Category: Uncategorized

His Just Desserts by Dakota Trace

His-Just-Desserts-300x400Title:  His Just Desserts

Author: Dakota Trace

Genre:   Contemporary Romance

Length:  Novella (111 pages)

Publisher:  Decadent Publishing (July 30th 2013)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:   Growing up in a foster home in a small Midwest town, Sean Whitcomb planned from the day he turned sixteen to somehow escape. And he does to the big city of Des Moines at a lawyer’s firm. Now up for a shot at a partnership, he needs to deliver the goods, and it’s not what he thinks. No, it’s a family style meal for the founding partners and their spouses. Which causes Sean a major issue, because not only is he a single gay man, but he can’t cook to save his life, and his boss is expecting a home cooked meal — complete with a family or there will be no partnership offer.

In desperation, Sean turns to the man he left behind in his pursuit of the golden ring, Isaiah Waterston. Not only is Isaiah hot enough to still turn Sean’s crank but he’s also a world-class chef at one of the hottest eateries in town. Now all he has to do is convince the man he’d left behind to give him a single night of his time, prepare a mouth-watering meal, and pretend to be his lover for a few hours. Sounds easy right? Well it is until Isaiah attaches his own stipulation –an entire weekend with Sean at his mercy.

Product Link:  http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=819&osCsid=56ecafmnmajcorl0eq86aritv3

Reviewer:   Tams

Review:  Short, Sexy and Steamy…………….  MY THREE FAVORITE COLORS!

Sean Whitcomb is up for a promotion at his law firm, the test is a dinner for the bosses with his partner to prove his family values. Sean could burn water, but his ex lover Isaiah is a world-class chef, so he calls in a favor. Isaiah Waterston has never gotten over the betrayal he felt when Sean left him to pursue his career ten years ago. So when Sean asks him to pretend to be his lover for the weekend and cook a meal for the bosses, Isaiah is hesitant. He makes an asinine comment about topping Sean in exchange for his help, and immediately regrets it when Sean agrees.

Dinner is a huge success as is dessert that consists of Sean laid out naked on the dining room table for Isaiah’s tasty treat. The two spend a whirlwind, sex filled weekend together and Sean is more than eager to make his pasts mistakes right. But Isaiah is not buying it and leaves while Sean sleeps and to add salt to the wound, he doesn’t return his texts or calls. Can Sean convince Isaiah that he still loves him, he’s changed, and he’d give up everything he’s worked ten years to build for another chance with him? Or was one last hoorah all Isaiah was in this for?

I have a newfound fascination with interracial M/M novels and novellas, and Dessert did not disappoint! A fast, fun read with some jaw dropping sticky sex on the table that involves bananas and ice cream. The story centers around the present situation with Sean trying to get his lover back, attempting to make up for past mistakes. But there’s enough of the past and their individual current lives sprinkled in to add a little depth to the story. If you’re looking for a quick read that ends with a cold shower, this is the book for you! J

 

Compromised by Ethan Stone

18107013Title: Compromised

Series: Uniformity, #1

Author: Ethan Stone

Genre: Contemporary Romance / Action

Length: Novel

Publisher: Total E-Bound (August 9th, 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: Kash never thought he’d find true love working at a maximum security prison, but that’s exactly what happens.

Correctional Officer Daniel “Kash” Kashaveroff is single, gay and working at a maximum security prison in a small town in Nevada. Not the best job or town in which to meet men. He wants to fall in love again but isn’t actively looking.

Then he begins working with a new partner, Zane Davis, and his life is turned upside down. Kash is attracted to Zane but isn’t sure the sexy man plays for his team. When the gay or not mystery is solved, Zane and Kash begin a relationship that starts as friends-with-benefits but soon becomes a committed one.

Zane is bisexual and as much as he cares for Kash, he is still drawn to women. The attraction to the fairer sex creates problems in the relationship but Kash is committed to making it work.

