Blurb: With his lover, Kade, missing, androgynous former model turned private investigator Ollie Petroskovic is ready to kick some ass to bring him home.
Ollie and his ex, rock star Jacob Elias, need to find Kade and free him from the clutches of his manipulative family. But with Ollie suffering from chronic migraines and Jacob unable to bear loud noises, they are hardly the dynamic duo. It takes a lot of sweet talking on the part of Jacob, and patience Ollie doesn’t have, to find Kade. Only Kade’s not whole anymore. The fight for Kade’s heart and mind is far from over.
It’s Ollie’s turn to guide Kade through nightmares, self-doubt, and PTSD. Kade’s memories are scattered, fragmented with possible horrors, and he’s not quite sure what is real. Ollie will have to draw on his investigative skills to clear Kade of the terrible accusations his family has made and help Kade unlock the truth. But in doing so, he ignores his own health, which could have catastrophic consequences for everyone, especially when digging up the past could be lethal for them all.
Review: Each book in the Haven Investigations collection features Kade and Ollie and their story. To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, I would recommend reading the series in sequential order.
As with the previous books, this one ends with a major cliff-hanger, which I will admit drives me nuts, but it also makes you wish the next book was already waiting for you to read. I wasn’t sure that I liked where it went through, but for these two amazing men it just seemed to work. Although, I definitely don’t like where Kade ended up, but you will have to read to find out what I am talking about.
Kade and Ollie end up in an accident, but when Ollie awakes he finds out that Kade’s family had taken him from the hospital. Ollie knew they needed to get him away before he lost Kade forever. Then things get crazy and out of hand. There are some pretty amazing twists to this story that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat and gasping.
I hate to admit that I had to go back and read the previous books because I couldn’t remember who they were and what their story was. For me, that is not a good thing, as if the story is awesome it will stick with me for quite some time. However even with those issues, I had a lot of fun reading this and cannot wait to see what happens to our sexy men.
This is probably the only series that I do enjoy where the characters are used as main characters in every book. That has not usually been a favorite series type of mine and I tend to lose interest in the whole thing, however, like I said, that is not the same with this series and story. My interest was kept throughout the whole book and I can guarantee that it will probably be the same with future books.
I would definitely recommend this book and the previous stories.
Hi peeps! We have Chris Scully visiting today with her new release Back To You, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway, so check out the post and leave a comment to enter the giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~
Back to You
by
Chris Scully
Journalist Alex Buchanan has come home to the remote British Columbia town he grew up in, but only because his estranged father is dying. For Alex, the homecoming holds a mix of memories, mostly bad. The only bright spot is reconnecting with Benji Morning, the childhood friend he never truly forgot. As boys, the strength of their bond had frightened Alex. But now that he’s confident in his bisexuality, he’s drawn back to quiet, soft-spoken Ben.
Ben isn’t the same boy Alex left behind, though. His life has been overshadowed by the disappearance of his sister two decades earlier, and now a new break in the case threatens to undo the peace he’s worked so hard to attain.
As Alex struggles to repair the relationship with his father before it’s too late, he finds himself caught up in a twenty-year-old mystery, a story he never expected, and a shocking truth that could affect his and Ben’s future together.
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC (4th August 2016)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating:♥♥♥ 3 Hearts
Blurb: Portland Pack Chronicles: Book Two
In the four months since hedgehog shifter Avery Babineaux started investigating the disappearance of a young female werewolf from the Portland Pack, he’s discovered his life’s passion. Now he’s apprenticing under established PI Corbin Reid. Avery hopes his training with Reid will help him finally bring Lacey home, but detective work isn’t without its perils, and the potential dangers strain his relationship with his new mate, Dylan.
Dylan Green would be perfectly content with his mating and his motorcycle shop if it wasn’t for his constant worry about Avery’s safety and the fact that Avery’s never home. Proud as he might be of Avery’s determination to prove his worth and fulfill his promise to Lacey’s father, Dylan can’t stand the thought of Avery being hurt. Yet what right does he have to demand Avery give up his job when it’s clear Avery’s found his true purpose? Still, Dylan wishes he could, and the appearance of a new police detective who sets his sights on Avery only adds to the tension.
Something has to give, but stubbornness runs in both their veins, and it might take a catastrophe for them to find a compromise they can live with.
Review: Prickly By Nature is the second book in the Portland Chronicles series. I feel that it would be very difficult to understand the overarching plotlines without having read or heard book 1 before hand. It is an enjoyable addition to the series.
We pick up the story of prickly hedgehog shifter, Avery Babineaux, and his wolf shifter mate Dylan Green. Avery is as prickly as his creature. He’s a good old southern boy from an obscenely rich family who believe that if there’s anything worse than Avery being gay, it’s that he’s mated to a wolf shifter. Avery and Dylan have overcome their problems to enjoy a proper mating. But Avery is taking on more than he really should in his new career as a private investigator and Dylan both worries and feels neglected by his mate. Throw in a mystery carried over from the previous book involving human trafficking and a new set of mates and everything in the story is ready to go.
