Category: MM Book Review
There's This Guy by Rhys Ford ~ Audiobook
Title: There’s This Guy
Author: Rhys Ford
Genre: Contemporary
Narrator: Greg Tremblay
Length: 7 hrs 30 min
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (10th April 2017)
Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Narration: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Blurb: How do you save a drowning man when that drowning man is you?
Jake Moore’s world fits too tightly around him. Every penny he makes as a welder goes to care for his dying father, an abusive, controlling man who’s the only family Jake has left. Because of a promise to his dead mother, Jake resists his desire for other men, but it leaves him consumed by darkness.
It takes all of Dallas Yates’s imagination to see the possibilities in the fatigued art deco building on WeHo’s outskirts, but what seals the deal is a shy smile from the handsome metal worker across the street. Their friendship deepens while Dallas peels back the hardened layers strangling Jake’s soul. It’s easy to love the sweet, artistic man hidden behind Jake’s shattered exterior, but Dallas knows Jake needs to first learn to love himself.
When Jake’s world crumbles, he reaches for Dallas, the man he’s learned to lean on. It’s only a matter of time before he’s left to drift in a life he never wanted to lead and while he wants more, Jake’s past haunts him, making him doubt he’s worth the love Dallas is so desperate to give him.
Product Link: Audible US | Audible UK
Reviewer: Gigi
Review: This heart-string tugging story starts out with the cold, hard violence I’ve come to expect form a Rhys Ford story, and let’s face it, I like the gritty, painful crime she writes…because she tempers it with such strong passion and love! The opening is gut wrenching and makes me cringe even now…. Fair warning, this story contains subjects of physical and emotional abuse, and suicide.
Each character was interesting, however I feel like I’ve been dropped into the middle of a series. There are strong dynamics and a ton of history between Dallas and Celeste, and I feel like I need that back story first. I want to know how Dallas got to this point in life. How is he independently wealthy? Why is he opening this club, what exactly is Bombshells & Babes? There was a segment that went into his past relationship and why it’s so important when considering Dallas and Jake’s future….but again, it feels like I’m missing an entire novel. It’s like Star Wars…I think there may be a prequel soon.
While the story is passionate, and the topic bone chilling and dark, the layering of descriptive words can get a bit overwhelming. The love scenes, before Dallas and Jake get to full penetration, the brief touches, the kisses, the chemistry as they build is great! It was hard for me to figure out how all the elements of the story were tied together. There’s not a lot of mystery here, more of a story about one overly optimistic ray of sunshine helping a beaten down, abused, disturbed creative genius find reason to keep on ticking. Love and hate, tenderness and violence; there’s not a lot of in between here.
If you enjoy those things, like I do, you’ll enjoy this story. Tremblay’s narration brings this story to life. I don’t think I’d enjoy this book as much just reading the text. Greg brings softness, passion, and drama, blunts some of the rough edges and heats up the passionate scenes.
Hidden: Evils by Jo Tannah
Title: Hidden: Evils
Series: Hidden 01
Author: Jo Tannah
Genre: Erotic Romance, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Paranormal, Suspense, Urban
Length: Novella (150 pages)
Publisher: eXtasy Books (June 30, 2017)
Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
Blurb: Evil stays hidden in plain sight.
Sebastian Torres is a healer and midwife both by trade and by calling. He’s spent the past three years as the only male midwife in a local hospital.
Anthony Craig is intrigued by Sebastian, finding him professional and attractive. He can’t help wondering about something—why Sebastian never dates the same man twice.
When several pregnant women die in maternity wards a few states away, their fetuses missing, the police are baffled at the strange circumstances surrounding their deaths. Could there be a serial killer on the loose?
As the number of deaths escalates, Sebastian suspects a monster of legend, rather than one of the human variety, is responsible. Sebastian knows he’s the only thing standing in evil’s way, but in order to save innocent lives, he must reveal his secret to Anthony. Will Sebastian’s revelation prove too much and drive Anthony away?
