Tag: Diana Dericci

Boyfriend Forever by Diana DeRicci

Diana DeRicci - Boyfriend Forever CoverTitle: Boyfriend Forever

Series: Boyfriend 02

Author: Diana DeRicci

Genre: Gay Erotic Romance

Length: Novella (101 Pages)

Publisher: MLR Press (September 20, 2015)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Can love survive seven years apart? 

Jayden Sindler let the love of his life walk away seven years ago to give him the chance to fulfill a future Nash Vargas had been working toward since his sophomore year in high school. As the years crawled by, they’d drifted apart, living in two different cities, with two different careers. Over time, the promises of ever after faded. 

Jayden knew he was equally to blame for letting things fall apart. When phone numbers ceased working, when Nash moved jobs then residences, he knew it was really over. 

It was time to let go. 

Can new life be breathed into an old flame? Can hearts forgive? Can Jayden convince Nash to give love one more try?

ISBN: MLR-1-02015-0450

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

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Diana always gives you a love story that always intrigues you and keeps you captivated. Her stories have a serious tone to them but there is a hint of humor that make it a lot more fun for me to love. I have read a few stories by Diana and have put her on my automatic buy list. So when I got this story, I was not disappointed at all.

The title is what caught my attention first, and then the sexy cover was next. When I read the blurb I knew I had to read it. Like I said I was not disappointed at all. Seven years is a long time to be without the one you love. Jayden had watched Nash leave and felt his heart go with him. Nash had spent his life wanting the future he planned for and he jumped at the chance. As with many relationships, time changes things for them.

Now seven years has gone past, Jayden wants Nash to let him back in. They went seven years with no word from each other, which make it a bit harder for him. He has shown so much strength in the time. Nash has grown up in his way also, and he wants the life he should have had with Jayden.

I would definitely recommend reading this story but only after you read the first one. Otherwise you might get a bit lost. I was happy to have this ending and look forward to hearing more about them in the future.

I had a blast with it and can’t wait to read another story by this amazing author.

Boyfriend for the Weekend by Diana DeRicci

51ew9M0UE4L._SX331_BO1,204,203,200_Title: Boyfriend for the Weekend
Series: Boyfriend, #1
Author: Diana DeRicci
Genre: Contemporary
Length: 164 Pages
Publisher: MLR Press (August 20, 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5 Hearts
Blurb: Can pretending to be in love lead to a real forever ever after happiness?

Jayden Sindler is a member of the wedding party for his sister’s wedding and has been warned to bring someone with him to keep the single hunting women at arm’s length. Luck presents itself in the form of Nash Vargas. Invited to accompany Jayden, Nash convinces him to playact as something more believable-boyfriends.

But what happens when acting turns into real affection? And will there be a future after the weekend?

ISBN: MLR-1-02015-0442

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

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Diana always gives you a love story that always intrigues you and keeps you captivated. Her stories have a serious tone to them but there is a hint of humor that makes it a lot more fun for me to love. I have read a few stories by Diana and have put her on my automatic buy list. So when I got this story I was a bit disappointed with it.

Jayden was expected at his sister’s wedding, but he was not going alone. He hired Nash to pretend to be his man. He didn’t want women to come up to him thinking he was available. Although he had not expected the heat that he felt with Nash.

This story is a spinoff of the Arbor Heights series, so I was expecting a bit more to it. The plot is well written and enjoyable. I loved the characters but not the fake boyfriend part. It shows the homophobia up front. Although his family is good with it all. It shows how they meet, but to get the full taste of them you have to read the next book. Which for me is a great welcoming because I can’t stand not having a happily ever after.

Now other than certain aspects of the story that I didn’t much care for, this was an enjoyable read. I can’t wait to read the second book, and I can guarantee as soon as I finish writing this I will be starting on the next book.

I enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it.

Portia’s Two Cents:  ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

This book was soooo cute and left me with a smile.

