Lost Souls Found by Kris Bethke

Kris T. Bethke - 02 - Lost Souls Found Cover 1 sTitle: Lost Souls Found

Series: Dreamspun Beyond 18 / Requiem Inc. 02

Author: Kris Bethke

Genre: Paranormal

Length: Novel (212 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (17th April 2018)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’– 5 Hearts

Blurb: Dying is all in a day’s work. Love is more dangerous.

Ghostwalker Sam Jones has been half in love with Michael King since he started working at Requiem Inc. But Michael is his boss and a Guardian, to boot. Sam thinks they could make it work anyway, but Michael uses his position and his age to keep Sam at arm’s length.

When Sam continues to volunteer for the most dangerous cases, Michael has to intervene. He tells himself he’s just doing his job, but he’s always seen Sam as more than another operative, and he can’t bear the thought of not taking his chance. The connection between them has been strong from the beginning, and Michael’s telepathy adds unexpected depth and an edge to their new romance, but working together while they try to build their relationship might be the hardest part of their job if they don’t make some sacrifices.

ISBN: 978-1-64080-453-1

Product Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Prime

Review: Lost Souls Found is the second book in Kris Bethke’s Requiem Inc. series. After reading the first book in the series, not knowing what to expect and totally satisfied and amazed with what I had got I was really looking forward to more in this series. However, after getting a glimpse into the characters, Sam Jones and his boss Michael King in the first book, which was the romance of Sam’s big brother, I was desperate to get to this one.

The concept of the series is different to what I’ve read in the past. There is a special group of people that work for a company called Requiem Inc. It’s not an ordinary company in that the people are charged solely to ensure that spirits are at peace and do not become malicious entities. There are people, Ghostwalkers, with a special gene which means they can die and come back to life, their body heals with some Wolverine type accelerated healing and as a result they can live up to a couple centuries. Then there are another group of people which have a gene which makes them, essentially, the perfect care giver, called anchors. Each ghostwalker needs to be paired with an anchor so that they can go through the trauma of being killed, helping dead spirits who are usually traumatized, coming back to life, living and doing it all over again.

As I said earlier, I was really excited to read this story because I felt that as secondary characters both Sam and Michael had a lot to say. They had been wonderful compliments to the story, one as the little brother and the other as the boss. Together I knew they were going to be wonderful and I was not disappointed. Sam Jones is a ghostwalker, when it was discovered that his older brother had the ability to be a ghostwalker, he got tested and found out he too could be a ghostwalker. The brothers lost their parents but they still had each other as they became valued members of the largest Requiem team in the country.

Sam has always had a crush on his boss, Michael King. However, Michael forces himself not to give in to any desire that he felt for the younger ghostwalker. He’s a natural anchor, but being the boss for their branch of Requiem, means that Michael oversees killing ghostwalkers before pulling them out of the spirit plane and back to life. He’s also a telepath. Really, all in all, Michael is a complicated man and uses his job to keep Sam away from him romantically because he’s too scared. The usual type of story.

Sam doesn’t want to let go of his feelings for Michael. It’s hard not to feel sorry for the younger man when he starts to take more dangerous missions, with spirit that require more of his attention and potentially dangerous, leaving his body dead for almost too long, because there are dangers associated ghostwalking.

I really loved this story. It is one of those classic unrequited love stories, filled with danger and spirits. It’s a wonderful balance between romance and angst, because lets face, Michael has a lot of baggage to get through. I really enjoyed this novel and I can’t wait to get to the next one!

Sometimes The Best Presents Can’t Be Wrapped by B.G. Thomas

B.G. Thomas - Sometimes the Best Presents Can't Be Wrapped CoverTitle: Sometimes The Best Presents Can’t Be Wrapped

Author: B.G. Thomas

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Length: Novella (131 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (25th December 2017)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’– 5 Hearts

Blurb: Ned Balding used to be a decent man—until the stress of seemingly countless responsibilities changes him, and he becomes cold and driven—the kind of man who considers firing an employee days before Christmas. The kind of man who kicks a dog…. But Ned’s transgressions haven’t gone unseen. A Salvation Army Santa witnesses his misdeeds and decides Ned needs to be taught a lesson.

When Ned wakes up the next morning, he’s stunned to discover he’s been transformed into a dog.

In the past year, Jake Carrara has lost his mother, a lover… even his dog. His boss came close to firing him just before the holidays. He isn’t sure he’s ready for another pet when he’s asked to foster a dog, but Jake’s good heart won’t let him refuse. Little does he know, this isn’t just any dog.

Through a twist of fate, two people with little reason to be friends might teach each other to rediscover the good—and the love—in life.

ISBN: 978-1-64080-266-7

Product Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Prime

Review: Sometimes the Best Presents Can’t Be Wrapped is a quirky holiday romance tale that is very much in the realm of urban fantasy by BG Thomas. I haven’t read too much of BG Thomas, but I have their books in the past to be quite hit and miss, in terms of me being able to get into the story and connecting to the characters. Needless to say, I was a little concerned but it was the blurb that won me over.

Essentially, this novella is a story that has echoes of the Dickens story of Ebenezer Scrooge. However, when you read the story, instead of thinking of the traditional story by Dickens himself, I was able to relate it more to the modern retelling a la the movie Scrooged. You know the one, that’s the movie with Bill Murray. Which then led me to decide that this is more of a mix of the two Bill Murray movies Scrooged and Groundhog Day. And now I think of it the whole transformation of horrid character to teach him a lesson is very Beauty and Beast too. There you go, numerous pop culture references, make of them what you will.

I amazed and blown away by how much I loved this story.

