Hi peeps, we have Rick R. Reed popping in today to celebrate his new re-release A Face Without A Heart, we have a great excerpt, a fantastic giveaway and Shorty’s review, so check out the post and click that giveaway link! <3 ~Pixie~
A Face Without A Heart
by
Rick R. Reed
A modern-day and thought-provoking retelling of Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray that esteemed horror magazine Fangoria called “…a book 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.
Blurb: Can cats and dogs ever get along, let alone fall in love?
Sam knows you can never go home again. As an orphaned feline shifter raised by wolves, being an outcast is nothing new to him. But the pack is still his family, and when one of them passes away, Sam returns to the New Mexico desert to say good-bye.
Gus is a loner who rarely returns to his pack, but as fate would have it, Sam is there when he chooses to visit. The history between Gus and Sam is tumultuous, to say the least, but when Gus gets an eyeful of the grown-up and gorgeous version of his childhood bully, he can’t control his reaction. And he isn’t alone.
The attraction is powerful, but so are their differences. And with trouble brewing in the pack and danger surrounding them, Sam and Gus might not have the opportunity to seek common ground.
This action-packed shifter novel is the ultimate opposites attract and enemies-to-lovers romance, and it includes a bonus novella, In the Dog House.
Review: When I first saw this book on the list, I thought the title very quirky and fun. However I wasn’t paying attention to what kind of book it was going to be. So when I started reading you can imagine my surprise at some of the words they called each other and the scratching. So I ran to the site to take a look at the blurb, and from there did the happy dance of the century.
This is a very unique shifter story that was very surprising to say the least. Where one of the families in the pack loves to take in strays but the pack is a bit full of asshats. Sam is a cat shifter who is one hell of a dancer and lives in the city because the pack is not really into shifters unlike them during the moon. He had to be locked into the basement during those times, but now he doesn’t have to be. He knows that he will never be safe coming home, but when his ma called about pop’s death he came home.
Gus is a wolf shifter and a bit of a loner. He loves to dig in dirt for some nice gems. He never really gave Sam the time of day other than to pick on him. But in his heart he knew that was because he wanted Sam and he knew it would never be allowed. Then he sees Sam for the first time in a very long time, and damn if the man isn’t hot. Danger seems to follow Sam everywhere and he has always felt that he would never belong. It looks to be like Gus might just be willing to help. If you want to know more then read the book, you won’t be disappointed.
Now I have to admit that I didn’t much care for the pack dynamics or the other cat shifter’s attitudes. It wasn’t as fun as the title made it seem to be though. Other than those minor problems, this book rocked. I can’t wait to read the rest of this series.
Blurb: Darwin Michael’s is living his dreams in the Mile High City. While Denver offers the perfect job, scrumptious dining, and whirlwind dating options, Darwin is losing hope he’ll find the right man to spark his interest for more than a one-night stand—until he sets eyes on Cody Russell.
Cody has just accomplished his life’s goal—get the hell out of Kansas. In one fell swoop, he lands a job at Hamburger Mary’s and gets a newfound family and the chance to be with other gay people! All that’s missing is someone special. But when Darwin shows his interest, Cody is sure it’s too good to be true. After all, what can Darwin possibly see in the high school dropout serving him nachos?
As Darwin falls in love, Cody struggles to realize his worth. When his past threatens the fragile life he is building, Cody spirals into a moment of dark desperation. But Darwin is determined to show Cody that love and family and home are there for him… will Cody accept what is offered?
Review: I have heard many things about this author’s work but never really stopped to look at one. So imagine my surprise when I started reading this story. Let’s just say that I am off to buy all of this amazing man’s work. Wow, sexy men are at the top of the list.
Darwin has been in the dating scene for a while now, but this latest date makes him want to give it all up. However one look at the sexy waiter has him changing his mind. Poor Cody has finally gotten his dream. He has left his nasty parents and moved away from Kansas. He is working at Hamburger Mary’s and let’s just say the people there rock. He likes Darwin but never expected the man to want him back. This is one story that you need to read if you want the details.
I had a lot of fun reading this and can’t wait to read the next book in this series. Cody is an absolute doll and one that everyone will love. Darwin is sweet and has his eye on the man all the way. The characters are all quirky and so much fun. I find that this is probably going to be read many times over. I can admit that some of the story had me in tears.
It caught my attention from the moment I started reading and kept it all the way to the end. For such a small story it is fully packed with a lot of tasty treats. Way to go Brandon Witt, keep the books a coming.
Blurb: Agent Jonah Pratt heads the Secret Service team guarding the President’s husband. When a routine day turns into a dangerous assassination attempt, the stranger who dives into the melee and takes down the assassin complicates the situation, sparking Jonah’s anger.
Just back from multiple tours of duty in Iraq, Benji hides the fact that he brought the war home with him and that it continues to haunt him. His actions in stopping the would-be assassin are more instinct than strategy. And his first conversation with a furious Jonah doesn’t end well.
Losing a member of his team turns Jonah’s world upside down. And if Benji seems to know exactly what Jonah is experiencing, it’s because he went through the same thing in combat. Jonah’s work consumes him, leaving little room in his life for anything else, and Benji focuses on his studies, working to keep his nightmares at bay. But when they get together, Jonah and Benji recognize a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for love and happiness—one worth fighting for.
