Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand, Inc. (September 7, 2016)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts
Blurb: As an omega, Woody Fry balances the unity of his wolf pack and serves as a gardener and healer. He’s an outspoken and optimistic twink who always supports his family and is ever ready to take a leap of faith. An unexpected intrusion into the wolf territory on an autumn’s day brings Woody face to face with a sullen, young coywolf and an equally morose, hostile bear in his prime.
Brown bear Lyss Arthur doesn’t trust anyone, preferring to keep to himself and radiating an air of rage. When the two opposites realize they’re mates, all bets are off. But Lyss isn’t on the market for a mate, so Woody has his work cut out.
Soon the wolf pack learns that the bear and coywolf are on the lam. They’re pursued by a lethal enemy who’ll stop at nothing to get them back. Protecting the bear and his teenage ward might prove deadly for everyone concerned.
Review: Each book in the Pariah Pack collection features a different romantic couple. To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, I would recommend reading the series in sequential order.
This story was very surprising but for some reason it was off to me, although it didn’t take away from the story at all. I came across this author when she put the first book out in this series and was fascinated with the tale she gives you. It has a serious tone to it, but there is just enough humor in it that surprises me.
Woody’s pack is unusual with different shifters gathered as family. Woody is the omega but one would not think so after watching him. He watches those around him with their mates, and wants one for himself. He just had not expected a very grouchy bear shifter.
Lyss screwed up and got mixed in with the wrong group. After their plan to murder a innocent young man, he ran and took the young man with him. Now they were on the run from both the pack and Lyss’s bear group. They made their way to a land that is ran by Woody’s pack, and was surprised to find out that Woody was his mate. Too bad he couldn’t have a mate with what he had done in the past. However Woody is not going to let it slide.
Now with this the way they acted was just a bit strange to me. Lyss was more than a grouch to Woody, and if it were me I would have told him to hit the road. Then the added two at the end who gave out punishment were just wrong altogether. Randy was a hit with me though, after finding out what had happened to him, I can’t wait to read his story.
Overall I did enjoy this story and look forward to many more from this author.
Blurb: With his friend lion shifter Roan McKichan no longer in the picture, former sex worker Holden Krause is now working as a detective investigating cases in Seattle. When he receives a request to investigate a rather unusual case for Big Mike, a local drug dealer, he ignores the potential hazards in working for such a client and takes it on.
But Holden hasn’t given up his vigilante ways, occasionally seeking violent retribution for those ignored by the justice system. There’s a man stalking the streets, assaulting anyone he perceives to be trans or gender nonconforming in any way. When the brutality escalates, the case becomes personal for Holden.
If he cannot juggle being a detective and a vigilante, his taste for blood and danger might finally catch up with him.
Review: The first thing I am going to say is that you really should start this series with reading the Infected series first. It explains the characters mentioned and how they got to be where they are now.
For many of us who have read these stories, we have gotten pretty good at figuring out Roan’s deal. In this series Roan is mentioned quite a bit but he is no longer in the picture. Holden was a sex worker, but will do it on the side if he needs to. There are so many characters mentioned that it is a bit hard to follow sometimes. Also this story jumps around quite a lot. I wasn’t a fan of the one, two and three bits with title for each paragraph. It made it feel off to me. In my opinion if it had not bounced around so much from Holden to his ex, it might have flowed a bit better and kept my attention totally on it.
Holden will always take care of those around him. If a john needs his ass kicked, he is the first one to do so. He is a vigilante for those who live and work on the streets. His friend Roan got him started working as a private investigator although Chai is the one who really should get that job. One of the worst guys contacts him to find out who he is. It seems Big Mike might have been abducted as a child. Then there is someone out there beating up prostitutes and they need to be taken care of.
Now I got interested in the previous series because Roan was a shifter and had a mate. In this story there is no paranormal aspect to be found. Holden is a good man in his own way, protecting those around him. However he doesn’t shift into any animal which sucked. Plus there is no romance to be seen. He had a chance with a very sexy man, but held part of himself back to the point where he got is ass dumped.
The tone to the story felt off, as well as Holden’s attitude. He is a very weird guy to say the least. He just does what he wants and doesn’t really care for those close to him other than to help if they need it. Plus the straight, gay, bi and who knows talk throughout the story really made it stupid in my opinion. You have cops so far in the closet but damn they are in love or lust with Roan. It would seem everyone is in love or lust with the man. I just wished the story would be just a normal story with a great story line, however with this one you get a mix of different stories all focus around one. Add in the fact that Roan is thrown into every other sentence is a bit crazy.
Now this story you have a guy who is so complicated and it doesn’t seem to be figured out any time soon. You have a guy doing multiple jobs but doesn’t seem to be really good at his actual job. The case of Big Mike would have been perfect had it not came off as a secondary thought. This story was definitely different then what I had expected it to be, but in another sense it wasn’t. It has a lot of twists and turns, with a darker tone to it that I didn’t really like. I did enjoy the previous series, but this one just didn’t make me connect with it. Although that might just be the first book and will have to hold my true feelings until I see what the next story brings out.
Blurb: Born the useless fourth son of the Lord of Glimmerveen, Wryler dreams of getting married and escaping the rustic confines of his father’s castle. A wealthy merchant’s son seems to hold the key to Wryler’s safe if somewhat dreary future. However, the arrival of a mysterious stranger on the eve of Wryler’s betrothal sends his plans into disarray and Wryler finds himself traded off in marriage to one of the most notorious rogues in the land.
