Review: Ben’s one night stand turned into more. He is a human with a werewolf mate, and a baby on the way. He is not to sure what he is doing or how to feel but with Shad there, things might just be alright.
Shad is an alpha who has taken a human as a mate, and they are expecting. He has his father calling him more times then he can count plus his mother always asking questions. How can one night change everything.
There were so many mistakes in this story that it just stood out, and not in a good way. Also this story is not really a story but a males pregnancy logbook. There was absolutely no heat between the guys and it drove me nuts. There was just no heat throughout the book and it left me wondering what type of book it truly was. There was nothing special that brought this book to my attention or stood out to me.
I hate to say it but this book was a bit boring and I am not sure I will continue with the rest of the series.
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC (30th October 2018)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 3.5 Hearts
Reviewer: Prime
Blurb: Can a computer program understand love better than the human heart?
Archer, the AI at the dating service Q*pid, realizes humans don’t always make the best choices, so it begins making some unconventional choices for them.
Fox Kincade is the last of his group of friends to be single, so he’s delighted when he discovers a new match in his Q*pid app – one that, according to the new AI wizardry, should be the love of his life. Instead of the woman he’s expecting, he’s paired with Drew Larsen, a shy, somewhat nerdy PhD student who has also grown discouraged with romance.
Drew and Fox have little in common – aside from the fact that they’re both straight. Or so they thought. But as the guys get to know each other, they realize Archer might have the right idea. Their path isn’t smooth, because both need to overcome every idea they have about themselves and what true love might look like. But with the help of Archer – and some friends who have stuck with Fox and Drew through the thick and thin of their relationship trials – they might find their way into each other’s hearts.
Review: Q*pid is a very enjoyable book by Xavier Mayne and the audio is performed by Randy Sanda. I’m not familiar with either the author or the narrator, so other than liking the sound of the blurb, I went into this one completely blind and with no expectations.
What you read in the blurb is basically what you get, which is always a good start. We follow the development and implementation of a new AI for a dating site, which accesses all of a person’s online activity in order to make a better match than the usual dating algorithms. It’s all pretty cool, techy stuff if you’re into that. However, a momentary lapse means that Archer, the AI, starts to make matches which disregard a person’s sexuality. Of all the matches that were made, and those that were actually sent out, we meet Fox Kincaid and Drew Larsen.
What starts out as dinner and drinks to laugh about the predicament of two heterosexual men being matched to another man becomes a really sweet and deep friendship. Drew is a PhD candidate who studies economic history, while Fox is a successful businessman. Fox is very analytical, devoted to his spreadsheets, while Drew is more fluid in his thinking despite his academic background. They also contrast in their reactions to the news. Despite having his two best friends (which I was disappointed we never met) who had the stunning realisation that they were gay (or gay for you) with each other, Fox is adamant that he is straight and that he would never be with a man. Drew is much more composed, if anything he is amused though his anxieties tend to make him over think everything. Drew and Fox are complete opposite in some ways, yet completely compliment each other.
There are some pretty entertaining secondary characters too. Fox’s best friend, Chad, is portrayed as a California surfer dude and he is a riot. He has a heart of gold and wants nothing but the best for his friend. Then there is Mrs Schwartzman, who is Drew’s neighbour upstairs and a strong mother figure for Drew. The elderly woman is written like a Yittish Yoda, but she is certainly entertaining. She too has only the best of intentions for Drew and his life.
What I loved most about this was that the book is thought provoking, particularly in terms of privacy in the digital age. To lesser extent, there was the whole gay for you thing going on, and it was intriguing that perhaps humans need to “broaden their parameters” a little. Seriously interesting thoughts. Another interesting point was how people present themselves online and how we really don’t know what we need in a partner when we must explain it.
The only downside was that I found the plot was a bit slow at times, especially when Fox was being a dick. I accept that in terms of his personality that it was part of his coming to terms with his attraction to another man, it was just sometimes the plot felt as though it slowed down too much. As for the narration, I liked it but it didn’t really connect with my. Granted, Sanda did a good job giving the characters individual voices and even in conveying the themes of the story. However, I was too distracted by the fact I really wasn’t into Fox’s voice and I felt some of the emotion was missing.
I recommend this one if you’re into a contemporary, gay for you story line.
Series: The Teddy Bear Club 02, Dreamspun Desires 83
Author: Sean Michael
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novel (195 pages)
ISBN: 978-1-64405-195-5
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (4th June 2019)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts
Reviewer: Prime
Blurb: Too much of a good thing?
When Logan gets the call about newborn triplets in need of a home, he steps up, realizing too late the daunting task he’s taken on. He’d be lost without the men of the Teddy Bear Club—especially Dirk.
Dirk even offers to spend spring break at Logan’s home, helping him and the babies settle in. He loves being a dad, and he wants to help Logan find the same joy. It doesn’t hurt that they enjoy spending time together.
Before they even realize it, they’re settling into a routine… becoming a family.
Falling in love.
But their new bond is about to face the ultimate test. Will they come through and realize that with love, there’s no such thing as enough?
Review: The More the Merrier is the second book in The Teddy Bear Club by Sean Michael.
I’ve become more familiar recently with the work of Sean Michael and I am, quite honestly, a great fan now. For the most part, they are usually quite happy and fluffy stories, with some adorable children and strong themes of building families and bringing together people in a way that is totally relatable and believable. In short, Sean Michael has recently made it onto my seemingly long list of authors I must read these days.
I’ve been looking forward to this book since I read the first book in the series. And while it is a series and there are call backs to the kids and MCs of the previous book, I think this could easily work as a standalone book without losing any key points.
Logan is a lawyer, a single man who has a daughter with a friend who wanted a child (they have a very amicable agreement for their daughter), and now he has gone through the all the hoops to become a foster parent with the intention to possibly adopt. But then finding out that he is going to get newborn triplets, he understandably feels overwhelmed. Lucky for Logan, he has the men of the Teddy Bear Club to help him.