Review: I haven’t had the chance to read any books by this author, but I can honestly say that I will be grabbing them all if they are like this one. Very entertaining, fully rounded story with sexy men. I also liked the fact that in this book the President is not only male but a gay man with a husband, if that was only true in the real world.
It was a very action packed story with some suspense to it. I also liked that it wasn’t your ordinary love story but that the guys had to work at it a bit. It felt more real like then one would expect and I enjoyed that even more. Two strong men whose hearts are on their sleeves is a great feel for me.
Jonah was the head secret service for not the president but for his husband. When there is an attack on them, it was a stranger who managed to save the day. Boy did that piss him off, but more from the fact that he was still in shock at the loss of his best friend.
Benji has served multiple terms in Iraq, only to come home with PTSD and flash backs. It makes him feel week when it happens. He recognizes when someone is grieving and Jonah needed his help in more ways than one. Things heat up fast, but when Jonah is shot in the line of duty, it will take everything in his powers to show the man that he is loved.
Had to make the man work for it, that is perfect. I enjoyed reading this book and can guarantee that it will be read more than once. I truly loved the guys and the world that this author has created. It is a world that makes the world we live in better.
I had a lot of fun with this and can’t wait to see what other stories this author has out. Way to go Michael Murphy, it was a hit for me.
Hi guys, we have Victoria Sue popping in today with her fantastic new release The Alpha King, we have a fabulous exclusive excerpt, a brilliant giveaway and Shorty’s review, so check out the post and leave a comment to enter the giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~
The Alpha King
by
Victoria Sue
The Kingdom of Askara has been torn apart by conflict for centuries, where humans exist as subservient beings to their werewolf masters. Legend says it will only be able to heal itself when an Alpha King and a pure omega are mated and crowned together, but a pure omega hasn’t been born in over a thousand years.
Luca is an Alpha-heir eagerly awaiting the choosing ceremony on his twenty-fifth birthday and the gifts granted by whichever omega he mates. His small pack is destitute due to the decisions of its ruling council, but being only an Alpha-heir, he has no authority to challenge them. Not until now—this moment he has waited a long time for.
Kit grew up as a street-rat, an unlicensed human who would never be more than a slave for whichever master owns him. Then one day he came across a young Alpha-heir, attacked and dying of poison, and found out their fates were suddenly entwined.
Luca needs to take over his pack and save his people. He cannot afford to be distracted. But when he meets Kit, he develops abilities indicating he is not just a pack Alpha, but the King his world has needed for a thousand years.
Is Kit really the cause of Luca’s newfound power, the true mate he needs? How is it possible when the young man isn’t even a werewolf, and as merely a human, a mating is not only forbidden, but for Kit, a sentence of death?
Blurb: Jamie’s pretty much an average gay teenager. He’s in the closet, has an unrequited secret crush on a fellow high school athlete, and an awful home life. It’s a good thing he has his friend Billy to distract him and to show him that being out has its benefits. Billy is everything Jamie isn’t: openly gay, wealthy enough to follow fashion trends, and with a social calendar full of dates with older men.
Then Jamie’s life spins into a downward spiral. Billy starts acting weird and hiding things from him. His stepfather’s abusive behavior escalates until Jamie dreads going home. His English teacher assigns him to tutor the object of his affection, gorgeous track star Dylan. Jamie’s not even sure he can talk to Dylan, let alone tutor him, and it’s impossible to talk to Billy about it. Billy’s too wrapped up in a dangerous game called bug chasing: trying to catch HIV. Billy’s risky behavior nearly shatters their friendship and forces Jamie to look at the world in a whole new way. Can Jamie keep Billy safe, stay on top of homework and a new boyfriend, and convince his mom to give his stepdad the heave-ho?
First edition published by Torquere Press in 2008.
I have not read any stories by this author so I wasn’t really sure what to expect. I do admit that if I was picking a story by the cover of a book, then I would not have picked it. The cover just doesn’t make a hit with me. Now normally I do not read any stories that have teens in them or where they are the main characters. They just seem to be missing what I want in a story. However for some reason I picked the story.
Jamie’s best friend is Billy and his crush is Dylan. Seventeen is such a hard age for anyone but especially for gay teens. His mother’s new husband is a homophobic ass and was one of the reasons he was in the closet. His best friend however is out and proud, but is a true idiot. Then there is Dylan and to Jamie’s shock he is also gay.
Billy has hooked up with someone older than he is and well let’s just say Billy is very young minded in away. He thinks that if he catches AIDS then Robbie will want him permanently; well you know how predators are. His step-dad is getting meaner and more abusive, but his mom has to wake up and see the smoke. Then there is Dylan and well if you want to know more, you have to read the book.
It is a very good book, very touching and will bring you to tears. However it is also very depressing and I can’t say that I found anything in it that I actually liked. For some reason it just doesn’t work with me, however I can see that it could possibly be a big hit for teenagers as it is about them pretty much. So for me it left me just depressed and I never want to read it again. It does talk about having AIDS, so be ready for it.
