Blurb: Can two men, one, Joey Fairburn, a twenty-one year old Criminal Justice student, the other, Glenn Tanner, a thirty-four year old hitman attempting to start a new life, reach a common bond to stop a murderer and find love despite their disparate ages and occupations?
Two men:
Glenn Tanner, a thirty-four year old hitman who wants to disappear and start a new life.
Joey Fairburn, a twenty-one year old Criminal Justice student studying to become a police officer.
One problem in common:
Joey’s father, an escaped killer, has come to the small town where Joey and his mother live and where Glenn has finally settled down. Glenn meets Joey, discovers what is happening and becomes involved in trying to stop the killer before the man can murder Joey’s mother.
Will these two men, Glenn and Joey, with such disparate ages and backgrounds, be able to find a common bond that will unite them in love? Only time will tell.
Reviewer: Portia
Review: This was so not what I was expecting from Edward Kendrick. There is a lot of sexual tension but not a lot of sex. Which really surprised me, as his last book that I read, Everyone’s Man was dripping with sexual innuendos and steamy bedroom scenes.
Instead, this is a very well written story. For Joey, it is love at first sight. And as much as Glenn would like to take Joey up on his subtle invitations, he is more concerned with keeping Joey safe. There are guns and bad guys and two very horny men fighting their attraction for one another. It was a bit of a stretch when Glen brought Joey into his lair and Joey barely blinked, but everyone is not a nosy control freak like me.
I loved the ending…kinda. Might have been interesting for Nate to fight a bit harder…but, since it really wasn’t his story…
This was a very enjoyable read. Would make an excellent movie. Tall, dark hitman willing to risk everything for the sweet tender criminal justice major…I’d pay $8 bucks to see them come to life on film.
Blurb: Trauma nurse Chauncey and paramedic Brody have only ever agreed on one thing in life—that they share a mutual hatred for one another. While they may have to work together, they’ve never gotten along. Brody sees Chauncey as nothing more than a bossy, jerk whereas Chauncey thinks Brody is a cocky, brat who needs a good slap on the nose. What neither one of them is willing to admit is that they share a secret mutual attraction.
One night they lose control and give into their passion. When they find themselves waking up in each other’s arms, they have to face one of the biggest decisions of their lives—do they give love a chance or are their differences just too big to overcome?
Review: The EMS Heat series is one that I’ve enjoyed and this new title is a great addition. I love the way the author creates a new story while letting you check in on previous characters without cluttering the current storyline.
Chauncey and Brody have been circling around each other, trading jibes and insults for the past year. Each has their own set of preconceived notions about the other. Chauncey is the arrogant and entitled rich boy. Brody is the mouthy bottom only interested in a good time. Neither guy actually believes the crap they spew about the other; it’s akin to boy’s picking on their playground crush – silly but effective in getting a rise.
When Brody looses a patient, his pain from a past lost is compounded and Chauncey finds himself called in to lend a hand by meddling friends. Now I wouldn’t say that either man does an about face in regard feelings for the other, merely giving in to their true desires. It does happen on the fast side, but it isn’t entirely hard to swallow. What I did appreciate was how neither character immediately turned into a mushy ball of goo. Sure you saw their soft bellies as they left themselves vulnerable, but the snarky commentary persisted. The tension that made them interesting didn’t collapse once they made a connection.
I do wish the epilogue wasn’t used to clear everything up and make all nice, that we’d been able to tag along in some of the cleaning up of the loose pieces, namely Brody’s mom. But then again, that’s probably more about me and my pension for angst.
On a side note, I’d like to commend the author for her tribute to 9/11 EMS workers. She did a lovely job of bringing our focus to those left behind while honoring the sacrifices of the men and women called into duty that tragic day.
Portia’s Two Cents: Okay, I confess…EMS Heat series is my guilty literary pleasure. I love watching these guys fall in love. But, for me…it’s all about trying to see if I can catch Stephani in a medical error. I spent a lot of years as an ER nurse and this series always makes me feel like I’ve come home. I can honestly say…I know these guys; the nurses, medics, firemen…even the doctors. The language, the medical scenarios…even the back coffee in the break room is spot on.
So far it’s Stephani/10; Portia/0…but, I’m still on the job. That’s right, Hecht…I’m watching you. 😉
Blurb: What if you’re a police angel used to taking orders but suddenly find yourself facing a situation where you need to think for yourself?
Israfil is an excellent police angel. He doesn’t like checking up on other angels to make sure they follow the dictates of Heaven’s middle management, but he’s very good at it. When a mission goes painfully wrong and he’s faced with prosecution, he’s sure he will be severely punished. Instead, he’s sent to Earth and told to ‘get a life’.
