Tag: Amber Quill Press

An Unexpected Magick by M.L. Rhodes

1145871Title: An Unexpected Magick

Series: Draegan Lords 03.5 – A Draegan Lords Interlude – Wen & Wesley 01

Author: M.L. Rhodes

Genre: Fantasy World

Length: Novella (128pgs)

Publisher: Amber Allure (17th March 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Having lived his entire life under the veil of the high sorcerer’s repression, Wen Daneson grew up with a sword in his hand. Now, at twenty-eight, he’s already earned the rank of second lieutenant in the draegan lord’s guard and been granted the privilege of sitting on the lord’s council of advisors. In spite of his achievements, he’s made a point of keeping his distance from personal relationships. He’s seen too many people develop close bonds and share their hearts, only to have everything torn apart with one slash of a sword. Which is why his attraction to the human Wesley Brannock unsettles him so much. There’s something different about Wesley. Wen doesn’t want to care about the younger man, but when he’s tasked with training the inexperienced yet naturally talented Wesley for a position in the guard, being around him stirs powerful emotions he can’t understand.

Wesley grew up living in secluded villages, learning at a young age to hide from prying eyes and keep to himself. Having spent most of his formative years with little company, when the settlement where he lives is attacked by the sorcerer’s soldiers, he’s frustrated that he doesn’t have the skills to fight back. The draegans who come to their aide encourage the residents to relocate to the draegan camp, and when they do, a new world opens to Wesley. He’s determined not only to learn how to protect himself but to join the draegan lord’s guard and be part of something that matters. But when he’s paired with the passionately intense Lieutenant Daneson, he begins to doubt whether he’s suited for the guard at all. Not only does the lieutenant push him hard while never letting him close, keeping Wesley constantly torn over his feelings for the man, being around so many people after years of isolation makes it hard to keep the secret he’s spent his whole life protecting.

On the eve of war, the two young men have to decide if facing their secret fears will destroy them or give them unexpected strength to face the coming darkness.

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

Review: This story is linked to a series and chronologically, takes place concurrently with Lords of Kellesborne. Wen is second lieutenant in the draeganjhere (the draegan lord’s guard) and has learned to protect his heart from harm, having seen too much love torn apart by a sword or an arrow.  When Wesley catches his eye, Wen is hiding from the sorcerer’s soldiers.  His mother has taught him from a young age to protect his secret, but when they settle into the draegan’s camp and he has a fierce attraction to Wen.  He finds it harder and harder to hide the secret and he has to decide if he can face rejection from the one he has come to love.

Whoop! *dances* Finally, after six thousand years (okay, a slight exaggeration) we are getting a taste of the Draegan’s again.  Do I care that it is Wen and Wesley? Hell. No! Wen and Wesley caught our attention in Fires of Ballian and we can now discover how they got together. Wen has fought against the sorcerer for as long as he can remember.  Now, a second lieutenant for the Draegan Lords, he is training those who wish to learn to fight. Wen tries his best to protect his heart from loss by keeping relationships at arm’s-length, but Wesley sneaks into his heart. Wesley doesn’t know what he has done that Wen would now hold him at arm’s-length and a confrontation has both of them admitting the truth of their feelings. But, Wesley still has a secret and he fears how Wen will react. But, danger finds them and Wesley has no choice, but to trust in his instincts.

This is a wonderful visit to the world of Velensperia and the Dreagan’s who are fighting for freedom. This story is centered on the developing relationship of Wen and Wesley. Although, we do see brief glimpses of Gaige and Kieran, they are very much in the background. Wen and Wesley are brilliant characters. Wen the seasoned warrior at only twenty-eight and Wesley, the eager trainee, desperately determined to be a fighter and protector. Each of them cautious about relationships, but for very different reasons. The development of the relationship is good; it is well written and isn’t rushed into.  But, that doesn’t mean that they don’t have scorching sex, because they do. Oh, boy do they! I loved how this story is woven into parts of Lords of Kellesborne keeping the strands in place, but being independent so we never lose focus of whom the stars of the book are. The danger is well placed and gets the blood pumping and Wesley gets a shock, while Wen is a lot more accepting than Wesley feared.

I have to recommend this to those Dreagan Lords fans who have been panting for more. To those who love fantasy worlds, danger, excitement, hot sex, love and a happy for now ending. Also, as a side note, I am keeping my fingers crossed for this summer and hopefully the appearance of Circle of Ariend and a second Wen and Wesley interlude.

Catching Fireflies by K.C. Kendricks

firefliesTitle:  Catching Fireflies

Series: Follows Between the Moon and The Deep Blue Sea- though it stands alone.

Author: KC Kendricks

Genre:  MM contemporary

Length: Novella (86 pages)

Publisher:  Amber Allure Press (February 24th, 2013)

Heart: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Heat Level: Explicit

Blurb: Sequel to the Amber Allure best-seller Between the Moon and the Deep Blue Sea…

Dale Langley longs for some triple R time—rest, relaxation and rejuvenation. He accepts his cousin’s invitation to winter over on Ocracoke Island, far away from the hustle and bustle of life on the mainland. He’s always loved being a rolling stone, traveling for his job without the worry of a place to call home, but it’s time for something different. Now Dale anticipates several blissful months to learn how to be still with no demands on his time while he prepares for the next phase of his life.

Aubrey Zimmerman came to Ocracoke to attend a friend’s commitment ceremony. Never one to settle down, Aubrey’s had enough of involvements that took him from man to man without a place to call home. He needs a break—and a little solitude. Housesitting while his friend is on his honeymoon is the perfect way to clear his head and catch up on his sleep. At least it seemed that way until Dale arrived and Aubrey realized sleep is the last thing he needs.

Fate has changes in store for Dale and Aubrey, the sort neither one knew they wanted. Sometimes the more you wander the closer to home you get.

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

Reviewer: Cat

Review: This is a story about Dale that has been through a beating and robbery. He lost his job for taking off too much time recuperating.  He goes to Ocracoke Island where his family used to spend summers and is going to stay the winter with his cousin Sam to try to get his head cleared and perhaps find a new job and place to stay. There he meets Aubrey who used to live with older rich guys, basically as a kept man. He is leaving his ex and that leaves him with no job, no real skills and no home. He comes to Ocracoke to attend his friend Chad’s commitment ceremony and housesit while they are on their honeymoon.

I found this story well written, the characters all very interesting and the story hard to put down once I started. Well, I didn’t put it down, I finish in one sitting.  Both Aubrey and Dale are dealing with some heavy stuff. Aubrey keeps warning Dale not to get attached and Dale knows he shouldn’t or that Aubrey shouldn’t get attached to him, either.  The other characters were all interesting also, though not a lot was mention of them just in passing.  The first book is Chad and his partner’s story and since Chad and Aubrey are connected I am sure he is in that one, too.  This book stands perfectly on its own and I had no clue it was a sequel until the end when it told about the other book.  Of course I will be reading it too! Great story here and I can’t wait to see if there is more!

