Blurb: .John Turner has been living a lie most of his life. Growing up in the rural Georgia town of Magnolia Ridge, he’s only ever let one person truly know him: his best friend, Chloe. To the rest of the world, they’re the perfect couple, but just between them, she’s helping John hide in plain sight.
Matt Kinsley, a cop from San Francisco, moves to town looking for a slower pace and to reconnect with his Southern roots. Starting over in Magnolia Ridge means taking a step into the closet, but Matt finds that with John for company, he doesn’t mind so much.
As the two start to explore a possible relationship, a horrific murder rips the town apart but brings John and Matt together in ways neither could’ve imagined. Matt must decide where his loyalties lie while John resists the urge to run again. Together, they have to discover who the real devil is before another life is destroyed.
Review: A murder brings John and Matt together as nothing else could. John has been hiding from almost everyone. But things turn once he meets Matt. John is not out yet Matt was. Matt finds himself going back in the closet in the sleepy judgemental town he finds himself in. The only bright spot for the two men is each other.
While I enjoyed the story I felt that if I were Matt I would have moved. There’s no way I’d be somewhere where I could not be myself. John for his part has never had that opportunity so he doesn’t realize how that feels. The majority of the story is about how John and Matt traverse through their relationship in the small minded town.
The mystery aspect seemed almost like an after thought thrown into the mix as it takes place closer towards the end of the book and was a bit rushed in my opinion.
Blurb: Since the death of his father, Trick Grigsby has fought to keep his head above water. Following in his father’s footsteps as a talented architect, he hopes to work his way up at the firm. Unfortunately, the company’s new owner barely resembles the man who was once Trick’s father’s best friend. Trick’s days are filled with drudgery and cruel remarks from the man who was supposed to be his mentor—along with his two sons, whose only jobs seem to be making Trick’s life miserable.
But all that is about to change.
Edwin Goodmaker struggled through his fairy godparent curriculum, but his mother—the reigning Fairy Queen—has a simple solution: Edwin will go to New York City and get some practical experience. When he meets Trick, Edwin knows he’s found a worthy charge, and he’s sure he can help Trick achieve all of his heart’s desires. Edwin falls for Trick, but with everything standing in their way, a fairy-tale ending might remain nothing more than a dream.
Review: This is one of those stories where I was drawn in by the blurb since I really don’t have an opinion, or memory, of reading something by either author in the past. It was a very happy choice though because the story is exactly as described in the blurb.
It is a totally sweet romance between a down on his luck human called Trick (Patrick) and a fairy sent to New York for some practical experience as a fairy godfather named Edwin. Edwin arrives in New York after his mother, the Queen of the fairies, sends him to the mortal realm where he saved by Trick. Edwin’s magic is drawn to trick, a man who did a nice turn for him when Trick really has nothing in his own life to be happy about. Edwin makes it is mission to be the best fair godfather that Trick could possibly need. What Edwin didn’t count on was the romance between that developed between them.
The chemistry and emotion between the MCs is sweet and gentle, it’s not an aggressive love – it is something that is both strong and kind. I don’t know how to explain it better than that. The book is stacked with emotion. Trick starts as a down-trodden guy to a man who is strong and certain in the world and it’s all because of Edwin. This book is magical in more ways than one and perfect for any fan of fantasy and true love.
Blurb: For paramedic Adam Carson, his world is lights and sirens and saving lives. Pressures at work keep him firmly in the closet, and life is too busy to contend with the complications that come with dating and relationships. When a familiar face from his past turns up where he least expects it, Adam starts to question whether or not there is room in his life for those complications.
The last person forensic pathologist Sam McKenna expects to see at pub night is Adam, the guy who made his life hell in high school. The attraction is instant, but Adam isn’t gay and Sam has no interest in pursuing him. Still, the leftover animosity from their teenage years isn’t enough to extinguish the lust growing between them. After both are called to the scene of a horrific murder, Adam admits he’s not as straight as he led Sam to believe and they seek comfort and distraction in each other’s arms. One night becomes many as the murder investigation intensifies, but when Adam is faced with losing Sam, he is forced to make a choice: to break his silence, or to give up everything for the job he loves.
