Author: pixiemmgoodbookreviews

Just a Casual Thing by Scarlet Blackwell

just a casual thing_800Title:  Just a Casual Thing

Series:  N/A

Author:  Scarlet Blackwell

Genre:   Contemporary

Length:  Novelette

Publisher:  Total E-Bound (November 26, 2012)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb:   It’s just casual sex with no strings attached…or is it?

Nate and Ronan have hooked up for mind-blowing sex every Monday for the past two years, but when Nate meets Shane in a bar, he thinks he’s found ‘the one’. Shane owns a chocolate shop and loves to bring his work into his personal life, and after a night of chocolate-coated sex Nate will never forget, he decides to break off his casual arrangement with Ronan to give the relationship a chance.

There’s only one problem—Ronan is intelligent and irresistible, and he knows Nate better than anyone else. To make matters even more complicated, lately Nate can’t get enough of his kisses, whether they lead to sex or not. Can Nate figure out what—and who—he really wants, before he loses both of the men in his life?

Product Link:  http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=1873

Reviewer:   Cat

Review:  Wow! I’d give this story five times five stars! I was so hooked from the first page I couldn’t stop until I was done. Then, I was tempted to read it again!

Nate and Ronan were just casual hookups for two years. They met every Monday night for the best sex of their life. Nate was looking for something more though and he let Ronan know.  Although none of his new lovers ever made it longer than what he expected and even when he said ‘this may be the one’, Nate never gave up Ronan. Then, he meets Shane. Shane doesn’t compare physically to Ronan or even in the bedroom, but for some reason, Nate is sure that Shane is the one. As he decides to give Ronan up, he begins to think more and more of him. Their relationship seems different and Nate knows that he has to end it.

The tension in this story is amazing! I was on pins and needles the whole time. I felt so bad for Ronan. Then, Nate and then, Brian. There were several times that I wanted to slap Shane and Nate. The sex scenes were all hot and erotic, yet sensual.

I recommend this book to EVERYONE! If you love Scarlet Blackwell, loving romance, chocolate, hot men, less than perfect men, M/M Romance, and really, really, mind-blowing sex, this is a must read!

Countdown to Santa by K-Lee Klein

Countdown_to_SantaTitle: Countdown to Santa

Series:  MLR Holiday 2012

Author:  K-Lee Klein

Genre:   M/M Holiday

Length:  Novelette

Publisher:  MLR Press (December 16th, 2012)

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥2.5Hearts

Blurb:   Gabe and Matteo have settled into the highs and lows of new fatherhood—exhaustion, dirty diapers, baby bottles and a whole lot of love. But as their first family Christmas looms on the horizon, Matteo is worried about how his partner is handling his new role as Papa Gabe.

There’s no doubt Gabe adores the twins, but his libido, his sense of proportion and perhaps his sanity seem to have disappeared under the strain. Matteo is determined to make their new family work, but it may take thinking outside the box to get back the calm, sensible Gabe he planned to share fatherhood and the rest of his life with.

Product Link:  http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=KKCSANTA

Reviewer:   Thommie

Review:  Oh dear me, what a story…I must confess that I did think when starting this book that I was in for a ride. Well, I was in for a ride alright, but not the expected one. I think I’m freaked out from the memories this book awakened and the frustration that had its hold on me for almost the entire read.

Gabe and Matty are new to the fatherhood lifestyle and of course like all parents, they try to find their path. While Matty seems to be dealing with it pretty good, Gabe has gone crazy with his OCD and shopping mania.

And oh my God, the flashbacks, the déjà vu, and the agony all that brought to me. Sweet Jesus, I thought I’d left all that behind.

As is normal when you have a new baby in the house, the nerves and your sanity takes a good hit, having twins just doubles all that. Eventually the pair goes from the happy place of having the babies to the accusations of you do too much and you don’t do nearly as much and pointing fingers and having fights to the point of breaking up.

