Hey peeps, today we are bringing you a double feature with a triple review!!! Yep three of my minions got to read this delicious mini-series and they will be giving you their thoughts on it, we also have a post from the author Liz Borino……. So I am leaving you in the capable hands of Tams, Cat & Gigi with a quick word from Liz 🙂 ~Pixie~ (ps I might have also sneaked in a chat the girls were having about Angel’s Hero LOL)

Liz Borino: 

Flawed Heroes

Remember the days when the knight in shining armor came galloping in on his white horse and saved the heroine from all that was wrong in her world? Sexy, right?

*Crickets*

Yeah. I don’t think so, either. But sexy or not, the trope doesn’t work for M/M romance. We’ve now got two heroes. Are they both supposed to be wealthy, funny, self-reliant, confident, chiseled, sensitive, yet macho? …I’m bored. Are you? Good. Let’s move on.

The question becomes why are we bored? I’ve heard many theories on the root of reader preferences, but I’ve always ascribed to the school of realism. Readers, and therefore writers, need to believe in their characters to invest the time with them. If we can’t see their humanity on the page, we’ll struggle to get lost in the world. So, how do we do this?

1. Think about the heroes you know in your real life, best friend, spouse. Are they flawless? No, likely not… even if they disagree. More likely, they have just the right characteristics – good and bad – to complement yours. So too is it with your characters. That means, if you have one hero with OCD who absolutely must control everything, his partner should probably be laid-back.
2. Every good quality has its drawback. Exploit both. Hero ambitious? He probably doesn’t have much time for his personal life or workout routine. Something has to be sacrificed.
3. Most important, remember that what you see as a flaw might be someone else’s idea of perfection. Someone’s got to be buying all the white knights.

CIA Agent Aaron “Angel” Collins doesn’t take many things on faith. He trusts his gut, his eyes, and his husband, Jordan, an Army Captain. When his commanding officers deliver news of Jordan’s death, Aaron needs proof. The facts don’t add up, and Aaron must decide if he can trust Major General Troy Hart to assist in his quest to discover the truth.

Captain Jordan Collins is battered and disheartened in an Afghanistan prison, but definitely not dead, though he learns his own government believes he is. His only mission now is to stay alive and make it home to Angel, if he can find an ally among the enemy. But someone in the US government will stop at nothing to make sure he never leaves that prison, And Jordan must reevaluate the lines between friend and foe if he is ever to return to his Angel. Amazon

Angel’s Truth

Book Two in the Angel Series Out March 12!

*Please Note: These Books Must Be Read In Order*

Blurb: “Freeze or I’ll shoot!” Aaron yelled and aimed the gun at Jordan’s chest.

“Angel, no, please.” Hacking fluid-filled coughs broke up Jordan’s words.

“Jordan?” Aaron whispered his name as recognition painted a mural of memories of their life together on his face.

“Yes.” He coughed red into his dirty hand. “Please help.”

So begins Angel’s Truth, the sequel to Angel’s Hero. Army Captain Jordan Collins arrives home, only to find the man responsible for his imprisonment, torture, and near-execution with his husband. Had his Angel moved on without him?

Aaron “Angel” Collins has driven his family and friends away in his quest to learn the truth of Jordan’s fate, leaving only Major General Troy Hart willing to help him. When Jordan miraculously returns, with a spirit more broken than his body, Aaron realizes Hart was really a liar with an agenda of his own. Aaron is unable to take time to heal his own emotional wounds, because he and Jordan learn Hart’s betrayal is even greater than they originally believed, threatening the entire nation. Now the reunited couple must race against time to keep a promise to Jordan’s savior and prevent Hart from bringing terrorism once again to American soil.

Bio: Liz Borino transcribes the world inside her head onto the page, and share it with the people who are stuck in the “real world” to makes their lives a little more interesting. Because in her world, heroes fall and stand up again with the help of their partners and friends. Liz’s world is littered with formidable obstacles, which her heroes overcome with a fire of courage and passion. The beauty of love between two men is celebrated. Who wouldn’t want to live there?
When not with her heroes, Liz enjoys exploring cities, working toward social justice, and editing for other authors. Liz is less than three months from obtaining her Masters’ degree in English and published nine books since 2010.

