Blurb: Akiyoshi ‘Aero’ Kurokuma, author of the wildly popular Manga, Ecos, lost his assistant when his best friend retired. After Aero collapses from exhaustion four years later, he is forced to run a contest for an assistant. Placing impossible rules on the contest, Aero is sure no one can win. But a winner emerges: a young man from America, Daniel Beck. The first time he lays eyes on Daniel, Aero realizes he’ll have a hard time hiding his attraction. Daniel is a perfect assistant, but it doesn’t help Aero see past the twenty-year age difference between them. It will take all of Daniel’s charm and the prayers offered at the shrine to make Aero take a chance on the romance they both want.
Review: This is another beautiful story in a fabulous collection, most set in other countries. This one is set in Japan.
Aero is a popular manga artist. Though he is gay, he lives alone and doesn’t do anything to jeopardize his success. After four years of not having an assistant and working himself nearly to death. His best friend and business manager insists he get help.
Daniel has been corresponding with Aero since he was eight. Fascinated with manga and Japanese culture he has learned all the customs and the language as well. He wins the contest to become Aero’s assistant but wants to be much more.
I loved the simplicity of this story yet all the beauty of the culture. I really like May /December relationships and would have loved to see more of this budding relationship.
If you like Japanese culture, Manga, Yaoi, and May/ December, interracial relationships this is for you.
Title: Nine-One-One, 2nd edition Author: Scarlet Blackwell Genre: Contemporary/Men in Uniform Length: Novella (18K words) Publisher: Totally Bound (December 19th, 2014) Available for early download 11/21/14 Heat Level: Low
Blurb: Damon can’t forget 9/11 and all the precious things he lost…
It’s been ten years after the horror of 9/11. Former NYPD cop Damon Summerfield was there. He lost his fire fighter partner, Justin, in the collapse of the Twin Towers and fled to Canada to attempt to rebuild his shattered life. Now he is back in New York for Christmas with his family for the first time since his loss.
Still in deep mourning with no end in sight, he visits Justin’s favourite bar near Ground Zero and there he meets Simon, a fire fighter with the FDNY and a fellow survivor of 9/11. Simon is smitten by him from the start, but despite feeling the same way, Damon can’t bear to give them a chance, not when he thinks Simon’s job will tear them apart someday too…
Publisher’s Note: This book was previously released by another publisher. It has been revised and re-edited for release with Totally Bound Publishing.
Prime’s Review: I’m going to be completely honest and admit that I cried like a baby at the beginning and although the tears slowed down considerably, I didn’t stop until I finished.
We meet Damon wallowing in the depths of despair at the site of the Twin Tower Memorial, where he still mourns the loss of his partner ten years before. Simon, like Damon’s deceased lover, is also FDNY, but he was lucky enough to survive 9/11 just as Damon had. Simon also has a survival tale of his very own. We see both Damon and Simon’s individual stories in flashback, which is probably what made me cry more.
One thing is for certain, though: Damon needs counselling or something and is in a worse position than Simon in terms of dealing with grief. But, that is only my personal opinion since I’ve never experienced the death of a spouse. This mindset also made Damon’s character rather irritating at times to me, because he acted like a brat towards Simon. Hence, my opinion that Damon needs counselling, even with the help of Simon. That is off topic.
The rush of emotions was almost violent, tossing between grief, despair, happiness and guilt in this heart-wrenching story. Despite the fact that there wasn’t a true happily ever after, it was still an uplifting ending where there was hope for both of the characters.
Cat’s Review: ♥♥ 2 Hearts
Damon is still in morning after losing his long-time lover of 6 years to 9-11. Damon was a cop there and Justin was a fire fighter. Damon hasn’t been home since he left New York shortly after and his parents talked him into Christmas this year. He has lived like a monk all these years, but a handsome green-eyed man gets his attention in Justin’s favourite bar on Christmas Eve.
Simon wanted Damon as soon as he saw him and didn’t give up. They keep running into each other the next few days. Could it be fate?
This story had so much premise and started of really good. My heart went out to Damon though ten years seems so long for a young man to go without wanting sex, but then again I preferred tis to the opposite and usual running to every man for one night stands. Then he met Simon.
I really wanted to like this story. I really did. The more I read the more I disliked Damon and then near the end the twist with Simon floored me and I liked him even less. I am not saying the story was bad. It’s not. It’s a good story about two men that lost a lot in 9-11. It just wasn’t for me. I will say I did like how we got the backstory of Justin and Damon and I would have loved to see that in a full story.
If you like lots of angst, firemen, cops and stories about the tragedy of 9-11 you may like this.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Blurb: Nick, a bartender, and Ben, a hotel reviewer, have been together two years. Though he hates the paperwork involved, Nick agrees to accompany Ben to a beautiful lodge on the Mozambican side of Lake Malawi. Over a bottle of wine, they trade Christmas horror stories from their pasts. But memories of hurt and loss only serve to remind them how lucky they are to have found each other.