Recommendation: If you like stories of starting over, Rich men, men on the mend, hot mansex this one is really good!

Laure by T.D. McKinney & Terry Wylis

med_LaureTitle: Laure

Author: T. D. McKinney & Terry Wylis

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Extended Novel (per Amber Allure)

Publisher: Amber Allure (January 13th, 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts – OMG

Blurb: It was everything college graduate Joshua Huggins could have dreamed and more. A new job on a big Southern estate named Laure, a generous salary, and the perfect boss, Adrien Brette, a scion of deep-rooted Mobile society, older, stunningly handsome, and just a little mysterious. But the mystery may be darker than Joshua imagined. Something ominous is stalking Laure. Adrien lives in seclusion, and his sister hides under the care of a strange nurse. Even Adrien’s aunt and her boyfriend are strangely protective.

Despite all the barriers Adrien puts up, he’s still the most compelling man Joshua has ever met, and the younger man can’t help following his heart. Even though Adrien can’t return his love. Even though the truth of Adrien’s wife’s death could destroy everyone at Laure.

Now, Joshua must choose between sacrificing the honor and naïveté Adrien so adores, or losing everything he’s come to love. Among the Spanish moss and azalea blossoms of Laure, the past is never dead…

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

Reviewer:   Sage

Review: McKinney and Wylis’s latest release, Laure, is a modern gothic contemporary. They twist the traditional gothic tidbits of naïve heroine, brooding hero and magnificent estate in their own unique fashion to craft a wonderfully contemporary gothic gay romance.

Our narrator, Joshua Huggins, begins the book an all but broke new college graduate seeking his first real job as a personal assistant. He’s overwhelmed not only by where the meeting is, but the man himself. Despite his nerves, or perhaps because of them, Joshua opens up to Adrien in ways that leave him wondering later if he blew his chance. Instead, he won the job and moves out to Adrien’s estate, a Greek Revival plantation house and its surviving grounds which is the Laure of the title. There he meets the expected cast of characters in the forbidding nurse, the slightly crazy sister, and the close-knit relatives. The story unfolds slowly as Joshua learns more about both the house and Adrian until you reach the inevitable nerve-wracking conclusion.

Because the story is told in first person by Joshua, it is difficult to go in-depth about my likes and dislikes with the story. It’s intense, there’s no other way to put it, and pulls you in completely. I wasted a whole day devouring this book because I just had to know how Joshua and Adrien’s story would conclude. Would love triumph over all or would it all crash and burn? Each character in this novel, no matter how minor, is unique. They linger in your mind long after the final page is read, but especially Joshua and Adrien. They’re enjoyment of Laure’s veranda will stay with me for a long time.

Laure is a book I cannot recommend enough. And, when you realize I hate first person stories with a passion, that’s really saying something indeed. If you love classic Gothic romances in the vein of Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca, than you’ll definitely love Laure.

At His Throat, A Promise by Lilith Grey

med_AtHisThroatTitle: At His Throat, A Promise

Series: N/A

Author: Lilith Grey

Genre: MMM / BDSM

Length: Extended Novel

Publisher: Amber Allure

Reviewer: Thommie

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts

Blurb: In the slave city of Spire, Ellis has been discarded. His former master, a man who was supposed to teach him and take care of him, passed away, leaving Ellis alone and in danger of being taken to the Facility. Ellis is desperate to avoid that fate. He seeks a master to take him on, guiding him into adulthood as well as a profession. Ellis has had desire stolen from him—he’s been trained to blush, to submit, to give in. He doesn’t know how to cope with William, a man who wants the real Ellis.

William is a Master, a man born in a neighbour city that does not deal in slavery. He has had bad experiences with slaves in the past, but all that changes when he rescues Harte, a young slave whose abusive master had all but destroyed him. Together, they are content in their mutual roles, not looking for anything more. But when Ellis catches the eye of Harte, and by extension, William, their relationship changes in ways for which they are unprepared.

Harte is a born submissive, a young man who lives for his role. He’s bratty but genuine. William, his master, is his entire life. Harte never expected to have room in his heart for another, but Ellis is beautiful and different and fills a place in his life that he hadn’t known was empty.

If only Ellis could learn to ask for what he desired, what he needed, then maybe William and Harte could help him. But Ellis is trapped inside himself, insecure and afraid. To stay with William, he only has to ask…but that’s the one thing Ellis cannot do…

Product Link: http://amberquill.com/AmberAllure/AtHisThroat.html

Review: The most intense thought that burned my head the moment I reached the end of this book was “I must read this again… Now!” The very next one was of how horrific this read was. There is this constant feel of fear all through the book that doesn’t let go, even when I reached the end and there was no more, I still had this fear in me that the next page is going to bring a greater devastating event that would literally kill me reading it. How very fascinating that this author maintained that level of intensity throughout the book. Terrific!

This book is narrated entirely by Ellis point of view. Ellis is unfortunate enough to be smart. In the city of Spire that means that when he reaches the age of 16 years old he must be put for servitude until he’s twenty. And that means that his body, mind and soul no longer belong to his but his master. He is to be trained his master’s profession, he is to serve that master in any sexual way and obey his every whim. He is his property. The unfortunate event of his master’s death leaves Ellis facing the Facility, a place where slaves without a Master to claim them go. A place to avoid at all cost.

In his desperation to find an owner Ellis comes across Harte and his Master, William. Not a very conventional Master/slave relationship one might say. It seems that Harte has his Master wrapped in his little finger. It seems that Harte is a spoilt slave. But those two are perfect and content in their relationship, for that is what it looks like to Ellis, who is dumbfounded to witness how Master William truly cares for his slave. That is almost unbelievable and causes great jealousy to Ellis who wants nothing more than a master to claim him, to own him and care for him like William does.

In an attempt to help a fellow slave from facing the Facility, Harte begs his Master to sponsor Ellis and so Ellis is taken into their home. However, the wonderful environment and care he experience there has Ellis scared. Scared that he will want to be a part of that, and if he’s honest the three of them seem perfect together. But Ellis is the kind of submissive that will never ask. He is not Harte, he will not want or if he does he will never show it.

And this is how a very painful emotionally story begins. A story that follows the horrors a slave endures in the hands of cruel masters, a story that follows the attempt and often failures of those kind Masters to change the law, a story that shows that cruelty is more acceptable than love in this peculiar world.

