Hi guys! We have C.F. White stopping by today with the tour for her new release Hard Time, we have a great excerpt, a fantastic giveaway and my review, so check out the post and enter the giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~
Hard Time
(Responsible Adult 02)
by
C.F. White
Love isn’t always responsible.
After Micky O’Neill is remanded in custody for breaching his court order, his already tempestuous relationship with Dan Peters is tested to the limits.
Having to battle their way through a court case that could end with Micky in jail, social workers breaking up the family home, and the return of Micky’s deadbeat father, it seems everything is set to destroy their relationship before it even had the chance to start.
With such high stakes involved, not just for Micky but for once-burned, twice-shy Dan, they both have to learn that falling in love isn’t always responsible.
Hi guys! We have G.R. Lyons popping in today with the tour for the Matchmakers series, we have a couple of teasers and a brilliant giveaway, so check out the post and enter the giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~
Second Chances
(Matchmakers 01)
Nineteen-year-old porn star Remy Dawes loves his job at Matchmakers, a gay nightclub, but the fantasy he portrays every night doesn’t leave room for what he really wants: companionship, love, someone to come home to, someone just for him. Who would ever take seriously a kid who practically sells his body for others’ pleasure?
Thirty-five-year-old Chance Whitaker has sworn off dating younger men after having been cheated on one too many times, until the owner of Matchmakers convinces him to take a chance on Remy Dawes, a gorgeous kid who surprises Chance at every turn.
As things fall apart through meddling, death, and betrayal, will there be a second chance for two people to find love?
Novelist Shain Ahren is committed to only one thing: himself. Living alone and having an endless string of one-night stands, Shain’s carefully crafted routine ensures no one will ever control him again. But one trick he met at Matchmakers, years ago, he can’t get out of his head.
Painter Elliden Crawford yearns to be controlled. Born with an extreme chemical imbalance, Elliden struggles to keep the fits at bay so he won’t be a danger to others. Only once in his life did Elliden ever truly feel safe, just one night when he met a stranger at Matchmakers.
When Matchmakers brings them together again, Elliden finally gets what he needs, while Shain’s world is thrown into complete disarray. Will Shain ever relinquish control, or will they be fated to remain a discarded first draft?
Danny Berringer lives up to the name of his nightclub. Ever since he cheated on Bryan, the love of his life, he’s been making up for it by helping others find love. He even matched up Bryan with Eric Grant, except Bryan’s perfect marriage seems to have fallen apart, and Danny is dying to know why. He doesn’t get couples wrong. Ever.
Bryan Landry had his heart broken by Danny, then had it put back together by Eric, but he can’t have Eric anymore, and it’s all his fault. He spends his nights at Matchmakers having random tricks and trying to avoid Danny, but the meddlesome matchmaker won’t leave him be.
Thrown together through guilt, death, and temptation, Bryan denies his feelings while Danny clings to dreams of Bryan’s forgiveness. Will Danny always lose, or can he win second place in Bryan’s heart?
Hi peeps! We have Audra North stopping by today with the tour for her new release Midlife Crisis, we have a great excerpt and a fantastic giveaway, so check out the post and leave a comment to enter the giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~
Midlife Crisis
by
Audra North
Cam McGhee grew up like any other small-town Texas farm boy: he played football, went to church every Sunday, and married his high school sweetheart. But thirty-five years after he said “I do,” Cam finds himself nursing a beer in a gay bar, thinking about what might have been.
Dave Montoya is confident, self-assured, and cautiously single. But when he meets shy, uncertain, and clearly-still-not-out Cam in a coffee shop in Austin, his reservations about getting seriously involved again disappear. Cam is everything he’s looking for in a partner . . . almost, anyway.
No matter how much Dave wants him, and how good they are together, Cam can’t bring himself to openly embrace the life he was meant to live. After all, when his secret finally gets out, he faces the very real possibility of losing everything that kept him going for the first fifty years of his life, just like he’s feared for so long. But with a little faith—and a lot of love—his dream of living fully, truly, as himself might finally be within reach.
Hi guys, we have Sean Michael popping in today with their upcoming re-release Perfect 10, we have a short guest post from Sean, a great new excerpt and another chance to enter their fantastic giveaway, so check out the post and click the link to the giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~
Perfect 10
by
Sean Michael
Despite a life-threatening injury sustained in a vaulting accident, top gymnast Christopher Allen is determined to get back to his former perfect condition and compete again. Brian Rainings is a coach in need of someone to believe in, and he takes Chris on, admiring the spirit and determination that drives Chris to succeed. And admiring the sturdy, muscled body Chris maintains.
