Moonstruck by Aleksandr Voinov & L.A. Witt Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Aleksandr Voinov & L.A. Witt - Moonstruck RB Banner

Hi guys, we have Aleksandr Voinov & L.A. Witt popping in today with their new re-release Moonstruck, we have a great excerpt and a fantastic $25 Amazon GC giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~

Moonstruck

by

Aleksandr Voinov & L.A. Witt

Anthony Rawson is screwed. Fans, producers, and his agent are all chomping at the bit for the next book in his wildly popular Triple Moon series, but he’s got epic writer’s block and is way behind deadline. Then he reads Axis Mundi, a fanfic novel by his online friend “SirMarrok.” It isn’t just a great story—it’s exactly what the series needs.

Samir Daoud is thrilled when “Ulfhedinn” wants to meet up after reading Axis Mundi. When Ulfhedinn turns out to be Anthony Rawson himself, Samir is starstruck. When Anthony tells him he wants to add Axis Mundi to the Triple Moon series, Samir is sure he’s being pranked. And when their online chemistry carries over—big-time—into real life, Samir is convinced it’s all too good to be true.

The problem is … it might be. The book deal, the sex, the money—everything is amazing. But fame isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, and Samir is left wondering if Anthony really loves him, or just loves his book.

This 95,000-word novel has been previously published under a different title.

.•.•.**❣️ Amazon US | Amazon UK | Kobo | B&N ❣️**.•.•.

Continue reading “Moonstruck by Aleksandr Voinov & L.A. Witt Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!”

A Taste for Poison by Aleksandr Voinov (2nd Edition)

Title: A Taste for Poison

Series: Memory of Scorpions 03

Author: Aleksandr Voinov

Genre: Fantasy, Military

Length: Novel (247 pages)

ISBN: 9781386750864

Publisher: 44 Raccoons (23rd December 2018)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 4.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: Even a king gets stung when he reaches for a scorpion.

After barely surviving an assassination attempt, King Adrastes is a changed man—one who mistrusts even his allies and friends. He readies his empire for war against an enigmatic enemy, the Elder of Vededrin, but not everyone approves. While courtiers dare only to whisper dissent, an outrider called Death foments rebellion in the mountains, aided by a prophecy that promises he’ll stop the Black King.

Kendras—former lover to Adrastes and leader of the Scorpions—is sent with his elite mercenary force to bring Death to justice. But when Kendras learns who’s hiding behind the mask, he must choose between his lover Graukar, newly appointed general to the king—and King Adrastes himself.

With no man to call master, the Scorpions could flee the danger and intrigue. But Kendras cannot abandon the man he once loved—or the man he’s growing to love—without first uncovering the real threat to the Empire.

Purchase Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: I think it took me forever to find the time and finally finish this book. I seriously hated real life for stealing my time away, but I made it and *sigh* now I’m going to have to go over yet another book-hangover. It’s a thing with Voinov’s books and me, happens almost every time.

A Taste for Poison is the third and final book of the Memory of Scorpions universe, though rumour has it that Voinov is considering writing some shorts about some characters. As a fan, I truly hope it’ll happen.

So back to this book, yet again we were graced with a strong story, capable of grabbing your brain and imprisoning it in the depths of the plot. Action, blood, gore. Love, lust, passion. Jealousy, pain, fury. Intrigues, betrayals, back-stabbings.

More often than not, I felt like living in the story and I can’t begin to tell you how wonderful a feeling that is. The intensity of the storytelling is spectacular and leaves you without breath. Expect heart palpitations, heartbreaks, and even a tear shedding or two. Also, expect the sizzling hot passion and the one-of-the-kind love manifestation Voinov is so famous for being able to recreate in writing. And if you think you won’t get bat-shit-crazy mad with characters and events, think again.

The story itself takes a turn and what we suspected in book #2 became reality. It shifted from having Adrastes as the main person of Kendras’s interest to Graukar and while that was expected it managed to shock us with what Graukar suffers in the path of Adrastes’s fury. It will make you cringe and shudder, but it’s well worth it and raises the tension of the story way above high. It made Kendras look so damn good in my eyes too and I think it was about time, as he left me with an uneasy feeling in book #2.

Other than that, I don’t think I need to point out the quality of this book. Anyone who has read a book from Aleksandr Voinov knows to expect only the best. Wonderful editing work, fonts and presentation always making you feel like you’re reading a paperback. There are times I wonder why I can’t smell the pages and I laugh at myself. But you get the point. It’s so nice to have to focus only in the story without having minor details, such as typos or poor proofing, take your concentration away.

In the end, all there is to add here is; if you are not acquainted with the Memory of Scorpions universe I strongly recommend it to you.

Lying with Scorpions by Aleksandr Voinov (2nd Edition)

Title: Lying with Scorpions

Series: Memory of Scorpions 02

Author: Aleksandr Voinov

Genre:  Historical Fantasy

ISBN: 9781540151353

Length: Novel (303 pgs)

Publisher: 44 Raccoons (23rd December 2018)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 3.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: If you lie with scorpions, you’d better have a taste for poison.

Now that Kendras’s lover Adrastes has claimed the throne of Dalman, Kendras is tangled deeper than ever in politics and intrigue. As the new leader of the Scorpions and Adrastes’s one true friend, he and his men stand between Adrastes and those who wish him dead.

And many do. Adrastes openly challenges the ocean priesthood for power while establishing himself at court and brokering with the realm’s various factions. He means for the Scorpions to become a fearsome legion again, but Kendras must first learn how to be a good officer and recruit to replace the fallen. His choices will determine the future of a group steeped in hundreds of years of history and tradition.

As both Kendras and Adrastes settle old scores, a new enemy arises in Commander Graukar, a war hero loyal to the old order. In his formidable mountain fortress, Graukar may hold the balance of power. But while Adrastes aims to either rule or destroy Graukar, Kendras finds himself doubting Adrastes for the first time, and sharing more with Graukar than he ever thought possible.

Product Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Well, it’s finally done and after a long time filled with anticipation, book two of the Memory of Scorpions takes us into yet another enthralling tale.

In direct opposition with Book one, this novel starts relatively calm. Adrastes is now the new Lord Protector and on his way to claim Dalman and her throne with his very own personal guard, the Scorpions, and his lover Kendras at his side as his personal bodyguard. And they are needed too, because Adrastes claims the throne with barely concealed threats.

And it is apparent that this book is quite different from the previous in many ways. It starts calmly and the plot flows steady, slowly taking you through the story. Nearly half of the book is a slow pacing through Adrastes’s setting on the throne, the games and politics of the generals, a slow change on Adrastes’ personality or perhaps character leaving Kendras in a state of uncertainty for most of the read. Now I always thought that Kendras has a lot of inner thinking going on with him, but his new role as Officer has him overdoing it. I’m not sure how much I liked that fact or the drag of half of this story.

However the pace did pick up, the story became quite interesting and surprising. I think I felt the same with Kendras there when it came to Graukar and the Ambassador of the Jaishani. I was astonished with those characters. I expected a brute on Graukar and his genteel soul left me with a jaw hanging. As for the Ambassador, oh my, what a character, and what amazing possibilities that one brings for the future of this series.