However, it pains me to say I did not enjoy the story as much as I had been hoping, or rather expecting to. I enjoyed the plot in general and I loved the voice that Iggy Toma gave to the story. For me the narration was actually the saving grace that kept me going. My issue was the overall flow of the story was a tad too slow for my liking. In fact, I think the best way to put it that there was a lot of “telling” and “listing” in the story. Even the sex scenes seemed a little long and purely explanatory.
I think for me this is a book I would rather read the written word instead of hearing. I would definitely find more enjoyment out of that. This is a good paranormal romance from an equally enjoyable series – it’s just not the best installment in my opinion.
Hi peeps, we have Santino Hassell stopping by today with his new release Insight, we have a great excerpt, a fantastic giveaway and Aerin’s review, so check out the post and leave a comment to enter the giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~
Insight
(The Community 01)
by
Santino Hassell
Growing up the outcast in an infamous family of psychics, Nate Black never learned how to control his empath abilities. Then after five years without contact, his estranged twin turns up dead in New York City. The claim of suicide doesn’t ring true, especially when a mysterious vision tells Nate it was murder. Now his long-hated gift is his only tool to investigate.
Hitching from his tiny Texas town, Nate is picked up by Trent, a gorgeous engineer who thrives on sarcasm and skepticism. The heat that sparks between them is instant and intense, and Nate ends up trusting Trent with his secrets—something he’s never done before. But once they arrive in the city, the secrets multiply when Nate discovers an underground supernatural community, more missing psychics, and frightening information about his own talent.
Nate is left questioning his connection with Trent. Are their feelings real, or are they being propelled by abilities Nate didn’t realize he had? His fear of his power grows, but Nate must overcome it to find his brother’s killer and trust himself with Trent’s heart.
Blurb: Small but mighty—that could be Detective Nevin Ng’s motto. Now a dedicated member of the Portland Police Bureau, he didn’t let a tough start in life stop him from protecting those in need. He doesn’t take crap from anyone, and he doesn’t do relationships. Until he responds to the severe beating of a senior citizen and meets the victim’s bow-tied, wealthy landlord.
Property manager and developer Colin Westwood grew up with all the things Nevin never had, like plenty of money and a supportive, loving family. Too supportive, perhaps, since his childhood illness has left his parents unwilling to admit he’s a strong, grown man. Colin does do relationships, but they never work out. Now he’s thinking maybe he won’t just go with the flow. Maybe it’s time to try something more exciting. But being a witness to a terrible crime—or two—was more than he bargained for.
Despite their differences, Colin and Nevin discover that sparks fly when they’re together. But sparks are short-lived, dampened by the advent of brutal crimes, and Colin and Nevin have seemingly little in common. The question is whether they have the heart to build something lasting.
Review: I fell in love with foul-mouthed, crabby, moody and intense Detective Nevin Ng. I love this story, everything about it is simply perfect; intense, sexy as hell, not overly dramatic but captivating nonetheless. Even though it’s the second book in the Love Can’t Series, it can be read as a standalone without any problems. To be honest, it took me a while to remember details about the first book (I cheated, I went and read my review) and I had no trouble keeping up with Nevin and Colin’s story.
Nevin and Colin are as different as fire and water; Colin grew up as the only child of a relatively rich family, and despite his health problems, he’s had a happy childhood. His parents love and accept him and want nothing but the best for Colin. Nevin grew up without knowing who his father is and with the knowledge that his mother didn’t love him enough to keep him. Abandoned at a young age, Nevin is the product of our faulty foster care system; he’s closed off and afraid to make emotional connections with the men and women he fucks, and the only important people in his life are Jeremy (Germy, the main character from book 1) and Ford, Nevin’s foster brother.
Nevin is a fuck-em-and-leave-em kind of guy, while Colin is a monogamist who’s been dreaming about his wedding since he was a child. Nevin is selfish, prickly as a porcupine; rude and brooding, but underneath that armor hides a heart of gold. Colin is caring and loves volunteering his time talking to lonely older LGBT people. But despite their differences, Nevin and Colin are a match made in heaven. If there ever was a couple made for each other, these two are IT! I loved every single moment, every single interaction, but what I love the most was seeing Nevin fall in love with Leg (Colin’s cat) and Colin.
Like in the first book, there’s a mystery plot in this book as well, but it doesn’t take the focus away from Nevin and Colin. Kim Fielding is one of my favorite authors and I know she can never disappoint me; this book is even more proof that Kim Fielding and I are a match. This book is lovely!