Chris is a professor of psychology at Buffalo Community College in Flagstaff, Arizona, who is taking a much needed vacation in the Coconino National Forest. When he goes hiking one day he finds a very naked, very confused man with amnesia in a clearing. The only thing the stranger remembers is that his name is Israfil.
Will the two men be able to solve the riddle of Israfil’s past? And once they do, can they decide what to do about Israfil’s future?
Review: Israfil is a police angel. When he fails on one of his missions, he knows he is in trouble. But, before middle management can get to him the Big Guy intervenes. Chris is taking a well-deserved camping vacation when he comes across a naked man in the middle of a clearing, a man who can only remember his name.
This is an entertaining story that moves smoothly along and doesn’t rush the sex between these two men, the chemistry sparks off them and they suit each other well. I loved Israfil’s innocence and how he wanted to experience everything and I thought Chris was cool with the way he just accepted what Israfil told him. I also liked seeing Zuriel and Araton again, however briefly.
I recommend this for the hot sex, the hot men, and the storyline and also for the pure love between these two men.
Portia’s Two Cents: This was my first book in the series. I was a bit apprehensive about reading about gay angels. Yeah, I went to parochial school. But, it didn’t take long for me to get caught up in this story. This was a very sweet story despite the steamy sex scenes. I will definitely go back and find the other books in this series.
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (5th September 2011)
Heat Level: Scorching/ Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: Police detective Patrick Flaherty has no illusions about Russian mobster Alexei Boczar, but that doesn’t stop his fascination with the bodyguard to one of the most ruthless families in Chicago’s growing Eastern European crime community. From the moment Patrick meets Alexei’s eyes over the body of another Russian mobster, Alexei is a thorn in Patrick’s side, refusing to cooperate with the police and turning all of Patrick’s questions back on him. Alexei’s hard-as-nails persona whets Patrick’s professional determination to get the information he’s sure the gangster is hiding, while personally Patrick just wants to get his hands on Alexei’s hard body.
The tattoos marking Alexei’s skin tell the story of his criminal past, but the more Patrick learns about Alexei, the more he wants to know, until he finds himself over his head in a relationship that might cost him his job and could well cost Alexei his life. Alexei is equally fascinated by Patrick’s willingness to overlook his past and even his present associations, but he has secrets of his own that could drive a wedge between them forever.
Review: Patrick is a detective who has done something incredibly stupid…he’s fallen for a mobster. If anyone ever found out it wouldn’t be just his job in jeopardy, it could also mean his life. Alexei lives his life in shadows, secrets and purpose but now a police detective is cracking his shell.
I thought this book was brilliant, the chemistry between these two men was off the charts; they can’t stay together but they can’t stay apart; both of them wishing for something that can never happen because no matter what, one will always be police, the other vor (Russian mobster). The twist and turns of this book was fascinating, the storyline rock solid and the characters were well put together, we get brief glimpses of Alexei’s past and it is not pretty but we do get to understand what is driving the Russian. Even though Patrick is in love with the big lug he does not compromise his work ethic, he might bend it but not break it.
There are hot and plentiful sex scenes, there is danger, mystery and suspense, and there is soul searching, heart break and doubts. There is joy, love and happiness and most of all you sit there and wonder how, how can these two men from such opposite sides make this work. How can they overcome the obstacles between them to be together? and even when you start to feel hope as secrets come out you know that nothing for these two men will be easy.
So what would I recommend….hot sex, mystery, danger, suspense….do I really need to go on, this is a must read book.
Blurb: When Maxwell, a Depression-era artist, spurns the attentions of his sponsor, he ends up cursed to live out eternity in a painting. The man who cursed him delighted in playing the exhibitionist for Maxwell, and by the time the old man dies, Maxwell longs for his life and body back but he’s pretty sure he never wants to watch anyone have sex ever again. Until he discovers who his new owner is.
Tyler isn’t sure what to do with a life-sized painting of a nude man, but it was a gift from his sister to ease the pain of a disastrous break up and subsequent coming out. The gorgeous subject of the painting disappeared without a trace decades ago, rumored to have been killed by the painting’s previous owner in a jealous rage.
Becoming more and more fascinated by the man in his painting, Tyler uses his resources as a history professor to solve the mystery of Maxwell’s disappearance. He finds himself spending more time in his bedroom, talking to the painting, researching and aching to know the man in person. Maxwell falls under Tyler’s sweet spell, discovering the thickness of canvas might be an insurmountable distance to cross.