Other than my issues with it, if you are into teen stories that has pain and angst then this will be a big hit for you. If you know of any teenagers then you might want them to also read it.
Pixie’s Review: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4 ½ Hearts
Jamie is 17yrs old and has a massive crush on Dylan. His best friend Billy is acting a little strange and his step-dad is on this earth to make his life miserable.
Jamie has a lot on his plate as he struggles with his best friend’s actions; Dylan confessing to him and trying to get his mom to see what a waste of space his step-dad is. When Jamie hunts for Billy, Dylan offers to help him out. When Jamie finds out the truth behind Billy’s actions and is devastated, Dylan is there to offer comfort and support. When Dylan confesses why he is there for him, Jamie is over the moon. Jamie comes across as a young man who might not be the best at everything. Who might struggle in some areas but he knows who he is and although he hides it a lot, he knows he does and he really doesn’t believe that he is something he isn’t.
Dylan is a dumb jock or rather that’s what he wants people to believe. When he gets a chance to spend time with Jamie he grabs it with both hands. It’s not easy as he works through what he wants but when he nearly loses Jamie he decides that he can face anything if he’s with Jamie. Dylan comes across as slightly privileged but not full of himself and he seems to be a genuine young man who does think of others, although he struggles with what to do he isn’t stupid in what he says or his actions.
Billy is one screwed up young man. He thinks he’s in love and will do anything to be with that man; even if it means giving up his life. He hides what he is doing from Jamie and deserts Jamie when he realizes that Jamie just doesn’t understand that he is now truly happy… that is until reality sets in. Billy seems to be desperate to belong and completely screws up his life in the process. But when he turns to Jamie, Jamie is there to help him and advise him no matter how badly Billy acted or treated Jamie. True best friends.
This is a really well written story about young men who are finding themselves and making mistakes, but it is also about facing up to their actions and realizing that that it isn’t only them who are allowed to make mistakes. Some parts of this book had me laughing; some nearly crying and some filled me with pure joy. There are two scenes that I really loved and both of them took place at the school. They filled me with hope that somewhere, at some time, more people will act like this and it will become an everyday occurrence.
This is a perfect Y/A romance that I have to recommend you read if you already haven’t because it is wonderful.
Blurb: Theatre headliner Trevor Rowland is at the peak of his career when disaster strikes. In one fell swoop, he loses his eyesight, his fame, and his boyfriend, who absconds with most of his money. Trevor must take on a flatmate, hardworking East Ender Jack Burrows, to afford the rent. Anger and bitterness have taken up residence in his heart—but Jack shines light into the shadowy corners with his relentlessly sunny disposition.
Jack introduces Trevor to a local drag club and convinces him he can enjoy the stage again. Trevor’s defences slowly come down as Jack becomes much more than a barely tolerated roommate.
But will Trevor’s fragile trust be destroyed when it appears he’s been manipulated yet again by a man he’s come to care for? Will he reclaim his life or crawl back into a shell of defeat? Trevor must learn to trust not only a man, but himself, once more.
Review: Trevor had lost everything including his eyesight. Most of it was because of his creepy ex but he lost his eyesight from a blood clot in his head. He was a bitter man who had to take in a roommate just to afford a place to live. He had been at the peak of his acting career and was on the lines of depression and anger. However Jack just might be the best roommate ever.
Jack is a manager and cashier who looks at life around him with a good sign. He is falling for his roommate but he has to get thru his shell first. So when he takes him to a local drag club well let’s say things might be looking up.
Most of this story was so bizarre and the words were confusing. Whether it was the slang or what, it was just way too hard to get into. My mind kept leaving the story which for me is not a good thing. The way Jack spoke in this story made him come off as an idiot, even though you could tell he wasn’t one. The story just came off dull and lifeless to me. I hate to admit that I skimmed over most of the story just to get to the end. There was nothing that grabbed my attention and kept it.
This story had potential but I am afraid that it failed for me.
Blurb:Beauty is only skin deep, but some marks—and what they represent—are impossible to escape.
Eric resents his comfortable college life and the restrictions his family’s expectations put on him. Dwayne, his best friend Angel’s cousin, is a pierced and tattooed ex-con trying to rebuild his life. Eric sees only the tattoos and the way Dwayne’s upbringing have dictated his future. It takes a surprising revelation from Angel to force Eric to see past Dwayne’s defenses to the generous heart beneath and to realize it’s time for him to break free of his own instilled beliefs. The men can’t keep apart, and they gradually learn that everything they thought they knew about each other might be wrong.
Opposites attract as two men from very different backgrounds move from enemies to lovers in a story of understanding, compassion, and redemption.
This story was previously published through Pink Petal Books in 2011.
Review: Eric has been friends with Angel for quite some time. Dwayne is Angel’s cousin who has had a harsh life. He went to prison for something he did not do to protect someone he loved. Eric however just sees his tattoos and the fact that Dwayne is an ex-con. Angel helps him to learn that there is more to see in Dwayne.
