Category: MM Book Review
Dolphins In The Mud by Jo Ramsey Guest Post & Excerpt!
Royal Symbionts by Jo Tannah
Title: Royal Symbionts
Series: Rise of the Symbionts # 3
Author: Jo Tannah
Genre: Erotic Romance, Science Fiction
Length: Novella (99 pages)
Publisher: eXtasy Books (May 26, 2017)
Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Blurb: Betrayal threatens Kallen’s nuptials, his coronation, and the very survival of his people.
Things are not going according to Kallen’s plans. After rescuing the symbiont hatching ground from the dead planet of Nigul, Kallen and his Royal Consort, Lando Garr, thought they would finally gain the answers to unlock the mystery of their symbionts, Bobik and Dobik. Instead, they are faced with more questions and not a single answer.
Plans for their coming nuptials and coronation are pushed to the side when two technomage families disappear. What should have been a simple search and rescue mission reveals a betrayal so deep it threatens not only Kallen’s kingdom, but their entire galaxy. With a technomage war looming, it is incumbent upon Kallen, Lando, and their symbionts to defend the people of Oryon and ensure the survival of their kind.
ISBN: 978-1-4874-1263-0
Product Link: eXtasy Books | Amazon UK | Amazon US | Amazon DE
Reviewer: Shorty
Review: Kallen and Lando’s plans are put on hold when revelations are made that could be the start of war. A technomage of great power is hellbent on destroying lives and gaining power. The symbionts are still mysterious with one yet to appear.
I absolutely love this series. Mystery, adventure, danger, romance and everything in between. I love the relationship between the symbiont and its host. I hope to learn more about them in the coming books.
Fantastic read and highly recommended.
Royal Consort by Jo Tannah
Title: Royal Consort
Series: Rise of the Symbionts # 2
Author: Jo Tannah
Genre: Erotic Romance, Science Fiction
Length: Novella (85 pages)
Publisher: eXtasy Books (April 28, 2017)
Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Blurb: Kallen seeks answers to ensure the survival of the symbionts and his world.
Royal Guardian Lando Garr was weakened by his extensive injuries in the service of his prince and faces boredom from a medically enforced bed rest. When the unexpected happens, Lando is forced to act to keep the royal family safe, but at great personal cost.
Prince Kallen proves once more that his symbiotic relationship with the dragon Bobik is not only to his benefit but to his world’s. Faced with a difficult decision, Kallen realizes that he either accepts the inevitable or faces a lifetime without the man he loves by his side.
ISBN: 978-1-4874-1207-4
Product Link: eXtasy Books | Amazon UK | Amazon US | Amazon DE
Reviewer: Shorty
Review: Another exciting addition to the series as more explanations are given in regards to the dragon race. Someone attacks the royals. Some characters are lost and Lando is gravely injured.
The mystery deepens as to who ordered the attack as most evidence is non-existent. Kallen still searches for answers as revelations come to the forefront. I love this series. I am always on the edge of my seat as I read each book.
I read all three books one after another. It’s a fascinating series filled with danger, deception, romance, action and mystery.
I highly recommend this series.
Royal Guardian by Jo Tannah
Title: Royal Guardian
Series: Rise of the Symbionts # 1
Author: Jo Tannah
Genre: Erotic Romance, Science Fiction
Length: Short (76 pages)
Publisher: eXtasy Books (March 31, 2017)
Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Blurb: Man and dragon seek those who dared harm their prince.
Kallen has been away for two years to further his education. En route to his home planet, Oryon, his starship is attacked by unknown brigands. All fear the death of the heir to the kingdom, as well as those of his accompanying loyal guardians.
With Bobik’s assistance, Lando Garr is the one man who can find and rescue Kallen. Not because he’s bound by duty as a Royal Guardian, but because the prince’s symbiont responds to no other but him. Both will stop at nothing to find Kallen. Losing him would mean Bobik’s death and Lando’s heartache.
