Tag: C. R. Guiliano

Omega Born by C.R. Guiliano

C.R. Guiliano - Omega Born Cover 3728urhTitle: Omega Born

Series: Omega Born 01

Author: C.R. Guiliano

Genre: Paranormal, MPreg

Length: Novella (151 Pages)

Publisher: C.R. Guiliano (September 14, 2015)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 3.5 Hearts

Blurb: Arri had been abused and picked on all his life. Born a runt, and then maturing into an omega, he was cast out of his pack. Figuring he’d not find another pack willing to take him in, he struggled to make a life for himself in the human world.

If he didn’t have bad luck, he had no luck at all. Jobs were hard to come by, and he wasn’t able to keep them for long, his omega empathy causing humiliating meltdowns.

He’d been robbed, mugged, and nearly raped too many times to count. Arri’s wolf was fundamentally broken, with no way to emerge, or protect him, finally withdrawing deep within him and remaining silent.

Then, a day came when things changed. Answering yet another employment ad, he was stunned to find the source of the advertisement was a beta wolf, then was shocked further when he was presented before the alpha of the Woodlynn pack. He’d heard rumors about this pack, the alpha considered one of the strongest on the continent.
He believed the rumors after meeting the large male.

Arri’s silent wolf had awakened, whispering to him, calling the alpha, mate, which was ridiculous. Alphas didn’t mate with lowly omegas. Especially male omegas, even though Arri was perfectly capable of giving an alpha pups, or so he’d been told by the old ex-beta he’d befriended. But then again, male omegas were rare, and thought little of, viewed as weak, considered unnatural. So, he would ignore his wolf, do his job, and keep his head down, not causing Alpha Dryden any cause to fire him.

*~*~*~*

Dryden knew there was something different about the assistant his beta, Vann, had brought to him. He was human, yet he smelled of wolf. But not a scent Dryden had ever experienced before. Vann hadn’t seemed to notice, though Dryden suspected his beta was still angry at Dryden insisting on a human assistant.

How could he tell his beta he’d felt an uneasiness in his pack, a danger that he couldn’t put his finger on, and didn’t want to trust any pack-mates to handle his affairs?

As time passed, his instincts that something was wrong within his pack grew, along with the certainty that Arri was not what he seemed.

It was when Dryden was visiting another pack, tremulous negotiations for an alliance in the works, and Arri was attacked, that the truth came out. Dryden’s assistant was an omega wolf. And not just any omega, but a Fae Omega, which would be the reason Dryden hadn’t known.

Omega wolves were rare, and most packs banished them for their weaknesses. But a Fae Omega was unheard of, most believing them myths. The Fae had died out a long time ago, and for an omega wolf to be born with Fae blood was incredible.

But that wasn’t Dryden’s biggest problem. The moment Arri had shifted, Dryden’s wolf went into the blood-mate fever, the need to claim the omega the only thing he was capable of thinking about.

But to claim Arri, Dryden would have to fight the alpha of Arri’s home pack, and he wasn’t sure he could win. And, then there was the unknown threat within his own pack that he still needed to figure out.

ISBN: B015EQAM8O

Product Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: The first thing I am going to say is, that the length of the blurb was crazy. After reading it, I pretty much knew what it was totally about. Then there is the problems that the book had with certain words misused and simple errors that should have been caught in beta read.

Arri has had a rough life, hell that is being nice about it. Abused from not only his parents but pack mates. His alpha does not a damn thing with it, until he shifts for the first time. The alpha banished the omega male wolf. Wolves need pack, but Arri has no clue what to do. Then he applied for a position that he knew he could do, and it leads him straight into another pack. A pack where the alpha is his mate.

Dryden doesn’t have a clue that his new assistant is a wolf shifter let alone his mate, until the sexy man shifts in front of him. Then he realizes that his little mate is an omega. There are many dangers out there, and one of them is close to home.

