Tart and Sweet by Amy Lane

Title: Tart and Sweet

Series: Candy Man #4

Author: Amy Lane

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (220 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (September 5th 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: In the Army, Robbie Chambers turned on his lover out of fear—and he hasn’t been able to live with himself since. Now he’s out of the Army but still trapped in the closet that brought on his most cowardly moment, and he starts to think he’ll never be able to fight his way free.

Until he sees Cy McVeigh. Beautiful and uninhibited, Cy is dancing on the boardwalk at Old Sac for no other reason than the moment called for it. Robbie not only joins in the dance but is smitten from the very beginning.

However, Robbie still has old business to clear up, and when he helps out a kid in need and comes face-to-face with the man he betrayed, he’s forced to come clean with himself. He can’t redeem his mistake if he’s still locked into his old patterns, and he won’t ever be worthy of Cy if he can’t earn Adam’s forgiveness. He’s going to need all the help he can get from the people at Candy Heaven in order to make things right with his past so he can have a future with Cy.

ISBN: 9781634776981

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/tart-and-sweet-by-amy-lane-7484-b

Reviewer: Aerin

Review: At first glance, it seems like this series has come to an end because Tart and Sweet wraps up all the loose ends. Robbie is the one who broke Adam’s heart, the one who’s lack of courage put in motion a series of events that gave us this beautiful series that’s full of fluff and love and rainbow sparkle. As much as I don’t want to see this series end, if it does, I’m left with an overall feeling of happiness and contentment. BUT… Amy Lane is not an author I can predict and I really love it when she proves my assumptions wrong and surprises me in the best possible way.

Robbie has this huge cloud of regret hanging over his head and when he finally decides to be true to himself he realizes he’s not happy and hasn’t been since he broke Adam’s heart with his cowardice. Too many things to be sorry for, so many reasons to believe he deserves to be miserable and unhappy; Robbie has never been one to make risky decisions and has taken the cowardly way in order to keep his homophobic family happy. But all that changes in a split second after a brief dance in the streets along beautiful, free and talented Cy.

Cy is a dancer, a free spirit who does what he loves best and is unapologetic for being who he is. He owns his bisexuality and his effeminate core and is not ashamed of it; Cy is also a beautiful soul who believes Robbie is worthy of forgiveness and sees in Robbie a person worthy of love and trust.

Tart and Sweet is fluffy and bright and full of hope, but in true Amy Lane fashion, it will touch your heart leave you with an emotional hangover. I loved that we got to see every single couple from the previous books, and while this book wasn’t focused 100% on Robbie and Cy, it didn’t feel like they were overlooked in any way. We also found out a little detail about Darrin that changed my hopes of him getting his own book.

If you’re planning on reading this book as a standalone, stop right now and go start at the beginning, otherwise you’ll be lost and confused and won’t get to appreciate this book for what it really is. This is one my favorite series from Amy and I assure you, you’ll not regret reading it.

Wrenches, Regrets, & Reality Checks by L.A. Witt (2nd Edition)

Title: Wrenches, Regrets & Reality Checks

Series: Wrench Wars 03

Author: L.A. Witt

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Short (67pgs)

ISBN: 978-1-63477-386-7

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (31^st August 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3 – 3 ½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie, Lisa & Aerin

Blurb: When Reggie’s garage became part of a popular reality show, business went through the roof. And he supposes having his shop in the black is a fair trade for jumping through the network’s hoops.

As the show’s lowest-ranking producer, Wes is tasked with proposing a new spin-off show to Reggie. The sexy mechanic makes him sweat on a normal day, but this time, Wes is holding cards he can’t show. With execs breathing down his neck, he’s expected to pitch a show Reggie will never agree to do, even if his rejection puts his existing show on the line.

The network is counting on Reggie refusing to sign. But they’re not counting on their messenger falling for the man they’re trying to fire.

First Edition published by Amber Quill Press, 2015.

Purchase Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/wrenches-regrets-reality-checks-by-la-witt-7394-b

Pixie’s Review: ♥♥♥♥ 3 ½ Hearts

Reggie has his own garage that appears on the popular reality show Wrench Wars, he’s happy with the way things are but whenever one of the TV producers turn up there’s usually gonna be a big headache in his future. Wes is the low ranking TV producer who has been tasked with giving Reggie the news that he has to take part in a spin-off show or his garage will get booted off the show, and he knows that his bosses are trying to stich Reggie up.

I liked this story and really enjoyed it, Reggie’s the macho man who just wants to be left alone to work on cars and Wes is the low key producer who wishes he wasn’t being used by his bosses to stich up the hunky garage owner. When these two meet the sparks fly and boy are they hot together! But Wes still has a job to do and Reggie has a contract he has to fulfil.

This is a cute story that brings to men together and begins something special between them, whether they’ll be able to make it work *shrugs* maybe we’ll find out how they’re doing in later books in the series. The actual storyline is pretty simple, Reggie is backed into a corner and he has to find a way out, Wes offers what advice he can (though he’s not supposed to) and Reggie comes up with an audacious plan that has the Networks plans backfiring.

I recommend this to those who love hot short stories, great characters, and a happy for now ending.

Lisa’s Review: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

This really is a cute little story but one that I didn’t fall in love with. It is cute though. Reggie had been doing a popular reality show for a while however the ratings were going down. Due to the way his contract was written they could offer him a way to keep his show on line or breach of contract would make his show discontinued. He was totally lost with what to do, however the man who had brought him the spinoff show was someone that he had wanted to get to know, he just didn’t know Wes wanted the same thing.

Wes was told to offer Reggie the new spinoff show or tell him that his show that he was doing was going to be cancelled. The problem was Wes didn’t want to do it, although he did because it was his job. The major problem was he wants Reggie for himself. He knew Reggie wouldn’t do the show he was pitching to him; however he didn’t know it would be for the reason Reggie told the producers. Talk about shock of all shocks. Although I do have to tell you when these two hook up it is full of passion and fire. There is just a hint of true feelings in them.

This story was like I said cute, however it left me hanging in a way I don’t like. I want the two to fall in love and live happily ever after and this story doesn’t do that exactly. I sure hope there is a book two to this, showing them going forward in their future.

Aerin’s Review: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

Although it is part of a series, Wrenches, Regrets, & Reality Checks can be read as a standalone, much like the prior two books. Despite how much I loved the first book (and how much hope I had for this one as well), this was everything I know short stories to be: weak premise, underdeveloped characters, unconvincing romance between the main characters and worst of all… a barely there HFN.

Reggie and Wes’s story and interest in each other comes out of nowhere and ends pretty much in the same direction. The chemistry between them was unconvincing and underwhelming and although the sex was pretty hot, it didn’t blow me away because there were NO feelings involved.

I guess I needed more of everything; more character development, more interactions between Wes and Reggie, an epilogue or anything to show me these two have a future together and things worked out. To say I’m disappointed by that ending is putting it mildly.

