For the Long Run by Elizabeth Noble

Title: For the Long Run

Author: Elizabeth Noble

Genre: M/M BDSM/paranormal

Length: 837 KB (200 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (September 11, 2012)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts

Blurb: After being bullied into the closet by his conservative senator father, Jay Molloy reconciles himself to a life of one-night stands instead of the loving D/s relationship he craves. When he meets the man of his dreams, trained Dom Eric Keger, all Jay dares to hope for is a quick fling. Eric has other ideas. He’s been hired by Jay’s father to run security at the family’s hunting resort, but now he has his heart set on Jay.

When murder victims begin to turn up at the resort, Eric and Jay start an investigation, but chasing down the killer proves less frustrating than dealing with Jay’s abusive, homophobic father. Exploring their new relationship would be hard enough on their own, but Eric and Jay also have to deal with politics, Jay’s fake fiancée, and a murderer who may be something more than human.

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3204

Reviewer: Artemis

Review: Jay starts out this story heading to the bar to look for a guy to satisfy his deepest desires. While he doesn’t hide his homosexuality from his family, he has to keep it quiet or ruin his father’s political career. He even has a fake wife to squire about town whenever there is a campaign dinner he needs to appear at. While he is waiting, in walks Eric…a guy who seems to be everything Jay could ever want and more. While Jay just figures they will have a little fun together, Eric makes it very obvious that his is playing for keeps. Homophobia, murders, and a not so human killer all conspire against their relationship from the beginning, making them both wonder whether love will survive.

There were a few things that I really enjoyed about this book and others that I thought needed some work. The story is told in the third person so you really get to understand how both characters feel at any given time. I like that….it gave the story a well-rounded feel for me and didn’t seem at all chaotic with the changing points of view. I think the author does a good job of drawing the reader into the story and making them wonder what is going to happen next. There are plenty of details in the writing so that you get a good feel of the surroundings, the emotions, and the characters.

The first thing that really threw me was how quickly Jay knew that Eric was the perfect guy for him. While I certainly agree that some guys might look ‘tougher’ than others he seemed to know within seconds that Eric was not only a top but a Dom as well. Seemed a little unrealistic, but the author did a good job of creating the character that Jay really wanted. The other thing that didn’t really sit well with me was the supernatural aspect. There really wasn’t any background to make you think that monsters really existed in this world. I think the story would have worked just as well if you put in a human serial killer in place of the monster.

While I would have like to have gotten to know the secondary characters more deeply, I think they were well written. Jay’s father is your classic homophobic politician and his mother took a long time to finally stand up for herself. You can tell Jay really wants to please both of them which makes his own wants and desires secondary to everyone else’s. I found it interesting that Jay seems to take more of a stand against Eric than he does his own father. He is a bit of a mouthy sub and Eric has his work cut out for him as a Dom.

Overall, I think it was a pretty decent story, although there were some aspects of it that I think definitely needed a little bit of work.

Beauty in the Breakdown by E. L. Esch

Title: Beauty in the Breakdown

Author: E.L. Esch

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel

Publisher: Loose Id (October 2nd, 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb: Luke Martin Cleary isn’t out of the closet to his brother, and that’s always been okay since he isn’t involved. Then he meets Rowan, a fragile man with a dark past and one hot body. But Rowan’s heart and body are broken and guarded, and it’s going to take a lot of love to touch someone so completely untouchable. Literally.

Rowan Wilheim Nails is a man in pain. Ever since an abusive falling out with his ex-boyfriend, he’s developed a phobia of being touched by another person–a phobia of being hurt again. So when Luke and Rowan meet at a bar and end up at Luke’s apartment later on, Rowan is skeptical of spending the night in Luke’s bed. There’s only one thing he can do to make touching Luke’s skin bearable–get drunk.

Luke hates Rowan’s coping method, but how can he help change it when he doesn’t understand Rowan’s situation? By getting involved, he decides, even if that means divulging his secret to his brother. And so Luke begins breaking Rowan and his walls down, slowly and tenderly and maybe a little more roughly in the bedroom, but definitely without hurting him again. No matter how long it takes or how untouchable Rowan claims to be, Luke is determined to heal Rowan so that one day there’ll be nothing between their hearts but each other’s skin.

Product Link: http://www.loose-id.com/beauty-in-the-breakdown.html

Reviewer: Madison

Review: Luke and Rowan hook up one night and both feel an instant connection. They want more than a one-night stand. The problem is they both have some serious baggage to overcome. Luke is still haunted by the death of his parents and the promise he had made to his dad not to reveal his sexuality to his younger brother, despite now being his sole caretaker. Rowan has just come out of a physically abusive relationship and can’t bear skin-on-skin contact without the aid of alcohol to numb the pain. Despite these obstacles, Luke and Rowan fall in love and work to heal old wounds.

The story took awhile to draw me in, but once the connection between Luke and Rowan was established, I felt for them. They were both fighters, both stubborn. Yet, they showed their vulnerability with one another. The way their relationship developed was sweet. I didn’t fully understand Rowan’s skin phobia, nor did I understand how he got over it, but I’m glad he did in the end. The story was well written with believable dialogue and likable characters.

Jess's Journey by S. J. D. Peterson

Title: Jess’s Journey

Series: Whispering Pines Ranch 05

Author: S.J.D. Peterson

Genre: Contemporary, Western

Length: Novel (201pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (8^th October 2012)

Heat Level: Moderate – High

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: At an early age, Jess Jenkins learned to take care of his family and friends and put their needs before his own. He dreamed of finding the same simple happiness his parents had and followed their example. Then Lorcan James broke his heart and an automobile accident broke his independent spirit. Now that’s all Jess is: a broken shadow of the man he used to be, still confined to a wheelchair after six months.

Jess is finally forced to put himself first and accept the help he needs on his journey toward recovery. Though pain, frustration, and depression leave him bitter and eager to push people away, his friends refuse to allow him to wallow in self-pity. Jack has only glimpsed the man beneath Jess’s angry shell, but he takes it upon himself to prove Jess isn’t broken. And Collin is determined to bring back the sweet man he once knew. The simple, happy life Jess has always wanted is there for the taking—all he has to do is open his eyes and see it.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3261

Review: This story is part of a series and best read in order. Jess is recovering from crashing his truck six months earlier; he is still in a wheelchair and just being released from the rehab clinic. If he wants to walk again, he has a long painful time ahead of him. Luckily, he has the support of two men Jack, his physical therapist and Collin, his childhood best friend’s younger brother. Jack has caught glimpses of the sweet big-hearted man Jess was before his accident and he wants to know him better. It isn’t long before he wants Jess all to himself, but Collin has a huge crush on Jess and Jess finally begins to see a future for himself, if he can just let go of the pain and anger.

Well, S.J.D. has given us a story that is tinged with pain and anger, hope and happiness, doubts and despair along with forgiveness and love. Jess is still facing an incredible amount of pain in his rehabilitation and he has bouts of anger and frustration which can be directed at the people closest to him. it’s not what he wants to do but sometimes it just all gets too much to bear. Jack is a man who has slowly fallen in love with one of his patients, and as he gets closer to Jess he is made to wonder if his actions are the best thing for Jess. Jess also knows that he has to talk to Collin, because although he loves the man like a little brother, he will never love him like Collin wants.

