Category: MM Romance Book Review

Bite of Darkness by Leah Blake

Leah Blake - Bite of Darkness CoverTitle: Bite of Darkness

Series: Shadow Creek 02 

Author: Leah Blake

Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal

Length: Novel (188pgs)

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand, Inc. (June 19, 2017)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Ashly Marrouch is given an important task: deliver a box with a secret, lifesaving antidote to the alpha of Shadow Creek. For Ashly, this is another night’s work for the vampire king he serves. What should have been a simple drop-and-go is anything but when Vuk Remmington opens the door and Ashly finds himself face-to-face with his imposing, frighteningly handsome werewolf mate.

Vuk is one of Shadow Creek’s fiercest guards and his alpha’s second-in-command. Naturally, he is suspicious of Ashly and the antidote he delivers. Fighting his hunger for the small, gorgeous, witty vampire proves impossible, and Vuk finds himself desperate to repair the damages his initial attitude has caused between them.

When Vuk and Ashly are ambushed by human hunters, one thing becomes clear: Vuk can’t live without Ashly, and Ashly will sacrifice himself to save his wolf.

Vuk demands to know the origins of the antidote. But the antidote is the least of Vuk’s worries when Ashly becomes the prime target for the hunters.

ISBN: 978-1-64010-381-8

Product Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/book/bite-of-darkness

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: This series gets better and better with every book. Ashly is a vampire given an important task. Deliver a box to Alpha Raul and guard it with your life. He meets Vuk, Raul’s second in command, and the meeting is tense. 

To be honest Vuk is an ass to Ashly because Ashly refuses to give him the box or tell him what it is in it. It leads to Vuk not trusting anyone. Now while I understood Vuk’s protectiveness over his Alpha that did not excuse his behavior with his mate.

The action picks up as things start turning dangerous. Suspense, mystery, secrets, and some sexy times are all throughout. Fantastic addition to the series.

Highly recommended.

Risky Behavior by L.A. Witt & Cari Z.

Cari Z. & L.A. Witt - Risky Behavior CoverTitle: Risky Behavior

Series: Bad Behavior #1

Author: L.A. Witt & Cari Z.

Genre: Contemporary, Mystery

Publisher: Riptide Publishing (May 1, 2017)

Length: Novel (309 Pages)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3.5 Hearts 

Blurb:  It’s day one of Darren Corliss’s career as a detective, and not only has he been assigned a notoriously difficult partner, but the guy might also be a pill-popping dirty cop. Internal Affairs needs proof, and Darren gets to be their eyes and ears whether he wants to or not.

Detective Andreas Ruffner doesn’t play by the rules, and he doesn’t play well with others. With bodies piling up and a list of suspects who are way above his pay grade, the last thing he needs is a wet-behind-the-ears kid for a partner. Or babysitter. Not even if that partner is easy on the eyes.

As Darren gains Andreas’s hard-won trust, they both realize there’s more than just mutual suspicion simmering beneath the surface. But their investigation is heating up as quickly as their relationship, and Darren has no choice but to go along with Andreas’s unorthodox—and borderline unethical—methods. As IA puts the squeeze on Darren to give up the man he’s falling for, he has to wonder—is Andreas the only cop left in this town who isn’t dirty?       

ISBN: 978-1-62649-564-7

Product Link: https://riptidepublishing.com/titles/risky-behavior

Reviewer: Lisa

Review:  Wow, talk about a hard day’s work.  Darren has finally made it to detective and already has run into a road block.  Internal affairs wants dirt on his new partner.  A partner that not only turns him the hell on but might also be a dirty cop.  

Andreas is one hell of a good cop and tough to boot.  He doesn’t put up with anyones shit, but he has a few secrets.  He doesn’t play very good with anyone and is always running his new partner’s off, well maybe not this one.  There was just something about the kid that might just change his attitude.  Drugs, death, dirty cops, dirty politician’s and who knows what else is coming out of the woodwork with our guys.

The good parts of this story outweighs the bad.  Although the author has used one piece in this story that is a deal breaker for me.  I cannot stand a story, especially a love story that involves HIV.  In many police forces it is definitely not allowed, and for these authors to have a detective with it, well no.  As in my police force’s there is a mandatory physical that they go through over time and if this cop was HIV, the force would have known.  His ass would have been either booted off the detective stage, and possibly the force.  Also the way Darren is with the news, I am sorry but that doesn’t work either.  I can see him staying with the guy but to be so flippy floopy with it, no.  It places the others in danger, so I am sorry but this just brought the story down quite a bit. 

 As for the good parts, well let’s just say it is action pact and hot.  I can’t say the guy on the cover was anything good and in fact was one of the worst covers I have come across.  Now that being said it seemed to work for this type of story.  The story itself has a dark tone to it and very little humor mixed in.  It was not an over the top feeling though, but you can still feel it.  The characters and the story were described to the tee and were pretty well developed.  

Over all I would say the story has great potential and if it was not for the HIV part, I would have said at least a full point more.  I enjoyed the story but am not really sure if it will keep my attention ready and willing for the next book.  Guess we will wait and see on that. 

