Series: Legends of Lobe den Herren 01 / The Warden and The General 01
Author: A.J. Sherwood
Genre: Fantasy
Length: Novel (355pgs)
Publisher: A.J. Sherwood (October 18, 2018)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 3 1/2 Hearts
Blurb:“Renjimantoro.”
Ren’s head snapped up, as Brahms only used his full name when being completely serious. Those dark blue eyes met his levelly, penetratingly, as if he could see every thought going through Ren’s head. And he likely could. The man was exceptionally good at seeing through people. “Come with me.”
Oh hell. He really had no defenses against that plea. Brahms rarely asked anything of him, and every time he had, it turned out to be for Ren’s own good. “You realize that if I go, your reputation is never going to recover. People assume I’ve seduced you over to my side as it is.”
Brahms just stared at him.
“Right, you don’t care. Of course you don’t, silly me, why am I worrying about it?” Relief filled him, making him a little giddy with it, and he had the strangest urge to giggle. Which wasn’t manly, he stamped that out immediately, but still a grin took over his face. “Alright, alright, I’ll go home with you.”
—
Not once in the past five years has Castle Warden Sho Renjimantoro regretted following his best friend to Aart. How can he regret it when he finds open acceptance regarding his sexuality from everyone around him (even if they don’t understand it), and he gets to be with the man most important to him?
No, finding someone in this country is a fantasy best forgotten.
General Arman Brahms, finally home from deployment, has waited over two years to show Ren he’s wrong, that fantasies can come true. Unfortunately, his plans get put on hold to help Ren solve the crisis unfolding in the castle.
Someone is doing their level best to make sure the engagement of Prince Charles and Princess Alexandria of Scovia falls through—by fair means or foul. In addition, they’re trying to make Ren deemed incompetent and dismissed from his position. While hunting for the perpetrator, Ren and Arman do everything in their power to protect those they’re sworn to before the irredeemable occurs.
And along the way, prove that even an ordinary life can become extraordinary.
Review: The bulk of the book revolves around Arman and Ren’s developing relationship more than anything else and this disappointed me. I was expecting action and battle scenes instead of a long drawn out book about two men and how they get along.
I liked Ren and Arman. They both were great together however, it seemed as though many things were repeated over and over throughout the story and this aggravated me to the point that I was ready for action and less talking and emotions. The twists and turns were a welcome break from the repetitious feelings and thoughts of the characters.
Overall it was a good story about two men who in the face of prejudice and adversity manage to make it through together.
Blurb: Pryderi has known Nate was his mate for weeks—way too long not to tell him. But Pryderi grew up with rejection, and he isn’t sure he has the courage to possibly face it again, especially coming from the man he’s been falling in love with from afar and who represents his future. He’s not going to gain anything by watching Nate from afar, though.
Nate’s world gets upended over just a few days. First Pryderi, the cute Nix he’s noticed more than he likes to admit, tells him they’re mates, then the brother he thought was dead for the past ten years suddenly comes back with the Beasts after him. Nate isn’t sure how to deal with any of them, but Calvin has always been the center of his world, and that hasn’t changed.
Pryderi has a hard time getting through to Nate, who’s terrified of losing him like he thought he’d lost his brother. The fact that Pryderi is working undercover in Nate’s bar to try to find the last members of the Beasts still in town is making things both worse and better—and more than a little complicated.
Review: Each book in the Council Enforcers collection features a different romantic couple. To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, I would recommend reading the series in sequential order. This series is connected to the Whitedell Pride and Gillham Pack so I would suggest reading those first.
Ten years ago Nate’s little brother had been kidnapped and killed. He was still missing him to this day, boy is he in for one hell of a surprise. He was a forty-two year old man who owned a bar and had a bad back. He was not a catch in his eyes. However he has had his eyes on one sexy Nix that comes into the bar.
Pryderi left his family and people behind four years ago. He had not wanted to stay and mate with a female just to have a child and keep his parents happy. He has found his mate and wasn’t to sure how to tell him. He had been rejected by his parents and his brother didn’t truly want anything to do with him. That is until he gets a call, his brother had been abducted close to a month ago and he had not known.
Nate has issues with his mate doing the job as an enforcer. He still felt the loss of his brother, even though his brother is back, but he still was scared. Damn these two really need to learn how to communicate. I always am intrigued by the world this author creates. They just make it seem like you are right there with them and are kicking ass right along side them. It is a pretty fascinating series to get hooked on.
I had a blast reading this and can’t wait to see what the next book has going on.
Genre: Other Paranormal, Science Fiction, Teen Fiction
Length: Novel (204pgs)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (December 3, 2015)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts
Blurb: Being different can be dangerous, and discovery can be deadly.
High school freshman James Kerr is finding out he’s not quite like his classmates. Around the time he realizes he’s attracted to his best friend, Paul Schmitz, James starts channeling a dead writer’s poetry and also discovers he has an ability to manipulate energy—a super power. Before James can figure out why this is happening to him, tragedy strikes in the form of Paul’s abusive father, and James is sent to a government-run school, The Paragon Academy, which specializes in juvenile paranormal research. There, he meets Lumen, the daughter of a famous Korean actress. Lumen’s psychic ability might be the key to helping James understand both his poems and his own power.
Review: Interesting story about James who comes into extraordinary powers and struggles to understand what is happening to him. Then he’s sent off to a gifted school to help him in his quest for control where he meets other students like himself.
Meanwhile the boy he has feelings for, his best friend Paul, disappears.
I loved the mystery and the suspense surrounding James as he seeks for the truth. There are many twists and turns as the story progresses. A lot happens that gives the book an X-Men feel to it which I loved.
The answers are sometimes not what James was expecting when they are discovered. This was a complex story with many characters that added depth to the story. Not everything was self explanatory but that added to the story.
