Tag: A. J. Llewellyn

Sex & Candy by A.J. Llewellyn

1899Title:  Sex & Candy

Series:  Oberon’s Court

Author:  A.J. Llewellyn

Genre: Ménage à trois MMM, Paranormal, Fantasy

Length:  Novella

Publisher:  Total E-Bound (December 17th, 2012)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:   Jing dreams of a yuletide filled with sex and candy…but so far the upcoming Winter Fae festivities look to be filled with humbugs…

It isn’t easy being the literal redheaded step-child of the grand Fairy King, Oberon. But frantically busy Jing, the Unseelie Court’s only male sugar-plum fairy, has a chance to redeem himself in Oberon’s eyes. All he has to do is invite a sexy, frolicsome guest to the annual Winter Fae Fest—a wicked, wanton holiday celebration.

When he happens upon a handsome, red-haired fairy in the forest, Jing senses a kindred spirit in the softly spoken William. The mysterious but captivating fairy at first declines Jing’s invitation, and then accepts.

At the festivities, however, Oberon recognizes William as a Fire Fae and goes berserk. Fire faeries, who have a tendency to be tricksters and mischief makers, once set his pants ablaze and singed his hair and brows. Oberon sees William as being dangerous and subversive—a lunatic—and Fire Fae are not welcome.

William rushes to assure Jing he’s not bad—he never wants to hurt anyone. He’s just misunderstood…

Product Link: http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?P_ID=1899&numCurrencyID=1

Reviewer:   Thommie

Review:  Oh, my God. I’m astonished by the fact that this book actually belongs to A.J. Llewellyn! I’m literally speechless. I kept checking while reading that the author’s name in the cover was indeed A.J.’s. Well, people, this is a fairytale! A real fairytale, with real fairies, elves and trolls…well you get the picture. Another amazing fact was that this novel was some kind of a remake of Cinderella. Now, normally I’m all bitchy about remakes since they usually suck big time, but this, oh my! This was a big, big hit for me. I’m not exaggerating when I say that I was bouncing up and down at times while reading this story. I don’t really know what to say here, the blurb pretty much covers things, but I loved these characters. Jing (love that name) is in my eyes a very cute and sweet fairy. It baffles me that the kingdom thinks that he’s stupid. Poor fella! He has a hard time landing a job since all he’s good at is dancing and just being happy. How cute is that? Finally, he lands the job of Sugar Plum Fairy, heads up, he’s the only male one and he’s more than happy about it. It’s something he can’t screw up. Jing’s main job is to entertain during the Winter Fae feast. Wait, did I mention that he’s a bit unlucky? No? Well, he is. While everything seems to finally be working for him, the King announces that the only way to join the festivities is to bring with you a hot date, and being the unlucky sod he is and having a real issue with landing a guy, the future doesn’t seem that bright for Jing. Everybody is turning him down and to make things worse, even his closest friends are betting on him not joining the feast at all (by the way, the feast is a huge orgy. Yeah! Hot!).

In his desperation and melancholy, Jing goes for a walk at the forest when wonder of wonders; he meets the most beautiful, gorgeous, sexy fairy he’s ever laid his eyes upon. He even gets a date out of him, the promise that he (William) will escort him at the ball the next day.

This is how things start for Jing. This is how he finds out that there’s more to him than a subdued young man who all think is stupid. This is how the greatest revelations of his entire life happen and how he finds the strongest, fiercest feeling of them all…

And this is how I discovered that A.J. Llewellyn can write hot stories that can warm your blood into something fierce. Excellent characters and imagination and a lovely plot as well.  Well done indeed! I enjoyed this fairytale immensely since it was fantastic and hot and fast and gripping. I absolutely recommend this novel to you if you like fairytales, fairies and hot orgies. J

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?

Orgasmic Texas Dawn by A.J. Llewellyn and D.J. Manly

Title: Orgasmic Texas Dawn

Series: Orgasmic Texas Dawn 01

Author: A.J. Llewellyn & D.J. Manly

Genre: Contemporary, Crime

Length: Novel (237pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (22nd September 2012)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: A Canadian cop running from a romance gone bad. A US Marshal who needs help with solving a bizarre mystery around a cross-dressing Cher impersonator. Add one to the other and watch the sparks fly!

Canadian cop Kieran Fox has fallen from grace after a disastrous romance with the wrong guy–the head of a drug cartel. When Sheriff Dillon DePriest moseys on up north begging Kieran to come to his town of Lone Trail, Texas, to help him deal with a gang of murderous drug dealers, he says yes, if only to get away from the scene of his own crime. Kieran soon learns that the tough little Texas town is knees-deep in an escalating mystery.

