Day: July 11, 2017

The Fangs of Scavo by Selina Kray

Selina Kray - The Fangs of Scavo CoverTitle: The Fangs of Scavo

Series: Stoker & Bash 01

Author: Selina Kray

Genre: Historical, Mystery, Suspense

Length: Novel (413pgs)

ISBN: 9780995992504

Publisher: Selina Kray (7th June 2017)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: At Scotland Yard, DI Timothy Stoker is no better than a ghost. A master of arcane documents and niggling details who, unlike his celebrity-chasing colleagues, prefers hard work to headlines. But an invisible man is needed to unmask the city’s newest amateur detective, Hieronymus Bash. A bon vivant long on flash and style but short on personal history, Bash just may be a Cheapside rogue in Savile Row finery.

When the four fangs of the Demon Cats of Scavo—trophies that protect the hunters who killed the two vicious beasts—disappear one by one, Stoker’s forced to team with the very man he was sent to investigate to maintain his cover. He finds himself thrust into a world of wailing mediums, spiritualist societies, man-eating lions, and a consulting detective with more ambition than sense. Will this case be the end of his career, or the start of an unexpected liaison? Or will the mysterious forces at play be the death of them both?

And just who is Hieronymus Bash?

Purchase Link:  Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: DI Timothy Stoker loves his work, he doesn’t care about grabbing headlines, he just wants to solve his cases and begin the next case. His newest case is to unmask a flash amateur detective who keeps solving high society cases; Stoker has to go undercover to get close to Hieronymus Bash and he discovers that Hiero is not quite what he thought.

Bash loves debunking spiritualists and solving mysteries, but when, during a séance, a fang from the Demon Cats of Scavo disappears right under his nose he knows a simple solution will not be forthcoming, and he ends up with a tag-a-long in the shape of Timothy Kipling, a man who seems to be hiding something.

Stoker and Bash couldn’t be more different from the other, Stoker is plain and unassuming, disappearing into the background and often overlooked and forgotten. Bash on the other hand is flashy, attention grabbing and lives to be the centre of the spotlight. These two together make for an odd couple but surprisingly they hit it off and discover a mutual attraction.

The mystery storyline is quite attention grabbing in itself, we have the creepy story of the Fangs of the Demon Cats of Scavo and their shocking disappearances, we have characters who thrust themselves into the culprit spotlight and there’s one character in particular who you desperately hope gets his comeuppance because his behaviour is just *shudder* beyond the pale.

I quite enjoyed this story and really enjoyed the descriptions and setting, all the characters are fleshed out perfectly so you can imagine them in your mind’s eye as they crop up in the story. There are some action scenes that are quite exciting and daring, and believe me Stoker and Bash just seem to attract danger.

The relationship between Stoker and Bash is quite tempestuous, Bash is a full-on passionate man while Stoker seems to have a banked passion that he controls with an iron fist, and it leads to some passionate interludes but with Stoker pulling back in the times in between.

Overall this story was a fascinating read, I found the characters to be enthralling, the storyline fascinating and the romance to be fitting for the time.

I recommend this to those who adore historical mysteries, fantastic characters, danger and action, and an ending that has you impatiently waiting for the next book.

Enlightened by Joanna Chambers (2nd Edition)

Joanna Chambers - 03 - Enlightened CoverTitle: Enlightened (2nd Edition)

Series: Enlightenment 03

Author: Joanna Chambers

Genre: Historical (Industrial Revolution England)

Length: Novel (226 Pages)

Publisher: Joanna Chambers Books (April 23, 2017)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: David Lauriston has been recuperating at Lord Murdo Balfour’s Laverock estate for the last five months. At Laverock, he has regained his health and confidence and has found—with Murdo—more happiness and contentment than he has never known before.

David is all too aware that some day soon he will have to leave Laverock—and Murdo—and return to his legal practice in Edinburgh, just as Murdo will have to return to his life in London. But when David’s mentor, Patrick Chalmers, asks David to return to Edinburgh to visit him on his deathbed, it seems that day has come sooner than either David or Murdo would have wished.