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

Rhody & Brendan by Diana DeRicci

25947322*Warning* Possible Spoiler Alert

Title: Rhody & Brendan
Series: Storming Love: Earthquake 03
Author: Diana DeRicci
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novella (76 pages)
Publisher: MLR Press (July 19th, 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
Blurb: Rhody Witte is on his way to Alaska for two weeks of fishing and not much else. Mountains, clean air, and all the bait he can waste. What he gets is the largest earthquake to rock the Alaskan wilds in sixty-plus years.

Brendan Skorvarski isn’t the kind of man Rhody usually finds himself attracted to, much less want to know, but there’s something in the gentle giant that Rhody can’t seem to resist.

When they’re locked up in a cabin together for days in the Alaskan wilderness, resistance seems futile when survival takes precedence.

Especially their survival when Rhody sees a bear outside their window.

ISBN: MLR-1-02015-0429

Product Link: http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=SLS4_DDR

Reviewer: Cat

Review: Rhody had come to Alaska on vacation to get away from it all and relax. He finds himself sharing a duplex cabin with a sexy Bear of a man. When I say Bear I mean it in all aspects of the word…though Rhody doesn’t know that Brendan is a shape shifter.

The story switches views from Rhody to Brendan and the transitions are pretty smooth. The beginning of the story is setting Rhody’s character and both Brendan’s One side of the duplex is completely destroyed and there is a big gap in the road where it will make it harder to get rescued.

I thought this was such a unique take on these natural disaster collections and I do give kudos to the author for putting more focus on the earthquake. I loved the premise of the shapeshifter and the double entendre on the word bear. I especially loved that Brendan had a hearing impairment and that there was a slow build up between the two men.

Then the Earthquake hits. It felt like this was a book one of a series the way so much was left unresolved but there isn’t anything that leads to that if I have to say that this story would have been as good without Brendan being a bear shifter. I would love to see this in a full novel.

If you like Shapeshifters, bears, big men, earthquakes, natural disasters and moderate sex this is for you.

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

Storming Love: Earthquake Blog Tour, Excerpts, Review & Giveaway!

MLR Press - Storming Love, Earthquake 960x350

Hiya guys, we have MLR Press and six of their brilliant authors stopping by today with the great series Storming Love: Earthquake. We have great excerpts, a fantastic giveaway and Cat’s reviews for a couple of the stories. So enjoy the post and click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~

MLR Press - Storming Love, Earthquake 01 Cover - Ann

Gabriel & Avery

by

Ann Anderson

Loneliness has been Gabriel’s companion for since his parents’ passing, growing with each sibling that leaves home to start their own life. When a big earthquake hits Alaska, Gabriel finds himself taking in Avery, his two daughters, and their grandmother and relishes not being so alone. Yet, Gabriel feels a spark of recognition he can’t explain about Avery, but more than that, he likes the company and wishes he could have a deeper relationship with the man. But when the small family has their new home, what could make Avery want to stay?

MLR Press

MLR Press - Storming Love, Earthquake 02 Cover - Megan

Derek and Hayden

by

Megan Linden

Derek Warden is certain his boss sent him to cover the conference in the middle of nowhere, Alaska, to punish him for something. After an unpleasant phone call from his father who tries to stop him from going, Derek is ready for the whole thing to be over before it even begins.

Hayden Shaw has been looking forward to this conference for months. The problem of fracking is very dear to his heart and he couldn’t wait to spend the long weekend with like-minded people.

Neither of them expected the big earthquake, but most importantly – they didn’t expect each other. Meeting again after over a decade may result in something even more surprising that the ground trembling under their feet.

MLR Press

MLR Press - Storming Love, Earthquake 03 Cover - Diana

Rhody & Brendan

by

Diana DeRicci

Rhody Witte is on his way to Alaska for two weeks of fishing and not much else. Mountains, clean air, and all the bait he can waste. What he gets is the largest earthquake to rock the Alaskan wilds in sixty-plus years.

