Title: From the Rubble Author: T.A. Chase Genre: Contemporary/Men in Uniform Length: Novella (23K words) Publisher: Amber Allure, Amber Quill Press (November 16th, 2014) Heat Level: Low Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5Hearts Blurb: Ever since watching a search and rescue team find his lost sister, Keaton Goodwin has worked and trained to become a SAR handler. He raises the perfect dogs to work with him, and he loves his job. When he’s called to take his dog, Kaiser, to Bogata, Colombia after a devastating earthquake, Keaton heads out not sure what he’ll find.
And what he doesn’t expect to find is Master Sergeant Nodin Standing Bear.
Nodin’s squad has been sent by the Army to help keep the SAR teams safe during the search and rescue part of the operation. He’s done a lot of this kind of work during his twenty-three years of service, yet there’s something different about Keaton, and Nodin knows a disaster area isn’t the best place to start a relationship.
When Keaton disappears, Nodin has to face how much he really cares about the younger man. Will the emotions they feel amongst the rubble be enough of a foundation to build a future?
Review: I loved this book. If what you want is a couple of hot men, men in uniform working to save lives and then throw in a dog, this is just the ultimate guilty pleasure. It’s a cute, sweet story about two very strong heroes, along with a wonderful rescue dog.
Keaton Goodwin, trainer and search and rescue (SAR) dog handler, meets Master Sergeant Nodin Standing Bear, while they are on a military escorted mission. For Keaton the new mission is his first back in the job after a life threatening accident and the resulting severe injuries had him out of action. The two experience an instant attraction, but instead of any type of insta-love or falling into bed together, we get to see a really nice friendship form. A friendship, which both seems to sense, is leading to love, but neither says anything.
The backdrop of the search and rescue aspect is wonderfully written and adds some enjoyable tension. I especially liked it when Keaton finds himself and his dog, Kaiser, in a bit of a situation, a situation you I couldn’t help but to chuckle at. I was thinking of all these bad scenarios, but really in the end he earns the respect of a rather unsavoury character.
The ending is sweet, too. I was a bit nervous because I couldn’t see what was happening between Keaton and Nodin, but once again TA Chase does not disappoint. I would have liked this to be longer, if only to see more of Keaton and Nodin’s story, true heroes that certainly deserve a happily ever after.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Andre Series: Risky Business AmberPax Collection Author: D.J. Manly Genre: Dark Fantasy/ Vampire Length: Novella (79 pages) Publisher: Amber Allure, Amber Quill Press (July 30th, 2014) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts Blurb: From the moment he sees a photograph of Dalton Manor, a 17th-Century estate located in the picturesque English countryside, Joel Howard knows he must stay there while on vacation, in spite of the lack of nightly distraction to be had in London’s gay village.
After arriving in England with his friend Shelley, Joel immediately arranges to visit the grand estate, and during a tour, he sets eyes on the portrait of the handsome Patrice Dumont and his lovely young bride, Rosalie, the owners of the manor three hundred years ago.
Joel cannot explain the emotion he feels as he stares at the portrait, or his particular obsession with an ash tree he views on the property later that night. He also can’t explain why the ancient estate seems to talk to him, literally, or why the ghostly voice coming from inside the walls keeps calling him by the name of Andre.
As the moments tick by, Joel comes ever closer to the edge of danger and soon learns the answers to his questions…in every horrifying detail…
Review: A beautifully written story of a love so strong not even death could break it. Patrice Dumont married a woman at their families insistence. A few years into the marriage he falls in love with a gypsy named Andre. Unfortunately, his wife Rosalie, who is a powerful witch, finds out and has Andre hung. Stricken with grief Patrice tells his wife he’ll never love her. She curses Patrice and he remains buried underground for hundreds of years until Joel sets him free.
I was appalled at what lengths Rosalie went to in order to keep Patrice hers. She seemed a little demented to me in thinking she’d get Patrice to love her if she did away with Andre. Not to mention the curse she put on Patrice.
Joel started hearing and seeing things as soon as he arrived at Dalton Manor. I was in awe at the breathtaking details of the manor as well as Joel be able to see different things that had happened in the past. Hot and passionate sex added a spicy element. Great read.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com*
Title: Of Paws and Pet Rocks Author: JD Walker Genre: Contemporary Length: Novella (12K words) Publisher: Amber Allure Press, Amber Quill Press (November 17th, 2014) Heat Level: Low Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts Blurb: Barry Dunning is a gifted yet lonely pet groomer, fierce animal lover, and the painter of pet rocks, thanks to the lease on his tiny apartment that does not allow for actual pets. He’s been burned badly by an ex-boyfriend who left him with tons of debt, which will take years to pay off, and has built a wall around his wounded heart.
Sheldon Svenson, the handsome owner of the animal shelter where Barry volunteers on weekends, asks him out on a date. Barry—for once taking his sister’s advice—accepts. Dinner starts out well, but when the discussion turns to Barry’s past relationships, he panics and runs away.
Undaunted, Sheldon pursues Barry. But can Sheldon convince the man to risk losing his heart and to give their budding relationship a chance, despite his fears?
Reviewer: Prime Review: This is a very sweet and very cute story about the start of a relationship. I also felt that it was realistic. Barry has some major baggage from a past relationship that kept him broken-hearted and in a great deal of debt. He is the unassuming and probably very naive, he’s works as a pet groomer, taking great pride in his work, and he also volunteers at his local animal shelter every Saturday. Isn’t that sweet?? Barry is completely adorable!
Sheldon is the owner of the animal shelter. He’s had a career change and has always loved animals. He is mostly opposite to Barry. He is quiet but he knows when he must take control. He’s probably also more than a little stubborn. Sheldon has been attracted to Barry for a while now, but the timing is now right for him to make a move. Despite all of Barry’s baggage, he now works through things in his mind. Sheldon is also a sweetheart, taking the lead but going at Barry’s speed.