So there it is, this book starts shattering slowly into pieces once the action picks up. I loved the “mission,” I loved the amazing help of the Black Legion, I loved the feeling and emotions that came from the unexpected new love affair, and I felt the painful grip in my heart when Kendras finally got a glimpse in his past and his family. I think that was the mostly emotional charged part of this entire second installment, with a second the Betrayal that came to the end. The pinnacle of intensity and what made me so sad in the end, but so very much-needed to give the story the push and reason to move on. As much as I saw the need for it, I must admit I close the book with the thought “poor Kendras.”

Overall, it was a great sequel to the first book however, for me it didn’t quite shake me like the first one. I loved it however and I’m definitely now more interested on the third book of the series. It is now that Kendras will rise and I can’t wait for it. As for this one, it’s quite worth reading it, with amazing scenes of battle and secret missions, the blood we’ve come to expect from the Scorpions, and a great deal of conspiracy and back-stabbing. Recommended!

Scorpion by Aleksandr Voinov (3rd Edition)

Title: Scorpion

Series: Memory of Scorpions 01

Author: Aleksandr Voinov

Genre: Dark Military Fantasy

Length: Novel (260 pgs)

Publisher: 44 Raccoons (23rd December 2018)

ISBN: 9781386950363

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: Never stop fighting.

Kendras is a casualty of war: injured, penniless, and quite possibly the last surviving member of the only family he’s ever had—the elite fighting force known as the Scorpions. When a steel-eyed mercenary offers him medicine and shelter in exchange for submission and a secret task, Kendras has no choice but to accept. He is a Scorpion; he’ll do whatever it takes to survive.

But his true goal is to rebuild the Scorpions. Neither Steel’s possessive nature nor Kendras’s shattered foot can keep him from finding the last of his brothers, or the mysterious leader of the Scorpions, the man who held Kendras’s heart long before Steel tried to take it for himself.

The goal is simple, the situation anything but. To rescue his leader and escape from Steel for good, Kendras must fight through a morass of politics and intrigue where enemies may be allies and even allies have hidden agendas. But Kendras isn’t only fighting for his lost lover and tribe—he soon realizes that nothing less than the birth of an Empire is at stake.

Product Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Reader discretion advised. This title contains the following sensitive themes:

  • dubious consent
  • explicit violence

Being the first writer to introduce me to the m/m genre, it is safe to say that Voinov is one of my favorite authors. It is also safe to say that I’ve grown to expect anything and everything from this author, from romance to explicit erotica and from sci-fi to extreme dark fantasy.

So I expected to dive in this book and not be released from its spell unless it was over, I expected it to rock my world, I expected it to make me feel and intensely so. Still I didn’t saw it coming full force and hit me like a punch in the gut. And I lost count of how many times I was left there jaw hanging slack and shivers running through my body re-reading the same paragraph over and over again just because it was so very amazingly gritty and violent that I simply could not take my eyes of and move on.

Yes, I’m and addict when it comes to Voinov’s special brand of violence, I’m and addict when it comes to his horrific erotic scenes, and I’m an addict to the way he makes a perfectly terrifying character, one that should make me want to scream and run for my life, to the most delicious and lovable character ever.

If you don’t know this author’s work then frankly you don’t know what you’re missing; if you do than you’ll understand me when I say that more often than not I’m left speechless simply because there doesn’t seem to exist good enough words to talk about it.

In this book, we meet Kendras, a member of an elite military unit, The Scorpions. The unit is the family nobody can shatter. There is nothing above it and all and everything revolves around the members. They fight together, live together, die together and above all, they never stop fighting.

Unfortunately, in the last battle, too many members died and the fear that all is lost is almost consuming Kendras. He’s been shipped away from the field and lost contact with everybody, he’s wounded, to the brink of death but he must keep living and fighting and try to get his way back to find out what happened to his unit, to his Officer.

He must do whatever it takes to get well and on the road again, even if that means to give himself, however temporarily, to Steel, a mysterious man with a hidden agenda and seemingly soulless, who for whatever reason wants Kentras to be and work with him.

And this is how things are set in motion, a wide web of intrigues and political games for power, assassins coming from every corner and people dying from least expected hands. Corruption and hunger of every form are seen and a mind-blowing plot is slowly unraveled, steadily taking every ounce of your sanity away in its path.

The characters are many, their personalities each unique and the dialogues often have a gritty sense of humor you can’t resist. The erotic relations between the characters are limitless and often the lines blur, and the eroticism is heady driving you in a mindless swirl of emotions. Hot, sexy, debauched, or even forced everything is written with a seducing pen that makes even the crudest scene seem strangely alluring. Expect that, expect anything and you’ll be able to ride it in its full glory instead of staring shocked.

The plot was quite powerful too with so many unexpected twists and turns that keep you always on your toes never allowing you to relax for a single bit. And the world created oh my, such an enticing one, I can’t wait for the next book of the series to come just for the brief chance to get in there once again.

If there is one thing about this book that somehow let me down is the fact that we never really saw Kendras in the heart of a battle. Yes, he was wounded for the better part and yes, he did kill somebody, but I was waiting for that bloodthirsty Scorpion to wreak havoc and I didn’t get that. A bit disappointed there but hopefully he’ll come back in book #2 and do just that.

Conclusion after all the above… Well, freaking awesome and definitely on my favorite shelf where books that I take out and read to fix me up are put. The Scorpion is just too good to miss.

Memory of Scorpions by Aleksandr Voinov Series Blitz, Reviews & Giveaway!

Aleksandr Voinov - Memory of Scorpions Banner

Hi peeps, we have Aleksandr Voinov stopping by today with his Memory of Scorpions series blitz, we have Thommie’s reviews and an awesome $25 Amazon GC giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway!❤ ~Pixie~

The Memory of Scorpions series is a gritty military fantasy featuring a very diverse, very queer cast of characters.  Political drama, court intrigue,  love, loyalty, betrayal and a plot driven story line that will keep you guessing right up to the very end.  The beautiful covers were created by Anna Sikorska.

Scorpion

(Memory of Scorpions 01)
by

Aleksandr Voinov

You learn your wisest lessons from your enemies. Assuming, of course, you survive the encounter.

Kendras is a casualty of war: injured, penniless, and quite possibly the last surviving member of the only family he’s ever known—the elite fighting force known as the Scorpions. When a steel-eyed stranger offers him medicine and shelter in exchange for submission and a secret task, Kendras has no choice but to accept. He is a Scorpion; he’ll do whatever it takes to survive.

But his true goal is to rebuild the Scorpions. Neither Steel’s possessive nature nor Kendras’s shattered foot can keep him from finding the last of his brothers… or the mysterious leader of the Scorpions, a man who held Kendras’s heart long before Steel tried to take it for himself. The goal is simple, the situation anything but. To rescue his leader and escape from Steel for good, Kendras must fight through a morass of politics and intrigue, where enemies are allies and even allies have hidden agendas.

.•.•.**❣️ Amazon US | Amazon UK | Kobo | B&N | iTunes ❣️**.•.•.

Lying with Scorpions

(Memory of Scorpions 02)

If you lie with scorpions, you’d better have a taste for poison.