Admiration soon leads to something much hotter as they train together. From their scorching first kiss, Brian and Chris’s chemistry is obvious, but they have a long road ahead to get Chris back into shape. Months of hard work lead to success, with Chris gaining strength every day and finally finding the elusive sponsor he needs for financial support. Secrets, hidden dangers, and family troubles plague them, though, and they have to face the fact that Chris might never compete again and score that perfect ten.
Hiya peeps! We have debut author Don Allmon visiting today with his brand new release The Glamour Thieves, we have a great excerpt and a fantastic giveaway, so check out the post and leave a comment to enter the giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~
The Glamour Thieves
(Blue Unicorn 01)
by
Don Allmon
JT is an orc on the way up. He’s got his own boutique robotics shop, high-end clientele, and deep-pocketed investors. He’s even mentoring an orc teen who reminds him a bit too much of himself back in the day.
Then Austin shows up, and the elf’s got the same hard body and silver tongue as he did two years ago when they used to be friends and might have been more. He’s also got a stolen car to bribe JT to saying yes to one last scheme: stealing the virtual intelligence called Blue Unicorn.
Soon JT’s up to his tusks in trouble, and it ain’t just zombies and Chinese triads threatening to tear his new life apart. Austin wants a second chance with JT—this time as more than just a friend—and even the Blue Unicorn is trying to play matchmaker.
Hi guys! We have Annabelle Jacobs stopping by today with her new release Maybe This Time, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~
Maybe This Time
by
Annabelle Jacobs
Moving into a new home starts with a bang when Ryan Blackwell celebrates turning thirty. Being hungover means he’s bleary-eyed and clumsy the next day, but even in that state, he can appreciate how sexy and fit his neighbour is.
Matt Thomas isn’t looking for anything long-term—one and done is usually his life rule. Why settle down early, like his sister, when casual relationships are so easy? With Ryan living in the same building, chance encounters are inevitable. When one night together becomes two, a friends-with-benefits deal seems a natural progression.
There’s only one problem: sex with no strings relies on matching expectations, so Ryan can’t help worrying. His huge heart always wants more, but Matt’s been clear about his limits. As passion leads to caring, they’ll have to make some tough decisions—maybe this time, breaking some rules will be worth it if that means they’ll get to share a future.
Hi peeps! We have A.T. Brennan stopping by today with her new release Healing Him, we have a great excerpt and a fantastic giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~
Healing Him
(Den Boys 02)
by
A.T. Brennan
“I hated that I was like this, but after years of trying to work through it I was beginning to feel like I’d never be normal.” ~ Cody
Hiding the fact that I was in love with my best friend Isaac used to be the most complicated part of my day, until a chance meeting with a handsome stranger named Jonah sent my life into a tailspin. Scars from my past have stopped me from giving in to my desires for so long, but I’m done being afraid. I want both men. I just don’t know if I’ll be able to trust that anyone can love me.
“I knew it was a bit messed up, but there was no jealousy or envy when I thought of my men together.” ~ Isaac
I’ve loved Cody for as long as I’ve known him, but have always held back because of his past. Then I met Jonah and I knew there was no way I could choose between them. I want it all—the man I’ve loved for so long, and the one I’m quickly falling for. It’s not going to be easy, but nothing worthwhile ever is.
“I wanted to believe it was all true, but I couldn’t push aside the fear that I was just a distraction until the two of them got together.” ~ Jonah
After having my heart broken I never thought I’d find love again. I wasn’t looking for anything real, and then I met not one, but two men I can’t resist. Isaac and Cody are everything I ever wanted but didn’t know I could have. I want to believe the three of us can work, but a part of me can’t get past the fear that I’ll be the odd man out, again.
*This is Book 2 of The Den Boys series, but can be read as a standalone – no cliffhangers.
Hi guys! We have Alicia Nordwell popping in today with her upcoming release Earning His Trust, we have a short guest post from Alicia, a great excerpt and a fabulous giveaway, so check out the post and enter the giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~
Earning His Trust
by
Alicia Nordwell
Evin lost the only two men he ever loved. But he might get a second chance with one of them—if he’s willing to take the risk.
Following the death of his husband, Evin is living in Portland and raising the infant son they had through a surrogate. Six-month-old Micah is his life, and if it means no time for activities or friendships beyond his minuscule support network, that’s a sacrifice Evin is willing to make. When he suffers a burn baking teething biscuits, the last person Evin expects to encounter in the ER is Ben, his lover from college—and the man who left him without a word of explanation.