Brendan Skorvarski isn’t the kind of man Rhody usually finds himself attracted to, much less want to know, but there’s something in the gentle giant that Rhody can’t seem to resist.

When they’re locked up in a cabin together for days in the Alaskan wilderness, resistance seems futile when survival takes precedence. Especially their survival when Rhody sees a bear outside their window.

MLR Press

MLR Press - Storming Love, Earthquake 04 Cover - Caraway

Anders & Ujaruk

by

Caraway Carter

Geologist Anders Thorpe has sworn off relationships with colleagues, after his last one ended in a dirty little game of sabotage. Six months later and he’s preparing to camp and investigate a gold mine that might still be active. He’s joined by Ujaruk an archaeologist who fights an inner battle with the fact that he’s a native Aleut, and wondering if he’ll ever find the perfect man.

Will Anders break his vow? Will Ujaruk find the right guy? Will they survive whatever is thrown their way? 

MLR Press

MLR Press - Storming Love, Earthquake 05 Cover - Nicole

Xavier & Devin

by

Nicole Dennis

Tremors are a part of everyday life in big Alaska.

Bush pilot, Xavier Markovic, goes with nature’s flow and loves it. He guides guests through Denali National Park to show off his beloved state. Until health issues arise for his mentor, Daniel Chevalier, and Xavier flies him to the hospital.

An almost fatal tumble down a mountain ends Devin Chevalier’s professional mountain biking career and brings him to a crossroads. Learning his grandfather is ill, he makes a rash decision. Uprooting his life for a chance to meet Daniel, he crosses paths with a brash Alaskan.

Alaska throws them another surprise in the form of a huge earthquake. Differences put aside while they struggle to survive.

MLR Press

MLR Press - Storming Love, Earthquake 06 Cover - Anna

Asher and Emmett

by

Anna Lee

Celebrating their fifth anniversary, Asher and Emmett are on a romantic getaway in a cabin in Alaska. They have plans to adopt when they return home. But their paradise is destroyed when a huge earthquakes hits. Being a firefighter and a paramedic, both men put themselves at risk to save others when the tragedy strikes. Will they be able to make it home to start a family? 

MLR Press

Storming Love: Earthquake series link

Continue reading “Storming Love: Earthquake Blog Tour, Excerpts, Review & Giveaway!” →

Not Quite Broken by Diana DeRicci

819VHlhy9XL._SL1425_TITLE: Not Quite Broken
SERIES: Arbor Heights, #8
AUTHOR: Diana DeRicci
GENRE: Contemporary
LENGTH: Novella (148 pages)
PUBLISHER: MLR Press (July 17th, 2014)
HEAT LEVEL: Moderate
HEART RATING: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
BLURB: Dex’s life has gone into a tailspin. One night that ruined his entire world. He can’t sleep, he can’t eat. He’s lost his job, and is about to lose the last of his sanity. When the world crashes down around him, he’s ready to let the world win.

Dex has friends, though, who are determined to not let him self-combust.

One man will be there to guide him through his nightmare, to hold him to keep the demons at bay, and still let him be strong enough to find the strength to love after his darkest hour.

PRODUCT LINK: http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=DDR_NTQB

REVIEWER: Prime

REVIEW: For the Arbor Heights series, as I have said in another of my reviews, you don’t have to read the entire series. They are all standalone books. However, for this book, we are actually introduced to both main characters, Dex and Brian in book #3, The Good Life (Chad and Sonny’s story). It is in book three where Dex is attacked and raped while he is out with Sonny. In that book it was a curious thread of subplot which now finally makes sense, only five books (and two years since book #3) later. I can’t actually recall how Brian fits into Dex’s life at the time of the attack, but that is unimportant for the book.

Now in his own story, Dex needs to heal and get over the traumatic experience, with the help of Brian. That is pretty much the thrust of the story. We pick up around 1-2 months after the incident. Dex needs to heal and Brian is that awesome friend in his life that everyone pretty much wants. Brian helps Dex with his living arrangements, getting a new job and incidentally helps him meet a couple of people along the way that also help him.