The Teddy Bear Club is a group of single dads who happen to be gay, their kids play with each other but most importantly the men support each other.
One of the men of the club is Dirk. The two men already of a connection and an easy friendship. Dirk also has a massive crush on Logan though he has never done anything to act on it. Logan’s desperate need for help, though, has leads Dirk to offer to move in with little girl to help with the triplets. It’s a win-win situation because Dirk can move into a safer neighbourhood and live in a larger home while he helps Logan. Logan sees the same advantages as Dirk and the men quickly fall into a routine as Logan deals with having the triplets, his older daughter, plus dirk and his daughter. The kids’ bond and the guys bond. Love grows. But life can change at the drop of a hat, Logan learnt that with the triplets, and it happens again. Now that he is growing closer to Dirk, the two men can now support each other.
I absolutely adored this book. I adored both Logan and Dirk and the five kids. Logan and Dirk are brilliant together. This was a sweet romance with low angst. Instead, this a story about two guys in an intense situation, one of them needing a heck of a lot of support, and both nursing a crush that could become something more. If you’re into romances with ordinary guys with extraordinary circumstances and lots of cute kiddies, then this will be a good book for you.
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC (4th April 2017)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts
Reviewer: Prime
Blurb: Dakota Landry just got out of prison after 12 years. If anyone can understand how that feels, it’s his new friend, Sage, who is determined to help him get used to life on the outside – and be-lieves Dakota didn’t commit the crime he was in for.
Jayden Wilson is a former prosecutor who agrees to look into the case at the request of Sage’s lover, Adam. He sets out to prove Dakota is just another “innocent” ex-con, but once they meet, Jayden is more and more convinced Dakota just didn’t do what everyone thinks he did.
Trouble follows Dakota, and nothing is easy as he struggles to figure out how to live, now that he has choices. And Jayden isn’t sure how Dakota, or any lover for that matter, fits into his life. Their path from friendship to romance is a slow one, but Dakota begins to believe he deserves a chance at life, and Jayden falls a little more for Dakota every day. Now they just need to tell each other how they feel.
Review: Catch and Release is the third book in BA Tortuga’s The Release series. This book can work as a standalone book, but since the main characters of the two previous books feature so heavily, I would recommend avoiding this.
I really enjoy Tortuga’s writing and always look forward to a wonderfully sexy cowboy romance, some books are sweet, some are angsty, some have a touch of mystery. There’s always something to enjoy as long as you love a cowboy! Overall, The Release has also been a fantastic series which has the overarching theme of emotional and physical healing and making a family with the friends you find who support you unconditionally.
The narration for this book was done by Lou Lambert. After the unfounded trepidation I felt when I realised that the same narrator was not performing the whole series, I was ok to find that the third and final book had a different narrator again. I figure that these men were chosen because they suit the main characters of each book. After all, this isn’t exactly a cookie cutter group of people who happen to become friends, they are all different in personality and intensity, which is what makes me love the series. I hadn’t heart anything by Lou Lambert before listening to Catch and Release, but as I just said, his voice suited both main characters. He nailed the tone that conveyed their hope and their hopelessness, sometimes all within the same scene.
Catch and Release is the story of Dakota Landry and Jayden Wilson. Dakota has just served 12 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, too bad his own family did nothing to help him, like providing a lawyer. At the time he had been a lonely, gay, chubby college student who was found guilty of raping a girl at a party he had made a brief appearance at after she named him as her rapist. Getting out of jail, Dakota doesn’t have much hope. In many ways he is a lot like Sage from book 1, although Sage was guilty of being a druggie, both men went into jail as boys and went through their twenties in jail, often used by more tougher, violent men in the jail. And it is Sage that took it upon himself to take Dakota under his wing, with a lot of reservations from his husband. Dakota finds it difficult to realise that there is someone in his corner. It is through Sage that he meets lawyer Jayden Wilson.
Jayden used to be a prosecuting attorney, but the stress and danger of dealing with such horrible cases led Jayden to have a go a property law. However, his past caught up with him and he currently has a guy acting as security – Adam (Sage’s husband) who was in the army, was a cop and now a security specialist. Adam explains about his concerns of Sage befriending a convicted rapist who, on the surface had an open and shut case. With the danger over, Jayden feels the itch to have a look into things and quite suddenly things aren’t as clear as it had been assumed.
Dakota is so beaten down, he finds it nearly impossible to believe in the hope that Jayden is offering. However, as the men get to know each other more the connection between them grows into something more.
I’m finding it difficult to find a book in this series that I liked more than the others. It is impossible. Unlike many series that have a lot of similarities between characters and storylines, this series gives readers three very different stories with six very different characters, all of whom have been deeply affecting by an event in their lives before we meet them.
Catch and Release is an excellent story for those that like a little bit of crime, Law and Order style, with their romance.
Series: Search and Rescue 01, Dreamspun Desires 86
Author: Amy Lane
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novel (226 pages)
ISBN: 978-1-64405-543-4
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (16th July 2019)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts
Reviewer: Prime
Blurb: Survive the adventure. Live to love.
Following a family emergency, snowboarder Tevyn Moore and financier Mallory Armstrong leave Donner Pass in a blizzard… and barely survive the helicopter crash that follows. Stranded with few supplies and no shelter, Tevyn and Mallory—and their injured pilot—are forced to rely on each other.
The mountain leaves no room for evasion, and Tevyn and Mal must confront the feelings that have been brewing between them for the past five years. Mallory has seen Tevyn through injury and victory. Can Tevyn see that Mallory’s love is real?
Mallory’s job is risk assessment. Tevyn’s job is full-on risk. But to stay alive, Mallory needs to take some gambles and Tevyn needs to have faith in someone besides himself. Can the bond they discover on the mountain see them to rescue and beyond?
Review: Warm Heart is the first book in a new series by Amy Lane for Dreamspun Desires called Search and Rescue. Since reading Amy Lane’s series The Mannies (also for Dreamspun Desires) I have been a great fan of Lane’s writing, I love the writing style and I love the down to earth characters who are quite extraordinary in many ways.