At first I wasn’t really too sure about this story. It is about a young man changing his life around even though he was not guilty in the first place. Another to learn that what you see is not always the truth. It is a very good story and very touching in its way. My only problem was that it was just hard to actually get into, which is strange since it was a short story. It was fully developed which was amazing because most short stories seem to be missing something to make them rock. This one really didn’t feel that way.
I really liked the characters although I felt like smacking Eric upside the head through it all. The ending was what rocked it for me.
Overall the story was very good, it just wasn’t really my kind of story.
Blurb: When a serious bout of writer’s block threatens to delay mystery author Drew Daniels’s newest book, his aunt offers her New Orleans apartment in the heart of the French Quarter as a writing retreat. She neglects to mention that it’s occupied by the enigmatic and sexy Finn Murphy, a cemetery tour guide with a penchant for Victorian attire and a Cajun accent.
A body discovered in an open crypt forces reclusive Drew to deal with Finn’s eccentric group of friends and his underlying attraction to the hot Cajun—despite warnings about Finn’s violent past. Drew might write this stuff, but he’s never had to solve a real-life murder. With a deadline looming and a killer on the loose, this retreat is proving to be anything but helpful for Drew’s novel. Drew can only hope he won’t end up a tragic tale for the Ghostly Legends & Lore, Inc. haunted tour.
States of Love: Stories of romance that span every corner of the United States.
Review: Drew travels to historical New Orleans to stay at his aunts place in the hopes of curing his writers block. What he does not expect is for a sexy man, Finn, to already be occupying the space. Drew finds himself thrust into a real life murder mystery and a slew of suspects to boot.
I loved Finn’s telling of the history of New Orleans. With its breath-taking beauty yet deadly past it certainly had me intrigued from the start. We get an introduction into the characters in this setting as the investigation to the murder starts. The investigation itself seemed to go as expected. Though this is a novella it was beautifully written with the right amount of history, spookiness and romance that made it an excellent story.
There was nothing about this book I did not like. Highly recommended.
Blurb: Nash Gallo and Luke Meyers seem like complete opposites on the surface. Nash is a city boy from Atlanta, while Luke is a rancher from rural Oklahoma. Nash is covered in tattoos and piercings, while Luke is self-conscious about his muscular, hairy body. Luke doesn’t have much sexual experience with other men, while Nash has plenty to go around.
But both men are lonely, and neither of them has ever been in love.
They also both have secrets. For Luke, it’s his shame over an affair with a local closeted and married man, something Nash accepts. Will Luke be as tolerant of what Nash is hiding—his job as a prostitute back in Georgia?
A week-long vacation on Luke’s ranch and the idyllic landscapes surrounding it gives both men the chance to relax and explore the attraction growing between them. But can the budding relationship survive secrets and small-town prejudices? As they search for the place where their lives might intersect, Nash and Luke risk far worse than broken hearts.
Review: This is listed as a western but is definitely a romance. When I first picked this book it was the title that caught me. I had not even looked at the cover, so I was thinking man in a uniform, but boy was I wrong. Then I found out that it was listed as western and almost put the book back down. Can you imagine how wrong that would have been, because this story was more then what I expected in many ways.
Nash is a hooker in Atlanta who has had a very hard life. Kicked out by his father, he did the only thing he could do to survive. However as he got older, he knew that it was going to get him killed. Especially after ending up in the hospital. He had been chatting with a sexy cowboy in Oklahoma and damn if the man didn’t invite him on down.
Luke is a rancher and pretty much vanilla. He has loved talking to Nash on the computer and couldn’t wait to meet him. He had not expected a man with a lot of tattoos but damn the man was hot. Luke had no real experience with sex, but Nash rocks his world. Then he finds out what Nash truly did. If you want to know what happens, read the book.
It was an entertaining story that caught my attention from the moment I started reading and kept it all the way to the end. I was kind of shocked since I have not had the pleasure to read any stories by this author before but let’s just say I had a blast with it. Now I am not sure if I would read a true western but this one definitely was hot and very yummy. There is even danger involved and some surprises for our guys.
It was a fun book and I would definitely recommend it.
Hi guys, we have R.J. Scott popping in today with her new re-release The New Wolf, we have a great excerpt, a fantastic giveaway and Lisa’s review, so check out the post and click that giveaway link! <3 ~Pixie~
The New Wolf
(Building The Pack 01)
by
R.J. Scott
A dangerous lone wolf is intent on destroying the beginnings of a pack and when Connor is attacked and near death, there is only one thing that can save him. A wolf shifter’s bite.
After a hate crime leaves one of them near dead, Veterinarian Josh Nolan and Cop Connor Vincent are starting a new life in Black Creek, a remote town on the edge of the Green Mountains range, Vermont. Josh is taking over his grandfather’s practice, and Connor starts a new position with the local sheriff’s office. When Connor becomes curious about unsolved crimes going back fifty years he can’t know the kind of secrets he begins to unearth. Or the danger that he puts himself and Josh in.
Blurb: Brock Ferguson knew he might run into his ex-boyfriend, Vincent Geraldini, when he took his first job as a police officer in Carlisle. Vincent’s attitude during a routine traffic stop reminds Brock why their relationship didn’t last.