Ned Balding is the Scrooge-type character of the story. He used to be a good man who a lot of people loved, including his employees. But years of stress and shouldering too many burdens (which he really should have shared in the first place), has made him into a bitter man. In fact, he almost fires his employee Jake Carrara for having flimsy reasons for taking time off. (I think that some of this might be an American thing so I found the treatment by Ned quite illegal, seriously he’d be open for a court case in Australia. But then again I have the luxury sick leave, roster days off and 20 days recreational leave a year, so I feel that some of this is kind of lost on me, yet it does a fantastic job into making Ned an ogre).

To put it nicely, Ned is such a Grumpy Gus he angers the wrong spirit or entity (in the guise of a Salvation Army Santa) that he is turned into a dog to teach him a lesson of love and compassion.

Jake on the other hand is a sweetie. He has a heart of gold and will help anyone, human or animal, with his limited resources. He’s recently lost his beloved dog and when he receives a phone call of a dog in desperate need of a foster home (lest the poor animal be put down) he reluctantly answers the call. In fact, the dog seems like it understands every word he says. Jake bears his soul to the creature, who is actually Ned and Ned’s path to love and redemption begins. Ned learns of Jake’s feelings towards him through Jake’s chatter, which isn’t all flattering but there is a chance for a lot more.

This is a really sweet romance. Mind you for most of the book Ned is a dog, we get to really take time getting to Jake and Ned, although it’s questionable how much they know each other. Despite their limited time together as humans the guys have a fabulous connection. Overall, this was fun and enjoyable. If you like any of the literary or movie references I’ve already mentioned, love dogs and love a good dose of the holiday spirit then I think you’d love to read this book.

Dragon Souls by Cree Storm

Cree Storm - Dragons Souls Cover 1Title: Dragon Souls

Series: D.O.A. 02

Author: Cree Storm

Genre: Paranormal

Length: Novella (153 Pages)

Publisher: Cree Storm (December 5, 2017)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’– 5 Hearts

Blurb: A serial arsonist has just burned down Jude Riddle’s family home, and is now trying to burn the people of D.O.A. out of Texas. Jude wants answers and is willing to work with anyone to get them, even if help comes in the form of century-year-old men with dragons as partners. Especially if one of those agents is Rance “Casper” Caldwell and his soul binding dragon, Smoky.

Casper has never accepted his maharishi in his renewed life. His beliefs were cut and dry. Death was final, and dragons were demons. However, since Casper had already died once and now walked the earth and was joined with a dragon by a higher power, did this mean he was an evil demon now, or was everything taught to him as a child a lie.

Discovering Jude to be his and Rance’s mate brought a light into what had been a dark, lonely existence to Smoky. He wanted nothing more than to claim what fate had gifted him, but to do so, meant he also had to strengthen his bind with Casper. Could he do this after all the hurt the man had caused him for centuries? Well, he better decide quick, because time is running out for him and Casper and an arsonist is nipping at their mates heels.

ISBN: B077Y7WYN6

Product Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Each book in the D.O.A. collection features a different romantic couple. To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, I would recommend reading the series in sequential order.

To me there is nothing better than a good romance between two sexy men. If those me just so happen to throw sparks off and have some humor going on, then the better. The fact that the paranormal aspect is so fresh and unique that makes it even rock. In this series, our sexy men died over five hundred years ago. Their dragons, well for Smoky, he died many years before that. They are bonded but not sexually. They don’t become the dragon, but can take care of some of the powers they have. The dragons can imprint on them, sort of like a tattoo on the skin. Quite different then you normally hear.

Jude has a very sweet and unusual family. He is his mothers birth son, but the others are pretty much chosen sons. Clare is the mother of all of them, which is pretty cool. When their house burns down, it is said to be by arson. The insurance company is giving them hell. On top of that it would seem Casper is his mate, as is his dragon. The problem is Casper and Smoky are not talking to each other. Smoky is dying from it. Jude is going to bang some heads together with these two, but damn if he is not turned on.

Rance “Casper”, thinks like over five hundred man thinks like. He thinks once you’re dead, your soul leaves your body. He is different from his friends, he died the day before they did, so his soul had left his body. One never knows how it works, but he is determined to believe that he is in fact a demon. He wants to die, because he fears what he is. Yeah, he needs his head smacked.

Smoky is one hell of a dragon, but he loves his bonded. He also hates his ass right now. He has tried to talk to him and explain, but the man just won’t listen. So Sparky knows it means his death, if you don’t want him there he is not going to be there. It takes their small human to shake their worlds up.

I always said that a man is stubborn as hell, but these two take the cake. You top that with a mouthy human and their worlds are about to explode. Not to mention they still have to find out who is behind the trouble.

I love the worlds that this author has created for these guys, I just wished they came out faster. It is entertaining and gives you just about everything you could ask for in a story. I was caught from the moment I started reading and couldn’t focus on anything else.

I had a blast reading it and can’t wait for the next book to come out.

Finder Tolan by Megan Derr (2nd Edition)

Megan Derr - Finder Tolan CoverTitle: Finder Tolan (2nd edition)

Series: Four Families 01

Author: Megan Derr

Genre: Fantasy

Length: Novella (82pgs)

Publisher: Less Than Three Press (February 22, 2011)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’– 3.75 Hearts

Blurb: Born and raised in nowhere villages, having moved to more of the same, and with a worthless drunk for a master, all Tolan really wants out of life is his own shop and a steady income. Given he’s usually left to train himself in Finding magic and do his master’s job, that’s probably not happening anytime soon.

Watching the shop one day while his master is out drinking yet again, Tolan gets an unexpected client: a child barely old enough to walk, screaming that Tolan ‘find secret’, and who clings to Tolan like he’s all that’s left in the world.

But finding secret proves to be a far greater task than Tolan ever could have guessed and leads him right into the arms of a man, and a life, that he never dared hope to find.