While Dex is still healing mentally, he is a strong, vulnerable character with a kind heart. Brian on the other hand is an absolute sweetheart. He’s also strong, but he is also compassionate and patient, yet conversely he comes along with a fiery attitude.

Like all the Arbor Heights books, there are numerous subplots. While there wasn’t any minor character that made me want to hear their story, except for maybe Vick, there was a lot going on. As I said previously, we get a look in on Sonny and Chad – which of course, is great. We also find out more about Dex’s background and the complications with his family. Speaking of minor characters, though, I do wonder about Dex’s younger brother. Mmm…

Sex and Candy by Diana DeRicci

81pSgKJCECL._SL1425_TITLE: Sex and Candy
SERIES: Arbor Heights, #4
AUTHOR: Diana DeRicci
GENRE: Contemporary
LENGTH: Novella (107 pages)
PUBLISHER: MLR Press (March 13th, 2014)
HEAT LEVEL: Explicit
HEART RATING: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts
BLURB: Brad’s dream of happily ever after with his best friend, Geoff, is destroyed when he receives a wedding invitation to Geoff’s wedding – to a woman. After accepting that waiting for the man has gained him nothing, he intends to wipe him clear of his heart and mind. With a night at Blue Dogs.

Tristan is captivated by Brad and what begins as a night of pure release starts something for Tristan that he can’t deny. A wanting to know the other man beyond sex. Can Tristan win Brad’s heart away from an unrequited love? It may not be as easy as he’d like when Geoff reappears begging for forgiveness.

PRODUCT LINK: http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=DDRSXCDY

REVIEWER: Prime

REVIEW: Brad needs to find a way to get over his constant pining for his best friend, Geoff, after he receives an invitation to Geoff’s wedding. The catch is that Geoff is so deep in the closet that he’s marrying a woman. What is more wounding is that Brad isn’t even asked to be in the wedding party.

One of Brad’s friends brings him to Blue Dogs. It’s a private club run out of Tristan’s home. It’s where the local gay men get together for no strings sex. Tristan is immediately attracted to Brad when he spots him at a Blue Dogs night, and vice versa. The problem is they have to work through various baggage and issues, one of which is Brad’s concerns about Blue Dogs being conducive to a monogamous relationship.

This is book 4 in Diana DeRicci’s Arbor Heights series. However, particularly with this installment, there is no need to read the previous volumes. They are all standalone books, with some past characters occasionally popping up, although in Sex and Candy (don’t think of the song!) I don’t think any previous characters were mentioned.

I really like this story. It’s somewhat charming. We get to see Brad basically grow up from his childhood crush, to falling in love with the real thing, Tristan. Tristan is a teddy bear, albeit a matchmaking cuddly one with a massive heart. Brad is also very kind, though he doesn’t hide his softer side like Tristan.

Brad seems to be running around fixing people’s problems, and Tristan, is very willing to help Tristan as well as get to the man he’s falling in love with. It’s pretty clear that Brad gets his kindness from his way awesome parents. There is some voyeurism and ménage involved in the background when it comes to Blue Dogs, which plays a major part of the plot. However, everything with Blue Dogs was tastefully done.

I also loved the minor characters Vance, Kris and Grant. I wouldn’t mind Grant getting his own story, and likewise learning more about Kris and Vance. Geoff is an odd character, I really don’t like him, but I do feel sorry for him. There were at least three other subplots happening, which is why I would like that these characters have their own story to give them justice rather than the sneak peek that we got here.

Many books have misleading blurbs, this is one of them. If you expect a big blow up because of Geoff between Tristan and Brad, you may well be relieved that this isn’t one of those stories. Again, this goes back to the fact that Tristan is some damn lovable, cuddly and kind. I never refer to covers but I must in this case, Brad is a baker and there is a distinct lack of baking! Perhaps this is my real life work seeping through, but if it’s not important to the plot then why is it being presented immediately to the reader on the cover?