It might be time to try out the showerhead built into the tree outside….
A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2014 Advent Calendar package “Celebrate!”
Review: Nick and Ben are lovers and have a good relationship. Ben works for a company that reviews hotels so he travels a lot. Nick usually stays home, but this year Ben insisted he go with him to Africa on this trip for Christmas.
This is another very beautiful story. I loved the descriptions of the hotel and area they were in. I felt as if I were there. I also liked the emotion scene where they shared secrets of each other’s crappy past Christmases.
If you like sweet romance with lots of emotion, other countries with beautiful descriptions, and some sensual man-sex this is for you!
Title: Mantrap Series: The Wyverns #1 Author: LM Somerton Genre: Contemporary Length: Novella (67 pages) Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing (January 9th, 2015) Available for early download December 12th, 2014 Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts Blurb: Not all cages have bars.
The Wyverns Motorcycle Club has a reputation as fierce as its dragon emblem. Its enigmatic leader, Rogue Hellaby, has a police file so thick you could prop up a table with it. The qualifications for membership are a reckless disregard for authority and the attitude of a spitting cobra. But, The Wyverns MC is not quite what it seems. All the riders have dubious histories in the military or the police—now they just serve and protect their own interests and those of Horatio Trap, the manipulative bastard who recruited them.
When Rogue receives an instruction to kidnap and hold hostage the son of a powerful drug lord, he doesn’t bat an eyelid. But Rogue has never had to deal with a captive like Orlando de la Pena. Orlando is furious—not because he’s being held prisoner, but because he’s prevented from partying at his favorite BDSM club. Rogue discovers that the only way to deal with Orlando is to become the Dom he so obviously needs. But Orlando’s father wants him back, and The Wyverns must face a battle that could cost them their lives.
Reader Advisory: This book contains scenes of light BDSM.
Publisher’s Note: This story has been previously released as part of the Hard Riders anthology by Totally Bound Publishing.
Review: This was a really good book with action, danger, and drama. Rogue is a member of the Wyverns, a tough motorcycle gang with a reputation that precedes them. Orlando is the son of a powerful drug lord. Rogue is tasked with kidnapping Orlando. I loved how Orlando tried to fight off his kidnappers in the van.
I really enjoyed the interaction between Rogue and Orlando. Rogue is a tough, domineering man used to people obeying him. Orlando is a sarcastic, sub used to getting what he wants. When these two get together, it’s explosive. The shootout between the cartel goons and the wyvern’s was awesome. It was funny how Sheldon took out two goons who went to the house instead of where the shootout was. The sex between Rogue and Orlando was hot.
Absolutely fantastic read. Highly recommend it.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com*
Title: Fire on Ice Series: N/A Author: Lisa A. Adams Genre: Contemporary/Sports Length: Short (22 pages) Publisher: Breathless Press (September 19th, 2014) Heat Level: Low Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts Blurb: Marcus Zankoriewicz is a leader in the National Hockey League… and has just announced he’s gay.
Facing a firing squad of reporters accusing him of adultery with another player’s wife, Marcus Zankoriewicz sees there’s only one way out. He must make the announcement he knew would come one day.
But, this is hockey. Well known for its rough and manly men, Marcus must prepare himself for an onslaught of changes that threaten his career and love life.
Review: This is a short, sharp and shiny story about ice hockey player, Marcus and potential recruit to the team, Justin. For what it is, given the short length, it’s a quick read leading to the characters meeting and their instantaneous attraction.
The ending is a bit ambiguous, although we can come up with any further conclusions on our own if we wish. The length and writing style lend itself to this ending without, me at least, becoming frustrating.
Quick and easy, it’s a good bit of entertainment for anyone wanting to read about a couple of hot hockey players.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Blurb: A wasting plague swept over the Four Quadrants, changing how folks view the traveling guilds. Most travelers now make permanent contracts and settle in villages instead of continuing on the road. Needing to alter his lifestyle, Kerryll MacGhylle rides deep into the Northern Quadrant in search of a place to belong.
The Northern Duke, Cullan Gryffyn D’Antuono, accepts the contract of the frozen minstrel arriving during a powerful ice blizzard. He nurses Kerryll through the ravages of the sickness. Though they live at opposite ends of society, they have more in common than they realize.
A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2014 Advent Calendar package “Celebrate!”
Review: Kerryll is a traveling minstrel hoping to find a contract for the winter solstice and hoping he can find a permanent home as well. He has been kicked out of many towns since the townspeople don’t trust travelers after a big virus outbreak. Freezing and scared he finally makes it to The D’Antuono castle barely alive. Duke Gryff accepts his contract for the Winter Solstice.