Blurb: Things are going well for androgynous model Ollie Petroskovic, ex-Marine Kade Alme, and their business, Haven Investigations, until rock star Jacob Elias shows up in need of their services… and trouble follows.
Jacob is a playboy with a serious penchant for kink, slaves, and sex toys. He’s also Ollie’s ex—and all that implies. With the media exploiting his personal life, a stalker sending blood-soaked “gifts,” a bumbling security team, and a family he can’t trust as far as he could throw them, Jacob is in desperate need of a bodyguard for his latest tour, and Kade can’t refuse.
While Kade deals with new doubts about his partnership with Ollie and struggles with reminders of his war injuries, Jacob’s stalker escalates from blackmail and threats to murder. As Kade and Ollie work to keep Jacob safe and find the culprit behind the attack, a web of family secrets, lies, and abuse slowly emerges, leading up to a final confrontation that they might not walk away from—and that will have lasting repercussions for Kade and his relationship with Ollie.
Review: Wow, and here I thought book one was explosive. This one is told from Kade’s point of view and let’s just say that you had better be sitting down. You learn a little bit about his past and I have to say you might want to keep some tissues handy. I love how these two guys seem to complement each other, but between the two of them I don’t really see any sane people.
It is a very unique type of mystery that I have not came across in all of the years that I have been reading stories. This story is full of action, angst, pain, tender moments and laughter. The cat definitely has me smiling. There is so much heat between these two that you could probably have a cookout around them. The story is well developed and has a lot of detail. Although it really didn’t need all of the detail that it did, it made it a bit slow in parts of it.
Ollie is behind the scenes a lot more since Kade is taking on the bodyguard work for their company. That is until Jacob, Ollie’s creepy ex, shows up needing help. However he is a little off and it ends up being his sister who gets them to agree to help him. Jacob is a sadistic jackal in my books, but then again I don’t understand that much about bondage, slaves and whips. However it would seem that even he has a past that will have you feeling for him. So Kade is going to be his bodyguard… however Kade is about to shoot him, if he keeps getting weird.
Now in book one we were left with a surprise about Nathan and how he might not have committed suicide. One would think that the guys would focus on that also, but Kade feels it might just drive Ollie over the edge. So the story is focused on who is out to get our rock singer. Which makes me crazy, why give us a cliff-hanger if you are not going to go into it. It also brought the book down a bit for me. I don’t like cliff hangers that don’t get answered. And this book gives you a major one.
I really liked book one and pretty much most of this story. However the author jumps from one to another without giving answers to the first one and that drives me nuts. Also here you have a new cliff hanger and no clue when the next book comes out. Then I am sitting here trying to figure out how Kade’s family….well I will let you read the book to find out what question I was going to ask. Let’s just say that it is a fascinating story but also frustrating and did the exact opposite of what it should have.
This newest cliff-hanger makes me not want to read the next book. I am also afraid that this series is one of those series that will only get read once. There is just nothing there to spark my interest more than once, and makes me wonder if I will even remember any of it when the next book comes out. I was slightly disappointed in this particular book and for me that is not a good thing. I guess we will have to see what the next book will be like.
Blurb: Oliver “Ollie” Petroskovic’s life as an international supermodel was heading in the right direction. He worked part-time for his brother at his detective agency—Petroskovic Haven Investigations—and had just bought his dream house. But all that changed when he found his brother dead, a victim of PTSD-induced suicide.
Almost a year later, Ollie is trying to keep his brother’s business afloat, but can’t get his PI license. Then his brother’s best friend, Kade Alme, shows up, fresh from the battlefield after a close brush with death. Kade is looking for a new life, in more ways than one, and with PI license in hand, he’s exactly what Ollie needs to keep PHI running.
When one of Ollie’s childhood friends gets in trouble, Ollie feels he has to help. Kade insists on investigating if only to keep Ollie safe. Neither realizes the danger they’re in as someone tries to tear them apart before they can find solid ground together.
Review: Earlier on in the day I was getting desperate for not just any romance story, it had to have quite a bit of action, suspense and mystery. So to my surprise when I put in for a long list of books this one hit the bill close to perfection. I had not had a chance to read any stories by this author and let me tell you that I will definitely be checking the rest of her stories out.
Ollie and his brother didn’t grow up on the good side of town. Nathan had joined the military and loved to serve. However when their parents passed on, Nathan gave it all up to come home and raise Ollie to be the best man he could be. He opened up Petroskovic Haven Investigations while Ollie was an international model. Ollie wanted a home for him and his brother. However when him and Mike went to see if Nathan wanted to go eat with them, they found his body instead. It was written down as a suicide.
Now Ollie is a very prickly type of person and very defensive. However he also has this side about him, where he is afraid that he will lose everyone who cares about him. He is also androgynous and gender fluid, although I have to admit that I am not really sure what the last one means. He is now model slash private investigator that is if he can ever get his license. His best friend and her husband decide that he needs help… so in steps Kade.
