Heartwood by Emily Carrington

Title: Heartwood

Author: Emily Carrington

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (241 pages)

Publisher: Loose Id (October 16, 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts

Blurb: Mike Delaney, a sheltered nineteen-year-old, is hired to assist Aidan Kelly, a blind high school senior with a rainbow for every occasion. He isn’t prepared for his attraction to Aidan, or the residual fear caused by being back at the high school.

Aidan Kelly, also nineteen years old, was forced to transfer to the new school after a violent altercation with another student, and recognizes and welcomes his attraction to Mike. Even though he finally persuades Mike to open his closet door, Aidan learns there’s a reason that door was locked closed in the first place.

The man who tormented Mike and made him ashamed of being himself is still very much in his life, and will stop at nothing, including murder, to ensure Mike’s silence. Can Mike draw enough strength from his love for Aidan to end the torment? Can Aidan, who has cause to fear his violent side, overcome his terror of his own abilities long enough to defeat Mike’s tormentor?

Publisher’s Note: This book contains explicit sexual situations, graphic language, and material that some readers may find objectionable: male/male sexual practices, violence.

Product link: http://www.loose-id.com/heartwood.html

Reviewer: Heart

Review: Heartwood is a compelling story about school struggles, hatred and abuse. It follows a love story through fights for survival in an unbending world and coming out despite it being so much easier to stay hidden and safe.

Aidan, we get to meet first. Head on into the issues that put him in the other main character, Mike’s, way. He is competent, not afraid to speak his mind and carries the heavy burden of self-imposed responsibility on his shoulders. As a blind nineteen year old, he hasn’t had it easy and transferring to a new school where his differences would stand out even more is not something he’s looking forward to.

Mike is a naïve young man who’s been through a lot, but carries on with a smile and is really excited about getting a job of being Aidan’s aide in school. His demons are of the living kind and haunt him every single day; be it in flesh or through memories.  So meeting Aidan, a young man so different from everyone else, pushes the fears to the side and allows Mike to be himself to the extent he’d never dared to before.

What I liked the most about this book was the complicated back stories of both characters. I loved the fact that Aidan could look after himself, and knew how to fight. Really liked Mike’s stubbornness, even when he was afraid. as well as the fact that there was more to his life than the love he felt for Aidan.

Both were really interesting men and their adaptation journey from guilt ridden and afraid to ready to face their troubles and allow love to come forth was really pleasurable to read about.

Where I just couldn’t get used to the story and where I eventually noticed a pattern, were the conversations. Every single one between the main characters ended without everything being said. Questions were left unanswered and subjects barely touched. It caused a lot of issues to pile up without there ever being an all-encompassing resolution. Maybe it was just me who noticed it, but either way it kept pulling me out of the story, making me want to lock the couple in a room and not let them out until they spent at least twenty-four hours blabbering about their issues. I’m not sure even that long would have been enough.

Certain sex scenes were a bit inappropriate or maybe even far-fetched and I definitely missed a bed in the story. But, the gentles between the characters were really appealing and I’m very happy that I’d gotten the chance to read Heartwood. It is a book to keep in mind.

Love Bites by D. River

Title: Love Bites

Series: A Feral Hearts Tale 01

Author: D. River

Genre: Alternative World, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy

Length: Novel (265pgs)

Publisher: Lightbane Publications (7th July 2012)

Heat: Explicit

Heart: ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Ryder has been friends with Tucker since they were in the first grade. They grew up together, they joined the Marines together and they moved to the vast metropolis of New York City together. Nothing could tear them apart.

Or so they believed. When they get bitten by a mysterious creature, they find themselves drawn together in a whole new way that is both exciting and terrifying. Neither of them is prepared to face the feelings they now have or what that could mean for their future.

This is the story of their quest for a cure, which takes them through such locales as Little Avalon, the Wild Wood and the haunted ruins of Old Syracuse. Together they must face down dangers and challenges even as they grapple with the life-shift of now being mated werewolves.

Join Ryder and Tucker for a fun, romantic adventure set in an Earth much like our own, but where magic and magical creatures are as much a part of the world as science and technology.

Purchase Link: USA: http://www.amazon.com/Bites-Feral-Hearts-Tales-ebook/dp/B008IMRH4O

UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bites-Feral-Hearts-Tales-ebook/dp/B008IMRH4O

Review: Ryder and Tucker are the best of friends and nothing will ever change that. But, the days and weeks following an attack by a mysterious creature pushes them to the limit. Discovering they are now Lycan (a long dead race), fighting their inner battles with the wolf spirits and the sudden confusion of being attracted to each other is hard to process. But, throw in a series of quests and it just might tear them apart.

This is a great shifter & paranormal novel that delves into imagination and gives us a great mix of paranormal, myths and legends. Ryder is a man who is loyal to a fault, but is far from a push over. He will do what has to be done, but he also has a nurturing side. Tucker is a man who holds himself in tight control, terrified that he will turn into the kind of man his father was, but he is also loyal and protective and would give up his own happiness to make Ryder happy… oh and they are both very straight. The night they are both bitten is the night it all changes for them. With everything that is thrown at them from that moment on, their greatest fear is losing each other.