Ben knows it won’t be easy to earn Evin’s trust and prove he’s not the same man Evin once knew, but he can’t bear to watch Evin struggle to care for Micah, hurting and alone. He wants back in Evin’s life, as a friend and hopefully more, but Evin’s heart is fragile, and the years have changed him too.
Blurb: Dusty is an ex-soldier and dominant leopard shifter who lost his hearing during the war. He’s also the last of his former unit who remains unmated. To get away from humans because his inner leopard is close to turning feral, he works as an assistant park ranger. A distress call brings him to a cliff in the park where he needs to convince a potential suicide not to jump. The last thing Dusty expects to find is his mate.
Trace Michaels is a human artist who suffered an attack three months ago. He’s saved from ending his life by a persistent and gorgeous leopard shifter. With reluctance, he lets Dusty convince him to live again. The last thing he expects is for Dusty to stick around.
Trace isn’t ready to risk his heart again, but this persistent leopard might just be the one man he’s been waiting for his entire life.
Review: Each book in the Wounded Hearts collection features a new romantic couple. To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, I would recommend reading the series in sequential order.
Dusty is the youngest of his team mates and the one that seems to be having the hardest time. He lost his hearing in the explosion that injured his teammates. He even almost went feral and sent his commander in the same direction. Thank god his teammates helped him come back, but the truth was he wasn’t handling it well. Taking a job in the woods just helps him to connect and leads him to salvation.
Trace is an amazing artist who lost his way. His ex-boyfriend was sent to prison after he assaulted him, but he was having troubles with it. Depression and PTSD sets in and well you can guess where that heads. Thanks to one sexy shifter who might just need him as much as he needs him. Then the past comes for him and it is going to take Dusty and his team to save him.
Now this author has made a few mistakes that have been missed in editing, but it doesn’t take away from the story as bad as I would have expected. However I still noticed it.
Other than my issues with this story it was a fun read. I enjoyed it and can’t wait to start on the next book.
Blurb: Isaac Dalton is the guitarist for Spiral, arguably the biggest rock band in the world. The band’s meteoric rise to superstardom has its perks, but fame and fortune aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. Nonstop touring and performing exhaust Isaac, and when an overzealous fan makes it imperative that he travel with a clingy bodyguard, he is ready for a break from the madness. More so when his newly single first crush shows up on his doorstep. Adam is strictly off-limits. He’s a memory from a place Isaac would rather leave behind. And he’s straight.
Fun-loving former athlete slash construction worker Adam McBride desperately needs a new beginning. And New York City is the perfect place to start over and think about how to rebuild his life. A short stint as roommates with his brother’s best friend from high school seems like a mutually beneficial arrangement. However, when friendship gives way to fierce attraction, both men find themselves in uncharted and possibly dangerous territory. Isaac has to decide if he’s willing to take the ultimate risk for a kind of love and a kind of home he never dreamed possible.
Review: I love reading Lane Hayes’ series, A Kind of Stories, about the lives of up and coming band Spiral (I always think of Mystic Spiral like in the cartoon Daria, but whatever). I love Hayes’ tone and style and I love the world created in this series. A Kind of Home is the fourth book. I suppose each book could be read as a standalone novel, but honestly, I think you’d be doing yourself a disservice not going back to the beginning and seeing not only how Spiral starts, but how the characters start and grow into their own stories.
This story follows Spiral guitarist Isaac. He’s been in the background since the end of the book 1. He was the replacement of Spiral’s replacement guitar player (Will) just before they were about to get their first big record deal. That being said, as a reader we are only just finding out how tricky fame has been for Isaac. So Isaac is looking forward to the well earned break after the band’s first big tour of Europe. But back home in New York he finds himself sharing space with his very straight first crush (and his best friend’s brother), Adam. But there is more to Adam than meets the eye, and he’s in New York for the hope of being about to reinvent himself and get his life back on track.
I am a sucker for the whole friends to lovers’ storyline and things are anything but easy for the guys. I really loved their story. Because of Isaac’s upbringing there are some legitimate hurdles that the couple has to face before making it to their HEA. And, by the way, who can resist a sweet HEA? Certainly not me! They have fantastic chemistry and are really, deep and developed characters with a solid foundation for their relationship by the end of the book.