Chalmers begs David to undertake one last piece of business for him: to secure the future of Chalmers’s daughter Elizabeth. But to carry out his old mentor’s wishes, David must travel to London, with Murdo.

No sooner have the two men arrived in the capital than they encounter Murdo’s ruthlessly manipulative father, who reveals a shocking secret that rocks David to his foundations. What’s more, when David discovers Elizabeth is facing far greater danger than even her father feared, he is determined to help her, no matter the cost to his own safety.

As the stakes rise, it is Murdo who must choose what he is prepared to sacrifice to keep David at his side, and ask whether there is any possibility of lasting happiness for men like them.

Product Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071RK71MR

Reviewer: Gigi

Review: This is a great series for those historical romance lovers out there! Be sure to read all three in order, or the plots won’t make sense. The writing grabs hold of my attention quickly, and my mind begins to wander with the possibilities. Much of the beginning of the book is all about Murdo and David living and working together, getting to really know and enjoy each other in a safe, private environment. I think that really was important to help cement their relationship.

From the beginning of the series, I loved the dominance and heavy-handedness of Murdo. He’s powerful, he’s independently and inheritably wealthy, he’s defiant, he’s nobility, but he has a weak spot, David.

David is the perfect foil for Murdo. He’s highly intelligent, he has submissive tendencies, but book three shows he can equal the playing field just fine. He’s strong enough to stand up to Murdo, he’s strong enough to be what Murdo needs, now if they can just admit to each other what their needs and wants really are. Admitting to love, when their kind of love doesn’t stand a chance in society, seems foolish to David.

But they do, and where there’s a will….Murdo finds a way. I thought the solution the author weaved up was perfect. I knew all along it would involve Chalmers’ daughter, but the oh so clever Joanna Chambers came up with a perfect social explanation that would last Murdo and David’s lifetime, and a happy lifetime together it should be.

The dominant role Murdo has played through the series mellows a bit, and David finally admits to his true desires, his true love and let’s go of others’ expectations. I like how Chalmers, David’s mentor, is actually the person to allow David to let go, to admit to his feelings and have the hope and courage to grab hold of his dreams.

A great trilogy, I look forward to more from this author for sure!

Wolf of the Northern Star by S.J. Himes

S.J. Himes - Wolf of the Northern Star CoverTitle: Wolf of the Northern Star

Series:  Wolfkin Saga # 2

Author: SJ Himes

Genre: Paranormal

Length: Novel (374pgs)

Publisher: SJ Himes (June 14, 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Ghost, once known as the cub Luca, is finally home. Back among his kind and learning what it means to be both a man and a shaman, Ghost battles the expectations of his people, his family, and the pressures of a society that is both foreign and familiar. His power is greater than any seen before, dwarfing that of even the legendary Shaman Gray Shadow—and his union with Kane places him in the center of a controversy that rattles wolfkin society around the world. 

Kane, greater alpha and Heir to Black Pine Clan, has finally defeated the traitor and murderer that destroyed the heart of Black Pine years before. Freed at last from guilt and pain, Kane has a new enemy to face: his own people. Placed on trial for violation of Law and blasphemy, Kane will have to fight to the death to preserve his bond with Ghost and keep his mate and people safe. 

The soulbond between Ghost and Kane is forged by the creator and Goddess of the wolfkin. Usually, a sacred and treasured union that honors the pair and their clans, this soulbond is seen not as a gift, but a threat to eons of tradition and Clan Law. 

The union of a Shaman and Alpha is anathema—but how to reconcile that belief when it is the wolfkin Goddess who forged it? Can Ghost and Kane save themselves, preserve their bond, and find a new future when the laws of the ancient past threaten to tear them apart? 

**This book is part of a series and is not standalone. Prior books should be read to understand content. 104,000 words. Brief flashbacks of sexual assault and abuse. Mature content and violence.***

ISBN: B072R5QF1C

Product Link: https://www.amazon.com/Wolf-Northern-Star-Wolfkin-Saga-ebook/dp/B072R5QF1C

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: This sequel picks up where the first book leaves off. Wolf is confused by wolves acting more human than wolf. He does not understand why they are not acting like who they are. We see Roman and Claire being judged and convicted by the tribunal. 