ISBN: 978-1-4874-1233-3
Product Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/jo-tannah/hidden-evils/
Reviewer: Shorty
Review: I liked the overall story but felt the horror element was a little lacking. For me horror implies feeling strong emotions that have me fearing what will happen next. This book did not do that for me. Probably because I have read too many Stephen King books.
Sebastian’s character was intriguing yet at times vague about who he really was. When the truth was revealed I was fascinated. Anthony was a doctor at the same hospital where Sebastian works. I was surprised he accepted Sebastian so easily after all was revealed. I was expecting some disbelief considering he is human.
The creature was a disgusting thing that never should have been allowed to live as long as it did. The action scenes were edge of your seat suspense as it let the reader know to what lengths the creature would go to survive. I did not understand the transfer of power from creature to human as that was not explained well so it left me scratching my head as to how it was done.
All in all it was a great story that had mystery, action and suspense that leaves the reader awaiting the outcome.
Feral Dust Bunnies by Angel Martinez
Title: Feral Dust Bunnies
Series: Offbeat Crimes 04
Author: Angel Martinez
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal
Length: Novella (115 pages)
Publisher: Pride Publishing (June 20, 2017)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
Blurb: An orphaned kitten may be the only witness to romance and the impossible.
Officer Alex Wolf responds to a lot of ‘paranormal’ calls that aren’t. Exotic pet birds aren’t monsters and unusual dog breeds aren’t aliens. It’s a good thing he likes the Animal Control officers, but he both yearns for and dreads those calls where he runs into ACO Jason Shen. Jason’s scent is so delicious that Wolf has a difficult time humaning around him.
Animal Control calls take a disturbing turn, though, when Wolf and his lizard-man partner, Krisk, discover the impossibly mummified bodies of rats and an unfortunate mother cat. The rescue of the cat’s sole surviving kitten not only gives Wolf more time with Jason, which is both perplexing and wonderful, but also leads to dangerous discoveries. Something inconceivable stalks the city and its officers of the law. Wolf has to figure out what it is before it can attack and drain the life from the people and the kitten he loves.
ISBN: 978-1-78651-593-3
Product Link: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/feral-dust-bunnies
Reviewer: Shorty
Review: This story is about Alex, a wolf who has more human traits than wolf. I loved his relationships with his adopted mother and his partner in the unit, Krisk. Alex struck me as a good guy who deserves the best.
However the so called romantic interest Jason I did not like. His attitude at times left a lot to be desired. I did not like his back and forth attitude with Alex nor did I appreciate the way he acted at Krash and Kory’s wedding.
I did see the attraction Alex felt for Jason and I was hoping he would move on from him. This was my least favorite book in the series so far. It was an o.k. read.
Empathy for A Killer by Sarah Masters
Title: Empathy for a Killer
Author: Sarah Masters
Genre: Mystery, Suspense, Contemporary
Publisher: Pride Publishing (May 16, 2017)
Length: Novel (202 Pages)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4.5 Hearts
Blurb: Finding a killer isn’t easy, but someone’s got to do it…
Detective Burgess Varley is called out to view a dead body. It isn’t one of the best things about his job—but putting killers away for the rest of their lives? Now that’s one of the best. Problem is, the victim has something in her mouth that has always scared Burgess—something that links him to the killer without him even knowing it. And that link is more than Burgess might be able to handle.
Detective Shaw Peters, Burgess’ partner for several years, loves Burgess in ways he perhaps shouldn’t. Or ways that Burgess won’t accept, anyway. But Shaw isn’t one to back down from a challenge, and as well as being by Burgess’ side on the hunt for a killer, he has his own mission to accomplish—getting Burgess to admit they’re meant for each other. It won’t be easy, but by God, he’s going to give it a try.
With Burgess and the killer learning things about themselves, their lives, and each other that they previously hadn’t known, life—and death—is about to become serious.