Kade had been Nathan’s best friend in the service and had fallen for Ollie some time ago. So when he is injured in a bombing, he had to change his career choice. Thank god he had his private investigator’s license. Now Ollie is always dismissing Kade and Kade’s feelings, because he is afraid, which took over most of the story for me. There was a lot of poor little old me flying around from Ollie that got old after a while. Now these two work perfect together both at work and off. It just takes Ollie awhile to find his steps.
I normally hate cliff hangers, but damn this one will lay you flat. Talk about a twist for me. As for this story itself, the mystery was a bit predictable and oddly I knew who was behind it way before they found out. So I do hope that the author does make the next one a bit harder for me to figure out.
It has only been a few months but I am finding that I actually like a story that has more meat to it then I had expected; one with more substance, danger, murder, creepy friends, sexy men and suspense. However I am also one who is a bit afraid of trying out new authors, who might not be new to others but for me, is new. However this author has not only surprised me but made me rethink some of my thoughts. This story caught my attention from the moment I started reading and kept it all the way to the end. It gave me almost everything I could want in a story.
I enjoyed reading this and look forward to the next book.
Blurb: Kieran Quinn is a bit telepathic, a little psychokinetic, and very gay—three things that have gotten him through life perfectly well so far—but when self-styled prophet Wyatt Jackson arrives during Pride Week, things take a violent turn.
Kieran’s powers are somewhat underwhelming but do have a habit of refracting light into spectacular rainbows for him to hide behind. Even so, it’s not long before Kieran is struggling to maintain his own anonymity while battling wits with a handsome cop, getting some flirting in with a hunky leather man, saving some drag queens, and escaping the worst blind date in history. It’s enough to make a fledgling hero want to give up before he even begins.
One thing’s for sure: saving the day has never been so fabulous.
Review: ‘Nathan Burgoine is a brand new author for me and let me tell you that this story rocked. At first I wasn’t too sure if I wanted to even try it, the title is a bit off until I realized what it meant. Then I found out that it was fantasy and paranormal, well let’s just say I grabbed it up. The cover was a bit freaky but then again it was perfect for this story.
I have always loved telepathy and telekinesis stories. I mean who wouldn’t want those types of gifts. To hear people’s thoughts and to move things around would be so much damn fun. Then again I am old and would love to have been able to just grab a soda from the fridge without getting off the couch. Nathan gave me a story that is entertaining and full of depth, not to mention the details. It felt like I was right there with them during it all.
This story kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the whole story. Kieran had been ten years old when his mother was dying from cancer and he was given his gifts. He had just watched a man who had telekinesis, get killed on television. There was music and bam he was out like a light. When he woke up, he found himself with a few little gifts that he used to help those around him.
He was looking forward to Pride weekend that is until he found out that Wyatt Jackson was going to be there. Wyatt was a so called prophet who heard voices telling him violence was the answer to getting rid of the sinners. Talk about delusional. However he managed to save a very sexy leather man and things were looking up for them both. Sebastian was about to find out he had some secrets of his own, secrets that he didn’t know he had. Now all they had to do is to stop the crazy man causing trouble.
This was an amazing story that had me reading it more than once. I had a lot of fun with it and would definitely recommend it.
Blurb: Don’t miss the Jeff Woods Mysteries from best-selling author Chris T. Kat! In Attachment Strings, Detective Jeff Woods starts thinking about how difficult and lonely it is being a cop, and that maybe Alex could fill a void in his life. Jeff isn’t sure he’s ready to play house or overcome his prejudices, but he begins to think Alex might be worth it. In Sacrifices, life is not easy with the Church of Virtue still spouting venom wherever they go, homophobes at the police department, a gangster who wants Alex in the worst possible way, and a bed that barely holds one grown man, much less two (and a child), but Jeff is there to stay for good. And in Swordplay, Jeff and his ex-partner are now owners of their own detective agency. Life is difficult at the best of times with Jeff’s partner, Alex, and Alex’s brother, Sean, both struggling. And Jeff and Parker’s investigation arouses the real killer’s interest, and if they don’t uncover his identity soon, it may be too late for them.
Review: If you hadn’t had a chance to read one of these stories, this gives you all three so you don’t have to wait to read them. I am not much for mysteries and very rarely find ones that I can get in to. However this author has stroked my interest quite a bit. A bit more mysteries and I will be set in this series.
Attachment Strings ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Detective Jeff Woods and his partner have a new case. Someone has been making threatening phone calls to the mayor’s daughter, vowing to kill her disabled child. Though there have been accidents at the girl’s school—enough to take the threats seriously—the facts are few, and leads are sparse.
