Tag: Dual Review

To Kiss a Killer by Amber Kell

18000966Title: To Kiss a Killer

Series: Banded Brothers #5

Author: Amber Kell

Genre: MM / Fantasy – Paranormal

Length: Novella (108 Pages)

Publisher: Extasy Books (August 18th, 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3 Hearts

Blurb:   What would you do to protect your family? For Aden, the answer is anything.

Aden Gale has always protected the boys he chose as his. Gallen Theos refuses to become another one of Aden’s projects. He might have been bespelled by his father but he was Aden’s mate and he refused to take anything less than a full partnership. If the cool-eyed killer thought he could wiggle away for Gallen’s own safety, well he had a lot to learn about the tenacity of sorcerers.

Product Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=103&product_id=4097

Thommie’s Review:  ♥♥ 2 Hearts

It’s so disappointing when you have a book in your hands, with great premises and promise, and it comes up short and lacking.

Here we have book #5 of Banded Brothers series that introduces us to Aden’s story and his mating with Gallen, the sorcerer we met back at To Enchant an Eagle #3. It’s also the first of the spin-off series to come named Dragons of Seattle.

In this book, Aden is facing his retirement. He’s tired of being nearly killed on a daily basis and figures it’s time to stop. However, he can’t imagine how his life would be any other way and finds himself restless. Thinking he’s of no use anymore, now that his son is all grown up. But, when he’s faced with being the mate of a Sorcerer, his mind spins in all directions. He’s too old for Gallen (it doesn’t matter that Gallen is 100 years old, he looks twenty for crying out loud), his life is too dangerous and could endanger his mate, and he’s mortal and thus will die in a few years, meaning his mate might die too with him or at best live a miserable life after he’s gone. Not to mention there are dragons around Seattle that seems focused on him lately. Oh did he forget the mob family dead set on him and his dearest? God, how about Gallen’s controlling psycho Father? How do you protect your mate from a powerful sorcerer?

You can see how exciting the premises are. They are full of possibilities; possibilities lost in my opinion in such a short, short book. With the amount of events happening in this story, the pace and time frame are too fast, too furious. We go from one intense incident to another, without the luxury of time and development to properly feel the story unwrap and the emotions stick within us. The surprise of Aden being Gallen’s mate is totally lost, so is Gallen’s surprise at finding that it’s Aden who is his true mate and not Eaton. The fact that both men don’t take a moment to communicate, rather jump to conclusions is a bit annoying. The fact that Aden seems to effortlessly leap from denying the bond to nearly devouring Gallen in a heartbeat leaves you reeling with the speed and indecisiveness. The human criminals that come around the corner, the paranormal ones that pop out of nowhere, the actions scenes that are done and over with in the blink of an eye, and the end that is such a cliffhanger, stopping the story in a most abrupt way. The sexual bond that came, went, and lost all its intensity and importance when Gallen’s mom pops in the middle of the bedroom. Agrrr!

Perhaps I’m expecting too much, or perhaps I’m too damned picky. I just wish – and it’s not the first time I say this – that this author’s books were a bit more substantial. I wish they had space to grow and provide time for the read to feel the full impact of the story. The imagination involved is quite remarkable, yet they always leave me wanting, not for more, but for the one I have in my hands to be, I don’t know heavier, stronger, with greater impact. And thing is, they can achieve all that if they weren’t so rushed. In the end, I’d rather wait a year and have a truly great book in my hands, than go through the frustration of this fast spinning of a tale that leaves you a bit hollow inside.

Portia’s Two Cents:  ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

This is the story that I’ve been waiting for, forever.  I don’t know if it’s because Aden is not paranormal, but he has always been my favorite character in this series.  I don’t know how it would feel trying to read this title as a standalone, but having read the 4 prior books, I loved the action with just a bit of steamy romance. The pace worked for me. I felt like I was getting another episode in a weekly drama, and not knowing everything was just fine.  I don’t know how Amber keeps track of all the characters in her series, each maintaining a distinct voice, but I give the highest praise for writing that keeps me coming back for more.

Trust Me by L.A. Witt

fbe9646c300988b96542c1bea35dbd0b06a188b5Title: Trust Me

Series: Cover Me 02

Author: L.A Witt

Genre: Mystery, Suspense

Length: Novel (171 pages)

ISBN: 9780989874687

Publisher: Lori Witt (22nd January 2014)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: On the scene of a multiple murder that’s grisly even for a veteran homicide detective, Brian Clifton is stunned when one of the victims bears an uncanny resemblance to his boyfriend, James. As the similarities keep piling up, so do the bodies… and the evidence pointing to James as the killer.

 

Since long before the shooting, James has been dishonest. He’s been evasive. Oh, and there’s that minor detail he withheld from Brian about being a gambling-addicted drug dealer.

