This is your very first post. Click the Edit link to modify or delete it, or start a new post. If you like, use this post to tell readers why you started this blog and what you plan to do with it.
Category: Uncategorized
The Answer Is by Dawn Kimberly Johnson
![AnswerIs[The]LG](https://mmgoodbookreviews.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/answeristhelg.jpg?w=300)
Title: The Answer Is
Series: Q&A, #2
Author: Dawn Kimberly Johnson
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novel (216 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (June 15th, 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts
Blurb: Two men from different worlds must realize they deserve to be loved and what they have together is real and worth fighting for.
Though Jamison Coburn and Lonnie Bellerose have been a couple for a month, each worries he’s not good enough for the other. Lonnie has always doubted his worth and right to be loved, despite a superb education and international upbringing. Jamison, an undereducated laborer, grew up in a loving family who never knew he was gay.
As Jamison struggles to find his way as an out gay man, he fears the occasional stumble will send Lonnie packing. Lonnie doesn’t trust that anyone would choose him and worries that Jamison will see better options.
When Lonnie’s abusive ex returns, he’s determined to reclaim Lonnie. He works to exacerbate the new couple’s differences and doubts in the hopes of splitting them up, which is proving too easy.
For their love to last, Lonnie and Jamison will have to be brutally honest, not only with themselves, but with each other.
ISBN: 978-1-63476-230-4
Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=6500
Reviewer: Prime
Review: Answer Is by Dawn Kimberley Johnson is book 2 of the Q&A series. This series needs to be read in sequential order as both follow the same set of main characters. I’ve read that it can be read as a standalone but I personally do not particularly agree. Answer Is was a nice addition to the series, although sometimes I felt as though the story dragged on a little or some of the circumstances seemed a bit too contrived.
We return once more to Lonnie and Jamison, who we met when they got together in Good Question (Q&A 1). They’ve been together for some weeks now and things are about to get rocky when they begin to navigate further into their relationship. The main issues they face here is Jamison’s coming out (or staying closeted), Lonnie’s abusive (and possibly evil) ex and the roadblocks that are thrown their way from both situations.
As I said in the beginning, I found parts of this too contrived, and quite frankly for me that comes with some of the storyline involving Lonnie’s ex. I feel that there was too much going on (particularly with Lonnie’s share of the plot lines), that not enough justice was put into this subplot. However, Lonnie and Jamison are sweet when they are together. Jamison needs support from Lonnie as he battles within himself about coming out and it is there, even if it proves something to cause contention between the new couple. But the author has continued with the great chemistry between these two guys. They are utterly adorable.
I’m not sure if there is going to be a third book in this series (I did try to find out), but if there is I am certainly interested. I didn’t quite enjoy this one as much as the first novella, but I think anyone who has read book 1 will be more than happy with what we get. I really, really, do want to hear from these guys again!
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Charlie's Hero by Nic Starr
Title: Charlie’s Hero
Series: Heroes 01
Author: Nic Starr
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novel (200pgs)
ISBN: 978-1-63476-095-9
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (17th June 2015)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: Schoolteacher Charlie Matthews returns to his hometown, looking to regain a sense of community, reconnect with friends, and settle down. It looks like his dreams have come true when paramedic Josh Campbell attends an accident at the school. It’s love at first sight, and a romance begins.
But Josh’s reluctance to come out to the brother who raised him, puts pressure on their fledgling relationship. While Charlie understands Josh’s concerns, he can’t help growing impatient. After all, Charlie came out years ago.
It’s not until Charlie confronts his own parents and realizes he hasn’t come to terms with their rejection that he fully understands what Josh has to lose. But Josh is Charlie’s hero, and Josh will do anything to prove to Charlie that to be part of a family, he doesn’t need his parents.
Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=6466
Review: Charlie moved back to his hometown because he missed the sense of community and his friends, he’s settled in to his home and job at the elementary school with gusto but his love life is sadly lacking, that is until he spots a sexy paramedic across the playground and is immediately attracted to him. Josh loves his job as a paramedic and has a great group of friends, meeting Charlie has his romantic hopes rising but he dreads his brothers reaction to him being gay. Charlie understands but is getting impatient and it isn’t till he is confronted with his own parent’s rejection that he truly understands Josh’s fear, but Josh will do anything for the man he loves to prove that they can be their own family.
This is a great sweet story where two men open their hearts to each other and seek happiness. Charlie has built a good life for himself in his hometown even knowing that his parents want nothing to do with him, now he just longs to meet someone who he can love and build his own family with. Josh is happy with his life even if he wishes that he had someone to share it with, but he never forgets that while his friends and colleagues know he’s gay his brother has no idea. When these two men meet the sparks fly but Josh’s reluctance to confess to his brother is beginning to tear them apart.
Charlie is a really great character who is very easy going and understanding of Josh’s situation, it does begin to wear on him though and it isn’t until he sees his parents again that he understands just what Josh fears he’ll lose. Josh is an incredible character, he is sweet, slightly shy but oh so willing to embrace all around him. When it comes to his brother though he wishes Andrew would lighten up, but he still acts like the big brother who brought him up after their father died and Josh wishes Andrew would see him as the adult he has become.
Josh and Charlie together are beautiful, their relationship moves at a delicious pace, not to fast but not to slow either. Their connection is instant but they still get to know each other, they share their pasts and their fears and fit together perfectly. Oh and they are completely smexingly hot! The storyline is really good, it keeps pace throughout and offers some interesting nuggets and it also gives us a sneak peek at Andrew’s story 😉
I recommend this to those who love great friends, a blossoming love, accepting rejection and embracing acceptance and love, hot sexy man love and a very happy ending.