There was only one thing that annoyed me and that was the very quick stalker plotline that felt like it was thrown into the book, just because. I felt like it took away from Isaac’s and Adam’s true story and added unnecessary drama. I think if that plot line had developed longer (say from the beginning) then I would have liked it more, but how it is leaves me feeling a bit meh about that aspect of the story.
Blurb: A blind war vet and jaguar shifter who’s barely getting by, Grover tries to adapt to living a normal life. While walking his guide dog, he accidentally bumps into tabby cat shifter Eric, who tries to steal his wallet. His jaguar tells him Eric is his mate, but Grover believes a broken shifter like him isn’t worthy of a mate.
Eric steals to survive and provide for his brother, his only family. Crossing paths with a blind but dangerous dominant jaguar shifter was never in the agenda, but he can’t ignore what his heart wants. His inner cat knows Grover is the one man he’d been waiting for his whole life, his mate. However, to belong to Grover and give their fragile relationship a chance to bloom, Eric must leave his old life of thievery behind.
When wounded hearts are on the line, Grover proves he’s willing to do whatever it takes to claim his mate.
Review: Each book in the Wounded Hearts collection features a new romantic couple. To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, I would recommend reading the series in sequential order.
Grover and his team mates did a good deed and it cost them. For Grover it cost him his eyes and he was having a hard time dealing with it. A powerful jaguar who is pretty much an alpha sees the loss as a weakness and as a vet, well you can guess. However he would be wrong, because he still is a powerful man in his own. So when a little thief tries to steal his wallet, well the thief stole his heart instead.
Eric and his brother Evan have been on their own for some time. They had found themselves in a dangerous situation when another shifter takes them in. Now they are thieves and only bad things happen when they fail. The problem is his brother is sick and Eric has to work double to get it done. Too bad he tried to steal from a powerful shifter who was blind, it might just cost him more than he expected.
When an author is trying to meet a deadline or just wants to get their books out fast, they tend to make a few mistakes that could cost them. Such as different names, or different injuries to the wrong shifter, to spelling or even the tone. Now this author has made a few of these mistakes, but it doesn’t take away from the story as bad as I would have expected. However I still noticed it.
Other than my issues with this story it was a fun read. I enjoyed it and can’t wait to start on the next book.
Blurb: In crime, like in love, there can be no half measures….
Fashion model Zane Stryker needs money—badly. At almost thirty, his glory days are behind him, and he needs capital to start over. When his luggage is switched with a bag containing contraband he’s forced to deliver, it’s either the worst thing that’s ever happened to him… or the best.
Enter Sebastian Gigoni, formerly of the British Special Forces, who has to decide just where Zane’s loyalty lies and why. Sizzling attraction erupts between them, but that doesn’t mean they can trust each other. They double down in a race for their lives—and their love—but are their purposes at odds? As they struggle to reconcile their goals, their consciences, and the needs of their hearts, one thing is clear—they must go all in or give up altogether.
Review: I really enjoy reading Dreamspun Desires – this imprint by Dreamspinner Press is a guilty pleasure for me because it speaks to the me that got obsessed with reading certain types of Mills and Boon/Harlequin books before seeing the light and finding MM. I also enjoy reading Ava Drake’s work. They are usually, sweet, totally steaming hot and sexy novellas with a fast paced plot.
The books in this series are all standalone, with some throw back to familiar characters. I have to admit that All In, the third installment of the Wild Cards Inc, series left me a little short. However, with this one I found the plot a little too convoluted and that unfortunately took away from my enjoyment of the book. And I have to admit, after loving the first Wild Cards Inc. novella, the second and third don’t quite reach the same bar of awesomeness. I’m not sure if the action got too much in the way of the rest of the story or what.
The story itself is about Zane, a fashion model that is reaching the end of his career in a young, cut throat industry. He’s on his way back home to the States after going to Europe in an effort to get fashion labels interested in him once more. He soon meets Sebastian; he’s helping out a friend by using his skills as an ex- SAS in a case for the Wild Cards. Cue Zane becoming the damsel in distress as he unwittingly gets caught in the middle. Unfortunately for me, Sebastian and Zane, while both likable characters, didn’t really have a lot of chemistry except when they were having out of this world fantastic sex.
Blurb: After losing a leg, former paranormal special ops member and dominant tiger shifter Mike is having trouble coping with his new reality. Mike knows finding a mate isn’t possible for a broken shifter like him. Mike’s ready to live the rest of his life in solitude, until his path collides with Bowen.