ISBN: 978-1-78651-557-5
Product Link: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/empathy-for-a-killer
Reviewer: Lisa
Review: I don’t even know where to really start this review. This is one of those stories that will take you breath away if you let it. It has romance in it, but it also has a very dark side as well. I have not been a fan of these types of stories, but I have to admit that this one was damn good. A little creepy but a very well written story.
There is nothing better than a man who carries a gun. In this story you get two very sexy partners who have a damn gruesome murderer to find. There are many twists and turns in this story that will have you on the edge of your seat. You also get a cop that has a hard life in love with a cop that is more flighty I suppose. One who is trying his hardest not to be in love, but you can tell that he definitely is.
Burgess is a hardnose cop that does everything he can do to catch the killer, however these murders lead him to someone he had not expected. A past that he had forgotten and a betrayal of one he had loved. Then you get Shaw who leaves a wet towel on the bed, dirty socks on the floor, tooth paste on the sink and loves him no matter what.
I have not read many stories by this author but I have to say that this is one of the best psychological thrillers I have come across in a long time. In fact I could see it being turned into a movie, it was that good. Three murders that lead to three murders previously, one who was Burgess’s father. The story takes you into a serial killer’s head and why he did what he did. I guess he isn’t a serial killer but I felt like he was. The creatures were a big impact into the story as well, a bit creepy if I must say so though. After reading this story you can see how it got its title.
This story caught my attention from the start and kept it all the way to the end. In fact I didn’t move a muscle until I finished it. I am not saying that I will keep an eye out for these stories, but this one does leave an impact. I enjoyed reading it and look forward to reading more from this author.
Resistance by April Kelley
Title: Resistance
Series: Roguefalls #2
Author: April Kelley
Genre: Paranormal, Fantasy
Publisher: eXtasy Books (June 7, 2017)
Length: Novella (107 Pages)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Blurb: Christian has never had a serious relationship in his life. He doesn’t plan to start with an alpha wolf shifter who thinks he can dictate what Christian is and isn’t going to do. Ward Malone might trigger every warning bell Christian has, but he also triggers every sexual fantasy. Christian wouldn’t mind giving in to Ward if fun was all he wanted. Unfortunately, Ward is an all-or-nothing kind of guy.
ISBN: 978-1-4874-1044-5
Product Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/resistance/
Reviewer: Lisa
Review: Each book in the Roguefalls collection features a new romantic couple. To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, I would recommend reading the series in sequential order.
There is nothing better than a good paranormal romance with two gorgeous men involved. They are entertaining and have just the right mix of feelings in them. There is also quite a bit of danger or excitement in it as well.
Christian is a human in a paranormal army. His mother was a single mom who had a difficult time making it easy; in fact she made his life pretty hard in a way. So he looks on other people to be similar in certain things. Family and mates would leave him behind, so he pushes them away. That is until he finds himself a mate to an alpha wolf.
Ward only came down to check on his baby brother, not to find his mate. A stubborn man he never knew before, yet he is the exact same way. These two fit perfectly, but as one can guess it is going to take, well I am going to let you read the story to figure it out.
Now with this story and series, there really is no action other than with mates. I am a bit disappointed with that. I was hoping for something major to happen, but basically it is just a story about two guys who are hot for each other and are stubborn asshat’s at the same time. Now that doesn’t mean the story doesn’t rock because it does, I was just hoping for a bit more bite to it. I did enjoy reading it and look forward to the next book.
Run Away With Me by Lily Harlem
Title: Run Away With Me
Series: Redwood Shifters 01
Author: Lily Harlem
Genre: Gay Erotic Romance, Paranormal
Publisher: Pride Publishing (May 30, 2017)
Length: Short Story (66 Pages)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 2 ½ Hearts
Blurb: When Jude is offered a lift to anywhere on the back of a handsome stranger’s Harley, he throws caution to the wind and jumps on for the ride.
Jude has a boring office job in a sunny but deadly dull Californian town. The highlight of his day is sitting home alone with pizza and beer. So naturally, when Neo wants to take off into the sunset, with Jude in tow, he doesn’t argue.