This is an excellent story that doesn’t just give us an adventure and action, it also gives us the complex process as Ryder and Tucker have to decide just what to do about their curse and also the new developing feelings they have for each other. The story is from Ryder’s perspective so we get all his feelings and confusion, we do get an idea of what Tucker is also deciding because Ryder knows him so well. But, there is still a touch of angst while they process what is going on.

The storyline is brilliant, far from the usually paranormal stories, the background and world building is great, so we get a good grip of what is happening in the paranormal world and Ryder and Tucker’s romance is quite realistic to the setting. I absolutely loved the adventure they found themselves on. Ending with a series of quests from finding a cure, to discovering a lost relic, to helping a haunted town AND Herne the Huntsman, all the while being chased by hunters who want blood and a Dream Speaker who wants war.

I have to recommend this to those who love paranormal, primal shifters, urban fantasy, alternative world, hot primal sex in shifter form, hot sex in human form, a great adventure, a friends to lovers romance and a happy ending.

Gilbert by Bailey Bradford

Title: Gilbert

Series: Leopard’s Spots 05

Author: Bailey Bradford

Genre: Paranormal, Shifters

Length: Novella (143pgs)

Publisher: Total E-Bound (6th August 2012)

Heat: Explicit

Heart: ♥♥♥♥3 ½ – 4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: One sexy snow leopard shifter finds his mate and more, now Gilbert Trujillo just has to convince Jihu Warren to trust his instincts and give them a chance to be an unexpected family.

Gilbert Trujillo has watched his two older brothers, Tim and Isaiah, find their mates. He’s not sure he’s ready for such a commitment himself, even if he does kind of envy them at times. His life is about to get a lot more complicated, and if he can survive and protect the ones he loves, Gilbert just might have more than he ever dreamed possible.

Jihu Warren hasn’t known much in life other than that he was to be used to further his species. Amur shifters were bordering on extinction, and a breeding program had been established decades ago. Jihu’s desires were of no consequence. He sees no way out, no hope, until he hears rumors of Bae, a half-brother he’s never met, who escapes from the demands of the lepe. Given hope, Jihu fights for his freedom and in his search for Bae, he runs into a sexy snow leopard shifter named Gilbert Trujillo instead, and Jihu finds out there are some things, and some people, worth risking everything for.

Fate throws Gilbert and Jihu together, with a twist. Jihu’s senses have been altered by the injections given him while in captivity at Chung-Hee’s lepe. He doesn’t know who to trust, and will have to depend on himself rather than using the enhanced senses he normally has.

Together, he and Gilbert, along with a new family Jihu is quickly coming to love, will have to battle the shifters who want Jihu back at almost any cost.

Purchase Link: http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?P_ID=1771

Review: Jihu has been forced into the Amur shifters breeding program.  His grandfather, Chung-Hee, who is the leader of the lepe, made sure of that by chaining and drugging him. But, now he has escaped and needs to find his brother, Bae. Gilbert is hoping to find his mate, but is surprised when his mate appears at his brother’s home with a baby in his arms. Now, he has to convince his mate that he means no harm and will help to protect him from his grandfather.

This is a good novella where we discover the true depths that a power-hungry shifter will go to in his quest to save his species. Jihu has some issues to resolve when he finally escapes from his grandfather’s clutches. He had been forced to have sex with a woman and produce a child. Jihu knew what would happen if he didn’t get away, but there was no way he would leave his son behind. Gilbert is thrilled to find his mate and is delighted to have a son through him. He will do anything in his power to keep them both safe and with the backing of his family sets out to ensure all of Jihu’s family is safe.

This is an enjoyable story that shows us the love that can help a person heal from past wrongs. Jihu has to face what happened to him and with the love of Gilbert begins to heal. Gilbert is the perfect shifter for Jihu and together they make a great couple. The sex between them is hot and spontaneous (as long as they make sure baby is asleep). The continued story of the lepes and the forced breeding program is good, as well as how completely out of control Chung-Hee becomes. I liked how Gilbert’s family came together to help and the support they showed Jihu and I really like how Jihu is lost and despairing when he finally gets to Bae and Isaiah’s home.

I will recommend this to those who love shifters, a touch of angst, hunting for baddies, danger, a sweet baby and a happy ever after.

 

The Mudpie by A. J. Llewellyn & Serena Yates

Title: The Mudpie

Series: Elemental Superpowers 03

Author: A.J. Llewellyn & Serena Yates

Genre: Paranormal, Magic

Length: Novella (157pgs)

Publisher: Total E-Bound (8th October 2012)

Heat: Moderate – Explicit

Heart: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Mitchell is proud of his new wrestling persona and trading card, but he hadn’t planned on actually facing his wrestling hero, Whip “Mudshark” Jackson, in the ring…

Geeky Mitchell Dykins loves his new job as marketing manager for a wrestling federation’s participants. After creating a huge online campaign for his company’s wrestlers, he befriends the most fearsome warrior of them all, Whip “Mudshark” Jackson. Whip is so thrilled with Mitchell’s work, he demands that the company create a wrestling persona for Mitchell and therefore he’ll get his own trading card. Mitchell is tickled. This is all good, right?