Review: For me, A Forced Silence is a simple pleasure (in a totally good way) because it is basically everything that I am a sucker for in a romance. The narration by Scott R Smith was also great too and made me not want to stop listening. More than anything, I can’t wait to get more into this series (book 2 released by Dreamspinner 29 August 2016) – either reading or audio, I think I could easily enjoy this book either way.
The story follows Adam, a paramedic, and Sam, a forensic pathologist, who cross paths again after a number of years. They knew each other in high school, when Adam became friend with Sam’s then best friend, Mason. It is a complicated relationship which I wish that there was more explanation – or some type of resolution concerning the only ever mentioned and homophobic Mason. For this reason Sam is reticent when it comes to Adam. Not only did he make his life hell but Adam also insists on using the nickname “Dex” when Sam really and truly hates that Dexter is his real name.
The plot line is straight forward, and if you’ve read the blurb there is really no surprise. The mystery and murder investigation itself wasn’t overly suspenseful, it was more background noise and the romance between Sam and Adam was at the forefront of the entire story. Still, it mystery aspect did work well woven in with the romance. The only thing that we don’t really get a feel for in the blurb is fall out in the end. Of course, something needs to be a surprise, I suppose.
The ending is a HEA and just makes me smile, because If you like your paramedics, etc. and are a complete sucker for enemies to lovers this will be a book you will easily enjoy. It’s a real easy listen if you just need something in the background as you work or if you’re commuting.
I really would love to hear the story for Sam’s best friend, Ford, who is there constantly for Sam throughout the book.
Blurb: For paramedic Adam Carson, his world is lights and sirens and saving lives. Pressures at work keep him firmly in the closet, and life is too busy to contend with the complications that come with dating and relationships. When a familiar face from his past turns up where he least expects it, Adam starts to question whether or not there is room in his life for those complications.
The last person forensic pathologist Sam McKenna expects to see at pub night is Adam, the guy who made his life hell in high school. The attraction is instant, but Adam isn’t gay and Sam has no interest in pursuing him. Still, the leftover animosity from their teenage years isn’t enough to extinguish the lust growing between them. After both are called to the scene of a horrific murder, Adam admits he’s not as straight as he led Sam to believe and they seek comfort and distraction in each other’s arms.
One night becomes many as the murder investigation intensifies, but when Adam is faced with losing Sam, he is forced to make a choice: to break his silence, or to give up everything for the job he loves.
Review: This is the first book by this author that I have read and let me tell you, that she will be on my auto buy list. Well she will be as long as her stories don’t have girly parts in them. I always did love a man in a uniform. Something so damn sexy about them, even when their uniforms don’t do them justice.
This story just caught my attention from the start and kept it all the way to the end. I love how well-rounded the guys and their story was. Although Sam is a bit wimpy in my eyes, he still rocked it. Sam has a crush on an old classmate, but he also hated him with a passion. In school the man did nothing but make it impossible to like him. They shared one friend, and it would seem a jealous streak was showing even then. Sam had not realized though that Adam was only reacting that way because he liked Sam also.
Adam was certain that if he came out gay he would most certainly lose his job. He just had not expected for Sam to end things between them so that Adam could be happy. Too bad it was not working, the man was anything but happy.
Sam his whole life thought that Adam was straight, but to find out that he wasn’t and why he hid, made it a hard decision. Behind doors they rock all night long, but then day light hits and Adam is a scare little boy, who needs to make a decision.
Now I loved this story but there is a big cliff hanger at the end, a teaser of more death. The guys have a dead body, a man in jail and it would seem more questions unanswered. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book.
This is one story that will be read more than once.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Blurb: Charlie has one passion in life: dancing. It’s his salvation when it feels like the world is swallowing him whole. When his mom secretly secures him a spot in the summer intensive at the Free Rein Dance Company in New York, he is thrilled. He knows that once the summer ends, he’ll have to return to Beacon to get a job and help support his family, but for those two months, he can spread his wings. In New York he meets Max, a junior instructor who is everything Charlie wishes he could be. Bold and self-assured, Max radiates pride in who he is. As they spend time together, Max shows Charlie what life can be like past the walls of his closed-minded home town. But Charlie doesn’t know if he’s ready to show the world who he truly is when standing in the spotlight is the last thing he wants.