Review: This is a true romance story. Max has been trapped inside a painting for 76yrs. When the person who trapped him in the painting dies he is passed on to Tyler. Tyler has moved into a new apartment and his sister has bought him a nude painting as a house-warming gift.
Right from the being Tyler is drawn to the painting and the mystery surrounding the subject’s disappearance. As he delves into the mystery, he begins talking to the ‘subject’, Max. Max is trapped in the painting but, he is aware of Tyler talking to him. He watches Tyler with longing and despair knowing that breaking the curse is next to impossible. We get to know Max well from his own inner monologue, flashbacks and his journal that Tyler finds.
I liked this book. It was quite simple in its explanations, we know that Max was trapped in the painting and instead of coming up with a long-winded theory it was so simple it was refreshing. The story moved smoothly along and the characters were a nice bunch.
So this is for anyone who likes gentle romance with an interesting mystery thrown in.
Blurb: When a down-on-his-luck architect meets a closeted cowboy with a cranky horse, can they find common ground or will ghosts from the past destroy their future?
Ben Morillo, a prominent architect, has a good life. He works for one of the leading firms in New Hampshire, owns his flat and stays out of the lime light. That is until his ex-lover shows up at his work months after their violent break-up, making a scene that gets Ben fired.
Jack Marr, ranch owner and closeted cowboy, can’t believe his bad luck when he has to pick up the handsome friend of his veterinarian. Convinced Ben won’t stick around; Jack struggles to protect his heart before the attraction between them leaves him broken.
Ben and Jack must feel their way through an amused veterinarian, a cranky horse and too many misunderstandings, but in the end, will Ben be able prove that Jack’s way is the only way for him?
Reader Advisory: This story has been previously released as part of the Saddle Up ‘N Ride anthology by Total-E-Bound
Review: Ben has lost his job after his ex turns up drunk at his work and accuses him of dubious business practice, as well as outing him to his homophobic boss, so he does what any self-respecting person does…he flees to his best friend. Jack is hit with instant lust when he sees his vet’s best friend. As the relationship progresses Jack knows that the man will leave even when he promises to come back.
I found this book delightful as well as frustrating as these two men just didn’t know how to open up to each other. Both of them trying to protect themselves against hurt. Ben, because of his ex, learning to trust his instincts again and trusting that not all men are like his ex. And Jack, because of something in his past that convinced him that he will always be left behind. These two men complement each other very well, the sex is hot and the storyline is good. Hopefully we will get to see a story about Matt (the vet) in the future as what we see of him here will whet your appetite.
So I would recommend this for those who like hot sex, a bit of angst and a happy ever after because I really enjoyed it.
Blurb: Within the space of two years Zack lost nearly everyone that had ever meant anything to him. After his parents are killed in a car accident and his best friend succumbs to cancer, Zack is left alone in the world with only his eighteen month old daughter.
The ultra religious and homophobic grandparents, however, will do anything they can to try and take his daughter away from him. To stop this Zack packs up and moves to a small town in northern Victoria.
Simon has known he was gay since he was fifteen. With this fact firmly entrenched in his mind he had resigned himself to never being a father. Walking into his house one afternoon he is shocked to find not only his mate, but a two year old calling his mate Daddy.
Is Simon ready to be a father? Can Zack open his heart after so much hurt and risk loving someone else?
Review: Ok, I was really enjoying this book, the storyline is one we all empathize with, the in-laws or parents trying to take a child off a gay man and trying to do it in or out of the law. We have Zack moving to start a new life with his cute daughter Hayley. We also had sexy shifters who find their destined mates.
This story was really good, Zack was thoughtful about what Hayley needed as well as what he wanted and the effect on Simon’s mom when she found out that she was now a grandmother was touching.
What we didn’t really need was the twist near the end, I hate to say it but too many authors have gone with this plot recently and it only really work’s if it affects the entire species and not just a select few, especially when no one even knows or it’s a big secret.
All in all it was a very good book and I would recommend this to anyone who loves family, shifters, hot sex and a pretty decent storyline.
Genre: Native American, American Indian, Historical (1910), Shape Shifter.
Length: Novel
Heat Level: Cool – mild sexual content
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (November 10, 2010)
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: Helki and Igashu, friends and constant companions since childhood, will soon perform the tribal ritual of the Bow and the Basket. Choosing the basket means living a domestic life, to be a Two-Spirit, a lover of men. To choose the bow means becoming a provider, the head of the family, and a warrior, if war should come. Both are worthy choices, but for Igashu, his father’s sole surviving son, the obligation to lead his family after his father’s death presses heavily on his heart. Yet if Helki and Igashu choose different paths, their love may not survive.