Needing a breather from the burden of the case, Jeff heads to a bar, where he meets Alex Fisher. Alex isn’t his type, but he’s young and cocky and perfect for a one-night stand, or two. Soon Jeff starts thinking about how difficult and lonely it is being a cop, and that maybe Alex could fill a void in his life. But Alex has his own obligations: a disabled brother who is the target of threatening letters.
Jeff isn’t sure he’s ready to play house or overcome his prejudices, but he begins to think Alex might be worth it. Caught between his growing affection and his inner demons, Jeff struggles to focus on the case and protect Alex and his brother as the danger builds.
In this story the guys don’t really do anything for me. Alex is moody as hell, has a hell of a temper, and just bizarre. Whereas Jeff isn’t any better because he is prejudice and an idiot. Jeff is not only in the closet but he doesn’t much care for disabled people. So when things heat up with Alex, he is about to run because of Alex’s brother Sean. Sean is disabled and the sweetie pie of the group. So the characters didn’t much do anything for me, but the mystery did.
That was probably the best about the whole book. It focused more on the mystery then the two idiots. I couldn’t wait to find out what happened in the end.
Other than the characters, this book rocked. I had a lot of fun with it and can’t wait to start the second book. I think I might have just found a new mystery author for me. That is saying alot because I don’t really get into mysteries like I should. So, way to go Chris.
Sacrifices ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
When he was outed on the local news, Jeff Woods gave up his dream job as a detective to become an on-air radio personality. The sacrifice was worth it to keep Alex and Sean in his life, but Alex lost his job, too. Jeff can tell Alex worries he’s pressuring Jeff too much, first with Sean and now the lack of money, but he has no idea what that will lead Alex to do. Desperate times bring out the stupidity in some people, and when Jeff discovers Alex is in over his head in a situation he can’t handle, he needs all his self-control to stay calm.
Life is not easy with the Church of Virtue still spouting venom wherever they go, homophobes at the police department, a gangster who wants Alex in the worst possible way, and a bed that barely holds one grown man, much less two (and a child), but Jeff is there to stay for good, and he’ll do what it takes to make Alex believe him.
Now the reason I really liked it was the fact that Jeff was a hot detective, but since he got outed well let’s just say he is no longer a police detective. He is now a radio host, which actually doesn’t look to good for our man. Top it off Alex no longer has a job either and is scared of his financials because of his brother Sean.
There is a bit of suspense in this book along with some deception and quirky attitudes. I am glad to see Jeff and Sean getting a long better though. There really doesn’t seem to be too much of a mystery in this book which sucked. I mean I wanted a mystery and wham there is nothing major so it wasn’t as hot as the first one. I hope the next book actually has a bit more to it.
Swordplay♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts
After leaving his dream job as an Atlantic City detective, Jeff Woods has moved to Washington DC with his life partner, Alex Fisher, and Alex’s disabled little brother Sean. Parker Trenkins, Jeff’s ex-partner on the force, has made the move as well, along with his significant other David. Jeff and Parker partner up once again, but in a new way, as owners of their own detective agency.
Life is difficult at the best of times. Sean loses sight in one of his eyes, a direct result of being pushed into the Atlantic by a homicidal maniac a year ago. In his struggle to deal with everything, a restless Alex enrolls in tai chi classes at a nearby school.
As it happens, a murder case Jeff and Parker take involves the head of that very tai chi school, Charles Cooper. Cooper is a suspect in the murder of a financial corporation official. He appears to have motive. Jeff and Parker’s investigation arouses the real killer’s interest, and if they don’t uncover his identity soon, it may be too late for them.
Now we have a murder to solve and at the one place where Alex was working out at. Sean had been hurt last year and he had lost sight in one of his eyes and wasn’t handling things to well. Jeff and Parker opened up a private detective agency which rocked for me, because the dude wasn’t really a radio show host type of guy. Jeff must protect his lover and find out who was behind the killing. However it seems more complex than that.
This was an exciting read and I was so glad to have gotten another mystery. This was so much fun to read and I couldn’t figure out who did it. Way to go Chris for giving me another great read.
Overall
I had ups and downs with this bundle and still really don’t care for Jeff. However the way he turned around with Sean made him come up in points for me. I loved that Alex is starting to share his burdens and Jeff is not being as overbearing as he once was. I also loved Parker and David in the stories. I do wish that there had been more action in this though.
I enjoyed reading this and would definitely recommend it. Also I hope to read more by this author.
FBI Agent Ryan “Mac” McGuinness and con man Henry Page are on the run again. This time they’re headed back to where it all began: Altona, Indiana. Population: some goats. Henry’s not happy about lying low at the McGuinness family farm, but they’ve got nowhere else to go.
While Mac fights to clear his name and Henry struggles with whose side he’s really on, a ghost from the past threatens to destroy everything. And those aren’t the only storms on the radar. Cut off from both sides of the law, Mac and Henry must rely on their tenuous partnership to survive.