Now that Kendras’s lover Adrastes has claimed the throne of Dalman, Kendras is tangled deeper than ever in politics and intrigue. As the new leader of the Scorpions and Adrastes’s one true friend, he and his men stand between Adrastes and those who wish him dead.

And many do. Adrastes openly challenges the ocean priesthood for power while establishing himself at court and brokering with the realm’s various factions. He means for the Scorpions to become a fearsome legion again, but Kendras must first learn how to be a good officer and recruit to replace the fallen. His choices will determine the future of a group steeped in hundreds of years of history and tradition.

As both Kendras and Adrastes settle old scores, a new enemy arises in Commander Graukar, a war hero loyal to the old order. In his formidable mountain fortress, Graukar may hold the balance of power. But while Adrastes aims to either rule or destroy Graukar, Kendras finds himself doubting Adrastes for the first time, and sharing more with Graukar than he ever thought possible.

.•.•.**❣️ Amazon US | Amazon UK | Kobo | B&N | iTunes ❣️**.•.•.

A Taste for Poison

(Memory of Scorpions 03)

Even the hand of a king is stung when it reaches for the scorpion.

After barely surviving an assassination attempt, King Adrastes is a changed man—one who mistrusts even his allies and friends. He readies his empire for war against an enigmatic enemy, the Elder of Vededrin, but not everyone approves. While courtiers dare only to whisper dissent, an outrider called Death foments rebellion in the mountains, aided by a prophecy that promises he’ll stop the Black King.

Kendras—former lover to Adrastes and leader of the Scorpions—is sent with his elite mercenary force to bring Death to justice. But when Kendras learns who’s hiding behind the mask, he must choose between his lover Graukar, newly appointed general to the king—and King Adrastes himself.

With no man to call master, the Scorpions could flee the danger and intrigue. But Kendras cannot abandon the man he once loved—or the man he’s growing to love—without first uncovering the real threat to the Empire.

.•.•.**❣️ Amazon US | Amazon UK | Kobo | B&N | iTunes ❣️**.•.•.

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No Place That Far by L.A. Witt and Aleksandr Voinov

81xxHLbs7jL._SL1500_Title: No Place That Far
Series: Distance Between Us, #5
Author: L.A. Witt & Aleksandr Voinov
Genre: Contemporary/ Military
Length: Novel (215 pages)
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd. (January 27th, 2015)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Blurb: Sometimes you only get one chance at a second chance.

Still finding his footing after a long-overdue divorce, Marcus is looking forward to some mind-numbing drinking while ogling the grooms at Chris and Julien’s wedding. He never expected his attention to be diverted by the gorgeous best man.

One of Julien’s French Foreign Legion buddies, Timur doesn’t speak much English, but language is no barrier to Marcus understanding exactly what the huge Tartar wants—a one-night stand.

Except that one night turns into two, three, then more, which puts Marcus on edge. After Timur is done house sitting for the honeymooning couple, he’s headed back to the Legion for another five years. Like it or not, once Timur gets on that plane, the fling is over.

Unfortunately, Marcus forgot to tell his heart not to fall in love. And this time, if history repeats and he makes another wrong decision, he may never see his tattooed Legionnaire lover again.

Warning: Contains a soldier who makes up for his lack of English by using his hands to read his lover’s body; a chef-turned-bartender who no longer believes in love; a length of paracord that probably wasn’t meant to be used this way; and a couple of newlyweds who are game for some four-way play.
Product Link: https://www.samhainpublishing.com/book/5316/no-place-that-far

Reviewer: Aerin
Review: Had to call the fire department to put my flames out because this book was seriously sizzling hot (on the plus side, all that firemen goodness made my boo-boos better). Leaving my goofy side…well aside, I loved this book; I believe it might be the hottest yet in this series.

We have a dark and sexy as hell French Legionnaire (sometimes 2 of them at the same time) and one of Wilde’s bartenders (which we know that all bartenders at Wilde’s are eye candy). According to the recipe, if we put them together, add some ice, a bit of absinthe, top it off with a good bit of vodka and shake well, we get ………KABOOOM! That’s exactly how I felt, gob smacked by the chemistry and intensity between them.

Timur is our sexy legionnaires, a very good friend of Julien’s, who comes to stand in as Julien’s best man in the wedding. Timur is very intense and mysterious, and we don’t really find out much about him. He’s currently between tours and is supposed to reenlist with the legion in a month’s time. Meanwhile he spends that month in Seattle, house sitting the cats that Chris and Julien own.

At the wedding, Timur meets Marcus and sparks fly. Timur doesn’t know much English, but what he knows is enough to keep things simple between them, and really, knowing and speaking the same body language is enough for them. So much less time-consuming—going straight from “welcome” to “well, come.”

Marcus is the most recently hired bartender at Wilde’s. He worked as a chef in a five-star restaurant owned by his ex husband up until their recent divorce. Marcus is still hurt by the divorce and while he doesn’t love Ray anymore, he’s bitter and jaded and doesn’t believe in a happily ever after anymore.

The story is told from his POV and let me tell you, he’s funny as hell. The sarcastic and self-deprecating thoughts he has are hilarious and entertained me throughout the book. When he meets Timur he is so attracted to him, he does something he never really does; forgets English.

I…” Marcus cleared his throat. So he hadn’t imagined how green the best man’s eyes were. Holy Christ. They were even more surprisingly intense because he hadn’t expected that color with almond-shaped eyes. “I’m, uh. Not much of a… I have…” Come on, come on. Speech. English. You know this!

They make small talk and agree to a one-night stand. And their first time together is so hot, it blew my mind. Apparently, Marcus’s mind was blown as well “We can’t…” Breathe? Think? Talk? Fuck. That’s it. We can’t fuck. “We need…we need condoms.” I love L.A Witt because I rarely find a sex scene incredibly hot and funny as hell at the same time. Impressive really.

One nightstand becomes a series of one-night stands because Timur wants to keep seeing Marcus and spend time with him. And that’s what they do. They visit the city and Marcus takes Timur to different tourist attractions, he cooks for him and they have fun together. They really fit and they’re a good match, and Timur is everything Marcus would like in a lover. Too bad, he has to leave soon.

When Chris and Julien return from their honeymoon, the four of them spend some time together. And then the foursome happens *gulp*. I generally am against bringing others to the bedroom when the couple is still relatively new. Chris and Julien just got married and Marcus and Timur only have about 2 weeks under the belt.

Foursomes are messy (no pun intended, heh) and there’s a risk their easy friendship can be destroyed. Marcus is jealous of Timur and Julien, because we know they used to be friends with benefits for years. But the foursome does happen and is the hottest #some I’ve ever seen (felt, heard, tasted…you get the idea, because I swear I felt I was right there between them).

Timur’s time to leave has come and while Marcus really wants him to stay, he can’t accept the idea that Timur has to give up on his life dream, to retire with the legion, for him. He doesn’t want Timur to hate him later on, like Marcus resents his ex husband, and so he lets Timur leave.

I’m not going to tell you what happens next, read it if you want to find out. But I will address a few points that cemented my decision to rate this 4 hearts instead of 5. The foursome….you know, as much as I loved it, I wish it didn’t happen. It seems like all the couples in this series have an open door policy when it comes to the bedroom. And I wish Timur were possessive enough to not want to share. But that is just a ¼ of a star.