Author Links:

Amazon Page

Website

Barnes and Noble

Tour Dates

1. 02/24 – Illustrious Illusions – Guest Post
   1. 02/25 – Joyfully Jay – Guest Post
   2. 02/26 – Mrs. Condit &Friends Read Books – Character  Interview and Review
   3. 02/26 – Your Next Book Boyfriend – Character Interview
   4. 02/26 – Sid Love – Guest Post
   5. 02/26 – TTC – Angel’s Hero Release Event – includes Reviews and Playlist Post.
   6. 02/27 – The Blogger Girls – Guest Post
   7. 02/28 – LeAnn’s Book Reviews – Guest Post and Reviews
   8. 03/01 – Cathy Brockman Romance – Character Interview
   9. 03/02 – Cathy Brockman Romance – Review
   10. 03/03 – Hearts on Fire – Guest Post/Review
   11. 03/04 – Jeep Diva – Guest Post
   12. 03/05 – MM Good Book Review – Guest Post and Triple Review
   13. 03/11 – 3 Chicks After Dark – Guest Post
   14. 03/12 – 3 Chicks After Dark – Review
   15. 03/12 – TTC – Angel’s Truth Release Event
   16. 03/12 – Becca Ann’s Book Reviews – Guest Post
   17. 03/13 – Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words – Guest Post
   18. 03/15 – The Novel Approach – Guest Post
   19. 03/15 – Under the Covers Book Blog – Guest Post
   20. 03/15 – Romance Bookworms Reviews – Review
   21. 03/15 – Foxylutely Book Reviews – Review and Guest Post

Title: Angel’s Hero

Series: Angel book 01

Author: Liz Borino

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Military Romance

Length: Novella (79 pgs)

ISBN: 9781612581248

Publisher: Lazy Day (February 26^th 2014)

Heat Level: Mild/Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4  1/3 Hearts

Reviewer’s: Tams, Cat, & GiGi

Blurb: CIA Agent Aaron “Angel” Collins doesn’t take many things on faith. He trusts his gut, his eyes, and his husband, Jordan, an Army Captain. When his commanding officers deliver news of Jordan’s death, Aaron needs proof. The facts don’t add up, and Aaron must decide if he can trust Major General Troy Hart to assist in his quest to discover the truth.

Captain Jordan Collins is battered and disheartened in an Afghanistan prison, but definitely not dead, though he learns his own government believes he is. His only mission now is to stay alive and make it home to Angel, if he can find an ally among the enemy. But someone in the US government will stop at nothing to make sure he never leaves that prison, And Jordan must reevaluate the lines between friend and foe if he is ever to return to his Angel.

Purchase Link:  http://www.amazon.com/Angels-Hero-Liz-Borino-ebook/dp/B00INFO97O 

Menage’ a Trois Review:

Tams Review: 4 ♥♥♥♥ Hearts 

Aaron (Angel) and Jordan Collins have been inseparable since they met, unless they were on assignment. As the story in this first book unfolds, the reader is taken back and forth to when they first met, their first date, their wedding and through current events of separation and anxiety as everyone tries to convince Aaron that Jordan has been killed in Afghanistan. But Angel is not convinced, it doesn’t “feel” right to him. So he sets out to prove that his husband, is in fact, very much alive.

The story is also told from both mens POV. Angel is struggling with the possible death of his husband, he refuses to believe it is true. And something doesn’t sit well with him about the events that led up to Jordan being deployed either. Angel was supposed to go on the mission and was pulled at the last minute. And now he has a new boss, Troy, who seems to be very interested in more than just a work relationship with Angel.

Jordan is seriously injured and being tortured in an Afghanistan prison after being betrayed by someone he should have been able to trust. But who was it? Friends become enemies, and enemies become allies, but in his pain induced haze, who can he really trust. The one thing, the only thing that keeps him going is getting home to his Angel.

The writing was a little raw, but I definitely see potential there. And the plot was fantastic, I had no trouble keeping up and the story kept my interest throughout. Angel and Jordan’s love story slowly unfolded in flashbacks told in alternating chapters, which broke up the dramatic issues Angel and Jordan were both dealing with in the present. And I knew there was a snake in the grass from the start. I am so sorry that you have to wait until March to read the conclusion of their story, I will say it will be worth it.

The chemistry between these two is evident, I could have handled a little more detail for certain scenes, but the passion is there. If you like you men in uniform, you will get that in spades here! Book 2, Angel’s Truth, is scheduled to release March 14th so mark your calendars.

Cat’s Review: 5 ♥♥♥♥♥ Hearts

This is the first book and boy oh boy how to start a series! I will warn you be prepared to get the second one! 

Angel is a CIA agent and works with his lover Jordan an army Captain. This story is written in such an intriguing way. It tells some of what is going on now, a very secret mission, and recalls things about their past, how they met etc. I fell in love with both men immediately. They have a love and connection to be envied. I would give anything to have what these two men have, and the author captures it in such a powerful way. Both men are very professional and strong and their love exceeds all else. The story line was also very captivating. I’m not real big on military stories but this one is fabulous. It’s not overly political and the mystery is riveting. I was very surprised at the ending and was very happy I had the next book ready to roll.

I will say and I hope this isn’t a spoiler, that there was something going on with Troy, that I cringed about through the story and was happy I was wrong about Angel on that account. It made me like Angel even more and Troy even less.

