Duty & Devotion by Tere Michaels

Title: Duty & Devotion

Series: Faith, Love, and Devotion 03

Author: Tere Michaels

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (200 Pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (January 12, 2015)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: A year after deciding to share their lives, Matt and Evan are working on their happily ever after—which isn’t as easy as it looks. As life settles down into a routine, Matt finds happiness in his role as the ideal househusband of Queens, New York, but he worries about Evan’s continued workaholic—and emotionally avoidant—ways. Trying to juggle his evolving relationship with Evan and his children, Matt turns to his friend, former Seattle Homicide Detective Jim Shea.

The continued friendship between Matt and Jim is a thorn in Evan’s side. Jealous and uncomfortable with imagining their brief affair, Evan struggles to come to terms with what being in a committed relationship with a man means, and the implications about his love for his deceased wife, the impact on his children, and how other people will view him. His turmoil threatens his relationship with Matt, who worries that Evan will once again chose a life without him. But now, the stakes are much higher.

ISBN: 978-1-63216-581-7

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: This is part of the Faith, Love, and Devotion series. They need to be read in order, so that you learn about Evan and Matt. To see how they come together when it was needed the most, how they fell in love, went through some difficult times together and get what they deserved in the end.

It is a tender heart book that will draw you in and keep you captivated. There are some wonderful memories that these two men will carry with them for a long time. I am not very good with my words but there is something about this book that makes your heart beat faster and your breath quicken, your desires are met and the rest of the time you just want to smack someone upside the head.

Evan had spent twenty of his years married to a beautiful woman whom he loved with his entire heart. Then she died suddenly leaving him in a spiral downward. Then Matt made him love once more. Now here he is with the man he loves and still finding a way to screw it all up. He wants what Matt wants but is afraid of the out come. Matt wants to be out and live life to the fullest, yet here he is like a scared rabbit. Then his in-laws are threatening to take the kids away, the chief wants him to be promoted to head of his department and he is about to meet the one man that Matt had slept with in a one night stand. Talk about pressures of his life.

Matt had not been in any serious relationships till Evan and Evan was all he wanted. His one night stand was a good friend who just wanted to help, but it seems Evan just couldn’t get past it. That is until someone makes a move and places Jim in danger. Then Evan realizes that Jim is so deeply in love with his man, that he really needs to get over his crap. Matt just wants to be able to go out in the world holding his man’s hand. Was that too much to ask for. I mean Evan didn’t even like labels. There are a lot of fears between them, but their love proves to be stronger than all of them.

Matt needs Evan to realize that they are worth the chance, worth the troubles and worth the effort to be something more than just roommates with benefits. Even though most every one knew that they were together there seems to be a bit of tension still surrounding it all. I must admit that even though it actually comes off as a very real in the life story, there are parts that drive me crazy. It is a wonderful story that gave me almost everything I could want in a story. I loved it and would love to hear more about these two men in the future. It is an amazing story and I had a blast reading it.

I would definitely recommend reading this story. It will have you smiling at parts and crying with others. There is so much feeling that was put into this story and it gave me so much joy reading it. It gives you gorgeous men, quirky kids, pain in the ass in-laws, a bit of angst and pain, entertaining thoughts, some very hot sex and a love so strong that you would be powerless against it.

Signs by Anna Martin

Title: Signs

Author: Anna Martin

Genre: Contemporary, New Adult

Length: Novel (195 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (20 Mar 2015)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: After spending most of his life in special schools, Caleb Stone now faces public high school in his senior year, a prospect that both excites him and threatens to overwhelm his social anxiety. As a deaf teenager, he’s closed himself off to the world. He speaks a shorthand with his parents and even finds it hard to use American Sign Language with people in his local deaf community. But Caleb finds comfort in his love of photography. Everything he can’t express in real life, he posts on his Tumblr.

Struggling to reconcile his resentment for his father’s cruelty with the grief of losing a parent, Luc Le Bautillier scrolls through Tumblr searching for someone who might understand his goth look and effeminate nature. When Luc reblogs a photo by Caleb, sparking a conversation, they both find it easier to make friends online than in person.

Luc and Caleb confront their fears about the opinions of the outside world to meet in New York City. Despite Caleb’s increasing confidence, his parents worry he’s not ready for the trials ahead. But communication comes in many forms—when you learn the signs.

ISBN:978-1-63216-811-5

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Prime

Review: This is one real heart warming story. This is the story of two young men, recently turned 18 and starting to think about college and the future. They meet online by chance and beautiful relationship blossoms. Much of the story is told from Luc’s side. He’s a native New Yorker with a complicated home life, though he loves his big sister and she supports him throughout. Then there is Caleb, he lives somewhere in or about Boston – he may be deaf but he is also a gifted photographer. Caleb is also blessed with amazing parents.

This is just sweet and simple: its two boys growing up into men with their own set of complications, as well as these boys getting to know each other and falling in love. I really loved both MCs and they were easily relatable and felt real. I really loved who Anna Martin was able to articulate Caleb, which I am certain is more than tricky when he communicates only using American Sign Language. This is also a whole major thread of the book and it really does show that love is a fantastic motivator and that angst isn’t a requirement of a young adult story. Best of all, there is a happily ever after!

This is an excellent read and not just for young adults, anyone can enjoy this one. I think everyone at some stage feels like a Caleb yearning for their Luc (of course, not in the literal sense!).

Hiding Things by S.C. Wynne

Title: Hiding Things

Author: S.C. Wynne

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Short Story (71 Pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (September 23, 2015)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Mason Downing is good at a lot of things, but math isn’t one of them. What he is good at is hiding the fact that he’s a poor kid on a full scholarship at elite Bragson University—though he won’t be there for long if he can’t get his grades up.

Carter Lantor is the embodiment of all that Mason pretends to be: rich, confident, and smart. But when Carter is handpicked to be Mason’s new math tutor, Mason learns that he’s not the only one hiding things. Soon, Carter’s picture-perfect façade begins to crack under the pressure of his father’s expectations and his own unhappiness.

Together, Mason and Carter must teach each other that no matter how much they question their place in the world, their love for one another might be the answer they are looking for.

ISBN: 978-1-63476-495-7

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: This is one of the first books that I have read by this author and I have to say that it is a joy to read it. I can understand prejudice and beliefs that one is never good enough, but I loved how Carter handles it all.

