Unspeakable Words by Sarah Madison (2nd Edition)

Title: Unspeakable Words (2^nd Edition)

Series: The Sixth Sense 01

Author: Sarah Madison

Genre: Contemporary, Other Paranormal, Mystery, Suspense

Length: Novel (200pgs)

ISBN: 978-1-63533-335-0

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (10^th March 2017)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4 ½ – 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Special Agent John Flynn is everything Jerry Parker is not: dangerously handsome, coolly charismatic, and respected by his peers. Special Agent Parker is dedicated and meticulous, but his abrasive personality has given him a reputation for being difficult. When new information on a cold case appears, Parker is assigned to work with Flynn, and the sparks fly as their investigative styles clash. Contact with a strange artifact changes everything when it bestows unusual and unpredictable powers on Flynn… and the two men must learn to trust each other before a killer strikes again.

First Edition published by Dreamspinner Press, 2010.

Purchase Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/unspeakable-words-by-sarah-madison-8275-b

Review: This story is a 2^nd Edition and has been expanded to novel length.

Jerry Parker is used to being passed from pillar to post, going from case to case where he’s needed, but that doesn’t mean that he’s not silently seething with bitter resentment about being used for his expertise and then shipped off to a new case before an arrest is even made. John Flynn is the golden boy of the FBI his solve rate is through the roof and his easy charm and good looks means everyone loves working with him, but his past is what drives him and he’s haunted by that past.

Jerry and John are thrown together when a prospective witness comes forward on a serial killer case, The Grimm Fairy Tales Killer, but it leads to much more than that when the witness seems to be the killer’s new victim and a strange artifact complicates their lives.

Sarah Madison couldn’t have given us two characters who are so different that they should be the anathema of each other, but who actually make a tenuous connection that works for them. Their circumstances leads to a fascinating story that would have been brilliant just from the case and their slowly developing relationship, but add in the unusual paranormal aspects and holy hell it takes it to another level altogether!

The story is from Jerry’s POV but there are certain times during the story that I would have loved to be in John’s head, that would have been awesome… don’t get me wrong Jerry is awesome in his own right, but the things happening to John wow.

Unspeakable Words is a fantastic contemporary FBI story that has the added bonus of paranormal aspects, it gives the author more to play with and this author hit it just right. We have a fascinating case, characters who struggle with new developments and a tentative budding relationship… there’s also a dash of danger as John uses his new ability to hunt down Jerry when he vanishes.

I recommend this story to those who love difficult characters, a dash of paranormal in their contemporary, some serious teasing and hot sex, and great characters who bring a great story to life.

Cleansing Flame by Andrew Grey

Title: Cleansing Flame

Series: Rekindled Flame 02

Author: Andrew Grey

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (200 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (10 March 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Life has been grinding Dayne Mills down almost for as long as he can remember. First he lost the love of his life in an accident that also left him with a permanent injury, and then his mother passed away a year later. When his house burns to the ground, it’s the last straw. He can’t take any more, and if it wasn’t for kind and handsome firefighter Lawson Martin offering him a hand up and a place to stay, he doesn’t know what he’d do. Dayne would love for his relationship with Lawson to evolve into something beyond charity, but he knows going after a man so far out of his league will only lead to yet more heartache. It’s best to just keep his mind on his research.

It’s that research that leads Dayne to an old student journal that not only provides clues to the Native American heritage Lawson has been searching for, but chronicles a century-old love story. The tale that unfolds might be just what Dayne and Lawson need to remind them that no matter how dark life becomes, love can find a way to shine through.

ISBN: 978-1-63533-488-3

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/cleansing-flame-by-andrew-grey-8272-b

Reviewer: Prime

Review: This is one of those books where I went in expecting to love it. a) I love Andrew Grey’s writing: it is so easy for me to relate to his writing, even if I am a single, straight, female. I love how he does sweet romance is totally relatable, real life situations. I love he manages to make me both laugh and cry in the course of a single story. b) I knew I would enjoy this because I loved the first book, Rekindled Flame. c) Firemen, sexy firemen, are involved in the story, enough said there.

If you haven’t read book one, don’t worry, it’s not really a prerequisite. There is no overarching story line. However, I think it would be good to go back purely because we do get to see a glimpse of Morgan and Richard and it made me want to go back and reread Rekindled Flame.

The formula for Cleansing Flame, just as it was for Rekindled Flame: one fireman meets a broken man (both physically and mentally), meets him again at a fire when his life goes up in smoke, just to pile on the bad luck.

Here, Lawson is the fireman. He happens to meet Dayne, the broken man, when Lawson tries to do some research on his family history and Dayne is doing research for an assignment. Dayne has had a run of bad luck – a car accident killed the man he loved some years ago, his mother died the year before and only the same day he meets Lawson he loses the home that he and his mother had brought. On top of that, Dayne still has severe pain in his leg from the accident that killed his boyfriend. Now Dayne is determined to become a teacher, even if he feels a little odd for being, seemingly, the oldest guy at college.

Lawson becomes Dayne’s knight in shining armor. It is seriously sweet. The guys also have mutual friends – Morgan and Richard of book 1 – so it’s kind of expected that they would meet. Lawson proceeds to sweep Dayne off his feet and the guys get to know each other as they fall into a romance that makes you sigh happily.