While dealing with his relationship issues, Kash also becomes friends with an inmate named Cody Ives. Becoming personally involved with an inmate is against the rules, but Kash believes in the young man’s innocence and insists on proving it

Product Link: http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=2234

Review: This was a lovely read, one I enjoyed quite a lot, even if it was a bit slow at the beginning. There are books we feel them realistic, and there are other we feel them as real. This one felt like a biography, the prison details and work routine were as if interviewing a real life officer. That made for a slow pace at the beginning, though in all fairness the author does inform us that this first book of the series is meant to give us a real feeling and introduce us into the non-glamorous version of this line of work. He ends up with the promise of more action for the next books.

So moving on, I loved this story. It was romantic without being cheesy, it was an everyday affair, and quite credible, while at the same time maintained a certain rush that came from the circumstances. I mean here we have an office working a high security level prison, secretly gay, having a relationship with a coworker and getting emotionally involved with an inmate sentenced for life. And to top things, making the action part of the story heighten in intensity, there are ghosts from the past coming for them. Lovely plot indeed, but what had my attention most of the time were the characters.

Kash; protagonist and a lovely character indeed. Having failed at relationships way too many times and being hurt by people he loved, Kash tries desperately to make things work with Zane. His past with his family is cringe-worthy; there are so many children who have lived that life. His beliefs and strength in them is admirable, and in general, Kash is a character that makes you fall for him quite easily. You grow to respect him and that is huge in my opinion.

Zane; Oh dear God what a despicable character. Yes in the end he managed to become less despicable (I insist with that adjective) but during the first half of the read, I wanted to strangle him, beat the shit out of him, and even break his legs. Good Lord, I think this was the character that evoked the strongest emotions from me, even if they were not good emotions at the time. See I don’t have a problem with cheating characters, after all, we are human, and we tend to make mistakes. But Zane, Zane was a whole different level of cheating, he was the kind that did it, came back for forgiveness and went on and did it again and again and again… Good grief, what a piece of work.

Cody; a sweet character if there ever was one, bit too naïve and easy trusting. The last bit was not my favorite but it helped him along this plot, since he got more that he even dared hope for. His past gave a certain depth to the character but I still felt I needed more. Thing is he only showed a certain spike during the end there, while the entire read he was more of a passive figure. Personality wise he still feels a stranger.

And that was a common treat with all the characters in this book. While the action part was very interesting, there was serious lack of chemistry and I still feel I don’t really know the people involved. In the end, while it was a very acceptable end despite the “forevers,” I wanted more from this particular couple, just more.

As it is, I recommend this book for the romantics out there and those who love action and adventure of the mild sort, since there is thankfully a lack of angst and drama here. And while I’m at that, can’t wait for the second book of the series that promises to be more intense and full of action.

 

Handcuffs and Lace by Angel Rothamel

AR_HandcuffsAndLace_zps8d210039Title: Handcuffs and Lace

Author: Angel Rothamel

Genre: Contemporary, Police 

Length: Short (65pgs)

Publisher: MLR Press (2nd August 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate 

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥3½ – 4 Hearts 

Reviewer: Pixie 

Blurb: A corrupt and abusive cop, a wrongful arrest, and a determined detective, will corruption win out, or will justice prevail.

Thomas Andrews had a habit of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, and this time he ended up where he never wanted to be. Behind bars and the victim of a corrupt cop. Detective Gabriel Morgan had been investigating an officer who had a history of wrongful arrests and abusive questioning techniques. Seeing a bloody Thomas in the holding cell, Gabriel decided to do everything he could to save him. Will Thomas be able to risk his life and place his trust in another officer of the law or will he decide that enough is enough?

Purchase Link: http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=AR_HCLAC 

Review: Thomas hasn’t had much luck and a night out with workmates proves that his luck is getting worse, as if being ignored by his workmates and having a tray of drinks spilt on him isn’t enough, being pulled over by a corrupt cop and locked up is a nightmare. Gabriel has been investigating an officer who has shady arrests and lots of injured prisoners. Passing a bloody Thomas in a holding cell has Gabriel trying to help him. Thomas and Gabriel also discover an attraction between them but will either get the courage to admit the truth to the other.

This is a great little story of finding love and weeding out police corruption. Thomas was minding his own business doing nothing wrong when he is targeted by a police officer, but when Gabriel helps Thomas out Thomas ends up the victim of vengeance and Gabriel must protect him. Thomas is a very meek character; he expects to be treated like crap and just accepts the bad treatment. Gabriel wants to protect those that have been treated badly and takes Thomas under his wing. Both men find it hard to ask for what they want and Thomas pushes a confrontation to get to the truth.

