Partnership Reborn by Ariel Tachna

Title: Partnership Reborn
Series: Partnership in Blood #8
Author: Ariel Tachna
Genre: Vampires/ Werewolves/Shapeshifters/ Urban Fantasy
Length: Novel (306 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (October 31, 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts
Blurb: All his life, wizard Raphael Tarayaud has dreamed of a vampire—first as a friend, then as a lover. His search for his missing soul mate brings him to the attention of Sebastien Noyer, one of his childhood heroes. While Sebastien isn’t his soul mate, he could be the perfect partner for Raphael’s best friend Kylian Raffier.

As strange coincidences mount up, Raphael offers his research expertise to try to help Kylian and Sebastien understand what is happening to them, though the more he learns, the less he likes it. But it won’t keep him from fighting with everything he has to secure Kylian’s future.

When he finally meets Jean Bellaiche, former chef de la Cour and grieving widower, the meeting is disastrous, but Raphael can’t let it go. He doesn’t stand a chance with Jean—who could compete with the ghost of Raymond Payet?—but nothing can stop him from dreaming.

ISBN-13: 978-1-63216-363-9

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5513&cPath=54_160
Reviewer: Shorty
Review: The description of this book is somewhat misleading as Raphael and his best friend Kylian go to a club to see if Raphael can find his partner but Kylian ends up meeting Sebastian. A least half or more of the book is about their coming together yet fighting their feelings for one another.

Not only that, but Sebastian keeps mentioning Thierry, his partner he lost 33 years before, to Kylian.

It seemed to me that Sebastian really wasn’t ready to move on especially when he drank someone else’s blood other than Kylian’s and was unconscious then Kylian feeding him blood and when he wakes he calls out Thierry’s name. No, I don’t think Kylian was Thierry in another life.

It seemed the ritual spell to bond Thierry and Sebastian was still connected to Sebastian even after Thierry passed so when Sebastian bonded with someone else finally the spell activated and carried over to Kylian. This book confused me a lot and I didn’t enjoy as much as the others in the series.

Though I was very fascinated in learning the spell that bonded Sebastian and Thierry was made using folklore, magic and spells from Vampires, Wizards, and Werewolves. Very interesting that they even got it to work considering.

The sex scenes where hot, though I didn’t really pay attention to them as I was trying to figure out what was going on. I stopped reading on page 192 and by then Jean and Raphael had only met once. This is from the PDF version, there is 306 pages total in the book. However, the actual story ends on page 288. There are ads for other books by the author filling the rest.

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

Lycan Partnership by Ariel Tachna, 2nd edition

Title: Lycan Partnership, 2nd edition
Series: Partnership in Blood #7
Author: Ariel Tachna
Genre: Vampires/Urban Fantasy
Length: Novel (228 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (October 31, 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 1/2Hearts
Blurb: By the time the alpha of the Morvan werewolf pack approaches l’Institut Marcel Chavinier for help solving his people’s fertility problems, pack numbers have dwindled and the remaining members are desperate. Though the wizards at l’Institut have no experience with werewolves, their lore, or their brand of magic, Raymond agrees to help.

At l’ANS headquarters, Raymond finds Marc Gourlin, a young wizard fascinated with werewolves. Marc agrees to visit the werewolves’ home to study their rituals for the source of the problem. But when he arrives, he finds himself distracted by Adenet Silaire, the pack shaman. The attraction between them is powerful, but though Marc suspects he might be Adenet’s mate, Adenet rebuffs him. Marc is a man, and Adenet’s sense of responsibility will not let him take a male mate when the pack so desperately needs children.

Meanwhile, Jean and Raymond discover the Aveu de Sang allows a vampire’s Avoué to calm his inner beast. For Jean and Orlando, this is wonderful news—but it only convinces Thierry how much Sebastien is missing out on because they cannot form an Aveu de Sang.

Determined to give his partner everything he can, Thierry sets out to recreate the bond denied them by Sebastien’s past.

This second edition received minor revision and proofing for re-release in honor of the publication of Partnership Reborn, the final book in the series.