What really got me the most during this read was their “talks” (not fights because they did not fight, they were having a discussion, right?) and how real they were. The fact that each of them only said their peace, intentionally blinding themselves to their own mistakes, and oh dear, the misunderstanding of each word was so real to me. I’m still cringing inside.

Anyway, of course the story ends well. The new daddies find their peace after an honest talk that to my eyes felt surreal because you do NOT overcome such emotions with a simple talk and a make-up sex. But even if I do acknowledge the well written part of their problems and agony over their new life, this story didn’t make much sense to me. The end was a bit… I don’t know what the point was and add that to the fact that emotionally and sexually I did not feel the pair’s chemistry at all. This story left me baffled. The only reason for the 2.5 stars I’m giving this story is the realistic portrayal of those oh-so-awful-days when hormones hit you and you barely can cope with the changes of your reality. Other than that, I really needed more and didn’t get it. For me, this story was far off the Christmas spirit with nothing to do with the Holidays at all.

Sex & Candy by A.J. Llewellyn

1899Title:  Sex & Candy

Series:  Oberon’s Court

Author:  A.J. Llewellyn

Genre: Ménage à trois MMM, Paranormal, Fantasy

Length:  Novella

Publisher:  Total E-Bound (December 17th, 2012)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:   Jing dreams of a yuletide filled with sex and candy…but so far the upcoming Winter Fae festivities look to be filled with humbugs…

It isn’t easy being the literal redheaded step-child of the grand Fairy King, Oberon. But frantically busy Jing, the Unseelie Court’s only male sugar-plum fairy, has a chance to redeem himself in Oberon’s eyes. All he has to do is invite a sexy, frolicsome guest to the annual Winter Fae Fest—a wicked, wanton holiday celebration.

When he happens upon a handsome, red-haired fairy in the forest, Jing senses a kindred spirit in the softly spoken William. The mysterious but captivating fairy at first declines Jing’s invitation, and then accepts.

At the festivities, however, Oberon recognizes William as a Fire Fae and goes berserk. Fire faeries, who have a tendency to be tricksters and mischief makers, once set his pants ablaze and singed his hair and brows. Oberon sees William as being dangerous and subversive—a lunatic—and Fire Fae are not welcome.

William rushes to assure Jing he’s not bad—he never wants to hurt anyone. He’s just misunderstood…

Product Link: http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?P_ID=1899&numCurrencyID=1

Reviewer:   Thommie

Review:  Oh, my God. I’m astonished by the fact that this book actually belongs to A.J. Llewellyn! I’m literally speechless. I kept checking while reading that the author’s name in the cover was indeed A.J.’s. Well, people, this is a fairytale! A real fairytale, with real fairies, elves and trolls…well you get the picture. Another amazing fact was that this novel was some kind of a remake of Cinderella. Now, normally I’m all bitchy about remakes since they usually suck big time, but this, oh my! This was a big, big hit for me. I’m not exaggerating when I say that I was bouncing up and down at times while reading this story. I don’t really know what to say here, the blurb pretty much covers things, but I loved these characters. Jing (love that name) is in my eyes a very cute and sweet fairy. It baffles me that the kingdom thinks that he’s stupid. Poor fella! He has a hard time landing a job since all he’s good at is dancing and just being happy. How cute is that? Finally, he lands the job of Sugar Plum Fairy, heads up, he’s the only male one and he’s more than happy about it. It’s something he can’t screw up. Jing’s main job is to entertain during the Winter Fae feast. Wait, did I mention that he’s a bit unlucky? No? Well, he is. While everything seems to finally be working for him, the King announces that the only way to join the festivities is to bring with you a hot date, and being the unlucky sod he is and having a real issue with landing a guy, the future doesn’t seem that bright for Jing. Everybody is turning him down and to make things worse, even his closest friends are betting on him not joining the feast at all (by the way, the feast is a huge orgy. Yeah! Hot!).

