Colina de Lavanda by August Li

Title: Colina de Lavanda

Series: Dreamspinner’s Warmest Wishes Advent Calendar 2018.

Author: August Li

Genre: Historical Americas, Western, Mythology, Other Paranormal

Length: Short Story (57 Pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (1st December 2018)

Heat level: Low

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts

Blurb: Lord protector of whores, thieves, sorcerers, and deviants.

Owning a parcel of land the railroad needs to cross means Edward gets to run the border town around the station as he sees fit. What starts as a place to indulge his varied appetites becomes a haven to society’s castoffs, and if Edward encourages legends about its founder to flourish, well, he’s not so much a liar as a man who wants to protect all the cultures living in peace. Being mayor means folks might ignore his vices, but they also expect him to fix what goes wrong.

When a crushing heat wave and drought threaten not only the town’s diverse holiday celebrations but its very existence, Edward must turn to the one man he’d rather french kiss a timber rattler than face—the icily elegant Cantonese mage Edward walked out on but never stopped loving.

ISBN: 978-1-64405-056-9

Product Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Edward is in need of some big help and he turns to the one man who would be willing to do it, his ex. A heatwave is on them and it is natural. A beautiful town created for those that most would not except and they need to fix it.

Magical and mysterious this story gives you that. It was just a taste though and I do hope that this author turns it into a pretty cool story. The story flowed just like one would like and the characters were quite a hit with me.

I enjoyed it quite a bit. Lets just say that it was not what I expected.

Incubus Honeymoon by August Li Guest Post & Excerpt!

August Li - Incubus Honeymoon Banner

Hi guys! We have the super talented August Li stopping by today with his upcoming release Incubus Honeymoon, we have a brilliant guest post from August and a great excerpt so check out the post and enjoy! ❤ ~Pixie~

Incubus Honeymoon

(Arcana Imperii 01)
by

August Li

As the so-called magical creatures go, I’m low on the hierarchy, and my powers aren’t much good to human mages. I’m a lover, not a fighter, through and through. I’m also selfish, lazy, and easily bored. But I’m damned good at what I do.

Too bad that won’t get my arse out of this sling.

Do one—granted, uncharacteristic—good deed, and now I’m held hostage to an arrogant faerie prince, trying to track down the one who summoned him, while dodging gangbangers, gun runners, and Nazis. Add the powerful mage guilds scrambling to gather firepower for some doomsday event they’re sure is around the corner, and my cushy life of leisure might be nothing but a memory. On top of that, something’s compelling me to change on my most fundamental level. I’m not sure what I’ve got myself mixed up in, but nothing will ever be the same.
Bloody hell.

Featuring a new twist on urban fantasy combined with fast-paced action and intrigue, the Arcana Imperii series books are standalone adventures, each completely accessible to new readers.

Release date: 17th July 2018
Pre-order: DSP Publications | Amazon US | Amazon UK | B&N | Google+

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Gone by the Board by August Li

Title: Gone by the Board

Author: August Li

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Length: Novella (98 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (May 24, 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: The sea is full of jealously guarded secrets, but everything washes up eventually….

Betrayed by a trusted partner, Nathan figures he might as well be lost and heartbroken in the sunshine, and he heads to the coast of South Carolina, to stay with a friend and find a new direction for his life. But despite his efforts, he is lost in the fog, unable to find a guiding light and sometimes unable to find a reason to go on. His only respite from depression and anxiety is the soothing rhythm of the tides and the comfort he draws from proximity to the water.

When the sea sends a lifeline in the form of a strange and beautiful man, it’s easy for Nathan to ignore all the things that don’t add up about his new friend. But the tides can turn without notice, and it’s those mystical traits that will either finally lead Nathan safely to shore or drown him in confusion and despair.

ISBN-13: 978-1-63533-497-5

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon DE

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: An interesting story about a man, Nathan, struggling after a break up and feels alone and depressed. When the depression becomes too much he walks into the water where he meets Brume.

Brume has spent his time in the water helping humans when they decide life is not worth living anymore. I found Brume fascinating in his approach of Nathan and what he does. While it did not surprise me that two fell for each other it did surprise me that it seemed a little fast.

Other than that I loved the story. 

Great read.