Neo makes up his own rules. Deciding quickly that Jude is the mate for him, he breaks into a beautiful beachside home pretending it’s his in order to impress the sexy man he’s picked up. He’s hoping things are going to get hot and sweaty between them real quick.
But the cops are onto them, and as Neo makes a run for it, Jude is hauled off to the police station. It’s not looking good, what started out so promising has now left a bitter taste in Jude’s mouth.
Will Neo come back for him? And if so can he explain why whenever the huge black dog is around, he’s not? And can he really throw his life into the air and see where it lands? These are all questions that Jude’s mind, body and heart need to know the answer to.
ISBN: 978-1-78651-564-3
Product Link: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/run-away-with-me
Reviewer: Lisa
Review: Jude has been dreaming of a different life. Taking a walk on the wild side, when a sexy man on a motorcycle leads him into a bit of excitement. When Neo wants them to leave town, well you can guess Jude’s answer. It would seem Jude is Neo’s mate.
Well this is the first book by this author I have read and I am not impressed. There was more sex then actual story to it. It is a very quick little story but the only difference in this one is Neo is a dog shifter. Other than the cops there is no real excitement or danger going on. It is just basically two guys going at it and a bit of a thrill on the side.
I am sorry but this book definitely isn’t doing it for me. It had potential but it failed right from the start.
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The Layover by Roe Horvat Blog Tour, Intro & Prequel Part 1
The Fangs of Scavo by Selina Kray
Title: The Fangs of Scavo
Series: Stoker & Bash 01
Author: Selina Kray
Genre: Historical, Mystery, Suspense
Length: Novel (413pgs)
ISBN: 9780995992504
Publisher: Selina Kray (7th June 2017)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: At Scotland Yard, DI Timothy Stoker is no better than a ghost. A master of arcane documents and niggling details who, unlike his celebrity-chasing colleagues, prefers hard work to headlines. But an invisible man is needed to unmask the city’s newest amateur detective, Hieronymus Bash. A bon vivant long on flash and style but short on personal history, Bash just may be a Cheapside rogue in Savile Row finery.
When the four fangs of the Demon Cats of Scavo—trophies that protect the hunters who killed the two vicious beasts—disappear one by one, Stoker’s forced to team with the very man he was sent to investigate to maintain his cover. He finds himself thrust into a world of wailing mediums, spiritualist societies, man-eating lions, and a consulting detective with more ambition than sense. Will this case be the end of his career, or the start of an unexpected liaison? Or will the mysterious forces at play be the death of them both?
And just who is Hieronymus Bash?
Purchase Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK
Review: DI Timothy Stoker loves his work, he doesn’t care about grabbing headlines, he just wants to solve his cases and begin the next case. His newest case is to unmask a flash amateur detective who keeps solving high society cases; Stoker has to go undercover to get close to Hieronymus Bash and he discovers that Hiero is not quite what he thought.
Bash loves debunking spiritualists and solving mysteries, but when, during a séance, a fang from the Demon Cats of Scavo disappears right under his nose he knows a simple solution will not be forthcoming, and he ends up with a tag-a-long in the shape of Timothy Kipling, a man who seems to be hiding something.
Stoker and Bash couldn’t be more different from the other, Stoker is plain and unassuming, disappearing into the background and often overlooked and forgotten. Bash on the other hand is flashy, attention grabbing and lives to be the centre of the spotlight. These two together make for an odd couple but surprisingly they hit it off and discover a mutual attraction.
The mystery storyline is quite attention grabbing in itself, we have the creepy story of the Fangs of the Demon Cats of Scavo and their shocking disappearances, we have characters who thrust themselves into the culprit spotlight and there’s one character in particular who you desperately hope gets his comeuppance because his behaviour is just *shudder* beyond the pale.
