Tag: A.J. Marcus

Power Play by A.J. Marcus

A.J. Marcus - Power Play CoverTitle: Power Play

Series: Dragon Elite 01

Author: AJ Marcus

Genre: Paranormal

Length: Novella (84 pages)

Publisher: eXtasy Books (17 March 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3.5 Hearts

Blurb: Can an average man end up landing one of the hottest dragons in Denver?

Naga Industries wasn’t Calvin’s first choice of a place to intern. It wasn’t even his tenth. But when every other internship spot is taken, he finds himself at the mercy of Draeke Lindwurm and he’s way over his head. 

Draeke doesn’t want an intern, but his go-to man is threatening to revolt if he doesn’t get them both some help. Calvin is everything Draeke doesn’t like in men. He’s too young, too average, never on time, doesn’t dress well, and worst of all Calvin is human which makes things complicated between them when he becomes a pawn in a power play with the world’s dragon elite.

ISBN: 978-1-4874-1036-0

Product Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/power-play/

Reviewer: Prime

Review: For me, AJ Marcus is a very enjoyable story teller. I’m not sure exactly why, but the simple fact is that I connect with and enjoy the writing. And hey, that’s all that really matters, isn’t it?

The story stars one very surly dragon called Draeke. He is the head of Naga Enterprises – which essentially is a massive company run by shifters that has so many umbrella companies and interests they might as well be ruling the world with their obscene amount of money. Drake is tall, dark, sexy and surly – everything that your typical dragon hero should be. He grabbed me from the get go and held on for the whole story.

Then there is Calvin. He’s very human and doesn’t know about the paranormal world. In fact, he doesn’t know much about Naga Enterprises besides knowing that he landed an internship and this lends to showing us the wide-eyed naiveté that I have no doubt he was meant to portray. However, in no time at all, he is going in deep with his boss – he flies off to Shanghai after the murder of one of Naga’s most senior dragon employees and then finds out about the existence of shifters.

This is a totally fun and very hot story. For everyone that can’t go past a dragon shifter tale, you will definitely enjoy this one. I think the only reason I’ve rated this 3.5/5 is because this was a tad bit predictable despite the fact I thoroughly enjoyed it.

The Longest Night by A.J. Marcus

A.J. Marcus - The Longest Night CoverTitle: The Longest Night

Series: Stocking Stuffer

Author: AJ Marcus

Genre: Holiday, Paranormal

Length: Short (21 pages)

Publisher: eXtasy Books (12 Dec 2016)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4

Blurb: Holidays can be lonely, when a shifter is immortal, it can be even lonelier. Two shifters come together on the longest night and find a way to be together.

Bran Coffee finds himself stranded in a blizzard on the way to his clan’s Yule gathering. As a bear he likes to sleep the longest night away, so he finds himself a spot out of the wind where he’ll be safe. When he wakes, he finds a stranger waiting for him, but before he’ll find his clan, he’ll discover new love and break the lonely chains binding a dragon from the world he’s forsaken.

ISBN: 978-1-4874-0935-7

Product Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/the-longest-night/

Reviewer: Prime  

Review: This is a sweet and sexy short by AJ Marcus. Of course it is a Christmas story but who cares, even at Easter there is nothing as charming as getting lost in a Christmas story. So many come out at Christmas it’s impossible to read them all anyway.

Bear shifter, Bran Coffee is stranded in a snow storm on his way to his clan’s Christmas festivities. Being a bear he wants nothing more than to hibernate a few days during the cold. When he stumbles across a cave, the perfect place for a nap, he meets the hot and sexy dragon shifter Sly Draco. He’s a hermit and although very lonely doesn’t really realize that what he wants is love.

Totally satisfying – totally charming – lots of fun – and very sexy!

An Unexpected Shot by Caitlin Ricci & A.J. Marcus Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Caitlin Ricci & A.J. Marcus - Unexpected Shot RB Banner

Hi guys, we have A.J. Marcus and Caitlin Ricci stopping by with her new release An Unexpected Shot, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway, so check out the post and click that giveaway link! <3 ~Pixie~

Caitlin Ricci & A.J. Marcus - Unexpected Shot Cover

An Unexpected Shot

by

Caitlin Ricci & A.J. Marcus

Darius has just retired as a police officer and opened his PI business. He expects to help people and continue the exciting life he had while on the force, but most of his cases center around cheating spouses. That is until a young boy comes into his office one afternoon.

Parker insists that his parents are missing, and not believing him, Darius calls the people on the boy’s phone to find one who is willing to pick him up. Rick, a family friend, comes to get him. As a thank you for watching over Parker, Rick invites Darius to his house for dinner. Their connection is instant, but their romantic night together becomes complicated when men break into Rick’s house and start shooting.

