Tag: Carina Press

In the Raw by Eileen Griffin and Nikka Michaels

intherawTitle: In the Raw
Series: In the Kitchen, #1
Author: Eileen Griffin and Nikka Michaels
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novel (209 pages)
Publisher: Carina Press (October 6th 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: James Lassiter has had a crush on fellow culinary student Ethan Martin for three years, but has never had the guts to make a move. Putting himself out there is hard, especially when under the thumb–and wallet–of his overbearing parents. Now that bad boy Chef Ethan–who is always vying with Jamie for best in class–is struggling with the pastry course, Jamie suddenly has a reason to reach out.

Ethan doesn’t mean to be an ass–okay, so mostly he does–but even though he’s secretly hot for Jamie, he sure as hell doesn’t want help with pastry. Ever since his dad walked out, Ethan has been the one to hold things together and he’s done fine on his own. Except that he can’t get his cake to rise.

Jamie could be the answer to what Ethan’s been missing his whole life–someone to depend on. But with the two competing for the same scholarship, things suddenly get too hot to handle. And if Jamie finds the strength to go for what he wants, he isn’t about to settle for what he needs.

ISBN: 978-1-42689-911-9

Product Link: http://ebooks.carinapress.com/B7247C3A-0EFD-44BC-9856-A9004C56E9C8/10/134/en/ContentDetails.htm?ID=8C44110F-0A10-44DE-AF86-8E151D8E55CE

Reviewer: Prime

Review: Oh. My. God. I have totally fallen in love with this book. There’s lots of cooking and some real macho men going head to head.

This is a romance following two culinary school students: Ethan, who is kind of like the guy from the wrong side of the tracks complete with piercings and his only family he has is his sister, and Jamie, the rich kid trying to get away from his suffocating parents.

Both characters are wonderful – super relatable. It’s all fun, too, if you’re into cooking and find the culinary school setting interesting.
In fact, I have to say that I love surly Ethan, though probably because I identify with his grumpy character. But Ethan is a guy who has had some real downs in his life and since he supported himself and his sister for so many years, he is severely lacking in social graces.

Which brings me Ethan’s sister, Claire, she was a brilliant character, and was used as a bridging type of character.

With things moving along at a nice pace, it surprised how quick I was able to read this one. The writing style is great because thinking on it, this book could have so easily have been boring and slow – something that this is not. However, the entire plot hinges on the fact that these two guys suck at communication, even though I was cheering for this guys to get some sort of HEA.

Now, time for me to read book 2, cannot wait! ☺

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

In the Fire by Eileen Griffin and Nikka Michaels

{A3657930-5395-4100-9D03-38A37BAAFCC4}Img100Title: In the Fire
Series: In the Kitchen #2
Author: Eileen Griffin and Nikka Michaels
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novel (296 pages)
Publisher: Carina Press (3 Nov 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts
Blurb: Because the way to a man’s heart…

Eight years ago, the world was their oyster. Until, that is, competing chefs Ethan Martin and James Lassiter’s hot and heavy relationship fizzled after Jamie left for an internship in Paris. Even though Jamie’s career has taken off since his return to the States, with his own television show and a lot of fame, his feelings for Ethan have never quite gone away.

Ethan’s culinary career has developed more slowly, but he’s almost saved enough to buy the restaurant where he works and re-open it as his dream spot, Bistro 30. If only he could get the sexy chef who loved him and left him out of his mind.

But when someone starts sabotaging the restaurant and a fire threatens to take away everything Ethan holds dear, his only option is to rely on Jamie for help. Back in close quarters, the two men will have to find a way to work through their past if they hope to save the restaurant and their future.

See how Ethan and Jamie’s romance began in In the Raw

ISBN: 9781426899225

Product Link: http://ebooks.carinapress.com/B7247C3A-0EFD-44BC-9856-A9004C56E9C8/10/134/en/ContentDetails.htm?ID=A3657930-5395-4100-9D03-38A37BAAFCC4

Reviewer: Prime

Review: This is book 2 in Eileen Griffin and Nikka Michaels’ In the Kitchen series. You really should read book 1 first, though I reckon you’ll be able to get away with skipping it if you really must. However, In the Fire is a fantastic addition to the series and like book 1, had been engrossed from the get go.

Once again we are following young chefs Ethan and Jamie and are set eight years after we left them at the airport in Seattle when Jamie was off to study in France. Of course, you will read to find out the events that have led to the guys being separated after a rather harsh break up, though really to me it was all a bit odd, but hey, I’ll suspend my disbelief for this.

So the guys are almost thirty years old. Jamie is a famous TV chef and often travels with his best friend he met in France and manager, Trevor. Ethan is head chef at a restaurant where he started some sort of apprenticeship at the end of the previous book. At this point he has gone as far as to being the manager and set to take over when the owner retires.

Once again we are revisiting the fact that both these guys suck at communicating with each other. Ethan is still a hot head and Jamie is still fiercely independent though both guys have been miserable without each other in the intervening years. I still absolutely adore Ethan, even though he is a grumpy, surly guy, he has a heart of gold. I just want to hug him!! 😉

We get a quick appearance from a few minor characters we met before. Ethan’s sister Claire isn’t as prominent as she was before, but she is still brilliant and I absolutely adore her. I would go as far to say that I would read an MF romance if only to see her get her HEA. There are also a couple a chefs from the first book, which appear more human now that Ethan and Jamie have graduated culinary school and these teachers are now their colleagues.

Two new characters we are introduced to are Trevor, Jamie’s BFF and Tyler, a young guy who had been kicked out of home and taken in by Ethan. Tyler is adorable, he’s been framed as Ethan’s unofficial little brother and has an amazing heart. I find Trevor’s character rather interesting because of how he was written. The authors could have made Trevor an outright villain in the story, but instead he is just another guy pining away for the unattainable and guilty of his own foolish mistakes.

I loved this just as much as I loved the first book, although I will go on record to say that this made me a bit emotional when I realised what had happened to the guys between the end of book 1 and the start of book 2. Just like book 1 there is a lot of fighting and miscommunication, but it is totally worth read every word!
Right… now for book 3… Trevor and Tyler’s story!

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

Nine Lights Over Edinburgh

{34764C47-4BE8-45CA-9D37-462596263D13}Img100Title: Nine Lights over Edinburgh
Series: His for the Holidays
Author: Harper Fox
Genre: Contemporary/Holiday
Length: Novel (123 pages)
Publisher: Carina Press (December 6th, 2010)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts
Blurb: Detective Inspector James McBride is riding high on the belief that he’s about to bust a human-trafficking ring. But just five days before Christmas, his unorthodox methods catch up with him and his world comes crashing down.

McBride tries to concentrate on his new day job as security for the visiting Israeli ambassador. He even starts to feel a renewed sense of self-worth when the leader of the Israeli team, the aristocratic Tobias Leitner, takes a bullet for him in the line of duty. But he can’t forget the trafficking case, especially when his investigations result in the kidnapping of his own daughter! McBride has no one to turn to for help—no one, except Toby.

Can these two very different men work together to bring about a holiday miracle—and heal one another’s heart in the process?