Calling and Cull by August Li Guest Post & Excerpt!

august-li-calling-and-cull-banner

Hiya peeps! We have August Li popping in today with his upcoming release Calling and Cull the fifth book in the amazing Blessed Epoch series. We have a wonderful post from Gus and a great excerpt, so join in the fun game with Gus and check out the excerpt! <3 ~Pixie~

august-li-calling-and-cull-cover-s

Calling and Cull

(Blessed Epoch 05)
by

August Li

Whose hand will orchestrate the change in the world?

The decade-long war with Johmatra is over, but peace hangs by a thread in Garith’s kingdom. Yarrow, isolated in his island realm, refuses to abide by the treaty or to follow the dictates of the priestesses. Others—Octavian Rose among them—are uneasy with the growing military power of the temples, and the mage island of Espero remains a tenuous ally. Garith knows his people cannot weather another conflict and that infighting will leave their lands vulnerable to further invasion. The arrival of a Johmatran ambassador with his own agenda calls everyone’s loyalties into question.

Sides will be chosen, and the consequences of those choices will have repercussions no one can foresee. Even among the turmoil, Yarrow is determined to have his vengeance against the thirteen goddesses and heal the world’s magic. But how far will he go, and what lines is he willing to cross? As unlikely alliances are forged and enemies are revealed, Prince Thane seems to be the key to forgotten knowledge that will shape the future—and some will do whatever it takes to control him.

Release date: 27th September 2016

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Myths Untold: Faery ~ Anthology

Myths Untold Faery Cover sTitle: Myths Untold: Faery

Series:  Anthology

Author: August Li, Brandon Witt, J. Scott Coatsworth, Skye Hegyes

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal

Length: Novel (247pgs)

Publisher: Wilde City Press (April 13, 2016)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Faeries are part of mythology the world over, past, present, and future. Called elves, brownies, the fae, and more, they evoke a sense of wonder and a little danger. Faery has its own rules, and humans enter at their peril. In this spirit, we bring you the first book in the Myths Untold anthology series—four stories from the land of the Fae: a homeless man in Cardiff and the luck that could destroy him; the trans man in future San Francisco who falls for an elf; the village boy who has always been a little different; and a faery prince whose birthright was stolen from him. Welcome to Faery.

ISBN: 978-1-925313-94-9

Product Link: https://www.wildecity.com/books/gay-mainstream/myths-untold-book-one-faery/#.V8m_1DFrg4c

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: The Pwcca and the Persian Boy by Gus Li

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Glyn and Farrokh are companions and lovers trying to survive on the streets. Farrorkh learns there are homeless disappearing and so leaves to discover why until he does not return and Glyn goes looking for him. Intriguing and well written. This story draws you in till the end.

The Other Side of the Chrysalis A Myth of Men Story by Brandon Witt

Hreat Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

This was a great story but also horrifying at what was done to Quay. My heart broke for Quay’s suffering silently as he watched his perfect brother take his place. At the same time he sse’s Flessar, an outcast like him as attractive. It is forbidden for them to be together though. The whole story was both magical yet sad. It was a great mix.

Changeling by Skye Hegyes

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Tyler and Marsh were a great match in this story as one is different than the others and soon learns why. The overall feeling is learning to live with the truth and being happy in the situation as you can.

Through the Veil by J. Scott Coatsworth

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Tris takes Colton on the other side of the wall and shows him things he’s never seen before. I loved how this story showed the differences between the two men and places. It was a perfect blend to keep the reader interested.

I have to say I normally do not like all the stories in an anthology yet this one I loved them all. They each were unique in their own ways and were beautifully written. Highly recommended.

Myths Untold: Faery Anthology Blog Tour & Interview Question!

Myths Untold Faery B1 copy

Hi guys, we have August Li, Brandon Witt, J. Scott Coatsworth, Skye Hegyes stopping by to celebrate their new release the anthology Myths Untold: Faery, I asked the guys where they got their inspiration for their stories so check out their answers. Enjoy the post <3 ~Pixie~

Myths Untold Faery Cover s

Myths Untold: Faery

by

August Li, Brandon Witt, J. Scott Coatsworth, Skye Hegyes,

Faeries are part of mythology the world over, past, present, and future. Called elves, brownies, the fae, and more, they evoke a sense of wonder and a little danger. Faery has its own rules, and humans enter at their peril.

In this spirit, we bring you the first book in the Myths Untold anthology series—four stories from the land of the Fae: a homeless man in Cardiff and the luck that could destroy him; the trans man in future San Francisco who falls for an elf; the village boy who has always been a little different; and a faery prince whose birthright was stolen from him.