Review: I really wasn’t expecting much based on the blurb, but boy was I wrong. This story takes you on a journey of discovery. Helki knows what he wants and who he loves but as both boys head into manhood, he knows that Igashu must choose his own path; whether he is included on that path or not. Igashu feels pulled apart as he prepares for his vision quest, he knows how he feels about Helki but he is the last son and feels that he should do his duty to his family.
The description of the area where they lived made me wish I was there and be a part of their journey. As we follow their paths – Igashu hunting the yellow cat, his first contact with white men and the capture of a wild mare and foal, and Helki as he learns to become A Wise One who can learn the secrets of the flame and the ability to Shape Shift into his spirit guide – We learn about their culture, their history and their hopes.
This is a true romance set in another culture that is so poignant without even a single kiss or sex scene. I loved this story so much that I am going to buy Michael Halfhill’s other 3 books.
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (7th September 2011)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: Kyle Anderson grew up with the lie that he was one of the last humans born. Then Kyle’s quiet, lonely life as a research assistant and student is shattered when he discovers the government has been lying to the world for more than twenty years. Now on the run from authorities who would kill for his silence, Kyle is taken in by Daniel Shanks, a member of a militia group dedicated to discovering the truth.
Daniel has seen death and violence in this new, radically changed society, and the closer he gets to Kyle, the harder his fears ride him. They will need to stop listening to the lies told by the government and start facing the lies they’ve been telling themselves, because the only place strays like them may be safe in this uncertain world is in each other’s hearts.
Review: Kyle has escaped from the government who decided that he saw something that he shouldn’t have and has made plans for him to disappear…forever. Daniel is a member of the militia and takes Kyle in to help him out. They both feel an attraction to the other but Daniel is wary of getting too close. He knows just how quickly friends can die in the militia. Kyle is still trying to overcome the horror of being kidnapped by his own government to embark on a relationship.
As these two work, together their feelings for each other become more pronounced. Just as they have acted on those feelings a disaster strikes the militia and Daniel flees as he realizes that he is in danger of being hurt emotionally if anything happened to Kyle.
I thought this book had a very good story line with solid characters, the development of their relationship wasn’t rushed and they were interesting characters who meshed quite well. The story itself seemed a little choppy at first but smoothed out beautifully and the subject of it being a post plague setting where the government was lying to the world was great and made for interesting reading.
I enjoyed this book so what would I recommend… well if you like futuristic/post apocalypse, hot sex and a good story line…what are you waiting for…an engraved invitation?
Publisher: Accent Press Ltd & Xcite Books (22nd November 2010)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Some MMF scenes, voyeurism and some D/s gone wrong.
Blurb: Charon’s only job is to make another man happy. No matter what. Even if the demands of his rock star boss twists his heart until he admits to himself exactly what he wants, Graham for his own. Against all odds.
Review: Graham is a problem rock star, he signed a contract and now he has to hide who he is and do what they want. Charon has been hired by the record company to watch over Graham and he finds it torturous within the space of a few hours.
I found the interaction between these two quite good, Graham living his life in confines but breaking out in his own way and Charon who lives a very straight-laced life repenting against an incident in his past. There are some sex scenes involving Graham and other’s but these are because he is trying to provoke Charon. All the sex is hot and one in particular that lands Charon running to the rescue.
These two damaged souls come together and start to heal each other in a way, and Charon’s story is touching.
So what would I recommend … I think that if you like hot sex, touching truths and a bit of a bad boy then you will enjoy this.
Portia’s two cents: I found this book to be a breath of fresh air. I kept getting little rushes when one of the guys would make another step towards emotional wholeness. This could have ended up a really sappy read; instead it had just enough angst to keep me interested without feeling like I’d fallen into a Lifetime movie.
Marsden is a mistress of the novella format. This story definitely has a beginning, middle, and ending. The characters are realistic and the dialogue is top-notch. Loved the way each man was a catalyst for the other, without taking over and setting up a co-dependent duo. Each had issues that they had to deal with and I think she revealed their flaws and strengths brilliantly. A very satisfying read, which I wholeheartedly recommend.
Blurb: After one mind-shattering night with a stranger at a local leather bar leaves him forever changed, Gabriel lives on the streets as a vagrant to elude the master who hunts him, but the were shifter is a fierce, stubborn predator who reclaims him soon enough. Gabriel is carried away to the pack’s home territory where his instruction on what it means to be the pet of an alpha begins. Gabriel isn’t just any pet, though. He is the rarest among their kind: a human omega.