What I really wanted to see were the conversations that took place between Timur and Julien. I get that this was Marcus’s POV but they talked in French in the same room with Chris and Marcus, and I really wanted the conversation to be put on page, in French of course. I needed to know more about Timur or get a hint of his feelings and what his thoughts are when it comes to Marcus. And all those filthy things he was telling Marcus, you know the ones that made even Julien blush??? I WANT THEM, DAMN IT!! He said them out loud, so why weren’t they on the page? *pouts and sniffs*

The last thing I kind of wanted to see, but it didn’t affect my rating, is an epilogue. Even a short one to see if they’ve made it and are together, but I hope I’ll get my answer in the next book. I also hope we get to see Ethan and Rhett (I miss them) and Adam and Dale in the next one as well.

I recommend this to anyone and everyone, because this series is amazing and this book was the most intense of them all.

Lone Wolf by L.A. Witt & Aleksandr Voinov Blog Tour, Guest Post, Excerpt & Giveaway!

L.A. Witt & Aleksandr Voinov - Lone Wolf Banner L

Hi guys, we have Aleksandr Voinov and L.A. Witt popping in with their newest release Lone Wolf, L.A. chats about Fanfic, we have a great excerpt and there’s a brilliant giveaway. So enjoy the post and leave a comment on this post to enter that giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~ 

L.A. Witt & Aleksandr Voinov - Lone Wolf _400x600

 Lone Wolf

 (Bluewater Bay 04)
 by

L.A. Witt & Aleksandr Voinov

Hunter Easton is screwed. Fans, producers, and his agent are all chomping at the bit for the next book in his wildly popular Wolf’s Landing series, but he’s got epic writer’s block and is way behind deadline. Then he reads The World Tree, a fanfic novel by his online friend “Lone Wolf.” It isn’t just a great story—it’s exactly what the series needs.

Kevin Hussain is thrilled when “Wolf Hunter” wants to meet up after reading The World Tree. When Wolf Hunter turns out to be Hunter Easton himself, Kevin is starstruck. When Hunter tells him he wants to add The World Tree to Wolf’s Landing, Kevin is sure he’s being pranked. And when their online chemistry carries over—big time—into real life, Kevin is convinced it’s all too good to be true.

The problem is . . . it might be. The book deal, the sex, the money—everything is amazing. But fame isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, and Kevin is left wondering if Hunter really loves him, or just loves his book.

Continue reading “Lone Wolf by L.A. Witt & Aleksandr Voinov Blog Tour, Guest Post, Excerpt & Giveaway!”

A Taste of Poison by Aleksandr Voinov

TitlATasteForPoison_500x750e: A Taste for Poison
Series: Memory of Scorpions, #3
Author: Aleksandr Voinov
Genre: Fantasy / Military
Length: Novel (265 pages)
ISBN: 9781626491557
Publisher: Riptide Publishing (October 13th 2014)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts
Reviewer: Thommie
Blurb: Even a king gets stung when he reaches for a scorpion.

After barely surviving an assassination attempt, King Adrastes is a changed man—one who mistrusts even his allies and friends. He readies his empire for war against an enigmatic enemy, the Elder of Vededrin, but not everyone approves. While courtiers dare only to whisper dissent, an outrider called Death foments rebellion in the mountains, aided by a prophecy that promises he’ll stop the Black King.

Kendras—former lover to Adrastes and leader of the Scorpions—is sent with his elite mercenary force to bring Death to justice. But when Kendras learns who’s hiding behind the mask, he must choose between his lover Graukar, newly appointed general to the king—and King Adrastes himself.

With no man to call master, the Scorpions could flee the danger and intrigue. But Kendras cannot abandon the man he once loved—or the man he’s growing to love—without first uncovering the real threat to the Empire.

Purchase Link: http://www.riptidepublishing.com/titles/a-taste-for-poison

Review: I think it took me forever to find the time and finally finish this book. I seriously hated real life for stealing my time away, but I made it and *sigh* now I’m going to have to go over yet another book-hangover. It’s a thing with Voinov’s books and me, happens almost every time.

A Taste for Poison is the third and final book of the Memory of Scorpions universe, though rumour has it that Voinov is considering writing some shorts about some characters. As a fan, I truly hope it’ll happen.

So back to this book, yet again we were graced with a strong story, capable of grabbing your brain and imprisoning it in the depths of the plot. Action, blood, gore. Love, lust, passion. Jealousy, pain, fury. Intrigues, betrayals, back-stabbings.

More often than not, I felt like living in the story and I can’t begin to tell you how wonderful a feeling that is. The intensity of the storytelling is spectacular and leaves you without breath. Expect heart palpitations, heartbreaks, and even a tear shedding or two. Also, expect the sizzling hot passion and the one-of-the-kind love manifestation Voinov is so famous for being able to recreate in writing. And if you think you won’t get bat-shit-crazy mad with characters and events, think again.

The story itself takes a turn and what we suspected in book #2 became reality. It shifted from having Adrastes as the main person of Kendras’s interest to Graukar and while that was expected it managed to shock us with what Graukar suffers in the path of Adrastes’s fury. It will make you cringe and shudder, but it’s well worth it and raises the tension of the story way above high. It made Kendras look so damn good in my eyes too and I think it was about time, as he left me with an uneasy feeling in book #2.

Other than that, I don’t think I need to point out the quality of this book. Anyone who has read a book from Riptide knows to expect only the best. Wonderful editing work, fonts and presentation always making you feel like you’re reading a paperback. There are times I wonder why I can’t smell the pages and I laugh at myself. But you get the point. It’s so nice to have to focus only in the story without having minor details, such as typos or poor proofing, take your concentration away.

In the end, all there is to add here is; if you are not acquainted with the Memory of Scorpions universe I strongly recommend it to you.

Another Place in Time Anthology Blog Tour, Giveaway!

Anthology - Another Place in Time 1
Today we welcome several authors who have come together to produce a historical anthology where the proceeds will be donated to All Out. So check out the Anthology and giveaway and show your support to these amazing authors. <3 ~Pixie~
Anthology - Another Place in Time  320x420

Another Place in Time

Welcome to another place in time…where one can be swept away into lands and eras long forgotten. 

“Office Romance” by Tamara Allen

The post-war economy is at a standstill, much like Foster Wetherly’s life until he’s forced to do battle with irritatingly confident—and competent—fellow ex-doughboy Casey Gladwin for a position in their shrinking department at Manhattan Security Mutual.

“Introducing Mr. Winterbourne” by Joanna Chambers

Lysander Winterbourne appears to lead a charmed life. Handsome, amiable, and a renowned sportsman, he is the darling of London society. As far as Adam Freeman is concerned though, Lysander is just another spoiled aristocrat.

A wealthy mill owner, Adam has no time for the frivolous world of the ton, but when his younger brother becomes engaged to Althea Winterbourne, he reluctantly agrees to be introduced to society–with the Winterbourne clan’s golden boy as his guide.

Resigning himself to a few days of boredom, Adam is surprised to learn that there is much more to Lysander than his perfect surface. But will Adam have the courage to introduce Lysander Winterbourne to his own secret self?