Darkness by Kate Sherwood Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

Hi peeps, we have Kate Sherwood popping in today with her new release Darkness, we have a great excerpt, a brilliant giveaway and Shorty’s review, so check out the post and leave a comment to enter the giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~

Darkness

(Common Law 03)

Kate Sherwood

A murdered prostitute. An obvious suspect. Clear evidence. For once, Jericho Crewe has a straightforward crime to investigate, and Wade Granger isn’t involved.

It all seems so simple, but Jericho’s instincts won’t let him rest. As he investigates, he finds troubling suggestions that the murder is a part of something larger and more sinister. But working within the boundaries of the law may keep him from finding the truth. If Jericho doesn’t break the rules, an innocent man may rot in jail while a killer remains free to strike again.

Inevitably, it all comes back to Wade. Because who else knows as much about breaking rules? And who else knows Jericho the way Wade does—not wisely, but far, far too well?

Riptide Publishing

Continue reading “Darkness by Kate Sherwood Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!” →

Snowblind by Eli Easton

Title: Snowblind

Series: Dreamspun Desires #29

Author: Eli Easton

Genre: Contemporary, Suspense

Length: Novel (196 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (1 Mar 2017)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

Blurb: Snow, steam, and secrets.

The latest snowstorm carries something unexpected to the doorstep of Hutch’s secluded Alaskan cabin: a stranger named Jude, the most beautiful man Hutch has ever seen. Jude says he’s in the area for a ski trip and that he fled a domineering lover, thinking he could make it into town. But Hutch is a suspicious SOB and treats his unwanted guest warily. The problem is Jude isn’t just gorgeous, he’s funny and smart and flirtatious.

Two gay men snowed in for three days—things happen. Really good things. By the time the storm clears, Hutch finds himself a little too attached to Jude Devereaux, San Francisco-based male model. But is Jude what he claims to be? Or is he entangled in the secrets Hutch moved to Alaska to escape?

ISBN: 978-1-63533-146-2

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/snowblind-by-eli-easton-8127-b

Reviewer: Prime

Review: I’m not really sure how I feel about this book. I didn’t outright dislike the book, but at the same time I didn’t love it. I think it had more to do with the depth (or lack thereof) of the plot rather than the writing style. I’ve read and enjoyed books by Eli Easton in the past. So I think, for me, this is one of those books where it was good enough but certainly not my cup of tea.

The blurb for this book really only covers the first half of the book. The second half of the book is only addressed by two questions at the end of the blurb. The story opens with Hutch, who lives isolated in Alaska, finding a man stumble upon his cabin. Jude is basically hypothermic when he finds his way to Hutch’s cabin, but with his “sob story” (as I like to call it), with the two hot men snowed in for a few days the stage is set for a fun time. But not everything is as it seems. When the snow begins to clear reality brutally comes crashing down and Hutch has to face that not only can he not run from his past, but not everything is as it seems in the present.

I really can’t say anything else because there is no hint in the blurb and I don’t want to spoil things. However, suffice to say if you like a bit of intrigue – spies, military and whatnot – then you might well enjoy this story. For me, I think, something about the flow of the story didn’t go well for. Everything just happened – bam, bam, bam – we were told the facts but I never fully felt the emotions of the MCs despite the fact that I really, desperately wanted to.

Stormfront by John Goode & J.G. Morgan

Title: Stormfront

Series: Lords of Arcadia 04

Author: John Goode & J.G. Morgan

Genre: High Fantasy, Teen Fiction

Length: Novel (254 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (February 21, 2017)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Sequel to The Unseen Tempest

Lords of Arcadia: Book Four

Kane’s ordinary life became anything but when he met his soul mate, Hawk, and was drawn into a world of enchantment with rules very different from the world he left behind. Together, Kane and Hawk are on a quest to prevent the destruction of the Nine Realms, and that means rescuing Hawk’s mother and putting a stop to Hawk’s father’s evil plans.

The end of the journey is within their sights at last, but time is running out. Kane and Hawk’s mission to free Titania from the Big Bad Wolf and save Athens from Oberon’s wrath will lead them through many different worlds. And their adventure won’t end there—they will have to face the one who has been pulling the strings and manipulating the situation all along before the Nine Realms will be safe. It’s a journey that will leave them—and everything else—irreparably changed.

ISBN-13: 978-1-63533-277-3

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/stormfront-by-jg-morgan-and-john-goode-8057-b | https://www.harmonyinkpress.com/books/stormfront-by-john-goode-and-jg-morgan-452-b

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: An epic end to Kane and Hawk’s long journey to find the culprits who are hell-bent for more power no matter the cost. I absolutely loved the entire book. I felt as though I was there witnessing everything.

A lot happens that tidies up the previous books while at the same time hinting at another mission for the males. Al the characters I loved throughout the series show up in this one to help with the fight but not without casualties. The battles were intense at times yet at the same time the group splits up to go about different things and of course we are along for the ride.

Adventurous, mysterious, action, drama, fantasy and a whole slew of other genres are all throughout this wonderfully written story. I could not stop reading until the very end. It had me hooked from the first page of the first book and continued well into this story. This is a must read in order series as each book continues where the previous book leaves off.

Highly recommended for all.