Treasured? Or cursed?
As Gabriel’s father, the Distinguished Gentleman from Pennsylvania and stalwart of the conservative party, pushes the considerable resources at his disposal to locate his missing son, Gabriel explores who and what he is under his master’s careful protection. Gabriel falls for the shifter who is both lover and destroyer, owner and…friend?
Caution: This book may contain scenes that offend. Humiliation, dubious consent etc.
Review: Gabriel the man has run and hid, he doesn’t want the shifter that ruined his life to find him, but the submissive in him and the thing that he is changing into wants his master to find him, when his master finds him his human side retreats; overwhelmed by the scent of his master the submissive breaks through willing to do anything for the shifter who owns him. The man in him is fighting to understand what is happening to him, he doesn’t want to be owned completely, yes he loves to play hard but when he wants to, not at someone else’s command. He likes his life, likes his work and doesn’t want to give it up to be a full-time slave.
This book is intense as Gabriel is given no real guidance, he is left to struggle between his human side and his newly emerging Omega side trying to find a balance between the two and he has to find it himself, it’s a painful struggle for him as he doesn’t understand what is wanted of him besides the sex and the submission. Cal his master is the Alpha, you don’t really find out much about him and he does come across as cruel as he forces his pet to accept things with no explanation. It’s only later as Gabriel thinks back on his time with Cal that we see the more caring side of Cal.
The sex is hot, explicit and intense and if you are into BDSM and like angst then this book is for you.
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (7th September 2011)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
New Tricks is the Sequel to Shying Away also by Kate Sherwood.
Blurb: Quinn Donahue’s put in a long, hard day at his lover Aaron Miller’s family horse farm, and he’s looking forward to a hot bath and a good night’s sleep. But that’s before he finds Aaron waiting for him in their dark apartment, apparently in the mood to play a game. Aaron was a virgin when he’d hooked up with Quinn, while Quinn was the furthest thing from innocent. So if Aaron wants to experiment a little, then Quinn feels privileged to play along.
Review: Aaron has it all planned out, the perfect evening for himself and Quinn and nothing is going to interrupt it not even Quinn. Quinn worries when he gets home and it’s all dark, until Aaron surprises him.
This is a beautiful little short story, it’s well written and delves in D/s but only with light rope play, and is used more as a ploy than serious D/s play.
I really do like the way that Aaron has arranged the night as Quinn doesn’t get what the true purpose for the night is really about until near the end, and the way that Aaron has gone about proving himself to Quinn was brilliant as I really don’t think any other way would have worked. So for those of us wondering what had become of Aaron and Quinn after Shying Away this is a wonderful little glimpse in their lives at a pivotal time for them.
I would recommend this to anyone who loved Shying Away and also to those who want a sweet short that is hot, erotic and romantic.
Caution: This book may contain scenes that offend readers Voyeurism and slight humiliation.
Blurb: Jamie Desmond has lied about his ability to ride to land a film role, and now his lack of horsemanship has been exposed he’s scared he’ll be kicked off the set. Luckily, riding instructor Andrej is on hand to give him tuition – but dominant Andrej recognises Jamie’s latent need to submit, and his lessons are about to show Jamie what it means to be ridden hard …
Review: I actually quite liked this book there were a few things that niggled but otherwise it was a good story.
Jamie Desmond lied on his resume and now he’s landed a role where he will have to ride, Andrej is the handler for the horses and he discovers the truth and decides that Jamie will just have to learn. Andrej takes Jamie in hand and shows him exactly what he can do.
The story is interesting and it could have been longer as the two main characters didn’t interact that much besides the riding lessons and sex, so I was a bit disappointed when they declared their love for each other as they didn’t know anything about each other. Again I was not impressed with someone being thrown into BDSM without a safety net and again with the unsafe sex.
But saying that, I would recommend this book for those who like BDSM, D/s, hot sex and a happy ever after.
Blurb: Jonah Beckett has been in love with his older brother’s best friend, Laurie, for years. When his boyfriend, Dirk, breaks up with him for refusing to put out, Jonah uses his heartbreak over the situation to ask Laurie to teach him all about sex before he starts college. Problem is, he made Dirk up, and he has no idea what will happen when Laurie finally finds out.
Reviewer: Portia
Review: This is the sweetest story that I’ve read in a long time. It was nice to have two young men who were comfortable with their sexuality, accepted by their families and completely in love. There were no real betrayals, no verbal or sexual abuse and just the tiniest bit of teenage angst. This is a relatively short read, but it is well written and made me smile…a lot.