Warm Heart is no exception for me. This book is not only a romance, but there is plenty of drama and danger faced by the characters which force them to face up to feelings that have been buried deep down. I really enjoyed this story and with the groundwork laid out for the rescue workers who appear in the book as secondary characters (makes sense since the series called Search and Rescue), I am looking forward to the next instalment with a lot of anticipation. I really hope that the MCs pop up in subsequent books as well, because I love them both.
So, onto the story.
Tevyn Moore is a world class snowboarder. He has worked hard for his career, despite how dangerous it is. It also helps that the money he earns has allowed him to afford the care for his sick grandmother, who had raised him and he absolutely worships. However, love hasn’t really been anything on the cards for him. Despite his crush on his financial manager (or perhaps just a manager in general I found that description kind of vague?), Mallory Armstrong, he has had a lot of fun exploring his own sexuality with a seemingly endless parade of one-night stands. But that’s ok, because Tevyn is not ready for anything serious and so it easy to dismiss his fun when we finally get Tevyn and Mallory in the same room.
Mallory doesn’t like hanging out at official events, but he arrives at one to find Tevyn urgently. His feelings for Tevyn seem to be obvious to everyone, including Tevyn who just hasn’t examined the reasons for the extra attention and kindness from Mallory. Mallory is too professional and past experiences has Mallory more concerned about taking care of Tevyn instead of ruining what they do have with a romance. The weather is atrocious, but the helicopter pilot is confident and Mallory wants to, needs to, get Tevyn home to his grandmother whose health has taken a very bad turn.
However, with tragedy strikes, leaving Tevyn, Mallory and the helicopter pilot (Damien Ward) stranded in the middle of a blizzard. Damien is in bad shape and Tevyn is the most well equipped to be able to keep them alive as they form to plan to survive while they wait for help. Damien is ex-military and has faith in his friends, who are prominent in the search and rescue business, will find them. Survival and facing death mean that Tevyn and Mallory also find themselves having some rather intimate and truth-telling moments that will change their relationship.
They have fantastic chemistry and I really liked the fact that there were no useless sex scenes while the guys were trying to survive and keep their friend alive. I’ve been burned one too many times with books that slot in sex scenes in stupid places. I am very much looking forward to the next book, which is Damien’s romance with a guy that helps rescue the trio. I’m also super excited at the thought of Warm Heart coming out in audio.
Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult, Detective & Thrillers
Length: Novella (115pgs)
Publisher: Westburg Publishing (July 18, 2018)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts
Blurb: Kaua’i Detective, Jake Jensen, has just settled into married life with his new wife Angela and he loves his job in the laid back island paradise. When he hears his brother Lane, an undercover LAPD cop, has gone missing while on assignment, he flies to the mainland to help locate him.
Jake immediately rubs Lane’s partner Brennan the wrong way. Brennan has no need of his help, and he fears his intrusion will put Lane in even more jeopardy. Jake is not easily swayed when it comes to protecting family and when Bren finally realizes he’s not going to be able to shake the tenacious detective, the men vow to find a way to work together.
As Jake plunges into the unfamiliar world where Lane’s gone undercover, from the biker bars of the Inland Empire to the gay bars of West Hollywood, he uncovers evidence that perhaps Lane has more secrets than he’s been prepared to face.
With unforeseen danger lurking around every corner, Brennan and Jake form an uncommon brotherhood with one goal, taking down the bad guys… while getting Lane out alive.
Please note. This title qualifies as MM Young Adult fiction. There are gay characters but no on page sexual situations. Please note: there is language in the book which some readers and parents may find objectionable but no more so than a teen would hear in their local high school on a daily basis. If a parent is concerned about this, the author suggests they read the book before passing it on to their teen. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the author in advance. patricialogan.author at yahoo dot com.
Review: Jake’s brother Lane is a detective in the states and goes missing while on a case. Jake travels to the US from Hawaii to help find him despite what Lane’s partner Brennan thinks. They discover a link between a previous case of Jake’s and the one Link and Brennan are working on.
The clock is ticking as the two men hope to find Lane before his time runs out for good.
Action packed and highly addictive this is a non stop edge of your seat thriller that will grab your attention from start to finish as clues and secrets are revealed that lead Brennan and Jake on dangerous adventures as they try to find Lane as soon as possible and pray for the best.
I loved all the characters as they all life to the story. There is no sex in this story but it did not need the added distraction of an overabundance of them as is in most other books in the genre. The reader was able to focus on the facts and investigation of the whereabouts of Lane and the danger. I myself enjoyed this story immensely.
Publisher: Dani Gray & Lisa Oliver (February 9, 2019)
Length: Novella (103 Pages)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 4.5 Heart
Blurb: While dumpster diving for food to feed his brother and himself, Peter Ames was discovered by the shop owner Cupid. When the offer for a free meal was giving to him, Peter was overjoyed at the prospect. Later, when Cupid offers him a job washing the dishes, a very grateful Peter would have done just about anything for the man who helped to make sure he could support himself and his brother Harvey.
When the wards that Cupid, the god of love, had placed around his namesake’s shop went off and he went to investigate, the last person he expected to meet was his mate. Upset at how busy his life already was, Cupid, or Eros as Peter preferred to call him, turned his back on his mate. When he realized that the Fates weren’t going to change their minds, Eros was horrified to find out that his neglect had left his mate near death.
But even with a god’s protection, life isn’t rainbow clouds and buttercups. A man from Peter’s past wants him dead and doesn’t care if anyone gets in his way. Will Peter and Eros ever be able to live their life as the Fates directed, or will Peter be struck down from someone else’s hatred?
Review: Peter and his brother Harvey were not only homeless but on the run. Their mother had been murdered and the killer was after them. It was hard to find help so they searched for food in the dumpsters. On one such search for food, the owner of the shop he was dumpster diving found him. Instead of getting angry the owner, Cupid offered to help them both. Then he offers Peter a job.