Better With Bacon by Matthew Lang

Title: Better With Bacon

Series: Perchance to Dream 06

Author: Matthew Lang

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (95 Pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (February 22, 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: When Patrick’s long-term girlfriend Li Ling dumps him just as he’s working up the nerve to propose, he ends up drunk on David’s couch—and later in David’s bed. Although initially reluctant to pursue anything beyond a one-time drunken tryst, David throws caution to the wind during an intimate dinner, where the two men also discuss Patrick’s dream of entering the food industry. Just as the friends-turned-lovers are settling into their new romance, Li Ling calls Patrick—she’s pregnant.

Convinced the announcement spells the end of their love affair and a return to their platonic friendship, David flees to Sydney to escape his heartbreak. But upon his return to Melbourne, David discovers the situation hasn’t gone the way he’d expected. There might still be a chance for David and Patrick’s dreams to come true if they can forgive each other’s mistakes and move forward.

ISBN: 978-1-63477-812-1

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/better-with-bacon-by-matthew-lang-8180-b

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Matthew Lang is a new author for me but when I first saw the title, I just knew I had to read it. Let’s face it everything is better with bacon, so how could this story go wrong. The characters are very quirky and gave me a good surprise. At first I wasn’t too sure, because Patrick had been in a relationship since high school with a girl. However it came to my attention that this guy is kinky.

Patrick’s long term girlfriend Li dumped his ass, so he heads to his best friend’s home to get over it. However after a few drinks Patrick lets it slip that he has always wondered what it would be like to be with a guy. Then around valentine’s Li Ling calls to say she is pregnant. Well poor David runs for the hills, well he actually went to Australia but close enough. Then he comes home, and well you are just going to have to read the book to find out what happens.

This story has a serious tone to it, but damn if there were not areas that had me laughing my ass off. I didn’t much care for a certain part of it, but I don’t want to ruin the story or the surprise. Trust me you are going to have a blast with this story.

I definitely recommend this book to everyone. It was fun to read and I can’t wait to see what other books this author has out.

Skythane by J. Scott Coatsworth

Title: Skythane

Author: J. Scott Coatsworth

Genre: Science Fiction

Length: Novel (244 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (February 17, 2017)

Heat Level: Low – Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Jameson Havercamp, a psych from a conservative religious colony, has come to Oberon—unique among the Common Worlds—in search of a rare substance called pith. He’s guided through the wilds on his quest by Xander Kinnson, a handsome, cocky skythane with a troubled past.

Neither knows that Oberon is facing imminent destruction. Even as the world starts to fall apart around them, they have no idea what’s coming—or the bond that will develop between them as they race to avert a cataclysm.

Together, they will journey to uncover the secrets of this strange and singular world, even as it takes them beyond the bounds of reality itself to discover what truly binds them together..

ISBN-13: 978-1-63533-404-3

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/skythane-by-j-scott-coatsworth-8154-b

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: Two men taken to safety as children will come together twenty five years later to save the world. Xander is a Skythane. He’s had a hard life. Abused at the hands of a diabolical man’s hands he is saved one day by Alix who cherishes and nurtures him until Alix disappears.

Jameson grew up in a religious home and became a psych. He helps people as is what he’s always wanted to do. The time comes when he is tasked to find out where a drug called Pith comes from. It will be a journey fraught with revelations and danger, spanning decades of memories.

The twists and turns and the buried memories were spellbinding to witness. This book had it all. Drama, mystery, suspense, a corrupt corporation, a world on the brink of destruction, characters that added insight to the ever growing mystery as to what it going on, and two men who discover who they truly are and what they are destined for. Simply put this was a fascinating story that grabs your attention from the start.

I absolutely loved, loved, loved this story. If I could rate it more than a five I would. The Skythane people were described beautifully as well as the worlds themselves. It was so elaborate that I felt as though I was there every step of the way. It was an amazing story from start to finish.

Highly recommended for all.

Skythane by J. Scott Coatsworth Blog Tour, Guest Post, Excerpt & Review!

Hi guys, we have J. Scott Coatsworth stopping by today with the tour for his new release Skythane, we have a fantastic guest post where Scott chats about his world building, we have a great excerpt and Shorty’s review, so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~

Skythane

J. Scott Coatsworth

Jameson Havercamp, a psych from a conservative religious colony, has come to Oberon—unique among the Common Worlds—in search of a rare substance called pith. He’s guided through the wilds on his quest by Xander Kinnison, a handsome, cocky wing man with a troubled past.

Together, they will journey to uncover the secrets of this strange and singular world, even as it takes them beyond the bounds of reality itself to discover what truly binds them together.

Continue reading “Skythane by J. Scott Coatsworth Blog Tour, Guest Post, Excerpt & Review!” →

Poppy's Secret by Andrew Grey

Title: Poppy’s Secret

Series: Dreamspun Desires #28

Author: Andrew Grey

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (190 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (15 Feb 2017)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: A second chance born of love.

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

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

ISBN: 978-1-63533-145-5

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/poppys-secret-by-andrew-grey-8070-b

Reviewer: Prime

Review: For me Andrew Grey is always a go to on my list of authors I must read. He has a way with emotion and getting the reader (or at least me) to connect to his characters’ emotions with his magical use of words. Poppy’s Secret is no exception to this, even if the secret only one layer of many that function in the book to keep our MCs apart until they, essentially, get their shit together. I also love how Andrew Grey weaves in themes of love and family – often with a child character who is being raised by a strong single father until the love interest enters the picture.