Blurb: True mates are found in the most unlikely of places.
Rhy, a weretiger with a heart so big, that when an elderly woman comes in looking for her lost cat, Mr. Fluffkins, Rhy knew he had to help. He had no way of knowing that it would lead him to his true mate.
Dillan (Mr. Fluffkins), has lived his whole life wishing he was more than just a cat. He never felt right walking around on four paws. He tried to be a normal cat; tried to talk to other animals but it wasn’t possible. They couldn’t think in full sentences or communicate. It was more of feeling they had then what they thought. He watched television, so he could studying humans and what they did. He wanted to interact like humans. His owners showed one another so much love and were always doing something together. Dillan ached to have what they have.
Love, loss, and tender moments. A dream to have the one person that completes you.
Review: Mr. Fluffkins, and is that not a funny name, is not what he appears. He is a beautiful black cat who had some amazing owners. When Sam disappears Mary Ann goes through a period of sadness and all Fluffkins knows is he has to find Sam. He is a black cat that has a human brain. What he doesn’t understand is that he is a shifter. When he gets lost, then taken by a drunk, runs away only to be found by a shifter, things start looking up. However he did like the name Sam had given him, Dillan.
Rhys is a weretiger who couldn’t tell an old woman no. He decided to try and find her lost cat. However things are starting to get real weird. Especially when he finds Dillan in his human form with a tail and ears.
First thing I am going to say is that you have to get through most of the story before the guys even find themselves together. Then once they meet, well sex is on. For someone who spent his life as a cat, it seemed a bit rushed. Then there is the fact that you never find out what the dream he had meant, nor do you find out how he ended up where he was. It didn’t keep my attention as well as it should have and left questions that had no answers. Plus it ended with a cliffhanger, a no go for me. I hate books that leave me hanging.
Other than that it was still pretty good. However a lot of things that were in the story made the story feel drawn out and could have been left out to make the story stand out better. Overall it is a good story and I look forward to seeing what the next book has going on. Hopefully we see a baby and a new romantic couple.
Blurb: Morgorth is considered a villain by his own people and known as the Dark Mage of the North. But now all he feels is light and love as he pursues a budding relationship with Aishe, a dialen of the Ravena tribe. Morgorth hardly believes his good fortune. He has allowed Aishe into his home, into his bed, into his heart. He laughs more, smiles more, and feels happier than he ever has before.
He should have known such bliss never lasts.
The Council of Mages, the ruling body over all mages on Karshian, knows he has Rambujek, a major stone of power—a stone won from an evil sorcerer. They also know his destiny—to become the Destroyer. Fearful, they send two emissaries to take the stone from Morgorth, using whatever means necessary. This includes tricks, threats to those under his protection, and the threat of war. A war Morgorth knows he would never survive.
Conflict soon arises between him and Aishe. Their tenuous relationship is put into jeopardy, their very beliefs about themselves and their love is put into question. Morgorth doubts if he should keep Aishe in his life. He doesn’t know if he can protect Aishe from his enemies. Or from the monster he might become.
Review: Morgorth and Aishe are settling into their lives together and as such we get to see them in more intimate settings. There were a lot of those scenes throughout. Morgorth finds the council of mages wants the ruby stone he took from the mage in the last book and sends mages to get it by trickery, deception and threats. They also fear what Morgorth will become.
We are introduced to even more conflict in this story as Aishe and Morgorths relationship is tested.
I liked the story but at times I felt conflicted with it. I really liked Aishe and Morgorth together as Aishe seemed to ground Morgorth.
Blurb: Mystery. Murder. Men in silk stockings. Hollywood nights are heating up.
Hardboiled Los Angeles PI Cain Noble is hired by wealthy and gorgeous Camille Astor to find her husband and a priceless work of art, both of which have disappeared.
At the nightclub owned by Mr. Astor, Cain encounters the mesmerizing Lily Lavender, who has the body of a goddess and the sultry voice of an angel—but is really a young man named Riley who attracts trouble like a magnet.
What’s a private dick in the vein of LA’s bygone era and a cross-dressing burlesque starlet to do when faced with the hidden decadence and lethal dangers of the Hollywood Hills? They have their work cut out for them because they haven’t even scratched the surface of an elaborate scheme more twisted than anyone could ever have imagined.
Review: Femme Faux Fatale is a standalone book by Susan Laine, published as part of the Dreamspun Desires line. The narration of this story was performed by John Solo.
I’ve read the story before, I already knew what I was in for the most part, and while I did have problems connecting with the MCs when I read the book, I had started the audio with the hope that Solo’s wonderful narration would add a depth to the story that I missed while reading. In fact, I had been somewhat disappointed that I didn’t enjoy reading the book more than I had because I have enjoyed almost all of Susan Laine’s books I’ve read in the past.
In the stereotypical way that seems to be the world of a PI in literature, we start with hardened and eternally tired PI Cain Noble. He’s a PI based in LA and the city serves up a constant stream of work for him. When we meet him he gets hired by Camille Astor to find her husband and a work of art. And let’s face it, when priceless art is involved you know that there is going to be some serious shit go down. Astor’s husband, Sheridan, owns a club and that is Cain’s first port of call and despite being gay, Cain finds performer Lilly Lavender strangely alluring. Only to then find out that Lily is in fact a man named Riley who seems to get in trouble at every turn, but more than anything wants to find Sheridan who he considers a friend.
As we make our way through the LA and the story, it feels like this could almost be the stereotypical 1930s-era PI tale where the hero solves the mystery and gets romanced along the way.