What Brock doesn’t expect is finding two scared children in the trunk of a Corvette. He’s also surprised to learn the kids’ mother is Vincent’s sister. But his immediate concern is the safety of the two children, Abey and Penny, and he offers to comfort and care for them when their mother is taken into custody.
Vincent is also shocked to learn what his sister has done. For the sake of the kids, he and Brock bury the hatchet—and soon find they have much more in common than they realized. With Abey and Penny’s help, they grow closer, until the four of them start to feel like a family. But Vincent’s sister and her boyfriend—an equal-opportunity jerk—could tear down everything they’re trying to build.
Review: I cannot believe that I have not been reading this author’s work before. Damn, not only was this perfection in my eyes, but the characters just rocked it. Now I admit that I started with this book but as soon as I finish this review I am going to start with the very first book in this series.
Brock had two boyfriends that he had been serious about, but both had ended badly in his eyes. The first one was in college and it was because Vinny hadn’t been out to anyone. The other was to Clive, who was more into pain than anything else. Now in my eyes Clive could fall off the planet. Now here he was in the job he wanted and things were going good. He just hadn’t expected his first traffic stop to be Vinny. Then another stop found him two small children in the trunk of a sports car. Guess who their uncle is, yes you guess it right our very own Vinny.
Vincent was shocked to learn he had a niece right along with his nephew. However not as shocked as he was when he found out what his sister had done. It is up to him, with some help from our sexy cop to show these kids what a good home is. Abey and Penny are going to need to help our two sexy men also. However if you want to know more about these amazing people, well pick up the book.
I always did love a man with a gun, but Brock is one amazing man. He is all cop but he has one of the biggest hearts around. He is tender, sweet and very caring towards all. His heart also breaks when those around him are hurt. You can see this when he first meets the kids, and it will bring a tear to your eyes. At first Vincent came off as a punk in away, but then the further in you get you can see that he is a very sweet young man whose heart is just as big. I had a lot of fun reading this and can definitely tell you that this is going to be one of those books you read more than once.
I loved this story and would definitely recommend it to all. Way to go Andrew, keep them coming.
Blurb: Small but mighty—that could be Detective Nevin Ng’s motto. Now a dedicated member of the Portland Police Bureau, he didn’t let a tough start in life stop him from protecting those in need. He doesn’t take crap from anyone, and he doesn’t do relationships. Until he responds to the severe beating of a senior citizen and meets the victim’s bow-tied, wealthy landlord.
Property manager and developer Colin Westwood grew up with all the things Nevin never had, like plenty of money and a supportive, loving family. Too supportive, perhaps, since his childhood illness has left his parents unwilling to admit he’s a strong, grown man. Colin does do relationships, but they never work out. Now he’s thinking maybe he won’t just go with the flow. Maybe it’s time to try something more exciting. But being a witness to a terrible crime—or two—was more than he bargained for.
Despite their differences, Colin and Nevin discover that sparks fly when they’re together. But sparks are short-lived, dampened by the advent of brutal crimes, and Colin and Nevin have seemingly little in common. The question is whether they have the heart to build something lasting.
Review: I fell in love with foul-mouthed, crabby, moody and intense Detective Nevin Ng. I love this story, everything about it is simply perfect; intense, sexy as hell, not overly dramatic but captivating nonetheless. Even though it’s the second book in the Love Can’t Series, it can be read as a standalone without any problems. To be honest, it took me a while to remember details about the first book (I cheated, I went and read my review) and I had no trouble keeping up with Nevin and Colin’s story.
Nevin and Colin are as different as fire and water; Colin grew up as the only child of a relatively rich family, and despite his health problems, he’s had a happy childhood. His parents love and accept him and want nothing but the best for Colin. Nevin grew up without knowing who his father is and with the knowledge that his mother didn’t love him enough to keep him. Abandoned at a young age, Nevin is the product of our faulty foster care system; he’s closed off and afraid to make emotional connections with the men and women he fucks, and the only important people in his life are Jeremy (Germy, the main character from book 1) and Ford, Nevin’s foster brother.
Nevin is a fuck-em-and-leave-em kind of guy, while Colin is a monogamist who’s been dreaming about his wedding since he was a child. Nevin is selfish, prickly as a porcupine; rude and brooding, but underneath that armor hides a heart of gold. Colin is caring and loves volunteering his time talking to lonely older LGBT people. But despite their differences, Nevin and Colin are a match made in heaven. If there ever was a couple made for each other, these two are IT! I loved every single moment, every single interaction, but what I love the most was seeing Nevin fall in love with Leg (Colin’s cat) and Colin.
Like in the first book, there’s a mystery plot in this book as well, but it doesn’t take the focus away from Nevin and Colin. Kim Fielding is one of my favorite authors and I know she can never disappoint me; this book is even more proof that Kim Fielding and I are a match. This book is lovely!
Blurb: When is it the wrong time to find Mr. Right? For David, that time is now. He’s caring for his homophobic father, who has Alzheimer’s, and his personal life is the last thing he has time to focus on. But when his father wanders off, David is forced to reach out to the police, in the person of Detective Travis Hart. Travis is gay, tired of the club life and twinks he can’t keep up with, and longs for a real relationship with a man who wants the same—maybe someone remarkable like David. In fact, David is exactly who he has been looking for, but Travis isn’t sure he can be the man David needs during this difficult time.