Mason was almost perfect in school, except he was about to flunk math. He was supposed to get a tutor so he could keep his scholarship, but he didn’t want anyone to know he was poor. He felt that people would treat him like crap if he was. So when he took a part time job to pay the tutor, he was shocked to meet Carter. Talk about a lot of shocks for the poor guy.

I actually enjoyed this, even though Mason has a chip on his shoulder that you would love to smack off. I thought that this is a world that is fairly known that is for sure. Although rich people do tend to treat poor people differently, this story shows a bit more to certain things.

I loved it and look forward to reading more by this author.

Between the Devil and Pacific Blue by Charlie Cochet

Title: Between the Devil and the Pacific Blue

Author: Charlie Cochet

Genre: Americas, Ghosts/Spirits, Historical, Paranormal

Length: Short (60 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (October 31, 2015)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: For the last six months, Detective James Ralston has worked the nightshift as security for the Pacific Blue Hotel, and every night at 2 a.m. his rounds lead him to the radio room where the handsome and mysterious Franklin Fairchild sits listening to waltzes as old as the hotel itself. James is drawn to Franklin, but Franklin is a man at the end of his rope, and James has no intention of getting caught up in whatever trouble Franklin is in. A heated encounter late one night sends James down a disturbing path and has him questioning everything around him, including his very sanity.

ISBN-13: 978-1-63476-629-6

Reviewer: Shorty

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: I loved the couple in this book. James is military veteran and works at the hotel. Franklin is a true gentleman that keeps to himself though he follows the same routine every night. James is attracted to Franklin so when one night Franklin is not in his usual spot James goes looking for him. They then become drawn in a fight for their lives as the mystery begins to unravel.

I loved this entire book. It draws you in from the start and does not let go until the very end. Great details along with breath-taking suspense scenes leave the reader wanting more.

Highly recommended.

Forged In Trust by Mickie B. Ashling

Title: Forged in Trust

Series: Bay Area Professionals 04

Author: Mickie B Ashling

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (200 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (4 Sept 2015)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4.5 Hearts

Blurb: Dr. Ethan Marshall is the young medical student on call the night Tessa Duran murders her husband for abusing her twelve-year-old-son, Rino. Ethan stays in the cubicle while the rape kit is performed and is surprised when the boy resorts to prayers instead of tears.

Despite compelling evidence, Tessa is sent to jail for life. To avoid placing Rino in foster care, their parish priest agrees to raise him. Ethan is touched by Rino’s plight and visits whenever possible, but the connection is broken when the priest and young boy leave the area months later.

Raised by the Dominicans in California, Rino considers joining the order until a romance blossoms with a fellow student. After much soul-searching, he turns his back on everything familiar, and chooses his orientation over his perceived vocation. Upon graduating dental hygiene school, Rino takes a job at the office of Scott Gregory and Robin Kennedy.

Seventeen years have passed since that horrible night in the emergency room. Forty-three-year-old Ethan is now a Dominant in search of a full-time submissive. Twenty-nine-year-old Rino is adrift, longing for someone or something to help him find the serenity he’s lost along the way. As they rekindle their friendship, they realize they might be perfect for each other.

ISBN: 978-1-63476-470-4

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Prime

Review: I am going to state this warning up front, this is a very graphic and confronting book in more ways than one. First off, there is the BDSM aspect, which like everything does not appeal to everyone. Secondly, there are some very graphic description (not of the acts) but more so of the horrific outcomes. This book is not for the squeamish and includes prostitution, rape and paedophilia just in the first couple chapters. There are also some traumatic/PTSD later on but nowhere near as horrific as the first few chapters.

Forged in Trust is the fourth book of the Bay Area Professionals. However, it can be read as a standalone book.

The story starts off in the early 90s with Rino and his mother, living in poverty in the Philippines and things were looking worse for them because the US military were evacuating. They do get to the US (under some shady circumstances) and we jumped to when Rino is 13, which is where we first meet twenty-something, idealistic ER doctor, Ethan Marshall. The two form a companionship over a couple months but Rino is really just a traumatised child at this point. Then Rino is taken away, out of state, and we pick up with both Rino once more almost fifteen years later. It’s here that Ethan once again enters his life.

It’s a complicated story and I fear that explaining one thread might give too much away!

I’m pretty sure Tinder and smart phones are referenced at a time when they did not exist, but that is neither here nor there.

The characters are wonderfully developed, although part of me is certain that Rino’s character could have been a bit more given a bit more time. I felt like Rino and Ethan’s story ended a tad too soon because Rino had just gone through a massive personal growth period.

Really well written, fast paced book that is brimming with emotion, I found it impossible not to become engrossed in the story. I really want to read the first three books now.

How To Be A Normal Person by T.J. Klune

Title: How to be a Normal Person

Author: T.J. Klune

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (290 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (16 Oct 2015)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Gustavo Tiberius is not normal. He knows this. Everyone in his small town of Abby, Oregon, knows this. He reads encyclopedias every night before bed. He has a pet ferret called Harry S. Truman. He owns a video rental store that no one goes to. His closest friends are a lady named Lottie with drag queen hair and a trio of elderly Vespa riders known as the We Three Queens.

Gus is not normal. And he’s fine with that. All he wants is to be left alone.

Until Casey, an asexual stoner hipster and the newest employee at Lottie’s Lattes, enters his life. For some reason, Casey thinks Gus is the greatest thing ever. And maybe Gus is starting to think the same thing about Casey, even if Casey is obsessive about Instagramming his food.

But Gus isn’t normal and Casey deserves someone who can be. Suddenly wanting to be that someone, Gus steps out of his comfort zone and plans to become the most normal person ever.

After all, what could possibly go wrong?

ISBN: 9781634765794

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Prime

Review: I am going to be totally frank from the outset: I am ever so slightly a massive fan of TJ Klune’s novels. I have now decided that I have a personal definitive rating of TJ’s books and this one falls second, behind Bear, Otter and the Kid (series). For the sake of all our sanities, I am not going to gush further about how awesome all of TJ Klune’s books are.

Like other books by the author, this is full of hilarious descriptions of other characters/situations, a lot of laugh out loud conversations and enough feelings to send the reader on an emotional roller coaster.