ISBN: 9781426890949

Product Link: http://ebooks.carinapress.com/14384AF6-BC6A-43EE-9792-F62BF31CC4F5/10/134/en/ContentDetails.htm?ID=34764C47-4BE8-45CA-9D37-462596263D13

Reviewer: Prime

Review: This is one intense read! And the start of the first chapter had me amused because it sounded like one of the 1940’s PI type introduction. And the fact that he’s “McBride” is just so… so tough and Scottish (got to love a braw laddie, especially in his kilt!). It may be marketed as a Christmas story, but this is not the happy lighthearted read that many of us would expect. This is more cop-show suspense. Nonetheless, do not let that get in your way of enjoying the book.

James McBride is an Edinburgh DI – he’s forty, divorced, lonely, workaholic… paints a pretty sad picture, really. He’s also confused about his sexuality, and so he should be after the prologue. I’m going to go as far as saying he is a knight in tarnished armour and the object of his affections is more a prince charming than a damsel in distress.

Tobias Leitner isn’t one to shirk his responsibilities, even with a surly DI accompanying him. We barely just meet Toby before he puts himself in the line fire to protect James. There is certainly a spark between the men immediately.

The story is complex, probably too complex for its length, so unfortunately there isn’t quite as much development shown in terms of James and Tobias, or the emotion between the characters. There is just so much going on in the latter half that I had to pause a few times to keep track. Likewise, the plot outlined in the blurb in regards to the kidnapping of James’ daughter, Gracie, didn’t seem quite so important, because it happened in the last half of the book and didn’t really take up too many words.

Probably doesn’t help that James and Tobias don’t actually meet until almost halfway through. Because of this, the story isn’t as romantic as one would expect, but again, that’s okay! Thankfully, this one has a happily ever after, which eases the darkness and the intensity that I had just experienced reading the story.

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

Fair Play by Josh Lanyon

91qM+TtQOBL._SL1500_Title: Fair Play

Series: All’s Fair # 2 Sequel to Fair Game

Author: Josh Lanyon

Genre: Mystery/Suspense

Length: Novel (68K)

Publisher: Carina Press (November 10th, 2014)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb: Fifty years ago, Roland Mills belonged to a violent activist group. Now, someone is willing to kill to prevent him from publishing his memoirs.

When ex-FBI agent, Elliot Mills is called out to examine the charred ruins of his childhood home, he quickly identifies the fire for what it is—arson. A knee injury may have forced Elliot out of the Bureau, but it’s not going to stop him from bringing the man who wants his father dead to justice.

Agent Tucker Lance is still working to find the serial killer who’s obsessed with Elliot and can’t bear the thought of his lover putting himself in additional danger. straight-laced Tucker has never agreed with radical Roland on much—”opposing political viewpoints” is an understatement—but they’re united on this: Elliot needs to leave the case alone. Now.

Tucker would do nearly anything for the man he loves, but he won’t be used to gain Elliot access to the FBI’s resources. When the past comes back to play and everything both men had known to be true is questioned, their fragile relationship is left hanging in the balance.
See how Tucker and Elliot’s relationship began in Fair Game

Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/Fair-Play-Josh-Lanyon-ebook/dp/B00KV5Z7M0

Reviewer: GiGi

Review: Fair Play captivated my mind and kept me guessing at the puzzle throughout! I love a good mystery suspense, and this is an excellent one! Lanyon’s ability to layer in details, emotion, foreshadowing, character subtleties, and a twisting plot is why I come back again, and again.

Fair Play, as a sequel to Fair Game, knocks it out of the park! My mind was kept busy on three different levels: First and foremost, I kept trying to guess who was after Elliot and his Dad. Second, I was wondering what really happened to the rest of the Collective, were some of them really killed, are some in hiding, and what do they have to hide? Third, are Elliot and Tucker going to make it as a co-habitating couple?

There are moments where I really want to shake sense into both of them! When two very independent, hard-headed men try to tiptoe around each other’s boundaries it has to be challenging, let alone trying to find ways to define their relationship, their roles in each other’s lives.

My anxiety really amped up when there were whispers of deceit feathered in early on: Tucker staying in town, Tucker turning off his phone, Tucker becoming distant….I won’t say more but just, argh! But hey, maybe all you need is love…

About three-quarters the way through I still had three different theories as to whodunit, and I have to say that’s a great thing. I get a little disappointed when I can solve a mystery and predict the outcome right away, but this is not the case. Lanyon once again kept my mind chewing on this puzzle until the very end.

A superb mystery thriller, packed with action, suspense, some very intense sexual dominance, and I’m still wondering what is going to happen with Corian….where are those heads?

Bonds of Denial by Lynda Aicher

18478646Title: Bonds of Denial

Series: Wicked Play #5

Author: Lynda Aicher

Genre: Erotic Romance (M/M)

Length: Novel (Kindle Edition, 281 pages)

ASIN: B00GKBHJJ8

Publisher: Carina Press (February 3rd, 2014)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb:It’s been twenty years since Rockford Fielding’s father punished him for kissing another boy. Now a grown man with a military career behind him, Rock continues to deny his true desires, even while working security at The Den, the most decadent sex club in town. But after a year of watching gorgeous Carter Montgomery come and go on the arms of other men, Rock can no longer resist the cravings he’s denied for so long.

Carter has just four months left on his contract with an escort agency, and he doesn’t know whether to feel relieved or afraid. Being an escort is all he knows. Adding to his confusion is the way his latest client, the sexy but stoic Rock, makes him feel things he hasn’t wanted in years.

One charmingly awkward date turns into two and soon the men are meeting off the clock. But with Rock in the closet and Carter unsure how to pursue a real relationship, how can they build a future both in and out of the bedroom?

Purchase Link: http://ebooks.carinapress.com/E77FB369-2F15-4EBF-BC84-BB5B2CCA73C0/10/134/en/ContentDetails.htm?ID=C3E00577-BB2A-44A9-AF5B-882B181CF01E

Review: After having read Bonds of Desire, I really wanted to have a go at this title as well. After all, how could I deny myself the story of Carter and the mysterious Rock? I thought at first that with Carter being a rent-boy and Rock the security for The Den this was going to be BDSM related, but I was pleasantly surprised to see the author taking it on a completely different area and going strictly for erotic romance. So let me give you the main idea for the set up and who’s who in the background.

The Den is an exclusive BDSM club and has recently become multi-partnered. One of the partners is Rock (Rockford) and he’s always been a bit mysterious. We didn’t know much about him beside the fact that he is silent like a tomb, with a military background, and hot as hell. In this title, we get to meet him and see all the reasons behind his stoicism and silence. We get to see how freaking deep he is in the closet, how much denial defines him, but most of all we get to read what it takes to make him not only come out of Narnia, but do it with a big freaking BANG! (I kept having Alex Minsky in mind)

The reason for Rock finally taking steps to get his own happy ending is the equally mysterious Carter. Carter is a highly paid escort and we met him briefly at Bonds of Desire, when he gets in the last-minute and saves Tyler from himself. Unfortunately, you know what they say; those that give the best advice are the ones to not follow them.

So this is the story of how Carter saves Rock and vise-versa, each battling their own demons, and obstacles toward their hunt for happiness. It has a lot of growth happening, too many intense scenes when fears and insecurities strike over, and at some point it has a big heartbreak as well. It is a lovely story overall but I really loved the intimate scenes most. They were the best-written parts in this book, highly intense and sensual, and perfectly describing each character’s unique treats and personality, the difference between the virgin and the escort right there.

