Hi guys, we have Ashe Barker stopping by today her upcoming release Gideon, we have a quick guest post from Ashe, and there’s a brand new tasty excerpt, so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~
Gideon
(Order of the Black Knights 01)
by
Ashe Barker
Gideon Maybury enjoys a life of wealth and privilege, not to mention the advantages his position offers him in his career as a merchant banker and in his less public life as a high-class, skilled, and very well-paid assassin for Her Majesty’s government. When his brother dies unexpectedly, he becomes the Duke of Westmoreland.
Michael Mathison has hated Gideon since they were at university together. He’s convinced Gideon had a hand in the death of Michael’s college lover, Christopher, and that he had something to do with the death of his own brother. So he gets a job as Gideon’s driver, enabling him to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of the elder Maybury sibling. At first his suspicions seem to be confirmed, but clues come to light that suggest all is not as it appears at Maybury Hall.
As the mystery deepens, so does the attraction between the two implacable enemies. Each has reasons not to trust the other, but neither is averse to a bit of kinky play. Gideon and Michael end up owing each other their lives, and it results in consequences neither could have imagined.
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (23rd September 2016)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4 ½ Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: Michael Cook has left his abusive lover and settled in the small town of Banning, Illinois. Having nowhere else to go, he checks into the Raven’s Rest Inn and soon learns that the haunted reputation of the hotel is well deserved. Michael gets a job at a local café, where he meets Trey Ramsey. Though Michael has misgivings about starting up a new relationship, Trey seems to be the complete opposite of Michael’s controlling ex, so he decides to give Trey a chance.
Life at the Raven’s Rest becomes increasingly frightening when the ghost of Coleman Hollis appears in Michael’s room. Coleman seems to want something from Michael, and the mystery deepens when Michael discovers he’s the spitting image of Coleman’s lover from years ago. Together, Michael and Trey must discover why Coleman’s spirit is drawn to the Raven’s Rest—and to Michael.
Review: After five years Michael has left his psychologically abusive lover and is hiding out in a small town. Staying at the local Inn, Raven’s Rest, he’s told the story of its ghosts and becomes fascinated by one of them especially when he sees the ghost of that past resident, Coleman, a young man who disappeared many years before. Michael decides to stay in town and stumbles across a job in a small café as well as Trey, a laid back guy who sparks Michael’s interest.
Michael and Trey begin to look into Coleman’s story after an altercation with the ghost and they discover a sad story of young love torn apart and destroyed. While getting to the bottom of the mystery of the ghost Michael still has to deal with his ex when Kevin comes hunting for him.
This is brilliant story where a man running from his ex-lover stumbles across a ghost story that leads to a decades old mystery. Michael has suffered from mental abuse from the man who was supposed to love him for years, Michael’s finally found the courage to leave him but he knows Kevin will follow him so he heads for a small town. It’s the beginning of a ghostly adventure of mystery and murder, and discovering new love.
I really enjoyed this story, it flowed really well and Michael and Trey connected from the instant they met, their romance moves quickly but fits them perfectly. The mystery part of the story was excellent, with Michael determined to get to the truth and discover just what happened to Coleman. It’s a terrible tale of bigotry and murder.
Both Michael and Trey are excellent characters and there are also one or two other jewels floating through the story like Jesenia (who wears a badge labelled ‘The Town Witch’) and Gloria Ramsey (Trey’s mother), they both add to the story and bring some lightness to the story as well. I also liked the fact that Michael got some closure with Kevin as well, there is a confrontation where Kevin loses it but he does finally accept that his actions drove Michael away and hopefully he’ll learn a lesson from losing Michael.
I recommend this to those who love ghost mysteries, finding peace with yourself, discovering new love, dodging danger and an excellent ending.
Blurb: After the death of his adoptive mother, Andy Forrest decides to track down his biological family. The search leads him to the struggling central Massachusetts town of Dayfield—and local historian Weston Thibeault, the town’s only other openly gay man. With the help of Weston, Andy uncovers secrets about his birth father, the youngest son of the Chaffees, the family that once owned Dayfield’s largest employer, a furniture factory that closed thirty years earlier.
As Andy and Weston work together, they find a connection to a scandal that rocked the Chaffee family over 125 years ago. But small towns like to bury their secrets, and many of the older residents of Dayfield will do anything to stop Andy and Weston from discovering the truth about the town and its inhabitants.
Review: In finding out more about his biological father, Andy Forest travels to a quaint little town in Massachusetts where the townsfolk’s are not quite what they seem. Unfriendly and downright hateful at times this town definitely wants its secrets to remain hidden forever.
As with most secrets eventually things will come out. Upon meeting Weston they both dive into the history of the town and discover two mysterious deaths at a factory in the eighteen hundreds that seem linked to Andy’s father’s death as well as his mothers.
I really liked this story. It had all the right elements to make for a great murder mystery except for the occasional repetitive nature from time to time. The townspeople were hostile but all things considered I understood to a point. Andy and Weston worked well together to uncover the truth about past events and why.