Review: Another lovely book from Cate Ashwood; I’m a happy girl! This is a beautiful, low in angst young adult story, one I enjoyed reading this from the beginning to the end. I’m not a frequent reader of YA books, but Cate Ashwood is one of those authors who successfully writes this genre, so I know I’m in good hands with her.
This is the story of Charlie and Max, two dancers who touched my heart in different ways. Charlie escapes to New York the summer after his high school graduation for an intensive dance program at a renounced school. The bullying he endures at his small town high school makes his life a living hell, and Charlie found a very unhealthy outlet for all the emotional pain he feels.
Max is a junior dance instructor at the school Charlie goes to for the summer, and the chemistry between them is instant and obvious. When they start training together for a duo and have to spend hours together getting very close and personal, sparks start flying, and Charlie has to come to terms with his sexuality.
I loved their friends to lovers story, and while there are not very explicit sex scenes between them, what we get is extremely sensual and romantic. You know the type of teenage love that’s all-consuming, greater than everything, passionate, a love that knows no bounds? That’s what we get from them, and I loved it! There’s plenty of kissing and snuggling, and the boys like to experiment a lot sexually, so have no worries, this book isn’t steam-less. I guess we get a more innocent type of sex, which was fitting since the boys are on the young side.
There are two things that would have made this book perfect. 1. We needed Max’s POV. He is such a patient, amazing, supportive, sexy, attentive man! He’s a perfect boyfriend without leaving us feeling like his character was overdone. Unfortunately, we don’t get to know much more about him than that, because this story is told exclusively from Charlie’s POV.
2. Charlie’s reluctance to discuss his feelings and expectations with his mother…it didn’t need to be here; it just didn’t make any sense to me why he was so set on going back home after the summer was over. I understood and admired his determination to help his mother financially, but that could be done without him giving up on the happiness he found in New York alongside Max. Charlie’s mother was such an amazing woman; loving, caring, understanding and accepting; I love it when we get amazing characters like her.
Beautiful HEA, adorable, lovable MCs, amazing secondary characters, and beautiful sensual dancing. What more do you want? Recommended!
Hiya guys, we have Cate Ashwood visiting today with her newest release The Storm Before the Calm, we have a great excerpt, a brilliant giveaway and Aerin’s review for you to enjoy. So enjoy the post and click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~
The Storm Before the Calm
by
Cate Ashwood
Charlie has one passion in life: dancing. It’s his salvation when it feels like the world is swallowing him whole. When his mom secretly secures him a spot in the summer intensive at the Free Rein Dance Company in New York, he is thrilled. He knows that once the summer ends, he’ll have to return to Beacon to get a job and help support his family, but for those two months, he can spread his wings.
In New York he meets Max, a junior instructor who is everything Charlie wishes he could be. Bold and self-assured, Max radiates pride in who he is. As they spend time together, Max shows Charlie what life can be like past the walls of his closed-minded home town. But Charlie doesn’t know if he’s ready to show the world who he truly is when standing in the spotlight is the last thing he wants.
Title: Red Runs Through Series: Piece Us Back Together Author: Cate Ashwood Genre: Contemporary Length: Novella (90 pages) Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (May 20th, 2015) Heat Level: Low Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts
Blurb: Carter McClintock’s life is uncomplicated. For the past five years, he’s spent so much time in hospital scrubs that one day bleeds into the next, and that’s just the way he likes it. That is, until he meets Matthew Nolan. Carter has never had a patient affect him the way Matthew does. During Matthew’s stay in the hospital, the chemistry is unmistakable, and once he is discharged, Carter asks him out.