I highly recommend this if you like military suspense, covert operations, CIA agents, Army Captains ( yes we have hot men in uniforms and suits) a love to die for and a surprise ending.

Gigi’s Review: 4 ♥♥♥♥ Hearts

Liz delivers military suspense in a fast paced and engaging manner. Through a series of chapter by chapter flashbacks from past to present we’re introduced to the characters of Aaron and Jordan in their current military deployment and the past events of how they met. Once all hell breaks loose and Jordan’s situation is known, we volley back and forth until the two time lines converge and the action gets going high speed. I feel like I want to know Aaron more, and I was not quite sure of his history, if any with Troy before Jordan’s deployment, but that’s just a small hitch. The supporting characters of Adeela and Jordan’s dad Elliot, make the story stronger. I find I like Adeela a lot!

Throughout the story we have flashbacks that give us the back ground of how Aaron and Jordan meet, fall in love and of how strong their commitment is to each other. Because of this I never thought, even for a second, that Aaron would fall to Troy’s clutches, and I couldn’t understand why Troy ever thought he would. I was just desperate for Jordan to come home.

At the end of the book we are left in the peak of the action with Jordan appearing at his home, beat, battered and bloody. When Aaron, busy fending off Troys’ advances, hears someone entering his home, he draws his weapon, prepared to disarm the bloodied intruder, until he recognizes the man he loves. So many questions linger, who really allowed Jordan to be captured? We suspect Troy all along, but why did he do it? And is he acting alone?

Angel’s Hero was a fun puzzle, a fast paced read, and a bit of a nail biting adventure wondering how and if Jordan would escape. The sexual content was detailed when necessary, but often that content was implied as the relationship developed.  Another highly entertaining read by Liz Borino, be sure to have book two queued up and ready!

Tams: I enjoyed how the story jumped back and forth, and the author made sure you knew where it was going at the start of each chapter. Was it easy for you guys to follow?

Cat:  Yes. I loved how it switched views so fluidly. I actually prefer this style of writing, as I love to know each Character. I loved both of these men and the special connection they have!

Gigi: The author made it very clear when a flash back/forward occurred either by stating it in the beginning of the chapter or changing text form italics to normative. Very easy to follow, I enjoyed the eventual meeting in the middle/present that occurred.

Tams: I smelled a rat from the start, I knew Troy was up to no good. Did you think he was just trying to be a friend, or overstepping his boundaries?

Cat: Oh no. Troy scared me. I smelled a rat too I knew he was bad news. I would shout for Angel to beware of Troy. Hubby got tired of hearing me yell NO! and Watch OUT.

Gigi: It was a bit easy to see that this guy was a sleaseball. Sorry, what friend tries to step into another’s shoes so soon after a tragic death? And what history did Troy and Angel have to make Troy assume his advances would be welcome?

Tams: I loved the way Jordan loved Angel. So fierce and unwavering, it was my favourite aspect of the story. What was yours?

Cat: It was that love for me too. I’d kill for a special connection ad a love of that high calibre.

Gigi: Angel’s own self worth, the fact that he knew he deserved answers and deserved the man he fought so hard to bring home. There was not a lot of “woe is me” going on. I like characters with a strong backbone.

Tams: What did you guys think of the book overall?

Cat: I loved it. I especially loved the flashbacks, to see how they met and how their love unfolded and I found it very hot and sensual though most actual sex was off the page. Thes two men made me swoon.

Gigi: I like seeing commitment, and the struggles that realistically come with it. I’m a lover of angst and seeing love conquer all….yes I’m a sappy hopeless romantic. This book provided that for me.

Tams: Final thoughts ladies?

Cat: I actually loved the chemistry and didn’t need more detail. I found it written well enough I could imagine the passion there. I was pleasantly surprised at the ending figuring it would be a cliff-hanger. It made me hungry for the next book.

Gigi: Keep the men in uniform coming!

Title: Angel’s Truth

Series: Angel book 02

Author: Liz Borino

Genre: Contemporary, Military Romance

Length: Novella (64 pgs)

ISBN: 9781612581255

Publisher: Lazy Day publishing (March 14^th 2014)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4 2/3 Hearts

Reviewer’s: Tams, Cat & Gigi

Blurb: *Please Note: These Books Must Be Read In Order*
“Freeze or I’ll shoot!” Aaron yelled and aimed the gun at Jordan’s chest.
“Angel, no, please.” Hacking fluid-filled coughs broke up Jordan’s words.
“Jordan?” Aaron whispered his name as recognition painted a mural of memories of their life together on his face.
“Yes.” He coughed red into his dirty hand. “Please help.”

So begins Angel’s Truth, the sequel to Angel’s Hero. Army Captain Jordan Collins arrives home, only to find the man responsible for his imprisonment, torture, and near-execution with his husband. Had his Angel moved on without him?