Blurb: One day a shadow is cast on the Mechanical Circus, a rollicking seaside carnival where imagination meets machinery, when a tall, cloaked figure approaches the stand of Will Marchman, a young patent-medicine salesman. Thus begins the adventures of Will; Fanule Perfidor, commonly known as the Dog King; vampire Clancy Marrowbone; and Clancy’s former lover, the mortal Simon Bentcross.
Fanule Perfidor, leader of the mongrels, sees a shining star, Will Marchman, in his otherwise chaotic life. Famile is on a mission to uncover the secret as to why the mongrels are being incarcerated and persecuted. With Will and his best friend Clancy, vampire, and Simon’s, hunter, help discover why Mongrels are disappearing. Fantastic cast of characters, action, suspense and mystery made for an incredible read.
Merman: Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Clancy returns to find out what his ex-lover Simon is up to and discovers a merman, Jordan Hawkes is a man he used to feed, washed up on the shore. He also discovers Simon has been commissioned to build a submersible. There is also a mystery as to the suspicious treatment of prisoners. This is another wonderful story with characters that add depth to the book, as well as the interactions between Simon and Clancy. I loved the mystery aspect and finding out what was going on.
Machine: Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
This book is the conclusion of the mongrel series and ties everything up. Both couples are back, William and Fan start arguing and eventually they split up. A mysterious stranger from fan’s past shows up and chaos ensues. This mysterious stranger has a machine that can alter beings and humans alike. Will and Clancy are kidnapped then returned less than what they were. Although both couples suffer greatly they eventually find their HEA. I felt the villain’s so-called takedown was a bit of a let-down considering all the lives he disrupted or destroyed. I expected a big showdown between Fan and him but got none. Other than that I loved the story as it revealed more about Fan’s background.
Overall the series was an amazing adventure of two couples. They struggle to make a go of their relationships and find their HEA. At the same time they access and confront threats to them and the town along the way. Great descriptions and plot made for an interesting read. I loved it.
Hi guys, we have Stephen Osborne popping in today with his upcoming release Raven’s Rest, we have a great guest post and excerpt so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~
Raven’s Rest
by
Stephen Osborne
Michael Cook has left his abusive lover and settled in the small town of Banning, Illinois. Having nowhere else to go, he checks into the Raven’s Rest Inn and soon learns that the haunted reputation of the hotel is well deserved. Michael gets a job at a local café, where he meets Trey Ramsey. Though Michael has misgivings about starting up a new relationship, Trey seems to be the complete opposite of Michael’s controlling ex, so he decides to give Trey a chance.
Life at the Raven’s Rest becomes increasingly frightening when the ghost of Coleman Hollis appears in Michael’s room. Coleman seems to want something from Michael, and the mystery deepens when Michael discovers he’s the spitting image of Coleman’s lover from years ago. Together, Michael and Trey must discover why Coleman’s spirit is drawn to the Raven’s Rest—and to Michael.
Blurb: Beau Bissonet and Tollison Cruz are back, along with Bruce, Auggie, and now Bastien, Tollison’s ex-partner. From the initial spark between them in Zurich, Bruce and Bastien’s attraction has flared, and Bastien has come to the Big Easy to explore what lies ahead for them.
It’s Mardi Gras, and New Orleans is alive and festive, teeming with excited tourists and locals alike. The first few parades go off without a hitch. And then a man is targeted, shot, and killed right in the middle of a crowded street. Auggie and Bruce are called in to investigate, but before they even get started, more deaths occur, one at each of the next two parades. Auggie realizes he’s dealing with a serial killer and jumps into action.
Beau and Tollison join the investigation and stumble upon some similarities in the murders that are too strong to ignore. But before they can unravel the perpetrator’s motives and get ahead of him, he fires another shot that affects the tightly knit group of friends in a way none of them could have ever imagined. Together they must all come up with a plan to stop the killing and serve justice in the process.
Review: Book three in the Bissonet & Cruz Investigations draws the reader into unresolved issues between Tollison and Bastien as well as Bruce and Beau. On top of that there is a killer targeting gay men at Mardi Gras parades.
The suspense and drama are a match made in heaven in this story. The unresolved issues between the four men start taking its toll on them. Even though there is anger and resentment at times I was glad they all talked at least. I really liked Bruce and Bastien as a couple. Even with Bruce’ uncertainty about the relationship both men deserved happiness after their failed previous relationships.
The mystery aspect of the book was good. I liked the way the investigation was handled and every lead looked into thoroughly. Auggie, Tollison and Bruce work well together throughout the investigation and have each other’s back.
This is a fantastic addition to the series. I highly recommend it.
Blurb: Parks and Wildlife Officer Brock Summers-Weir and his new husband, wildlife rehabber Landon Weir-Summers, are on their honeymoon high in the northern Colorado Rockies when they find an orphaned cougar cub. They quickly discover that there have been a number of cougars injured or killed in the area around Steamboat Springs. Although they are supposed to be on vacation, they work with local officials to try to find out what’s happening to the big cats.
When they get too close to the answers, their camp is ransacked and an ominous message is left. Rather than letting this intimidate them, they step up their investigation in the hopes that they can find the people responsible for the carnage and still manage to have a happy honeymoon.