If you would like a very sweet, very sexy tale of a young man losing his virginity in the most loving manner imaginable…this is definitely the book for you.
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (5th September 2011)
Heat Level: Cool
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4 1/2Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Warning this title contains references to sexual and physical abuse.
Blurb: Being condemned to slavery is a common enough occurrence on the desert planet of Livre, but this time, priest Shan Polli is determined to prevent the corrupt, soul-eating system from destroying one more life. Temar Grazer was sentenced for what amounted to a criminal prank—but Shan soon finds that the dangers extend far beyond Temar’s crime.
Caught between guilt and hope, Shan must find his true path in either the priesthood or in a man whose strength and survival defies the odds. Can the two men unravel a plot that threatens the entire world before Temar is broken by a system of slavery that has twisted out of control?
Review: This is not your typical M/M Romance. It is more Science Fiction which, I must admit, the M/M genre is sadly lacking in at the moment.
Temar Grazer is a landowner but that doesn’t stop his sister from telling him what to do. As a result he and his sister Cyla are sentenced to slavery after her plan to prove a neighbor is stealing their precious water went disastrously wrong. In the process Temar finds out the truth as to who stole the water, and that’s when his troubles really begin. Shan Polli is a priest who is a council member and even though he fought against it, is one of those responsible for Temar’s sentence. When he goes to check on Temar it leads him and eventually Temar to a race to save their own lives and that of the entire planet.
This is a great story that has a lot of meat to it. Shan has always felt a faint attraction to Temar but as a priest it’s off-limits for him to have a relationship. Temar always wanted to be a glass maker but has had to work the land; these two are forced together by circumstance and must rely on each other. Some parts in this book may offend people as there is evidence of physical and sexual abuse and references to child abuse.
The emotions in this story are incredible, the descriptions brilliant and the story is rock solid. As I said, this is more Science Fiction than romance. The romance is near the end when Shan and Temar decide they will try to make a go of it. There are no sex scenes for our main characters or even kisses, this is a bond that has been forged through danger and Temar needs that more than sex.
So I recommend this to any sci-fi fans who love the m/m aspect and a brilliant story line.
From the Publisher: The night before his wedding, Zander Walsh, his parents, and his husband-to-be are all shot when they return home and interrupt a mysterious robbery in progress. After three weeks in a coma, Zander wakes up to find out he is the only survivor, and his perfect life falls apart in an instant.
Hunky FBI Agent Jake Elliot is investigating the case, and he eventually apprehends the killer—who soon escapes. Following six months of searching, Zander and Jake realize they’re being stonewalled by the FBI… and that they have slowly formed an unbreakable bond that is beginning to turn into much more.
Once they embark on a journey to apprehend the killer for the second time, they’ll discover that one terrible night was much more than just an interrupted robbery. Can big business and politics cover up the truth, or will Zander and Jake’s quest to unravel the mystery be the end of their newfound love and their lives?
About the Author: Scotty Cade left Corporate America and twenty-five years of marketing and public relations behind to buy an inn & restaurant on the island of Martha’s Vineyard with his partner of fourteen years.
He started writing stories as soon as he could read, but only recently for publication. When not at the inn, you can find him on the bow of his boat writing male/male romance novels with his Shetland sheepdog Mavis at his side. Being from the South and a lover of commitment and fidelity, most of his characters find their way to long, healthy relationships, however long it takes them to get there. He believes that in the end, the boy should always get the boy.
Scotty and his partner are avid boaters and live aboard their boat, spending the summers on Martha’s Vineyard and winters in Charleston, SC, and Savannah, GA.
My Review: I knew, just from the publisher’s brief summary of the story, that Zander’s fiancé and parents were going to die…I just didn’t realize that I would come to love them so much in the first chapter before that fatal event. Honestly, by page 20 I was crying and wanted to throttle the author for introducing such wonderful characters only to have them die so early in the story! However, all was eventually forgiven once Jake was introduced and I started getting into the actual story!
FBI Agent Jake Elliot is in charge of investigating the murders of Zander’s fiancé and parents. At the beginning, he just does what his superiors tell him to do but certain things start to raise some internal alarm bells and he joins forces with Zander to uncover the REAL truth. That truth involves politics, cover ups and betrayal! Eventually, the mystery will send to the Alaskan wilderness in search of their prime suspect.
Now, there is certainly a lot of plot in this story but not too much actual mystery. Not to give away any spoilers here but you sort of know who the bad guy(s) are the whole time (or at least suspect….). The real story is following along as Jake and Zander figure it out for themselves.