However, I had a bit of an issue with the repetition of sentiments. I can’t remember how many times the author went over in repeating the same thing over and over again, in a different line, on a different paragraph. In addition, most of the time the two characters’ personality kind of “meshed”, meaning their reactions and feeling about something were near identical making hard to separate them. As I said above, the only parts that they shined separately were the sexual scenes, otherwise they were a bit blurred. It didn’t help much the fact that they both went back and forth in this relationship almost in the same way. Many times giving the impression of shallow people acting like twelve graders, and that put me off a bit. For me it would have been a great read if this story was more polished and ¼th of the text that said the same things over and over was chopped off.

Overall, though I liked it and had a fun time reading it. Despite the blurs in the lines, the characters draw me in and the growth Rock especially showed in the story put a smile in my face for most of the read. If you’ve been following this series, you’re going to love this instalment, and if you’re new, you can read this title as a standalone and have a great time reading it. Recommended!

 

Agamemnon Frost and the Hollow Ships by Kim Knox

18330902Title: Agamemnon Frost & the Hollow Ships

Series: Agamemnon Frost 02

Author: Kim Knox

Genre: Historical (1891), Science Fiction

Length: Short (78pgs)

Publisher: Carina Press (16th September 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥ 3½ – 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Edgar Mason is ready to embark upon his new life at Agamemnon Frost’s side. But all is not perfect. His Martian overlord, Pandarus, has implanted a dark voice in his mind, a voice that urges betrayal. And though Mason can keep close to Frost, there’s little room for romance under the watchful gaze of the engineers from Station X.

That changes when Mason and Frost reopen their investigation into their old enemy’s whereabouts. Posing as double agents and investigating cryptic rumors of “hollow ships,” they find him impersonating a London banker and worm their way into his confidence.

But their success brings them trouble in spades. Pandarus takes them into the belly of his ships, where he plans to transfigure them into mindless automata. And with Earth on the brink of invasion, Frost’s old flame Theodora reappearing and Pandarus’s brainwashing growing more effective, Mason and Frost will find their bond tested as never before.   

Purchase Link: http://ebooks.carinapress.com/9A51B220-9A94-4529-8120-81AF3346860F/10/134/en/ContentDetails.htm?ID=%7B2245D9E8-C844-4B16-8318-99A3D5B37AE5%7D    

Review: This story is part of a series and must be read in order. Edgar Mason has no choice but to embark on a new life as Agamemnon’s partner and valet. It is a life he is coming to resent, and love, as it holds him close to the man he cannot touch. Agamemnon has a duty to uphold and although he wishes, things could be different. He has a responsibility that cannot be ignored. The two together must investigate the rumor of ‘hollow ships’ and finding Pandarus and discover that Theodora wasn’t lost like they thought. Mason and Frost will find their bond tested as they embark on their mission.

This is a great continuation of the historical, science fiction storyline where Martian’s are plotting the demise of Earth. Mason finds himself frustrated as his attraction to Agamemnon pulls and tears at him, in a society that doesn’t approve of males loving males and is endangered by the martians Mason knows he can’t act and that Agamemnon is bound by those same rules. When Agamemnon and Mason try to discover more about the ‘hollow ships’, they find themselves caught and narrowly escape destruction. The fate of the world rests on their shoulders and their relationship is still blurred.

Sometimes you come across a story where you don’t really know where the characters really stand and this is definitely one of those stories. With Mason and Agamemnon, not only does the time they live in work against them, but the work they now both do does as well. Mason is a wonderfully written character and you can see the fight he has with himself over his longing for Agamemnon. That longing seeps through the pages and it is bittersweet being so close to the one he adores but unable to act on it. Agamemnon is harder to get a real feel for in his feelings for Mason, sometimes it is as though he really wants Mason but at other times, it is like he is a blank slate. 

As the story progresses we see the mechanics of what the Martians are doing and we are given some wonderful descriptions of the bleakness, that mankind is heading for if they don’t stop the invasion. Pandarus is certainly a resourceful Martian, but he just can’t quite get a handle on Agamemnon, and his hold on Mason seems to be slipping further away. So we have the excitement of danger, explosions, and a brief trip to the future with the added twist of the discovery that Theodora is alive and the Martians are planning more than just an invasion to take over the world.             

I recommend this to those who love historical science fiction, great characters, a love being confined, hope, and wishes and an ending that makes it clear this story isn’t finished just yet. 

 

Agamemnon Frost and the Crown of Towers by Kim Knox

18469674Title: Agamemnon Frost & the Crown of Towers    

Series: Agamemnon Frost 03

Author: Kim Knox     

Genre: Historical (1891), Science Fiction    

Length: Novella (102pgs)     

Publisher: Carina Press (14th October 2013)     

Heat Level: Low – Moderate     

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥ 3½ – 4 Hearts    

Reviewer: Pixie     

Blurb: Edgar Mason is losing Agamemnon Frost despite everything they’ve been through–the passion, the torture, the heat. Frost’s fiancée, Theodora, is back, and Mason can feel his lover gravitating toward her. Every day he sees them together, it tears at his heart.

Frost feels raw himself. His brother and sister-in-law are missing, and his guilt about failing to save Theodora from Pandarus eats at him. His feelings for Mason, whom he has put through hell twice already, just twist the screws tighter.

On top of that, Pandarus and the Martians are back to make their final push to Earth, and Frost and Mason are duty bound to fight them. People are vanishing. Bodies are turning up burned beyond recognition in the slums. The bleak, human-less future Frost and Mason saw in the hollow ships has nearly come to pass.

And in order to prevent it, each man will have to make a final choice: lose his lover or doom the world.     

Purchase Link: http://ebooks.carinapress.com/9A51B220-9A94-4529-8120-81AF3346860F/10/134/en/ContentDetails.htm?ID=BF66B33E-0EB0-4C3C-8765-0B94630469B6   

Review: This story is part of a series and must be read in order. Edgar Mason can see plainly that he is losing Agamemnon to Theodora now that she is improving; gifts, kisses and dinners are what Agamemnon gives to Theodora and Mason stands at the sideline watching. Agamemnon is torn between his feelings for Mason and his duty and guilt. When his brother, Menelaus, disappears, his guilt doubles and he is determined not to let Theodora fall back into Pandarus’ hands again. The Martian’s are getting ready for their final push on Earth and Mason and Agamemnon have to discover just where the ‘Crown of Towers’ is by following random clues. Mason and Agamemnon must make a final sacrifice if they are going to save the world.

This is the conclusion of the Agamemnon Frost series and it definitely finishes with a bang. Mason and Agamemnon have had to revert back to master and servant. Agamemnon has to fulfill a duty that was arranged when he was very young and Mason knows that Agamemnon always does his duty. When Agamemnon’s brother goes missing, they both know something is wrong, but the Pandarus’ plans for them fail when they don’t act as planned and they have to face their biggest challenge yet when the Martian’s plans move forward.