 

James may not be the best boyfriend in the world, but he begs Brian to believe he’s no killer. In fact, whoever did pull the trigger undoubtedly wants to finish what they started, and Brian is the only one James trusts to keep him safe.

 

But how much is Brian willing to risk protecting a man he may not even know?

1st Edition published with Carnal Passions 6th July 2011

Purchase Link: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-trustme-1401409-148.html

Pixie’s Review:♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Brian Clifton has been seeing James for several months and over the last two or three months James has been erratic and unavailable and Brian is thinking of dumping him as he believes James is cheating on him, when James is waiting for him when he gets home and needs his help more than ever. James Merrill needs to hide and needs Brian’s help to prove he isn’t a murderer and to catch the ones who are, James always has an excuse for everything and Brian doesn’t know if he can trust James anymore. When the full truth comes out Brian struggles to forgive James for his countless lies.

 

The storyline is great, the characters are compelling and the grief is heartfelt, this story is fast paced and honest to God just when you think you have it all figured out it throws you a curve ball. We see Brian acknowledge that he has a problem, James not being able to control his addiction and nearly getting everyone in trouble, we have a brilliant plot, some twists, hot sex, and betrayal.

 

We also see Nick and Andrew from Cover Me and we learn more about how they are coping as a couple. Don’t get me wrong they are written into the story line without taking away from the main characters and its fantastically done, they don’t try to take over the story but blend in and I have to say L.A. Witt has done what some authors can’t and that’s blending characters from previous book’s into current books.

 

This is a brilliantly written story and it has something for everyone, I will recommend this one to everyone.  

 

Lisa’s Review:  ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

 

This story is part two of a series and I recommend reading them in order although this one can be read as stand-alone. Veteran homicide detective Brian and James are together when Brian comes across a murder where the victim looks just like James. Brian finds out that James has been hiding a lot from him. He has been evasive and turns out a gambling addicted drug dealer. Bodies keep piling up and it looks like the man he loves is the killer. All he has to do is keep James safe and prove that he isn’t the killer, but how does he protect his heart.

 

Dirty cops, drug dealers, con artist and killers what more can a girl ask for. Brian is as honest as any cop can be, but he is surrounded by dirty cops and a lying boyfriend. A boyfriend who holds so many secrets but loves him with all of his heart. Every time they go into hiding, someone finds them. Brian just doesn’t nowhere to turn or who to trust, he just knows he loves James enough to place himself in danger. Hot sex between them heats everything up, but sex doesn’t solve all their problems. It kept my attention from the start though and kept it all the way to the end. There are a lot of surprising twists to this story. Ones that you won’t expect.

 

This however is a really good story of two different types of men coming together. One honest cop and one gambling addicted drug dealer. Lots of danger and excitement can be found in this story. Murdered cops, dead strippers, and men who will turn on each other are just a teaser always leaving you wanting more. As I said before lots of surprising twist to this story. Once you pick it up you won’t be able to put it down. Both men are hot and sexy, each with a story inside themselves that is just waiting to be told. When lives are in danger, they will both do everything they can to keep each other safe. When all the truths are told, they will find themselves at a crossroad. A crossroad that will make them choose each other or a life separate.

 

I did enjoy this story although I wanted it to continue right then and there. The dangers that each one of them was in was enticing and you wanted to just jump in and save them. Brian kept trying to stop the dangers that were coming after Nick from getting to him placing himself in to those dangers. Brian did everything in his powers to keep his lover safe. The relationship between them started out as any other relationship had, one that was at first suppose to be a one-night stand, but seemed to get hotter each time they were together showing that they both wanted so much more.

 

The sex between them was just as hot, fast, and full of passion. It shows the way they take turns loving each other, what each character loves to do and what they want done. I like how both characters act and care for each other, however I wish James could open up to Brian and let him know the truth. The fact that he can’t seem to tell him all that worries him, makes Brian not only a little closed off but also ready to end it. But for them it seems to be a work thing, because when the time comes for Brian to need James, James is there to save the day.

 

I will recommend this to those who love law enforcement and even the criminal unit, the dangers from dirty cops, undercover law enforcement, drug dealers, shoot outs, great sex and what seems to be happy ever afters.

 

Search Me by L.A. Witt

20807473Title: Search Me, 2nd edition

Series: Cover Me, #3

Author: L.A. Witt

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (100 pages)

ISBN: 9780989874694

Publisher: Lori Witt (22nd January 2014)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4.5 Hearts

Blurb: In the beginning, Detective Andrew Carmichael and paramedic Nick Swain barely escaped Nick’s delusional stalker with their lives. Now, months later, the physical scars haven’t quite healed, and neither have the emotional ones. Lingering guilt and resentment threaten to tear their relationship apart, but Andrew isn’t ready to give up. He’s nearly lost Nick once, and he’s not giving him up this time without a fight.