A Closed Door by Andrew Q. Gordon
Title: A Closed Door
Series: Love, Loss, Laughter & Lust Anthology
Author: Andrew Q. Gordon
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novella (58 Pages)
Publisher: Wayward Ink Publishing (October 8, 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5 Hearts
Blurb: Outed at thirteen, Orin Merritt left home after high school hoping to escape the hell his life had become. Ten years later when a tornado destroys his childhood home and kills his parents, Orin finds himself in an entirely new nightmare. One he can’t run away from.
Blaming himself for failing the two people who always loved and supported him, he returns home and confronts his past in the person of his one-time best friend, Thomas Kennett. Thomas not only rejected him when Orin came out, he led the group that tormented Orin into leaving.
As he struggles to deal with his grief, Orin also labors to fulfill the pledge he made to his parents before their death. In the process, Orin learns that sometimes when you go away to find yourself, you leave the answers you’re looking for behind.
ISBN: 978-1-92522-207-4
Product Link: http://www.waywardinkpublishing.com/product/a-closed-door-by-andrew-q-gordon-2/
Reviewer: Lisa
Review: This is part of the anthology called Love, Lost, Laughter 
and Lust. It is probably the best one I have read about in a while. I am not much for short stories or anthologies but this story comes really close to being perfect.
This story is one of those types that will tear at your heart-strings because it is a story that could be real. So many stories that you hear about best friends and their reactions to what happens when you tell them something they don’t like or don’t agree with. For a short story it has a lot of details and heart in it.
Orin’s best friend Thomas had asked him when they were kids if he was gay. He had told him yes, thinking that his best friend would always be there for him. What he had not told him was that he loved him. However Thomas had reacted in fear and hate. He had managed to tear Orin’s heart out. He bullied him through middle school and high school. He had made his life a living hell.
After graduation he managed to escape and make a life for himself. He had never intended to go back, but a tornado had changed his mind. It had killed his parents and destroyed his child hood home. When he came home to fix it all, Thomas was there.
Thomas was a deputy for the sheriff’s department and had always regretted what he had done to Orin. He had been a coward and feared the reactions he would get if it came out that he was gay also. He knew he had to make things right. He had to show Orin that he was in love with him and would fix it all.
This is a story that you could believe was actually happening in front of you. At first I thought it would be the type where the parents were the cruel ones and in a way I went to the bully part. However it still didn’t take away from the fact that as soon as I started reading it I could not put it down. It turned out so much better than what I had thought. The parents had been loving and cherished their son. They had loved him unconditionally. It was the best friend that had betrayed him, and the best friend who needed to prove himself ten years later.
I had a blast with this and look forward to reading more by this author. It was the first book that I have read by Andrew and I was quite impressed. It was well told with a lot of heart in it. I would definitely recommend this book to others. Trust me this is a story that you should read.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Happy Mothers' Day from Torquere Press
All That Shimmers by Raine O'Tierney
Title: All That Shimmers
Series: Piece Us Back Together
Author: Raine O’Tierney
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novella (90 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (May 6th, 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Blurb: Beau Bell is a former Olympic hopeful, left paralyzed from the waist down after a car accident. He has every reason in the world to be pissed off and miserable, yet he’s training for the Paralympics Men’s 100m—S6 division. The chair? Just a part of who he is now. Beau’s attitude is golden. If only he could contend with this one little issue: errant erections and no way to relieve them!
Nikša Meríc is a lonely scientist and really bad poet living underneath the old building where he does his research. Every night he watches his neighbor through his basement window as he undresses in his wheelchair. Although there is no apparent reason for Nikša to be unhappy, he’s struggled with depression his whole life and has tried to kill himself on multiple occasions.
When Beau proposes that his “voyeur” come over and help him experiment with the erections he can’t actually feel, the relationship they build is a sexual one. But the relationship they need is one that will heal each other’s heart as well.
ISBN: 978-1-63476-077-5
Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=6340
Reviewer: Cat
Review: All That Shimmers is from the anthology (collection) 
Piece Us Back Together. These stories can all be read separate and standalone beautifully
All That Shimmers is a very riveting story about an Olympic swimmer that is now a paraplegic. Beau is strong and even though he is paralyzed from the waist down, he never gave up on his dream. He does have a deeper issue to deal with that we never would think of. Though he is paralyzed he feels the need for orgasm. He knows he gets aroused and can get hard on, but cannot ever come.
Niksa has deep mental issues. He has attempted suicide several times, but failed. He is all alone, from another country and has no real friends. Can these two men heal each other?
This is a beautiful, angsty story of two broken men, one physically the other mentally. It shows us challenges and needs we would never consider in people’s lives. Simple needs such as orgasm for a man with spinal paralysis and the simple need of family of friends. Being alone in a strange land with no one.
I loved the strength in Beau that he never gave up on his dreams even though he lost the use of his legs. He is sort of an ass relationship wise, but once you read the story you do see why and cannot really blame him. I still found him likeable.
Niksa, Niksa, Niksa! What I would give to see his full story. (Hint, hint). My heart went out to him. (Tissue alert). The way Niksa and Beau meet is a bit creepy, but I loved this story so much.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com
Batty Bwoy by Max-Arthur Mantle
Title: Batty Bwoy
Series: N/A
Author: Max-Arthur Mantle
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novella (85 pages)
Publisher: Max-Arthur Mantle (14 April 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Blurb: The coming of age story of Mark Palmer, a black, gay, Jamaican where “Boom bye bye inna batty bwoy head” (meaning, gunshot to gay men) has replaced the island’s motto “Out of many one people.” The son of an overbearing, absentee, neglectful mother, he is thrust in an environment that requires a thick skin from torments and socio-economic disparities. Suppressing his “gay tendencies” to detract being bashed or murdered, he migrates to America and breaks free from the closet to a world where he is disenfranchised and arrested. As his life spirals from bad choices, he clings to desperate measures and finds hope.