Despite the obvious attraction between them, Matthew’s HIV status keeps him from handing Carter his heart, refusing to believe anyone could ever truly want him. When Matthew’s past comes to light, their budding relationship is threatened before it has even begun. But Carter isn’t one to give up without a fight and he will do anything to show Matthew the lengths he will go to keep them together.
Review:Red Runs Through is from the anthology (collection) Piece Us Back Together. These stories can all be read separate and standalone beautifully.
Carter is a phlebotomist. He likes his job and is planning a simple future, hoe retirement, insurance the necessities. He meets Matt and finds himself drawn to him. They become friends and when Mat is released from the hospital more. There is one big issue that Matt is afraid will ruin things with Carter when he finds out.
This is a fabulous story about inner turmoil. I loved how the story dealt with such a taboo subject as HIV. I loved both characters and would love to have both of their stories even though this one did justice and filled us in quite well. They were just such loveable characters!
Though the story is a bit sad and we know that Mathew’s fate may be sealed, I loved the positive attitude of both characters. I think this is a must read story for anyone dealing with HIV or having a family member dealing with it. We all need to remember they are people and dealing with something life threatening. We should embrace them as Carter does and not toss them to the trash. I love stories with strong characters.
If you like a sweet romance with a tough topic, HIV positive patients, a short story that has a happy for now ending give this a shot! * I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com
Hi peeps, we have Cate Ashwood, L.J. LaBarthe, and Raine O’Tierney and their anthology Piece Us Back Together but not only do we have the anthology we also have the individual stories as wellvisiting with us, we have a great excerpt, we find out 10 things about Cate Ashwood, there’s a brilliant giveaway and we have Cat’s review. So peeps check out the post, click that Rafflecopter giveaway and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~
Piece Us Back Together
by
Cate Ashwood, LJ LaBarthe, and Raine O’Tierney
Life can seem bleak for people suffering devastating injuries or illnesses of the mind and body, and every day can be a struggle. But sometimes, when hope seems in short supply, they find a reason to keep up the fight. The men in these stories face some of the most difficult challenges imaginable, but fortunately they won’t be facing them alone, because when everything seems darkest, a point of light appears. With compassion, understanding, and love, these hurt souls have a chance to piece the broken parts of their lives and themselves into something strong and beautiful. Love might even be able to mend the most serious wounds of all—those of the heart.
Title: Keeping Sweets Series: Keeping Sweets, #1 Author: Cate Ashwood Narrator: Jeff Gelder Genre: New Adult Romance Length: 6 hours and 25 minutes Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (03-27-15) Heat Level: Moderate to Explicit Heart Rating: e-book 4.5 Hearts | audio book 3.5 Hearts Blurb: Days away from high school graduation, with hardly a penny to his name, Evan Lowry needs to earn money for college. When he comes across an ad for modeling, he thinks his luck has changed—until he learns he’s interviewing for an adult film and will be expected to have sex. On camera. With other men.
For gay porn star Brandon Court, the shine has worn off of regular shoots. He and his producer, Les, decide to try something new: a reality-show porno set at a beach house. When he meets wide-eyed and naïve Evan for the first time, Brandon isn’t sure if he wants the kid to get lost or get naked. Naked wins.
On set, Brandon takes Evan under his wing, and over the next month, they are thrown together in every intimate way conceivable—except emotionally. Both Brandon and Evan are terrified of trying for anything deeper, and insecurities and doubts wear on their hopes, but the chemistry between them won’t let them slow things down.
Review: Tams e-book review Hearts March 2013:
The basis for this story is The Real World meets Queer as Folk. Brandon Court (aka Noah) is a gay porn star that has tired of the strain and requirements of his job that he used to like. On his next shoot he will not only be in front of the camera, but behind it as well. Deciding to take several other guys to a beach house and act out a scripted Melrose Place for gays!
Evan Lowry (aka Jackson) has just graduated high school and hops the first bus out of town, getting as far away from his homophobic, alcoholic step dad as possible. Thinking it will be easy money before he starts college, he answers an ad for a modeling job. It turns out to be for an adult film and the interview lands him right in Brandon’s lap, literally!
