Poppy's Secret by Andrew Grey ~ Audiobook

Andrew Grey - Poppy's Secret Cover AudioTitle: Poppy’s Secret

Series:  Dreamspun Desires 28

Author: Andrew Grey

Narrator: John Solo

Genre: Contemporary

Length: 5 hrs, 11 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC (24 March 2017)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: A second chance born of love.

Pat Corrigan and Edgerton “Edge” Winters were ready to start a family – or so Pat thought. At the last minute, Edge got cold feet and fled. Pat didn’t bother telling him the conception had already gone through and little Emma was on her way. He didn’t want a relationship based on obligation. He’d rather raise his daughter on his own.

Nine years later, Emma and her Poppy are doing fine. Edge isn’t. He realizes what he threw away by leaving, and he’s back to turn his life around and reclaim his family. It’ll take a lot to prove to Pat that he’s a new man, and even if Edge succeeds, the secret Pat has hidden for years might shatter their dreams all over again.

Product Link: Audible US | Audible UK

Reviewer: Prime

Review: I absolutely adore Poppy’s Secret. It is part of Dreamspun Desires, which are contemporary stories with sweet romances and hot but flawed heroes. It is safe to say that I devour each and every addition to the series, regardless of the author. For me Andrew Grey is always a go to on my list of authors I must read. He has a way with emotion and getting the reader (or at least me) to connect to his characters’ emotions with his magical use of words. Add to the audio with narration by John Solo and I’m set because this is an audio artist who can nail the voice and emotion of the characters in the story.

I have to admit, as much as I love Poppy’s Secret, I figured out the titular secret in no time at all. However, that did not take away from me loving the story and crying for probably half of the book. Because ultimately this story is about mistakes, second chances and true love. *sigh*.

This is a wonderful story of everlasting love, strength and reunion. Andrew Grey fans will not be disappointed, this one reminds me in part of some of the installments from his Senses series, which I adore. I also love how Andrew Grey weaves in themes of love and family – often with a child character who is being raised by a strong single father until the love interest enters the picture.

As for the story itself, it’s quite predictable in the way that you can just see exactly what is going to happen or at least figure out the facts/secrets between the two MCs. It’s the how and the why of the story which makes this book a ride worth taking. Nine years ago Pat and Edge had been head over heels in love and planning for a surrogate to start a family. But Edge got cold feet and left their small town home for Boston and never looked back. Yet in the present, he is back in Harrisburg and one thing on his list is definitely trying to make up for the mistake he had made when he had left Pat. Edge has a lot of groveling in his future, trying to make his way into Pat’s, and Pat’s daughter Emma’s life.

Murmuration by T.J. Klune ~ Audiobook

T.J. Klune - Murmuration Cover AudioTitle: Murmuration

Author: TJ Klune

Narrator: Kirt Graves

Genre: Historical, Mystery

Length: 12 hrs, 11 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC (16th January 2017)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: In the small mountain town of Amorea, it’s stretching toward autumn of 1954. The memories of a world at war are fading in the face of a prosperous future. Doors are left unlocked at night, and neighbors are always there to give each other a helping hand.

The people here know certain things as fact:

Amorea is the best little town there is.

The only good commie is a dead commie.

The Women’s Club of Amorea runs the town with an immaculately gloved fist.

And bookstore owner Mike Frazier loves that boy down at the diner, Sean Mellgard. Why they haven’t gotten their acts together is anybody’s guess. It may be the world’s longest courtship, but no one can deny the way they look at each other.

Slow and steady wins the race, or so they say.

But something’s wrong with Mike. He hears voices in his house late at night. There are shadows crawling along the walls and great clouds of birds overhead that only he can see.

Something’s happening in Amorea. And Mike will do whatever he can to keep the man he loves.

Product Link: Audible US | Audible UK

Reviewer: Prime

Review: It’s no secret. I absolutely love and will devour each and every TJ Klune book. Whether that book is in written or audio form, I will love it either way. He makes me laugh and he makes me cry, sometimes at the same time. I tell you, the man is evil, because his writing touches the soul speaks to every fiber of my being. Sounds a bit melodramatic, right? I know but seriously, I am having problems conjuring the words to describe why I love his writing and the stories he weaves with the most wonderful characters. However, Murmuration is a bit different in that despite having some light hearted moments it was more intense and full of mystery than anything else.

I heard Murmuration off the back of listening to TJ’s book Wolfsong. Both audios have the same narrator – Kirt Graves – who absolutely get the characters and the emotions on point.

Right I’m trying to keep this short because I think every time I write a TJ Klune review I go on and on and just gush about how much I love his writing and the book in question. I don’t want to give too much away either, so I really need to keep it brief.

