Month: March 2017

Like A Love Story by Frey Ortega

Frey Ortega - Like A Love Story CoverTitle: Like A Love Story

Series: Camden Cove 01

Author: Frey Ortega

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (39K words)

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand (26th January 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Seth Stanford has had a pretty easy life for the past quarter of a century. But he’s never quite fallen out of love with Hunter Rodriguez, his first crush—and his older brother’s best friend.

Seth isn’t idealizing a picture-perfect version of Hunter in his head. Seth knows all about the pros and cons of dating Hunter. But all of that changes when, one day, Hunter asks him out.

Maybe it has to do with the people around them meddling in their love life. Maybe it was Fate.

Seth just knows that whatever is happening between him and Hunter feels too much like a love story, and he’s just waiting for the other shoe to drop. The fact is, this all feels just a little bit too fast and too much for him, and he doesn’t know what to do.

Will he accept his happily ever after, or will Seth’s worrying ruin his chance at happiness? 

ISBN: 978-1-68295-821-6

Product Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/book/like-a-love-story

Reviewer: Prime

Review: Like A Love Story is a super sweet story that would have you going into a diabetic coma – and totally the type of sappy story that I love to read. Number one, Frey Ortega is a go-to on my Siren Publishing authors list. I like the writing – the style and the pace of all the author’s books is definitely an attraction. However, secondly, and most importantly this is the type of story which has a massive draw to me because I can’t resist a love story between a guy and his brother’s best friend, who in this case had left their small town home.

The story is about Seth Standford. His life appears to be in a bit of a slump, though he doesn’t see it that way. Seth lives in his parent’s basement playing games in his spare time. He’s become a bit of a hermit, something that everyone around him worries about more than himself. Seth enjoys his online friends and his family is enough contact he needs at the moment. But then he hears the news that his secret crush – Hunter Rodriguez – his brother’s best friend, is coming back to visit their small town of Camden Cove.

The Standford’s and the Rodriguez’s seem to be well to do upper crust of the local society, and add in the fact that Seth’s brother is the mayor, it’s the start of a clique group. When Seth’s brother is sent to hospital after being hit by a drunk driver, this clique gets planning when they discover that Seth doesn’t hate Hunter, but likes him. When Hunter does return he doesn’t need much pushing in Seth’s direction – at first it felt a bit shallow but it does quickly develop into something more.

There is a small dose of drama, which I have to admit that I saw coming a mile away. Nonetheless, it gave the story the little bit of a kick it needed to get Seth and Hunter to the end of HEA. Seriously can’t wait for the next installment! Here’s me hoping to read the story of Seth’s brother (the town mayor) and Hunter’s boss (a millionaire looking to invest in the town).

Patience by Helena Stone

Helena Stone - Patience CoverTitle: Patience

Series: Dublin Virtues 01

Author: Helena Stone

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (170pgs)

ISBN: 978-1-78651-536-0

Publisher: Pride Publishing (28th March 2017)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Patience is a virtue. But what if you wait too long?

While Xander Ekman’s dream of becoming a successful artist has come true, his love life has gone from bad to worse. Sick of the endless string of one-night stands, he accepts the challenge when his best friend, Erik, bets him that he can’t be celibate for a month. Now all he needs is a reminder to keep his distance in the heat of the moment.

Troy Moriarty doesn’t have time for love. He’s too busy trying to keep his recently opened tattoo parlor afloat. Besides, ever since the man who was supposed to be his business partner abandoned him to run the shop on his own, he has a hard time trusting others.

When Xander turns to Troy for a tattoo that will remind him to be patient, the attraction is instant. But faced with Xander’s month of celibacy, Troy’s trust issues, and a nemesis lurking in the background, their relationship may be doomed before it has a chance to begin.