I absolutely loved this story. It was beautiful and heartfelt. I could have read more of this for hours. I loved the duke and his people as well. I loved Kerryll too. The setting is described beautifully, I felt as if I went back in time to the castles with Kerryll and Gryff.
I had one small thing issue and that was a few words I never could figure the meaning, however it wasn’t enough to take away form the story.
If you like, Knights, Dukes, traveling minstrels and a sweet romance this is definitely for you.
Blurb: Five years ago, Neno Kova? fled California, graduate school, and his lover, Toby Cowan, to return to his native Croatia. Since then, he’s led a quiet life as a librarian—until one November afternoon when Toby, who has never stopped loving Neno, shows up in Zagreb. When he left the United States, Neno wasn’t ready to give up his home and family to take a chance on a long-distance relationship. But Saint Martin’s Day has arrived, the day pressed grapes turn to wine and autumn turns to winter. Perhaps it will be a day when other changes are possible as well.
A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2014 Advent Calendar package “Celebrate!”.
Review: Neno lives in his hometown of Zagreb and works at the library. The town is planning for St Martin’s day. He is surprised when a vice form the past pulls him from his work.
Toby his college roommate from California has come back to see why Neno fled without keeping in touch and perhaps get closure.
This is a lovely story of two young men that loved each other but went their separate ways. I loved both men, Toby for his desire to find out why Neno never kept in touch and see if it was possible to pick up where they left off and Neno for his family responsibilities.
I like learning about other people’s customs and cultures and this story was very good describing the celebration of St. Martin’s day and the customs and cultures of Neno’s town.
If you like different cultures and customs, lands abroad, wine and sweet romance this is for you!
Title: Mating His Nightmare Series: Paranormal Wars: Stone Haven, #5 Author: Shea Balik Genre: Paranormal Length: Novella (139 pages) Publisher: Siren Publishing, Inc (August 14th 2014) Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4.5 Hearts Blurb: Wolfe Koa grew up only knowing pain. As a newborn wolf shifter, he was placed in a lab where every experiment known to man was inflicted on him. When he was finally freed, he vowed to destroy every lab the humans had built to torture paranormals in the name of science.
Caleb Reid was a scientist who loved helping others. When his own race, the psy, kidnapped him and forced him to create a breed of super soldiers, humans that were infused with animal and shifter DNA, Caleb rebelled. His act of defiance had his father’s finger cut off with the threat of the same happening to his four-year-old sister. Not having a choice, Caleb did the unthinkable and gave in to the psy’s demands.
When Wolfe realizes Caleb is his mate, he fights the need to be with his mate. Can Wolfe overcome the mate pull or will he end up mating his worst nightmare?
Review:This book is part of a series and should be read in order.
Caleb knows that creating the were creatures is wrong. But he has no choice if he wants to keep his adopted shifter family safe. He hates what he is doing but until the Alliance can locate and save his family, he has no choice. Even knowing Wolfe is his mate, Caleb needed to continue with the psy. The only contact they have with each other is in their dreams where they start to fall in love with each other.
Wolfe is damaged from the time he spent among the human/psy labs. He never dealt with his issues and instead would just jump into wars all over the world. With Caleb as his mate, not only a psy but also a doctor Wolf has a lot to come to terms with. I can see his issues and understand the angst he goes through, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t want to smack him upside the head a few times.
Caleb and Wolfe do not have the best mating in the start and it was mostly due to Wolfe’s emotional issues. Wolfe does not deal with who and what Caleb is very well. In the process, he hurts Caleb emotional and almost loses him.
I liked this book because they did not have a perfect instant loving mating. There were real issues that needed to be handled by both. They did love each other but especially Wolfe needed to face up to the fact that he needed to open up and let Caleb truly in.
Title: All I Desire is Steven Series: N/A Author: James L Craig Genre: Contemporary Length: Novella (10K words) Publisher: Less Than Three Press (November 19th 2014) Heat Level: Mild Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts Reviewer: Tams Blurb: Steven is a run of the mill guy, living a simple life that tips over into boring. He sees no way out of his dreary existence until he meets James, who is beautiful, charming, and helps to bring vivid color to Steven’s dull life. But everybody has secrets, and when James’s secret comes out Steven wonders if he should have stuck with boring…
________________________________________ Purchase Link: http://www.lessthanthreepress.com/books/index.php?main_page=product_bookx_info&products_id=679
Review: A cute short story about a young man who has been judged his entire life for being gay, so he should be the last person in the world to judge someone else who is less than perfect. But that is exactly what Steven does to his would be boyfriend James. Once Steven searches his heart and realizes the mistake his made, is the damage done beyond repair?
I really enjoyed all the cute little details of this story. The chance meeting, the immediate connection, literally not being able to take their eyes off of each other. There was a lot of content as well for such a short length, got to see a lot about both young men and their pasts. I would have liked a longer story, I think more could have been explored, and I am very hopeful that the author will continue to follow Steven and James and their ups and downs as they navigate the relationship.