There are a couple minor characters too. In particular, Barry’s little sister, Trixie, is a whirlwind of energy and has only the best intentions when it comes to her big brother. The interaction between her and her husband and her and Barry is amusing to read. Again, the sibling relationship feels so natural.
If only this could be long, I absolutely adored this story!
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Rising Damp Series: N/A Author: Christiane France Genre: Paranormal/ Ghosts/ Hauntings Length: Novella (68 pages) Publisher: Amber Allure, Amber Quill Press ( Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts Blurb: When Matt Jones takes a temporary job as a housekeeper/housesitter in an old and imposing three-story Queen Anne Victorian estate, he’s worried about patching up a misunderstanding with his new boyfriend. But he has no idea he’ll be sharing the premises with a ghost and, within the month, his life will drastically change.
Never in Matt’s wildest dreams would he have imagined that living with a sexy ghost could be so exciting and rewarding… ISBN: 978-1-61124-695-7 Product Link: http://www.amberquill.com/store/p/2065-Rising-Damp.aspx Reviewer: Shorty Review: Enjoyable story about Matt who discovers that his new job has a ghost living there. Although to my knowledge, most ghosts don’t have complete conversations with anyone. Toby, the ghost, explains that he was killed in a home invasion. But didn’t give any more details than that. He wants to go home but can’t, so Matt attempts to help him when he discovers the house Toby lived in has been demolished.
Cute story about a human who grows closer to a ghost and decides to start a relationship with him since his employers over him a permanent job there. Glad Matt got rid of the cheating boyfriend, as he didn’t need that on top of everything else going on.
The scenery of the grounds and house where Matt worked were beautiful. The sex was hot and intriguing between Toby and Matt. Good read.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review throughhttp://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com*
Title: Permanent Moonlight Series: Rough Riders, #4 Author: A. J. Llewellyn / D. J. Manly Genre: Romantic Suspense Length: Novella (116 pages) Publisher: Amber Allure, Amber Quill Press (July 30, 2014) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½ Hearts Blurb: When Diego Champagne realizes that he can’t live without Colby Young, he comes up with a plan that will free him from the Banni motorcycle gang forever. He’s prepared to leave everything behind and make a new life for the man he loves and the children for which Colby is now responsible. But he can tell no one, not even Colby, if he hopes to carry it off.
Colby’s having problems accepting that if he’s to remain the guardian of his niece and nephew, he must stay clear of the Banni, and that means Diego. Given Colby’s past, he’s being watched like a hawk, and not just by Child Protection Services. Then Colby’s world spirals out of control when a member of the Banni informs Colby that they found Diego’s body burnt beyond recognition, along with his vest and bike. Miserable and angry at the world, Colby ends up in more trouble, his entire world held together by a thread.
Meanwhile, Diego must fulfill a promise to the leader of the Texas Crushers, who ironically helps him escape from the Banni life. Putting miles and time between him and the man he loves, Diego sets the wheels in motion that will prepare the stage for a crime-free life with Colby and the children. Question is, how will he tell Colby he’s not dead, and will Colby ever forgive him for keeping the truth from him?
Review: I probably should have added this to my review of book 1 in the series, Artificial Moonlight, I’m not drawn to the Sons of Anarchy/ biker gang genre. That said, I’m not against the genre it’s just not usually a topic I seek out. I will say that the plotline is incredibly intriguing and it stayed that way right to the end of this one. I loved the whole idea that not only Diego and Colby but many of the supporting characters, Nuts and Jerry to name a couple, are a perfect blend of stereotypical and outside the box for bikers. Reading those inconsistencies grabbed my attention and held it right till the last page of Moonlight.
As for the writing style of the series, it could use some assistance. It’s not poorly written by any means but it definitely felt rushed. As I said in the other reviews for the series and that seems the easiest way to put it, it felt as if the authors were facing a deadline and weren’t given the time to expand certain parts. For me, that isn’t really a problem but I know that those kinds of holes can be an issue for some.
I don’t know if the authors intend to write anymore of Diego and Colby’s story but this is a perfect ending for the pair. I was pretty sure this is where the storyline was headed even before I was ½ way through the second book but expecting this outcome didn’t lessen my enjoyment of seeing how everyone got there
I will most certainly putting the authors on my “watch for” list.
Series: This title is part of the Haunting Words AmberPax™ Collection.
Author: Clare London
Genre: Contemporary/Paranormal
Length: Novella (147 pages)
Publisher: Amber Quill Press (June 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Blurb: Felix’s life is full, juggling a supportive homelife for his disabled brother, a job as a care home assistant, a brand new boyfriend—and now he’s had his arse pinched by a lewd gay ghost on the late night bus!
If only that were the end of it. But Bryn the ghost follows him home and wheedles himself into Felix’s life. That includes sharing his shameless opinions on the patronizing way Felix treats his brother, on how Felix should eat more food and put some flesh on his bones, and—worst of all—exactly how Felix should be getting down to it with his seriously sexy new boyfriend Mickey! And in between all that, Bryn finds time to leer at Felix himself and make outrageous suggestions on what they’d be doing if Bryn wasn’t…well…ghostly.
Felix considers he’s a tolerant guy. But the last thing he needs now is to get wrapped up in the mystery of a missing teenage girl, the inhabitants of a local squat, and conversations with a fire-and-brimstone old preacher. Yet with a nudge or six from Bryn, the help of his brother Patrick, and some cozy loving from Mickey, Felix starts to wonder how he ever thought his life was busy before!
Review: An insanely busy life between work, caring for his brother, and basically everyone else, but himself, Felix is accosted by a guardian angel of sorts. Well, maybe he’s more like a big ol’ angel-bear. Bryn is thrilled that Felix can sense him, and taunts him constantly, bringing a lot of crude humor and working class gay bear attitude to the story.
Bryn works hard to make Felix see himself in a new light, see that he’s worthy of love, that he needs and deserves to pay attention to his own life. His brother Patrick needs independence more than he needs Felix now, but Felix just doesn’t know how to let go of the mother hen act.