Review: First and foremost: if you have not read the previous books in the series, I highly recommend that you go back and read them before jumping into this installment. Not only so that you can enjoy a thoroughly good series, but also so that you can pick up all the little things that are assumed as already known knowledge throughout the book. A final thing I need to add, if you are opening this book in the hopes of a good romance, you need to be aware that being a DSP Publications book this story is not heavy on the romance.
Now… onto the book, Cougar Chaos. I have to say that this is a great addition to the series, while I don’t love it to bits, I certainly enjoyed it and liked revisiting the world of the recently married couple Wildlife Officer Brock Summers-Weir and wildlife rehabber Landon Weir-Summers. If you’ve followed their relationship from book 1, you know two things for certain about this couple: 1) they love wildlife, and, 2) trouble, involving wildlife, always seems to follow them.
That being said, you can pretty much tell what the set up for the book is going to be. The guys decide to go camping/ hiking for their honeymoon with their dog. Despite the fact that Landon is getting over his injuries, a broken leg, of the previous book. Like seriously, that is these guys to a T. But what ends up happening is that the guys encounter a mountain lion cub that they save, which brings them on a merry chase which is the mystery of this title.
Fairly quick and to the point, this is a fairly enjoyable story, but more what makes it a 4 star book in my eyes is that it is a wonderful addition to the Mountain Spirits series. It fits the development of the characters and the plotline wonderfully.
I’m not sure if there is going to be more to this series, but I would certainly love it if we get to see more of the world of Landon and Brock.
Blurb: When gay romance writer Trent Copeland runs into handsome American Reed Acton—seemingly by chance—while vacationing in Thailand, it sparks off an irresistible affair. Follow their globe-trotting adventures in the Precious Gems books as they negotiate a relationship while solving crimes in Bangkok, Rome, Tokyo, and Istanbul.
Review: Now at first I wasn’t really sure if I would like these stories. What changed my mind were the characters themselves. Although Reed really didn’t rock like he should have, I did enjoy Trent quite a bit. I love how it was he who really solved the cases. Reed did become a favorite at the end though.
Rarer Than Rubies ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts When Trent Copeland runs into Reed Acton at a Bangkok airport, he thinks the handsome American is too good to be true. Why would someone like Reed be interested in a quiet, introverted gay-romance writer? After all, even an obvious tourist like Trent can see that there is more to Reed’s constant unexplained appearances in his path than meets the eye.
Reed Acton has one mission and one mission only—he needs to get the map that was accidentally slipped into Trent’s bag and keep the mobsters who want the priceless artefact from taking deadly revenge. Trent Copeland is a delicious and damned near irresistible diversion, but Reed can’t afford distractions right now, especially if he wants to keep Trent safe.
From Bangkok’s seediest back alleys to the sacred north, the two men will fight to stay one step ahead of the bad guys and learn that the only treasure worth finding is… each other.
Sent on a vacation so that he could get his muse back, almost gets him killed instead. To top it off he meets up with one sexy man. I loved how he had no clue if the guy was good or bad, but his heart was leading the way. Or maybe it was another part of his body. I got a kick out of this story and can’t wait to read the next story. This one hit pretty high up there in points for me.
Italian Ice ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts In this exciting sequel to Rarer Than Rubies, gay romance author Trent Copeland and former FBI agent Reed Action head to Italy for a Roman holiday. What should be a relaxing and romantic vacation is interrupted when Reed’s not-so-former boss asks for his help with a case. Trent’s shocked to discover in the six months they’ve been living together in LA, Reed hasn’t been completely honest about his “retirement.”
Reed heads for Sicily on the trail of a suspected antiquities-smuggling ring and to find Peter Isett—a former FBI partner he also hasn’t been completely truthful about. Stung by Reed’s dishonesty, Trent questions what else Reed might be hiding. But when he overhears something that tells him Reed’s life is in danger, Trent follows Reed to a remote chain of ancient volcanic islands off Sicily’s northern coast. Soon Trent is caught up in the smugglers’ web, and Reed must decide between his heart and his mission—a decision complicated by his past with Peter. Reed’s position is perilous: unless he can learn to put the past behind him, he risks destroying everything he’s built with Trent.
Maybe the man should trust his partner just a bit more. It seems Trent is pretty damn good at solving the mysteries they come across. Although I still can’t really get into Reed at all. He seems like a total tool to me and not trust worthy.
Other than that this story rocked. I had a lot of fun reading it and look forward to the next book.
Jaded ♥♥♥♥♥4 Hearts Gay-romance writer Trent Copeland finds his life in a rut while his boyfriend, Special Agent Reed Acton, is away on an undercover mission. After attending a special course at FBI headquarters in Quantico, Trent’s eager for another challenge. He jumps at the opportunity for a trip to Japan to oversee appraisals of two art collections to be sold at the gallery he co-owns. But the trip isn’t all cherry blossoms and Hello Kitty. When one of the collectors he meets—rumored to be the head of a Yakuza gang—turns up dead, Trent is accused of the murder and thrown in jail.