Ok, I had several issues with this book. The major one was when the beta has to sleep with Arri to produce milk. I am sorry but that was totally not needed in the book and was quite stupid. It is cheating even if the other parties are ok with it. I know it was to help, but still in my mind it is the same thing. Brought the story down quite a bit. The guilt the beta had was not needed also. I was actually liking the story till I got to that part. What a shame to add something that was not needed into a story.

Other than that it had issues that were so simple I could not believe, the author, the beta and the editor missed them so easily. There was no guess work with the story, you knew what was going to happen before it happened. There was no shock, no surprise, no guesswork involved in it. Plus you make a omega look extremely weak, then give him so awesome powers just didn’t work for me. How did the old pack not know any of this is beyond me. Then there is the fact that they screwed anything that walked, had kids out of matings and then threw in a mate or two. Just unbelievable to even look at. Plus the omega isn’t just an omega, he is a fae omega and then that is all there is. That was not needed at all either, unless the author was to explain just a bit more about them.

I am sorry but this story was just off. Now I am not saying this is a bad story, because lets face it, I did enjoy the story quite a bit. It has great potential but it needs to be re-worked on and then re-released a second time. There were parts I really liked and others that I didn’t. I do hope that the next book has been better thought out and written with more ease. And please, less is needed on the blurb.

His Beta’s Vow by C.R. Guiliano

C.R. Guiliano - His Beta's Vow Cover 83b3g3Title: His Beta’s Vow

Series: Omega Born 02

Author: C.R. Guiliano

Genre: Paranormal, MPreg

Length: Novella (150 Pages)

Publisher: C.R. Guiliano (February 11, 2016)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 3.5 Hearts

Blurb: Sometimes…being a hero hurts.

Vann was thrilled for his alpha, Dryden claiming his mate, and now expecting a pup. Thanks to the alpha-beta link between them, the only downside was how much Dryden’s happiness emphasized Vann’s own loneliness.

There was a wolf who caught Vann’s eye, possibly his fated mate, but Vann couldn’t claim a male. It was too engrained in him to seek out a female mate. An alpha female.

Then, the unimaginable happened. Once again, Arri was abducted, and held captive. Except this time, Vann was as much a prisoner as Arri. Day after day, Vann endured Kale’s cruel torture so that Arri would be as safe as possible.

But the pup was coming soon…

…and Vann’s vow as alpha guardian took on a whole new meaning.

Unable to bear the shame, and guilt of his actions, and unwilling to return to Woodlynn to face his alpha, Vann fled, abandoning Dryden now that the male had his mate back safe, and sound.

*~*~*~*

Dryden was beyond worried that his lead beta, his alpha guardian—his best friend—had disappeared without a trace. Knowing what drove the male to take off didn’t matter to Dryden. Vann had saved his mate, his family. He’d fulfilled his vow, and then some. Dryden was indebted to Vann, and missed the beta desperately, more than he thought possible.

But Vann’s disappearance was only the tip of the iceberg. There was no peace for his family, he was depending on Rovyn more, and more, and yet, couldn’t because the beta had claimed his mate, and needed time with Anrean.

Then there was Border pack, his brother Massey having stepped down, and gone home, leaving Dryden as alpha to both Woodlynn, and Border. Not something that was going over well with the Border wolves. Even Kasp, a psychotic wolf who once belonged to Woodlynn a few years ago was challenging his right to lead Border as the alpha who bested Sbrel.

And to top it all off, Truin, one of his beta-in-trainings, and Vann’s fated mate, had left in search of the missing alpha-guardian, without permission.

His life in chaos, Dryden wasn’t sure what was going to happen. Would he defeat the challengers bent on destroying him? Would he, and Arri ever have time to raise their pup without constant threats?

Would Vann ever return?

ISBN: B01BPLCD3O

Product Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: The first thing I am going to say is, that the length of the blurb was crazy. After reading it, I pretty much knew what it was totally about. Then there is the problems that the book had with certain words misused and simple errors that should have been caught in beta read.