Unfortunately Mitchell soon finds himself transformed into his wrestling persona, “Mudpit Madman”. When he starts waking up covered in mud, Mudshark lying beside him, he begins to worry. The worst of it is when he defeats Mudshark who then puts a contract out on Mudpit.

Whip claims he knows nothing about what his alter ego is doing. He likes Mitchell. But his muddy wrestling character seems to have a mind of his own…can he be telling the truth?

Is Mitchell completely nuts to still like a guy who probably wants him dead?

Reader Advisory: After reading this book you may feel an urge to eat mud pie – and don’t be surprised if you find traces of mud on your floor…

Purchase Link: http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=1786

Review: Mitchell is the marketing manager for a wrestling federation. Whip is the superstar wrestler he admires from afar. Designing the new trading cards was fun for Mitchell, but when another wrestler pulls out Whip, insisting that Mitchell fills in the trading card slot as a gimmick. But, strange things begin to happen.

This is a great novella that has amusing sections that complement the more serious and dangerous scenes. Mitchell Dykins fancies Whip ‘Mudshark’ Jackson, but never dreamed he would get close to the man. Now he is sharing a room with him and Mitchell ends up being dragged into a world he never envisaged. Whip is astounded when Mitchell is forced to fight him in the mudpit and is shocked to the core that the man actually beat him. But, more danger lurks as his fighting persona seems to come to life and someone is pulling strings in the background that endangers all the Elementals.

Mitchell is a great character. He loves his family dearly and will do anything he can for them. But, he discovers secrets that have been hidden when he inadvertently causes earthquakes. Whip is a strong character, wanting to jump in feet first when difficulties begin, but knowing he needs the help and support from his friends. Together they make a great couple and the feelings they have for each other support them when they are apart, and both men need all the support they can get.

We have a wonderful cast of characters with many of our favorites from previous books. All of whom fit nicely into supporting roles as they discover who is behind the disappearances, danger and deaths. There will be times that you chuckle inadvertently. Times when you cringe at memories and times when you sigh as Mitchell and Whip fall in love. There will be moments of danger and moments of pure astonishment with you sitting there repeating to yourself ‘the plughole? Escaped down the drain?’

I have to recommend this to those who love magic, mystery, wrestling, hunky men, danger and two hot men, mud wrestling, slipping and sliding against each other grappling and holding and rubbing and… *cough* (damn I think it’s just got really hot in here) so really…what are you waiting for?

Esau by Bailey Bradford

Title: Esau

Series: Leopard’s Spots 06

Author: Bailey Bradford

Genre: Paranormal, Shifter

Length: Novella (146pgs)

Publisher: Total E-Bound (29th October 2012)

Heat: Explicit/Scorching

Heart: ♥♥♥3Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Sometimes what you don’t want is exactly what you need.

Esau Walraven is a loner in a family filled with togetherness happy people. A shifter, it has taken him years to come to terms with that aspect of himself. He used to resent being different, but now he has come to appreciate it, and even embrace it. He’s still not thrilled about being around people, but when his family asks for help, Esau is there to give it.

Ye-sun Warren helped his brother escape from their cruel grandfather. It didn’t matter that Ye-sun had never met that particular brother; it was the right thing to do. Added to that, he has a nephew, a sweet baby boy who shouldn’t be used as a pawn. Ye-sun’s decision to help them costs him, with his grandfather punishing him in cruel ways he thought would kill him. Abandoned and left to die, Ye-sun is an angry, hurting Amur shifter.

When Esau and Ye-sun meet, the sparks fly. Esau tries to reject the mate-bond, but when he gives in, taking the innocent man first as they are leopards, then as men, he swears to himself he will not feel anything but lust for Ye-sun.

But Fate has a funny way of making sure her plans are followed…

Reader Advisory: This book contains mild BDSM-Spanking and is part of a series, so best read in order.

Purchase Link: http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=1815

If you are a Total E-Bound VIP and newsletter subscriber you will be eligible to receive this book up to 4 weeks early.

Review: Esau has finally found his mate, but he is filled with dread.  He did something in the past that now haunts him and he doesn’t trust himself any more. Ye-sun was left to die after helping his brother escape, but now after making it out alive he has found his mate who doesn’t seem to want him. Can he change the sexy shifters mind or should he just leave and try to get his life straight? Esau has choices to make and secrets to admit. Can he accept what his mate has to offer or just live in the past with his bitter memories?

This is an interesting story in the aftermath of the bush fire which has primal love and deep doubts. Esau has never wanted to have a mate; his past has bitter secrets and dark actions that leave him unsure about his nature. Ye-sun has hidden his sexuality from himself and his family as he knows he has no choice but to breed. But, when his grandfather goes too far, Ye-sun helps his brother to escape and he nearly signs his own death warrant. Out in the wilds, Ye-sun meets his mate, Esau, and between them they have to overcome Esau’s past so they can go forwards.