I’m not sure if this book puts an end to this series, but if there’s more in the future, they need to be more similar to the first book, because that I adored!

Lord of a Thousand Steps by Tara Lain

Title: Lord of a Thousand Steps

Series: Love in Laguna #4

Author: Tara Lain

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (220 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (August 31st 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4.5 Hearts

Blurb: To architecture student Ian Carney, family means everything. Taken in by his brother, Jim, when his father threw him out at eighteen for being gay, Ian yearns to create his own family with his boyfriend, Rico. But Rico’s in Mexico caring for a sick father, Ian hasn’t had sex in a month and a half, and his gorgeous boss, Braden Lord, CEO of the architectural firm Ian interns for, is looking better and better.

Braden’s life is chaos. Just out of the closet and going through an ugly divorce from his wife of fifteen years who’s trying to take custody of his two children, he desperately resolves not to succumb to a completely inappropriate attraction to Ian—even though his kids adore both the man and his crazy cat.

When Rico proves to be a snake in the grass and Ian exercises his powers of seduction, what starts as a “friends with benefits” fling turns into real life real fast. Can Ian give up his romantic dreams for an “old guy” who didn’t come out until he carried a mountain of baggage? It’ll only take a thousand steps.

ISBN: 9781634776660

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/lord-of-a-thousand-steps-by-tara-lain-7389-b

Reviewer: Aerin

Review: Braden and Ian are my absolutely favorite couple in this whole series!! I loved the first book but I have to admit I’ve been slightly disappointed by books 2 & 3. This book however was amazing!

There are so many things that stand in the way of Braden and Ian’s relationship: age difference, a messy divorce and a couple of kids, the fact that Braden is Ian’s boss, and let’s not forget Rico, the cheating bastard who didn’t deserve Ian’s loyalty. But none of those things seem to matter because the chemistry between Ian and Braden has no limits.

Braden’s kids were cute and lovable, especially JoJo, but at times I thought his 5 year old daughter was way too smart for her own age (too precocious to be believable). However, I LOVED Ian’s relationship with both kids so much; I was able to overlook certain details.

The sex is smoking hot (although not enough of it for my tastes), this couple has everything going for them while simultaneously having many things going against them; I’m telling you, there’s not a dull moment to be found! And if you’re a fan of pets in your stories, like I am, you’re going to love Anderson, the cat with enough personality to steal your heart. Anderson almost feels like one of the main characters with the way he dictates a substantial part of this story.

Great addition to this series, I’m wondering what’s coming next!

Don't Twunk With My Heart by Renae Kaye

Title: Don’t Twunk With My Heart

Series: Loving You #2

Author: Renae Kaye

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (200 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (August 26th 2016)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3 ½ Hearts

Blurb: Kee Smith isn’t sure who he is anymore. He knows who he used to be—the ignored gay son who chose a blue-collar job just because no one expected it, the submissive bottom who enjoyed large, masculine jocks who put him in his place, the sleek, fashionable twink who partied all night. But after his ex-boyfriend hit Kee and called him names, Kee retired from the social scene.

Back after a year’s hiatus, Kee still doesn’t know where he fits. His friends say he’s a twunk—a twink who put on muscle and turned into a hunk—but Kee is searching for somewhere to belong. Instead of going back to his usual type, Kee hooks up with twink Tate Stevens—a fashion-industry professional who works the image hard. It proves to be the best decision he’s ever made, and not just because he’s starting to regain his sexual confidence.

With Tate, Kee can open up about his fears and confusion without ridicule. Tate has his own fears about putting on weight and getting old. It will take work to make a relationship of opposites succeed, but they begin to realize the compromises will be worth it if they can be together.

ISBN: 9781634775830

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/dont-twunk-with-my-heart-by-renae-kaye-7380-b

Reviewer: Aerin

Review: It’s been so long since I’ve read Loving Jay that I completely forgot we were supposed to have a continuation to this series. Don’t Twunk With My Heart is roughly what I’ve come to expect from Renae when it comes to her books: a sweet, uncomplicated love story that’s free of drama and angst.

Kee and Tate meet each other, like each other, get into a dance competition, fuck each other and then…. end up dating each other. There’s no cheating, no drama, no complications. Even though Tate is not Kee’s type when it comes to men, he’s exactly what Kee needs when he’s ready to date again, a year after getting out of an abusive relationship. The past year has been hard on Kee and he doesn’t realize how much he’s missed his friends until he opens up to them again.

Tate is a 32 year old marketing expert for a high-end fashion line, and while he’s very educated, good looking and respected, Tate has many insecurities that come from being around vain models all day long. Tate has weight issues and is very aware that he’s past his prime (*snort*). You see, Tate is a Twank and Kee is a Twunk… what they both have in common is that they used to both be Twinks. I know you’re curious about these labels, but for the love of god, DO NOT let Jay explain them to you! Holy verbal diarrhea! How I missed Jay!

I think what I loved the most about this book is catching up with the rest of the guys, because I’ve missed them a lot! The only thing I loved more is the crazy hot sex that’s happening between Tate and Kee; let me tell you a little secret (Tate is quite kinky and loves to have sex in public places). Trust me when I say these two will catch your e-reader on fire!

Unfortunately, while there are so many things to love about Don’t Twunk With My Heart, one thing I couldn’t believe in 100% is Tate and Kee as a permanent couple. I’m not sure why I didn’t entirely connect with them. I think part of the problem is Jay’s overpowering presence; Jay shines so bright and his relationship with Liam is still so lovely, that Kee and Tate pale in comparison. Of course, the whole sex in the bush part and the little drama that came with it didn’t appeal to me at all.

Overall this is a good story with great writing, low angst, plenty of passion and dirty sex, but it certainly doesn’t have the WOW factor I’m used to getting from Renae Kaye’s books.

With or Without You by Zane Riley

Title: With or Without You

Series: Go Your Own Way #2

Author: Zane Riley

Genre: Young Adult, New Adult

Length: Novel (326 pages)

Publisher: Interlude Press (July 21st 2016)

Heat Level: Steamy

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb:The sequel to “Go Your Own Way”: As Will’s concerns about college and his future with Lennox beyond high school begin to surface, Lennox struggles to settle at Will’s house with Ben Osborne’s impending return home. But when Lennox has another violent encounter at his motel room, the Osbornes are forced to reevaluate their understanding of each other and themselves .

ISBN:9781941530771

Product Link: Amazon | Interlude Press

Reviewer: Aerin

Review: Oh WOW (and I rarely say wow!!) this book was even more amazing than the first one! Seriously, this book had it all! A complex, beautiful, compelling story; quality writing that kept me glued to my IPad; amazing characters that are strong, flawed, vulnerable and well developed; I could go on and on, but then this review will never end.