Learning to Breathe by Diana DeRicci

81OIly5yY0L._SL1425_Title: Learning to Breathe

Series: Arbor Heights, #2

Author: Diana DeRicci

Genre: Contemporary

Length:  Novella (141 pages)

Publisher: MLR Press (January 3rd, 2014)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Eli/Mandingo

Blurb:  To Remy, size is a state of mind, a fact few really learn to appreciate. When it wasn’t clear he’d live past being an infant, he grew up fighting. Fighting to live. Fighting to be treated with respect. The last thing he thought he’d have to do is fight his own heart. Getting clocked across the face wasn’t one of Ben’s better moments. Grudgingly accepting help from a pint-sized, argumentative Remy, he’s among those who learn the hard way small doesn’t necessarily mean weak.

Purchase Link:   http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=DDRBRETH

Review: Since the blurb is scanty, let this review add a bit more colour.  Bank teller Remy is short and feisty.  He’s overcome a lot in his life and takes flak from no one, least of all the ex of his best friend’s current partner. Ben is a construction foreman who still has not managed to find that special man to call his own.  After a rough night, he seeks Remy’s help and the men will begin a roller coaster of a relationship.

Community is always a theme in m/m romance books because men who love men must often find a new community for themselves and also find people who are like them in order for them to be able to fully express themselves.  The theme of the Arbor Heights series is all about community. In this second instalment of the series, the reader meets gets to know Remy and Ben who they met in Learning to Live. Again, the reader is presented with polar opposites who prove to be the perfect foil for each other. Outward appearances are deceiving, yet what Remy and Ben have together does not need to be shared with the world, instead they can share that with each other and find their happiness this way.

Readers will love Remy and Ben as a couple and they will especially love the heat that these two men generate between the sheets.  Often in stories, sex is gratuitous, but in this story, the sex helps to break down barriers for Remy and Ben and have them establish an intimacy that is essential to their owning their lives both separately and together.

In Ben, Remy finds everything that he thought he couldn’t have; and, in Remy, Ben finds all the things he never knew he wanted.  Both men grow and mature in their relationship and learn to love, trust and rely on each other.  As the story ends, the reader is aware that there is much more to their story and hopefully the third instalment in this series will see the men not just happy but also settled.

Learning to Live by Diana DeRicci

18489559Title: Learning To Live

Series: The Arbor Heights Series

Author: Diana DeRicci

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (39K)

Publisher: MLR Press (September 13th, 2013)
Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5 Hearts

Blurb: The Great Kitchen Flood begins one man’s journey to find confidence and love.
Avery Storey has bought a house in a conscious effort to be more independent. Right before he moves in, the kitchen pipes malfunction. Lucky for him, one of his new neighbors is the same man Avery has begun to warm up to through his teller job. Gratefully, AJ comes to the rescue, because that’s what neighbors do. A little romance blooms between the two men. Unfortunately, AJ blows his chance when he learns Avery is thirteen years his junior. Hurting for the sweet man across the street, he’s forced to face what his life would be like without Avery at all, because being neighbors alone just would not be enough.

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

Reviewer:   GiGi

Review: Poor Avery has a big challenge ahead of himself, new home ownership issues that include bad plumbing and a to do list of home repairs he does not feel confident enough to do himself. And a hot neighbor that after a very hot and steamy encounter gets frightened away because of Avery’s age and innocence.

If only AJ could understand that Avery might not be confident in his handyman skills, but he’ knows what he wants in love, and the age difference means nothing to him. A series of confrontations and misunderstandings ensues, but will fate bring these two back, or perhaps jealousy over a secret admirer?

You’ll just have to read and find out if these two stubborn men can come back together again.

Finding Home by Diana DeRicci

91zU1No4RxL._SL1500_Title: Finding Home

Series:  Jasper, #3

Author: Diana DeRicci

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (145 pages)

Publisher:Purple Sword Publications (September 25th 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Cat

Blurb:Sometimes that imaginary line in the sand is the only thing stopping you from loving.