This is a wonderfully written story that takes us alongside Jess on his journey of not only love, but of finding a new path to forge as he realizes his new life. S.J.D. drags us into Jess’s life with her hands around our throats; forcing us to see and feel Jess’s frustration and anger, his hopelessness at times as he looks at the obstacles he faces just to walk again, the unimaginable pain he endures on a daily basis and finally to the hope and love he has when he begins to see Jack as more than just a friend. She makes us see Jack’s dilemma and the choices he has to make and then finally she gives us Collin’s devastation as he realizes he will never have Jess’s heart the way he wants.

This story is not for those who want an easy read or huge conflicts being brought to bear, this story is about a man struggling with the painful changes in his life, of lingering guilt, of self-doubts and of finding love when he never thought he would. It’s about letting go of the past and looking to the future and of course it’s about the hot sexy men 😉 dealing with what life has thrown them and finding love and happiness. Jess and Jack are two men that you want to have their perfect happy ever after, they are wonderful together and when they make love, you know it is truly making love.

I must admit to loving this book, but I was slightly disappointed when Jess was made to face that he wasn’t the only one who has ever been injured. I felt that Jess should have erupted a little bit more before he broke down, raged a bit more at fate because in situations when you are made to confront the truth you are not quite rational. Other than that S.J.D. has given us yet another emotional draining story that leaves you wanting more… maybe Collin or Jack’s friend, Troy?

So I have to recommend this to those who love damaged cowboys finding their way back to living ranch life, physical therapists finding love with their cowboy patients, hot sex and a very happy ending.

Infected: Lesser Evils by Adrea Speed

Title: Lesser Evils

Series: Infected 06

Author: Andrea Speed

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Alternative World

Length: Novel (376pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (5^th October 2012)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: In a world where a werecat virus has changed society, Roan McKichan, a born infected and ex-cop, works as a private detective trying to solve crimes involving other infecteds.

Until recently, Roan was ahead of the curve when it came to reining in the lion that lives inside him. Now his control is slipping at the worst possible times. A new drug has hit the streets—one that triggers unscheduled changes in infected users. Street hustler Holden Krause gets attacked by one of his clients then is surprised to find himself involved in an unwanted, unexpected relationship. And a serial killer begins targeting infecteds in their cat form—something that’s 100 percent legal.

To stop the murders, Roan has to work outside the law. But his newfound thirst for violence makes him worry he might be more like the killer than he thought, and his reluctance to talk about it with his husband, Dylan, puts an extra strain on their relationship. So Roan isn’t just fighting the killer and struggling with his mutating virus… he’s trying to save himself.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3271

Review: This book is part of a series and MUST be read in order. Roan is back and he knows that his control on his lion is slipping. It is getting harder and harder to ignore the need for bloodshed and it doesn’t help matters when infecteds become targets yet again. Holden gets in more trouble than he can handle, but payback is a bitch. Dylan is struggling to get Roan to admit to everything that is happening to him and it puts a bigger strain on their relationship. But, Roan is not just fighting for his life; he is fighting for his very Identity.

I love this series and the way it seems to grow and the characters become more involved in a world that seems to becoming more out of control. Roan and Dylan love each other, but Roan doesn’t want Dylan seeing him at his most brutal. He has Holden for that now, he needs Dylan not to be tainted by his lion side as Dylan is (as far as Roan is concerned) the only thing that is keeping Roan human. In the midst of him fighting the battle to stay human, there is a new drug designed to kill Infecteds and someone is hunting the Infecteds when they are in cat form.

For those of you not familiar with the Infected series I advise you to go and pick up the first book before even trying to read any others, especially this one. There really isn’t much that can be said about this book except bloody hell! Lesser Evil is a story that is as brutal as those that came before it but more despairing, because it forces Roan into a situation that he doesn’t want to be in, and forces him to do things he doesn’t want to do. it also makes him face just how different he is from the other Infecteds and how much humans hate them. Roan and Holden are characters that appeal to your darker side, while the hockey players and Dylan appeal to the fun, happy, more normal side of you.

This book is for those who want a true realistic side of shifters, the brutal, painful changes, and the hate from humans, the self-hate and the primal need of the beast. The push and pull of someone who loves an Infected, like Dylan, who is trying to make Roan share all of himself or the easy acceptance from the crazies (lol) like Hawk, Tank and Scott (hockey players) and Holden, especially Holden, who can easily accept the cold bloodiness of Roan’s Lion. Holden, we see a lot of in this book and we also see his confusion as he finds himself in some kind of ‘relationship’ with someone else who is close to Roan. This book also ends with a huge cliff-hanger, will Roan make it back?

This book I recommend to those who want the dark, brutal side of shifters, where being an Infected is a death sentence, and having friends is a blessing and having someone who loves you is a miracle that feels like a curse.

A Road Not Taken by Jennifer Thorne

Title: A Road Not Taken

Series: N/A

Author: Jennifer Thorne

Genre: MM Contemporary

Length: Novella

Publisher: Samhain Publishing (September 4th, 2012)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts

Blurb: Taking the road less travelled may lead you home.

Eco-house builder Jascha doesn’t think twice about taking in stray animals. Stray people? This would be a first. But there’s something about the stranded young man—who’s carrying nothing in his car but a hidden gun—that warns Jascha not to leave him alone.

Stuck in a soul-sucking bank job, Peter has given up on finding meaning in his life. Long ago he cut himself off from his creative side, unable to get over the feeling that everything about himself is wrong. He thinks there’s only one thing left to do—until the pushy, charismatic Jascha happens along what was supposed to be a deserted road, and Peter lets himself be bullied into following him home.

In the days that follow, Peter gets more of a crash course in the hippie lifestyle—natural food, meditation, yoga—than he can handle. But every time he begins to relax around his new friend, their spark of attraction twists him back into a ball of nerves.

Jascha tells himself it’s a mistake to get involved with a man whose gaydar is seriously broken. In spite of everything, love happens. The only question is if love is enough to save both their lonely souls.

Product Link: http://store.samhainpublishing.com/road-taken-p-6978.html

Reviewer: Thommie

Review: Jascha is an eco-house constructor, a happy-hippy guy who always will see life with a joyful eye. He’s on his way home when a car stopped in the middle of nowhere gets his attention. The guy in that car, besides being way cute, gives him the chills. His sadness and suicidal vibes are nearly palpable and Jascha makes a split-second decision to save him no matter what.

Peter has spent all his life being pushed around and denied his true desires by nearly everyone. His father always seemed to find his doings “nonsense” pushing him to be more “man”, his high-school and college years are tainted by memories of bullies pushing him around, and his one and only sexual experience left him with pain and an STI. In his worse mental state, having taken the decision to end his life, he meets Jascha who literally changes his life. But his low self-esteem and insecurities will always be there and shadow his every step.