In his desperation and melancholy, Jing goes for a walk at the forest when wonder of wonders; he meets the most beautiful, gorgeous, sexy fairy he’s ever laid his eyes upon. He even gets a date out of him, the promise that he (William) will escort him at the ball the next day.

This is how things start for Jing. This is how he finds out that there’s more to him than a subdued young man who all think is stupid. This is how the greatest revelations of his entire life happen and how he finds the strongest, fiercest feeling of them all…

And this is how I discovered that A.J. Llewellyn can write hot stories that can warm your blood into something fierce. Excellent characters and imagination and a lovely plot as well.  Well done indeed! I enjoyed this fairytale immensely since it was fantastic and hot and fast and gripping. I absolutely recommend this novel to you if you like fairytales, fairies and hot orgies. J

A Very Marius Christmas by Joyee Flynn

jf-mb-averymarius3121210_0448Title: A Very Marius Christmas

Series: Marius Brothers 06

Author: Joyee Flynn

Genre: Paranormal

Length: Novella (119pgs)

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand (20th December 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Is it just the holiday blues or is every mated couple having issues?

With the constant stress from the attacks the coven faces, all the changes over the past few years, and no mating being perfect… All the brothers need help to rediscover happiness with their mates. But who can help when it’s way past time for simple apologies?

Elena and Desmond are doing everything they can to help their sons and their mates. But there’s only so much a parent can do to help, and when Desmond lands himself in the doghouse he turns to his sons to help him. Maybe the best Christmas presents ever will help everyone realize that the love they feel is worth fighting for?

“Just because fate finds us our perfect match doesn’t mean it’s always easy and we don’t have to work at it. Anything worth having takes fighting for sometimes.” –Victor Marius

Note: This book is written in first-person point of view.

Purchase Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/a-very-marius-christmas

Review: As Christmas approaches the brothers are all feeling the strain of the constant demon attacks, many of them are finding it difficult to find a balance with their mates and it comes to a head as they prepare for Christmas. With advice from Desmond for the brothers and advice from Elena for the mates, can they all find common ground and make it a happy Christmas for all?

This is a great visit to the Marius’ and finding that not everyone is happy in the Marius household. All the mated brothers are going through turmoil with their mates. Remus is feeling neglected and ignored by Noah. Victor doesn’t realize that his actions are hurting his mate, Malachi. Damian feels like he should be doing more for Cyrus. Stefan feels as though Patrick is pushing him away and Micah feels that Riley puts everything and anyone before him and their daughter. And, then we have Gabriel who is struggling with his would be mate, Caven.

Well, its ups and downs as everyone tries to save their matings, with Desmond offering his boys advice to help them get their matings back on track. It isn’t easy for our favorite vampires and some things just miss their marks. There are tears and hurt feelings ahead as the mates do what they can to fix things, but sometimes breaking point is reached and outside help needed. Get ready for storming out, shouting and slamming doors. This is a good story of the pit falls of not communicating, of hiding feelings and trying too hard or too late. There’s angst, pleading, explanations and finally making up and really hot sex, and there’s also a surprise from Virgil.

I have to recommend this to those who like angsty situations, repairing relationships, reconnecting with your lover and re-finding happiness.

The Solstice Gift by Cari Z.

1898Title: The Solstice Gift

Series: Oberon’s Court

Author: Cari Z.

Genre: Fantasy

Length: Short (40pgs)

Publisher: Total E-Bound (17th December 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: How long can a human survive in the treacherous court of the winter fae, when even his allies are fighting for their lives?

Dis is a changeling, a human stolen away from his own world as a child by the vicious winter fae. He’s survived to adulthood through a combination of luck and careful oversight by his only ally, a fairy lord named Marten, but his success might have finally reached its end.