If you are looking for a really fast read with a great, base storyline and a decent amount of romance, give this one a go.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Memoirs of a Transsexual Call Girl: Enter the Butterfly Author: Dee Dee Jackson Genre: Autobiography/Transgender Length: 122 pages ISBN: BOOMNXXOGS Publisher: Dee Dee Jackson (August 12, 2014) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3 Hearts Reviewer: Zane Blurb: Besides the sensational title, this is a well-written, compelling book with a hard edge. You see, Dee Dee is the woman who lived inside the young boy Denny. Sound confusing? Imagine what young Denny went through? This powerful narrative follows the change in body, mind and life of a transsexual girl.
After a turn to prostitution to finance her sex change surgery Dee Dee makes the best of it and expands her new sex worker life to include owning and operating an escort service. After her surgery, this narrative follows her as she indulges in some of the sexual behavior she had only dreamed about pre-surgery.
OK, this book does have a collection of Dee Dee’s excesses, but it also contains the story of how she overcame some huge obstacles. Courage is courage, be it in sex change surgery or from the view behind the bars of a locked jail cell. Most people would have given up or sought an easier way, but not Dee Dee.
This book is her legacy. Her hope is that it will endure and bring some clarity to readers about the trials of the transgendered. We know Dee Dee endured long enough to finish her journey and see her life’s dream come true, a claim few can make. In a way this book is a success story, it’s about a win, it’s about hope triumphing.
Review: Most of us take what life hands us as right and true, and we don’t question the very basic things that are part of our makeup, but not Dee Dee Jackson. Dee Dee was born Denny, but from her youth she knew she wasn’t supposed to be Denny. This book is the self-penned story of how Dee Dee came to be.
From the beginning, we are given a very transparent window into her life starting with childhood, leading up to and beyond her surgery. Dee Dee talks about traumatic experiences, sexual experiences , family, as well all the things she had to do to get through this life she was living.
Dee Dee is a pioneer of sorts – having a sex change operation at a time when the surgery was new and unfamiliar. It takes great courage to open yourself to the public. I have such respect for this author being able to do something that most of us could never attempt. The things shared here are deep, personal, and by no means easy to divulge or read.
That being said, I wanted more. I wanted a view into her heart as well as her mind. I didn’t just want to KNOW what happened in her life, I wanted to FEEL her emotions and connect with Dee Dee herself.
This is a direct, honest narrative, with a no holds barred approach to storytelling. Dee Dee is not afraid to tell it like it is and it shines through in her writing. My attention was captivated from word one; I read this from beginning to end without pause. I did enjoy this, and it is my hope that perhaps one day Dee Dee will gift us with a deeper look into her story.
. ** I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through www.mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com **
Title: Cowboy Trouble Series: Bear County, #10 Author: Lynn Hagen Genre: Paranormal/ Shape-Shifter Length: Novella (126 Pages) Publisher: Siren Publishing (November 2014) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts Blurb: Isaac Newton has been sheltered his entire life. He’s been taught that being gay is wrong, sinful, and knows that if he reveals his deepest desires, he’ll be shunned from his family. Isaac’s managed to keep his secret hidden until he meets a man who tempts him in ways that threatens his very way of life.
Tanner Rexford finds Isaac fascinating. His friends rib him about how straight-laced Isaac seems to be. But T-Rex knows what he wants and goes after Isaac, unknowingly setting into motion a course that will leave them both with more than one devastating loss that will test their very beliefs. Fate seems to have it out for both men as T-Rex and Isaac try to put the pieces of their lives back together. Anything worth having is worth fighting for. T-Rex finds this out when the stakes become even higher.
With family, friends, and each other, T-Rex and Isaac just might put the pieces of their lives back together and find the happiness that seems just out of reach.
Review: Each book in Bear County collection features a different romantic couple. To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, I would recommend reading the series in sequential order. The book that we have waited for has finally arrived.
I had wanted to hear T-Rex’s story since I first heard about him in the previous books. I am amazed by the way these two men just seem to be perfect for each other, in my opinion. I loved the way they mix, not to mention the hot sex. Each one of Lynn’s stories is a blast to read, because you can tell that she puts her entire heart into each story. Although most stories that come out fast is usually missing something, her stories always give me exactly what I need and want.
Isaac brought tears to my eyes. The way he was raised and his fears just made me want to go on the warpath. The first time he saw T-Rex he was struck, but his family would never allow him to have a man for a boyfriend. His family was so strict I was surprised that they even let this man out of the house. It is not that they did not love him but they were very homophobic. However, in reality his family is one screwed up bunch. You can tell that the love is quite twisted in fact. I for one would have loved to put a bullet in his father’s head.