This is a pretty intriguing story. The take on eco-friendly environment and lifestyle was something I liked a lot. Jascha is such a happy guy he got my attention immediately and Peter, well, he got me a little bit confused at the beginning, and I disliked him quite a lot later on. All his insecurities and mental issues had me reeling. It wasn’t until I reached the near end of the story that I got a likening for Peter. The way he finally took his life in his own hands and made some solid decisions about the reality of his situation was unexpected and left me with a good feeling. Their relationship was a bit unrealistic for me to enjoy. More often than not I’m totally against “flash-speed-falling-in-love-relationships”. They just don’t work for me, and the way Jascha’s and Peter’s relationship went from “we barely know each other” to “I love you and want to live with you” was more than annoying for me. In my opinion this story needed more space and development. It would give a good deal of emotions at its dramatic twists that were lost in the short narration, but as I said it was pretty intriguing and I ended up liking it. I recommend this if you want to read something new and fresh, with a nice writing style and some earth-loving meaning. Personally, that is what I loved the most.

Beyond the Edge by Elizabeth Lister

Title: Beyond the Edge

Author: Elizabeth Lister

Genre: Contemporary, BDSM, Erotica

Length: Novel (290 pages)

Publisher: MLR Press (September 21, 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts

Blurb: Tate Mackenzie has signed on for a weekend of kinky fun at the hands of respected Dom, James Lucas. However, James has invited another man, twenty-four year-old Sebastian Doucette, to join in. Thrown together under James’ expert tutelage, the two men experience an instant attraction and begin a tentative relationship on their own time. But James hasn’t been entirely honest with the boys and soon Tate finds himself the focus of two infatuated men. How will he choose the man he wants or the lifestyle he desires to pursue?

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

Reviewer: Heart

Review: I’ve had a nice experience with one of Elisabeth Lister’s books and while that sounds kinky it’s nothing compared to the sexual tension and chemistry this author can create.

That said, I will get into this review with a warning – this is not a ménage, but rather a triangle which eventually ends with just two men together. It is mentioned in the blurb, but if you’re just skimming it like I did, and reading what you want to see you will miss it. So it happened that my whole experience of the book was clouded with my expectations and I analyzed the relationships according to them.

The whole story is told from Tate’s point of view and I read about his enthusiasm about finally having another session with this famous Dom. As the day approached his happiness was almost contagious, but then he found out that the session would involve another man, Sebastian. Tate wanted to meet Sebastian before actually getting naked with him and the sparks flying there were otherworldly. After their weekend with James, the Dom, they decide to explore their relationship a bit more despite having another scheduled session with James.

At first I was disappointed at first by the difference in the chemistry between Tate and James as opposed to the emotions between Tate and Sebastian. They were all supposed to be interested in each other, weren’t they? Instead James was all clipped and scene centered while Sebastian truly enjoyed every moment he and Tate had together. But then as I read on I realized it was actually a strong point of this story because it showed the difference between just a sexual meet, what the three of them experienced that first weekend and something deeper which was the case later on between Tate and Sebastian. Boy was I wrong.

The clipped and almost mechanical scenes continued throughout the story and for some reason I just couldn’t see Tate and Sebastian working out together long-term. When it comes to the professionalism of the sessions, I was pretty satisfied, but the negotiations were glazed over and that dimmed the experience for me some more.

By the end I was really struggling with the rating because the dynamics between the three was so wrong and didn’t work for me at all, but at the end, when I finally realized the book would end with just two men, I hated Tate’s final choice. Both Sebastian and James had their good points as well as bad, but I guess I’m more into the personality of the ‘loser’ in this story and that sealed the deal.

Since I’ve liked this author’s work before, I was surprised at the completely different flow of the story. It wasn’t really my thing even when I wanted to be amazed by it, so for the rest of you – pay attention to the blurb and jump in with your eyes open, tastes are different, and ours might be worlds apart.

Twin Flames by Lexi Ander

Title: Twin Flames

Series: Sumeria’s Sons 01

Author: Lexi Ander

Genre: Shifter, Fantasy, Paranormal, Cowboys

Length: Novel (179pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (6^th October 2012)

Heat Level: Low – Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Betrayed and broken by his Twin Flame, Tristan finds love with his friend, Ushna. Love, destiny, and prophecy collide when a modern day tribe of Lycanthropes deals with the repercussions of the ancient actions of their ancestors Gilgamesh and Enkidu.

Tristan Janick is a Lycan descendant of Gilgamesh and Enkidu, an average Warrior of Anat. He has found his Twin Flame, the one person who’s supposed to love him unconditionally. Betrayed, broken, and dying, he dissolves the sacred bond and leaves.

His best friend, Ushna, vows to guard and protect him, always close but never touching. Waking up from his half-life after a hunt gone badly, Tristan realizes he’s in love with Ushna and sets out to seduce him.

Ancient secrets and lies are revealed, setting off a chain of events that tests not only Tristan and Ushna’s love, but challenges their ability to stay alive when creatures of myth awaken, and absent Gods walk the Earth once again.

CONTENT ADVISORY: This title contains a HFN ending.

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/products_id/1061

Review: Tristan suffers from a terrible betrayal by his Twin Flame that leaves him broken and dying. He demands the breaking of their bond, not caring that it could kill him. His best friend, Ushna, becomes his guardian and swears to look after and protect him. Events several years later make Tristan realize that he does want to live and he begins to feel again and he realizes just how much he loves Ushna. But, secrets emerge which shock them both.

So some advice to you readers…read this book! This book is brilliant and a fantastic beginning to an awesome series which I am going to be glued to for its uniqueness. Tristan demands his bond is dissolved from his faithless Twin Flame, something that is very rarely done and because of the circumstances could kill him. Ushna swears to look after him and it will be a long road to recovery if Tristan survives the Breaking. Ushna and Tristan are best friends and it isn’t until several years later that Tristan begins to want to live and notice how he feels about Ushna. When they finally confront how they both feel, interference from the Council could ruin it all.

Well, this story is quite easy to follow with its development. Although, we don’t get all the answers and many are left open-ended (to be answered in later books?), we do get very good world building and history about the wolves. Tristan has pure heartbreak at the beginning of the book and it affects him for years to come. Ushna has always stood beside him and when they finally become a couple it is impressive how passionate they are. But, the story doesn’t end there. In fact, it seems like it has only just begun with the startling discovery of a secret that leaves Tristan questioning the actions of his family.

There is a whole new world to discover in the Sumeria’s Sons series. With various gifts for the wolves, myth’s coming to life and Goddess’s reappearing, as well as Council meddling and agendas. We also have a wolf who has been betrayed severely and takes years to recover, a best friend who has his own sad story and more mystery surrounding another friend. Tristan and Ushna are wonderful characters that pull you into the story. The wonderful way their story has been written keeps you reading. The storyline and plot hold your attention until the last page and you cry out ‘no keep going, I want more!’

I have to recommend this to anyone who loves shifters, paranormal, a hint at ancient Gods and Goddesses, mystery, surviving the worst and coming out the other end, love, hot sex, a brilliant storyline… oh and did I mention Lupes?

Dirty Secret by Rhys Ford

Title: Dirty Secret

Author: Rhys Ford

Series: Cole McGuiness Mystery #2

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Length: Novel

Publisher: Dreamspinner (September 28th, 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts – OMG I loved it so much!!!

