat Level: Low – Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Praesidium is the most prosperous city-state in the world, due not only to its location at the mouth of a great bay but also to its strict laws, stringently enforced. Ordinary criminals become bond-slaves, but the worst punishment—to be suspended in a dreamless frozen state known as Stasis—is doled out by the wizard and reserved for only the most serious of traitors.

Ennek is the youngest son of Praesidium’s strict Chief. Though now a successful portmaster, Ennek grew up without much of a purpose, unable to fulfill his true desires and always skating on the edge of the law. But he is also haunted by the plight of one man, Miner, a prisoner for whom Stasis appears to be a truly horrible fate. If Ennek is to save Miner, he must explore Praesidium’s deepest secrets as well as his own.

First Edition published by CreateSpace, 2009.

ISBN: 978-1-63476-830-6

Product Link: https://www.dsppublications.com/books/stasis-by-kim-fielding-244-b

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: Strange, yet interesting book. Stasis is where criminals are put to sleep until enough time has gone by then they are woken up and forced to become slaves. I had a huge problem with this myself. The prisoners are being punished by being put into stasis so I did not understand why when they were woken up they were forced to become slaves. I do not approve of slavery in any way, shape or form.

Ennek does not agree with the way things are, yet at the same time he really is not in a position to change anything. He becomes interested in a prisoner in stasis and wants to help him.

I must say I was appalled by Miner’s reason for being a prisoner but at the same time thought it was poetic justice that the chief’s son was the one he saw when he was woken up. Some of the laws in this story horrified me. I couldn’t believe someone could be sentenced to stasis for one thousand years simply for falling in love.

I truly loved this wonderful story. It called to me on a level I was not expecting. I loved the way the story played out bit by bit. Great read.

Casto by Xenia Melzer

Title: Casto

Series: Gods of War # 1

Author: Xenia Melzer

Genre: Fantasy

Length: Novel (294 pages)

Publisher: DsP Publications (June 21, 2016)

Heat Level: Low – Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3 ½ Hearts

Blurb: All is fair in love and war. Renaldo has lived happily by that proverb his entire life. But he has finally met his match, and he’s about to discover how unfair love and war can be.

When demigod and warlord Lord Renaldo takes a beautiful stranger captive during an ambush, he is delighted to have found a distraction that will keep him entertained during the upcoming siege. Little does he know, Casto is keeping more than just one secret from him. Slowly, Renaldo gets sucked into a turbulent roller-coaster relationship with his mysterious prisoner, one that begins with hatred and soon spirals into a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. And when it seems that things can get no worse, an old enemy stirs right in the heart of his home.

Determined to keep Casto by his side, Renaldo has to find a balance between the capricious young man and his own destiny as a ruler and god to his people.

ISBN: 978-1-63476-838-2

Product Link: https://www.dsppublications.com/books/casto-by-xenia-melzer-265-b

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: I loved the fantasy and mythology throughout this book. It’s about two brothers who were created only to have something happen and have their hearts removed. According to a prophecy if the ones they are meant to be with find them again then they will get their hearts back though they won’t be as powerful.

Renoldo has yet to find his heart. His attitude certainly has a lot to do with that. I have to say one of the things that confused me was Casto and Renaldo’s so called relationship, as when Casto is first captured he is sixteen. I felt the master/slave factor was all there was to the relationship.

I did not feel that Casto and Renaldo had a real relationship at all. I loved Casto. He thinks for himself and does not let Renaldo push him around when he does not agree with him. There were so many characters and POV’s that at times I was lost in what exactly was happening.

I loved the banter between Casto and Renaldo. I enjoyed the witty, sarcastic comments from both and found myself laughing when they fought.

All in all it was an o.k. read.

The Second Son by John Inman

Title: Second Son

Series: N/A

Author: John Inman

Genre: Gay Erotic Romance, Spiritual

Length: Novel (276 Pages)

Publisher: DSP Publications (May 10, 2016)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: It’s an old, old story: a tale of the consequences of good and evil. Plus the limitless power of faith and love, and how they can forever change an empty life.

When Charlie Strickland, a reclusive artist living in the backwoods of Indiana, opens his door to find a handsome young stranger standing naked on his front porch, an astounding odyssey begins.

It doesn’t take Charlie long to fall head over heels in love with his oddly innocent visitor. The young man calls himself Joe. Just Joe. But when amazing things begin to happen, Charlie soon comes to realize who Joe really is.

What follows will turn Charlie’s world, and everyone else’s, upside down.