ISBN: 978-1-4874-1202-9
Product Link: eXtasy Books | Amazon UK | Amazon US | Amazon DE
Reviewer: Shorty
Review: Lando is faced with finding his prince a cure for whatever is slowly killing him. He brings him an egg he found on a dead planet. What happens next blows everyone’s mind when a dragon hatches and merges with the prince healing him.
This story is riveting, amazing, spellbinding and outstanding. I loved this book. I was blown away by how well this story entranced me with its complex explanations as to who the dragons were. The symbionts fascinated me to no end.
I’m looking forward to learning more about everything.
Highy recommeded.
Divergence by Lyn Gala
Title: Divergence
Series: Aberrant Magic # 3
Author: Lyn Gala
Genre: Multicultural, Urban Fantasy
Length: Novel (231pgs)
Publisher: Loose ID (August 30, 2016)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
Blurb: Kavon and Darren believe they finally have the life they want—a lead on O’Brien, a better understanding of the failures that have plagued the team, and time to nurture the bond between them as shamans and lovers. However they’ve gotten involved in magical politics, and that has consequences that neither of them could foresee. Magic is changing, and Kavon and Darren are in the center of a coming storm.
In the past, Kavon’s only fear was that he might inadvertently damage Darren, and he is painfully aware that he has hurt his lover before. He’s vowed to never make that mistake again, but new forces threaten their relationship and pose a special threat to Darren. With the danger growing more intense, Kavon struggles to find a way to protect the ones he loves and Darren realizes that the magic that gave him his heart’s desire could take everything away just as quickly. Magic is a two-edged sword and the two lovers have to find a way to wield the weapon before it becomes the instrument of their death.
ISBN: 978-1-68252-209-7
Product Link: Loose Id | Amazon UK | Amazon US | Amazon DE
Reviewer: Shorty
Review: Kavon and Darren are adjusting to their new lives as a couple with all that entails. They are not without their struggles as is with all pairs. Amid this is their continuing investigations of cases that are not closed yet.
There was a lot going on in this story. I liked the explanations regarding the magical world as it gave me a better understanding. Some answers from the first two books are given as well.
Yet I felt like the book was incomplete at the end. There were still questions left unanswered as well as some new characters thrown into the mix that left me feeling like maybe there will be another book in the future.
Aside from this it was still a great read with plenty of mystery for all. Great read.
Derivation by Lyn Gala
Title: Derivation
Series: Aberrant Magic # 2
Author: Lyn Gala
Genre: Multicultural, Fantasy & Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
Length: Novel (224pgs)
Publisher: Loose ID (July 26, 2016)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
Blurb: Darren and Kavon have committed to each other, but magical rules are changing and that tests the strength of their bond. The death of a prominent Egyptian shaman and the shadowy remains of O’Brien’s conspiracy to kill adepts and steal their magic also pressure the new couple. Kavon is determined to protect his partner through these storms, but he is also painfully aware of his own tendency to hover. And as Darren is quick to point out, he is an armed federal agent who won’t allow Kavon to keep him off the front lines.
Making the relationship even more difficult, the spirit guides who offered their loyalty have their own hopes and needs. The world is changing, and Darren’s spirit guide pushes them to find the right path to navigate. However, Kavon has never enjoyed being pressured, and he is particularly uncomfortable walking into a situation he doesn’t understand. Worse, the longer he knows Darren and his guide, the more confused Kavon becomes about how magic even works. The two men must pull together or the forces moving in the shadows threaten to destroy them before they have any chance at happiness.
ISBN: 978-1-68252-177-9
Product Link: Loose Id | Amazon UK | Amazon US | Amazon DE
Reviewer: Shorty
Review: While I enjoyed the deepening relationship between Darren and Kavon my main focus was on the spirit guides. I found them fascinating and intriguing.
At times the ifrits seem to turn the story dark with their unique abilities. The change in dynamics for Kavon was amazing. I loved how he tried to understand what was going on and go with the flow. Darren seemed to grow as he grew accustomed to his new powers.
The overall feel of the book was a great story with magical and dramatic elements that made for a nice addition to the series. Looking forward to reading the third book and what happens next.