Reed drops everything to help find out who really committed the crime. He’s in unknown territory in Japan, forced to navigate Tokyo’s sex underworld to unravel the truth and save Trent. He poses as a “host” at a seedy late-night club. When Reed’s undercover activities place him at a ruthless Yakuza leader’s sex party, he must be willing to go to any lengths to secure Trent’s safety and freedom. But trusting the wrong people brings both Reed and Trent to the Yakuza leader’s attention. If they are ever to have a happy ever after, they’ll first have to call on every skill just to stay alive.
The only part that I hated about this story and brought it down was when Reed was with Shindo. Even though all that happened was kissing and most of it was because of the danger, that was a no for me and I stopped reading this particular story. It is a pet peeve of mine and I am afraid that this story was knocked down because of it.
24-Karat Conspiracy♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts Former Ranger turned FBI agent Reed Acton faces his biggest challenge yet: a Christmas visit from partner Trent Copeland’s parents. He’s less equipped to handle hugs and holidays than the Taliban or international art thieves. When he’s assigned to track down a set of gold Babylonian artefacts looted from the Iraqi National Museum after the fall of Baghdad, things start to look up.
This time, Trent’s part of the mission, takes them to exotic Istanbul. The crowded streets and labyrinthine markets fascinate Trent, but soon murder is on their trail. The investigation continues as Reed goes undercover at a US Army base, with Trent masquerading as his spouse. Surprisingly, fastidious and ever-fashionable Trent fits into base life right away and soon takes one of the suspects’ wives under his wing when domestic abuse rears its head.
Their faux marriage leads Reed to appreciate Trent in ways he never expected, strengthening their bond—until Reed has to confront the worst demons from his past: his relationship with his estranged family.
This one was the best of all the stories, but that is because of the happy ending. I was so shocked to find out who was the bad guy and who was the ass. This was a pleasant ending to a wonderful collection. I enjoyed reading this and look forward to seeing what other stories this author has out.
Overall ♥♥♥♥♥ I enjoyed reading this complete series all rolled into one nice package. It caught my attention from the start and kept it all the way to the end. I have to admit that it is a slower pace then I normally read but for this series it worked out pretty good. I can usually gage where a story is going but I had to just keep on reading because I wanted to know for sure. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author.
Blurb: Halloween is Beau Bissonet’s favorite holiday, from carving pumpkins to decorating his yard to donning a costume and scaring the neighborhood kids. But this year his Halloween is about to take a different turn, one that will challenge his skills as a detective and his commitment to his partner in work and love.
A year since Beau and Tollison solved The Royal Street Heist, found love, and formed Bissonet & Cruz Investigations, they are thriving personally and professionally. That is until Tollison’s ex, Bastien Andros, shows up out of the blue. Naturally, Beau’s suspicious, but two days after Bastien’s arrival, he goes missing, and Tollison worries his past may catch up to him.
A mysterious package makes clear who has Bastien and what’s at stake. With both Bastien and Beau’s lives now at risk, Tollison has only one option: travel to Zurich, Switzerland, secure and deliver the ransom, keep both men safe, and stay true to himself at the same time.
Review: This is book two in the Bissonet & Cruz Investigations series. Beau and Tollison have opened their business; it’s almost Halloween, Beau’s favorite holiday. Beau is excited and things are going well for the two men until Tollison’s ex comes back in the picture. Beau’s trust issues are put to the test as result of Tollison’s ex.
Bastien, Tollison’s ex is kidnapped and the investigative team rush to find out why and rescue him. Action packed, edge of your seat read. The mystery was well written and had the right amount of suspense and investigation to leave me waiting for more as the story progressed.
Beau and Tollison heat up the pages and work well together throughout. I really liked this story as it had all the right elements for a great mystery. It keeps the reader engaged while providing enough information to have them wanting more.
Blurb: Chief of Police John Dakota is in a world of trouble. His peaceful town of Seaside, Oregon, has been rocked by a wave of unsolved murders. The bloody deaths are eerily reminiscent of ones that occurred in Seaside years ago. Back then John worked hard to make sure the truth about the killer was never revealed. Now he’s afraid the past is coming back to haunt him.
Trevor English, the nosy reporter who occasionally shares John’s bed, is demanding information about the crimes. He also wants more of John’s affections. But John can’t afford to give in to either demand without risking the revelation of Seaside’s biggest secret: the town is a haven for shifters, and John is one of them.
To solve the crime—and prevent more victims—John must delve into the past. Many members of Seaside’s shifter community are involved, but it’s becoming harder and harder to tell which residents can be trusted. Even John’s family isn’t above suspicion. The body count is rising, and it looks like John is the killer’s next target.
Review: This is the first time I have read a story by Ethan Stone and I have to say that it won’t be the last time. If I had any clues about his stories I am pretty damn sure I would have grabbed them all up.
I have not really been one for mysteries but I have come across a few that I absolutely loved and this one has the perfect twist to it. The Chief of Police just happens to be a sexy bear shifter.