ISBN: 978-1-63476-573-2

Product Link: https://www.dsppublications.com/books/the-second-son-by-john-inman-258-b

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: I have read a few books by this author and must say that every time I do I am left speechless. There is just something about the way the words just flow off the pages. This one is no different but I could not really get into it like I should have. I was not a fan of Christian themes and their thoughts and beliefs. It is not my thing and the fact that I don’t believe just made it harder to get into it.

There is very little romance to this story which is common with this particular publisher. It is also a very dark themed story which actually does not work in its favor with me. I am usually left with a bitter taste in my mouth. I also never could understand why a grown man would call another grown man boy.

Charlie finds Joe naked on his doorstep. He fights his attraction for the sexy young man and knows it is wrong to touch. He goes out of his way to not let Joe know what he is feeling. Joe was not born like a normal human, but made into a man from the start. He has no idea of what life is about, just that his godly father dropped him off on Charlie’s doorstep.

Charlie is a bit of a recluse and an artist. He lives on an isolated lake just painting, with a past that has made him this way, he had no desires to get romantically involved. That is until Joe is dropped on his doorstep. Yet there is not the sexual heat one would find or even the entanglements one would expect. It is more about the ethical and religious beliefs than anything. Now this book is well written with a lot of depth to it and fully developed. I am afraid that this book was not expected.

This novel is one of those types that if you go into detail to much you will give away the plot so I will leave it at this. I am afraid that this was one book that was not for me. I love John’s work but this one just didn’t work for me. I could not connect with the characters nor the story itself. It is well written and will bring those to tears who are into this kind of story though.

I would definitely recommend it.

North To Zombieville by Meg Bawden

Title: North to Zombieville

Series: Zombieville #1

Author: Meg Bawden

Genre: Gay Erotic Romance, Horror, Zombies, Apocalyptic

Length: Novel (200 Pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (May 18, 2016)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: The year is 2028, and Dallas and Raleigh Jenson are torn apart when a worldwide zombie apocalypse ravages their home of Townsville, Australia. After a year of searching, Dallas, a former Australian army rifleman, finally reunites with Raleigh, but it’s not like old times. Not only do they have zombies to contend with, but also other humans, changed by desperation and willing to do anything to survive.

Dallas and Raleigh have changed too. So much so, that Dallas struggles with the idea that Raleigh no longer needs or wants his protection. But they will need to rely on each other and find strength in their love as they are forced to evade zombies and watch their friends die. As they fight for their lives in a brutal landscape where every supply and every step toward a potential cure is a battle to the death, only their trust in each other can keep them from perishing.

ISBN: 978-1-63477-275-4

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/north-to-zombieville-by-meg-bawden-6799-b

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Most of my life was spent reading romance stories whether contemporary or paranormal, as long as there was a happy ending it was for me. Now lately I have come across stories about zombies and even though I love watching those kinds of movies, I have never really wanted to read a horror story. This author is also new to me, so I was doubtful on reading it. I have never really been one to try new things so when I was handed this story, you could imagine my expression.

Dallas and Raleigh were out on the town, enjoying their anniversary when it happened. When the world was overtaken by the dead. These two madly in love men were separated and had no clue if the other was alive or dead. Dallas went on to look for Raleigh, finding and rescuing people on the way. The only rule he had was that they were never to say a word to him about him looking for his husband.

Raleigh had been taken to safety by others, but had left behind his husband. He had no clue if Dallas was alive or not, but he kept a positive thoughts to that effect. Raleigh at one time had been a photographer and gentle as can be. Dallas was the one to take care of him and keep him safe. However as time goes by Raleigh has taken care of himself.

A year has passed and to their shock they find each other. However they have both changed so much, but their love has strengthened. It will take time. Now I must admit that if you are in a pretty good sized city, what are the odds that one man would be known by all those who they rescued. That was what was so strange about this. Overall this story is about the many people that have survived what has happened. You have your dumb zombies and then you have the souped up zombies, I will let you figure that one out.

This story is full of characters with different attitudes and some that are just complete asses. Not everyone will make it out alive, but there are a couple I wouldn’t mind seeing gone. There was one part of the story that had me in tears, but I will let you figure who it is. I loved Dallas quite a bit. Here is a man who is ex-military and his main priority is finding his husband. Now Raleigh is a different matter. He is very whiny and childish in some parts, pretty reckless and stupid in others. I think he has an offbeat attitude and I don’t much care for him. He reminds me of those books where the damsel needs rescuing. However that is how he comes off, it is not the way he is in some parts of it.

Overall I hated the cliff hanger and want to know what is going to happen. It drives me crazy when authors write their stories like that. I just hope that this one doesn’t make it to the end of the pile, because usually books with cliff hangers don’t last long with me. I hate to wait.

Other than that I was very surprised to find that I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one.