If Henry can convince himself to let Mac see the man behind the disguises, they’ll stand a chance of beating the forces that conspire against them. The course of true love never did run smooth, but for the two of them, it might be their only hope.
Review: The third book in the Playing the Fool trilogy, The Tempest continues on with the Shakespeare references, lots of dramatic action, a lovely mystery that comes full circle. There was a lot to bring together in this last book, many characters to tie together and a future to weave for Mac and Cheese. I was very satisfied with this ending, though saddened there could be no redemption for one of my favorite characters…I’ll let you read about it!
The sexual tension between Henry and Mac took some backwards steps a few times, unveiling Henry’s insecurity, leaving me wondering if Mac could really help heal those old wounds and the distance between them.
One of my favorite characters, Henry’s sister, plays a pivotal role in The Tempest, and I’m so glad of it! It helps bring the future together for them all.
The narrator does another wonderful job, though there does seem to be a chapter missing….wish I had that, but the story still moves forward at a fast pace.
An action packed trilogy, something to read that feels fresh and different than what the m/m genre has been pumping out lately. Worth a read or listen for sure. Oh and I can’t forget to throw in there…I totally LOVE Mac’s parents. Wish I had them myself!
There’s something rotten in the state of Indiana. When con man Henry Page takes it upon himself to investigate the death of an elderly patient at a care facility, he does so in true Shakespearean tradition: dressed as a girl.
FBI Agent Ryan “Mac” McGuinness has more to worry about than Henry’s latest crazy idea. Someone is trying to send him a message – via a corpse with a couple of bullets in it. He needs to figure out who’s trying to set him up before he gets arrested, and he really doesn’t have time for Henry’s shenanigans. Then again, he’d probably be able to focus better if Henry didn’t look so damn distracting in a baby doll dress and a wig.
But when Mac discovers that Henry has been keeping a secret that connects the cases, he has to find a way to live on the right side of the law when he just might be in love with the wrong sort of man.
Review: A continuation of The Two Gentlemen of Altona, book two in the Playing the Fool series, The Merchant of Death keeps playing along with Henry’s creative acts. It’s very hard to review this highly entertaining mystery without giving away the big surprises, but there’s plenty of new adventures and new characters to this story.
Henry is making himself at home at the station, making friends among Mac’s staff members, and along the way he’s making Mac crazy. A constant change in identity, keeping Mac guessing, and keeping the bad guys off his tail, all start to spell trouble for our lovely couple.
We learn a new secret about Henry, something right out of Shakespeare’s classics, and he will do anything to protect and care for that secret, even if it means ending his romance with Mac before it gets a chance to truly begin. Henry’s biggest guise yet is to play the sexy temptress, throwing Mac for yet another loop when he finds himself attracted to Henry even disguised as a woman.
There is plenty of nail biting action, murderous plots, and humor in this second book, but this time we get hot and steamy too! We finally get to see the fireworks fly between Mac and Henry, even though there’s a bit of a surprise and twist in the bedroom too!
More characters come to visit us, we get to learn so much more about Henry’s back story, and as we get to know the other court members in Henry’s life, one can easily see new stories begin to unfold.
Russo is an excellent narrator, giving unique and enjoyable voices to both male and female roles. I really look forward to the next book in the series.
Publisher: Riptide Publishing (11th February 2016)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating:♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
Blurb:Mischief, thou art afoot.
Special Agent Ryan “Mac” McGuinness is having a rough week. Not only is he on a new diet, but he’s also been tasked with keeping Henry Page – the world’s most irritating witness – alive. Which is tough when Mac’s a breath away from killing the Shakespeare-quoting, ethically-challenged, egg-obsessed Henry himself. Unless killing isn’t really what Mac wants to do to him.
Con man Henry Page prefers to keep his distance from the law… though he wouldn’t mind getting a little closer to uptight, handsome Agent McGuinness. As the sole witness to a mob hit, Henry’s a valuable asset to the FBI. But he’s got his own agenda, and it doesn’t involve testifying.
When evidence surfaces of a mole in the FBI office, Mac and Henry are forced to go into hiding. Holed up in a fishing cabin, they’re surprised to discover that their feelings run more than skin deep. But as the mob closes in, Henry has to make his escape. And Mac has to decide how far he’s willing to go to keep Henry by his side.
Review: The Two Gentlemen of Altona is a funny, devious, and fast paced who dunnit with a healthy dose of attraction thrown in. It’s a very “Catch me if you can!” scenario between Mac and Henry. Many humorous references to Shakespeare are woven into this funny mystery.
As far as the heat goes, our two characters seem to have chemistry, but they keep missing the ignition process…leaving us wanting and waiting until the next book!