Both these characters are well suited and fit together perfectly, after the investigation into the corrupt police officer is over and Thomas is no longer in danger they fall into an easy friendship with both of the wanting more. I loved how they got to know each other before they have the blowout over their attraction; you could see how well they fit together before hot sex is brought into the picture. The corrupt police officer storyline is a little bit out there but it is done well and gives the story an edge of danger, it snowballs very quickly but is the catalyst of getting Thomas and Gabriel together quickly.

I recommend this is you like dangerous police, an innocent hurt, developing love, hot sex and a great start to an interesting perfect relationship. 

 

Hostages by Edward Kendrick

Hostages400x600Title: Hostages

Series: Winterfield, Book #5
  
Author: Edward Kendrick
 
Genre: Action/Adventure/Crime

Length: Novella (92pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (July 20th, 2013)

Heat Level: None

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts

Blurb:

An attempted bank robbery brings five customers and a doctor together when they are taken hostage by the robbers. Can Tabitha and the five men–Preston, Bing, Ezra, Randy, and Marc, foil them without one of them dying in the process?

‘Breaking news–A bank robbery attempt has turned into a hostage situation. According to a police spokesperson, four men entered the bank at ten-thirty this morning intending to rob it. Someone activated the silent alarm, bringing the police to the scene. Accounts are sketchy but it has been reported via text messages from a customer inside the bank, the security guard was shot. His condition is unknown at this time. A few minutes later, two more shots were heard. According to the police, there were two tellers, two other bank personnel, and five customers inside the bank when the robbers invaded. We will keep you updated as more becomes known.’

Thus begins the attempt by Tabitha, Preston, Bing, Ezra, Randy, and soon, Doctor Marc Rivers, to foil the robbers and regain their freedom–without being killed in the process.


Product Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/hostages-ebook-p-1505.html?zenid=64242f4a26cfaa41bf9db4f2becdfa71

Reviewer:   GiGi

Review: This is an action packed epilogue! You get to reunite briefly with several couples from the Winterfield series and see how they react under pressure. Turns out the robbers picked the wrong day to hit this bank, given that half the town’s gay population is held hostage leaving their angry and determined partners outside to foil their heist. This story contains gunfire, death, and heroic rescue, but a warning to those looking for it: no hot smex.

Santuary 7 is here!!

Dear Portia de Moncur,

 

Spirit Bear

Hi guys…

New to Love Lane Books

Sanctuary 7 is now available to buy on the Love Lane Books Website for $4.99. The first two chapters are available to read on the website.

Blurb

It is the day after New Years and Dale is en route back to Albany in a private jet with Emily Bullen. She is coming back home after turning states evidence on her husband Senator Thomas Bullen.

What no one factored in, not Sanctuary or the FBI, was the lengths Griffin Ryland would go to in the effort to protect himself. When Joseph finds out Dale is in trouble and it is only with the help of his team of SEALs that he can make sure Dale is safe and that Griffin Ryland can’t cause any more trouble.

A snowy New Years, a deserted airport and a hostage situation with people already dead and suddenly the worlds of Sanctuary and the SEALs collide, with terrifying consequences.

Then, two weeks alone at a resort, falling deeper in love leave the two men with decisions to make and suddenly there is the chance to make forever a possibility.

* * * * *

Featuring Dale and Joseph from The Only Easy Day

I wanted to give Dale and Joseph their happy ever after and I really hope you enjoy the story…

HUGS RJ XXX

A Sticky Wicket in Bollywood by T.A. Chase and Devon Rhodes

51xrKxiKxNLTitle: A Sticky Wicket in Bollywood

Series: International Men of Sport 01

Author: T.A. Chase & Devon Rhodes

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (155pgs)

Publisher: Total E-Bound (8th April 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥2 ½ – 3 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: A handsome Bollywood actor must choose between his career and a rugged cricket player from his past, who he’s fallen in love with…again.