So… How to be a Normal Person… Like all of TJ Klune’s books this is a quirky but thoroughly relatable look at how two guys who are poles apart in personality can get together and fall in love. The story is mostly told from the POV of Gustavo Tiberius – aka Gus. Gus struggles with his social skills and before the death of his father; his father was also one of his only friends and his link to the rest of the world. In the small town he calls home, Gus has a very settled life with a set routine. He also has some interesting acquaintances, including a cafe owner obessed with alliteration and three lesbians who may or may not be sisters that are the sole members of the town’s vespa gang. Then there is Casey – the asexual stoner hipster who turns up in town to work for his aunt, the owner of Gus’s local cafe. It doesn’t take Casey long to realise that Gus is a bit of an oddball (which we learn more about through some of Casey’s POV sections). He’s a scruffy looking surfer dude that sounds very yummy and very sexy!

Both these guys are relatable and the attraction is both sweet and sexy. Yes, with Casey being asexual there is not a lot of physical love in the book. However, there is a very gentle and passionate romance coming to life within the pages that is not dependent on the characters having sex with each other. It is very clear that both of the guys bring something that the other needs in his life.

My heart ached for poor Gus. I really connected with him. I suppose that is because, partially, I can recognise some of his anti-social behaviours and also because we get a couple very important lessons here. The lessons being that you can pretend to be someone else but it is not necessarily going to make you happy or feel good within yourself. I hate that Gus needed to “be a normal person” so that he could be with his asexual stoner hipster, Casey. Seriously, I want to give Gus hug even though I think I know his character well enough to imagine the reaction!

If you have followed the author’s blog, you may know that this is a somewhat personal book and he is ready to explain what it is to be asexual for those of us who do not understand. In this situation, I have to say that I love Casey. He is just a lovable ball of energy and happiness. Although he doesn’t get pleasure from sex, he is ready with a hug to brighten the day of everyone around him. Isn’t that just the most awesome type of person?

As a bit of a teaser, while some of Gus’s flash backs to conversations with his father are both sweet and at some points very sad, they were also quite funny. Then there are the “recorded phone calls” with his internet provider – OMG, so funny, I loved the book for those few bits of dialogue alone.

Healed Hearts by Logan Meredith

Title: Healed Hearts

Series: Heartland 01

Author: Logan Meredith

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (200 Pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (August 24, 2015)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Even men afraid of donuts deserve a happy ending.

Second-grade teacher Seth Ray has experienced more than his fair share of heartbreak. On his own since his mother’s death, Seth remains burdened by frequent anxiety, which he manages by steadfastly avoiding anything that might set it off—including men whose names start with the letter J and donuts. Unfortunately, after a night with Jude Murphy, he encounters both and flees into the street.

Jude’s not your typical twenty-something-year-old gay man. The youngest of six boys, he desperately wants to start a family of his own. The puzzling morning-after with Seth reminds him why he doesn’t sleep around.

When Seth discovers the man he brushed off is the uncle of one his students, he’s compelled to smooth things over to save face, but Jude lays it on the line—he wants Seth, but he doesn’t do casual. The allure of the sexy redhead compels Seth to face an entire family of J names for a chance at happiness.

ISBN: 978-1-63476-308-0

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Now I am one that doesn’t much care to try new to me authors because I don’t really know what to expect of them. However the title caught my attention then I read the blurb and knew I had to read it. It was such a cute little taste, so I knew I had to bite.

Seth, like many, have lived through heart break and pain. He is a elementary school teacher who has some anxiety. He also seems a little bit odd to me, which means I like him even more. He has two little rules that he follows and one of them is he stays away from donuts. Like I said the man is odd. Donuts are good but he also stays away from men whose name starts with the letter J.

One night with Jude and damn he is going to go nuts. He can’t seem to get away from both. Jude however has the hots for Seth and is trying to figure out what to do. He wants children, but he is left with questions after his hot night with the sexy man. Now one would wander why a man doesn’t like donuts, well it is from his father saying he was going to get donuts and never coming home. A seven year old is left remembering that statement. Then in highschool he is attracted to Jason and gets beat up for it. Well that explains those two hates, but it seems he actually might just like them both.

Now Jude’s problem is he introduced himself by his middle name Daniel and asked him if he wanted a donut. Talk about setting off Seth’s buttons. Yeah I can see why he ran, but damn there is so much heat there. It has some drama that was not really needed for this story and a bit too much detail that could have been left out. However I had so much fun reading this that it made me want to look at more books by this author.

That is not to mention the hot sex and damn kinky parts to this story. It also had a lot of heart put into this whole story. You get so many feelings coming out there that you are left feeling it too. The story is well written that flows off the pages. I enjoyed it and would see myself reading it more than once.

This story rocks my world.

Beautiful Thunder by Louise Lyons

Title: Beautiful Thunder

Author: Louise Lyons

Genre: Contemporary, New Adult

Length: Novel (220 Pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (August 31, 2015)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Can romance and rock ‘n’ roll dreams survive with a storm raging around them?

Alex Randall has always wanted to be a rock singer. When he answers an ad from a local band, his dream finally comes true. He loves the stage, and the group’s fans love him. Things couldn’t be better, except for the attraction he develops for the band’s guitarist, Lindsey. Alex is surprised and initially worried, since he only had one brief flirtation with a boy in his teens. But even though he and Lindsey become close and start seeing each other, Alex fears commitment, and Lindsey worries that Alex might only be experimenting.

When Lindsey’s ex contacts him following a health scare, fear and anger drives a wedge between Alex and Lindsey, which causes rifts within the band. Alex and Lindsey’s relationship is still new and fragile, and with Alex unwittingly blaming Lindsey for their problems, it becomes a true challenge for them to weather the storm.

ISBN: 978-1-63476-394-3

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: It seems to be my week to find authors that I have not read before, but I have to tell you that I was pleased with this story. There is a lot of emotional parts in the story that kind of dragged for me, but other than that it flowed pretty damn good. What called to me about this story was the title. It wasn’t until the end when I found out where the name came from. It was a great surprise and I loved it.