Well, we left Mason and Agamemnon at the end of ‘The hollow Ships’ with Theodora being placed in Agamemnon’s care, now with Theodora improving Mason is left in emotional agony watching as Agamemnon seems to woe his fiancée. Agamemnon and Mason have to jump back on the case of the invading Martian’s with very little to go on. Their relationship is in limbo with no way forward, but with the threat lurking and Mason unsure if Pandarus can still influence him they are stuck together longing for something that may never be realized.

I have really enjoyed this trilogy of historical sci-fi, of a difficult relationship that never quite got off the ground and a secret agency trying to save Earth. We finally see some happiness for both Agamemnon and Mason but it isn’t without its losses. We are taken on an adventurous journey as we finally come to the conclusion of the Martian invasion. It is an incredible descriptive final where rescue comes just in time. We are drawn into the turmoil that Mason feels as he watches from the sideline, we understand his sacrifice and we applaud his courage.  

I recommend this to those who love historical science fiction, a race against time, miraculous rescues and a love that won’t give up. 

Sight Unseen by Hunter Raines

15701815Title:  Sight Unseen

Author: Hunter Raines 

Genre:   Paranormal Romance

Length: 6 hours 50 minutes (e-book – 175 pages)first published January 1st 2012

Publisher:  Carina Press (July 23rd 2013)

Heat Level:  Moderate to Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:   Daniel Van Doren was once a renowned writer, until he was blinded in the car accident that killed his lover. Now, all he sees are ghosts in need of help. They follow him everywhere, and the only way to be rid of his ethereal visitors is to help them resolve their unfinished business here on earth so their spirits can find peace.

Ghostwriter Logan Riley is assigned to pen Daniel’s biography. He plans to reveal him as a fraud, but when they meet, he’s struck by Danny’s quiet sincerity–and a growing attraction. Which makes sticking close to Danny to find out the truth more than a little distracting?

When they are attacked by a violent poltergeist Logan begins to believe Danny’s not just telling the truth, he’s in grave danger. A spirit has learned how to harness the energy of the living to break through the barrier between worlds to harm Danny. And Logan may be the one to blame…

Product Link:  Audible/ http://www.audible.com/pd/Fiction/Sight-Unseen-Audiobook/B008J4AX74/ref=sr_1_1?qid=1380065515&sr=1-1

Print/ Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Sight-Unseen-ebook/dp/B00814M2DU/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1380065658&sr=8-6&keywords=sight+unseen

Reviewer:   Tams

Review:  Danny is blind but extremely independent. He lost his sight in a car accident that claimed the life of his boyfriend John. Over the past two years, he’s learned the definition of resilience, becoming self-sufficient. The downside to his independence is the loneliness that comes with it. His world is a constant dark, aside from the ghosts he has been able to see since the accident.

Logan is a ghostwriter. He pens controversial biographies for famous people under the guise that they are writing the book. His latest client is Danny. Logan is confident that he can discover the truth about Danny’s “ability” to see ghosts and unmask him to the world for the con man he truly is. The instant and overwhelming attraction to Danny comes as quite a shock to him, but it quickly becomes evident that the attraction is mutual.

Throughout the book Logan, struggles with his attraction to Danny coupled with his doubts about Danny’s gift. Danny is so tired of going it alone, he longs for someone to share his life with. Slowly the author unravels each man’s past and you learn more about why Danny value’s his independence, and why Logan has issues trusting anyone. At the same time Raines builds a bond, creates a thread that ties their futures together irrevocably. But there is a ghost that haunts them, that one spirit that won’t let go of the very thin line that keeps them in our world. While Logan begins to believe Danny’s claims to see the dead, he’s beginning to fear for Danny’s safety.

Sight Unseen is paranormal romance with an edge, not a twist, an edge! Raines has done the research and easily had me seeing through the eyes of a blind man. There are a couple of twists at the end that had me holding my breath, anxious to hear the outcome. Speaking of hearing, the audio version was a great narration. It helps when a narrator can nail the personality and nuances of each character. My only complaint about the narration would be he read straight through, so at times, the scene would change and it would take a little time for me to realize, since he didn’t pause between appropriately. But for the most part, I was enthralled with the performance of the story.

This is a must read for those hopeless romantics that still believe in love at first sight. And the guy on guy action is sensual, passionate, and overwhelming. Sweaty man sex, ghosts, a pissed off poltergeist and a HEA! What’s not to love?!

Agamemnon Frost and the House of Death by Kim Knox

18130651Title: Agamemnon Frost and the House of Death

Series: Agamemnon Frost 01     

Author: Kim Knox     

Genre: Historical (Liverpool 1891), Steampunk/Science Fiction     

Length: Short (77pgs)    

Publisher: Carina Press (19th August 2013)    

Heat Level: Low     

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts   

Reviewer: Pixie     

Blurb: Liverpool, 1891

Decorated artilleryman Edgar Mason was forced to find new work when the British Empire replaced its foot soldiers with monstrous machines. Now he waits on the Liverpool elite as a personal servant. He has just one rule: he won’t work for fashion-addled dandies.

Agamemnon Frost, however, is far from the foppish man-about-town he appears to be. He’s working to protect the Earth from an alien invasion being planned by a face-changing creature known as Pandarus. And on the night he plans to confront the aliens, he enlists Mason to assist him.

For a man to love a man is a serious crime in Victorian England. But when Mason meets Frost, his heart thunders, and his blood catches fire. And when Pandarus drags the two men into the torture cellars beneath his house of death to brainwash them, Mason’s new passion may be all that stands between him and insanity.

The trilogy continues with Agamemnon Frost and the Hollow Ships.     

Purchase Link: http://ebooks.carinapress.com/48F751F6-8EB4-417A-A242-EE5C84F992A5/10/134/en/ContentDetails.htm?ID=%7BBDA9F239-DA87-4EAA-9DB3-C9E8587103AC%7D    

Review: Edgar Mason was forced out of the army when the British Empire replaces its foot soldiers with monstrous machines. Now he is working any jobs that he can find as a personal servant to the elite of Liverpool. When he finds himself as the personal servant for Agamemnon Frost he thinks the man is a dandified fop who gets his blood racing, but he soon discovers that not everything is as it seems. Agamemnon Frost has an important task to complete, he hates that he has to allow Mason to fall into the well placed trap, but his mission to protect Earth must come first and the attraction he feels toward Mason second. And when they fall into the hands of Pandarus, their attraction to each other might be the only thing that keeps them alive.

This is a great historical science fiction/Steampunk story that has aliens trying to take over the British Empire. Mason is a great character who gets drawn into a war that he never knew existed, a war with alien beings who want Earth. Agamemnon is working with a secret movement to stop the infiltration, but it is far from easy when the very Beings he is fighting have developed the technology the British Empire is using to fight their wars. The men have to work together when they are set on being brainwashed by Pandarus, and they try to bring down Pandarus’ home base. 

Kim Knox has written a story that combines history and science fiction giving it very Steampunk feel and giving us the beginning of a complex relationship. Agamemnon is a man who has to hide behind foppish behavior to keep his real agenda, that of an agent who must stop the aliens. Mason is just a soldier who gets pulled into a secret war because of his birth date. Mason just humors Agamemnon at first until he realizes that the man really isn’t nuts and that he is telling the truth about aliens. Mason has a forbidden longing for Agamemnon and it seems to be reciprocated, but first Mason has to follow Agamemnon’s lead if he wants to leave the house alive. 