ISBN: 9780578160160
Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/Batty-Bwoy-Max-Arthur-Mantle-ebook/dp/B00WAI9QUA/
Reviewer: Prime
Review: When I first received this book for review, I wasn’t entirely sure what to make of it. I have to admit the title had me a little reluctant because when I see the word “batty” I think of it as the slang for “crazy”, as in “the lady’s gone completely batty”. Instead, batty bwoy (and other variations), I found out with a quick bit of research, is a Jamaican phrase for gay, bisexual or simply an effeminate man. At this point I was now intrigued.
Batty Bwoy is the first book published by Max-Arthur Mantle and is an interesting and riveting read. The writing style is more like a memoir rather than a traditional third person narrative but it was still engaging. The best way I can describe it is that the story links up a number of events in the life of a character making a very cohesive and pleasing narrative. It follows the life of the main character Mark.
Literally, from conception where we are introduced to his parents’ way back in 1969 a couple of years (I think) before Mark was even born. The moment that Rick Astley’s ‘Never Gonna Give you Up’ is mentioned, for those familiar, not only will you instantly get the song in your head (and now you have it in your head too! Ha!) But you will also know that we are towards the end of the eighties by now. But as soon as I made that realisation, we were going through the nineties too.
This is culturally very interesting as well. Mark, the ‘batty bwoy’ of the title, was born in Jamaica – lived in Jamaica too – though it gets rather complicated when I start thinking of his home life. Being that the author is Jamaican, who am I to argue with his reflection of Jamaican society. I also like how Jamaican characters spoke “in Jamaican”, for lack of a better word. I, for someone whose only knowledge of Jamaica is from some reggae and watching the movie Cool Runnings as a child, this was a learning experience.
This is an interesting and gritty read; this is basically a quick tour of gay rights, etc. through the eyes of one person. Really, all I can say that this is a story about a life, a man who just happens to be Jamaican and gay, and it’s a real interesting life that has been woven for him.
I particularly like the ending; it gives hope without giving too much away. It’s interesting to see how Mark as a character has changed through the years of self-discovery from a child to ending up as a 29-year-old man who hasn’t quite finished growing up. But as I said, there is always hope.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Journey to Lobster Cove by Carol Lynne
Title: Journey to Lobster Cove
Series: Cattle Valley, #32
Author: Carol Lynne
Genre: Cowboys/Contemporary
Length: Novella (32K words)
ISBN: 9781784304454
Publisher: Totally Bound (March 13th, 2015) Early Download available 02/13/15
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Reviewer: Cat
Blurb: Spreading acceptance one town at a time.
When the town of Cattle Valley runs out of room for new construction, Asa Montgomery begins to look into alternative locations. He discovers a small fishing village in Maine for sale and begins to make plans to purchase the picturesque town of Lobster Cove.
Unfortunately, setting up a new community takes him away from his partner, Mario, who isn’t pleased about being left behind.
Meanwhile, after years of dancing around their mutual attraction, Cullen Bryant decides the time has come to lay his feelings for Joseph Allenbrand on the line. Unfortunately, his plan is cut short when Joseph sends him away with no other explanation than he should move on.
Joseph knew sending Cullen away was the kindest thing to do for the younger man, but when he hears Cullen truly may be moving on, he realizes it’s time to reevaluate his life. Will he work out his issues in time to save what he’s spent years denying?
Purchase Link: https://www.totallybound.com/journey-to-lobster-cove
Review: Wouldn’t it be great to have a town that is all like-minded people? Where everyone is Gay or gay-friendly? That’s what cattle valley is. Asa Montgomery, a man with money enough to buy a town (or two) worked hard with his friends to build Cattle Valley. It wasn’t easy but now it’s filling up fast. It is getting so full that now they are having to take applications for new residents.
Asa has sold most of his businesses and focuses on Montgomery enterprises the software company that keeps Cattle Valley going and gives him more time with his sexy Italian husband Mario.
A call from Joseph about one of his boys being stabbed has Asa seriously considering buying the quaint Lobster Cove that Mario has shown him a few days ago.
This is book 32 of the Cattle Valley series. You probably could read this without reading the others as Carol is good at dropping a bit of information so you do know the characters. And there are a lot of characters. I really do think it is best though if you have read the series.
This looks like a setup for a new series and I am doing the happy dance! I love Cattle Valley and am looking forward to more of these men and lots of new men and new situations.
This also gives us more on Cullen and Joseph.
So if you like Millionaires (or billionaires) sexy gym workers, ex-priests that run homeless boys shelters, and are looking for a new series to follow this is for you. Oh, don’t forget some hot man-sex!
Letting Hearts Heal by Luna Jensen
Title: Letting Hearts Heal
Series: N/A
Author: Luna Jensen
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novel (200 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (January 5th, 2015)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Blurb: Mason returns to Sweet Valley, Montana, with nothing but a backpack full of rejections. After nearly a decade in the big city experiencing the highest highs and lowest lows, his heart and spirit are shattered. Fire robbed him of cooking—the only thing he’s good at—and now he’s out of options.
Thrust into instant fatherhood, Dean struggles to find a balance between getting to know his young son and building his business. Meeting Mason again after many years apart just adds another element to the juggling act. Dean’s vision for his ranch give them a chance to work together—to find each other and to heal—but it’s no easy feat for a grief-stricken little boy, an overwhelmed loner used to focusing only on his work, and an insecure chef.
Can they find the path to healing and happiness?
ISBN: 978-1-63216-315-8
Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5905
Reviewer: Prime
Review: Overall, this is an incredibly cute story, though that is usually the case when there is a little kid involved in the story. This book is specifically all about the romance and healing hearts. This is the first book I’ve read by Luna Jensen, and from looking at Goodreads that would because this is her first published work.