Alex’s family passed away when he was younger and left him with quite a bit of money. He owned his home and really didn’t need to do anything if he wanted. However for most of his life he wanted to be a rock singer. Now many kids want this life, but damn can Alex sing. He answered an ad for a singer, and his life was about to make a turn. He falls in love with Lindsey and things just blow up in their face.

Lindsey left Alex, the band and went to London. Now he is back for a contest and they see each other once more. Time has changed and they need to see if there is away for them to be together once more. The heat is still there and damn they are sexy.

With Lindsey’s past boyfriend, I can see why he is a bit leery but you can just see the heat they both set off. They both have problems, but like all things in life many things get in the way. There is a chance for them to make it together once more.

The ending was pretty good but it seems a bit strange. Now I must admit some parts of it is the fact that it is told in a different country type of story, so some of the language might be a tad different. The ending is left in such a way that it is up to you to decide how it ends. Or maybe reach their own thoughts on it.

I had fun with it, although it is a bit on the slow side it was fun. I enjoyed reading it and look forward to reading more by this author. I would definitely recommend it.

Human Frailties, Human Strengths By Jaye McKenna

Title: Human Frailties, Human Strengths

Series: Guardians of the Leythe 01

Author: Jaye McKenna

Genre: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Sword & Sorcery

Length: Novel (274pgs)

Publisher: Mythe Weaver Press (September 30, 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: What do a god in exile and a goth geek from Nowhere, Minnesota have in common?

Not a damn thing.

Ashnavayarian is a god in exile, condemned by the Dragon Mother to live as a lowly human. The only way to appease the goddess and earn back his place at her side is to learn compassion — or bypass her entirely by raising the power to break his exile.

Tor MacAran is stuck in a dead-end job in a tiny town that’s barely on the map. He’s been alone and hurting all his life, and he’s about ready to end his pain by whatever means he can.

When a Halloween encounter dumps Tor at Ash’s feet, the two men find themselves tied together by the Dragon Mother in a way that neither can escape. Can Tor teach Ash what it really means to be human? Or will Ash’s bid for freedom destroy Tor and plunge the Westlands into a war no one can win?

Note: Human Frailties, Human Strengths is a stand-alone novel (~90,000 words) that takes place in the same world as Human Choices.

Note: This story contains hot guys who have the hots for each other

ISBN: B00FK07ANK

Product Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: I have to admit after reading Guardians of the Pattern I was quite shocked at Ash in this story. He was completely different. Conceited, mean and only seemed to care about what he wanted. As a form of punishment Jhara stripes him of power, then manipulating Toryn into venturing out of the human realm and depositing him at Ash’s feet.

Ash was a complete ass to Toryn for a long time. But that slowly changed as Ash started caring for the man. But alas danger happens time and again to these two. Along with a leythe Blade bound to Tor. I loved this story minus Ash’s attitude at first. It was a remarkable adventure fraught with suspense, danger and action.

Brilliantly written it captures the mind in a journey of finding oneself and setting right what has been made wrong. I love the books by this author. The ones I’ve read so far submerge me in a world where darkness and light fight to overcome the other. But with the help of a few the balance is slowly being restored.

I will warn readers that there are scenes of mind manipulation into having sex.

Fantastic read.

Into The Dark Void by John Simpson & Robert Cummings

Title: Into the Dark Void

Author: John Simpson & Robert Cummings

Genre: Science Fiction, Mystery, Suspense

Length: Novel (200 Pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (August 31, 2015)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Is Earth alone in the universe?

In an attempt to answer that centuries-old question, scientists sent probes into the void, hoping they’d be found by intelligent life forms. In hindsight, it’s decided that giving possibly hostile races directions back to Earth might be a dangerous idea, and the United Space Force Marines are dispatched to recover the probes.

Corporal David Creswell has become a little too close to Blake Bickford, a recent graduate from Marine training, and fraternizing is against regulations. They manage to keep their romance under the radar until they are reassigned to a classified mission to retrieve the probes—aboard a ship where they’re clearly not welcome. While trying to discover who is playing with Earth’s toys in deep space, they’ll give new meaning to “leave no man behind.”

ISBN: 978-1-63476-310-3

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: When I saw who the authors were of this story I knew that I had to read it. They write stories that give you a world that has a bit of humor to it even though they have more of a serious tone to them. They also give you sexy men with a lot of depth and detail to them; it feels like you know them. After seeing the cover of the book, I can tell you my eyes went wide and my jaw dropped. What I wouldn’t give to have a man like that.

This is a bit of an oddball story to me, but it was a lot of fun. You get gorgeous men in uniform who are working in outerspace. David and Blake saw each other and knew what they wanted. David is a corporal and Blake was a private, but it didn’t seem to mind with these guys. They are very hot together.

Then while in space one saves the other, and it gets real close for a while there. They came close to death and were going to be in deep trouble with the military. Then more danger surfaced and it was up to them and their friends to keep everyone safe. I must admit that this story is a bit harder to get into and difficult to follow in some parts. The marines have a saying about not leaving any many behind, and these two are definitely backing that saying. I love how protective they are of each other, but that they are still marines.

The story itself is an amazing story but the last few pages seemed a bit forced to me, like they were trying to rush the ending a bit. Other than that, it was a great read. I had fun with it and couldn’t stop reading once I started. I love the author’s gift that they have.

I would definitely recommend this book.

My Aim Is True by Lee Patton

Title: My Aim Is True

Author: Lee Patton

Genre: Historical (1978), New Adult

Length: Novel (230 Pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (October 9, 2015)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: When sixteen-year-old Guy Dimchek comes out in 1970s San Francisco, his best friend dumps him, his mom splits, and he’s left largely on his own just in time for his first ever sexual experience.

Things don’t get any easier when Guy’s father becomes a candidate for state office. Having a gay son doesn’t do his candidacy any favors, especially under the antigay “family values” fervor sweeping the nation. Compounding the situation is Guy’s new stepmother, who opposes openness on the gay issue and especially the revelation that Guy has a boyfriend—one he might be falling in love with.

Around Guy, self-help charlatans, radical cults, and extreme politics forecast 1978’s perfect tsunami: the Jonestown massacre in Guyana, Anita Bryant’s homophobic campaign, and gay city supervisor Harvey Milk’s assassination at city hall. In the midst of a perfect storm of antigay sentiment, Guy faces the supreme test when his father’s political opponent launches a smear campaign that employs both dirty tricks and physical violence against Guy.