So Bryn gives him a shove, and a grab, and plenty of sexual innuendo along with comedic relief. The biggest thing, besides the humor, that Bryn brings to the table, is opening Felix’s eyes to see that he is worthy of Mickey, and in fact Mickey needs him just as much.
No Angel is a fast-paced read, with humor, a bit of mystery, sexual tension, and a sweet aw shucks ending. * I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Placeless Series: Bay Wolves #2 Author: Vivien Dean Genre: Paranormal/Shape shifters/ Werewolves/Suspense/Thriller Length: Novella (123 pages) Publisher: Amber Allure, Amber Quill Press (October 31st, 2014) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts Blurb: Keaton McGrath had been a werewolf for only a few weeks when he was kidnapped and put into service for anyone willing to pay for his company. Now, a year later and rescued from that life, he’s trying to figure out how to be both human and wolf in a world that doesn’t want him. His only escapes are nightly runs, a chance to let loose the energy of the animal within, but when one of those runs ends with him finding a hurt girl in the park, he can’t control his wolf’s fury when he smells her attacker nearby.
Barely keeping himself from killing the man, Keaton calls 911, and then leaves before he can be linked to the crime scene. His hopes to remain anonymous are dashed when Scotty Trumbauer, a local blogger and independent wolf activist, finds him out. Though Keaton’s warned that Scotty is bad news, the chemistry between them is too powerful to ignore, especially when Scotty leaps to defend him.
Keaton just wants to do the right thing without putting the people he cares about in danger. He has to learn, however, that a wolf is stronger when he’s not alone…
Review: I will admit, at the time of reading the book and writing this review, I’ve not read book 1 of the series (Boundless). This is a world that knows the presence of werewolves, but there is a definite fear about the werewolf population. I still understood the story without a problem, although it was easier once I realised that the main couple of Boundless, Elijah and Denny, are linked to bringing Keaton to the point he is at. Kidnapped as a sex slave, he found freedom but now he has to readjust to the real world and his wolf needs the same adjustment to this newfound freedom.
I didn’t feel the thriller or suspense aspect which the publisher filed as part of the book’s genre, particularly considering Keaton’s past and how he stops a sexual assault on a woman in the first chapter (as said in the blurb, too). Keaton seems to treat is past in a nonchalant manner despite telling Corey (the man who helped save him) that he was ready to get the necessary help.
Instead, it seemed he was just happy to move on by getting to know Scotty and also make sure he got out of escapade of saving the woman unscathed. After finishing the book, I’m now wondering if it’s more of a survival mechanism on his part to purposely not think on it. There a couple notable times where his defences fail to protect him from remembering his time locked up as a sex slave.
I have to admit, when Keaton meets Scotty, I was more concerned for Keaton being hurt (his heart mostly, but perhaps also physically again after his traumatic past). I don’t know how to frame Scotty, he immediately brought to mind some sort of hippie, but that is probably because of I’ve gone ahead and stereotyped him once I found out he was an activist for the rights of werewolves. He lost his job a couple of years before over an interview he did, that also set the werewolf cause back as well and now he works on his blog for the cause. The problem is, some werewolves think of him as a pest rather than a help. I found myself chuckling at his second big “scene” with Keaton, but he just seems so bossy and melodramatic.
Scotty doesn’t really seem to appear as much as Keaton’s friends, Corey and probably seen about as much as Elijah, a fellow sex slave from book 1. I can’t tell if this is a good thing or a bad thing. I suppose it’s just as part of the couple stated on the blurb it would have been nice to hear from him more, but that is limited by the fact that the story is entirely Keaton’s point of view. Regardless, when we do start seeing more of Scotty, I have to say that the relationship he and Keaton share is quite cute.
I enjoyed this book. I think I need to read the first book now! This one kept me interested but some of the politics involved are probably explained in the first book and I’m intrigued, here we find out enough to understand what’s going on.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: The Hippie Whisperer Series: This title is part of the Silver Foxes AmberPax™ Collection. Author: J.D. Walker Genre: Contemporary Length: Novella (52 pages) Publisher: Amber Allure, Amber Quill Press (July 30th, 2014) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts Blurb: Carl Neilson, a forty-seven-year-old counselor at Baden Community College, meets his match in Benjamin “Ben” Brooker, an alluring artist with questionable fashion sense and a garish, multi-colored hairstyle.
Ben calls things as he sees them, including the way Carl uses his college-aged son Chester as a reason not to make changes in his life, or even to cut his hair. The truth is hard to take, but it forces Carl to look at himself in a new way, and maybe get rid of his sideburns, too.
And in the end, a haircut, a Polo shirt, and willingness to find love in unexpected places might be just enough to bring two very dissimilar men together, in spite of it all. ISBN: 9781611246711 Product Link: http://www.amberquill.com/store/p/2035-The-Hippie-Whisperer.aspx Reviewer: Gigi Review: A cute, short and sweet reawakening for an aging hippie whose bird is leaving the nest, and leaving himself to reexamine who his is and what he wants for the future.
The trouble making, and matchmaking son, Chester, sees that his dad, Carl, is not living life for himself, but holding on, maybe a bit too tightly to his son, and Chester feels the guilt and weight of that.
So….he tries to set his dad up, and boy howdy does he! Ben is rather blunt, but he achieves the job of waking Chester’s Dad up to living life for himself for once. Stepping out of his comfort zone, changing his appearance, his social life, and his love life are all things that Ben will spark Carl to do.
The Hippie Whisperer is a cute story, with a hot scene here and there, which put a smile on my face.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Beyond the Norm. 2nd edition Series: N/A Author: Shawn Lane Genre: Romantic Suspense Length: Novella (102 Pages) Publisher: Amber Allure, Amber Quill Press (April 9th, 2013) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts Blurb: After closing his bar one night, Dave Johnson rescues Kyle, who is on the run after witnessing the murder of a federal agent in San Francisco. Dave knows Kyle is trouble but can’t help falling in love; Kyle loses his heart but fears he’s bringing danger to Dave’s doorstep. When Kyle’s pursuers close in, the two men are at an impasse.