My favorite thing about The Two Gentlemen of Altona is the character Henry, or whatever identity he’s going with. He’s so creative, devious, and totally enjoys getting under Mac’s skin. I love how he keeps picking on Mac about his diet. It’s a simple ploy, but so funny in the ways he uses it.
The narrator, Nick J. Russo does a wonderful job giving each character a unique sounds, I’ve enjoyed many of his narrations, and the Playing the Fool series is just as top notch as all of the others.
This is a series you’ll definitely want to read in order, and it’s serial, so you won’t get all your answers or even half of them in this book. Totally worth the listen, and I look forward to more!
Hi peeps, we have J.L. Merrow stopping by with her new release Blow Down, we have a great excerpt so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~
Blow Down
(Plumber’s Mate 04)
by
J.L. Merrow
Death is what happens when you’re making other plans.
The last thing newly engaged plumber Tom Paretski needs is to stumble over another dead body. He’s got enough on his mind already as the reality of his impending marriage sinks in. Not only is his family situation complicated, his heroism at a pub fire made him a local celebrity. Now everyone and their uncle wants a piece of his psychic talents. Hired to find a missing necklace, Tom and his fiance, private investigator Phil Morrison, wind up trying to unmask a killer – and there’s no shortage of suspects, up to and including the local bishop himself. As Tom and Phil try to uncover the truth, they find themselves pulled in all different directions by the conflicting pressures of their families and their own desires. But the murderer they’re up against is a ruthless schemer who won’t hesitate to kill again. If Tom and Phil aren’t careful, their love – and all their plans for the future – could be blown down like a house of straw.
Warning: Contains a bishop of questionable Christian charity, a necklace of questionable taste, and a plumber of questionable nationality who may be running out of time.
Hey guys, we have J.T. Cheyanne visiting us today with her new release Collateral Damage, we have a brilliant guest post, a great excerpt and a fantastic giveaway so check out the post and click that giveaway link <3 ~Pixie~
Collateral Damage
by
J.T. Cheyanne
Fleeing the questions and horrific memories in Miami-Dade, Trevor Garrett accepts a deputy position in the small town of Rolling Fork, Mississippi. Plagued by anxiety attacks and an abhorrence to being touched, Trevor rebuffs his best friend’s attempts to set him up. He has no desire for any type of relationship; until the local golden boy strolls into his line of sight at the neighborhood dive…
Logan Andrews just wants to take care of his mama. After years of serving his country in the Army Special Forces, Logan resigns when he learns his mother is suffering from advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease. A night out with old friends turns heated when the newest deputy in town catches his attention…
When a sexually deviant killer sets his sights on the gay men in the area, Trevor is assigned the case. In a wicked twist, all evidence points to Logan. Can Trevor’s past be repeating itself? In a race against a killer, Trevor struggles to overcome his own insecurities and clear the man whose touch sets him on fire. Will he succeed or will their budding relationship become Collateral Damage?
Hi peeps, we have Heloise West visiting today with her new release Bring Lawyers, Guns, and Roses, Heloise answers a couple of questions for us, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway so enjoy the post and click that giveaway link <3 ~Pixie~
Bring Lawyers, Guns and Roses
(Heart and Haven 02)
by
Heloise West
When Hunter and Alex are given the vacation of a lifetime, it’s a chance for them to pay attention to romance and get out of the path of danger. The tiny Caribbean island of Saba is gorgeous, the first to have marriage equality, and the Sabans are the nicest people on earth.
There’s lots of rum poolside for relaxing and a room with a mirror on the ceiling for passion. Hot karaoke nights, cold beer, and new friends.
But their new friends Orfeo and Max, and Max’s sister Talisha, share a troubling secret. Alex and Hunter want to help. As a hurricane bears down on them, a dead body surfaces, and a purple backpack loaded with stolen jewels leads a pair of dangerous men to the island.
Alex would rather poke his own eyes out with a pointy stick than call on his old enemy Nick Truman for help; he’d also do anything to keep Hunter out of danger. But even his nemesis can’t reach them now.
Once again, they only have each other to depend on as their paradise is about to become hell on earth.
Hi peeps, we have Chris Quinton popping in with her new release Tawny, we have a great excerpt, a brilliant giveaway and Lisa’s review so enjoy the post and click that giveaway link <3 ~Pixie~
Tawny
(Melusine’s Cats 02)
by
Chris Quinton
Melusine, a deity of rivers and seas, long ago lost the Battle of the Betrayal and is imprisoned in a nexus centred on the source of the Lynn River. She can only travel in the flowing water of her river, and cannot set foot on her banks. Her cats are not so bound. Neither pets nor familiars, they move freely between the realities, her agents among the humans who live along the Lynn.
When Melusine’s enemies come to the valley in search of revenge, she needs to rebuild the war band she has lost over the centuries. Her cats are the keys to this. Each one is a guardian, and formidable in its greater avatar. A guardian, along with two chosen warriors, form a triad. All three must come into the triad willingly, and as willingly give their oaths of loyalty to her. But Melusine is both prisoner and prison-keeper, and now must gather triads to guard that other dungeon at all costs.
