Perfect Strangers by Edward Kendrick

Edward Kendrick - Perfect Strangers CoverTitle: Perfect Strangers

Series: N/A

Author: Edward Kendrick

Genre: Gay Erotic Romance

Length: Novella (111pgs)

Publisher: Pride Publishing (May 10, 2016)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4.5 Hearts

Blurb: Opposites attract—but is that attraction enough to bring two strangers together?

Raphael Koenig is an assassin working for a covert outfit. He’s also a man who uses alcohol to fend off terrifying nightmares. After completing one too many kills and dealing with one too many nightmares, he is close to burning out. So, he takes a break—a two-week vacation in New Orleans.

Alden Durant lives and works in New Orleans. One afternoon he happens to see a sad, lonely-looking man—Raphael. When they run into each other again, Alden offers to show him the city and they strike up a tentative friendship that leads to a casual sexual relationship they are certain will end when Raphael’s vacation is over.

Raphael is called back early for another job, and both men believe they will never meet again. Then, fate steps in when Raphael is sent to New Orleans to take out a hired killer. He and Alden reconnect, but will they be able to handle the revelations that ensue? Or will those revelations drive them apart this time—permanently.

ISBN: 978-1-78651-413-4

Product Link: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/perfect-strangers

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Edward Kendrick’s is an amazing author who gives you a story that you can sink your teeth into. Perfect Strangers is a tense and soul searching story that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. I have always loved a good story that has men who carry weapons and are hit men. There is just something about them that catches my eye even more than others. What makes it even more interesting is the fact that one is an assassin where the other is a priest.

Alden is a priest who is open and sees the best in those around him. He is a caring man that will catch your heart even more. Now the only problem I have is that priests are not supposed to have sex so that part drove me nuts. Now Raphael is the assassin sent to bring those who are wrong, guilty, and dangerous or down right evil to justice.

When Raphael was young he saw something that put him on to the path he was on. He was said to be damaged beyond repair, but it only takes the love of a good man to show that they were wrong. He doesn’t enjoy killing but sees it to an end. He wants to help those who are victims see the justice.

Now another part that made it really hard to get into was the fact that a priest was good with what Raphael did. It was just too odd. These are definitely two characters that were not what I had expected. You will catch glimpses into each character that will give you the answers you would seek normally. It shows Raphael with not only his intense attitude, but also his sadness. His sadness is what brought Alden’s attention to him.

This book has a different type of plot that is intriguing to a point. The pace is at the perfect speed for this type of story. Now I have to admit that I didn’t really get into it like I should have, but I did enjoy reading it. I have always loved this author’s work and will continue to look for more stories by this amazing author.

I had fun with this and would definitely recommend it.

Reaper by Edward Kendrick

51YQl0zj9pL._AA324_PIkin4,BottomRight,-60,22_AA346_SH20_OU02_Title: Reaper
Series: N/A
Author: Edward Kendrick
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Length: Novel (159 pages)
Publisher: Pride Publishing (13 Oct 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts
Blurb: Leading a double life can be challenging, as Reaper well knows.

Take one self-styled vigilante—Reaper. Add his alter ego, successful forty-one-year-old, investment counselor, Zack Ward. Then throw in Dallas Comstock, thirty-two, a beat cop, Zack’s lover and the only person who knows Zack is Reaper. The result is men on a mission. They protect homeless kids living on the streets while trying to find a new building for a soon-to-be demolished shelter belonging to Zack’s mentor, Brian Foster—the man who helped Zack get off the streets.

Someone seems to be kidnapping streetwise young girls. Reaper pulls together a team of street kids—Zip and his boyfriend, Colly, Raven and Sway—to stop the predator. At the same time Zack, with the help of his business clients, sets up a charity ball to raise money for the new shelter, Off-the-Street.

What happens next may strengthen Zack’s and Dallas’ love—or destroy it.

ISBN: 978-1-78430-794-3

Product Link: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/reaper

Reviewer: Prime

Review: This is the first book by Edward Kendrick that I’ve read and I have to say, it was a pretty interesting introduction to a new author. First thing that struck me was the writing. It was just such an easy book to follow, even if I found the pace a little slow at times.

To describe this one and for you to understand where I’m coming from, I hope you’ve all got your comics and cartoon hat firmly on. I’m going to say it’s like if Batman (DC Comics) was really Daredevil (Marvel, he’s the blind lawyer) and was in a romantic relationship with Detective Ethan Bennett from the Gotham City PD.
Got that? No?

Well, 41-year-old, mild-mannered investment counsellor Zack Ward spends many nights protecting the young people on the street from the usual scum – pimps, drug dealers and other predators. The love of his life, Dallas, is a police officer and knows of Zack’s alter ego, Reaper. In fact, Dallas encourages it.

The story is relatively uncomplicated, so I’m not going to go into anything too much deeper. This is something worthy of a comic book – though like in comic books/Marvel movies, it does leave me wondering just how safe it is to be a vigilante where there is a police force likely to arrest said vigilante. At least, though, Zack does not leave a trail of destruction in his path.

I love how well the MCs work together. Zack and Dallas are in an established relationship. So it is nice that that aspect of romance takes a back seat and in the end this is just a story about two guys making things work under extraordinary circumstances. I also happen to love the ragtag supporting characters, Zip, Colly, Raven and Sway. I think it adds a bit of realism here, because let’s face it, every hero needs a bit of help along the way.

This book appealed to me because I’m into superheroes, I’m just not certain what other types that it would appeal to.

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

Art Theft 101 by Edward Kendrick

25438573Title: Art Theft 101
Series: NA
Author: Edward Kendrick
Genre: Paranormal Romantic Suspense
Length: Novel (159 pages)
Publisher: JMS Books LLC (May 17th 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts
Blurb: Vampire Philip Archer and his team of successful art thieves — Black Panther shifter Duff, ghost Rob, and Duff’s human girlfriend Liddy — are asked by the handsome Ian Croft, a potential client, to break with tradition and rescue a kidnapped child. When the caper turns out rather differently than expected, Philip is bitterly reminded why he has remained single for so long.