Continue reading “An Unexpected Shot by Caitlin Ricci & A.J. Marcus Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!” →

The Satyr's Seduction by A.J. Marcus

a-j-marcus-the-satyrs-seduction-cover-sTitle: The Satyr’s Seduction

Series:  Gifts of the Fae # 3

Author: A.J. Marcus

Genre: Erotic Romance, Fantasy

Length: Short (42 pages)

Publisher: eXtasy Books (August 26, 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3.75 Hearts

Blurb: When a bartender sets his sights on a satyr, he may have a lot of seducing to land an immortal free spirit.

Like most satyrs, Simon Farmer has expensive and varied taste. He’s not in the market for anything more than a few drinks and as many lovers as he can manage. When he catches the eyes of bartender, Peter Cowan, the tables turn and the hunter becomes the hunted. Will Simon be able to resist the mortal who wants to give him everything?

ISBN: 978-1-4874-0754-4

Product Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/the-satyrs-seduction/

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: Simon, a Satyr, meets the handsome Peter at the bar where they work. Sparks fly immediately. During a mugging gone wrong Simon is forced to reveal himself to save them both.

Short sweet read about a Satyr and a human and the circumstances that happen when things do not go as planned. Good read.

Cougar Chaos by A.J. Marcus

a-j-marcus-cougar-chaos-coverTitle: Cougar Chaos

Series: Mountain Spirits 04

Author: AJ Marcus

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (200 pages)

Publisher: DSP Publications (13th September 2016)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Parks and Wildlife Officer Brock Summers-Weir and his new husband, wildlife rehabber Landon Weir-Summers, are on their honeymoon high in the northern Colorado Rockies when they find an orphaned cougar cub. They quickly discover that there have been a number of cougars injured or killed in the area around Steamboat Springs. Although they are supposed to be on vacation, they work with local officials to try to find out what’s happening to the big cats.

When they get too close to the answers, their camp is ransacked and an ominous message is left. Rather than letting this intimidate them, they step up their investigation in the hopes that they can find the people responsible for the carnage and still manage to have a happy honeymoon.

ISBN: 9781634770743

Product Link: https://www.dsppublications.com/books/cougar-chaos-by-aj-marcus-303-b

Reviewer: Prime

Review: First and foremost: if you have not read the previous books in the series, I highly recommend that you go back and read them before jumping into this installment. Not only so that you can enjoy a thoroughly good series, but also so that you can pick up all the little things that are assumed as already known knowledge throughout the book. A final thing I need to add, if you are opening this book in the hopes of a good romance, you need to be aware that being a DSP Publications book this story is not heavy on the romance.

Now… onto the book, Cougar Chaos. I have to say that this is a great addition to the series, while I don’t love it to bits, I certainly enjoyed it and liked revisiting the world of the recently married couple Wildlife Officer Brock Summers-Weir and wildlife rehabber Landon Weir-Summers. If you’ve followed their relationship from book 1, you know two things for certain about this couple: 1) they love wildlife, and, 2) trouble, involving wildlife, always seems to follow them.

That being said, you can pretty much tell what the set up for the book is going to be. The guys decide to go camping/ hiking for their honeymoon with their dog. Despite the fact that Landon is getting over his injuries, a broken leg, of the previous book. Like seriously, that is these guys to a T. But what ends up happening is that the guys encounter a mountain lion cub that they save, which brings them on a merry chase which is the mystery of this title.

Fairly quick and to the point, this is a fairly enjoyable story, but more what makes it a 4 star book in my eyes is that it is a wonderful addition to the Mountain Spirits series. It fits the development of the characters and the plotline wonderfully.

I’m not sure if there is going to be more to this series, but I would certainly love it if we get to see more of the world of Landon and Brock.

Signed With a Heart by A.J. Marcus and Caitlin Ricci

29942315Title: Signed With a Heart

Series: Signed, Sealed, Delivered, #2

Author: A.J. Marcus and Caitlin Ricci

Genre:  Paranormal/ Shapeshifter

Length: 92 pages

Publisher: eXtasy Books (April 14, 2016)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥2.5 Hearts

Blurb: Being forced into an arranged mating is the last thing Leo needs, especially when he knows it will end horribly and he’s already falling for another man.

Leo, a cheetah shifter, knows he will be married off to a man of his parents’ choosing. He won’t have any choice in the matter. When his father informs him Antonio will be his mate, he doesn’t exactly like the man, but is determined to make the best of it. Knowing he’ll be cut out of the life he’s known before, he wants to go from Spain to Washington State so he can have a last few days with his best friend Cam. But Cam and his mate are out on vacation and Leo finds Taruk at their house instead.