Simon is still doing his experiments with a new master that I figured out who it was before they were announced. So it came as no surprise to me. This book is a fantastic addition to the series. It adds more in depth details to characters such as Wren, Gerald and Caius. 

I found myself unable to stop reading until the very end and was sorry when there was no more. I hope there will be more to this series and that next time we will not have to wait two years to read it. I truly loved everything about this story.

Beguiled by Joanna Chambers (2nd Edition)

Joanna Chambers - 02 - Beguiled CoverTitle: Beguiled (2nd Edition)

Series: Enlightenment 02

Author: Joanna Chambers

Genre: Historical

Length: Novel (226 pages)

Publisher: Joanna Chambers Books (April 23, 2017)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4.5 Hearts

Blurb: Two years after his last encounter with cynical nobleman Lord Murdo Balfour, David Lauriston accidentally meets him again in the heart of Edinburgh.

King George IV is about to make his first visit to Edinburgh and Murdo has been sent North by his politician father to represent his aristocratic family at the celebrations.

David and Murdo’s last parting was painful—and on Murdo’s part, bitter—but Murdo’s feelings seem to have mellowed in the intervening years. So much so, that he suggests to David that they enjoy each other’s company during Murdo’s stay in the capital. 

Despite his initial reservations, David cannot put Murdo’s proposal from his mind, and soon find himself at Murdo’s door—and in his arms. 

But other figures from David’s past are converging on the city, and as the pomp and ceremony of the King’s visit unfolds around them, David is drawn into a chain of events that will threaten everything: his career, his wellbeing, and the fragile bond that, despite David’s best intentions, is growing between him and Murdo.

Product Link: https://www.amazon.com/Beguiled-Enlightenment-Joanna-Chambers-ebook/dp/B0722GJFD4

Reviewer:  GiGi

Review: Did I mention how much I enjoyed Provoked? I dug right into that wonderful book, filled with tension. Beguiled takes off running with tension, and Murdo has been holding on to David’s rejection for a couple of years now. Their past encounters were rife with passion, yet they lived in two different worlds, with different ideals, and went separate ways. Murdo feel’s it was David’s idealism that separated them in the first place and he’s determined to get under his skin and have him again. It’s not an accident that Murdo decided to go to Edinburgh after all, not just family commitment…Murdo went seeking David.

David has been busy working his way up with his friend Chalmers’ help and influence. He owes him a good showing for the King’s visit and amidst his long hours and heavy caseload agrees to get fitted for a new suit so he can meet his commitments and attend several patriotic events. Of course, David wasn’t prepared to see the man who exposes his weaknesses, that tempts him at every turn, Murdo Balfour. The sparks fly once again, David and Murdo battle back and forth between passion and frustration, pride and what David sees as weakness in himself.

Once again, political station, commitments to friends and political disagreements act to force David and Murdo apart. But a tragic injury to David forces them together. Giving them time to build on their passion, or time for an angry husband to catch up with David and finish the threat to his life? Will David and Murdo take this time to get closer, to find a solution to their predicament, how long can they hide their true relationship? I’ll have to wait for the next book to find out!

My only complaint is the cliffhanger…I know there is going to be a very angry, very dangerous, politically powerful Lord coming after David in the very near future, but can Murdo protect him? Ugh…eagerly awaiting the next bite of passion from these two!

Iudicium by T.C. Orton

T.C. Orton - Iudicium CoverTitle: Iudicium

Author: T.C. Orton

Genre: Dark Fantasy

Length: Novel (228pgs)

Publisher: T.C. Orton (May 30, 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: After being incarcerated at a prison that leans over the edge of the world, Fayt must do whatever it takes to escape (or simply survive) the horrors that await him. You will take control of Fayt and guide him on his path, but be careful, for not everyone posing as an ally will lead you down the road to freedom. 