It’s the winter solstice, and Oberon’s court is preparing for a hunt with a history of bloodshed, one that requires Dis to be an unwilling participant. Even if Dis lives through that, he’s being watched by the king of the fae himself, and no one can save him if Oberon has marked him for sacrifice.

Purchase Link: http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=1898

Review: Before we go any further I just need to do this… ‘Aaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrgggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhh’. Okay, that’s out of my system. Dis was stolen from the human world many years before. He is the only human of recent years to reach adulthood and it is far from an easy life. The only bright spot in the dreary winter court is the fairy lord, Marten, but even he can’t keep him safe. The Hunt brings Dis to the attention of Oberon. Marten’s sister, Sable, is not impressed and Dis finds himself in danger on many levels.

This is a brilliant cruel stark story of the court of Oberon. Dis has had a cruel hard life living in the winter court.  He has no way out and his only glimmer of warmth in the cold world comes from Marten a, fairy lord. Snatching moments with the Fae, when Marten can sneak him away. Dis has attention drawn to himself during the Hunt and is given a special task by Oberon himself.

This story is brilliant. I loved the stark descriptions and the bleak outlook with there being only one bright spot in an otherwise dark life. It is a life without any hope except death, but the secret love that Dis has, keeps him going. But, they have to keep it hidden, because he is a changeling, and also because of the cruelness of Marten’s sister, Sable. The relationship between Marten and Dis is very secret and we see how much they care for one another without either of them giving the other away. The sex is hot between them and they genuinely love each other, but the parting is bittersweet.

There is much of this story that pulls you in and I will be honest the ending had me growling in frustration and spitting feathers. I nearly gave this book 2 Hearts because it ended so abruptly. But, I have since calmed down enough to give it a reasonable rating based on the storyline. There has to be a sequel in the pipeline for this book *on knees begging* because I need to know what happens next pppllllleeeeeaaaaassssseeeee.

I will recommend this to those who love Fae, finding love in a bleak harsh landscapes, a hard unfair life and a very bittersweet ending.

 

Snowflakes and Strangers by Annabelle Jacobs

SnowflakesandStrangers400x600Title: Snowflakes and Strangers

Author: Annabelle Jacobs

Genre: Contemporary, Christmas

Length: Short (66pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (22nd December 2012)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥2 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Ethan and Alex were together for over a year when Alex left him for another man. Three months later, Ethan remembers the Christmas getaway he planned before the breakup. He’s reluctant to go; until Riley appears on his cabin’s doorstep.

Ethan had been living with Alex for over eighteen months when Alex left him for another man and his world fell apart.

Three months later, when Ethan is finally getting back on his feet, a letter arrives in the mail–confirmation of the Christmas getaway he booked with a group of friends before the breakup.

Ethan is only persuaded to go when he’s assured that he won’t be the only single person there. The other single person happens to be Riley: male, hot, single and interested in Ethan right from the start. Ethan’s not sure he’s ready to start something, but can Riley’s gentle persuasion convince Ethan that maybe it’s time to move on after all?

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/products_id/1341

Or buy the entire LET IT SNOW collection: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/products_id/1354

Review: Ethan was blindsided when his lover Alex left him. Three months later he is still getting back on his feet when the confirmation for his Christmas getaway arrives. A getaway he arranged because Alex loved it so much. Ethan is persuaded to go and there he meets Riley, the only other single person in their group of friends. When Riley shows his interest in Ethan, Ethan has to make a choice of letting the past go or closing his heart to the hope of love.

This book had a storyline that was very promising and a romance that could have been explosive. Ethan is still stinging from being dumped and isn’t really in the mood for Christmas, or for anything else really. Meeting Riley begins to break the stagnant seal he has placed around himself. Riley is interested in getting to know Ethan more and hopefully to get closer to him, but he has to be patient if he wants to have anything more than being friends.