There’s a cross-dressing Cher impersonator, a killer missing some gold teeth and his…er…dangly bits. Then there’s Kieran’s growing attraction for Lone Pine’s sexy US Marshal, Jubilee Mason, that he neither wants nor needs…

CONTENT ADVISORY: This title has a HFN ending.

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/products_id/1208

Review: Kieran Fox is reeling from a disastrous romance which has left him jobless. He’s head-hunted by a Texas Sheriff and finds himself in the town of Lone Trail, Texas to put a stop to murders and drug deals. Jubilee is a US Marshal who’s on a task force that is digging into the drug cartel. Teaming up with Kieran is a great idea when the bad guys begin to drop, but the attraction between Kieran and Jubilee could be a problem in small town Lone Trail…as well as the problem of Jubilee’s closet door.

Oooohhhh!! now this was a great mixture of excitement, danger, banter, interesting characters, astounding pets and the beginning of a romance with obstacles to overcome. Kieran has been badly burnt in his last romance and has no plans for a new one. But, his attraction to Jubilee clouds his mind. Jubilee is in the closet, but his attraction to Kieran has him sticking his toe out. He doesn’t know what he’s going to do, but he can’t fight what he feels. Both men have to focus on their joint investigation into the drugs and murder that hovers over Lone Trail.

God. Kieran and Jubilee are brilliant characters. I loved their banter and teasing and their general interaction. They make a brilliant team both on and off the job and their interactions with other characters are great. Both are very comfortable in themselves and it shows in how they are with others. Dillon is another great character who you will enjoy, there are a few characters that will give you a giggle and make for a very interesting story. While our men are chasing the baddies, there’s a certain baddie that comes for Kieran and he is nasty in his methods of drawing Kieran to his clutches.

There’s a bit going on and you follow the trails as they take you through the suspects trying to find the main drug dealer/murderer Reggie Jones; with an alligator autopsy, gruesome remains, betrayal from an insider and drugs turning up in unexpected places. This is a very enjoyable story that is well written and gives you some chuckles and one or two ‘ugh, ewww gross’ moments. One thing I will tell you is that while Kieran and Jubilee get together it isn’t until near the end and then a bit of a bombshell is dropped on them. Although from the way they are in bed, I doubt it will be anything more than a slight blip, because they are HOT.

So, I am recommending this to those who love crime, guns, alligators, backward hicks, a shoot-out, betrayal, a very conniving bad guy… or maybe two, and a romance that is hard to get off the ground, but with some hot sex and with an opening for the next book.

 

 

He's Gone Home by A. J. Llewellyn

Title: He’s Gone Home

Series: N/A

Author: A.J. Llewellyn

Genre: Contemporary Gay Romance

Length: Novella (120 pg)

Publisher: Amber Quill Press LLC (May 20th, 2012)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb: Diego Cabrera thought his turbulent life in Ventura was behind him. He gave up his life on the police force, drugs, drink, and a toxic relationship with his family to start a new, sober existence in Hollywood with a fantastic job in creative development at a major studio. But the opportunity for a blind date leads Diego back to the beach and a catastrophic decision to try Tokyo Tea.

Diego’s quickly arrested and charged with a DUI. Ventura is notoriously tough on drunk driving convictions, and in spite of it being Diego’s first offense, he’s given 48 hours in the slammer.

Petrified that his new carefully crafted world is about to be destroyed, Diego receives unexpected support from the sexy Vincent Eagle, the probation officer with whom he had the blind date. Can Diego juggle his newfound feelings for Vincent, memories of an abusive father, his job with a volatile boss, and remain sober? And why did he go home in the first place?

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

Reviewer: Thommie

Review: Another romance from A.J Llewellyn that is highly emotional and an incredibly quick read. I suppose that is what I like about Llewellyn, her writing is very good and I don’t have to dwell on passages wondering and trying to understand. He’s Gone Home is a story about mistakes, specifically Diego’s mistakes. His past is full of them and just as he starts to think that his new life in Hollywood is near perfect, here we go again.

It starts with his boyfriend dumping him and leaving him for another man, the personal trainer that Diego was paying for… Being an emotional mess he follows the advice of his best friend and goes on a blind date where he meets… Mr. Perfect!! Oh yes, Vincent is perfect from every angle. Gorgeous looking and with an amazing smile, Vincent makes Diego more than nervous. So he makes The Mistake… He drinks a couple cocktails to push his nerves down ending up with a speeding ticket and a DUI. Even worse the judge gives him two days in jail…

You know, this is the kind of story that makes you say “can it get any worse?” The answer, of course, is yes. Poor Diego’s problems aren’t over. Now, he has to make sure that not only he will be at the prison gates at the appointed date, but he has also has to make sure that his boss or anyone else never finds out. Even the stable parts of Diego’s life start to fall apart and ghosts from the past show up on his door step.