The worst part about this book is how fast Brandon and Evan fall in love, the best part about this book is how fast Brandon and Evan fall in love. Yes, you read that right. It’s completely unrealistic, but it fits for this story so I’m a bit torn about that aspect.
The question is, will Brandon be able to set aside his professional life and his hang-ups about holding Evan back if he admits his feelings for him? Or will the young, naïve young man get his heart broken for loving Brandon so fearlessly? Will Brandon be able to keep his sweets?
Once I got past the insta love, this really was a well written love story between two guys that ended up together due to a happy circumstance. The sex if off the chain! The way that these two love each other is intense and passionate and it translates quite well when reading it. I had to wipe the steam off my kindle a couple of times!
Tams updated Audio review May 2015:
Well, I swore I’d never listen to another Jeff Gelder narration again, but the Author asked me to give it a go so I did. I stand a little bit corrected. Perhaps Mr. Gelder has taken some of the reviews on his previous narrations to heart, because there was a huge improvement in his performance in this story compared to his previous audios.
Keeping Sweets has always been one of my favorite books, going back and listening to the story again after two years just reinforced my love for this book, the characters and the author. The audio version really brought all the secondary characters to life for me, in a way that the print version didn’t.
I absolutely loved the voice tones Gelder chose for Brandon, Evan and the country boy who would be Evan’s roommate. Riley however, that has to be possibly the worst Irish accent I’ve ever heard, epic fail there. And a few times while reading straight dialogue, Gelder reverted back to that robotic voice he sometimes has. But overall I was really pleasantly surprised with this audio.
One thing that didn’t change from print to audio was the relationship between the two ML. Brandon and Evan are smitten from the start and fall in love five minutes later. Their story is one of lust, love, passion and endurance as they can’t have their happy ever after until Brandon figures out that he is good enough to keep his sweets.
If you like stories like Amy Lane’s Johnnies series or are a fan of Ashwood’s work, then you are going to LOVE this one. And anyone out there that usually skips over any book narrated by Jeff Gelder, you should reconsider, I’m very happy that I did.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Hey guys, we are happy to present the cover for the upcoming book from the authors attending GayRomLit 2014 in Chicago in October which Cate Ashwood is arranging. We are also blessed with Pride Promotions sponsoring the giveaway so don’t forget to click that Rafflecopter link in appreciation <3 ~Pixie~
From Chicago With Love
by
Various authors
Writing is a solitary activity, and yet authors would be useless without readers to devour the words they create. GayRomLit brings the two together; a community made up of people with different tastes and styles, from all over the world, all with one thing in common: a passion for romance.
From science fiction to urban fantasy, from historical to paranormal to contemporary, enjoy an eclectic collection of stories and excerpts from the authors attending GayRomLit 2014 in Chicago.
This is an exclusive at GRL 2014 in Chicago with more than 80 of the Featured and Supporting Authors of GRL
Hiya my fellow mm readers, we now have the fabulous Cate Ashwood with her audiobook Wholehearted, we have an excerpt for you to listen to, a great giveaway where you could win your own audio copy and Tams fantastic review. So peeps I will leave you to enjoy the post and remember to click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~
Wholehearted (Audiobook)
(Hope Cove 02)
by
Cate Ashwood
Officer Declan Grant responds to a call at the Hope Cove docks to find Lucas Hale barely alive after being beaten and tossed off his fishing boat. The violent crime rocks this tranquil community where everyone knows each other and doors are rarely locked. Despite Declan being new to Hope Cove, he wants to keep his new home and Lucas safe. He starts by volunteering to care for Lucas after he’s released from the hospital.
Lucas just wants to put the whole incident behind him and move on, but the more he gets to know Declan, the harder he finds it to push Declan and his do-right attitude away. The investigation into the assault continues, but Declan will soon face a moral dilemma, a choice that may topple his tidy life and force him to choose between Lucas and the law.