This is a love story first and foremost. A non-conventional love story between three people who literally go through hell, pain and horrors, a love story that goes against the world itself in order to survive and bloom. I loved all three main characters here. I adored Harte, a seemingly weak person who had an incredible strong will to live and love. I loved William, an amazing Master with an iron personality that bend enough to reach the sweetest feeling and conveyed a strong desire to love and respect him. Most of all I loved Ellis. That character was supreme in his beauty. Insecure most of the time he reached an amazing level of power in the end, when he finally sorted in him what was it that he wanted and that he must take it upon himself to make those wants reality for him.

And as you probably figured out, this book being about slavery, the sexual content was a bit more than explicit. The entire plot revolves around the sexual exploit of people, people being forced for years and years to endure horrible sexual tortures. The scenes are horrible and do not shy away from the gruesomeness or the pain. Many of those scenes may make your stomach churn and cause bile rising in your throat. However there is the threesome relationship of William-Ellis-Harte that will make up for it with a beauty and a balance that might leave you panting. I found them amazingly hot. The scenes were gorgeous and the writing was perfect even if it was seen in only one POV. The dramatic flavor of finality and the loss that was feared at every corner made for some very intense scenes as well. It was a feeling that will keep you constantly on your toes and won’t let you relax at all unless you reach the end line. I loved it, every single bit of this book.

And if you are so inclined and enjoy the hard-core BDSM read you will too love this book. As I said in the beginning of this review, my very first thought when I was done was that I must re-read this book… Now!

Tristan by K. M. Mahoney

tristanTitle: Tristan

Series: Putnam County #2

Author: K.M.Mahoney

Genre: Gay/Werewolf/Shifters/Detective/Mystery

Length: Novel (41K words)

Publisher: Amber Allure (October 28th 2012)

Reviewer: Thommie

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb: As one of the top paranormal investigators in his company, Tristan is used to the weird, inexplicable, and downright nasty. His latest case, though, is proving to be more trouble than it’s worth…

Tracking an elusive serial killer has Tristan heading for the one place he would prefer to avoid: Putman County. Between the often-frightening residents and his always-frightening relatives, it’s not exactly his preferred vacation spot. But Putman County is where his latest target was spotted, so that’s where he goes.

From day one, the situation spirals out of Tristan’s control. His target always seems to be one step ahead of him, his brother is mad at him, while his boss keeps calling him a dozen times a day. And one annoying werewolf is looking far too attractive for Tristan’s peace of mind!

It’s going to take every ounce of Tristan’s not-inconsiderable skill to track down a murderer. And it’s going to take every ounce of his courage to admit that he might be falling for the last person anyone would expect.

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

Review: Meet Tristan, a bearshifter, paranormal investigator, emotionally closed beyond measures and a man having no intention whatsoever to fall in love.

Yes, we all know how that goes, don’t we?

His recent case has Tristan driving for Putnam County, a place where lots of paranormal activity is held. A place that holds his brother’s household and creates all kind of not-so-good feeling inside Tristan. Things go from bad to worse…fast.

a)      Rogue Werewolf is slippery like fish.

b)      Reconciling with his brother and admitting that he was wrong, not so much in favor to raise his spirits.

c)      Lucas!!! A near-crazy Werewolf and obviously having some kind of obsession over Tristan. Even worse, he is awfully cute and very, very appealing.

What is supposed to be a simple hook-up, turns to be overly complicated and while Tristan is desperately trying to find his way through the unfamiliar emotions he falls back on his case. Not only does he get in trouble with his boss, but apparently Lucas has been holding secrets on him. The timid Werewolf proves to be anything but and the rogue serial killer is after the one person that unexpectedly made his way under Tristan’s skin.

I loved the story. It was thrilling and easily read. The different types of shifters/non-shifters worked very well for me. The concept of the plot made sense and its simplicity earned points from me.

I also had a great deal of fun reading the Tristan-Lucas tale. The way that little wolf made the big, furious bear turn into a cuddle teddy. Their seduction and later on incredible sex scenes were awesome. It fit them so well. Even more, I loved the fact that once Tristan let himself admit what he was feeling, his behavior changed 100%. He actually surrendered to the inevitable and that was plain sweet.

In addition to a very nice plot and a great pair of lovers this novel held some extremely great secondary characters as well. Along with the hilarious dialogues and events I truly enjoyed reading this book. It was fun, it had action, it had heat and it had a great ending. So if you’re a fan of the genre I totally recommend this one.

 

Carved in Wood by Sean Michael

Title:  Carved in Wood

Series: Howling at the Moon Series

Author:  Sean Michael

Genre:   Shapeshifter/ Fantasy

Length:  Novella (103 pages)

Publisher:  Amber Allure (October 7th 2012)

Heat Level:  Medium

Heart Rating:  ♥♥2Hearts

Blurb:   Can a rescue turn into love?

In a brutal world where werewolves are hunted and killed, Wood runs a group that smuggles wolves out of the city to safety. But when Wood meets Daniel, nearly dead from the silver bullet in his shoulder and with a story about entire packs being stolen and forced to work in labor camps, Wood begins to question whether or not he’s really helping anyone at all. Is he simply smuggling wolves out of the proverbial frying pan and into the fire?

Meanwhile, as Daniel heals, he and Wood form a bond, coming together in a way neither man ever expected, and bringing up feelings neither man has ever experienced. Will their becoming mates muddy the waters, or make everything perfectly clear?

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

Reviewer:   Any

Review:  More porn than plot.

Daniel escapes a camp holding wolf packs prisoners. Along the way, he loses his brother and is shot. He quickly runs into Wood, a shifter who identifies him for what he is immediately, and who immediately takes it upon himself to help Daniel.

The first few chapters moved quickly and were okay—though, perhaps the pacing could have slowed down a touch more for us to really get a feel for the characters—but very early in the story, Daniel and Wood mate and I felt the story fizzled into porn after that. Almost on every page something was sexual was happening at the cost of the story.

I thought one interesting story development was Daniel’s need to revenge his brother and set free the rest of his pack from the camp he’d been imprisoned in, however, when he and Wood go back to do this, the events are summarized in a few sentences. We don’t see any struggle or feel there are any stakes in what should be the climax. With no tension, this made the story a difficult read to engage in on any other level other than the physical.

If you are in the mood for a simple, sex-filled story that focuses more on the animal side of shifters, this might be for you.

 

Yours Forever by Missy Welsh

Title:  Yours Forever

Series:  None

Author:  Missy Welsh

Genre:   Paranormal and Contemporary

Length:  Novella (39 Pages)

Publisher:  Amber Allure (May 27th, 2012)

Heat Level:  Medium

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:   Rick knows his lover Danny has a secret and has been lying to Rick in order to keep it. He’s pretty sure this secret has something to do with seeing another man once a month for three days at a time.