They can either separate and live in safety and loneliness, or find a way to stay alive and together.
NOTE: This book was previously published under the ISBN: 978-1-61581-050-5. This reissued version of the book has been reedited.
Review: This was an amazing story and I was glad to have been able to read it.
It had a bit of humor to the story but mainly it was told with such a serious tone. I loved the guys in the story. They just come off as someone you would want to meet. If I was in a dangerous situation then these are the two that I would definitely want. Although more David than Kyle. Kyle is strong in his own way but you can tell that there is a hint of innocence there although there is probably no way he could have kept his innocence after a life like his.
Kyle had been kicked out of his home at the age of fifteen and he did what he could to survive. At one time, that had even meant selling his body for a place to stay or food in his belly. However, after a night with a rough john he had been saved by a man named Dex. Dex had been working for a drug king, but one night Dex had come to him and told him to run. Told him that he was a DEA agent and he wanted Kyle to live. Kyle had seen him gunned down and now he was on the run. He had been on the run when two men jumped him. If it hadn’t been for a gorgeous man saving his ass, again he would probably be dead.
David owned a bar in town and had just closed down when he saw two men attacking a third. He knew he had to help, but what he had not expected was the gorgeous man in front of him. Deciding to take him home and care for him, or at least that was his intent was the only way to get the kid fixed. He knew in his heart that something was up with Kyle. Now all he had to do was to get his man to trust him enough to let him know what is going on. He will do everything he can do to protect the man he had fallen in love with.
I loved this story and can’t wait to check out more by this amazing author. It was told in such a way that it flowed off the pages. I would definitely recommend this book especially if you love gorgeous men, dangerous situations, excitement, surprise, a bit of suspense and a hint of kink. The sex was so hot that I just had to turn on the air conditioner in the middle of winter. It caught my attention from the moment I started reading and kept it all the way to the end. It gave me everything I could want in a story. You have got to check out this book.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Crank Me Up Author: JD Walker Genre: Contemporary Length: Short (39 pages) Publisher: Amber Allure, Amber Quill Press (April 9th, 2013) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts Blurb: Marius Rabineaux tolerates his neighbor across the hall—computer tech Xavier McDay—only because his daughter Sherie is best friends with Xavier’s niece, Tonya. But taciturn, clueless nerds have never been Marius’s thing, despite their attractiveness. So, no matter how hot he may find “Uncle Cranky,” Marius leaves well enough alone.
One evening, Marius picks up Sherie from her play date with Tonya, and Xavier opens his mouth long enough to insult Marius about his parenting skills. Then later, Xavier turns up at Marius’ workplace and, instead of apologizing, further offends Marius by disparaging his work ethic.
When Xavier finally apologizes and invites Marius and Sherie to dinner, Marius, on the advice of friends and family, decides to give his nerdy neighbor another chance. Thankfully, dinner becomes a fun affair as both men get to know each other better.
But when Marius challenges Xavier to a night away from computers by going to a nightclub, both men get a whole lot more than they bargained for…and perhaps a chance at something even better…
Review: This is a nice, sweet story narrated by Marius, who lives with daughter and doesn’t have much more human company in his life. Marius’s daughter and her BFF, Tonya from across the way, make the story even cuter. Tonya is being raised by her uncle, Xavier, who lacks enough human contact that he’s become the stereotypical hermit IT sort.
Marius and Xavier don’t get along, but when they finally do, the fireworks fairly much explode. There is one particularly long sex scene (for a story of this length) which should make most readers happy, despite the fact that there is no definite conclusion at the end of the story. It felt to me as if we were cut off right before the beginning. To me this was an excellent start to a grand or whirlwind romance.
I’m a fairly new reader to JD Walker’s work and I have to say none of it disappoints.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
TITLE: A Secret Match AUTHOR: Kelli A Wilkins GENRE: Contemporary/Sports LENGTH: Novella (136 pages) PUBLISHER: Amber Allure, Amber Quill Press, LLC ( HEAT LEVEL: Explicit HEART RATING: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts BLURB: Everett Kinkade is a world-famous professional wrestler and a sexy heartthrob for millions of adoring female fans. But Ev has a secret he doesn’t dare share with anyone—he’s gay.
After years of being Ev’s secret lover, Josh is tired of hiding in the shadows and wants Ev to openly acknowledge their relationship. Coming out, however, is the last thing Ev wants and fears it will ruin his career.
But one night in a moment of truth, Everett outs himself on live TV. There’s no going back, and his announcement sparks a firestorm of problems, both personally and professionally. He’s forced to come to grips with who he really is while facing down a tag team out to destroy him.
Torn between living a lie and losing the man he loves, Ev has risked everything. Can he find a balance between his career and his heart?
REVIEW: Everett is a professional wrestler who is deep in closest. He’s afraid that not only would he not have the support of his intolerant parents, but he would also lose his career. Josh is his lover of two years, although no one knows about them. There aren’t even any photos of them together. When Josh does speak of Everett to people, he calls him “Tony”. However, Everett’s obvious absence from Josh’s social life for the past two years has Josh’s friends questioning if Everett is really straight, if Josh is his man on the side, or even if Everett is actually real.
From the start of this book, we realise that there are problems between Everett and his lover Josh. Everett wants one last round of sex before he leaves for work and while he gets it, though Josh seems resigned about the fact and the act. It opens up for an interesting dynamic, particularly when Everett uses a wrestler’s move in bed.
Then immediately, sympathy goes out to Josh in an emotionally charged scene. From this we then switch to see the charming friendship Everett has with fellow wrestler and very straight, Vin. Likewise, there is also Josh’s charming relationship with his best friend, Troper, who doesn’t even know Everett’s real name. By the end of this, things are even more complicated than they had started.