Is Lord Aeric Rouchet the scoundrel he appears to be, or is he something much worse? Separated from his family and thrust into a strange and dangerous new life at the foreboding Gryffon Hall, Wryler must unravel the secret of his husband’s shadowed life and defeat the curse which threatens not only his growing affection for the barbarian in his bed, but the lives of everyone the Lord of Gryffon Hall is sworn to protect.
Review: I really enjoyed the interactions between Wyler and Aeric. Wyler is basically given to Aeric in marriage at what Wryler thought would be his engagement announcement to another man. Aeric has a bad reputation among others due to his living on the edge of the forest and tales of vicious creatures.
We are lead into a mystery of who exactly Aeric is and what happened to others that have disappeared. Aeric was an amazing creature that I loved reading about but was missing crucial details. Along with supernatural creatures in abundance there is also Wryler’s unhappiness at being pawned off by his father.
I really wanted to love this story but there were many details that I wanted to know that were missing. For instance what exactly happened to Aeric when Rumple had him? During the interesting parts the story seemed rushed to me.
All in all it was a good read but could have been so much better.
Blurb: Not all things that look too good to be true are wrong.
Dallas is back in Gillham. He left the town and the pack after he was rescued from the lab, but he hasn’t been able to go back to fully living his life, and he hopes changing will help. He’s eager to work for Kameron and to be the pack’s doctor, even with the new problems the pack has.
Hamilton is Morin Glass’ best friend, and he wants answers. He’s seen the news about the man who became an animal, and he knows Morin and his boyfriend have to somehow be involved. He travels to Whitedell to get an explanation, and once there, he finds more than he was expecting.
Hamilton doesn’t seem to have problems accepting shifters, and Dallas is glad even if hesitant, but it doesn’t mean their life is easy. Hamilton’s life is in New York and he has to make a decision. Being with a shifter could be dangerous for him. Humans might know about them now, but it doesn’t mean they accept them. What does the future hold for Dallas and Hamilton, and for the pack?
Review: Each book in the Gillham Pack Series collection features a different romantic couple. To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, I would recommend reading the series in sequential order. This series is also connected to the Whitedell Pride series.
I started reading romance stories at the age of twelve and was always intriqued by the worlds that authors can come up with. Then a few years ago I read my first gay romance and I decided that there was just something about them that I liked more. I, like many, have favorites that we always follow and Catherine Lieven’s is one of those authors for me.
There is just something about the worlds that she creates that keeps me captivated throughout the whole entire book. So much so that when a new book comes out, I must always start reading the very first book that leads up to this one. I love how there is a serious tone to it, but that it is equally matched with humor. I can’t stand a book that has no humor in it; I would rather be laughing then just sitting there. I also love how the mates are well loved and protected by their stronger mates. There is always lust, love, hot sex and a good amount of danger placed in these stories that keeps my attention as well.
Dallas moves back to Gillham after the humans found out about shifters to help his pack. He was a doctor and knew that Kameron needed one. Things were getting harder since shifters were found out. He just hadn’t expected his mate to show up.
Hamilton is a tattoo artist from New York and he was determined to find out why his best friend kept shifters hidden from him. He was pretty sure Morin was a human but damn his boyfriend Nysys was an odd ball. Then he finds out that he is the mate to a wolf shifter. Now it is strange because Hamilton is all for it, leave it to the Dallas to be the first shifter being leery.
To me there is nothing better than a good romance, but when it is a paranormal then it hits higher marks to me. I love them especially when there are some gorgeous men in some kinky situations. I can honestly tell you that this is going to be one of those types of series that you can’t put down and have to read more than once. It is the perfect story for me and gave me all that I needed. I love the way all the feelings they felt was involved in this story. I had a blast reading it and I can’t wait to read the next story. When Catherine puts out a book I am usually there to eat them up. I would definitely recommend reading this book. Trust me it will keep you laughing, crying, loving and having fun.
Blurb: Kellan Largant and Bastet are drawn into an ancient battle while learning to love each other.
Kellan Largent is a grad student at Harvard. His thesis is on ancient Egyptian religious cults. While immersed in his research, he comes across an obscure reference to the Earth Warrior cult. Little does he know that one sentence in a dusty tattered book will engulf him in a battle between good and evil. A battle that could be the end of the world as he knows it.
The stray cat wandering the streets around Kellan’s house is more than an abandoned feline. Bastet has roamed the earth from the days when Egypt was young. He’s watched the pharaohs rise and fall. New gods come and go. His purpose has remained the same: Protect the earth at all costs and keep the secrets of the Earth Warriors from regular mortals. He’s sent to keep Kellan Largent from finding out the truth about the cult, but also to keep the unsuspecting college student alive.
One man will do anything for the spell that created the Warriors. He wants immortality and killing Kellan for the secret is just the beginning of the trouble he’ll cause to get what he wants.
Review: Bastet is one of eight brothers who are chosen by a Egyptian god and tasked with protecting earth. They are called Earth Warriors and have the ability to shift into whatever animal represents that particular god. Bastet’s animal is a cat.
Kellan is a university student at Harvard. While collecting information on his thesis he stumbles across the knowledge of Earth Warriors. Bastet needs to get close to him to find out what he knows so he meets him as cat then as a man. The attraction between the two is immediate.
Bastet is to keep Kellan from finding out the truth about the Earth Warriors and their existence but things do not go as planned when a man hellbent on finding the spell to make the warriors will stop at nothing from attaining it.