This is a slow burn story between Mike and Sean in the very familiar theme of friends becoming lovers. In Murmuration we’re going back to 1950s small town America, an idyllic time for kids playing out on the road, people keeping their doors unlocked and generally tight communities where everyone knows each other and takes care of one another. I felt a bit of trepidation, though, because of the historical setting and what this could mean for a gay relationship. However, as you read and get hooked on the plot, it had me wondering if you can call it a historical as indicated by the blurb. It certainly gave us a setting and a starting point but there is so much more going on than the time/year that the book is set in. There is definitely a sense of mystery as odd things occur in the quiet small town.

Klune weaves together a complex story with many layers and I’m convinced he does it just to fuck with our minds. Because seriously that ending, was not expecting, seriously massive mind fuck. I can’t even say what book it immediately made me think of because for fans of Klune [and have followed his blog and Facebook] you will probably know what book I’m talking about! It’s one of those endings that have stuck with me and makes me keep on thinking. But ultimately I am happy because it was a HEA.

If you’re looking for a pure romance, I’m not sure what to say about it. It is a very romantic and very sweet story woven in between the darkness and intrigue of the surrounding world. This about a guy trying to find himself in a world that seems dark and scary, but it is the romance that gives us the sense of hope and light.

Close To You by Skylar M. Cates ~ Audiobook

Skylar M. Cates - Close to You Cover AudioTitle: Close to You

Series:  Sunshine and Happiness 03

Author: Skylar M Cates

Narrator: Tristan James

Genre: Contemporary

Length: 10 hrs, 12 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC (8 Dec 2016)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3.5 Hearts

Blurb: It’s hard to recover from a first love. Some people never do.

How hard would you fight to keep your best friend? Marc Lucas and Tomas Santos have been best friends forever, but now their friendship is in a crisis. When they were boys, betrayals ripped their world apart. They thought it was fixed, but some parts remained broken. Ever since he saved him from a humiliation at school, Marc has loved Tomas. The last thing he expects is for Tomas to love him back. To keep his best friend, Marc revisits an abusive past he’s tried to forget.

For Tomas, loving Marc has been anything but easy. His upbringing told him it was wrong, so why did it feel so right? Accepting who he is as an adult, Tomas decides he needs a committed relationship. To his deep sorrow, he can’t seem to find it with Marc.

When the two find themselves alone and in the grip of a hurricane, long-buried feelings emerge. Being “just friends” is no longer an option. They must risk it all on love.

Product Link: Audible US | Audible UK

Reviewer: Prime

Review: Close to You is the third book in Skylar M Cates’ series, Sunshine and Happiness. You don’t necessarily have to read or heard the two previous books to get this, I honestly haven’t read the first book, but I enjoyed the audio of the second book immensely. In fact, it was some of what had happened and shown about the characters of the third book that made me want to get my hands (or ears) into this story. The series is set around a group of guys living in a shared house and are still dealing with the fallout of the death of one of their best friends.

Marc Lucas and Tomas Santos have both lived difficult lives. They have been friends for years, since high school. There has been the potential for more between them for years, since day one in fact. But Marc is damaged after a childhood of abuse and neglect and Tomas, who was damaged from losing his father as a child, is devoted to the little family he has left. Marc is certain that he is not capable of love, getting his only real feelings from being Tomas’s friend and from his passion of cooking. Back in book 2, something that is explained to us anyway, Marc made a deal with a friend that he would go to a therapist as a sort of buddy system for the friend. Between the therapy, Tomas moving away to be with his mother and grandparents, and an approaching hurricane, Marc begins to learn that maybe he isn’t quite so damaged any more. And maybe he has a chance to actually know what love is like and reciprocate the love from his best friend.

I loved the story, I loved the angst and I loved the narration. I think the only criticism that I have is the pacing. I didn’t really get into the flashbacks. For me they were too disruptive to what was happening in the here and now. However, in saying that, I generally don’t like excessive flashbacks and for me this was excessive, almost every second chapter was a flashback. I know that Mark and Tomas’s relationship/friendship as kids was vital to the story but I just wasn’t into the flashbacks.

The Eye of Ra by Dakota Chase (2nd Edition)

Dakota Chase - The Eye of Ra CoverTitle: The Eye of Ra (2nd edition)

Series:  Repeating History 01

Author: Dakota Chase

Genre: High Fantasy, Historical Ancient World, Teen Fiction, Time Travel

Length: Novella (170 pages)

Publisher: Harmony Ink Press, (Dreamspinner Press) (May 16, 2017)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Repeating History: Book One

Both Aston and Grant have a talent for finding trouble—it’s what landed them at the Stanton School for Boys—but this time, their mischief might send them to a completely different world.

When they accidentally destroy their teacher’s priceless archaeological artifacts, he demands they replace them. And since the teacher in question is Merlin, refusing isn’t an option for the two boys. Thanks to Merlin’s magic, they’re about to become time travelers.