Note: This is an interactive story, and it is important that you keep a record of your choices close by. 

Fayt is in your hands… 

ISBN: B072PZ47DK

Product Link: https://www.amazon.com/Iudicium-T-C-Orton-ebook/dp/B072PZ47DK

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: I have read one interactive story many years ago but I have to say this one is much better. You make Fayt’s, a half human/ half elf, decisions for him as instructed throughout the story. The prison is a dismal place that fills you with dread at every turn. The Warden is a dreadful man full of malice and evil at every turn. The atmosphere is spooky and dangerous as our MC tries to keep a low profile.

Though I was a little disturbed by the non-con I still enjoyed the story and where it took me. I will be reading it again and choosing different options to see where else the story ends besides the one I chose.

Fantastic read and highly recommended but I will warn you there are scenes of non-con depending on your choices.

Provoked by Joanna Chambers (2nd Edition)

Joanna Chambers - 01 - Provoked CoverTitle: Provoked (2nd Edition)

Series: Enlightenment 01

Author: Joanna Chambers

Genre: Historical, 1800’s Scotland

Length: Novel (208 pages)

Publisher: Joanna Chambers Books (16th April 2017)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: David Lauriston is struggling to build his reputation in Edinburgh’s privileged legal world. His humble origins are enough of a hurdle, never mind his recent decision to defend a group of weavers accused of treason, prompting speculation that he may harbour radical sympathies. The last thing he should be doing is agreeing to help the brother of one of the convicted weavers find the government agent who caused his brother’s downfall.

David’s personal life is no more successful. Tormented by his forbidden desires for other men, and the painful memories of the childhood friend he once loved, David tries his hardest to live a celibate existence, castigating himself whenever his resolve slips. 

But then—into David’s repressed and orderly world—bursts Lord Murdo Balfour.

Cynical, hedonistic and utterly unapologetic, Murdo could not be less like David. Whilst David refuses to entertain the prospect of entering into a loveless marriage for propriety’s sake, Murdo is determined to wed one day—and has no intention of giving up the company of other men when he does so. But as appalled as David is by Murdo’s unrepentant self-interest, he cannot resist the man’s sway.

Murdo tempts and provokes David in equal measure, distracting him from his promise to find the agent provocateur responsible for the weavers’ fate, and forcing him to acknowledge his physical desires.

But is Murdo more than a mere distraction? 

Is it possible he could be the very man David is looking for?

Product Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071YJ254F

Reviewer:   Gigi

Review: I know it’s a great book when I stay up reading until 2:30 in the morning on a work night! I couldn’t put it down. I really enjoy historical romances, I really truly love m/m romance, I get all hot and bothered over Scottish men, and I love a bit of intrigue…this book contains it all! The drama, the angst, the steamy hot and erotic sexual encounters. Chambers has really developed complex characters in both David and Balfour; they each have concrete reasons for being the way they are, how they react to their life situations, and how they see themselves in the peerage. The book opens with an intense scene of a public hanging and decapitation, and really sets the tempo for the tension I felt throughout the book. It’s edgy, it’s philosophical, and it’s exciting throughout.

I really enjoyed how the author is building up tension and magnetism between the two main MC’s, and that they are both drawn to and repelled by each other throughout the plot. I’m also surprised and intrigued by the fact that the bleeding heart idealist David is the rough and gritty lover, and the brutish lord Balfour is the more sensual, intimate lover. That was a nice twist. The drama unfolds as David and his bleeding heart agrees to help Euen, the brother of the executed men he advocated for in court. He wants David’s help tracking down the spy that got his brother killed, and that path may just lead to Balfour! You just know no good can come of it. You see the train wreck coming but can’t help but turn the pages even faster.

As the characters paths begin to align the book becomes nail-biting, and at the same time the sexual confrontation is also coming. The end of book one was at once painful, and settling. I really truly felt sorrow for David’s self-sacrifice for his ideals, and understanding in him accepting what love and family he has as his best comfort in the world. But I know I want so much more for him. I’m left irritated a bit with Balfour, and my mind is whirring with the many possibilities that may lie in store for David and Balfour in the next book!