When Eros who is also know as Cupid, the real Cupid, shows up to find out who is in the store, to his surprise he finds his mate. Cupid is the god of love and had placed wards around his namesake’s shop and he is in for more surprises. However he doesn’t want a mate or so he thinks. Not only is someone after his mate, his neglect is affecting Peter. Now Cupid or Eros has to decide.
This was not only sweet but very cute. It not only gave me a story that drew me in but gave me the right balance of love, laughter, danger, excitement and so much more. Now I recognized that the writing wasn’t the same style as Lisa Oliver’s but it was still pretty good. My only other issue was the mistake about the guy’s father and a few editing mistakes but it doesn’t take away from the story much.
I can’t wait to read Harvey’s story. I liked the characters quite a bit although Eros is still in the dog house. Now I will say that it definitely needs a better proof reading to get rid of the errors. I enjoyed the story quite a bit and would suggest it.
Publisher: Less Than Three Press (October 10, 2018)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖 3 Hearts
Blurb: In the middle of a training trip, Keeska’s shuttle navigation fails and strands Keeska on Earth—alone, no way to contact home, and with no chance of help from the locals…until one does.
When Eric starts leaving food in front of an abandoned storefront in the crappy strip mall by his house, he thought he was helping a dog or a homeless kid. He gets the shock of his life when he discovers an alien instead. Not sure what else to do, especially with the alien bleeding and in shock, Eric realizes he’s about to have an unusual houseguest.
But as Keeska’s health improves, they both forget that Keeska should probably be finding a way home. As they grow increasingly close, they are forced to figure out the answers to questions they never thought would have to be asked…
Review: Eric shows how kind he is when he leaves food outside for what he thinks is a stray animal. When he discovers an alien named Keesha hurt and bleeding he takes him home to help care for him. The two form a bond and grow from there.
I liked both characters a lot. Even though they where different they were both sweet. These two were made for each other in every way.
Blurb: Welcome to the mercenary ship, The Blue Solace:
Leti Ando needs off planet and fast. He has a best friend and a new half-sister to rescue, and he needs to be sneaky about it. Unfortunately sneaky isn’t really his thing. With the help of a friend, Leti and his menagerie, along with his two companions, stow away aboard a mystery ship. Little does he know that The Blue Solace belongs to the infamous mercenary, Captain Will Hackett, a man he’ll come to love with everything inside him.
Will has been in a bitchy ass mood for the past six months. He’s restless and grumpy, but doesn’t know why. He knows he needs something and he can’t find it, but his crew are out of patience and insist on some R &R back home at Charybdis Station.
Then Hack finds a stow away angel and everything changes. Leti is his mate and he’ll do anything to keep him safe and happy, even smile.
The galaxy’s not a safe place, though, and The Blue Solace has a job to do: pick up a renowned scientist and his mysterious artifact. Then get them safely back to Charybdis Station. Hack and Leti don’t realize their romance story is about to get hijacked by Concord mercenaries. Their love is easy, it happens just like that. Staying alive and keeping the galaxy safe? That’s a little harder.
Review: Leti is half Prime and half Wello, which means he is a breeder male. As nasty as his father is to him, he is even more evil then one would expect. He has put Leti’s half sister on the block to be sold to the highest bidder. Thank god he had a friend who would be doing the bidder for him. He was determined to get his best friend, little sister and all of his animals off this blasted planet. They were going to stow away on a ship ran by mercenaries, although I am not sure he knows that part.
Will is getting moodier and moodier as time goes by. One of his crew realizes it just might be a sign that he is going to find his mate. What he finds is his mate, another young man, a baby girl and a large amount of animals in crates on his ship. Lets just say he won’t be getting moody after that.
Damn this was a blast to read, a real big surprise for me. Leti has a way with animals and damn if he just doesn’t seem to collect more family. There is very low angst throughout the story but does have quite a bit of action. Between the two however there is zero angst, well unless you count space walking. This is the first book by this author that I have read and lets just say she is going to become a favorite if she keeps this type of writing up. My attention was caught and damn if I don’t want to go back and read it again.
I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book. I had a blast reading it and would definitely recommend it. I can honestly say that this is one of those stories that will be read many times over.
Blurb: Ajax Fairchild’s online alter ego has caused him trouble before, but never like this. After multiple death threats, his loaded parents decide he needs an enforced digital vacation and the best bodyguard money can buy.
That would be Dmytro Kolisnychenko, former soldier, former hired muscle for the Ukrainian mob—until he lost his happy home life to an enemy with a homemade bomb. Now he wants only two things: to spend every precious second he can with his daughters, and to provide for them by protecting people who can’t protect themselves—even entitled little asshats like Ajax Fairchild.
But Ajax doesn’t fit into the spoiled little rich kid box as neatly as Dmytro would like. Dmytro doesn’t have time for a romantic dalliance, and Ajax is a client, albeit one with unexpected depths. With one coincidence after another driving them to the sleepy seaside town of St. Nacho’s and away from their planned safe house, they grow to trust each other and find that love follows trust. Now they must learn where the threat to Ajax is coming from and neutralize it… before it’s too late for their happily ever after.
Review: Three Night Vlog, by ZA Maxfield, is the third book in the series Plummet to Soar. I didn’t really know what to expect. I’ve read books by Maxfield in the past but nothing really came to mind when I was reading the blurb other than “this looks like a fun book with a dash of danger”.
Three Night Vlog works fine as a standalone book. I knew it was part of a series when I picked it up but it wasn’t until about five minutes ago that I realised that it’s the third book in the series. Regardless, I am now curious about the preceding two books.
In the present story we are introduced to Ajax Fairchild. He’s a rich kid – young adult – in need of a bodyguard. But he isn’t your run of the mill rich kid with too much time and money on his hands, instead Ajax is something of a social warrior. After deciding that he didn’t need to put up an act on his blog as his internet vlogger alter ego, he announces that he is gay – in a stunning, drunken YouTube video – Ajax’s parent hire a bodyguard and force him to stay away from the internet. He finds himself in the beautiful seaside town of St Nacho’s after more death threats force the plan off script.