ISBN-13: 978-1-63216-673-9

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5559&cPath=54_160

Reviewer: Shorty
Review: The werewolf pack is having fertility issues due to their ritual not working anymore. Despite his shaman’s feelings about magic users, Loren the alpha of the pack goes to talk to Raymond in a desperate search for answers and a solution. Raymond has no experience with wolves and his partner Jean, a vampire, doesn’t care for them.

So Raymond asks if there’s anyone at l’instut with any knowledge about werewolves who can help. Marc Gourlin is a wizard who just came into his powers and is fascinated with anything to do with werewolves so he is sent to help Raymond find a solution for the pack.

I really enjoyed the interactions between the wizards, vampires, and werewolves. Though there was a bit of tension at times. Reading how Marc was able to see and distinguish the magical lines of magic being used was fascinating. I found Marc’s suggestions to the pack well thought out and intriguing.

Jean discovers that bond he has with Raymond allows him to lose control of his beast and be completely satisfied in every way, without hurting Raymond, to actually be able to sleep for the first time since he was turned. Raymond in turn tells Orlando and Alain and they try it and discover it works for them as well.

Fantastic story about coming together to help a species on the brink of extinction. Amazing details in the magic aspect of how things work. Hot m/m sex between different characters added a spicy element throughout the story. Absolutely loved it.

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

Partnership Reforged by Ariel Tachna, 2nd edition

Title: Partnership Reforged, 2nd edition
Series: Partnership in Blood #4.5
Author: Ariel Tachna
Genre: Daydreams/ Vampires/ Paranormal
Length: Short (37 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (October 30th, 2014)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.75Hearts
Blurb: A Companion to the Partnership in Blood series

For two years, Thierry has wanted the one thing Sebastien’s past denies him: an Aveu de Sang. With the help of friends new and old, he has finally assembled a ritual that will give him a close approximation of the ultimate bond between vampire and mortal… if it succeeds.

ISBN: 978-1-63216-630-2

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5697&cPath=54_160

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: At the Spires of Notre Dame, four wizards, Eric, Thierry, Alain, and Raymond to represent the four elements, earth, wind, air, fire, and three vampires, Sebastian, Jean, and Orlando prepare for a ritual with Vincent, a wizard to help Eric in place of a vampire. Sebastian has had an Aveu de Sang a long time ago and so cannot bond with Thierry in the same manner again. The ritual is one designed to bond the two forever.

Intense and powerful ritual. Filled with hot sex as Thierry and Sebastian claim each other for all time. Well written with amazing details.

Great read.

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

Conflict in Blood by Ariel Tachna, 2nd edition

Title: Conflict in Blood, 2nd edition
Series: Partnership in Blood, #3
Author: Ariel Tachna
Genre: Mystery/Suspense/ Vampires/ Urban Fantasy/ Paranormal
Length: Novel (301 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (October 31, 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Blurb: As the Alliance wizard-vampire partnerships grow stronger, the dark wizards feel the effects and become increasingly desperate to find enough information to counter them, unaware of the growing strain of the blood-magic bonds on the wizards and vampires alike.
The conflict is spreading.

The strife of uncomfortable relationships, both personal and professional, is threatening to tear up the Alliance from the inside, despite the efforts of Alain Magnier and Orlando St. Clair, Thierry Dumont and Sebastien Noyer, and even Raymond Payet and Jean Bellaiche, leader of the Paris vampires, who is fighting to establish a stable covenant with his own partner so he might lead by example.

As the war rages on and heartbreaking casualties mount on both sides, the dark wizards keep searching for clues to understand and counter the strength of the Alliance, while the blood-bound Alliance partners hunt through ancient prejudices and forgotten lore to find an edge that can turn the tide of the war once and for all..

With new strength behind it, the Alliance’s leaders move to announce its existence to the whole world, hoping to rally support against the dark wizards who threaten to destroy life, as they know it. Struggling to find its way in the expanding war, the Alliance discovers that despite its advantages, the partnerships are affecting the balance of magical power in the world, which may be an even bigger threat than the war itself.