Purchase Link: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/patience

Review: Xander’s life as an artist is working out for him but his love life is abysmal, the men he meets only want one night stands and Xander yearns for something more. Xander’s best friend is concerned about him and challenges him to swear off sex for a month and Xander accepts the challenge. On impulse Xander walks into a tattoo shop to get a tattoo to remind him to think things through and take his time but he meets a man who makes him wish he’d rejected the bet.

Troy is busy establishing his new tattoo parlor when a customer walks into his shop and brings back memories of Troy’s fractured trust, but Troy puts aside the memories of the man who left him high and dry to help the man out. The two reconnect at an artist showcase and over the course of a month become close, until the man who hurt both of them blazes back into their lives.

This is a great story of two men who have both been hurt in different ways finding each other and beginning to build something good between them. First we have Xander who is a talented artist but lacks confidence in finding a man who truly wants him, he’s a nice guy who has been worn down by rejection and sometimes Troy’s reactions have him confused but he’s determined to cling to his hope that Troy is different from the other guys he’s met.

Troy is a lovely man who has had his trust broken by Shane, a man who he thought was a good friend and his secret crush, meeting Xander has him torn at first because he’s seen the man before and he can’t help but wonder if Xander is of the same mindset as his ex-friend.

In this story we follow along as Xander’s and Troy’s friendship develops into something more, we get to see the perspective of both men so we get to enjoy the developing relationship from both sides and we know exactly what’s going through both men’s minds as they traverse their new relationship.

The characters in this story are well written and we get to know them pretty well, not only do we get to enjoy Xander and Troy but also their best friends Eric and Lorcan, I’m hoping we’ll see more of Eric and Lorcan in the future because there’s certainly some chemistry there.

I enjoyed this story, I found the characters to be engaging and entertaining, I enjoyed that their relationship is taken at a slow pace and that trust is built between them. Shane is an ideal bad guy with his selfish attitude, I just hope we’ve seen the last of him because Xander and Troy weren’t the only ones wanting to punch him 😉 . I love Eric and Lorcan because they were perfect supportive friends; they’re the type of guys that you’d love for your own friends so you can turn to them for advice and a night at the pub.

I recommend this story who love everyday contemporary romances, taking a slow paced relationship and adding a bit of tension to spice it up, great characters, a dash of hot sex and a very happy ending.

Patience by Helena Stone Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

Helena Stone - Patience RT Banner

Hi guys, we have Helena Stone popping in today with her new release Patience, we have a great excerpt, a fantastic giveaway and my review, so check out the post and click that giveaway link! <3 ~Pixie~

Helena Stone - Patience Cover

Patience

(Dublin Virtues 01)
by

Helena Stone

Patience is a virtue. But what if you wait too long?

While Xander Ekman’s dream of becoming a successful artist has come true, his love life has gone from bad to worse. Sick of the endless string of one-night stands, he accepts the challenge when his best friend, Erik, bets him that he can’t be celibate for a month. Now all he needs is a reminder to keep his distance in the heat of the moment.

Troy Moriarty doesn’t have time for love. He’s too busy trying to keep his recently opened tattoo parlor afloat. Besides, ever since the man who was supposed to be his business partner abandoned him to run the shop on his own, he has a hard time trusting others.

When Xander turns to Troy for a tattoo that will remind him to be patient, the attraction is instant. But faced with Xander’s month of celibacy, Troy’s trust issues, and a nemesis lurking in the background, their relationship may be doomed before it has a chance to begin.

Continue reading “Patience by Helena Stone Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!” →

Bronze Star by A.E. Wasp Release Blast & Giveaway!

A.E. Wasp - Bronze Star RB BannerA.E. Wasp - Bronze Star Banner

Hi guys, we have A.E. Wasp popping in today with her new release Bronze Star, we have a fantastic giveaway so check out the post and click that giveaway link! <3 ~Pixie~

A.E. Bronze - A.E. Wasp Cover

Bronze Star

(A Veterans Affairs Story)
by

A.E. Wasp

Chris Dobbs is used to getting what he wants, and what he wants now is his boss.