Dmytro Kolisnychenko is a former soldier, single father and the bodyguard hired to protect Ajax Fairchild. Dmytro accepts that he has a fluid sexuality, yet he cannot act on any attraction to Ajax, simply because the man is his client, and he has shied away from any sort of romance since a bomb killed his wife and destroyed his happy home. He spends as much time with his two cute daughters, but it is the events of the past that make him want to protect people that cannot protect themselves, which is a way for Dmytro to find peace and salvation. But as the threats escalate and the attraction grows, both Dmytro and Ajax need to keep their eyes on the current situation as well as work through their feelings and the emotional baggage of the past.
As I said earlier, this is a fun book with a dash of danger. Dmytro and Ajax have a sizzling attraction, although they both go on quite a journey before they can be anything real to each other. For those that like their romance with a bit of action, sexy eastern European bodyguards and a quirky leading man, this is a great book to get into.
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC (15th September 2016)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 3.5 Hearts
Reviewer: Prime
Blurb: Andrew and Paul learned about God and Jesus in different churches and realize their views of spirituality are worlds apart.
Andrew was raised Catholic and was told his homosexuality was a sin. For his entire life, he hid the truth. He married and had children to present a facade to the world that of a straight man. It’s not until he has an affair with Paul, who shows him a different side of Jesus, that Andrew realiz-es he can be gay and still believe in God. Paul’s Jesus is one of acceptance and love, and in Paul’s church, being gay is not a problem.
For Paul and Andrew, falling in love is the easy part of their journey. They must make it through the fires of cheating, being discovered, Andrew’s wife leaving, the necessities of childcare and family life, the demands of their jobs, and working on their commitment to each other. Only then can they be safe in each other’s heart.
Review: Safe in His Heart is the second book in Renae Kaye’s Safe series.
While I have been enjoying Renae Kaye’s writing as of late, I hadn’t known what to expect. Admittedly, I’ve not read or listened to the first book in the series and I don’t feel that it took anything away from it for me. The writing itself is great, as well as the character development.
I just hadn’t been sure about a couple points that are central to this book and how these would affect my enjoyment. While the story was good, the chemistry between the characters was strong, I do feel that my enjoyment was indeed affected by the following:
1) There is cheating. Ok, so there is a deal that the marriage was in name only kind of thing and that they could have sex outside of the marriage providing they were discrete, I wasn’t really sold on it. 2) Also the religion thing. I was born and raised Catholic and yes, I will admit that there is probably a place for religion in the world. However, I’m not the type of person who reads romances that feature religion so obviously. 3) But all of that is ok. It’s really just that this is an angsty book, which I didn’t realise, and I’m the type of person who can only handle so much angst in my books.
A definite highlight of the story was Randy Fuller’s narration. Despite my reservations and my feelings which did mean that I gave this book a lower rating, I did feel myself get immersed by the performance. This is one of those books where I know that I wouldn’t have been able to read it, instead I needed the audio and feeding off of the tone and emotion provided by Fuller. He does an excellent job giving their characters their individual voices and conveys their feelings well. There is a certain amount of angst in this book and he does that justice.
The story is about Paul and Andrew. What makes them interesting is in the blurb. Andrew was raised Catholic and grew up knowing that his attraction to other men was a sin. While Paul is the complete opposite, he attends a more liberal church where being gay isn’t a sin and is welcoming to all sorts of people from different walks of life.
Andrew is by far the more complicated character of the story. Because he is so firmly in the closet, he has gotten married and had a couple kids, although he has quite an unconventional arrangement with his wife. Meeting Paul is a turning point in his life, however, while the men are happy enough with their relationship they need to now navigate murky waters when Andrew’s wife changes the course of the family’s life. She isn’t the wicked wife that is an absolute bitch, but she is rather self-involved and does have her moments. However, Paul is there to support Andrew every step of the way. Paul has a massive heart and he quickly became my favourite character.
The characters are good. I really liked how the developed, I found myself being more inclined to understand and sympathise with them more. I found that there were very real men and exceedingly complex, complete with their obvious imperfections. I think I will just leave it at that, if you prefer a rosy romance, then this might not be the book for you.
Blurb: After a night at the movies in Albuquerque, NM, Brantley’s best friend, Matt, is shot right in front him during a robbery. Stunned and devastated, Brant tries to help Matt’s husband, Travis, deal with the funeral details even as he struggles with his own grief and Travis’s blame. When Travis’s best friend arrives, Brant is both annoyed and grateful, because he is so darn tired and can use the help.
Lex Espana is ashamed to admit he hasn’t seen his childhood best friend since Travis’s wedding. He’s even more amazed that he barely remembers Brant from that wedding, because he’s sure interested now. While it’s weird to fall for someone at a funeral, his feelings for Brant are real and make him long for a life he didn’t realize he was missing.
Neither Lex nor Brant knows how to be part of an us, though, and they both have a lot to work through before they can settle in. To become a real couple, Brant and Lex will have to dig deep to get past the roadblocks in their relationship.
Review: Ammo and Enchiladas is the second book in BA Tortuga’s Border Crossing series.
Now, I love BA Tortuga. I really enjoy Tortuga’s writing and always look forward to a wonderfully sexy cowboy romance, some books are sweet, some are angsty, some have a touch of mystery. There’s always something to enjoy as long as you love a cowboy!
However, even though I knew that this was part of a series, I didn’t realise that it was the second book. I have zero recollection of whether or not I’ve read book 1 before (Bombs and Guacamole), but this totally works as a standalone book. I had to think but I’m pretty sure that the link is tenuous (as in one of the previous MCs, Dusty, pops up occasionally in the role of best friend and work colleague) and not vital to read in order.
The book starts in sorrow. Brantley (or Brant) was out for a night of fun with his best friend, Matt, while Matt’s husband stayed home grading his student’s papers. They went to the movies and on the way home pulled into a gas station/convenience store, where a robbery goes wrong and Matt is killed in front of Brant. He is shattered, naturally, Matt is like a brother to him and he holds both Matt and his husband dear. Yet, his world takes another blow when Matt’s husband, Travis, blames Brant for Matt’s death.