I quite enjoyed this story and really enjoyed the descriptions and setting, all the characters are fleshed out perfectly so you can imagine them in your mind’s eye as they crop up in the story. There are some action scenes that are quite exciting and daring, and believe me Stoker and Bash just seem to attract danger.
The relationship between Stoker and Bash is quite tempestuous, Bash is a full-on passionate man while Stoker seems to have a banked passion that he controls with an iron fist, and it leads to some passionate interludes but with Stoker pulling back in the times in between.
Overall this story was a fascinating read, I found the characters to be enthralling, the storyline fascinating and the romance to be fitting for the time.
I recommend this to those who adore historical mysteries, fantastic characters, danger and action, and an ending that has you impatiently waiting for the next book.
Enlightened by Joanna Chambers (2nd Edition)
Title: Enlightened (2nd Edition)
Series: Enlightenment 03
Author: Joanna Chambers
Genre: Historical (Industrial Revolution England)
Length: Novel (226 Pages)
Publisher: Joanna Chambers Books (April 23, 2017)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Blurb: David Lauriston has been recuperating at Lord Murdo Balfour’s Laverock estate for the last five months. At Laverock, he has regained his health and confidence and has found—with Murdo—more happiness and contentment than he has never known before.
David is all too aware that some day soon he will have to leave Laverock—and Murdo—and return to his legal practice in Edinburgh, just as Murdo will have to return to his life in London. But when David’s mentor, Patrick Chalmers, asks David to return to Edinburgh to visit him on his deathbed, it seems that day has come sooner than either David or Murdo would have wished.
Chalmers begs David to undertake one last piece of business for him: to secure the future of Chalmers’s daughter Elizabeth. But to carry out his old mentor’s wishes, David must travel to London, with Murdo.
No sooner have the two men arrived in the capital than they encounter Murdo’s ruthlessly manipulative father, who reveals a shocking secret that rocks David to his foundations. What’s more, when David discovers Elizabeth is facing far greater danger than even her father feared, he is determined to help her, no matter the cost to his own safety.
As the stakes rise, it is Murdo who must choose what he is prepared to sacrifice to keep David at his side, and ask whether there is any possibility of lasting happiness for men like them.
Product Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071RK71MR
Reviewer: Gigi
Review: This is a great series for those historical romance lovers out there! Be sure to read all three in order, or the plots won’t make sense. The writing grabs hold of my attention quickly, and my mind begins to wander with the possibilities. Much of the beginning of the book is all about Murdo and David living and working together, getting to really know and enjoy each other in a safe, private environment. I think that really was important to help cement their relationship.
From the beginning of the series, I loved the dominance and heavy-handedness of Murdo. He’s powerful, he’s independently and inheritably wealthy, he’s defiant, he’s nobility, but he has a weak spot, David.
David is the perfect foil for Murdo. He’s highly intelligent, he has submissive tendencies, but book three shows he can equal the playing field just fine. He’s strong enough to stand up to Murdo, he’s strong enough to be what Murdo needs, now if they can just admit to each other what their needs and wants really are. Admitting to love, when their kind of love doesn’t stand a chance in society, seems foolish to David.
But they do, and where there’s a will….Murdo finds a way. I thought the solution the author weaved up was perfect. I knew all along it would involve Chalmers’ daughter, but the oh so clever Joanna Chambers came up with a perfect social explanation that would last Murdo and David’s lifetime, and a happy lifetime together it should be.
The dominant role Murdo has played through the series mellows a bit, and David finally admits to his true desires, his true love and let’s go of others’ expectations. I like how Chalmers, David’s mentor, is actually the person to allow David to let go, to admit to his feelings and have the hope and courage to grab hold of his dreams.
A great trilogy, I look forward to more from this author for sure!
Wolf of the Northern Star by S.J. Himes
Title: Wolf of the Northern Star
Series: Wolfkin Saga # 2
Author: SJ Himes
Genre: Paranormal
Length: Novel (374pgs)
Publisher: SJ Himes (June 14, 2017)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Blurb: Ghost, once known as the cub Luca, is finally home. Back among his kind and learning what it means to be both a man and a shaman, Ghost battles the expectations of his people, his family, and the pressures of a society that is both foreign and familiar. His power is greater than any seen before, dwarfing that of even the legendary Shaman Gray Shadow—and his union with Kane places him in the center of a controversy that rattles wolfkin society around the world.