This second edition received minor revision and proofing for re-release in honor of the publication of Partnership Reborn, the final book in the series.

ISBN: ISBN-13: 978-1-63216-665-4

Product Link:
http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5557&cPath=54_160
Reviewer: Shorty
Review: Stronger bonds are formed with some of the alliance members while other pairs struggle with each other. As always details on each pairings struggles are in this book. After wild magic is let loose unintentionally it starts affecting everyone. The alliance makes plans to stop it while at the same time Jean is on the lookout for the rogue vampire who is aligned with Serrier.

Serrier is furious at the alliance for always being where he attacks beforehand. He knows he has a spy in his midst but not who it is so he tells Eric and Vincent to give slightly altered information to Monique and Dominique to figure out which one it is. Serrier asks Eric and Vincent to bring him a vampire who is part of the alliance so that he can determine their weaknesses and get information out of them.

Well written story though not as in-depth about the dark wizards as it is with the alliance. Some questionable dark parts along with Claude, a dark wizard, who seems to be a sadist, in my opinion. Some scenes are intense, while there are fascinating in their details or intensity.

The battle for equal rights for vampires is an ongoing battle they hope to win. Hot m/m sex throughout. As well as m/f and f/f sex which I skipped. All in all its and interesting if not long book. Great read.

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

Covenant in Blood by Ariel Tachna, 2nd edition

Title: Covenant in Blood, 2nd edition
Series: Partnership in Blood #2
Author: Ariel Tachna
Genre: Mystery/Suspense, Vampires, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Fantasy
Length: Novel (404 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (October 31, 2014)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Blurb: The wizards and the vampires have forged an alliance based on blood and magic, hoping to turn the tide of the war against the dark wizards. A few wizard-vampire bonds are as successful as Alain Magnier’s and Orlando St. Clair’s, but some are much less so, leading to arguments, resentment, and outright fights between the allies despite their mutual goals.

Following his best friend Alain’s example, Thierry Dumont determinedly forms a partnership with vampire Sebastien Noyer, despite the wizard’s discomfort with being so close to a vampire—a man—so soon after his wife’s death. But they find that desperation may be the key to forming a covenant that works: Thierry and Sebastien are almost immediately devoted to one another’s safety.

This second edition received minor revision and proofing for re-release in honor of the publication of Partnership Reborn, the final book in the series.

ISBN: 978-1-63216-663-0

Product Link:
http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5558&cPath=55_150

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: The new alliance between vampires and wizards is going well so far. But then a new worry appears. The bond between the partners of vampires and wizards may be stronger than what was previously thought. Not wanting to alarm anyone the leaders of each side decide to keep it quiet for the moment.

Serrier decides to recruit a vampire with no morals to see if he knows anything about the meeting that took place after losing so many of his dark wizards. When he learns nothing he orders his men to find answers or someone with them.

I enjoyed reading this book though it is long and delves deeper into Orlando, Thierry, and Sebastian’s past as well as many other characters in the story. Some of the pairings are off to a rocky start and others are still getting to know one another. During a battle with the dark wizards, the alliance looses a partnered wizard after he is struck and killed by a spell.

Well written with a lot of drama, some action, and sex throughout. There is m/m, m/f, and f/f sex in this book. Though I personally don’t read m/f or f/f and skipped those sex scenes, I was told this series had them in it ahead of time and I felt it necessary to let other readers know about it as it’s not mentioned anywhere on the site where you buy this book so they can decide whether or not to buy it.

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

Alliance in Blood by Ariel Tachna

Title: Alliance in Blood, 2nd edition
Series: Partnership in Blood, #1
Author: Ariel Tachna
Genre: Mystery/Suspense/ Vampires/ Urban Fantasy/ Paranormal
Length: Novel (226 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (October 31, 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 1/2Hearts
Blurb: Can a desperate wizard and a bitter, disillusioned vampire find a way to build the partnership that could save their world?
In a world rocked by magical war, vampires are seen by many as less than human, as the stereotypical creatures of the night who prey on others. But as the war intensifies, the wizards know they need an advantage to turn the tide in their favor: the strength and edge the vampires can give them in the battle against the dark wizards who seek to destroy life, as they know it.