If you enjoy reading about the Ton and you love a hot, angsty romance, this book is for you! I couldn’t put it down!

See Me by K.C. Wells ~ Audiobook

62bsx5bq0x56gbyzgTitle: See Me

Series:  Lightning Tales, Volume 3

Author: K.C. Wells

Genre: Contemporary

Narrator: Joel Leslie

Length: 5 hrs 11 min

Publisher: K.C. Wells (31st May 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Narration: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Adrian DeSoto spent most of his time in high school being bullied and beaten up, simply because he was perceived as gay. Always slight, effeminate, he was the perfect victim for guys like Martin Cavanaugh, one of the high school jocks. When it all got too much, Adrian was faced with two options, one more devastating than the other. Eleventh grade saw a new Adrian, one who hid his fears and pain behind a mask in a bid to survive.

Eleven years later, and Adrienne is one of the top drag acts in Orlando. She’s fierce, funny, and exuberant. A face from the past gives her a shock, and after that there’s only one thing on her mind – revenge.

Marty Cavanaugh has a particular kink. He loves it when a drag queen goes down on him. But that’s as far as it goes. He won’t admit to himself what’s under that tight fitting dress. And then he meets Adrienne and his whole world goes into a tailspin…

Warning – Contains men in drag, honey! You have been warned.

Product Link: https://www.audible.com/pd/Fiction/See-Me-Audiobook/B071ZJG6GV

Reviewer: Gigi

Review: Following Adrian and Ric from high school to adulthood, seeing how their paths intersected when a small kindness made a huge difference in their lives. I enjoyed this aspect of the story very much. This ties nicely in with the two previous books in the series.

Once Marty is introduced we get a picture of not just a closeted man, but someone in denial with a true fear of accepting who he is. When Marty and Adrian realize who they are to each other it gets wild, emotional, and challenging for both parties. Adrian finds out just how easy it is to take the low road when you’re hurt by someone, how easy it is to hurt back and how badly it made him feel. 

It was fun and fascinating to read the story through “Adrienne’s” view as she puts on her makeup takes the stage, and how her persona changes as she transitions back to Adrian. 

Joel Leslie did a fabulous job of narration. His different voices for each character, even those for Adrian/Adrienne were unique and smooth. 

When Ric and Marty to finally reconcile and come together its hot and it’s passionate. Great read, heart-warming, funny at times, heart-breaking at others. Great series!

Summer Heat by Jay Northcote

Jay Northcote - Summer Heat CoverTitle: Summer Heat

Author: Jay Northcote

Genre: Contemporary, British

Length: Novel (205 pages)

Publisher: Jaybird Press (June 9th 2017)

Heat Level: Steamy

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 hearts

Blurb: A summer fling is an ideal cure for a broken heart. But when it’s with your best friend, things get complicated.

When Adam is dumped by his boyfriend, a week away at a beach resort seems like a great opportunity to get over his ex. Sun, sea, and no-strings sex will be just the boost he needs to move on with his life.

Adam’s best friend, Finn, agrees to accompany him at short notice. Finn’s had a crush on Adam for years, but is determined to put his feelings aside and be the perfect wingman in Adam’s time of crisis.

A spontaneous threesome with another guy forces Adam and Finn to confront their attraction to each other. Having a holiday fling together wasn’t part of the plan, and as their trip heats up, they soon realise that one night of fun won’t be enough for either of them.

The passion might be scorching, but their hearts and friendship are on the line. If their romance is going to survive the flight home, they have to be honest about what they want.

ISBN: B071ZY69VT

Product Link: https://www.amazon.com/Summer-Heat-Jay-Northcote-ebook/dp/B071ZY69VT   

Reviewer: Aerin

Review: Summer Heat is a beautiful story, with almost no angst at all, perfect for when you’re in a mood for a light read. There’s flirting and steamy sex between two best friends who realize the road from friendship to romantic love isn’t as complicated as it may seem; this fun, light romance, presented in a vacation setting full of relaxation and good vibes, will definitely lighten your spirits.