Taruk doesn’t exactly understand the recent trend in the elk herd he belongs to toward having arranged marriages, but he’s not overly worried about it, since he’s not high on the pecking order. After seeing how happy his best friend Jenner is with his mate, Cam, Taruk wonders if it’s not so bad. When Leo shows up while he’s house sitting, he responds to the fear and sadness emanating from the young cheetah. The two are drawn together only to be torn apart when Leo’s promised mate arrives and takes Leo away.

The two struggle with the feelings their brief encounter has awakened. Then when disaster strikes, only that new love is enough to hold them both together…

ISBN: 978-1-4874-0661-5

Product Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/signed-with-a-heart/

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: I’m not really sure what exactly happened with this book. Just when things turn dark for Taruk and Leo the story does a complete 180. I was disappointed with this as it almost seems like the story was dropped then picked up again without adding anything in between.

I did not like this story.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Moose Fever by A.J. Marcus

o-moose-feverTitle:  Moose Fever

Series:  Mountain Spirit Mysteries, #3

Author: A.J. Marcus

Genre: Mystery/Romantic Suspense

Length: 200 pages

Publisher: DSP Publications (12 April 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts

Blurb: Colorado Parks and Wildlife Officer Brock Summers and his fiancé, wildlife rehabber Landon Weir, are preparing for their wedding when someone starts killing moose along a creek in the northern part of Teller County. As the moose casualties rise, human bodies turn up, and the case is taken over by the sheriff’s office. When a Forestry Service Ranger is killed, the service joins the hunt.

All signs point to one of the many photographers who have been taking pictures of the moose. Then Landon discovers a small piece of gold in the creek and they believe they have a motive, but they’re still lacking solid suspects.

Bullets fly as they seek to track down the perpetrator while trying to get everything wrapped up in time for their marriage.

ISBN: 978-1-63476-343-1

Product Link: https://www.dsppublications.com/books/moose-fever-by-aj-marcus-226-b

Reviewer: Prime

Review: Moose Fever is the third book in AJ Marcus’s Mountain Mysteries series. While the books probably work as a standalone, I love this series so much that I’m saying if you haven’t started from book 1 (Eagle’s Blood) go back now. If for nothing else than the pleasure of reading along as Brock and Landon begin their romantic relationship in a small Colorado town.

In this installment, Brock, a state wildlife officer, and Landon, who runs and works a wildlife rehabilitation centre, are preparing to get married. But of course, there is a lot going on than these guys and their seriously sweet and hot relationship. There is the appearance of Brock’s parents, who are quite wonderful, and want to make sure that everything is perfect for their son’s wedding day.

However, there is also the mystery and suspense side of things, which sees more than a few bullets fly, the body of an unknown person turn up that is only the start of the book’s body count.

For a wild life officer, Brock finds himself in some very dangerous and precarious situations, which don’t always involve wildlife of the four-legged kind. Regardless, it is an absolute pleasure reading along with the action as Brock works and Landon does his best to help his partner. I love these guys, I love their chemistry, I love their love –in fact, I love just about everything about their relationship. They are so strong and relatable as characters that it is pure joy to revisit Brock and Landon.

Once again, I can’t wait until book 4 comes out (got a tease at the end of Moose Fever). This is a wonderful series for just about any fan of action and suspense to get into.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Sealed With Honor by A.J. Marcus and Caitlin Ricci

51Cf5Y94Z6L._SX331_BO1,204,203,200_Title: Sealed With Honor

Series:  Signed, Sealed, Delivered, #1

Author(s): A.J. Marcus and Caitlin Ricci

Genre: Erotic Romance/ Paranormal/ Shapeshifter

Length: 80 pages

Publisher: Extasy Books (March 14, 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3 Hearts

Blurb: For these two, having an arranged marriage could either be a catastrophe, or the best thing that’s ever happened to them.

Cam has always known that his mating would be arranged by his father, and his best hope is for a mate who respects him and could eventually be friends with him. He has no choice in the matter and is resigned to the worst-case scenario of a mate he’ll end up hating for the rest of his life.

His biggest worry is that he’ll no longer be able to keep his best friend in his life. If his mate says he can’t have friends, that will be the end of it and he won’t be able to say a thing against that decision. It’s his worst fear, and he can’t keep his tears at bay even during his own mating ceremony as he feels like he’s losing the only real friend he’s ever had.

Jenner isn’t entirely sure why his new mate looks like he’s going to his death. He wants to be friends with Cam, and his traditions make it hard to get close to him. His father wanted to make sure he fell in love before he was thirty and thought mating him to someone would be the best way to get that accomplished.

Jenner is looking forward to getting to know his new mate, if only Cam will let that happen. The little glimpses he’s had of the real Cam tell him he’s been mated to a feisty man who won’t back down, and Jenner wants more time with that side of him and a lot less with the one who only wants to do what’s expected of them and looks absolutely miserable all the time.