Vann saves his alpha mate and child, but feels the guilt of what he has done. He runs as fast as he can. His mate, a mate that he didn’t want follows him. Truin follows his mate, without permission and leaves his alpha wondering what the hell is going on.

This story just about drove me nuts. It has the same issues as the first book had. The editor and beta readers should have caught the mistakes, but did not. This story was jumping around so much that I am surprised I didn’t get whiplash. This book fell short on so many levels because it has the same drama as the first book. There were no surprises other than the fact that Vann runs away like a coward. Or I should say like a guilty coward. I am glad that the other beta got his mate, but it still follows the same weak little omega and a strong wolf.

This story had great potential but the author is just not following through. The blurb gave most of it away so I already knew most of what was going on. There was just lots of filler in this book that was not needed. I am sorry but so far I am not impressed with this book nor this series. Let us hope that book three has a bit more shock to it. Also I hope the next book is about the actual characters and there is no cliff hanger at the end. Very disappointed in this one.

Grand Adventures by Various Authors, Blog Tour & Giveaway!

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Hey guys, a bunch of us bloggers have got together to show our support for T.J. Klune and Eric Arvin by joining up for the Grand Adventures blog tour. This blog tour is to bring to attention the wonderful authors who donated a story and Dreamspinners Press who are donating 100% of the income from the sale to Eric & T.J. and there’s even a great giveaway for you to enjoy!  I know the people in this genre are just incredible! So check out what the authors have to say, visit Dreamspinners Press and have a look at the great Grand Adventures goodies and click our Rafflecopter link to win some of those great goodies 🙂 ~Pixie~ p.s. I’d like to give a shout out to Brandilyn from Prism Book Alliance for pulling us bloggers together and organizing our roles in this tour 😉

 

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Description:

On September 1, 2011, TJ Klune wrote, “…it’s not about the ending, it’s about the journey…” in a review of Eric Arvin’s Woke Up in a Strange Place. With those words, two men began a journey of love and invited us to ride along. TJ and Eric have shared so much with us: their wonderful books, their smiles, their humor, their lives, and their inspiring devotion to each other. In December of 2013, their journey took a detour when Eric was taken to the emergency room. He survived the surgery to remove a cavernous hemangioma from his brain stem, but the challenges TJ and Eric face are far from over.

The authors in this anthology donated their talent as a way to support Eric’s continued recovery, to help bring strength to TJ, and to show both of them just how much love surrounds them. Grand Adventures is a diverse range of stories about the journey of love. We’re going on some grand adventures for a great cause. Thank you for joining us.

One hundred percent of the income from this volume goes directly to TJ and Eric.

Foreword by S.A. McAuley

An Unexpected Thing by John Amory (Sequel to Protection)

The Twinkie Ignition by J.E. Birk

When Friendship Becomes More by Sophie Bonaste

Isle of Waiting by Sue Brown (A Missing Moment from Isle of Waves)

The Jogger by KC Burn

Holding Court by Cardeno C.

For Dear Life by Mary Calmes

Under the Full Moon by Ellis Carrington

Stripped by Shae Connor (2nd Edition)

That Place Across the Hall by C.C. Dado

Mistaken MD by Phoenix Emrys

Cops and Comix by Rhys Ford

Last First Kiss by LE Franks

Tomorrow by John Goode

From Fantasy to Friends by CR Guiliano (A Companion to For You)

Witness Protected by Dawn Kimberly Johnson

Water Under the Bridge by Mia Kerick (Sequel to Not Broken, Just Bent)

A Gentle Shove of Human Kindness by Amy Lane

Air (Roads #1.75 million) by Garrett Leigh (A Companion to Slide; Roads: Book 1.75)

An Atheist and a Yoga Instructor Walk into a Bar by Rowan McAllister

Stalking 101 by Moria McCain

Simple Desires by Tempeste O’Riley (A Spin-off of Designs of Desire)