In a last ditch effort to keep them together, Andrew suggests a weekend away, but is that enough time to find a reason to keep their relationship alive?

Or is it time to let Nick walk away?

1st Edition published with Carnal Passions 7th December 2011

Purchase Link: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-searchme-1401434-148.html

Pixie’s Review: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Andrew knows that his relationship with Nick has hit a really rough patch and has been for that way for a while, he is desperate to save what they had, but it seems like Nick is retreating further away from him. Nick accepts a last-ditch attempt to save what he has with Andrew but he doesn’t have high hopes as there is just too much that has happened.

 

Andrew and Nick are struggling after everything that happened in Cover Me they are both suffering from PTSD but both of them avoid talking about it, it is causing arguments between them as they both feel guilt and resentment over what happened and how it affects them. This story opens up with Nick having left Andrew but not yet moving out, Andrew knows that they have to talk but he feels as though Nick has given up on them, Nick just can’t seem to find the words to tell Andrew how he feels.

 

This is a really well written story that delves into the after effects of a major trauma that not only affects these two physically but mentally and the damage it does to their relationship. I loved this story and I was really worried at one point that they wouldn’t be able to find their way through, it seemed like they both loved each other but the only time that they could communicate was through sex (really, really hot sex) the rest of the time it was tension and arguments.

 

You really do feel for both Andrew and Nick as you can see where they are both coming from and you know that if you were in that position you would probably react the same way. Andrew’s desperation to make the relationship work is palpable and Nick’s seemingly indifference makes you want to shake him and demand that he at least tries to talk to Andrew.

 

So really I have to recommend this to those who love hot sex, fixing struggling relationships, angst and a well-written story.

 

Lisa’s Review: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

This story is book three of a series and I recommend reading them in order.

Nick and Andrew had met in a dangerous situation. One where Nick could have lost his life. Most times, when two people come together after something traumatic happens, it usually doesn’t last once the rush is over with. One night of hot sex between them relieves some stress, but sex doesn’t solve all their problems. Now they have been together for a while and most things are going great, but the fact that they are both have trouble getting over the fact that each had been hurt when they met. Nick was afraid that Andrew would place himself in danger to save Nick keeps him quiet as usual. It kept my attention from the start though and kept it all the way to the end.

This, however, is a really good story of two different types of support personnel who are having trouble both mentally and emotionally with the troubles that had been caused when they first get together. So much to the point that it comes down to them ending their relationship, however it is not what either one wants. They need to learn to communicate better or they will lose everything they want. Now they have new dangers and it places them in the spot that each one feared from the start. This story has a few surprising twist to it that you will definitely get a kick out of. Each one of them is stubborn, quick-tempered, feisty, and hot as hell, but they click perfectly. Now all they have to do is get everything out in the order to survive. Two hot and sexy men who wear uniforms, fight dangers, and love each other is what I love to read about. The fact that there are hints on kinky sex in the future just heats it up more.

I did enjoy this story although I wanted it to continue right then and there. The dangers that are present, the tension that Nick and Andrew have going on and the fire flowing through them is enough to want to continue hearing about them. Nick is enticing and so gentle that when the dangers come for him you wanted to just jump in and save him. Andrew kept trying to stop the dangers that was coming after Nick from getting to him but that was what Nick didn’t want. He wanted Andrew to stay safe also. Andrew did everything in his powers to keep his lover safe. The relationship between Nick and Andrew started out fast and hot. It just seems to get hotter each time they get together. The sex between them was just as hot, fast, and full of passion. It shows the way they take turns loving each other, what each character loves to do and what they want done. I like how both characters act and care for each other. However, I wish Nick and Andrew to communicate better. It would have stopped many fights.

I will recommend this to those who love law enforcement and Emergency Medical Tech’s, the dangers from criminals, shoot outs, great sex and what seems to be happy ever afters.

　

Conduct Unbecoming by L.A. Witt

15733931Title: Conduct Unbecoming

Author: L.A. Witt

Genre: Contemporary Military Romance

Length: Novel (381 pages)

Publisher: Samhain Publishing (October 23rd 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4 1/2 Hearts

Reviewer: Tams & Thommie

Blurb: “As long as no one asks and they don’t tell.”

First class petty officer Eric Randall is less than thrilled about taking orders to Okinawa. Three long, lonely years on a crappy island, that’s thousands of miles from his daughter? Oh. Yeah. Sign him up. But as long as he’s stuck here, he might as well make the best of it, so he discreetly checks out the local gay scene.