Aaron “Angel” Collins has driven his family and friends away in his quest to learn the truth of Jordan’s fate, leaving only Major General Troy Hart willing to help him. When Jordan miraculously returns, with a spirit more broken than his body, Aaron realizes Hart was really a liar with an agenda of his own. Aaron is unable to take time to heal his own emotional wounds, because he and Jordan learn Hart’s betrayal is even greater than they originally believed, threatening the entire nation. Now the reunited couple must race against time to keep a promise to Jordan’s savior and prevent Hart from bringing terrorism once again to American soil.

Purchase Link: Review based off an ARC copy, no purchase links available yet.

Tams Review: 5 ♥♥♥♥♥ Hearts

Angel and Jordan Collins are reunited after weeks apart with everyone believing that Jordan had died in an Iraqi prison. Everyone but Angel, he never stopped believing his husband was alive. He alienated most of his friends and family in the process. But Major General Troy Hart was there, a shoulder for Angel to cry on. Turns out Hart had his own agenda all along.

With Jordan back home safe and in Angel’s arms they can breathe easy, right? Wrong! Jordan is suffering slight symptoms of PTSD that are fuelled by anger and jealously. He doesn’t even want to think about what Hart could have done to his beloved Angel if he hadn’t come home when he did. And the US military is threatening to court marshal him due to circumstances surrounding his imprisonment and subsequent escape.

Angel is by his side through it all. Their love for each other and the strength they gain from that love is only enhanced by their devotion to their country. First they have to contend with the threat at home to themselves, their families and their country. Then they have to go back to where it all started to try and rescue the Iraqi woman that risked everything to get Jordan home to his Angel.

Everything comes full circle in this installment. Everyone’s true intentions are laid out on the table and all the questions I had after Hero were answered. Not to be corny, but the truth comes out. Were the first book sort of skimmed some of the more serious aspects, this book fully explored and explained them. Nonstop action and some serious drama kept a steady pace throughout. If this is the end of this series, it definitely gave closure and ended well. But I would love to see Angel and Jordan sitting on the back porch, covered in grandchildren saying no and stop that!

Cat’s Review: 5 ♥♥♥♥♥ Hearts

This is book two in this series and you should read them in order.

Jordan has returned from being a POW and not sure of his fate since his escape was very unorthodox. Angel believes him and his eager to help him get his life back so they can move on.

Jordan’s PTSD is harder on both men than they expected it to be and Jordan fears he could lose Angel as well as end up back in jail if they can’t prove who is behind this and keep him from being court martialled.

I have to say I absolutely loved this story. I was intrigued with book one but this one was just as nail-biting. A couple unexpected twists left me breathless in anticipation. As in the first book the love between these two men was so sexy and breath-taking though its mostly off the page. The author’s style makes it as good as if you had it blow by blow. I found it very sensual and sexy.

I highly recommend it if you like Nail-biting military suspense, Cia agents, covert operations, sensual off page sex and loving relationships that endure hell.

Gigi’s Review: 4 ♥♥♥♥ Hearts

We pick up this story in the heat of the action, Jordan has just staggered home after getting out of Afghanistan by questionable means. Once Aaron gets past the shock of seeing his dead husband returned, and once Jordan is cleared medically, Aaron is left to pick up the pieces. Jordan wants to know for sure who was behind his capture and why? He also needs to clear his name and avoid a courts marshall because of how he managed to escape his captivity as a POW.

Aaron is seething mad because the only person who supported him when he refused to believe in his husband’s death, was Troy Hart, the very man Jordan swears is behind this whole deadly game. One tiny glitch in the very start of this book involved Troy. When Jordan arrives home, Troy and Aaron are inside his house, and once the action develops, suddenly Troy is outside Aaron and Jordan’s door and just seems to disappear. Maybe fleshing that out in subsequent edits will help clarify, but I can easily get past it.

The book centers around the covert ways Aaron and Jordan investigate the situation and pry information from Troy. All the while they are both coping with both physical and psychological damage from Jordan’s time as a POW.  Can they manage to heal, or will Jordan’s dependency and flashbacks take it’s toll on their relationship?

One of my favorite supporting characters returns in this story, Adeela, the nurse who helped Jordan escape Afghanistan, and she’s ready to do whatever it takes to aid Jordan in solving this crime. Getting herself out of Afghanistan before the US military strikes and even the innocent civilians including her become casualties of war, becomes a priority. She’s one tough nurse, and I’m thrilled by what developments the story holds to include her in Jordan and Aaron’s life!

Again, Liz Borino provides us with nail biting, down to the wire excitement. As far as sexual content, it’s there when it needs to be, but otherwise suggested when details aren’t necessary. Never a dull moment, and I thoroughly enjoyed both books.