Everything about the dangerously handsome enigmatic older man drives him to his knees in more ways than one, ways Chris is realizing he’s always craved. 

Giving Jay-Cee his body is as simple as breathing, but when Chris smashes through all of Jay-Cee’s hard earned control, he learns Jay-Cee demands more than just his obedience. He wants things Chris can’t give him – his heart, his soul, and his trust.

Jay-Cee offered his brilliant young protégé everything. In return, Chris took only the pieces he wanted and rejected the rest, leaving Jay-Cee reeling. 

But the deep connection between them isn’t easily severed, and it promises to heal them both of the scars of their pasts. If they are to build a sanctuary from the rubble of their broken hearts, they’re going to have to risk everything.

Continue reading “Bronze Star by A.E. Wasp Release Blast & Giveaway!” →

Enemy Within by Tal Bauer Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Tal Bauer - Enemy Within Banner

Hi guys, we have Tal Bauer popping in today with their new release The Enemy Within, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway, so check out the post and click that giveaway link! <3 ~Pixie~

Tal Bauer - Enemy Within Cover

Enemy Within

(The Executive Office 03)
by

Tal Bauer

The White House, infiltrated.

The president, running for his life.

A traitorous general, intent on burning the world to the ground.

When everything falls apart, who do you trust?

President Jack Spiers fled Washington DC on the heels of a devastating attack on CIA headquarters, masterminded by one of America’s own, former General Porter Madigan. While the world believes Jack was killed in the bombing, he embarks on a wild infiltration mission, smuggling himself into occupied Russia to rescue the love of his life: former Secret Service Agent and First Gentleman Ethan Reichenbach.

Reunited, Jack, Ethan, and deposed Russian president Sergey Puchkov, along with President Elizabeth Wall—the only person left in Washington DC who Jack trusts—must work together. They piece together a desperate plan, hunting Madigan to the ends of the earth and the bitter frigidity of the Arctic, where Madigan’s world-shattering doomsday plan comes together.

Outnumbered, outmaneuvered, and outgunned, Jack, Ethan, Sergey, and the rest of the team struggle to put a stop to Madigan and his army. In the desolate extremes of the Arctic, their resolve, their strength, and even their love is tested, pushed to the absolute limits as choices must be made: choices that pit the fate of the world against the love in their hearts, and the loves of their life.

As the world crumbles around them, Jack and Ethan find themselves waging a war on two fronts—against an enemy they can see, and another, hiding within their ranks.

Who can be trusted when the enemy is within you?

Continue reading “Enemy Within by Tal Bauer Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!” →

In The Wreckage by Hailey Turner

Hailey Turner - In The Wreckage CoverTitle: In the Wreckage

Series: Metahuman Files #1

Author: Hailey Turner

Genre: Science-Fiction, Military

Length: Novel (341 pages)

Publisher: Hailey Turner (19th February 2017)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: A Marine with honor.

After surviving a horrific chemical attack that turned him into a metahuman, Captain Jamie Callahan got a second lease on life. For three years he’s been working for the Metahuman Defense Force and leading Alpha Team—all against the wishes of his family. The job requires his full dedication, so it’s no surprise Jamie doesn’t have time for a relationship. An enticing one-night stand with a gorgeous stranger is all it takes to show Jamie exactly what he’s been missing. When a mission to take down a terrorist cell brings that same stranger back into his world, Jamie’s life gets complicated.

A soldier with secrets.

Staff Sergeant Kyle Brannigan was only looking to relieve some stress after a long mission. He didn’t know the hot guy he picked up at a bar was the leader of the MDF’s top field team. When Kyle and his partner get seconded to Alpha Team to help fight a terrorist threat, he has to balance his desire for Jamie against his duty to keep his secrets safe. That gets harder and harder to do amidst regulations both are tempted to break.

Two men trying to survive.

Giving into passion could cost both their careers. Abiding by the rules will only result in heartache. An attack on MDF headquarters brings with it a choice Jamie and Kyle can’t escape—duty, or love?