Great read.
Deductions by Lyn Gala
Title: Deductions
Series: Aberrant Magic # 1
Author: Lyn Gala
Genre: Multicultural, Fantasy & Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
Length: Novel (225pgs)
Publisher: Loose ID (June 21, 2016)
Heat Level: Low – Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
Blurb: Darren is proud of his work on the FBI’s magical Talent unit. However, his own lack of magic means he can never be with Supervisory Special Agent and Shaman Kavon Boucher. The shamanic magic poses a real danger to any mundane who gets too close, so Darren tries to hide his attraction and keep a professional relationship at work. That resolve begins to crumble when a new man sets his sights on Kavon and Darren can’t control his resentment.
Now they have a brutal new case of a suspect targeting magical adepts. Darren tries to keep focused on that crime, but when he starts to show signs of his own magic, he hopes that maybe he can not only be a more effective part of the team but also a real partner to Kavon. He might have a second chance at love if only Kavon can learn to trust his new and unpredictable magic that has changed the rules of the magical game.
ISBN: 978-1-68252-159-5
Product Link: Loose Id | Amazon UK | Amazon US | Amazon DE
Reviewer: Shorty
Review: Darren is a mundane with no magical capabilities, until they start manifesting, that serves as a go between for his unit. Kavon, Darrens boss, shoots down Darrens advances because of the shamans ability to drain the life from humans. There is a lot of drama when a new guy is entered into the mix.
I loved all the explanations of the magical sense. Although at times I felt bogged down by it I still felt grateful. It was a magical story about cops, animal spirits and the beginning of a relationship though the relationship aspect really does not go far until the end.
The mystery was intriguing and the investigation in depth. I was enthralled in the case and the way it unfolded. I am looking forward to seeing what else happens in the next book.
Great read.
Rush In The Dark by Lynn Lorenz (2nd Edition)
Title: Rush in the Dark (2nd edition)
Series: Common Powers 02
Author: Lynn Lorenz
Genre: Contemporary, Cowboys and Western, Erotic Romance, Paranormal
Length: Novel (189 pages)
Publisher: Pride Publishing (July 11, 2017)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3.75 Hearts
Blurb: Rush is so deep in the closet he can’t find the door, but meeting Brian might give him the courage to step out of it.
When Brian and Rush meet in a dark alley, sparks fly. The attraction is fast and hard, but Rush is a rancher with a reputation to uphold and Brian is out and open.
Both men have secrets, including the small powers they each have, and a relationship means they might have to share. It would require Rush coming out of his closet and putting his ranch and his friendships with the people around him at risk.
For Brian, it means putting his heart on the line for a man who’s afraid of being himself. He’s been down that road before and Brian won’t go back in the closet, not even for Rush.
Each time they’re together, Rush and Brian set the air around them on fire. As they move closer, both are still holding back, still unsure of each other. One of them will have to take the first step or this thing between them will flounder.
For Rush, it’ll take a huge step and a lot of trust to risk his entire life in the small Texas town of Spring Lake. And once he’s out, there’s no going back.
For Brian, his heart isn’t the only thing at risk. If he keeps seeing Rush, he knows he might just lose his life.
Reader Advisory: This book contains scenes of murder and references to rape, abuse, stalking and murder.
Publisher’s Note: This book has previously been released elsewhere. It has been revised and re-edited for re-release with Pride Publishing.
ISBN: 978-1-78651-584-1
Product Link: Pride Publishing | Amazon UK | Amazon US | Amazon DE
Reviewer: Shorty
Review: Brian is a Pi and while on a stake out meets sexy Rush in alley. Instant sparks fly. There are repeated phone sex conversations which I did not care for. Rush is in the closet and it shows throughout the book. If he was that worried why did he not just stay in it.
I felt sorry for Brian having feelings for someone who was not sure yet whether or not he could be with another man out in the open. I say tell him when you make up your mind call me then.
