Blurb: Love can hit you hard before you even see it coming….
When rugby player Liam transfers to Melbourne, he’s blindsided by his attraction to the hottest lifeguard on the beach. Luckily Matty knows mouth-to-mouth….
Liam’s left his friends and family—everything comforting and familiar—back in Canberra. He knows it all comes with the job, adjusting to a new city and a new team, but he’s lonely. Maybe it’s time to find something outside his career to fulfill him.
Working as a lifeguard and being by the ocean is Matty’s dream come true. The big, blond, blue-eyed hottie new to his beach catches his attention right away. When he runs into Liam again at the pub, he takes the shy league player under his wing and into his group of mates, and they become fast friends.
But when they go from friends to lovers, the emotions that come with their deepening romance catch them both off guard. Can two men without any experience at relationships navigate their way to steady ground?
Review: This was first published by Totally Bound Publishing company.
Liam left his home and his family back where he was from when he went pro. It was the life of a pro sports player. When out at the beach he has noticed the hottest man guarding the beach and swimmers. When he runs into him once more, he is left with a need to breathe. The sparks fly between them and damn if it doesn’t get hotter.
Matty seems to be the perfect man for him and has the same heated feelings for Liam. He brings the poor man into his group of friends and they are a quirky group. They seem to have more drama then one person should have.
I have never been a fan of sports or reading about them so I wasn’t really sure what to expect. However this story seemed more focus on everyone else and the sports then the actual growing relationship between the two men. Although it was not as much about sports as I would have expected though. So that part was kind of a nice change. It is a very slow paced story with a slow burn. It didn’t really have a lot of depth that one would expect to a story. I did like the kittens though. I didn’t really understand some of the words that was used, but after a bit of looking it up figured it out.
I have read a few stories by these authors and have always loved their books. However I hate to admit that I wasn’t drawn into this book like I should have been. It just didn’t call to me and keep my attention. It is a very cute story and the characters were enjoyable. I would have liked more about them then their friends, but it was still sweet. I just didn’t really care for it and am not sure if I would continue this series or not. We will see on that.
Blurb:If Hill keeps putting cowboys ahead of his marriage, even being a cardiologist won’t help David fix their broken hearts.
Hillard ‘Hill’ Pearson, the new events director of the American Royal, has worked hard to get to where he is. This is his first year as director, and the huge responsibility of the more visible position has taken over his life. Yes, he could be considered a workaholic, but he’s put fifteen years into the event he’s loved since he was a kid, and now is his chance to shine.
When David Weinstein finally convinced his long-time partner, Hill, to marry him, he thought it would bring them closer together. Instead, they’re not even to their first anniversary and their relationship is suffering. David’s finally at a stage in his medical career where he has regular hours, but he can’t seem to connect with his husband when he’s free. Now, with the event that he’s sick of hearing about underway, he feels like he’s making all the effort with no return.
Can Hill and David resuscitate their love before David gives up on the promise of forever?
Review: Who doesn’t to read about Cowboys? The Boots, the snug jeans and the swagger in their walk. David and Hillard, ‘Hill’ has been together for about fifteen years, but married only one year. As much as they love each other, they’re drifting apart, and David wants to do anything that he can to stop that. Hill was promoted in his job and he is now the Events Director, and the job is so time consuming, that he misses lots of important dates with his husband David. On this particular day, David is waiting for Hill, way past the time that they had agreed upon. David wants to celebrate the anniversary of their first date, but Hill forgets, and therein lies the distance that David feels is growing between them.
Yes, Hill loves his job, and has worked very hard for his position in the company, and he doesn’t want to do anything that can jeopardize it, but he have to compromise or he will lose the best thing in his life and it isn’t his job. Will a talk from his Boss convince him to pull up his boots, and find his priorities where his husband is concerned, or will he lose his husband to his work?
I love this author’s work, and I would recommend this story to anyone that wants a quick read about a couple and the heartfelt emotions the author showed in this story.
Blurb: Vance thought his pride meant everything to him…until fate sent Joey into his lair and into his heart.
Vance has grown up the odd one out in a macho and very insular pride of lion shifters. Differences like enjoying the cool fall weather are bad enough—his pridemates would kill him if they learned he was gay. Still, his pride is all he knows. He’s never even met a shifter of another type…until he discovers an unconscious cougar male in his lair.
Joey is on the run and wants to keep Vance at arm’s length, especially since someone very close to the lion is at the root of all his troubles. But there is something irresistible about Vance, something that has Joey wanting more than he has ever dared to dream.
When their lives are threatened, Joey must choose whether to sacrifice himself, or try to live and keep Vance close…for the very short remainder of his life.
Publisher’s Note: This book has previously been released by Pride Publishing. It has been revised, expanded and re-edited for re-release.
Review: I love a story that has a twist that takes me by surprise as this one did. Joey is on the verge of death but manages to escape his captors and hide out in a cave to recover. Unbeknownst to him it’s Vance’ private spot where he can get away from his pride and reflect on things. Vance finds Joey but is unable to make him leave due to the pull he feels.
As the story progresses we learn what happened to Joey and who exactly caused it. I loved the tense nature in this story. It kept me intrigued and engaged to know exactly what happened. The twists and turns just kept on coming.