Kane, greater alpha and Heir to Black Pine Clan, has finally defeated the traitor and murderer that destroyed the heart of Black Pine years before. Freed at last from guilt and pain, Kane has a new enemy to face: his own people. Placed on trial for violation of Law and blasphemy, Kane will have to fight to the death to preserve his bond with Ghost and keep his mate and people safe.
The soulbond between Ghost and Kane is forged by the creator and Goddess of the wolfkin. Usually, a sacred and treasured union that honors the pair and their clans, this soulbond is seen not as a gift, but a threat to eons of tradition and Clan Law.
The union of a Shaman and Alpha is anathema—but how to reconcile that belief when it is the wolfkin Goddess who forged it? Can Ghost and Kane save themselves, preserve their bond, and find a new future when the laws of the ancient past threaten to tear them apart?
**This book is part of a series and is not standalone. Prior books should be read to understand content. 104,000 words. Brief flashbacks of sexual assault and abuse. Mature content and violence.***
ISBN: B072R5QF1C
Product Link: https://www.amazon.com/Wolf-Northern-Star-Wolfkin-Saga-ebook/dp/B072R5QF1C
Reviewer: Shorty
Review: This sequel picks up where the first book leaves off. Wolf is confused by wolves acting more human than wolf. He does not understand why they are not acting like who they are. We see Roman and Claire being judged and convicted by the tribunal.
Simon is still doing his experiments with a new master that I figured out who it was before they were announced. So it came as no surprise to me. This book is a fantastic addition to the series. It adds more in depth details to characters such as Wren, Gerald and Caius.
I found myself unable to stop reading until the very end and was sorry when there was no more. I hope there will be more to this series and that next time we will not have to wait two years to read it. I truly loved everything about this story.
Beguiled by Joanna Chambers (2nd Edition)
Title: Beguiled (2nd Edition)
Series: Enlightenment 02
Author: Joanna Chambers
Genre: Historical
Length: Novel (226 pages)
Publisher: Joanna Chambers Books (April 23, 2017)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4.5 Hearts
Blurb: Two years after his last encounter with cynical nobleman Lord Murdo Balfour, David Lauriston accidentally meets him again in the heart of Edinburgh.
King George IV is about to make his first visit to Edinburgh and Murdo has been sent North by his politician father to represent his aristocratic family at the celebrations.
David and Murdo’s last parting was painful—and on Murdo’s part, bitter—but Murdo’s feelings seem to have mellowed in the intervening years. So much so, that he suggests to David that they enjoy each other’s company during Murdo’s stay in the capital.
Despite his initial reservations, David cannot put Murdo’s proposal from his mind, and soon find himself at Murdo’s door—and in his arms.
But other figures from David’s past are converging on the city, and as the pomp and ceremony of the King’s visit unfolds around them, David is drawn into a chain of events that will threaten everything: his career, his wellbeing, and the fragile bond that, despite David’s best intentions, is growing between him and Murdo.
Product Link: https://www.amazon.com/Beguiled-Enlightenment-Joanna-Chambers-ebook/dp/B0722GJFD4
Reviewer: GiGi
Review: Did I mention how much I enjoyed Provoked? I dug right into that wonderful book, filled with tension. Beguiled takes off running with tension, and Murdo has been holding on to David’s rejection for a couple of years now. Their past encounters were rife with passion, yet they lived in two different worlds, with different ideals, and went separate ways. Murdo feel’s it was David’s idealism that separated them in the first place and he’s determined to get under his skin and have him again. It’s not an accident that Murdo decided to go to Edinburgh after all, not just family commitment…Murdo went seeking David.