ISBN: 9781684314263

Product Link: Less Than Three Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: Tolan is unhappy with his life thus far. Having a master  who prefer’s Tolan do all the work while he drinks is a heavy burden. One day Goss, a small child enters the shop and tells Tolan to find secret. It’s easier said than done but when he finds what he’s looking for his life changes for the better.

I liked all the characters. Tolan seemed a bit on the whinny side at times but some characters are like that. Shaw was exactly what Tolan needed in his life to find happiness. Goss was a cute little guy that I adored.

All in all it was an enjoyable read.

Renewing the Fireworks by Charlie Richards

Charlie Richards - Renewing the Fireworks CoverTitle: Renewing the Fireworks

Series: Wolves of Stone Ridge 41.5

Author: Charlie Richards

Genre: Paranormal

Length: Short Story (22 Pages)

Publisher: eXtasy Books (July 27, 2017)

Heat Level: High

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’– 5 Hearts

Blurb: Out of the Cage: Renewing the fireworks can get a little crazy.

Jared Templeton has settled down with his wolf shifter mate, Carson Angeni. For the most part, he’s given up his life as an assassin, but he finds other ways to fill his time. When he comes home with the scent of another male on him, Carson shows Jared that he hasn’t forgotten what he gave up to be with him.

ISBN: 978-1-4874-1115-2

Product Link: eXtasy Books | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Each book in the Wolves of Stone Ridge collection features a different romantic couple. To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, I would recommend reading the series in sequential order. This series has a few branch off that you might want to read also.

Just a sweet little story to rock your world. Added spice I would say to Jared and Carson’s love life. Like those two need any help. Jared is helping a kid and Carson smells him on him. Guess what happens next.

I get a kick out of these guys and I love the little stories with them in it. They sure do know how to heat up the sheets. What a wonderful little surprise to the day. Perfect for that break that needed some spice to it.

The Summoner’s Path by Jessamyn Kingley

Jessamyn Kingley - The Summoner’s Path CoverTitle: The Summoner’s Path

Series: D’Vaire 10

Author: Jessamyn Kingley

Genre: Paranormal, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy

Length: Novel (316pgs)

Publisher: Jessamyn Kingley (January 17, 2019)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’– 5 Hearts

Blurb: Grand Summoner Dre’Kariston D’Vaire understands firsthand the brutal reality of war. Barely surviving a gruesome battle, he is one of the few remaining warlocks. After recovering from his wounds, he returns to the castle of his birth only to find his entire race annihilated. For centuries he disguises his power and appearance, refusing to be another victim. When he reunites with his twin, his life changes from barren to beautiful. For years he follows his brother’s example of scrying for his mate, but it is not until they join their power that Fate answers, leading him to Court Ethelin.

Prince Somerly Ethelindraconis is stunned as he races to an appointment and runs into a crowned sorcerer standing on his father’s land. His only parent hates magickind and keeps them far from home, but Somerly cannot deny the attractive man his name and number. King Ethelin has his son’s life planned out for him, and Somerly is willing to sacrifice his freedom to help his court—until he falls for Dre’Kariston. He is soon caught between the promises he’s made and what his heart desires. There’s no way to please everyone, and Somerly finds himself teetering on a precipice that forces him to decide where his future lies.

With infinite paths twisting ahead, Dre’Kariston and Somerly must follow the truth in their hearts to make the right choices if they wish to forge an enduring love. Fate brought them together, but will they run out of chances before it’s too late to save their matebond?

ISBN: B07MCPZX18

Product Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK 

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: Grand Summoner Dre’Kariston D’Vaire with the help of his twin finds out a name for his mate and where he is. On learning they have to travel to Court Ethelin and Prince Somerly. But alas this will not be an easy road for Dre’Kariston. With his familiar, Derwin so angry all the time, a dragon king who is an ass and only looking out for himself not to mention his mate has secrets that when revealed could tear the two apart it was a wonder that Dre’Kariston was sane as I would have been extremely angry at the way Somerly treated him.

I loved this story so much. There was drama, heartache, love and the support of the D’Vaire clan with every step of the story. The search still continues for a way to make Carvallius and his daughter (when they find her) pay for their crimes as well as new members that arrive and one is a surprise I never saw coming.

It’s best to read these amazing stories in order as they are connected and pick up where the last book leaves off so to speak. I love immersing myself in the D’Vaire series with it’s wide range of characters, attitudes, mystery, suspense and adventure.

Simply a brilliantly written story that holds your attention from start to finish with every book.

Fantastic addition as always and highly recommended. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

Grey by Catherine Lievens

Catherine Lievens - Grey CoverTitle: Grey

Series: Council Enforcers 17

Author: Catherine Lievens

Genre: Paranormal, Fantasy

Length: Novella (118 Pages)

Publisher: eXtasy Books (December 14, 2018)

Heat level: Low

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’– 4 Hearts

Blurb: Sometimes the best moment of your life becomes the worst.

Grey’s boyfriend just broke up with him—again. Grey’s love life has been a long trail of failed relationships, and he decides drowning his sorrows in alcohol might be a good idea. Turns out it is, although not the way he’d thought.

Patrick was supposed to spend the evening with his son, his ex-wife, and her new husband, but Rose’s daughter is sick, so he makes his way to the bar instead. There, he meets his mate when he rescues him from a pushy man trying to pick him up.

Patrick and Grey spend the night together, and Grey knows his life is about to change. He’d never have imagined how much, though. The day after he and Patrick meet, the body of a man with Grey’s name carved into his chest is found at the entrance of pack territory. Another body appears a few days later, making it clear someone is after Grey, especially after he realizes he’d hooked up with both the victims in the past.

Grey has no idea who the killer is, and Patrick feels at a loss. He’s a detective for the Gillham Police Department, but the only thing he cares about is keeping his mate safe. Will Patrick succeed, or will the killer manage to get his hands on Grey before anyone can stop him?