Blurb: When Brady was given a free pass to sow his wild oats, as long as he’s back with the pride before fall, he never dreamed he’d meet his mate…or that his mate would be a man.
As the pride’s alpha heir, Brady knows the weight of responsibility. He’s expected to settle down, find a mate and have an heir of his own. But first he’s given the opportunity to travel and visit other prides, an unspoken opportunity to get his attraction to men out of his system before he comes home and does his duty.
Mason has his hands full fostering Jonah, an abandoned teen soon to have his first shift. He doesn’t have time to babysit a visiting alpha heir, but duty calls. As the second son of the alpha, he knows his place, and when he’s given a task, he does it.
Brady and Mason realize almost instantly that they are mates…and both also know that it can never come to pass. With the expectations they need to fulfill, this short time together will be the only chance they have to taste what could be. But they are tied together by more than just instinct—old crimes and hidden connections come to light and they are forced to make hard choices between duty and love.
Publisher’s Note: This book is the sequel to Pride and Joey.
Review: After the events in the first book Brady, the Alpha heir, is told by his father to take some time and sow his wild oats then come back and choose a mate. The first place he goes he meets Mason, the second son of the alpha to that pride. Mason is fostering Jonah, a young man whose father disappeared.
Sparks fly between Brady and Mason and when they actually come together boy is it hot. But they are not the only story being told as revelations come to light about Jonah and who his father was that throw everyone’s life upside down.
Fantastic read with plenty of hotness, suspense and mystery that leave the reader reeling with the end. I loved it and highly recommend it.
Blurb: Christian wants closure on his relationship with a closeted cheater, so he dons a disguise to see the evidence for himself. He attends the annual masquerade ball on the arm of his friend, looking for the Stranger in Black. But when he finds him, the farewell encounter in a back room doesn’t quite go as planned
Jarrod goes undercover, wearing the black and gold mask to ferret out Chris–the “other woman” his best friend’s fiancé is fooling around with. He isn’t prepared for his reaction to the sexy vision in the white gown…especially since he’s gay.
It’s not the unmasking that exposes their dual deception, but the gloves…and the pants…coming off. Now Christian and Jarrod need to work together to protect the innocent party in all of this. And along the way, they just might become more than strangers.
Review: I have read a couple of books by this author and have always been surprised each time. I am afraid though, that this one didn’t have that reaction. For me the blurb gave it away and I had a clue what was going to happen right from the start.
Christian has loved Carl for quite a while, that is until he finds out that he is engaged to a woman. Once a cheater always a cheater, at least in my book. However he needs proof and decides to do a little digging. He is going to attend a masquerade party and catch the cheating rat ass in the act. Too bad the one he thought was Carl was in fact Jarrod. It would seem Jarrod is there to make sure Carl’s cheating stops. He is just shocked that Chris is a man.
This story was a bit of a let-down for me. I didn’t see the heat that should have been there and Mira was a bit off in my mind. She had this “cheated on but ok” attitude that was off. That and her reaction to David was a sign. Although it was closer to the end so it didn’t really matter. David was a hit that is for sure. The man was straight and here he was helping his best friend dress up as a woman. I laughed my ass off at that.
This is a very quick, short read. It had great potential, but the fact that right off the bat you’re lost is a bit disappointing. I felt like I was just thrown into the middle. There was no true beginning for me which drove me nuts. However it comes clean further into the book. I did not much care for this book, however it is well written. There really wasn’t that much heat in it which doesn’t bode well for me.
Hi guys, we have T.A. Chase visiting us today with her newest release The Unicorn Said Yes which is part of the Unconventional in San Deigo anthology, we have a fantastic guest post from T.A., we have a great excerpt, the brilliant Pride Publishing giveaway and we have Lisa’s review. So guys enjoy the post and then click the giveaway link <3 ~Pixie~
Unconventional in San Deigo
by
Carol Lynne, Amber Kell, TA Chase, Jambrea Jo Jones and Devon Rhodes
‘Fate’s Bridge’ by Carol Lynne
Is it possible for a soul to be reborn inside another?
What would you do if you discovered someone harboring a soul you recognized as one from a deceased loved one? For vampire Roman Gschwind, the scenario becomes a reality when he meets Bodi Rain.
‘Coming in Third’ by Amber Kell
Love sometimes comes in threes.
Jovan and Luka have been searching for their third for years. When Niall stumbles into the bar, their shifter instincts tell them the innocent fae could be their long sought mate. After a sensual night together, they’re certain the beautiful man was fated to be theirs.
‘The Unicorn Said Yes’ by TA Chase
When an innocent human virgin meets the king of the unicorn herd, it’s not just legends that come true.
As the unicorn king and the virgin begin to fall in love, there are darker forces working behind the scenes to take advantage of the unicorn legends for their own evil purpose. Neither Ivan nor Carney are safe alone, but together, they just might be strong enough to keep Ivan alive.
‘Blood on the Moon’ by Jambrea Jo Jones
Be careful what you wish for, especially when you’re a witch.
Can a witch and an incubus solve the mystery before one of them dies? The blood on the moon wasn’t the only thing they had to worry about. Meddling family, close calls with death and a missing witch are enough to keep anyone busy, but can Kishar and Montague still find time for love?