T-Rex was raised with a loving family and at one time had been a soldier. When he moved in with the guys at the ranch, he was surrounded by bear shifters. So when he met Isaac it hadn’t taken long before he knew he had found his mate. In this story there is so much tragedy that you can’t help but be amazed at how strong these men are. I felt so bad for Isaac that my heart just hurt and brought me to tears.
It comes off as so very real that it is like you are there with them through it all. When one door closes, one door opens is what was said in this book and it is so very true. I don’t really know how to tell you just how much this book meant to me. It was probably one of the best stories I have found in all of the series for me. Though I was in tears throughout the book, I also found myself laughing so hard at parts of it.
This story caught my attention from the moment I started reading and kept it all the way to the end. It was a fascinating book and I cannot wait to read the next book. It gave me everything I could want in it. Not only did it give me two very sexy men, it also gave me excitement, surprises, bear shifters, powerful and supportive friends, protective mates, passionate sex, and quirky attitudes. It gave me all of that and so much more. I would recommend reading this if you love all of those and so much more.
Did I mention the hot sex that you get from them?
It has a touch of humor mixed in with serious tones that are always the best for me. I can’t stand a story that doesn’t make me laugh. All of the books that Lynn has written give me the perfect combination of seriousness, humor, protective feelings, anger, pain, and quirkiness.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: The Captive Series: The Keyholder #3 Author: Shannon West Genre: BDSM Length: Short (27 pages) Publisher: Dark Hollows Press (September Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts Blurb: A boring night on third shift becomes infinitely more interesting when Cody runs into Tony, a man he met at Jake’s BDSM club only a couple of weeks before. Jake had said the man was his cousin, but Cody learns Tony had actually been Jake’s sub for over three years. Already jealous over what he thought was Jake’s interest in the man, Cody is devastated by the idea his handsome Dom may have lied to him. Or worse yet, that Jake could be cheating on him, seriously jeopardizing the trust so essential to a D/s relationship.
Cody runs, driving aimlessly until he finds a motel where he can crash, lick his wounds, and try to figure out what to do. Jake goes after him, using a tracking device on Cody’s phone and realizes he has only one chance to save the love between them. He has to make it good or risk losing his lover and his sub forever.
Review: Cody feels hurt and betrayed after Tony tells him that Tony and Jake were together for three years. Cody leaves and drives for a while until he’s too tired and checks into a motel. He wakes up as someone handcuffs him.
Very well written book. Cody should’ve talked to Jake but then again Jake should’ve told Cody the truth as trust is very important in the BDSM lifestyle.
Very kinky scene to get Cody to listen to what Jake had to say.
Title: Straight to the Heart Series: Exception to the Rule 3 Author: Kimberly Gardner Genre: Contemporary/New Adult Length: Novel (229 pages) Publisher: Loose Id (November 4th, 2014) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts Blurb: College student Kyle diStefano is having trouble paying his tuition. So when he hears about a job as team mascot with the accompanying full scholarship it seems like the perfect solution. Except he knows nothing about football. But why should that stop him?
Known as the Big Cock on Campus, Dave Masterson never lets his antics with the ladies interfere with his true love, playing NCAA football. But when his coach suggests the team do some off-season conditioning at the ballet barre, most of the guys scoff. Only Dave takes him seriously.
With Dave’s knowledge of football and Kyle’s knowledge of ballet, it seems each has exactly what the other needs, except they play for different teams. Or do they?
Kyle knows one sure path to heartbreak is falling for the straight jock who’s teaching him the rules of the game. Dave falling for another man is going to mean nothing but trouble. But neither man can seem to help himself.
When a public display of affection casts doubt on Dave’s NFL dream, he is forced to make a choice. Stay with the game plan or call an audible straight from the heart.
Review:Straight to the Heart is book 3 in the Exception to the Rule series. This is a standalone story, however, the couple from book 2 (Josie and Mark) feature prominently as the roommates of Kyle and Dave. The couple from book 1 (Chris and Kevin) are also included briefly since Chris is Mark’s older brother. But if you have read the first two books, we get a more pleasing insight into Josie and Mark, as well as a quick peek into Chris and Kevin’s lives.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable read. The best way to summarize it is simply that this is a sweet look at a fledging relationship between two guys in college. Dave Masterson struggles with his sexuality and reconciling it with his hopes of a career in professional football. Kyle, a theatre art major, on the other hand, is a realist but is also out and proud, he knows Dave because of their respective roommates.
He runs into Dave more when he tries to win a scholarship so he can complete his degree by being the athletics scholarship. To be quite honest there were a number of times I just wanted to hug Kyle. I liked the argument between Dave and Kyle at the climax of the story. I found it to appear realistic in the sense that neither of them appeared to be having a hissy fit over nothing.