Silent Voices by Thom Collins

Thom Collins - Silent Voices CoverTitle: Silent Voices

Author: Thom Collins

Genre: Mystery

Publisher: Pride Publishing (May 9, 2017)

Length: Short Story (62 Pages)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3.5 Hearts 

Blurb: A desire for justice as strong as their passion for each other.

Concerned about the welfare of his young cousin, Josh Jackson, a restaurant owner, traces the boy to Winterstone Grange, a gated manor deep in the country. Miles from anywhere, the protected walls of this stately house conceal dark secrets. Josh’s search brings him into contact with Ed Brolin, a handsome journalist who has spent weeks investigating the secrets of the Grange and its owner. Ray Armstrong is a wealthy businessman with influential connections in parliament and the police. Ed knows exactly what goes on at the Grange but, without evidence, he hasn’t got a story.

Drawn together by instant attraction and a powerful hunger for justice, Josh and Ed are determined to expose the sordid secrets of the Grange despite the risks. Josh has never met a man like Ed before—so strong, determined and masculine. Falling in love is easy. But they’ll have to put their emotions aside if they’re going to give a voice to all the silent victims of Winterstone Grange.

ISBN: 978-1-78651-560-5

Product Link: https://www.pride-publishing.com/silent-voices

Reviewer:  Lisa

Review:  One would think that an eighteen year old disappearing for a night or two is normal, but for Josh it sends him out searching. With the help of an journalist, well what he finds will stay with your forever.

The title makes this story seem more then it is but not for the reasons one would think.  Victims need their story told, however the way the author did this book left a lot to be desired.  For one the blurb pretty much gave you the story.  Two it should have been expanded into a novel with a bit more back ground and action to it.  For me it was just a nibble at a story and then plop it was over and done with.  I hate to say it but if I had known that it was going to be like this, I would have not read it.  The story itself is just downright nasty to me, but not the topic.  The topic would have one in tears and pissed as hell, but the author made the story off a bit.  It was focused on Josh and Ed’s relationship a bit too much in my mind.  

Over all, this is one book that will not only not get read again, but will be deleted from my library.  That is not saying that it was not written well, but just read the book and you can guess my reaction.  I hate to say it, but this book was definitely not for me.  

Crossfire by Jon Keys (2nd Edition)

Jon Keys - CrossfireTitle: Crossfire, (2nd Edition)

Author: Jon Keys

Genre: Mystery, Suspense, Contemporary

Publisher: Pride Publishing (July 18, 2017)

Length: Novella (89 Pages)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts 

Blurb: Murder, kidnapping and a disappearance. Trooper Rick Anthis could use a break. But he hopes it isn’t too late in coming.

Rick Anthis, a forty-five-year-old veteran of the Colorado State Police and his husband, Gabriel Thorkelson, a deputy sheriff in a nearby county, enjoy the peace of their suburban Boulder home, but the neighborhood’s tranquility is shattered by three rapid-fire gunshots. The pair’s quick reaction allows Rick to witness the abduction of his eight-year-old buddy Jacob, by his father.

In their quest to find the boy, the clues are sparse and time is of the essence since Jacob is diabetic, a condition Gabriel is far too familiar with. A search of the father’s apartment yields nothing more than an old hiking map that narrows the search down to a few hundred square miles. Rick and his CSI team are on the hunt, but with every bit of progress they make, it seems they are thwarted, especially when Gabriel turns up missing. 

This is a second edition, previously published through a different publisher.

ISBN: 978-1-78651-594-0

Product Link: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/crossfire

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Fair warning that if you can’t handle domestic abuse, then this might be a bit touchy for you.  It actually is more than abuse but you can tell from the blurb.  

Rick and his husband Gabriel are both police officers, just in different sections.  Rick is a veteran from the Colorado State Police and his husband is a deputy sheriff.  They live in a beautiful location that is shattered when a young mother is murdered and her child is abducted.  Now it would be a normal case for our two sexy men, if that child was not only their neighbor but their little buddy.  Not to mention he and Gabe share the same condition, they are both diabetic’s, so they need to find him soon.

With that, there is another crime as well.  For such a short story it is action pact and very detailed.  I was surprised at how much was in this story and definitely would be looking out for more stories from this author.  It was one of the best I have come across and fell in love with our guys and that little boy.  Jacob rocked the story.  

I enjoyed reading it and would definitely recommend this story to all.

Hidden: Evils by Jo Tannah

Jo Tannah - Hidden Evils CoverTitle: 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

Angel Martinez - Feral Dust Bunnies CoverTitle: 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

Sarah Masters - Empathy for a Killer CoverTitle: 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

April Kelley - Resistance CoverTitle: 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

Lily Harlem - Run Away With Me CoverTitle: 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. 

The Fangs of Scavo by Selina Kray

Selina Kray - The Fangs of Scavo CoverTitle: 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)

Joanna Chambers - 03 - Enlightened CoverTitle: 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

S.J. Himes - Wolf of the Northern Star CoverTitle: 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)

Joanna Chambers - 02 - Beguiled CoverTitle: 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!