John loves his little town and the people that live there. John is not only the chief of police but he is also a bear shifter. There are many shifters in Seaside Oregon and he loves the peacefulness that surrounds their community. However it also has some deadly secrets, such as his dead father. Murders that are just like the ones that happened many years ago, it would seem that they have a copycat.
Trevor is a crazy and nosy reporter who just happens to be in love with John. You could say that it was just a way to get release, but it turned into love. He doesn’t know all of John’s secrets but he sure wants to find out. You could say he had not expected the truth, however when his man is in trouble he will do whatever he can to save his man.
This story was fascinating and so damn hot. I was shocked to find out who was behind the murders but damn the story had kept me on the edge of my seat guessing. My attention had been caught the moment I started reading and kept it all the way to the end. It gave me everything I could want in a story and so much more.
I hope that Ethan makes this one into a series with a bit more characters finding love. I had so much fun reading it and can’t wait to see what other stories this author has out. This is one book I would definitely recommend.
Hi guys, today we have the delightful Scotty Cade popping in with his upcoming release A Lethal Mistake, the third book in his Bissonet & Cruz Investigations. We have a wonderful guest post from Scotty and Beau Bissonet, and we have a fantastic excerpt, so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~
A Lethal Mistake
(Bissonet & Cruz Investigations 03)
by
Scotty Cade
Beau Bissonet and Tollison Cruz are back, along with Bruce, Auggie, and now Bastien, Tollison’s ex-partner. From the initial spark between them in Zurich, Bruce and Bastien’s attraction has flared, and Bastien has come to the Big Easy to explore what lies ahead for them.
It’s Mardi Gras, and New Orleans is alive and festive, teeming with excited tourists and locals alike. The first few parades go off without a hitch. And then a man is targeted, shot, and killed right in the middle of a crowded street. Auggie and Bruce are called in to investigate, but before they even get started, more deaths occur, one at each of the next two parades. Auggie realizes he’s dealing with a serial killer and jumps into action.
Beau and Tollison join the investigation and stumble upon some similarities in the murders that are too strong to ignore. But before they can unravel the perpetrator’s motives and get ahead of him, he fires another shot that affects the tightly knit group of friends in a way none of them could have ever imagined. Together they must all come up with a plan to stop the killing and serve justice in the process.
Hi guys, we have Ashe Barker stopping by today with the stunning cover for her first Dreamspinner Press release Gideon, we have a short intro from Ashe, there’s a tasty excerpt and a fantastic giveaway, so check out the cover, devour the excerpt and leave a comment or sign up for Ashe’s newsletter to enter the giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~
Gideon
(Order of the Black Knights 01)
by
Ashe Barker
Gideon Maybury enjoys a life of wealth and privilege, not to mention the advantages his position offers him in his career as a merchant banker and in his less public life as a high-class, skilled, and very well-paid assassin for Her Majesty’s government. When his brother dies unexpectedly, he becomes the Duke of Westmoreland.
Michael Mathison has hated Gideon since they were at university together. He’s convinced Gideon had a hand in the death of Michael’s college lover, Christopher, and that he had something to do with the death of his own brother. So he gets a job as Gideon’s driver, enabling him to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of the elder Maybury sibling. At first his suspicions seem to be confirmed, but clues come to light that suggest all is not as it appears at Maybury Hall.
As the mystery deepens, so does the attraction between the two implacable enemies. Each has reasons not to trust the other, but neither is averse to a bit of kinky play. Gideon and Michael end up owing each other their lives, and it results in consequences neither could have imagined.
Blurb: For paramedic Adam Carson, his world is lights and sirens and saving lives. Pressures at work keep him firmly in the closet, and life is too busy to contend with the complications that come with dating and relationships. When a familiar face from his past turns up where he least expects it, Adam starts to question whether or not there is room in his life for those complications.
The last person forensic pathologist Sam McKenna expects to see at pub night is Adam, the guy who made his life hell in high school. The attraction is instant, but Adam isn’t gay and Sam has no interest in pursuing him. Still, the leftover animosity from their teenage years isn’t enough to extinguish the lust growing between them. After both are called to the scene of a horrific murder, Adam admits he’s not as straight as he led Sam to believe and they seek comfort and distraction in each other’s arms. One night becomes many as the murder investigation intensifies, but when Adam is faced with losing Sam, he is forced to make a choice: to break his silence, or to give up everything for the job he loves.
Review: For me, A Forced Silence is a simple pleasure (in a totally good way) because it is basically everything that I am a sucker for in a romance. The narration by Scott R Smith was also great too and made me not want to stop listening. More than anything, I can’t wait to get more into this series (book 2 released by Dreamspinner 29 August 2016) – either reading or audio, I think I could easily enjoy this book either way.
The story follows Adam, a paramedic, and Sam, a forensic pathologist, who cross paths again after a number of years. They knew each other in high school, when Adam became friend with Sam’s then best friend, Mason. It is a complicated relationship which I wish that there was more explanation – or some type of resolution concerning the only ever mentioned and homophobic Mason. For this reason Sam is reticent when it comes to Adam. Not only did he make his life hell but Adam also insists on using the nickname “Dex” when Sam really and truly hates that Dexter is his real name.