Having an arranged mating isn’t ideal, but for Cam and Jenner it might be the best thing for them both.

ISBN: 978-1-4874-0650-9

Product Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/sealed-with-honor/

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: Cam, a fox shifter doesn’t want an arranged marriage but knows he has no choice. His biggest fear is that he won’t be able to see Leo again afterwards. Jenner is intrigued by his mate and wants to get to know both sides of him. But with misunderstanding after misunderstanding he is finding that difficult to do.

While I liked most of the characters in this book I felt it weird that it was written with an arranged marriage. Who does that these days? I felt so bad for Cam having his choices and freedom decided by someone else.

Well written with a lot of drama and some suspense made this book and o.k. read.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Moose Fever by A.J. Marcus Guest Post & Excerpt!

A.J. Marcus - Moose Fever Banner s

Hi peeps, we have A.J. Marcus popping in with his upcoming release Moose Fever, the third book in his Mountain Spirit Mysteries. A.J. chats about Moose Fever and he lets us have a sneak peek at an excerpt, so enjoy the post! <3 ~Pixie~

A.J. Marcus - Moose Fever Cover s

Moose Fever

(Mountain Spirit Mysteries 03)
by

A.J. Marcus

Colorado Parks and Wildlife Officer Brock Summers and his fiancé, wildlife rehabber Landon Weir, are preparing for their wedding when someone starts killing moose along a creek in the northern part of Teller County. As the moose casualties rise, human bodies turn up, and the case is taken over by the sheriff’s office. When a Forestry Service Ranger is killed, the service joins the hunt. 

All signs point to one of the many photographers who have been taking pictures of the moose. Then Landon discovers a small piece of gold in the creek and they believe they have a motive, but they’re still lacking solid suspects. Bullets fly as they seek to track down the perpetrator while trying to get everything wrapped up in time for their marriage.

Continue reading “Moose Fever by A.J. Marcus Guest Post & Excerpt!” →

Manuel by A.J. Marcus and Caitlin Ricci

51FSFDoorvL._SX331_BO1,204,203,200_Title: Manuel
Series: Watchers, #4
Author: A.J. Marcus & Caitlin Ricci
Genre: Paranormal/Shapeshifter
Length: 44 pages
Publisher: Extasy Books (February 29, 2016)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5 Hearts
Blurb: When a drug lord risks exposing all shifters, Manuel, a Watcher, knows he has to step in to stop him.

Manuel doesn’t much care about what humans do to each other, but when a shifter drug lord risks exposing all of them, he knows he has to step in. While trying to find the man’s weaknesses, Manuel runs across Sydney, the drug lord’s son.

Sydney has always lived under his father’s control. He’s seen too much, and he only wants a chance to have his own life. It isn’t what his father wants for him at all, though, and Sydney has been looking for a way out.

Their attraction is instant, but before they can make sense of the pull between them, Sydney’s home is attacked by a rival drug lord. Sydney is taken and Manuel will need the help of the other Watchers to mount a rescue operation.

ISBN: 978-1-4874-0642-4

Product Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/aj-marcus/manuel/

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Each book in the Watcher’s collection features a different romantic couple. To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, I would recommend reading the series in sequential order.

Manuel is trying to take out a drug lord who is using shifters. He needs the man’s weakness, but when he finds out the man has a son things get more interesting. Sydney is his mate.

I have read the stories these two authors have out together, and I have to admit that they do have away about them. There is so much promise in them but unfortunately the follow through is not so hot. They start out pretty damn good but then they just seem to fizzle out.

I was hoping that as time went by the books would get better but so far they are coming off pretty much the same. The same problems that is. They just come off very rushed and not fully developed.

I was a bit disappointed in this story but am holding out for the next one.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Passion's Flame by A.J. Marcus

29214048Title: Passion’s Flame
Series: Heroic Passions, #2
Author: A.J. Marcus
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Length: 81 pages
Publisher: Extasy Books (February 14, 2016)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3 Hearts
Blurb: As a dark force threatens Earth, two heroes find strength and love in each other.

Novablast is too busy for much of a love life—he works for a living and spends his nights patrolling Riverton. When he meets the new hero, Ursa, he’s surprised how quickly he starts falling for the rough stranger. As they start to explore their budding attraction, the villain who killed Ursa’s father appears and threatens to end their new found happiness.

Even with the help of friends, can their love blaze hot enough to survive an attack that puts the very Earth at risk?

ISBN: 978-4874-0619-6

Product Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/Passion-‘-s-Flame/

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: I have read a few stories by this author and I am afraid that I haven’t really been impressed yet. The idea is perfect but the follow thru always misses the right steps. This story however was pretty good in many spots but it comes off a bit winded and off to me. It also comes off a bit rushed to me, but it was still fun to read.