I liked the story as it contains mystery, suspense, drama, shifters and a great plot, that grabs the reader’s attention and keeps their attention. As well as the Earth Warriors themselves as I found them fascinating. I would like to more about how they came to be the earth warriors, why they were chosen and the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
Blurb: Sometimes the heart is the most important sense. Caring for a young daughter with cancer is almost enough to make Ken Brighton give up, in Love Comes Silently, but former singer and next-door neighbor Patrick Flaherty brings hope for both of them—if he can manage to break his silence. In Love Comes in Darkness, Howard Justinian has always had to fight for his independence, in spite of his blindness, but when tragedy strikes, he may have to accept help in the form of unassuming Gordy Jarrett. In Love Comes Home, Greg Hampton’s son Davey is losing his eyesight, but Tom Spangler isn’t going to let that stop a boy from playing his favorite game.
Review: I adore Andrew Grey’s Senses series – and now we have the first three books in one totally emotional and wonderful volume. That being said, the first three books are: Love Comes Silently, Love Comes in Darkness and Love Comes Home. As the series title suggests, each book in the series deals with some sort of sense – Love Comes Silently deals with a singer who lost his voice. Love Comes in Darkness deals with a blind MC. And in Love Comes Home the son of one of the MCs is losing his sight, but father and son have a savior who wants the little boy to live a normal life despite steadily losing his vision.
For the most part these books can read as standalone installments, but there is some overlap between the characters and things that are mentioned in passing to have happened. If you love one book, you should just go full hog and read the entire series in order to get a good feel for things. Consider Volume 1 of the series as a trial to my recommendation. I will briefly talk about each book, but you must understand, I rate them all as a 5 and in each of them at one point or at multiple points Andrew Grey totally made me cry from all the overflowing emotion.
Love Comes Silently: This is one of those books which is just so damn relatable and packed full of emotion. I cried multiple times through this book because Andrew Grey knows how to tug at the heart strings. Ken Brighton is an artist, a very successful one. His partner has recently left him, mostly because he couldn’t handle the fact that Ken has an adopted daughter very well. On top of all that, Ken’s daughter, Hanna is becoming sick and they find out she has cancer. The little girl fights a courageous battle but it is mysterious presents that keep up both Hanna and Ken’s spirits. At first Ken thinks they are from his ex, but that isn’t the case.
Patrick Flaherty lost his gift to sing, and therefore lost his very successful career, two years ago. He is basically a recluse except for being close to his cousin Julianne and her husband and son. He has a crush on his relatively new neighbor, Ken. And when he realizes that Hanna is sick he does what he can to cheer them up – including making mac and cheese that Hanna loves.
This is a totally sweet story that is straight from the heart. I love both Ken and Patrick, they work well together. Despite his lacking self confidence Patrick brings a very important dose of strength to Ken and Hanna.
Love Comes in Darkness: Howard Justinian was born blind and refuses to be coddled by anyone. He knows that he can live an independent life, but there are some controlling characters in his life, one of which is his now ex boyfriend. But luckily for Howard, he meets Gordy Jarrett when his ex leaves him stranded in the middle of the road. Gordy is a really caring and sweet soul. He fits Howard perfectly, but Howard tends to be stubborn.
Howard has to learn to let love in, but also learn that love can be about helping without controlling. This is particularly important when a life changing event means that Howard not only loses his sister, but he has been made the guardian to his niece. Sophia, for her part, also helps her Uncle Howie realize the importance of love when it comes so willingly because he is exactly what the little girl needs.
Love Comes Home: We return once again to a plot line which involves a sick child. This time it is Gregory Hampton’s son, Davey. The little boy loves baseball and lives for Little League, but he is having problems with his vision. The diagnosis shatters father and son because Davey is going blind.
The angel that helps this irresistible duo is Tom Spangler. Well, actually, Howard and Gordy from book 2 are more the saviors, but Tom is the major researcher and facilitator. He wants to help Davey and he wants to help Greg help Davey too. Much like Patrick and Gordy, Tom is a big guy with a big heart. It’s impossible not to love him. By the end of it we can rest assured that Greg and Davey are in safe hands.
As it is already clear: I love these books. These were probably the first Andrew Grey books that I brought a few years ago and I have not looked back. I love the new release with the first three books. I dare you not to cry in any of these books! I just spent twenty minutes trying to find the quote from an Australian TV series called Changi which sums up my feelings of these books “… They touch the spirit and pacify the angels.”
Hi peeps, we have Jordan Castillo Price and her brand new release PsyCop Briefs Vol 01, we have some great teasers, a brilliant giveaway and my review, so check out the post and click that giveaway link <3 ~Pixie~
PsyCop Briefs Vol 01
by
Jordan Castillo Price
Victor Bayne sees dead people for a living…and he sees them off the clock, too. After all, ghosts don’t confine their appearances to a psychic medium’s work hours.
From the mundane to the macabre, these PsyCop shorts feature stolen moments between the novels. Get a glimpse of Vic’s life with Jacob between cases, from both men’s viewpoints. Gain new insight on their psychic talents by accompanying them on odd jobs, shopping runs and family visits, or simply enjoy some downtime in the cannery.
The twenty short works range in length from flash fiction to novelettes, woven together to create a novel-length narrative of Vic and Jacob’s relationship from a fresh perspective. The stories are gleaned from various sources: anthologies, newsletters, and web, with four all-new pieces to tie the collection together and delve deeper into a PsyCop’s domestic life.