Lock & Key by Z. Allora

Title: Lock and Key

Series: N/A

Author: Z. Allora

Genre: Gay Erotic Romance, BDSM, Contemporary

Length: Novel (300 Pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (July 15, 2016)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

Blurb: Rejected. Heartbroken. Devastated.

Zack Davis wanted to serve only one man, Andrew Nikeman. He was denied because Andrew thought he was too young and because their brothers were together. So Zack crushed his submissive tendencies and focused on being the perfect Dom, giving every sub he played with something he couldn’t have.

After years of denying his submissive side, Entwined’s charity auction “Are you Dom Enough to be a sub?” gives Zack an excuse to get a little of what he’s always craved.

Andrew doesn’t know when his infatuation turned into more, but it kills him to see Zack with a constant parade of submissives. He’d refused to jeopardize his brother’s relationship or become Zack’s regret; however, Zack isn’t a kid anymore, and his brother’s relationship is unbreakable. Now Zack’s popularity and success as a Dom might ruin Andrew’s dreams of collaring him, but he can’t wait any longer to confess his feelings or he risks losing the man he loves forever.

ISBN: 978-1-63477-169-6

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/lock-and-key-by-z-allora-7213-b

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: When I first received this story I wasn’t too sure what to think about it. I have never really been into stories with BDSM and I was a bit leery at first with it. The BDSM is not really hardcore to me, but there are a lot of questions that were not answered. Also a lot of what happens in the story actually doesn’t sound right to me but it’s not really a bad thing I suppose. It is not really hardcore though.

Andrew and Zack met when Zack was eighteen years old. The attraction between them is very noticeable, but Andrew doesn’t want to mess things up with their brothers. Zack has this need and he wants Andrew to be the one to show him, to keep him. He wants to explore his desires to be a submissive. He had seen Andrew at the club and knew that Andrew would be the perfect man for him. Too bad he can’t get Andrew to agree.

Andrew sees Zack as a beautiful young man who he wants and needs. However after what had happened to his brother, he did not want to bring him any pain. However watching Zack at the club, he knows he has to do something. He is tired of watching him with others, and it is time to step up. He knows that the way he shut Zack down, that he had hurt the one man he wanted. He watched Zack push down his desires and became a dom instead. He also knew that was not what he wanted. So when Zack took the opportunity to sell himself, it is Andrew that needs to purchase him.

There is a lot of tension between these two. However the way the story was wrote out, just about drove me nuts. The story has a long and very slow build-up to get where they needed to be. Now for some it would play out perfect, however for me it made me loose interest in the story altogether. Even though the BDSM was not hardcore, it still came out like a porno story, which also brought it down in my eyes.

I could not get into the story like I should have. I also could not connect with the two men. I did not care for the pace nor the repetitive words that were used in the story. Both of these men did not come off a doms and the power was just not there. The club didn’t sound like any club I have ever heard of.

I am afraid that this is one story that I just didn’t care for or get into.

Beauty, Inc. by Tara Lain

Title: Beauty, Inc.

Series: The Pennymaker Tales #3

Author: Tara Lain

Genre: Gay Erotic Romance, Contemporary

Length: Novella (121 Pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (July 8, 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Is beauty only skin deep?

Chemist Dr. Robert “Belle” Belleterre loves flowers, green trees, his best friend Judy, and “his baby”: the new face cream he developed to help put his father’s small cosmetics company on the map. Sadly he gets no help from his alcoholic, gambling-addicted father who loses Belle in a poker game to Magnus Strong, the CEO of Beauty, Inc. the largest American cosmetics company—a man infamous for his scarred ugliness.

Belle finds himself uprooted from his home, living in a wildly crazy apartment in New York owned by Mr. Pennymaker, and completely unprepared for his mad attraction to the charismatic Strong. Feeling like a traitor, Belle fights his passion only to see more and more of the goodness and humility hidden by Strong’s ugly face. But when Belle’s family starts manipulating his life again, the odds turn against happiness for beautiful Belle and his beloved beast.

ISBN: 978-1-62380-890-7

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/beauty-inc-by-tara-lain-7042-b

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: When I first started reading this I did not even connect it to the fairy tale “Beauty and the Beast”. Actually I admit it, it didn’t connect till after I read the story. I have not really read any stories by this author, so you can imagine my surprise. This was one of the most beautiful stories that I have ever read. There is a touch of humor in it that was quite pleasant but most of the story has a serious tone to it.

It is not very often that an author takes me by surprises, but Tara Lain has found a spot in my heart. She gives her readers sexy men who have a hard story to tell. In this one, it is about their loved ones and friends who are battling cancer. The heart ache that it felt can actually be felt by the readers. I loved the pace to this story; it came off perfect to me. The story might not be long, but there was so much meat to it that surprised me. Small packages can hold such sweet dynamite surprises in them.