The author did a really good job of allowing Zander to grieve his fiancé’s death before introducing Jake as a romantic interest. The development of their relationship was very realistic, very romantic, and at the end very hot. Most of the time the writing was very smooth and overall all the conversations and interactions seems fairly natural. There are a couple of ‘otherworldly’ events involving ghosts and omens and such that I could have done without but I am not a fan of paranormal romances so maybe that is just my own personal prejudice!
Bounty of Love is part of a series by this author. The other 2 books (Wings of Love and Treasure of Love) take place AFTER this one. While a few of the characters are the same, they are all stand alone books.
Overall, a pretty good book…pros would be that it really touches the emotions and the characters are well-developed. Cons for me are probably the fact that the bad guys are not kept a mystery to the reader and the bits of paranormal sequences in the story line. Great romance, steamy and well placed sex scenes, and a pretty nice read!
Blurb: On the scene of a multiple murder that’s grisly even for a veteran homicide detective, Brian Clifton is stunned when one of the victims bears an uncanny resemblance to his boyfriend, James. As the similarities keep piling up, so do the bodies…and the evidence pointing to James as the killer.
Since long before the shooting, James has been dishonest. He’s been evasive. Oh and there’s that minor little detail he withheld from Brian about being a gambling-addicted drug dealer. He may not be the best boyfriend in the world, but he begs Brian to believe he’s no murderer. In fact, whoever did pull the trigger undoubtedly wants to finish what they started, and Brian is the only one James trusts to keep him safe.
But how much is Brian willing to risk protecting a man he may not even know?
Review: Brian Clifton has been seeing James for several months and over the last two or three months James has been erratic and unavailable. Brian is thinking of dumping him as he believes James is cheating on him. But James is waiting for him when he gets home and needs his help more than ever. James Merrill needs to hide and needs Brian’s help to prove he isn’t a murderer and to catch the ones who are. James always has an excuse for everything and Brian doesn’t know if he can trust James anymore. When the full truth comes out Brian struggles to forgive James for his countless lies.
The storyline is great, the characters are compelling and the grief is heartfelt. This story is fast paced and, honest to God, just when you think you have it all figured out, it throws you a curve ball. We see Brian acknowledge that he has a problem, James not being able to control his addiction and nearly getting everyone in trouble. We have a brilliant plot, some twists, hot sex and betrayal.
We also see Nick and Andrew from Cover Me and we learn more about how they are coping as a couple. Don’t get me wrong, they are written into the story line without taking away from the main characters and it’s fantastically done. They don’t try to take over the story, but blend in beautifully. I have to say L.A. Witt has done what some authors can’t and that’s blending characters from previous books into current books.
This is a brilliantly written story and it has something for everyone, I will recommend this one to everyone.
Blurb: Jamie is human and he’s a wolf. Werewolves aren’t just some supernatural fairytale. They are a living breathing part of society. Once they hid their true natures, but now they are out and proud. Wolves are an accepted part of society, but even with all the new laws, it’s not easy.
Race relations made society complicated enough, and then came the gay rights movement adding a whole new dimension to the struggle for acceptance. Add a new species to the list and you have a whole different world
Rob is a cop and has just passed his thirtieth birthday, being promoted to a special police task force specializing in wolf / human cases. He sees it all. The seedy underbelly of city life, the fights, the murders, and the parts of human / wolf interaction that people would rather ignore. He meets a young man, Jamie, at a club and embarks on the hottest one night stand of his life. Little does he know that his lover is a shifter. He has no worries with wolves, but interspecies relationships are not on his to-do list.
When a case involving kidnappings of young werewolves lands on Rob’s desk the ugly face of the werewolf sex trade is something he has to deal with. With Jamie seemingly at the centre of it all can Rob push past his prejudices and keep his lover alive?
Pixie’s Reader’s Review: I really enjoyed this one, it was a refreshing change to read a shifter book that wasn’t all about sex and mates; although there is a lot hot sex and some discussion about mating.
Rob is horrified when he finds out that Jamie is a Wolf. He has nothing against them personally but he wouldn’t have sex with one…if he had a choice. Jamie doesn’t usually sleep with humans but there is just something about Rob. When Rob kicks him to the curb, Jamie realizes what has happened too late.
I thought the way that Rob handled everything was masterful, Jamie was headstrong and willful the supporting characters were incredible, too. They really added to the story. The story line is fantastic and written really well. Hopefully, this is opening up a new avenue in shifter stories where we have more realistic story lines and a different aspect to the ‘mating’ rules.
If you love shifter stories, hot men and crime stories then this is for you. Diane Adams & R.J. Scott, I can’t wait for the next one.