David has been busy working his way up with his friend Chalmers’ help and influence. He owes him a good showing for the King’s visit and amidst his long hours and heavy caseload agrees to get fitted for a new suit so he can meet his commitments and attend several patriotic events. Of course, David wasn’t prepared to see the man who exposes his weaknesses, that tempts him at every turn, Murdo Balfour. The sparks fly once again, David and Murdo battle back and forth between passion and frustration, pride and what David sees as weakness in himself.
Once again, political station, commitments to friends and political disagreements act to force David and Murdo apart. But a tragic injury to David forces them together. Giving them time to build on their passion, or time for an angry husband to catch up with David and finish the threat to his life? Will David and Murdo take this time to get closer, to find a solution to their predicament, how long can they hide their true relationship? I’ll have to wait for the next book to find out!
My only complaint is the cliffhanger…I know there is going to be a very angry, very dangerous, politically powerful Lord coming after David in the very near future, but can Murdo protect him? Ugh…eagerly awaiting the next bite of passion from these two!
Iudicium by T.C. Orton
Title: Iudicium
Author: T.C. Orton
Genre: Dark Fantasy
Length: Novel (228pgs)
Publisher: T.C. Orton (May 30, 2017)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Blurb: After being incarcerated at a prison that leans over the edge of the world, Fayt must do whatever it takes to escape (or simply survive) the horrors that await him. You will take control of Fayt and guide him on his path, but be careful, for not everyone posing as an ally will lead you down the road to freedom.
Note: This is an interactive story, and it is important that you keep a record of your choices close by.
Fayt is in your hands…
ISBN: B072PZ47DK
Product Link: https://www.amazon.com/Iudicium-T-C-Orton-ebook/dp/B072PZ47DK
Reviewer: Shorty
Review: I have read one interactive story many years ago but I have to say this one is much better. You make Fayt’s, a half human/ half elf, decisions for him as instructed throughout the story. The prison is a dismal place that fills you with dread at every turn. The Warden is a dreadful man full of malice and evil at every turn. The atmosphere is spooky and dangerous as our MC tries to keep a low profile.
Though I was a little disturbed by the non-con I still enjoyed the story and where it took me. I will be reading it again and choosing different options to see where else the story ends besides the one I chose.
Fantastic read and highly recommended but I will warn you there are scenes of non-con depending on your choices.
Provoked by Joanna Chambers (2nd Edition)
Title: Provoked (2nd Edition)
Series: Enlightenment 01
Author: Joanna Chambers
Genre: Historical, 1800’s Scotland
Length: Novel (208 pages)
Publisher: Joanna Chambers Books (16th April 2017)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Blurb: David Lauriston is struggling to build his reputation in Edinburgh’s privileged legal world. His humble origins are enough of a hurdle, never mind his recent decision to defend a group of weavers accused of treason, prompting speculation that he may harbour radical sympathies. The last thing he should be doing is agreeing to help the brother of one of the convicted weavers find the government agent who caused his brother’s downfall.
David’s personal life is no more successful. Tormented by his forbidden desires for other men, and the painful memories of the childhood friend he once loved, David tries his hardest to live a celibate existence, castigating himself whenever his resolve slips.
But then—into David’s repressed and orderly world—bursts Lord Murdo Balfour.
Cynical, hedonistic and utterly unapologetic, Murdo could not be less like David. Whilst David refuses to entertain the prospect of entering into a loveless marriage for propriety’s sake, Murdo is determined to wed one day—and has no intention of giving up the company of other men when he does so. But as appalled as David is by Murdo’s unrepentant self-interest, he cannot resist the man’s sway.
Murdo tempts and provokes David in equal measure, distracting him from his promise to find the agent provocateur responsible for the weavers’ fate, and forcing him to acknowledge his physical desires.
But is Murdo more than a mere distraction?
Is it possible he could be the very man David is looking for?