Dean and Mason grew up together and are really high school sweethearts. However, Mason, coming from a not very accepting and unbending family (among other issues), had a rather traumatic time when he was forced to leave his hometown Sweet Valley (some of us may be thinking Sweet Valley High, but no).
The problem is life really hasn’t dealt him a good hand, even for the ten years he was away. There were people who were borderline abusive to him as well as the said fires from the blurb. Dean on the other hand stayed in Sweet Valley, though he was heartbroken when Mason left suddenly. Dean has been busy building up the family farm/business once more and recently has a father overnight to his four-year-old son, Wyatt.
Wyatt, as I said, is incredibly adorable. The poor kid has his own issues – so Dean not only has to smooth the way for Mason once they meet up again, he has already been doing the same for his son. But I have to be honest, the circumstances around Wyatt are clichéd – Dean who normally practiced safe sex forgot just the once, then he didn’t know about his son until Wyatt’s mother was killed in a car accident. However, I think we can let that slide since it’s only back-story and not a big deal is really made about it.
I found it interesting and yet very odd that these character’s don’t have a courtship as such. Instead, they have some slowly simmering tension before they just come together. It’s like their lives effortlessly mesh, including Wyatt. Mason’s psychological problems relating to fire I don’t was fully dealt with but it was nice to see that he had support and family in Dean and Wyatt. I also think that parts of this plot line were glossed over.
Really, though, this is a nice lighthearted romance and if you don’t over think the plot, you’ll enjoy it on some level. The characters are really relatable and for the most part, there aren’t any villains, (any real villains are glossed over and again these relate to Mason). There isn’t much in the way of sex, although there is some tension, but this for the most part is because Wyatt is heavily involved in the story. More or less, this is a story about family.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Bump and Grind by Cameron D. James
Title: Bump and Grind
Series: Go-Go Boys of Club 21, #1
Author: Cameron D. James
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novella (110 pages)
Publisher: Cameron D. James (November 1st, 2014)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts
Blurb: Liam loves the life of being a go-go boy—dancing, partying, and constant adoration from hot clients. The only thing he has to worry about is if he’s using the right moves as he grinds to the beat to win the affection of the highest tippers.
But tonight, there’s a new patron at Club 21—Ryan, a dream hunk and former porn celebrity—and he’s got eyes for Liam, and Liam alone. A private dance is a no-touch affair, but when Ryan rents Liam for half an hour all for himself, the experience forever changes how Liam sees his life in the club.
ASIN: B00P4IBA7A
Product Link: (links to all vendors available at this page, including Are, Amazon, iBooks, Google Play) http://www.camerondjames.com/shorts/Bump_and_Grind/buy.html
Reviewer: Prime
Review: I’m going to say first up: the blurb is misleading for the reason that the blurb only talks about go-go boy Liam and his mysterious, sexy hunk of client, Ryan. But, and this is a big but, there are also two other stories going on here, that of Liam’s fellow go-go boys Lance and Ken. Liam and Ken have been doing it a while but Lance is a newbie.
All three are happy and enthusiastic about their job as go-go boys at Club 21. This is a good book but on thinking, there isn’t a lot in the way of plot. The plot point of Liam and Ryan only forms about a third of the book. The thing is I liked this plot and really wanted to know more. The rest talks about the ins and outs of these guys jobs and has POV from Liam, Ken and Lance. To be perfectly frank, I felt as though I needed more time and details on Liam and Ryan and less time (still conveying the same info) on Lance and Ken.
I feel reluctant saying much else because to me not much really happens, which leaves me oddly disappointed. Then there is the ending. It’s a cliffhanger ending… frustrating but will probably keep me reading. This is a very sexy, hot of what should prove interesting.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Forever Dead by Sara Dobie Bauer
Title: Forever Dead
Series: N/A
Author: Sara Dobie Bauer
Genre: Erotic Romance/Paranormal
Length: Short Story (26 Pages)
Publisher: Sara Dobie Bauer (January 15, 2015)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥2.5Hearts
Blurb: Even centuries didn’t prepare Dario for Zach Mede and a love that took his vampire heart by storm. But loving a mortal holds dangers of its own. A mortal can be murdered … and murderers are everywhere.
Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/Forever-Dead-Sara-Dobie-Bauer-ebook/dp/B00RQWJ9GG
Reviewer: Lisa
Review: This was not what I had expected. It was a pretty good book, if not long enough. I would have loved for it to be expanded and had a lot more to it. As it was, I actually found myself liking it quite a bit. I had some minor issues with it, but it wasn’t enough for me to not get into it. It gave me most of what I wanted in a good paranormal book.
Dario and Zach had met over ten years ago when Dario tried to kill him. Zach is a vampire hunter and a cop, where as Dario is the vampire and activist.
They seem to be fighting for the same thing, but when they hook up it is like fighting with sex. It has some kink to it that is for sure. They are in search of a killer, who has their sights set on Zach. It is up to Dario to save him, or maybe the other way around in the end.
It gives you excitement, kinky sex, danger, and a very strange story altogether. I would recommend reading it. It is a cute little book that will be great for when you are on a break or you just want to read a short story for fun.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Depending on You by J.E. Birk
Title: Depending on You
Series: The Prequel to the Twinkie Ignition
Author: JE Birk
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novella (103 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (February 4th, 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Blurb: It all started with a diabetic kid who wouldn’t stop eating cookies. And a best friend who’d just announced his bisexuality and hit on everything that moved. And a kind pediatric nurse with an amazing rack, a lying ex-boyfriend, and a nasty case of the chicken pox.
But mostly, it started at table 42.