There is also a whole host of interesting minor characters. There are one or two closeted guys and a number in established relationships, on top of the usual assortment of people. I have to admit that Lacey really came into her own at the end in the end, even if she was only in it few times. She is a memorable minor character. And if you haven’t read books one and two yet, I guarantee you that this will make you want to go back (because that’s exactly what I want to do!).
A recent convert to Kimberly Gardner’s books, I love her writing style. The story is very easy to read and follow. She does sweet and cute perfectly and has a knack for wonderfully adorable characters – even the jocks – although she can also add a bit of drama and darker shades. However, Straight to the Heart is fairly much as the title says, as well as being sweet read and a wonderful story about coming out in college.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: A Dangerous Liaison Author: Penelope Rivers Genre: Paranormal Length: Novella (108 Pages) ISBN: 978-1-627620-07-9 Publisher: Amira Press (July 10, 2013) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts Reviewer: Lisa Blurb: After Percy meets Dr. Hunter Finch at his sister’s wedding, he is immediately enraptured. This continues even after he discovers, to his horror, that the man he had a fling with was actually his Archaeology 2010 professor. Even though his professor keeps pushing him away, he is determined to win the man’s heart and keep it.
Unfortunately, that’s when Percy discovers things aren’t what they seem. His beloved professor is the Beta of a werewolf pack and since Percy has been involved with him, the opposing group of werewolves is after him. Percy’s life is flipped upside down in a way he has never imagined. In college, he expected to learn from books. He never expected to learn about werewolves and love.
Review: This was an amazing read. I was quite surprised with it. I think Penelope is going to be one of my top five favorite authors and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next story. It caught my attention from the moment I started reading and kept it all the way to the end.
I loved Percy. He was a blast to read about. Percy couldn’t stand who his sister was marring. However, it soon came out that what he had it all wrong. He also was about to learn that werewolves were in fact real. Talk about a love interest gone totally batty. He leaves the wedding and finds a very sexy man who is a bit lost. It turns out that he is the best friend and bestman to the groom. One fascinating sexual experience leads Percy on a run.
Hunter knows that he has not only found his mate but their soon to be alpha. Damn was the boy young though. He tries his hardest to stay away from the chosen one, but Percy is a persistent bugger. Then Percy and his best friend are attacked and Hunter shifts and protects. Which of course is the introduction to the poor lad to werewolves. Talk about a freak out, you will be laughing your ass off and crying at the same time.
He is about to find out that the feelings he has are because they are mates. Hunter’s old alpha passed on, leaving Hunter with the pack that he is losing his mind over. Dividing times between pack and work is driving him nuts, but he wants Percy to grow a bit before telling him the truth. Things don’t work out the way he planned it. Percy is more forceful than most.
This story was a blast to read and I absolutely loved it. I loved the characters, the way they just mix and are so full of passion. It has a serious tone to it but there is just a hint of humor in it that made it so much better to me.
I would recommend reading this amazing story. Especially if you love two very sexy men, werewolves, excitement, adventure, action and lots of danger. Not to mention the hot sex going on.
Title: Covenant in Blood, 2nd edition Series: Partnership in Blood #2 Author: Ariel Tachna Genre: Mystery/Suspense, Vampires, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Fantasy Length: Novel (404 pages) Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (October 31, 2014) Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts Blurb: The wizards and the vampires have forged an alliance based on blood and magic, hoping to turn the tide of the war against the dark wizards. A few wizard-vampire bonds are as successful as Alain Magnier’s and Orlando St. Clair’s, but some are much less so, leading to arguments, resentment, and outright fights between the allies despite their mutual goals.
Following his best friend Alain’s example, Thierry Dumont determinedly forms a partnership with vampire Sebastien Noyer, despite the wizard’s discomfort with being so close to a vampire—a man—so soon after his wife’s death. But they find that desperation may be the key to forming a covenant that works: Thierry and Sebastien are almost immediately devoted to one another’s safety.
With new strength behind it, the Alliance’s leaders move to announce its existence to the whole world, hoping to rally support against the dark wizards who threaten to destroy life, as they know it. Struggling to find its way in the expanding war, the Alliance discovers that despite its advantages, the partnerships are affecting the balance of magical power in the world, which may be an even bigger threat than the war itself.
This second edition received minor revision and proofing for re-release in honor of the publication of Partnership Reborn, the final book in the series.
Review: The new alliance between vampires and wizards is going well so far. But then a new worry appears. The bond between the partners of vampires and wizards may be stronger than what was previously thought. Not wanting to alarm anyone the leaders of each side decide to keep it quiet for the moment.
Serrier decides to recruit a vampire with no morals to see if he knows anything about the meeting that took place after losing so many of his dark wizards. When he learns nothing he orders his men to find answers or someone with them.