Adam and Finn have been best mates for years, and even though they’ve both felt attraction towards the other person, they never had an opportunity to act on it. But after Adam gets dumped by his cheating boyfriend and both Finn and Adam decide a rebound vacation is just what the doctor prescribed, things heat up between the two men. A threesome gives them the push they need to act on the attraction and feelings they both have, and the rest is history.

There’s no drama, no conflict, just lots of steamy, dirty sex and gallons of cum left for the cleaning lady to deal with. It’s a dirty job, but someone’s gotta do it, right?

I liked this book a lot, but I can’t say I loved it. Both Adam and Finn were too similar as narrators and at times it was confusing as to who was doing the “talking”. I didn’t think either of them stood out in any particular way; actually, this is probably the first time that I found a secondary character to be more interesting and to stand out more than the main characters.

I’m intrigued by Niall (the pink-haired cupid who was also the 3rd person in the ‘Adam and Finn threesome’) and I’m really hoping he’ll get his own story. Serving as best man at Adam and Finn’s future wedding would be the perfect setting to cement Adam and Finn’s lasting relationship while telling Niall’s story. Doesn’t hurt to hope, right?

Burning Boundaries by Bellora Quinn and Sadie Rose Bermingham

Bellora Quinn and Sadie Rose Bermingham - Burning Boundaries CoverTitle: Burning Boundaries

Series:  Elemental Evidence 02

Author: Sadie Rose Bermingham & Bellora Quinn

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Thrillers & Suspense

Length: Novel (257 pages)

Publisher: Pride Publishing (July 4, 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Their passion isn’t the only thing creating flames.

Mari Gale’s life has been a whirlwind since meeting Jake Chivis. A new job prospect and his mother’s health preoccupy him, so when Jake invites him on a date he’s ready to cut loose. Their night out turns into a nightmare when a fire breaks out in the basement of the bar and they barely escape.

Soon Jake learns that the horrific accident is being investigated as a possible homicide, and it’s not the only case. Detective Inspector Cordiline of the London Met hints at spontaneous human combustion, but as far as Jake knows, SHC doesn’t exist.

When Mari looks into a group called Birthright, he finds a connection to the victims of the fires and Jake risks himself to go undercover at the shadowy organization. The race is on to determine the truth before Jake becomes the next target.

Reader Advisory: This book contains a non-consensual scene.

ISBN: 978-1-78651-559-9

Product Link: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/burning-boundaries

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: Mari and Jake are back in this exciting addition to the series as the two investigate a suspicious fire. Going undercover in a shadowy group could be the end of Jake if they don’t find out what is going on before they are found out.

Suspenseful, dramatic, danger and romance are all in abundance in this story. I was on the edge of my seat at times awaiting the outcome. I love how Jake and Mari are growing their relationship despite the dangerous situations they find themselves in.

I loved the investigation part of the story. It was interesting how they came up with their theories and went about determining if they were right or not.

Great read.

The Great North by J. Scott Coatsworth

J. Scott Coatsworth - The Great North CoverTitle: The Great North

Series: A Legendary Love Imprint 01

Author: J. Scott Coatsworth

Genre: Sci Fi, Fantasy, Myths, Legends, Gods, Post-Apocalyptic

Length: Novella (147pgs)

ISBN: B07172TL6H

Publisher: Mischief Corner Books (14th June 2017)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4 ½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Dwyn is a young man in the small, isolated town of Manicouga, son of the Minstor, who is betrothed to marry Kessa in a few weeks’ time.

Mael is shepherding the remains of his own village from the north, chased out by a terrible storm that destroyed Land’s End.

Both are trying to find their way in a post-apocalyptic world. When the two meet, their love and attraction may change the course of history.

Purchase Link: http://www.mischiefcornerbooks.com/store/p121/The_Great_North.html

Review: Dwyn lives in a small isolated village, the life ahead of him is set out before him by his father, the Minstor, and it’s not one he is particularly looking forward to. When strangers come to town telling of foul snows and a destroyed town he has no clue as to what choices he will have to make or how his actions could change the future.