The first piece on their list is the Eye of Ra, a mystical amulet belonging to the young King Tut. Ancient Egypt is nothing like Aston and Grant expected, with its war, disease, and lack of modern technology. To survive, they must befriend King Tut and learn to trust him—and each other. In a primitive world, where death and danger wait around every corner, one thing is clear: revisiting history could cost someone their life.

First Edition published by Prizm Press, 2010.

ISBN-13: 978-1-63533-370-1

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/the-eye-of-ra-by-dakota-chase-8337-b |  https://www.harmonyinkpress.com/books/the-eye-of-ra-by-dakota-chase-469-b

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: Grant and Ashton are two school boys who are thrust into the past to retrieve the Eye of Ra that was destroyed in a fire because of them. I found it intriguing and interesting that it was Merlin’s possessions that were destroyed. I liked that instead of reporting the boys he decides to take matters into his own hands and as a result the boys learn a valuable lesson in history first hand.

At times it seems as if the young men are not going to make it through the story in one piece. I felt myself immersed in a story that I would have enjoyed seeing with my own eyes.

Though this journey was not without danger, Ashton and Grant make the most of it while trying to stay alive. The environment was beautifully written as was the interactions. A magical and historical story that grabs you from the start and does not let go until the end.

Great read.

Five Times My Best Friend Kissed Me by Anna Martin ~ Audiobook

Anna Martin - Five Times My Best Friend Kissed Me Cover AudioTitle: Five Times My Best Friend Kissed Me

Author: Anna Martin

Genre: Contemporary, Coming Out

Narrator: Jesse Cota

Length: 6 hrs 17 min

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (26th January 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Narration: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: When you realize you want to marry your best friend at age six, life should follow a pretty predictable path, right? Maybe not.

As a kid, Evan King thought Scott Sparrow was the most amazing person he’d ever met. At 17, his crush runs a little deeper, and nothing seems simple anymore. Scott is more interested in football and girls than playing superheroes, and Evan’s attention is focused on getting into art school. A late-night drunken kiss is something to be forgotten, not obsessed over for the next 10 years.

When life suddenly brings them back together, it doesn’t take much for the flame Evan carried for Scott nearly all his life to come roaring back, and Evan discovers that life sometimes has a strange way of coming full circle.

Product Link: Audible US | Audible UK

Reviewer: Gigi

Review: Our lives take unseen and unpredictable turns, and the people in our lives often cross paths at different intersections, sometimes walk the path with us for great lengths before trotting off on their own journey. This lovable story is a lot about that, how important people in our lives come and go, all the while making an impact present or not. It’s about best friends, growing up together, first attraction, first loves, self-questioning… all of those deep and common experiences. 

Evan and Scott have an interesting and endearing dynamic as friends and eventually as a couple, but I appreciated that other people were allowed to come into their lives throughout the story, it was realistic in that sense, and helped the overall theme resonate with me.

The passionate scenes were steamy yet realistic, beautiful descriptors and romantic settings. The narration was good, not as diverse as I like for different characters but Jesse Cota’s voice suits the youthful journey these characters take from childhood to young adulthood and he reads well. 

Anna Martin’s writing is always fluid and crafted expertly. A heart-warming story of a life journey from school yard pals to lifetime lovers, you’ll enjoy Five Times My Best Friend Kissed Me, a great warm and endearing read. 

Who We Truly Are by Victoria Sue

Victoria Sue - Who We Truly Are CoverTitle: Who We Truly Are

Series: Enhanced # 2

Author: Victoria Sue

Genre: Other Paranormal, Science Fiction, Urban Fantasy

Length: Novel (206 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (July 14, 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Talon’s deadly abilities are spiraling out of control. Desperate to keep Finn safe, Talon struggles to protect the man he loves with all his heart, and not become the greatest risk to Finn’s life.

Finn has no choice but to offer himself as bait for the evil forces kidnapping enhanced children, facing danger he is untrained and unprepared for, and he is having to do it alone. 

Does Talon have one last fight in him? Will he slay everyone who wants to destroy Finn and the team, or will he finally discover that to defeat their enemy and the ultimate threat, the biggest battle he has to face is one with himself?

ISBN-13: 978-1-63533-772-3

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/who-we-truly-are-by-victoria-sue-8670-b

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: Oh my god was this book so good. Talon and his team are back when enhanced children start disappearing. Talon is not happy that Finn acts as bait to lure whoever is behind the kidnappings out. 

While all this is going on Finn is getting upset with Talon as he feels Talon does not think he can do his job. With tensions mounting between the two disasters is sure to strike. 

Talon’s abilities seem to grow when unexpectedly he starts being able to do what other team members can do. I swear there were twists and turns that had my head spinning but in a good way. There was no shortage of action, drama, suspense and mystery throughout. 