Blurb: Loving Kim Jae-Min isn’t always easy: Jae is gun-shy about being openly homosexual. Ex-cop turned private investigator Cole McGinnis doesn’t know any other way to be. Still, he understands where Jae is coming from. Traditional Korean men aren’t gay—at least not usually where people can see them.

But Cole can’t spend too much time unraveling his boyfriend’s issues. He has a job to do. When a singer named Scarlet asks him to help find Park Dae-Hoon, a gay Korean man who disappeared nearly two decades ago, Cole finds himself submerged in the tangled world of rich Korean families, where obligation and politics mean sacrificing happiness to preserve corporate empires. Soon the bodies start piling up without rhyme or reason. With every step Cole takes toward locating Park Dae-Hoon, another person meets their demise—and someone Cole loves could be next on the murderer’s list.

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3244

Reviewer: Showme

Review: I truly loved this book. I finished the first one minutes before starting the second one. If you read the first one you know how the author ended it. Thank goodness I didn’t have to wait. This is absolutely one of my favorite reads of 2012. It’s beautifully written and I’m completely in love with Cole and Jae.

This book picks up after the first in the series, Dirty Kiss. If you haven’t read that one don’t read any further. The murder mystery is new, but the journey is so wonderful you don’t want to spoil it. Scarlet hires Cole to find out what happened to a friend who disappeared the night of a raid on a gay bar in LA years before. This mixes Cole into some unfinished business within Korea’s southern chaebol. The murder mystery this time around wasn’t as intense for me because it didn’t revolve around Jae, but it was still a damn good one with a nod to Adrien English. Literally, Cole thinks he’s hot…but don’t we all.

Let’s just start with my newest obsession, Jae and Cole. Their sex scenes are so steamy, but meaningful. They really are a special couple. The love between them is so obvious, but Jae’s obligation to his family still hangs between them. Cole and Jae are more open with their affection and the little touches and smiles make me swoon. The pet names which can sometimes annoy me made me smile. I came out of this one with much more hope things will work out for the guys. There’s no doubt it’s going to be painful, but that’s just makes what they have more beautiful. I have a better understanding of the shame gay Korean men carry around. It’s fascinating and heartbreaking. It’s a different kind of struggle to create some tension between Cole and Jae than I’m used to reading in this genre.

Cole’s family makes an appearance and it’s not all warm and fuzzy. I love Scarlet. She does give me warm and fuzzies. We learn a little more about her lover and everything he gives up for the woman he loves. The prejudice Scarlet has to endure to be with her man even though she’s such a beautiful person. Bobby is a just pure fun and joins Cole in his investigative work again. Thank goodness he’s always there for Cole, because he needs all the help he can get. Even though I would love to gorge myself on page after page of Jae and Cole, I adore so many secondary characters in this series so every page was a joy. I wasn’t necessarily laughing while reading this book, but I caught myself smiling quite a bit.

I really recommend this series. I’m almost giddy about how happy I am to have found it and know this review probably didn’t do it justice. So just read it for yourself and you’ll know just how I feel. I can’t wait for the next one Dirty Laundry. My mind is spinning trying to think of where the author is going to take us after the way Dirty Secret ended. Yep, you will be left wanting more, but it’s not exactly a cliffhanger. I think this author has created something special in this series

Amethysts of Wisdom by Serena Yates

Title: Amethysts of Wisdom 1

Series: Gemstone Chronicles 02

Author: Serena Yates

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Alternative World

Length: Novel (263pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (6^th October 2012)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Angus, an accomplished linguist who loves research, is a shy but passionate guy. Ayden is a man of action who obtains a mysterious amethyst-covered book for him. Can they overcome their differences and work together to decipher its contents?

“True love is more precious than the rarest of gemstones.” –The Collector

Angus loves ancient languages and sharing his knowledge with high school kids, but his true passion is linguistic research. Love doesn’t come easy for him; despite the amethyst ring his grandmother gave him to help him heal from the traumatic experience that still haunts him. He desperately wants a loving relationship with Ayden, despite their different temperaments, but cannot seem to overcome his fears. Ayden is not a patient man, and Angus is afraid he’ll lose him, so he decides to open up.

Ayden hates the fact he can’t seem to get closer to Angus. When he is shot on a secret mission to free a hostage in Central America, he resolves to find out what is stopping Angus from accepting physical intimacy. Ayden finds him a gift, a mysterious amethyst-covered book, hoping it will show Angus how much he loves him.

But the book has a mind of its own. Mysterious letters appear and disappear. Weird dreams challenge their very understanding of reality. Can they overcome their differences and discover the amethysts’ wisdom?

This book is the second in a series called the Gemstone Chronicles, a collection of unique love stories and romances brought to you from the Void Outside Space and Time. These volumes are hand-selected by the Chroniclers, a team of beings working tirelessly to bring you interesting sensory experiences, works of art and music, as well as entertaining stories. With several dimensions and all of time at their disposal to find the most fascinating tales, the range of adventures is as unique as each individual Collector. A special being with extraordinary imagination, he is the focal point and provides new and interesting ideas that are put together in the Hall of Collections for all to admire and enjoy.

Read more about the Gemstone Chronicles and its various worlds in the special brochure coming soon to the Silver Publishing website! The Gemstone Chronicles Companion will showcase the entire collection as it is built story by story, updated each time a new one joins the group. Don’t miss it!

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/products_id/1249

Review: This book is part of a series and best read in order. Angus and Ayden have been dating for a couple of months, but at the moment seem to fight more than anything else. With Angus being a professor, he likes to research and think things through, but Ayden is a retrieval specialist and is a man of action and dive feet first into everything. Will Angus and Ayden with the help of the Book of Wisdom be able to meld together or will Angus’s past destroy them forever?

It’s so nice to see the Collector and the Chroniclers again as they work together to bring a story of love into creation. Angus has a problem. Even though he wants Ayden, he is scared after a traumatic event in his past. Now he feels like Ayden may dump him, but just when they seem to be working things out, his abuser makes himself known. Ayden knows that he has some making up to do, but finally communicating with Angus seems to be working and getting the truth as to why Angus can be skittish helps. But, accepting the hospitality of the parents of a rescued child brings danger to Ayden, Angus, the twin rings and The Book of Wisdom.

This was brilliant, an absolutely amazing combination of action, adventure, mystery, mystical, magic and love. Angus and Ayden really are a fantastic couple when they combine their strengths and they complement each other wonderfully. Angus learns to confide and trust in Ayden completely and Ayden finally figures out that sometimes it pays to think things through. I loved how both men reacted to the other and how they took their time before jumping into bed, even if they both had different reasons to wait. The reactions of both of them were great. Neither over-reacting, nor down-playing the issues, but both being determined to try to work things out.

The storyline was very interesting and added a great many new aspects to the Chronicles, including where we see the Collector coming to terms with aspects of himself. The Book of Wisdom is a very interesting aspect of the storyline, as are the Amethysians and the story behind the rings. I really can’t wait to see what Serena Yates comes up with in the Aquamarines of Courage (Gemstone Chronicles 03) because she hasn’t let us down with variety yet.