Rajan Malik has the world of Bollywood in the palm of his hand…a beautiful girlfriend, starring roles, adoring fans…He should be happy, but behind the façade lies a man conflicted and exhausted by the pressure placed on him by his ill mother, his agent and society. His life is not his own, and all he wants to do is escape.

Indian Premier League cricketer Ajay Singh can’t believe how bad his university roommate Rajan looks when he spots his picture in the paper. They had parted on bad terms. Still, he’s moved to offer Rajan his support by renewing their friendship.

But friendship was not all they shared back then. Though Ajay is out, Rajan isn’t willing to give up his carefully cultivated Bollywood image to be with him publicly. And with very little privacy, it won’t take long for someone to find out they are more than friends.

Their renewed secret affair is fraught with difficulties as they deal with the death of Rajan’s mother, the secret of Rajan’s till-now absent father, a jealous friend, intrusive social media, and threatening notes from someone who seems to know all about their private lives.

It’s a bit of a sticky wicket they find themselves in. Will it be too late when both men finally realise that they’ll need to compromise, or stand to lose everything?

Purchase Link: http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=2101

Review: Rajan is a Bollywood star living the life that his mother created for him, starring roles, beautiful girlfriend, and fame. But the life is starting to tear him apart, having to suppress his natural desires to please all those around him. Getting a surprise phone call from his old concerned friend Rajan remembers a time when he was happy and in love. Ajay doesn’t know what Raja’s reaction will be to his offer of a place of sanctuary, they didn’t part on the best of terms and now Ajay is an openly gay cricketer and has no plans to go back in the closet. Rekindling their romance is risky but neither man can resist, Rajan begins to get anonymous phone calls and notes, his mother is dying and trying to force him into an engagement. Ajay feels like he has been shoved back into closet having to hide his relationship with Rajan, while Rajan parades around the girlfriend. Can the men find a compromise before it’s too late?

This was quite a good Bollywood dilemma story that is an easy read. Rajan is very easily pressured, he did want to be a teacher, but when his mother heard how close he was to a friend he was quickly whisked home to be molded into the perfect Bollywood star, since then his mother, agent and girlfriend have control of his life and it is wearing him down. Ajay has stood on his own and made his own decisions, he is openly gay and a star cricketer. Offering Rajan a retreat from the high-pressure world might be a mistake but even after all these years he still cares deeply for the actor.

Ajay has a confidence in himself that is impressive and having Rajan again is all he wants, but accepting the restrictions are hard when all he wants is to love Rajan. Rajan is easily controlled by other people, especially his mother, but soon he will have to make his own choices if he wants to hold onto his love. I liked both Ajay and Rajan and enjoyed watching as they maneuvered into a relationship that they could both work with. the hot sex that is never a problem. The conflict that Rajan faces and the patience that Ajay has to dig deep for, and finally a compromise that works for both of them.

I was also surprised that the story was more focused on Rajan rather than Ajay and that was because of the series name, it was quite disappointing because I was looking forward to seeing what the authors could come up with for a cricketer but it was all about the Bollywood stars problems. I was very disappointed with the storyline. Especially seeing as it reminded me very strongly of another Bollywood story released over a year ago. Change the cricketers for bodyguards and yeah, very similar storyline.

I will recommend this to those who love closeted actors, hot cricketers, tension, forgiveness, hot sex and a great happy ending. 

 

Inside Out by Evan Francisco

16160705Title:  Inside Out

Series: Inside Out #1

Author:  Evan Francisco

Genre:   Young Adult

Length:  Novel (200 Pages)

Publisher:  Goodreads Edition (February 19, 2012)

Heat Level:  Low

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:  He thought he would hate him forever—but only it turned out that he’s the one who bears the other half of his soul…

Fifteen-year old werewolf Jordan Patterson has always adored the love tales of shape-shifters’ mates. Different from the other seven of the group, Jordan keeps his mouth shut and does what he wants to do. Until one day, Jace Andrews crossed the line…

Jace Andrews, in the other hand, is the strongest teen wolf in the pack. Not only the most popular teen wolf among young immortals, he’s also considered as the hottest guy alive among the humans. Unfortunately, no one knows that Jordan grows up with Jace as his main bully. When Jace has done an unforgivable thing to Jordan, the little guy knows he needs to stand up for himself. That’s when Jordan finds out that Jace Andrews, the guy he grows up hating, is his mate—his eternal lover, the destined wolf who bears the other half of his soul.