Welcome to Faery.

The Pwcca and the Persian Boy, by Gus Li

Despite beauty and luck, something about Glyn makes everyone uncomfortable. Homeless on the streets of Cardiff, he has nothing to keep him going but his friendship with Farrokh. Through stealing and fortune’s occasional favor, Glyn keeps them alive. But then homeless youths begin to disappear, and when Farrokh goes missing, Glyn begins to discover the reasons behind both his luck and the way people react to him. Determined to save his friend from a danger he never imagined, he enlists the help of Lleu, who might be an ally, or might be manipulating Glyn to achieve his own goals.

The Other Side of the Chrysalis, by Brandon Witt

In a species that values beauty above all else, Quay looses both his freedom and his birthright as prince of the fairies.  Lower than an outcast, he watches over his younger brother, hoping against hope that Xenith’s rebirth will provide safety and positions that has slipped through Quay’s grasp.  Though he expected kindness from no one, Quay gradually starts to trust that there is more to life, even for the likes of him, as sexual encounters with Flesser, a fairy barely accepted himself, turn from lust to love.  Quay knows having forbidden relationships will be his undoing,  but he is powerless to turn away.

Changeling, by Skye Hegyes

With his pointed ears and a tail, Tyler’s always been different than the other children, but until Marsh, a brownie tells him he’s a changeling, he never thought he wasn’t human. Now he will discover what faery life is like, and just how being a changeling could change his life. On the way, his ties with his mother will be pushed and prodded even as his friendships grow and his love life blossoms.  However, in a village of God-fearing people, those who are different are spurned and Tyler will discover how much trouble a fledgling changeling can get into.

Through the Veil, by J. Scott Coatsworth

In the not-too-distant future, San Francisco has been swamped by rising sea levels caused by global warming, and has only survived by building a wall to keep the water out of the heart of the City. Colton is a trans man barely getting by on the canals outside the wall. Tris is an elf who has come to the human world on his journey to become a man. Fate brings them together, and everything changes for Colton when he sets out with Tris to find the elf’s missing brother, taking Colton behind the Wall for the first time.

Continue reading “Myths Untold: Faery Anthology Blog Tour & Interview Question!”

The Kitchen Boy by August Li (2nd Edition)

August Li - The Kitchen Boy CoverTitle: The Kitchen Boy

Author: August Li

Genre: High Fantasy

Length: Novella 126 pages

ISBN: 978-1-63477-127-6

Publisher:  Dreamspinner Press (4th April 2016)

Heat Rating: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3 ½ – 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Kitchen servant Yoli is one of only three men who know a carefully guarded secret about High Commander Koehen, the brilliant general who united their lands against a common invader. The enemy wants that secret, and they are willing to use either kindness or cruelty to obtain it.

Yoli must decide if his loyalties lie with the commander, who has shown him more affection than anyone in Yoli’s life, or with his own best interests. High Commander Koehen’s attention is capricious at best—he summons Yoli only when it is convenient for him, and Yoli knows there’s little hope of a future together. Is a glimmer of a hope for love worth sacrificing a chance for prosperity beyond his wildest dreams?

First Edition published by Silver Publishing, 2013.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=7576

Review: Yoli is just a kitchen boy who has been trusted with one of the most well-kept secrets in the land. Even knowing the truth his loyalty lies with High Commander Koehen. Although Yoli is only called when it is convenient for Koehen, he can’t help, but dream for more. When Yoli is offered everything he has ever wanted, his loyalty is tested and he is torn between his dreams and his feelings. 

This story is great. A story of love, loyalty and limitations. If you were offered the world would you betray the one you love? Yoli is one of a very small number of people who know the High Commander Koehen’s secret and that secret has led to Yoli falling in love with Koehen. But, he knows that he will probably never have more than a few snatched moments in the dark, even though he secretly longs for more. When the enemy can’t break him with torture, the kindness throws Yoli for a loop and Yoli has to think long and hard on what he truly wants.

Oh, poor Yoli. He really goes through the wringer in this story. All he has ever wanted was to be a bard. But, he is stuck in the kitchen with no hope of ever getting out. Coming to the attention of Koehen does nothing but make Yoli dream. During the story this young man is faced with choices that would break a lesser man, and he comes to realisations about what he needs over what he wants.