God, this book is so intense and so full with events that it makes you wonder how they managed to get into a 120 pages book. But not to worry, with all these “the world has come upside-down” events Llewellyn gives us her happy ending. With Vincent’s help Diego will see a different path in his life, a much better one that what he thought he had. The only issue that I have about this story is the fact that I have no idea about Diego’s appearance… Vincent is charmed by him, but he’s not been described at all… Well, he’s going to be one faceless character 😉

But, all in all, a very good, emotional and intense love story. If this is the story that you’re looking for and if you’re fond of characters making mistakes and having to struggle a little bit through life, but making it in the end, and gaining the hot, sexy deliriously perfect guy you will enjoy this book. Recommended!

Xu by AJ Llewellyn

Title: Xu

Series:  Xu 01

Author: A.J. Llewellyn

Genre: Gay / Paranormal / Psychic Phenomena / Sports / Athletes

Length: Extended Novella

Publisher: Amber Quill Press (First published October 14, 2010)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts

Blurb: Fight or flight? This has always been the way of Lindo Santiago’s life, and he has always chosen to fight. He has prepared for world championship boxing glory his entire career. From the Mexican slums to the hard streets of Hollywood, he gave it everything. Lindo thought he was ready until his world title shot arrived and almost killed him. Now, forced to retire by the California State Athletic Commission, he has defied the odds by surviving a three-month coma and severe brain injury.

Forced to choose a new path, to live a different life, Lindo is certain he can do it, with the help of Xu, a mysterious spirit force of a man who emerged in the darkest days of Lindo’s coma. Xu and Lindo’s homosexuality are his biggest secrets. Encouraged to take his first vacation ever, Lindo flies to Honolulu where Xu becomes more potent, yet more mysterious. Signs are everywhere that Lindo must choose between love and death, and he also must decide whether to enter into a relationship with a hot local, Turner Cypriano. But if he does, what will that mean for Xu?

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

Reviewer: Thommie

Review: Such a lovely book. Boxing was, is and will always be one of my favorite sports and Llewellyn managed to capture the very essence of it. Very good job indeed! The training, the double-crossing, the injuries and the hiding that takes place, the cheating and all, yes very, very well done.

So, this is the story of Lindo Santiago who rose from the streets of Mexico to the world ranks of boxing.  A naive athlete that got played by his very own manager and promoter. Lindo participated in a match that cost him two months in a coma and a very serious brain injury. His surgeon and best friend Marcella did whatever she could and eventually saved his life… or did she??

After the decision of the California State Athletic Association that Lindo can no longer box, there is nothing left for him to do but to take a long vacation and heal his troubled body and soul. Onward to Hawaii. Lindo starts with baby steps into a new life and with the help of the island’s magic he starts to realize how much he still has left. Perhaps his fighting days are over, but he has a life to live and love to let in his heart.

The author indeed has a magic touch in her hand when she introduces us the Island. It literally feels like we’re there; like we could smell the breeze and the flower’s fragrance. Absolutely perfect!

While in Hawaii, Lindo goes with an acquaintance to a boxing match, where he becomes witness of a repetition of his own fight. The young boxer falls head down and Lindo watches during the coming days, as another boxer falls into a coma. this time with no hopes of coming back.

Lindo also finds love and while it has its ups and downs, he and Turner become inseparable. The chemistry between them is almost palpable and the two of them are such a charming couple. Until Turner hear Lindo talk in his sleep, whispering the name of another man…

What? You thought I forgot Xu didn’t you? Of course not, but I had to leave him up for the end. You see, while I loved the story of Lindo the boxer that fight death and moves on even if all his former life has taken an end, I somehow didn’t quite liked Xu and “his” part in the story. I’d love to say more about him and his relationship with Lindo…but, that would be a major spoiler and I don’t want to ruin it for you.

All in all, this was a very nice story that I enjoyed reading and if you are into boxers that overcome their difficulties and fight for their life, go ahead and give it a shot, it is quite worth it.

Sins of Autumn anthology by DJ Manly, AJ Llewellyn and Serena Yates

Title: Sins of Autumn

Author: D.J. Manly,  A.J. Llewellyn, Serena Yates

Series: The Seven Deadly Sins

Genre: M/M contemporary

ISBN: 978-0-85715-775-1

Publisher: Total-E-Bound Publishing (November 7, 2011)

Format/length: ebook 463 KB

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts

Reviewer: Artemis

From the Publisher:   The Sins of Autumn weaves a general thread of revelation loosely tying these tales together. Wrath, gluttony and pride are explored in these hot m/m tales involving action, burning hot sex and out-of-this-world adventures that will leave you hoping for cooler weather—soon!