This blurb sounded really interesting and I thought I would be in for a great Christmas treat, but to be honest I found the writing to be really stilted and dry. The characters didn’t come alive and I never felt like they connected. Ethan was very woe is me for a lot of the story and his ex-lover was mentioned too many times for comfort for me. Riley was very nice and patient letting Ethan go at his own pace and when they do get together for more it is very gentle.

For me this story was too unemotional, everything seemed flat and although there are other characters involved we get hardly anything off them either. I found the writing style hard to get into as well. one minute there would be a conversation going on between Ethan, Jason and Connor where they each say their own lines and then the rest of the conversation would be in a broad overview so it threw me off quite a bit.

I will recommend this if you love, finding new love stories, putting the past behind you, and a happy new beginning ending.

 

Third Night by Neil Plakcy

third-nightTitle: Third Night

Series: MLR Holiday 2012

Author: Neil S. Plakcy

Genre: M/M, Hanukkah

Length: Short (7,000 words)

Publisher: MLR Press (December 11th, 2012)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts ~ liked it

Blurb: Will Joe’s Hanukkah wish come true—a way to reconcile his belief in the tenets of Orthodox Judaism with his attraction to his friend Yehuda?

Can Joe reconcile his belief in the tenets of Orthodox Judaism with the religion’s disapproval of his sexual orientation? Or will his crush on his friend Yehuda ruin their friendship and leave him ostracized by his community? What will happen on the third night of Hanukkah?

Product Link: http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=NP_3RDNT

Reviewer: Patrick

Review: Decent story. No real heat. In fact, most of the story made me feel like I was taking lessons in Judaism instead of reading a romance or erotica. However, I did enjoy the lesson.

A Little Christmas Cheer by Karenna Colcroft

KC_A_Little_Christmas_CheerTitle: A Little Christmas Cheer

Series: Holiday 2012

Author: Karenna Colcroft

Genre: Christmas, M/M

Length: Novelette (11,000 word)

Publisher: MLR Press  (December 7th, 2012)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts ~ liked it

Blurb: Will Braden Porter give his lover Vince Gutierrez the gift of moving in together?

Braden Porter and Vince Gutierrez have been a couple for nearly a year. But because of Braden’s fear of being outed, their relationship has moved slowly. Too slowly for Vince. Braden knows that if he doesn’t take the next step and ask Vince to move in with him, he might lose Vince for good. A chance encounter during a towing job to Boston helps Braden make his decision, but will he dare to tell Vince his choice?

Product Link: http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=KC_ALCCH

Reviewer: Patrick

Review: Not much in the way of eroticism truly, but great little romance story about overcoming fears. A perfect little read. This is an example of a story that could most definitely be fleshed out into a story of overcoming adversity in a small town. Definitely something I would be interested in seeing happen. Wouldn’t have to be set during Christmas either.

A Moon-Runner Christmas by N. J. Nielsen

A Moon-Runner Christmas 400x600Title: A Moon-Runner Christmas

Author: N.J. Nielsen

Genre: Paranormal, Shifter, Christmas

Length: Novella (81pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (8th December 2012)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: When fate decides two people belong together, nothing can stand in its way. Liam Kantry and Carlo Bruenelli find themselves caught up in the madness of Christmas as they discover the meaning of being true heart-mates.

Liam Kantry wants to be with the man he has loved his whole life, yet incessant rumors and innuendos have labeled him the pack whore — a point he has never disputed.

Carlo Bruenelli is waiting for his heart-mate; he is one of those who believe that such a thing really does exist. In his heart he wants it to be his best friend, only Liam doesn’t believe in heart-mates. What will it take to change Liam’s mind?

Christmas is drawing near, and between snowball fights and the contract ceremony, Liam and Carlo find themselves caught up in the excitement and obsessing over what their future holds.

Are they true heart-mates? Will they forge a successful future or destroy two families?