Object of Care by Zahra Owens (A Clouds and Rain Story)

Kid Confusion by Madison Parker (A Companion to Play Me, I’m Yours)

Fall Train by Jaime Samms

The Exhibition by Andrea Speed (An Infected Short; Infected: Roan and Dylan)

What You Will by Tinnean (A Companion to Two Lips, Indifferent Red)

Prologue by Brandon Witt

Ebook: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4873

Paperback: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4874

Small Print of cover: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4890

Large Print of cover: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4891

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John Amory:

Hello everyone! My name is John Amory, and my contribution to the Grand Adventures anthology is titled “An Unexpected Thing.” This short is actually a sequel to a story that Dreamspinner published last June in its Daily Dose compilation called “Protection.” The new story picks up about two years after Jamie and Ben met; both are back from London and traveling the West Coast. Jamie is en route to a shooting competition with Ben in tow, but when their plane is diverted, they are forced to find their own way through the Cascades to Seattle. They, of course, find something else along the way.

I have never met TJ or Eric, but I was struck by their struggle like everyone else. We are all a family of authors and readers in this genre, and it felt like someone in our family had suddenly fallen ill. I wanted to help, especially since TJ’s book Into This River I Drown had such an effect on me. When “Protection” was accepted for publication last year, it was the first book I chose from Dreamspinner’s catalog to read, so that I could get a feel for their audience, their authors, the style of stories they publish, etc. I was blown away by River, which is, in so many ways, a really atypical (but still brilliant) M/M romance. There was so much else going on: grief, redemption, faith, closure, all of these things played into the book’s themes, and they’re all things I think TJ handled beautifully. So I began “An Unexpected Thing” as a sequel to “Protection” that contained a guest appearance by two of TJ’s characters from Roseland, which seemed only appropriate given its ties to River. I eventually re-edited the story to not include TJ’s characters (since, if all the authors did that, it would be taxing on TJ to edit and approve each story), but the essence that those characters brought to the story is still there, as well as some other Easter eggs for fans of TJ’s book. “An Unexpected Thing” is about finding love in places you never thought you would, with people you never thought you would. That’s something I got from Into This River I Drown and from TJ and Eric’s personal story, and I think it’s something universal: keep your eyes and heart open, because The One might be someone you’d never notice otherwise.

Thanks for reading and for supporting Grand Adventures! You can find me on Twitter (@JohnAmory) or on GoodReads. Feel free to drop a line! Happy reading!

About John Amory:

John Amory is and always will be a hopeless romantic, which he blames on watching too many episodes of Beverly Hills, 90210 growing up. He began writing stories and poems as a child, continuing through high school. He put writing on the backburner for a number of years, during which time he finished both Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees in English, and is thrilled to be creating again now that he knows what “free time” means.

In another life, John is a newly minted college professor, as well as an actor/director/choreographer/playwright whose work has been performed in New York City and elsewhere. He is also obsessed with television and keeps two blogs on the subject: one for general reviews and comments (faketvcritic.blogspot.com), and one devoted solely to So You Think You Can Dance (cuttingsytycd.blogspot.com).

Feel free to drop a message here or on Twitter to say hi!

Twitter: 

Goodreads: John Amory

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Sophie Bonaste:

1. Tell us about your contribution to the anthology.

My short story is called When Friendship Becomes More.

Here’s the official blurb, because it explains the story better than I could:

Despite their differences, Jamie and Roy are not only college roommates, but best friends. What Jamie doesn’t know is that Roy has had a crush on him for years. When Jamie realizes Roy’s feelings during a camping trip with friends, the attraction will either prove mutual, or it will tear their friendship apart.

 

I’m really proud of this short story. It has moments that will make you laugh and cry. I hope everyone out there loves it as much as I do. 