I have to admit, I love the tone of how the book starts. In between all that, Everett has trouble brewing with his not-so-good boss on the wrestling circuit. By the time I read the first fifty pages, I was just waiting for an explosion. I enjoyed the drama filled present with the far less dramatic and sweeter flashbacks of when Everett and Josh first met. There is so much angst as Everett is practically forced to choose between his career and remaining firmly in the closest, or losing his career, living out and proud with Josh.
The best part is the emotionally charged storyline just continues throughout the book and doesn’t just stop, allowing the story to fall flat. Something, which could have easily happened and I feared it would happen. I got to one point and thought, “yep, the drama has to stop now”, but it doesn’t. Two thirds of the way through, once again I thought I could breathe a sigh of relief, but, no, I couldn’t. I know some people will be interested to know, there is some wrestling related kink too.
This isn’t your average athlete-coming-out story and the use of wrestling probably helps that along. The fact that the root of many of Josh’s worries stem from the fact that Everett is a wrestles highlights this and suddenly we see a softer side in Josh, too. I wasn’t particularly interested in the fight scenes, then again, I’m not a wrestling fan, and I’m sure many more athletic inclined people would enjoy it.
In short, this is an excellent read. Highly recommended to any fan of the MM genre.
Title: Working To Win Series: This is part of the Winter Games AmberPax Author: Sean Michael Genre: Contemporary/ Light BDSM Length: Novella (58 Pages) ISBN: 978-1-61124-651-3 Publisher: Amber Allure, Amber Quill Press (August 17, 2014) Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts Reviewer: Lisa
Blurb: Together for more than six years, lovers Jason and Bryan rarely see each other anymore. Their jobs are running them ragged and keeping them apart. It’s gotten so they barely even communicate.
But a trip to a winter cabin for a long weekend, a last-ditch effort to rekindle their romance, reveals a side to the two men the other never knew existed, and their weekend suddenly includes power-play games.
Is this new aspect of their relationship doomed to fail, or will it help them find what they both need to make their lives work again?
Review: This story is part of the Winter Games AmberPax Collection and they can be read as a standalone. There are many of us out there that love the idea of our men getting spanked, tied up, and sometimes blindfolded. This story has that for you. It is a really hot little story about how two men deeply in love but letting life overpower them. They let success get in the way and they were about to lose each other to it.
Jason and Bryan had made the decision to go away for a few days to rebuild what they were slowly loosing due to the jobs that they each held. However, Bryan had a bit of trouble letting it go. They had held a secret from each other that might help them rekindle what was being lost. Jason was a Dom and Bryan was a sub.
It wasn’t until Jason had threatened to tie Bryan up that showed Jason what they really needed. A way to release the pressures of life and give them their releases that was desperately needed and desired.
I loved this little story and look forward to hearing more about Bryan and Jason. I hope that there is going to be a longer story of these two sexy men. I never really thought about stress the way that many do. I also never knew that there was a way to get release with just a hint of pain. It was fascinating to read it and learn a little more each time I do.
I would recommend reading this story especially if you love two very gorgeous men, the BDSM scene, excitement, tender stories, love so deep that you wish for more and a way to show their love. It gave me that and so much more.
Title: A Flight in Ice Series: Part of the Winter Games AmberPax Collection Author: Vivien Dean Genre: Contemporary Length: Novella (85 Pages) ISBN: 978-1-61124-647-6 Publisher: Amber Allure, Amber Quill Press (August 18, 2014) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts Reviewer: Lisa
Blurb: Life hasn’t turned out like Connor McClure hoped. His relationship is over, he lost his friends in the break-up, and nothing makes him happy anymore. All he wants is to hide from the world, but the only place available to him is his parents’ home in the rural Michigan community he abandoned thirteen years ago. And since his parents are in Florida for the winter, he’ll have the whole house to himself.
Except he doesn’t. In their absence, the McClures asked a young neighbor to look after the property. Jerry is young, energetic, and—oh yeah—gay. From everything he’s learned about Connor, he might be harboring a little crush, but Connor is in no place for dating. Right now, he needs a friend, someone to help him remember that second chances are always possible…and Jerry is more than willing to step in and help…
Review: This is part of the Winter Games AmberPax Collection and they can be read as a standalone. Normally, a short story always leaves me feeling like I have been cheated somehow. But this one was a very good story that I found myself loving. It tells about their past lives and what their future might hold for them. Connor had fled Michigan when he was younger, meeting up with his soon to be now ex-husband. They had survived basically until Connor could no longer put up with Sean’s drinking. He had come home.
Surprising to him, Connor’s parents had just basically told him to come home for however long he wanted. He was going there to lick his wounds and try to get over his failure as a married man. What he had not expected was to take a liking to his new friend and neighbor. Jerry was a fresh breath of air to a man in pain.
Jerry had always wanted to be a nurse, but his father would not allow it. Now past dead, he had achieved his goal with the help of his neighbors. Connor’s parents had helped him in a time of need and he would do anything for them. Including helping their son out. What he had not expected was the sudden attraction for this sexy man.
They were able to help each other out in more ways than one.
This story was not very long, but it was told in such a way that it seemed like it was a beautiful novel refreshing and very tempting. I was drawn to this story with the first sentence and it kept my attention all the way to the end.
I would recommend reading this especially if you love two sexy men, a tasty story with a bit of sadness and a touch of new happiness, excitement and a tender heart. I cannot wait to get the rest of Vivien’s books.