Ye-sun and Esau make a great couple. Ye-sun makes Esau understand his actions in a less blood thirsty light and Esau makes Ye-sun realize that his actions were the only thing he could do. There are a lot of angsty feelings and wallowing in the past and the sex is very primal and very rough in places. There is also very rough sex in animal form. Ye-sun and Esau are a couple that are well suited, although Ye-sun doesn’t let Esau push him around and also makes Esau stop wallowing in the past and face the future they can have together.

I recommend this to those who love rough shifters, hot rough sex, primal matings, hidden pasts and a happy ending.

 

Carved in Wood by Sean Michael

Title:  Carved in Wood

Series: Howling at the Moon Series

Author:  Sean Michael

Genre:   Shapeshifter/ Fantasy

Length:  Novella (103 pages)

Publisher:  Amber Allure (October 7th 2012)

Heat Level:  Medium

Heart Rating:  ♥♥2Hearts

Blurb:   Can a rescue turn into love?

In a brutal world where werewolves are hunted and killed, Wood runs a group that smuggles wolves out of the city to safety. But when Wood meets Daniel, nearly dead from the silver bullet in his shoulder and with a story about entire packs being stolen and forced to work in labor camps, Wood begins to question whether or not he’s really helping anyone at all. Is he simply smuggling wolves out of the proverbial frying pan and into the fire?

Meanwhile, as Daniel heals, he and Wood form a bond, coming together in a way neither man ever expected, and bringing up feelings neither man has ever experienced. Will their becoming mates muddy the waters, or make everything perfectly clear?

Product Link:  http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/CarvedInWood.html

Reviewer:   Any

Review:  More porn than plot.

Daniel escapes a camp holding wolf packs prisoners. Along the way, he loses his brother and is shot. He quickly runs into Wood, a shifter who identifies him for what he is immediately, and who immediately takes it upon himself to help Daniel.

The first few chapters moved quickly and were okay—though, perhaps the pacing could have slowed down a touch more for us to really get a feel for the characters—but very early in the story, Daniel and Wood mate and I felt the story fizzled into porn after that. Almost on every page something was sexual was happening at the cost of the story.

I thought one interesting story development was Daniel’s need to revenge his brother and set free the rest of his pack from the camp he’d been imprisoned in, however, when he and Wood go back to do this, the events are summarized in a few sentences. We don’t see any struggle or feel there are any stakes in what should be the climax. With no tension, this made the story a difficult read to engage in on any other level other than the physical.

If you are in the mood for a simple, sex-filled story that focuses more on the animal side of shifters, this might be for you.

 

Encounter by Lee Brazil

Title:  Encounter

Series:  N/A

Author:  Lee Brazil

Genre: Contemporary/Paranormal

Length: Anthology

Publisher: Self-published (September 26, 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:
Encounter: A nervous wannabe actor slips away to steal a smoke at an audition and finds more relaxation than he expected.

Finding Justice: When Justice figures out his boyfriend considers him nothing more than a piece of ass on the side, he takes matters into his own hands.

Nick: Insecure nurse Nick discovers something about his rock star boyfriend he just can’t forgive.

Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/Encounter-ebook/dp/B009HCWBHM/ref=la_B0049WSOVM_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1351021236&sr=1-6

Reviewer:  Cat

Also includes reviews for two bonus stories   Finding Justice and Scenes; Nick

Review:  Encounter 

Trevor is backstage trying to calm down for an audition for a part he really wants. He sees Kaspar and both are taken by each other. Kaspar says he can help Trevor relax. Both men agree to a one -time thing. Will this be the only time he sees Kaspar?

As usual this is a very sweet fast short story.  One that when you need something fast to  fill a few minutes , you can count on sweet hot and in this case a bit intriguing.

I recommend this to anyone that likes any of Lee Brazil’s stories, Sweet hot sex, and a hint of something out of this world.  If you like short and sweet you can’t go wrong!

You also get a couple of bonuses.

Finding Justice

 Justice is tired of being kept hidden like he is Payton’s dirty little secret. Payton not coming home for their anniversary and saying they don’t have a real relationship to celebrate, Justice leaves. What ensues? Read it and see.

I absolutely loved this story. I am such a sucker for a love that someone will go to any length to find.  Yep I was hooked with this one. Swoon!

Plus you get yet another Bonus

Scenes; Nick

Nick is tired of feeling like he isn’t good enough for Jayden. Nick is just a nurse and Jayden is a singer in a popular band. Finding something in the laundry Nick finds the nerve to finally dump Jayden.

I loved this also. I could see me in Nick. I would have done the same.  Another great, hot story of a love that prevails.

I recommend this book to anyone that loves short sweet love stories with hot sex. You get three for the price of one plus an Excerpt from Lee’s next book…Truth Deeper than Logic

 

Yours Forever by Missy Welsh

Title:  Yours Forever

Series:  None

Author:  Missy Welsh

Genre:   Paranormal and Contemporary

Length:  Novella (39 Pages)

Publisher:  Amber Allure (May 27th, 2012)

Heat Level:  Medium

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:   Rick knows his lover Danny has a secret and has been lying to Rick in order to keep it. He’s pretty sure this secret has something to do with seeing another man once a month for three days at a time.