First off the cover was great and the blurb was pretty good also. However it didn’t really pull me in like it should have and I pretty much skipped over parts of the story. Even skipping over sections it felt like I hadn’t which tells me that there was too much extra in the story that could have been left out.

Novablast is a mutant and handles fire. If he can join his fire into others then he can put out the flames. Then he meets Ursa who is another hero. Ursa is a shadow hero from what I gather. They hook up, fight the bad guys and get each other. When a villain from the past shows up it will take the whole crew to get rid of her.

I am sorry, but this story was not for me. It was cute, but way off the right sound. It just didn’t flow with me and I was not as entertained as I should have been. It was just missing the right part to have made it better.

However like I said before it is a fun little story and has great potential if the follow thru was a bit more set.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

The Ornery Otter by Caitlin Ricci and A.J. Marcus

515Hn8MEO-L._SX331_BO1,204,203,200_Title: The Ornery Otter
Series: Patching Up, #5
Author: Caitlin Ricci & A.J. Marcus
Genre: Paranormal/ Shape-shifter
Length: 45 pages
Publisher: Extasy Books (February 14, 2016)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3 Hearts
Blurb: When rogue orcas are out making trouble for shifters, a young otter doesn’t stand a chance in the open ocean.

Now that he’s reached his age of maturity, otter shifter Noah is ready for his migration, where he’ll travel down the Pacific coast in search of a new place to call home and hopefully find his mate. He has only barely begun when he comes across Herm, another otter, who has his paw tangled up in a wire. He’s hurt and they need help, so Noah calls his cousin. With Denali’s help, Noah and Herm are put up in an empty house while Herm heals up enough to continue on his way.

But the waters aren’t safe for otters, not with a couple of rogue orcas making trouble for them, and as the disappearances increase, Noah realizes they’re all in danger.

He’s sure that Herm is his mate, whether the grumpy old otter wants to admit it or not, and Noah knows he must do anything to protect them both, especially when trouble decides to invite itself in.

ISBN: 978-1-4874-0625-7

Product Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/the-ornery-otter/

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Each book in the Patching Up collection features a different romantic couple. To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, I would recommend reading the series in sequential order. However they can be read as a standalone.

There is nothing better than a good paranormal romance with two gorgeous men involved. Although I really thought that as each story progresses so will the writing, but other than the story changing there is no true progress. It comes off fast paced but also like it was written in a hurry. It has great potential but unfortunately the story was a down side. Which is strange because Caitlin has always been one of my favorite authors.

Orcas are still a bit in the past and cause many bouts of trouble for other shifters. When Noah is migrating after his eighteenth birthday he comes across another otter in trouble. Herm is a bit of an ass, comes off totally wrong for Noah but in the end shows some potential. When the Orca’s causing trouble they must bind together to stop what is going on.

For me, this story wasn’t done justice. It had great potential but came off a bit stiff. It didn’t catch my attention like it should have but it did deflect it either.

I did enjoy reading it, but wished it was flowing off the pages instead of how it came off.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Lex by Caitlin Ricci and A.J. Marcus

814928319Title: Lex
Series: Watchers, #3
Author: Caitlin Ricci & A.J. Marcus
Genre: Paranormal/ Shape-Shifter
Length: 46 pages
Publisher: Extasy Books (February 1, 2016)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5 Hearts
Blurb: Lex’s life as a Watcher is about to get a lot more complicated when he decides to take on an apprentice, and her protective single father.

As the Watcher for the Northeast, Lex loves lobster, being in the woods, and sex. That last part, though, he keeps hidden from the other Watchers, because they’re supposed to be above those kinds of desires. He gets his fill of men from the local shifter clubs whenever he’s out doing his Watcher duties, and this one is no different. A hot guy, a night of fast sex, and he’s out the door again without anyone knowing more than his name.

But this time it is different, because that one night hook-up is Tucker, and his daughter is Lex’s first apprentice. Addie is headstrong, demanding, and more than Lex can handle. He never thought a seven-year old little girl would be a match for him, but she is, and worse than that is how her father drives Lex nuts one minute and makes him think about the impossibilities of forever in the next.

ISBN: 978-1-4874-0612-7

Product Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/Lex/

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Each book in the Watchers collection features a different romantic couple. To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, I would recommend reading the series in sequential order.

I think the idea of someone watching over others is the perfect idea. I wished it was true and could help those who needed it.

There are five watchers of different animal souls and they watch over other paranormals. Lex is a caracal shifter whose life is about to go crazy. He has found a new watcher and a very protective father. A father he had sex with the night before, can things get any crazier. It would seem that her father is his mate. Tucker however is not sure of anything but he knows he will protect his daughter at all cost.