Will and Lennox are teenagers since this book picked up pretty much where Go Your Own Way left off, but there are plenty of steamy moments and a lot of sex. If you don’t like YA books for the lack of steam, have no fear; Will and Lennox are both slightly childish AND very mature for their age. This weird combo makes them real and very relatable and it helped me understand and connect with them both.

Lennox is still dealing with the effects of his awful childhood, but with Will’s support and love he comes out of his shell; he’s still prickly and uses vulgar language to stop people from seeing the real Lennox, but he’s also maturing and gaining confidence and self-esteem. I loved how Will and his parents, along with their friends, help Lennox realize his self- worth and believe he can be more than just a juvie kid with no future.

There are 4 POVs in this book: Will’s, Lennox’s, Ben’s (Will’s father) and Karen’s (Will’s stepmother); I usually can’t stand books with multiple points of view because they’re distracting and take the focus away from the main characters. This time I thought that by introducing Ben and Karen’s POVs Riley showed us that adults have room for personal growth as well, and we can always continue to mature regardless of our age. Ben went from hating Lennox and thinking of him as a piece of trash to appreciating and admiring him; being possessive of Will only made things tense between them and Ben learned that Will’s judgement wasn’t wrong despite his young age.

I loved everything about this book, but I have to admit I’m scared of reading the next book; Will and Lennox will be going to college in different cities and I’m scared to death of what trials they’re going to go through. Please let it be no cheating!!!!

Adulting 101 by Lisa Henry Blog Tour, Guest Post, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

Hi peeps, we have Lisa Henry stopping by with her new release Adulting 101, we have a brilliant guest post, a great excerpt, a fantastic giveaway and Aerin’s review, so check out the post and leave a comment to enter the giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~

Adulting 101

Lisa Henry

The struggle is real.

Nick Stahlnecker is eighteen and not ready to grow up yet. He has a summer job, a case of existential panic, and a hopeless crush on the unattainable Jai Hazenbrook. Except how do you know that your coworker’s unattainable unless you ask to blow him in the porta-potty?

That’s probably not what Dad meant when he said Nick should act more like an adult.

Twenty-five-year-old Jai is back in his hometown of Franklin, Ohio, just long enough to earn the money to get the hell out again. His long-term goal of seeing more of the world is worth the short-term pain of living in his mother’s basement, but only barely.

Meeting Nick doesn’t fit in with Jai’s plans at all, but, as Jai soon learns, you don’t have to travel halfway around the world to have the adventure of a lifetime.

This is not a summer romance. This is a summer friendship-with-benefits. It’s got pizza with disgusting toppings, Netflix and chill, and accidental exhibitionism. That’s all. There are no feelings here. None. Shut up.

Riptide

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All Note Long by Annabeth Albert Blog Tour, Guest Post, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

Annabeth Albert - All Note Long Tour Banner s

Hiya peeps, today we have Annabeth Albert popping in with the tour for her newest release All Note Long, we have a great guest post from Annabeth with her All Note Long playlist, a great excerpt, Aerin’s review and a fantastic giveaway! So peeps, check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~

All Note Long

(Perfect Harmony 03)

Annabeth Albert

Giving true love a spin . . .

Michelin Moses is a country music star on the rise. With a hit single under his Texas-sized belt buckle and a sold-out concert tour underway, his childhood dreams of making it big are finally coming true. But there’s one thing missing—a promise to his dying mother that he’d find it—him—when the time was right. With a little luck, he won’t have to wait too long . . .

Lucky Ramirez is a hunky boy toy who dances at The Broom Closet, one of West Hollywood’s hottest gay bars. He loves what he does, and he’s good at it—almost as good as he is at playing dumb when he spots Michelin Moses at the bar. What happens next is off the charts—and keeps Michelin coming back for more. He’s just not sure it’s the right move for his career. But if Lucky gets his way, Michelin will get Lucky—and no matter how the media spins it, neither of them will be faking it . . .

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Normal Enough by Marie Sexton (2nd Edition)

Title: Normal Enough (2^nd Edition)

Series: Wrench Wars #2

Author: Marie Sexton

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Short Story (54 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (3^rd August)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3 ½ Hearts (Combined)

Blurb: When Brandon Kenner shows up at Kasey Ralston’s garage with a 1970 Chevelle SS 454, Kasey is smitten by both the man and his car. Between what Kasey considers a shameful fetish and his long estrangement from his family, Kasey finds it easiest to be alone, even distancing himself from his coworkers. But Brandon doesn’t think Kasey’s fetish is weird. In fact, he likes it.

Kasey doesn’t know how to resist a man as charming as Brandon, and he’s more than willing to be seduced. But what are Brandon’s long-term intentions? Kasey is afraid of hoping for too much, but equally afraid that when all is said and done, Brandon will leave, and Kasey will be left alone once again.

ISBN: 9781611245714

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/normal-enough-by-marie-sexton-7340-b

Reviewers: Aerin & Pixie

Aerin’s Review: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

Kasey is a mechanic who specializes in old cars, and we’re told from the beginning that Kasey has a muscle car fetish. When Brandon brings his muscle car in for a timing belt adjustment, he quickly figures out Kasey’s fetish and doesn’t hesitate to bring it up.

Here’s the thing: the whole beginning of their story seemed creepy and farfetched. How exactly did Brandon figure out that Kasey got a hard-on for his car? A regular person would assume his boner would be for Brandon himself, but I’m no expert in undercover kink so my opinion doesn’t count.

I liked Kasey and his personal issues and realizations, but this book wasn’t long enough to understand Kasey and Brandon as a couple, and that’s mostly because of how little I got to know about Brandon. For a second edition, this was seriously uneventful, unimproved, and underwhelming. I expected more the second time around, maybe an epilogue or a few more chapters where Kasey and Brandon’s relationship was showcased. The way this book ended can’t even be called a HFN.

Normal Enough had the potential to be outstanding, but unfortunately there was nothing special about it.

Pixie’s Review: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

This is a second edition and other than some minor editing the story remains the same.

Kasey has an unusual kink that he keeps hidden, but when Brandon drives into the garage Kasey works, in a 1970 Chevelle SS 454, Kasey is quickly smitten, with the driver and the car. Brandon picks up on Kasey’s kink and finds himself intrigued with the cute sexy mechanic, but trying to get the shy man to believe he is interested is hard. Kasey begins to worry over his kink and whether he will ever be able to hold Brandon’s attention; can he put aside his fear and embrace what Brandon offers?

Ah there’s nothing like a cute mechanic who has a bit of a kink for classic cars and a sexy lawyer who just happens to have a classic car collection, oh you can just imagine the steamy times ahead! Kasey is really wary of putting himself out there, in his experience it usually leads to him being embarrassed; Kasey has no confidence so when Brandon shows an interest in him he thinks it will be a quick fling. Brandon seems to have a bit of a fetish of his own, he is attracted to men with fetishes and Kasey’s fetish is one that suits Brandon perfectly. Kasey finds himself amazed that he can open up so much to Brandon but the doubt lingers and Brandon puts Kasey’s fears to rest.