Koehen is very much a more secondary character, but he never really fades into the background, and he has his own moments of soul-searching after his best friend points out facts to him.

The relationship between Yoli and Koehen isn’t what you would call a true relationship. Even when they sort things out between them, the story is set in a land where it is more than frowned upon. And with Koehen being the High Commander in a time of war, it could also cost them everything.

Yoli is a fantastic character who rapidly grows and develops.He has great insight for one so young and you just root for him. I must admit I found myself wavering alongside him. You get pulled along with Yoli’s hopes and dreams and you feel his disappointments. You understand his loyalty, but you can also understand the temptation he faces. He really is a great character.      

I will recommend this to those who love conflicting emotions, a medieval setting, great characters, a touch of loving and a happy for them ending. 

Ashes and Echoes by August Li, 2nd edition

71ypeCbBblL._SL1350_Title: Ash and Echoes (2nd Edition)
Series: Blessed Epoch 01
Author: August Li
Genre: High Fantasy/ M/M/M/ Medieval setting
Length: Super Novel (360 pages)
Publisher: DSP Publications (9th December 2014)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4 ½ Hearts

Blurb: For the past few years Yarroway L’Estrella has lived in exile, gathering arcane power. But that power came at a price, and he carries the scars to prove it. Now he must do his duty: his uncle, the king, needs him to escort Prince Garith to his wedding, a union that will create an alliance between the two strongest countries in the known world. But Yarrow isn’t the prince’s only guard. A whole company of knights is assigned to the mission and Yarrow’s not sure he trusts their leader.

Knight Duncan Purefroy isn’t sure he trusts Yarrow either, but after a bizarre occurrence during their travels, they have no choice but to work together—especially since the incident also reveals a disturbing secret, one that might threaten the entire kingdom.

The precarious alliance is strained further when a third member joins the cause for reasons of his own—reasons that may not be in the best interests of the prince or the kingdom. With enemies at every turn, no one left to trust, and the dark power within Yarrow pulling dangerously away from his control, the fragile bond the three of them have built may be all that stands between them and destruction.

ISBN: 978-1-63216-609-8

Purchase Link: http://www.dsppublications.com/books/ash-and-echoes-by-august-li-29-b

Reviewer: Pixie

Review: This is the second edition and there are no changes from the first edition… I mean come on; it was perfect the first time around 😉

Yarrow is called upon to escort his cousin to his wedding. It is something that he would rather not do, but for his aunt he will. It is a journey that brings him into contact with Duncan, a Knight who thinks little of him and Sasha, an assassin who could end up betraying them. It is a journey that brings danger, betrayal, political intrigue and exposes secrets and all three men have to band together to survive and expose the truth.

This is an absolute must read if you love high fantasy. Whoop, so happy! *little dance*. Yarrow is a magic user, the most powerful magic user of the time. But, Yarrow has a secret that makes him dangerous and he can’t trust anyone. So, he travels by himself keeping a distance from those around him… until he meets Duncan and then Sasha.

But how can he tell them his secret without losing them both? Duncan is a Knight, he will do his duty and make sure his charges reach their destination, but Yarrow calls to something inside him and then Sasha does as well. But, he hates Sasha for how he conducts his life and now Duncan is confused about his forbidden feelings. Sasha can’t love, it was trained out of him at a young age, but Yarrow causes him to begin to question what he has learned and Duncan drives him crazy and it ends up making Sasha make a choice that shouldn’t be a choice. After all, he is a cold-blooded assassin.

So, this is high fantasy at its highest and it is beautifully done. The world building is great, the backgrounds of the characters are well done and give us enough information to relate to them and the storyline and plot is wonderful. Although Yarrow is a powerful magic user, none of his magical scenes are overdone and there are even times when you think, he could have used more: but, as you learn, there is a high price he has to pay if he uses the most powerful magic, so, you can understand why he tries to limit what he does.

The main storyline is quite simple get the prince to his wedding. But, it is quickly quite apparent that there are plans afoot to derail the wedding and then the betrayals begin and the three men have to band together to ensure the prince lives and to save the kingdom.

There is a lot going on in this book with some interesting twists and turns. There are secrets that come out, political intrigue, betrayal, murders, traps, pursuits, battles, confrontations, lies and love. The relationship between Yarrow, Sasha and Duncan is complex and far from easy. There is plenty of hot sex, but these three men each have their own problems that they have to work through before they can fully accept the others; and Yarrow’s problem is a doozy.