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

This is a wonderful story of everlasting love, strength and reunion. Andrew Grey fans will not be disappointed, this one reminds me in part of some of the installments from his Senses series, which I adore.

Warlock in Training by T.J. Nichols

Title: Warlock in Training

Series: Studies in Demonology # 1

Author: T.J. Nichols

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal

Length: Novel (226 pages)

Publisher: DSP Publications (February 14, 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Angus Donohue doesn’t want to be a warlock. He believes draining demons for magic is evil, but it’s a dangerous opinion to have—his father is a powerful and well-connected warlock, and Angus is expected to follow the family tradition.

His only way out is to fail the demon summoning class. Failure means expulsion from the Warlock College. Despite Angus’s best efforts to fumble the summoning, it works. Although not the way anyone expects.

Angus’s demon, Saka, is a powerful mage with his own need for a warlock.

Saka wants to use Angus in a ritual to rebalance the magic that is being stripped from Demonside by warlocks. If Angus survives his demon’s desires and the perils of Demonside, he’ll have to face the Warlock College and their demands.

Angus must choose: obey the College and forget about Demonside or trust Saka and try to fix the damage before it’s too late. Whatever he does, he is in the middle of a war he isn’t qualified to fight.

ISBN-13: 978-1-63533-267-4

Product Link: https://www.dsppublications.com/books/warlock-in-training-by-tj-nichols-353-b

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: Demonside and Humanside are in trouble. Both dimensions are changing at a rapid pace due to too much magic being taken from demonside and none being given back. Demonside is becoming hotter while humanside is becoming colder. The warlock’s in training at the college are being lied to by someone wanting power no matter the cost.

Saka is a mage demon. He is angry that his lover Kitu was taken, never to return. Saka has waited a long time to be able to cross the void and take a warlock to his side as the demons cannot open the void from demonside. The day comes when Angus opens it. Angus does not want to be a warlock. But his father has pushed him to go to the college. His only chance is by failing the test which goes horribly wrong and results in him being taken to demonside.

Once there Angus learns what has been happening and agrees to help as much as he can. Amid lies, deception and deceit on the warlock’s side there comes danger at every turn. Not knowing who to trust in a world full of people hell-bent on keeping secrets no matter the cost. The whole story intrigued me. I found myself swept up in a story that I thought would be a good read but was so much more.

Passion, deception, betrayal, mystery, suspense are all throughout this riveting story of two men wanting to save two worlds and those that would stop them to keep all the power for themselves. I am looking forward to seeing what else happens as the series progresses.

Highly recommended.

Letters From Cupid by Ari McKay (2nd Edition)

Title: Letters From Cupid (2^nd Edition)

Author: Ari McKay

Genre: Contemporary, Holiday

Length: Novella (94 Pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (February 14, 2017)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: After breaking up with his partner, English professor Dr. Derek Chandler feels like a failure who will never win at romance. His aloof colleague, Dr. Macon Pinney, disagrees and pens an anonymous note of encouragement to Derek, which he signs “Cupid.” Thus begins an exchange of correspondence, a courtship through words where the two men find out they have a great deal in common. Meanwhile, Derek reaches out to Macon, not knowing Macon is his anonymous pen pal. Derek reveals through his letters that someone close by has piqued his interest. Could he mean Macon—or has Macon missed his opportunity and lost Derek to another man?

Perhaps the time has come for Cupid to put in an appearance, and when better to do so than Valentine’s Day?

First Edition published by Torquere Press, 2015.

ISBN: 978-1-63533-455-6

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/letters-from-c

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Macon hadn’t meant to listen in, but when he heard Derek talk about his breakup, he felt that he should help the man. Playing cupid, he started with a sweet letter of encouragement and it has taken on pretty well. He just hadn’t expected for Derek to answer.

This is a very enjoyable little story about two very sexy guys finding love, with cupid’s hep of course. I think Ari has given us a pretty good book for this special holiday. Valentine’s day is not far away so this little story just fit pretty good. I haven’t read many stories around this day, so it was a nice surprise. I loved how Macon is so damn shy, but he stepped out of his comfort zone to help another, and got exactly what he needed also. It is a slow burn romance that ended perfectly.

Although I do have to say these two and their language was a blast, but I am still not going to read Shakespeare any time soon. It is a very sweet story and I got a kick out of our cutie pies. It is a bit cheesy but perfect all in all. I had a lot of fun reading this and look forward to reading many more stories by this amazing author.

Jerricho's Freedom by Jake C. Wallace (2nd Edition)

Title: Jerricho’s Freedom (2^nd Edition)

Author: Jake C. Wallace

Genre: Angels & Demons, Urban Fantasy

Length: Novel (334 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (13^th February 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: As prince of the Anzuni demon clan, Jerricho’s entire life has been planned for him. At twenty-five, he will become the crown prince of the Anzuni, marry a man chosen by his parents, and bear his husband’s children all without choice. If that wasn’t enough, he must remain a virgin until his wedding night. To do otherwise would spark an unimaginable scandal.

With only ten months until his twenty-fifth birthday, the walls close in on Jerry, and the realization that he will lose his small apartment, his job at the library, and his freedom hits hard. But that’s nothing compared to losing the man he loves. Rex is a smart and sexy construction foreman with a keen interest in demon “mythology.” When Jerry and Rex give in to spending one night together, their indiscretion can’t be kept secret for long. But that’s only the beginning of their problems.