Determined to show his boyfriend that he can be everything Danny needs, Rick hatches a plan that ends up revealing way more than he could’ve imagined.

(Warning: Contains an altercation between the main characters and a group of anti-gay morons.)

Product Link:  http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/YoursForever.html

Reviewer:   John

Review: I was very skeptical when I started this story since I’m not a huge fan of werewolves, but I’m so glad that I did. The story begins with Rick, who believes that Danny is hiding something from him, because every month he disappears for three days. So, in order to prove Danny that he’s the man for him, he plans a hot and steamy date. He “kidnaps” Danny and takes him to a lake. While they’re having hot and stick sex, several anti-gay morons attack them mercilessly. Since Danny was bigger and stronger than Rick, he quickly pounds them to the ground, but something is not right or doesn’t make sense. Rick is badly bruised, but Danny is better and stronger than ever. When Rick demands the truth, he finds out that Danny’s deepest secret. Danny is a werewolf.

I loved Danny and Rick since they were perfect for each other. Danny to me was the bomb. He was sexy, hot and just interesting. I didn’t like the sudden ending. This story was just too short for my taste since I wanted to read more about these two very interesting characters. I recommend this to all those who enjoy paranormal romance between two hot and sexy characters and for those who are looking for something new.

Must Love Cats by J. M. Snyder

Title:  Must Love Cats

Series:  None

Author:  J.M. Snyder

Genre:   Paranormal and Contemporary

Length:  Novella (47 Pages)

Publisher:  JMS Books (April 2012)

Heat Level:  Medium

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:   Dale Thomason isn’t much of a cat person. In fact, he doesn’t particularly care for animals of any kind. Or people either, for that matter. A food critic for the local press, he dines out on the company tab without the hassle of going on a date. His sex life is non-existent, particularly when compared to that of his bisexual BFF, Jill.

When a stray orange tomcat brazenly follows Dale home one night, he calls Jill to come rid his apartment of the feline terror. But he can’t seem to keep the cat out of his home, and the next time it comes inside, Jill isn’t there to rescue him, so he lets it stay.

That night Dale has the sexiest, most vivid dream starring the hot new redhead who just moved into the apartment across from his.

In the morning, the cat has mysteriously vanished and Dale is left reeling from the wet dream. Did he imagine the whole thing? Or does his new neighbor harbor a furry secret?

Product Link:  http://www.jms-books.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=29&products_id=494

Reviewer:   John

Review:  What a pleasant surprise this little book was. Dale Thomason is a food critic for the local press. Since he’s very hard to please and has a huge ego, getting some has become a huge predicament for him. Everything changes one day after he finds a stray orange tomcat inside his home which he immediately dislikes. Dale is not an animal lover or a people lover as a matter of fact. But something very mysterious surrounds the small orange cat. After a night of drinking, he lets the little cat inside his home to spend the night since he cannot locate his owner. That night, he has very vivid sexual dream with his new neighbor. Soon, he finds that his neighbor (Scott) and the small orange cat are one in the same.

I loved Dale and Scott. Dale is a very interesting character since he is not likeable or friendly. He is the grumpy type of guy that reveals his funny and friendly side only when you become his close friend. Scott was a pleasant surprise since he shape shifts into a cat. Yes, a cat, not a werewolf or a pale vampire. There are several funny, sexy and interesting scenes throughout the novel that makes it a must read. However, I didn’t like the fact that the story was just too short. I wanted to read more about this short, but extremely interesting novel.

I recommend this novel to anyone who wants to read a fresh new story written by one of the best writers in the industry.

Dumb Jock 3: Appearances Matter by Jeff Erno

Title:  Dumb Jock 3: Appearances Matter

Series:  Dumb Jock

Author:  Jeff Erno

Genre:   Young Adult Romance

Length:  Novel (218 Pages)

Publisher:  Amazon Digital Publishing (August 25, 2012)

Heat Level:  Low

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:   Todd Hoffman, age sixteen, doesn’t have an easy life. Not only does he live with his alcoholic mother in a rundown mobile home, but he’s also a bit of a social outcast at school. He doesn’t have the nice clothing, shoes, and car the other students have. He has only one really close friend, Shannon, but even she doesn’t understand him completely. He knows he can never confide in her his deepest secret. He can’t tell anyone, not even his favorite teacher.

But Todd finds a way to express his feelings when he learns about fan fiction. Being a gifted writer, Todd begins to write stories–gay stories–about another boy he’s secretly crushing on. He posts the stories on a fan fiction website.

When the object of Todd’s affection one day notices him and asks him out, Todd feels like he is suddenly living a dream, that his literary fantasy is becoming real. Soon, however, he realizes that reality and fantasy are two different things, and he has to determine if Galen, the high school soccer team captain, is the boy of his dreams or just another dumb jock.

This is book three of the Dumb Jock series, and the story is linked to the previous books by featuring several common characters. Jeff and Brett are present as are Adam and Trevor. Book three is a continuation of the first two installments, but also serves as a standalone read.