Yet, surrounded as he is by loving friends, he is not desperate. This is why, when he meets the newly-made vampire Ephram, he suppresses his attraction and focuses on being a mentor to the Fledgling.
Ephram was turned by Virgil Ionescu, an ancient vampire known for casting off his Children before they are ready. Living off the streets, Ephram’s future is precarious until he meets Philip. Ephram is immediately attracted to Philip and only too happy to be taken under his wing and taught the skills of surviving in modern New Orleans.
But Philip keeps secrets. Ephram can sense it, but he can’t penetrate the thousand-year-old Philip’s reserve. What will Ephram do when he discovers the big secret his new group of friends is keeping from him? Will his love for Philip trump all, or will he betray them? And, to complicate matters, Ionescu arrives unexpectedly in town, coming to check on his Child.

ISBN: 9781611527797

Product Link: http://www.jms-books.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=29_94&products_id=1434&zenid=DjlXuSyc1hMcUUKJjae3n3

Reviewer: Cat

Review: Stealing art can be an easy job if you have special powers. It’s even easier of each of your partners has these skills as well. Bring in Phillip Archer a vampire, Rob a ghost, Duff a shifter and Liddy, Duff’s human girlfriend and getaway driver. You have a merry band of misfit or should I say people with some awesome superpowers.

The story had good premise and the characters were very well-developed and intriguing. The plot was a bit lacking for me since it seems to have several small stories that weren’t really connected and a few scenes that led nothing to the story. I will say the interaction between these friends and the character development were enough for me to enjoy the story. I loved the addition of Ephram to round out the team and give a romantic interest to Phillip.

The sex is mild, but good. You get one or two basic sex scenes, then the rest is hinted out or off the page. So if you’re looking for a very steamy story this isn’t for you. If you’re looking for a fun, vampire/shifter story that is unique, a little suspense, and good character interaction this is definitely for you.

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

The City PI and the Country Cop by Edward Kendrick

1c484b63e8f346a127b0b456a56dae3d8ef431acTitle: The City PI and the Country Cop
Series: N/A
Author: Edward Kendrick
Genre: Mystery Erotic Romance
Length: Novel (193 pages)
Publisher: JMS Books, LLC (March 22nd 2015)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Blurb: A murder in a small Colorado town closely resembles unsolved crimes committed by a serial killer almost thirty years ago. Private investigator Teague Donovan learns of the recent murder and is instantly drawn to the case, because one of the victims in the past was his best friend, and he is determined to bring the killer to justice.

Hoyt Newman, the detective in charge of the most recent case, is none too happy with Teague’s interfering. At least not until a second homeless boy is tortured and killed. As the two men work together, they begin to develop an interest in each other — one that seems fated not to come to fruition since Teague is city, through and through, and Hoyt is definitely country to the core.

ISBN: 978-1-61152-751-3

Product Link: http://www.jms-books.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=29_94&products_id=1400

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Once more Edward has written a book that is off the charts and perfect. If there was a way for me to give it more than five stars I would do it. You get sexy men, men with guns, deranged killers, hot sex, action, dangerous situations and pure heat. Although I wasn’t so sure that I was not going to kill Teague myself. Sometimes the older you get the weirder you get.

Teague had been best friends with Chris and had the start of a relationship that is until Chris’s aunt found out. The bitch kicked Chris out and he ended up staying with Teague till graduation. Then he decided to leave. No one had heard from him, until two years ago when his body was finally identified. He had been murdered. Teague wanted to get the killer but until recently there had not been one that matched it. A few murders and then twenty years with zip, now the murders are starting again. He knew he had to get the detective in charge to recognize that it is a copycat serial killer. What he had not expected was the attraction to Hoyt.

Hoyt was a top country cop with an attitude. He didn’t much care to have someone stepping on his toes but damn Teague was out of this world sexy. He seemed to know what he wanted how to get it. Teague was a top-notch private investigator that owned his own company in the city. Now all they had to do is to catch the killer of young gay homeless men. Then the heat gets hotter for them both and they have to figure out how to make a relationship work with thirteen hours between them either way.

Now this is one story that I hope has a sequel or a book two because damn it was good. I also got a kick out of the kid that works for Teague. Keir is one young man who was a bratty matchmaker as well as an undercover agent. I loved him even though he was in and out of the story. You can tell within the first paragraph how well the story is going to go and if the author put their heart into it, and this would be one of those stories.

I had a blast with this story and would recommend it. It caught my attention from the moment I started reading and kept it all the way to the end. It also gave me everything I could want in a story and so much more. I think of all the romances and mysteries this one is my favorite. I do love a good book but when you have a story that has so meat to it is sold. Then you add in two men who carry guns and I am there. It was amazing and I cannot wait to read the next story Edward puts out.

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

You Belong to Me by Edward Kendrick

81sDEde0x2L._SL1350_Title: You Belong to Me

Series: N/A

Author: Edward Kendrick

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Length: Novella (119 pages)

ISBN: 978-1-63216-293-9

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (November 26th, 2014)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Cat

Blurb: Corey Byrne loves his family—as long as he only has to see them once a year. Since he’s not out to them, it makes things… tense. Returning to his job at a homeless shelter after Christmas, he finds someone has left him a very expensive present. Soon, he begins to get messages from the anonymous gift giver. Then Corey’s friend Brad is murdered in Corey’s apartment and undercover detective Scott

Reed is assigned to protect Corey. As they work together to find the killer, they realize they’re starting to care about each other. However, Scott is unwilling to act on his feelings unless Corey comes out to his family and co-workers. As the threats from the stalker intensify, Corey is forced to admit that love is too precious to hide from.