While I will admit that I really do think that Solo’s narration added to the book and I found myself dragged into the plot a lot more than I recall being pulled in by reading the book, I felt that I still lacked some connection to the main characters. I’m now wondering if it is also to do with the writing style, which is a little different to Laine’s usual and again I think that goes back to the whole 1930s private dick vibe. I liked Cain and Riley in terms of their personality, they were both a bit quirky, and they were certainly well developed with a definite spark between them that makes the romance natural.
I recommend this is for people that enjoy reading a dark, gritty, urban mystery where the city seems to become a wild jungle. It seems like a good metaphor for LA at any rate and makes me think of The Doors song LA Woman.
Blurb: Screenwriter Noah Ashley has a few four-letter words for his agent when she suggests he im-prove his script by shadowing a PI. Still, because he’s an artist dedicated to his craft and she knows where the bodies are buried, he agrees. Then he spends a little time with the gorgeous PI, and suddenly it seems like a really good plan. The PI doesn’t seem to entirely love the idea, but Noah has never been afraid to go after what he wants.
PI Drew Rodriguez is used to people depending on him. He’s the classic rock for his family. Re-sponsible. Dependable. The classic rock would never succumb to the borderline sleazy tempta-tion of friends with benefits, no matter how sexy that temptation is. Drew is looking for some-thing enduring.
Despite Drew’s misgivings, it’s not long before they’ve got all the requisites for friends with benefits going. Friendly, good conversation? Check. Fun times in and out of bed? Check. Hot, electrolyte-sapping sex? Double check. Falling in love? Yeah. About that…
Review: So Into You is the second book in SE Harmons series, The PI Guys. Since I’ve never read or heard the audio of the first book (and I couldn’t tell from my Audible App that this was book 2 of the series), I can say quite honestly that this can be read/listened to as a standalone book, or at least done out of order. Listening to the book and hearing about the couple that are the stars of book 1, I am intrigued and totally keen about getting the first book. I didn’t really know what to expect, as SE Harmon is an author that I’ve heard of but I’m not 100% sure if I’ve read anything by them.
The story starts out with Hollywood script writer, Noah Ashley, just as his personal life goes off the rails, endangering his professional life. Noah is a bisexual man whose ex-wife is still not only his friend but also his manager. He’s just found out his ex-boyfriend Marshall – well, now ex – who he penned a movie script to help further his career as an actor, has slept with another man to further his career. On top of that, the third movie in the popular action franchise may well be re-cast with another actor, Sean Fox who has more talent and unashamed when it comes to his sexual activities. After a proper bender on the booze, a one-night stand and a missed meeting for the new movie, he’s sent out of state, to Florida to get his shit together and get his script resembling a hit movie. While in Florida, his agent has set up a contract for him to shadow a PI, to help him get his script in shape. Noah also has a heap of baggage, after spending his life in the foster system, he found his biological mother a few years before. She is now a schoolteacher with tween twin girls, to almost step kids and a fiancé. She also happens to live in Florida and is the reason why Noah had brought a place in Florida.
That PI is Drew Rodriguez. He’s quite comfortable in his professional life. After being in the military he and his friend started a PI business, and despite being surly and snarky, he does love his job. He just holds people to a certain standard and many so easily disappoint him. On the personal front he’s not as lucky. His father, who has been in and out of jail for most of his life, swans back in and just like every other time his father gets out of jail, Drew tries to hold his family together. Because the painful truth is that every time the man leaves or goes to jail again, it is Drew keeping his mother and little brother going.
#As I said, these guys are complicated. They both have a lot of trust issues and their circumstances have affected them very differently. Drew craves love and romance and finding the one man for him, while Noah wants nothing to hold him down, he just wants friendship and fun sex. The book was narrated by Michael Stellman. Like with Harmon, the name rings a bell but I can’t, from the top of my head name a book I’ve listened to the audio for narrated by Stellman, so I went into this not know what to expect from either the author or the narrator. The narration was performed well, though. I felt that Stellman had the right tone to convey the complicated feelings and baggage of both MCs. I liked the softer tones which he used for Noah, while a slightly harsher tone was used for Drew. It fit the characters so well and helped me connect to the characters, particularly to Drew.
These characters have great chemistry. They are basically two sides of the same coin, so similar and yet so different. Their romance is a rocky one, even if both guys can be persistent. I very much got emotionally invested in both characters’ journeys. I enjoyed how this played out, this wasn’t an insta-love or a romance where the wary parties change their mind in a minute and go headlong into commitment.
I recommend this one for people that like a little bit of Hollywood, a little bit of celebrity, as well as a some fun and action with a PI/cop-type character. I really liked how both characters were jaded in their own way and added to the relatability of both guys.
Hi guys! We have Clare London popping in today with her new release Romancing The Rough Diamond, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant $10 Amazon GC giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤️ ~Pixie~
Romancing The Rough Diamond
(Dreamspun Desires 90 / Romancing The… 04)
by
Clare London
Trust is the most precious jewel of all.
When Mayfair jewelers Starsmith Stones wins the commission for a gay royal wedding, CEO Joel Sterling is recommended to the brilliant young designer Matt Barth—only to discover Matt’s the man with whom he shared an anonymous and passionate kiss on the celebration night.
Disenchanted with the commercial jewelry industry, Matt nowadays prefers muddy archaeological digs to designing. Openly resentful of Starsmith’s hostile takeover of his family’s firm, he is horrified at the realization he’ll be working with the man who engineered that deal—but the opportunity to create something fabulous and unique for the royal couple is too tempting to refuse.
Working as a team reignites the spark between Joel and Matt. But when betrayal from within Starsmith threatens both the project and Joel’s confidence, will they have built enough trust to keep their newfound love as precious as the royal jewels?