Hey guys, Cate Ashwood is celebrating her Audiobook release of Brokenhearted with this book blast and Giveaway, so enjoy the book blast and click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~
And Congratulations Cate on your new baby boy <3
Brokenhearted
(Hope Cove 01)
by
Cate Ashwood
Oliver Parrish has been alone in the world since he was born. So when Sheriff Owen “Mack” Macklin shows up on his doorstep to deliver the news that Oliver’s sister has died, he’s beyond surprised. Still, Oliver returns with Mack to Hope Cove, Maine, hoping to get to know the sister he never knew he had. As he tries to snap these new elements into his solitary life, he’s not sure how they might fit.
His life is shaken up further as he falls in love with the irresistible town of Hope Cove, and with Mack, its equally irresistible sheriff. But when he receives devastating news about his sister’s cause of death, Oliver doesn’t know whether to stay and fight for love and a good life, or cut his losses and run.
Blurb: Haydn Prescott stood by and watched his friends fall in love, something he hopes never happens to him. It’s too much drama, thankyouverymuch. He just wants a hot guy to roll around with every once in a while. No muss, no fuss. Out for a night of dancing, he meets Trevor Ryan and the two are explosive together. The next morning, Haydn wakes up alone.
Trevor is gone and Haydn thinks he’s seen the last of him… until months later when Trevor walks into Haydn’s bakery in Hope Cove. Entanglements and complications ooze from Trevor, but Haydn can’t ignore him—Trevor won’t let him. Haydn always believed he wanted to be free and single forever, but now he’s torn: does he want to be with Trevor or should he play it safe and stick to what’s worked?
Review: This is the third book in a series that should be read in order to fully appreciate all the characters.
Haydn Prescott has never thought of himself as the type to settle down. He witnessed firsthand as his grandparents and parents slowly drove each other mad, and they are still together, miserable as ever. He remembers all too well, how the breakup in the beginning of his best friend Oliver’s relationship with Mack almost killed both of them. Of course, they’re happy now… or as Haydn likes to think of it, for now. Thanks, but no thanks are his thoughts. He is not, however, in objection to a night of mind-blowing sex with the guy he meets at the bar.
Trevor Ryan spots Haydn the second he walks into the bar, and he likes what he sees. The two share a sex filled one nightstand and that’s the end of it. But Trevor can’t stop thinking about Haydn. So when he, his daughter and sister wander into the bakery one day, both Trevor and Haydn are taken aback to find each other where they live. Sparks fly once again and they quickly find themselves in familiar territory.
The pair share more than just an explosive sex life. There is a deep mutual attraction and communication seems to flow. But Haydn is so dead set on being in a committed relationship that as soon as a good time starts to show signs of something long-term, he freaks and runs. Trevor is determined to prove to Haydn that they can be together and be happy.
Ashwood is one of my favorite authors in the genre. I especially love the way she has written this series focusing on a specific coupling within each book, but still intertwining all the couples and characters into every story. There is a way that this author explores the passion between two men that is absolutely breathtaking, captivating and downright sexy! But there is a valid storyline underneath that aspect as well.
If you are a reader that likes stories about never giving up and finding your HEA, then this is the series for you.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for MM Good Book Reviews*
Blurb: Officer Declan Grant responds to a call at the Hope Cove docks to find Lucas Hale barely alive after being beaten and tossed off his fishing boat. The violent crime rocks this tranquil community where everyone knows each other and doors are rarely locked. Despite Declan being new to Hope Cove, he wants to keep his new home and Lucas safe. He starts by volunteering to care for Lucas after he’s released from the hospital.
Lucas just wants to put the whole incident behind him and move on, but the more he gets to know Declan, the harder he finds it to push Declan and his do-right attitude away. The investigation into the assault continues, but Declan will soon face a moral dilemma, a choice that may topple his tidy life and force him to choose between Lucas and the law.
Review: This is the second book in a series that should be read in sequence if you truly want to appreciate the story, the town, and the characters.
Declan Grant has always known he wanted to be a cop. Even after a “scandal” at his former job with the Police Department in Austin left him broken and without a job, he still wanted to be a cop. Aimlessly driving trying to find himself, he wound up in Hope Cove and found not only himself, but also where he wanted to be. He finds himself questioning his morals and conscience when a routine call changes his life, irrevocably.