About the Authors:

D.J. Manly:   I write not only for my own pleasure, but for the pleasure of my readers. I can’t remember a time in my life when I haven’t written and told stories. When I’m not writing, I’m dreaming about writing, doing something wild and adventurous, or trying to make the world a better and more open-minded place to live in.

A.J. Llewellyn:   A.J. Llewellyn lives in California, but dreams of living in Hawaii. Frequent trips to all the islands, bags of Kona coffee in the fridge and a healthy collection of Hawaiian records keep this writer refueled

Serena Yates:   I’m a night owl who starts writing when everyone else in my time zone is asleep. I’ve loved reading all my life and spent most of my childhood with my nose buried in a book. Although I always wanted to be a writer, financial independence came first. Twenty-some years and a successful business career later I took some online writing classes and never looked back.

My Review:   The first book of this anthology really grabbed me right from the start. In Hail Storm by D.J.Manly, Chance and his friends absolutely worship the rock band Hail Storm and form a tribute band in their honor. Chance doesn’t realize that he has a connection to the lead singer until they meet face to face. It turns out that Hail, the lead singer, is actually Chance’s brother and the two quickly form quite a deep bond. A little thing like falling in love with the same guy (Storm, a key member of the band) might just tear them apart.

From the very beginning of this book, I could feel the hormonal angst of a young guy and his passionate obsession with his favorite rock band. There is a lot of hero-worship going on and he cannot believe it when Hail tells him they are really brothers. Chance is torn between the loyalty he feels towards his brother and the deep feelings he develops for Storm. Hail is obsessed with Storm and Chance knows that by falling in love with him, he will bring Hail’s wrath down on both of them.

I loved the way the author portrayed the conflict in this story. Hail gives Chance everything…opening his home to him and helping him achieve his own success, but in return Chance falls in love with the man Hail wanted to claim as his own. There was no malice involved, just circumstance, and as the pages turned and the conflict was resolved I had to smile at how right things ended up in the end.

The second book of this anthology, Full by A.J.Llewellyn didn’t grab me quite like the first one did. Barney Calloway is an extremely overweight voice over actor in Hollywood. He has struggled with his weight his whole life and after a particularly embarrassing party mishap he finds a business card tucked under his windshield wiper saying one word. Full. On the back is a phone number (which he calls) and miraculously the next morning he wakes up at his ideal weight. Family members and old flames react oddly to the new Barney and he isn’t sure that being overweight was really his only problem.

The message that the author portrays here is a powerful one….our happiness cannot be achieved by being physically perfect. Barney is overweight at the beginning, yes, but after the weight comes off, he starts to realize that maybe he had a ‘fuller’ life than he thought he did. While I liked the story, I think the writing was a bit choppy. I would have liked for the pace of the story to slow down a bit, maybe have the author pick a few key characters to focus on, and still keep the same storyline. Great message, though and one Barney finally understood in the end.

In Autumn Quest by Serena Yates there is a parchment thief stealing books and scrolls from the Royal Library and he must be stopped. The Khan decides to put his youngest son, Bayar, in charge of solving the mystery of the thief’s identity. Bayer chooses an assistant…Chinux, a bounty hunter…to help him in this quest.

The contrast between the scholarly Bayer and the rough and tumble bounty hunter is quite evident. Even though Bayer should be in charge (being royalty and all), it is clearly Chinux that is leading this expedition. They are shocked to learn the true identity of the thief, but their combined strengths and talents allow them to overcome evil in the end. There is a nice bit of adventure, intrigue, and passion all wrapped up in this story. These two characters really complement each other well and I was rooting for them to not only find the thief, but maybe find a life together in the end as well.

Overall, the Sins of Autumn Anthology is a nice collection of stories that illustrate the sins of wrath, gluttony, and pride and how passion can play a part in all of them.

 

Bunyip by A. J. Llewellyn

Title: Bunyip

Series: N/A

Author: A. J. Llewellyn

Genre: M/M, Contemporary, Paranormal, Romantic Comedy

Length: Novella (22k words)

Publisher: Amber Quill Press, LLC (January 15, 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts

Blurb: Forensic audio specialist Steve Maddox is a busy guy who has no time to date. Balancing a strenuous work schedule and time for his cat and dog, he’s ecstatic when his best friend, Silvana, organizes a gay speed dating event, bringing into his life the magnetic and handsome criminal defense attorney, Alexio Manolis.

The two men hit it off instantly, with sparks bouncing off the walls of the Petersen Automotive Museum where the event is being held. Their conversation crackles until Alexio says he has a pet a bunyip named Norman. Steve feels a little stupid. What the heck is a bunyip? He has no time to ask, though, since he’s onto his next “date.”