Title: Wanting It Raw Series: This is part of the Winter Games AmberPax Collection Author: Hunter Raines Genre: Contemporary/ Sports/ BDSM (light) Length: Novella (57 Pages) ISBN: 978-1-61124-650-6 Publisher: Amber Quill Press (August 17, 2014) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts Reviewer: Lisa
Blurb: Winning a gold medal is the goal…but losing everything is Daniel Lecce’s reality…
After an accident shattered his knee and his figure-skating career, Daniel gave up hope of ever going to the Olympics. And then he met a man who knew exactly what he needed: a firm hand, a hard whip, and someone to believe in him. But any success he’s had since then has been a fluke. He should have never qualified for the 2014 Olympic Games, and Daniel knows it. Worse, now that he’s lost his Dom, the best he can hope for is not to fall flat on his face in front of the esteemed judges, and the entire world.
But one man has learned Daniel’s secret. A brilliant choreographer, Matthew Hasek knows Daniel needs much more than a dazzling routine to succeed on the ice. Determined to show he can replace everything Daniel thinks he lost, Matthew issues an invitation he hopes the athlete can’t resist.
Daniel can’t ignore the wickedly sexy vibe he gets from his new choreographer. But can he let his guard down and trust Matthew with his body on the eve of the most important day of his life? Or will he lose more than the competition in the process?
Review: This is part of the Winter Games AmberPax Collection and they can be read as a standalone. They are really cute short stories that will capture your attention and keep it there till the end. However, it left me wanting more.
I want to hear more about Daniel and Matthew. They seem so full of passion when they get there. Like if you were in the room you would be burned all the way to the soul. I am not really one that can get in to BDSM but when they are these light ones, it just seems to leave you all hot and bothered.
Daniel is a figure skater who has lost his edge. He was bound for the Olympics then he was injured in a car accident. Here they were coming up to another round of Olympics and he just wasn’t too sure he could get it right. Three weeks ago, his master told him to get lost and never come back leaving him even more lost then before. Now a sexy man stood before him wanting him to be what he needs to be. He needs to be dominated.
Matthew knew from the moment he saw Daniel that he wanted him. He also knew the young man had lost his edge and would more than likely lose the medal. He knew that he could help, but it was up to Daniel to accept his offer. He wanted him for more than just a sub though, he wanted him for life.
It was a cute story that needed to be longer. I want to see where they go from here. I want to learn more about what makes these two gorgeous men tick.
I would recommend reading this if you love two gorgeous and sexy men and a hot dominate scene. It was missing nothing but length to me. It was told with such passion and fire that it made me want to just dwell into the rest of Hunter’s stories. It seemed like you were right there in the room with them, watching it happen and wishing for more.
Title: Project Snowflake Series: This is part of the Winter Games AmberPax Collection Author: Heidi Champa Genre: Contemporary Length: Novella (74 Pages) ISBN: 978-1-61124-649-0 Publisher: Amber Quill Press (July 30, 2014) Heat Level: Moderate Heart: ♥♥♥3Hearts Reviewer: Lisa
Blurb: Brenton Tyler never intended to fall in love with his co-worker, TV weatherman Spencer Allen. And he certainly never planned to say those three little words so quickly. But, now that he’s done both, things start to look a little cloudy. Instead of saying “I love you” back to Brenton, Spencer ends things, informing Brenton that he’s leaving town for a better job in a bigger city.
When a blizzard traps both men at the television station overnight, one last tryst together makes things even more complicated and leaves Brenton with a tough choice. Should he let the man he loves breeze out of his life forever, or should he hold onto the hope that they can weather the storm and get back to sunny skies?
Review: This title is part of the Winter Games AmberPax Collection. They can be read as a standalone story. For me the story was too short and missed something for me to truly love it. I wished that it had told about when they had come together, but I understood it after reading it.
Spencer and Brenton worked together and had been seeing each other for just a few months. Then Spencer had decided to take another job in Chicago and knew leaving would be hard.
Brenton was in love with Spencer and had planned on telling him. However, he ends up with a bigger surprise for Spencer is moving to another state. Brenton didn’t get the “I love you” back from him, just a broken heart. Can Spencer fix it before time runs out or will he leave the man he has fallen in love with.
I thought it was a really cute little story and look forward to reading more in this collection. I was not too happy with the way Spencer handled it, but did love the way the ending came out. It made for a nice story to read right before bedtime though. It was really written well and the way it turned out was great. Heidi has a gift at giving you a story that seems like it happens in real life. She brings it out just the way a relationship would work.
I loved the characters although I love Brenton more. Spencer did surprise me in the end.
Title: Blood Pond Resurfacing, 2nd edition Series: Blood Pond, #2 Author: D.J. Manly Genre: Romantic Suspense Length: Novella (174 pages) Publisher: Amber Allure, Amber Quill Press (August 24th, 2014) Heat Level: Mild Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts Blurb: When another head is found in Blood Pond, Detective August Greystone must try to keep his own head while searching for the killer. All this time, August and his lover Bruce Monkton have tried to put the past behind them and build a secure and happy future as a couple, only to be brutally reminded of the terrible circumstances that initially brought them together.
With few clues and even fewer witnesses, August feels like a fish out of water, trying to deal with the memories of his own brother’s murder years earlier. Bruce’s assertion that someone is after him also weighs heavily on his mind, making August wonder if Bruce is actually insane after all.
Questions never truly answered resurface along with the boy’s head in Blood Pond. Is a serial killer still on the prowl hunting for fresh victims, or has the murderous psychopath been at August’s side, and sharing his bed, all along?
Product Link: http://www.amberquill.com/store/p/2018-Blood-Pond-Resurfacing.aspx ISBN: 978-1-61124-654-4 Reviewer: Shorty Review: Sexy Detective August Greystone is back in Whitefield to stop a killer from killing again. What he doesn’t realize is he drawn into a web of deceit and lies that span decades.
Handsome Bruce Monkton doesn’t want to go back to Blood Pond. He knows if he goes back to something terrible might happen to him or August.
Well written mystery with twists and turns all throughout that I never saw coming. The actual crimes were horrifying in their brutality. The hunt for a killer turned into uncovering that the person they thought was the killer in Blood Pond was not the actual killer and that much more horrifying event’s that were taking place and more than one person involved.