This is a great sexy little number that is amazingly hot and has two great characters. We get to know Kasey really well, the character development for him was wonderful and we watched as he began to gain confidence not just with Brandon but also his workmates as well. Brandon we don’t get to know quite as well, but well enough to know he is a perfect match for Kasey.

Together they are hot and their relationship moves along smoothly, and for me the best thing was that they are still in the early stages and haven’t declared their love after such a short amount of time, it’s a beginning of a relationship that could develop into something much more solid and wonderful.

I recommend this to those who love hot men finding common ground, sparks flying, erotic hot sex, great character development and two men at the beginning of a hot sexy relationship.

Son of Money by Brandon Witt

Title: Son Of Money

Series: N/A

Author: Brandon Witt

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (284 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (July 11th 2016)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3.75 Hearts

Blurb: Randall Morgan, youngest son of one of Seattle’s wealthiest families, rejected his family’s money to live free of their control and pursue his career as a photographer. To make ends meet, Randall does erotic photography and massage—a secret he keeps from his family so he can remain a part of his young niece’s life. But the price of that relationship is high, and Randall is once more slipping under his family’s thumb.

Noah Carroll is the spokesperson for the Seattle Humane Society, and the city holds a special place in his heart. When fate intervenes during a pet adoption, Noah finds himself face-to-face with his first love—Randall.

While Noah and Randall are not the teenagers they once were, the flame of a first kiss long ago draws them together. Their romance is beginning to grow, but someone is out to destroy Randall and expose all he keeps hidden.

When secrets and rumors thrust Randall into the public eye, his relationship with Noah isn’t the only thing that comes under threat.

ISBN: 9781634773126

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/son-of-money-by-brandon-witt-7215-b

Reviewer: Aerin

Review: Randall Morgan, the black sheep of the wealthy Morgan family, gave up on the family fortune in order to be free of their manipulations and expectations and be himself. Randall is a talented photographer who’s supplementing his income by offering relaxation massage that more often than not have happy endings for his clients and for himself. Randall photographs children in fantasy settings, but he also does sexual and pornographic photography, usually joining in the fun half way through. His family managed to get over the fact that Randall chose his own destiny and that he is gay, but they will never accept Randall’s promiscuity. The only thing that keeps Randall in Seattle is the love for his 7 year old niece Bailey, who’s the most important person in his life.

Noah Carroll is the son of missionaries, he’s a former religious man who wanted nothing more than to become a minister and teach people about God. Life in general, and a series of events that rocked Noah’s faith in God, led him to leave his religion behind and become the face of Seattle Humane Society. Noah and Randall have known each other from their teenage years, when they shared a kiss that neither of them will ever forget. Noah has always known Randall is the one, and planned to reconnect with him in the near future. That moment comes sooner than expected when Randall comes to adopt a puppy for his niece Bailey.

Noah is everything Randall has always wanted in a man, and the one person he’s been comparing all others to. Their relationship progresses rather quickly because there is no hesitation or confusion as to where they see themselves in the future. I thought things moved at a pace that was too rapid for me, because it’s been over 20 years since Noah and Randall have seen each other. The children they’ve both been are nothing like the men they’ve become, so I wish there was more flirting, sexual tension, that get-to-know-you beautiful time before any serious relationship; but at the same time I appreciated how sure of himself Noah was and how confident he was in his feelings for Randall.

Randall’s little side business is revealed by a jealous client and Randall is accused of prostitution. His reputation is pretty much destroyed and new claims of inappropriate behavior with the children he photographed are being made by an anonymous source. Randall becomes depressed and insecure, which I understood and sympathized with. However, I loved how solid and supportive Noah was through it all; Noah was by far my favorite character, I adored him! Randall was harder to like, more difficult to connect with, and I think that’s because he lacks the charisma that attracts me to a person. There were plenty of things to like about him, but overall I found him bland and forgettable.

Son of Money is not an angsty book, there’s no relationship drama and most importantly, there are no misunderstandings. When it comes to family however, this was filled with the kind of drama that only rich and entitled people are able to create. So much backstabbing!!! One of the reasons I didn’t love this book as much as the more recent Brandon Witt books are the horrible secondary characters. There were exactly two secondary characters I liked, Randall’s sister in law and best friend Kayla, and Bailey (his niece). That’s it! The rest were a bunch of cold hearted, manipulating, hateful, controlling freaks. Also, there isn’t a lot happening in this book aside from Randall trying to find out who’s trying to destroy his career and reputation. After a while it became a bit boring and I wanted to get to the end of it, while hoping something would happen to engage me and pull me in.

Nice writing like always, but not the best I’ve seen from Brandon.

Last Mechanic Standing by L.A. Witt

Title: Last Mechanic Standing

Series: Wrench Wars #1

Author: L.A. Witt

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (80 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (July 6th 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 hearts

Blurb: Everyone at Jim Irving’s garage is gung ho about Wrench Wars, a new reality show featuring mechanics. Everyone, that is, except talented mechanic Chandler Scott, the sole employee who has refused to sign the contract. The rest of the mechanics are pressuring him too, because without Chandler—and his volatile interactions with his boss—no one’s getting on the show.

Chandler’s one ally is Jim’s son, Mark, who’s being forced to work for his dad until he pays down his student loans or finds a better job—and who’s been Chandler’s secret lover for a while.

Then a playful tryst in the garage blows up in their faces, giving the network ammo to blackmail Chandler by threatening to out Mark to his father. Now Chandler is backed into a corner, and Mark needs to decide how far he’s willing to go to protect the man who’s been sharing his bed… and may have stolen his heart.

ISBN: 9781634773805

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/last-mechanic-standing-by-la-witt-7245-b

Reviewer: Aerin

Review: When I realized how short this book was I let out a mighty groan of dislike. I usually have difficulty with short books and novellas because they tend to leave me wanting more, but this is L.A. Witt and I thought maybe I should have some faith. For as short as this was, I have absolutely no complaints! It was just the right length because it truly packed a punch and didn’t give me any chances to get bored.

Mark has started working at his father’s garage after college, and even though he hates being under his homophobic father’s thumb and live his life closeted, all the student loans hanging over his head don’t give him much choice. For the past two years Mark and his best friend Chandler have been enjoying a sexual relationship with no expectations for more. Mark just needs to pay off his student loans before he’s able to leave and live his life the way he always wanted to.

Chandler works for Mark’s father as a mechanic, and as much as he loves his job, he hates his employer and Mark’s father; those two always come to blows over every little thing. When the TV show Wrench Wars shows an interest in the shop Chandler works at, Chandler knows they’re only interested in the ratings his volatile relationship with his employer will bring, and Chandler isn’t interested in signing. But when his relationship with Mark is threatened to be exposed, Chandler doesn’t think about himself anymore, and does whatever he has to in order to protect the man he loves.