“The Ruin of Gabriel Ashleigh” by KJ Charles

 Lord Gabriel Ashleigh is a ruined man. Last night he lost everything at the card tables to his brother’s worst enemy, notorious gambler Francis Webster. Tonight, he’s going back for one more game. Ash thinks he has nothing left to lose. But Francis sets the stakes, and they’re higher than Ash could have imagined…

Two Regency bucks. One game of cards. Everything to play for.

“Unfair in Love and War” by Kaje Harper

Many men lost brothers overseas in the summer of 1944. Warren Burch was one of them. For months he still clung to his big city life in Philadelphia, but finally he’s made the difficult choice to return to his home town. Warren’s polio-stricken leg won’t let him serve, so the least he can do is be there for his mother, when brother Charlie never again will. Arriving home means a whole new life, constrained by the rhythms and prejudices of a small town. Fortunately, it’s made more interesting by the mysterious and attractive young man next door.


“Carousel” by Jordan L. Hawk

When a child goes missing, is it a simple case of a young runaway, or are more sinister forces at work?

“Carousel” is part of the Whyborne & Griffin series and takes place between the events of Stormhaven and Necropolis. It can be read as a standalone.

“Deliverance” by Aleksandr Voinov

This is a re-vamped, re-edited, improved version of “Deliverance”. It’s about William Raven, a templar, who thought he’d escaped his past. (Same character as in The Lion of Kent.)

Along with a foreword written by Alex Beecroft, enjoy these original short stories that make up “Another Place in Time”. 

All proceeds from the purchase of this anthology will be donated to AllOut.org in celebration of LGBT History Month, October 2014.

Amazon, Smashwords

Continue reading “Another Place in Time Anthology Blog Tour, Giveaway!”

Return on Investment by Aleksandr Voinov

91yJD4CCnSL._SL1500_Title: Return On Investment

Series: N/A

Author: Aleksandr Voinov

Genre: Thriller

Length: Novel (340 Pages)

Publisher: 44 Raccoons (July 11th, 2014)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Heart

Blurb: Martin David, an eager but inexperienced financial analyst, is the newest member of the investment team at Skeiron Capital Partners in London. His boss is an avowed financial genius, but he’s also overbearing and intense. Despite his erratic behavior, Martin can’t help being drawn to him both professionally and personally.

Too bad his boss doesn’t seem to feel the same. In a firm where pedigree and connections mean far more than Martin’s newly-minted business degree, Martin feels desperately inadequate—at least until he meets the enigmatic investment manager Alec Berger, who promises to help Martin establish himself in the financial community. Martin is so charmed by Alec’s sophistication and wit that he gives him data that should have stayed confidential.

Then the financial crisis hits. Banks burn, companies teeter on the brink, and Skeiron’s survival is at stake. Martin is pushed into the middle of the fight for Skeiron—against both the tanking economy and a ruthless enemy who’s stepped out of the shadows to collect the spoils.

Return on Investment is the new gay financial thriller from EPIC Award winner and Lambda Award finalist Aleksandr Voinov.

Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/Return-Investment-Aleksandr-Voinov-ebook/dp/B00LQQSYYQ#

Reviewer: GiGi

Review: A book that demands your time and attention. Return On Investment is definitely more corporate thriller than anything else. Voinov seems to grab a hold of the culture of London/Wall Street Market and Investment firms. It’s a dog eat dog worlds, the competition is rough, unforgiving, and the fierce competition is in the blood. And blood is spilled, both figuratively and literally.

The beginning of the book lets the reader know where all this infighting, deceit, and overzealous and risky work ethic are leading. Lies, greed, violence, betrayal all have a part as one might assume in this thriller, what I did not expect is morality. Yes plenty of immorality, anyone who paid attention to the market and banking crisis of the 90’s expects that in this book set in the investment and banking market of the same time period. But what hit me most is how Voinov brought his characters through a crisis of personal morals.

I really started to give up hope on Martin redeeming himself, after some bad decisions both in whom he chose to trust, how he let professional relationships become sexual trysts, and hurt people on the sidelines, like Josh, with little concern. Until it hit him, and that moment of epiphany changes the momentum and pace of the books for me.

Alec, greedy, smarmy, conniving, and beautifully presented, I loved to hate this man. I don’t’ want to give out the surprises surrounding Alec, but he’s one of the most interesting and evil characters in the book. I think that Voinov wrote the best bad character I’ve read in a very long time.

Francis, Martin’s boss, was a puzzling character for me. The shocking beginning of this book undermined for me, all the confidence and strength he seemed to exude throughout the book. Maybe that is a strong point Voinov wants to make here. That you never know what will topple a powerful, intelligent, otherwise confident man of the edge. Everyone has their limits, and sometimes it takes drastic measures to pick a man up once he hits bottom.

I will warn you Voinov drags the reader through a ton of jargon and investment/banker culture, complete with conferences, strategy meetings, portfolio reviews, networking, and corporate takeover. If you really don’t like reading about business, and can’t warp your head around that culture, you may want to look elsewhere. I admit to wanting to speed read or scan over sections of the more corporate related details, but I’m glad I gave this book a closer look.

This is not a romantic book, though personal character, commitment, and loyalty do prove to aid in turning a professional and sexual attraction into a powerful intimate connection.

Watch out Michael Crichton, here comes Aleksandr Voinov. I highly recommend Return On Investment to those who enjoy a good corporate thriller!

Hostile Ground by L.A. Witt and Aleksandr Voinov Blog Tour, Giveaway & Review!

L.A. Witt & Alexsandr Vionov - hostile Ground_TourBanner(2)

Hey guys, today we are visited by Aleksandr Voinov & L.A. Witt with their newest Riptide Publishing release Hostile Ground, they have a great giveaway and we have Thommie’s review for you to enjoy, so don’t just sit there have a look at what we have today and then don’t forget to click that Rafflecopter Link! <3 ~Pixie~ 

Welcome to the Riptide Publishing, Aleksandr Voinov & L.A. Witt blog tour for our thriller, Hostile Ground!

Every comment on this blog tour enters you in a drawing for a choice of two eBooks off our backlists (excluding Hostile Ground) and a $10 Riptide Publishing store credit. Entries close at midnight, Eastern time, on May 17th, and winners will be announced on May 19th.  Contest is NOT restricted to U.S. entries.

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Hostile Ground

by

L.A. Witt & Aleksandr Voinov

Enemy territory is a dangerous place to fall in love.

 After the deaths of three undercover cops investigating a drug ring in a seedy strip club in Seattle, Detective Mahir Hussain has been sent to finish the job. He joins the club’s security team in the hopes of finding enough evidence to bust the operation before the men in charge find a reason to put him in a shallow grave.

 To protect the strippers, only gay men can work the club. Ridley, the cold and intimidating head of security, knows exactly how to test potential new hires—including Mahir. From the minute they meet, Mahir and Ridley engage in a dangerous dance of sex and mind games. Mahir needs to find his evidence before Ridley figures out he’s a cop—and before they both grow too close to betray one another.

 As the game goes on, Mahir burrows deeper into the operation, where he learns there’s much more happening than meets the eye . . . and why every cop who made it this far has been silenced with a bullet.