Determined to show his boyfriend that he can be everything Danny needs, Rick hatches a plan that ends up revealing way more than he could’ve imagined.

(Warning: Contains an altercation between the main characters and a group of anti-gay morons.)

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

Reviewer:   John

Review: I was very skeptical when I started this story since I’m not a huge fan of werewolves, but I’m so glad that I did. The story begins with Rick, who believes that Danny is hiding something from him, because every month he disappears for three days. So, in order to prove Danny that he’s the man for him, he plans a hot and steamy date. He “kidnaps” Danny and takes him to a lake. While they’re having hot and stick sex, several anti-gay morons attack them mercilessly. Since Danny was bigger and stronger than Rick, he quickly pounds them to the ground, but something is not right or doesn’t make sense. Rick is badly bruised, but Danny is better and stronger than ever. When Rick demands the truth, he finds out that Danny’s deepest secret. Danny is a werewolf.

I loved Danny and Rick since they were perfect for each other. Danny to me was the bomb. He was sexy, hot and just interesting. I didn’t like the sudden ending. This story was just too short for my taste since I wanted to read more about these two very interesting characters. I recommend this to all those who enjoy paranormal romance between two hot and sexy characters and for those who are looking for something new.

Down Memory Lane by Heidi Champa

Title: Down Memory Lane

Author: Heidi Champa

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Short (5k)

Publisher: Amber Allure (September 23, 2012)

Heat level: Moderate

Heart rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts

Blurb: Kyle knows he shouldn’t, but once again he finds himself waiting for Quinn, the sexy man who drove out of his life years ago, but keeps turning up when Kyle least expects it. Every time Quinn’s car would come rumbling down his street and stop before his house, Kyle would eagerly jump inside the passenger seat and go anywhere Quinn wanted to go.

Yet this time, Quinn is back for good. Or so he says. Will this be the start of something special for Kyle and Quinn, or just one more passionate drive down memory lane?

Product link: http://amberquill.com/AmberAllure/DownMemoryLane.html

Reviewer: Heart

Review: Kyle has spent years waiting for Quinn, his childhood friend and more, and while he only tends to receive crumbles in the form of rare, even yearly visits with a hot encounter or two thrown into the mix, Kyle keeps on waiting and hoping, but also living a life he’s not quite satisfied with on the side.

Although very well written, this short story felt more like a chapter of a novel than a complete work. Coated with despair and bittersweet happiness, it not only left me wanting for more, but also with an unhealthy dose of melancholy. I haven’t noticed if there is a warning somewhere about this being a story without a happy ending, but even if you do find it, take it seriously otherwise you might not finish this on a positive note. The story will only leave you with some vague promise of happiness in a distant future, but even if you disregard that, there should be a cheating label glued to it for those who would rather avoid such books.

The warnings aside, I did enjoy the encounter between the two characters and how the author worked through the anticipation of each action and word. The way Kyle and Quinn missed each other was enhanced with her every sentence and almost from the very start I wished only the best for the guys. The finality of their night together hit me hard and I couldn’t help it but imagine myself in such a situation. It was difficult to relate to either of the characters because there were few reasons or explanations behind their actions, and what little was told didn’t paint them in a pretty light.

Down Memory Lane is just that, one in a row of experiences worth remembering that might or might not lead to something better eventually. If you are ready for the challenge and tired of the classic happily ever after, take a ride with Kyle and Quinn, it just might be your thing.

 

The Jade Prince by L. Shannon

Title: The Jade Prince

Series: Dragon Bound 01

Author: L. Shannon

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal

Length: Short (31pgs)

Publisher: Amber Allure (Amber Quill Press) (6th October 2011)

Heat: Explicit

Heart: ♥♥♥2 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: When Cal gives his best friend, Jin, a thank you gift, the magical pendant appears more curse than blessing. The moment the jade pendant touches Jin’s skin, he ends up possessed by an insane dragon spirit.

Cal has loved Jin forever, but since Jin is straight, Cal accepts it as one-sided love, never to be fulfilled. Or at least that was what he thought until Jin is taken over by Jade.

Now Cal will do anything, even offer his body and accept a twisted form of his most desperate desire. But is it all to keep the jade dragon from using Jin’s body to rampage through the city or the chance to satisfy his darker desires?

Purchase Link: http://amberquill.com/AmberAllure/JadePrince.html

Review: Cal and his brother Tory buy a trinket for Jin as a thank you for all he has done for them. But, when the pendent touches his skin something happens that leaves Cal reeling and having to strike a bargain if he is to save himself, his brother and Jin from the spirit in the Jade pendent.

Woohoo. What a spicy little bite sized piece this is. Cal has wanted Jin for years, but has always believed him to be straight.  he respects that and keeps his love to himself, but when Jin is possessed by a spirit that wants to rampage, then he does the only thing he can think of, he strikes a bargain giving himself to the Jade dragon as long as it gives Jin the daylight hours.

Okay, this is hot, and sexy, and scorching with some rough sex which is very passionate. There isn’t much of a storyline other than a Jade dragon spirit taking over the body of Jin and Cal offering a bargain and lots of hot sex, but it is great for such a little short story. The ending will have you spitting nails because it is abrupt and leaves you hanging, but I am happy to tell you that there is a second book The Jade Triangle which picks up where this one leaves off.

So I recommend this to those who love fantasy, paranormal, hot primal sex, an awkward ending and a promise of a second book.

 

At His Throat, A Promise by Lilith Grey

Title: At His Throat, A Promise

Series:  N/A

Author: Lilith Grey

Genre: BDSM

Length: Full Novel

Publisher: Amber Allure (December 4th, 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb: In the slave city of Spire, Ellis has been discarded. His former master, a man who was supposed to teach him and take care of him, passed away, leaving Ellis alone and in danger of being taken to the Facility. Ellis is desperate to avoid that fate. He seeks a master to take him on, guiding him into adulthood as well as a profession. Ellis has had desire stolen from him—he’s been trained to blush, to submit, to give in. He doesn’t know how to cope with William, a man who wants the real Ellis.

William is a Master, a man born in a neighbor city that does not deal in slavery. He has had bad experiences with slaves in the past, but all that changes when he rescues Harte, a young slave whose abusive master had all but destroyed him. Together, they are content in their mutual roles, not looking for anything more. But when Ellis catches the eye of Harte, and by extension, William, their relationship changes in ways for which they are unprepared.

Harte is a born submissive, a young man who lives for his role. He’s bratty but genuine. William, his master, is his entire life. Harte never expected to have room in his heart for another, but Ellis is beautiful and different and fills a place in his life that he hadn’t known was empty.