Following the attack, an injured Guy must confront his own flaws and reunite with his fractured family—all while staying true to himself and connected to the boy he loves.

ISBN: 978-1-63476-535-0

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Now I am one that doesn’t much care to try new authors because I don’t really know what to expect of them. However sometimes the title or blurb is what catches my eyes. For me the title was what did it to me. That is until I saw the blurb.

I have always loved a good romance though. I am also crazy as hell and will try anything first. Now my problem is I am never good with teenage years or coming out. This packs a strong statement on what many youth lives through though. So I thought what the heck read it and see if you like it.

Guy came out to his family and his friends. He got the wrong reaction that is for sure. His mother leaves him and he has no one to ask questions. Then his best friend dumps his ass, because he didn’t want to have anything to do with gay. Then his asshat of a father puts his two cents in. Only he is running for state office so his father has to stand behind his beliefs. What a jerk. Then there is Guy’s stepmom, who is such a bitch that you want to beat the crap out of her.

He is attacked and left with feelings of pain. He just wants to be loved. He also wants to be with the one he loves. However what is surprising is how they manage to all come together in the end and shows what a good family should be like.

I enjoyed this story and look forward to seeing what other stories this author has out there. I was quite surprised since I was going in with a bit of ill feelings. Like I said I was never good with books about youths, but this one was a big surprise and I was intrigued. I actually had a blast with it and would definitely recommend it.

All the Heaven Will Allow by D.W. Marchwell

Title: All That Heaven Will Allow

Author: D.W. Marchwell

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (200 Pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (21st November 2014)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3.5 Hearts

Blurb: Jimmy Campbell has owned his own bar for the past twenty years. While his past is troubled, his present and future make life worth living. He has good friends, more than enough money, and he volunteers—along with his Yorkie, Bozo, and his Maine coon cat, Miss Alicia—at the local hospital every Friday. He couldn’t ask for more. That is, until he meets Derek “Dizzy” Roberts.

Derek is a musician who tours the country with his band. He’s an ex-cop, was married once, and has the bitter ex-wife and two spoiled children to prove it. He’s finally living his dream, and that includes bedding all the groupies who think he’s every bit as good as his music. He doesn’t worry much about the future, until he meets Jimmy.

The two men begin a long-distance romance, sneaking weekends here and there, until a tragedy forces them to realize they might lose the only thing they both want–a future together. Now, they’re asking for everything heaven will allow.

ISBN-13: 9781632161673

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: GiGi

Review: If you like sugar-sweet romance, long distance romance, slow build-up romance…this is the book for you. It was nearly too sweet for me, but hey it’s a warm and fuzzy feel good read.

Jimmy owns his own bar, is a bit of a control freak in all areas of his life, and he REALLY loves his animals. He’s such a do-gooder he volunteers his time not only helping out rescued animals, bit then trains them to be therapy dogs and brings them into hospitals and yes….children’s hospital wards. Do your teeth hurt yet?

Now Derek is a playboy. Recently out of the closet and divorced he’s been eating at the man-candy buffet for a while and knows he’s a hot package. Only his one-liners don’t’ seem to work on a cute, sexy bar owner, that’s Jimmy, and it immediately snags his attention. He’s ready for more than a one-nighter, but Jimmy is putting him through his paces.

The two develop their courtly romance the old fashioned way, emails, texts, letters, dates….actually getting to know each other before jumping each other’s bones…which when they do is really hot.

But both have a past, that combined with fate may destroy these two…or who knows….tests of faith may bring them closer.

A slow build, in more ways than one, and again….cotton candy sweet. If you need a break from angsty, kinky reading…this is a good diversion.

Fearful Symmetry by Francis Gideon

Title: Fearful Symmetry

Author: Francis Gideon

Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Fairy Tales

Length: Novel (145 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (7 Oct 2015)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

Blurb: When something is perfect, it sets itself up to be destroyed, and for everything gained, something is lost.

Since Dryden was young, his mother taught him about balance. While she weaves jewelry to sell at the marketplace, Dryden learns how every unspoiled gem begs to be damaged, just like the universe corrects every misfortune.

But with age and experience, Dryden begins to see the cracks in his mother’s naïve view of life. If she is wrong about balance, she might be wrong about the supposed beast in the woods. Dryden ventures into the forbidden, where a handsome hunter named Otto saves him from a deranged fox and seduces him. But like so much else, Otto has an unseen side, and if Dryden wants to regain his freedom and break Otto’s spell, he’ll have to answer three riddles in three days.

With the help of his mother’s stories and the fox who once threatened him, Dryden must beat the monster and restore balance to his world. But it will come at a cost.

ISBN: 9781634766357

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Prime

Review: This is a thoroughly enjoyable book. It isn’t so much as long or intense read but I did find the writing and descriptions a bit of a hindrance at times, though I suspect that is because I got a short attention span.

The story follows Dryden, whose mother has taught him something that is along the lines of “every action has an equal and opposite reaction” – that’s Newton’s Third Law but it generally applies to karma, too, I suppose. Now grown up, Dryden goes on an adventure which starts with him going into a forbidden forest (that’s always a sign of doom). Dryden is very naive when it comes to being saved and later getting to know the mysterious Otto. Sometimes it felt like that Otto wasn’t really the face of evil (which is the kind of role he has in this book) but more that he was experienced, knew what he wanted and more than aware of the harsh realities of life. Then there is the fox shifter, Eammon, I don’t want to go too much into his character because I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but he is the kind of personality that I hoped that Dryden would become. I found him the most relatable character.

One thing I really loved about this was the fairy tale aspect. Francis Gideon has gone to great lengths to deliver a traditionally structured fairy tale and all the elements are there. There are great life lessons, a few morals and moral dilemmas thrown in, as well as the usual good overcoming evil and whatnot.

This is more of a young adult coming to age type of adventure more than a romance but the romance that was there felt so natural with the evolution of the story. Very sweet and sexy. It was also a bit angst-y at times, which is something that I don’t always connect with as a reader.

Work Boots and Tees by Jo Ramsey

Title: Work Boots and Tees

Series: Deep Secrets and Hope 05

Author: Jo Ramsey

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Teen Fiction

Length: Novel (180 Pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (August 15, 2015)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Sixteen-year-old Jim Frankel has become the thing he loathes, and he can’t stand thinking about what he has done.