Someone wants to harness the power of Jerry’s bloodline and his ability to conceive—someone with designs on horrifying experiments, sex slavery, and murder. Jerry and Rex are at the mercy of power-hungry sadists. With no one left to trust, they must fight for each other, their freedom—and their unborn child.

First Edition published by Amber Quill Press/Amber Allure, 2015.

ISBN: 978-1-63533-308-4

Reviewer: Shorty

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/jerrichos-freedom-by-jake-c-wallace-8145-b

Review: So far I have loved every book I have read by Jake C. Wallace and this book was most certainly not a disappointment. This book was a fantastic addition to already great books by this author. It has everything a reader could want; romance, danger, mystery, action with quite a few twists and turns throughout for added intrigue.

Jerricho was stuck by tradition and I felt angry on his behalf that he couldn’t marry for love. It broke my heart at some scenes in the book that had to do with kidnapping and what happened to those individuals. I loved Jerry’s character. Rex is a sexy foreman and Jerricho’s boss. These two set the pages on fire with their passion for one another. These two grew so much that I was amazed with them by the end of the book.

It was great being introduced to a character and trying to figure out whether they were friend or foe to Jerricho and Rex. This story will have you on the edge of your seat and holding your breath at times awaiting the outcome. Fantastic and well written.

Absolutely loved this amazing story. Highly recommended.

A Face Without A Heart by Rick R. Reed (4th Edition)

Title: A Face without a Heart (4^th Edition)

Author: Rick R. Reed

Genre: Fantasy, Horror

Length: Novel (200 pages)

Publisher: DSP Publications (January 31, 2017)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: A modern-day and thought-provoking retelling of Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray that esteemed horror magazine Fangoria called “…abook that is brutally honest with its reader and doesn’t flinch in the areas where Wilde had to look away…. A rarity: a really well-done update that’s as good as its source material.”

A beautiful young man bargains his soul away to remain young and handsome forever, while his holographic portrait mirrors his aging and decay and reflects every sin and each nightmarish step deeper into depravity… even cold-blooded murder. Prepare yourself for a compelling tour of the darkest sides of greed, lust, addiction, and violence.

First Edition paperback published by Design Image Group, 2000.

Second Edition paperback published by iUniverse/Back in Print, 2006.

First Edition eBook published by Bristlecone Press, 2009.

ISBN-13: 978-1-63533-263-6

Product Link: https://www.dsppublications.com/books/a-face-without-a-heart-by-rick-r-reed-350-b

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: Having read the story and seen the movies about Dorian Gray I was not sure what to expect with this book. It was thought provoking and intriguing as we learn Liam is the artist that paints the picture that ages. Liam was intriguing yet at times seemed a little to absorbed in his own world which I expected. Upon meeting Gary, someone who I didn’t like to begin with, he insists on painting his portrait.

Gary is what I would call self centered and arrogant. He knows he looks good. When he sells his soul in order to stay young his life takes a downhill turn. Drugs, murder, mayhem and mystery surround Gary as we follow him down his own rabbit hole.

The details of the different scenes throughout were well written and thought out. I felt as though I was actually there witnessing what was happening. The story grabs the reader from the start and does not let go until the very end. It was a fantastic story that I enjoyed very much.

Working It by Christine d'Abo

Title: Working It

Series: Ringside Romance #1

Author: Christine d’Abo

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (247 pages)

Publisher: Riptide Publishing (February 6th 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Nolan Carmichael is getting a fresh start—new career, new company, new life. The only problem is, he liked his old life just fine . . . until an accident robbed him of his health, his job, his self-confidence, and his ability to go out in public without having anxiety attacks.

Zack Anderson has scared away his last four administrative assistants. So when he hires Nolan on a whim, he’s not too worried, since Nolan will be gone within the week anyway. Two weeks later, Nolan has made himself indispensable, completely reforming Zack’s schedule, life . . . and libido.

But in a company already torn by internal politics, one wrong step could ruin both their careers. And not only are they working to reopen Ringside Gym, Zack’s retreat when he was a troubled teen, but they also can’t help themselves falling for each other. If only the rest of their lives could go as smoothly as things do when they’re alone together.

ISBN: 9781626495210

Product Link: http://riptidepublishing.com/titles/working-it

Reviewer: Aerin

Review: This book had me at the blurb because of my huge weakness for grumpy alpha males with a permanent chip on their shoulder.

Zack was pretty much exactly as I expected, a man with anger issues, lacking social behavior, someone who’s feared and hated rather than loved, but also someone with a huge heart and a marshmallow core. Zack’s job as a CTO is not something he’s ever planned on and it’s definitely not something he enjoys, but it allows him to secretly continue his plans to restore and re-open the gym that saved his life as a teen, and to keep alive the memory of the man who helped Zack learn to manage his anger. Ringside Gym is the only thing that Zack cares about, and he’ll stop at nothing to rebuild its legacy to offer LGBT teens a safe place to manage their anger issues and blow off some steam.