Parker is homeless. He’s hot, tired, hungry, and thirsty. He has never expected miracles in his short life. They don’t happen to him. When he’s picked up on the side of the road by a well-meaning grandfather, he’s driven to Jasper. Another small town on another long stretch of highway. One that would be nothing but a place to get a meal with the twenty he reluctantly accepts from the compassionate driver.

Ian can well remember the sight of his niece that long ago morning Caleb brought her shivering, terrified, and homeless to his door. Unable to leave the young man, he offers the first kindnesses Parker will have known in more than three years.

Through Ian, Caleb, and their family, Parker regains his dignity, and his ambition to reach goals taken from him. It’s a slow process for him because trust doesn’t happen overnight. But by the time he’s found a family, love, and dreams, he also realizes he may have found home

Purchase Link: http://purplesword.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3&products_id=149

Review: Parker has been homeless three years. A homophobe father kicked him out when he was just 17. He has been walking and just surviving, never going backwards.  One day he is walking and so hot and tired when a Man in a pickup stops and offers him a ride into Jasper.  He also gives him twenty dollars and tells him to go into the café for a hot meal. As he is entering, he sees a cop and has a panic attack nearly passing out. A man helps him offers him a meal. Parker sees the man kiss the cop and call him husband.  Ian, Caleb’s (the sheriff) husband, Takes pity on the boy and feels a strong need to help him. Parker never knew how much one ride to a small town could change his life. 

I absolutely loved this book. The story was so sweet and interesting. All the characters are intriguing. This is a nice happy story even if there is some of parkers past brought up and a twist near the end but all in all this is a sweet loving happy story.   I would like to think there are people as kind as Caleb and Ian that could take in a stranger and treat them as their own. It makes life worth living in this time of so much hate, and sorrow. This is a refreshing read, though I would have liked a bit more sex especially near the end (can’t say more it would be a spoiler)

If you like, a good love story about acceptance, family and love, small ton sheriff (yes, a hot man in uniform) mechanics, dentists and I even got my cowboy! This one is for you!

Healed Beginnings by Diana DeRicci

healedbeginnings_original(5)Title: Healed Beginnings

Series: Men of Silo #2

Author: Diana DeRicci

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length: Novel

Publisher: Purple Sword Publications (May 22, 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: Ed Norwood is living in limbo. He has his friends, his job, and his parents, but he’s feeling restless. More so now that his ex has found something perfect with another man. Maybe it’s time to reevaluate and move on. He wished he knew.

Duncan Nichols is the man who could change everything, if he is willing. Ex-Army Veteran trained in canine Search and Rescue, Duncan and Ed’s first meeting is fraught with tension and worry after massive storms slice through Silo. Duncan is surprised to find a community that is open and giving in Silo, and is welcomed to return to show off his dog’s skills at the annual firehouse fundraiser.

Without the stressful distractions of storms and missing people getting between them, lust flares nearly out of control between the two men. Only Ed wants and needs more in life than a friend with benefits, and when he says as much, Duncan is quick to put the kibosh on even dreaming of a happily ever after. Then real life intervenes when Ed’s mother falls ill, and Duncan returns to Ed’s side in support.

Can Ed break through the barriers Duncan has put up to protect himself? There’s more to Duncan than the left hand he habitually hides. Ed believes if Duncan cracks even a little, he can prove it. If it just wasn’t his heart at stake to make that happen…

Product Link: http://purplesword.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3&products_id=142

Review: I loved this book a lot. It was fun, it was hot and it had an emotional approach without it being too much or too heavy. The story follows Ed, a fireman in Silo, and Duncan, a Veteran released from the Army due to his loss of left hand.

Each man has his own troubles and is trying to make their way in life. Ed is feeling deeply the need to have a relationship, to feel that overwhelming and all-encompassing emotion called love. Watching his ex – and now best friend – in a glorious relationship with his new love, the envy and sorrow he feels from not having someone to love that deeply is making him ache inside and crave a change.