Perhaps now is the time to be honest about who he is and accept the possibility of love in return—before it’s too late

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5728

Review: Corey is keeping his sexuality from his family. He returns to his work after Christmas with his family to find a very expensive gift left there for him. He realizes after a few letters from his secret admirer that he is being stalked but doesn’t report it since he has no real proof. Things get out of hand when one of his lovers is found dead in his apartment and he becomes a suspect. He seeks his brother, Kerry’s help and has to confess to him his secret. Kerry knows the detective in charge of investigations and they send in an undercover specialist to help catch the stalker.

This is a great combination of romance and also mystery/ suspense. I loved all the characters and details in the story. I really like Corey and felt so sorry for him. I kept checking out each new character to see if I could find the killer. I was kept on my toes throughout the story.

I will say that I wish there had been a little more on the killer as that came out of the blue and the explanation of why fell a bit odd for me. But having said that I loved the story. Its sweet, clean, romantic, and a good mystery as well.

If you like sweet romance, family, mystery/suspense, drama and an all-over interesting story check this out!

 

L'historire de Francois Vampire by Edward Kendrick

LhistoiredeFrançois_100dpi_cvrTitle: L’historire de Francois Vampire

Series: Immortal Angst Book 01

Author: Edward Kendrick

Genre: Paranormal

Length: Novella (20K words)

ISBN: 978-1-925180-68-8

Publisher: Wilde City Press (19 November 2014)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

Reviewer: Cat

Blurb: Since his turning in 1022 young spy, François, has hated all humans. And yet, in 1347, he falls in love with one, only to be betrayed by Giles who tells his liege lord that François is a vampire. The lord blackmails François into spying for him. Years later, François gains his revenge on Giles through his son.

In 1876 New Orleans, François joins forces with Vasile, a master of the city, to take on human vampire hunters. Then Vasile’s human lover dies and Vasile turns to François for comfort. Will love ensue, or is François destined to always be alone?

Purchase Link: http://www.wildecity.com/books/gay-mainstream/lhistoire-de-francois-vampire-immortal-angst-book-one/#.VG4MS4vF-uQ

Review: This story tells about Francois, how he became a vampire and why he hates humans so much. He is a very vengeful type man, though once you read his story you will see why he is so bitter.
This is a pretty good set up for a series and also a historical setting.

For some reason, I never really related to Francois. Perhaps if I knew more of his human past I would have connected more. Also to me, the story skipped around some and I had a hard time really getting into it. But having said this, it is an intriguing set up of François and his world and the end has me wanting to see where the story goes.

If you like historical settings, vampires that don’t sparkle, deceit, betrayal spies and paranormal series, this is for you

The Hit Man Cometh by Edward Kendrick

thehitmancometh_exlarge_PNG-210x336Title: The Hit Man Cometh, 2nd edition
Series: N/A
Author: Edward Kendrick
Genre: Paranormal / Crime & Mystery
Length: Novella (158 pages)
ISBN: 978-1-78430-313-6
Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing (December 12th, 2014 / Early Download November 14th 2014)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts
Reviewer: Leigh
Blurb: Mick is a hit man sent after Gavin. Can Gavin, an ex-conman and a shifter, convince Mick they should join forces before Mick kills him?

Mick Whalen is a hit man hired to kill Gavin Wilde. However, when he tracks Gavin to a remote mountain cabin, he discovers that killing the coyote shifter is not in the cards. Especially when Gavin offers sex as an incentive to spare his life—an offer Mick does not refuse.

At Gavin’s insistence, they find out who hired Mick before someone else is sent to finish the job. The most probable person is a vampire with an ax to grind because of something Gavin did to him in the past. With the help of Gavin’s bear shifter friend Torben, and Torben’s vampire friend Brynja, they set out to stop the vampire—perhaps permanently.

Mick and Gavin decide to join forces since, as Gavin points out, he can teleport Mick away after a hit. The contracts come, and their rough bouts of sex heat up in the process.

However, they’re almost killed on a job—a job no one knew about except Mick’s friend and handler Johnny. When Johnny is murdered, they team up with the two other hit men who also once worked for Johnny, to find and eliminate his killer as well.

With death and destruction now both men’s way of life, will it draw them closer together—or destroy what has become more than just a friendship?

Reader Advisory: This book contains light BDSM.

Purchase Link: https://www.totallybound.com/the-hit-man-cometh
Review: Gavin is a 180-year-old coyote shifter and Mick is the human assassin sent to kill him. When the planned killing goes out the window, they decide to team up and track down the person who ordered the hit. From there, things lead to an unusual partnership between Gavin and Mick. Along the way, the reader learns some interesting things about paranormals. I liked that the author gave different powers to the shifters and vampires than usual norm used in the genre. Like the ability for shifters to teleport or “air coyote” as they jokingly called it.

The relationship between Gavin and Mick is not what I would call romance. Instead, they build a partnership. At first, it is just for them to track down the person who hired Mick to kill Gavin. Once that is done, they decide to partner up in Mick’s business and to keep giving each other what they need sexually.

The sex between them is what I would term rough sex and not so much BDSM. There is mostly hard spanking, bondage, and some pain play. The sex scenes are short and to the point. There is no real build up or foreplay. And they do become repetitive to me. They are basically all the same. What does grow between them is a trust to have each other’s backs and respect for each other.

Overall, I liked the storyline idea. The writing style was very clean and concise. However, I found myself easily distracted from the book. There was no pull for me to “have” to finish the story as soon as possible. There is no real emotional aspect to this story. These men do not love each other. Gavin and Mick are not looking to be saved from a bad life by love. They purposely team up to continue killing people and having sex with each other. That is really all they are looking for, to not be alone.

I guess I am a romantic at heart. So this story did not give me the happily ever after in love feeling. I need the emotional connection and this one did not give it to me. Even with the great writing technique, I was left unsatisfied.

Yin and Yang by Edward Kendrick (2nd Edition)

91T9c3+YtfL._SL1500_Title: Yin and Yang, 2nd edition

Series: Yin and Yang, #1

Author: Edward Kendrick

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Length: Novel (142 pages)

ISBN: 9781784301361

Publisher: Totally Bound (August 8th 2014)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Cat & Pixie

Blurb: Two men—Kenyon a street cop, and Teo a social worker—come together as they try to help a seven-year-old boy abandoned by his mother.