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/products_id/1317

Review: Carlo is 21 now and old enough to take part in the mating ceremony. He has always secretly been in love with his best friend, Liam, but longs to find his heart-mate. Liam has been waiting for Carlo to reach mating age, but there are rumors floating around him that his brother, Marcus, has spread and Carlo doubts his intentions. As Christmas draws closer and family protest, can these two wolves find love and happiness?

This is an interesting story with a newish twist on shifters in the Moon-Runner pack that I hope we will see more of. Liam has waited for Carlo for two years. Now that Carlo is old enough to take part in the mating ceremony, Liam plans to make Carlo his. Carlo longs to find his heart-mate, but he also loves Liam, even though Liam seems to have slept with nearly everyone in the pack. But, Carlo soon discovers that not everything is as it seems. Together they discover the truth and then they are given a surprise that could change their lives forever.

Carlo and Liam are a sweet couple. Both of them secretly loving the other, but both unsure of how the other feels. Liam has a bit of an angst moment when he inadvertently comes out to his parents, but Liam gets help and support from them in his quest to make Carlo’s his. But, Carlo faces some hostility from his father before he makes his choice. I thought the storyline was very interesting and would love to discover more about the world they live in, and the pack laws and circumstances. finding out more about heart-mates and how people view them would be wonderful, because, like Liam I was confused as to why Cara did what she did.

I liked this story and was glad it wasn’t too angsty, even though there were instances where that could have happened. It was also nice to see Carlo working things out and not instantly believing Liam and really Liam should have put a stop to the rumors years before. Together they are a great couple who find more happiness than they ever thought they would. They were also really hot together and fun, as shown in the snowball fight.

I will recommend this to those who love shifters, finding true love, families making up and friends finding what they had lost, as well as a very sweet happy ending.

 

 

 

Rocky Mountain Christmas by Michael Barnette

RockyMountainChristmas400x600_0Title: Rocky Mountain Christmas

Author: Michael Barnette

Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal

Length: Novel (199pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (24th November 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Ranger Cooper Heywood is on duty at Rocky Mountain National Park during Christmas. Alejandro Velez is an accomplished photographer. What Alejandro didn’t plan on is the instant desire he feels for Cooper… and what is that odd golden shimmer?

Ranger Cooper Heywood is on duty at the Rocky Mountain National Park during Christmas. It’s not a busy time of year, but there are some people he has to watch over including a photographer. In his experience photographers are a problem, but Cooper finds himself attracted to the handsome Latino who sets his blood on fire.

Alejandro Velez is an accomplished photographer with several coffee table books to his credit. He’s there to photograph the wintry landscape for his newest book. What he didn’t plan on is the instant desire he feels for Cooper who he always sees surrounded by an odd, golden shimmer. Alejandro doesn’t know what it means, but something tells him he’s going to find out.

NOTE from author: I have a book coming out through Silver Publishing on November 24th, it’s the ‘re-imagined’ version of the book formerly called Let it Snow which is now called Rocky Mountain Christmas. It’s now a light paranormal story — no bad guys but lots of fun with magic, ghosts and psychic powers–and I feel the story is much stronger for the addition of those elements.

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/products_id/1232

Review: Cooper is a Ranger at the Rocky Mountain National Park. He’s working over the Christmas period watching over the people visiting the park and one of them is a photographer. A city photographer from Miami who will have no clue about the great outdoors in cold conditions. But, Cooper gets a surprise from the moment he meets Alejandro. Alejandro needs winter pictures for his coffee table book and he is starting to run out of time as conditions become harsh. But, a highlight is meeting Ranger Cooper and Alejandro begins to long for more than a brief holiday romance.

This is a good contemporary story with just a touch of paranormal thrown in to add to the atmosphere. Cooper is skeptical when he learns there is a photographer on the mountains. The last photographer caused more problems than he was worth. But, he rapidly changes his mind when he meets the sexy Latino Alejandro and as they spend time together he begins to long for more. Alejandro is blessed with some mysterious powers and when he meets Ranger Cooper he notices that he is surrounded by gold sparkles it prods something his Abuela told him, and he falls quickly for the sexy Cooper.  But, first both men have to survive a blizzard and the secrets that each man keeps.