Can I just say that those two were stupidly hot together? I’m not sure what it was about them, maybe the fact that they knew each other since they were kids (friends to lovers is my favorite kind of setup), or the intensity and chemistry maybe did the trick, but I loved them together.

I am so excited about this series, and the setting for the next book is perfectly done! I can’t wait for Kasey’s book (you naughty, dirty, kinky fucker!)

What Remains by Garrett Leigh Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

Hi peeps, we have Garrett Leigh stopping by with the tour for her newest release What Remains, we have a great excerpt, a fantastic giveaway and Aerin’s review, so enjoy the post and leave a comment to enter the giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~

What Remains

Garrett Leigh

Web designer Jodi Peters is a solitary creature. Lunch twice a week with his ex-girlfriend-turned-BFF and the occasional messy venture to a dodgy gay bar is all the company he needs, right?

Then one night he stumbles across newly divorced firefighter Rupert O’Neil. Rupert is lost and lonely, but just about the sweetest bloke Jodi has ever known. Add in the heady current between them, and Jodi can’t help falling hard in love. He offers Rupert a home within the walls of his cosy Tottenham flat—a sanctuary to nurture their own brand of family—and for four blissful years, life is never sweeter.

Until a cruel twist of fate snatches it all away. A moment of distraction leaves Jodi fighting for a life he can’t remember and shatters Rupert’s heart. Jodi doesn’t know him—or want to. With little left of the man he adores, Rupert must cling to what remains of his shaky faith and pray that Jodi can learn to love him again.

What Remains

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Practice Makes Perfect by Jay Northcote Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

Jay Northcote - Practice Makes Perfect graphicTWO S

Hi guys, we have Jay Northcote stopping by today with her new release Practice Makes Perfect, we have a great excerpt, a fantastic giveaway and Aerin’s review, so check out the post and click that giveaway link! <3 ~Pixie~

Practice Makes Perfect

(Housemates 03)

Jay Northcote

Getting experience with the guy next door seems like a great idea—until the lines blur.

Dev, a geeky first year physics student, has zero sexual experience and he’s determined to change that ASAP. After a bad time in halls of residence, he’s starting the summer term with different housemates and a new plan of action.

Ewan lives in the house next door to Dev. He’s young, free and single, and isn’t looking to change that anytime soon. When awkward circumstances throw them together, Ewan offers to help Dev out in the bedroom in return for maths tutoring, and Dev jumps at the chance.

They work their way through Dev’s sex-to- do list, but what starts as a perfect no- strings arrangement gets more complicated as their feelings for each other begin to grow. If they’re going to turn their lessons in lovemaking into something more permanent, they need to work out how they feel about each other—before they get to the end of Dev’s list.

NB: Although this book is part of a series, it is a complete story with different main characters and can be read as a standalone.

Practice Makes Perfect

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What Remains by Garrett Leigh

Title: What Remains

Series: N/A

Author: Garrett Leigh

Genre: Contemporary/Disability

Length: 283 pages

Publisher: Riptide Publishing (July 4^th 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts

Blurb: Web designer Jodi Peters is a solitary creature. Lunch twice a week with his ex-girlfriend-turned-BFF and the occasional messy venture to a dodgy gay bar is all the company he needs, right?

Then one night he stumbles across newly divorced firefighter Rupert O’Neil. Rupert is lost and lonely, but just about the sweetest bloke Jodi has ever known. Add in the heady current between them, and Jodi can’t help falling hard in love. He offers Rupert a home within the walls of his cozy Tottenham flat—a sanctuary to nurture their own brand of family—and for four blissful years, life is never sweeter.

Until a cruel twist of fate snatches it all away. A moment of distraction leaves Jodi fighting for a life he can’t remember and shatters Rupert’s heart. Jodi doesn’t know him—or want to.

With little left of the man he adores, Rupert must cling to what remains of his shaky faith and pray that Jodi can learn to love him again.

ISBN: 9781626493971

Product Link: http://riptidepublishing.com/titles/what-remains

Reviewer: Aerin

Review: This book has been a surprise from the very beginning, because it didn’t start with Rupert and Jodi meeting each other and falling in love. This book starts with an established couple who has been happy for the past 4 years. Rupert and Jodi are everything to each other. That happy couple you can’t help but envy. By the end of the prologue, Rupert and Jodi’s world crumbles around them as Jodi fights for his life and Rupert prepares himself for the struggles ahead.

The next few chapters alternate between Jodi’s recovery and amnesia, which was heartbreaking, and flashbacks from the time Jodi and Rupert met and fell in love. I can’t tolerate flashbacks at any time, and god knows I tried! So I skimmed through the flashbacks and devoured the present. What a complete contrast, isn’t it?

This book was painful, especially when we get Rupert’s POV. Because it hurts so much when the person Rupert loves more than life itself looks at him like he’s a stranger. This book is full of feels, emotions, and angst (although not as bad as it could have been) and once the flashbacks stopped completely (after 10 chapters or so) I couldn’t put this book down.

I have a weakness for books with characters who suffer from illnesses/disabilities, be they temporary or permanent, and this has become one of my favorites. I think my absolute favorite thing was the fact that we get Jodi’s POV throughout his amnesia and the recovery period that follows. It was absolutely fascinating to get a glimpse of how Jodi thinks and how he feels, because it made the difference between grudgingly accepting his condition and being absolutely fascinated by it.

There’s also the duality of feeling Rupert’s angst, desolation, depression and sadness while understanding and making sense of Jodi’s actions and the reasons he’s acting the way he is. Absolutely fabulous and the best kind of mind-fuck, one I thoroughly enjoyed! To make everything even more perfect, Rupert’s endearment for Jodi boyo made me melt into a puddle of goo.

I don’t want to give any spoilers by telling you how Jodi’s amnesia progresses. But don’t make any assumptions, because I assure you this will not go the direction you’re thinking. Rupert and Jodi do get their HEA, and it’s absolutely beautiful. Any book that ends like this deserves to be read:

“I fucking love you, boyo, you know that?” Jodi looked up and grinned.

“Course I do, knobhead. That’s why I made it this far.”

“Knobhead?”

“Yeah . . . knobhead, my whole fucking world, whatever I call you, it all means the same, ’cause I love you too, Rupe. More than you’ll ever know.”
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

A Second Harvest by Eli Easton

Title: A Second Harvest

Series: Men of Lancaster County #1

Author: Eli Easton

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (206 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (July 1st 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 4.5 Hearts

Blurb: David Fisher has lived by the rules all his life. Born to a Mennonite family, he obeyed his father and took over the family farm, married, and had two children. Now with both his kids in college and his wife deceased, he runs his farm alone and without joy, counting off the days of a life half-lived.