While I expected this book to be better than the first it was not in my opinion. Sammi and Mitchell are in it and I liked that Brian was determined to figure out who Sammi is. I also got really irritated with all the sex scenes and the back and forth of one character making repeated mistakes and the other forgiving him. Seriously? I would have said enough was enough.
It was an o.k. read.
Thunder & Lightning by Patricia Logan Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt & Giveaway!
A Sip of Rio by Teodora Kostova Book Blast, Guest Post, Excerpt & Giveaway!
Gabriel by R.J. Scott Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!
Trust With A Chaser by Annabeth Albert Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!
Into the Mystic Anthology Exclusive Excerpt & Giveaway!
The Storm Lords by Ravon Silvius Guest Post & Excerpt!
A Candle In The Sun by L.J. LaBarthe
Title: A Candle in the Sun
Series: Archangels Chronicles 09
Author: L.J. LaBarthe
Genre: Angels and Demons, Werewolves/Shapeshifters, Paranormal
Length: Novel (224 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (October 2, 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Blurb: It is time for final revelations and an end to the enemies’ machinations. Now that they have all the information needed to fight the decisive battle, the Brotherhood of Archangels, led by Michael and Gabriel, march hand in hand into the very den of terror and fear. With their allies, the Archdemon Guild of Glass Knives and the Venatores, they face uncertainty and the possibility of their destruction. But Gabriel is determined not to fail, and Michael’s love for him gives him strength.
Now is not the time for sword and shield, however, but the time for guile and cunning. Gabriel and Michael must rely more and more on old foes now turned allies, and with growing uncertainty that they will prevail and save not just humanity and Earth, but all life everywhere.
As the ultimate confrontation draws close, Michael and Gabriel must battle fear, anger, and doubt as they strive to save the world and each other.
ISBN-13: 978-1-63216-778-1
Reviewer: Shorty
Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon UK | Amazon US
Review: This is book nine in the Archangels Chronicles. Wow what an epic ending for a finale. This story packs a punch as Gabriel and Michael fight to save everyone and everything.
I was stunned speechless by the battle scenes and the cunning the evil ones went to get what they wanted no matter the cost. As always Michael and Gabriel along with the other archangels were brilliant in their strategy. I really loved how people the archangels were once enemies’ with came and aided them in their time of need.
This book has action, mystery, suspense, romance, and drama. It will keep you on the edge of your seat as well as shedding a few tears. Wonderfully written and gives the reader a sense of actually being there to witness the last stand so to speak.
Fantastic ending to a great series. Highly recommended.
Throwaway Card by A.J. Marcus
Title: Throwaway Card
Author: A.J. Marcus
Genre: Historical Americas, Steampunk
Length: Novel (200 Pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (June 12, 2015)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
Blurb: Hugh Lafoux managed to survive the Civil War, but came out of it scarred for life and with an intricately crafted metal leg. Since the war ended, he’s wandered aimlessly, looking for the next card game and easy sex. He boards the Bayou Belle in Saint Louis, expecting a nice easy ride down to Memphis. But he runs afoul of Big Al Shank, the owner of the Belle, and ends up beaten and thrown overboard into the dark river.
Former slave Cotton Freeman spends most of his time hunting alligators along the Mississippi River near Memphis, Tennessee. While looking for larger gators north of town one night, Cotton unexpectedly fishes a man out of the water. As Cotton nurses Hugh back to health, they realize a mutual attraction, and their love grows. But when Big Al Shank returns to destroy them, love might not be enough to win the battle.
ISBN: 978-1-63476-127-7
Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon UK | Amazon US
Reviewer: Lisa
Review: I have only read one or two books by this author but have always been impressed with the work A.J. Marcus has done. They are well written with a lot of detail and meat to it. I am not a fan of books written with the past in mind. They come off very dry and boring to me. Although this one did have a lot of heat and heart to it, it was also missing something important to make it a perfect story.