It broke my heart and made me angry at what was being done to these young men at the expense of several others sick perversions and what was done to Bruce and his twin Clay when they young by someone who should’ve been protecting them.
I was honestly in shock by the end of the book and didn’t know what to write in this review. All in all, it was great read.
Blurb: For the last year, Jay Warren has struggled to find the nerve to tell his wife he’s gay. He’s ashamed of hiding it all this time and he doesn’t want to hurt her, so every time he gets the chance to tell her, he freezes up. The guilt has been almost unbearable, but when his wife dies suddenly, Jay’s conscience threatens to eat him alive.
Funeral director Scott Lawson deals with the bereaved every day of his life, and he’s also all too familiar with the inside of the closet. He offers Jay some much-needed compassion and understanding, and from that, connection comes a friendship that quickly–perhaps too quickly–turns into something more. But are grief, guilt, and loneliness the only things tying them together? Or will Scott get tired of being used as an emotional crutch before Jay realizes what he has?
Review: I can’t imagine Jay’s regret, but the author does a pretty good job. I know that emotions are powerful and distracting after the death of a loved one, so it was not unrealistic of Jay to find himself quickly attached to Scott right away.
The attraction between the two seems natural, quickly developing and the sexual tension hot for many reasons. From natural chemistry to Jay’s restraint and denial all these years.
The turmoil between family members, when someone dies in an unexpected and tragic way, is often unexpected, hurtful and even violent. So it was not surprising to see how Jays’ in-laws treated him. I even understood what his in-laws were feeling.
The real interesting part of this plot was how the writer even has me as a reader in denial about Jay’s motives and feelings. To miss the fact that he was not grieving the real loss here and possibly using Scott as a distraction, which was silently lurking in the background the whole time and the eventual blowup…that was the climax of this story.
A fast read and a quick romance, For the Living had some nail-biting moments along with some very steamy scenes and warm and fuzzy relationship developments. Witt had my attention though the whole plot. A good rainy weather read for sure.
Title: Between the Shadow and the Soul Series: This is part of the Risky Business AmberPax Author: Jamie Craig Genre: Paranormal/ Ghosts/ Haunting/ The Arts/ Suspense / Thriller Length: Novella (103 pages) Publisher: Amber Allure, Amber Quill Press (July 20th, 2014) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts Blurb: Ryan Jackson doesn’t expect too much from his weekend at the Shadows and Souls fan convention in Tahoe—he wants to meet his online friends, engage in a few heated debates about the plot for the upcoming season, and maybe shake the hand of the TV show’s star, Johnny Marlowe. But his weekend goes off course almost immediately after his arrival. First, the hotel loses his booking. Then Johnny Marlowe talks to him as if they’re actual friends. And while his head is still spinning, a ghost attacks him in the elevator.
Despite fighting ghosts every week on television, Johnny Marlowe does not believe in the spirit world. He does, however, believe he should get to know Ryan better. Fan or not, the man is not only gorgeous, he’s down-to-earth, fun, and makes Johnny forget about the fake life he’s forced to lead and the ex-boyfriend who refused to participate in the charade. Unfortunately, every time Johnny tries to get close to the handsome ginger, something explodes or the earth shakes or lights blink out—and none of that is as sexy as it sounds.
Johnny doesn’t believe in ghosts, but he knows he has to get to the bottom of this haunting if he ever wants to get close to his biggest fan. Product Link: http://www.amberquill.com/store/p/1997-Between-The-Shadow-And-The-Soul.aspx ISBN: 978-1-61124-633-9 Reviewer: Shorty Review: Handsome, shy Ryan Jackson is disappointed that the hotel has lost the reservation for ShadowCon 2014 he made months in advance. While looking at the beautiful view of the lake outside the hotel his idol, Johnny Marlowe the sexy star of a paranormal show, walks in the door heads for the front desk to acquire his keys to his room. Upon overhearing that, Johnny has two rooms reserved but only wants one of them Ryan tells Johnny of his predicament. Johnny immediately offers the second room to Ryan since he won’t be using it.
Following Johnny into the elevator they small talk until all of a sudden the elevator completely stops between floors 3 and 4. The lights go out. Ryan searches for his cell phone and turns it on only to wish he hadn’t. There is a man standing right next to him when all of a sudden he moves in front of him. The man has one eye swollen and the other missing. Flesh is hanging off his lips and nose. The lights start flashing on and off. After the figure looks down at where Johnny is he disappears. Johnny and Ryan are both freaked out at what they saw and exit the elevator as fast as they can. Once in the room they both try to calm down and have a few lagers. Johnny asks Ryan to be his PA while at the ShadowCon. Ryan agrees.
Just as Johnny stands up the bottles on the dresser begin to rattle and the floor shakes suddenly everything stops. At the meet and greet Ryan keeps an eye out in case Johnny needs anything. One of the hotel staff informs him that Johnny can’t stay in his room because it’s not safe but doesn’t elaborate any further. After rescuing Johnny from fans and consuming any more alcohol, he tells him he’ll have to stay in his room because of what one of the hotel staff told him. They go inspect Johnny’s room and find nothing amiss until Ryan spots a ghostly figure hanging by the window. They can see his ghastly face, the rope looped around his neck, hands balled into fists and legs twitching.
Both Ryan and Johnny get out of there as fast as possible and go to Ryan’s room. Wanting to get to bottom of what’s going on they do a Google search on the hotel and find out that on Labor Day weekend 1962 actor Benson Watts was last seen at a party stumbling down toward the docks. His body was recovered a week later and ruled an accidental but the man’s family never accepted that due to the numerous bruises and marks found on the body after it was recovered. The family’s concern was written off due to how much time the body was in the water, post mortem. Albert Herzog, a Los Angeles lawyer, hung himself out a fourth story window of the hotel, there was no note left, and the family couldn’t be contacted for comment.