This really is a great start to the series, it leads you in but has you grasping for information and Agamemnon is stingy with dishing it out. We are left with anticipation for the future books and what is going to happen with both Mason and Agamemnon. We don’t find out everything we want but we are left with a good idea of what has happened to both men and what they have become, and thankfully, their attraction is still fierce. 

I will recommend this to those who love something a little different, aliens and history mixing, a budding relationship and an ending that leaves you reaching for the next book. 

The Adorned by John Tristan

18244994Title: The Adorned                  

Author: John Tristan     

Genre: Fantasy     

Length: Novel (280pgs)    

Publisher: Carina Press (12th August 2013)   

Heat Level: Low     

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts   

Reviewer: Pixie     

Blurb: My name is Etan, and I am Adorned.

A living piece of art, I exist to please the divine rulers of Kered. With nowhere to turn after my father died, I tried my luck in the capital city. Little did I know how quickly I would be robbed, beaten and forced to sell myself into servitude. But I was lucky enough to gain the attention of Roberd Tallisk, an irascible but intriguing tattoo artist who offered to mark me with enchanted ink for the enjoyment of the nobles. I was given a chance to better my station in life, and I could not refuse.

But the divine rulers want not only the art but the body that bears it. In their company I can rise above the dregs of society and experience a life most only dream of, at the cost of suffering their every desire as a pawn in games of lavish intrigue. Their attention is flattering, but I find I’d rather have Tallisk’s.

Caught between factions, I learn that a revolution is brewing, one that could ruin Kered–and Roberd and myself along with it…     

Purchase Link: http://ebooks.carinapress.com/B5DE84C2-45BE-4BBF-98EA-7359955E6B46/10/134/en/ContentDetails.htm?ID={16536FBB-5B76-4BF4-A76F-1FEA8AFBB484}    

Review: Etan is a young man who is tossed out of his home after his father’s death, travelling to the Kered city is his only hope of survival. But things don’t go his way and he soon finds himself signing himself into servitude to survive, he is brought to the attention of Roberb Tallisk a master tattooist and jumps at the chance to become one of the Adorned. The Blooded are the only ones to ever see an Adorned’s tattoo’s, living art brought to life by enchanted ink, but they also want the body the ink is gracing. With the Blooded, living the high life is intoxicating but Etan begins to be drawn into a harsh reality with mumbling’s of revolution and the secret yearning he has for his master tattooist. 

This is an amazing story that draws you into the life of a poor country boy as he makes his way in a world that has been war-torn and is trying to heal. Etan doesn’t really have much of a choice after he is kicked out of the only home he has ever had, even when he gets to the city his luck is abysmal when in a short amount of time he is beaten and robbed. Things begin to look up though when he is offered a helping hand and he makes the choice of selling himself into servitude for 5 years, he might work hard but he will be fed and have a bed. Luck falls his way again when he is offered the chance to become one of the Adorned, few are chosen but they live a life most would beg for. Being with Tallisk has him yearning for something more but his first duty is to his master’s patron. 

You know, I could go on for ages describing this story and I still wouldn’t do it justice, so let me just say that we follow Etan’s life as he grows and discovers what he wants, we follow as he is settles in his own skin and finds what he really wants to do. We see as he falls in love and his devastation as revolution comes to the city. There are some amazing descriptions in this story of the tattoo’s and what makes them living art. We are drawn into a world of indulgence as the masses starve but the Blooded rule and none can gainsay them. The characters are all well-rounded and fully fleshed out, adding to this story and making it so much more intriguing. The harrowing scenes as the revolution takes hold and it isn’t just the Blooded who are punished. The love and joy that Etan finds with Tallisk is nearly cut short but miracles happen when you least expect it. 

This is a very in-depth book showing us the journey of Etan as he develops from a naive young man to one who discovers his true path in life. Etan’s relationship with Tallisk doesn’t really show itself until near the end of the book, we know there is a connection between the two but it isn’t acted upon until near the end. The situation that Etan finds himself in between two factions, Blooded, and human, trying to please both while keeping himself neutral, is a difficult one and not easily negotiated. While Etan and Tallisk do get their happily ever after it isn’t an easy or painless journey. 

I recommend this to those who love harsh fantasy, doing what has to be done, finding your own true worth, discovering love, and fighting to the very end for happiness. 

A Reason to Believe by Diana Copland

{0ABABB9A-07B2-443B-A5C0-1F430BE44D1E}Img100Title:  A Reason to Believe

Series:  N/A

Author:  Diana Copland       

Genre:  Paranormal/Mystery

Length:  Novel (217 pages)

Publisher:  Carina Press (October 22nd, 2012)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb:   Detective Matthew Bennett doesn’t believe in ghosts. So when the spirit of a murdered child leads him to her body, he’s shaken to the core–and taken off the case. Unable to explain his vision, or to let go of the investigation, Matthew turns to renowned medium Kiernan Fitzpatrick. Though he has doubts about Kiernan’s claims to communicate with the dead, Matt is nevertheless drawn to the handsome psychic, who awakens feelings he thought were long-buried.

Haunted by the lingering spirit of the little girl, Kiernan is compelled to aid in the search for her killer. The chance to get closer to the enigmatic Matt is an unexpected bonus. Although Kiernan’s been betrayed by people who turned out to be more interested in his fame than in himself, with Matt he’s willing to risk his heart. As the two men grow closer, Kiernan helps Matt rediscover that life offers no guarantees–but love offers a reason to believe…

Product Link:  http://ebooks.carinapress.com/8228EC74-965E-4CD3-A937-3FBB938D00EC/10/134/en/SearchResults.htm?SearchID=10835145

Reviewer:   Tams

Review:  I loved everything about this book. Fantastic character development, intrigue, suspense, three-dimensional secondary characters and a heartwarming love story.

Detective Matthew Bennett walks through life on auto pilot since the death of his partner (both on the force and in life) some 18 months ago. When the ghost of the murder victim of his current case appears to him, showing him where her body is, his homophobic boss flips and puts him on “administrative leave”. Matt confides in his best friend, sister-in-law Sheila, and she drags him (kicking and screaming mind you) to see psychic Kiernan Fitzpatrick. Matt is convinced the extremely attractive, short, black-haired enigma with the piercing blue eyes is full of shit. That is until Abby, the recently murdered little girl, convinces him otherwise.

The romance that blossoms between Matt and Kier takes the edge off the seriousness of the story. A little girl has been murdered and the department that has shunned Matt is hell-bent on convicting the wrong person. But Abby herself is determined to make sure her voice is heard, even if it is through Matt and Kiernan. They may not know who killed this beautiful little girl, but the killer knows who they are, and if they aren’t careful they could end up spending eternity with Abby.

I was completely enthralled in this book; I could not put it down. Whether it was the tough as nails detective Matt that came into this only believing what he could see, touch, and put a name too. Ultimately opening his mind, and heart to Kiernan, and Abby believe it or not. Or Kiernan, the hyperactive psychic with a larger than life personality and a closet full of shirts with colorful anecdotes and one-liners. The attraction is electric and the romance resounding as each man reflects on their painful pasts, thankfully realizing there could be happiness and hope in their future.