After being accused of sexual assault by two girls, Jim serves out his sentence in a juvenile detention facility. He’s shocked by the arrest for what he thought was consensual sex, and terrified his own childhood sexual abuse has twisted him into a predator—just like the man who molested him.

Upon release, Jim is no longer welcome at his family home, and with nowhere else to turn, he travels from Massachusetts to Michigan to live with his father’s cousin, Delia. Keeping his head down, Jim works hard at Delia’s art supply shop and prays no one will find out about the awful crime he committed. It’s his chance for a new beginning, but when he makes his first friend in Man-Shik Park, Jim is afraid to let him get too close. But by walling himself off from the support Manny’s offering, Jim might sabotage the opportunities in front of him.

ISBN: 978-1-61372-834-5

Product Link: Harmony Ink | Dreamspinner Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: I didn’t have the chance to read the four previous books in this series but from what I can tell they can be read as a standalone. Now this is the first book that I have read by this author so I wasn’t too sure what to expect. What caught me was the title, I had assumed that it was going to be humorous but that was not so. It is a story that actually comes close to what many have gone through on both sides.

A teenager starts having sex, they are run by their hormones and feelings. They don’t see the bigger picture at all, but Jim was convicted of a sexual crime by two girls he had been with. It blew him out of the water and made him afraid. After his release, he was abandoned by his family. The only place to go was to a family a few states over. He just didn’t know what to expect there.

Then he meets Manny and is afraid of how he would see him if he knew of his past. He got lucky that Delia and some others were willing to help him recover. You see he had been abused also. However the problem is that Jim did commit the crime, he did his time and is now looking for a new chance. I am not really sure what to think about it to be honest.

I actually felt more for Jim then I did anyone else. Maybe in a way that is not what one is supposed to do, but the fact that he was a teenager and they do make stupid mistakes makes it easier to do so. It has a strong message I suppose which actually did the opposite of what it should have I suppose. I wanted a love story not some story about rape and consequences so it dropped it down in points for me. It was actually a disappointment for me. I was expecting a love story and not what this book represented. After realizing that all of the books have this type of story, I realized that this book was not for me.

It was well written but I didn’t much care for it. I gave it a higher rating because of how well it was but in truth it didn’t do much for me.

Rearranging Stars by Diane Adams (2nd Edition)

Title: Rearranging Stars

Author: Diane Adams

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Angels

Length: Novella (117 Pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (August 26, 2015)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: The freedom to love comes with a cost.

As a guardian angel, Drake’s destiny is written in the stars. Choice is not part of an angel’s life. Drake never thought twice about it until he’s unexpectedly thrust into watching over Grey, who inspires passion in Drake but endangers his very identity as a guardian angel. Grey is more than just another human—he can see angels. When he discovers that unlike his previous angel Drake will talk to him, Grey becomes determined to pull Drake off the sidelines and into life. Attraction flares between them from the beginning and causes Drake to question his purpose for the first time. His distraction results in a decision that changes everything—and not just for him and Grey.

ISBN: 978-1-63476-378-3

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Diane is a new author to me and I was not really sure what to think or expect. However I have to tell you that it was a fun book but very different than normal. I only know of very few stories involving angels so not really sure what to expect. I am just glad there were no religious factors with it.

The characters are well written and fully developed if not strange. In fact it was a bit confusing with all of the twists to it. Drake was an angel and his job was to protect his charge. He just hadn’t realized that Grey was not what he expected. Grey was a shock to the angel’s world.

Like I said the story can be a bit confusing but it does roll together in the end. I truly enjoyed it and look forward to seeing what other stories this author has out. It was a cute little love story that just pulls you in and leaves you satisfied at the end.

I would definitely recommend it.

Dark Tide by Greg Herren

Title: Dark Tide

Author: Greg Herren

Genre: Mystery

Length: Novel (264 Pages)

Publisher: Bold Strokes Books (September 15, 2014)

Heat Level: None

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4.5 Hearts

Blurb: For Ricky Hackworth, a summer job to save money before he leaves for college is a necessity. When he lands a job as a lifeguard at the Mermaid Inn in Latona, Alabama, on the beautiful Gulf Coast, it’s like a dream come true. But once he moves into the Inn, he starts hearing stories about the lifeguard from the previous summer…and how he vanished without a trace right in the middle of the summer. Before long, Ricky realizes the Inn and the town are hiding some dark secrets…secrets someone is willing to kill to protect, and Ricky has to find out the truth before he, too, vanishes without a trace.

ISBN: 978-1-62639-254-0

Product Link: Bold Stroke Books | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: I have read two complete series by this author and have loved each one of them, so it wasn’t a far stretch that this would be any different. It is not part of a series but a standalone story. At first it is a bit misleading; what with finding out some of the information half way though the story so I was a bit miffed with that. However the mystery soon moves into something a bit darker then I normally read.

At first I must admit that I was thinking paranormal type story, but it definitely was not. Which was a plus for me. Although I do love paranormals, mermaids were never one of my favorites. They always gave me the creeps.

So what you get here is a complete mystery with a lot of twists and turns to keep you guessing. I felt bad for the young man in the end, but damn it was good. It is not as action packed as I had expected though. I was also not really into the supporting characters as I should have been I suppose. The girl comes off as a waste but she soon picks up in the story. And here I thought Ricky really went there for the job, the blurb definitely doesn’t let you know. I felt a bit let down on that part and the fact that you don’t find it out till the book is halfway done.

Ricky was trying his hardest to save money to go to college. He had decided to go away from home to do so, but there is a hidden reason behind it all. Zack had gone there during the summer to work and within a short time there ended up in a world that was dark and nasty. He turned up missing and Ricky wanted to find out why and how. That is if it doesn’t get him killed as well.

Now I am not a fan of having the readers think this is a romance, because it is not. It is just a dark mystery surrounding another, who just happens to be the main guy’s boyfriend. It starts off with a description of the place and let’s just say that I would never visit there, not even if someone paid me to do so. It is a very fascinating story that will have you on the edge of your seat throughout it all.

Now the story is very good and the writing was perfect, however it was just a bit too dark for my taste. I figure it is definitely not a story to read before going to bed, that is if you dream of what you read.