Portia’s Writer’s Review: For those of you thinking about writing a paranormal series, Shattered Secrets would be an excellent case study. Scott and Adams took a lot of time world building, without distracting the reader away from the main plot. The characters are wonderfully developed. I especially like the evolution of Rob. The attraction between Rob and Jamie is instant, but the love match takes a lot longer to develop.
Since this is obviously part of a series, there are some nice tidbits that will make you want to read the next story. The problem, if not the actual bad guys, is identified and the book ends on a deliciously suspenseful note. But, I didn’t have that unsatisfied feeling of incompletion that is too often present in series novellas. If I never read another book in this series, I felt that Scott/Adams wrote a complete story.
RJ Scott and Diane Adams are both phenomenal writers individually. Together they have created a series that is smart and sexy. May the literary gods bless this union for a very long time.
Blurb: Hired by a mysterious faerie gentleman to steal seemingly worthless artifacts, Querrilous Knotte is seen as a traitor by the humans of Halcyon. But as long as he’s getting paid, Querry doesn’t mind. When his client makes a cryptic comment about a certain house, Querry contacts his old flame Reg—a former street rat who now works in the Royal Archives—to learn if the property contains anything of value.
Though Reg has no answers for him, Querry learns there is indeed something precious in the house, something Reg is convinced will bring nothing but trouble. The armed guards that attack the thief prove Reg’s prediction true, and he can’t leave Querry to face it all alone. Not when Reg’s feelings for the man may not be as extinct as he’d thought.
The trouble is, Querry’s heart doesn’t just belong to Reg anymore, and surprisingly, Reg’s heart no longer belongs only to Querry. In the end, it may not even matter, because if Querry, Reg, and their hearts’ desire can’t stop Lord Thimbleroy from draining Halcyon’s magic, they won’t live long enough to regret their unresolved romance.
Review: I love these types of books because the imagination and descriptions that go into making this come to life is brilliant. Querrilous Knotte survives by doing odd jobs for other people…oh alright he’s a thief for hire but he does have a kind heart… well kinda. He finds trouble in a derelict house and needs Reg’s help. Reginald Whitney is an ex-street rat who was adopted by a wealthy couple; he is facing up to the duty that they wish of him.
This is a brilliant story that gives you everything you could wish for, Magic, Faeries, an evil Noble, and A Wizard, street rats, a street war, a flying carriage and so much more. There is love, longing and jealousy. This is defiantly a worthwhile read, the story line is strong, the characters are great and the loving is hot.
I have to say I never knew they called this sort of story Steampunk even though I have read quite a few of them. So what would I recommend? Well, if you liked The Night Angel Trilogy or stories similar, then this will be right up your alley. Big thumbs up from me.
Blurb: David Majors should be looking forward to a long and prosperous life: after tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, he’s attending college courtesy of Uncle Sam and riding the fast track to success. He’s tall, fit, and good-looking, so shouldn’t the world be his oyster? But underneath his clothes—and beneath the surface—David is a mess of scar tissue and insecurity.
Then he meets Kevin Boxer, another former Army Ranger. Their first night together, Kevin stares David’s scars in the face and doesn’t flinch, instead showering David with the passion and attention he craves but never imagined possible. Slowly but surely, Kevin helps David rebuild his confidence and the two of them begin to build their life together. But their journey is far from over, and it turns out Kevin may need David to help him heal some scars of his own.
Review: David Majors was devastatingly injured during his last tour of duty and after being rejected by dates because of his injuries, he is fast losing hope of finding someone who can accept him scars and all, Kevin Boxer is also looking for someone to share his life and won’t let David’s injuries get in his way. These two men will support each other through the coming years no matter what is thrown at them and come out the other side even stronger.
I thought this story was really good and I was shocked at the extent of David’s injuries but thought he was an extremely strong character as he was able to continue on with his life even after the rejections he suffered at the hands of his callous dates. Kevin’s support was incredible and showed that not all men are b******s. The way that he was so matter of fact over the injuries and worked around them and also encouraging David to act like there was nothing wrong and being matter of fact about it with other people was inspiring.
The only problem that I had with this book was that it didn’t affect me enough emotionally, this book should have had me reaching for the tissues but it didn’t, the characters were a bit too bland and straightforward, when David was explaining to his father the truth about his injuries I couldn’t feel any emotion coming off him, there was no passion behind his words, he could have been telling his dad what he had for supper for all the effect it had on me and I think it was a great shame because if anything should have had me sobbing my heart out that would have been it.
So fantastic story but slightly shallow characters, but, I would recommend this for the story alone.
Title: Hitman’s Creed