 

2. What is your favorite TJ and Eric memory?

Well, I haven’t been lucky enough to meet TJ or Eric in person. But I remember reading the news of TJ’s proposal in October of last year. I was instantly touched by the obvious love between the two men. It may not have been a showy proposal like that Home Depot one that went viral a few months ago, but it was one of the most love-filled proposals I’ve ever seen. And isn’t that what’s really important?

 

3. Why did you choose to participate in the anthology?

When I heard about the anthology it was a no-brainer. I knew I had to help TJ and Eric in any way I could. And since writing is one of my favorite things to do anyway, it was a win-win.

 

4. Do you have anything to say to TJ and Eric?

I just wanted to say that you two are both some of the strongest people I’ve ever known. I wish you only the best as you go forward. Let’s go, let’s go, let’s go!!!!!

About Sophie Bonaste:

Sophie Bonaste is a novelist who never set out to be a novelist. As a child, she wanted to be a Broadway actress and spent her childhood in numerous productions. But when adulthood set in and reality took over, Sophie chose to up the theater for a steady paycheck and instead turned to writing as a creative outlet. She stumbled into the M/M genre through fanfiction and never looked back. Sophie is quite happy with her change in artistic expression and doesn’t plan to stop writing for a long time.

 A self-proclaimed nerd, Sophie is an avid fan of all things Star Wars and Harry Potter. (Sophie is a member of the Slytherin house, for those who were wondering.) Sophie also spends many hours watching and re-watching nerdy television shows. When she is not obsessing over the latest and greatest in nerdy entertainment, Sophie can be found screaming at her television during American football games. (Go Pack Go!) Sophie currently lives in Pennsylvania, about twenty minutes from her childhood town of The Middle of Nowhere.

 E-mail – sophiebonaste@gmail.com
Twitter – @SophieBonaste
Facebook – Sophie Bonaste
GoodReads – Sophie Bonaste
QueerTown Abbey – Sophie Bonaste
Amazon Author Page – Sophie Bonaste

If you don’t want to talk, but you want to read more about my works, please use these links.
Harmony Ink – Sophie Bonaste
Dreamspinner Press – Sophie Bonaste

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GIVEAWAY!

20″ x 26″ (image size: 16″ x 24″) signed & matted print of the Grand Adventures cover
Grand Adventures Paperback
$30 Dreamspinner Press Giftcard

Starts: 12:01 AM EDT on 29 Mar 2014
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His Wayward Heart by C.R. Guiliano

71rtFtaNNuL._SL1425_Title: His Wayward Heart

Series:   N/A

Author: CR Guiliano

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (69 pages)

Publisher: MLR Press (October 5th, 2013)

Heat Level: Mild

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5 Hearts

Blurb: Lake has loved Lim for years, but Lim is oblivious. Can Lake ever get Lim to open his eyes and see the love right in front of him before Lake finally gives up?

Lake Daugherty has loved William Cohen since Junior High. They were the best of friends and occasional lovers. Neither questioned nor hid their sexuality. But despite how close they were, Lake could never seem to get Lim to take him seriously. Their on again, off again lovers status was starting to take its toll on Lake. They weren’t in high school anymore. They were out of college now too. As Lake’s feelings deepened over the years, he realized he wanted more. He wanted all of Lim, for the rest of his life. But was he ever going to convince William Cohen that Lake Daugherty was whom he wanted and stop his wandering heart?

Product Link: http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=CRGHISWW

Reviewer:   GiGi

Review: For the most part, I did enjoy this story. But, I was uncomfortable with the way the character of Brecken was used to create jealousy between Lake and Lim. To use a character who clearly had some mental handicap, or psychological problem that never was defined or handled in a respectful way. And I want my love interest to have more to atone for if he’s constantly coming back to the main character for fill in fucks between flings. That just shows Lake’s disrespect for himself.

There were cute moments, when Lim finally shows his possessiveness, that dancing at the club, but then Lake gets plastered and it no longer seems romantic in any terms. I tried to like this, it had promise. I look forward to reading more from Guiliano, possibly a full-length novel will give the author the chance to flesh out characters and plots more.