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC (11th April 2019)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 4.5 Hearts
Reviewer: Prime
Blurb: Jonathon de Mountford’s visit to Merrychurch village to stay with his uncle Dominic gets off to a bad start when Dominic fails to appear at the railway station. But when Jonathon finds him dead in his study, apparently as the result of a fall, everything changes. For one thing, Jonathon is the next in line to inherit the manor house. For another, he’s not so sure it was an accident, and with the help of Mike Tattersall, the owner of the village pub, Jonathon sets out to prove his theory – if he can concentrate long enough without getting distracted by the handsome Mike.
They discover an increasingly long list of people who had reason to want Dominic dead. And when events take an unexpected turn, the amateur sleuths are left bewildered. It doesn’t help that the police inspector brought in to solve the case is the last person Mike wants to see, espe-cially when they are told to keep their noses out of police business.
Review: Truth Will Out is a standalone novel written by KC Wells – an author I am not familiar with and happy to read or listen to their work without barely reading the blurb. I connect with the writing style and for me that’s about all I need from an author – I am a tart when it comes to books. The audio of this book was performed by Seb Yarrick, a narrator that took me a bit to warm up to but now look forward to, especially when he gives a performance requiring some sort of British or European accent. In short, I looked forward to this book a lot. The fact that it involved the English country side and a Lord of the Manor type of thing and I was all set to be sucked into the story.
Overall, this was a really cool story and I think was greatly enhanced by listening to the audio. I feel that this is a book that I’ve got more out of it by listening to the audio – and the fabulous performances that brought the characters to life – than I would have reading the book.
There is a definite “British Mystery” feel to it, as in that there’s a murder in the small village but surely “it was nothing but an accident, I’m sure”. I probably have watched too many of said British Mysteries on television, and I’m not ashamed to say that Hot Fuzz is one of my favourite comedy movies. And not to mention that I figured out the plot of the story, mostly because I was thinking, “this reminds of the Doctor Who episode The Unicorn and the Wasp”. Yeah, I’m a nerd and I barely had to think to remember the name of the episode, whatever.
The story starts with Jonathon de Mountford. He goes to visit his uncle, the present Lord de Mountford at the family’s country seat/property. He has a lot of guilt for not seeing his uncle, whom he had been so close to as a kid. But the years and his career as a famous photographer sent him on a whirlwind journey that he has loved. Of course, his father, who heads the family law firm, is disappointed in Jonathon not only because he’s gay but also because he didn’t go into law and sees photography as nothing but a hobby. So clearly the guy has baggage and his life is about to get a whole lot more complicated, first when he meets local bar owner Mike Tattersall, and then goes to find his uncle and ends up finding him dead in his study.
Mike Tattersall moved to the quiet village of Merrychurch in the English countryside after losing his foot ended his career as a police officer in London. Now he owns the village pub (and oh my god! This just makes me think of watching Heartbeat with my mum when I was home sick from school). He moved to be closer to his recently divorced sister and has made something of a life for himself, even if he is lonely. Mike isn’t in the closet, though he doesn’t advertise his sexuality. He was also very much out when he was a policeman, and got his own set of baggage from that as well as dealing with his sister.
Jonathon and Mike have an instant connection. Their chemistry has been written perfectly. The sparks start to fly instantly, but they have a lot of learning to do together before anything can get too serious. On top of that, Jonathon and Mike can’t resist getting involved in the local to mystery, trying to piece together all the clues to solve what happened to Jonathon’s uncle.
I recommend this to anyone that wants a light-hearted romance with a good dose of adventure and mystery.
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC (4th April 2019)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts
Reviewer: Prime
Blurb: Sometimes love takes balls.
Newly retired championship footballer Simon Wood is taking on his next challenge. His plan for a charity to provide funding for underprivileged children to pursue football as a career has passed its first hurdle: he has backers and an executive consultant. Now it’s time to get the ball rolling.
Lucien Morel, heir to the multibillion-euro Morel Corporation, is shocked—and thrilled—to learn his father has volunteered him as consultant to a fledgling football charity. Better yet, the brains behind it all is heartthrob Simon Wood, his teenage idol and crush.
Although Simon and Lucien get off on the wrong foot, it’s not long before they’re getting along like a house on fire—sparks included. But with the charity under public scrutiny, can their romance thrive?
Review: The Athlete and the Aristocrat by Louisa Masters is the author’s most recent contribution to the Dreamspun Desires line by Dreamspinner Press. This is a book that I really enjoyed reading and so loved being able to relax, listening to the audio narration of this book.
Master’s writing is really appealing to me because it is the writing style just takes me in and I feel an instant connection to the characters. Although this book is not part of a series by Masters, we are brought back into the world of European elegance and riches which we first encountered in The Bunny and the Billionaire and even get to check in with three of the characters from that book. For me that was a bit of a thrill.
As for the narration, I really enjoyed it. The narration was performed by Seb Yarrick. To be perfectly honest it’s taken me a few books to fully get on board with Yarrick’s performance, although I wonder if it is just a case of perhaps me not being sold on Yarrick’s suitability for the ones that I didn’t really like. Regardless, I have absolutely no complaints about the narration. I enjoyed the voice he gave to both MCs and I really felt the emotion between the two men come through in the voice and tone.
The story itself is quite simple. A hot, rich, powerful, smart aristocrat and an equally hot, rich, powerful and smart athlete are thrown together when the titular athlete wants to set up a new foundation for children in need who do not have the access to equipment or their parents don’t have the time or money to allow kids to follow their dreams. It’s all noble intentions and I’m a complete sucker for it.