Belle’s family are not what I would call family. He is a sweet young man who is brilliant when it comes to work. He is a scientist and helps make beauty creams that are perfect for women. His dad is an alcoholic who gambles, whereas his brothers are just asses. They own a beauty company but their dad is gambling the money away. Then he committed the worst crime, he lost all of his stock and turned around and gave Belle away to their biggest competitor.

Magnus lost his mother not to her cancer, but to a car accident. The same car accident that scarred his face. He felt guilty and felt that he deserved what had happened to him. He gave so much to charity and helped women who were in need. He had seen Belle and wanted him in more ways than one. So he made a big gamble to get what he wanted. He just had not expected Belle to want him, the way he wanted him.

This move took Belle away from his family, away from Oregon and away from his best friend. Despite his fears and reservations he starts to love where he was living. Not always does a job come with not only his own driver but an apartment that has not only beautiful atrium but amazing people. However he is pulled in two directions. His father wants him to still help his company, while Belle doesn’t want to cause issues with his new job. Now he has to deal with his feelings for his boss and a very jealous man who has it out for him. Drama just seems to keep coming for him.

I loved the twists that this story seems to have. Which as I have already admitted, I didn’t realize the theme. I loved how Magnus has a heart of gold and a sparkling personality. He was amazing and so was Belle. I even loved how they interacted with everyone. I had not had a chance to read the first two books in this series, but nothing was missing at all.

I absolutely loved this story and cannot wait to read the next story. What an amazing job this author has done with this book.

Driven Snow by Tara Lain

Title: Driven Snow

Series: The Pennymaker Tales #2

Author: Tara Lain

Genre: Gay Erotic Romance, Contemporary

Length: Novel (210 Pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (November 25, 2015)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Young Snowden “Snow” Reynaldi is brilliant, beautiful, and alone. Though he’s shy, weird, and tolerated by the NorCal University students because he’s a renowned whiz at chess and helps put the school on the map, that doesn’t keep him from dreaming of the object of his desires: Riley Prince, championship quarterback.

When Riley needs a physics tutor, Snow jumps at the chance, and their relationship heats up—but Riley has to come out of the jock closet to get anywhere. Meanwhile, Snow’s one true friend and mentor, Professor Kingsley, marries a woman who secretly wants the chess tournament glory and money for herself. Soon after, the professor collapses and Snow finds himself underwater—literally. In a car!

Seven frat brothers from Grimm College rescue Snow just in time for his life to get even worse, and Snow discovers the one relationship he always wanted slipping away. With evil looming at every turn, Snow must survive if only to prove he’s the fairest of them all and regain the trust of his handsome prince.

ISBN: 978-1-63476-267-0

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/driven-snow-by-tara-lain-5268-b

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: When I first started reading this I did not even connect it to ‘Snow White’, actually I admit it, and it didn’t connect till after I read the story. I have not really read any stories by this author, so you can imagine my surprise. This was one of the most beautiful stories that I have ever read. There is a touch of humor in it that was quite pleasant but most of the story has a serious tone to it.

It is not very often that an author takes me by surprises, but Tara Lain has found a spot in my heart. She gives her readers sexy men who have a hard story to tell. In this one, it is about their loved ones and friends who battle jealousy and greed. The heart ache that it felt can actually be felt by the readers. I loved the pace to this story; it came off perfect to me.

I loved how this story was full of amazing characters and our very own fairy godparents were a big hit for me. You also have the evil villains who are always trying to overthrow our heroes. I also did not think chess would be so interesting and so costly. The humor was a big hit for me, but the serious tone made the story just so damn fun. The characters were fully developed and it felt like I knew them all.

Snow is a sexy young man who is not only one of the smartest men that I know but is a master at chess. He has a game that would be the biggest win of his life, if someone wasn’t trying to kill him. He lost his parents when he was but a small child, raised by his grandmother who also passed on, he was always alone. The only one he could call family was his chess mentor. That is until he is asked to tutor the one man that makes his toes curl.

Riley is the star of football and pretty damn smart on his own. He only has problems in one class, and he needs someone to help him. He has one secret that he has hidden from almost everyone. However he has wanted Snow from the first time he had seen him and he now has a chance to make the man his.

This story unfolded perfectly for me and the characters were beautiful and strong. I loved the suspense you get from it as well as the excitement and drama. This story kept me on the edge of my seat wanting to know more.