The characters are beautifully written with big hearts, however if you cross them, they have no problem putting you down. To me there is nothing better than a good romance, but when it is a paranormal then it hits higher marks to me.

This story was a lot better than the others but I still wished they were a bit longer. Because no matter if you have read them all, they just seem to leave something important out. The problem is I just can’t figure out what it is missing.

Over all though it doesn’t take away from the story and I enjoyed it.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Eagle's Blood by A.J. Marcus, 2nd edition

o-eagles-bloodTitle: Eagle’s Blood (2nd Edition)
Series: Mountain Spirit Mysteries, #1
Author: A.J. Marcus
Genre: Mystery/Suspense
Length: Novel (200 pages)
Publisher: DSP Publications (Dec 16 2014)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts
Blurb: Brock Summers is a Colorado Parks and Wildlife Officer who loves his job and takes it very seriously. When he discovers a video of golden eagles being shot and learns of a nest in trouble, not even a blizzard can stop him from trekking up the mountain in an attempt to rescue them.

When Brock returns with the one eaglet he manages to save, Landon Weir, the local wildlife rehabilitator, patches up the bird and the injury Brock suffered during the rescue. Though they have been friends and colleagues for years, they discover a shared passion for protecting wildlife and vow to work together to protect the majestic birds from the criminals preying on them. It isn’t long before another video of eagles being killed comes to their attention.

They must face inclement weather, a dangerous mountain, and armed poachers if they want to ensure the eagles’—and their own—survival.

1st Edition published by Dreamspinner Press, April 2014.

ISBN: 978-1-63216-344-8

Product Link: https://www.dsppublications.com/books/eagles-blood-by-aj-marcus-36-b

Reviewer: Prime

Review: I loved this book – obviously since I gave it a 5/5 rating. The big winner for me is that this feels just so completely real in every way that I couldn’t help but enjoy it. The plot then did the rest of the work and I feel in love with the plot and the characters just so damn easily.

If you’re looking for romance, I feel like I keep reminding people about this, but this is a DSP Publication book, the branch of Dreamspinner Press where the romance is not strictly the main plot of the book. So in saying that, there is romance and quite a sweet and lovely one at that, but the book is about more than just the romance.

So let me set the scene, we open up meeting Brock, a wildlife officer based in a small Colorado town. While at a diner he happens across a video that shows illegal poaching of local eagles. Recognising the area – and potentially, the couple of birds – he and a fellow officer go off to save the nest.

Through work such as this, Brock has met and spoken to Landon on numerous occasions. Landon runs a wildlife rehab centre which takes in many animals such as mountain lion cubs and eagle chicks, brought in by Brock and his colleagues. There is a rather simple attraction between these guys from the get go and despite Brock being in the closet things are set to sizzle while the rest of the plot takes hold.

So after saving the eagle chick, it seems that Brock has stumbled upon something quite illegal. Once he realises that the local eagle population is in danger, he is ready to save the day. The plot is really as simple as though there are a number of other wildlife and law enforcement officers popping up throughout the book.

Brock is something of an action man out to save the wildlife – he is also completely charming and lovable. His dog, who really doesn’t make too many appearances, also adds to his owner’s character.

This one is probably more for the people who like reading about realistic relationships and like a bit of action. I fear though because of the realism that some people may find this one a little boring.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Stolen by the Otter by Caitlin Ricci and A.J. Marcus

5014stolenbytheotter510w-430x645Title: Stolen By The Otter
Series: Patching Up, #3
Author: Caitlin Ricci & A.J. Marcus
Genre: Paranormal/ Shapeshifter
Length: 56 Pages
Publisher: Extasy Books (December 22, 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3 Hearts
Blurb: Bears and otters don’t mix. Everyone knows this and they generally steer clear of each other. But for Phillip and Zeke, those rules stopped mattering the second they met.

As the son of the bear clan leader, Zeke’s purpose is to take the mate his father has decided for him and bring the Washington clans together. He has a better idea though, one that involves seducing a sexy otter and running away with him instead of doing what his family expects of him.

But things aren’t easy between Phillip and Zeke and with the bears hunting them, and Aedan and Brody. it seems all they ever do is argue. When Zeke finally has enough of it and decides to go back home, secrets that he’s been keeping from Phillip spill out and Phillip turns his back on him. Zeke understands and knows it’s what he deserves.

Phillip is glad to be rid of the lying bear, however when he sees Zeke alone and miserable at the same bar where they met, and he finds out what has become of Zeke since he went back to his family, Phillip can’t just step aside. They may not always get along, but Phillip can’t watch Zeke suffer either.