In the Wreckage is a 100k word steamy m/m sci-fi military romance with a HFN ending. There is military violence within the story that may not be suitable for everyone, as well as explicit intimate scenes not suitable for readers under 18.

ISBN: B06VY2PV5M

Product Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06VY2PV5M

Reviewer: Aerin

Review: The year is 2284 and Earth is a completely changed planet while many things stayed the same. Many parts of Earth are uninhabitable because of extremely high temperatures, water and coffee are luxuries, and humans and metahumans are fighting together against a common enemy: terrorists. Splice is a new chemical bomb developed by terrorists and used to wipe out large numbers of humans, only nobody could’ve anticipated some humans having a natural immunity to the drug, which caused parts of their DNA to be activated, resulting in superpowers. We now have telekinetics, super-healers, pyrotechnics, anti-gravity masters, super-strength, telepaths and teleporters and OH MY!

Prepare to be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information thrown at you in the first few chapters, as well as the high number of characters, each with their own special role and super power. At the center of this new universe we have Kyle and Jaime, both of them strong men and unique characters. A one night stand that was supposed to serve as a stress reliever turns into an off-the-charts hot, intense, filthy and raw fuck session. Kyle and Jaime are made for each other and complement each other’s needs perfectly; if you’re expecting a sweet romance you’re going to be disappointed. Kyle and Jaime’s relationship is a power exchange in disguise. Kyle craves pain and loves to be used sexually, and Jaime doesn’t hold back at all! The sex is raw and filthy and animalistic, so don’t expect anything else.

I liked many things about this book, especially the plot and the story line because it was nothing short of fascinating. I loved that the women were treated no differently than the men and were just as important; you won’t find any damsels in distress in this story. I loved the sense of friendship and camaraderie between the characters, especially the family dynamics Kyle and Jaime each had with their own families. I liked the idea that metahumans were both good guys and bad guys, because super powers don’t equal integrity.

However there were a few plot holes and trains of thought that were abandoned or left unsolved along the way. At the end of the book, I’m not sure where the MDF stands in the fight against terrorists and what the situation with the vaccines against the effects of Splice is. My biggest problem however was with how incredibly LONG the fuckfest between Kyle and Jaime lasted. I felt all fucked out at the end of each and every scene; I get that being mutahumans gives Kyle and Jaime stamina, but the sex lasted 5-8 pages long EACH AND EVERY TIME!!!! I wanted to whimper in misery ‘please stop!’

Considering this is a new author to me and this is the beginning of a new series, I have to say I’m pretty impressed. I am curious how the rest of this series will play out.

Scenes from Adelaide Road by Helena Stone

Helena Stone - Scenes From Adelaide Road CoverTitle: Scenes from Adelaide Road

Author: Helena Stone

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (164 pages)

Publisher: Pride Publishing (1 Dec 2015)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Can a young man find the courage he never knew he had when faced with losing everything he holds dear?

A few months before his final exams in secondary school, nineteen-year-old Lennart Kelly discovers he’s inherited a house on Adelaide Road in Dublin from a grandfather he never knew. Having been ignored, bullied and abused for as long as he can remember, Lennart can’t wait to leave behind his father and the small town he grew up in. Moving away as soon as he finishes his exams doesn’t cure his deep-rooted insecurities though.

Meeting twenty-three-year-old Aidan Cassidy in a gay club on his second night in Dublin, scares Lennart. Used to being ignored and ridiculed, he doesn’t trust the attention he receives and can’t believe a man like Aidan could possibly be interested in him. It takes infinite patience and understanding from Aidan to slowly coax Lennart out of his shell.

But the past refuses to stay where it belongs and Lennart’s father is determined to take the house in Dublin off his son by whatever means necessary. Just when Lennart is learning to trust and embrace life, a violent attack threatens everything he holds dear. Suddenly Lennart is in danger of losing his house, the man he’s grown to love and maybe even his life. If Lennart wants to protect Aidan and safeguard his future, he’ll have to find the courage he never knew he had.