Coffee O’Clock Thaw Mind Reader Stroke of Midnight No Sale Most Likely To… Jock Straps On Sale Piece of Cake In the Dark Let the Chips Fall Memento Impact Everyone’s Afraid of Clowns Waiting Game On the Road Wood Off the Cuff Locked and Loaded Inside Out Witness
Hi guys, we have Annbelle Jacobs popping in with her new release All Hallows’ Eve, we have a great excerpt, a fantastic giveaway and Shorty’s review, so check out the post and click that giveaway link! <3 ~Pixie~
All Hallows’ Eve
by
Annabelle Jacobs
Will a centuries-old broken heart ruin the promise of new love?
Dominic Ashworth is descended from a long line of witches, although the family practice of witchcraft died out generations ago. Forever connected to a dark history, the house he grew up in remained in the Ashworth family for generations until his estranged father sold it.
On a mission to check out the new owners, Dominic runs into Caleb Jones and gives the gorgeous man his phone number—but getting a date should be the last thing on Dominic’s agenda.
Caleb and his best friend, Zach Briceworth, are oblivious to the heartache and magic tied to the foundations of their new home. When strange things start to happen, the truth emerges and surprises them both, especially as everything revolves around Caleb’s new love interest.
After a shaky start, Caleb and Dominic settle into an easy relationship, falling faster than either of them expected. But with Halloween approaching, the possibility of danger increases. The past is not always as it seems, and the ripples of a tragic event threaten to put an end to everything between them.
Hiya guys, we have Rebecca Cohen stopping by today with a recap of the first book in her Treading the Boards series, Overly Dramatic, we have a great excerpt, a fantastic giveaway and Prime’s review, so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~
Overly Dramatic
(Treading the Boards 01)
by
Rebecca Cohen
Andy Marshall moves to London looking for a fresh start after breaking up with his long-term boyfriend. To stave off boredom from his day job as an accountant and to meet new people, Andy joins a local amateur dramatics society called the Sarky Players based in Greenwich, South London.
Despite his best efforts to avoid it, Andy is cast as one of the leads in a truly dreadful play called Whoops, Vicar, There Goes My Trousers, written by a local playwright.
The play might be bad, but the Sarky Players are a friendly bunch. Andy quickly makes new friends and finds himself attracted to Phil Cormack, a local artist helping with the props. But life doesn’t run to a script, so Andy and Phil will have to work hard to improvise their own happy ending.
Hi guys, we have K.A. Mitchell popping in today with her upcoming release Take a Chance On It, the third book in her Ready or Knot series, we have a short intro from K.A. and a great excerpt, so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~
Take A Chance on It
(Ready or Knot 03)
by
K.A. Mitchell
Left at the altar by his long-time lover Spencer and in desperate need of quality health insurance, now, Dane Archer can’t say no when his best man and best friend Gideon DeLuca steps in. But Dane and Gideon have history, tangled and passionate and complicated.
After seventeen years of cat-and-mouse, Gideon has realized Dane isn’t the kind of man who ever wants to be caught, and he’s stopped playing Dane’s game.
For Dane, it’s never been a game, but sexual fidelity isn’t his strong suit. Love is too beautiful for limits, something he’s never been able to get Gideon the control freak to understand. Now Dane has nothing but limits, including the timeline on this paper-only marriage to Gideon.
Gideon’s the only person Dane trusts enough to lean on, and Gideon will do anything to get Dane through this crisis. Anything but fall for Dane again.
Living together forces Dane and Gideon to stop circling and face what’s been between them all these years. They just don’t know if they have the power or the time to make things right.
What they do know is that they’re not ready for it to be over.
Hi guys, we have E.J. Russell stopping by today with her new release Wolf’s Clothing, we have a fantastic guest post from E.J., we have a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway, so check out the post and leave a comment to enter the giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~
Wolf’s Clothing
(Legend Tripping 02)
by
E.J. Russell
What do you do when you finally prove the existence of the otherworld, but the ghosts kick your ass?
For Trent Pielmeyer, the answer is runlikehell—away from his hostile family, away from the disbelieving cops, and far, far, far away from anything that smacks of the supernatural. After seven years’ captivity in a whacked-out alternate dimension, he is so over legend tripping.
When Christophe Clavret spots Trent in a Portland bar, he detects a kindred spirit—another man attempting to outrun the darkness of his own soul. But despite their sizzling chemistry, Trent’s hatred of the uncanny makes Christophe hesitant to confide the truth: he’s a werewolf, one of a dwindling line, the victim of a genetic curse extending back to feudal Europe.
But dark forces are at work, threatening more than their growing love. If Christophe can’t win Trent’s trust, and if Trent can’t overcome his fear of the paranormal, the cost could be Trent’s freedom and Christophe’s humanity. Or it might be both their lives.
Hi guys, we have R.J. Scott popping with with a recap for her Montana release The Rancher’s Son, we have a great excerpt, a fantastic giveaway and Lisa & Cat’s reviews, so check out the post & click that giveaway link <3 ~Pixie~
The Rancher’s Son
(Montana 02)
by
R.J. Scott
A man without memories, and the cop who never gave up hope.
When he wakes up in hospital, the victim of a brutal beating, John Doe, has no memories of who he is or who hurt him. The cops can find nothing to identify him and he can’t remember anything to help… except the name Ethan and one recurring place from his dreams. Three words, and they’re not much, but it’s a start. Crooked Tree Ranch.
Cop, Ethan Allens has never stopped searching for his brother and his brother’s best friend who vanished. When a report lands on Ethan’s desk that may give new leads he jumps at the chance to follow them up. The man he finds isn’t his brother, but it’s someone who could maybe help him discover what happened ten years ago.
What neither man can know is that facing the very real demons of the past could very well destroy any kind of future they may think they have together.