Hal Rayner enjoys his job at Greenlynn’s Black Dog pub. He gets on well with the locals, and has been adopted by the usually standoffish pub cat. Then the dreams start, a red-headed stranger turns up, and before he knows it, Hal is caught up in other-worldly danger and weirdness. The cat, Tawny, is right in the middle of it, and Hal can’t understand how a common or garden mog can become something out of a prehistoric nightmare.
Gryffyth, the son of Nodens Silverhand, has been released from long imprisonment, and despite the unhealed wound given to him by Melusine in that distant battle, the years haven’t blunted his hunger for revenge. He is still loyal to Gronw, and when Morgan sends for him, he willingly gives his aid. Gryff is determined to find and free his imprisoned liege lord. Then he meets Hal and Tawny, and suddenly the rules have changed.
Hi guys, we have Jackie Keswick popping in with her upcoming release House Hunt, the third book in The Power of Zero series. We have a fantastic guest post where Jackie chats about House Hunt and Gareth & Jack and it also has some great snippets from the book. So enjoy the post! <3 ~Pixie~
House Hunt
(The Power of Zero 03)
by
Jackie Keswick
Jack Horwood hates owing favors. But when a simple day out to treat Gareth to the best oysters in England leads to a discovery of drugs and counterfeit money—things that neither Jack nor Gareth have the jurisdiction to handle—he has to call in help. Help that doesn’t come cheap, and that forces him to do something he promised himself he’d never do again—walk away from Gareth and the family he’s starting to make for himself.
Three months undercover is a long time. After missing Gareth’s birthday, Jack is determined not to miss their first anniversary. But coming home and being home are two very different things. So when he is asked to assist with a corporate espionage investigation, Jack can’t say no, despite knowing it will impact his already straining relationship.
Hiya guys, we have Charlie Cochrane popping in with her new release Jury of One, we have a fantastic interview with Charlie, a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway so enjoy the post and leave a comment to enter the giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~
Jury of One
(Lindenshaw Mysteries 02)
by
Charlie Cochrane
Inspector Robin Bright is enjoying a quiet Saturday with his lover, Adam Matthews, when murder strikes in nearby Abbotston, and he’s called in to investigate. He hopes for a quick resolution, but as the case builds, he’s drawn into a tangled web of crimes, new and old, that threatens to ensnare him and destroy his fledgling relationship.
Adam is enjoying his final term teaching at Lindenshaw School, and is also delighted to be settling down with Robin at last. Only Robin doesn’t seem so thrilled. Then an old crush of Adam’s shows up in the murder investigation, and suddenly Adam is yet again fighting to stay out of one of Robin’s cases, to say nothing of trying to keep their relationship from falling apart.
Between murder, stabbings, robberies, and a suspect with a charming smile, the case threatens to ruin everything both Robin and Adam hold dear. What does it take to realise where your heart really lies, and can a big, black dog hold the key?
Hiys peeps, we have Rhys Ford stopping by with her new release Dirty Heart, we have a fantastic guest post from Rhys where she shares her goodbye to Cole and Jae, Dirty Bits 3 and a fabulous giveaway, we also have Tams review for you to check out, so enjoy the post and leave a comment to enter the giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~
Dirty Hearts
(Cole McGinnis Mysteries 06)
by
Rhys Ford
Former LAPD detective Cole McGinnis’s life nearly ended the day his police partner and best friend Ben Pirelli emptied his service weapon into Cole and his then-lover, Rick. Since Ben turned his gun on himself, Cole thought he’d never find out why Ben tried to destroy him.
Years later, Cole has stitched himself back together. Now a private investigator and in love with Jae-Min Kim, a Korean-American photographer he met on a previous case, Cole’s life is back on track—until he discovers Jeff Rollins, a disgraced cop and his first partner, has resurfaced and appears to be working on the wrong side of the law.
As much as Cole’s fought to put the past behind him, he’s soon tangled up in a web of lies, violence, and death. Jeff Rollins is not only trying to kill Cole’s loved ones, he is also scraping open old wounds and long-forgotten memories of the two men Cole loved and lost. Cole is sure Rollins knows why Ben ruined all their lives, but he isn’t looking for answers. Now Cole is caught in a cat-and-mouse game with a cold-blooded killer with the key to not only his past but his future.
Title: Model Investigator 
Title: Prickly By Nature
Title: Model Bodyguard
Title: Model Citizen
Title: Light
Name: Jeff Woods Mysteries Bundle
Attachment Strings 
Sacrifices 
Swordplay 
Title: Tempest
Title: The Merchant of Death
Title: The Two Gentlemen of Altona