I liked this story because it was quite simple. There wasn’t too much angst or danger other than being trapped by a blizzard. There was no one after them, no horror from the past… it was just about two men meeting and falling in love and both having slight paranormal powers.  Both struggling to have long-term relationships due mainly to their jobs, but finding in the other a kindred spirit. The slight spark of paranormal adds to the story, but don’t be expecting anything too fanciful or outrageous, they are gentle paranormal powers.

Both Cooper and Alejandro seem like great men. They are also simple men just living their lives. Both of them are lonely because of their occupations and also because of their paranormal abilities, but together they are something special. They find a love that completes them and the sex is plentiful and hot. I have also learned something new, when you are in the mountains and you can’t use the line ‘come and see my etchings’ you can use the line ‘help me find the camp stove popcorn’ loved it!

I recommend this to those who love slight paranormal powers, beautiful settings for love, finding true love, incredible hot sex, a slight touch of D/s and a very happy ending.

 

 

Once Upon a Christmas Evil by Joshua Skye

onceuponachristmasevilTitle:  Once Upon a Christmas Evil

Series:  N/A

Author:  Joshua Skye

Genre:   Christmas/Holiday/Horror/Icelandic Folklore/Monsters

Length:  Short (95 pages)

Publisher:  JMS Books LLC

Heat Level: Very low.

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts

Blurb:   Folklore is filled with beautiful and magical things, wondrous beings friendly and altruistic. The Easter Bunny. The Tooth Fairy. And Santa Claus. But, unknown to most, they have evil counterparts, nightmarish creatures with sinister intentions.

Ten year old Mackenzie Graves had a terrifying encounter with one of those frightening beings on Christmas Eve. Years later he’s made a home with his boyfriend Dylan in a quiet neighborhood in Erie, Pennsylvania. He has special plans for the holiday — he’s going to propose to the love of his life. But the monster from his past has found him and this time has no intention of being denied its prey.

It’s Christmas Eve, Santa is on his way. But the dreadful demons that punish naughty little boys and girls are already sniffing around. Once Upon a Christmas Evil will give you the shivers!

Product Link:  http://www.jms-books.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=29&products_id=665&zenid=gk59pe2ftlbhdrkmau8g5qiho0

Reviewer:   Patrick

Review:  I have to say, while the story is very interesting, in order to really have done it justice it should have been longer. It needed fleshing out. There were three separate stories going on all at once, taking place in less than 100 pages. Then a quick and all too brief fourth story in the end. The story never fully satisfied any of the stories.

The concept was very intriguing and would have been a fantastic book if the author had taken time with each story and differentiated between each particular storyline. He started something then it petered out as he was just reaching a plateau and nothing happened. Made me think of a movie where things would come to a head, then nothing, over and over again and you would expect it to explode and all settle at the conclusion, but it did not.

The book claims “substantial sexually explicit scenes” but there is only one scene and there is absolutely nothing explicit about it. In fact, it is a voyeuristic episode from a third person, a child at that who is watching it happen. Then again in the end, the child has an item that allows him to help fulfill his own fantasies and all it does is creep a person out. I am just glad the author was smart enough to avoid actually creating a scene involving this child outside of him being a voyeur.

Too many other questions were posed and left unanswered. Heat and heart were very low. As for overall content, I have to say though, if I were giving it stars out of 5, I would give it a 3. Simply because the author was trying, that much is obvious. The story was very good, it just needed to be fleshed out and it would have been a real Christmas horror story worth reading again and again; especially if he had covered in more detail the reason for the story in the first place, the little monsters.

I will recommend this story simply because it does get your heart going in more than one spot. I would just recommend to the author to take this book and redo it, flesh it out, and republish. It has the true makings of a great horror story.