Neal, a young boy abandoned on the streets by his mother, is found by policeman Kenyon Hagerty and instantly bonds with him. Social worker Teo Marino becomes involved when the boy is placed in the care of Human Services. Soon after, the body of Neal’s murdered mother is discovered then later Neal’s father tries to kidnap him from the kids’ home.

Kenyon is a man looking for real love, while Teo is the consummate playboy, going from one man to another as the spirit moves him. And yet these two men, truly yin and yang, are drawn together. It takes a misunderstanding to force them to face their feelings for each other.
When Neal runs away looking for Kenyon—who he believes will adopt him—the two men must make a decision regarding Neal’s life—and their own.

Publisher’s Note: This book was previously released by another publisher. It has been revised and re-edited for release with Totally Bound Publishing.

Purchase Link: https://www.totallybound.com/yin-and-yang

Cat’s Review: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts:

Kenyon is a cop and Teo is a social worker. They meet when Kenyon and his partner Pat stumble upon a homeless 7-year-old boy. Kenyon is very drawn to both the boy and Teo. He soon finds out that Teo is a player and Kenyon is looking for something real.

I really liked this book, but I am a big Edward Kendrick fan. This book is full of charming interesting characters. The storyline is intriguing with some mystery and a bit of drama. The sexual tension between Teo and Kenyon was hot. There was a bit of hint at something paranormal in here that in my opinion was a bit much. In my opinion, the mystery of Neal and the romance between Kenyon and Teo was enough.

If you love a little mystery and suspense, hot cops, sexy social workers, adorable kids and a sexy romance with a happy ending this is for you.

Pixie’s Review: ♥♥♥♥ 3 ½ – 4 Hearts

Kenyon discovers Neal, a young boy, on the streets. Neal tells the tale that his mom has been taken and they were on the run from his father. Kenyon has to hand the sweet little boy over to Human Services and the caring hands of Teo. Kenyon and Teo are drawn together although they are opposites when it comes to relationships and they somehow make it work. Neal has dreams of his own which include both Teo and Kenyon, now both Kenyon and Teo have decisions to make.

This is a very sweet story that has a bit of danger, a touch of angst, but a lot of hope and joy. Kenyon has an instant connection to Neal when he meets the little boy in a stinking alley where Neal is hiding, waiting for his mom. It isn’t long before the story is told and Neal is taken in by Human Services as the police hunt for his mother. Sadly, she is found murdered and Neal’s father is now hunting for him. Kenyon and Teo are unsure if a relationship between them will work, but decide to give it a go. After a slight misunderstanding they take the plunge, but it isn’t long before they have to make a new decision about their lives.

I enjoyed this story and really liked how it progressed. Kenyon and Teo are two very different men; with Kenyon wanting someone to settle down with, while Teo has been like a butterfly flitting from man to man. The connection between the two men seems strong and recovers well after a slight blip. The sex between them is hot, but their connection goes far beyond the physical. Neal is a very sweet young boy who has a slight physic ability which makes the story much more interesting, although the appearance of Neal’s father is expected it was far different than I had thought it would be.

I loved how Edward Kendrick gave us an ending many years into the future, it was wonderful to see Kenyon and Teo’s relationship and their relationship with Neal during pivotal moments of their lives and to see how they had all grown together into a true family.

I recommend this to those who love how opposites attract, sexy men, cute kids, happy families, hot sex, a touch of danger and a very happy ever after.

Protection by Edward Kendrick

716a29f434f7c196233979b90ae8d51f.image.300x450Title: Protection

 

Series: Mandate: to Guide and Protect, #2

 

Author: Edward Kendrick

 

Genre: supernatural, mystery/ suspense

 

Length: Novella (56 pages)

 

ISBN: 9781622321346

 

Publisher: Silver Publishing (March 1st 2014)

 

Heat Level: Low

 

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

 

Reviewer: Cat

 

Blurb: Kip Townsend, the single father of eight-year-old Jamie, is happy with his life as a graduate student holding down a part-time job to make ends meet. Then his parents are killed in a carjacking.

As if that wasn’t bad enough, it seems Kip’s father was actually murdered because he witnessed a child being kidnapped. The authorities, believing the killer might come after Kip and his sister, Emily, if he thinks Kip’s father told them what he saw, put them under police protection.

But others are watching over them, and Kip’s son Jamie, as well. Others whose mandate it is to keep them safe. Angels, Jamie calls them, after seeing one of them. But Kip believes it’s only his imagination. Whether it is or isn’t, Kip and Emily’s lives may depend on them…as well as the police, when the killer reappears.

 

Purchase Link: Amazon:https://spsilverpublishing.com/protection-ebook-p-60476.html

 

Review: This is book two in the Mandate: To Guide and Protect series.  It stands alone okay, but you need to read the first to see who the guardian angels are and their story.

 

This book is good, but I was a little disappointed. I think I just expected a different story, but this one was very good.  It is written in the Edward Kendrick’s classic style of mystery that is kept rather sweet.  The plot moves quickly and ends a bit suddenly for me as I was really thinking of the possibilities of where the story may be heading and I was way out in left field.  

 

I liked the characters especially Jamie (Kip’s 8-year-old son) and the Angels, Hal and Dave (back from the first book). In this book, these are the two gay lovers, as the main character and other characters are straight.  This doesn’t really bother me since I like m/f stories and there is no actual sex at all in the books.

 

The book moves fast, and a lot is packed into a few pages, but overall we get a good complete story.

If you like mystery, guardian angels, cops, books with very little sex, and cute kids this is for you.