The Athlete and the Aristocrat introduces us to retired professional footballer Simon Wood and billionaire of the highly influential Morel family and their corporation, Lucien Morel. The little bit of cuteness in their background is that Lucien secretly had a crush on Simon while Simon was playing soccer and in fact convinced his father that Simon’s proposal for a charity had just as much merit as a charity for education and food for kids from struggling families. However, these guys have a bumpy road to their HEA, which is what kept me intrigued with this story. There is no doubting the attraction between Simon and Lucien, however, they did need to take time to get to know each other before taking the risk of mixing business with pleasure.
I think this story has a series of popular themes which will satisfy anyone who is attracted to these types of romances that include the whole fairy-tale ending for the brooding rich guy and the kind-hearted guy that steps into his life.
Genre: Paranormal, Science Fiction, Space Opera, MPreg
Publisher: C.W. Gray (August 29,2019)
Length: Novel (235 Pages)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts
Blurb: Draif Ando started life as a slave on Vextonar. When he was fifteen, he met his best friend, Leti Ando, and life got a lot better. Now he’s a Charybdis Station captain and works closely with the Lord Admiral of the Station. He is a free man, finally has a purpose of his own, and has the the best lieutenant in the galaxy by his side. If he’s so content, why does he yearn for more, and why is he suddenly picturing children with his eyes and Lucas’ ears and tail?
Lucas Meluth knew that Draif was his life mate from the moment they met. He also knew that Draif was demisexual and wasn’t attracted to Lucas. Not at first. Now, Lucas notices the way Draif’s eyes follow him and the way Draif’s innocent touches are suddenly not so innocent. Has the time come for their friendship to turn into more?
Draif and Lucas may finally be figuring their relationship out, but their enemies are approaching and it’s time to protect Charybdis Station and rid the galaxy of Humans First, once and for all.
Review:Each book in the collection features a different romantic couple. To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, I would recommend reading the series in sequential order.
Draif had been a slave for most of his life but now thanks to his best friend Leti he is free. He had been fifteen when he was sold to Leti’s father, but Leti did not want him as a bed-slave. Leti had just wanted him as a friend and brother. Now he was completely free. Draif was demisexual and it took him time to fall in love. The one time he had tried it, the man had betrayed him. Now he realizes just what Lucas means to him.
Lucas knew Draif was his lifemate but also knew that he had to give the man time. Now he has seen Draif’s eyes follow him but wasn’t too sure what to expect. Their relationship is heading into the best direction. On top of that they were going to destroy the Queen and Human First group. It is going to be the fight of their lives.
This story runs right along with the fifth book in this series. It is written a bit different that I am used to but it really does work. It is action packed and the excitement is felt throughout the whole book. I love that even though it has a serious tone to it, there is so much humor mixed in. The war that we have waited on has come and damn if it doesn’t rock. I loved the characters and their quirky attitudes.
I hope that there are many more books in this series. They are stories that will be read many times over. I had a blast reading this and can’t wait to read them over.
I loved it and can’t wait for this authors next book.
Blurb: Starving artist Riley Burke refuses to be dependent on his rich older boyfriend—hence his second job as a nude model at the local art school. When the famous artist Coliaro requests him for a private modeling session, he jumps at the chance to earn some real cash.
But then Westwood, a mysterious stranger, warns him to steer clear—it’s said Coliaro is undead. That his worshippers perform rituals to fill him with life energy. That every time he paints a male nude, the painting transforms to depict a gruesome murder. And that shortly after, a young man turns up dead.
Riley dismisses the rumors—until they start to play out before his eyes. When he becomes a target, Westwood comes to his aid. But Westwood is secretive and dangerous himself… which just makes him more attractive to Riley. Riley is in over his head, and even his tenuous alliance with Westwood might not save him.
Review: Riley is a mess. He’s having trouble in his relationship with his boyfriend Nick, he struggles with having sex, he’s also depressed still grieving over his brother Andrew’s suicide ten years earlier. There is a lot on his plate. He is a nude model for a college to earn money and with that is invited to pose for a famous painter named Coliaro. He meets a strange man who warns him off the painting. Then stumbles on talk of the undead.
I must say I was impressed with how well thought and descriptive this story was. There were twists and turns throughout that I never saw coming. I like when I’m taken by surprise in a story as opposed to figuring out what will happen before it does.
This book had me on the edge of my seat as I immersed myself in the story. I was enthralled with the dangerous quality of some of the characters and the sweetness of others. I really felt for Riley as he struggled with his personal life.
I loved everything about this story an am looking forward to reading more in this intriguing series and learning more about the undead and those that police them.
Blurb: Former Army Ranger turned government assassin Álvaro Montero and CIA Officer Caiden Cardosa crossed paths two years ago in Vienna, where their encounter ended less than amicably—despite the explosive sexual chemistry between them.
Now Caiden is riding a desk at Langley after his cover is blown. And Álvaro—who was “killed”—has a new identity and purpose as Delta/D, an operative for the Locke and Keyes Agency, under the leadership of the mysterious Alpha Orion.
When D and Caiden team up in a deadly black ops mission, the urge to kill each other will have to take a back seat to the desire for revenge against the man who betrayed them both. Surviving the mission won’t be easy. Resisting the passion between them—that might be impossible.
Review: Alvaro had once been a military man turned assassin, that is until he was betrayed and killed. Although in truth he was now known as Delta working for Locke and Keyes Agency. An agency that was ran by a man they never met. Two years ago he had risked everything and it came to bite him in the ass. Now the past was standing before him.
Caiden had always wanted to be a spook and had gotten what he wanted. Then one phone call ruined his life. He was set up and his cover was blown. Now a second chance to find out who destroyed his life, brought him right into the path of a man he had thought was dead.
These guys working together, well they would either kill each other or sleep together. The way they talk to each other, you can tell they would be burning the sheets up. I just loved the way the guys could joke back and forth, and the chemistry was definitely there. Although I do think parts of the story came a bit too fast, lets just say it was worth it.