The Reluctant Rent Boy by C. R. Guiliano

Title: The Reluctant Rent Boy

Author: C.R. Guiliano

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Short (43pgs)

Publisher: Self-Published (23rd October 2010)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Sebastian St. Martin hates life…his life. Kicked out of his home at 17 by mortified and cruel parents, he hitched to California to make it big in Hollywood. He made it big in Hollywood, West Hollywood, as one of the most sought after rent boys the city has seen. No movies, no TV, no commercials.

Now, three years later, Bastian is cynical, jaded, uncompromising and believes the worst in everyone but his best friend, Hunter. Hunter taught Bastian everything he knows about pleasing a man. But Hunter broke his own number one rule. Never go bareback. Thinking he was in love, now Hunter is paying the price…with his life.

Between taking care of his sick friend, earning a living selling himself, giving up on his dreams, Bastian wonders why it’s even worth it. And love? Yeah, whatever. Love is for idiots. Hunter proved that. Love will hurt you and get you killed…slowly and painfully.

=========

Alistair is tired. Tired of one night stands. Tired of his friends hooking him up like it is their God-given mission to find him the man of his dreams. The One. Mr. Right. It just wasn’t going to happen.

And his 30th birthday was looming too fast. It was depressing. He was just thankful his practice kept him busy. Maybe he could pretend he wasn’t turning a year older. Ignore the date; maybe work the night shift at the hospital. Lose himself in his research. If his friends would let him, that is.

Then Alistair met Bastian. The exquisite young man with enough compassion to bring in a very sick friend in the middle of the night. And Alistair would suddenly do anything to save the life of this beautiful man’s friend. Would bend over backwards to bring a smile to Bastian’s face and take away the pain and anger from his deep blue eyes.

Can a doctor, scared of hitting mid-life without love convince a young, cynical rent boy that life can be fulfilling and worth every minute…with the right person?

Warning: This book contains content that might be offense to some readers. M/M intercourse, vague consent, prostitution

Purchase Link: http://www.amazon.com/The-Reluctant-Rent-Boy-ebook/sim/B0048ELKPS/2

Review: Wow was info on this book hard to find and believe me I searched everywhere, it was actually an accident that I found C.R. Guiliano’s blog and that was only because I was following Amber Kell’s birthday extravaganza (oh, shut up, like you haven’t been.) The link above is the only one that I found that actually sells her book, the other one said ‘Not currently available’. I have taken a guess that it is self-published as I could find no details for a publisher. So you’re asking ‘why didn’t you do a search of the author’s name?’ err well the problem being that my review copy didn’t come with an author’s name but hey-ho it’s sorted now.

So to the actually book… why the hell hasn’t this author been snatched up by a publishing firm I really don’t know but I will tell you that they are missing out.

I really can’t add much to the blurb because it says it all.  But these characters are people who you will come to care for a great deal.  you have Bastian who loves his best friend like a brother and will do anything for him, including making sure he gets all the medication he needs, even if that means he has to take on more clients to be able to afford it. You have Alistair who is sick of one night stands and short-term relationships and wants more but he is also a little depressed as his 30th birthday is coming up and he feels that he has achieved nothing. You have Hunter who made one mistake and now he is suffering with it, his lover deserted him after infecting him, Bastian has stuck by him but he just seems to be getting sicker but with Alistair’s help that will all change.

I thought this was a well written story and yes, it is love and lust at first sight.  But that doesn’t mean it is easy for Bastian and Alistair. In fact, Bastian runs the other way because he believes that Alistair will never want him when he realizes the truth of Bastian’s occupation. All the characters are good and realistic, there are quite a few sex scenes that relate to Bastian’s job but he does have a really hot kiss with Alistair. This story left me feeling good with a warm feeling that love can conquer all and I really liked the fact that Hunter found love as well.

So, I will recommend this book to those who love hot sex, a bit of angst, a really good story and a happy ending for everyone.