Sui Generis by Edward Kendrick

4f7951e707d18d75077ea919ed45c029.image.300x450Title: Sui Generis

 

Author: Edward Kendrick

 

Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Fantasy, Gay, Paranormal/Alternate World, Vampires, Werewolves

 

Length: Novel (232 pages)

 

ISBN: 9781622321186

 

Publisher: Silver Publishing (January 25th, 2014) 

 

Heat Level: Low

 

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

 

Reviewer: Cat

 

Blurb: Captured, imprisoned and tortured, Brand becomes… unique. After escaping, he vows revenge on his captor, Fedor. With the help of his friend and housemate, Mag, the search begins. Then others who also have a vested interest in finding Fedor become involved.

 

These others, who call themselves Enforcers, are not run-of-the-mill by any means. Their leader, Antton, convinces Mag that Brand is more than he seems. When Fedor captures Mag to demoralize Brand to force him to come to him, Brand and the Enforcers, including Randulf, set out to rescue him.

With that mission successfully completed, Brand admits he cares for Mag as much as Mag does him—something he has been previously unwilling to reveal.

 

Then Brand is invited to join the Enforcers—and accepts. The Enforcers receive another assignment and Brand and Mag meet Lew, Randulf’s ex-lover. There’s no love lost between those two, but Mag suspects that deep down they care for each other. He vows to force them to admit it—to themselves and to each other—if they survive the coming battle.

 

Content advisory: This title contains scenes of violence that may upset some readers.

 

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/sui-generis-ebook-p-60460.html

 

Review: I really like this cover; it has a mysterious vibe to it.

When I first started reading this story I kept wondering if it was a part of a series and if I had missed something. It just had that book two feel. Eventually the backstory is all well explained, but I can’t help but wonder if why it picked up after Brand had escaped from Fedor and we didn’t see his torture or more on why Fedor had him. 

 

This book has a lot going on. We have the first part, where Brand is hunting Fedor, meets the Enforcers, and deals with his feelings for Mag. After this all settles down we get another story, the enforcers go on another hunt but this one features Randulf and Lew more than Brand.  I’m not complaining though. I really liked the story and we actually got like two stories in one book. The stories were very interesting and fast paced.

 

The characters are also very intriguing. We have Brand who is part human / part vampire and now has another power after his torture from Fedor.  I really liked this combination.  Mag is a human and Brands friend with benefits.  He is smart, sweet, and sexy as all get out.  Then we add the Enforcers. Wow what a group! We have a couple older vampires and a couple of Werewolves. Each has his own powers. All of them are very interesting and I did like Randulf and Lew’s story a lot, maybe even more than Brand and Mag’s.

 

All in all this is a paranormal romance lover’s dream! You have a great mix of mystery, suspense, some unique characters, and a different take on Vampires and werewolf’s, yet with Edward Kendrick’s style of mixing suspense with just a small dose of sweet romance. The balance is perfect, the love and sexual tension is there without any actual sex scenes.

 

If you love a sweet romance, paranormal romance, Friends to lovers, Vampires, werewolves, suspense, intrigue and no actual sex scenes with a happy ending, this is for you!

The Actor & The Thief by Edward Kendrick

19008058Title: The Actor & The Thief

Author: Edward Kendrick

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Length: Novella (85 pages)

Publisher: Wilde City Press (20 November 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Cat

Blurb: Once they were a couple. Now—they’re far from it.

Just out of prison, Craig heads to Denver. At the same time, Adam, on tour with a Broadway show, arrives there. Also heading to Denver are two men bent on finding Craig for their own nefarious reasons.

When Craig and Adam accidentally meet sparks fly, but not of the good kind. Then Craig finds his mentor murdered and believes he’s the reason why. He calls on Adam, the only man he can trust for help. Can they work together, and possibly re-kindle their love? Or will Adam walk away again?

Purchase Link: http://www.wildecity.com/books/gay-romance/the-actor-the-thief/#.UtMLnzakry4

Review: Craig has just gotten out of prison. At fifty, he would like to start new life but being a thief is all he knows. The life he still dreams about is a past he can never recover. Adam is almost fifty and an Actor. He likes his life on the road and staying busy, this keeps his mind off of the one man he always loved but couldn’t change.

I truly loved the fact that these were older characters and very different men, not your run of the mill characters. The main character, Craig is a criminal. A convicted thief. Yet he is very likeable. The story has a touch of mystery and some romance.

I will say the story moves fast. It is long enough to let you really get into the story and yet short enough you can read this in one sitting. I also love this cover!

If you like unusual characters, older characters, actors, thieves, mystery and a good, clean, M/M romance, this is for you

It's All In the Attitude by Edward Kendrick

41662e73878276f2bdb84104a5a330d6.image.300x450Title: It’s All in the Attitude

 

Series: Mandate: To Guide and Protect Serial, #1

 

Author: Edward Kendrick

 

Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Fantasy, Gay, Paranormal/Alternate World

 

Length: Novel (136 pages)

 

ISBN: 9781622321247

 

Publisher: Silver Publishing (February 8th 2014) 

 

Heat Level: Low

 

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5Hearts

 

Reviewer: Cat

 

Blurb: Enforcer Dave Pender blows a hit, no thanks to an unknown assailant. As a result, his boss returns the favor and puts out a hit on him. On the run, he ends up in a small city. There he meets the owner of Billy’s bar, who offers him a job as a bouncer and a place to stay in one of his rundown apartment buildings.

 

Believing he’s found a safe place to go to ground, Dave meets a young musician who needs his help.

 

Then the stranger who foiled his hit reappears and things take a strange twist that turns Dave’s world upside-down.

 

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/its-all-in-the-attitude-ebook-p-60466.html

Review: (Awesome cover) Dave Pender is an enforcer for a mob. He is sent on a mission to take down an opposing mobs man and Dave is sure it’s more to it than that since the mod man’s wife and partner isn’t in on it.   He is pretty sure there is some hanky panky going on there and the hit isn’t just a sing to the other mob but the wife also.  As he is about to take out the man, something strange happens and he is stopped, forcing him to go on the run.