In a dangerous move and show of good will, the wizards ask the leader of the vampires to meet with them, so that they might plead their cause. One desperate man, Alain Magnier, and one bitter, disillusioned vampire, Orlando St. Clair, meet in Paris, and the fate of the world hangs in the balance of their decision: Will the vampires join the cause and form a partnership with the wizards to win the war?

This second edition received minor revision and proofing for re-release in honor of the publication of Partnership Reborn, the final book in the series.

ISBN: 978-1-63216-661-6

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5556

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: A war has been started by Serrier, a cruel dark wizard, against the light wizards. In an attempt to tip the balance against the dark wizards, the leader of the light wizards, Marcel Chavinier sends a message to the vampire leader Jean to ask for their help. Marcel takes Alain, a light wizard, up on his volunteering to go to the meeting place to meet up with Orlando St. Clair, a vampire who represents Jean Bellaiche in the meeting. They form an alliance and discover they’re both very much attracted to each other.

After both sides do research on each other with the help of an ancient vampire named Lombard was shown and heard in his long life, they find out that vampires can walk in the sunlight for extended periods by ingesting a wizards blood. But only with the right wizard and so begins trying to pair up wizards and vampires to defeat the dark wizards. The vampire leader Jean is paired up with Raymond Payet a wizard who left Serrier’s group to align himself with the light wizards.

I found this story fascinating in regards to the vampires being able to walk in sunlight with the aid of wizards blood. That was very unique and something I’ve never read before. The chemistry between Orlando and Alain was Strong and sure one they got past the misunderstandings that Alain caused by ordering Orlando to bite another wizard to see if he was telling the truth. Orlando was turned during the Revolution by a cruel vampire who severely abused him physically and mentally until Orlando killed him.

Most of the story is about the two sides getting to know each other while some voice concerns over the new alliance and sending messages for the vampires and wizards to all meet at a specific time and place. Unfortunately, Serrier also learns of this meeting to take place and has plans to crash it. Learning about the past of some of them like Orlando, Alain, Raymond, and Thierry. Hot sex between Alain and Orlando, and some nice background on a few of the characters in the book. I can’t wait to see what happens next in this fascinating series.

Great read.

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

Conquer the Flames by Ariel Tachna

Title: Conquer the Flames

Series: Lang Downs, Book 4

Author: Ariel Tachna

Genre: Western/Cowboys/Contemporary

Length: Novel (254 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (September 27^th, 2013)

Heat Level: Mild but Intense!

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts

Blurb: Sequel to Outlast the Night
Lang Downs: Book Four

Thorne Lachlan knows a thing or two about getting himself safely out of a blaze. For years, he fought in the world’s hot spots, a Commando with the Australian Army. Now, retired, he fights flames for the Royal Fire Service. When a grassfire brings him to Lang Downs, the next sheep station in danger, Thorne meets Ian Duncan and sparks fly that neither man can put out. But both men have ghosts from the past that stand in the way of moving beyond mutual attraction.

While Thorne longs for the home he could share with Ian at Lang Downs, he fears his own instability might make him a danger to others. And Ian’s always believed that the foster care nightmare he escaped before coming to Lang Downs would make any relationship impossible. Trust doesn’t come easily to Thorne or Ian until the fire’s aftermath forces them to see past the scars keeping them both from healing.

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4214

Reviewer: GiGi

Review: I read a lot of hot and steamy, explicit books, and sometimes I wonder if I’m becoming desensitized. It’s nice to be reminded that intense passion and intimacy does not have to include that level of sexual exposure. This book was very refreshing and reawakened my sensitivity to more subtle images. Two very damaged men, an ex-commando and an isolated victim of childhood sexual abuse and rape, both suffering from PTSD, find their way to each other. This book explores different meanings of family, the ones we’re born with, the ones that grow on us and the ones we choose. Also definitions of home come up, from a childhood home, home on a frontline in war zones and fire zones, to finding a new home and not just in buildings but in men’s hearts.