Bowen manages to spark a fire in his heart, except Mike knows that sooner or later, the lynx shifter would find him lacking. Bowen’s a rare Omega lynx shifter who’s been on the run his entire life. When fate drops a growly, wounded tiger shifter in his path, he knows he’s met his mach. With enemies on his tail, the last thing he needs is a gorgeous distraction, except Mike becomes more than that.
When the future seems so uncertain, can Bowen find true happiness with his mate or will everything fall apart?
Review: Each book in the Wounded Hearts collection features a new romantic couple. To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, I would recommend reading the series in sequential order.
The first thing I noticed is the beta reader didn’t catch the name of the dead soldier. In book one he was called Wayne but the author wrote it multiple times in this one as Larry. So it needs just a bit of re-editing. Not a big deal but it brought it down just a bit for me. There were a few types of these issues with this book, but other than that sweet.
Mike is a powerful tiger shifter who lost his leg in the fight that also cost him his commander’s arm, another’s eyes, ones hearing and the loss of a friend. Now in civilian life he was having just a bit of trouble figuring out life. Then he comes across his mate.
Bowen has been on the run for some time. He is a lynx shifter that can get pregnant. To top it off he is an omega. One man wants him, but it is only one man he wants. Bowen needs his mate’s help to survive.
It is a very good book that caught my attention from the start and kept it all the way to the end. It does have a few issues, such as what I listed above, but it doesn’t really take away from the story itself. It just felt rushed and for this type of story that isn’t really a good thing. However I still had a lot of fun with it and can’t wait to see what book three will be like.
Blurb: Can he step out of the shadows and into love’s light?
Eight years ago, Christian Hernandez moved to Jamaica Plain in southern Boston, took refuge in his apartment, and cut himself off from the outside world. And that’s how he’d like it to stay.
Josh Wendell has heard his coworkers gossip about the occupant of apartment #1. No one sees the mystery man, and Josh loves a mystery. So when he is hired to refurbish the apartment’s kitchen and bathrooms, Josh is eager to discover the truth behind the rumors.
When he comes face-to-face with Christian, Josh understands why Christian hides from prying eyes. As the two men bond, Josh sees past his exterior to the man within, and he likes what he sees. But can Christian find the courage to emerge from the darkness of his lonely existence for the man who has claimed his heart?
Review: I’m going to say this straight out: I loved the plot of this book. I love KC Well’s writing. The only reason I gave it a 4/5 was because I desperately wished that it had a lot more depth of emotion, particularly from Christian’s side and part of me wanted more trepidation, more dating because Christian is essentially agoraphobic and if there had been a chance to develop the emotion and plot a little more would have made the characters more believable and more relatable.
Christian Hernandez moved Jamaica Plain – an idyllic housing development south of Boston – eight years ago from Colorado. He learnt a hard lesson when he became disfigured and then decided to hide away from the world. Honestly, I can’t say much more without blowing his entire back story. I suppose you can call him agoraphobic, he refuses to leave his apartment but it all comes down to vanity and hating the stares his looks usually attracts. (This dude needs to go back to counselor or psychologist, stat). He has everything delivered to his and works from home. Everything is ordered in his little world until he finds out that his kitchen and bathroom is going to undergo a much needed renovation. That means the handyman that does a lot of the work around his building needs to enter his home. Something that Christian can’t have, even if that handyman is the hot guy he often admires from his window.
Josh Wendell is young and idealistic in many ways. But he is the handyman that is going to renovate Christian’s apartment. There have been many rumors about the occupant of apartment 1, but nothing could prepare Josh for what happens. This is especially because his first impression is that Christian had locked himself in his bedroom all day while Josh was working (unknown to Josh at first). Josh has just the right amount of sweetness and understanding to help Christian get out of his shell. A little bit of romance doesn’t hurt either!
This is a book for those that like a bit of insta-love, are all for a Phantom of the Opera type of disfigurement and a smoking hot, young handy man who seems a tad naiveté or too good to be true.
Blurb: After losing an arm in the war, dominant lion shifter Abram is suffering from PTSD and having trouble adapting to civilian life. His sessions with his therapist, Kane, are the only things he looks forward to.
Sparks ignite after one accidental kiss. When Kane decides it’s unprofessional to keep seeing Abram, all the cards come down and Abram’s lion goes on a prowl. Abram might be one broken vet, but his lion knows Kane is his mate and letting go is not an option.