Alexio, however, pursues Steve and the two men start dating. Meanwhile, Steve Googles bunyips and discovers they are mythical Australian creatures of Aboriginal legend. It’s just impossible. Does this smart and sexy attorney really have an imaginary, violent pet? Or is “bunyip” slang for something else?

Alexio is tight-lipped and keeps putting off the meeting between Steve and his elusive pet. Soon Steve starts to worry when Alexio disappears into his basement all the time and has savage scratches on his body he says Norman gave him by accident.

Is Steve’s fantastic, hot new lover absolutely crackers, or does the cantankerous bunyip actually exist?

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

Reviewer: Thommie

Review: Steve and Alexio meet on an “Animal lovers” speed date event and from the minute they lay eyes on each other they feel a deep connection between them. Alexio seems to be everything Steve has ever wanted. He’s loving with animals (very, very important quality); sweet and caring for him, extremely sexy and when they make love it is beyond passionate. He even seems to know exactly what Steve is thinking or wanting every single moment. Everything is extraordinary easy and beautiful with Alexio, it feels almost too good to be true. Almost! Alexio is the proud owner of a bunyip named Norman… Yes, a bunyip! That mythical creature we hear on old Australian Aboriginal legends. Steve finds himself in an odd situation; he can’t believe that the perfect man of his dreams might not be so perfect after all. He looks so normal, well “perfectly” normal that the bunyip must be something entirely different, a new breed of animal perhaps…

While their relationship advances and they discover to be perfectly compatible for each other Steve starts to feel the “one” emotion he’s been looking for. Love!! He loves Alexio, he loves his cat, he loves his brother and sister-in-law and they love him back. Except Norman. Steve still hasn’t met Norman and the fact that Alexio keep canceling it is itching Steve’s mind. He decides he should see Norman one way or another, with or without Alexio’s permission… Will he find this creature in the basement where it’s supposed to live or is it all a figment of Alexio’s imagination and the love he’s been hoping for is about to be lost forever..?

A great story from A. J. Llewellyn, sweet, passionate, with lots of suspense and a good notch of magic, it captured me from the very beginning. I loved Alexio and his “magical” family, admired Steve for his courage, got a bit pissed off with Silvana and envy eats my heart for Norman. I want one too!!

So, fans of paranormal/romance/magic animals and all sorts of animals I recommend this story to you and I am sure you will enjoy reading it.

 

Mirrors by DJ Manly and AJ Llewellyn

Title: Mirrors

Author: D.J. Manly & A.J. Llewellyn

Genre: Contemporary, Mystery, Suspense

Length: Super Novel (280pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (7th April 2012)

Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Aaron Mayer has lived in poverty, while his identical twin Troy enjoyed a privileged existence. When Aaron unexpectedly hears from Troy, he discovers his twin has committed suicide. In a letter, Troy offers Aaron the chance of living his life…

Troy and Aaron Mayer, identical twins separated from the age of two, have lived wildly different lives. Aaron has struggled taking care of their alcoholic, gambling-addicted mother, leaving his finances in disarray. Troy, living with their father, experienced luxury. He calls Aaron asking to see him after years of silence. When Aaron arrives at his brother’s boat, his twin has committed suicide. In his farewell note, Troy offers Aaron his car keys, his money and… His life of riches.

Aaron, on the run from the loan sharks he owes money to, finds his new life is even worse. Everywhere he turns he discovers somebody Troy devastated… including his handsome, charismatic husband, Dave Alvarez, who is on the verge of leaving Troy. Can Aaron turn things around for Troy… and for himself? Or are some mirrors just meant to be broken?

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/products_id/828?zenid=7655563b0076f4c7f2b3159d0279047a

Review: Aaron thinks its providence when his brother phones him and offers to help him out of the trouble his mother landed him in, but when he turns up for the meeting, things are much different from he thought they would be.  With the opportunity to experience the life he could have had, Aaron embarks on an adventure that will take him to the highs of joy and the depths of despair.

This is a story that will grab you by the throat, shake you about and then toss you on the floor like a used towel and you’ll take it then ask at the end ‘but will they find it?’. Aaron is desperate when his brother phones him, so he jumps at the chance to meet him.  But, when he arrives and Troy is gone and there’s a note saying ‘you’re welcome to my life, enjoy’. It doesn’t take him long to take the option that will keep him alive. Dave is Troy’s husband and although Dave loves Troy, he can’t take any more of the treatment that is always being dished out.  When he returns from a business trip Troy has changed for the better and it has him reconsidering his plans.

A brilliantly written story that didn’t take the easy option of the twins knowing everything about each other.  They were strangers who hadn’t seen each other since a very young age. When Aaron takes over his brother’s life, he struggles with even the simplest facts, like where his brother lives. At first, it’s a struggle for him to fit into his brother’s shoes, but he bluffs as much as he can with the help of a list his brother wrote. I loved the way that Aaron contemplates how he is going to pull it all off and then the guilt he starts to feel as he begins to realize exactly what kind of man his brother is and then even more guilt as he realizes that everyone would hate him if they found out the truth.