Thorne and Ian both experience risk and rescue, protecting people and places important to them, but they are also held back by trying to protect each other from themselves.
The slow intimate explorations from a chaste kiss, to the touch of fingers along sensitive spots like inner wrist, nape and ear, all that slow buildup is so moving! I was spellbound! The description of Thorne’s beard against Ian’s cheek, simple pleasures were so well written and placed. Sometimes, okay a lot of times, we skip past the details that make experiences truly unforgettable in life. Foreplay can be whole play if you take the time to enjoy each sensation. This part of the story was wonderfully written. Kudos to Ariel for her achievement in that.

The fact the both partners realized they needed to get help to get better and heal, not just for each other but also for themselves was a great moral in this story. So many people don’t seek help, too proud or too scared, and it is the downfall of their relationships and often their lives.

A great book, one of the best in this series. This story is part of Lang Downs for sure, but there is no need to read in order, it could easily stand-alone. I do, however, recommend reading the back list if you haven’t already!

Chareau d'Eternitie by Ariel Tachna

Title: Chateau d’Eternitie

Series: N/A

Author: Ariel Tachna

Genre: Time travel/Fantasy/Historical

Length: Novel (200 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (March 29^th, 2013)

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3761

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts

Blurb: When Russ Peterson accepts an invitation to an all-expense-paid vacation at a castle in southern France, he doesn’t expect to learn he has the ability to travel through time. For a historian, it’s a dream come true, offering the chance to find answers to the mysteries of the past. But it’s not without risks—to Russ and to the world as he knows it.

After a few short supervised visits, Russ still hasn’t made up his mind about his newfound abilities. Then, on his first extended trip, he meets Quentus Maximus, second in command to the Legate of Nemausus. While learning firsthand about the realities of life in Roman Gaul, Russ is shocked by his reaction to Quentus’s dominant nature. After a week with Quentus, Russ’s vacation is up, and he realizes he wants a chance to see if their relationship can flourish.

Arranging a year-long sabbatical from work to give time to make the decision is easy. Figuring out if he can live with Quentus’s dominant nature long-term, and finding a way to establish a life for himself in Roman Gaul, is an entirely different matter.….

Chateau d’Eternité was previously available as a short story, published by Dreamspinner Press, June 2012.

Reviewer: Pammie

Review: This story has time travel and a sexy, domineering Roman Centurion.

Firstly, this is not D/s story. Quentus is simply a man who expects to be obeyed. He expects be the alpha in the relationship, and in return provides everything for Russ. It’s both part of his nature and his culture. Secondly, when it comes to time travel, you have to accept rather than question. In a nutshell it’s a genetic gift. If you spend a day or a week in the past, you return after a day or a week in your own present. If you then remain in your present for a day or a week, then the same time has elapsed where you were in the past. Like so many things surrounding the chateau and time travel, it’s just how it is. And the usual “You must not change the past.” Warning is in place.

I liked the story, the characters, and reading about a historical period. The explanation of time travelling and the existence of the chateau starts us off. Then the developing relationship between the men, and finally situations that jeopardizes Russ’s life, and Quentus’s ownership of his estate.

Unfortunately a lot of how, what and why of time travel is simply answered by “it’s the way it is”. You may also wonder at someone accepting a two-week vacation to somewhere he doesn’t know, halfway around the world, paid for by people he doesn’t know, and just how the genetic mutation is identified. But, if you set those kinds of questions aside, it’s a good story.

We don’t see how their relationship continues once Russ returns to Quentus’s side, having set his affairs in order in the present. However, via a change in the chateau, it’s clearly intimated their relationship has lasted many years. The author has therefore left open an option to revisit the couple with a sequel.

I would recommend it to anyone who likes a touch of history, hot sex, time travel and an implied HEA.