If only Ellis could learn to ask for what he desired, what he needed, then maybe William and Harte could help him. But Ellis is trapped inside himself, insecure and afraid. To stay with William, he only has to ask…but that’s the one thing Ellis cannot do…

Advisory: This book contains some non-consensual sex, hardcore bondage and punishment, torture and abuse. May not be suitable for the more sensitive reader. (via Goodreads)

Product Link: http://amberquill.com/AmberAllure/AtHisThroat.html

Reviewer: Adrienne

Review: A few words of warning ~ This book takes place in a world where intelligent children are forced into slavery from age 16 to 20, to learn their master’s trade, but are also used sexually by their masters. Many parts are hard to read, as there is non-con/dub-con, sometimes involving underage children.

That said, At His Throat, a Promise is extremely well-written. The characters all have complete, yet not overwhelming, backstories that lend credence to their actions. Their life stories are doled out at appropriate times during the book, neatly avoiding the information dump so many authors use. The build of both characters and plot is almost flawless.

I did have a few issues with William, who is the ‘nice’ master of the book, but… if he’s so nice, why is he still making his slaves have sex with him? Why does he punish his slaves? And most importantly, why does he have slaves at all? But that was me reading as though At His Throat, A Promise takes place in a world with our morals, and once I put myself into their mindset, these actions make sense.

Ellis is a bit of a snitching brat, but he has his reasons, and his actions are understandable when read contextually. Similarly, Harte has his moments of being irritating, but when you learn of his life before he met Ellis his personality makes complete sense.

There are some spelling/grammatical errors, usually a source of abject vexation, but I was so caught up in the well-planned plot that these mistakes hardly registered.

My suggestion? Suspend your reality, hide your moral compass, and read on. This book is worth it.

Nothing of a Son by L. A. Witt

Title: Nothing of a Son

Series: This title is part of the Forbidden Liaisons AmberPax™ Collection.

Author: L.A. Witt

Genre: MM/Fantasy

Length: Novella

Publisher: Amber Allure (August 19th, 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb: When a storm forces traveling soldier Daedalus to seek shelter, a wealthy duke takes him into his home. The only condition? Stay away from the duke’s daughters.

But the duke said nothing of a son…

And when Daedalus meets Rauman, the two men can’t help but succumb to their mutual attraction…even if they’ll both be hanged if anyone finds out…

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

Reviewer: Thommie

Review: Have I said how much I enjoy this author? No? I do, her work is fantastic and Nothing of a Son is no less. Daedalus meets Rauman at his father’s, the duke, house. Daedalus has been warned not to approach the duke’s daughters, but he should’ve been warned about the son as well. Rauman is stunning and the electricity between the two of them has nothing to do with the storm that caused Daedalus to seek shelter. In fact, the storm seems less dangerous that the shelter is turning out to be. Men like them face one fate if they are to be discovered, and that is the hangman! But nothing can stop the two of them, the attraction is too great to ignore, the want is ripping them from inside out, and neither of them has felt a similar passion before. Two nights of unbelievable coupling and two days to make the intensity drive them mad. Two day for Daedalus to be on his way. In spite of Rauman’s pleas to take him with him, Daedalus knows there is no place in this kingdom for men like them…

I loved it. I loved all about it.

The story was fantastic, an officer that comes back from war and the youngest of the duke’s son, forbidden and an ultimate fantasy.

L. A. Witt’s writing is always so smooth, that before you understand it, you’ve devoured the book and still crave for more. What did I like the best? Uhm…let’s see. The chemistry between the characters is so damn mind-blowing. The perfection in which the characters align with each other. The breathtaking sexual scenes that are beyond erotic and sensual and hot. The fact that it was such a short story (only 16k words) and it was so complete, lacking nothing, is very refreshing.

Yes, I loved all about this book and if you have the slightest inclination toward fantasy, with officers and duke’s sons and forbidden love, you should definitely read Nothing of a Son. Take a glass of wine, sit back and enjoy!

 

 

Diversion by Eden Winters

Title: Diversion

Series: N/A

Author: Eden Winters

Genre: Contemporary, Romantic Suspense

Length: Novel

Publisher: Amber Allure (March 18th, 2012)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5+Hearts

Blurb:  Drug dealers aren’t always on the streets; sometimes they sit in offices and boardrooms, selling merchandise in official-looking bottles instead of little cellophane bags…

When given a choice between eight more years in prison or using his “expertise” to assist the Southeastern Narcotics Bureau’s Department of Diversion Prevention and Control, convicted drug trafficker Richmond “Lucky” Lucklighter takes the sentence with the illusion of freedom. Cynical and unwilling to admit he’s begun to care about his job, he counts the days until his debt is paid. His sole obstacle to getting his life back is the rookie he’s assigned to train before he leaves—a rookie, who quotes pharmacy texts, hasn’t paid his dues, and has the obnoxious tendency of seeing the good in everyone, including the target of their investigation.

Former Marine Bo Schollenberger dreamed of becoming a pharmacist, but watched the dream turn into a nightmare of PTSD-fueled prescription drug abuse. Battling his demons daily, he wakes up every morning, wondering, “Will this be the day I give in?” To keep his license, he must now put his skills to use for a diversion control task force, deal with a crude partner with too much attitude and no brain-to-mouth filter, and take down a drug lord who reminds him of his favorite cooking show hostess.

The bad guys don’t stand a chance—if Lucky and Bo don’t strangle each other first…

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

Reviewer: Thommie

Review: Lucky Lucklighter, what a name, is an accomplished thief. He is the best in his field. Law enforcement agencies teach classed on his techniques, and his case files are in textbooks, but his serving time is nearly over and he’s tired of the life. Yes, he might not be serving time in jail anymore, he might be somewhat free. He might have a job that gives him money, but he’s still not a free man. In two months he’s not going to be obligated to wake up and go in a job he hates (or so he says), he will have full access to his accounts, his name will be on his car and house and his head will be once again out there for every drug-dealer once associated with his past to try to take it off his shoulders. They have a long memory after all. But before all that happen, he must train his replacement.

Bo Schollenberger seems in some very strange ways to be Lucky’s younger self. Past mistakes haunt him, too, and he’s not willing to stand down when Lucky’s being the usual prick. Like Lucky, this is Bo’s second chance to life with the difference that Bo actually likes his job and takes it seriously.