When Benjy Moreland almost collapses during his restaurant shift, Dr. Kyle Penners wants nothing more than to take care of him… but if there’s one-thing former foster kid Benjy values, it’s his independence. A dying man and a sick little boy force Kyle and Benjy to work together, and both of them have to make some important choices about what it means to depend on someone
ISBN: 978-1-63216-600-5
Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=6010
Reviewer: Prime
Review: This book has all types of cuteness and sweetness throughout. I like the prologue, in how that it was written like the MC’s, Benjy Moreland and Dr. Kyle Penners, are telling their story as old men (in my mind). It also conveniently lists all the factors that make this book full of cute and sweet.
We are first introduced to Benjy. His name may sound a bit childish, but he is far from being a child. In fact, he has grown up quite quickly due to his circumstances and now going through university so that he can help people. Kyle, on the other hand, is already helping people. He’s a doctor who works in paediatrics at the local hospital. Their worlds collide when Benjy all but falls into Kyle’s lap, severely ill with an infection. Kyle is a carer-type, the type that doesn’t seem happy unless caring or rescuing someone.
Next on his list is Benjy.
Their relationship sometimes seems antagonistic but it was still very relatable and realistic. There are plenty of characters and subplots. All of them are fantastic. But of course it is the child minor character, the diabetic Brandon, along with his grandfather, who stole the show when it comes to subplots. The only thing that plagues me is Kyle’s epiphany which comes late in the piece. It was brilliant and really good for his character to come to some sort of resolution.
However, I felt that it came on rather sudden, or maybe I missed the slow build towards his epiphany. I think though, there wasn’t much conflict in terms of Kyle need to nurture vs. his ability to nurture a relationship until we are flat out told the source of issues in this regard.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Deep Desire by Z.A. Maxfield
Title: Deep Desire
Series: The Deep, #1
Author: Z.A. Maxfield
Genre: Paranormal/ Suspense/Alternate Worlds
Length: Novel (164 pages)
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, LTD. (February 3, 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.75Hearts
Blurb: There’s no leverage like seduction…until love takes a bite of his plans.
As the Indiana Jones of historical erotica, there is no document existing—or just rumored to exist—Adin Tredeger can’t unearth. Why he would risk the biggest coup of his career to join the mile-high club is beyond him. But the disarming, dark-eyed man who somehow enters Adin’s locked airplane washroom has him completely nude and coming apart. All without a whimper of protest.
From that moment, Adin and Donte Fedelta engage in an international battle of wit and cunning. The prize—a priceless, 500-year-old journal with illustrations so erotic it could make the Marquis de Sade blush.
Yet Donte’s desire for the journal goes far beyond simple possession. The undead nobleman wrote it. And he’s not above using every trick in his otherworldly arsenal—including seduction—to get it back.
Chemistry draws them together even as fortune tugs them apart. But when a third-party joins the chase, they must unite to fight an enemy with a deadly goal—to erase Donte from history.
This book is a rerelease of a previously published book, with substantial rewrites.
Product Warnings
This product contains one cocky college professor, one centuries-old vampire who is out to show him who’s at the top of the food chain, and red wine. Because it goes so well with humble pie.
ISBN: 9781619227965
Product Link: https://www.samhainpublishing.com/book/5360/deep-desire
Reviewer: Shorty
Review: Intense at times this book takes you on a journey following Adin as he reads parts of a 500-year-old manuscript, meets a sexy vampire, and has said manuscript stolen from him by an unknown party only to be continuously threatened by others who believe he still has it. I loved the parts of the manuscript he read they seemed to show just how much Donte loved his lover even though he couldn’t be with him.
The chemistry between Donte and Adin was smoldering and the passion even hotter. While it was a very well written book, I found it hard to believe that after meeting Donte and learning he was a vampire that Adin was shocked when he came face to face with another vampire. Did he honestly believe that Donte, 500 years old and the writer and illustrator of the manuscript, was the only vampire?
I thought it was sweet how Donte wanted to protect Adin from harm even though at the beginning he told Adin he had no humanity after being turned. Good read.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Commanded by Nicholas Bella
Title: Commanded
Series: House of Théoden, #1
Author: Nicholas Bella
Genre: Paranormal/BDSM/Dark/Erotic
Length: 60 Pages (Novelette)
Publisher: Nicholas Bella (February 2nd, 2015)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts
Blurb: Théoden: On the evening of branding my new son, Noel, my King has called a special meeting of his Court. I can’t possibly guess what this meeting is about, as everything within his kingdom is running perfectly. I do know one thing, Ara loves to entertain and be entertained, so at least that’s something to look forward to. What I’m not looking forward to is having to see Nolan, Lord of District Four. We really don’t get along. Well, as for my children, when the Master is away, the boys will play. In fact, I insist on it.
Noel: I’ve just received my official brand, the insignia of the House of Théoden. Along with the brand comes a load of responsibilities I am to adhere to. Apparently, my new life involves being an enforcer. I’m to be trained by Marco, my eldest and most sadistic brother. I’m not looking forward to that, not one bit. At least tonight, I’ll get a reprieve. For tonight, we celebrate as only the House of Théoden can.
Warning: This serial contains strong adult content not meant for sensitive eyes. The novelettes in this serial will be filled with dark, twisted, raunchy, and steamy scenes between powerful, sexy men that will either offend you or get ya revved up. This series will not be pulling any punches, and it won’t apologize for hurting your feelings, either. You’ll find no fluff and ruffles here. The vampires are not misunderstood, hopeless romantics looking for love. The werewolves are not cute and cuddly and the dragons aren’t the ones from your childhood. This is NOT a romance. There are approximately 18,300 words in this novelette.
Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/Commanded-House-Th%C3%A9oden-Season-Theoden-ebook/dp/B00S79L3U2
Reviewer: KathyMac
Review: I made it through Season 1 (Yay) with basically one thought. Give me more! If, by chance, you are reading this and have not read the first season, Chained in Darkness, I would stay, STOP, go back. It is imperative to read these in order so that you have the full understanding of what has taken place. Season 2, House of Théoden, starts with, Book 1, Commanded. One of the things I love about the author, Nicholas Bella, is each new installment starts off where the last one stopped. You are able to pick back up with no lost time or events. And, trust me…you don’t want to miss out on anything.
Noel has completed his embracing and has made Théoden very proud. However, the King has called a meeting of the Court, and Théoden will have to leave Noel in the care of his brothers. As the saying goes,” when the cat is away the mouse will play,” will certainly hold true as Bruce, Marco, and eventually Donovan show Noel new heights of pleasure he never knew existed.
“Do you want me to spank you some more?”
Shit, did I? I had to think about how I felt while he was spanking me. It didn’t help that he was still stroking my cock with expert fingers. He was breaking my concentration, but I didn’t want him to stop.
“Ow!”
“Answer me boy. I don’t have all day, and if you cum before I get my way, you’re going to pay.”
“Yes, Bruce…I want you to spank me again,” I said. I couldn’t hardly believe the words that were coming out of my mouth.
Even though Noel is finally adjusting and accepting his position in the house, he still has a wee bit of his rebellious attitude that shines through. He loves pushing his boundaries and testing his limits with the brothers, and even Théoden. I love this about Noel. He knows what is expected, most of the time, yet challenges them when he doesn’t understand. But, he is learning, rather quickly, that pain also brings pleasure and contrary to what he wants everyone to believe, he loves it.
In Season 1, it was mostly about Noel, his training (Ha, that’s an understatement) and accepting his new life. In, Season 2, Commanded feels more about Théoden and that excites me. I can’t wait to learn everything there is about him. Of course, it’s too early to make the assessment that it’s all about Théoden but one can hope…right? Oh, how can I love someone so cruel and vicious? He is one sexy, hot-blooded, vampire!! **I just looked up the definition for understatement – Restraint in artistic expression. Trust me…Restraint is a foreign word in the House of Théoden.
Season 2 also brings new characters. Ara, King, and the sire of Théoden, may pull rank as my new obsession. He is ruler over all of the Lords and he has called the Court to his home for a meeting. We meet the other Lords, as well, and even though it was brief, you do get an idea of the personalities involved. Jealousy rums rampant between some of the vampires and their skill will be tested to the limit.
However, the King has a plan, and it is going to take each one to pull it off. He puts a lot of trust and faith in Théoden because he is his favorite and most loyal son. But, don’t be fooled by Théoden’s place in the eye of the King. He demands respect and anything less will have you re-thinking your fuck-up.
**Théoden and Ara**
“This isn’t what we agreed upon, I pointed out.
“Times change,” Ara continued. “And, as King, my Decree is whatever I make it.”
“So I see,” I snapped. Before I knew it, he had lifted me from the chair and had me by my throat, several inches off the floor. It was impressive, as I am taller than he is by five inches. His grip was tight and painful as he slowly crushed my larynx. I could do nothing but wait for him to release me on his own.
“I realize that I afford you more leeway than my other children because you are my favorite. But do not ever make the mistake that you are my equal!” With that, he slammed me back into the leather chair.
Whew, for a moment or two, I was afraid for Théoden. But, he is a smooth talker and as even the King referenced, he is the favorite. He doesn’t hold anything back either as he pleasures his King. They both take and receive from each other and finding their release is a very H.O.T. scene.
The trip was not all fun and games as the King has a very important plan and mission to expedite. He expects results and I have no reservations that Théoden will deliver results and possibly a very sexy 2-legged creature who may or may not run through the woods on 4 legs. This is speculation and
I cannot wait to see what happens next.
Nicholas Bella continues to deliver a thrill seeking, sexy, and dangerous continuation into a world we have barely touched the surface in. His descriptive narrative and no holds barred dialogue holds me captive from start to finish. With the new season ahead I, no doubt, will be swept along at a face pace hanging onto every morsel (Ugh, not a good word when discussing vampires) that the author exudes with his creativity.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
All By Myself by Ken Bachtold
Title: All By Myself
Series: N/A
Author: Ken Bachtold
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novel (200 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (February 2nd, 2015)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Heearts
Blurb: Mitch Donnelly and Grady Gilmore are two damaged souls. While walking in Central Park, novelist Mitch finds actor Grady in terrible distress, digging up the grass as if he can bury himself in the ground. After hearing the story of Grady’s long-time partner’s betrayal, Mitch is afraid to leave him alone, so he invites him to stay in his spare room until he feels better. Mitch understands—he lost his first love in a car accident.
Upon Grady’s arrival, Mitch is much happier and his writing improves. Grady, with Mitch’s constant support, auditions and is cast as Iago in a production of Othello. Attraction slowly blossoms, but each man has been so terribly hurt in the past, both are afraid to act on it.
With the encouragement of Emma Latimore, Mitch’s outspoken landlady and friend, and constant chatter from a parakeet named Tweet, Mitch and Grady might find the courage to face their doubts and find a second chance at happiness.
ISBN: 978-1-63216-532-9
Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=6002
Reviewer: Prime
Review: I really liked this book. Mostly this had the potential to be full of excruciating angst, which at a certain point I can’t stand and declare a book stupid or over the top. Thankfully, instead of unnecessary angst (which I think would be ridiculous for two grown men) we have been given a story that is full of sweetness, uncertainty, healing and to different degrees, mourning. Okay, so I got back on my first sentence, I really loved this book.