 Hostile Ground is available May 12th from Riptide Publishing.

Continue reading “Hostile Ground by L.A. Witt and Aleksandr Voinov Blog Tour, Giveaway & Review!”

No Distance Left to Run by L.A. Witt and Aleksandr Voinov

81LA5xlUFaL._SL1500_Title: No Distance Left to Run
Series: The Distance Between Us, #4
Author: L. A Witt and Aleksandr Voinov
Genre: Red Hots, Men in Uniform, Gay Romance, Contemporary
Length: Novel (193 Pages)
ISBN: 978-1-61922-214-4
Publisher: Samhain Publishing (May 13th, 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Reviewer: Lisa

Blurb: The night before Chris and his best friend Joshua were sent thousands of miles apart on their respective Mormon missions, they finally gave in to their mutual desire. Left trying to make sense of what happened, Chris’s already shaky faith crumbled altogether a year later, when Joshua suddenly died.

Inconsolable, ostracized by his family and the only community he’d ever known, Chris found his way on his own. Now he’s going to school and loves his job as a bartender at Wilde’s. Years after Joshua’s death, he’s finally moving on.
Then a familiar face rocks his world. Joshua isn’t dead. He’s back in Seattle to make peace with his dying father, with a new name, a new accent…and old feelings for Chris that are alive and well.

Forgiveness doesn’t come easy for anyone, but just as Chris is accepting that the man he loves isn’t going to run away this time, their families threaten to pull them apart all over again…

Purchase Link: http://store.samhainpublishing.com/distance-left-p-73406.html

Review: I was quite surprise by this story. It was not what I had expected and to my surprise, I actually liked it a lot. It brings things home to you. It makes your heart sing to see to men get what they want in the end. It will also make you cry to know the pain that they went through to get to where they are in the end. I have never really understood why people have so much hate in their souls and hearts. Nor do I understand why people can’t understand that you should be allowed to love whom you want. This story gives you two wonderful men who have the desires to be with each other and the way the church tries to put an end to it. So much so, that it drives one man to pretend he is dead and start a new life somewhere else. He left so much behind.

Chris had fallen in love with Joshua and when he learned he had been killed it nearly drove him insane. Now many years later he finds out Joshua is alive and is going by the name of Julien. He doesn’t know whether to be extremely pissed off or to actually forgive him. He hasn’t seen him in so long but when Julien comes back to try to make amends, he has to see where it will go.
Julien is very much in love with Chris and it has left him with a lot of fears and pain. He knows that he has caused not only pain to his family but to the man he loves also. He wants to fix things with his family but he is not going to give up a life with Chris. You can feel the love that they have for each other.You can also feel the pain when everyone seems to want to fix them, to keep them apart.

I can’t believe what these two men most have felt and gone through to get them to this point in time. To have the strength to go against everything they had been taught is an amazing lesson some should learn. I can say that these two authors have put together a story that everyone should read at least once in their lives. To see what some people do go through when they are dealing with families. I wished that everyone would feel the way these two men love one another. It would be a gift to be able to love so deeply and to be love back in the same strength.

I would recommend this story to everyone who wants to feel such strength, such love, and such loyalties. It also doesn’t hurt that these two men are hot and they are showing signs of being kinky. It will be an amazing read.

If it Drives by Aleksandr Voinov and L.A. Witt

IfItDrives_500x750Title: If It Drives
Series: Market Garden #7
Author: Aleksandr Voinov & L.A. Witt
Genre: Erotic Romance / BDSM
Length: Novel (221 pages)
ISBN: 9781626491083
Publisher: Riptide Publishing (March 31st 2014)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts
Reviewer: Thommie
Blurb: If it flies, drives, or fornicates, it’s cheaper to rent it.
After driving James Harcourt, his wealthy banker boss, around for a year and a half, Cal isn’t surprised by much anymore. Not even James’s regular trips to Market Garden, London’s most elite gay brothel.

But when James leaves the Garden alone one night and turns to Cal instead, Cal’s floored. After crushing on his boss for ages, it’s his wet dream come true . . . until the awkward morning after. Cal still has a job to do, but he wants to offer more. Yet James doesn’t take him up on it; he keeps Cal at arm’s length and continues his chauffeured jaunts to Market Garden.
As Cal learns what James needs from the rentboys, he tries to fill that need himself. But there’s more to James’s penchant for rentboys than Cal realizes, and it may be one role that Cal can’t fill without overstepping his duty.

Purchase Link: http://www.riptidepublishing.com/titles/if-it-drives
Review: What a superb book. When it comes to erotic writing this particular team of authors create magic so sublime you wish you never get out in real world again, and simply drown in the erotic fantasies. Yes, I’m left wanting more, the craving getting only worse with each new instalment, the addiction painful when forced to wait. There are many thing about this book that drive me crazy, but the fact that this is one of the best written erotic series ever remains a constant.

This time around, we have the chauffeur kink in all its glory. But it’s not that simple; the way this story starts, evolves and ends will definitely take you through a range of emotions. James, a God in the financial world, is always in control and struggling to maintain an image. With his marriage ruined recently and the stress of the job constantly on his shoulders, his only outlet is the Market Garden. However, one night even the Market doesn’t have what he looks for.

Enter Cal, James’s driver; harboring a huge crush for his employer is bad, being forced to see him with rentboys is even worse, but when James invites him for coffee in the house after returning from a fruitless hunting trip down the Market Garden, things go wild. It’s simultaneously the best thing ever and a living Hell after. The fact that Cal wants to help James with his inner struggles and take care of him makes things even more complicated. In his strive to be what James needs, Cal seeks help… from the only guy he knows that can give it to him… Nick!

May I please take this chance to take a short break and scream the fan-girl screams for Nick! You remember Nick right? Nick the sadist/Dom? Nick, the god of everything evil/wicked. Nick, who stopped being a rentboy in order to have a relationship with Spencer? Oh my God, that was the best surprise from this installment. I was so happy to be having Nick back I was screaming for a good couple of minutes. And of course, his appearance did not disappoint.

So, back to this book, it pretty much resembles the others in style; a captivating plot that picks up and doesn’t let go at all. There are no lows in pace here; it’s rather a steady inclination until it reached to exploding point, and then it simply goes and melts you with its closure. Erotic fantasies that take your breath away and leave you wanting, longing, lusting… The characters are unique as well; their treats and personality don’t resemble past characters at all and that makes for a refreshing cast, enticing you to read their story not just because they’re hot and sexy – that they are – but because they are in fact interesting as people.

The relationship part is a struggle for both Cal and James, and takes them a while to overcome, but during that time, we are treated to exquisite scenes that make you literally go crazy. The BDSM approach this time is not as heavy as it was between Nick and Spencer (they were an S/M couple after all), the allure now is even bigger because Cal is what we call a Service Top, a person who adapts to his sub’s needs, and OMG! I found him extremely fascinating.

What else? I keep searching for words to describe what a great time I had reading this book, but I’m failing miserably. In the end all I can tell you is that I had a smile and a grin attached to my face from the very first line till the last one, and this book was exactly what I needed and a great deal of fun. Strongly Recommended!