Nolan Carmichael has been recovering from a severe car accident for the past two years, and he’s more than ready to take charge of his life again. Getting a job he’s overqualified for is not a problem, as long as he can get past his severe anxiety and panic attacks. PTSD’s a bitch, but he’s determined to conquer it. His job interview doesn’t go exactly as planned, and he ends up becoming the PA of the most feared man in the entire company; Zack’s reputation certainly doesn’t make Nolan’s future with the company very promising.

Nolan and Zack are very different from each other, but they work very well together by complementing each other perfectly. I loved how the budding chemistry made their interactions that much more intense. Despite the odds stacked against them, Nolan and Zack become a pretty strong duo; once they decide the chemistry between them is worth exploring, there are plenty of scorching moments to enjoy. I loved how they each worked to win the other’s trust and how they never gave up on each other, not even when things got hard and the odds seemed stacked against them.

I could probably find a few flaws and things to complain about, but I’m content and happy with how this book ended. I hope this series continues with Max’s story, because he seems like a pretty important character and I’d love to learn more about him.

Darkness Rising by Dirk Greyson

Title: Darkness Rising

Series: Yellowstone Wolves #3

Author: Dirk Greyson

Genre: Paranormal

Length: Novel (200 Pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (February 6, 2017)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: The last thing Tobias, alpha of the small Greenview Pack, expects is to find a lost human asleep in his storage building. As soon as he sets eyes on Pete, Tobias knows they are destined mates. But he cannot act on his attraction, no matter how much he feels compelled. Exposure to the human world could mean the end of their way of life, so he decides to help Pete get a room until he can reunite with the tour group he separated from.

But Tobias’s disgraced half brother, Zev, has other ideas. He takes a liking to Pete and decides he wants what Tobias has—both his position as pack leader and his mate. Tobias can’t let that happen, but protecting Pete means keeping him close, which only increases the mounting tensions between them.

Duty, protection, desire, and secrecy clash as the darkness within Zev rises to the surface, and only Tobias can save his mate—even if he never plans to tell Pete that’s what they are.

ISBN: 978-1-63476-416-6

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/darkness-rising-by-dirk-greyson-8122-b

Reviewer: Lisa

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

Now even though this has the guys from the first two, this is actually a story about another pack. Pete is a city boy all the way around, but his best friend talked him into going on a trip to the country so to speak. However Roger ended up getting sick and Pete was on his own. He just hadn’t expected it to mean he was stuck going on a hike. A hike that ended up with him lost.

Tobias’s finds the sexy human in one of his barns, but realizes that this man is his mate. A mate that is from New York, and fears that no one in his pack would accept him. Or maybe he was afraid that his mate wouldn’t want to stick around. To top it off Tobias’s have brother Zev is causing trouble once more. Zev is the son of the wolf that caused problems for the other packs. One of the dark ones and you can tell that it is deep in Zev as well. Now if you want the juicy details, well pick up the book.

I can guarantee that you won’t be disappointed at all. This is a fascinating story that is very unique. I love the energy that you can see from these wolves. Although I think I would have smacked Tobias upside the head a couple of times. It is an action packed story with some very hot little scenes in it. I do hope that there is more to this series because it is a total hit with me.

I had a lot of fun and I would definitely recommend it.

Wolfmanny by Julia Talbot

Title: Wolfmanny

Series: Nose To Tails INC 01

Author: Julia Talbot

Genre: Paranormal, Ménage

Length: Novel (216 Pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (February 6, 2017)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Three hot werewolves, sexual tension thick enough to cut with a knife, an impending Colorado winter, and a rambunctious pack of werewolf pups. Stand back and watch the fur fly.

When Kenneth Marcon loses his nanny to a bite from one of his inherited kids, he knows he needs someone strong to contain five werewolf children. What he finds isn’t a stalwart nanny, but a werewolf manny named Jack. Kenneth and his assistant, Miles, aren’t sure if Jack is what they need, but he’s what they have to work with.

Jack’s got what it takes to keep the kids busy—and attract both Miles’s and Kenneth’s attention. The two old friends have been circling each other for years, but with Jack as the final piece to the puzzle, it’s time to finally act on those urges. When Kenneth is forced to travel instead of solidifying the bond with his new mates, Jack and Miles take desperate measures to get him back, even as they save the kids from one disaster after another. Amidst the chaos, they have to learn how to become not just a pack, but a family.

ISBN: 978-1-63533-287-2

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/wolfmanny-by-julia-talbot-8124-b

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Kenneth need help and fast. When his sister passed, her husband dumped their children onto him. Now he had five children that he was raising. He wasn’t doing to bad, but he did need some help. The alpha wolf of their pack, he was always busy trying to do things. When Monie bit the nanny, he knew he needed a predator for a nanny. He just hadn’t expected Jack.

Kenneth and Miles have always been close, but never over stepped the boundaries. It took Jack to make them see that they were all three mates. However bonding never does go the way it is supposed to. Kenneth is forced to go overseas to deal with a merger, but the time he is gone makes the others realize that they needed to step in. If you want to know more juicy details, especially the hot sex… well you will have to read the book.

I have got to tell you that the title rocked. It was what caught my attention and made me want to read the book. I hadn’t even read the blurb at the time. This story is funny as hell but there are some serious scenes in it as well. This is a pack but it is also a family. It is very entertaining and is a fresh new outlook with shifters. I loved the world that was created by this author and would love to read more about this group.