No matter how bad this is for little Jordan, he is not ready.

Jordan has never known that a mate bond can drive a wolf crazy. When Jace senses the uncertain presence of the mate, he’s tortured inside by the bond between him and the hiding mate until it is deadly and unbearable. He then seeks help from the Alpha, who ends up gathering the whole gigantic pack, just to track one hiding mate.

In some wolf packs, hiding away from mates is an unwanted crime. Jordan wants to run, but it is too late. When Jace finally found the hiding mate, he wants to both kill and love the little guy.

And that’s how their love story starts.

Product Link:  http://www.fictionpress.com/s/3122693/1/Inside-Out

Reviewer: John

Review:  I loved Inside Out. There was something in this little novel that instantly pulled me in. Maybe it was the mystery or the romance, but this novel had it all.

Inside Out stars Jordan. Now Jordan is a very special kid because he belongs to a pack of werewolves that only shift during a full moon. Yes, this story sticks to the original unlike other novels I have read. I loved Jordan. He was very funny, shy, intelligent, and loved reading. In his little world, a werewolf is born with a mate or with half of someone’s soul inside of them. Now, the only way you can find your mate is by the bond. The bond can come at anytime and with anyone. With that said, Jordan’s mate turns out to be the next Alpha in his group, Jace.

I loved Jace. He was cocky, confident, strong, manly, handsome, a ladies’ man and the most popular guy in school. He was simply perfect. He and Jordan were simply friends. He actually made fun of Jordan most of the time. Moreover, Jordan disliked him so much. However, after their souls bonded, they begin to see each other under a new light and that is where the story takes off.

I don’t want to give the story away, but overall, the novel was pretty awesome. If you are into shape-shifters, young romance, un-forbidden love, mystery or simple a kick ass young adult novel, this one maybe the one for you. And oh yes, there are vampires in this one too. However, I must warn you, there are so many grammatical errors and spelling errors in this novel that left me wondering if it was ever edited. But, after finding out that this was the author’s first novel, I understood why. Your first novel is never perfect since you are just beginning a long journey to become better writer. If you are able to see beyond the author’s mistakes, you will definitely fall for this story like I did.

 

Westford Hall by Lisa Worrall

17238890Title: Westford Hall

Author: Lisa Worrall

Genre: Paranormal, Ghosts, Mystery, Suspense

Length: Novella (98pgs)

Publisher: White Stiletto Press (17th January 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Westford Hall lies back from the quad, quiet and empty. A dark reminder of the horrific murder of six members of the Tri Delta brotherhood thirty years ago, and the subject of Ethan’s thesis.

Ethan Reece is in his second year of Professor Allen’s paranormal psychology class, and is hoping to be the first to establish documented proof that Westford Hall is haunted. Hiring the university’s best photography student to help with the investigation, Ethan is disappointed when he has to be replaced after an accident. Which is how he finds himself saddled with the university’s best stoner instead.

Daniel Cartwright comes from money. He won’t deny it. Why should he? More than aware of the reputation he has on campus, he ambles through life with the help of his parents. At least that’s what everyone thinks. When his friend breaks his leg and volunteers him to assist the biggest nerd on campus with his spooky investigation, Dan is not exactly ecstatic.

Thrown together by fate; to their surprise the two young men find they are drawn together by mutual attraction, but that’s not the only surprise awaiting them in Westford Hall. Coming face to face with an actual ghost, they uncover a story of murder, deceit and despair that leaves them facing a danger they were not prepared for.

Purchase Link:

US: http://www.amazon.com/Westford-Hall-ebook/dp/B00B2DT9BA

UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Westford-Hall-ebook/dp/B00B2DT9BA

Review: Ethan is hoping to find proof that Westford Hall is haunted for his paranormal psychology class.  all set for a night in the reputed haunted house on campus with a great photography student, he is disappointed when he ends up with the man’s friend as a replacement instead. Dan helps his friend out by taking his place at Westford Hall, being stuck with nerdy Ethan in a supposed haunted house isn’t his idea of fun, and when things start to happen all he wants is to stay the hell away from the place. But, a mystery unfolds that Ethan and Dan get caught up in.  just how do they help put to rest a ghost who wants the truth to come out?