Reluctant Partnership by Ariel Tachna

Title: Reluctant Partnership

Series: Partnership in Blood Spin Off 02

Author: Ariel Tachna

Genre: Paranormal, Alternative World

Length: Novel (280pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (3^rd October 2011)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Thanks to the efforts of Raymond Payet and l’ANS, vampires now have the same legal rights as mortals, and research at l’Institut Marcel Chavinier is focusing on the mysterious partnership bonds between wizards and vampires. But the battle for public opinion rages on. When Detective Adèle Rougier encounters Pascale Auboussu, a shy young woman turned into a vampire against her will, Raymond and Denis Langlois, chef de la Cour nearest the crime, fear a public relations nightmare.

The vampire responsible for Pascale’s turning must be brought to justice, but Denis is distracted by an unlikely potential partner—Canadian researcher Martin Delacroix, who is spending a year’s sabbatical at l’Institut—and Denis’s lingering feelings for his deceased lover prompt him to reject the bond. There’s no denying the attraction between them, though, and the allure of companionship is nearly as strong as Denis’s grief.

Growing familiarity and yearning for a true mate may induce Adèle and Denis to soften their stances against new partnerships, but Adèle will have to accept a deeper intimacy with Pascale when she has never considered a relationship with a woman, and it will take a near-deadly attack to make Denis admit his most hidden desires. Now he has to hope Martin will be willing to stay.

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=2528&osCsid=ff0a2v6kmk7tb6hv1987ilpi93

Review: Okay, I had some qualms about reading this one, why? You ask, well I loved the Partnership In Blood series and it ended, we had the epilogue and everything, I mean I mourned Alain and Orlando, all the other wizards were old, the vampires were gearing up for when they lost their own wizards and lovers and then suddenly we have the spin-offs, where they are all young again and it completely ruined it for me. If it hadn’t had an epilogue and I hadn’t mourned then it wouldn’t have been a problem but it did and I had. I really couldn’t enjoy the book that much but I will still give you an honest review.

The story was well written and it had all the detail that we expect from Ariel Tachna, we had the emotional conflict, the physical conflict and the mental conflict. Denis doesn’t want a partnership; he lost the love of his life thirty years before and he just isn’t ready for any sort of long-term relationship. Martin is only in France for a year and although he is fascinated by the partnerships when he does embark on one he wants a vampire from where he lives in Canada. Adèle doesn’t want another partnership EVER after what she went through with Jude, but by accident she finds out that she is compatible to a newly turned vampire; now if she can just resist the pull. Pascale is turned against her will, she has to get used to her new life as well as deal with the discovery of being an eligible partner for a wizard and try to find a compromise within that partnership.

This storyline is really strong, the plot is good and the sex is hot. Now there is f/f and there are a few m/m scenes as well between the wizards and vampires that we have come to know and love. We discover a surprise about Denis’s old lover and we find out why Denis is so strong for such a young vampire. The way that the main characters all had to weigh up the pros and cons, their own wants and needs and the effect that it would have on their partnership partner was really good. They didn’t rush into anything and they tried to find common ground before they entered the partnerships.

I recommend this to paranormal lovers, those who like conflict, hot sex and a great story-line.

Once In a Lifetime by Ariel Tachna

Note: Digital review copy of this title was provided by the publisher.

Title: Once In A Lifetime

Author: Ariel Tachna

Genre: Contemporary, Journal

Length: Novel (200pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (8^th July 2011)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Offered a yearlong medical research fellowship in France, Shane Johnson has many hopes for the experience: a chance to improve his French, an opportunity to hone his research skills before starting his PhD at Baylor, and the freedom to live life as an openly gay man for the first time. He’ll chronicle his year abroad with its challenges, victories, and setbacks as he struggles to balance his faith with his sexuality.

As he navigates the shoals of a first kiss, a first relationship, and perhaps even lasting love, Shane will have to balance his newfound emotions with his long-term plans, and he’ll face the decision of how his once-in-a-lifetime experience will fit into the life he wants to lead.