Abby damn near steal the show. With her stuffed unicorn, skittles, and a playful personality befitting a 6-year-old. Complete with temper tantrums she is quite the spry little spirit. I love the way Kiernan explains her. That she’s still just a scared little girl who can’t comprehend what has happened to her. In the end she proves to be an old soul with some very wise words for Matt.

I would recommend this book to any PNR fans. Yes it is ultimately an M/M PNR but, the sex (although wonderfully explicit and toe curling) doesn’t dominate the story. A VERY well written story about love, loss, hope and believing in something that is unexplainable.

 

What Binds Us by Larry Benjamin

Larry_Benjamin_What_Binds_UsTitle:  What Binds Us

Series:   N/A

Author:   Larry Benjamin

Genre:   M/M Contemporary

Length:  Novel (204 pages)

Publisher:   Carina Press (March 19, 2012)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb:   Thomas-Edward is only a teenager when he escapes his working-class neighborhood. He’s ready for anything–except the arrival of Donovan Whyte in his life. Sophisticated and dazzlingly handsome, Dondi quickly becomes the center of Thomas-Edward’s universe, introducing him to a world full of drama, passion and feuding families.

When their relationship fizzles, they remain uneasy friends until Dondi invites Thomas-Edward to his family’s summer-house. Thomas-Edward is immediately attracted to Dondi’s mysterious brother, Matthew–and finds himself hopelessly drawn to both men.

As time passes, Thomas-Edward develops a unique bond with both brothers as they orbit around each other, although he knows only one of them can be his lifelong love. Will the three of them be able to find a way to hold on to each other? Or will love, its loss and the threat of death destroy their connection once and for all?

Product Link:  http://ebooks.carinapress.com/DBEB57B1-F20C-45E5-A71E-8A52559A0BAB/10/134/en/ContentDetails.htm?ID=1393C38B-7539-448A-B867-80847EB1140D

Reviewer:   Artemis

Review:  When Thomas-Edward heads off to college and meets Dondi he is swept away into a world that he never even suspected exists.  Dondi is wealthy beyond anything he has ever seen before and wants nothing more than to spoil his new roommate.  Dondi is not only wealthy, but charismatic, passionate, and totally uninterested in settling down or finding true love.  They engage in a brief romantic involvement but their relationship quickly settles into one of a more platonic nature.  There are definite deep feelings between the two of them but they avoid the passion, jealousy, and romance of a true relationship.  Thomas-Edward becomes quite a fixture at Dondi’s family home and while Dondi is off traveling and bed hopping, deep feelings begin to grow between him and Dondi younger brother Matthew.  As the bond deepens between Thomas-Edward and Matthew, Dondi’s lifestyle is starting to catch up with him and the triangle they have formed begins to break down.

I was a little bit uncertain when I first began this book because the writing style is different than I am used to.  The author tells the story in snippits….you will read about a weekend or a month at school and then skip ahead a bit to a new situation at a different time in the story.  At first, it seemed a bit choppy but I found myself unable to put the book down.  I *HAD* to know how the friendship between Thomas-Edward and Dondi developed.  I needed to know if Matthew and Thomas-Edward finally admit their feelings toward one another.  I was intrigued by Dondi’s family’s dynamics and the wealthy lifestyle they lived.  As the book progressed, I needed to find out how Thomas-Edward, Matthew, and Dondi all handled the issues that were thrown in front of them at every turn.

I don’t want to give away what happens in this book, but I will say that I was in tears and wanted to throttle the author for the plot twist that ruined the triangle that Dondi, Thomas-Edward and Matthew had formed together.

I don’t think any review will do justice to this book.  It is a page turner and a tear jerker and definitely NOT your typical male/male romance book.  If you are looking for a book that will be emotional rather than passionate, this is definitely the book for you

Life After Joe by Harper Fox

Title:  Life After Joe

Author:  Harper Fox

Genre:   Contemporary

Length:  Novella (115 pages)

Publisher:  Carina Press (June 28th 2010)

Heat Level:  Medium – Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb:   It’s not the breaking up that kills you, it’s the aftermath.

Ever since his longtime lover decided he’d seen the “heterosexual light,” Matt’s life has been in a nosedive. Six months of too many missed shifts at the hospital, too much booze, too many men. Matt knows he’s on the verge of losing everything, but he’s finding it hard to care.

Then Matt meets Aaron. He’s gorgeous, intelligent and apparently not interested in being picked up. Still, even after seeing Matt at his worst, he doesn’t turn away. Aaron’s kindness and respect have Matt almost believing he’s worth it-and that there could be life after Joe. But his newfound happiness is threatened when Matt begins to suspect Aaron is hiding something or someone…

Product Link:  http://ebooks.carinapress.com/DA5F1C32-B217-45C4-9A08-834C2CB13486/10/134/en/ContentDetails.htm?ID=076D8C2A-CCF8-4906-86EC-456ADC1AD2F3

Reviewer:   Any

Review:  In the head of a wonderfully flawed character, brimming with hurt at the loss of both his childhood friend and lover, we explore the range of emotions involved in grief and moving on.

While Matt isn’t the type of personality I particularly like, I found him interesting, and I could empathize with him. Why? Because this story was more than a romance, more than the sum of Matt’s personality, it was a reflection of the downs of life—particularly that of loss.

As I read this, I was upset and angry for Matt—for being left, abandoned, lied to–yet despite every turn for the worst in this novella, I was constantly hopeful. Hopeful that things would pick up. Hopeful they’d get better for Matt. Hopeful that he’d be able to trust and love again.

Passionate. That’s a word I’d use to describe this story. Not just the story itself, but the writing. I feel as if this story really meant something to the author. William Faulkner said, “If you are going to write, write about human nature. It’s the only thing that doesn’t date.” Certainly, Ms Fox does this—you can feel that in every story she writes—and I believe that this story won’t date for precisely this reason. How can it when the soul of Life After Joe is seeped in such rich emotion?

Highly recommend.

The Druid Stone by Heidi Belleau and Violetta Vane

Title:  The Druid Stone

Series:  N/A

Author:  Heidi Belleau and Violetta Vane

Genre:   Urban Fantasy

Length:  Novel

Publisher:  Carina Press (August 6th, 2012)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥3.5Hearts

Blurb:   Sean never asked to be an O’Hara, and he didn’t ask to be cursed by one either.

After inheriting a hexed druid stone from his great-grandfather, Sean starts reliving another man’s torture and death…every single night. And only one person can help.

Cormac Kelly runs a paranormal investigation business and doesn’t have time to deal with misinformed tourists like Sean. But Sean has real magic in his pocket, and even though Cormac is a descendant of legendary druids, he soon finds himself out of his depth…and not because Sean’s the first man he’s felt anything for in a long time.

The pair develop an unexpected and intensely sexual bond, but are threatened at every turn when Sean’s case attracts the unwelcome attention of the mad sidhe lords of ancient Ireland. When Sean and Cormac are thrust backward in time to Ireland’s violent history–and their own dark pasts–they must work together to escape the curse and save their fragile relationship.

Product Link:  http://ebooks.carinapress.com/DA5F1C32-B217-45C4-9A08-834C2CB13486/10/134/en/ContentDetails.htm?ID={89DB7CC1-2E21-4135-93E6-12A17571A2B5}

Reviewer:   Showme

Review:  This book had a little of everything,  M/M romance, wicked Fae, alternate worlds, magic and druids, time travel and a history lesson.