Mael and his friends are fleeing Land’s End and the terrible storms that follow them, when they finally reach a small village it’s with a sense of relief but they soon feel trepidation when they learn that their religious beliefs differ so vastly. Catching the eye of the Minstor’s son Mael has to be careful, they desperately need supplies, and the Minstor has an ever watchful eye on them.  

This is a wonderful story that I found to be refreshing, it is set in post-apocalyptic Canada (roughly) and the surviving humanity live in small villages with repopulation first most in the elders minds. In Dwyn’s village relationships can only be between man and woman so they can have children, in Mael’s village relationships between same sex couples (heartmates) are accepted as long as they also have someone to have children with (breedmate). Now I can’t say if there were bisexual ménage relationships in Mael’s village, the story doesn’t cover that as it’s focused on the few people we meet in this story and we only get to know a handful of survivors from Mael’s village… so maybe there were but we just don’t meet them.

J. Scott Coatsworth has worked his magic again with the way that his words turn into visions in your mind, his world building is exceptional, dragging you into a scenes that have a simple old world feel to them. I will admit you can easily forget that there was a society with advanced technology that was wiped out until circumstances remind you; it’s quite a powerful bit of world building.

Dwyn & Mael’s relationship is kinda insta-love, but to be honest it fits the story. They have a limited time before Mael has to leave and Dwyn is desperate for more than the life that’s laid out for him, so the circumstances condense their feelings into a short timeframe making them more intense.

The storyline is brilliant, not only do with have an impending sense of doom of a forced marriage, a devastating snow storm and a mysterious spirit but we also have Dwyn’s internal struggle as he battles between what he really wants and what his father demands.

I recommend this to those who love back to basic post-apocalyptic stories, a flash romance that becomes the stuff of legends and a great story that entertains to the last page.

Moro's Price by M. Crane Hana

M. Crane Hana - Moro's Price CoverTitle: Moro’s Price

Author: M. Crane Hana

Genre: Space Opera, Science Fiction, Fantasy

Length: Novel (367pgs)

ISBN: 978-1-947139-29-9

Publisher: NineStar Press (26th June 2017)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4 ½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Crown Prince, techno-geek, and secret sadomasochist Valier has lusted for years after the gorgeous gladiator called “The Diamond.” Meeting the escaped slave on a rooftop, Valier discovers Moro Dalgleish wants suicide before his former masters can reclaim him.

Infected with a deadly symbiont, Valier proposes empty sex to satisfy his urges and grant Moro’s release from a horrible life. Neither man plans for Moro to survive, or how the morning after will shake three empires to their foundations.

Warning: Scenes of rape and torture, graphic violence

Purchase Link: https://ninestarpress.com/product/moros-price/  

Review: This is the 2nd edition which has been revised and re-edited.

Moro is a bonded gladiator and believes that he has two more years before he can be free again. But, he finds out the truth… he still belongs to his previous master, the man who destroyed his world and ruined his life. But, Moro won’t go back to that monster and plans his suicide. Valier is the crown prince of the Camalian Commonwealth and is fighting off assassins when Moro stumbles across him, Moro saves his life so Valier offers Moro a way out, one night of sex where he will be infected with the sentient symbiont endemic, which will either lead to Moro’s death or his complete freedom.

Whoop, okay boys and girls this is a little gem if you love your sci-fi with fantasy and some good old space opera, along with a good dose of abuse and angst. Moro is an abused slave or a ‘bonded gladiator’. He has no control over his life and is holding on to the promise of being released in two years… he is betrayed. He was only loaned out and now his previous owner wants him back, but Moro would rather die than be placed in those hands again. Valier is a crown prince who ends up rescuing Moro, after Moro saves his life and it takes them on a new journey of discovery as they are a perfect match for each other. And secrets from Moro’s past finally emerge which place them both in danger, as long forgotten beings return and make their presence felt.