I had a lot of fun with it, although I have to say that I think the author could have done a better job with Ally’s two little brothers. I didn’t care for that part at all and it almost had me putting the book down. Other than that, the book was quite enjoyable. I hope that there will be a second book in which Gunny might find his mate as well as Zak. I can guarantee that this book will be a hit with you.

I would definitely recommend it.

The Worst Best Man by M.J. O'Shea

Title: Worst Best Man

Series: Dreamspun Desires 27

Author: MJ O’Shea

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (208 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (1 Feb 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: It was her special day… but his worst nightmare.

A rekindled romance wasn’t part of the plan.

Despite his American background, August O’Leary is the most sought-after wedding planner in London. Naturally, Libby and Edward come to him for a wedding the city will never forget. But Edward is an international businessman, so the details are left to Libby and her best friend—who happens to be the love of August’s life and the one who broke his heart eight years ago: Christopher Burke.

How’s August supposed to pull off the event of the year with Christopher distracting him and old feelings crashing the party uninvited?

Christopher has let money and status dictate his life, but no more. His failure to stand up to others’ expectations cost him his future with August—one he hoped would include marriage. Now he has to face August’s hurt and anger and prove he’s still the best man to make August happy.

ISBN: 978-1-63533-143-1

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/the-worst-best-man-by-mj-oshea-8000-b

Reviewer: Prime

Review: Worst Best Man is the best kind of second chance story. Recently, I’ve discovered the joy of multiple MJ O’Shea stories, so I was really looking forward to reading this one. I am so pleased that I was not at all disappointed. You have two guys who had found love with each other when they were in university, but a stupid mistake had one leaving. Now years later they have their second chance. It’s a simple premise but it was executed so well.

Out two main characters are August O’Leary and Christopher Burke. August has been living in London since he first left the States to attend university. Now he is an events planner at one of the most prestigious firms, which gets all the rich and powerful clients. There is a lot of opportunity for August too because an office is being opened in New York and that could mean not only a promotion but returning to the States to be closer to his family.

While in Uni, he had met and fallen in love with Christopher Burke. Christopher comes from a privileged family. They have lots of money, the English country estate – the whole shebang. When Christopher’s parent catch wind of his relationship with an American (with no money or significant social ties) … well, you get the point. That is why we pick up where August is the event planner and has been hired to plan the wedding of Christopher’s best friend. Now with his foot in the door, so to speak, Christopher will do anything he can to get the love of his life back.

Yes, this is a rather common plot for this type of story. However, it is still a sweet romance with a lot of heart and emotion. Both guys, even ridiculously rich Christopher, are easily related to.

Inheritance by Sean Michael (3rd Edition)

Title: Inheritance (3^rd Edition)

Author: Sean Michael

Genre: Gay Erotic Romance, Contemporary

Length: Short (80 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (1^st February 2017)

Heat Level: Hot

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Cash McCord’s life is pretty much perfect. He owns the family ranch, loves his work, and invites the occasional cowboy into his bed. But everything is turned upside down when his brother Jack and Jack’s wife Val are killed in a car crash, leaving behind six kids.

Cash is made guardian of the children, along with Val’s brother, Brad Rafferty—a man who couldn’t be more different from Cash if he tried. A Yankee, Brad is a video-game developer who works twelve-to-fourteen-hour days at his desk. They lock horns as soon as they set eyes on each other. Neither man is happy to have the other around, but neither is willing to give up custody of his nieces and nephews.

It’s up to these two polar opposites to keep the kids together and give them a family again. But first they’ll have to keep from killing each other.

First Edition published as Inheritance in Family Matters by Torquere Press, 2008.

Second Edition published by Torquere Press, 2013.

ISBN: 978-1-63477-636-3

Purchase Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/inheritance-by-sean-michael-8115-b

Reviewer: Veronica

Review: It’s very sad knowing that kids are always dealt the bad end of the stick when both parents have died in an automobile accident. The sadness, the questions (why?) and what will happen to us? Cash’s brother and Brad’s sister have both died in a car accident and have left 6 kids behind and their will stipulates that both of them are now co-guardians of the children. Cash owns the family ranch in Texas and Brad works as a Video Game Developer and lives three thousand miles away from Cash’s home in Texas.

Cash wants to take the kids back home to his ranch to live and Brad wants them to live in the house where they lived before the accident that killed their parents. He doesn’t want to up root their lives. Neither men can come to a decision regarding the kids and one night after a heated argument and they fought, it leads to a night of passion. After their passionate night, they’ve decided how and where the kids will live, but they still have a big obstacle in their way. Brad’s mother. Will they be able to dismantle the plans that Brad’s mother have to take the kids from them, or will the kids loose another set of parents to their grandmother’s bigoted hatred.

Thick & Thin by Charlie Cochet

Title: Thick & Thin

Series: THIRDS #8

Author: Charlie Cochet

Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal

Length: Novella (95 Pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (February 1, 2017)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: In a matter of days, Dex has been kidnapped, tortured, killed, revived, become half Therian, offered the chance to become a spy, and accepted a proposal to marry his jaguar Therian boyfriend, Sloane Brodie. It’s been a lot to take in, and although Dex is still trying to wrap his head around everything that’s happened, he knows he has to move forward.

After the events of Smoke & Mirrors, Dex and Sloane find themselves in one of the most frightening situations of all: revealing the truth to their Destructive Delta family. When the dust settles, nothing will ever be the same, and it’s up to Dex to prove that in the face of change, the one thing that will always remain the same is family.