I am afraid that even though I connected with the story and Ricky, the story was just not for me. However I can’t wait to read more by this author.

Winter Ball by Amy Lane

Title: Winter Ball

Series: Winter Ball 01

Author: Amy Lane

Genre: Contemporary, Holiday

Length: Novel (200 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (December 25th 2015)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Through a miserable adolescence and a lonely adulthood, Skipper Keith has dreamed of nothing but family. The closest he gets is the rec league soccer team he coaches after work—and his star player and best friend, Richie Scoggins.

One brisk night in late October, a postpractice convo in Richie’s car turns into a sexual encounter neither of them expected—nor want to forget. Soon Skip and Richie are living for the weekends and their winter league soccer games—and the games they enjoy off the field. Through broken noses, holiday decorating, and the killer flu, they learn more about each other than they ever dreamed possible. Every new discovery takes them further beyond the boundaries of the soccer field and into the infinite possibilities of the best relationship of Skipper’s life.

Skipper can’t dream of a better family than Richie—but Richie’s got real family entanglements he can’t shake off. Skipper needs to convince Richie to stay with him beyond winter ball so the relationship they started on the field might become their happy future in real life!

ISBN: 1623808987

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Aerin

Review: Oh no, for the first time EVER, I have to say this wasn’t my favorite Amy Lane book. I’m not sure what happened, maybe I just couldn’t connect with Richie, or maybe the whole friends-to-lovers build-up never happened for me, but there you have it. I liked this book a lot, don’t get me wrong, but I didn’t love it, and I TRIED like crazy to get more into it.

Richie and Skipper have been best friends for a couple of years now, and neither of them were able to make a significant connection with any girls they’ve dated throughout their lives, and all of a sudden there was this awareness between them that they acted on in two minutes flat. I wanted to see when the attraction started happening and when they started noticing each other’s bodies. I’m normally all over GFY stories, Amy Lane’s brand especially, but not this time. It all happened too fast, without the build-up I crave.

Richie, unlike Skipper, has a family, but they’re a bunch of assholes that take advantage of him and treat him like crap. Somehow, Richie still lives in the garage on his parent’s property, paying them an outrageous amount of rent, still works for the family business, and still takes all the crap they dish day after day. I was honestly baffled because there was no reason good enough to justify such faithfulness from Richie when it came to his family. What really annoyed and upset me was the fact that Richie put his family above Skipper for the most part of the book, and Skipper deserved better than that.

To be completely honest, this is the first time I’ve liked a secondary character better than a main one in any of the previous Amy Lane books that I’ve read. Carpenter and Skipper were my favorite dudes, and I liked Mason a lot better than I did Richie as well; hell, I liked the soccer team better than Richie and his martyr-ness.

This was a nice holiday book, and i definitely look forward to more in the future.

The Couple Next Door by Rick R. Reed

Title: The Couple Next Door

Author: Rick R. Reed

Genre: Mystery, Suspense

Length: Novel (200 Pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (December 7, 2015)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: With the couple next door, nothing is as it seems.

Jeremy Booth leads a simple life, scraping by in the gay neighborhood of Seattle, never letting his lack of material things get him down. But the one thing he really wants—someone to love—seems elusive. Until the couple next door moves in and Jeremy sees the man of his dreams, Shane McCallister, pushed down the stairs by a brute named Cole.

Jeremy would never go after another man’s boyfriend, so he reaches out to Shane in friendship while suppressing his feelings of attraction. But the feeling of something being off only begins with Cole being a hard-fisted bully—it ends with him seeming to be different people at different times. Some days, Cole is the mild-mannered John and then, one night in a bar, he’s the sassy and vivacious drag queen Vera.

So how can Jeremy rescue the man of his dreams from a situation that seems to get crazier and more dangerous by the day? By getting close to the couple next door, Jeremy not only puts a potential love in jeopardy, but eventually his very life.

ISBN: 978-1-63476-649-4

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: This is the first book by this author that I have read and I must say that this author has one hell of a gift. I am not much into mysteries however this story gives you a different perspective. I have to admit that it was a spooky story that is for sure. I wasn’t really sure what to really think about it but I did enjoy reading it.

I liked how Rick made multiple personality disorder seem so intriguing. Although, the truth does come out in the end. John was a sweet young man, but he has multiple personalities in him. He was Vera, who I have to admit was a bit harder to figure out, and then there was Cole. Cole was a very cruel man, loved to cause pain and a killer. He had moved with his little brother Shane to get away from the past. It would seem the past has caught up with them.

Jeremy had come across Shane and John, when John pushed Shane down the stairs. He was falling for Shane but his fear of John or Cole was making it hard. Rick was able to bring these characters to life and gave them such a detailed depth, that it makes you feel like you are there with them. I felt for Shane but loved Jeremy a bit more. He put his neck out for Shane but Shane loved his brother. The problem is his brother is nuts.

This author has made me believe every word that came out and had me captivated in the story. I couldn’t put the book down. There are sexy neighbors, secrets, violence, false identities and an amazing plot twist to this story that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. Now I admit this story was not for me, but that is because I am more for stories that are happy, cheerful and quirky which this story definitely is not. I did have fun reading it though. However I will probably be sleeping with the lights on and probably will never date again after reading this.

I would definitely recommend this story to any one that is looking for a good mystery with a bit of romance in it.

The Closer You Get by L.A. Witt Retro Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

L.A. Witt - The Closer You Get RRTBanner

Hi guys! We have L.A. Witt popping in today with The Closer You Get, we have a great excerpt, a brilliant giveaway and Artemis review so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~

The Closer You Get

(Wildes 04)

L.A. Witt

The virgin isn’t the only one with something to lose…

Self-described manwhore Kieran Frost is loving the single life. Two years after moving to Seattle, he still has his friends with benefits, Rhett and Ethan, plus a never-ending supply of gorgeous, available men wandering through the bar where he works. A relationship? Spare him the drama and heartbreak. He’s got no complaints about his unattached lifestyle.

When Rhett’s daughter introduces him to newly-out-of-the-closet Alex Corbin, Kieran’s interest perks up. After all, the quiet ones are always the freaks in bed. But Alex isn’t just shy and reserved. He’s a virgin in every sense of the word, having never even kissed anyone else.