Omega cat shifter Kane has a huge problem. He’s had a massive crush on Abram since the wounded vet entered his life. When keeping things professional between them no longer works, Kane bolts, terrified of the intense attraction between them.
Kane gives Abram quite a chase, but he soon realizes that lions are persistent hunters—and when it comes to the matters of the heart, only a fool would refuse the mating bond.
Review: Each book in the Wounded Hearts collection features a new romantic couple. To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, I would recommend reading the series in sequential order.
Dominant alpha shifters do not do well when they are no longer at the top of their game. They see any weakness as a loss, but the shifters in this story find that it is not always truth. Five soldiers go to war but only 4 come back alive. Abram was the one in charge and came back with the loss of his arm. To top it off he has flash backs and is trying to survive his new life as a civilian.
Kane is the opposite of Abram. He is definitely not a alpha type male, but he is bound and determined to get Abram to live in the now. That is until one kiss, and sends him running. Too bad now he has a very big lion coming after his mate.
I have not had the chance to read many stories from this author, but I have to say that this story does hit a chord. It was well rounded and full of description that definitely catches my attention. In fact my attention was caught from the moment I started reading and kept it all the way to the end. I enjoyed reading it and can’t wait to get started on the next book.
Blurb: Someone is kidnapping Magicals. Kris Kringle and his soulmate, Bucket the Elf, are determined to find out why. Only then can they spend the rest of their lives together. But first they must find a suitable candidate to take over the mantle of Santa Claus. They find Griffin Kloss in the backwoods of North Carolina and realize they must get to him quickly. Someone else is after Griffin and it’s not his former boyfriend, Jackson Frost. Whomever is after Griffin doesn’t want him for his good looks.
Putting themselves at risk, Kris and Bucket, together with Griffin, Old Man Winter, and members of The Wild Hunt, travel to the Ninth Realm. There, in a dark and dismal place, Griffin and Jackson are reunited, the missing Magicals are found, and Krampus, an ancient evil once thought dead, is found alive. Together they must all join forces to battle demons and the menace that threatens their existence, if they are to return to Earth Realm for their happily ever after.
Review: Johnny Miles is an author that I don’t think I’ve ever totally gotten on board with in the past. I have previously enjoyed the earlier installments of the Yuletide Knights series, book 2 is definitely my favorite book in the series. You definitely need to read the first two books, or if you already have a quick refresher would not go amiss. I had to stop and go back because I thought that I was missing way too much because I didn’t remember the first two books very well.
But for a number of reasons, while I enjoyed the story, I can’t say that I loved it.
There is a lot going on. And while that is usually good in a book, I just felt that there was too much going on and so things felt like they were falling along the wayside (e.g. Kris and Bucket’s relationship and what happens at the end). For that reason, even after going back to reread the previous books, I found myself a tad bit confused. The book only seemed to fit into itself by about halfway through. This is certainly not the type of book you can read to unwind or if you are already sleepy. All your attention needs to be available, although that is not necessarily a bad thing.
The story itself picks up with a number of characters we had already met in the previous book. The epilogue itself doesn’t make too much sense until you get at least half way through either. The main plot of the book is that magical beings are being kidnapped and for some reason it is up to the current Santa, Kris Kringle and his lover, an elf called Bucket, to find out what’s going on as well as find and protect the previous Santa’s son. I don’t feel comfortable saying much else because I don’t want to introduce any spoilers into the mix. But the book is filled with action from start to finish. The premise is simple, sure, but it totally complicated probably due to the number of characters present.
Finishing the book left me with mixed feelings: sure, I want to find out what happens next because, well, cliffhanger, but at the same time I think I’d be equally as happy not to find out. This is definitely a book that is for people that love the paranormal and are willing to invest in a new series if they haven’t already.
Blurb: Simon liked the idea of having a Fated Mate; after all, Ra and Seth certainly seem happy enough. A random encounter in Jackson changes his thinking though, making him wonder if he should have thought that mate thing through more thoroughly. As a snake shifter, he was used to being alone. Who cared if he upset anyone or not? But his old behavior wasn’t going to win him any hearts, including his mate’s.
Darwin works three jobs to survive. On his own for more years than he can count, he stays away from shifters and shifter towns. Trusting no one, he works and sleeps and while his life is dull, it’s safe and that’s all Darwin cares about. When he comes across a snake in his apartment, his first instinct is to hit it with his trusty bat. But the mate pull works both ways and Darwin’s forced to consider some changes in his life.