Product Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071YJ254F
Reviewer: Gigi
Review: I know it’s a great book when I stay up reading until 2:30 in the morning on a work night! I couldn’t put it down. I really enjoy historical romances, I really truly love m/m romance, I get all hot and bothered over Scottish men, and I love a bit of intrigue…this book contains it all! The drama, the angst, the steamy hot and erotic sexual encounters. Chambers has really developed complex characters in both David and Balfour; they each have concrete reasons for being the way they are, how they react to their life situations, and how they see themselves in the peerage. The book opens with an intense scene of a public hanging and decapitation, and really sets the tempo for the tension I felt throughout the book. It’s edgy, it’s philosophical, and it’s exciting throughout.
I really enjoyed how the author is building up tension and magnetism between the two main MC’s, and that they are both drawn to and repelled by each other throughout the plot. I’m also surprised and intrigued by the fact that the bleeding heart idealist David is the rough and gritty lover, and the brutish lord Balfour is the more sensual, intimate lover. That was a nice twist. The drama unfolds as David and his bleeding heart agrees to help Euen, the brother of the executed men he advocated for in court. He wants David’s help tracking down the spy that got his brother killed, and that path may just lead to Balfour! You just know no good can come of it. You see the train wreck coming but can’t help but turn the pages even faster.
As the characters paths begin to align the book becomes nail-biting, and at the same time the sexual confrontation is also coming. The end of book one was at once painful, and settling. I really truly felt sorrow for David’s self-sacrifice for his ideals, and understanding in him accepting what love and family he has as his best comfort in the world. But I know I want so much more for him. I’m left irritated a bit with Balfour, and my mind is whirring with the many possibilities that may lie in store for David and Balfour in the next book!
If you enjoy reading about the Ton and you love a hot, angsty romance, this book is for you! I couldn’t put it down!
See Me by K.C. Wells ~ Audiobook
Title: See Me
Series: Lightning Tales, Volume 3
Author: K.C. Wells
Genre: Contemporary
Narrator: Joel Leslie
Length: 5 hrs 11 min
Publisher: K.C. Wells (31st May 2017)
Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
Narration: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Blurb: Adrian DeSoto spent most of his time in high school being bullied and beaten up, simply because he was perceived as gay. Always slight, effeminate, he was the perfect victim for guys like Martin Cavanaugh, one of the high school jocks. When it all got too much, Adrian was faced with two options, one more devastating than the other. Eleventh grade saw a new Adrian, one who hid his fears and pain behind a mask in a bid to survive.
Eleven years later, and Adrienne is one of the top drag acts in Orlando. She’s fierce, funny, and exuberant. A face from the past gives her a shock, and after that there’s only one thing on her mind – revenge.
Marty Cavanaugh has a particular kink. He loves it when a drag queen goes down on him. But that’s as far as it goes. He won’t admit to himself what’s under that tight fitting dress. And then he meets Adrienne and his whole world goes into a tailspin…
Warning – Contains men in drag, honey! You have been warned.
Product Link: https://www.audible.com/pd/Fiction/See-Me-Audiobook/B071ZJG6GV
Reviewer: Gigi
Review: Following Adrian and Ric from high school to adulthood, seeing how their paths intersected when a small kindness made a huge difference in their lives. I enjoyed this aspect of the story very much. This ties nicely in with the two previous books in the series.
Once Marty is introduced we get a picture of not just a closeted man, but someone in denial with a true fear of accepting who he is. When Marty and Adrian realize who they are to each other it gets wild, emotional, and challenging for both parties. Adrian finds out just how easy it is to take the low road when you’re hurt by someone, how easy it is to hurt back and how badly it made him feel.
It was fun and fascinating to read the story through “Adrienne’s” view as she puts on her makeup takes the stage, and how her persona changes as she transitions back to Adrian.
Joel Leslie did a fabulous job of narration. His different voices for each character, even those for Adrian/Adrienne were unique and smooth.
When Ric and Marty to finally reconcile and come together its hot and it’s passionate. Great read, heart-warming, funny at times, heart-breaking at others. Great series!