Hi guys, we have A.J. Llewellyn & D.J. Manly popping in today with their newest re-release Crazy Joe, we have a great excerpt, a brilliant giveaway and Prime’s review, so check out the post and click that giveaway link <3 ~Pixie~
Crazy Joe
by
A.J. Llewellyn & D.J. Manly
Montana Delray, a hot, good-looking New Orleans detective, had it made until his captain found him fooling around with his son at the office Christmas party. Even a gold shield and a medal for valor can’t save him from being busted down and transferred to the last place any cop wants to go—the 77th Precinct.
Detective Joe Hunter, nicknamed “Crazy Joe” because he has the sixth sense, flounders in a department where everyone has their “idiosyncrasies.” Then Montana Delray walks through the doors of the 77th and turns psychic Joe’s world upside down.
For the two mismatched detectives, is the 77th Precinct a nightmare or their destiny?
Hi guys, we have Vanessa Mulberry popping in today with her upcoming release The First Act, we have a short guest post from Vanessa and an exclusive excerpt, so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~
The First Act
by
Vanessa Mulberry
April 1594. William Moodie thinks he’s in love with celebrated actor, Richard Brasyer. When Brasyer’s playing company, Goldfox’s Men, comes to town, William is only too willing to leave his country life for the opportunities of the theater and a life in London. Determined to become Richard’s apprentice, William seeks to impress his mentor with his acting—and please him in bed.
Meanwhile, Richard struggles to escape his past as a spy and disentangle himself from the manipulations of his former master and ex-lover, Bennett Goldfox. Swearing off a relationship with his new apprentice proves difficult for Richard, as William uses all his youthful charms to seduce him. When Bennett’s life is threatened, Richard is lured back into the game for one final mission, and he and William travel to Cambridge to hunt down a list of traitors to the Crown.
In the midst of danger and deception, Richard and William come to truly see each other, faults and all, and realize their feelings run deeper than either expected.
Blurb: Shiloh Smart is alone and looking for a fresh start. Convinced he’s finished with love forever, he signs a lease at the Belladonna Arms, a tacky, run-down apartment building situated high on a hill in downtown San Diego.
Determined to turn his back on romance, Shiloh works hard at carving out a life for himself where love doesn’t stand a chance and staying single is all that matters.
Then his drag queen landlord’s nephew, Ben Moss, moves in. Thanks to a rumor Ben has heard since childhood of a fifty-year-old crime and a fortune in stolen money, he sets out to find the loot supposedly hidden decades ago in his uncle’s apartment building.
The minute Ben spots a kilted Shiloh toddling off to work at the Scottish restaurant up the street where he waits tables, he falls hard and fast for the aloof young redhead. Even a hidden treasure can’t compete in Ben’s eyes with the beautiful waiter with the fiery copper hair.
But even while he diligently works to break down Shiloh’s defenses, Ben doesn’t give up his quest for buried treasure. Soon, as their friendship deepens, the two young men join forces in a search for the stolen cash.
Review:Each book in The Belladonna Arms collection features a different romantic couple. To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, I would recommend reading the series in sequential order.
I wished that there was an apartment complex like this one with people just like the ones that live at the Belladonna Arms. I love the world that this author created almost as much as I love the characters that are in it. I laughed so hard through some parts that I thought I would need mouth to mouth.
John became a favorite author of mine when the first book in this series came out. I never even really thought that I would find a male author could do that. I have always focus on the quirky funny books that many authors write, but when I came across John’s stories I knew he was going to be one of my favorites with the way he spins a tale. My attention was caught from the moment I started reading and kept it all the way to the end.
Shiloh had thought his boyfriend loved him, till his boyfriend’s new boyfriend kicked him out. Thank god Arthur let him rent an apartment in the building he owned. Everyone there was quirky as hell. The rumor was that those who moved in found true love soon after. Too bad Shiloh never wanted to find love again, but damn was he in for a good surprise.
Ben moved to his uncle’s apartment complex for two reasons. One was he was gay and his family other than his uncle Arthur hated anything gay. The second was he had heard that fifty years ago several thousand dollars had been stolen, and the guy who did it died two days afterwards. The money had never been found, yet for some reason he knew it was there. Then he met Shiloh and it would seem that the number one reason for staying was he was falling in love.
I loved this book and the quirky, funny characters in it. I sure hope that the author has plans for many more in this series, because they are a big hit for me. They gave me everything I could ask for in a story. I had so much fun reading it and would definitely recommend it.
Hi guys, we have Lyssa Dering popping in today with her new release Breaking Hell’s Rules, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway, so check out the post and click that giveaway link <3 ~Pixie~
Breaking Hell’s Rules
by
Lyssa Dering
Freedom wasn’t supposed to be this dangerous…
When succubus Reth finally meets their soul quota and gains freedom from Hell, they decide to take up residence in New Orleans. Immediately they discard the body they’ve been wearing since 1952 and slip into something a little more virile, pleased to find they get a cozy apartment for their trouble. Too bad the apartment has a joint lease with their body’s ex-boyfriend Jude.
Jude is walking around with a black eye and a bad attitude, and when Reth tries to explain things, Jude doesn’t believe them. Plus, he refuses to move out. Reth doesn’t want to take Jude’s soul, and they really like this body. So they show him some succubus action minus the soul-grabbing, hoping to scare him off.
But they never expected for the mortal to take a liking to them. And they never could have predicted just how pure Jude’s soul would be. When Reth unwittingly commits a sin against Lucifer, they’ll need Jude’s help to avoid an eternity of suffering… For them both.