Duncan, on the other hand, is a completely different case. On top of his PTSD and the bitter feelings his loss of hand has left him, there is a deeper reason hidden in his past he not only doesn’t want to be a part of a relationship, but doesn’t even come close to thinking of such notion. If there is one thing that makes him run, that is the idea of love and commitment.

Yet when the blurb said that the lust flares nearly out of control between them, it’s exactly so. I loved how heavy that was in the air between those guys. Scorching hot, erotic as it gets, sensuous even at times, the pairs intimate scenes were too intense and credits to the author for not failing that. Ed’s longing in every scene they had made my heart skip and Duncan’s fears, his almost unconscious need for something that scared the hell out of him was perfect.

The story, the plot all revolves around this romance and how each man reacted to the possibility of that special relationship we all crave, knowingly or not. The approach on Duncan’s issues was quite decent and Ed’s reactions to Duncan’s fight-or-flight instinct were lovely to read. My main issue was the speed that some feelings and thoughts came forward. While the time-frame between their first meeting and their settling was big enough, the seriousness and the heavy loving emotions and the forever thoughts came way too fast for my satisfaction.

Nevertheless the end result was quite lovely. A nicely written romantic story that I don’t hesitate to recommend to the fans of the genre, accompanied with exquisite descriptions of some fascinating male characters and scorching personalities. A book I quite enjoyed reading.

Mark's Courage by Diana DeRicci

MarksCourageTitle: Mark’s Courage

Series: Finding Happiness 03

Author: Diana DeRicci

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Short (27pgs)

Publisher: Happy Ending Press (15th February 2013)

Heat: Moderate

Heart:  ♥♥♥♥3½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Jimmy’s career is rolling full steam ahead and the challenges of a dating a celebrity are beginning to encroach on Mark’s stable world. When Jimmy is nominated for an award, even Mark’s co-workers question his intentions. Will he stay at a job he enjoys, or will he find the strength and courage to be what Jimmy needs most?

Purchase Link: http://dianadericci.com/happy-ending-press/

Review: This story is part of a series and must be read in order. Jimmy’s career as an actor is really taking off and Mark is in full support.  But, when Jimmy is nominated for an award, Mark’s friends ask him when he will be embracing the life as a celebrity spouse and it leads Mark to begin realizing the direction his life is taking.

This is a great little snippet into Mark and Jimmy’s lives. Mark enjoys his life as an IT expert and is happy for Jimmy as his career takes off.  But, he soon begins to realize that his happy little world might have to change as Jimmy becomes more noticed in the acting world. Jimmy and Mark are a great couple and we see some great moments between them.  Jimmy is on a break from filming and they visit Mark’s parents, they have an interesting way of sharing Chocolate Pie and they have a very romantic time.

There really isn’t much for me to really say about this story except that it is an ongoing series with future additions expected, the characters are both great and you want to see how they progress through the difficulties that are thrown at them. There is some incredible hot sex between them, and it shows the depth of their love.

I have to recommend this to those who love watching relationships grow, difficult decisions and some really hot sex and the promise of seeing these young men in the future.

The Good Life by Diana DeRicci

Title:  The Good Life

Series:  Father’s Day 2012 04

Author:  Diana DeRicci

Genre:   Contemporary

Length:  Novella

Publisher:  MLR Press (June 15th, 2012)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts                                                                             

Blurb:   Chad Rarig and Sonny Phillips have been friends since skinned knees and after school homework. Life is pretty normal, if a bit bland for Chad, until he receives a phone call that changes the rest of his entire life. With Sonny’s strong shoulder in friendship and his mother’s support, he cautiously embraces his fate, one that includes binkies and an utter loss of sleep.

Sonny offers a chance to let Chad settle into this new wilderness of parenthood, sharing his home with his best friend. Only he definitely hadn’t anticipated having to deal with an attraction that left him panting and hungry as a starving man for his best friend. His gay best friend who thinks Sonny is straight, because he’s never told him the full truth to preserve their friendship above all else.