Lucas Hale never thought he’d amount to much. But, he’s as happy as he can be as a fisherman working odd jobs on various boats. When a mistaken mutual attraction almost costs him his life, he too finds his way to Hope cove and Declan. Lucas is fragile and beyond broken, he’s shattered. He’s afraid to be honest with anyone, especially himself, about who he is as it almost got him killed. But he can’t help the growing attraction for the tall, handsome deputy that apparently saved his life.
When Lucas moves into Declan’s home temporarily due to his injuries and no other options, the two quickly find their way into each other’s arms. These two can only do things slightly backwards and at light speed, and they seemingly fall in love almost overnight. When Declan accidentally breaks a promise he made to Lucas, he can’t get away from Declan fast enough. Can these newborn lovers get past their bruised egos and obvious issues with trust long enough to actually talk about what happened?
As I said this is definitely insta-love, but Ashwood added the appropriate amount of water. Both men have trust issues for similar reasons. But the way they fit together and complement each other like pieces of a puzzle was so well written and conveyed. Lucas is terribly troubled and haunted by what has happened to him, and he can only see what Declan did as a betrayal of trust, whether it was his intention or not. I loved how the author kept us abreast of the latest in Mack and Oliver’s life as well in this installment.
Ashwood certainly has a keen knowledge of the male anatomy, and it shows in every book she writes. Though Declan and Lucas don’t have earth shattering sex, they share a passion for each other that is undeniable, and it radiates off the pages. I most definitely recommend this book, this series, as well as Ashwood’s previous works. Read them all. Loved them all. Fantastic up and coming M/M writer!!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for MM Good Book Reviews*
Oliver Parrish has been alone in the world since he was born. So when Sheriff Owen “Mack” Macklin shows up on his doorstep to deliver the news that Oliver’s sister has died, he’s beyond surprised. Still, Oliver returns with Mack to Hope Cove, Maine, hoping to get to know the sister he never knew he had. As he tries to snap these new elements into his solitary life, he’s not sure how they might fit.
His life is shaken up further as he falls in love with the irresistible town of Hope Cove, and with Mack, its equally irresistible sheriff. But when he receives devastating news about his sister’s cause of death, Oliver doesn’t know whether to stay and fight for love and a good life, or cut his losses and run.
Review: Oliver Parrish is a formidable chef. He feels most at home and calm when he’s in the kitchen. An orphan that was tossed from foster home to foster home when he was younger was under the impression that he had no family. The tall, handsome stranger he finds sleeping on his doorstep one morning changes everything.
Owen Macklin, Mack for short, is the town sheriff in Hope Cove, Maine. His best friend died recently and to honor her memory, Mack has set out to find her brother, the brother she never knew. Mack makes Oliver a proposition. An open-ended ticket for Oliver to accompany him back to Maine to appreciate the memory of the sister he never knew.
Day by day Oliver learns more about Maggie, and Mack. From the plane ride to the bakery his sister owned to the journals she chronicled her life in, Oliver meets Maggie. At the same time, a growing mutual attraction between the orphan and the sheriff is brewing. The harder Oliver falls for Mack, the more he wants to stay in Hope Cove, and he starts making plans to do just that. Then a stunning revelation during Maggie’s autopsy uncovers a dangerous disease. A disease that is hereditary. Just when Oliver found his place in life, a place where he’s wanted and loved, he faces the risk of losing everything… literally.
This book made me laugh, cry, and swoon! Mack is a big, badass alpha male but just every now and then, he needs to be the one that follows. And Oliver is the perfect leader, just every now and then. The balance between these two characters was amazing and evident. Where one pushed, the other pulled and Ashwood conveyed that give and take perfectly throughout the story. I think my favorite aspect of this story was Maggie’s journals. She and Oliver never got to meet before she died, but she left behind dozens of journals that chronicled her life and it allowed him a glimpse into her mind. The journal entry where she talked about finding out she had a brother and how happy she was, to imagine Oliver reading that, I was full on snot slinging crying. Just beautiful!