There is a damn lot going on in Troy’s life that Aaron gets pulled into and how he bluffed like he constantly did was amazing. There are lots of secrets that become unraveled, mystery and suspense and there are a couple of twists and some violence. There are a lot of bitter feelings and betrayal, cons, lies and confessions and the reactions of some of the characters were well written and fantastically portrayed. This is one of those stories where not everything is as it seems and there are secrets inside secrets and you sit there shaking your head as you realize that someone is playing the long game.

The relationship between Aaron and Dave is far from easy, as Aaron tries to play Troy and he can’t have Dave divorcing Troy or they might find out who he really is. I really wasn’t sure about Aaron stepping into those shoes, but the authors both handled it well and they managed to blend it into the story where it seemed natural between Dave and Aaron when they do become intimate.

This story I am recommending to everyone as we have mystery, suspense, murder, secrets, twists, violence, lies, and cons and amidst all that we have a love developing that is sweet and some hot sex to sweeten the deal. P.S. Karma is a Queen bitch.

 

 

Tame by A. J. Llewellyn

Title: Tame

Author: A.J. Llewellyn

Genre: Shifter, Dark Fantasy, Mystery

Length: Novella (106pgs)

Publisher: Amber Quill (Amber Allure) (16th October 2011)

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Cavan Carmichael has just transferred to LAPD from rural Oregon. It’s Halloween and he’s expecting…well, the unexpected, since it’s the time of spooky things, and this is LA, after all. Nobody, however, could have predicted an animal abuse call that turns out to reveal a beaten, chained-up man in a garden shed.

Then come the words that Cavan knows will haunt him for life: “Don’t worry, I’m tame.”

Cavan rescues the man who, underneath the bruises and blood, is very handsome. And mysterious. Nothing about the stranger adds up. Nothing he says makes sense. For every medical test the doctors perform, only more questions arise. When Ludo, as he insists he be called, is admitted to the hospital, he has grievous injuries inflicted by a despicable assailant via antique torture instruments.

Unbelievably, Ludo’s injuries heal fast and Cavan, who visits the recuperating man, is astonished to find he is attracted and protective of the man. But can Cavan overlook the oddities, such as bristles under the man’s tongue? The strange wolf hairs in his wounds? Is the most beautiful man Cavan has ever seen really…tame?

Purchase Link: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/Tame.html

This title is part of the Howling At The Moon 2011 AmberPax™ Collection.

Review: Cavan is a cop; he’s just doing his job never expecting to find a man who desperately needs his help. Ludo is a man with secrets, he is stuck in a mess until he is rescued by a policeman and he finds that he is able to trust this man with a heart of gold.

This is a well written story that has a strong story-line and plot. Cavan has just transferred and is struggling to cope with his mother’s issues. Work is going great for him until he gets called to an animal abuse case and discovers a man who has been beaten, abused and shackled. Cavan helps Ludo as much as he can while trying to keep his attraction at bay. Ludo is grateful for Cavan’s support and help and quickly falls for the compassionate cop.

There is a darker flavor than the usual Llewellyn.  The mystery definitely has the center stage on this one.  The characters are great together and the sex is smoking hot, the story-line is brilliant and I love that myths were used in this story to explain the shifter. a nice change from the normal stories. There was a lot that was left open and hopefully there will be more stories to come. There were one or two problems with proof-reading that really shouldn’t have gotten through but otherwise this is a brilliant story.

So I recommend this to those who love shifters, hot sex, a great story and a happy for now ending. I really hope that A.J. Llewellyn has left it like this because he plans a sequel.

 

A Wizard in Waikiki by A. J. Llewellyn

Title: A Wizard in Waikiki

Series: A Wizard in Waikiki Book 01

Author: A.J. Llewellyn

Genre: Paranormal, Fantasy

Length: Novella (72pgs)

Publisher: eXtasy Books (15th January 2011)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Beachgoers on a hot day in Waikiki are stunned when a tall, handsome, island man rises from the ocean and strides, naked across the sand. He walks straight to the small, ringed enclosure containing four Wizard Stones. Positioned between the beach and the foot traffic of Kalakaua Avenue, most tourists never notice them. However, Konu, the naked man, becomes agitated at the sight of a young Asian girl draping her beach towel over the Wizard Stones. He flings her towel to the ground, inciting a near riot. Konu however, is oblivious. He’s come a long way from Tahiti and is one of the ancient wizards whose power was infused into the stones four hundred years ago. With the invisible battle between good and evil at its peak, Konu and the other wizards have been dispatched to help balance the power. He lands in modern-day Waikiki, stunned by the changes—and also, to find he is alone. Seeking the signs he’s supposed to look for, he’s surprised when a cop tries to arrest him for indecent exposure. Then the young girl’s grandfather tells the officer the strapping islander is with him. Konu has no choice but to go with him. Konu soon discovers the old man thinks the ancient sorcerer is a homeless lunatic. Will the ancient forces of evil beat him? Or can this Wizard in Waikiki find his power again, and perhaps…even love?