He’ll need a miracle to fix the mess they’re in, but if he can convince Zeke to try then maybe love won’t be so impossible after all.

ISBN: 978-1-4874-0559-5

Product Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/Stolen-By-The-Otter/

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Each book in the Patching Up collection features a different romantic couple. To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, I would recommend reading the series in sequential order. Although I would suggest reading the Watcher’s series also because there are crossover characters from there also.

Phillip met Zeke at the bar on his night alone. They ran away with some other otters when Zeke’s clan came after them. Then Phillip finds out that Zeke had been lying the whole time, but when he found out that Zeke’s mate was hurting him he knew he had to help.
Caitlin Ricci and A.J. Marcus are a great team and can give you some pretty amazing stories to read. But, not only are they to short but they come off very rushed and shallow.

You go from their meeting to them running away from the clan. It had a lot of holes in it and I was quite disappointed in the whole story. Well not the whole story, it was a great idea but the follow through was not good. I liked the otter and bear part, but really the bear comes off extremely weak.

I do hope that the next story has some meat to it and more details.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Yuri by Caitlin Ricci and A.J. Marcus

5057yuri510w-430x645Title: Yuri
Series: Watchers 2
Author: Caitlin Ricci & A.J. Marcus
Genre: Paranormal/ Shapeshifter
Length: 42 Pages
Publisher: Extasy Books (January 1st, 2016)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5 Hearts
Blurb: Being a Watcher is a dangerous life, as Yuri knows, but he never expected to be kidnapped, and especially not to find his mate there with him.

As a Watcher, Yuri has always known he has to be careful around strangers. So few people understand what Watchers actually do, and most think that they have some kind of mystical abilities.

When a ram kidnaps him and throws him into a basement with a raven named Regi, Yuri knows he’s in trouble. The ram is looking for Watchers, and he’s getting desperate. When Yuri realizes that Regi is his mate, he knows that he needs to protect the raven.

But with no way out, they’re left with only one choice—to fight their way out of there, or die together in misery.

ISBN: 978-1-4874-0606-6

Product Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/Yuri/

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Each book in the Watchers collection features a different romantic couple. To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, I would recommend reading the series in sequential order.

Yuri was a watcher and has found his mate. Regi is a raven and a bit of a nut. Kidnapped and trapped in a cage together leads them to each other. Now all they have to do is to figure out how the hell to get away. The one that has them is getting nuts about finding a watcher and Yuri wants to get him and his mate to safety.

Caitlin Ricci and A.J. Marcus are a great team and can give you some pretty amazing stories to read. Although this one comes off a bit rushed in my opinion. It is way too short to give you anything more than just a taste of something that would have been perfect. It is a pretty good story and I did enjoy reading it. However it was lacking something major to really love it.

I look forward to seeing what the next story will be like.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Grizzly Discovery by A.J. Marcus

o-grizzly-discoveryTitle: Grizzly Discovery
Series: Mountain Spirit Mysteries, #2
Author: AJ Marcus
Genre: Mystery, Suspense
Length: Novel (200 pages)
Publisher: DSP Publications (March 24 2015)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Blurb: Landon Weir and Brock Summers are happily settling into their life as a couple, easily balancing Landon’s work as an animal rehabber with Brock’s career as a Colorado Parks and Wildlife Officer. When they find a bear shot and skinned, they set out to discover who’s behind the heinous act.

Events force Brock to come out to his boss, causing him and Landon to rethink how public they want to make their relationship. As more bear sightings – and more carcasses – show up in the area, Brock is attacked by a black bear he’s trying to release back into the wild, but his injuries don’t prevent him from helping Landon and their friends with the investigation. Despite leads being thin on the ground, the two men try to uncover the poachers before more bears are killed.

But when the evidence points them in an unexpected direction, Teller County’s bear population may not be all the killers have in their sights.

ISBN: 978-1-63216-026-3

Product Link: https://www.dsppublications.com/books/eagles-blood-by-aj-marcus-36-b

Reviewer: Prime

Review: So I feel the need to restate my feelings from the first book in Mountain Spirit Mysteries series, Eagle’s Blood. Everything about the feel and setting of the book carry over to this one:

I loved this book – obviously since I gave it a 5/5 rating. The big winner for me is that this feels just so completely real in every way that I couldn’t help but enjoy it. The plot then did the rest of the work and I feel in love with the plot and the characters just so damn easily.

If you’re looking for romance, I feel like I keep reminding people about this, but this is a DSP Publication book, the branch of Dreamspinner Press where the romance is not strictly the main plot of the book. So in saying that, there is romance and quite a sweet and lovely one at that, but the book is about more than just the romance.

You should probably read book 1 before getting into Grizzly Discovery, although I think you could get away with not doing so. We pick up with our heroes, Landon and Brock, who are now a fully fledged couple. They are now living together and they are ready to come out with the relationship to the world at large.