This is a great ghost story that is in parts funny and others poignantly sad with a great twist at the end. Both Ethan and Dan are great characters; Ethan is a nerd who is surprisingly judgmental, but who is quick to admit his mistakes. Dan is rumored to be a slacker, but is in truth the opposite, his reputation as a slacker was earned protecting a friend, he is an absolute gem with his reactions and he plays nicely off Ethan. The ghost is wonderful with his poignant story and his wicked sense of humor, and with his determination over the years to get the truth of his death in the open.

Westford Hall is a great combination of fun, love, mystery and suspense. The elements have been woven together to give a delightful tale of a ghost who wants justice. The relationship between Ethan and Dan was sweet, them finding common ground when at the start they clashed. I found Dan’s reactions to the events in the haunted Westford Hall to be both funny and realistic. While you could see Ethan’s scientific excitement and his eagerness to dig deeper, I had to agree with Dan’s reactions.

There are some flashbacks to the events of the past, but they are beautifully slotted into the story and they add a touch of knowing to the suspense. There was only one thing that confused me though… just when did the young men die? I ask because when Ethan was telling the story of the murders he said it happened in nineteen seventy-four, but then later during a flashback it described the house from nineteen eighty-two. Other than that small discrepancy I have to admit that after finishing this book I am left with the hope (and praying) that Lisa Worrall will give us more from Dan and Ethan in the future, *sigh* well I can only hope.

I am recommending this story as a must read if you love ghosts finding justice and discovering their lost love, a new love developing, mystery, suspense, a great twist and a very happy ending for young men and ghosts alike.

Cancel Christmas by Cameron Lawton

200x300cancel_christmas_final121218_0542Title: Cancel Christmas

Series: Yours to Command 02

Author: Cameron Lawton

Genre: Contemporary, Military Police, Christmas

Length: Novella (125pgs)

Publisher: MLR Press (15th December 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½ – 4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: The Military Police boys are back and this time it’s murder.

A fast-paced murder mystery featuring the two Military Police investigators from “Yours To Command”. Plans for the holidays are scrapped when a body is found on an Army base in Germany. Still firmly in the closet at work, they stay in a hotel and indulge in some midnight room-hopping but will Rory be able to cope with his assistant’s newly discovered dominant streak? Who killed the translator and why in such a grisly way? Is there a connection to a recent suicide bomb attack in Afghanistan? Killing doesn’t stop just because it’s Christmas, especially in the British Army.

Purchase Link: http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=CLCANCLX

Review: This book is part of a series and although I recommend reading them in order, this book can be read as a standalone. Jack is frustrated when his leave is cancelled, but is thankful for a few extra days with his lover, Rory. Working together in the British Army, they have to be extra cautious in their relationship, because discovery could ruin them both. Being called to a Germany base to investigate the brutal murder of a Territorial Army translator gives them the chance for some room hopping, but the investigation takes a sinister turn as they dig deeper and they discover a connection to a suicide bomber in Afghanistan.

This is a great story based within the British Military and following the Military Police as they investigate a murder. But, we also get to delve into the relationship of Jack and Rory and see how it’s progressing. Jack is looking forward to visiting his parents in Spain for Christmas, while Rory has New Year’s off. But, Jack’s plans are thrown into chaos when his leave is cancelled at the last minute and he and Rory have to go to Germany and get to the bottom of a grisly murder.

We get to see how both Jack and Rory struggle with the strictures placed on them in their relationship by them both being in the Army, especially with Rory being a Captain and Jack a Staff Sergeant. They are cautious, but Rory is extra cautious because of what happened in the past and Jack learns he doesn’t know his lover as much as he thought he did. We also see Rory’s jealousy of Jack’s loving family, but it doesn’t interfere with their relationship. These men are very hot together and make a well suited couple even if they are forced to stay in the closet.