ISBN: 978-1-78430-867-4

Product Link: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/scenes-from-adelaide-road

Reviewer: Prime

Review: I have to admit, I was a little shallow when it came to actually choosing to read this book – I chose it because I live in Adelaide and if I can’t read about my own city I can at least read about a road that goes by the same name in Dublin. That aside, Scenes from Adelaide Road is a fantastic book that is really a coming of age for a couple of Irish lads who are trying to break free from their pasts and make their way in the world.

Lennart is from the West Country and moves to Dublin after finding out that he inherited a house from a grandfather he had never known was alive. He grows up the victim of bullies and no matter how much he tried to blend in, he was always a target. With only his father left to raise him, the man makes no effort to hide the fact that he hates his own son and expects Lennart to fail at everything. After only a couple days in Dublin, Lennart plucks up the courage to go to a gay bar where he meets Aidan. Aidan’s upbringing has been completely opposite. While he has been the victim of some bullying he has a loving and supporting family who would do anything for them.

Out of home and living together in Lennart’s inherited house, there is an element of self discovery. In addition to learning about each other and exploring a relationship, they also learn about the grandfather that Lennart had never been able to meet because of his selfish and horrible father. In some ways Lennart’s grandfather is the heart of the story and the heart of the drama, because Lennart’s father comes back in his life in a really horrible way. I love the attraction between the guys and the development of the characters, especially Lennart who learns to stand up for himself.

This is the type of story that appeals to many types. Although, almost in the realm of young adult it does not feel like one, instead this more about breaking free of the horrors of bullying and learning to stand up for yourself. Lennart is a strong character that I think is universally relatable and very appealing despite being so broken.

Fahey's Flaw by Jenna Byrnes

Jenna Byrnes - Fahey's Flaw CoverTitle: Fahey’s Flaw

Series: Kansas City Heat 9

Author: Jenna Byrnes

Genre:  Crime, Mystery

Length: Novella (100 Pages)

Publisher: Pride Publishing (January 6, 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Can KCPD detectives keep the latest designer drug off the streets and out of the hands of teenagers?

There’s a new drug of choice in town, and the detectives of the KCPD Vice Department are working fast to keep it away from unsuspecting students looking for a cheap high. Detective Wynn Fahey’s son, Connor, is thirteen going on thirty. His recent announcement that he’s gay causes concern for his mother and her new husband, and the parents of the boy he’s been caught in a compromising position with.

Wynn struggles to help his son adjust, not having gone through the same issues since he didn’t come out until he was divorced with a child. When the new five dollar Insanity drug invades Con’s school, the boy is forced to grow up faster than his parents would have liked. Will the love and support of handsome English teacher Reilly O’Keefe be enough to sustain Wynn and Connor, or are they in too deep to scrabble their way out of danger?

ISBN: 978-1-78430-929-9

Product Link: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/faheys-flaw

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Each book in the Kansas City Heat 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 love the way this author can put together a book that not only fascinates you but draws you in. I had a blast reading this and look forward to reading more by Jenna. The characters are beautifully written with big hearts, however if you cross them, they have no problem putting you down.

There is a new drug out there that is sold extremely cheap and is ending up in the hands of teenagers. It has the police department searching for a way to stop it. It brings it even closer to home, seeing as Wynn’s son is thirteen. Wynn seems to have many problems at hand on top of the damn drug. His son has come out gay, and Connor’s mom’s husband is not taking it to well.

On top of that Wynn is falling for Connor’s teacher. It would seem Reilly feels the same way. Now they just have to figure out how to stop the danger from hitting close to home.

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. In fact I think that this one is my favorite.

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 Jenna 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.

Price of Freedom by Helena Maeve

Helena Maeve - Price of Freedom CoverTitle: Price of Freedom

Series:  Shadow Play # 2

Author: Helena Maeve

Genre: Contemporary, Erotic, Romance, Thrillers and Suspense

Length: Novella (102 pages)

Publisher: Pride Publishing (November 10, 2015)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

Blurb: Some stories just aren’t meant to be told.