This is one of those stories by an author that will always keep you entertained and laughing at parts of the story. The guys are just adorable and you will fall in love with them all. Even the alpha is a crack pot, which was a kick. Now there were parts of the story that were a bit to close to a tv show, but it still rocked. A leader never seen just heard, men who kill, danger and excitement, action packed and some definitely hot sex is just a bit of what you get in this story.
This is a great start to a new series and I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book. It was a great read that kept my attention through out the whole story. I had a blast reading this and would definitely recommend it.
Blurb: Lord Morgorth is a dark mage on the planet Karishian. He’s considered a villain by his peers and relishes the title, having embraced the role early in his life. However, not all of his actions are necessarily villainous.
Despite owning several of the Stones of Power—gemstones infused with powerful magick—he doesn’t use them, preferring to keep them hidden away and out of destructive, power-hungry hands. He hates them more than anything. So when a sorcerer gets a hold of a major stone, Morgorth has no choice but to go after him. But, to his irritation, he is not alone. Aishe is a dialen whose tribe was massacred by the sorcerer, and is now on a mission of vengeance. The attraction is instant between them, but Morgorth keeps his distance. Because of a traumatic childhood and a deadly destiny, he has no desire for emotional complications. But Aishe’s very presence challenges Morgorth’s resolve.
Not only does Morgorth admire Aishe’s strength and intelligence, but he begins to see Aishe as a friend. As their hunt continues and their time together lengthens, their bond deepens, as does Morgorth’s fear. If he becomes the monster that destiny claims he will be, will he hurt Aishe? Will he harm the one person who sees right through him? Who accepts him wholeheartedly? Determined to not let that happen, Morgorth keeps Aishe at a distance. But when Aishe is kidnapped by the sorcerer, what will Morgorth do to get him back?
Review: I really enjoyed this action packed adventure about two men who are on the hunt for a mage who has stolen a stone of power and killed many to get it. Morgorth is a dark mage with an abusive past that owns five stones. He does not use them nut keeps them safe from anyone else using them.
I loved the details of this world. The creatures were terrifying in their descriptions, the people were unique and interesting. Aishe is a Dialen, fierce and proud. I admired his determination in seeing justice done for his tribe.
Morgorth learns much about himself in this story. Aishe was good for him in that he brought out a different side of him that he did not know existed. These two faced many dangers throughout and sometimes ended up hurt. I was curious about when Aishe hinted they had met before but the story did not elaborate when or where.
Series: Connected to Fates, Mates and Apple Turnovers, and Cupid’s Valentine
Author: Dani Gray
Genre: Paranormal, Fantasy
Publisher: Dani Gray (August 1, 2019)
Length: Short Story (66 Pages)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts
Blurb: While heading to work, Harvey Ames followed the most amazing scent to the local park and stopped to give a small bunny a piece of an apple turnover that his brother had freshly made that morning. Imagine his surprise when the bunny shifted into the cutest man Harvey had ever met, one who the Fates had decided would make the perfect mate for him.
Trevor Murphy had been running after having escaped a kidnapping attempt and getting his leg broken in a trap while in his rabbit form. His family was missing and he had no idea where they were, or if they were even alive.
Working together to try and find Trevor’s missing family, the men discovered that the family they were building was just as important as the one they were born with.
Review: Harvey has found his mate. He was just enjoying the park as he walked to work, when he smelled the best scent. The scent led him straight to a little bunny. When the bunny shifted into a very sexy young man, well you can imagine Harvey’s shock.
Trevor had been kidnapped but managed to escape. His family was still missing as well as those from his troupe. He had however broken his leg in his escape. He had not expected his mate to find him.
Harvey is a special type of shifter and very unique. I always love those types. This story is actually connected to another story so I would suggest starting with it. The name of that story is Fates, Mates and Apple Turnovers. This is part of what I would call a series but so far they are listed alone.
For such a short story there is quite a it there. I would definitely say that this is one of those stories that will be read many times over, it is just that cute. It is a very cute little story with just a bit of danger in it.
Blurb: Four couples, four different stories — and one spicy Recipe for Romance from author Ari McKay!
Welcome to Montgomery House, Charleston’s finest restaurant. When you walk in the front doors of the stately former mansion, you’ll be surrounded by true Southern charm. Owner Rhys Montgomery will personally welcome you, while the tantalizing scents of Executive Chef Stephen Pierce’s latest culinary masterpiece linger in the air. Enjoy a walk in the gardens or an elegant meal in the dining room, as you watch the love stories play out around you…
Bay Leaves and Bachelors — Clay Turner’s heart was broken by a wealthy man who said he was boring. When rich, outgoing restaurateur Rhys Montgomery sets his sights on the quiet academic, drawn in by Clay’s intelligence and sex appeal, he finds he has an uphill battle to win Clay’s trust. Can Rhys burrow his way into Clay’s heart, or will Clay’s insecurity become a wall between them that not even true love can break down?
Fennel and Forgiveness — Seven years ago, Max Boyd broke Darius Cooper’s heart. Darius wanted a commitment, and Max wanted to focus on his career in Georgia’s television industry. Their ten year difference in age and experience tore them apart, but fate throws them back together when Max arrives at the Montgomery House, where Darius now works. Will Southern Wedding Belles bring them a second chance for love or is Darius’s trust too shattered for Max to heal?
Ginger and Gentlemen — Ian Pierce has lived in his older brother Stephen’s shadow his entire life, always feeling second best. His best friend, Matt Davis, is the only person he trusts to be on his side. Despite being in dire financial straits, Ian wants to refuse Stephen’s request to film an episode of Mouth of the South at Ian’s restaurant, but the bonus money offered in the contract is too much to resist. He accepts without knowing the hefty bonus comes from Matt, not the production company. Will Ian feel betrayed by the one person he trusts above all others when he finds out, or will Matt’s desire to help Ian succeed even at his own financial risk take them from friends to lovers at last?