I will recommend this to those who love fantasy, magic and mystical, hot men working through problems, discovering a mystery and a very happy ending with some wonderful hot, gentle sex.

Dealing With the Dead by Toni Griffin 1st Edition

Title: Dealing With the Dead

Series: The Thompson Agency 01

Author: Toni Griffin

Genre: Paranormal, Alternative World

Length: Novella (144pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (6^th October 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Jayden Thompson is more powerful than any other necromancer in the country and that makes him perfect for Noah Michaels, who needs his help. Falling in love is easy, but watching Jayden deal with his powers isn’t.

Jayden Thompson is special. He’s a necromancer, but as the seventh son of a seventh son, he’s more powerful than anyone else in the country.

This is lucky for Noah Michaels when he walks into the Thompson Agency and finds out the sexy man with blue-streaked hair is the only one who can take his case.

Falling in love with Jayden is easy, but watching him try to deal with the havoc his powers create isn’t.

Purchase Link: This Edition is no longer available

Review: Jayden is a necromancer, a very powerful necromancer. But, he has kept that power hidden from everyone around him, especially his family. But, when sexy Noah comes to the agency for help, Jayden spills out that he can help. What shocks Jayden even more is that Noah is his mate. Noah needs a necromancer desperately and only Jayden can help. Discovering the extent of his connection to the sexy man doesn’t bother him, but the toll that Jayden’s powers take does.

Wow. Toni Griffin has created a new series that is unique and extremely interesting. I love when we find a new series and we can discover a new world within the pages of a book. this world that we are introduced to is just like yours or mine, but it has the added wonder of Necromancers, Shifters, Witches, Vampires and Fey (although we only meet necromancers in this one). We are given detailed information about what a necromancer does (so no zombies floating about) and the mating details as well.

Jayden and Noah make a great couple and slip into their relationship pretty easily. There was no angst or outside interference which in this instance, I found appealing. Jayden’s reaction to finding his mate was amusing and I liked the way that the mating was described as something different from having to instantly mate. Jayden does have some problems with his family, but they are minor in a way, although it affects Jayden emotionally. That is something that Noah helps with when, he sees how Jayden’s brothers treats him.

There is some danger that comes from a very unexpected direction. (Who’d have thought that a walk around the neighborhood would end like that, huh?) Everything gets wrapped up nicely and Noah and Jayden are hot together… they make a lovely couple. I loved that necromancers are shown in a very favorable light, and that the paranormals don’t seem to be shunned, but seemed to be embraced by society. a refreshing change from having to hide or being hunted. I am really looking forward to the rest of the series, so I can get to know the brothers better.

I recommend this to those who love the paranormal, alternative worlds, necromancers, hot men, a great storyline, hot sex and a very, very happy ending. This is a very easy story to read and you can just relax and enjoy so give it a go.

Danny and Mike by Valentina Heart

Title: Danny and Mike

Author: Valentina Heart

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel Plus (361pgs)

Publisher: Silver publishing (29^th September 2012)

Heat: Explicit

Heart: ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Danny emerges from a life of abuse to discover happiness with Mike. Then his nightmares return and he has to make a choice–to fight or to save the one who showed him life is worth living.

Sometimes love can be found in the most unlikely places, or so Danny discovers once he finds himself in a bar brawl. With a life of abuse behind him, he’s more than ready for a new, happier start, and Mike seems to be exactly what his damaged soul needs.

With a completely different background, Mike is close to a ray of sunshine. Always optimistic and happy, he anchors Danny and shows him life can be about love instead of hate.

But chapters of the past are rarely completely closed, and once Danny’s nightmares come back into his life he has to make a choice–to fight or to save the one who showed him life is worth living.

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/products_id/1211/

Warning: This book contains scenes that may cause distress to some readers. Rape and/or abuse.

Review: This book isn’t for the faint of heart or those who want a perfect happy ending. Danny starts a new life in Zadar, away from the abuse that he has suffered for years. It’s a long journey but he is finally on his feet. Stumbling into a bar fight, Danny finds love in the shape of Mike. Mike stumbles across the love of his life during a bar fight and couldn’t be more than happy, but when Danny’s past finds him, Mike wonders if their love will survive.

Valentina Heart has written a book that is filled with both joy and heartache, with new discoveries and old fears and love so great that nothing could break it. Danny has finally escaped to begin a life that he wants for himself, but it is a long road to feeling safe and secure. When he meets Mike in the middle of a bar fight and Mike is interested in him, he can’t help but wonder why Mike wants him. Mike is amazed at how quickly he falls for Danny and vows to be there for Danny no matter what. but, when the past finds Danny Mike feels he has failed his love.

This isn’t an easy book to read as you discover the horrors that Danny lived through in his childhood up until he finally escaped. There are some scenes, both in memory and real page time, that will turn your stomach and make you want to grab Danny and shelter him from all harm. If there was one person that you felt safe leaving our poor Danny with, then it would be the gentle caring soul Mike. Mike is a wonderful beautiful person who has had a wonderful upbringing. He makes Danny feel safe and helps Danny through a lot of his fears. he is also there for him when he needs him most in the aftermath and both our MC’s struggle with the blow that has fallen.

This book switches between both Danny’s and Mike’s viewpoints, but they are clearly done so you never get confused. The emotional impact of this book is devastating. Just when Danny and Mike find complete happiness, the horror strikes and by the end of the book your heart is aching with the devastation of what these two wonderful men go through. The ending is heartbreakingly lovely with the seeds of new hope growing. please, please Valentina write us a sequel that is filled with pure happiness for these two men, even if it is just a short story showing us a glimpse of them in the future. (I will beg and plead!!)

I have to recommend that everyone read this book, but especially those who love two young men falling in love, dealing with traumatic events, supporting each other and being there for each other no matter what and two characters that are incredible strong in spirit and love.

Bound: Forget Me Knot by H.B. Pattskyn

Title: Bound: Forget Me Knot

Author: H.B. Pattskyn

Genre: Contemporary, BDSM

Length: 260 pages

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (September 24, 2012)

Heat level: Explicit

Heart rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb: Jason Kennly needs to get a closer look when he spots a gray leather collar from across the dealers’ room at a science fiction convention, even if there’s no way he can afford it on his college student budget. After all, looking is free. But then he spots something he wants even more than the collar: leather booth owner Henry Durand, who insists Jason try it on. When Henry asks Jason to be his model at a bondage demo, Jason agrees despite his lack of experience as a sub and ends up spending a no-strings-attached weekend exploring his kinky side with a virtual stranger.

Then the con is over, Jason and Henry go their separate ways, and it’s back to real life. Coming to terms with his identity as a submissive and masochist isn’t easy for Jason. Suddenly he has to face fear, doubt, and a best friend who’ll do anything to get him away from “that creep” and back together with the ex-boyfriend who ignored him. All Jason wants is to be with Henry, but what if that means becoming his slave?

Product link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3238

Reviewer: Heart

Review: From the first pages of this book I just knew it was perfect for me. I was somewhat skeptical getting into another story about the lifestyle, but H.B. Pattskyn put my fears to rest quickly and I was just thrilled to be able to add another brilliant author to my list of those I should keep an eye on.