The plot line is straight forward, and if you’ve read the blurb there is really no surprise. The mystery and murder investigation itself wasn’t overly suspenseful, it was more background noise and the romance between Sam and Adam was at the forefront of the entire story. Still, it mystery aspect did work well woven in with the romance. The only thing that we don’t really get a feel for in the blurb is fall out in the end. Of course, something needs to be a surprise, I suppose.
The ending is a HEA and just makes me smile, because If you like your paramedics, etc. and are a complete sucker for enemies to lovers this will be a book you will easily enjoy. It’s a real easy listen if you just need something in the background as you work or if you’re commuting.
I really would love to hear the story for Sam’s best friend, Ford, who is there constantly for Sam throughout the book.
Hi guys, we have Ethan Stone stopping by today with his upcoming release Wild Retaliation,the first book in his new Seaside Shifters series, we have a brilliant guest post about his world building and we have a great excerpt, so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~
Wild Retaliation
(Seaside Shifters 01)
by
Ethan Stone
Chief of Police John Dakota is in a world of trouble. His peaceful town of Seaside, Oregon, has been rocked by a wave of unsolved murders. The bloody deaths are eerily reminiscent of ones that occurred in Seaside years ago. Back then John worked hard to make sure the truth about the killer was never revealed. Now he’s afraid the past is coming back to haunt him.
Trevor English, the nosy reporter who occasionally shares John’s bed, is demanding information about the crimes. He also wants more of John’s affections. But John can’t afford to give in to either demand without risking the revelation of Seaside’s biggest secret: the town is a haven for shifters, and John is one of them.
To solve the crime—and prevent more victims—John must delve into the past. Many members of Seaside’s shifter community are involved, but it’s becoming harder and harder to tell which residents can be trusted. Even John’s family isn’t above suspicion. The body count is rising, and it looks like John is the killer’s next target.
Blurb: It’s Christmas, and all antique dealer Sebastian Snow wants is for his business to make money and to save his floundering relationship with closeted CSU detective Neil Millett. When Snow’s Antique Emporium is broken into and a heart is found under the floorboards, Sebastian can’t let the mystery rest.
He soon finds himself caught up in murder investigations that echo the macabre stories of Edgar Allan Poe. To make matters worse, Sebastian’s sleuthing is causing his relationship with Neil to crumble, while at the same time he’s falling hard for the lead detective on the case, Calvin Winter. Sebastian and Calvin must work together to unravel the mystery behind the killings, despite the mounting danger and sexual tension, before Sebastian becomes the next victim.
In the end, Sebastian only wants to get out of this mess alive and live happily ever after with Calvin.
Review: Sebastian finds himself in the middle of a murder investigation when his antique shop is broken into and a heart is left under the floorboards, his closeted cop boyfriend Neil is furious when Sebastian reveals their relationship to the detective investigating the case. As Sebastian investigates the murders himself after connecting them to Edgar Allan Poe stories his relationship with Neil crumbles and Sebastian finds himself attracted to the detective, Calvin Winter.
This is a great story that has mystery and suspense that is beautifully interwoven, and it has a dash of new romance that is low key but outstanding. Sebastian Snow has a low key life; he loves his antiques store, is frustrated with his relationship and has a bit of a sassy mouth on him. When he stumbles on a murder investigation he can’t help himself but become involved and it proves to be the straw that breaks his relationship into tiny pieces.
Calvin Winter is also a closeted cop; he keeps to himself a lot and just wants to do his job. With Sebastian turning up a lot in his murder investigation he doesn’t know if he should lock him up or kiss him.
The Mystery of Nevermore is a great mystery & suspense story that leaves us guessing the why and the who until Sebastian slowly puts the pieces together and revealing the story to us. We do get ideas about who the culprit might be but the why is something that we learn later, it’s really well written and we put everything together as Sebastian does so we become invested in the story.
Sebastian is a lovely character who we can take to heart, he’s in a crappy relationship with Neil and with the way that Neil treats Sebastian we quickly hope that Sebastian will kick him to the kerb, the thing is though when it did happen I kind of felt sorry for Neil. Calvin is kind of standoffish so getting to know him is near impossible, it isn’t till near the end that you actually feel like he’d be a good fit for Sebastian.
I was really happy with the way this story was written, the mystery, suspense and Sebastian were front and centre with Sebastian’s relationship woes being in the background but both balanced really well, with the murders and investigation showcased but occasionally stepping back and allowing the relationship demise/ budding new romance to step forward and take the spotlight. It was fantastically crafted.
I recommend this to those who love mysteries and suspense’s, who love great characters, who adore strong storylines with a dash of new romance and a touch of danger.
Hi guys, we have Isobel Starling popping in today with her brilliant series Shatterproof Bond, we have excerpts from Illuminating the Shadows and Return to Zero, and we have Prime’s reviews of all three books! So check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~
As You Wish
(Shatterproof Bond 0.5)
by
Isobel Starling
“1 wedding, 2 best men, one hell of a love story!