Cinnamon and Seduction — Chef Stephen Pierce has talent and a determination to succeed that is matched only by his fierce temper and prickly personality. Yet his long-suffering personal assistant, Robert Logan, has carried a torch for Stephen since the day they met. Everyone around Montgomery House knows Robert is in love with Stephen — everyone, that is, except Stephen himself. Can Rhys, Clay, Darius, Max, Ian, and Matt find a way to make Stephen see that Robert is the perfect man for him, or will even Robert’s legendary talent for matchmaking fail to win him the man he loves?
Review: Recipe for Romance is a collection of the novellas that make up Ari McKay’s self-published series, Recipe for Romance. Set in the world of Montgomery House, Charlestown’s finest restaurant, which is run by some of the strongest, and maybe temperamental, men in the business. This is a successful establishment that owner Rhys prides for being authentic from the building to the food.
Overall, this is a thoroughly enjoyable series filled with passionate and relatable characters, who have their hearts on their sleeves and have great chemistry with their significant others. Since this is a collection of four stories, I’m going to do a brief review of each.
Bay Leaves and Bachelors
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts
Bay Leaves and Bachelors is the story of Clay Turner and Rhys Montgomery. Clay is a quiet and reserved man for the most part, he is passionate about history, though. He is a respected historian in Charlestown and is impressed with what he sees when he goes to historic Montgomery House. Rhys Montgomery, the owner and is just as concerned about fine food as he is about keeping the heart of the historic building. The sparks between the men are instant but Rhys has to work hard to show Clay that he isn’t just a spoiled rich guy who is just going to use him.
Clay has a lot of walls built up around his heart but there is so much about Rhys to love. I found it so easy to relate to both characters, in the world of old money they are totally relatable guys.
Fennel and Forgiveness
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 4.5 Hearts
Fennel and Forgiveness is a story about second chances. Some years ago, Max Boyd broke up with Darius Cooper. Cooper saw his happily ever after with Max, but Max wasn’t ready and instead wanted to focus on his career in the TV industry. But life has a funny way of throwing people together and after seven years they are pulled together when Max’s job on a reality TV show brings him back to Charlestown and Montgomery House, where Darius works.
These guys have a lot of chemistry and they have a lot going on between them. I was instantly pulled into their story as I hoped that they got the second chance that they deserved.
Ginger and Gentlemen
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts
In Ginger and Gentlemen we meet the brother of one of the characters I’ve become most intrigued by, Stephen the head chef of Montgomery House and Ian Pierce his brother. Ian has been compared to Stephen his whole life and he resents everything about Stephen. Matt Davis, Ian’s best friend, has always been by Ian’s side and has helped him in his own business. However, unlike his big brother Ian is struggling and he needs to put aside his pride when his brother Stephen wants to film an episode of his new TV show at Ian’s place. Add onto that Matt has a bit of a knight in shining armour thing going on, he will do anything to help Ian and make him happy.
It’s not surprising that things begin to change between them. It’s a relationship that works really well, though I found Ian a little annoying and hard-headed at times, he learnt to let go.
Cinnamon and Seduction
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts
Cinnamon and Seduction is the story of Chef Stephen Pierce and his personal assistant Robert Logan. This has been the story that I’ve seen coming and was waiting for when I got about halfway through the first story in this series. Stephen, who has the reputation of being a hard-nosed head chef, hasn’t really had time for romance and hasn’t noticed that Robert, the man he depends on for so much in his life, is actually falling in love with him. Everyone at Montgomery House has a soft spot for Robert, after all the guy is a hopeless romantic who had a hand in the romances of his friends in the first three books of this series. The trick is showing Stephen, who has now taken off as a celebrity chef and has always taken pride in his work, that Robert is so much more to him than a personal assistant.
I was not disappointed by Stephen’s and Robert’s story and it was a wonderful way to end the story. Both characters are quite complex, having been present throughout the series. This is by far my most favourite book in the series.
Blurb: Kelly Cannon is satisfied with his life. He has friends, a wonderful family, and a great job. But his love life has reached a new level of pitiful. Why? Well, his heart decided to break all the rules. Don’t fall in love with a straight guy. And definitely don’t fall in love with your best friend.
NFL standout Britton “Blue” Montgomery has pressure coming at him from all sides: from his father, who’s only interested in Blue’s football career; from his coaches, who just want him to play without getting injured again; from the fans; from his agent; and from his mother, who has popped up on the radar after leaving his family years before. And now his relationship with Kelly is on shaky ground, and that frightens Blue more than anything.
When Kelly admits he’s in love with Blue, bonds are tested, and Blue has to decide what’s really important. He doesn’t want to lose the number-one person in his life, but the cost to keep Kelly close might be more than he’s willing to pay. It’s a good thing his nickname is the Blueprint – it’s time to draft a new set of plans.
Review: The Blueprint is the first book in SE Harmon’s series, Rules of Possession. I am sort of familiar with Harmon’s work but right at this moment, other than knowing that Harmon’s work doesn’t stick out in my mind as an author whose work I haven’t enjoyed in the past that was it. For me I was attracted to the fact that this was a professional sport MM romance, which I’m a sucker for.