I do sound somewhat ominous, don’t I? Well, I guess you just have to meet Jason and Henry first to understand what I mean.

Jason is a student working his way through school with a rough background and an exhausting home life. His only reprieve is the science fiction convention where he came to let loose, enjoy and forget about his trouble, even if only for a little while. He had no idea one stand and a collar would change his life in a heartbeat.

Henry sells custom leather products and looks the role. He oozes masculinity and dominance and Jason all but whimpers at the sight, touch and the first word. Yeah, he’s pretty much smitten, only for a moment he’s not quite sure if it’s the feel of the collar around his neck making him week at the knees or the man fastening it.

A May/December novel with almost twenty year age gap between the characters was rather refreshing for the author’s thoughtful way of putting an inexperienced Jason through his paces and giving Henry a vulnerable side that slips through his dominant personality just in the right places. The sex was phenomenal, super-hot and exciting without it overwhelming the book. Despite the subject, this story had a solid plot that revolved around the characters, their doubts, insecurities and the road they needed to take to be happy.

Of course, things are never easy in life and there had to be at least one insufferable best friend and an ex who doesn’t accept the fact that the relationship is over. There was nothing I didn’t like in this story and can recommend it to everyone who thinks the subject might interest them. The scenes between Jason and Henry are intense as well as explicit which I of course loved, but someone else might not. I would like to include a small cheating tag in there as well, because it does happen and while I didn’t even blink over it for how expected it was for me, others might appreciate knowing it is there.

This is spicy enough to appeal to a lot of readers, but combined with the beautiful writing and exceptional characterization, it’s a book for every fan’s shelf.

Switch by Sean Michael

Title: Switch

Author: Sean Michael

Genre: Contemporary, BDSM

Length: 231 pages

Publisher: Torquere Press (September 26, 2012)

Heat level: Explicit

Heart rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts

Blurb: Ewan’s application to the Hammer Club has hit a snag. For some reason, Master Oliver has asked him to train alongside another Top before having his membership approved. Ewan’s not sure where he screwed up, but he figures he must have done something wrong for Oliver to have taken this step.

Randy is the Top assigned to work with Ewan. Easy going and unattached, Randy is happy to work with Ewan, even more so when he meets the man and is instantly attracted. That attraction only deepens as the two men work together and find themselves deeply compatible in the bedroom, and in life.

What happens when Randy expresses his belief that Ewan is a sub, and not just any sub, but Randy’s sub? Can Ewan find it in himself to give Randy what the man wants, and what he himself needs?

Product link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=97&products_id=3703

Reviewer: Heart

Review: This is another story in the Hammer series where the connecting point is the exclusive BDSM Club and the reappearing characters who tend to grow on you more with each new book. In that regard, it’s a Sean Michael classic, with sex consuming almost each page and very little plot.

Ewan had submitted his application to the Hammer Club as a top. But, Master Oliver, a character who appears in pretty much each book, has some information that make Ewan different, and instead of approving his membership, he assigns him to another top for training.

Now, if you’ve read any of the previous books, you already know that Oliver is a scheming man, who always has his friend’s best interests at heart. But, boy does he love to meddle, and you’ll have trouble finding a more stubborn top than him. He loves pairing up his friends and members so it’s not by chance that he chooses Randy as Ewan’s trainer.

The sparks are instant, edging on explosions and the sex is scorching. But you can’t really expect anything else from this BDSM world. Because, if there is one thing that it never lacks, it’s imaginative positions, scenes and toys. Yes, I loved the sex, found it to be very satisfying and while I was somewhat disappointed that some talked about scenes never took place, what I got was more than enough.

If this is your first Hammer novel, you should be aware that the plot really is minimal and I’m not exaggerating about the amount of sex. When you read a few of Sean Michael books, it also become repetitive and you notice little things like one word sentences that feel unfinished and a lack of research on some sexual practices. So it happened that I had a feeling I’d already read some parts of this book in others and at a few spots I was seriously worried about Ewan’s nipples.

However, good sex and a lot of it, is not something that will make me give lower ratings. In this case my issue was the too quick jump for Ewan from a confident top to a submissive who barely resisted. Words leaving his mouth contradicted his thoughts and when you include his past into the mix, it all comes out even less believable. I disliked Randy’s way of solving issues with sex and spanking. But, then again, I always have issues with that, because I don’t think traumas could be solved so easily and words do have a purpose.

All in all, true fans won’t be disappointed because this is definitely a hot piece of writing; true to the series with hotness screaming off the pages.

The Shattered Door by Brandon Witt

Title: The Shattered Door

Series: N/A

Author: Brandon Witt

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel

Publisher: Itinires Press ~ A division of Dreamspinner Press (August 13th, 2012)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb: After a tortured childhood and years of soul-searching, Brooke Morrison has finally settled into a comfortable life. While his sexuality prohibits him from practicing his degree in youth ministry in a church setting, he’s found a fulfilling job as youth counselor at a residential treatment facility in Colorado. He falls in love, marries the man of his dreams and makes peace with God. He’s happy.

Then his buried past drags him back to the Ozarks.

The life Brooke has worked so hard to build is crumbling in his hands in the face of painful memories and past abuse and his confidence is withering. In El Dorado Springs, where his nightmares come to life. Brooke desperately seeks closure life doesn’t offer. Brooke must find value in himself, in his marriage, and the world around him. – And create the hope and perseverance to keep his past from swallowing him whole.

Product Link: EBook http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3144&cPath=56_665

Paperback http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3145&cPath=56_665

Reviewer: Cat

Review The Shattered Door is one of the best books I have read in a long time. It begins with an event then goes back seven years and you wonder what had happened to cause him such emotional angst almost to the end. Then when you think it’s over, the plot twist. It leaves you on the edge of your seat, laughing and crying. Written in first person, I felt like I was Brooke. I could feel his angst and pain. The romance between him and Jed was sweet and charming.

Brooke moved to Denver after college to get away from home and put his past behind him. He gets a job at a boy’s center as councilor and makes great changes there. He has a nice apartment and meets the man of his dreams. Then tragedy strikes and he has to go home and face his past.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that likes a book that is not a run of the mill Cinderella story type romance. If you like angst, friends to lovers, raccoons, story’s set in the mid –south and no sex but still a hot romance, you will LOVE this book.

The New Boy by Maddy Linehan

Title: The New Boy

Series: None

Author: Maddy Linehan

Genre: Young Adult

Length: 157 pages

Publisher: Self Published (June 12th, 2012)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts

Blurb: Alex thinks he has the perfect relationship with boyfriend Gary. When Dexter moves in next door to Alex, things start to get complicated. Everyone Dexter meets seems to develop feelings for him, and even though the new boy is straight, Alex can’t help but start to fall for him. These concerns he outlines in his brutally honest diary, while also dealing with his psychotic best friend Andie and his parents’ divorce.