Then in comes Lex Espana. He is Travis’s best friend, although in part because he was living so far away, he hasn’t seen Travis or Matt since their wedding. He doesn’t really remember Brant, although they were both their friends’ best men at the wedding. When Travis calls in tears, telling Lex the news that Matt has been killed, Lex drops everything to go to his friend. Over the days and weeks to follow, Lex supports his best friend in any way he can. He also finds himself supporting Brant when Travis lashes out at Brant over Matt’s death. Tensions are running high with various family members, including Matt’s parents who consider Brant a son, are gathered to mourn Matt.
It’s a complicated situation but slowly Lex and Brant get to know each other properly, after only a passing acquaintance at the wedding and hearing about each other in the intervening time. The circumstances of Matt’s death are a close reminder of how short and fragile life is and so the men embark on a journey together that could lead to great happiness.
This story goes through a roller coaster of emotions, I think there may have been tears. Lex and Brant are perfect for each other, I love their chemistry and despite not being big on relationships both men help each other as they get to know each other. It’s a really pleasing relationship which comes from a time of grief. This is both heart-warming and heart wrenching.
Blurb: When Noah’s insecurity threatens their fledgling relationship, can Sol con-vince Noah that he’s enough?
Noah thinks he’s nothing special. Average height, a bit on the skinny side, and cute but rather geeky, he’s relentlessly ordinary. He certainly doesn’t expect to be noticed by Sol, the gorgeous dark-haired stranger Noah usually sees on his commute home.
When a friend persuades Noah to take a big risk in a bid to get Sol’s at-tention, things turn out better than Noah dared to hope. But Noah doesn’t believe he’s interesting or sexy enough to hold Sol’s attention.
As Sol tries to get closer, Noah tries to protect his heart by pulling away. If their relationship is going to survive, Noah needs to accept that Sol sees him very differently to how Noah sees himself. Because to Sol, No-ah is something very special indeed.
This is a standalone story with a satisfying happy ending.
Review: Nothing Special is a standalone novel by Jay Northcote, this is a second edition of the book, which was previously published in 2014 by Dreamspinner Press. I’m not sure how much has changed with the re-release as I’ve not read this before. In fact, I really didn’t know what to expect because Jay Northcote isn’t an author that I am familiar. I’m sure I’ve heard the name before, just not sure if I’ve ever read anything by Northcote before now.
Set in London, the story starts with Noah talking to his best friend, Dom, about the hot guy he’s been talking about for the last couple months, who he sees every day on the way home on the tube. The hot guy wears a London Zoo polo and work boots, Noah just doesn’t believe a good-looking guy like Zoo Guy could ever have any interest in him. Noah has extremely low self-esteem, but it is his best friend that encourages to pursue Zoo Guy – Sol – who is just as interested in Noah.
Noah is such a sweet and lovable character. He is shy and geeky, which probably lends to his character having low self-esteem. He has finished uni, has an alright job at a bookstore and still lives with his parents. Sol is Noah’s opposite in the fact that he is outgoing, but is completely crazy over Noah. Sol is sweet, but he is also kind, gentle and despite outward appearances he also has his own insecurities.
The relationship between Noah and Sol is wonderful. This isn’t an instalove where the two guys get over their baggage, have tonnes of hot sex and fall in love. Instead, these guys take their time to get to know each other. But don’t worry, the intimacy and sex in the book reflects the same sweetness and reflects Noah’s need to be sure about love. The guys have great chemistry together, but they complement each other in so many ways it felt just right. The book is all about the romance rather than getting the guys to their HEA, if that makes sense to anyone other than me because it sounds good in my head. There is low level angst, which is entirely fuelled by miscommunication. I usually hate miscommunication plot points because they are usually just used and don’t make sense to the characters. However, everything that happened felt organic with the characters as we get to know them.
This is such a sweet and beautiful story. Nothing Special is a very simple romance and for me that it was makes it so excellent. It was just so easy to connect with Noah and Sol. I recommend this one for those that want a sweet, gentle romance and a HEA that had me smiling so much.
Blurb: Gabriel ‘Fox’ Morrison is starting a brand new chapter in his life. He spent years drifting after his time in the military and finally felt ready to settle in one spot. This leads him to becoming the head detective of the recently opened Stonewall Investigations in Miami. His first case is one that not only hits close to home, but the result could have huge repercussions for more than just him and his client.
It’s a case so big, he decides to enlist some help.
Jonah Brightly is ending a huge chapter of his life. Him and his girlfriend have zero spark and his professional career is in shambles after an on-work incident leaves him with more than a physical scar. A new job as a private detective would be a lifeline he so badly needed.
He goes in for his interview and meets Fox, the man who changes everything for him.
Both of them are rocked by an unexplainable force, and both are left questioning everything they’ve known in its wake. As they form a bond through working together on the case, they learn there’s much more that brings them together than holds them apart. But can they keep fanning the flames of their newfound passion or will they be consumed by the growing fire?
Review: This story is a branch off from Stonewall Investigations and I would suggest starting with that series first. Trust me you won’t be disappointed.
Fox has been out of the military for a while and is working his very first case at the agency. Stonewall Investigations has finally opened in Miami and he is not only one of the best detectives but the head detective. The case involves a pretty nasty drug that kills pretty much half of the users and started in one of his friends clubs. He is determined to find out who is behind it but when he finds out he might just wish he hadn’t. He might just need a bit of help, so lets ask the sexy man coming in for an interview.
Jonah was a brilliant detective for the police force until he was shot in the head. He was left with a few problems that might just end deadly for him. Then there is his bitchy girlfriend who so needs a boot to the ass. He needs a do-over in his life, so the job at Stornewall Investigations might be the best thing for him. That and the sexy as sin detective interviewing him. Now he has a few more questions to ask himself.