‘A Silver of Sunset’ by Devon Rhodes
From one-night stand to nurse and patient—is it crazy to expect more?
Dominic can’t believe his luck when bravely striking up a conversation with the hottest guy he’s ever seen leads to the best sex he’s ever had. When he wakes up—no surprise—Angelo is gone. A week later, he’s shocked when he walks in to meet a new oncology patient to find Angelo fighting for his life and dependent upon his care.
Will their timing ever improve, or will Angelo’s time run out before they get a chance?
Like the sound of the Unconventional in San Diego anthology? Buy ithere.
Is it possible for a soul to be reborn inside another?
What would you do if you discovered someone harboring a soul you recognized as one from a deceased loved one? For vampire Roman Gschwind, the scenario becomes a reality when he meets Bodi Rain.
Unfortunately, it soon becomes clear that Roman must share Bodi with another vampire if he has any chance of rekindling the love that he’d lost so long ago.
‘Coming in Third’ by Amber Kell
Love sometimes comes in threes.
With his mother plotting to have him wed, Niall decides to sneak out of the fae palace and fulfill one of his greatest fantasies. At the Unconventional bar, he finds a pair of lion shifters looking to spice up their love life. Unable to resist the strong attraction between them, Niall lets the persuasive pair take him home.
Jovan and Luka have been searching for their third for years. When Niall stumbles into the bar, their shifter instincts tell them the innocent fae could be their long sought mate. After a sensual night together, they’re certain the beautiful man was fated to be theirs.
His guards fetch him from the shifters’ bed and Niall is taken away from the pair. Upset about Niall’s return to the palace and a possible arranged marriage, the lion shifters battle to decide their future—should they go and fetch their mate or let it only be the one-night stand Niall promised them?
Reader Advisory: This book contains scenes of M/M/M ménage.
‘The Unicorn Said Yes’ by T.A. Chase
When an innocent human virgin meets the king of the unicorn herd, it’s not just legends that come true.
Ivan Brusilov goes to Unconventional to get a drink and let off some steam. Little does he realize he’ll be meeting his destiny when he walks in.
Carney Ferguson goes to the paranormal bar to celebrate his twenty-fifth birthday. Maybe he’s looking for some fun as well, considering he’s still a virgin. He doesn’t like admitting it, but when he meets Ivan, he discovers that being a virgin can bring opportunities that being experienced might not.
As the unicorn king and the virgin begin to fall in love, there are darker forces working behind the scenes to take advantage of the unicorn legends for their own evil purpose. Neither Ivan nor Carney are safe alone, but together, they just might be strong enough to keep Ivan alive.
‘Blood on the Moon’ by Jambrea Jo Jones
Be careful what you wish for, especially when you’re a witch.
Montague Ramey wanted something to happen in his life. He thought when he found out he was a witch that his life would become more exciting, but it was the same thing every day. His coven was nice and boring, as was his job with the television station anchoring the news. The only excitement he got was going to the local bar, but there weren’t very many men who wanted to play. That was, until the moon turned red and his life changed.
After Kishar Nichelson’s motorcycle stalled on the highway with no traffic in sight, he stumbled into a small town around midnight, the red moon guiding his way. On the run and weak, Kishar needed to figure out where he was and who was after him before lack of sex killed him.
Can a witch and an incubus solve the mystery before one of them dies? The blood on the moon wasn’t the only thing they had to worry about. Meddling family, close calls with death and a missing witch are enough to keep anyone busy, but can Kishar and Montague still find time for love?
‘A Sliver of Sunset’ by Devon Rhodes
From one-night stand to nurse and patient—is it crazy to expect more?
Angelo has somehow developed leukemia—the only paranormal ever known to do so—and the doctors are mystified as to the cause. The cure requires him to repress his shifter side with a chemical inhibitor and be entirely human while he goes through chemotherapy, which contributes to some interesting situations he never would have foreseen—things like ‘misplacing’ his favorite bar, Unconventional, and getting picked up by a human without realizing it’s his mate.
Dominic can’t believe his luck when bravely striking up a conversation with the hottest guy he’s ever seen leads to the best sex he’s ever had. When he wakes up—no surprise—Angelo is gone. A week later, he’s shocked when he walks in to meet a new oncology patient to find Angelo fighting for his life and dependent upon his care.
Will their timing ever improve, or will Angelo’s time run out before they get a chance?
Review: When sexy humans and paranormals meet in a club set up for drinks, it is going to get hot. This is one of the cutest, sexiest, extremely hot and a perfect story to read. You get all different types of paranormals that will intrique you and captivate your heart. I always look forward to stories written by some of my favorite authors and I was not disappointed at all.
‘Fate’s Bridge’ by Carol Lynne ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Roman, Alexi and Bodi what a combination. Roman had been deeply in love with Julian. The problem was Julian passed on with a bit of pain. He had promised to come back. Roman had held on. Then over time, Roman met Bodi with Alexi’s help. Alexi was Romans brother by vampire ways not by birth. He had not expected to be bonded to Alexi also.
Damn this was a very hot story even if it was way too short to fall in love with. I do hope that Carol turns around and expands this story. I would definitely buy that book.