Declan Ramsay’s brother Oliver was marrying Annabelle Aiken at a fairy tale Castle on the banks of Loch Ness in Scotland. The bride and groom decided, so that he didn’t feel left out, Annabelle’s gay younger brother Sam Should share the best man duties with Declan.
Declan had never met the kid who was to be his joint best man. Sam Aiken was abroad, working as an interpreter and finishing his studies. He wouldn’t meet Declan until a few days before the wedding, so the best men communicated and planned their speech by email for more than a year.
But on meeting Sam Aiken, Declan is surprised to realise the kid isn’t a kid at all, but a tall, blond and athletic young man. Declan is alarmed by the ferocious attraction he feels for Sam. And as the attraction is reciprocated, the events at Dunloch Castle change everything Declan has ever believed about himself.
But is Samuel Aiken all that he appears to be?
This story continues in the up and coming novel ‘Illuminate the Shadows’ Book 1 of the ‘Shatterproof Bond’ series
After the most amazing week of Declan Ramsay’s life, at Dunloch Castle on the banks of Loch Ness, in Scotland. The charming, mysterious Samuel Aiken has turned Declan’s life upside down. Declan has experienced a remarkable change. He has come to terms with the fact he is bisexual, and he has fallen head-over-heels in love with his boss’s son Sam.
However, falling for his boss’s son was never going to be an easy path to happiness, mainly because the boss in question is multi-millionaire property tycoon and former MI5 operative, Sir James Aiken.
Sir James is repulsed by his son’s homosexuality, and so discovering that his employee Declan Ramsay- the man he installed to run his luxury property rental empire- is in a relationship with Sam, does not go down well.
The lovers cannot hide from the looming presence of Sir James Aiken for long! Soon enough James makes his move, and Declan finds out what he will have to endure to stay with Sam, and what he will have to give to feel worthy of Sam’s love.
**The story continues in “Return to Zero” (Shatterproof Bond #2)** This second book will be released on 6th June 2016
Pulled into a world of secrets and lies for the man he loves, Declan Ramsay’s life has changed immeasurably in the eight months since meeting, and falling for his boss’s son, Sam Aiken. Declan journey of personal discovery is about to take a darker turn, and for Sam, the world becomes more treacherous than he could ever have imagined.
Two agents are missing — presumed dead, while on a reconnaissance mission at an outdoor adventure centre in the Scottish Highlands. Sir James Aiken sends his son and Declan to follow the trail, and discover the fate of the agents.
As the mission offers his first chance to use the skills he learned on the MI6 training course in Morocco, Declan is keen to get started. However, Sir James sees to it that the seeds of doubt and discord have been sewn between the couple, as they begin their mission.
The journey to their Highland location, and the discoveries they make when they reach the G’wan Adventures centre, prove that Sir James Aiken has been less than honest with his son. Events in the Highlands force Sam and Declan to face their greatest fears, and understand what they both really want from life — and from each other.
Hi guys, today we have the charming Scotty Cade popping in with the cover to his upcoming release A Lethal Mistake, the third book in his Bissonet & Cruz Investigations. We have a short intro from Scotty, a fantastic excerpt and a brilliant giveaway, so enjoy the post and leave a comment with the answer to Scotty’s question to enter the giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~
A Lethal Mistake
(Bissonet & Cruz Investigations 03)
by
Scotty Cade
Beau Bissonet and Tollison Cruz are back, along with Bruce, Auggie, and now Bastien, Tollison’s ex-partner. From the initial spark between them in Zurich, Bruce and Bastien’s attraction has flared, and Bastien has come to the Big Easy to explore what lies ahead for them.
It’s Mardi Gras, and New Orleans is alive and festive, teeming with excited tourists and locals alike. The first few parades go off without a hitch. And then a man is targeted, shot, and killed right in the middle of a crowded street. Auggie and Bruce are called in to investigate, but before they even get started, more deaths occur, one at each of the next two parades. Auggie realizes he’s dealing with a serial killer and jumps into action.
Beau and Tollison join the investigation and stumble upon some similarities in the murders that are too strong to ignore. But before they can unravel the perpetrator’s motives and get ahead of him, he fires another shot that affects the tightly knit group of friends in a way none of them could have ever imagined. Together they must all come up with a plan to stop the killing and serve justice in the process.
Blurb: A serial killer known as the Confessor is kidnapping and torturing gay men, and Reno Police Department Evidence Technician Leif Carson is determined to catch him.
His personal life isn’t any less stressful. Despite being a virgin and having zero experience with men, he can’t stop thinking about his best friend’s ex, Rafe Castillo. Rafe is suffering from PTSD, but that doesn’t stop Leif from wanting to be with him.
Complete opposites, they’re an amazing fit once they do get together—until Rafe’s PTSD gets in the way and he walks away from the relationship before it has a chance to truly blossom. Even though he has intense feelings for the man, Leif has no choice but to let him go.
When the Confessor kidnaps Rafe, Leif does everything possible to locate him before he’s murdered. Rafe’s near-death experience changes him profoundly, but the danger isn’t over yet. Leif and Rafe will have to face pure evil together if they’re going to last.