The investigation is really good with some interesting characters. The language is blunt and there is no beating about the bush in this book or political correctness… all the characters are blunt and to the point. I liked the way that even though Jack and Rory’s relationship is very important it faded into the background when it came to the investigation. Because damn, was that part of the story great with both Rory and Jack using any means necessary (well nearly) to get to the truth.

I will recommend this to those who love their men blunt and manly, their sex hot and rough at times, their murders gruesome, their military British, strict and blunt and their men getting a happy for now ending.

 

The Longest Stride by T. A. Chase

Title: The Longest Stride

Series: N/A

Author: T.A. Chase

Genre: Gay / Contemporary / Fantasy / Shapeshifter

Length: Novel

Publisher: Amber Quill Press

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥2.5Hearts

Blurb: More than twenty years ago, Branimir Javlosk moved from Montana to Kentucky, following the man he loved to a strange new place. They started a rescue farm and rehab center for retired racehorses, or any equine that needed their help. Branimir gained a reputation as a horse whisperer, able to teach the most frightened horse to trust. They were on top of the world—until Branimir’s lover died in a car accident.

Since then, Branimir’s continued on, allowing the horses that need him to fill the empty place left by his tragic loss. Yet Branimir has a secret hidden deep inside of him. One he lets out only on rare occasions when there is a need.

Austin Jameson Spellsin is the youngest and favored son of one of the country’s richest men. But Austin’s not interested in working in the family business of building oilrigs. He wants to ride horses in the Olympics, eventing, to be specific. Yet with all his money, he’s never found the right horse for him. Until one morning, he stares at a scar-covered, half-starving mare named Mary’s Gospel and sees the look of eagles in her unvanquished gaze.

Of course, falling in love with the damaged mare isn’t going to make her want Austin, so he turns to the one man he knows can help him. Taking Mary’s Gospel to Branimir seems the best way to win the mare’s troubled heart. Little does Austin expect that Mary’s Gospel will lose her heart to the older cowboy, but Austin will also find himself aching to heal the wounded soul hiding inside Branimir…

Product Link: http://amberquill.com/AmberAllure/LongestStride.html

Reviewer: Thommie

Review: I found “The Longest Stride” a very peculiar book to read. While decently written and with a potential theme, it did not met with my expectations.  By the end of the book, I was left wondering why  Chase included a shifter thread. She could as well gone with a talented horse whisperer and have the same result. Also, I found the blurb and book itself not match in the little details, it felt like the blurb was written first based on the draft and the novel was chopped of later during editing, but they forgot to correct the details of the blurb…

Let’s start by saying that this is the story of Branimir and Austin.

Branimir is a middle-aged man, quite handsome and well endowed. He has a Rehabilitation Center for retired and abused horses. He and his late partner (Tilman) were quite famous due to Tilman’s great riding and Branimir’s special talent with horses. He is rumored to be a horse whisperer. Now I know that in the blurb we are informed that Tilman died in a car accident, but I didn’t found that information in the book… Branimir is also a horse-shifter, however we only see him shift a couple of times right at the start of the book and then one last time at the end and while he has certain abilities with the horses due to his inheritance, he almost never uses them because he feels like he’s cheating!? So all in all I got the impression that his entire “magic” of being a shifter in this book served no other reason than the explanation of his relationship with his father (herd stallion). Too bad that this new shifting form was left unexplored, it would have been interesting to read.

Austin comes from a wealthy family, but he has no interest on his father’s business. He loves horses and has made quite a name in the circle as an excellent event rider and trainer. He’s passionate with horses, loving them even if they don’t “pay their expenses”. Bran and Austin meet when Austin saves a mare that was being abused by her owner. Bran offers him his help with the mare’s mental health and that is the start of their anticipated relationship. For the months that it took Bran to help the mare Austin stayed with him at his farm and the two men steadily fell in love. A change comes in the plot when Bran’s little brother, Drahomir, shows up suddenly and after him their Father. It was then that I thought that the shifting would serve its purpose and give us something to blow our mind at last, alas, it didn’t happened.

As I said in the beginning, while this book had potentials it simply failed to get there and I would not recommend it if you are an avid paranormal/shifter reader. This is not that kind of book. However, if you’re up for a m/m cowboyish romance you might want to give it a try. And if you love horses this book is quite detailed about them and their mentality.