Product Link:  http://www.amazon.com/Dumb-Jock-Appearances-Matter-ebook/dp/B009208QCS

Reviewer:   John

Review:  I love a good nerd/jock novel. I find them fresh and interesting even though some people claim that they have been retold a hundred times. But have they? If you go looking for them, you could only come across one or two. So, when Jeff Erno came out with the third installment of the Dumb Jock series, I had to read it.

The story starts with Todd Hoffman. He has had a pretty rough life since his mom is an alcoholic and they basically live in a trailer park. He is an outcast of life who finds comfort in writing gay fan fiction. His life completely changes after he wins an essay contest at school and his secret crush, Galen Caulfield, notices him and asks him. Galen is the local high school soccer team captain and heart robe. Sparks fly and soon, they find themselves madly in love with each other. But, things are not perfect since their relationship is forbidden by several factors. You have to read this story to find out what they are.

I loved the fact that several previous characters of the series are featured and are linked perfectly well. The one think that I didn’t like was the ending. It was just too sudden. I was expecting a few more chapters, but that left me wanting to read part two of this tale. Overall, Dumb Jock 3: Appearances Matter was an amazing read. I highly recommend this novel to everyone who has read the previous book in the series and for those who enjoy a good nerd/jock theme novel.

Meredith's Pride by Missy Martine

Title: Meredith’s Pride

Series: Galactic Nuptials #3

Author: Missy Martine

Genre: MMM/Futuristic/Sci-Fi/Shifters

Length: Novella

Publisher: Siren Publishing (October 17th, 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts

Blurb: Meredith Carter is lonely and just wants to find someone to love. The nice people at Galactic Nuptials assure him that some of their clients prefer male mates.

The leader of the Chaarta pride sent all their cubs into hiding with Delsin and Etu when the war started. Now, they’re all that’s left of their pride. They’re desperate for a mate to care for the five small young ones. When they find the picture of the lovely creature with long brown hair in Galactic Nuptial’s catalog, they know they’ve found their mate.

It’s too bad they didn’t read the small print. What’re they going to do when they find out “Meredith” can be a male’s name too?

Product Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/merediths-pride

Reviewer: Thommie

Review:  Now this book was a very fun and light read. It started well with the Lion-Shifter Alpha mistaking Mer for a woman and ordering him as a mate from Galactic Nuptials. It followed even better when Mer arrives at his destination and the shifter brothers not only get the surprise of their life but are actually trying to keep themselves in check in order not to succumb into their cravings. The harder they try not to really, really mate with Mer, the harder it gets. And to make their lives even more miserable, their adversary from their home planet kidnaps Mer and holds him hostage. It makes for a very funny scene when Delsin finds out that no matter how much he intended to only use Mer, he’s fallen deeply for him and both brothers go berserk on their way to get back their mate. Ok, I admit it; personally I’d love it if there was a bit more blood and gore. Yeah, call me sick, but c’mon, lion-shifters and a war between two tribes? There was not enough “roaring” there for my likening. And I’m going admit another thing. The whole 5 people tribe against a (undefined number) larger one and ending up winners? So very nonrealistic. But hey, it didn’t do much to undermine the book, since the funny and hilarious factor of the story was constant. I had a real laugh with this one and the end of it had more giggling adding to the pile.

And did I forget to mention the great ménage here? Oh my God!!! Yeah, I’m kinky as Hell, but this triangle was very, very good. It could be much better of course, but nevertheless I enjoyed it immensely. The two brothers worked well with Mer and their sexual interlude was hot. I must say that Mer had quite an endurance for such a small, little guy…

And I know, I am being a bit vague and all but I so don’t want to give out spoilers. I have to give due credit though to the author for her remarkable sense of humor.

A must read for the fans of the genre I totally recommend it. 😉

Catching A Bit of Irish by Charlie Richards

Title:  Catching A Bit of Irish

Series: Wolves of Stone Ridge #13

Author: Charlie Richards

Genre:  M/M Shifter romance

Length:   Novella (113 pages)

Publisher:  eXstasy (October 1st, 2012)

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts ~ Liked it

Blurb: Out of the Cage: A bit of Irish magic isn’t always a good thing!

Frederick Reb Drunger is accompanying his alpha and the alpha’s mate on vacation. He’s one of the wolves charged with protecting them while they all enjoy the sights of Ireland. He never expects to discover his mate is a human friend of the local Irish pack. That should make him easy to claim, since Daithi Murphy knows all about shifters. Except Daithi already has a boyfriend, Evan, who’s extremely possessive and not at all happy when Reb wants to get to know his mate. When an Irish goblin targets Reb, can he find the culprit behind the attacks and convince Daithi it’s worth uprooting his life and moving to Colorado with him?

Product Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/index.php?route=product%2Fsearch&keyword=catching+a+bit+of+irish

Reviewer:  Showme

Review: This was the first book of the series I’ve ever read. Yes, I know it’s the thirteenth book but I like sexy tattooed shifters. I think I may have missed some of the back story that endeared me to the packs but followed along fine.  So you could read this as a standalone.