Two stalkers, two kidnappings, life is rarely dull in Arrowtown. With Ra running for mayor and Liam’s and Lucien’s life threatened by their past, Simon and Darwin have their work cut out for them. Being mates is one thing; love is a totally different matter.
Review: Each book in the Arrowtown collection features a new romantic couple. To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, I would recommend reading the series in sequential order.
I love the little warning about a flying mouse; let’s just say it was a kicker. I came across Lisa Oliver some time ago with her first book, and have followed her since then. Her stories are very entertaining and will keep you begging for more. The characters are fully developed and you will fall in love with them from the start. The story caught my attention from the moment I started reading and kept it all the way to the end.
Simon has been on his own for some time. He has no education so works three jobs to survive. He is the cutest little mouse shifter you will have ever seen, and he is one sexy little dancer. He has been dancing for humans for some time and even though he is good at it, he looks for a different time. Then one night and his fate is set. He has met his mate and he wants to run.
Simon is a big ass snake but who knows what kind. His mate is a cute little sexy mouse shifter. Two different types, one prey one predator and things are going to heat up real fast. Especially since someone else wants the little mouse.
I loved this book almost as much as the first one. It gave me all that I wanted and so much more. I especially loved the fact that a mate whether prey or predator can get pregnant. There are a few little twists that are so much fun to read. I had a lot of fun with this book and would definitely recommend it.
Blurb: William Westmoreland escapes his unfulfilling Rhode Island existence by traveling to Florida twice a year and chartering Mike Jansen’s fishing boat to take him out on the Gulf. The crystal-blue water and tropical scenery isn’t the only view William enjoys, but he’s never made his move. A vacation romance just isn’t on his horizon.
Mike started his Apalachicola charter fishing service as a way to care for his daughter and mother, putting their safety and security ahead of the needs of his own heart. Denying his attraction becomes harder with each of William’s visits.
William and Mike’s latest fishing excursion starts with a beautiful day, but a hurricane’s erratic course changes everything, stranding William. As the wind and rain rage outside, the passion the two men have been trying to resist for years crashes over them. In the storm’s wake, it leaves both men yearning to prolong what they have found. But real life pulls William back to his obligations. Can they find a way to reduce the distance between them and discover a place where their souls can meet? The journey will require rough sailing, but the bright future at the end might be worth the choppy seas.
Review: I will read anything by Andrew Grey, his stories make me laugh and/or make me cry and always have a whole lot of heart. All his characters are realistic with very human flaws and it’s always a pleasure to read and see them develop throughout the course of a story. To put it simply, he embraces the everyday differences, not everyone is perfect and that is the attraction. That being said, while I loved Setting the Hook, it wasn’t my favorite book by Grey. However, since I rate them all so highly, this is still pretty damn good. I enjoyed it from start to finish, devouring every single word hungrily.
William Westmoreland books the same fishing charter in Florida twice a year. He needs to get away from the hustle and bustle and the stress that comes from his life in Rhode Island. His parents – who at first are very unreasonable people with stupid high expectations – practically rule his life because of his devotion to the family business and always wanting to make them happy. He loves Mike Jansen’s fishing charter because it is the place he feel he can relax and be himself, at least for a little bit, while enjoying the beauty of being out on the water. He’s definitely attracted to Mike but not about to make any moves.
Mike on the other hand is a very stoic character. He supports his mother and daughter, not allowing any room for being himself – he fears that stepping out of the closet would ruin him. (Seriously, William’s father gives him some awesome advice to put things into perspective regarding this).
That is why, for obvious reasons, neither of the guys are looking for a relationship. But the chemistry is there from the get go. As the saying goes, the body is willing but the heart is not. Things are complicated and their negative outlooks make it worse. The journey to love isn’t simple for these stubborn guys but is totally worth it, which even includes surviving the wrath of a hurricane.
Setting the Hook is the first book in Grey’s Love’s Charter series and I’m definitely keen to see what else is set to happen in this new world! There is plenty of drama and the guys are delightfully stubborn, convinced that things could never work while on the road to their HEA.
Blurb: Seth Carmichael never did anything wrong, but instead of working at the local library, he was running for his life. His herd was hunting him and with few resources, Seth’s options were fading fast. Until, that is, he heard the rumble of a motorcycle. Peeking through the tree he was hiding in, he couldn’t believe his eyes. Had salvation come in the form of a badass biker?
Ra (no last name and proud of it) was a tiger on a mission. He’d scented his mate and then the little rabbit ran away before his teeth could engage. Ra heard the gossip around Arrowtown; he knew his mate was a hunted man. But if the sweet man was on the run, he needed someone to look after him; Ra figured he was the right man for the job.