I loved this and can’t wait to read more from this author. I loved the twists that this story seems to have. Which, as I have already admitted I didn’t realize the theme. I absolutely loved this story and cannot wait to read the next story. What an amazing job this author has done with this book.

If you love fairy-tales, sweet stories, and some amazing heat, plus excitement, danger and suspense then this story will be for you.

Skyships Over Innsmouth by Susan Laine Guest Post & Excerpt!

Susan Laine - Skyships over Innsmouth Banner

Hi peeps, we have Susan Laine stopping by with her upcoming horror/ steampunk/ post-apocalyptic release Skyships Over Innsmouth, we have a fantastic guest post from Susan and she also brings along a great excerpt, so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~

Skyships Over Innsmouth

Susan Laine

Twenty winters have passed since the Cataclysm brought down society and robbed people of their memories. Humanity, vastly reduced in numbers since the initial chaos, has started anew in Canal City with the aid of library books and steam technology. The Scout and Ranger Corps was established to search for possible survivors and to replenish dwindling resources.

Dev is the captain of the scout airship Smoke Sparrow, and Shay is the scholar of their newest expedition. Their destination is Innsmouth, Massachusetts, a small fishing town that is mentioned in obscure books but shows up on no maps. Might its secrets offer answers? But within the fog-covered, ruined hillside town by the bay lurk unspeakable dangers and horrors beyond imagining. The expedition team soon learns that Innsmouth is one town that should have been left forgotten.

Release date: 2nd August

Pre-order: DSP Publications ebook | DSP Publications paperback

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Never Lose Your Flame by Francis Gideon Guest Post & Excerpt!

Francis Gideon - Never Lose Your Flame Banner

Hi guys, we have Francis Gideon popping in with his upcoming release Never Lose Your Flame, we have a great guest post where Francis chats about his characters, and we have a great excerpt, so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~

Never Lose Your Flame

Francis Gideon

Cop-turned-bounty hunter Gabe Dominguez is hired to capture firestarter Nat Wyatt. For a dragon-shifter like Gabe, apprehending Nat is easy, but transporting him involves more time, energy, and blood loss than he envisioned. An attack from a band of fairies, an out-of-control forest fire, and a showdown at an auction don’t faze Gabe, but Nat’s innocence might stop him entirely.

Since discovering his abilities, Nat’s lost a best friend, a boyfriend, and trust in his brother. Only his love of concerts and card games get him through life without a home. Rumors of the Judge, a giant dragon who once destroyed half of Canada avenging those he loved, provide Nat with hope of vindication. When Nat discovers his captor is the Judge, he thinks he’s finally caught a break. Through late-night conversations and a shared love of music, Nat tries to convince Gabe he’s not guilty.

Can Gabe continue his cutthroat lifestyle, or will he run away with his dragon hoard like he’s always longed to do? Can Nat escape his legacy, or will his be another spark snuffed out by people who don’t understand? The Oracle, the most powerful wizard in Canada, might be the only one who can provide answers.

Release date: 1st August 2016

Pre-order: Dreamspinner Press ebook | Dreamspinner Press paperback

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Resistance by Lillian Francis Blog Tour, Interview, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

Hi guys, we have Lillian Francis stopping by today with the tour for her new release Resistance, we have a short interview with Lillian, a fantastic excerpt, my review and a fantastic giveaway so check out the post and click that giveaway link! <3 ~Pixie~

Resistance

(Village Love 01)

Lillian Francis

How long can you wait on a promise?

After his first night with Mal, Rick broke the habit of a lifetime and invited the sexy radiographer to spend the weekend in the sleepy English village he called home. Rick isn’t in denial but he’s afraid to reveal his sexuality in the close-knit community that has known him since he was a babe in arms.

The sex is amazing but equally Mal loves lazy days spent in the garden at Slopy Bottom, and every precious moment he spends with Rick. For Mal the village quickly becomes an oasis of peace, far from the noise and grime of life in London, a slice of tranquillity with Rick at the heart. But Mal has defied his family and his religion to be true to himself, and there is no way can he join Rick in his self-built closet, no matter how comfortable it is…

Rick is afraid revealing the true nature of his relationship with Mal will change the way his neighbours see him. He adores these people, this village, and he can’t face the thought of losing everything over who he chooses to sleep with. When the alternative is giving up a man who has slotted perfectly into his life—a man who he might just love—it’s no choice at all. But, knowing what has to be done isn’t always as easy as putting it into practice.

Amazon UK | Amazon US

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Červenà by Louise Lyons Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt & Giveaway!