Product Link: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/171354

Reviewer: John

Review: Alex thinks that his life is perfect with Gary, even though Gary can be very manipulating. His world is slowly coming down, as their relationship crumbles and he has to deal with his parents divorce. But wait, something is shinning a positive light over him. Could it be the new boy next door? Yes. Dexter is the opposite of Gary. He is funny, understanding and very extrovert. He is the life of the party and the guy you want to have around. The main idea of the story is beautifully told by Maddy Linehan since she is a new fresh voice in the YA world. On the down side, there were a few mistakes, but nothing that would make your eyes bleed. I would recommend this story to anyone who wants to experience High School drama, first true love, more drama and coming to terms with your own sexuality.

Choices by Em Woods

Title: Choices

Series: N/A

Author: Em Woods

Genre: Contemporary/ western

Length: Novella (12240 words)

Publisher: Breathless Press (September 21, 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts

Blurb: When a rodeo clown, a small town veterinarian and his assistant form a complicated trio, they find it’s their choices that determine who finds love.

When rodeo clown Brandt Collins is forced into retirement by an injury in the arena, he heads to long-time friend Kaden Slater’s hometown to settle down. As far as he’s concerned if that old flame ignites into a wildfire, then all the better.

Kaden is glad to see Brandt, but a little complication in the form of Kaden’s new assistant, Mike, throws a wrench in all their plans. Sexy, smart and young, Mike wants Kaden more than he wants his next breath.

Soon, misunderstandings and the past conspire to tear the trio apart before they’ve even begun. And now it’s their choices that will determine who finds love – and who doesn’t.

Product Link: http://www.breathlesspress.com/index.php?main_page=product_free_shipping_info&products_id=351&zenid=90bbfbv6348lgisvpk8h81sa30

Reviewer: Cat

Review: Brandt comes back to town hoping Kaden and he can reignite an old flame, one they let go out, with each choosing to follow their career. Now Brandt has retired from the rodeo and back in town to claim the love he left behind. Kaden is a veteran and his new young assistant, Mike is a very good friend. He has always been there for Kaden. Even when Kaden was pining all these years over Brandt. Mike is devastated when Brandt shows up. He really thought perhaps Kaden would finally let him in his heart and bed. Can Kaden choose between Brandt, the love he always wanted or Mike, the best friend and man he has lusted for? What happens in spring, when the rodeo is back? What will Brandt choose a threesome or the road? Choices! Choices!

This story was a very fun fast short read. But it seemed I’d read this before. Not that it mattered; I liked the story of Brandt, Kaden and Mike a lot. The sex is hot and the characters are all three swoon-worthy. I just needed more of it. The story of the hater attacking them was good, also. The only problem that kept me from loving this was it seemed disjointed and the stories seemed rushed. I would love more. More of Kaden and Brandt’s relationship, then more of Mike and Brandt’s relationship, and finally, more of the threesome. It really never unfolded, just was there suddenly.

I recommend this book to anyone that loves threesomes, cowboys, vets, hot loving sex, and very a poignant love-story.

Could you love someone enough to accept they love someone else and become a threesome? What would your choice be? Choices, choices!

Let It Go by Mercy Celeste

Title: Let It Go

Author: Mercy Celeste

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Length: 214 pages

Publisher: Liquid Silver Books (September 24, 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts

Blurb: Eli had a temper. Creed seemed to be the main focus of that temper. For ten years the two of them left a trail of destruction in their wake. Rodeo, beer, and fists were all they had in common. Until the judge in Eli’s hometown had enough and sentenced them to house arrest. In the same house. They’d learn to get along or they’d kill each other. Either way it was a win for the tax payers.

Trapped alone on Eli’s rundown Florida ranch, Creed discovered Eli’s secret, one that he shared. But he didn’t count on Eli learning all of his secrets, especially the one that would shatter their newfound truce.

Scarred to his bones, Eli avoided relationships like the plague. But there was always something about the quiet Creed that pushed his buttons. Falling in love with him was never part of Eli’s plan. When it happens he’s unprepared and out of his league.

But when a shared enemy comes calling Eli can only think of keeping Creed safe. He never dreamed that their lives were linked or that Creed’s former life could destroy them both. Will love be enough to save them both or will they return to their bitter rivalry

Product Link: http://www.lsbooks.com/let-it-go-p704.php

Reviewer: Showme

Review: I really wanted to like this book. I love cowboys and the enemies become lover’s trope so this sounded good to me. It didn’t however come with a rape warning and it absolutely should have. There was on page and off page rape, so if that’s not something you can stomach to read about I’d skip this one because there is a lot. Honestly, I read slave books and love a good hooker story but this was way beyond my comfort zone. I need something to balance out the awful or at least leave me feeling the journey was worth the pain. Sadly I didn’t feel that way about this book.

Creed’s life hasn’t been good one since his mom died when he was eleven. His father was a rodeo rider and an addict and neglected his fatherly duties while dragging Creed around the country. Creed loves horses. He has a natural connection with them and becomes a star the rodeo circuit riding them. His father however takes his money and he’s forced to sell his body for food from the age of twelve. He’s ashamed but somehow comes to terms with the fact he’s got nothing but his horse and rodeo because what else does a whore deserve? He’s a survivor and hides away the pain. He doesn’t feel capable of love but that all changes after he’s forced into house arrest with a man who proves every time sees Creed he hates him by starting fight.

Eli hasn’t had the easiest life either. His family is killed in a car wreck and his uncle takes over his care. He’s a truly despicable man. I will say that I thoroughly hated him. He beats Eli often and Creed showing him up in the ring just fuels his uncle’s fire. Eli can’t seem to control his temper when Creed walks into the room even though he’s never actually done anything. The guys quickly realize all that hate was a masquerade for lust and give into the lust. Is it just lust and taking advantage of the opportunity for good sex or is it more? Can Creed feel love or will he bail when he’s released from house arrest?

The forced cohabitation could have been an enjoyable read if not for the, what felt like, constant abuse flashbacks. I have a hard time falling in love with the guys if I’m pulled out of the love fest and into a nightmare. Initially I thought I’d like Creed the most because his story is so incredibly sad but I enjoyed Eli’s willingness to love and hope. My stomach actually hurt throughout the book and I couldn’t get into the sexy scenes because my mind was still whirling around one of the abuse scenes. My suggestion is if you think the blurb sounds interesting and are okay with the rape warning, check with a friend who has read it and see if it’s something they think you would like. In the end this was way too much for me and I wished I’d been warned.

Splintered Lies by Diane Adams and RJ Scott

Title: Splintered Lies

Series: In the Shadow of the Wolf 03

Author: Diane Adams & R.J. Scott

Genre: Shifters, Alternative World

Length: Novella (164pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (29^th September 2012)

Heat: Moderate

Heart: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Joe is consumed with grief about his wife and baby and wants nothing more than to lash out. Nick is Joe’s best friend, but he will do anything to help Joe fight the people who want to kill them both.

Joe Christie is consumed with grief, and when new information about his wife and baby comes to light, his first instinct is to kill.

Nick Alexander is first and foremost Joe’s best friend. When Joe met Mara, Nick stood to one side and respected Joe’s decision to settle down, despite being in love with the man who was his lover. Now, in the middle of a case that is murder and betrayal, he has to fight his love for Joe and the people who are trying to kill them both.