From warzones to domestic scandals, Ulysses has built a career as a high-profile journalist at the expense of both family and relationships. Now his dogged pursuit of the truth has cost him credibility and job security. Discredited and depressed, he hunts for the story that will re-establish him as a trustworthy name in British journalism.

Stumbling across a string of mysterious murders that spans the breadth of the continent may prove a godsend. Yet catapulted into a world of spies and outstanding blood debts, Ulysses finds himself collaborating with elusive Robin, a man on the run whose past is as dark as the desires he awakens in Ulysses. Their chemistry is incendiary, breathtaking, unlike anything Ulysses has ever known. And chances are the fallout will prove proportional.

As Robin’s dealings land him in the crosshairs of the British intelligence services, Ulysses is faced with a choice that may cost him his life. .

ISBN: 978-1-78430-843-8

Reviewer: Shorty

Product Link:  https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/price-of-freedom

Review: This is book two in the Shadow play series. Ulysses, journalist, was a very ambitious man. He wanted the top story and did what it took to get it until he was discredited. Robin a man with a dark past corroborates with Ulysses to find out the truth about some murders. Which puts both men’s lives in danger.

I really liked the mystery part of the story. The way Ulysses sought out facts was fascinating. But I have t say I was intrigued by the mysterious yet sexy Robin. As more details about his past are revealed I was wondering how they would make it out alive. 

I liked the story though I felt it was a little drawn out. 

Gods of Vengeance by Thom Collins

Thom Collins - Gods of Vengeance CoverTitle: Gods of Vengeance

Author: Thom Collins

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Short Story

Publisher: Pride Publishing (March 21, 2017)

Heat Level: None

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

Blurb: United in passion. Driven by vengeance.

Owen Hazard, a young farmer is dead. Murdered while he tried to prevent a robbery on his land. His older brother, Captain Mark Hazard, returns home for the funeral. Owen’s best friend, Riley runs the local pub. He has information about the night Owen was killed – he knows who was responsible. The police are doing nothing. Vengeance is their only option.

United in their passion for each other and a thirst for revenge, Riley and Mark must take the law into their own hands if there’s to be any justice for Owen

ISBN: 978-1-78651-562-1

Product Link: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/gods-of-vengeance

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Two men come together to kill those responsible for another’s death.  Owen was murdered trying to stop something, although it is said a robbery gone wrong, everyone knows it is a lie.  Now his brother and his best friend must prove who did the killing and make Owen’s death right.

Now I had heard, not read, that this story was in “The Brothers in Arms Anthology”.  There is murder, revenge, violence and so much more in such a short story.  The problem with it was the way it was told.  It just came off very choppy and did not flow like it really should have.  I also didn’t much like the idea of two men committing murder, even if it was for someone they loved.  I am sorry to say that this book was definitely not for me.

One Bullet by Casey Wolfe Blog Tour, Character Interview, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Casey Wolfe - One Bullet BT Banner

Hi peeps, we have Casey Wolfe stopping by today with their debut release One Bullet, we have a fantastic excerpt and a brilliant giveaway so check out the post and click that giveaway link! <3 ~Pixie~

Casey Wolfe - One Bullet Cover

One Bullet

by

Casey Wolfe

When Ethan Brant was shot, he found himself dealing with severe PTSD and unable to do his job as a police officer any longer. With the aid of Detective Shawn Greyson, the man who saved his life, Ethan not only finds himself again but discovers love as well.

Shawn’s life growing up was less than ideal, however, he overcame that to become who he is today. That doesn’t mean he isn’t missing something in his life. What Shawn hadn’t realized, upon first meeting, was that Ethan could give him all that and more.

One bullet changed both their lives.

Continue reading “One Bullet by Casey Wolfe Blog Tour, Character Interview, Excerpt & Giveaway!” →