Shane nearly drops his drink when the gorgeous, cocky-looking guy strolls into Palace Habu. He buys him a drink, and before long, they’re making out in a booth. Eric is a straight-to-the-point kind of guy and doesn’t want to play games. Since Eric’s idea of not playing games is getting the hell out of there and going back to one of their apartments, Shane is more than happy to go along with it.

What starts as a scorching-hot one-night stand leaves both of them wanting more until Eric finds out Shane doesn’t just outrank him, he’s an officer. DADT may be repealed, but an officer getting involved with an enlisted man falls under conduct unbecoming.

Still, they can’t resist their mutual desire. There’s no reason anyone has to find out. But secrets have a way of outing themselves.

Warning: Contains two military boys who keep forgetting they’re not supposed to be together. Probably because they never have their uniforms on for any length of time.

Purchase Link: http://store.samhainpublishing.com/conduct-unbecoming-p-7039.html

Tams Review: 5 ♥♥♥♥♥ Hearts 

The backdrop of this story is the beautifully written Okinawa, brought to life superbly in the words Witt uses as descriptives. I was literally transported by her descriptions of the land, islands and castles. I would close my eyes between paragraphs and I was there at Katsuren Castle with Eric and Shane!

Eric is new to the island and not even remotely excited with his latest tour, having left behind his teenage daughter in the states with his ex-wife for the next three years. He is a career military, enlisted MP and he’s gay. Not necessarily openly gay, but he’s not touring Okinawa waving his rainbow flag either. It doesn’t take him long to begin his search for something, or someone, to help him pass the time.

The first thing Eric see’s when he walks into Palace Habu is the sexy, stranger at the end of the bar. Shane almost drops his drink when he lay’s eyes on Eric. The attraction is overwhelming, immediate and mutual. And what should be a one nightstand leaves both men wanting, no aching, for more. Okinawa is not the largest island on the planet, but it takes weeks before these two happen upon each other again. Sparks are soon flying again as these two trip over each other on their way back to the bedroom, quickly agreeing this should become a habit. Then Shane drops the bomb that he’s an Officer. DADT has been removed, but the long-standing rules against Officers and Enlisted in a relationship still stands. This is one rule not likely to change, not even for this Officer and his gentleman.

Not only do these guys have to deal with being gay in the military and all the sideways glances and hushed whispers that come from their narrow-minded fellow soldiers; but Witt delved even deeper by including the forbidden Officer dating Enlisted taboo. Eric and Shane still manage to skirt the boundaries of what they should and shouldn’t do, neither one willing to admit just how emotionally attached they’ve become to one another. As they learn ways around the rules and explore the wonder that is Okinawa, as well as each other, they skirt dangerously close to breaking a rule that could have devastating consequences for both of them.

I’m not certain what I liked more about this story. Watching the slow building love story between Eric and Shane as lust and fire become want and need; or the enthralling backdrop of Okinawa and the picture of perfection Witt was able to capture in this novel. This was the first book by L.A.Witt that I had the pleasure of reading, and have since read four more. I intend to eventually read all her books. She has an ability to pay as much attention to the background of her story as she does to the characters, but not taking any of the interest away from the characters. The exquisite background just made me that much more eager to turn each page.

Thommie’s Review: 3 1/2 – 4 ♥♥♥♥ Hearts

I keep being surprised by Ms. Witt. Such a peculiar writer, kinda fooled me with this one. I expected a somehow action/adventure story, with a fast beat and with lots of agony, but this is not one. Oh the agony was there or maybe it was angst and frustration, it just was not what I expected. But again I’m running ahead of myself.

This is a love story. I’m not certain if it’s fiction or if it’s real, it felt like the most realistic love story I’ve read, like some kind of biography. Eric is a Petty Officer and his orders are to serve 3 years in Okinawa, where this story takes place. The depression and amount of suffocating feeling that accompany him on his flight to the island are quite heavy (I felt them all while reading it) because that means he’s going to be away from his daughter for 3 whole years. Add to that the time difference conspiring to his inability to video chat with her often and he feels like his career is literally killing him. He expects nothing but misery while he’s in Okinawa, wondering how he’s going to manage not to lose his mind. Yet, against all odds, he’s in for a great surprise. Life always deals our best cards when we least expect it and accompanied by a great deal of awful ones too.

Shane is a Navy Officer and he’s already serving in Okinawa for some time. He’s in for a great surprise the night he sees Eric walk in the club. While Eric is hot, sexy, damn gorgeous, with a vibe that sends shivers through all his body, Shane never expected he’d be the best one-night stand of his damn entire life. But a one-night stand he is and he found himself mentally pounding his head on the wall for not asking his number. The fact that he can’t forget about Eric even after two weeks drives him crazy, how can a man get under his skin in the short hours of just one night?