ISBN: 978-1-64243-5856

Product Link: eXtasy Books | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Each book in the Council Enforcers collection features a new romantic couple. To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, I would recommend reading the series in sequential order.

Grey is not only an eagle shifter but one of the council enforcers that protects the pact and those who need protecting. However it would seem that now he is the one that might need protecting. When men start showing up not only dead but his name carved on him, he needs not only protect himself but those who have had relations with him. He also must protect his newly found mate.

That mate can also kick some ass even though he is human. Patrick is a detective for the police force and can protect those around him. He must work with his mate to find out who is behind this.

I love the stories written by this author and can honestly admit that she is on my automatic buy list. However I have noticed with this one, that it came off as being rushed and missing some good parts. I also knew who the killer was before I even got passed the first chapter. While the guys are hot together, they came together easier then I had expected. The story just felt like it was missing some good highlights that would have made the series stand out more. Also I wished the ending was more.

Other than that it was still an amazing story that will be read many times over. I just hate to admit that it is becoming old in more ways then one. There was just no spark to it. Now as for the characters, well they were hot as usual. And damn if they are not protective of each other. But even they were missing the heat that they should have had.

I did enjoy reading it and would recommend it.

Audio Assault by Jeff Adams

Jeff Adams - Audio Assault CoverTitle: Audio Assault

Series: Codename: Winger 03

Author: Jeff Adams

Genre: Mystery, Suspense, Teen Fiction

Length: Novel (190pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (November 27, 2018)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’– 5 Hearts

Blurb: For teenage secret agent Theo Reese, summer break isn’t a time to relax. In addition to his duties for Tactical Operational Support, Theo’s got a school project and, more than anything, wants to spend time with his boyfriend, Eddie.

A family trip to New York City is the last thing Theo needs.

But a friend of Theo’s father is in need of the Reese family’s special skills. Oliver Glenwood heads a music empire, and his daughter, Sofia, is a rising pop star—one who’d drawn the attention of kidnappers.

During the investigation, Theo discovers the threat poses more danger than originally suspected. Someone has planted code in Glenwood Music’s songs that can steal information from any personal device—or play a tone that can rouse uncontrollable rage. The consequences will be disastrous if the infected songs are downloaded by the public. Preventing worldwide catastrophe becomes even more difficult when Eddie arrives in the city, hoping to spend some quality time with Theo.

No one ever said being a covert agent would be easy.

ISBN-13: 978-1-64080-675-7

Product Link: Harmony Ink | Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: This was an amazing story with a twist I never saw coming.

Theo and his parents set out for New York to help a friend of his dad’s who is a talented songwriter among other things. Attempted kidnappings and unusual music manipulations lead Theo into a discovery that changes everything for him.

My heart went out to Theo as the story ended. I so loved the mystery, the investigation and the details in how the team discovers what is going on as well as how they stop the culprits from advancing any further. Great action scenes had me on the edge of my seat.

I love this series as we see how Theo interacts with others as well as how he adjusts when the call goes out for a mission. I do not want to give away anything about the book further than I already have.

Fantastic read and highly recommended.

The Gryphon King’s Consort by Jenn Burke

Jenn Burke - The Gryphon King's Consort CoverTitle: The Gryphon King’s Consort

Series: Dreamspun Beyond 10

Author: Jenn Burke

Genre: Paranormal/Shape shifters

Length: Novel (210 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (15th December 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’– 5 Hearts

Blurb: Love takes flight.

The sudden death of the Gryphon King throws the kingdom of Mythos into uncertainty, and Crown Prince Luca rushes both his coronation and an arranged marriage to a man he’s never met. Eirian is young and idealistic, and while they both want what’s best for their people, their philosophies couldn’t be more different. While Luca believes in honoring tradition, Eirian is determined to infuse modern values into their kingdom of magical creatures. When given the choice between loyalty to his husband and his own crusade, Eirian makes a decision that might doom their marriage.

Still, Luca is committed to making their union work, and that means forgiving his brash consort. But when Eirian becomes the target of a deadly conspiracy, Luca must act fast—or forever lose the chance to explore their burgeoning love.

ISBN: 978-1-63533-920-8

Product Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Prime

Review: The Gryphon King’s Consort for me is one of those books for me that was simply amazing. The author, Jenn Burke, is completely unknown to me except for the fact that I heard the audio for this book a couple months ago and fell in love. I love shape shifters and like many people I’m enchanted by a royal arranged marriage that becomes a love match. And yet, I was a little skeptical that it was truly going to be my type of book because the blurb didn’t really capture my imagination all that well. The other thing, although I rarely comment on book covers, the cover model on this is nothing short of mesmerizing.

The story starts after the death of the Gryphon King, the ruler of supernatural world, his seat of power located somewhere in Canada. He died under mysterious circumstances, but his heir is determined to make sure that his people do not suffer from the transition from the old king to new king. Crown Prince Luca, however, is not only being crowned as the king, he also has an arranged marriage that he needs to go through. This is entirely political alliance, even if his fiancé is an ordinary guy (gryphon), Eirian has been involved in governance at the local level and hopes that his experience will help him in his new life after being chosen by the King’s counsel as the new king’s consort.

Luca is a stoic traditionalist who wants to honor the memory of his mentor, the former king. Yet, Luca is also a loner, a personal betrayal means that he finds it near on impossible to let anyone in. Really, deep down he’s just a grumpy old gryphon with a heart of gold.

Eirian on the other hand is younger and more brash than his new husband. Eirian is part of the group known as modernists, who want to encourage good will between the supernatural and the humans. He is an idealist at heart and finds it difficult when he has to make compromises between his own ideals/conscience and with forming a united front with his new husband.

Luca and Eirian are brilliant characters – there are a lot of depth to these guys that had me so invested in them from the start. I found myself sympathizing with the POV of both men and I fell even more in love at the end with Luca, faced with the possibility of losing Eirian, has an epiphany.