Review: I have to admit that when I first opened this book and started reading I groaned and thought, oh god. You see, I don’t like journal type stories and have only ever liked one before. That’s because most authors just can’t pull it off. Something usually gets lost and there is a spark that is missing. This, however, is a well written journal and I have to say that Ariel Tachna has scored where so many others have failed because I forgot that this was written by an author (a female author at that). I was so caught up with Shane’s doubts, fears, hopes and dreams that I really believed that I was reading a male twenty-two year olds journal, fantastically written, just fantastic.

In this journal style book we begin with twenty-two year Shane Johnson writing in his journal at the airport as he waits for his plane. We experience the next year through his words and his experiences while in France as he explores his sexuality, his belief and his friendships. We experience his hopes, fears, love and confusion as he tries to work out exactly what he wants. I loved the fact that he took his faith seriously and managed to meld it with his sexuality without feeling the guilt that many feel when confronted by their beliefs and sexuality. That he believed in himself enough to know when he was ready for something and that he wouldn’t let himself be pressured. Luckily, he had managed to get a good support system in place for when he needed advice.

Now it wasn’t all brilliant. at first, as I didn’t read the blurb I had no clue at first who I was reading about and even when I did find out it was just a brief passage on page 28 about how he was teased about his name so it took me a while to reconcile the nameless young man I had been reading about to Shane, but from then on… it was all good. Shane did seem to dither quite a bit about if someone was flirting or not but from what I read I think it was to do with his upbringing and lack of experience.

I would recommend this for people who would like to experience what it’s like for a gay young man who is exploring his sexuality while sticking to his beliefs as a Christian and his hopes for a relationship.

Under the Skin by Nicki Bennett and Ariel Tachna

Title: Under the Skin

Author: Nicki Bennett & Ariel Tachna

Genre: Mystery/Suspense

Length: Novel (196pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (5^th September 2011)

Heat Level: Scorching/ Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Police detective Patrick Flaherty has no illusions about Russian mobster Alexei Boczar, but that doesn’t stop his fascination with the bodyguard to one of the most ruthless families in Chicago’s growing Eastern European crime community. From the moment Patrick meets Alexei’s eyes over the body of another Russian mobster, Alexei is a thorn in Patrick’s side, refusing to cooperate with the police and turning all of Patrick’s questions back on him. Alexei’s hard-as-nails persona whets Patrick’s professional determination to get the information he’s sure the gangster is hiding, while personally Patrick just wants to get his hands on Alexei’s hard body.

The tattoos marking Alexei’s skin tell the story of his criminal past, but the more Patrick learns about Alexei, the more he wants to know, until he finds himself over his head in a relationship that might cost him his job and could well cost Alexei his life. Alexei is equally fascinated by Patrick’s willingness to overlook his past and even his present associations, but he has secrets of his own that could drive a wedge between them forever.

Review: Patrick is a detective who has done something incredibly stupid…he’s fallen for a mobster. If anyone ever found out it wouldn’t be just his job in jeopardy, it could also mean his life. Alexei lives his life in shadows, secrets and purpose but now a police detective is cracking his shell.

I thought this book was brilliant, the chemistry between these two men was off the charts; they can’t stay together but they can’t stay apart; both of them wishing for something that can never happen because no matter what, one will always be police, the other vor (Russian mobster). The twist and turns of this book was fascinating, the storyline rock solid and the characters were well put together, we get brief glimpses of Alexei’s past and it is not pretty but we do get to understand what is driving the Russian. Even though Patrick is in love with the big lug he does not compromise his work ethic, he might bend it but not break it.

There are hot and plentiful sex scenes, there is danger, mystery and suspense, and there is soul searching, heart break and doubts. There is joy, love and happiness and most of all you sit there and wonder how, how can these two men from such opposite sides make this work. How can they overcome the obstacles between them to be together? and even when you start to feel hope as secrets come out you know that nothing for these two men will be easy.

So what would I recommend….hot sex, mystery, danger, suspense….do I really need to go on, this is a must read book.

Tag: Ariel Tachna

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