This is Ashwood’s third book and all three are a must read for fans of the genre. She can really nail the sexy and passionate side of a relationship. The way her characters play off of each other’s emotions, and love each other so thoroughly is a wonderful thing. I definitely recommend you read not just this book, but also all her books. I’m quite excited that this is the first in a series. I’m hoping for something for Declan, the deputy, in the next installment. We shall see!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through MM Good Book Reviews*
Blurb: Blake Emmerich arrives at practice, already apprehensive, to meet his new synchronized diving partner. When he sees Nick Freeman, Blake doesn’t feel confident about their chances. The day begins with Nick pushing Blake off the ten meter and ends with their coach cuffing them together to force them to deal with each other like the adults they’re supposed to be. Synchronized diving is about trust—how can you trust someone you can’t stand, no matter how hot you think they are?
Review: Short, Sexy and Steamy… my three favorite colors!! Blake Emmerich hasn’t been in the water since his long time partner, Patrick, was injured during a dive. His coach insists that he train for the upcoming Olympics, but he’s leery after Patrick’s accident. Not to mention he’s a synchronized diver, which requires a partner. Enter Nick Freeman.
Nick Freeman is gorgeous and a damn good diver. He’s also conceited and stubborn. After a disastrous practice, the coach decides to cuff them together in an attempt to make them get along and work better together as a team, synchronized if you will. It’s a very rocky start, until one night Nick is seeking some “relief” that can only come from the person he’s cuffed to.
These two finally find a rhythm after a passionate night together, but what will happen when the cuffs are removed? The only thing I didn’t like about this book was how short it was! I love Ashwood’s style of writing and the way she tells her stories. I’d love to see more from Blake and Nick. Although this is a novella, you still get a very well written back story and some hot sex between two consenting adult males.
Blurb: Days away from high school graduation, with hardly a penny to his name, Evan Lowry needs to earn money for college. When he comes across an ad for modeling, he thinks his luck has changed—until he learns he’s interviewing for an adult film and will be expected to have sex. On camera. With other men.
For gay porn star Brandon Court, the shine has worn off of regular shoots. He and his producer, Les, decide to try something new: a reality-show porno set at a beach house. When he meets wide-eyed and naïve Evan for the first time, Brandon isn’t sure if he wants the kid to get lost or get naked. Naked wins.
On set, Brandon takes Evan under his wing, and over the next month, they are thrown together in every intimate way conceivable—except emotionally. Both Brandon and Evan are terrified of trying for anything deeper, and insecurities and doubts wear on their hopes, but the chemistry between them won’t let them slow things down.
Review: The basis for this story is The Real World meets Queer as Folk. Brandon Court (aka Noah) is a gay porn star that has tired of the strain and requirements of a job that he used to like. On his next shoot he will not only be in front of the camera, but behind it as well. Deciding to take several other guys to a beach house and act out a scripted Melrose Place for gays!
Evan Lowry (aka Jackson) has just graduated high school and hops the first bus out-of-town, getting as far away from his homophobic, alcoholic step-dad as possible. Thinking it will be easy money before he starts college, he answers an ad for a modeling job. It turns out to be for an adult film and the interview lands him right in Brandon’s lap, literally!
The worst part about this book is how fast Brandon and Evan fall in love, the best part about this book is how fast Brandon and Evan fall in love. Yes, you read that right. It’s completely unrealistic, but it fits for this story so I’m a bit torn about that aspect. The question is, will Brandon be able to set aside his professional life and his hang-ups about holding Evan back if he admits his feelings for him? Or will the young, naïve young man get his heart-broken for loving Brandon so fearlessly? Will Brandon be able to keep his sweets?
Once I got past the insta-love, this really was a well written love story between two guys that ended up together due to a happy circumstance. The sex if off the chain! The way that these two love each other is intense and passionate and it translates quite well when reading it. I had to wipe the steam off my Kindle a couple of times!
Title: When the Devil Wants In
Title: His Fairy Godfather
Title: A Forced Silence
Title: A Forced Silence
Title: The Storm Before the Calm
Title: Red Runs Through
Title: Keeping Sweets
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