I enjoyed reading this book though it is long and delves deeper into Orlando, Thierry, and Sebastian’s past as well as many other characters in the story. Some of the pairings are off to a rocky start and others are still getting to know one another. During a battle with the dark wizards, the alliance looses a partnered wizard after he is struck and killed by a spell.
Well written with a lot of drama, some action, and sex throughout. There is m/m, m/f, and f/f sex in this book. Though I personally don’t read m/f or f/f and skipped those sex scenes, I was told this series had them in it ahead of time and I felt it necessary to let other readers know about it as it’s not mentioned anywhere on the site where you buy this book so they can decide whether or not to buy it.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: This is Not a Love Story: the Hacker and His Hero Series: NA Author: A.E. Lawless Genre: Romantic Suspense Length: Novel (350 pages) Publisher: Loose Id (September 30th, 2014) Heat Level: Moderately Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts Blurb: Ever since Gran’s death, Zander’s been using his skills as an elite computer hacker to help put criminals behind bars. Surprisingly enough, there’s also another vigilante running around his city helping folks out in the more traditional way. The press likes to pretend they’re rivals, but Zander likes to think that he and the Night Angel are working together; they want the same things at least.
When a tough case forces the two vigilantes to actually work together, Zander’s insistent fascination with the Night Angel becomes powerful attraction. It wouldn’t be a problem, except Zander’s also fooling around with his boss at the day job, Reese. They both give him something the other can’t, but both of them are also holding something he needs back from him. Zander knows he has to choose, but he just doesn’t see any way to make a good choice.
A break in the case reveals not only the master plot, but also more about Zander’s true nature than he ever expected to learn. Afterwards, Zander is seeing the world in a new light and realizes he may not have to sacrifice anything he needs; he may not have to make a choice after all.
Review: I enjoyed this story. It’s a bit of a superhero concept with the hero having no real “super powers” other than pure intelligence and genius tech savvy. I love long stories and this is definitely a long story, however, I do think it would have been an even better tale if it were about 50 pages shorter. There is a lot of Zander’s inner monologue weighing in on whether he’s being too obvious about his genius that could have been shortened.
There is a plot twist that really is not that much of a twist. I was able to see it coming almost immediately but it didn’t take away from the story. For me, it was even more intriguing to see just when the characters would figure it out as opposed to whether or not my guess was right.
I definitely enjoyed the extremely well written banter/flirting between Zander and Reese, not always something easy to convey. The sex is definitely hot but just like Zander’s genius inner monologue, his thoughts during sex could have been lessened and made the scenes even hotter, especially their first encounter in Zander’s office.
Title: Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe Author: Benjamin Alire Saenz Genre: Young Adult Narrator: Lin- Manuel Miranda Length: 7 hours and 29 minutes Publisher: Simon and Schuster Audio (04-09-13) Heat level: Mild Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts Reviewer: Tams Blurb: A lyrical novel about family and friendship from critically acclaimed author Benjamin Alire Sáenz.
Aristotle is an angry teen with a brother in prison. Dante is a know-it-all who has an unusual way of looking at the world. When the two meet at the swimming pool, they seem to have nothing in common. But as the loners start spending time together, they discover that they share a special friendship – the kind that changes lives and lasts a lifetime. And it is through this friendship that Ari and Dante will learn the most important truths about themselves and the kind of people they want to be.
Review: Aristotle is a loner, but he’s not lonely. He’s played sports and joined clubs but he has never really had any friends, because he has never felt like he was a part of the normal teenage world. His mom is a teacher, his father is a Vietnam vet who keeps his thoughts to himself and his brother is in prison. It’s just another of many things his parents don’t talk about, his brother or why he isn’t a part of their lives. With summer break looming, Ari’s mom encourages him to make friends, and that is when he meets Dante at the local pool.
Dante is smart, open-minded, out spoken and over bearing… pretty much everything that Ari is not. As unlikely as the pair seem, they bond and become best friends. Dante’s mom is a Therapist and his dad is a Professor so his smarts come naturally, but he loves to read, swim and is a poet at heart. The two quickly become inseparable to spite the fact that sometimes Ari finds Dante insufferable. Ari even steps in front of a moving car to save Dante, who was trying to save a broken winged bird at the time.
What was supposed to be a fun summer spent together at the pool and discovering the secret of life, is now spent with Ari recouping from the accident. And then summer is over, Dante is in Chicago with his parents for the school year, and Ari is angry. He is angry with Dante for trying to save that stupid bird. He is angry with himself for getting hurt. He is angry with his parents for not talking to him, and for never talking about his brother. Most of all, he doesn’t even know why he is really angry, if he is truly so angry at all.
Things change a lot over the next couple of years, for both Ari and Dante. Dante explores a variety of vices including pot and alcohol, girls and boys, finally deciding he’d rather kiss boys than kiss girls. Ari gets to know his parents, himself and the illusion of his big brother. And then the unthinkable happens, Dante is hurt in an act of violence that sends Ari on a downward spiral that could end with him in the same place as his beloved big brother.