The story starts with Kelly Cannon. He is happy with his life, except when it comes to his romantic life, because things are just not going right for him there. He can’t keep a relationship going and he knows exactly why, as do his exes. He has a boyfriend and while they are good together, he doesn’t see the man as his happily ever after, he already knows that the man tries to control him and doesn’t listen to him either. Things come to a head when Kelly is proposed to for the whole world to see and Kelly feels that he can only say yes, only to have the difficult conversation on their way home. And so, once again facing life as a single man and after an argument with the man who had so briefly been his finance, Kelly once more has to face the fact that he is in love with his best friend, a very straight NFL player. Kelly knows he needs to change his life because he knew that he would end up lonely and miserable if he keeps pining for a man that could never want him, ever. However, when he tries to make distance between himself and Blue, something in Blue snaps and he too makes some decisions about his life and Kelly’s place in it.
Blue, real name Britton Montgomery, is nicknamed Blue because his college football coach called him “The Blueprint” of the team. He is an amazing football player and even though he is getting older, he still has some years ahead of him. He is, in short, living the dream. But that changes when one night when he sees that Kelly’s boyfriend proposes to him very publicly and instead of congratulating his friend, he is left very worried about the man. Pushing himself back into Kelly’s lift starts a roller coaster that could end up very rewarding for both men, or it could the undoing of the men, professionally and/or personally.
I’ve left the narration to the end of the review on purpose. I really liked the production and the performances of this audiobook. Alexander Cendese, who I am not familiar with, narrated chapters from Kelly’s POV, while Sean Crisden, who I adore, narrated Kelly’s chapters. Both narrators did a fantastic job. Their voice and tones were matched perfectly to their characters and I happily listened to their performance all day at work. Cendese captured Kelly’s warring emotions as he tries to get himself together before things with Kelly start to change. Crisden then did an equally excellent job with the chopping emotions of Blue as he reassess himself as he comes to certain realisation regarding Kelly and how much he knows he did not want to lose Kelly from his life.
Overall, I really loved the book. It was fun, it was sexy and loved the chemistry between Blue and Kelly. I really felt the emotion and particularly felt connected to Kelly as he tries to navigate his way through love and facing the fact that he is in love with his straight best friend, before that changes once more. Yet I also felt Blue’s emotion as he is forced to reassess his personal beliefs about himself as a person. This wasn’t particularly intense or angsty, but I love how the characters have to traverse a somewhat rocky path before their happy for now ending. I look forward to the continuation of these two characters in the second book of the series.
This isn’t a gay for you book, per se, however, if you like a friends to lovers type of story, as well as the professional sports setting, this would be a great series to start.
Hi peeps! We have Bob Appavu stopping by today with the tour for her new re-release Art of Death, we have a great exclusive excerpt, a brilliant $10 Amazon GC and Shorty’s review, so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤️ ~Pixie~
Art of Death
(Lychgate 01)
by
Bob Appavu
Starving artist Riley Burke refuses to be dependent on his rich older boyfriend—hence his second job as a nude model at the local art school. When the famous artist Coliaro requests him for a private modeling session, he jumps at the chance to earn some real cash.
But then Westwood, a mysterious stranger, warns him to steer clear—it’s said Coliaro is undead. That his worshippers perform rituals to fill him with life energy. That every time he paints a male nude, the painting transforms to depict a gruesome murder. And that shortly after, a young man turns up dead.
Riley dismisses the rumors—until they start to play out before his eyes. When he becomes a target, Westwood comes to his aid. But Westwood is secretive and dangerous himself… which just makes him more attractive to Riley. Riley is in over his head, and even his tenuous alliance with Westwood might not save him.
Warnings: violence, domestic violence, graphic sexual content
Sawyer Holt can’t go home. The Alpha who has replaced his father wants to use him as a tool to cement his political power, and Sawyer isn’t interested in marrying his father’s murderer.
Dez Sullivan’s leg may never heal from his last mission in Afghanistan, but he’s getting used to that. What he can’t adapt to are the nightmares and the tremor in his hand that the doctors insist is all in his head. Next to that, being a brand new werewolf seems easy, until Sawyer Holt blows into his life. The omega activates his burgeoning wolf instincts in a new way, and they threaten to overwhelm his common sense.
Both men are in Colorado searching for a new start, a new pack, and the safety they’ve lost. Their meeting is pure Kismet.
Review: Sawyer is on the run from his Alpha. He wants nothing to do with the man or his pack. He shudders at what the alpha wants and rebels at the thought of marrying the man who murdered his father. He meets the Kismet pack when seeking a place to hide from those sent to return him to his pack.
Dez, Gavin and Ash are alphas. They served together in the military. Dez and Gavin were both turned Ash is a born wolf. Together the three men decide to open a coffee shop and move on with their lives after war.
When Dez and Sawyer meet it’s instant attraction. Dez is grumpy and snappy. He’s suffered injuries during the war that leave him self conscience. Sawyer is an outspoken and proud omega who refuses to bow to any man’s thinking. Together the two learn a thing or two about the world and help each other in their times of need.
I enjoyed the story and am looking forward to the next book in the series.
Hi guys! We have Sam Burns stopping by today with the tour for her new release Wolf Lost, we have Shorty’s review and a fantastic giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤️ ~Pixie~
Wolf Lost
(The Wolves of Kismet 01)
by
Sam Burns
An omega on the run.
An alpha fractured.
Sawyer Holt can’t go home. The Alpha who has replaced his father wants to use him as a tool to cement his political power, and Sawyer isn’t interested in marrying his father’s murderer.
Dez Sullivan’s leg may never heal from his last mission in Afghanistan, but he’s getting used to that. What he can’t adapt to are the nightmares and the tremor in his hand that the doctors insist is all in his head. Next to that, being a brand new werewolf seems easy, until Sawyer Holt blows into his life. The omega activates his burgeoning wolf instincts in a new way, and they threaten to overwhelm his common sense.
Both men are in Colorado searching for a new start, a new pack, and the safety they’ve lost. Their meeting is pure Kismet.
Title: Fourth Point of Contact