Sean O’Hare has horrible nightmares about being tortured. Are the things he’s living through in his dreams something that happened in a past life or has he been cursed? Either way he’s taken all the pills recommended by multiple therapists but nothing is taking away the nightmares. He wakes up injured and feels he may slowly be losing his mind. Desperate and willing to try anything he finds an online advertisement for a Druid in Ireland whom may be able to help.  Problem is the Druid doesn’t want to help him. Sean decides to fly to Ireland and plead his case.  Cormac Kelly is from generations of druids and takes his duty seriously but has preconceived ideas of Americans with Irish ancestry and why they’d be coming to him for help.  He calls them plastic paddies, which is exactly what he thinks Sean from America is when he shows up on his doorstep.  Sean tries to explain what’s happening to him and begs for help but Cormac is bitter and sees something from his past in Sean’s possession. Even so his temper gets the better of him and he manages to make Sean mad enough to leave.

Since Cormac was no help Sean goes with his back-up plan and manages to draw the attention of the King of the Fae, who likes to keep lovely or talented humans to use for his pleasure.   I can tell you Cormac does save him this time and thus realizes Sean and his situation is real. So the guys start their working relationship to save Sean.

I did enjoy this book. I liked all the pieces but sometimes the romance and adventure didn’t mesh well for me.  Sean and Cormac as a couple were sexy and sweet but sadly I didn’t fall in love with them.

The book had multiple endings and could have easily been more than one book. Just when you think it’s over. They go back for more! Kind of made crazy and I’d put the book down to take a break.

Tons of research had to go into this and I felt like I should have done some too. Not a bad thing but be warned. I just accepted I didn’t know who they were referring to and just kept reading. Worked for me J Most of the imagery was beautiful and I love being able to picture what the author is describing.

Cormac’s family was adorable and quirky. I’d love to be invited to a get together. I had a big WTF moment somewhere in the middle. I was so confused I had to reread and phone a friend. Well, ask her on FB, but you get the point.  It came out of nowhere for her, too.

The ending was nice, but was drawn out. I guess it worked for me because even though it wasn’t what I wanted, both men had to reconcile their pasts before they could work out a present life together.  I’d recommend this book but be patient and know that it’s more adventure than your normal m/m romance.

 

 

 

 

A Brush with Darkness by Erastes

Title:  A Brush With Darkness

Author:  Erastes

Genre:   Historical – Florence, 1875, Paranormal

Length:  Novella

Publisher:  Carina Press (March 19, 2012)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

After making a grisly discovery one night, I needed proof that there was still goodness in the world. I never dreamt it would come to me during my next commission–with a subject whose very name means light…

Yuri was glorious in his otherworldly beauty, surrounded by a bright halo of iridescence, but I detected a fierce darkness lurking underneath the surface. Sketching all night, I could hardly wait to capture his likeness in a painting. For Yuri has stimulated not only my creative urges, but my sexual ones as well.

His very presence infuses me with joy and passion, but what will happen if my patron should discover our trysts? Dependent on his good graces, I can’t afford to lose his support. But I fear the time will soon come when I must choose between restoring my family’s fortunes and obeying the temptation of the muse before me…

Previously published as Chiaroscuro, newly revised by author.

Product Link:  http://ebooks.carinapress.com/02B45553-0F33-4B4B-AF28-1CB2E4FEAA94/10/134/en/ContentDetails.htm?ID={F2D717D2-8B77-4B48-B6D7-5274564E0685}

Reviewer:   Portia

Review:  Michel di Fiesole is the only son of a business man, now deceased.  The circumstances of his father’s death are a bit shady, but Michel has neither the contacts nor resources to make further inquiries.  Luckily, he does have enough talent to secure his father’s former business associate, Signor Bettano as a patron.  For two years he has painted the portraits of the Florence elite.  Now, he has been commissioned to create a portrait of a man, who literally takes his breath away.

This was my first Erastes novel.  I have several of her works on my Kindle, but always seemed to skip over then, in favor of something shorter or more contemporary.

I could just kick myself.

The language of this book is magical.  There is a lilt to the cadence that was just beautiful.  Her use of language sets a wonderful tone that is historically accurate.  It is not just true to the period, it’s just absolutely beautiful.  As I read, I could almost head Patrick Stewart or better yet, Jason Statham voice in my head.  I would love to see this title turned into an audio book.

Michel is a dear.  He would love to tell his patron to drop dead.  But, he takes his responsibilities to his family seriously.  He will endure any amount of personal discomfort, in order to see to their needs.

I wasn’t sure of Yuri’s intent, at first.  He is so beautiful and so intense.  But, he also proves to want Michel for more than an evening’s entertainment.

This book will not appeal to everyone.  I happen to love the poetic styling of the 19th century British writers. And A Brush with Darkness is very much in that vein.  But, the story is very well-written.  Even if you don’t think of yourself as a historical romance lover, you will enjoy this book.  You would be amazed at how steamy sex can be, when you have to remain true to a historical period.  The mystery that is interwoven adds a darkness that is very satisfying.  Not to mention that little matter of Yuri’s avocation.

If you haven’t tried Erastes, I highly recommend A Brush with Darkness as your introduction.  It’s just long enough to weave a tale of intrigue with just a taste of the paranormal.  Highly recommended.

 

By Honor Betrayed by Alex Beecroft

Title:     By Honor Betrayed

Series:   Age of Sail

Author:  Alex Beecroft

Genre: Historical romance

Length: Novella

Publisher: Carina Press (Scheduled release date: November 7th, 2011)

Pre-Order Information: via Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/By-Honor-Betrayed-ebook/dp/B005UPRN5U

Heat Level: Mild

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥Hearts

Blurb:  1748

Lieutenant Conrad Herriot and Seaman Tom Cotton have been master and servant for over a decade and friends for almost as long. When Tom is injured during a skirmish, Conrad forgets himself and rushes to Tom’s side, arousing suspicion about the true nature of their relationship.

All Tom wants is the chance to consummate their love and embark on a new life together, outside the law that condemns them. Yet he fears Conrad won’t risk his career and his honor to become Tom’s lover.

Conrad believes his lust for Tom will damn his soul. There’s also their difference in class—a gentleman doesn’t socialize with a common tar. As Conrad struggles to refute the gossip on the ship, he must decide whether to commit the crime the crew’s already convicted them of, or part from Tom for good to save both their necks…

Reviewer:  Portia

Review:  I have come to the unfortunate conclusion that I am not a fan of the historically accurate historical gay romance.  Sure, Ms. Beecroft has woven a fabulous action filled plot around two beautifully crafted characters, but my poor heart just can’t take the constant danger of discovery that was the norm for this age.

If I had a lick of sense, I would have deleted this book from my Kindle and moved on.  Unfortunately, the need to watch these two men fall in love was too strong a draw.  I had to know if Conrad was strong enough to defy everything he’d ever been taught to be with the man he is finally able to admit he loves.  Needing to know if Tom had what it took to deal with being the male lover of an Admiral’s son was enough to keep me reading.