Wow, just wow. This story really made me think. I found myself rewinding several times to go back and listen to Ari’s thoughts again, make sure I was hearing them the way they were meant to be heard. Truly, a story about two young men’s journey of self-awareness in a big city Texas town in an era where being gay was still considered taboo, and frowned upon. To the extent, that violence was generally overlooked. But not by Ari who knows Dante better than anyone else, even if it takes almost losing him to finally see it himself.
I’ve never listened to or read another story quite like this one. Told from Ari’s POV, you are traversing these two years in time inside his mind, seeing through his eyes, feeling what and how he felt. But Saenz made sure that Dante’s unique perspective on things always shined through as well. Dante was pretty much an open book, what you saw was what you got. Ari though, he was like an onion, you had to slowly peel back the layers to reveal what was on the inside. He came across as angry sometimes, when in actuality he was hurt or confused. At one point, he finally admits that he was looking for Dante before he even knew it.
Whether it was their sometimes awkward but always intriguing conversations, letters exchanged while Dante was away in Chicago, or a real-time relay of events as they were happening described by Ari, the relationship between these two completely fascinated me. Dante knew he loved Ari long before the feelings were reciprocated, but I don’t think even Dante knew he was IN love with Ari at first. The way their relationship unfolded, becoming and staying best friends for years before anything else was very fresh, innocent and endearing.
If you’re looking for just another sexy book from the LGBT genre, you won’t find that here. What you will find is a wonderfully written story about two young men that are looking for something, anything, discovering secrets about their lives, their futures and their pasts while forging an unbreakable bond of love and friendship. And the narrator, Lin-Manuel Miranda, has a voice that matches the story perfectly. Fresh, new and youthful. This is one of the best books I’ve listened to all year. I seriously lost time while I was listening I was so engrossed in the story.
If you are a fan of authors like Mia Kerick and Geoff Laughton, both from Harmony Ink, then this book should be added to your TBR list!
Blurb: Paul shouldn’t be playing with younger men, but Adam is irresistible…
Travelling salesman Paul is in the historic English town of Lincoln for one night only. Approaching forty and feeling sorry for himself over the lack of a special man in his life, he is looking to pick up a spicy little something to take back to his hotel.
In a bar, he’s hit on by twenty-year-old poetry-obsessed student, Adam. The age gap is too great, and Adam is too young and naïve for Paul. They have nothing in common and it shouldn’t work. Paul should know better than to chase a younger man but after a night of wild sex, Adam is too keen, and Paul has limited willpower…
Publisher’s Note: This book was previously released by another publisher. It has been revised and re-edited for release with Totally Bound Publishing.
Review: Paul is on a business trip when he meets a younger man Adam. Paul hasn’t much opportunity for sex but he isn’t so sure he wants to do it with such a younger man. He can’t seem to get his mind off Adam and Adam seems sure to let Paul be his first. However, after their very fun night Paul can’t get Adam out of his mind.
I really loved this book. I found the style very moving and beautiful. I thought it read like an older poetic story. I did like both characters; however, I found Paul’s actions a bit on the stalker side. Having said that, it did lead an eerie, though beautiful concept that Paul was very determined in his conquest.
If you like poetry, older men-younger men, sexy first time sex, and a beautifully told romance this is definitely for you.
Hi peeps, we have Rae Brewer visiting now with the cover of her brand new Panthera Agency release David’sDilemma, you get to have a quick look with a tasty excerpt and there’s a brilliant giveaway! So peeps check out that cover and then click that Rafflecopter link 😉 (keep an eye out for the upcoming book blast on 4th September cos we will have Lisa’s review… which I made her write already 😀 ) <3 ~Pixie~
David’s Dilemma
(Panthera Agency 04)
by
Rae Brewer
In book four of the Panthera Agency: Two shifters walk into a bar… David Kern can’t smell a thing with the horrible head cold that is plaguing him. After an encounter with an ex, he receives a call from friends and is happy to get out of the house.
Johnny Walking Bear is in San Francisco for a case. With the job not starting until Monday, he sees an opportunity to enjoy a weekend drinking and having lots of sex. What he finds is a man that calls to him in every way but is too drunk to use his senses.
What happens when two shifters meet, and they can’t use their sense of smell to tell them about each other? Tired of the one-night pick-ups, David is left with a dilemma, give in to the urge for a night of passion with a young stud who’s passing through, or wait for his true mate.
It’s been three years since David broke up with Michael. He’s ready to find his mate. Only the only man he’s attracted to at all is a hookup from a bar. After hours of passion they separate and David only discovers the next morning the man was his mate. Where can he find him again? And what is his name?
Title: Coming of Age