A meeting, a mating and yet another meeting. What should have been a straight forward relationship turned into so much more on their very first outing as a mated couple. Now Ra has to count on the strength of his mate and the help of his friends, if he and Seth are ever to have the HEA they’d planned for. And what was with all these Fae turning up out of the blue?
Warning: Contains a tiger who keeps putting his foot in it; a tiny lop-eared rabbit who is stronger than he looks and a bunch of friends who’ll hide a body, no questions asked.
Review: Each book in the Arrowtown collection features a new romantic couple. To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, I would recommend reading the series in sequential order.
Lisa became a favorite author of mine when her first book came out. The characters are fully developed and easy to fall in love with, just as the story itself is. It is a very entertaining tale, but I have to say that this one tops the others. It is Lisa’s first attempt, if I understood right, at male pregnancy type stories. Which is a bonus, who wouldn’t think it funny as hell.
Seth is a very cute, little lop-eared rabbit who is on the run. He is different than the rest of the rabbit’s in his herd. He didn’t know that his herd was also stuck in the dark ages when it comes to mates. He had been happy to find his mate, even if the man was a tiger. Too bad it was against the herds law. He was in deep crap and needed help.
Ra is a tiger with no last name and a group of friends who look like the rough bikers many expect. They were making their home in a shifter town, but he was determined to find his little mate. There is a big surprise in store for them both.
I got a kick out of this story and cannot wait to start in on the next book. I love the idea of a predator being mated to a prey animal. It just means the tiger can keep his rabbit safe. I have always loved these types of story and Lisa Oliver just makes it rock. I would definitely recommend this book. Now off to read book two.
Blurb: In their differences, they’ll find strength—and love.
Alpha werewolf Eli Hammond returns from a fishing trip to discover a nasty surprise—five members of his pack murdered and the rest missing. He needs help locating and rescuing his pack mates, but the supernatural council in Asheville, North Carolina, turns him away.
Except for one man.
As they work together, Eli is stunned—and not especially thrilled—to discover half-elf Arden Gilmarin is his destined mate. But as Arden and his friends struggle to help Eli in his quest, Eli surrenders to the demands of his body—and his heart. They’ll need to bond together, because the forces opposing them are stronger and more sinister than anyone predicted. The evil has its sights set on Arden, and if Eli wants to save his mate and the people he is entrusted with protecting, he’s in for the fight of his life.
Review: I have to say I was pretty damn excited to see that Dreamspinner Press has a new house imprint – Dreamspun Beyond, which is contemporary romance with a paranormal twist. I especially love shape shifter romances. It also helped that I’ve previously enjoyed Ari MacKay’s contributions to the Dreamspun Desires lines. So all in all, it was exciting to read the first book in the Dreamspun Beyond line, Out of the Ashes by Ari MacKay.
I am very please to say that I was not disappointed, from start to finish, this was an engaging and sexy romance, with a super hot shape shifter wolf alpha. I’m a sucker for soul mates/fated mates and the sometimes hard road to their HEA.
Eli Hammond is a strong and sexy alpha wolf, who comes home from a brief getaway to find his pack in disarray. He needs help and it seems that no one is willing to help. That is all except half-elf Arden Gilmarin. As soon as they meet its fate – these guys are meant to be. Well, for Eli anyway, Arden can’t recognize that Eli is his mate but is determined to help the wolf shifter all the same. However, he struggles to come to terms with having a mate and actually being able to accept his mate while helping Eli find his kidnapped pack members.
Eli and Arden have wonderful chemistry together. I love that Eli is a growling, grumpy alpha wolf that needs love in his life, especially after the kidnapping of his pack members. Arden is a total sweetheart, he is totally caring and loving once he comes to terms with his mating. He is a totally positive sort of person that Eli needs in his life. Arden is yin to Eli’s yang.
I am so glad that this is the first book in the Asheville Arcana series, because I absolutely fell in love with Arden’s best friends and confidants, Julian and Whimsy. In a lot of ways Julian and Whimsy are the heroes to this story and I want to hear their stories and hope they find their respective mates and get a sweet and sexy HEA! Too much to ask for? I hope not.
Title: Dusty
Title: A Kind of Home
Title: Grover
Title: All In
Title: Mike
Title: Out of the Shadows
Title: Abram
Title: Hunt for Magic
Title: Snake Snack
Title: A Tiger’s Tale