‘Coming in Third’ by Amber Kell ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts
Niall, Jovan and Luka are a sight to see. Niall was going to be forced into a marriage by his bitch of a mother, but for once he had other ideas. He was going to have a ménage a trios with two sexy men. He was shocked to find the two in lion shifters and what’s more they were his mates. Although he hadn’t known that at the time. Leave it to Jovan and Luka to save the day. Hot damn these three are hot.
Amber always gives one a good story. This was definitely hot and sexy, too bad it was to short to get more than a taste. I hope Amber expands it and turns it into a story on its own. I would definitely be the first to buy it.
‘The Unicorn Said Yes’ by T.A. Chase ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts
Carney and Ivan are a unique pair that is for sure. Ivan is the Unicorn king and Carney is the son of hunters. Carney had been given permission to go out finally and he was going to have fun. Although he had not expect Ivan.
This one was a bit stranger that is for sure. I wasn’t really sure what to think about it. I did have fun reading it. It is one of a very few list of books which have unicorns in it, so it makes it a truly fascinating story.
‘Blood on the Moon’ by Jambrea Jo Jones ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts
Montague and Kishar are two hot men that I wouldn’t mind seeing in action. Kishar was an incubi and his kind needed sex to survive. He was against killing. Montague was surprised when he found Kishar outside of his home. He was even more surprised to find out that Kishar was for him. Montague was a powerful witch who has found his mate.
This was better than I thought it would be. Jambrea gave another good story. Now if only she would expand it and give me a book to buy. Because this little taste left me wanting more. It was an exciting story that had a bit of a twist.
‘A Sliver of Sunset’ by Devon Rhodes ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts
Dominic and Angelo are a love story for sure. You get to meet Angel in Amber’s story. He is a sex little merman who has found out that para’s can get cancer. He went to the club, to find it gone, but ended up meeting Dominic. Dominic is the perfect nurse for when you get ill. These two are just so damn sweet. Dominic is in fact Angel’s nurse and so much more.
This was a cute little story that did intrigue me. I have not ever read a story that involved mermen so it was a different type of story, plus cancer added in made it intriguing. It was so damn short that all I got was a taste. I would love for Devon to expand it with more details and history. It would be a book that I would purchase that is for sure.
Overall
I definitely would go to this bar. It looks interesting and sounds perfect. It invites humans and paranormals for a drink. I had a great time with it and look forward to reading more by these amazing authors. I had a blast with this book and would definitely recommend it.
Title: A Ring and a Vow Series: A Ring and a Promise, #2 Author: Devon Rhodes Genre: Contemporary/ Men in Uniform Length: Short Story (48 pages) Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing (May 22, 2015) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts Blurb: Every promise must someday be fulfilled, and the best way Owen knows how to reward Cary’s faith is with a vow.
It’s been nearly five years since Owen went down on one knee with his Academy ring and promised Cary he’d someday do it for real. With Cary being a naval aviator and Owen a Marine officer serving in Iraq, they’re rarely on the same continent, let alone together.
About time for them to fill out paperwork to re-up, Owen realizes that if they were married, they’d have a much better chance of being stationed nearby. But time is not on their side, so he’s forced to compromise on his proposal in order to make it work.
Cary has been waiting for Owen for years—there was no chance he’d ever say anything but yes. Owen is coming home at last, and wants to make a home with him. However, between the chronic nightmares he’s been fighting and the ever more complicated wedding plans, the next month could be anything but a dream.
Reader Advisory: This book is the sequel to A Ring and A Promise by Devon Rhodes.
Publisher’s Note: This story has been previously released as part of the Semper Fidelis anthology by Totally Bound Publishing. ISBN: 978-1-78430-601-4
Review: This story has been previously released as part of the Semper Fidelis anthology. I don’t usually care for short stories because it just gives you a taste and leaves you wanting more. However this one doesn’t really do that.
You learn about Cary and Owen in the first book so you really should start with that one.
Owen and Cary are both military men and are not usually stationed together. Cary can see himself spending the rest of his life with Owen. So when Owen pops the question, Cary can’t wait for it to happen. Now if only the nightmares Cary has will stop.
I had a blast reading this and look forward to hearing more about their lives together. It was a perfect love story for two gorgeous men in uniforms.
I would definitely recommend reading this. It will give you almost everything you could want in a love story.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Bonfire Heart Series: Unconventional Chicago, #5 Author: Devon Rhodes Genre:Reader Advisory: The stories in this anthology are set in a contemporary alternate universe. Length: Novella (54 Pages) Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing (December 26th, 2014) Available for early download November 28th, 2014) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Heaerts Blurb:Sometimes fires burn and destroy, but from the ashes, new growth can heal and cleanse.
Thierry Alexander is the deputy mayor of Chicago, a city he loves but can’t save on his own from the corrupt political system. His assistant and lover, Eduardo, is also known as Cesar, the head of the underground resistance movement. He has been working behind the scenes for years and finally gets what he needs—enough information to get the US government involved and take down the criminal elements strangling the city he loves.
But they need to act fast because legislation is about to be enacted that will give rise to social and ethnic purging in Chicago. Not knowing who they can trust, they will have to put their faith in one another and risk everything to save a city.