Their elation when they find each other is beyond description. Yes, this is just hooking up, but damn they are so good together they could get used to that. Unfortunately, after yet another night of bone shattering, mind-blowing, send me to heaven or just let me die sex, they find out each other’s rank, And Hell surrounds them. They are not meant to have a relationship, hell they are not meant to even be friends, the regulations are clear enough, an officer getting involved, even as a simple friend, with an enlisted sailor means Military Court, both of their careers dead and the awful line of “Conduct Unbecoming a Gentleman” on their files. They must stop seeing each other; this is definitely not worth it… right?

And Oh My God, but the two men’s dynamic is absolutely fantastic. Jesus, it makes me wonder how does this author manage to convey it so acutely. Everything, everything in the protagonist’s life, from strolling down the streets to taking each other in bed is fueled with a gigantic shot of electricity that I swear traveled from the book to my body while I read it. Perhaps this exactly why it was such a disappointment for me when the plot suddenly flowed elsewhere. The moment one of the two characters was on his way to do his job or anything else, the flow stopped, the fast and intense read that had my brain spinning slowed down to a dull feeling. If you take off the characters interactions all that remains is a travel guide. Yeah I’m not saying that reading about Okinawa was not fascinating, but damn it, it was so detailed that had me almost sleeping after the adrenalin shot I got from Eric and Shane. It was like those train rides that go slowly for a while, then they pick up tremendous speed, and then they slow down again… If you add the fact that the only action the book got was the one and only time they almost got caught which resulted to them breaking out, it was… Well, it was not what I expected from the blurb.

This is a love story, one that you find on your everyday life, no miracles happening, no extreme baddies that make the protagonist’s life hell while they fight for their true love. This is a great love story between two navy guys that by getting together broke the law. It could happen to the guys next door; it could happen to your brother or cousin; it could even happen to you. If this is the kind of story you’re into, I strongly recommend it, it’ will certainly rattle you with the intensity the feeling reveal in the lines and make you remember your own.

Prince Daxton and the Geek by Lyssa Samuels

19000053Title: Prince Daxton and the Geek

Series:  Royal Mates: Love’s Diamonds, #3

Author: Lyssa Samuels

Genre: Erotic/Paranormal Romance

Length:  Novel (234 pages)

ISBN: 9781627410489

Publisher: Siren Publishing (December 17th, 2013)

Heat Level:   Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Bryce St. John is a shy man—a geek who lives in his world of computers. After surviving a date attack, he is afraid to trust and is afraid of intimacy. He refuses to risk his heart or his safety by choosing the wrong man again.

Prince Daxton Sorenson is a soldier assigned to protect and learn from the powerful, royal seer Mohar from the time he was a young man. Seeing Bryce on the baseball field, he realizes he has found his aheri. When Bryce panics and flees, Daxton is heartbroken.

Daxton is patient and loving, and Bryce soon finds himself completely smitten. When Mohar arrives to take Daxton back to Sanzel, Dax is injured. Bryce has had enough. He is one seriously pissed off mate who will do what he must to find and protect his man. He is not about to give up on the loving future and the houseful of babies that Dax has promised him.

Purchase Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/prince-daxton-and-the-geek

Lisa’s Review: This is book three of this series and they need to be read in order. It gives you an insight into the characters and the story itself. It is an amazing series to read. I love the fact that Lyssa gives you such wonderful characters to fall in love with. It seems like each character has a pain from the past that they are going through.

In this one, Bryce had been attacked a few months prior and was scared to even let someone touch him. He had the help of his friends to ease some of the fears. However, he was afraid of even the thought of dating. So on the night he saw Daxton he ran from him. However as he was leaving he did look back to see the man with a lot of pain in his expression. He had to think of what to do. With the help of his best friend, he let Daxton in to his life.

Daxton was a prince of Sanzel, warrior and protector Mohar. However, Mohar had been hurting Daxton every time Daxton went against him. When he found his mate, he was full of happiness, but it hurt him when his mate feared him. With a lot of patience, he would get his mate to understand he is loved and protected.

He also needed to tell Bryce about who he is and where he is from. Now that is a funny story to hear. It had to take a healing from Daxton to prove to Bryce that he was telling the truth. Then the change came on and Bryce learned that the men of Sanzel could get pregnant. Could you imagine someone’s expression when they hear that a man can have a baby? There are many things that they have to talk about but the one thing that they will never have to question is the love that they feel.

It is an amazing story and I cannot wait to read book four. I have found another series that I have fallen in love with and am glad to have them added in my library. It will catch your attention from the start and will keep it all the way to the end. I would recommend this story if you love the paranormal worlds, two very sexy men, hot sex and a bit of danger involved. It has the perfect amount of all that and more in this book. I can guarantee that you will fall in love with it and the others. Lyssa has a wonderful gift at telling a story.