From day one he and Lucky don’t hit it well. So what if Bo is stunning. So what if his backside has Lucky ogling like he hasn’t done in years, they seem hell-bent in knocking each other off. Who would have guessed that a good argument was an aphrodisiac for Lucky? Things don’t stay that way though. As they’re assigned together, living in the same house while trying to get the Intel they need to get the job done, things change. They get to know each other, they get intimate, and even if the arrangement is that this intimacy will last for only as much as the job’s on, Lucky’s finding himself drawn to his partner more and more. His past collides with his present and confusion leaves Lucky faltering for his future plans for the first time in 8 years.

I don’t know what I loved more about this book. Lucky is a brilliantly written character, snarky, arrogant, witty and so damn the “man” it was like the author had him in front of her and did a damned good job portraying him. His demons were so realistic and his acts wonderful. I’m not even mentioning his sense of humor that had me laughing time and again. I felt happy for him, sad and proud, as if he were my brother. And Bo, wow what a character he was, sweet, caring, and loyal. I adored their flaws, their weaknesses. It made them even more real in my eyes. Their “fraternizing” was fantastic; the evolution from a simple hook up to “God, I love you” was perhaps the best I’ve read so far.

But, that’s not just it. I liked all characters, they were all so well written. And the plot, oh my, this story is one of those, you know deep in your heart, should hit the Hollywood screens, but at the same time you know they’ll just screw it up and never be able to convey it properly. Not the least tiresome, it slowly reveals the reasons behind Lucky’s sentence, the demons that haunt him, Bo’s own mistakes, all this while having incredible action, as they try to solve their narcotics case.

I loved, loved, LOVED this book. It’s one of those that I’ll definitely re-read again, and if you’re the least interested in action/crime you will be thrilled to read this one.

Wholeheartedly recommended!

Cordially Invited by Kim Dare

Title: Cordially Invited

Series: Pushing the Envelope #5

Author: Kim Dare

Genre: BDSM, Contemporary

Length: Short Story

Publisher: Amber Allure (January 8th, 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts

Blurb: Having been given a sneak peek into Joe’s world, Scott feels it’s only right that he should return the favor.

Perhaps Scott didn’t do so many interesting and kinky things in the past, but he did have a life before he met Joe. When he was in university, Scott worked in a department store and spent many hours fantasizing about the delivery men he saw from the store window. Now, Scott invites Joe to the same store, after it has closed for the night, and Joe decides to show Scott what he would have done if he had found him back then.

For once, Scott’s going to be the one surrounded by the familiar, not Joe. But, does that mean the power balance is about to shift?

Product Link: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/PTE5_CordiallyInvited.html

Reviewer: Thommie

Review: This time Scott has invited Joe in a part of his past life and his fantasy. He wants to be taken by an unknown, strong delivery man, that will not take no for answer. He wants to feel completely helpless and unable to do anything. Joe is more than happy to oblige, all the time coming closer and closer, not to what a Dom should feel for his sub, rather what a man would feel for his lover. While Joe slips more and more into the delights of being with and wanting only one man, Scott finds it difficult to do or think anything other than what Joe orders him, what Joe wants from him. More and more it seems that his fears and desires, his entire world turns around Joe.

I liked this book, too.  Maybe not as hot as the previous, but now we see a connection forming between the two characters, things falling into place and a relation blooming. What’s even greater is that while all these start happening, both Joe and Scott seem to not really realize it, and that intrigues me even more. This book was clearly about Scott’s fantasy, however, while Joe was the very Dom I expected him to be, the fantasy of having a delivery stranger taking you didn’t work so well for me. Nonetheless an enjoyable read again, I’d recommend this to anyone who’s into being helpless and forced fantasies 😉

Orders Enclosed by Kim Dare

Title: Orders Enclosed

Series: Pushing the Envelope #4

Author: Kim Dare

Genre: BDSM

Length: Short Story

Publisher: Amber Allure (December 11th, 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts

Blurb: Joe doesn’t make requests, he gives orders.

Having decided it’s time to expand Scott’s horizons and show him a few parts of the gay circuit he’s never visited before, Joe chooses which club needs to be their first port of call. He doesn’t even hesitate before he orders Scott to present himself in the club’s back room, ready for their next date.

Joe expects obedience, but can Scott live up to the dominant’s expectations?

Product Link: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/PTE4_OrdersEnclosed.html

Reviewer: Thommie

Review: Scott has been given his orders, he is expected to follow them, and he does. As difficult as it is for him to enter a world he doesn’t belong in, as many doubts that trouble his thought, he manages to go through with it. Not knowing who is on the other side of the partition doesn’t matter anymore. Joe wouldn’t hurt him, would he?

As much as Joe loved his submissive following his orders it is clear to him that the trip at the glory hole has truly unfazed Scott. Understanding hit home when Scott admits that he was trying to figure out if the man behind the hole was really Joe or if he’d been playing a “joke” on him having a stranger. Someone has hurt his sub in the past and that makes Joe’s fury rise. The possessiveness that controls him, and the need to protect his submissive catch him off guard. Never before has Joe felt like this. Scott finally understands that Joe will not lie to him, especially after what his Dom decides to gift him.

This series continues as hot as ever slowly revealing the character’s feelings. Reasons of why Scott is so shy and closed come to light. His desire to do anything Joe asks from him, even if that goes against his survival instincts, show his blossoming submissive nature, and I loved the display of jealousy and fury from Joe. He slowly is putting both his feet into the “caring” pit and I love it how he doesn’t seem to realize it or even how to handle it. This was definitely another enjoyable read and if you’re into the series keep reading.

 

Where Nerves End by L. A. Witt

Title:  Where Nerves End

Series: Tucker Springs #1

Author: L. A. Witt

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel

Publisher: Amber Allure (June 3rd, 2012)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts

Blurb: Welcome to Tucker Springs, Colorado. Population, 70-something-thousand. Home to beautiful mountain views, two respected universities, and a ridiculously high cost of living.

Jason Davis can handle a breakup. And an overwhelming mortgage. And a struggling business. And the excruciating pain that keeps him up at night, thanks to a shoulder injury. But handling all of it at once? No, not so much. When his shoulder finally pushes him to a breaking point, Jason takes a friend’s advice and gives acupuncture a try.

Acupuncturist Michael Whitman is a single dad struggling to make ends meet. When a mutual friend refers Jason as a patient, and Jason suggests a roommate arrangement to alleviate their respective financial strains, Michael jumps at the opportunity.

But for Jason, living together would be easy if he wasn’t so damned attracted to Michael. The temptation to act on his feelings might just be too much if not for the fact that Michael is straight. Or at least, that’s what their mutual friend claims…

Product Link: http://amberquill.com/AmberAllure/WhereNervesEnd.html

Reviewer: Thommie

Review: Oh, Jason has it real bad. His life seems to have taken the downfall on all departments. His love life sucks, his lover abandoned him for a sugar daddy and left him with the mortgage which he can hardly pay on his own. His professional life sucks even more; his partner died and left him with a great deal of loans and a night-club that hardly makes any profits. But, you know what they say,” if you got your health you got everything”. Problem is that Jason has health issues to top it all. A shoulder injury resulting in chronic pain that leaves him up all night, making his life quality reach bottom. This is where Michael makes his appearance.