As always Max has done a wonderful job giving a great read. I only had a few issues with it. One is the girlfriend but that is obvious and I would like to put my own boot up her butt. But really the story was so focused on the love life, sexuality and hot scenes that it was hard to keep who the guys truly were. I kept getting them mixed up. Also there was the fact that it took away from the mystery itself. I was glad the guys hit it off and fireworks were in the air, but I really chose the story for the mystery and suspense so I felt a little disappointed in that part. Also the fact that the guys pushed themselves but I felt that Fox was a bit to pushy for a new guy to realize he was gay. It just seemed rushed.
Overall it was a great start to a new series and I was glad to see the original detectives show up at the party. I love how this author can give you a serious tone to it but that there is quite a bit of humor running through it. I liked the guys quite a bit and can’t wait to see what will happen in future stories. I do hope for more mystery and suspense though, really want a good juicy story to make a day interesting.
I had a blast reading this book and would definitely recommend it.
Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand, Inc. (13th September 2016)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 4 1/2 Hearts
Blurb: Prince Ivan’s father believes his sons should find wives the traditional way–by going on a quest. This most fervent wish sends Ivan to his destiny. A magical forest, swamps, and strange dreams are just the beginning of the prince’s bad luck. Not only does his chosen bride prove to be a frog, she is also a he!
With an ancient magic involved, Ivan and Vasiliy the frog have no choice but to marry. But their problems aren’t over yet. First a test of worthiness threatens their blossoming relationship. Then there is the small matter of the magical curse Vasya is under. Finally, Ivan’s impatience rips the two apart.
Can the prince fulfill the impossible quest and thwart the most feared wizard in the world (aka his father-in-law) to get his frog back? And will Vasya begin an all-out magical war to return to his prince?
Review: Ivan’s father loves sending his sons on quests. This time he thinks it is time for his sons to find their other halves so has them shoot fate magic arrows in different directions and follow them to where they landed. This is where Ivan meets Vasya. Unbeknownst to him Vasya is the son of a powerful wizard being punished along with his friends for a prank gone wrong. So when the two meet Vasya and his friends are in their animal skins.
I really enjoyed the story and the subsequent adventure these two journeyed upon. Ivan is resourceful and gets help from Vasya’s friends unbeknowst to him. I loved everything about this story. It was cute, sweet, adventurous and action packed.
Blurb: A tomcat, a psychopath, and a psychic walk into the desert to rescue the men they love…. Can everybody make it out with their skin intact?
PI Jackson Rivers and Defense Attorney Ellery Cramer have barely recovered from last November, when stopping a serial killer nearly destroyed Jackson in both body and spirit.
But their previous investigation poked a new danger with a stick, forcing Jackson and Ellery to leave town so they can meet the snake in its den.
Jackson Rivers grew up with the mean streets as a classroom and he learned a long time ago not to give a damn about his own life. But he gets a whole new education when the enemy takes Ellery. The man who pulled his shattered pieces from darkness and stitched them back together again is in trouble, and Jackson’s only chance to save him rests in the hands of fragile allies he barely knows.
It’s going to take a little bit of luck to get these Few Good Fish out alive!
Review: Jackson and Ellery are back in the fight. Jackson just can’t seem to stop getting shot, stabbed and well you can imagine. Although this time it might just be worth it to save Ellery. The killer from the past has friends or leaders that want the same reaction as the others. It seems like someone is making killers who have no thought to life. When a young woman is killed in front of her children and another is blamed, it is up to our guys to prove it wrong. It brings some friends into the fight to help.
When Ellery is taken the ones behind it make an even bigger mistake, they take Ace as well. So you have Jackson, Sonny, Ernie and Burton in the mess, but Ellery’s mom as well. The bad guys won’t know what hits them.
The story itself is top notch however the religious aspect in this book was to much. I look for danger, death, sexual heat, excitement but you get that and more. Also the title is what made me not read the book as fast as normally. I didn’t recall the story itself but when I went through my library and saw the title, well I passed it on by. Also the way the guys talk is a bit to much, they don’t come off damaged as well as uneducated which is not the case. But back to the religious parts, it was to much and made the story drop quite a bit in my mind. It almost had me putting the book back down. Plus the boyfriends, Jackson and Sonny come off more damaged then you would expect but Ernie is made to sound the same way. It is like the author has given you one strong and one damaged through out the whole series which is nuts. One is fine but multiple characters with pretty much the same damage is asking too believe to much.
Now the story itself rocked, the danger, suspense, action were pretty much a hit with me. I did like the characters quite a bit but not how they came off. As I said above the title didn’t pull me in but the opposite. It might have been meant to come off catchy but it came off as goofy instead. I am a fan of the plot and characters, however not a fan of the same cooky cutter styles.
Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand, Inc. (10th April 2018)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 3 1/2 Hearts
Blurb: This was his worst plan ever. Trent Sanchez was only going out for a coffee, just an afternoon break from all the responsibilities, and somehow he ended up a hundred miles away!
It was a mistake, a foolish act. He’d had a fantasy plan, not a real one, but here he was on the run with Billy, a plucky human who had nifty little concoctions that saved them from Renegades.
He wasn’t sure anyone could forgive him or would understand. He had a job to do, one that saved thousands of lives. But when innocents died and he found he couldn’t save everyone no matter how hard he tried, Tre faltered. Even his gift wasn’t working properly anymore and his beloved bear, Tredd Croggen, who he’d fallen for the moment they met, was gruff and annoyed with him. His head hurt and his thoughts were jumbled. Tre was lost, but he was fighting to get back what they’d had.
Review: Tre gets overwhelmed with everything and decides to off for a while without telling anyone including his mate Tredd.
Things are not as smooth as he would like when he meets Billy being mugged. The two then set off for an adventure. Tredd eventually catches up with them and they discuss the stress Tre’s been under.
I liked that Tre and Tredd talked eventually. Tre was under way too much stress and suffering for it. I felt he had no life to do what he wanted. Especially when everyone seemed to keep him under lock and key twenty four seven. Billy was sweet yet knew how to hold his own in a fight for a human.