This is the story of Mitch Donnelly, who comes across Grady Gilmore in New York’s Central Park amidst a type of breakdown. Mitch hasn’t let another man close to him in years since the death of his partner, Jared in San Francisco. Grady on the other hand has found out the hard way that the man who had been his best friend and now boyfriend hadn’t been faithful. To top it all off, both these guys don’t seem to have anything that anchors them to New York.
The story is charming. This isn’t the type of insta-love where they fall into bed together. Instead there is mostly friendship, a lot of yearning and encouragement as these two guys try to come to terms with their respective pasts and bring their future forward. I will admit, some people will find the will they or won’t they theme annoying. However, to me it reminds me more like a Bollywood movie in that sense, i.e. the kiss that never happens until the HEA at the end. The advantage of this is also that we get a chance to see both Mitch and Grady being them before being Mitch and Grady together.
Another worthy mention is the minor characters. Although, Mitch’s good friend and land lady, Emma, is basically a main character in her own right, she and her new friend, Sarah are wonderful people. They both move the main plot along nicely as well as having a nice sub plot of their own. There are also parallels between Emma and Mitch, and Sarah with another minor character. We have a villain, Hank, who occasionally pops up to once again drive Grady forward.
Then there is Brandon and David – David only pops up at the end but when they make their appearance it’s a bit difficult to gauge them. There is certainly more to them than their simple back stories, which makes me wonder if there are going to be more books or was it just convenience? And let’s not forget precocious animals – Emma’s smart mouthed bird Tweet is almost like a prophet, dare I say?
And yes, you may be forgiven to think of the song by the same name… because Mitch thinks about it in the beginning and end of the book! I really liked that extra touch and it wasn’t too corny for me.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Love & Loyalty by Tere Michaels, 2nd edition
Title: Love & Loyalty, 2nd edition
Series: Faith, Love, & Devotion, #2
Author: Tere Michaels
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novel (200 Pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (November 14, 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate to Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5
Blurb: Seattle Homicide Detective Jim Shea never takes work home with him—until now. A judge banged his gavel, declared a defendant not guilty, and laid waste to a family. The emotional fallout of the trial leaves Jim vulnerable and duty-bound to the victim’s dying father.
It’s that man’s story that screenwriter Griffin Drake and his best friend, actress Daisy Baylor, see as their ticket out of action blockbusters and into more serious fare. But to get the juicy details, Griffin needs to win over the stoic and protective Detective Shea.
Their attraction is immediate, and Daisy encourages Griffin to use it to their advantage: secure the man, secure the story. Neither man has had much luck when it comes to love, and when their one night together evolves into a long weekend of rapidly intensifying feelings, both Griffin’s fierce loyalty to Daisy and his very career is put to the test.
Because the more Griffin is drawn into a new life with Jim, the more his Hollywood life falls apart. Secrets and broken trust threaten Griffin’s relationships, and he’ll have to choose between telling the truth or writing a Hollywood ending.
ISBN: 978-1-63216-269-4
Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5682
Reviewer: Lisa
Review: This is book two in this amazing series and I would suggest reading them in order. Each story focuses on a new romantic couple and gives you an insight into their amazing worlds. I had such a blast reading this book and look forward to reading the next story. Jim is a sexy detective that see’s pretty much the bad in the world. He rarely ever see’s the good, that is until he meets Griffin.
Jim had arrested an evil killer and had looked forward to seeing him get what he is do. However that had not happened and the killer went free. The family of the deceased was grieving and then the next worst step happened. The husband’s wife had a fatal heart attack right after the verdict was given. Jim felt that he had failed that family. However he kept in contact with Ed.
So when Ed called him to let him know that there were people coming over to talk about making a movie about it. He just wanted to protect Ed, because the man had went through enough and also because he knew Ed was dying of cancer. He just wanted to keep this old man safe. However when he meets Griffin, he is turned the hell on.
Griffin had known from the moment he met Jim that he wanted more from him. However there were things in Griffin’s life that might just be destroyed if he pursues the story with the best intention and pursues Jim. He is afraid that his life back home will be lost. Things are heating up with Jim however and he is falling in love. However he finds out that his best friend had lied to him, and Ed’s movie might not go as planned. He is afraid of what will happen to the movie, to Ed and to the man he is falling in love with.
This is an amazing story that I fell in love with. I love how Jim and Griffin just seem to mingle well, in fact they make a wonderful couple. I loved them and wished to hear more about them. There is nothing better than a man with a gun, a sexy screen writer, excitement, suspense and some amazing sex.
I would recommend reading this, trust me you won’t regret it. It caught my attention from the moment I started reading and kept it all the way to the end. It gave me everything I could want in a story and in fact much more. I loved it and look forward to reading the next story.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Slap and Tickle by Clare London, 2nd edition
Title: Slap and Tickle, 2nd edition
Series: With A Kick, #3
Author: Clare London
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novella (78 Pages)
Publisher: Jocular Press (October 29, 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Heaerts
Blurb: Bryan Harrison is a successful accountant and a man who admires order and self-discipline. It’s a startling break from his routine when he literally bumps into Phiz Bussman outside With a Kick. Phiz’s lifestyle and behavior are in complete contrast to Bryan’s, and appear totally chaotic. But they each recognize something in the other that they need.
Bryan has been helping With a Kick with its financial difficulties, and is finding it difficult to balance his professional persona with friendship with the owners. But then he’s always found it tricky to expose his more vulnerable feelings. His cool facade hides loneliness: he believes he’ll never find a lover who accepts and welcomes his secret desire.
Whereas Phiz is all about exposure! He’s defined by his cheerful but clumsy liveliness, his openhearted emotions, and his physical needs. Despite that, he’s lonely as well. He craves someone who will help him bring purpose and focus into his life, and admits freely he needs a firm hand – in every way.