Michael is an acupuncturist. After being drilled for several years from his friend, Seth, Jason makes it up his mind to go and see this miracle worker acupuncturist for his pain. It helped a lot the fact that he can barely move his arm or do his work anymore. But the moment he lays eyes on Michael, he doesn’t know what hits him. Michael is magnificent and to put it in Jason’s words “He’d taken that old cliché “tall, dark, and handsome” and made it his little bitch.”

I don’t think I’ve read a book where the protagonists have such an incredible chemistry as Michael and Jason. Although this book is written entirely from Jason’s point of view, the author manages to convey that feeling, at least to me. I was literally bouncing on my chair while reading this book.

Anyway, this story is more a “coming out” story. Jason is gay, but Michael is straight, or at least that’s what he’s been convincing himself and his entire environment for way too many years. The plot has him moving in with Jason as a roommate, leaving Jason in a frustrating state. who said it was easy living with an eye-candy? But, that much tension, that much lust can hardly be contained, and when they finally get together, it’s like rocks colliding. What a hot, HOT scene. Their feelings are so damn intense that make their following break-up even more so. They don’t fight, no; Jason understands that Michael can’t from one day to another change everything in his life, especially when his son is around. How do you explain that to a little boy, but understanding doesn’t make it the least bit easier. Emotions build up and lead to frustration and stress, which leads to awkwardness and pain, which leads to…

Yeah, I loved this book. This was the kind of romance I like and it had me hooked so tightly I once again forgot to sleep. Yes, this book was one of those that you only close when the end has hit the page and you suddenly look around and see the sun rising. It had it all.

Great characters, check.  Both of them were fantastic, so real, with real issues, with real reactions. God, I loved those characters.

Supporting team, check. Seth, their mutual friend couldn’t be better, adding to their life greatly and the ex-wife, hah, I so loved how she reacted. Michael’s kid, Dylan, greatly portrayed. All in all people-wise it was very well done.

The plot was brilliant portraying everyday life in such a realistic way I thought “damn, who’s she been spying on”. The emotions conveyed was what had me in tight grip though. From the day-to-day life, to the sexual scenes emotions had me by my neck holding me in place to feel and live them all along with the characters. A very, very well written book, one I’d strongly recommend anyone to give it a go.

 

A Cat Named Hercules by K. C. Kendricks

Title: A Cat Named Hercules

Author: K.C. Kendricks

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (119 Pages)

Publisher:  Amber Allure (January 15, 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb: New in town, Shiloh Rudy joins a group of civic-minded volunteers to better acquaint himself with his recently adopted community. It’s a good way to make friends, network, and help make a difference, not to mention perhaps meet someone interesting—in a romantic sort of way. The one thing Shiloh didn’t expect was a love to rival all others to come with four white paws.

Gale Widmyer is on his feet and moving forward after piecing his life back together following a series of wrong choices. The one bright spot in his existence, even in his darkest moments, was the fulfillment of his dream to become a veterinarian. Gale’s making good on a promise to himself when an abandoned kitten leads him to Shiloh Rudy and a chance at the happiness he never hoped to have.

Laying the cornerstone for a developing relationship comes easy for Shiloh and Gale. But the wounds of the past often remain unhealed at their deepest point. A few careless words erect a wall of silence between the two men, one Shiloh has to breach if he hopes to win Gale back. But it will take more than apologies to win Gale’s forgiveness and put old fears to rest. It’ll take a cat named Hercules…

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

Reviewer:  Madison

Review: Shiloh is new in town. Despite having a group of good friends to pal around with, he is lonely. He’s ready to settle down and try his hand at a long-term relationship. Especially after meeting Gale, a local veterinarian he meets after finding and adopting a stray kitten.

Gale, who is in his mid-30s, has just recently come out of the closet after a painful divorce. He has never been with a man before, so he is hesitant to accept Shiloh’s advances. Their strong mutual attraction, however, cannot be denied.

These two have amazing chemistry both in and out of the bedroom. They are a perfect match. They adore each other, just as much as they adore the feisty little kitty cat that brought them together. I hesitate to call this story “adorable” (although it is) only because it was also very, very hot. K.C. Kendricks not only lets us peek inside the bedroom, she also lets us peek right under the covers to witness all of Gale’s firsts in what are some very steamy love scenes.

Once I started reading, I could not put this one down! Loved it!

Favorite quote: “If I had only known kittens can climb drapes, perch on top of a traverse rod, and then screech like some femme fatale in a low-budget horror flick to be rescued. That a kitten sounds like a herd of buffalo running on hardwood floors in the middle of the night. If I had only known a kitten’s claws can sink through a sheet into your balls while you’re jerking off. An old adage says, “Live and learn,” and I amassed an encyclopedic amount out cat wisdom in less than twenty-four hours.”

All or Nothing at All by Carolina Valdez

Title: All or Nothing at All

Author: Carolina Valdez

Genre:  Gay / Science Fiction / Futuristic / Action / Adventure / Ménage (M/M/M) / Group Sex / Exhibitionism / Public Places

Length: 156 Pages

Publisher:  Amber Quill Press (November 13, 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts

Blurb:  Duty robbed them of their last night together. A deadly fireball struck Earth’s New Los Angeles in the late afternoon, and instead of an evening of dinner and passionate sex with his lover, Battalion Chief David Garrison reported for duty and led his elite fire warrior squadron to fight the raging flames engulfing historic L.A. At first light the next morning, duty sends David’s lover, Dillon Rapner, a special agent working undercover, off world to ferret out the source of these incendiary bombs destroying Old Town.

During his search, Dillon is captured and enslaved for several years on another planet. Only thoughts of returning to David, the man he would love forever, keeps Dillon alive and determined to escape.

Never in his wildest imaginings, however, did Dillon expect that when he returned to Earth he’d find another man in David’s bed…

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

Reviewer:  Madison

Review: Well, the blurb pretty much gives everything about the plot away except for the resolution, which you can probably guess before even reading the first sentence. At least I did. I would have enjoyed this one more had I not read the blurb beforehand. There simply weren’t any surprises in the story.

Kudos to the author for making me cry, though. My heart went out to poor Dillon. I can overlook a lot of problems if I’m drawn into the story emotionally, and I was. I also enjoyed the world building. Especially the futuristic sex toys.