Reb is on bodyguard duty in Ireland at a pack party when Daithe catches his eye. He’s obviously with someone else, but doesn’t look happy. Reb is feeling an attraction and need to claim he’s never felt before. The sexy human with another man is his mate.

Daithe has stayed with his boyfriend for way too long. He knows he’s just passing the time but he’s comfortable and his family doesn’t accept him so he stays with him. Until at a pack party one night, a sexy American shifter claims Daithe is his mate. He feels the strong attraction to the man, but he’s sworn off shifters. Daithe can’t deny the pull between the two of them and decides to get to know Reb. Problem is, something is out to get Reb before they can see where those feelings take them.

I enjoyed this book. It was short and sweet. The bad guy was obvious, but didn’t take away from the romance. Not a ton of world building but I guess that’s not really needed with a series this long. I like the other supernatural beings thrown in with the shifters and the set up for the next couple. I’m not always a fan of the insta-love mate thing, but the guys did try to get to know each other. I honestly don’t know that I’ll seek out more books in this series, but I did find another book by the author to try.

Greeks Invented Love 1: Your Biggest FAN by Missy Welsh

Title:  Greeks Invented Love 1: Your Biggest FAN

Series: Greeks Invented Love

Author:   Missy Welsh

Genre:   LGBT, Contemporary

Length:  Novel (226 KB, 112 pages)

Publisher:  Loose Id LLC (September 17, 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb:   Truman Durant has two painful secrets. One keeps him in the closet and the other hangs inside his closet. Letting either out seems like the equivalent of suicide to him. He didn’t know just how badly he needed Stasi Manolis until he found himself in the pushy Greek’s sights. Would giving up his secrets and maybe falling in love really be so bad?

Product Link:  http://www.loose-id.com/greeks-invented-love-1-your-biggest-fan.html#product_tabs_description

Reviewer:   Artemis

Review:  In this book, Truman is struggling.  He can accept the fact that he is gay, but the need to occasionally dress up in girl’s clothes is harder to accept.  After a very emotionally scarring incident in his last relationship, he is perfectly happy keeping his secrets very carefully hidden in the closet.  Stasi doesn’t have a whole heck of a lot of experience with being out and proud, but he came out of the closet and is doing the best he can.  He has a horrible crush on Truman, but figures the very heterosexual seeming baseball player doesn’t bat for his team.  When he catches Truman watching him in the library he starts to hope that maybe this could turn into something.  When he follows Truman out-of-town and discovers his penchant for garters and lace, Truman is horrified and terrified that his secrets will all be exposed.  While Stasi is a little bit shocked he is also a whole lot turned on and Truman starts to think that maybe he can let the secrets out of the closet.  The path isn’t particularly smooth, but they are determined to forge ahead together.

Let me just say that I read this book in one sitting on a very lazy Saturday morning and could not put it down.  I also found myself grinning stupidly half way through the book because Truman was so darn sweet and Stasi was just so perfect for him.  These characters were incredibly well written.  I could feel Truman’s pain and insecurity, his fear of someone finding out his secrets, and how much he hated the need he felt for cross dressing.  When Stasi discovered his secret he was honest with Truman…while he had never had a thing for guys in lace he was incredibly interested and excited about seeing this side of Truman.  He was caring and protective and the bond between the two was intense.  I think the author did a good job of making this a realistic story…there were misunderstandings and awkward moments during sex and all of the things that real relationships have to go through.  I am glad they found their happily ever after and I would love to see these characters come back in another book.  I would love to see this relationship mature and have these characters be so sweet, down to earth, and passionate 15 years from now!

 

Frame of Reference by Christopher Stone

Title: Frame of reference

Author: Christopher Stone

Genre: Erotic romance

Length: Novel (332 pages)

Publisher: MLR Press (September 2012)

Heat level: Explicit

Heart rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts

Blurb: His world-view shaped by retro movies and TV series, small-town boy, Grant Jackson, moves to Hollywood, in pursuit of television stardom.

Grant Jackson is a small-town guy, with the world-class, big city dream of becoming a network television star. But how do you make the dream come true when your resources are scant, and your frames of reference are retro motion pictures and the television series?

Determined to find out, Grant moves to Hollywood. But can he remain focused on his big dream, or will Grant be swept away in the anything goes world of gay West Hollywood – including its adult film and male prostitution scenes?

Product link: http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=CSFROREF

Reviewer: Heart

Review:  This is a somewhat interesting story about one man finding fame almost against all odds. While his road there might have been unconventional, having a dream is sometimes enough and the will to follow that dream a winning factor.

Grant is a small town pretty guy who has been fascinated with anything TV since he was a small child. His entertainment was TV guides and every situation in life had its counterpart on-screen in one of many shows, series and movies Grant so avidly enjoyed all his life.

Once he has enough money he jumps right into that world. No experience, both in acting as well as life he pushes down the path he only sees as leading to fame and gets his fingers slapped more than once. Discouraged but not willing to give up just yet, Grant takes it day by day, facing challenges, volunteering for Project Angel Food and having casual sex he so very much enjoys. Because love is not for Grant – he’s been there, got singed and like any good man with half a brain he decided he liked his skin without any burns and his heart whole.