Payoff by Aleksandr Voinov and L.A. Witt

19292809Title: Payoff

Series: Market Garden, #6

Author: Aleksandr Voinov & L.A. Witt

Genre: Erotic Romance

ISBN: 978-1-62649-104-5

Length: Novelette (57 pages)

Publisher: Riptide Publishing (February 3rd, 2014)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: Tristan and Jared have got it made. When they aren’t raking in the cash together at Market Garden, they’re burning up their own sheets and getting closer by the day. But something isn’t right. Tristan’s on edge, and Jared doesn’t understand why.

Before they can hash things out, their services are requested by none other than Rolex. And Rolex doesn’t just want to be a bystander this time. He wants Jared while Tristan watches, and he’s more than willing to pay for it.

But Tristan’s reached a breaking point, and even that huge wad of cash might not be enough to keep tonight’s arrangement from crashing and burning.

Product Link: http://riptidepublishing.com/titles/payoff

Review: I don’t need to say that this series are damned hot, but oh my God, they are seriously, seriously hot.

This is the final time we get to see one of our favorite couples in this series, and they go out with a Bam! Jared and Tristan have been having fun, pairing together for their job, and driving john after john crazy, relieving them of their money with the exquisite erotic image they present. But things have changed this time around. Tristan’s feeling are all over the place no matter the tight rein he has on them, and when Rolex shows up again paying a ridiculously amount of money to have Tristan watch him take Jared, Tristan finds himself at the very bottom of his patience.

Brewing tension from the starting line, incredibly high emotions and the most exquisite feeling of jealousy make this read a remarkable one. I love seeing Tristan’s character change from collected to losing his wits and from seductive to sweet. If I felt hot and bothered with him before, I just adored the heck out of him in this book. As for Jared, well he did get what he always wanted in my opinion, and the journey to achieve it was absolutely gorgeous, and fun, and hot, and erotic as hell.

A beautiful, breath-taking end to this couple’s story, this book is one you should not miss.

Lying with Scorpions by Aleksandr Voinov

19615779Title: Lying with Scorpions

Series: Memory of Scorpions, #2

Author: Aleksandr Voinov

Genre:  Historical Fantasy

ISBN: 978-1-62649-110-6

Length: Novel (317 pages)

Publisher: Riptide Publishing (January 20th, 2014)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: If you lie with scorpions, you’d better have a taste for poison.

Now that Kendras’s lover Adrastes has claimed the throne of Dalman, Kendras is tangled deeper than ever in politics and intrigue. As the new leader of the Scorpions and Adrastes’s one true friend, he and his men stand between Adrastes and those who wish him dead.

And many do. Adrastes openly challenges the ocean priesthood for power while establishing himself at court and brokering with the realm’s various factions. He means for the Scorpions to become a fearsome legion again, but Kendras must first learn how to be a good officer and recruit to replace the fallen. His choices will determine the future of a group steeped in hundreds of years of history and tradition.

As both Kendras and Adrastes settle old scores, a new enemy arises in Commander Graukar, a war hero loyal to the old order. In his formidable mountain fortress, Graukar may hold the balance of power. But while Adrastes aims to either rule or destroy Graukar, Kendras finds himself doubting Adrastes for the first time, and sharing more with Graukar than he ever thought possible.

Product Link: http://www.riptidepublishing.com/titles/lying-scorpions

Review: Well, it’s finally done and after a long time filled with anticipation, book two of the Memory of Scorpions takes us into yet another enthralling tale.

In direct opposition with Book one, this novel starts relatively calm. Adrastes is now the new Lord Protector and on his way to claim Dalman and her throne with his very own personal guard, the Scorpions, and his lover Kendras at his side as his personal bodyguard. And they are needed too, because Adrastes claims the throne with barely concealed threats.

And it is apparent that this book is quite different from the previous in many ways. It starts calmly and the plot flows steady, slowly taking you through the story. Nearly half of the book is a slow pacing through Adrastes’s setting on the throne, the games and politics of the generals, a slow change on Adrastes’ personality or perhaps character leaving Kendras in a state of uncertainty for most of the read. Now I always thought that Kendras has a lot of inner thinking going on with him, but his new role as Officer has him overdoing it. I’m not sure how much I liked that fact or the drag of half of this story.

However the pace did pick up, the story became quite interesting and surprising. I think I felt the same with Kendras there when it came to Graukar and the Ambassador of the Jaishani. I was astonished with those characters. I expected a brute on Graukar and his genteel soul left me with a jaw hanging. As for the Ambassador, oh my, what a character, and what amazing possibilities that one brings for the future of this series.

So there it is, this book starts shattering slowly into pieces once the action picks up. I loved the “mission,” I loved the amazing help of the Black Legion, I loved the feeling and emotions that came from the unexpected new love affair, and I felt the painful grip in my heart when Kendras finally got a glimpse in his past and his family. I think that was the mostly emotional charged part of this entire second installment, with a second the Betrayal that came to the end. The pinnacle of intensity and what made me so sad in the end, but so very much-needed to give the story the push and reason to move on. As much as I saw the need for it, I must admit I close the book with the thought “poor Kendras.”

Overall, it was a great sequel to the first book however, for me it didn’t quite shake me like the first one. I loved it however and I’m definitely now more interested on the third book of the series. It is now that Kendras will rise and I can’t wait for it. As for this one, it’s quite worth reading it, with amazing scenes of battle and secret missions, the blood we’ve come to expect from the Scorpions, and a great deal of conspiracy and back-stabbing. Recommended!

Scorpion by Aleksandr Voinov

17433145Title: Scorpion, 2nd edition

Series: Memory of Scorpions, #1

Author: Aleksandr Voinov

Genre: Dark Military Fantasy

Length: Novel (268 pages)

Publisher: Riptide Publishing (May 27th, 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: Never stop fighting.

Kendras is a casualty of war: injured, penniless, and quite possibly the last surviving member of the only family he’s ever had—the elite fighting force known as the Scorpions. When a steel-eyed mercenary offers him medicine and shelter in exchange for submission and a secret task, Kendras has no choice but to accept. He is a Scorpion; he’ll do whatever it takes to survive.

But his true goal is to rebuild the Scorpions. Neither Steel’s possessive nature nor Kendras’s shattered foot can keep him from finding the last of his brothers, or the mysterious leader of the Scorpions, the man who held Kendras’s heart long before Steel tried to take it for himself.

The goal is simple, the situation anything but. To rescue his leader and escape from Steel for good, Kendras must fight through a morass of politics and intrigue where enemies may be allies and even allies have hidden agendas. But Kendras isn’t only fighting for his lost lover and tribe—he soon realizes that nothing less than the birth of an Empire is at stake.

Product Link: http://www.riptidepublishing.com/titles/scorpion-memory-scorpions-1

Review: Reader discretion advised. This title contains the following sensitive themes:

  • dubious consent
  • explicit violence

Being the first writer to introduce me to the m/m genre, it is safe to say that Voinov is one of my favorite authors. It is also safe to say that I’ve grown to expect anything and everything from this author, from romance to explicit erotica and from sci-fi to extreme dark fantasy.