A.J. Marcus has created a world that has the feeling of being in a different time period as well as another place altogether. Hugh has been caught cheating and the revenge is to throw his ass overboard. Which I am fairly certain is a better chance than most would have gotten back then. He had not expect Cotton to rescue his ass. Now Cotton use to be a slave and afterwards he basically hunts gators along the water coast, which is how he came to be in place to drag Hugh’s ass out of the water.
Now their love is heating up and they have the riverboat owner coming for them, the need to protect each other. With the help of Cotton’s friend Casandra, they are about to get pay backs. Now this story is a bit different than most that I have read. I mean you have romance, hot sex, steampunk and a bit of history to it. You have two characters who have heat, are very sexy and a bit quirky in my eyes who have found love with each other which is a main attraction to me.
I enjoy the look into their world and what it is like to be different from one another. A.J. Marcus has managed to pull off a historical type story with difficulties that others came across in the past and made it a pretty good read. I can honestly say that this is a damn good book, but was not for me. It is a very fast paced story with a pretty damn good plot to it. I loved the characters and their mismatched ways. Like I said the book was not for me, however it was one fantastic read for those who like the historical type stories. I would recommend it.
Scrudge and Barley, Inc. by John Inman
Title: Scrudge and Barley, Inc.
Author: John Inman
Genre: Holiday, Ghosts/Spirits, Paranormal
Length: Novel (200 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (December 7, 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4.75 Hearts
Blurb: A classic tale takes off in sexy new directions! Poor Mr. Dickens must be twirling in his grave.
When E.B. Scrudge, putz extraordinaire and all-around numbnuts, is visited by his dead ex on Christmas Eve, he can’t imagine how his life could sink any lower. But the three ghostly spirits that come along after are even worse! Good lord, a dyke, a drag queen, and rounding out the trio, a big, hunky bear with nipple rings and a butt plug! What’s next?
What’s next is a good deal of soul-searching and some hard lessons learned with a dash of redemption thrown in for good measure.
And love too, believe it or not. Love that had been simmering all along at the heart of Scrudge’s miserable existence, although he was too selfish to see it—until a trio of holiday beasties pointed his sorry ass in the right direction.
ISBN: 978-1-63476-514-5
Reviewer: Shorty
Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon UK | Amazon US
Review: A wonderful take on a classic tale. I found E.B. Scrudge to be the perfect scrooge. Overbearing, mean and callous. At times this man gets put in his place when he visited by several spirits. The ghosts in this story are characters themselves with a humorous yet serious side to them all.
Willie, E.B.’s secretary was sweet and kind. I felt sorry for him as he harboured feelings for Scrudge. I was very glad when Scrudge started realizing how he treated others especially Willie.
I really enjoyed the entire story. Seeing the way you’ve treated people in the past and present is no picnic. But seeing what could be in the future is downright terrifying at ties. Especially if you don’t heed the warnings you are given.
Great read on a fantastic classic.
Wolf Moon by Ethan Stone
Title: Wolf Moon
Author: Ethan Stone
Genre: Paranormal, Contemporary, Shapeshifters, Fantasy
Length: Novel (230pgs)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (May 1, 2011)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4 ½ Hearts
Blurb: When college student Jack Coleman meets Derek Malone at a party, it’s mutual lust at first sight. Lies and secrets almost derail the relationship, but they face the problems head on, and it isn’t long before Jack and Derek decide to take their relationship to the next level. That’s when things get complicated.
It turns out Derek and several other people Jack thought he knew are werewolves… and so is Jack. In fact, his unusual birthmark brands him as a Chosen One, a werewolf of great power destined to be alpha. But Jack isn’t sure he’s cut out to be a leader. When a pack rival, Elias Fairchild, kidnaps Derek to force Jack’s hand, Jack has to make up his mind: Will he deny his newfound heritage or risk it all to save Derek’s life?
ISBN: 978-1-61581-813-6
Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon UK | Amazon US
Reviewer: Lisa
Review: This is the first story that I have read by Ethan and I have to say that it was amazing, if not a bit spooky. There are so many twists and turns in it that I couldn’t figure out who was behind it at all. This story caught my attention from the start and kept it all the way to the end. I loved that there was still a hint of humor in it, throughout the serious tone to it.