Christie Landon, graphic designer, Manhattanite, and fierce gay party boy, needs a change. Now thirty, he figures it’s time to grow up and think about his future. When his best friend overdoses, Christie resolves to take a break from the city. He heads to a small house in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, to rest, recoup, and reflect.

But life in the country is boring despite glimpses of the hunky silver fox next door. When Christie’s creativity latches on to cooking, he decides to approach his widower neighbor with a plan to share meals and grocery expenses. David agrees, and soon the odd couple finds they really enjoy spending time together.

Christie challenges the boundaries of David’s closed world and brings out feelings he buried long ago. If he can break free of the past, he might find a second chance at happiness.

ISBN: 9781634774048

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/a-second-harvest-by-eli-easton-7193-b

Reviewer: Aerin

Review: First thing I need to say is… thank fuck there are only TWO points of view in this book, and they belong to the main characters! I was getting worried there for a while since Eli seemed to give us multiple POVs that weren’t wanted and didn’t belong in these fantastic books; I probably shouldn’t be so excited about this, but A Second Harvest is a religious-heavy book and one of the secondary characters is a nut for a while, so imagining his POV made me shudder. David Fisher is a 41 year old widower who lost his wife over 2 years ago. David is a Mennonite, a religion that sounds very similar to the Amish, from the way of life, to the religious beliefs (although I don’t know much about different religions since I’m not a religious person myself). David is a farmer who’s spending his days and nights alone on his farm; he isn’t interested in finding another wife, no matter how much his children Amy and Joe would like to see him remarried. David is content if not happy, and doesn’t think his life needs any changes.

Too much partying and almost losing his best friend to ODing has taught Christie Landon a lesson: it’s time to take a step back and re-evaluate everything, because life is short and Christie realized he has nothing to show for his 30 years other than a lot of partying and slutting around. Inheriting his aunt’s house in a little town in PA came at the perfect time, and it gives Christie the opportunity to remove himself from New York and all its temptations.

Christie and David are so different, it was hard for me to see what they could have in common. Christie is out and proud while David is just now admitting to himself he might be gay; Christie slept with half of New York while David only ever had sex with his wife; Christie is young and in his prime, while David is middle aged and stuck in a life and community that doesn’t give him much chance to be himself. But as they start hanging out and having dinner together, David and Christie have those things every successful relationship does: admiration, respect, and a good dose of attraction.

Once David accepts that he is gay and decides he wants Christie to be part of his life, there is no second guessing. He is ready to face anything, do anything, ANYTHING at all to keep feeling this happiness and joy, because Christie makes him feel right, happy, HIMSELF for the first time in his 41 years. Joe (David’s son) was a real bastard for a while, and there’s nothing I want more than for him to get his own book, because I’m a vindictive bitch. Joe becoming a big cock slut would be my dream come true!

This book is a little heavy like all religious books are, but it isn’t overly angsty. Best part of all, we didn’t have to listen to any full sermon on homosexuality and yada yada, blah blah. When the community didn’t accept David for who he was, he removed himself from the situation and was an active participant in finding his HEA. I wish that whole part wasn’t blacked out and that we got to see how everything went down, but I’m not going to grumble too much about it. Because that HEA is so real and tentative, it’s absolutely beautiful. David and Christie are doing great and are happy together, and David is working on fixing his relationship with Amy and Joe.

This book was great, I truly enjoyed every single page! Recommended!

Fierce and Fabulous by Elizabeth Varlet Guest Post, Review & Giveaway!

Elizabeth Varlet - Fierce & Fabulous Banner 1

Hi guys, we have Elizabeth Varlet stopping by with her debut MM novel Fierce and Fabulous, we have a fantastic guest post, a great excerpt, a fantastic giveaway and Aerin’s review, so check out the post and leave a comment to enter the giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~

Elizabeth Varlet - Fierce & Fabulous Cover 1 s

Fierce and Fabulous

(Sassy Boyz 01)

Elizabeth Varlet

The first book in a scorching new male/male series by Elizabeth Varlet. Behind the Sassy Boyz’s seductive smiles and sinful dance moves are desires that will leave readers breathless.

Fitch Donovan never thought a lap dance could change his life, but from the moment the gorgeous dancer’s lips touch his, his world comes screeching to a halt. No matter how hard he tries, he can’t shake the desire that rocks him to his core. He’s longed for this passion all his life—he just never dreamed he’d find it with another man.

Sharing a soul-shaking kiss with a straight boy is the kind of drama Ansel Becke just doesn’t need. Spotlights aren’t made for two and Ansel prefers to keep things on a one-night-only basis. So when Fitch shows up asking for an encore, Ansel knows he should send his gorgeous ass packing.

Though Ansel tries to pretend that what’s between him and Fitch is far from fabulous, there’s something about the big, burly contractor that makes Ansel’s world sparkle in a way no amount of glitter ever could. And Fitch will do whatever it takes to convince Ansel that when the thing you need most in the world falls right into your lap, you’d be a fool to let it go.

Carina Press | Amazon

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Fierce & Fabulous by Elizabeth Varlet

Title: Fierce & Fabulous

Series: Sassy Boyz, #1

Author: Elizabeth Varlet

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length: 206 pages

Publisher: Carina Press (June 27 2016)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts (rounded to 10)

Blurb: Fans of Heidi Cullinan will devour this scorching new male/male series by Elizabeth Varlet. Behind the Sassy Boyz’s seductive smiles and sinful dance moves are desires that will leave readers breathless.

And Fitch will do whatever it takes to convince Ansel that when the thing you need most in the world falls right into your lap, you’d be a fool to let it go.

ISBN: 9781460397404

Product Link: http://www.carinapress.com/shop/books/9781460397404_fierce-fabulous.html

Reviewer: Aerin

Review: Oh my fu**ing god. I loved this book so much. It makes me sad to think the GFY haters are going to drag this through the pits of hell.

Here’s the thing, I’m not an insensitive jerk who doesn’t understand why GFY is offensive to some people, but Fitch isn’t the man who fucks other men and then continues to say he’s straight. Yes, this is a GFY story since Fitch hasn’t been interested in men before/ but it wasn’t the new-found love for cock and magic sperm that turned him gay or bisexual or whatever else you might think.

Fitch Donovan was enjoying his lesbian sister’s 21st birthday and the love and closeness between the siblings made him easily grant her wishes of a wild night in a gay bar. Fitch’s breath hitched when the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen started performing on the stage. His stomach dropped in shock when he realized the unbearable physical attraction he felt was actually for a man… a very feminine man.

But, a man nonetheless. When his sister talks him into being a good sport and accepting a lap dance from the one person who’s turned Fitch’s head, Fitch’s world as he knows it ceases to exist.