Living on the Inside by Londra Laine Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!

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Hi guys! We have Londra Laine stopping by today with her new release Living On The Inside, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant $25 Amazon GC giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~

Londra Laine - Living on the Inside Cover

Living On The Inside

by

Londra Laine

Micah Grayson lives in his baby mama’s guesthouse. It’s unconventional and awkward, but he’s happy for a chance to reconnect with his teenage son. He doesn’t have time for other distractions—no matter how sexy, independent, and compassionate that distraction might be. Besides, he’s not good enough for more than a fling—no one would ever take him home to meet their parents.

Adrien Darling has book smarts, but no street savvy—at least that’s what his family says. And after a heart-breaking betrayal by the man meant to love and protect him, Adrien believes them. But then a gorgeous guy with a defeated look in his eyes walks into Adrien’s coffee shop and makes him want to take a chance.

After years of living on the outside as two misfits looking in, both men are afraid to reach for more. But in each other’s arms, Micah and Adrien find out what it’s like to live on the inside. As their tender bond grows and blossoms, old insecurities bubble to the surface. Will their commitment crumble under the pressure? Or will the two find the strength to fight for each other.

***Please be aware that this book contains a flashback of and several references to domestic abuse that may be triggering to some readers.***

.•.•.**❣️ Amazon US | Amazon UK ❣️**.•.•.

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Imminent Dawn by R.R. Campbell Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!

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Hi guys! We have R.R. Campbell stopping by today with his debut sci-fi lesbian release Imminent Dawn, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway so check out the post and enter the $10 NineStar GC giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~

R.R. Campbell - Imminent Dawn Cover

Imminent Dawn

(EMPATHY 01)
by

R.R. Campbell

Art-school dropout Chandra would do anything to apologize for her role in her wife’s coma—including enroll in the first round of human trials for an internet-access brain implant.

At first, the secretive research compound is paradise, the perfect place to distract Chandra from her grief. But as she soon learns, the facility is more prison than resort, with its doctors, support staff, and her fellow patients all bent on hatching plots of their own, no matter how invested they might seem in helping her communicate with her wife.

Making matters worse, a dark wave of uncertainty crashes down on the compound, forcing Chandra to become an unlikely but pivotal player in conspiracies stretching from the highest levels of the North American Union government to the lowest dredges of its shadowy hacking collectives.

To save herself and her wife, Chandra and her newfound friends from the study will have to overcome the scheming of a ruthless tech magnate, the naïveté of an advancement-hungry administrative assistant, and the relentless pursuits of an investigative journalist, all of whom are determined to outpace the others in their own quests to resurrect lost love, cover their tracks, and uncover the truth.

A twistedly delightful clockwork of intrigue and suspense, Imminent Dawn is an electrifying sci-fi debut from author r. r. campbell.

.•.•.**❣️ NineStar | Amazon US | Amazon UK | Smashwords | B&N | Kobo ❣️**.•.•.

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Escaping Mortality by Sara Dobie Bauer Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!

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Hi guys! We have Sara Dobie Bauer popping in today with her new release Escaping Mortality, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant $10 NineStar GC giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~

Sara Dobie Bauer - Escaping Mortality Cover

Escaping Mortality

(The Escape Trilogy 03)
by

Sara Dobie Bauer

Their ocean journey was successful, and Andrew and Edmund found an Elder just in time. As they wished, Edmund is now a vampire like Andrew. They have eternity together, but first, they must visit Edmund’s ailing mother in the English countryside with their flock of immortals, including the Elder, who has taken an ominous liking to his new creation.

When they arrive at Edmund’s family estate, his sick mother and her loathsome best friend await them. While ducking religious curses, Edmund struggles to harness an unexpected power gifted him by the Elder. Andrew fears for his beloved as Edmund becomes more and more monstrous—but vampires have always been monsters, haven’t they?

A battle is coming, for Edmund’s heart and his soul, and Andrew will lose neither. He escaped island exile and a near tragedy at sea to be with Edmund, the beautiful young sailor he loves. Andrew will do anything to keep Edmund by his side, but his most dangerous adversary may be Edmund himself.

Warning: Attempted dubious consent, graphic violence

.•.•.**❣️ NineStar | Amazon US | Amazon UK | Smashwords | B&N | Kobo ❣️**.•.•.

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Parallel Larry by Jacqueline Rohrbach Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!

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Hi guys, we have Jacqueline Rohrbach popping in today with her new release Parallel Larry, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant $10 NineStar CG giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~

Jacqueline Rohrbach - Parallel Larry Cover

Parallel Larry

by

Jacqueline Rohrbach

Larry’s search for love didn’t include Greg, his regular waiter at his favorite restaurant. Always too busy daydreaming about a handsome doctor, Larry fails to notice Greg’s shy advances. But when Greg finally finds the courage to ask Larry out, he’s suddenly killed in a freak car accident. Only then does Larry realize how perfect they could have been together.

No one gets a second shot at true love. Or do they?

Inexplicably, Larry is drawn into a parallel reality, and in this new timeline, Greg is still very much alive. Here, the shy young waiter Larry knew from before has managed to live out many of his dreams. All except one: he hasn’t found love. Larry gets one more shot after all!

There are a few problems. One, Larry’s time is limited. Two, Greg has already dated the parallel reality’s Larry, and he was a real jerk. Now Larry has to prove he’s nothing at all like his evil doppelganger and that he is willing to risk everything to protect the man he loves.

He’s found Greg again. To keep him, Larry will have to stop daydreaming and fight himself—literally—not just metaphorically.

Warning: Graphic violence; death of a character

.•.•.**❣️ NineStar | Amazon US | Amazon UK | Smashwords | B&N | Kobo ❣️**.•.•.