I love how the characters are beautifully written with big hearts, but if you cross them there is hell to pay. They will protect the men they love and their family with all they have in them. It shows how much strength that the guys have and it gives you an insight into their weakness also. When I saw the cover of this book I wanted to grab it right off the bat. Then I saw the title and knew I had to have it. There is nothing better than a good paranormal romance to me.
Jack lost his parents at a young age, taken in by a neighbors he had been given a good life. Then he meets Derek while at college and things start to go very strange for them. It seems that Derek and his friends are hiding secrets from him. Things are going strong until Derek is attacked by an old boyfriend. He is about to find out what they are hiding and what he is.
Derek is a werewolf. He wants Jack but he also wants him to be who he is supposed to be, his alpha and his mate. However Jack had decided he is not giving it up until after they had their first date. I loved that everything else is perfectly fine. These two are so easy.
It starts off just a cute little story with two gorgeous guys in college. Then it turns out a bit dark, especially when Jack finds out that he is a special type of wolf. He is the chosen one and is supposed to be alpha. However there is an ass who wants to be alpha and Rick doesn’t want to give up his position. Derek is willing to stand behind the man he loves even if it means going against his father, their alpha.
With this story I loved the first part of it. The way they are just college boys and finding out love. Although I did love the werewolf part of it, the fact that they don’t actually mate seems a bit strange to me. I did enjoy it quite a bit. The way it came off though you could tell that this was a paranormal story and that they were werewolves. You didn’t really have to read the blurb to figure it out.
I think that Jack went too easy with the fact that he is a werewolf, especially the change. Also there were some questions that I had about it, especially the family parts of it. Also Rick’s part could have gone a little different and I would have liked it a bit more. I had not expected the ending and wished for a different ending. However the story itself was pretty damn good and I did enjoy reading it. In fact I couldn’t take my eyes off of it. I would definitely read this again and recommend it.
The Artist's Masquerade by Antonia Aquilante
Title: The Artist’s Masquerade
Series: A Tale of Tournai 02
Author: Antonia Aquilante
Genre: High Fantasy, Fantasy
Length: Novel (300 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (December 21, 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
Blurb: As the first-born son of the Duke of Tournai and cousin to the prince, Cathal has always tried to fulfill his duty to family and country, including following through with an arranged marriage to Velia, cousin to the emperor of Ardunn. But it’s Velia’s companion, Flavia, who fascinates Cathal. Cathal doesn’t know that Flavia is really Flavian, a man masquerading as a woman to escape Ardunn, a restrictive place in which Flavian’s preference for men is forbidden.
Even when Cathal discovers Flavian’s true gender, he cannot fight his attraction to him. Flavian is intrigued by Cathal, but Cathal is still betrothed to Velia, and Flavian worries Cathal is more taken with his feminine illusion than the man beneath it. While both men battle their longings for each other, spies from Ardunn infiltrate the capital, attempting to uncover Tournai’s weaknesses. They are also searching for Flavian, who possesses a magical Talent that allows him to see the truth of a person just by painting their portrait—a skill invaluable to Ardunn’s emperor.
ISBN: 978-1-63476-749-1
Reviewer: Shorty
Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon UK | Amazon US
Review: This is the second book in A Tale of Tournai. The book starts out by Cathal accepting a betrothal set up by his father to Lady Velia. I found it irritating that nothing was discussed with Cathal ahead of time; after all it is his life. As he’s getting to know her he finds he’s not attracted to her but to her companion Lady Flava, who is really a man masquerading as a woman.
Etan, Cathal’s brother, only wants his brother happy. So he wants him to follow his heart. Flavian wants to be allowed to love freely and it’s the reason why he is Tournai as where he was wouldn’t allow that. I really enjoyed the whole story.
It was a really good book and I hope Etan gets his happy ever after at some point in the series. Wonderfully written story that draws you into a world where all is not as it seems. Love, honor and duty are important as well as deception are all throughout this story.
Great read.