I seriously love this amazing series. I cannot wait to read more about the others on the team as well. You have to read this series.

Highly recommended.

Losing My Religion by A.S. Tucker Pre-order Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!

A.S. Tucker - Losing My Religion PreOrder Banner

Hi guys, we have A.S. Tucker popping in today with the pre-order blast for her upcoming debut story Losing My Religion, we have a great excerpt and a giveaway including a fantastic signed copy of Losing My Religion and a $25 Amazon GC, so check out the post and click that giveaway link! <3 ~Pixie~

Losing My Religion

by

A.S. Tucker

Jaden Barker is a good boy.

For as long as he can remember, he’s been preparing for the day he’ll be called as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He’s ready. He’s more than willing. And he can’t wait to spend the next two years serving the Lord and his church. But when a new proclamation from the church is announced, it leaves him questioning everything.

Quinn Owens is trouble with a capital T.

An aspiring actor living in the bowels of Los Angeles, he’s fought long and hard to get where he is, and he’s not willing to give it up for anything. Working for a homophobic boss presents quite a challenge when you’re a gay man, but Quinn knows losing this job means losing his dream.

Jaden is lost and confused.

Quinn won’t let anything stand in his way.

But when Jaden finds himself living downstairs from the enticing Quinn, neither are prepared for what happens next.

Will Jaden be able to resist Quinn’s charms and remain a devoted Mormon missionary? Or will he fall, finding himself face to face with losing his religion?

Release date: 27th July 2017
Pre-Order (99 cents special):
 Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU

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Smitty's Sheriff by Cardeno C. Release Blast & Excerpt!

Cardeno C. - Smitty's Sheriff RB Banner

Hiya guys! We have Cardeno C. stopping in today with her new release Smitty’s Sheriff, we have a great excerpt so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~

Cardeno C. - Smitty's Sheriff Cover

Smitty’s Sheriff

(Hope 03)
by

Cardeno C.

Todd is too flakey. Richard is too stubborn. Together, they’re perfect. A May-December couple get a second chance at love.

Retired soldier Richard Davis wants a stable life in a quiet town with a forever man. Becoming the sheriff of Hope, Arizona, accomplishes two of his three goals, but instead of finding a serious partner, he falls for too-young-to-be-committed and too-flakey-to-be-serious Todd Smitty. Richard won’t find the right man if he’s obsessed with the wrong one, so he walks away from Todd.

It’s lust at first sight when Todd meets his sister’s army friend. He sets his sights on the worldly, strong, stable older man, and the more time he spends with Richard, the harder he falls. But after three years together, Richard cuts off all contact with no explanation.

When a mutual obligation requires Todd to move into Richard’s house, he’s thrilled at the opportunity to earn a second chance. Ignoring Todd from across town was hard enough. Can Richard resist temptation under his own roof?

Read Today! (Free in Kindle Unlimited)
Amazon | Amazon CA | Amazon DE | Amazon ES | Amazon FR | Amazon IT | Amazon UK | PayHip

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Road Trip Vol 01 by B.A. Tortuga Playlist & Excerpt!

Hi guys! We have B.A. Tortuga popping in today with her upcoming re-release Road Trip Vol 01, we have B.A.’s Road Trip playlist and an excellent excerpt, so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~

B.A. Tortuga - Road Trip Vol 1 Cover

Road Trip Vol 01

by

B.A. Tortuga

The road to love is notoriously bumpy, full of twists and turns that can throw even the best driver. With obstacles around every corner, Sonny and MJ try to keep it between the lines in two tales that blend steamy romance with high-stakes action and intrigue.

Racing the Moon

Sonny runs moonshine the old-fashioned way. Too bad some fool blew up his road in the Carolina mountains, keeping him stuck, high and unfortunately dry.

Explosives expert and ecoterrorist MJ’s mission is to protect the environment by shutting down a logging company. An encounter with Sonny in the misty forest sheds a new light on his quest, but it’s not until Sonny drugs and kidnaps him for an impromptu holiday that their engines really start to rev.

Steam and Sunshine

A mission they can’t resist lures Sonny and MJ out of retirement when they get word of a man creating dangerous weapons for the government. They head to California to take him down.

What they find is Paddy, a physicist who doesn’t understand the scope of his own discovery, and Neil, his bodyguard. During a wild and unpredictable cross-country ride, an uneasy partnership develops between kidnappers and targets when the four men discover they have a common enemy.

First Edition of Racing the Moon published by Torquere Press, 2006.
Second Edition of Racing the Moon published by Torquere Press, 2007.
First Edition of Steam and Sunshine published by Torquere Press, 2007.
.
Release date: 24th July 2017
Pre-order:
Dreamspinner Press ebook | Dreamspinner Press paperback

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