Because as David’s father sinks deeper into the disease that’s robbing him of his memories, David really needs a friend, not a lover. Though Travis is determined to support David in whatever way he can, David’s decision could lead both men into a situation with no possibility of a happy resolution.
This was previously published by Amber Quill Press in 2009.
Review: I have had the pleasure of reading many stories by this author and new that I was going to get an amazing story to read. In fact it was one of the reasons I picked this story, then I saw the cover and just about fainted. Two sexy men and one of them is a sexy cop, well let’s just say wow.
David’s dad is a homophobic old man raised in a time when men did not sleep with other men. Some days he is sweet and then there are days where David feels he is walking on egg shells around him. Especially now that his father has Alzheimer’s. He doesn’t want to put him in a care facility but just doesn’t know what to do. Especially when he comes home to find him missing.
David goes to the police for help but had not expected the sexy cop who was set out to help him. Travis is bound and determined to help him, but he wants him for himself also. Just too bad it might be the wrong time to do so. Especially when David’s father gets more out of control.
Now I do have to admit that there was something missing in the story but it didn’t really take away from it at all. I am not even sure what it is or why I felt that way. Alzheimer’s is a very hard disease on not only the patient but the family members and I felt that this author took it all in. It was very believable and felt like I was there watching it go down. The ending wasn’t really surprise and neither was the outcome though.
It was a very enjoyable read that I enjoyed quite a bit. Sexy men, frustrating times, sexual heat, crazy old man and dangerous situations are just some of what you get in this book. Truly loved reading it and would definitely recommend it.
Blurb: Special-ops-turned-professional-killer Vespar McKauley is hired to take out Marcolm Rogers, son of his employer’s worst enemy. But Marc isn’t like any hit he’s ever done. He’s just twenty-one, he goes to a private university studying English Lit, and for fun, he plays computer games with his friends. No drugs, no partying, no crime. The day Vespar bumps into Marc and looks into his azure eyes, the world drops out from under him.
With his father in the Chicago crime syndicate, Marc and his mom have stayed out of the limelight, hiding from those who might harm them. He figures he’s safe at a small liberal arts university, all the way across the country. But midway through his senior year, he feels eyes on him and the shadows encroaching. Just as he’s about to run, he meets Vespar and experiences an instant attraction. When Vespar tells him he’s in danger and offers to protect him, Marc wants to believe him. But he’s been hunted before, and this time he isn’t sure he’ll get away. Especially when he finds out he is Vespar’s target.
Review: Vespar, an assassin for hire, takes on a job. He has struggled with his urge to kill. But upon meeting his target the feeling lessens. As he gets to know Marcolm he becomes infatuated with him to the point he cannot do what he was hired for.
I really enjoyed this story. Vespar was intent and serious. I loved how well equipped he was in dealing with certain things that come up throughout the story. Marc was a little too trusting considering people were out to kill him. I felt considering who his dad was he would have been a bit more cautious.
I loved the quick escapes and thinking Vespar did when confronted with danger. The main thing that threw me was the end. I did not understand how one could make the past different from what happened. Wouldn’t that mean that Marc and Vespar’s lives would have been different than what they were?
Other than that I loved everything else. The romance, tension, adventure and mystery were awesome. This is a great read.
Sometimes family is a blessing and a curse. When Tino Robbins is roped into helping his sister deliver premade dinners when he should be studying for finals, he’s pretty sure it’s the latter! But one delivery might change everything.
Channing Lowell’s charmed life changes when his sister dies and leaves him her seven-year-old son. He’s committed to doing what’s best for Sammy… but he’s going to need a lot of help. When Tino lands on his porch, Channing is determined to recruit him to Team Sammy.
Tino plans to make his education count—even if that means avoiding a relationship—but as he falls harder and harder for his boss, he starts to wonder: Does he have to leave his newly forged family behind in order to live his promising tomorrow?
Review: It’s definitely no secret that I love the Dreamspun Desires series. If you’re after sickly sweet romance, maybe a dash of insta-love and a passionate HEA, this line of books by Dreamspinner Press will, more often than not, give you just that. I love this line of books purely to read when I want to unwind or have something easy to read.
Something else that isn’t a secret – well actually 2 things – I love Amy Lane books. The writing style is just so easy to get into and I love the emotion she creates, adding some comedy element to a serious or danger element. The other thing is that I can never resist a book with a manny! Hot guys and kids – everything could go wrong but I’m a sucker for this often predictable trope.
Here, we meet Tino Robbins. He’s an out of this world smart kind of guy, though he never shows that part of him, more often than not he is talking up how smart his younger sister Nica is. After all, Nica is 18 and already has a successful and growing business of delivering prepackaged meals she makes herself. But Tino himself has just finished up college and ready to tackle the world of business. One night she ropes Tino into taking a delivery to one of her regular clients and it changes Tino’s life forever. At the home he delivers to he meets Channing and his nephew Sammy. Channing’s sister has recently died, leaving Channing as Sammy’s guardian. Channing needs a nanny, all he has is his sister’s spiteful bitch of a housekeeper and Tino seems to be able to communicate with Sammy. Let’s not forget that the guys have an instant attraction and let’s face it, that attraction has to be the only basis for the entire story.