A good editor would have probably scrapped a few lines here and there. For example, the explanation about why they weren’t using condoms (thanks to modern medicine) was silly, and not something either of the men would have been thinking about in the heat of the moment. There were also at least three places where the wrong name was used (David instead of Dillon, or vice versa). I had been so proud of myself for keeping the two D’s straight, and then the name errors pulled me out of the story. These were minor disturbances, though. Overall, the writing was good and it was a quick, enjoyable read.

He's Gone Home by A. J. Llewellyn

Title: He’s Gone Home

Series: N/A

Author: A.J. Llewellyn

Genre: Contemporary Gay Romance

Length: Novella (120 pg)

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

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

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

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

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

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

Reviewer: Thommie

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

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

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

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

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

The Longest Stride by T. A. Chase

Title: The Longest Stride

Series: N/A

Author: T.A. Chase

Genre: Gay / Contemporary / Fantasy / Shapeshifter

Length: Novel

Publisher: Amber Quill Press

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥2.5Hearts

Blurb: More than twenty years ago, Branimir Javlosk moved from Montana to Kentucky, following the man he loved to a strange new place. They started a rescue farm and rehab center for retired racehorses, or any equine that needed their help. Branimir gained a reputation as a horse whisperer, able to teach the most frightened horse to trust. They were on top of the world—until Branimir’s lover died in a car accident.

Since then, Branimir’s continued on, allowing the horses that need him to fill the empty place left by his tragic loss. Yet Branimir has a secret hidden deep inside of him. One he lets out only on rare occasions when there is a need.

Austin Jameson Spellsin is the youngest and favored son of one of the country’s richest men. But Austin’s not interested in working in the family business of building oilrigs. He wants to ride horses in the Olympics, eventing, to be specific. Yet with all his money, he’s never found the right horse for him. Until one morning, he stares at a scar-covered, half-starving mare named Mary’s Gospel and sees the look of eagles in her unvanquished gaze.

Of course, falling in love with the damaged mare isn’t going to make her want Austin, so he turns to the one man he knows can help him. Taking Mary’s Gospel to Branimir seems the best way to win the mare’s troubled heart. Little does Austin expect that Mary’s Gospel will lose her heart to the older cowboy, but Austin will also find himself aching to heal the wounded soul hiding inside Branimir…

Product Link: http://amberquill.com/AmberAllure/LongestStride.html

Reviewer: Thommie

Review: I found “The Longest Stride” a very peculiar book to read. While decently written and with a potential theme, it did not met with my expectations.  By the end of the book, I was left wondering why  Chase included a shifter thread. She could as well gone with a talented horse whisperer and have the same result. Also, I found the blurb and book itself not match in the little details, it felt like the blurb was written first based on the draft and the novel was chopped of later during editing, but they forgot to correct the details of the blurb…

Let’s start by saying that this is the story of Branimir and Austin.

Branimir is a middle-aged man, quite handsome and well endowed. He has a Rehabilitation Center for retired and abused horses. He and his late partner (Tilman) were quite famous due to Tilman’s great riding and Branimir’s special talent with horses. He is rumored to be a horse whisperer. Now I know that in the blurb we are informed that Tilman died in a car accident, but I didn’t found that information in the book… Branimir is also a horse-shifter, however we only see him shift a couple of times right at the start of the book and then one last time at the end and while he has certain abilities with the horses due to his inheritance, he almost never uses them because he feels like he’s cheating!? So all in all I got the impression that his entire “magic” of being a shifter in this book served no other reason than the explanation of his relationship with his father (herd stallion). Too bad that this new shifting form was left unexplored, it would have been interesting to read.

Austin comes from a wealthy family, but he has no interest on his father’s business. He loves horses and has made quite a name in the circle as an excellent event rider and trainer. He’s passionate with horses, loving them even if they don’t “pay their expenses”. Bran and Austin meet when Austin saves a mare that was being abused by her owner. Bran offers him his help with the mare’s mental health and that is the start of their anticipated relationship. For the months that it took Bran to help the mare Austin stayed with him at his farm and the two men steadily fell in love. A change comes in the plot when Bran’s little brother, Drahomir, shows up suddenly and after him their Father. It was then that I thought that the shifting would serve its purpose and give us something to blow our mind at last, alas, it didn’t happened.

As I said in the beginning, while this book had potentials it simply failed to get there and I would not recommend it if you are an avid paranormal/shifter reader. This is not that kind of book. However, if you’re up for a m/m cowboyish romance you might want to give it a try. And if you love horses this book is quite detailed about them and their mentality.

 

The Jade Prince by L. Shannon

Title: The Jade Prince

Series: N/A

Author: L. Shannon

Genre: Gay / Fantasy / Shapeshifter / Paranormal / Ghosts / Hauntings

Length: Short story (30pg)

Publisher: Amber Quill Press

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts

Blurb: When Cal gives his best friend, Jin, a thank you gift, the magical pendant appears more curse than blessing. The moment the jade pendant touches Jin’s skin, he ends up possessed by an insane dragon spirit.

Cal has loved Jin forever, but since Jin is straight, Cal accepts it as one-sided love, never to be fulfilled. Or at least that was what he thought until Jin is taken over by Jade.

Now Cal will do anything, even offer his body and accept a twisted form of his most desperate desire. But is it all to keep the jade dragon from using Jin’s body to rampage through the city or the chance to satisfy his darker desires?

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

Reviewer: Thommie

Review: Wow, such a cool idea to develop. If only it was longer…

The story starts with Cal and his little brother getting a gift for Jin, a thank you gift. Cal and Jin had been friends since college and during the 6 years they got apart Jin inherited his father’s money and is very wealthy. while Cal… well something happened to Cal and he was left on the streets with his baby brother trying to survive, until Jin helps him out, giving him a job as his bodyguard. So, Cal and his brother get Jin a present to thank him, a jade pendant of a dragon, but the moment Jin wears that on he gets consumed by “Jade”, the dragon that had been trapped and imprisoned inside the pendant. Jade is angry and hungry for destruction and in a moment of clear fear for Jin and his brother Cal tries to convince the Dragon to give Jin his freedom. The two of them end up making a deal, Jade would have control of Jin during the night and give him his freedom during the day, as long as Cal makes his best to entertain Jade and help him satiate his hunger…

What follows is simply HOT sex. I mean what else would it be having a dragon claiming you. I loved it. It took my breath from the very beginning and the moment I said that this is going to be a story I’m going to absolutely love… it ended!!! It didn’t end with leaving you wanting for more in the good way no, rather left you unsatisfied. I honestly hope Ms Shannon gives this one a chance and expand the story into a novel. As it is it was just a very nice idea for a great book.