Ansel Becke, a member of Sassy Boyz, is not an ordinary man. He’s a mixture of opposites that should not work together. But the result is a man who’s both strong and yet utterly vulnerable. Ansel is magnetic, unique, fascinating, infuriating. He’s everything Fitch has been looking for in a lover, but not the gender he’s expected to find it with.

What I absolutely loved is the fact that Fitch doesn’t let Ansel’s gender stop him from admitting Ansel is someone important to him. Someone he might be able to be happy with. There’s confusion and a brief emotional struggle as Fitch tries to define his sexuality. He’s not gay because he loves women. He’s not bisexual because he’s never been attracted to men before and he’s not attracted to any other men in the present.

The chemistry between Fitch and Ansel is not based on gender. It is more of an emotional and physical connection with a certain person that isn’t going to be cast aside only because Ansel is a man.

One thing that sets this book apart from any others is the feeling of liquid lightning that shot through my veins while reading the sex scenes, especially the first one. Good god, it was everything I’ve always wanted, needed and secretly hoped for. This wasn’t just another wild fuck.

I could hear protective walls being knocked down, could see new emotions and connections being born (fragile and unwanted but strong enough to survive). I could sense super nova explosions and all that poetic shit you can think of. But mostly I could see two human beings connecting emotionally and spiritually.

Fitch was a very intense lover who managed to turn tough boy Ansel into a vulnerable and utterly beautiful person. But let’s not forget about how filthy, hot and dirty this emotional sex was, because that’s just as important!!!

There’s the potential for a lot of angst because Ansel’s personal struggles run deeper than we see on the surface, and yet this book wasn’t too angsty. It was not a fluffy story, in the least. But it definitely didn’t reach its potential when it came to the angst. To me, it was perfect!

This is an amazing book, whose characters and the intensity between them truly sets it apart from other in its genre. I can’t wait for the next books in this series, because I’m looking forward to the rest of Sassy Boyz’s members finding their HEA.

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

A Kind of Romance by Lane Hayes Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

Lane Hayes - A Kind of Romance CR_Banner

Hi peeps, we have Lane Hayes stopping by today with the tour for her newest release A Kind of Romance, we have a great excerpt, a fantastic giveaway and Aerin’s & Prime’s reviews, so enjoy the post and click that giveaway link <3 ~Pixie~

A Kind of Romance

(A Kind Of Story 02)

Lane Hayes

Zeke Gulden is a ruthless Wall Street exec. His hard-edged, no non-sense attitude has served him well in the cutthroat business world, but less so in his personal life. When he finds out his ex-boyfriend cheated on him with a coworker, Zeke can’t let go – not until he finds a way to get even. However, his meddlesome father has other ideas. The new hire at the family-owned bagel store is somewhat colorful, but his dad is sure he’s the perfect man for Zeke.

Benny Ruggieri is a fiercely proud New Yorker who dreams of making it big as a costume designer in the theatre. In the meantime, he’s working two part-time jobs in the food biz. When his new boss sets him up with his successful son, Benny has zero expectations. If nothing else, he figures he can entertain himself by making the uptight businessman squirm. Instead, the two become unlikely friends with an inexplicable attraction they can’t ignore. Benny might be the one to help Zeke set aside his quest for revenge, if he’s willing to let go and forgive what he can’t forget… and give in to an unexpected kind of romance.

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Wolfsong by TJ Klune

Title: Wolfsong

Series: N/A

Author: T.J. Klune

Genre: Paranormal, Shifters

Length: Super Novel (400pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (June 20th 2016)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4 1/2 Hearts (Combined Rating)

Reviewers: Aerin & Shorty

Blurb: Ox was twelve when his daddy taught him a very valuable lesson. He said that Ox wasn’t worth anything and people would never understand him. Then he left.

Ox was sixteen when he met the boy on the road. The little boy who talked and talked and talked. Ox found out later the little boy hadn’t spoken in almost two years before that day, and that the little boy belonged to a family who had moved into the house at the end of the lane.

Ox was seventeen when he found out the little boy’s secret and it painted the world around him in colors of red and orange and violet, of Alpha and Beta and Omega.

Ox was twenty-three when murder came to town and tore a hole in his head and heart. The boy chased after the monster with revenge in his blood-red eyes, leaving Ox behind to pick up the pieces.

It’s been three years since that fateful day—and the boy is back. Except now he’s a man, and Ox can no longer ignore the song that howls between them.

ISBN: 978-1-63477-165-8

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/wolfsong-by-tj-klune-7158-b

Shorty’s Review: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts

I have to say I have loved all TJ Klune’s books I’ve read before but this one is my absolute favorite. It was such an amazing journey full of tears, laughter, angst and heartbreak yet with a HEA. This book took me on roller-coaster of emotions and spit me out wrecked yet happy.

Ox is fifteen when he meets the boy, Joe, down the road. As the story progresses there is a timeline of important events at certain ages. I must say I was drawn into the story from the beginning and could not stop until the very end.

These men went through so much loss and tragedy I was amazed they came through in the end sane. I absolutely hated Richard. He was vile, disturbed, disgusting creature that should have been put down a long time ago.

I enjoyed the blending of magic and shifters, I was amazed and fascinated with Ox and what he became as I’ve never read that in another shifter book before. He was human yet more. It fascinated and intrigued me.

Joe was strong but made mistakes. I felt sorry for him at having to become an Alpha before he was ready. I was pissed that he left for three years though. I understood his reasoning but felt he made the wrong choice.

This is an amazing journey of two men destined to be together but first they had their trials and tribulations to go through as they grew into the men they were meant to be.

Fantastic story.

Highly recommended.

Aerin’s Review: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts

JESUS Christ I’m emotionally exhausted and tired of fucking crying! This book took its toll and right about now I feel numb and full of rage, at the same time. Yeah, yeah I’ve read the reviews saying this book is very angsty and something about a Wookie Cry Face or whatever, but I never expected to cry through so much of it! Despite the fantastic writing, I’d like to kick TJ in the ass (or balls) and give him the worst purple-nurple in the history of purple nurples. TJ I love you, but you suck!

THIS IS THE BEST MOTHERFUCKING SHIFTER BOOK THAT WAS EVER WRITTEN! Really, I don’t think I’ll look at another shifter book the same, because this was everything! Wolfsong was friendship and family and love and mates! It was innocent and full of fuzzy feelings while watching 10-year-old Joe and 15-year-old Ox become friends.

Although Ox had no idea about the existence of werewolves at that time and Joe was too young to understand that Ox was his mate. The bond between them is beautiful and undeniable. Wolfsong is about finding a family you belong with, loving unconditionally and realizing that while you might not think much of yourself, but you CAN be somebody’s whole world.

While the serious angst (the one that requires big-girls panties) doesn’t start until after the monster from Joe’s childhood returns, there’s plenty of things to angst about. Like Ox’s bastard drunk father who calls Ox stupid and ruins his sense of self-worth. Like Ox’s struggles when his father leaves him and his mother because he regrets them and his life. Like the beautiful and heartbreaking bond Ox and his mother have. The first 20% of this book is full of feels and emotions and it’s absolutely lovely.