 

Eric’s Review: I found this book very delicious. I had never a Lyssa Samuels novel, but I loved this one to death. Couldn’t get enough of both Bryce and Daxton. I found myself able to identify with Bryce with how shy he was. We all have our inner geeks for something and it made me love Bryce as a character that much more.

I loved the solid plot as well. I cannot wait to read another novel by her. Her novels are fantastic and highly recommended.

The Talisman Ring of Amenhotep by Zev de Valera

71CtDqQ8oKL._SL1425_Title: The Talisman Ring of Amenhotep

Series: N/A

Author: Zev de Valera

Genre: Historical/Paranormal/ Fantasy

Length: Novella (56 Pages)

ISBN: MLR-1-02013-0190

Publisher: MLR Press (January 18th, 2014)

Heat Level: Moderate

Blurb:Can one innocent act change your life forever?

When mild-mannered veterinarian Julian Wingate picks up an unusual bauble for a song in Cairo’s Khan-al-Kalili, he has no idea that the acquisition of this ancient ring will alter the course of his future. Recently widowed from the famous Egyptologist Theo Barojas, Julian finds himself on the point of tossing aside all reminders of the past; eager to start his new life with an old love…. but the curious ring – boxed away for almost a year – beckons …

Once Julian slips the artifact upon his finger, nothing in his well-ordered life will ever be the same.

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

 

Shorty’s Review: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts

Julian is given a ring years before his lover’s death. Now an evil woman claiming it was stolen from her will do everything in her power to get it back. The ring is said to give superhuman strength and other abilities to those who wear it.

Very interesting and well-written story. I didn’t like the Directrix, she seemed sneaky, devious, and not caring who she stomped on or hurt to get what she wanted. Julian seemed like a very nice man not willing to intentionally hurt anyone.

Good read.

Lisa’s Review:   ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts

This is a fantastic book. It caught my attention from the start and kept it all the way to the end. It also left me hanging, now I can’t wait for the next story that I am sure is to come. Zev has a wonderful imagination and gives you characters that are charming, gorgeous and an absolute mess. Julian had loved his boyfriend Theo up to the day that Theo had died. Three days prior to that, an old man stopped Julian and basically threw a ring at him, telling him that it was free, and a gift. A gift all right, that had more bizarre twist to it. It came with powers that bewildered Julian the moment he had put it on.

Now people were coming out of the woodworks looking for it. He wasn’t in this alone though, he had a man who had wanted him, and he knew deep down that he loved him. Dinesh help him find out about the ring and stayed with him. I can’t really gage their feelings that good, but I assume that I will have to wait to the next book to get a little better read on that.

I wish though that this one had been a bit longer, with a little more to it. I want more of Julian and Dinesh, more from them, however it is all about this amazing ring that he had. It is a fantasy though, this ring of Amenhotep. And Amenhotep wants it back. I am not up on my Egyptian lure, but this story will be a big hit when it comes all together.

6 Days to Valentine by LE Franks

618bZKg3nuL._SL1000_Title: 6 Days to Valentine
Series:  N/A
Author: LE Franks
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novella (84 Pages)
Publisher: Wilde City Press (January 29th 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Blurb: In Nick’s perfect world, Valentine’s Day would be struck from the calendar.

Nick’s dreams of a Happily Ever After were shredded long ago and the last thing he and his customers need is a bunch of happy loving couples rubbing it in their faces.

Bouncer Fat Boy Newman is willing to bet he knows Nick’s heart better than he does. He has just six days to change Nick’s mind about romance and the holiday and the perfect man to do it.

Too bad, it’s not him.

Too bad Nick’s not going down without a fight.

Too bad, he cheats.

Product Link: http://www.wildecity.com/books/gay-romance/6-days-to-valentine/#.U4vT2SiKiwU

Shorty’s Review: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts 

A very sweet story, but with a lot of misunderstandings and drama mixed in. I enjoyed reading how Nick finally figures out what he’s been missing in his life. FatBoy seemed sweet and gentle, while trying to fix Nick up to see him happy, not realizing till the end that it was him that was the one.

These two men are as different as night and day, but they just seemed to work. Nick comes off as a bit of a jerk, in the beginning. But, his biggest flaw was judging a “book by its cover.” Or In this case, his perfect guy, by the size of his muscles.

The story is well written and very complete, for a novella.

I recommend this to readers who like sweet romance, clueless bartenders, and patient bouncers.

Prime’s Review:  ♥♥♥2.5 Hearts

I really don’t know what to say about this one. For one, it is a nice, short story to enjoy. However, there is one major flaw, but I’ll get to that in a sec.