Hi guys, we have Louise Lyons stopping by with the tour to her newest release Červenà, we have an exclusive excerpt and a fantastic giveaway so check out the post, click that giveaway link and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~

Červenà

Louise Lyons

When Joel Jones finds homeless Russian, Sasha, outside his gay nightclub in Prague, he cannot find it in his heart to turn him away, so he offers him a home and a job as a dancer and stripper.

Despite a fifteen-year age gap, romance develops between them, but is interrupted when Joel has to return to England for many weeks to deal with a death in the family.

Upon Joel’s return, he is horrified to discover his business partner, Karel, has gambled away the club’s money and put them all at risk. Joel buys him out of the club, but when Karel continues to gamble, the people he owes pursue Joel for the debt instead—and they’ll stop at nothing to get paid.

Suddenly Joel and those he cares about—especially Sasha—are in danger, and Joel finds himself with no choice but to seek the help of known criminal, Vincenc Jankovic. Ensuring a happy future for himself and Sasha will mean a struggle and some difficult decisions, but Joel is determined to protect what they’ve built together.

Dreamspinner Press ebook | Dreamspinner Press paperback | Amazon US | Amazon UK | ARe

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Lavender In Bloom by Lily Velez Release Blast, Interview, Guest Post, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Hi guys, we have Lily Velez stopping by with her new release Lavenders In Bloom, we have a short interview with lily, a great guest post, a great excerpt and an awesome giveaway so check out the post and click that giveaway link <3 ~Pixie~

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Lavender in Bloom

Lily Velez

It’s the year 1802 in Avignon, France

Noah Capet has spent most of his young life living simple and unvaried days in the hushed countryside of southern France. Quiet, reserved, and diffident, his preference for existing is to do so in solitude, keeping to himself both in town and on his family’s farm—a predilection that’s altogether disrupted when a newcomer to town by the name of Jeremie Perreault begins an unremitting quest to befriend him.

Jeremie is everything Noah is not. Charismatic and gregarious, he leaves a trail of charmed admirers in his wake wherever he goes. Expressive and idealistic, he talks without end about his deep love for old books and his spirited dream to one day travel the world on a literary pilgrimage.

Over the course of a single summer, the two form an unlikely friendship, but just as quickly as it develops, it soon entirely dissolves as they’re forced to face the truth of what has unexpectedly emerged between them.

Lavender in Bloom is a tender and tragic coming-of-age story about first love and self-discovery, and a poignant reminder that time is fleeting and always takes with it the choices we’re too afraid to make.

Amazon

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The Case of the Guilty Ghost by Amber Kell & R.J. Scott Cover Reveal & Giveaway!

Amber Kell & RJ Scott - The Case Of The Guilty Ghost Banner

Hi guys, we have Amber Kell & R.J. Scott stopping by with the cover to their upcoming release The Case of the Guilty Ghost, so check out the fantastic cover and then click that giveaway link <3 ~Pixie~

The Case of the Guilty Ghost

(End Street 06)

Amber Kell & R.J. Scott

Bob is lost in grief, Sam is fighting for his family, and there is no middle ground. Can their love survive?

Bob is grieving over his brother’s sacrifice. Guilt ridden and devastated, he buries himself in vampire mourning and pulls away from Sam. When Bob’s family demands Sam faces the consequences for his part in Ettore’s death, Sam is left to deal with them alone.

Ettore is in the Aset Ka waiting room, next in line for the ceremony where his soul will be torn from his body. But a shocking discovery makes him second guess his entire existence and the choices he has made.

A forgotten past binds Theodore ‘Teddy’ McCurray Constantine III to Ettore and when the curse tied to Ettore is broken by his death, Teddy’s past returns to him with a vengeance.

A royal family in denial, a demonic curse, and long forgotten love, leaves no time for Sam to take a breath. Is it too late to save the vampire kingdom?

Buy link coming soon

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Stranded With Desire by Vivien Dean & Rick R. Reed Blog Tour & Exclusive Excerpt!

Vivien Dean and Rick R. Reed - Stranded With Desire FB banner DSP

Hi guys, we have Vivien Dean and Rick R. Reed popping in with their upcoming release Stranded With Desire, we have a quick intro from Vivien and an exclusive excerpt, so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~

Stranded With Desire

(Dreamspun Desires 15)

Vivien Dean &Rick R. Reed

When their plane crashed, their desire took flight.

CEO Maine Braxton and his invaluable assistant, Colby, don’t realize they share a deep secret: they’re in love—with each other. That secret may have never come to light but for a terrifying plane crash in the Cascade Mountains that changes everything.

In a struggle for survival, the two men brave bears, storms, and a life-threatening flood to make it out of the wilderness alive. The proximity to death makes them realize the importance of love over propriety. Confessions emerge. Passions ignite. They escape the wilds renewed and openly in love.