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The Secret of the Sheikh’s Betrothed by Felicitas Ivey

Felicitas Ivey - The Secret of the Sheikh's Betrothed Cover sTitle: The Secret of the Sheikh’s Betrothed

Series: Dreamspun Desires 46

Author: Felicitas Ivey

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (212 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (15th November 2017)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’– 3 Hearts

Blurb: A billionaire and a Bedouin girl – each with a shocking secret.

Billionaire Fathi al-Murzim is a workaholic businessman, too busy running the family’s companies to even think about marriage. Too bad he never told his grandfather he’s gay, because Grandfather just announced a childhood betrothal – to a Bedouin girl Fathi never heard about before.

Ikraam din Abdel was raised as a woman by his avaricious and abusive older sister, who didn’t want him to be their father’s heir. He’d never thought to be married either, and is surprised when his sister informs him of his betrothal.

When Fathi and Ikraam meet, they are drawn to each other in a manner neither of them expected. As the plans for their wedding progress, they both realize they need to tell the other the truth. But can they, with both cultural taboos and family pressures to deal with?

ISBN: 978-1-63533-962-8

Product Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Prime

Review: First, I have to admit, that while I liked this book, it was a little bit difficult to really get into the story, mostly because of the impossibility of it all. I spent a lot of the book struggling to suspend my disbelief. I actually enjoyed the audio of this book than I did the ebook, but part of me has been left wondering if I had clouded by the fact that I had had bronchitis when I heard the audio. However, the one thing that I was relieved about was that I couldn’t hear the sometimes terrible accents that I had heard in the audio.

Felicitas Ivey is a relatively new author to me. I’ve read one other book by the same author, yet I am struggling to remember details of what I liked or disliked about it that book.

I didn’t know what to expect when I read the blurb but fond reminiscence of the time before I got into MM romances to when I used to love romances of hot desert Sheikhs and their damsels in distress drew me in. To be perfectly honest, it was everything that I expected from one of those types of stories. In fact, it was almost as though in the writing process it started as a hot Sheikh and a young Bedouin woman and somewhere along the line the woman became a man disguised as a girl for his entire life. The latter being what had me troubled throughout the book despite enjoying the basics of the plot. Then again, there is a whole cultural system that that I don’t have enough understanding of to wonder just how something so outlandish the scenario.

The titular Sheikh is gorgeous billionaire Fathi al-Murzim, a relatively guy who adores his twin brother and grandfather, yet at the same time doesn’t have a lot of time for a life outside of work. The reason for being a workaholic is that he had made the choice, after getting his business degree in the US where he was free to be himself, was that Fathi decided his family (his grandfather) were more important than for him to have a chance with another man. That excuse makes it easy for Fathi to stay firmly inside the closet. When his grandfather wants Fathi to honor an old marriage agreement, Fathi agrees and despite his reservations and with the help of his beloved twin, resigns himself to what could be an advantageous marriage.

Fathi’s betrothed is Ikraam din Abdel. Ikraam was raised as a woman, he hadn’t even known he was a boy until he is six or so. Ikraam’s father was the old tribal leader, who had taken Ikraam’s mother as a second wife in his old age. He was the only boy with six other older sisters. I don’t want to go into the entire explanation as to how this happened but suffice to say from a young age he was an orphan at the mercy of his power-hungry older sister who couldn’t lose the leadership of the tribe to a baby. It’s really convoluted but it somehow works.

As I said, I struggled throughout despite the fact that I also enjoyed it. I think it honestly comes down to that time where I loved reading MF romances with rich Shiekhs and feisty women who didn’t want to be damsels in distress. I don’t like MF anymore for a number of reasons but it was kind of fun to see my this trope translated to an MM story.

Abaddon’s Locusts by Don Travis

Don Travis - Abaddon's Locusts Cover sTitle: Abaddon’s Locusts

Series: A BJ Vinson Mystery 05

Author: Don Travis

Genre: Mystery, Suspense

Length: Novel (290 Pages)

Publisher: DSP Publications (January 22, 2019)

Heat level: Low

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’– 4.5 Hearts

Blurb: When B. J. Vinson, confidential investigator, learns his young friend, Jazz Penrod, has disappeared and has not been heard from in a month, he discovers some ominous emails. Jazz has been corresponding with a “Juan” through a dating site, and that single clue draws BJ and his significant other, Paul Barton, into the brutal but lucrative world of human trafficking.

Their trail leads to a mysterious Albuquerquean known only as Silver Wings, who protects the Bulgarian cartel that moves people—mostly the young and vulnerable—around the state to be sold into modern-day slavery, sexual and otherwise. Can BJ and Paul locate and expose Silver Wings without putting Jazz’s life in jeopardy? Hell, can they do so without putting themselves at risk? People start dying as BJ, Paul, and Henry Secatero, Jazz’s Navajo half-brother, get too close. To find the answer, bring down the ring, and save Jazz, they’ll need to locate the place where human trafficking ties into the Navajo Nation and the gay underground

ISBN: 978-1-64080-7181

Product Link: DSP Publications | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: I would recommend reading this series in sequential order. It tells you about our sexy characters and gives you a bit more about their back ground. Also you will enjoy them quite a bit.

Jazz and his brother had helped B.J. on a case and was a dear friend. When his brother came to B.J. and wanted his help, B.J. had not expected Jazz to be a victim of human trafficking.

Jazz had been only looking for the one, the one that would love only him. It led him to many dating sites and to a man named Juan. The problem was Juan was deep neck in the world of selling young children and occasionally an adult. He was eighteen but looked like he was about fifteen or so. He was also very beautiful.

The lead went into many different directions all the way up to politician’s it would seem. They needed to find Jazz and then shut down the whole gig. The leader whom they call Silver Wings, is not only slippery but very deadly. To know more you need to read the book.