And then the monster returns (after 7 years of beautiful family and friendship). Loved ones are killed, Ox and Joe’s mating is put on hold, and then Joe leaves. Fucking shit, I cried my eyes out through this part, and it was a long ass part! I wanted to stop crying, I was sick of it, but I couldn’t help it. I ended up going to bed at 4 am after crying myself to sleep. And to make it all worse, the following three years, one month, twenty-six days Joe spent away from Ox seemed unending.

We only get Ox’s POV throughout the entire book, and his mind was a miserable, angsty and dark place to be. I knew it would end eventually, but there was no end in sight! Even after Joe returned, I KNEW there was more to come, more confrontation, more angst, more heartbreak, and the anticipation just about killed me. I’ve never had to put a book down to refocus myself before, but I had to do it this time because the tears and the angst were fucking killing me.

There’s a nice HEA that should’ve been more spectacular after all the suffering, but it didn’t come until the very end. By then I was too exhausted to truly appreciate it. Although it was the perfect ending to this book. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but there are more characters that need their own story. Like Kelly and Robbie, and Carter with whomever his love interest will be. And let’s not forget that Mark and Gordo were left totally unresolved. Wolfsong has the most amazing cast of secondary characters. I loved every single one of the Bennets, especially Thomas.

I know I’m rambling right now, so I’ll just say this: do NOT attempt to read this book in public (unless you want to look like a big crybaby). Do not wear mascara (or glitter, or eyeliner or anything that might smear. I guarantee you WILL cry). Buy a 10-pack of tissues because you’re going to need them. And for the love of god, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO READ THIS WITHOUT 2 BOTTLES OF WINE (or 4).

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

Snake Among Sweet Flowers by Jason Huffman-Black

Title: Snakes Among Sweet Flowers

Series: N/A

Author: Jason Huffman-Black

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Length: 240 pages

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (June 20th 2016)

Heat Level: Low/Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3.25 Hearts

Blurb: Two-time ex-con Camden Sanders has decided that Hog Mountain—an isolated community on the outskirts of Atlanta, Georgia—is the perfect place to continue running small scams without the threat of more prison time.

But there are a few problems with this plan. One is the neighborly citizens of Hog Mountain thwarting his dirty dealings at every turn with their kindness. Another is Jackson Rhodes, a closeted Hog Mountain police officer who can see right through Cam’s good ol’ boy act and plans to catch him red-handed despite the attraction they both can feel.

But the biggest problem of all is that Cam’s past is threatening to catch up with him, and it could mean trouble for more than just himself.

ISBN: 9781634772365

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/snakes-among-sweet-flowers-by-jason-huffman-black-7156-b

Reviewer: Aerin

Review: This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I have to say I was somewhat pleasantly surprised. I think what drew me in the most are the unique, but well written main characters and the storytelling itself. This book was funny at times, but it also had a good dose of feelings and some facts of life that were hard to swallow.

Camden Sanders is a con man. Moving to Hog Mountain, an isolated and small community in Georgia, allows him to continue to run his scams while avoiding any more prison time. Cam is also on the run from a nefarious individual he associated with during his worst years. He knows that if he’s found he’ll be in great danger.

Taking advantage of the trusting people of Hog Mountain is what Cam does, and his auto-repair business allows him to scam his clients without raising suspicion. I have to say I laughed out loud at the things Cam came up with, as well as at his thoughts about the people living in Hog Mountain.

Police officer Jackson Rhodes knows all about Cam’s past and pays attention to his current business. Cam and Jackson are so different from each other. They might as well be from different planets. While Cam only cares about himself, Jackson is always worried about others and is looking out for them.

I loved the small, but close-knit community and how people helped each other when in need. What broke my heart were those dirt-poor kids who had a bastard of a father and not enough food in the house. No child that young should ever have to endure that and it’s not fair to have to work themselves in order to afford new school clothes.

But I loved how spending time with Luanne, Galen and Tony changed Cam. And how the goodness of people made him feel remorse and guilt for stealing from them.

Jackson is gay, but closeted. He doesn’t think coming out would be received with open arms in a community that’s so religious and not populated with too many open-minded people. His attraction towards Cam is something he wishes he could ignore. But the more time he spends with Cam and gets to know the person behind the crimes, the closer they get.

I wish there was more page time for Jackson and Cam as a couple. I feel like we got a glimpse of what should have been but we never got to see the full picture.

There were a few things that were extremely hard to believe and were worthy of some pretty serious eye-rolling. Harold (the person Cam is running from) comes looking for Cam and all kinds of weird stuff happens. Like the (unbelievable) fighting scene towards the end. The chase around town from house to house. The weird and questionable training of police officers. There were plenty of WTF moments that I had to re-read over a few times to make sure I’m not missing some vital parts that would make sense of the whole thing.

Also, this book is written mostly from Cam and Jackson’s POVs with the (weird and creepy) exception of the ONE time we get Grant’s POV. Grant is the town vet, and he’s a gay man who’s married to a woman, but loves nothing more than to worship the dick of any man who’s willing to shove it in his mouth. Why did we need Grant’s POV??? All he did was creepily stared at the men who were playing ball and act like a jealous bitch when girls showed up. Really, what was the point? It didn’t make any sense at all!

Overall Snakes Among Sweet Flowers was a book with great potential, which lost its shine along the way.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

All The Wrong Places by Ann Gallagher Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

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Hi guys, we have Ann Gallagher stopping by today with the tour for her new release All The Wrong Places, we have a great excerpt a fantastic giveaway and Aerin’s review so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~

All The Wrong Places

(Bluewater Bay 14)

Ann Gallagher

Three cheating girlfriends in a row have given skateboarder Brennan Cross the same excuse: he wasn’t meeting their needs. Desperate and humiliated, he goes to the professionals at the local sex shop for advice.

Zafir Hamady, a sales clerk at Red Hot Bluewater, has an unusual theory: he doesn’t think Brennan is a bad lover. In fact, he doesn’t think Brennan is heterosexual. Or sexual at all, for that matter. He also can’t stop thinking about Brennan. But even if he’s right and Brennan really is asexual, that doesn’t mean Zafir has a chance. Brennan’s never dated a man, and Zafir’s never met anyone who’s game for a Muslim single father with a smart mouth and a GED.

Brennan’s always thought of himself as straight. But when sex is explicitly out of the mix, he finds himself drawn to Zafir for the qualities and interests they share. And Zafir can’t help enjoying Brennan’s company and the growing bond between Brennan and his son. They work well together, but with so many issues between them, doubts creep in, and Brennan’s struggle with his identity could push away the one person he didn’t know he could love.

Riptide Publishing

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All The Wrong Places

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