6 Days to Valentine by LE Franks is fairly self-explanatory when you read the title and the blurb. It is about Nick Valentine, who is rather jaded, he no longer believes in love/romance and he especially detests Valentine’s Day.

At the bar where he is a bar tender, he has a bet with one of the bouncers, only known as FatBoy Newman (although it is never confirmed I am guessing that his real name is Davis Newman). FatBoy has just 6 days to change Nick’s mind. If I go too much further into the plot I’m going to give away the story.

Okay, so onto what I believe to be the greatest flaw in this story.
Nick may not be the most likeable character, but I think that has a lot to do with plot and character development. I just don’t think that there’s enough of either. Sometimes the explanations just fall short for me.

I mean, I can read between the lines but sometimes I think the author’s vision makes more sense when explicitly stated. Nick showed potential and I really wanted him to live up to that potential. Unfortunately, he didn’t. Even more unfortunately, I just feel that there was very little chemistry between Nick and FatBoy – despite the fact that I wanted there to be more. They seemed to match together but their attraction lacked sparks and fireworks.

Then there is the plot, again more explicit explanations of what is going by the author would have been nice because sometimes I felt like I was missing some vital piece of information. This probably would not have been such an issue if there was more action and far less telling throughout the story.

This was enjoyable enough I’m just not entirely sure if it was a good thing that the story left me wanting more by the end.

A Life for Nicholas by Matt Zachary

81+qr0+FA0L._SL1500_Title: A Life for Nicholas

Series: The Nicholas Chronicles #1

Author: Matt Zachary

Genre: Young Adult

Length: Novella (72 pages)

Publisher: Porterlance Books (April 6th, 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥2 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: “A Life for Nicholas” details the life of a thirteen-year-old boy who is an orphan and living in the foster care system. He has to deal with adolescence, his sexuality, the loss of friends and abuse as he figures out his place in the world. This book is a novella of about 13,000 words and the prequel to “A Home for Christmas” by Matt Zachary.

Product Link: http://porterlancebooks.wordpress.com/2013/04/11/new-releases-by-matt-zachary/

Amazon:http://www.amazon.com/Life-For-Nicholas-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00B5L14O4/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1381237720&sr=1-1&keywords=A+Life+for+Nicholas

Review: This short story follows Nickolas, a thirteen-year boy, as he journeys from foster home to foster home. Abuse physical and emotional follows him with little small parts of happiness so short Nick wonders if they are real at all. Facing down horrible after horrible event and trying to still stand strong Nickolas is almost the stereotypical kid you see on these young adult books.

Smart, good grades and a nice shy temperament Nicholas can’t seem to avoid people getting in his way trying to harm him for no apparent reason. His schools peers, his foster siblings, even his foster parent go a long way to make him miserable, and just as he thought he found some peace and normalcy his life gets shaken once again… I’d like to like this character but I didn’t have the chance to actually meet him, get a feel for him. Every event in this story was hastily narrated and lacking.

As much as this book had good premise, it failed to make me like it as it skimmed through hard and heavy subjects with a sense of irresponsibility and insensitivity. Everything Nick felt when experiencing abuse was systematically simply stated and the story moved along without allowing for the feel of them to make a full impact. I was shocked to see Nick narrating his abuses in a nonchalant way, detached, almost as if telling a tale and not events that had him scarred for life. The entire read was set in a very fast pace that allowed no time for thoughts or for feelings to settle, ending with a most superficial describing of a suicide as if it was a walk in the park.

In the end, this was a story that while it worked up your expectations it failed to meet them and left you wondering, “What was the point.” 

 

 

Reviewer:   Tams

Heart Rating:  ♥♥ 2 Hearts

Review: Nicholas could be the poster child for foster care. Ignored and abused both physically and mentally by his peers and foster parents throughout the book. He makes a couple of solid friends along the way, but both are ripped from his life in one way or another before the end. He’s actually slightly more normal than he has any right to be considering what he’s been through.

There was potential for a better story here than the one that is on the pages. Completely rushed, unmatched timelines and several inconsistencies left something to be desired here. Nicholas gets into a fight at school, okay wait… Nicholas is ganged up on at school by homophobic classmates and defends himself, only to be kicked out of his current foster home almost immediately due to his ‘bad’ behavior. Huh? Then he refers to the last home he’s in at the end of this book as ‘no different than any of the others’, when in fact it’s completely different. For once he is actually wanted and treated appropriately. Again, Huh?

I really wanted to like this book, Nicholas was such a diverse type of character. But sadly the inconsistencies in the story coupled with the urgency to get to the ending were off-putting and ruined it for me.