There is a hell of a lot going on in this story, but every bit is very well-connected, there is in-depth plotting and planning that go back years. Lots of scheming from characters, some twists and turns and several species involved. The story moves smoothly along and you get dragged in as you work out who is against whom and who is plotting what. You try to figure out who is a good guy and who is a spy. There are scenes that are pretty grim and gruesome, scenes that are distressing and scenes that are really freaking hot.

Now, there is one full on sex scene of m/f ,but it is actually in a kind of dream bubble thingie when Moro meets Cama (symbiont) and I just put it down to a necessary evil. The sex between Moro and Valier is very hot and has a lot of mild bondage.  I am sure that if there is a next book then they would be into more of the hard-core stuff, but because of Moro’s long term suffering Valier goes very easy on him and gentles what he really wants. This is a very intriguing storyline as more characters become involved and more species turn up, the descriptions are really well done and the world building was fascinating and we learn more and more the further into the book we delve.

Now, seriously if you are into space-opera, science fiction, fantasy, hot men, damaged men, intriguing characters and species (that can suck up worlds), angst, danger, plotting and planning, with some really hot sex, then you need to read this book because it is a little gem. P.S. Fingers crossed for more from Moro and Valier.

All In by A.T. Brennan Release Blast & Giveaway!

A.T. Brennan - All In RBBanner

Hiya guys, we have A.T. Brennan stopping by today with her new release All In, we have a fantastic giveaway to celebrate the release so check out the post and click that giveaway link! <3 ~Pixie~

A.T. Brennan - All In Cover

All In

(The Den Boys 01)
by

A.T. Brennan

“I learned a long time ago that nothing is free, not even help.” ~ Blaze

Almost getting killed in a gay bashing should have been one of the worst moments of my life, but with everything I’ve been through, it was just another day, except for the gorgeous man who stepped in to save me. There is something about Galen that draws me in and makes me want know him, and the more time I spend with him, the more I feel free to be myself. Galen doesn’t seem to know what he wants, but I’m a man who stays true to himself, and Galen seems to be someone worth taking a chance on.

“Then you happened and all you have to do is touch me and I lose myself.” ~ Galen

I never thought I’d stumble on an attempted murder, but that’s exactly what happened one night while I was trying to get home. After chasing away the assailants and helping the enigmatic young victim home I tried to put the incident out of my mind, but I couldn’t get him out of my head. I might not have ever thought about being with a man before, but the more time I spend with Blaze, the more I learn about who I really am. Blaze has scars that run deep, but as he opens up to me I find myself questioning everything I thought I wanted, and wondering if I’m a good enough man to give him what he needs.

*This is Book 1 of The Den Boys series, but can be read as a standalone – no cliffhangers.

Amazon US | Amazon UK

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The City of Rocks by Don Travis Guest Post & Excerpt!

Hi guys! We have Don Travis popping in today with his upcoming release The City of Rocks, we have a short guest post and a brilliant excerpt, so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~

Don Travis - The City of Rocks Cover

The City of Rocks

(B.J. Vinson Mystery 03)
by

Don Travis

Confidential investigator B. J. Vinson thinks it’s a bad joke when Del Dahlman asks him to look into the theft of a duck… a duck named Quacky Quack the Second and insured for $250,000. It ceases to be funny when the young thief dies in a suspicious truck wreck. The search leads BJ and his lover, Paul Barton, to the sprawling Lazy M Ranch in the Bootheel country of southwestern New Mexico bordering the Mexican state of Chihuahua.

A deadly game unfolds when BJ and Paul are trapped in a weird rock formation known as the City of Rocks, an eerie array of frozen magma that is somehow at the center of the entire scheme. But does the theft of Quacky involve a quarter-million-dollar duck-racing bet between the ranch’s owner and a Miami real estate developer, or someone attempting to force the sale of the Lazy M because of its proximity to an unfenced portion of the Mexican border? BJ and Paul go from the City of Rocks to the neon lights of Miami and back again in pursuit of the answer… death and danger tracking their every step.

Release date: 18th July 2017 Pre-order: DSP Publications ebook | DSP Publications paperback | Amazon | iTunes | B&N

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