 

I loved this book! Though about halfway through I figured out what was going on with the stranger that kept appearing it was still very fun and twisty and the ending was really a surprise.

I love how this author makes his stories so mysterious and intriguing, yet sweet, and charming too.  However, there is lots of action and hints of violence there is not any blood and gore etc.

So if you’re looking for a story that is fun to read, interesting and intriguing with some twists and turns, no real sex, and a very surprising ending this is for you.

The Martin Twins by Edward Kendrick

c70aa740d045e8040d378b96b1c7fa4f.image.300x450Title:The Martin Twins

Author: Edward Kendrick

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Length: Novel (217 pages)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (December 28th, 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Cat

Blurb: Derek Martin becomes a suspect in the murder of his ex-lover. Chance Martin, Derek’s twin and a disgraced TV reporter, is certain Derek isn’t the killer. Then a second man is murdered, pointing to the existence of a serial killer.

Detective Nico Villa is bent on capturing the ‘Slasher’. He is none too happy when Derek involves himself in the case, above and beyond some initial assistance on Derek’s part.

Meanwhile, Chance’s ex, and the reason for his disgrace, newspaper reporter Tyler Burke, becomes caught up in what is happening when he tries to assist the detective and make amends for what he did to Chance.

Can these four men stop the ‘Slasher’ before he stops them? And in the process, will the attraction, both new and renewed, that Derek and Chance feel respectively for the detective and the reporter, survive what is to come?

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/the-martin-twins-ebook-p-60452.html

Review: If you like, a nice mystery combined some sweet romance; Edward Kendrick is the author for you. These stories are a great choice to snuggle up on a cold winter night or for a nice day on the beach.

The Martin twins are quite the charming pair. I loved how a mystery of closeted gay men being brutally slain, brought these four men together.

Chance and Derek are twins. Chance was a TV reporter but a bad split with a competitive boyfriend ended that career. Derek his twin manages a costume shop, it’s near Halloween and he just finds out his ex-boyfriend was murdered about the time they broke up and is panicking.

He meets Nico a cop that comes to question him and soon things take a strange turn. Soon Tyler chances ex gets involved trying to get a story and perhaps something else. Wanna know what else he wants? Read the book!!

I found the mystery fun, the men funnier!

If you like a cozy mystery, a little suspense, loving relationships, reporters, hot cops and a sweet ending this is definitely for you!

Greetings from Edward Kendrick

Next is Edward Kendrick. Again, I love his Winterfield series, http://www.goodreads.com/series/101421-winterfield but I also like all of his standalones. He too incorporates mystery and suspense in his stories. My favorite so far is This Gift, This Curse- http://spsilverpublishing.com/blog/2013/12/07/this-gift-this-curse-by-edward-kendrick/ a paranormal mystery romance. Here is how he plans to spend the holidays.~Cat~

 

Edward Kendrick

Humm, what am I doing for Christmas? I’m taking time away from my ‘real’ life to spend it with my son and his girlfriend. And their two very rambunctious dogs. I’m praying that the weather holds and I don’t get snowed in here, or snowed out of there. Sitting in an airport is NOT the way I want to spend my time. LOL. On the other hand, if it happened maybe I’d be entertained by one of the infamous DIA flash mobs, like this one. 

They’ve already trimmed the tree… of course. This is him, topping it with the star. edward kendrick christmas He’s taking the week off from his personal trainer jobs so we will have plenty of time to spend together, which is great. It seems as if it’s been forever since I’ve seen him. (Well six months anyway) If this Christmas is anything like last year’s, I’ll eat too much, sleep too little, and have a great time in the process. In conclusion… Happy Holidays to everyone!

 

 Face book https://www.facebook.com/edward.kendrick.5?fref=ts

Website http://edwardkendrick.blogspot.com/?zx=8bea972c2202c550

 

This Gift, This Curse by Edward Kendrick

8b40a9065aad411e243d724b3bc376ca.image.300x450Title: This Gift this Curse

Author: Edward Kendrick

Genre:  Contemporary, Crime (police/detectives/PI), Gay, Male/Female, Romance, Suspense/Mystery

Length: Novel (231pages)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (December 14th, 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Cat

Blurb:   Will–forty-three, straight, homeless, with precognitive abilities. Mick–eighteen, gay, a street kid, and Will’s companion. Kevin–eighteen, a college freshman. When these three men’s worlds collide, life will change for all of them.

Will Reynolds is forty-three years old, straight, and living on the streets while dealing with his precognitive abilities. Mick Gillen, eighteen and gay, is a runaway street kid and Will’s constant companion.

Kevin Parker, also eighteen, is the son of a single parent and beginning his freshman year in college.

When Kevin is attacked by an unknown assailant, these three men’s worlds will collide and their lives will be forever changed.

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/this-gift-this-curse-ebook-p-60442.html

Review: I loved, loved, and loved this book.  I am a huge fan of Edward Kendrick and love the way he combines mystery with a sweet romance.  I have to say this on top of my favourite list of his now.

Where do I begin? Let’s start with a little rundown. Will is living on the streets with a young runaway that is 18 and had quit school. He has taken him under his wing, and is teaching him basic schooling to eventually get him off the streets.  Will has precognitions at random. He tries to help people when he has a premonition, but mostly people think he is crazy and ignore him and this eats him up having this gift that becomes a curse most times.  One day Mick is watching a young man he thinks is cute wishing he had a chance for dating, Will see the young man and has a premonition that he will be attacked. They try to find him to no avail and read of the attack in the paper. Here the story gets interesting and twists just keep coming!

Oh boy does this story have some twists. The mystery is simple but intriguing, as the story unfolds we find out more of who Will is. The romances that develop as the story unfolds are also so sweet and I felt very romantic. Only Edward can take a mystery/suspense and make it so romantic without becoming too sugary.  The sex is all off the page but I love the way it eludes to such happy sensual loving.