Kieran is no one’s teacher, and his first instinct is to run like hell in the other direction. But his conscience won’t let him throw the naïve kid to the wolves for someone else to take advantage of. The plan is to introduce Alex to his own sexuality, pull him out of his shell, then go their separate ways.

It’s the perfect, foolproof plan…assuming no one falls in love.

Amazon US | Amazon UK

Continue reading “The Closer You Get by L.A. Witt Retro Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!” →

Michael Murphy’s Greatest Hits Bundle

Title: Michael Murphy’s Greatest Hits

Author: Michael Murphy

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Anthology/bundle (771 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (9th October 2015)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts Overall

Blurb: Don’t miss these Michael Murphy novels about discovering love within differences inside and out.

—Little Squirrels Can Climb Tall Trees: Joseph is Kyle’s polar opposite, well-off where Kyle is poor, and self-assured while Kyle is insecure. He’s also determined to show Kyle what a great guy he is.

—When Dachshunds Ruled the Serengeti: Phillip and José, newly minted Ivy League roommates, couldn’t be more different. They both need to adapt to their new environment and, in the process, quickly become fond of each other despite their differences.

—It Should Have Been You: Patrick is struggling, homeless and on the streets, until he meets Juan, a street-savvy Latino youth wise beyond his years, and they strike up an instant rapport. It’s not pretty, but they’re making it together, until one night Juan goes off with a stranger to earn a few bucks… and doesn’t come back.

—Swan Song for an Ugly Duckling: Josh is horrified when a senior on campus seduces Aaron. He can’t believe Aaron has always been gay and he missed it—and missed getting to be Aaron’s first. But when Aaron finds out his boyfriend isn’t faithful, things go from tense to worse.

ISBN: 978-1-63476-721-7

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Prime

Review: This is a fantastic collection of Michael Murphy’s novels. For someone like me who has not read anything by Michael Murphy before, this is the perfect intro for any author. Each story is jam-packed with emotion and is quite simply a roller coaster which cannot be missed. One thing that I loved about all the jobs is not only the wonderful story lines but also the complex characters which are so widely varied from each other. I will briefly go over the 4 novels featured in the bundle:

Little Squirrels can Climb Trees (♥♥♥♥ 4 hearts)

This story is about the budding romance between Kyle and Joseph, told from Joseph’s POV. These guys could not be any different from each other, although this is rather stereotypical in the fact that this is a “wealthy city guy meets poor country guy moved to the big city” story. Kyle is the Little Squirrel in the story because this is very much his story despite the fact that Joseph tells it.

For me the highlights of the story are: this is something of a journey of self discovery for both characters, Joseph learns that there is more to the world and Kyle is on a journey of self discovery after being brought up in a small town by Christian fundamentalists. I also enjoyed the fact that Murphy did not make the Christian aspect of the story into a melodramatic farce, it flowed well and was completely relatable. Another point that I found relatable was the bumpy start that Joseph and Kyle had. Honestly, I was a bit unsure about Joseph at first because he came off as a bit spoiled.

When Dachshunds Ruled the Serengeti (♥♥♥♥ 3.5 hearts)

This is about Jose and Phillip who meet each other in college and become a totally sweet couple that you can’t help but to love. This is a very interesting story because like the previous story, these guys are polar opposites. There are a lot of highs and, equally, a lot of lows, experienced here and I think that’s what makes this raw emotionally but fully relatable.

Jose is first born child with eight younger siblings and strict Mexican parents. His family are poor; they are struggling migrant workers that want the best education for their children (something I can relate to). Philip on the other hand is the only son of rich parents, you get the impression he was born with the proverbial silver spoon in his mouth and it is something that becomes evident later on in the book.

I felt that first half of the book, where the guys meet and come together, is much stronger than the second half. However, regardless, I still enjoyed the story as a whole. Although I think Phillip acted totally within the bounds of his character, I found his reactions to the drama surround Jose and Jose’s family very frustrating. And despite the fact that the ending was somewhat satisfying, I found it came a tad too quick.

It Should Have been You (♥♥♥♥♥ 5 hearts)

OMG, this was just wow … It Should Have Been You completely blew me away with how fantastic it was as well as making me cry throughout.

I think what makes it hit home more so is that Michael Murphy based this off of a real story. He briefly explains in his author’s note that this was given a bit of a happy ending. The ending reveals hope for our MCs – hope that there are people to support them and hope that they will have a better life, although not specifically about romance it is an important because it is about survival.

The story is centred on Patrick, who has been kicked out of home and onto the streets and is forced to do things out of character just to survive. Then there are the people around him, specifically there is Juan, who is his romantic interest. However, we also meet Patrick’s father, who really does development along the way, as well as Father Tom. I absolutely adore Father Tom; to me he was like the voice of reason. I found he was also a good balance to Patrick’s mother’s extremist Christian views.

Swan Song for the Ugly Duckling (♥♥♥♥3.5 hearts)

This is another example of Michael Murphy’s use of characters who are polar opposites. Josh is something of the quintessential jock, while Aaron is the son and heir of an Amish preacher who maybe seems to border on crazy, though I am not entirely sure as I don’t know enough about the Amish community. In saying that though, I am totally a sucker for any book that features an Amish character who is at war within himself and finds his HEA with a Prince Charming by the end. I swear, that it not a spoiler, more than anything it brings to mind Andrew Grey’s Farm series. Yet in saying that, Swan Song for the Ugly Duckling is just so completely different.

Here we are in the world of young adults and college life. Aaron is allowed into the outside world because his father believes as a future leader of the congregation that Aaron needs to know what is happening outside of the community. However, the outside world means a world of pain from bullying for Aaron, mix in the fact that he also finds himself attracted to other boys. Then steps in Josh, he relentlessly apologises to Aaron but then becomes something of a saviour to Aaron. Hence the title, Josh helps Aaron shift from Ugly Duckling to Beautiful Swan.

This is essentially a young adult book which just happens to use an Amish main character. The first half of the book is excellent. The only reason why I’ve rated this 3.5 hearts is because I felt that the second half lost some of the spark from the first half and the ending (which was satisfying) seemed rather rushed in the last 3-4 chapters.

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The Closer You Get

L.A. Witt

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