Hi guys, we have j. leigh bailey stopping by today with her upcoming release Guyliner, we have a fantastic guest post, a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway, so check out the post and leave a comment to enter the giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~
Guyliner
by
j. leigh bailey
Seventeen-year-old Connor works his butt off to maintain the golden-boy persona he’s created. He has the grades, the extracurriculars, the athletics, and a part-time job at his dad’s shop… every detail specifically chosen to ensure the college scholarships he needs to get the hell out of the Podunk town where he lives. The last thing he needs is an unexpected attraction to Graham, an eyeliner-wearing soccer phenom from St. Louis, who makes him question his goals and his sexuality. Sure, he’s noticed good-looking boys before—that doesn’t have to mean anything, right?—but he’s got a girlfriend. There’s no room on the agenda for hooking up with Graham, but the heart doesn’t always follow the rules.
As he and Graham grow close, other aspects of Connor’s life fall apart. Family pressure, bad luck, and rumors threaten to derail his carefully laid plans. Suddenly the future he’s fighting for doesn’t seem quite as alluring, especially if he has to deny who he really is to achieve it.
Hi guys, we have j. leigh bailey stopping by today with her upcoming release Guyliner, we have a fantastic guest post, a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway, so check out the post and leave a comment to enter the giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~
Guyliner
by
j. leigh bailey
Seventeen-year-old Connor works his butt off to maintain the golden-boy persona he’s created. He has the grades, the extracurriculars, the athletics, and a part-time job at his dad’s shop… every detail specifically chosen to ensure the college scholarships he needs to get the hell out of the Podunk town where he lives. The last thing he needs is an unexpected attraction to Graham, an eyeliner-wearing soccer phenom from St. Louis, who makes him question his goals and his sexuality. Sure, he’s noticed good-looking boys before—that doesn’t have to mean anything, right?—but he’s got a girlfriend. There’s no room on the agenda for hooking up with Graham, but the heart doesn’t always follow the rules.
As he and Graham grow close, other aspects of Connor’s life fall apart. Family pressure, bad luck, and rumors threaten to derail his carefully laid plans. Suddenly the future he’s fighting for doesn’t seem quite as alluring, especially if he has to deny who he really is to achieve it.
Blurb: In this collection, explore seven stories of men who don’t think they can possibly be a match… until they discover that sometimes all it takes is a little something in common. From rough starts, to friends hesitating to take that next step, to complete opposites, Talia Carmichael’s series shows the ways that love can conquer many odds.
Review: When I came across this nice bundle of books, I knew I wanted them. Which was kind of crazy since I own all them when they first came out. So let’s just say that this was one series that I have read many times over. Each character is unique in their own way and some have gone through some horrible times in their lives. They have lost loved ones and gained love ones, found new loves in the most interesting places. Each story is fascinating and fresh as the first time I got to read them. They caught my attention from the moment I started reading and kept it all the way to the end. No matter how many times I read them they are still as new as can be.
Detour ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Robert Berkus’s steady academic life seemed to be an open road until the day he took a detour… right into Officer Miguel Rodriguez’s path. When Miguel helps the sexy professor change a flat tire, Robert is absolutely oblivious to Miguel’s interest. That suits Miguel just fine, though. He’s used to being the aggressor although it sure would be nice to get this sweet and staid college professor to make the first move. When Robert gets his act in gear, the results prove explosive. Miguel wants Robert in his bed and in his life permanently, and Robert enthusiastically agrees – but they’ve already learned that life makes detours.
Sometimes it takes love a little courage to arrive at its chosen destination. It also shows that family does not have to be blood related and that was the perfect type to me.
So here you have Robert cheating to get to his luncheon with an old friend. Running a red light might not get him a ticket but it sure does get him his man. Although it would take a sign to get Robert to see that Miguel is definitely interested in him. These two are perfect for each other and a big hit with me.
It is a very funny little story with the perfect array of characters backing them all up. Now it does have a part that will make you cry your eyes up, but don’t worry. It just shows how true it is when you are talking about police officers and the dangers they face. Also the ones left behind. However Robert and Miguel love strengthens each day. These two were so damn funny that I spent most of the time laughing while reading. Poor Miguel would have to strip in front of the man to get the man to realize Miguel wants him. From that moment on though it sure does get very hot.
Hold on for the ride because book two is next. This was one story that rocked it perfectly for me.
Sparks ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Bernie Jenkins knows longing for Tomas is futile. The strong, sexy man sees him as nothing but an obligation, a burden he took on out of pity. He even calls Bernie “kid.” Bernie knows all about burdens and how they can consume you, so he pushes away feelings for Tomas.
Tomas Rodriguez likes Bernie. He’s a buddy, a friend. No matter what anyone says, there is nothing going on between them… or so he believes until Bernie surprises him one night at a club. Tomas realizes there’s more to the clumsy geek than he ever knew, but being attracted to someone isn’t the same as acting on it. For that to change, Bernie will have to take a chance and allow Tomas into his heart.
Now Bernie is one of those characters that has innocence about him but when you look into his eyes you can see the mischief. He is sex and innocence rolled into one feisty young man. However there is a part of him that is hidden and a past that is full of pain. Whereas Thomas comes off as a hardass, but when it comes to family he is the first one there. From the moment Bernie enters the picture, he is considered family. We are still waiting on that formula to stop people from speaking though.
Now this one does not have the spark to it but it has an emotional tone to it. It will take the whole gang to help Bernie with his past and to welcome his brothers into the picture.