Publisher: Siren Bookstrand, Inc. (April 29, 2019)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts
Blurb: Gus has been in love with Denver since first laying eyes on him nearly a year ago, but Denver is a recluse, staying tucked away in his attic suite. He has no idea what’s wrong with Denver, and although Gus has tried, the youngest Cabell brother refuses to utter a single word to him. Until one morning Denver starts to talk to him, and their lives are changed forever.
When he was a teenager, Denver accidently killed his best friend. He hadn’t meant to let his beast loose, and has lived with his guilt ever since. Afraid of losing control again, Denver keeps himself locked away, even from the one human who has come to mean everything to him.
When some friends Gus met online shows up at the hotel to help him ghost hunt, Gus starts to suspect all is not what it seems, and it’s up to Gus to save Denver’s life when his suspicions are confirmed. .
Review: Each book in the Honey Haven collection features a new romantic couple. To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, I would recommend reading the series in sequential order.
Gus has his heart set on Denver and tries to show it. The problem is Denver pretty much ignores everyone and stays in his room. He knew something was wrong with Denver, but it wasn’t till he found out that not only was Denver a shifter but a bit about his past. When two online friends show up for a ghost hunt, Gus’s isn’t to sure about them. He did invite them but there was something off about them.
These stories crack me up especially when Gus is always speaking about ghosts. Wait for the surprise, it is going to be a scorcher. However these stories don’t flow as well as they should and there is always something missing from them. This one was no different but I can’t put my finger on what it is. Other than that small issue, this story is quite different and very quirky. I got a kick out of them. Although I must admit that the ghosts being thrown in at the last minute was a bit weird. I mean two years and no one has seen them till now just doesn’t flow with me.
I had a blast reading it and look forward to seeing more from this author. I will admit she is a favorite of mine.
Blurb: Life for Isamu Taylor is now a Cinderella story that includes a Manhattan loft, a new position in the hottest LGBT film production company in New York City, and an upcoming wedding in Bryant Park to his very own handsome prince.
He’s come a long way from that struggling film student with ratty sneakers and shaggy hair. Isamu is now living an urbanite’s fairy tale with that happily ever after just around a bustling city street corner.
But as all wedding planners know, even the best laid plans seem to go awry, and Isamu and Brian’s wedding is no exception. But love—both old and new—is in the air, so nothing can go too badly, right?
Review: Nine Small Sips is the super heart-warming sequel to Tales of Bryant by VL Locey. This would probably work as a standalone book, however, why deprive yourself of the story that sets the scene for the characters as they move onto the next stage in their lives? I absolutely love VL Locey’s writing, she is one of my favourite MM authors and every book is a must read.
The story picks up the life of Isamu Taylor and his fiancé, rich businessman Brian Gillies. Things have changed a lot for Isamu since the first book and not just because he is now engaged to the love of his life. He’s now finished with college and has a new job for a production company that specialises in LBGTQI+ projects. After meeting in New York’s Bryant Park and moving in together, Isamu and Brian are getting ready to get married in the very park where they first met. There’s drama in the form of Isamu’s Japanese grandmother wanting the traditional sake ceremony included into the nuptials, as well as a very flighty wedding planner.
This is a short read and the plot, much like the first book is simple. The most important thing is the journey here and it’s great to get to know more about Isamu and Brian. I knew at the end of the first book that these guys weren’t fully developed and I feel this one completes them more. In addition, knowing more about Isamu’s family was absolutely perfect.
This is the first of two wedding novellas that I’ve been looking forward to this year by VL Locey. Though the one that I am looking forward to the most is the Harrisburg Railers wedding novella, Nine Small Sips was the perfect chance to catch up with some characters I recently got introduced to and gets me into the mood for more from the fantastic VL Locey. This is a sweet story with a sprinkle of funny moments and so much love.
Blurb: Martin Graham built his business from the ground up with hard work and intuition. Due to a degenerative eye disease, he’s learned to rely on his other senses to feel out the competition. To realize his dream, he just needs to broker one last deal… and finally secure an assistant.
Brock Littleton is desperate for money—desperate enough take the job no one else wants: assistant to demanding, fussy, intensely private Mr. Graham.
Everything about Brock gets under Martin’s skin in ways he never expected, making him realize a successful business isn’t the only component to a happy future. But as Martin’s deal comes together, one of the prices could be the relationship with Brock that Martin is just starting to believe could be real.
Review: On Shaky Ground is a standalone novella by Andrew Grey. It was previously published as part of an anthology in 2018, although I never read it at the time. However, Andrew Grey is a must read author for me. I love reading anything by Andrew Grey and will do so without taking too much notice of the blurb. I love his writing style, I always connect with it and always feel the emotions of the characters that he weaves throughout the prose. Grey has a talent for stories of incredibly strong and inspirational MCs that have children or some sort of physical disability.
In the case of this novella, one MC, Martin Graham, has a degenerative eye disease which is slowly taking away his sight. Martin hasn’t let his medical issues stop him from building a very successful business and playing an active role as the CEO as his company. But in order to be able to work so hard, Martin needs an extremely competent personal assistant. Unfortunately, he has trouble keeping anyone because no one he’s hired has met his exacting standards. This is where Brock Littleton steps in.
Brock Littleton has just finished college and is desperate for a job. So much so he applies to become a personal assistant to a businessman, which is a complete side step for his career considering his qualifications but he needs to earn money and he needs to get his foot into the door for anything that could lead to his dream job. And so he accepts the job, trying to get a handle on Martin’s exacting standards.
Quickly, Brock becomes the perfect PA. Martin and Brock grow closer and Martin needs to battle his growing feelings for his PA, as well as knowing that the man is meant for more than being a PA. The two men need to work together so that they can see where their relationship may go. They take their time and get to know each other, while brokering a business deal, and showing each other just why they work so damn well together.
Fans of Andrew Grey will not be disappointed. For others, if you’re into the whole falling for the boss kind of story, this is a wonderful book to read.
Title: Tentative Steps Forward