You do not want to miss the fighting scenes or the battle scenes because they are brilliant, all the attention to detail was great and I loved it (have I mentioned I’m a bit Blood Thirsty). I loved each of the MCs as they were all completely different, with completely different values and attitudes towards things, so much potential conflict between them.

This is not the book to read if you want a nice light romance. The romance is hard going, but well-earned. The storyline is intertwined with danger and betrayal from all directions, the characters all have problems but aren’t too angsty and the action is great. The ending is one that leaves you wishing that the next book was already published so you can continue the journey.

So, I recommend this to anyone who loves high fantasy, difficult romances, hot sex, difficult journeys, betrayal, secrets, lies, action, battles, some bloody gore and three very intriguing heroes… oh, and an ending that will make you grit your teeth and scream silently for the next book.

Ice and Embers by August Li, 2nd edition

o-ice-and-embersTitle: Ice and Embers (2nd Edition)
Series: Blessed Epoch 02
Author: August Li
Genre: High Fantasy/ MMM/ Medieval type setting
Length: Super Novel (380pgs)
Publisher: DSP Publications (17th March 2015)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4 ½ Hearts
Blurb: Despite their disparate natures, Yarrow, Duncan, and Sasha united against overwhelming odds to save Prince Garith’s life. Now Garith is king and the three friends may be facing their undoing.

Distraught over Yarrow’s departure to find the cure to his magical affliction, Duncan struggles with his new role as Bairn of Windwake, a realm left bankrupt and in turmoil by his predecessor. Many of Duncan’s vassals conspire against him, and Sasha’s unorthodox solutions to Duncan’s problem have earned them the contempt of Garith’s nobles.

When word reaches Duncan and Sasha that Yarrow is in danger, they want nothing more than to rush to his aid. But Duncan’s absence could tip Windwake into the hands of his enemies. In addition, a near-mythic order of assassins wants Sasha dead. Without Yarrow, Duncan and Sasha can’t take the fight to the assassins. They are stuck, entangled in a political world they don’t understand. But finding Yarrow may cause more problems, and with his court divided, King Garith must strike a balance between supporting his friends and assuaging the nobles who want Duncan punished—and Sasha executed.

ISBN: 978-1-63216-685-2

Purchase Link: http://www.dsppublications.com/books/ice-and-embers-by-august-li-60-b

Reviewer: Pixie

Review: This story is part of a series and must be read in order. This is the 2nd Edition and there are no changes from the 1st edition.

Duncan and Sasha are trying to settle into life at Windwake, but it is a struggle for both of them when many of Duncan’s vassals are against them. Sasha’s assassin ways are frowned upon and Duncan’s refusal to reward the conspiring vassals cause unrest, Duncan and Sasha cross swords when Sasha seeks to protect Duncan.

Yarrow has left the men he loves behind to seek a way to final part with the creature within him, but it is far harder than he ever imagined to even finding any clues, but his one slim hope is an old map and journal and with his friend, Sai, by his side he sets off. When Duncan and Sasha learn of Yarrow’s perilous journey, they race to be by his side, but what faces them all when they return home could end up destroying what the ancient being couldn’t.

Whoo *wipes sweat off brow* what can you say about a book that can weave a tale exceptionally while leading you in different directions and dangerous adventures… brilliant!! We re-join Duncan, Sasha and Yarrow as they love, argue and despair of the circumstances as they all try to do what is best for them and their country.

Each and every character is exactly as we remember them, Duncan is still devoted to what is right, Sasha still loves being an assassin and Yarrow is still a confusing jumble. As they progress in this story each man has his fears about the other two really accepting them and those fears are hard to put away when the politics of the country is determined to interfere.

The adventures that they face are astounding, the danger inherent and their love tested. I would love to say that we get all the answers that we want, but August Li leaves us with more questions, and I can’t wait for the answers.

We finally discover who the creature was in its previous life, we discover the truth of the Thirteen Goddesses and Yarrow faces up to his past, but it doesn’t end there as bargains are struck and new discoveries are made. I love this epic adventure and its incredible descriptions, I hate the circumstances that our men fall into, but adore the devotion they show to each other and I really can’t wait to see what happens next to our trio of characters.

I have to recommend this story to those who love high fantasy, bloody battles, escaping port, strange lands, incredible turns, dangerous sea journeys, binding love and an ending that makes you secretly grin in delight.