Although it is only one that shows up. Bernie has been a favorite of mine from the start and he will probably continue long well after the books are all read. It also shows that some parents should never be parents, as Bernie’s is the one that cause him all his pain and grief. I love how Tomas jumped in and helped without Bernie really realizing that was what he was doing. The way these two fought was a blast.
Now I am off to read the next book. It just keeps getting better and better after each read. I sure do love these guys.
Resonate ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
When Gerald Ramirez and retired rock star Bur Jenkins meet; it’s not exactly love at first sight. Actually, Gerald thinks Bur is using their mutual friend, and Bur seems to get a kick out of messing with Gerald.
To be honest, Gerald’s never been attracted to another man. But then Bur admits he’s attracted to Gerald, and now Gerald can’t stop thinking about what the two of them might be like together. After proving to himself he’s not interested in any other men, Gerald comes forward with an admission of his own: he’s interested in Bur, and he wants to give dating a shot.
Bur never dared to hope for this, but the chance to get close to Gerald is too tempting to resist, even though Bur is sure their relationship will crash and burn. After all, they’re completely mismatched….
Now we have our very own straight man falling for another. Now most families would wonder and question, but let’s just say he thought about it. I loved how he was always paying for everything and trying to get Bur to get a job. His reaction when he finds out who Bur really is was the funniest moment ever. Now here you have a sexy cop who is not only loyal but dependable. He fights for his friends and tries to help his best friend’s husband after his death. He thinks Bur is using him but damn do sparks fly between these two. I do love how the author worked the ex-fiancée moving into Gerald’s house. Could have been dicey but she turned it out perfectly.
Light, funny, sweet and so damn sexy is what you get from this story. I have got to tell you that with all of the characters running around, there should be a lot more stories for me. Well I am off to read the next book. Amazing is all I have to say.
Irresistible ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Del Jenkins prefers to be alone—or so he tells himself until his younger brothers try to make him a playdate with bookstore owner Harper Hillman. Del’s brothers just want him to make a new friend, but there is no way he can be friends with Harper. Not unless Harper’s definition of “friends” includes jumping into bed together and getting naked and sweaty. When Harper turns him down flat because he doesn’t sleep with strangers, Del shrugs it off and suggests they get to know each other better. He already sees something wonderful in Harper, and he won’t give up so easily.
Harper is still mourning his dead husband, and a casual sexual encounter with Del is the last thing he wants. But getting to know each other—platonically, of course—should be harmless. In no way is Harper getting close to another man. But as he and Del spend more time together, Harper realizes it’s too late—he’s already involved. His heart is set on Del, and Harper is powerless to resist.
Now Harper has been morning his husband’s death for a while, and he at one time had thought his best friend was going to propose to him just to help him. Talk about a blessing when Bur stepped up to the plate on that one. However Harper is just not sure if he wants to give Del a chance. Now with Bernie, Bur and Del, these three and the twins have gone through hell and made it out. Their stories are a bit more painful to hear but so worth it in the end. Del is one closed off jackal who doesn’t really let anyone in. However when the twins are found out, Del is the one who runs and takes them in, not that the others had any clue what was going on since none of them have seen each other since they were teens. But damn it will have you in tears.
The stories are taking a new turn and making it more personal for some. You will see how each character reacts to each other and how hard they rush to help.
Amazing story and full of love for these guys. Now off to read the next book.
Trouble ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts
Alex Hayes doesn’t get involved. He’s been hurt before and has no desire to repeat the experience. Besides, his friends are his family. He doesn’t need anything else. Or so he thinks until he comes face-to-face with Leslie “Maestro” Hannigan… again.
Two years ago, Alex was the one that got away. But now Leslie knows his name and he isn’t going to lose him twice—especially when it’s plain to see that Alex is interested in Leslie too. Alex may think Leslie is trouble… but he’s the very best kind.
Alex is really good at fixing homes and then re-selling them, but the man doesn’t know jack about cars. He has purchased a real sweet one and he thought a book would help him. Thank god he listened to Bernie and the others and decided to get help. To top it off he is still searching for his dead lover’s wife to see if she is ok. Here he has this sexy man fixing his car and he is about to run away. Thank god Alex uses his brain sometimes; otherwise I am pretty sure Leslie was going to tie him to the bed.
Damn each story just keeps getting better and better with each turn of the page. I do get a kick out of Alex though. And when Leslie goes all car god on someone…well let’s just say that even the cops won’t mess with the Maestro. I sure do get a kick out of these two.
Wow this one rocked it out of the ball park for me. On to the next book.
Chances ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts
Treble Duo, the haven facility, is now up and running, and that is Theron Longoria’s one and only focus until he sees Aristotle Berkus. He’s met the grouchy, crowd-hating man several times, but each time, Theron is more and more intrigued. After meeting Theron, Aristotle realizes what a wonderful mystery of a man he’s found, and although he plans on taking things slow, he’s not planning on letting Theron go.
Between a barbecue get-together and a chance to help a little girl find a new home, Theron and Aristotle discover they need each other to navigate the new life they are starting together.
Bernie, Del and Bur have gotten together with their friends and family and made a rescue for those who have been kicked out of hurt by their parents. Things are looking up for them all. Aristotle is a master at making normal wood turn into beautiful furniture. He is one big man with a big heart; however he is not going to let anyone have his picture. Theron sees children and wants to help them, so the perfect place to work was at the facility. When these two finally hook up you can see the sparks. That is if they can ever get some time alone, damn Theron has a big family. Don’t let his mother watch sports though, not a good thing.