Can Chad come to terms with all the challenges of fatherhood and still keep Sonny’s friendship? Will either be willing to take the risk to cross that line from friendship to something more?

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

Reviewer:   Portia

Review:  Chad is learning the hard way that sometimes it just doesn’t pay to be nice. Never, in a million years, did he think his little deposit into a paper cup would get dropped off his door step.  But, his three-month old daughter, Annalee is living breathing proof that Fate has a twisted sense of humor.

The Good Life starts out with poor Chard knee-deep in a panic attack.  When he agreed to donate sperm to his friend, Elizabeth, he just assumed she would always be around to take care of her kid.  Hell, they weren’t even that close.  If his name hadn’t been on Annalee’s birth certificate, it could have been months before Chad even found out Elizabeth was dead. Fortunately, just like he has always done, Sonny comes up with the perfect solution for Chad’s new little family.  They can use his spare rooms and he can help out as much as he can.  Who knew that having his crush under foot could be pure hell?

I am such a sucker for friends to lover romance and insta dad stories really do it for me.  When they are combined, you really have to screw up for me not to enjoy it.  Fortunately for me, Diana DeRicci is one of the biggest romantics people who I know and The Good Life was a joy to read.  She spun a tale that had me smiling and awwwing from beginning to end. Chad goes through so much just trying to adjust to parenthood.  Then to have his straight best friend profess love was just too much.

Was the storyline kinda predictable?  Maybe a little.  Was the dialogue sappy?  Sometimes.  Did I absolutely love it?  Hell, yeah.  This is the kind of sweet romance that is perfect for Father’s Day.  I knew there was a HEA coming, but DeRicci made me work for it.  I mean, Sonny loves Chad, and Chad loves Sonny, but does Chad really love Sonny, or is he just a convenience.  There was just enough twist to make a potentially tired plot sparkle.

I recommend this one for readers who like HEAs, but want to believe neither party is just settling for the nearest warm body.

 

 

Under One Roof by Diana DeRicci

Title: Under One Roof

Series: Perfect Strangers 18

Author: Diana DeRicci

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Short (52pgs)

Publisher: OmniLit / All Romance eBooks, LLC (5th February 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Two men. One roof. Who knew togetherness could be so dangerously tempting?

Korbin is looking for a renter to help make ends meet. Not quite ready to make the offered room a squatter’s paradise with a public ad, he advertises by word of mouth. Turns out he’s doing it at just the right time.

Cage is relocating for a new job and needs a no-hassle place to live. He’s wary about sharing space with a total stranger, but the opportunity to be able to start at his new job without this stress is too good to pass up.

Except one of them is hiding a secret identity and his past has taught him to not talk about it. Friendship brings the men closer, but will the secrets they both carry keep them from exploring a deeper attraction between them?

Purchase Link: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-underoneroof-676864-145.html

Review: Korbin is wary of letting just anyone rent his room so after careful consideration he allows Cage to have the room. Cage has just relocated for his new job and is happy with his new landlord; he just wishes that Korbin wasn’t so jumpy.

This is a sweet little short of two men lusting after each other while each thinking the other is straight. Korbin is wary of letting anyone know his secret’s after the last person he confided in lashed out at him but when Cage reads a little of what he has written he is surprised by his reaction. Cage is a cop (constable?) and has his own heartache from the past, when all their secrets are revealed they come together and it’s the start of something sweet.

Okay I will hold my hands up and say that I was thrown at first with what Cage did for a living and what country this was set in, why? You ask, well because Korbin referred to the Constable’s office and to be honest with you I never knew that in some U.S. States they have constables, I know the U.K. and Australia do but not America (I learn something new every day). So once I got that sorted out I really enjoyed this story as they were both wary about opening up to each other but once everything was out in the open they blossomed.

So with this one I will recommend this to those who want something short and sweet, with a touch of angst, a touch of heartache, a hot couple, erotic passion and a happy ending.