Purchase Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/a-wizard-in-waikiki-6/

Review: Konu is the Guardian of the Stones.  He has been sent back after five hundred years and told to follow the signs.  He also has to work out what to do as now he has returned to a new time to a world which has changed.

This is a fantastically woven tale which has taken the present, infused the past and combined it with myth to give us a new incredible series that takes us away to a time of myth and legend.  It reminds us of the time when people had more faith in their Gods and Goddesses and truly believed.

Konu is a brilliant character and his bewilderment at what we now take for granted is cute and the reactions of those around him to think he was crazy just because he didn’t know anything was very telling to what sort of world we live in.  the instant connection that he had with Jason was good and the chance he has at new love is sweet but his continued love for Loho and his devastation when he found out what happen to him is very touching.

So for those of you who love myths and legends, paranormal, hot sex, a great story-line and a great new series then I recommend that you give this one a try, I doubt that you will be disappointed.

 

 

The Blancmange by A. J. Llewellyn and Serena Yates

Note:  A digital copy of this title was provided by the publisher for review.

Title: The Blancmange

Series: Elemental Superpowers 02

Author: A.J. Llewellyn & Serena Yates

Genre: Paranormal, Mystery

Length: Novel (164pgs)

Publisher: Total E-Bound (10th October 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Finn wants justice in the Water Court’s controversial murder trial – but two jurors have already been killed and now an assassin is after him and won’t give up…

Finn Garrison is a Water Mage who lives in Bermuda and teaches swimming to water-phobes, assists in the salvage of ship wrecks and rehabilitates local wildlife in his spare time. When he gets called to be a juror in a high-profile Water Court trial and his life is endangered, he knows he needs help.

Ty Anglin is an experienced Water Marshal who doesn’t really want to become someone’s glorified bodyguard. When he meets Finn, he’s not only attracted to him, but also suddenly very protective. Two attempts on Finn’s life later, they are both sure there is more going on than meets the eye.

Will they be able to find out who is behind the assassinations? Was the sea monster on trial really framed? And are freshwater people really being discriminated against by their saltwater cousins?

(Reader advisory: Do Not drink while reading)

Review: This book is part of a series and best enjoyed reading in order. Finn is a Water Mage who lives in Bermuda teaching swimming, discovering shipwrecks and saving people’s lives. when he is called to jury duty in San Francisco for a high-profile Water case, after an attempt on his life he is assigned a Water Marshal. Ty is the Water Marshal asked to protect Finn; he finds his hands full with stopping people from killing him and investigating the source of the assassination attempts.

Oh My God, this is a fantastic paranormal; magic, sexy men and an incredible cupcake story. Finn doesn’t want to be in San Francisco. He wants to be home in Bermuda but knows that it is a futile wish.  He’s had enough of the trial that is dragging on which has seen jurors injured and threatened.  You really feel his despair at the situation. Ty protects Finn as best as he can while admiring the man and the two start falling for each other. The storyline is brilliant, the plot fantastic and the characters are great. We are re-introduced to characters from the previous book The Cake and we find out more about the Superpower Courts.

This story has more twists and turns than a roller coaster, more ups and downs than a yo-yo and some surprising unexpected laughter (causing me to snort tea out of my nose lol). I have to say that this is one of the best Paranormal/Magic stories that I have read this year as the magic isn’t overdone, the mystery doesn’t unravel until near the very end. You might suspect people but you WILL be wrong and the incredible sex is actually incredible love-making and the danger is quite unique and disturbing (A.J., Serena whichever one of you came up with the attempt on Finn’s life in Ty’s bedroom… then you are seriously scary).

Now I don’t want to say this but I have to… I think A.J. Llewellyn and Serena Yates have shot themselves in the foot because now they have to produce the third and fourth books in this series and there is just no way that they will be able to beat this one. It’s fantastic. Everything was done perfectly and I think it will be one of my all-time favorites. So what’cha gonna do to top this one, huh?

I am going to recommend this to everyone.  there is something in this that everyone will enjoy whether it’s the danger, the mystery, the hot lovin’, the laughs, the magic, the twists or the storyline and this is definitely a duo of authors that I hope we see a lot more work from.