This was my first Alex Beecroft read and I’m sure it won’t be my last.  Guess I’ll just have to make an appointment with my primary doctor to insure my poor heart can stand anymore stories like this.  It was fast-paced, well plotted, and historically accurate and is highly recommended.

The Gladiator's Master by Fae Sutherland and Marguerite Labbe

Title: The Gladiator’s Master

Author: Fae Sutherland & Marguerite Labbe

Genre: Ancient Rome

Length: Novel (233pgs Epub)

Publisher: Carina Press (19 September 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: When Roman politician Caelius inherits a stable of gladiators, there is one who captures his attention above the others…one whose eyes gleam with hate, pride and desire.

Forced into slavery by Roman greed, Gaidres can barely conceal his contempt toward his new Dominus. Gaidres has a plan: kill Caelius and end the lineage of the Roman family that enslaved him. For his plan to succeed, he must make a show of respect and obedience—even when called on to service his master’s desires.

Gaidres is shocked to learn that in the confines of his quarters, Caelius doesn’t want to dominate his slave, but to be taken by him. The sex is explosive as they break society’s taboos and, to Gaidres’s dismay, they form a tenuous relationship. Even when Caelius learns of Gaidres’s plans for revenge, he knows he can’t live without his perfect lover. Is he willing to risk it all to tame his gladiator’s heart?

Review: This is an incredible piece of writing which is historically accurate. Gaidres is a Thracian who was forced to become a slave when his village was laid to waste by a Roman who wanted a Thracian in his ludus, as his Gladiator.   Caelius is the new Dominus, inheriting from his uncle.  He is not like most Romans as he actually cares about his slaves.

These two men come together and they strike sparks off each other.  Caelius is determined that in the end he will have Gaidres’ heart and Gaidres is determined that he will kill Caelius. Gaidres is a man with no forgiveness in him after what happened when he was captured and he will make the Romans pay.   But, as he gets to know Caelius he is greatly conflicted as his hatred and bitterness turns to something else and he feels guilt that he is betraying his lost love.   This is far from an easy struggle for him and it tears at him greatly and it isn’t until he thinks that Caelius may be dead that he admits how he really feels. Caelius is a man who knows what he wants and he is different in how he wants it as he is submissive in bed, but he is a strong and capable man out of bed.   He is also fair and compassionate and wants to change the way things are.   Which is maybe a bit advanced for this timeline but then again someone has to start a movement to get it going.

The plot was fantastic; the sex is hot and explosive.   There is rich detail and the character portrayals are brilliant and the way the history came alive as you got to know the characters and those they interacted with was incredible. Fae Sutherland and Marguerite Labbe you have brought another story to life.  Thank you.

I recommend that everyone read this as it really is brilliant. I mean, come on, hot Gladiators, hot Dominus, sword fights, back stabbing plots, tragic disaster and cute kids this is a definite “must read”.

 

 

 

 

 

Dark Edge of Honor by Aleksandre Voinov and Rhianon Etzweiler

Title: Dark Edge of Honor

Author: Aleksandr Voinov & Rhianon Etzweiler

Genre: Science Fiction

Length: Novel (284pgs)

Publisher: Carina Press (15th August 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4 1/2Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Sergei Stolkov is a faithful officer, though his deepest desires go against the Doctrine. A captain with the invading Coalition forces, he believes that self-sacrifice is the most heroic act and his own needs are only valid if they serve the state.

Mike, an operative planted within Cirokko’s rebels, has been ordered to seduce Sergei and pry from him the Coalition’s military secrets. His mission is a success, but as he captures Sergei’s heart, Mike is tempted by his own charade and falls in love.

When the hostile natives of the planet Cirokko make their move, all seems lost. Can Mike and Sergei survive when the Coalition’s internal affairs division takes an interest in what happened in the dusty mountains of Zasidka Pass…?

Warning: This book contains some scenes that some readers may find offensive. Dubious consent/Torture

Review: This is a true Science Fiction war story. Mike is a spy for the Alliance CovOps and it is his duty to infiltrate and pass on the military secrets of the Doctrine.   He has his target in his sight and it isn’t long before he has his target in the palm of his hand; but he loses his own heart in the process. Sergei is a Captain in the Doctrine and he has his own secrets and desires that go against what the Doctrine stand for.   He fall’s for a translator and unwittingly betrays the Doctrine but still can’t quite find it in himself to hate the translator.

This is not an easy story to read.   If you go into this expecting love to conquer all or thinking that everything is going to be nice and easy then you have another think coming. This is a hard gritty read about what it is really like to fall in love with an enemy; it answers questions that you really don’t want to know the answers to.   Could you continue to betray the man you have fallen in love with? Could you sit by and listen to your lover, the man you love be tortured for your Cause? Could you forgive the man who betrayed you and caused hundreds of deaths? It answers these questions and some of the answers are not pretty.

Watching these two men struggle with their conscience about what they should do and what they want to do is interesting because both think they are right.   There is no obvious bad evil army because, as with most things in life, just because you don’t agree with it doesn’t make it wrong.

So what do I recommend…well, this story has it all, a harsh backdrop, war, abuse of power (dubious consent etc.), blackmail, betrayal, torture, vindication, escape, oh, and don’t forget the hot sex and love, so for me a must read.   But, for you, only if you like any of the above and a great gritty read.

 

 

Muffled Drum by Erastes

Title: Muffled Drum

Author: Erastes

Genre: Historical Romance

Length: 187pgs – 43,000w

Publisher: Carina Press

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 1/2

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Bohemia, 1866

They met in a port-side tavern, their lust-filled moments stolen from days of marching and madness. After eighteen months, Captain Rudolph von Ratzlaff and First Lieutenant Mathias Hofmann have decided to run away from everything they hold dear. Resigning their commissions is social suicide, but there’s no other choice. Someone will eventually see Rudolph’s partiality toward Mathias.

Now their plans have gone horribly awry… When Mathias goes to Rudolph’s tent after their last battle, his lover looks at him without a hint of recognition. Mathias can hardly believe the man he knew is gone. He wants to fill in so many of Rudolph’s missing memories, but the doctor says a shock could result in permanent damage. The pain of seeing Rudolph on a daily basis, when Rudolph doesn’t remember their love, is excruciating. Now Mathias must decide whether he wants to fight for the man he loves or forget him completely…

Review:  This is a devastatingly touching story and it was a privilege to read it.

Mathias and Rudolph make a great couple and plan to leave everything behind to start a new life together but during their last battle before they resign they are both injured in battle, Mathias gets bandaged up and then resigns excited to start a new life with the man he loves. Rudolph doesn’t recognize the young First Lieutenant who comes to his tent and then accompanies him on his journey back to Berlin.

I have got to say I don’t think I have felt such sympathetic pain before when reading a book; this book took my breath away. I can’t imagine anything that is as emotionally painful as having your lover completely forgetting you and thinking they love someone else.   Oh yes, I can, having it happen to you and then seeing them with that person and believing you were just a convenience.

This book is beautifully written, you just can’t see how this will work out for Mathias, and he now has doubts about Rudolph. He can’t see any way forward. Rudolph keeps having flashbacks that include Mathias but they can’t be true, can they?

It is a poignant, incredible historical.   All I can recommend is… you have GOT to read this book.