 

Catch a Ghost by S.E. Jakes

16150811Title: Catch a Ghost

Series: Hell or High Water 01

Author: S.E. Jakes

Genre: Action, Thriller, Suspense

Length: Novel Plus (250pgs)

Publisher: Riptide Publishing (9th September 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Blurb: When past and present collide, predicting the future is impossible.

Everyone knows that Prophet—former Navy SEAL, former CIA spook, full-time pain in the ass—works alone.

But his boss at Extreme Escapes, LTD. has just assigned Proph a new partner and a case haunted by ghosts from Proph’s past. Suddenly, he has to confront both head on.

Tom Boudreaux—failed FBI agent, failed sheriff, full-time believer in bad luck—is wondering why the head of a private contracting firm has hunted him down to offer him a job. Still, he’s determined to succeed this time, despite being partnered with Prophet, EE’s most successful, lethal, and annoying operative, on a case that resurrects his own painful past.

Together, Prophet and Tom must find a way to take down killers in the dangerous world of underground cage matches while fighting their own dangerous attraction. When they find themselves caught in the crossfire, these two loners must trust each other and work together to escape their ghosts . . . or pay the price.

Purchase Link: http://riptidepublishing.com/titles/catch-ghost

Pixie’s Review: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Prophet works alone; he prefers it that way, but his boss at Extreme Escapes, LTD. has just given him a new partner and a case that is haunted by ghosts of his past. Tom has just come on board EEL and is still wondering why he was offered the job, but he takes the new case and reluctant partner anyway.

With a history of his partners, dying Tom is determined that it won’t happen this time, but with the way that Prophet dices with death, it is down to luck. Prophet and Tom have to find a way to take down killers in the world of underground cage fighting and discover just why the victim was murdered. Their attraction is instant and giving into their attraction is easy, but trusting each other is much harder and what little trust they have will be tested to the limits.

Both MC’s in this book are haunted by their pasts, Prophet because of a promise he made and Tom because all his partners have been killed. Both characters are complex in their own way, Prophet is the most complex with his attitude and broken self-worth, Tom has his own complexities with his seemly ‘bad luck’ and premonition feelings. Their instant attraction leads into a difficult relationship while they are investigating a murder that has murky leads and those leads are mysteriously tied to Prophet, and, a video that Tom mysteriously received even before ever meeting Prophet.

I have to say this is one frustrating book, it gives you hope, hints and clues but leaves you grasping for solid answers. While we learn a lot about both men’s backgrounds it still leaves us in the dark though, it’s like peeling back the first layer only to discover another layer underneath covered in steel. The storyline is really good and you are dragged into the danger and mystery, you get frustrated at Prophet’s attitude and you can’t help hope that Tom will smack the crap out of him to knock some sense into him. Their relationship is one of tension, frustration, and incredible hot sex with Tom doing most of the work to crack Prophet’s steel shell.

This really isn’t the book to read if you are just looking for an easy read or perfect relationship, it’s the book to read if you want something to chew on and frustrate you. It isn’t a pretty book with hearts and flowers; in fact, there are times you could cheerfully string up both Tom and Prophet because they annoy you so much. There are no dewy eyes from these dangerous men, black eyes yes, and there are no sweet words but plenty of cursing and there is certainly no happily ever after unless the author is very happy with our screaming and cursing as we get to the end and discover frustration.

I recommend this is you love mysterious men making the world a better place, if you love broken men who aren’t sure if they want to be fixed, scorching hot sex, a great storyline that leaves you frustrated and if are a glutton for punishment.  

Gigi’s Review:  ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Let me start off saying that I became quickly invested in Prophet and Tom. The characters are richly written, detailed, and unique and grabbed my right away. Prophet is a male character I love to love and love to hate. I want to just slap some sense into him but that would never work. This guy is facing huge problems in his future, not only from a genetic illness but also from himself. He doesn’t allow himself to be loved, he distances himself from people who care, he puts himself in harm’s way intentionally, and I still can’t help but be drawn and sympathetic.

Tom is a character I underestimated. I first saw him as weak, but it turns out his intelligence is what sneaks up on a reader. He’s more experienced than he lets on, and he’s physically strong in addition to being the emotional strength. He’s also got a “gift” and a curse that he lives with that distances him from others. So two very hard men with stubborn streaks turning their professional relationship into a sexual one can only spell problems.

This is a book for those who love Special Forces, military, mercenary, and spy adventures. Catch a Ghost has plenty of action, violence, and aggressive sexual heat. All of these things kept me entertained, but the plot left me stranded.
I know this is a series, and I understand the use of a cliffhanger, but it seems to me the whole purpose of Catch a Ghost may have been to introduce Tom and Prophet, set up the drama, build a plot, but then it ended with no resolution. I like to see at least one problem solved in a series installment, but this one left me wanting. Wanting to read more is the result of the quality however!