If they can both accept a friendship that’s destined for more, Bryan may be just the man to provide it.
Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/Slap-Tickle-With-Kick-Book-ebook/dp/B00OZRO1S6
Reviewer: Lisa
Review: This was a cute little story that about drove me nuts. I can see how ice cream makes people crazy. I had a blast reading it. Bryan is an accountant and friends with the owners of an adult’s ice cream. I
get a kick out of the name of the ice cream they sell. When leaving the ice cream parlor he walks right into Phiz. Even though he is helping With a Kick ice cream parlor with their financial difficulties, he has trouble finding a way around certain aspects of his life because of his friendship with the owners. He tries desperately to have a normal life but he can’t let desires out. He doesn’t think anyone will accept him for who he truly is. That is until Phiz.
This was a cute and hot little story that had me wanting more. Not only just for ice, cream either, but a taste of Phiz and Bryan. I had a blast reading it and look forward to reading more by Clare. The downside to this story was the fact that now I want some ice cream. I loved the way the story just jumps right off the pages and into your heart.
I would definitely recommend reading this story. It is perfect for when you need a story to lift you up and have you laughing.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Handsome, Hung and at Your Service by James Cox
Title: Handsome, Hung, and at Your Service
Series: Handsome Heroes # 8
Author: James Cox
Genre: Paranormal/ Erotic/ May~December/Sci-fi
Length: Novella (67 pages)
Publisher: Evernight Publishing (January 8th, 2015)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts
Blurb: Slave to the sexy demon…
Prince Ocen of Falla Bray was just looking for some fun. What he got was betrayal. He’s sold at a slave auction to a despicable family that wants him for pleasure.
Hunter is the oldest male offspring in the family and the only one who believes slavery is wrong. In a fit of bravery, or craziness, he helps free their newest blue-skinned slave and they run for it.
Ocen is attracted to the much older Hunter—even though he can send out bolts of electricity through his fingertips, and his penis makes a strange humming sound when they kiss. However, this adventure is about to get even more dangerous as Ocen and Hunter must survive the violent Dark Planets.
Ocen will get his adventure, but at what cost?
Be Warned: m/m sex, public exhibition
ISBN: 978-1-77233-190-5
Product Link: http://www.evernightpublishing.com/handsome-hung-and-at-your-service-by-james-cox/
Reviewer: Shorty
Review: Amazing addition to the Handsome Heroes series. Absolutely loved the entire story. Very well written. An unbelievable adventure that Prince Ocen takes after being sold into slavery. His owner is a cruel man who gives him to his son. His other son Hunter doesn’t believe in slavery and helps him escape from their clutches.
Simply and amazing story of two men who are mates on an incredible journey through dangers as they try to survive. Breathtaking details and heart stopping moments along with some hot sex between Hunter and Ocen make this a fantastic read. Highly recommended read.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com*
Sex and Candy by Nico Jaye
Title: Sex and Candy
Series: N/A
Author: Nico Jaye
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short (16 pages)
Publisher: JMS Books LLC (March 30th 2014)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Blurb: Lee may be in a relationship with Tony, but that little fact doesn’t stop Lee when Tony agrees to allow him one wild night of no inhibitions. With excitement thrumming through his veins, Lee finds himself letting loose at Hard Candy, a popular cruise-worthy dance club known for its sweet Candymen and even sweeter one night stands.
Under the club’s pulsing lights, he meets a mysterious man in leather, and things soon get hot and heavy as Lee rediscovers his submissive side under the Dom’s firm yet loving guidance.
When Lee returns home to Tony, though, will he face repercussions for his night of passion? Or is their relationship not quite as it appears?
ISBN: 978-1-61152-555-7
Purchase Link: http://www.jms-books.com/
Reviewer: Leigh
Review: Lee has been given a night of freedom by his partner Tony. So Lee goes to the infamous Hard Candy club. Instead of getting a candyman, he gets a Dom dressed all in black. What follows is damn hot and sexy. With a little cute thrown in.
There is no real back-story or anything like that. But it totally was not needed. Everything fits perfectly the way it was written. Even the length was just right.
This was a simple but very enjoyable short read.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Second Bite of the Cherry by Louise Lyons
Title: Second Bite of the Cherry
Series: Celebrate! 2014 Advent Calendar
Author: Louise Lyons
Genre: Contemporary/Holiday
Length: Short (28 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (December 1, 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts
Blurb: When Daniel Berrisford reluctantly agrees to accompany his best friend Kate to the New Year’s Eve celebrations in London, he doesn’t expect to enjoy himself. Daniel is pleasantly surprised to see his first boyfriend, James Allison, among the merrymakers. The pair hasn’t seen each other for four years, but as they talk and midnight approaches, it becomes clear the spark between them is still there.
The New Year is a time for new beginnings, and for Daniel and James, it might be the time to give love another chance.
ISBN: 978-1-63216-765-1
Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5868
Reviewer: York
Review: I don’t think I have ever read a story with so few pages pack so much punch. It’s no secret that if faced with the choice of a 40-page novella or a 400-page novel with no time constraints, I will choose the novel every time. However, the novellas are growing on me and this is a perfect example of why. Second Bite takes you from heartbreak to the promise of lifelong love from 0 to 60 in 28 pages flat.
I can certainly understand Daniel’s reluctance to open his heart again and I appreciate his best friend, Kate’s determination to enjoy the ringing in of the New Year despite her very recent break-up. When she uses her “bestie wiles” to get him out of the house, you can’t help but shout out “You go, girl!”
The plotline may be a bit of a holiday cliché but, Miss Lyons writes it so well with a perfect blend of humor, lust, and the promise of a better year ahead that you don’t even realize the oft-used scenario.