I got a kick out of this book and Theron’s mom rocks. She is even more passionate about children being hurt then the guys. She will kick some major ass to save them. I love it about these guys how big their hearts are. This story rocked perfectly and made me cry at the same time.
I am off to read the next book. Amazing story is all I have to say about this one.
Magnetism ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts
Taggart Monroe wants to know what makes Rhodes Winslow tick. Rhodes finds the friendly barbs he and Taggart exchange intriguing, fun, and sexy. He wants Taggart and knows Taggart wants him even though he won’t admit it. Taggart studies people the way he studies the details of his cases, so he’s drawn to a man who is an enigma. Getting to know Rhodes is an adventure Taggart can’t resist, just like the magnetism between them.
Get some cute puppies how hard can it be… Well let’s just say I hope you guys get some new cushions soon. These two are so damn cute together and so sweet. They act like best friends, fight like cats and dogs but it is so sexy to see it. Cases are rolling in with the kids and things heat up real fast with these guys. I love how they are with each other and how they are with their friends and family. I wish I had this kind of family.
Now I have to admit that it took me a while to remember who these guys were, but it didn’t really take that long to go back and look it up. These two didn’t hit me like the others did, there didn’t seem to be that big spark that there was beforehand. It was more sweet, tender and just fun to be with these two. They were perfect for each other even if they were a bit quirky. I have to admit that these two different have the chemistry that the others had and they were a bit boring. However for me it didn’t really take away from the whole story.
I had a blast reading it and look forward to future books.
Overall ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Now with this series, it is not all fun and games. There is some serious tension in some of them and some triggers that might bug you a bit. If you can’t handle child abuse then this probably wouldn’t be the one for you. Although these guys deal with it and they fix it, they try to make it better for the child. Now you will find some of the characters from Talia’s Encounter series making an appearance in the last book. I was glad to have been given this complete series, even though I read all of the stories many times over. I love the fact that you get all of the stories in one nice big book and don’t have to wait. Now normally I can’t stand stories with so many characters in them because it does get hard to keep them all separate but it wasn’t like that with this series. They all complement each other and make the story so much more memorable for me. I enjoyed reading them once more and look forward to reading them many times more. Talia Carmichael is a book goddess and I absolutely have moved her to my top ten favorite authors. Amazing series is what this was.
Blurb: Galen Frost buys a house and a bait shop in a small Florida town to get away from his life as a semipro football player. When he meets good-time bartender Shane Barton, the heat between them is instant and intense—like the burn of good whiskey.
Galen and Shane don’t have much in common beyond their healthy libidos and their love of a good time, but the intoxicating heat brings them together like rain on the ocean, whipping up a frenzy of weather… good and bad. When trouble blows ashore, they will have to ride out the storm that breaks between them as Galen’s past rears its ugly head.
First Edition eBook published by Torquere Press, 2005.
First Edition paperback published by Torquere Press, 2006.
Review: Holy cow, let me just hose myself down because this baby is scorching hot!
Galen spots a hot bartender and is instantly hooked, when Shane spots a sexy customer he can’t wait to taste the man. The two hit it off and the sparks fly and just when everything seems to be going great between them a blast from Galen’s past sweeps in and drives a huge wedge between the new lovers.
This is one hot story that has a bit of a storyline but not much of one. This is a story that I would class as erotica because these two passionate men just can’t keep their sexy hands off each other. I’d estimate that about 80% of this story involves hot heavy sexy time so if you want something to rev your motor then this is it for all the hot and heavy going on I’d say its 5 Hearts.
The dash of storyline that we do get involves a nasty man from Galen’s past and Galen’s lashing out at Shane in reaction. It adds a bit of tension to the story, it also shows Galen and Shane just how much they love each other as well. I was disappointed that scum guy didn’t really get what was coming to him other than having Galen beat the crap out of him, I know that’s pretty harsh but the guy deserves castration, so only 3 Hearts for the storyline.
I recommend this to those who want plenty of hot sexy times, great characters, watching two men fall in love and a great ending.
Title: Open Omega and His Bitter Bear
Title: Infected: Holden
Title: Gryffon Hall
Title: Dallas
Title: Bastet 
Title: Senses Vol. 01
Love Comes Silently: This is one of those books which is just so damn relatable and packed full of emotion. I cried multiple times through this book because Andrew Grey knows how to tug at the heart strings. Ken Brighton is an artist, a very successful one. His partner has recently left him, mostly because he couldn’t handle the fact that Ken has an adopted daughter very well. On top of all that, Ken’s daughter, Hanna is becoming sick and they find out she has cancer. The little girl fights a courageous battle but it is mysterious presents that keep up both Hanna and Ken’s spirits. At first Ken thinks they are from his ex, but that isn’t the case.
Love Comes in Darkness: Howard Justinian was born blind and refuses to be coddled by anyone. He knows that he can live an independent life, but there are some controlling characters in his life, one of which is his now ex boyfriend. But luckily for Howard, he meets Gordy Jarrett when his ex leaves him stranded in the middle of the road. Gordy is a really caring and sweet soul. He fits Howard perfectly, but Howard tends to be stubborn.
Love Comes Home: We return once again to a plot line which involves a sick child. This time it is Gregory Hampton’s son, Davey. The little boy loves baseball and lives for Little League, but he is having problems with his vision. The diagnosis shatters father and son because Davey is going blind.
Title: Ben and Shiloh
Title: Something In Common
Detour 
Sparks 
Resonate 
Irresistible 
Trouble 
Chances 
Magnetism 
Title: Rain and Whiskey