If you like a good mystery/suspense’s, precognitive gifts, cops, coming of age, slow-moving romance, and an all-over good story this is for you! Oh! For those of you that just like M/M romance, don’t let the M/F in the genre throw you off. The M/F is very secondary and off the page. No girly bits.

 

The Hunt by Edward Kendrick

c8522096bd17bdfad0beb7e497144a97.image.300x450Title: The Hunt

Author: Edward Kendrick

Genre: Contemporary, Crime (police/detectives/PI), Fantasy, Gay, Historical, Paranormal/Alternate World, Romance, Vampires

Length: Novella (122 pages)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (November 30th, 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Cat

Blurb: Vampire Tyler and his dhampir lover, Jakob, have spent the last eighty years trying to stop the murderous metamorph, Patrick, and his shifter companion, Canis. Now it seems as if they might succeed, if they don’t become the pair’s next victims.

In 1928, Chicago vampire Tyler and his dhampir lover, Jakob, are in the right spot to witness a man and his dog fleeing a particularly vicious murder. Soon they determine that the killers are Patrick, a metamorph, and his canine-to-canine shifter companion, Canis.

The years pass. Tyler and Jakob follow the pair as they continue their murderous rampage. They’re always close behind, but never quite in time to catch them, and they’re unwilling to enlist the aid of the authorities since that could well reveal the existence of supernaturals.

With the assistance of Tyler’s vampire friends, they come close to capturing Patrick and Canis in 1943 Cleveland, and in New Orleans in 1998. Finally, in present day Denver, they find them again. This time they pray they will finally be able to stop the pair’s killing spree once and for all.

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/the-hunt-ebook-p-60429.html?zenid=9a19de0c468c873234664cdc50615c42

Review:  Tyler is a day-walking vampire a rare breed, Jakob is a dhampir. Patrick is a metamorph and Canis is an animal shifter.  Patrick and Canis are evil and Tyler and Jakob are the good-guys trying to catch Patrick and Canis but it’s not easy since Patrick can turn into any human and Canis can change his canine forms to any canine.

This story goes back in time to when Tyler and Jakob met and how and what they are and how they got involved hunting Patrick and Canis.  At the beginning, it bounced around a little but after the story got good and set up it seemed to smooth out nicely. The characters are extremely intriguing and very different from most supernatural beings. The plot is interesting and nail-biting. I loved the twist at the end also.

If you like mystery and suspense, intriguing and different supernatural beings, a different take on vampires and shifters and loving relationships, this is for you!

D-Boy by Edward Kendrick

D-BoyTitle: D Boy

Author:  Edward Kendrick

Genre:  Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Gay, Romance, Thriller

Length:  Novel (303 pages)

Publisher:  Silver Publishing (November 2nd, 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Reviewer:  Cat

Blurb:  At sixteen, Derek loses his memory–and his family–in an accident. He’s rescued by the reclusive Michael. Then he begins the long journey to discover his past.

In Denver, he finds a job, a place to live, and trouble, when someone attempts to kidnap him. Members of the ‘Company’ help him escape and later recruit him. Ending up in New Orleans, he’s nineteen and working undercover when he’s teamed with Brad, who teaches him the joys of sex. Heartbroken when he thinks Brad has found another man, Derek transfers to Denver.

Derek is twenty-four and still with the ‘Company’, when he remembers more about the accident, leading to shocking revelations about his father. Then Brad is sent to Denver on a job and Derek must decide if he can trust Brad’s love again, while working with him on the assignment.

Purchase Link:  https://spsilverpublishing.com/dboy-ebook-p-60315.html

Review: Derek is in an accident at age 16 and loses his memory and his parents were killed. He is saved by a mysterious man in the woods and nursed to health, then suddenly this man is killed and Derek heads to find a town and see if he can find who he is. He finds himself swept into a mystery involving Michael that leads to him meeting another man who gives him a job.

I really liked this story. There is a lot going on and lots of intrigue. There is a bit of a romance that starts out hot and fast then takes an unexpected turn. I really liked that. I also like that this story was longer. It pulled me in and I wanted to keep reading to see what would happen next. I also liked that Derek didn’t get his memory back all of a sudden that would have been predictable.  I liked that the story wasn’t very predictable, yet still intriguing.

The only thing I didn’t like was that the mystery’s, and there was a few since he worked undercover in a Company, were so easily and quickly solved and once solved they disappeared and didn’t entwine into the story. I also would have liked  to have known a bit more of what this Company he worked for was and how they was able to take in a 16-year-old boy with no identification in and work him. Having said that, this is a fiction story and it didn’t really hurt the story at all. 

I love this author and the way he spins a great romantic mystery/suspense. I appreciate the stories now being longer and more complete. I find the endings always so satisfying.

If you like a story with mystery/ suspense, undercover secret agencies, mobs, hot, sexy romance that isn’t love at first site more friends or partners to lovers with a very satisfying ending this is for you.

Sins of the Fathers by Edward Kendrick

51cbacab2db19c61b7d6077a57b5c7a1.image.300x450Title: Sins of the Fathers

Author: Edward Kendrick

Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Crime (police/detectives/PI), Gay, Romance, Suspense/Mystery

Length: 190 pages (36,174)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (10/19/2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Cat

Blurb: When ex-priest Mark Collins is suddenly catapulted to fame as a super-model, he discovers his boss may be trafficking with the Mafia. Then the game becomes one of ‘who do you trust’, a decision he must make if he’s going to survive.

When ex-priest Mark Collins is suddenly catapulted to fame as a super-model, he discovers there is more to it than he expected. With the help of Paul, his boss’s assistant, he manages to weather the promotional gigs. Then there is his blossoming involvement with Angelo, a police detective he met soon after arriving in the city.

Everything is thrown into disarray when he finds out his boss may be trafficking with the Mafia. When he’s attacked, his life soon becomes a game of ‘who do I trust?’ Will it be Angelo or the very appealing FBI agent who puts him into protective custody to keep him alive until he can testify?