Publisher’s Note: This story has been previously released as part of the An Unconventional Chicago anthology by Totally Bound Publishing.
ISBN: 978-1-78430-341-9 Product Link: https://www.totallybound.com/bonfire-heart Reviewer: Lisa Review: This story has been previously released as part of the An Unconventional Chicago Anthology. It was an amazing story but would be better if it had been longer. I loved this story. It was the final ending to the previous books. It was amazing and I had a blast reading it. I loved the happy ending that there was and the fact that all of the sexy men from the previous books and this one were happy and alive.
Thierry was the deputy mayor and part of the resistance. He was a major player whose intent was to free Chicago from the crime families. Eduardo was not only his assistant but also his lover. His goal was to free Chicago and to stay with the man he loved. The danger out there was strong but they have proven that they were stronger. Stronger together than apart. Eduardo was also the head of the resistant and was known as Cesar.
This was amazing and I had so much fun with it. Of course, I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happened next. I loved it and want to start reading the whole series once again. It gave me everything I could want in a story. In fact, it gave me more than I could ask for.
I would definitely recommend reading this story. It gives you sexy men, dangerous situations, excitement, twist and turns, suspense and some very hot sex. It had caught my attention from the moment I started reading and kept it all the way to the end. I loved this story and this whole series.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: An Ace in the Tiebreak Series: International Men of Sport #8 Author: TA Chase, Devon Rhodes Genre: Contemporary/Sports Length: Novel (183 pages) Publisher: Totally Bound (October 9, 2014) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts Blurb: When Robin has to save his career and choose between two very different men, he has to try not to double-fault… while hoping for an ace.
Professional tennis player Robin Keller has a love/hate relationship with most everything in his life – his game, his tennis rival and sometimes hook-up Danie Coetzee, the pills and alcohol he uses to get through his days. Nothing seems to be going right anymore, and when he hits rock bottom after the French Open, drastic changes are the only option.
Quinn Damaris has a well-earned reputation for turning around the careers of the athletes he acts as chef for, and he can tell from the first meeting that Robin is going to be a challenge. As a double amputee, he’s not a man to back down just because the road is rough.
He didn’t count on anything starting between them, especially when the way he realises Robin is gay is when he sees him with Danie. Robin will have to make a choice. Is Quinn kidding himself to think that a tennis star could fall for a man who isn’t whole?
Review: Okay, I will admit it now. Sport themed books are my guilty pleasure. An odd choice for someone who only follows basketball and knows vague enough rules to get along with a handful of other sports. An Ace in the Tiebreaker is a standalone book in TA Chase and Devon Rhode’s series, International Men of Sports. I absolutely adored this book. I was barely a third of the way through this book when I knew that I have to read the previous seven titles.
Robin Keller is close to becoming a washed out tennis player because he has taken his health and his career for granted. His coach and manager are two very likable gentlemen, who decide to take steps to prevent this before anything else could have besides having a disastrous tournament.
Their solution is in the form of Quinn Damaris (in my head I got this amusing Irish-Greek thing going on whenever I read the name). Quinn is an absolute sweetheart, though he is a very determined realist who has the best intentions in mind for his client. His life experiences have certainly shaped him, made him stronger, and this shows in everything except his love life before meeting Robin.
As stated in the blurb, Quinn is also an amputee. I hope people do not misinterpret what I mean when I say this: a story where at least one main character has a disability intrigues me. However, it’s not on a sick level or me thinking, “Ha, ha, I’m better off than some fictional character that can’t see”. It’s actually, because I find these characters are heroes and I find it empowering to read such stories.
The story itself has a gentle touch to it as well as the thrill to want Robin to succeed. It’s kind of like the same rush you get when you watch your team on TV or watch a fictional team win in a movie. I also thoroughly enjoyed the writing style used by the authors, it was so easy to read and follow that it felt like I devoured all 166 pages all too quickly.
The setting of the book is amazing and this is where the writing style plays a big part. I really loved the idea of Quinn’s mountaintop home in Colorado, US; and Robin’s home in Lucerne, Switzerland. Then there are the various tournaments and arenas, including France, England, US and Australia. It’s basically a tour of the pro tennis circuit, but we’re given enough detail that the plot doesn’t feel rushed because these tournaments are, for the most part, between major scenes with our main characters.
But it’s not only the story I love. The cast of supporting characters were also wonderful. There was no evil plot or evil nemesis to overcome, which was nice for a change. Robin’s one real rival and bed-buddy, to put it politely, is a realist in terms of their roles in each other’s lives and is generally supportive of Robin. Jerome is another tennis player and provides a bit of comic relief, although he enables some of Robin’s issues and so there are a number of serious moment featuring him.
As I said earlier, too, I liked Robin’s coach and manager; they had a very stern fatherly-favourite teacher feel of their relationship with Robin. However, my absolute favourite minor character is Quinn’s big brother Morgan. I could gush for many, many words about how much I adore his character, but I won’t. All I will say is that Morgan Damaris is awesome.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Serving Love at Carnival Series: International Men of Sports Author: T.A. Chase and Devon Rhodes Genre: Contemporary Length: Novel (168 pages) ISBN: 9780857156631 Publisher: Totally Bound Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts Reviewer: LeeAnn Blurb: Anything goes during Carnival, and two men are about to discover just how hot the nights can get in Rio.