I came across this author when the first book came out in this series and lets just say he is one of my top mystery writers. This story was written about what truly goes on in our world, but the ending just so happens to be happy in the end. Well written and told with so much heart that it just draws you in and keeps you there. It gives you action, danger, murder, suspense and a few hot times for our two main characters. It actually gives you more than you could possibly ask for in a story.

Now on the downside, it is also a very long telling story. So I would suggest it on a cold winters day off with a glass of wine on the table besides you. For me I didn’t really like the fact that it came off so long and a bit over telling in parts, but the story itself rocks. Now even though I list it as gay romance it truly isn’t, it is more on the mystery than anything else. It has a much darker tone to it then the previous ones which one can expect from such a dark subject.

I can’t say that this one is a top favorite of mine, it is pretty high up there. I enjoyed the characters quite a bit and Jazz will be a favorite of mine, and I do hope to hear about him and his new guy in future books.

I enjoyed reading this story and would definitely recommend it.

Frostbite by J.M. Wolf

J.M. Wolfe - Frostbite CoverTitle: Frostbite

Series: The Gifted Ones 01

Author: J.M. Wolf

Genre: Paranormal

Length: Novel (256pgs)

Publisher: Encompass Ink (October 24, 2018)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’– 5 Hearts

Blurb: Cyrus Winters, an omega wolf and an ice mage is dangerous to others. After running away from his birth pack at an early age, Cyrus traveled from place to place in hopes of finding a pack that would accept him. But once they realized that he was no ordinary omega wolf, they quickly turned their backs on him. Alone and shunned as a monster, Cyrus has kept himself hidden at the top of the Wichita Mountains where nobody would reach him. That is, until he hears the song of his fated mate.

Dorian Lovell once had the family he’d always dreamed of, but after the death of his son, his whole world fell apart. When he begins having dreams about a white wolf at the top of a mountain, howling for him, Dorian realizes that he may have found his fated mate. Joining his friend Tobias’ pack in the Wichita Mountains, Dorian sets out to find the wolf from his dream; but once he meets Cyrus, he quickly realizes that mating with the frosty omega won’t be as easy as he thought it’d be.

An omega with a heart of ice, and an alpha who’s destined to thaw him out. With a threat to Cyrus’ life approaching, the two must learn to come together as one. Can Dorian’s pack accept the gifted omega, and can Cyrus trust his life and future to his new pack, and the alpha the fates paired him with?

TRIGGER WARNING:
This book contains sexual and verbal adult content, MPREG, violence, bloody gore, death, and talks of loss and heartache. No babies were harmed in the making of this book.
*** This is Book 1 in the series, but can be read as a standalone story – no cliffhangers ***

ISBN: B07JNC6HVS

Product Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: I loved this story about Cyrus and Dorin. Dorian and Cyrus are both lonely. They hear the call of the other and Dorian goes in search of his mate. When he finds him he realizes Cyrus is more than just an omega he’s an ice mage as well. There are those who will stop at nothing to see Cyrus dead.

Dorian does his best to protect his mate from all threats as they get to know one another. I loved all the characters introduced in this story as they all had a role in playing bringing this story to life. Wonderfully written descriptions and scenes added depth and wonder to an amazing plot.

I cannot wait to read the next installment in the series to see what happens.

Fantastic read.

Ante Up by Charlie Cochet *Free Story*

Charlie Cochet - Ante Up CoverTitle: Ante up *Free Story*

Series: Four Kings Security 02.5

Author: Charlie Cochet

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Short Story (41 Pages)

Publisher: Charlie Cochet (August 28, 2018)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’– 3 Hearts

Blurb: Look but don’t touch. That’s the rule concerning dancers at Sapphire Sands, the prestigious members-only nightclub where Seth works at as a bartender. Seth has never had a problem following the rules until the day one of the dancers falls into his lap. Literally.

Kit loves his job dancing at Sapphire Sands. Every day his job brings him closer to his dream of opening his own dance studio, so risking it all on the hot bartender is not an option. Or is it?

ISBN: N/A

Product Link: Charlie Cochet Free Reads

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Frank keeps a strict rule at the club, no dating coworkers or club members. Keep your hands to your self and you stay. However Seth and Kit are about to break that rule.

Short, sweet and sexy are just a few things about this story. I would have love to know more about Frank and his rules but it was still a good read. I am not nor have I ever been a fan of short stories. This gives you a taste when you want a full meal. It is a good story for when you are taking a break or just need a hot story to read.

Trysts and Embers by Angel Martinez & Freddy McKay

Angel Martinez & Freddie MacKay - Trysts and Burning Embers CoverTitle: Trysts and Burning Embers

Series: Lijun 02

Author: Freddy MacKay & Angel Martinez

Genre: Bisexual, Contemporary, Fantasy, Multicultural, Paranormal

Length: Novel (423pgs)

Publisher: Pride Publishing (November 20, 2018)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’– 4 Hearts

Blurb: Fire. Water. Burn.

In the two months since the All Hallows’ Eve party, Tally has courted Haru, buying expensive gifts, taking the two of them to upscale restaurants and trying to find a balance in earning Haru’s fragile trust while being new parents to the Cohen joeys. Tally sees hope in the new domesticity the family has settled into, despite having some bumps along the way.

Gifts and treats have satisfied Haru’s otter, but the human half remembers the brutal lessons of giving their trust away. How can two lijun who barely know each other anticipate what will happen when times get tough? There are circumstances Tally doesn’t understand yet, and Haru struggles to find their feet with an Urusar who doesn’t know the rules.

A revelation not only throws the tentative relationship between them askew, but also starts Tally and Haru down a path the two of them can’t escape, one so heart-wrenching Haru’s not sure their heart will survive.