ISBN: 978-1-63533-389-3

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/thick-thin-by-charlie-cochet-8114-b

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, I would recommend reading the series in sequential order.

I have had the pleasure of reading many, many books over my years and have come to cherish quite a bit of them. When I came across Charlie’s books, I started with the audible books first. There was just something about listening to them, that I knew I had to grab the books and start reading them. Now there are times that I feel like I have missed something big, but it never bothered me with these stories.

The characters are fully developed and let’s just say that if they were here I would definitely jump them. Now I have my favorites but I will let you figure that out. The world that this author has created is unique and very different then many I have read. For that I appreciate something fresh to read. Most of the time I hate stories that have lasted past three books but this one has all of our sexy characters showing up and telling their story so to speak.

Dex had been kidnapped, killed, revived, visited his families grave and his adopted dad shot in the chest. All this happened within two days, and Dex is fed up with it. He doesn’t trust Sparks and knows she is up to something, guess we will have to wait and see what it is. He is also now part Therian or should I say half and things are starting to show for it. Oh and the big news, well guess you are going to have to read the book for that.

This story is action packed, full of excitement and suspense, and let’s not forget our men and women are in danger once more. I enjoyed reading this and cannot wait to read more about our sexy members of Destructive Delta. Way to go Charlie, this book was a hit. I would definitely recommend this series.

Destination, Wedding! by Xavier Mayne

Title: Destination, Wedding!

Series: Brandt and Donnelly Caper #6

Author: Xavier Mayne

Genre: Contemporary, Mystery, Suspense

Length: Novel (400 Pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (January 30, 2017)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: State troopers Ethan Brandt and Gabriel Donnelly are finally going to get their storybook wedding—sailing on an ocean liner to a castle in the English countryside! But when an Icelandic volcano scrambles flights all over the world, they must find alternate routes to the altar—separately.

Donnelly meets Sandler Birkin, a globetrotting courier who specializes in carrying rare artifacts and diplomatic pouches. He pulls a few strings to get Donnelly to the ship on time and then accompanies him across the Atlantic. Donnelly returns the favor by helping to find Sandler’s long-lost first love, Trevor Hendricks. Trevor’s controlling, homophobic parents have brought him to Europe for a radical treatment to cure him of his homosexuality—and his love for Sandler.

Brandt, meanwhile, finagles his way around the globe with the help of Kerry Mercer, a sales executive whose spirit of adventure leads her to accompany him on his improvised journey. However, sharing hotel rooms with her presents a problem for Brandt who, despite being about to marry a man, still finds her attractive.

Once Brandt and Donnelly are reunited, they band together with Kerry and Sandler to plot Trevor’s rescue. But doing so might mean missing their own wedding.

ISBN: 978-1-63533-198-1

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/destination-wedding-by-xavier-mayne-8110-b

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Xavier Mayne is one hell of an author. When his first book in this series came out, I jumped to get it. From that point on he has been one of my top favorite authors of all time. His stories are full of excitement, suspense, danger, and a laugh a minute. I loved the world he created for these wonderful characters and let’s just say that if there were men out there like this I would definitely jump them.

Ethan and Gabriel have been friends for some time, after a case they became lovers. The funny part was each of these guys were straight, although Gabe seemed to be interested in other men before. We also met Bryce and Nestor, the perfect friends and well let’s just say they are a fun group of men. They knew from the beginning that our sexy troopers would end up together, and they were sure to help them along the way. Now in this particular book it is wedding time.

Ethan was to speak to a group about gay rights, whereas Gabe stayed at home to continue planning their storybook wedding. They were to sail on a beautiful ship to arrive at their destination and to be married in a castle. The only problem was a volcano that erupted. No flights to the east coast. Now it gets fun. Each man must find a way to get to New York. Ethan gets help from a sexy young woman named Kerry. Their trip heads to Mexico to catch a flight over seas. Instead of the cruise he knew he couldn’t make, he was going to be there to meet his soon to be husband. Now Gabe on the other hand go help from a globetrotting carrier. Sandler was going to help him get to New York by train. Sounds like fun. Now Bryce and Nestor was not going to miss their friends get married, so they flew the opposite way. Let you figure that one out on your own.

Gabe and Sandler became good friends, and he learned about Sandler a bit more. How his one true love had been injured in a car accident when they were younger. Sandler had not been hurt, but the love of his life had been. Too bad Trevor’s family was the worst; they were controlling and very homophobic. So Sandler had no clue if he died or if he was alive, this is where Gabe steps in. Now they must find a way to help them. But it might just make them miss their own wedding. But you are in for a surprise, but it isn’t one you expect. This is one full blast of crazy.

I absolutely loved how this series just rolls together. When I grabbed this book, well let’s just say I had to go back to book one and start all over again. I loved the surprises that went with this story, although, I didn’t much care for Ethan’s reaction to Kerry. That seemed to put a downer in the story for me. Made me wonder, but let’s just say the ending proved to be perfect.

I had a lot of fun reading this story and can guarantee that you will too. I can’t wait for the next step of these guys love for each other. Way to go Xavier, you have given me another perfect story.

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Darkness

Kate Sherwood

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Skythane

J. Scott Coatsworth

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