There were no more parties hosted at Lakeview Manor after that until it reopened in the 80’s as a hotel. Upon further investigation Ryan and Johnny discover via Google that Albert and Benson knew each other and were often seen in the others company, they even had an apartment together. Ryan finds a picture of Johnny and Christian, Johnny’s ex. No name as to who took the photo. Johnny is upset, as no one knows he’s gay but he realizes someone was watching that day as the couple was walked hand in hand on the beach during Christmas.
After getting some rest the next morning they attend the breakfast meet and greet, while on their way to the next event they kiss under a light bulb that explodes. Stewards Ryan suggests that they do a séance or use an Ouija board to determine what the ghosts wants since it seems it may have unfinished business and that’s why it’s still around. Ryan knows that Rachel, who is at the convention, is into the occult and may be able to help them. Ryan tells Rachel about the things that have happened.
While waiting for Johnny to finish the Q&A Rachel takes it upon herself to test a theory and kisses Ryan just as Johnny finishes and comes through the door. The glass shatters, exposing a hose moving toward Rachel trying to hit her. Ryan intervenes and gets hit several times until they all crawl out of the room away from it. They set up a time to do the séance as soon as possible. During the séance, both Albert and Benson show up.
Benson tells them all what happened. Steven hated Benson and killed him then Albert killed Steven for killing Benson. Revealing that Steven Snowe still torments him in death unleashes Steven’s wrath as the incense burner shatters. Rachel screams and yanks her hand away breaking the circle. In the aftermath, Ryan sees that Rachel has been cut by glass and that Johnny is putting out sparks made by the flying incense burner pieces.
This was an intense, edge of your seat read. Filled with drama, suspense, ghosts, and secrets. The details of the manifestations were downright scary at times. The séance was interesting and dangerous. I really enjoyed this book however, I found one scene that wasn’t accurate when compared to the description of the book. The ghost in the elevator manifested itself by drawing energy from the elevator and the lights, then stood in front of Ryan, and never touched him or Johnny. But other than that, it was a fascinating read.
Blurb: Harvard graduate Alfred Chan jumps at the chance to teach languages at the new University of California, eager to leave his life behind even if it means a dangerous cross-country journey. He knows there are bandits in the western mountains, but he never expects the most infamous of those bandits to stop his wagon train and steal him away into the night.
Sam and Shane Lyons are wanted for robbing stagecoaches and wagon trains across the western territories, and they don’t just take money. Sometimes, they kidnap educated men. A mysterious Chinese scroll holds the promise of a better life for the two brothers, if only they can find somebody able to read the strange marks on the page. They whisk Alfred to their hideout high in the ragged cliffs of the Uinta Mountains, and there, during a brutal winter, they warn him that his life will end if he fails to deliver a full translation.
Alfred knows he should fear for his life, but somehow, when he’s with Sam, he’s not afraid of anything…
Review: Alfred is on his way to California for a teaching job from Boston when a pair of notorious robbers takes him from the train. The Lyons brothers have a bad reputation of murdering and robbery. He finds there is a third member of the group also and a mysterious scroll written in Chinese that they want deciphered.
They are holed up in a hidden abandoned train car. Here are more dangers to survive the winter than the men holding him captive. Alfred never thought he would want to give up his warm cozy life with servants and everything his heart desires but something about Sam Lyons makes him feel things he never knew existed.
This is an absolutely beautiful story set in the old west about roughing winters, living on the run, and discovering love. The story hooked me from the beginning. There are many twists and turns and I fell in love with not only Alfred but also Sam, Mike and Shane.
If you old-time westerns, gunfighters, robbers, hidden secrets, historical settings and an all-over beautiful store this is definitely for you.
Title: Royal Line Author: Sean Michael Genre: Fantasy Length: Novella (62 pages) ISBN: 9781611246025 Publisher: Amber Allure, Amber Quill Press LLC (May 1st, 2014) Heat Level: Moderate ~ Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts Reviewer: Eric Blurb: Tiger-shifter Grio has one job, locating dormant tiger-shifters and introducing them to the world of Saffron Tigers. When he finds Professor Phoenix Lamoure, he soon discovers that Headquarters got a couple of key points wrong–Phoenix isn’t actually a professor, but he is Saffron Tiger royalty, a member of the lost royal line.
Phoenix didn’t have things easy growing up. His mother spent most of her life in a mental institution, and he spent his formative years in foster care. When a stranger approaches and tries to unearth his family history, Phoenix becomes wary. And when the stranger actually kidnaps him, all bets are off!
Can Phoenix ever believe what Grio has to tell him? Or will he be forever convinced that he’s as crazy as his mother is?
Purchase Link: http://www.amberquill.com/store/p/1965-Royal-Line.aspx A NOTE BEFORE PURCHASING: This title is part of the Purrfect Tales AmberPax™ Collection. To purchase this title individually, simply use the shopping cart on this page. To purchase this title as part of the entire AmberPax™, however, and receive an even greater discount off our normal retail price, use the shopping cart on the Purrfect Tales AmberPax™ page.
Review: I found this shifter book to be very hot. Hot enough to singe my fingertips. I loved how he wrote this book. Grio and Phoenix are amazing couple and know how to stick through things no matter what. Grio is rather stubborn but that is what makes him a good character. Both of them come across as surprisingly real for a short story. But Sean Michael shows off his strong suit when it comes to this shifter story.
The way it is written, the story comes across so amazing. So addicting to read. I simply loved it. Loved how it flowed, loved how hot the sex was and loved how no matter what there was heart to the story. And that is what does it for me. Some heart and a good strong storyline.
I would highly recommend this story for anyone that loves to read shifters and a hot couple.
Title: From the Rubble
Review: I loved this book. If what you want is a couple of hot men, men in uniform working to save lives and then throw in a dog, this is just the ultimate guilty pleasure. It’s a cute, sweet story about two very strong heroes, along with a wonderful rescue dog.