A long-time member of a samba school, Pablo knows that Carnival in his hometown of Rio de Janeiro is always hot, and the tall, sexy man he hooks up with during the festivities is even hotter. He usually doesn’t go back for repeats, but something about Diego has him working harder than he ever has to try to meet up again.
Diego travels all over the world on the pro beach volleyball tour, but has found that the sexiest man he’s ever met lives right there in Rio. After a few false starts, they finally seem to hit a groove, but as time goes on, ghosts from Pablo’s past begin to affect their present.
It’s tough being the partner of a professional athlete, competing with travel, fans, and training for their limited time. Pablo’s always been let down by people who found it easy to leave him behind. Is he prepared to accept what Diego can offer?
Purchase Link: https://www.totallybound.com/serving-love-at-carnival Review: From the very beginning, I liked Pablo and Diego…a lot. I love how they met when neither was looking for anything more than a one-night stand. What they found was so much more than that. Their love grew over time. Whether they were texting each other or calling on the phone you see “see” a connection developing between these two men.
They had to learn to go to each other with their problems not a friend they have had for years. Building that trust was crucial and they did it very well. There was a great deal of lovemaking in this book. I could have said sex but not long after they, “hooked up” you could see it was more than sex for these two guys. I rooted for them to have a HEA and I was thrilled with how the authors worked it out. Here is to hoping Thi, Pablo’s best friend since his teens finds his HEA.
This is the sixth book in the International Men in Sports series. However, it is a standalone book. But I suggest, if you can, to get them all. The three I have now read are all wonderful stories.
Series: International Men of Sport, #5 Author: T.A. Chase and Devon Rhodes Genre: Contemporary Length: Novella (207 pages) ISBN: 9781781847473 Publisher: Totally Bound (February 7th, 2014) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts Reviewer: LeeAnn Blurb: two men, two very different sports, and one rink—sharing ice has never been so hot.
Olivier ‘Big Bang’ St Pierre is back in his hometown while he recovers from being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Hockey’s a contact sport—still, he didn’t count on the locker room being dangerous. As a professional hockey player, he also didn’t count on it being hard to find ice time. But when a rink shuts down unexpectedly in a winter-sport-crazy town, even being a big name won’t help as people scramble for whatever they can get.
The first time Ethan Campbell hears from the local hockey legend he knew as a kid, Olivier manages to insult both his family’s rink and his new sport—curling. So he’s not exactly receptive when Olivier shows up in person to plead his case. He makes a sarcastic offer…and is shocked when Olivier takes him up on it. Ethan’s bad experience with hockey had left him cold. But soon he and Olivier are burning up the ice.
Ethan is tied to his town, job, and family, while Olivier will be going back to Chicago to rejoin his team as soon as he’s able. It can’t possibly last…can it? Purchase Link: https://www.totallybound.com/burning-up-the-ice-print?search=burning%20up%20the%20ice
This is book five in the International Men of Sports series. See the full series listing here Review: I really enjoyed this story. Oliver is in need of a private place to practice, to try to get his knee back into shape after having had major surgery on it. Ethan’s family owns an ice rink facility that, due to the closing of a major one due to repairs, is overflowing with requests for ice time. Somehow, Ethan finds himself offering Oliver use the rink after hours. The fun soon begins thanks to Oliver’s obsession with learning to drive the Zamboni, much to Ethan’s amusement.
Soon time together becomes more than time on the ice and working Oliver’s leg out. Their feelings for each other are real and seem to complete each other. They found in each other that missing part and begin a romance that, given time and dedication will become the best it can be. Yes so there is sex on the Zamboni, countertop and in the office but that just adds to the already great chemistry between the two. Add in the possibility of a romance for Ethan’s sister Chelsea. Meeting Ethan’s parents and nephew and hearing about Oliver’s relationship with his parent’s rounds this story out very nicely. NOT to mention seeing into the world of NHL teams and what makes a person become an athlete in a sport that is very dangerous at times.
So I have no problem saying this…if you like hockey and sex and love all rolled into a great story…then buy this book!
Blurb: Being the problem-solver of the hotel is Esteban’s role, but when he breaks his rules to help a guest, things get complicated. Especially for his heart…
Esteban Parks is used to being the go-to-guy at the Melia. As the front desk manager, he’s in a position to see everything that goes on—front and back of the house. Nothing fazes him, until he’s confronted with an appealing guest and instinctively goes into rescue mode.
Jayden Yates has traveled to Atlanta with one goal in mind—to be himself for just a little while. His family and community already make his life miserable and he hasn’t even come out yet. So he impulsively spends part of his savings to come to GayRomLit.
When he finds out that a simple mistake might derail his whole adventure before it even begins, he literally falls at the feet of the most handsome man he’s ever seen. Esteban offers him more than help—there’s an instant spark between them.
But can two men from such different backgrounds and stages of life find any common ground? Or will it be just a holiday romance for the memory books?
Publisher’s Note: This story has been previously released as part of the Unconventional in Atlanta anthology by Totally Bound Publishing.
Review: If I have said it once, I will say it again, I wish this book were longer.