So I expected to dive in this book and not be released from its spell unless it was over, I expected it to rock my world, I expected it to make me feel and intensely so. Still I didn’t saw it coming full force and hit me like a punch in the gut. And I lost count of how many times I was left there jaw hanging slack and shivers running through my body re-reading the same paragraph over and over again just because it was so very amazingly gritty and violent that I simply could not take my eyes of and move on.

Yes, I’m and addict when it comes to Voinov’s special brand of violence, I’m and addict when it comes to his horrific erotic scenes, and I’m an addict to the way he makes a perfectly terrifying character, one that should make me want to scream and run for my life, to the most delicious and lovable character ever.

If you don’t know this author’s work then frankly you don’t know what you’re missing; if you do than you’ll understand me when I say that more often than not I’m left speechless simply because there doesn’t seem to exist good enough words to talk about it.

In this book, we meet Kendras, a member of an elite military unit, The Scorpions. The unit is the family nobody can shatter. There is nothing above it and all and everything revolves around the members. They fight together, live together, die together and above all, they never stop fighting.

Unfortunately, in the last battle, too many members died and the fear that all is lost is almost consuming Kendras. He’s been shipped away from the field and lost contact with everybody, he’s wounded, to the brink of death but he must keep living and fighting and try to get his way back to find out what happened to his unit, to his Officer.

He must do whatever it takes to get well and on the road again, even if that means to give himself, however temporarily, to Steel, a mysterious man with a hidden agenda and seemingly soulless, who for whatever reason wants Kentras to be and work with him.

And this is how things are set in motion, a wide web of intrigues and political games for power, assassins coming from every corner and people dying from least expected hands. Corruption and hunger of every form are seen and a mind-blowing plot is slowly unraveled, steadily taking every ounce of your sanity away in its path.

The characters are many, their personalities each unique and the dialogues often have a gritty sense of humor you can’t resist. The erotic relations between the characters are limitless and often the lines blur, and the eroticism is heady driving you in a mindless swirl of emotions. Hot, sexy, debauched, or even forced everything is written with a seducing pen that makes even the crudest scene seem strangely alluring. Expect that, expect anything and you’ll be able to ride it in its full glory instead of staring shocked.

The plot was quite powerful too with so many unexpected twists and turns that keep you always on your toes never allowing you to relax for a single bit. And the world created oh my, such an enticing one, I can’t wait for the next book of the series to come just for the brief chance to get in there once again.

If there is one thing about this book that somehow let me down is the fact that we never really saw Kendras in the heart of a battle. Yes, he was wounded for the better part and yes, he did kill somebody, but I was waiting for that bloodthirsty Scorpion to wreak havoc and I didn’t get that. A bit disappointed there but hopefully he’ll come back in book #2 and do just that.

Conclusion after all the above… Well, freaking awesome and definitely on my favorite shelf where books that I take out and read to fix me up are put. The Scorpion is just too good to miss.

 

Scorpion by Aleksandr Voinov

10671271Title: Scorpion

Series: Memory of Scorpions #1

Author: Aleksandr Voinov

Genre: MM / Dark Military Fantasy

Length: Novel

Publisher: Riptide Publishing (May 27, 1013; re-release)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: Never stop fighting.

Kendras is a casualty of war: injured, penniless, and quite possibly the last surviving member of the only family he’s ever had—the elite fighting force known as the Scorpions. When a steel-eyed mercenary offers him medicine and shelter in exchange for submission and a secret task, Kendras has no choice but to accept. He is a Scorpion; he’ll do whatever it takes to survive.

But his true goal is to rebuild the Scorpions. Neither Steel’s possessive nature nor Kendras’ shattered foot can keep him from finding the last of his brothers, or the mysterious leader of the Scorpions, the man who held Kendras’ heart long before Steel tried to take it for himself.

The goal is simple, the situation anything but. To rescue his leader and escape from Steel for good, Kendras must fight through a morass of politics and intrigue where enemies may be allies and even allies have hidden agendas. But Kendras isn’t only fighting for his lost lover and tribe—he soon realizes that nothing less than the birth of an Empire is at stake.

Product Link: http://www.riptidepublishing.com/titles/scorpion-memory-scorpions-1

Review: Reader discretion advised. This title contains the following sensitive themes:

  • dubious consent
  • explicit violence

Being the first writer to introduce me to the m/m genre, it is safe to say that Voinov is one of my favorite authors. It is also safe to say that I’ve grown to expect anything and everything from this author, from romance to explicit erotica and from sci-fi to extreme dark fantasy.

So I expected to dive in this book and not be released from its spell unless it was over, I expected it to rock my world, I expected it to make me feel and intensely so. Still I didn’t saw it coming full force and hit me like a punch in the gut. And I lost count of how many times I was left there jaw hanging slack and shivers running through my body re-reading the same paragraph over and over again just because it was so very amazingly gritty and violent that I simply could not take my eyes of and move on.

Yes, I’m and addict when it comes to Voinov’s special brand of violence, I’m and addict when it comes to his horrific erotic scenes, and I’m an addict to the way he makes a perfectly terrifying character, one that should make me want to scream and run for my life, to the most delicious and lovable character ever.

If you don’t know this author’s work then frankly you don’t know what you’re missing; if you do than you’ll understand me when I say that more often than not I’m left speechless simply because there doesn’t seem to exist good enough words to talk about it.

In this book, we meet Kendras, a member of an elite military unit, The Scorpions. The unit is the family nobody can shatter. There is nothing above it and all and everything revolves around the members. They fight together, live together, die together and above all, they never stop fighting.

Unfortunately, in the last battle, too many members died and the fear that all is lost is almost consuming Kendras. He’s been shipped away from the field and lost contact with everybody, he’s wounded, to the brink of death but he must keep living and fighting and try to get his way back to find out what happened to his unit, to his Officer.

He must do whatever it takes to get well and on the road again, even if that means to give himself, however temporarily, to Steel, a mysterious man with a hidden agenda and seemingly soulless, who for whatever reason wants Kentras to be and work with him.

And this is how things are set in motion, a wide web of intrigues and political games for power, assassins coming from every corner and people dying from least expected hands. Corruption and hunger of every form are seen and a mind-blowing plot is slowly unraveled, steadily taking every ounce of your sanity away in its path.

The characters are many, their personalities each unique and the dialogues often have a gritty sense of humor you can’t resist. The erotic relations between the characters are limitless and often the lines blur, and the eroticism is heady driving you in a mindless swirl of emotions. Hot, sexy, debauched or even forced everything is written with a seducing pen that makes even the crudest scene seem strangely alluring. Expect that; expect anything and you’ll be able to ride it in its full glory instead of staring shocked.

The plot was quite powerful too with so many unexpected twists and turns that keep you always on your toes never allowing you to relax for a single bit. And the world created oh my, such an enticing one, I can’t wait for the next book of the series to come just for the brief chance to get in there once again.

If there is one thing about this book that somehow let me down is the fact that we never really saw Kendras in the heart of a battle. Yes, he was wounded for the better part and yes, he did kill somebody, but I was waiting for that bloodthirsty Scorpion to wreak havoc and I didn’t get that. A bit disappointed there but hopefully he’ll come back in book #2 and do just that.

Conclusion after all the above… Well, freaking awesome and definitely on my favorite shelf where books that I take out and read to fix me up are put. The Scorpion is just too good to miss.