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/products_id/772

Review: This story is part of a series and I recommend they be read in order. Joe is still grieving the loss of his wife and unborn baby when he is told new information about them. Rage strikes and he needs the help of his friends to get to the truth. Nick is Joe’s best friend and ex-lover and has stood on the side lines for years and is there for Joe no matter what. But, getting Joe to keep calm is next to impossible when they discover the depths that some humans have gone to.

Splintered Lies is the third book In the Shadow of the Wolf series and is an excellent addition to the series. Joe suffers from grief over the loss of his wife and baby, but he also harbors guilt over his attraction to Nick. He forces himself to ignore the attraction, as he tries to discover the truth about the new information. But, as he struggles with his emotions, his need of Nick won’t be denied. Nick stood aside when Joe chose Mara, but he never stopped loving him. After the shocking revelations concerning a senator, Nick knows that Joe needs him more than ever, but will Joe ever accept what Nick has to offer?

I must admit to being torn with some of the storyline. I wasn’t quite sure how to take Joe’s adamant vows of love for Mara, who was he trying to convince, himself or me? It was also the way that he phased his relationship with Mara as ‘He had made a choice’ and ‘The decision had been a good one’ it seemed cynical. Anyway, the rest of the book was spanking good, his guilt over feeling attraction to Nick made sense and his rage when the new information came out was not unexpected. Nick was a darling, pure and simple; he was there for Joe through everything and loved him that much, that he let him go with no recriminations.

The new discoveries that the men made were haunting and there is a bit of danger as a result. there are some passionate sex scenes with one or two tinged with guilt. Joe and Nick are great characters and we also get to see characters from previous books as they are still integral to the continued storyline. There’s angst, guilt, anger, rage, grief and some happiness. Joe has been through a lot and it leads others to make choices about how shifters should really be treated. Nick also goes through a lot and it shows just what a strong character he is, that he can let things go when some of us might have been screaming blue murder.

So, I will recommend this to those who love shifters, danger, a complex continued storyline, a range of emotional distress, some hot lovin’ and a new beginning for Nick and Joe.

Down Memory Lane by Heidi Champa

Title: Down Memory Lane

Author: Heidi Champa

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Short (5k)

Publisher: Amber Allure (September 23, 2012)

Heat level: Moderate

Heart rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts

Blurb: Kyle knows he shouldn’t, but once again he finds himself waiting for Quinn, the sexy man who drove out of his life years ago, but keeps turning up when Kyle least expects it. Every time Quinn’s car would come rumbling down his street and stop before his house, Kyle would eagerly jump inside the passenger seat and go anywhere Quinn wanted to go.

Yet this time, Quinn is back for good. Or so he says. Will this be the start of something special for Kyle and Quinn, or just one more passionate drive down memory lane?

Product link: http://amberquill.com/AmberAllure/DownMemoryLane.html

Reviewer: Heart

Review: Kyle has spent years waiting for Quinn, his childhood friend and more, and while he only tends to receive crumbles in the form of rare, even yearly visits with a hot encounter or two thrown into the mix, Kyle keeps on waiting and hoping, but also living a life he’s not quite satisfied with on the side.

Although very well written, this short story felt more like a chapter of a novel than a complete work. Coated with despair and bittersweet happiness, it not only left me wanting for more, but also with an unhealthy dose of melancholy. I haven’t noticed if there is a warning somewhere about this being a story without a happy ending, but even if you do find it, take it seriously otherwise you might not finish this on a positive note. The story will only leave you with some vague promise of happiness in a distant future, but even if you disregard that, there should be a cheating label glued to it for those who would rather avoid such books.

The warnings aside, I did enjoy the encounter between the two characters and how the author worked through the anticipation of each action and word. The way Kyle and Quinn missed each other was enhanced with her every sentence and almost from the very start I wished only the best for the guys. The finality of their night together hit me hard and I couldn’t help it but imagine myself in such a situation. It was difficult to relate to either of the characters because there were few reasons or explanations behind their actions, and what little was told didn’t paint them in a pretty light.

Down Memory Lane is just that, one in a row of experiences worth remembering that might or might not lead to something better eventually. If you are ready for the challenge and tired of the classic happily ever after, take a ride with Kyle and Quinn, it just might be your thing.

Not Safe for Work by Michael S. Booker

Title: Not Safe For Work

Series: N/A

Author: Michael S. Booker

Genre: MM/ Contemporary

Length: Novella

Publisher: Self Pub

Heat Level: Low, but what’s there is HOT

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb: A month after breaking up with his long-term girlfriend, Eric Dennis decides to go to a gay club one night, something he has wanted to do for a long time. He does not expect much out of the experience: just have one drink and go home. Yet when he meets Mathew Campbell, a very attractive man with an adventurous spirit and a sharp sense of humor, Eric throws all caution to the wind.

Months after their initial encounter, Eric is looking for a personal assistant, and is astonished when Mathew comes in for an interview. A long time has passed since they last saw each other, but the chemistry between them is vibrant as ever. Against his better judgment, Eric hires Mathew, and thus begins a challenge for Eric to keep his personal and professional life from clashing. As Eric’s attraction to Mathew continues to grow, so does the danger of his family, friends, and coworkers finding out the secret that Eric has worked hard to keep hidden for so long.

Product Link: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/228340

Reviewer: Thommie

Review: Ah, the classic “Closet Case” and it is damn great in all aspects. Eric Dennis is a long closeted man. He has actually never been with a man, although all his fantasies are about them. Having recently broken up with his long term girlfriend, Eric finally makes it up his mind to go to a… gay bar. Yes, this character is the classic “coward” that is nearly drowning by his desires. Yet, he will keep keeping that suffocating mask. God knows how he made his feet drag him inside that bar, but he went and there he gets smitten by Mathew. Mathew is HOT, he is sexy, and he has a smile to blind your eyes and a butt to make you drool on the spot. And although Eric is quite reserved, drool he did. Somehow he got himself to Mathew’s apartment, yet the most he did was to grab Mathew’s butt on the stairs up. Any other man would have let himself go and have the one night stand that a helluva sexy guy is practically begging him for. But, not Eric. Fear, fear and some more fear have him running from the apartment and not looking back.

Months later, fate intervenes and one of the applicants for the personal assistant Eric needs is none other than Mr. Sex on Legs, Mathew. And Eric knows it very well, when he hires him, that Mathew is not safe for work, he knows that Mathew is a tidal wave that will shock his life; he can’t resist it though and takes the risk.

Oh boy, I told the whole story here, but damn it I liked it, no scratch that, I loved it. I loved it so much because Eric was a character that I totally despised. Yes, in the end he made good, but dear Lord, till that end came I hated that character with all my might. The word “chickens**t” kept rolling over my head and the terrible desire to slap a fiction character overwhelmed me. Well, congrats to the author, mission accomplished, your protagonist made me feel. And boy did I feel sorry for poor Mathew, but he had it coming, he should’ve known better. But as the book wanted it this was a happy ending story, well… kinda…

I totally recommend this one, it will make you angry, it will make you hot, and it will make you “awwww” in the end. You will hate the main character, love the second one; you’ll be surprised by the friend and pity the ex. In the end, you’ll have spent your time enjoying a very good book.

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