The Cake by A. J. Llewellyn and Serena Yates

Note:  When one of the co-author’s found out that their new release, Elemental Superpowers 2:The Blancmange was in queue for review they notified MM Good Book Reviews that the series is a better read if read in order.  For those of you unfamiliar with the Elemental Superpowers series, here is a review to catch you up to speed.

Title: The Cake

Series: Elemental Superpowers 01

Author: A.J. Llewellyn & Serena Yates

Genre: Paranormal

Length: Novel (158pgs)

Publisher: Total E-Bound (4th April 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Baking the best cupcakes in San Francisco is Daine’s true calling…who knew that the tastiest cakes could lead to a talent for danger?

Phillip Sedgwick is a lawyer who works for an unusual law firm: Arden, Bainbridge, Chinook and Damek is the supernatural world’s most prestigious company, protecting, and often prosecuting, members of the supernatural world for various crimes and infractions. His latest case involves the owner of Fabulous Cupcakes, Daine Paradis, who has been accused of abuse of his superpowers.

Daine is proud that he’s been able to keep his father’s bakery going and has made it a huge success. Weird things start happening, and hard work no longer seems enough to stay in business. When he meets Phillip the sparks fly, but will the two men be able to solve the case before everything goes up in flames?

Reader Advisory: This book contains mouth-watering descriptions of cupcakes and hot references to other foods.

Review: Daine is an owner of a bakery and loves to bake.  Someone is trying to sabotage him and he doesn’t know why.  Phillip has been sent to investigate claims that Daine is using his superpowers but he soon suspects that Daine is being set up.

Oh I loved this one.  There is nothing better in the world than hot men, magic and fabulous cupcakes. This storyline and the world building are brilliant.  The mystery that Daine discovers about his father and mother and the truth about superpowers is good and his bewilderment at someone sabotaging him and accusing him of having superpowers is great. I thought the court scenes were incredibly cool and Daine’s discovery of his powers funny.

I thought that they made a cute couple and they seemed to strike sparks off each other that could start an inferno.  Seriously hot. Daine is a sweetheart, a very likable character who surrounds himself with nice but slightly whacky people. Phillip is charming, dedicated and honest; when he finds out the truth he does everything to clear Daines name.

I will recommend this to those who love magic, paranormal, hot men, hot lovin’ and a penchant for mystery. Now I’m off to read the second book so make sure you read this one.

The House of Driscoll by A. J. Llewellyn and D. J. Manley

Note:  A digital copy of this book was provided for review by the publisher.

Title: The House of Driscoll

Series:  Premier Book 01

Author: A.J. Llewellyn & D.J. Manly

Genre: Dark Fantasy, Vampire

Length: Novel (189pgs)

Publisher: Amber Quill Press

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: In the midst of the turbulent French Revolution, Max Driscoll turned his stable-hand Galien into a vampire mate to save him from the guillotine. Max later came to regret that rash act, however, when he realized Galien was not a good man, nor the right man for him. Since then, no matter how many miles, how many centuries Max puts between them, he just can’t shake the rogue vampire.

Lured from his French castle to New York City to “clean up” Galien’s series of abductions and murders in the city’s gay district, Max is forced into a long-awaited confrontation, and vows to eliminate his nemesis permanently. What he doesn’t know, however, is that it’s not Galien who’s on the killing spree, but a young man Galien turned. Now, Blue is a sweet, sensitive, beautiful, tragic vampire…and a homicidal maniac.

Can Max tame Blue enough to make him his partner in the afterlife and a worthy member of the vampire community in the House of Driscoll?

Review: Okay, my lovelies, this is a definite pleaser in the making. Max is a bit of an urmm, err, well; let’s just say he couldn’t keep it in his pants if they were glued to him.  He doesn’t believe in love and he can be quite callous to those who want him. Galien is in love with Max and has been for centuries and is a little obsessed… okay he is totally whacked out about Max and does some pretty horrific things to get his attention. Blue is a victim of Galien and is completely messed up in the head because of him; he’s done things he can’t remember and has Galien’s memories of Max (poor sod).

A great storyline and plot.  I love how the story unfolds giving us bits and pieces and teasing us with the relationship between Max and Blue (it’s a will they – won’t they? teaser), which had me pulling my hair in frustration as every time they got close something or someone interfered. We get a decent background on the MCs as it flicks to 1793 to the time of Galien and Max’s affair and the present day.  The storyline has twists that I didn’t expect and I have to say that I didn’t hate Galien like I expected to.   I actually felt sorry for him. I thought Max was an ermm, err, b****** but for some bizarre reason still liked him, too.  I think that Blue was the definite star of the show and I think that he will have Max by the short and curlies soon.

I will recommend this to everyone and wonder why you haven’t already got it, but really I know that this will appeal to those who love… hot men, hot sex, paranormal, vampires, twists, complex relationships and men who can be complete heartless b******s.