When they return to civilization, though, forces are already plotting to snuff out their short-lived romance and ruin everything both have worked so hard to achieve.

Release date: 1st August 2016

Pre-order: Dreamspinner Press ebook | Dreamspinner Press paperback (buy the paperback and get the ebook for FREE!) | ARe

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Keeping Karma by Tory Temple Cover Reveal & Excerpt!

Hi peeps, we have Tory Temple popping in with the cover to her upcoming re-release Keeping Karma, we have a short intro from Tory, a great excerpt and don’t forget that cute cover! So check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~

Keeping Karma

Tory Temple

Alex Myers is keeping deeper secrets than just his pet ferret, Karma, who is illegal in California. Both Alex and his twin sister, Tabitha, can “hear” the thoughts of animals. It’s an ability that he puts to good use working at an emergency animal clinic while studying to become a veterinarian.

One night, local animal control officer Dylan Travers comes into the clinic with an injured fawn, and it doesn’t take the two men long to act on their mutual attraction. But the closer they become, the harder it is for Alex to keep Karma and the rest of his menagerie from by-the-books Dylan. And then there’s the matter of his ability…. Will Dylan even believe him if he tries to explain?

Add to that debilitating migraines from especially “loud” animals and a scheming coworker threatening the clinic, and Alex needs Dylan’s support more than ever. Alex just wants to keep his job, his pets, his lover, and his sanity. But he can’t do it alone.

Release date: 24th August 2016

Pre-order: Dreamspinner Press

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Summer Blog Hop Tour! Pixie's summers & Giveaways!

Hey guys *waves*, today we’re taking part in Divine Magazine’s Summer blog hop with a little something about my summers as a kid, MM Good Book Reviews is also throwing in a $10 Dreamspinner Press credit to one lucky reader who comments on this post about their own childhood summers! So enjoy the post, click the giveaway link and leave a comment to enter our giveaway on this post! ~Pixie~

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Shock & Awe by Abigail Roux Audiobook

Title: Shock & Awe

Series: A Sidewinders Story book #1

Author: Abigail Roux

Narrator: Brock Thompson

Genre: Contemporary MM Romance

Length: 3 hours and 59 minutes

Publisher: Riptide Publishing (12-18-2015)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: After barely surviving a shootout in New Orleans, Sidewinder medic Kelly Abbott has to suffer through a month of recovery before he can return home to Colorado. He’s not surprised when fellow Sidewinder Nick O’Flaherty stays with him in New Orleans. Nor is he surprised when Nick travels home with him to help him get back on his feet – after all, years on the same Marine Force Recon team bonded the men in ways that only bleeding for a brother can. He’s very surprised, though, when Nick humors his moment of curiosity and kisses him.

Nick knows all of Kelly’s quirks and caprices, so the kiss was a low-risk move on his part…or so he thought. But what should’ve been a simple moment unleashes a flood of confusing emotions and urges that neither man is prepared to address. Now, Kelly and Nick must figure out what they mean to each other – friends and brothers in arms or something even deeper – before the past can come back to ruin their tenuous future.

Product Link: http://riptidepublishing.com/titles/audio/1545

Reviewer: Tams

Review: Kelly Abbott and Nick O’Flaherty have been friends, brothers, comrades in arms for over a decade. With Kelly still on the mend after being shot during the fiasco in New Orleans, Nick takes the time off to stay with his friend and help him while he heals. Kelly isn’t sure if it’s the pain meds, or being in such close quarters with Nick, but his perception of his friend shifts almost as soon as they get to his cabin. What starts out as mild curiosity quickly turns into so much more and soon, they cross a line that they can never jump back over again.

I really enjoyed getting to know more about Nick and Kelly. Being secondary characters throughout the Cut & Run series as members of Ty’s rag tag secret black ops team, the Sidewinders, I only got to know them in the capacity that fit into those stories. Now the focus of the story shifts to Nick and Kelly, the strong bond they already share after relying on each other in life or death situations for over a decade. So, while to some this may seem like an insta-love story, I assure you, it is not. It’s been brewing for close to fifteen years.

Narrated by Brock Thompson, this is my first audio with Thompson and it did take me about twenty minutes to get used to his narration. After listening to the Cut & Run series, I got used to that specific voice for Nick and Kelly, so Thompson’s was off at first. It did not take long for the story to pull me in though, and I actually think I like Nick more voiced by Thompson because he has his Boston bread accent. This wasn’t the norm for the Sidewinder guys, this was a singular story about Nick and Kelly realizing a mutual attraction, talking about it, and then acting on it. It was short, sexy and even a bit steamy.