Ok, so the beginning is a bit shaky when it comes to Channing recruiting Tino, but really and truly the one criticism I have is that there was a brief mention of Sammy’s biological father and fighting him for full parental rights. But that was it. I mean, I did forget this little fact after a few pages and only remembered it just now as I am writing, but I suppose I’m fickle like that.
Blurb: Two very different civilizations—one bathed in bright sunlight and the other veiled in shadow.
Bad decisions, declining resources, and a king on the brink of madness force Prince Varo Kutchif, third son of the royal family and a starship captain, to attempt the impossible: barter for Black Phospolrock, an energy source the mysterious Helkan Kingdom has in abundance. Varo opens a line of communication with Adlar, an intriguing Helkan who seems to reciprocate Varo’s interest. He hopes so, because if negotiations collapse, Varo has orders to attack.
The Helkans preside over a planet shrouded in perpetual darkness. Several species have tried to exploit its natural resources through trade with them, but all have failed. Adlar Mondur is the older brother to the Helkan ruler. An assassin of the highest order, he’ll do anything to protect his king and his people—including tracking down the Yesri prince who crash-lands on their planet, leaving an ugly scar across its untouched beauty.
Thus begins a journey where two men from disparate civilizations grow from enemies to lovers.
Review: Wow what a story. Varo acting on his father’s orders, which he does not want to do, attempts to make a deal with the Helkan King for a rich resource of theirs. If he does not get the deal he is to eliminate the king and his brother. Varo is not happy and would like nothing better than to be left alone.
Upon seeing the Helkan brother Adler, Varo is strongly attracted to the appealing man and vice versa. When the king denies him things go from bad to worse as a series of events leads him to being captured by Adler and taken as his slave.
I loved this story so much. The descriptions of the planet were breath-taking yet deadly. Adler was strict with Varo and even put a shock collar on him, but stuck to his word not to force the man. I liked that even though he was a prisoner Varo still had his opinions on certain things.
What Varo thought he knew of the Helkans was wrong on many accounts and as the two got to know one another they both realized the other was not like anything they had been told. I thought they meshed well together.
There was action, drama, adventure, betrayal, romance and some hot and heavy scenes in this fantastic story. I truly loved it. Recommended to all.
Blurb: Newly single in his late twenties, and bored with his quiet life in a London suburb, Daniel Cross soon discovers the lure of social media. Excited at the chance of tracking down his old mates from a schooldays sports club, he launches a personal quest to find out what kind of man each boy has become.
Dan’s first mistake is chatting online to a complete stranger—friending the wrong Carson brother on Facebook. But Nick Carson isn’t offended and offers to accompany Dan on the trip to find the others. It’s the first step to friendship and something more for both of them.
For Dan, the reunions with the “ Gang of Four” range from startling and heartening to disturbing. Nick’s company is a constant support, though neither of them are prepared for the exposure of personal secrets they’d thought long hidden. Dan begins to suspect he’s really looking for a direction in his own life—and the excitement and purpose he craves may be closer to home than a quest with its roots in a boyhood dream.
Review: I haven’t really had a chance to read many stories by this author however it was an interesting story. Although I did have some issues with it, such as how does one to get the man’s age and not have used any social media just seems wrong. I don’t see how it could be possible at this time. I also felt that the blurb told the story itself.
Daniel has decided to take a road trip and look up his old friends. Too bad he contacted the wrong guy but ends up being the right man for him. It’s one of those stories to see where old friends are now days. However I just didn’t see the connection to the past at all. Now Nick is actually an older brother to one of the guys and decides he wants to go along with Daniel on this trip. It might turn interesting, but if you want to know read the book.
Now as I said there were a few issues I had with the story but I won’t go into it because each person has an opinion that might not be so bad for another. It is a cute little story with just a hint of kink to it. I liked how the guys seemed to grow together if that is the right word. There are some funny scenes which made it rock for me.
However the story itself felt a bit off, the story is set in England and for an American it comes off a bit strange but perfect for the story. It is very defined and fully developed for such a short story. The characters were so real like that it seemed like a person would know them on sight. It is an entertaining story and also a nice read. I could have used a bit more heat but it was pretty good either way. Now the story itself was very good but I find that it wasn’t for me. It was a little too sweet, if you know what I mean.
Blurb: Two years ago Mico and his partner suffered a savage gay bashing that left Mico a quadriplegic—and ended his dreams of traveling the world as an archeologist. Abandoned by the man he loved, he lives in isolation, tethered to his bed by the machines keeping him alive, with only his caretakers and immediate family as companions.
Assigned to interview Mico and uncover the story behind his assault and his refusal to identify his attackers, journalist Danny is unprepared for his reaction to the fragile, yet enigmatic man. Mico is afraid to let Danny into his life, and Danny is unsure how to change his mind. Mico is also keeping secrets, and he isn’t the only one. Danny is determined to protect Mico, and he’s determined to show Mico that their feelings for each other can thrive amidst the mechanics of Mico’s existence.