I want to hear so much more about this couple and their lives together. It is like a fairy tale to me. Jayden comes to a gay romance convention only to find out his room wasn’t rented till the following month. Esteban helps Jayden out when he realizes the man is about to panic. There is instant attraction that soon leads to love. Jayden is insecure in what to make of his life, he worried and scared but he feels something for Esteban and wants to see where it goes. Esteban wants the same thing now all he has to do is go for it. The sex between them is amazing and very hot. This story has the funniest parts to it and I couldn’t help but laugh at the ending.
You will fall in love with these guys from the first paragraph. The only problem I had with this story is it was just too short. I can’t wait to read it again. It is a perfect story when you are just sitting around the house and the quiet surrounds you, you can lose yourself in this story. It is very believable and makes you want to cheer them on.
Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing (December 27th, 2013) Available for Early Download
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5 Hearts
Reviewer: Lisa
Blurb: Can Blaise coming back to Montana turn Owen’s blue Christmas into a warm, shared Christmas of white?
Owen never thought he’d see the all-too tempting veterinary intern from the previous summer again, until his brother drops the bombshell that not only is Blaise returning, but also he’ll need to stay in Owen’s house again until he gets settled. He’s the bachelor uncle in their ranching family, and if people know what that means, no one talks about it. He can’t be gay, no matter what happened in the barn last time Blaise was here…
Blaise made the life-changing decision to relocate to Montana for many reasons but with one clear goal in mind—to convince Owen of what they could share if he would only let Blaise in. He’s prepared himself for a long siege, but with the help of his scheming best friend, Owen’s brother, a donkey and a lot of snow, an early Christmas present might just be in store for them both.
Review: I wish this story were a bit longer, because it was really good. Well written and the story seem to just flow along.
Blaise fell in love with Owen and had decided to make the jump and relocate to Montana to be near him. Owen wasn’t sure what he felt for Blaise, but he knew he wanted him. He just had to get over his problem of not wanting anyone to know he wanted to be with a man. The sex between them was hot but very tender. Blaise was tender and had a big heart who wanted Owen. You can’t help but fall for these two.
The way the story was written, you could just tell from the very beginning that it would be a great read. It had such a serious tone to it with just a bit of humor. What really made it close to being perfect was the white Christmas idea.
To have the snow falling down, with a fire roaring in the fireplace sipping on hot chocolate and reading this story is the perfect idea.
Blurb:Excelling at the game he loved was everything to King, until Lukas showed him at first touch how much better his life could be… Ewansiha ‘King’ Kroenig is at the pinnacle of his professional football career, even with a problem knee. He keeps his cool and keeps his head down, and that control has served him well. King is bisexual and has been known to date beautiful women, while he also occasionally satisfies his craving for men with the team’s trainer. It’s a good life, but starting with one bizarre and personal request from his ex, Silvia, his orderly life goes spinning out of control.
Lukas has no problem admitting he’s gay, but with a loudly homophobic team captain, he knows better than to go there around the team. He has his whole career ahead of him and is being groomed to take over for their star player, King Kroenig. If he admires King for more than his athletic prowess, what can it hurt?
No harm, no foul…until a certain trainer who knows them both well decides to play matchmaker, then all bets are off. And once they’ve experienced that first taste, they want more. But it’s not as simple as hooking up or dating when you’re team-mates, with high profiles and little privacy. And when they each suddenly gain responsibilities they never expected, they must figure out a way to reconcile their personal lives with the expectations of others.
Review: Let’s start by saying that as an American when I hear football, I think of our version of it. Not the football most of the rest of the world plays. And this book is about the version the rest of the world plays. The references to the football are generic enough for non-sports people to understand most of.
I love how the authors have addressed homophobia that still exists within the world of sports, professional sports especially. King Kroenig is actually bi-sexual, always having one of the world’s most beautiful women on his arm. He keeps the need for the occasional man well hidden. He knows that most of his team just wouldn’t understand and he’s afraid of what it would do to his career if that knowledge came out. While the team’s trainer Sergio is gay, nothing is ever confirmed so the team doesn’t seem to have a real problem with it. King and Sergio have scratched each other’s itches on occasions unknown to the team. However, King has his eye on a teammate; too bad, he can’t do anything about it.
Teammate Lukas is gay; he and Sergio have also scratched a few itches between them. Therefore, Sergio reads Lukas’ lusting from afar after King. But Lukas believes the man is straight, so from afar is all it’s ever going to be. Also, he doesn’t want to deal with the ugliness that would happen if his homophobe Captain found out he was gay. So, nothing is ever going to happen unless Lukas gets a little help from his friendly know everyone’s secrets team trainer. Which Sergio is more than happy to set up for them.
Added complications arise when one of King’s ex-girlfriends want him to make a donation to expand the numbers of her family with her steady girlfriend. Also added to the mix also it the teen kid Lukas rescue from the gay club the guys go to and takes him home. Lukas is going to let the kid stay as long as he needs to or forever he hopes.
Things become a mixed up mess between the set up of King and Lukas, a needy teenage boy, sperm donations, an ex-girlfriend and her ladylove, a gay trainer, homophobic teammates, camera phone pictures and injuries. It’s a fun mix to read and sort though. I loved the characters or most of them anyway. This was a great read, very enjoyable for me a sports fan.