I’ve stumbled on a similar writing style a few times in the past year and while it’s not something I would choose deliberately, I can’t rate a book simply because of my dislike of the writing form. A lot of you will appreciate the amount of TV/Hollywood references, quotes and familiar names. They are appropriate for the moments in the story where they were used, even funny at times, but I’m more into the story itself and less into the wide frames and inserted memories.

This particular time I found something different from what I always look for when picking up an m/m romance. The center of this story is Grant and his path toward fame. The choices he made, curve balls life threw at him and people he met along the way. It’s filled with a somewhat bittersweet world of an aspiring actor, tragedy and only eventually love.

While the adult movie career Grant sort of made for himself and his escorting meets combined, did bring a bit of life, or should I say excitement, into this story, is still felt too slow for my taste. The late arrival of the romance and vague realization of it didn’t make me feel any better and it was with a deep sigh that I finally read the last page.

There are strong points to this story, the main being excellent writing. A few editing mistakes can be forgiven as far as I’m concerned and it is the interpretation as well as the life-like presentation of Grant’s story that most of you will be interested in. The life of a gay man wanting to hit it big starts slowly, but after a while the story picks up and we are shown the many different aspects of life in a big city. Grant is a pretty good character, naïve at times, but with a certain optimistic outlook on life that keeps the story from getting too dark. I must say I liked the porn making part of this book the best. It was not perfect, but there were enough details to keep me going and the author made sure not to repeat Grant’s experiences and approached every new event with a fresh vision in mind.

If you’ve liked The Marrying Kind by Ken O’Neill or Tinseltown by Barry Brennessel you will probably love this book.

Boys Will Be Boys by Paul Alan Fahay

Title: Boys Will Be Boys

Author: Paul Alan Fahey

Genre: Young Adult, Historical (1950s)

Length: Short Story

Publisher:  Queerteen Press (October 14th, 2012

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:  In the late 1950’s, fourteen year old Philip Noland is a gay but sexually inexperienced freshman at St. Sebastian’s, a Catholic high school for boys. Alone and emotionally isolated, with the exception of two friends named O’Riley and Carlin, there are no familiar guideposts for Philip to follow, just an excess of rules and regulations that make no sense to him.

A late bloomer, Philip learns to masturbate effectively and fall in love for the first time, but his greatest challenge isn’t the regimented behavior at St. Sebastian’s — it’s surviving a bully named Molinara who has set his sights on Philip.

Can Philip navigate the minefields of St. Sebastian’s and emerge victorious?

Product Link:  http://www.queerteen-press.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=57

Reviewer:  Madison

Review:  I enjoyed the author’s writing style. The way the report cards and other notices were incorporated into the story was both unique and effective in terms of establishing the setting and characters.

I wonder what the intended audience’s age is for this story (I’m guessing it’s fairly young). The entire time I was reading, all signs led to impending tragedy, but that climactic moment wasn’t really that bad. It could’ve been much darker.

Overall, this is a touching short story about young friendship and love. Yay, Smith!

 

The Prince's Guard by Annette Gisby

Title: The Prince’s Guard

Author: Annette Gisby

Genre: Fantasy World, Kink

Length: Short (36pgs Roughly)

Publisher: Annette Gisby (2nd August 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Prince Dashan has been used to getting things his own way, with servants to cater to his every whim. As the crown prince, it is essential that he is protected and he is followed everywhere by his bodyguard, Ryland. Dashan can’t even head to a tavern with his friends without Ryland somehow turning up and spoiling his fun.

Dashan disguises himself as a peasant one night and sneaks off to the brothel that he’s heard rumors about – a brothel that caters for men who like men. The prince finds it difficult to admit to himself what his true desires are – he yearns to submit his will to someone else. And Ryland is just the man to show him what that truly means.

Purchase Link: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-theprince039sguard-904920-144.html

Review: Prince Dashan rebels against the strictures on his freedom. Every time he turns around Ryland, his bodyguard and captain of the royal guard, is there. Dashan is desperate to explore his needs, needs that are frowned upon and disguises himself as a peasant and ends up with much more than he bargained for.

This is a very hot short story that scratches some itches, but leaves other itches untouched. Dashan has tried ducking his guard repeatedly, but has never managed to elude him. But, this time Dashan is determined to get away, as he has a certain place in mind to go. Ryland has to look out for the prince and this time he decides to give the prince exactly what he wants.

This is a story that aims for the erotic and hits its target. Ryland is very masterful and knows exactly what Dashan needs. He has seen the way Dashan looks at men and Dashan’s behavior deserves punishment. Dashan wants to be mastered by a man, but because of his circumstances doubts it will ever happen.  So he decides to settle for just one experience with a man. Combining both together is heaven for Dashan, but they both know Dashan will have to do his duty.

I must admit I liked this story and the way it played out for both Ryland and Dashan.  But, I was left disappointed with the ending as it could be loosely termed as a ‘happy for now’ ending.  The sex and kink are very hot and they are a very matched pair in bed.

I will recommend this to those who love fantasy, kink, hot sex, good characters, a very hot short story and an ending that leaves you wanting more.