If you enjoy romantic tales of heartbreak turned to hope, the life-affirming story of Danny and Mico will make you believe in the possibility of love for everyone—no matter what obstacles they face.
Review: I haven’t really had a chance to read any stories by this author and as most of you know I am not a fan of stories by authors I haven’t read. Now this one is on the fence with me. The story itself is very captive and a bit sad to say the least. I wasn’t even sure after reading the blurb if I wanted to give it a chance. And quite frankly I am still not sure what my overall thoughts on the story are. I haven’t read many stories where one of the characters is disabled and I hate to say it but I am not a fan of them.
In this story one of our sexy characters is a quadriplegic after a gay bashing on him and his ex-boyfriend. It has left him alone in more ways than one. Now his asshat of an ex took off, he is on a breathing machine and has lost his entire life in a way. He was an archeologist and wanted to travel; now he is stuck in his isolated world. So he wasn’t too happy when Danny showed up to interview him.
Danny had been sent to interview Mico and find out who was behind the assault. He saw a man who had so many times given up, try to fight for what he wanted and needed. He saw a man that needed the love of another. He was that man for him. Even though Mico was paralized, he didn’t see the things around him but the man himself. Although for the full impact, because let’s face it I am not telling you, you need to read the story.
When you find out who did this to Mico, you will be in shock and pissed off to say the least. It does explain why Mico never testified against them. However I think that I would have to an extent because the fear that these men will do it to another would linger. So I would definitely say that was one part of the story that I didn’t much care for.
Now I have to admit that I didn’t really care for the story itself. The characters were a hit and most of the time I had tears in my eyes from hearing about what happened to Mico. Also if I saw that asshat of an ex of his, let’s just say he wouldn’t be breathing. This story is very unique and refreshing; however I am not really into all those sad stories. This one gives you a happy ending but it still really doesn’t change the fact that the story just didn’t rock me like it should have. It was a very depressing story even if it has a nice ending. I am afraid that this story was just not for me.
Blurb: New York City FBI team leader Samuel Shaughnessy lives for his immediate family and his job. After a marriage gone wrong, he sticks to a firm rule when it comes to relationships: he doesn’t have them. Sexually active and emotionally unavailable keeps him satisfied, especially now that he is in hot pursuit of a serial killer targeting gay men.
Former firefighter Machlan O’Bannon now manages a successful sports bar in Houston, and after years of waiting, he’s ready to stand up and be the man he always wanted to be: out, proud, and drama-free. His politically aligned family wants to keep him locked in the closet, but Mac just wants to meet the man of his dreams.
One man is as high-strung as the other is laid-back. A chance meeting brings them together, and one night of passion ignites a fire neither can fight. Their lives are not only miles apart, but as different as day and night. They don’t want to get involved, but they might not be able to keep apart.
Review: When I picked this book up it was because of the blurb. I love mysteries and if the characters are gay then it is a hit with me. Although I have to say that going from different points of views was a bit confusing and drawn out. The plot of the story was my main focus but it had so many twists to it that I actually lost focus and that is never a good thing for me.
Sam is a federal agent who is trying to find out who is killing gay men. He had been married for less than a year and lost a baby girl. His marriage was a mistake from the beginning. He is bi-sexual but men do it for him more than women. However after his divorce he stuck to the one night stand plan, that is until he met Mac. Now Sam is a hardass, pretty much a jerk and not one of my favorite characters, he was hard to like and that is saying something. Although he is a great uncle and friend to those around him, his ex-wife is a major bitch.
Mac was a fire fighter from Texas till he decided he would rather manage a sports bar instead. He has been in the closet for most of his life, but a run in with a sexy man has him looking at coming out. He is sweet as hell, protective and very laid back in my eyes.
I found that the story focused more on them then the actual murders which was a major downfall for me. Now these two meet at the airport, take one look at each other and then after one night, which nothing happened, things get a bit strange for me. Sam wants a friends with benefits and Mac agrees, but you can tell that Mac wants something more.
Now it felt like these two had friends who knew each other and were interlinked. The large cast of characters were hard to follow for me and took away from the story itself. Although if you want the truth the action between our two sexy men took away from the mystery. Then to top it off the story just stops. You have to read the second book just to find out if they catch the killer, which you already know who it is.
So overall the mystery is not solved by the good guys, the characters are still friends with benefits, and the story just went downhill for me. I wanted a good mystery with a side of romance and got the opposite. Which I have to say is a bit strange for me because who doesn’t want some hot sex, but they don’t go anywhere. It is like they are stuck in limbo with their relationship and the murders. I hate to admit that the story held such promise but failed to deliver for me. That is just me though; I guess I will have to read the next book to find out what happens next.
Title: Nachos & Hash
Title: Love in the Line of Fire
Title: Changing Jamie, (2nd Edition)
Title: Vespar 
Title: The Virgin Manny
Title: In Enemy Hands 
Title: Chase the Ace (2nd Edition)
Title: Love’s Tethered Heart
Title: Six Degrees of Lust, (2nd Edition)