Blurb:A handsome Bollywood actor must choose between his career and a rugged cricket player from his past, who he’s fallen in love with…again.
Rajan Malik has the world of Bollywood in the palm of his hand…a beautiful girlfriend, starring roles, adoring fans…He should be happy, but behind the façade lies a man conflicted and exhausted by the pressure placed on him by his ill mother, his agent and society. His life is not his own, and all he wants to do is escape.
Indian Premier League cricketer Ajay Singh can’t believe how bad his university roommate Rajan looks when he spots his picture in the paper. They had parted on bad terms. Still, he’s moved to offer Rajan his support by renewing their friendship.
But friendship was not all they shared back then. Though Ajay is out, Rajan isn’t willing to give up his carefully cultivated Bollywood image to be with him publicly. And with very little privacy, it won’t take long for someone to find out they are more than friends.
Their renewed secret affair is fraught with difficulties as they deal with the death of Rajan’s mother, the secret of Rajan’s till-now absent father, a jealous friend, intrusive social media, and threatening notes from someone who seems to know all about their private lives.
It’s a bit of a sticky wicket they find themselves in. Will it be too late when both men finally realise that they’ll need to compromise, or stand to lose everything?
Review: Rajan is a Bollywood star living the life that his mother created for him, starring roles, beautiful girlfriend, and fame. But the life is starting to tear him apart, having to suppress his natural desires to please all those around him. Getting a surprise phone call from his old concerned friend Rajan remembers a time when he was happy and in love. Ajay doesn’t know what Raja’s reaction will be to his offer of a place of sanctuary, they didn’t part on the best of terms and now Ajay is an openly gay cricketer and has no plans to go back in the closet. Rekindling their romance is risky but neither man can resist, Rajan begins to get anonymous phone calls and notes, his mother is dying and trying to force him into an engagement. Ajay feels like he has been shoved back into closet having to hide his relationship with Rajan, while Rajan parades around the girlfriend. Can the men find a compromise before it’s too late?
This was quite a good Bollywood dilemma story that is an easy read. Rajan is very easily pressured, he did want to be a teacher, but when his mother heard how close he was to a friend he was quickly whisked home to be molded into the perfect Bollywood star, since then his mother, agent and girlfriend have control of his life and it is wearing him down. Ajay has stood on his own and made his own decisions, he is openly gay and a star cricketer. Offering Rajan a retreat from the high-pressure world might be a mistake but even after all these years he still cares deeply for the actor.
Ajay has a confidence in himself that is impressive and having Rajan again is all he wants, but accepting the restrictions are hard when all he wants is to love Rajan. Rajan is easily controlled by other people, especially his mother, but soon he will have to make his own choices if he wants to hold onto his love. I liked both Ajay and Rajan and enjoyed watching as they maneuvered into a relationship that they could both work with. the hot sex that is never a problem. The conflict that Rajan faces and the patience that Ajay has to dig deep for, and finally a compromise that works for both of them.
I was also surprised that the story was more focused on Rajan rather than Ajay and that was because of the series name, it was quite disappointing because I was looking forward to seeing what the authors could come up with for a cricketer but it was all about the Bollywood stars problems. I was very disappointed with the storyline. Especially seeing as it reminded me very strongly of another Bollywood story released over a year ago. Change the cricketers for bodyguards and yeah, very similar storyline.
I will recommend this to those who love closeted actors, hot cricketers, tension, forgiveness, hot sex and a great happy ending.
Blurb: Careers in military service are never easy on relationships—even less so when both lovers are in different branches…and both are men.
Naval Academy graduation now under their belts, Cary Barrientos knows the reality of the upcoming separation from his roommate of the past four years. Owen is more to him than just his best friend—he is the one person Cary can see spending his life with.
Owen Marsh knew that when he became Cary’s lover, the day would come when he would have to walk away. Now that day has come, and he’s having a hard time convincing himself that it’s just sex between them. Even with DADT repealed, there is no way a Marine and a Navy flier can be together. He’s just being realistic not expecting more.
When Cary switches their Academy rings, hoping Owen won’t notice, he makes a vow—he will do whatever he has to do, including believing enough for the both of them, to make their unlikely relationship stand the test of time. But when his Marine is called up for duty overseas, can a piece of jewelry and a promise be enough to get them through?
Reader Advisory: This story has been previously released as part of the His Hero anthology by Total-E-Bound
Review: This quick read begins when Owen and Cary graduate from the Naval Academy, with Cary entering the Navy as a pilot, and Owen becoming a Marine. The young men had been roommates and friends throughout their Academy years, only becoming lovers in their last year of school. While Cary hopes to continue their relationship, Owen is more self-contained and Cary all but loses hope for their future together. A Ring and A Promise follows Cary and Owen for several years, and offers small glimpses into their lives, both together and individually. A sweet, heartfelt read that neatly avoids being overly sappy despite occasionally high emotional content.
Title: Blindsided (2nd Edition)
Title: Resuscitating Love
Title: Pride and Joey (2nd Edition)
Title: Pride Before the Fall
Title: Stranger In Black (2nd Edition)
Title: Unconventional in San Diego
Title: A Ring and a Vow
Promise by Devon Rhodes.