The romance between these guys is still sweet and understated, but they are totally suited to each other. I really have to repeat myself again, I just love how realistic and relatable their relationship is.

Clearly, from the title we’ve shifted from eagles to the illegal poaching of bears. This is another racy plot of the wildlife and law enforcement officers of the local area out to catch the people who are poaching the local bear population in a town that is so very close to the wilds to begin with.

Honestly, the plot is very similar to the first but with some key alterations, including the bears, so that you don’t feel like you’re reading the same book for a second time. I binged read both books in the same day and it didn’t feel like the same book twice to me.

I think one of the key components to this book is that we are given the chance to explore the local woods a little more and we the minor characters are given a bit more room to actually develop in this one.

A cute and charming side note is that we get to see more of the eagle chick, Frigga, from the book. The whole falconry aspect of the series is absolutely fascinating and something I would love to see more of in this setting.

I love the remote setting of these books. The descriptions of rugged scenery highlight the plight of the stopping the poaching. I don’t know, maybe it is in the ecologist in me, but I really did love this aspect. They aren’t straight out weird wildlife warriors. Instead, these are guys that care about the environment and ecosystem.

Though I must admit that this business of being a wildlife officer/park ranger seems pretty damn dangerous and not just from the four-legged and furry creatures – the upright bipedal animal seems to be the worst of all.

Now I can’t wait for Book 3: Moose Fever to come out!

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

The Archer's Arrow by A.J. Marcus

ArchersArrow[The]LGTitle: The Archer’s Arrow

Series: Ren Faire Romances, #3

Author: A.J. Marcus

Genre: Contemporary/Ren Faire/Suspense

Length: Novel (210 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (January 29th, 2014)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts

Blurb: A Ren Faire Romance 

Former Olympic archer Robin Lockwood quit competing and now runs an archery booth at the Ren Faire. He enjoys his unencumbered life with few attachments but lots of casual friends. Traveling across the country from fair to fair adds spice to his life.

John Aquitaine found acting in college and started a comedy show with his good friend, Pete. They are the “Perfect Princes,” and it helps John escape real life. The gypsy lifestyle lets him keep people at arm’s length until an arrow nearly hits him and he meets the handsome Robin Lockwood.

The flame between them sparks quickly, but the relationship is slowed when John’s dark past catches up with him. John’s Uncle Fred, the source of his horrible memories, appears at one of the Perfect Princes’ performances, and it upsets John so much he needs Robin to rescue him. Their love is tested again as Uncle Fred plans to finish what he started when John was a child.


Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4635

 

Reviewer:   GiGi

Review: The second in the Ren Faire Romance series, Archer’s Arrow shines the spotlight on Robyn Lockwood, a man who knows his way around a quiver of arrows, and John Aquitane, a man running from his past, and being caught up in nightmares that still haunt him.

The story follows the two men through a day in the life of a ren fair worker. We get to explore the busy days putting on performances, selling wares and the entire ren experience to boisterous and sometimes badly behaving visitors. Readers also get the behind the scenes activities, of mealtime, fighting for shower time, enjoying meal time, bonfire time and living in a camp atmosphere. The ren faire people expand into one big family, watching out for each other. That is until one vendor voices several problems she has with Robin, from booth complains to homophobic hate spewing from her mouth. 

When a group of out of hand customers lets a stray arrow sling over the fence and into John Aquitane’s path, Robin can only be thankful it gave him an introduction to the cute redhead.

 

John is up front with Robin after he makes his intentions clear, that John is battling old scars, abuse in his past that will make him need to take their new relationship very slow. He’s in doubt that Robin will stay around long and have enough patience to wait. But Robin feels something strong and lasting for John, and any amount of waiting is worth it and the slow pace makes him enjoy all the subtleties of their growing bond. 

When someone sabotages Robyn’s bow range, the whole camp comes together to find the culprit, and just when they start to settle whodunit, the man from John’s past makes an appearance. John’s life hangs in the balance when his past abductor and rapist finds him, and Robin feels helpless to save him.

 

Will this new threat set back Robin and John’s relationship? Will they be able to catch John’s assailant and put the past behind them? Is a future between John and Robin even possible with their pasts and their gypsy lifestyles? You’ll have to grab the book and read to it find the answers to all this drama! 

 

In general, the writing was smooth, the story caught my attention, and the plot was a bit predictable a\but entertaining. The romantic scenes were pretty mild which is understandable given John is the victim of violent sexual assault. The details of each other’s sexual exploration are delicately done but come on…a ten-inch cock, really? I’m fine with 6 or seven if the guy knows how to use it and knows what to do with his mouth and hands!