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/sins-of-the-father-ebook-p-59264.html?zenid=d589b00b90aa316b1edcff80b99df0a2

Review: After Mark was defrocked, he moved to New York from the mid-south to start over and blend in. He finds a job as a waiter and makes a couple of friends there. One day he is walking and a man spots him and asks him to fill in for a model shoot. He is offered a big job and gets famous. Then the twists really begin.

I liked this story. I really liked Mark. His character is very likeable. The storyline is intriguing and the mystery was interesting.  The first twist really caught me by surprise. I would have liked to seen a bit more connection between Angelo and Mark and a more heated romance between Mark and Paul. But overall, the story was interesting and worked for me.

I recommend this if you like a romance with a bit of mystery and intrigue with a surprising twist and a satisfying ending.

 

Never Again by Edward Kendrick

17852025Title: Never Again

Series: Never Again 01

Author: Edward Kendrick

Genre: Contemporary Historical / Paranormal

Length: Novel (212 pages)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (April 27th, 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥2.5~3 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: Having lost Rawleigh during the Civil War, Joseph vows never to love again. Then he meets Cal, a homeless veteran of the Iraq War. Antipathy becomes friendship. Now Joseph must decide if he can once again allow himself to love.

During the Civil War Joseph Moncure, shifter and newspaper owner, lost the only man he ever loved and he vowed it wouldn’t happen again.

Cal Gilbert, a homeless veteran of the Iraq War, found a purpose in life when he created Rebuild NOLA, an organization which refurbishes derelict houses for the homeless.

Joseph, tired of purveying the news, decides it’s time to find somewhere else to channel his time and energy. When he learns about Rebuild he joins the organization, despite the instant antipathy between him and Cal.

Antipathy turns to grudging respect then friendship between the two men. Now Joseph must decide if he can once again allow love into his life after swearing ‘Never Again’.

Product Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/never-again-ebook-p-1444.html?zenid=c947532bc91f727bbd85b096cba8ef7f

Review: Never Again is what Joseph thinks over and over in his head for over one and a half century when he loses his lover during the Civil War. Never again will he let himself fall for a human, never again will he feel the pain such loss causes. But he doesn’t count on Cal, a man who irritates him and challenges him and eventually crawls under his skin. Before he knows it, Cal is what his heart desires and his life revolves around making him smile. But when life throws you the good stuff it also throws some bad for good measure, and Joe must make up his mind, help his lover and thus revealing the truth about what he is and risk losing him in the process, or let it go and see him hurt along the way?

This book was actually nice and the story appealing in many ways. I liked it that it started as a historical with Joe falling and losing his first and only love. I liked it that the author didn’t simply state that fact but made a quick short story and let us have a look at Joe’s past. And the contemporary follow-up was very nice as well. The core of it was very engaging, the statement loud and clear about how things are in many cities when it comes to homeless people and what’s being done for them. I liked it, takes things into perspective a bit.

As for Joe and Cal, they made two very interesting characters. Joe being a shifter who ages very slowly and has been around for over a hundred and fifty years and Cal a war veteran who came back to pretty much nothing and faced the difficulties he did before deciding to do something about it. As I said very interesting indeed, but that is where it stops for me, because the plot left behind holes. Too many questions came up throughout the read that were left unanswered and that is too off-putting for me.

The fact that Joe is a wolf shifter is enticing, the fact that there’s not much about it makes me shake my head. No family in the grand scene, where did he came from, what happened to the rest, how, why? Why was he alone with only his sister? Why didn’t they live with other shifters in the vicinity? What happened to his sister in the present day? How did she pass away? Do the gene carriers live as long as the pure shifters? These are simple examples of the many questions accumulated and just on top of my head from this book.

Moving on there was the “human’s” reaction to Joe revealing his secret. Both Rawleigh and Cal reacted a bit, hmm how should I put this? As if ok, Joe is a shifter, I love him, let’s move on. No screams, no panting, no great disbelief, no “what the hell ever” exclamations. Ok, I’m being a bit unfair since Cal did make an effort at freaking out, but come on that was way too easy. In addition there wasn’t many attributes given at the human side of the shifter, no superior strength, although it was hinted at time, it was not shown in action really. And right there at the end, when Joe finally shifts and we get to see him in action a) the action was at best lukewarm and b) teleportation? Really? And the author left that fact unexploited? Such a shame.

So what I’m trying to say with so many (perhaps unnecessary) words is that while I loved the romantic parts, both historical and contemporary, I really felt the paranormal one was left unexplored and that took the joy from this read quite a bit for me. That being said, I still would recommend this book as it is quite romantic in so many beautiful ways.

 

Trust by Edward Kendrick

18400024Title: Trust

Series: Winter field, Book #6

Author: Edward Kendrick

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (92pages)

Publisher: Silver publishing (September 7th, 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Reviewer:  Cat

Blurb:Detective Harry Snow is ordered by his captain to use Tito Fontana, Harry’s ex-lover, to help bring down a drug lord.

At first, Tito is unwilling to have anything to do with Harry–and the feeling is mutual.

However, since they are ultimately forced to work together, the question then becomes, will they kill each other in the process, or will the embers of their past love be rekindled.

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/trust-ebook-p-59077.html

Review: This is book six in this series but they each stand-alone perfectly. I do suggest you read them all, since they are all wonderful.

This book Detective Harry Snow  had just finished a hostage case and saw his ex-lover Tito on the corner making him think about how sad and lonely he is and how he wished things had been different for him and Tito.

Harry is assigned to a narcotics case and is asked to get Tito to help him solve it. Why did they break up? Who left whom? Will Tito help? I’ll let you read to find out.

I love this series. I like the emotional connections between the characters and the precise clean writing style of this author. It’s straight to the point. No flowery descriptions and no fluff. My only issue is that in my opinion the stories need to be a bit longer. I felt the last two the mysteries were a bit rushed. It’s a great build up then boom they are solved.

I recommend this if you like mystery suspense, police detectives, street racers, drug cartels, and deep emotional love stories!