Traditionalist concerns that have always nipped at the Bastille clan’s heels come roaring to the forefront with demands and ultimatums. Tally needs to fall in line or face further threats to his otter, his family and his clan. Haru needs to find the strength to believe in the good despite the bad. In an environment where it’s vital to know ally from foe, Tally and Haru need to stand united or watch the community Tally’s family has built fall under the thumb of heartless, greedy autocrats.

Reader advisory: This book contains references to past trauma and PTSD, the death of a child and kidnapping.

ISBN: 978-1-78651-697-8

Product Link: Pride Publishing | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: There was a lot going on in this continuation of the series. Haru and Tally are trying to settle in their new life but others conspire against them playing on the couples weaknesses and not knowing about certain things.

There is a deeper delve into the Lijun politics that was complex with a lot of rivalries thrown into the mix. A lot of characters are interwoven as certain individuals make plans behind others backs that are not on the up and up. I found the whole story intriguing.

Tally and Haru I felt needed to talk to each other and learn more about the other before cracks are found and the ones up to no good split them apart for good. I was thankful for the warning at the end of the blurb because that incident was sudden and utterly gut-wrenching to read.

Great read and addition to the series.

Carrying the Alpha’s Heir by Marcy Jacks

Marcy Jacks - Carrying the Alpha's Heir CoverTitle: Carrying the Alpha’s Heir

Series: Alpha Wars 01

Author: Marcy Jacks

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal

Length: Novella (101pgs)

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand, Inc. (3rd November 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’– 3 Hearts

Blurb: Jake Kelly didn’t expect the world’s most gorgeous man to walk into the cafe where he worked. But what are the odds he would be gay, or interested in a skinny, overstressed barista who was clearly out of that man’s league? So he’s shocked when Glendon introduces himself and asks him out on a date.

Jake has never been happier, until his boss dumps an extra shift on him, forcing him to cancel, and a creature attacks him while taking out the trash. FML, can this night get any worse?

When all hope seems lost, a huge wolf comes to his rescue, and transforms into Glendon. He’s an alpha werewolf, and he’s in a thousand year war between the vampires and werewolves.

Now that Glendon found his mate, the vampires will stop at nothing to get what they want from him, including killing Jake, and coming after the unborn child Glendon has every intention of putting inside him.

ISBN: 978-1-64010-753-3

Product Link: Siren-BookStrand | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: When Jake meets Glendon he thinks his life is turning out better than he expected until he is attacked after work. Coming to in a house he is unfamiliar with sets his nerves on edge until Glendon explains some things.

This story introduces us to a whole cast of characters and how things are in this world of vampires and werewolves. Although I liked the story it felt as though information was missing and the story felt rushed. I have already read the next book and even though it is connected there is a huge gap between this book and the next.

I wanted more details into the planning of the war with the vampire queen and none of that happened. Jakes friend is also in this story along with Fergus who had to bite him to save him from a vampire bite. These two are at odds with each other.

The Hockey Player’s Heart by Jeff Adams and Will Knauss

Jeff Adams & Will Knauss - The Hockey Player's Heart CoverTitle: The Hockey Players Heart

Series: Dreamspun Desires 50 / Hockey Hearts 01

Author: Jeff Adams and Will Knauss

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (226 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (16th January 2018)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’– 5 Hearts

Blurb: Hometown hero. Hockey superstar. Perfect boyfriend?

When hockey star Caleb Carter returns to his hometown to recover from an injury, the only thing he’s interested in is a little R&R. He never expects to run into his onetime crush at a grade school fund-raiser. Seeing Aaron Price hits him hard, like being checked into the boards. The attraction is still there, even after all these years, and Caleb decides to make a play for the schoolteacher. You miss 100 percent of the shots you never take, right?

Aaron has been burned by love before and can’t imagine what a celebrity like Caleb could possibly see in a guy like him. Their differences are just too great. But as Aaron spends more time with Caleb, he begins to wonder if he might have what it takes to win the hockey player’s heart.

ISBN: 978-1-64080-240-7

Product Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Prime

Review: The Hockey Player’s Hearts is a sweet friends to lovers book story that involves a professional, out and proud, NHL player and an equally out and proud small town school teacher. It’s a wonderfully refreshing set up for a romance that I knew I would enjoy. Neither author was known to me before this book, but the pro sport angle hooked me, also I did cheat a little and listen to the audio of this one first.

The story sends professional NHL player who is the Captain of the New York Rangers, and one of few out and proud hockey players (including his best friend and team mate Dimitri), Caleb Carter back to his small hometown in upstate New York. He broke his ankle on the ice and desperately wants out of New York so he can recuperate in peace. While his parents are away on a around the world tour, he gets to spend time with his big sister, who is now the principal of the elementary school they attended. Tagging along, helping his sister he encounters her best friend and Caleb’s school crush. Aaron Price.

Aaron is portrayed as a nerd. When they were kids, Aaron helped Caleb pass math by tutoring him. It was what gave Aaron his passion to become a teacher. College had taken him to California, where he could be himself (i.e. explore his sexuality). He had stayed in LA until a failed relationship with a closeted baseball player and then losing his job, but luck was on his side when his best friend, the principal of his hometown elementary school and Caleb’s sister, handed him a lifeline with a job at the school. Aaron has a lot of baggage from his time in LA and renewing a friendship that could lead to more with Caleb forces Aaron if he takes the time to examine his feelings.

Over all this was a fun story. I loved the hockey aspect of the story, it was weaved perfectly throughout and not just used as incidental background information. Caleb and Aaron have a lot of history together, yet these guys developed a lot throughout the story. The only criticism I have is that I occasionally found Aaron’s need to protect his heart because Caleb is a pro athlete a little frustrating and I wanted to shake him.

I’m really looking forward to more stories in this series. I’m especially hoping that Caleb’s best friend, Dimitri, will have his own story next!