I quite enjoyed this romantic reprieve and look forward to more stores for Nick and Kelly. They aren’t quite as troublesome and volatile as Ty and Zane, but they might graduate to that with more time. If you are a fan of the Cut & Run books of course you’ll enjoy this companion series.

But if you’ve avoided that series due to the madness, murder and mayhem… this is slower but just as appealing as anything else Roux has written.

Crash & Burn by Abigail Roux Audiobook

Title: Crash & Burn

Series: Cut & Run series book 9

Author: Abigail Roux

Narrator: JF Harding

Genre: Contemporary MM Romance

Length: 10 hours and 44 minutes

Publisher: Riptide Publishing (15th December 2015)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: It’s been five years since Special Agents Ty Grady and Zane Garrett first worked together to solve the Tri-State murders, and time has been both harsh and kind. Engaged now, they face the challenge of planning a deeply uncertain future together. Zane is at the pinnacle of his career with one last mystery to solve, while Ty is at sea in a world where he’s no longer the tip of a spear.

There’s just one more hurdle in the way of their happy ever after: a traitor from their inner circle who threatens to burn their world to the ground.

Squeezed between the Vega cartel, an unknown mole, and too many alphabet agencies to count, Ty and Zane must gather all their strength and resources to beat the longest odds they’ve ever faced. To make it out alive, they’ll need help from every friend they’ve got. Even the friends who might betray their trust.

Product Link: http://riptidepublishing.com/titles/audio/3771

Reviewer: Tams

Review: Ty and Zane have survived so much, fought so hard for the right to love each other. Their life will never be boring, but a little bit of sunshine is always appreciated, even for half psycho FBI agents that like to shoot things. Ball & Chain ended with Zane finally accepting Ty’s proposal, and this book starts with their wedding. I was sitting on my head in the few minutes leading up to the ceremony, fearing Roux would pull out some sort of ninja on a wave runner with an AK47 to destroy the nuptials. I was so very pleased, and even in tears, as Ty and Zane had probably their first ever day of peace to have a quick civil ceremony on the water with Livvy and Deuce by their side. The wedding night was full of passion and love we’ve come to expect from these two. When the bell tolls one, all bets are off and the madness begins by way of a battered, bruised and bloody Nick landing on their doorstep with a gunshot wound.

From this moment on the action was non-stop, the suspense insane and the body count climbing as Ty, Zane, Sidewinder, the Cia and Nia set out to take down the Vega cartel that won’t stop until Ty and Zane are dead, buried and burned to the ground. It just so happens that the afore mentioned list of crazy people and agencies with nothing but alphabets in their name feel the same way about the cartel. Now the race is on to see who can take down whom first.

I have mixed feelings about this book. I love the characters and their story, but I’m sad that this is the last HooRah for Ty and Zane. Five years after that first tryst in a hotel room while investing the death of one of Sidewinders team members, Elias Sanchez, Ty and Zane are moderately healthy, mostly happy and ready for the next chapter. Too bad their pasts didn’t get that memo, because everything is about to come to a gnarly head and not everyone makes it out with their life.

What I have thoroughly enjoyed about this series is that nine books in, and I’m still intrigued, sad in fact that it’s the last one. Every installment has brought something new to the table, more madness and chaos for Ty and Zane and everyone they care about. These two men have literally been to hell and back, and back again, a side trip to New Orleans where the devil himself was knocking on their door, and now they find themselves facing down those demons, praying they will make it out alive. These books are action packed, emotional, dramatic, passionate and intense.

Narrated by JF Harding and its amazing how he pulled off so many different voices and never, not once, mixed them up. Everyone has their own distinct voice that wavers occasionally depending on the characters mood or the circumstance at that time in the story. As I said, this is probably the most intense, emotional book of the series and Harding captured every ounce of the pain, fear, love, elation and desperation with tones and nuances as he voiced the characters. I hadn’t listened to anything from him prior to this series, but I will probably seek him out for his voice chops alone in the future.

If you are a fan of this series you are going to love this final climax for this multitude of characters you’ve come to know and love. Everyone that is anyone in the Cut & Run universe, that is still breathing that is, is back for their 5 minutes of page time. As I said, it’s very bittersweet. Sad to say goodbye, but the boys definitely went out with a bang and a smile.

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Skyships Over Innsmouth

Susan Laine

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Never Lose Your Flame

Francis Gideon

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Resistance

Lillian Francis

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Červenà

Louise Lyons

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Lavender in Bloom

Lily Velez

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The Case of the Guilty Ghost

Amber Kell & R.J. Scott

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Stranded With Desire

Vivien Dean &Rick R. Reed

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Keeping Karma

Tory Temple

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