Review: On the hunt for a sick killer called the Confessor who lures gay men, kidnaps, tortures and kills them for the homosexuality gets serious when evidence technician Lief Carson’s boyfriend Rafe is taken by the maniac. Carson is more determined than ever to find the killer before he kills Rafe.
I loved this story. It was an edge of your seat book that pulled no punches. The evidence was disturbing, the investigation intense and the killer was straight up crazy. I loved the entire book.
This book has suspense, mystery, romance and breath holding scenes. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more in this series.
Hi guys, we have Lane Swift stopping by today with her brand new release The Losing Game, we have a great excerpt and my review so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~
The Losing Game
by
Lane Swift
Winchester Crown Court, October 2035: Richard Shaw leaves, a free man.
Grief-stricken and angry, Lucas Green is hell-bent on revenge against Richard Shaw, who killed his sister. Lucas has heard of a man who can help—the handsome and urbane owner of a boutique sex shop, with a head for planning crimes. But Dante Okoro has a past he’s desperate to keep buried. Though Lucas piques his interest in more ways than one, Dante turns him away. Still, he wonders if he made the right decision….
An unexpected death brings Dante and Lucas together once more. This time they can’t ignore the chemistry between them. But courting a lover with lies is a dangerous game. Dante has been spying on Lucas, convinced he has plans to kill Shaw. Lucas has been spying on Shaw, waiting for the right moment to strike. If Dante admits his suspicions to Lucas, he’ll surely lose him. If he doesn’t, Lucas might do something reckless—and end up losing everything.
Blurb:Winchester Crown Court, October 2035: Richard Shaw leaves, a free man.
Grief-stricken and angry, Lucas Green is hell-bent on revenge against Richard Shaw, who killed his sister. Lucas has heard of a man who can help—the handsome and urbane owner of a boutique sex shop with a head for planning crimes. But Dante Okoro has a past he’s desperate to keep buried. Though Lucas piques his interest in more ways than one, Dante turns him away. Still, he wonders if he made the right decision….
An unexpected death brings Dante and Lucas together once more. This time they can’t ignore the chemistry between them. But courting a lover with lies is a dangerous game. Dante has been spying on Lucas, convinced he has plans to kill Shaw. Lucas has been spying on Shaw, waiting for the right moment to strike. If Dante admits his suspicions to Lucas, he’ll surely lose him. If he doesn’t, Lucas might do something reckless—and end up losing everything.
Review: Lucas is seeking revenge after justice failed, the man who caused his sister’s death walked away with a pathetic sentence from the courts and now Lucas wants him dead. When a friend gives Lucas the name of a man who might be able to help him Lucas seeks him out, and Dante turns him away. Dante can’t understand why his old friend Avery sent Lucas to see him; he learns quickly that Avery sent Lucas for another reason, one that Lucas missed.
As Lucas plans his next move, Dante watches over him to make sure he doesn’t do something to ruin his life. The loss of a friend brings the men face to face again and this time they act on their desire for each other, but with Lucas still acting shifty and Dante watching Lucas’ every move will honesty clear a way or will it drive a wedge between the two men?
Okay this story isn’t really quite a mystery or a thriller, it doesn’t really have BDSM except more on a peripheral view and if it wasn’t set in the future I’d have said it was contemporary with a dash of suspense. There’s a lot of pain and grief as Lucas tries to make sense of the death of his sister. We also get some despondency from Dante as he faces his two girls embracing adulthood and wanting to spread their wings.
The relationship between Lucas and Dante was okay but nothing to write home about, other than a brief flash of attraction between Lucas and Dante I couldn’t feel the connection between the two men, it seemed to just pop and fizz occasionally but I think that the other emotions always seemed to drag it down.
The revenge seeking was thought out really well, Lucas’ planning shows how serious he is and Dante’s watchful eye means that we know that whatever happens Lucas has a guardian angel watching out for him. I liked the back story of both men, and how they come together to kind of heal each other. But I was expecting more, from the tone of the story I was expecting for Lucas to come out victorious and being able to visit his sisters grave and telling her justice had been found… what I didn’t expect was for it to be a hollow victory or to fizzle quite like it did.
This story had huge potential, all the elements were there and there are some great characters, but, it just missed its mark for me. I think this is the first book in a series and I must admit that although this story missed its mark for me there was something in the last chapter that has me hoping that there will be another story.
I’d recommend this to those who love a dash of mystery, a touch of suspense, interesting characters, a good storyline and an element of ‘something more to come’.
Title: Raven’s Rest
Title: Dawn Over Dayfield 
Title: Mongrel Trilogy Bundle
Title: A Lethal Mistake 
Title: Cougar Chaos
Title: Precious Gems Bundle
Title: Veiled Loyalties
Title: Wild Retaliation
Title: A Forced Silence
Title: The Mystery of Nevermore
![Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000448_00015]](https://mmgoodbookreviews.files.wordpress.com/2016/08/isobel-starling-as-you-wish-cover-l.jpg)
Title: Confessions 
Title: The Losing Game