Hi guys! We have Mia Terry popping in today with her new release International Banker, Beach Boy, we have a great excerpt so check out the post and enjoy! ❤️ ~Pixie~
International Banker, Beach Boy
(City Country 03)
by
Mia Terry
A new m/m romance set around the beautiful beaches of Byron Bay, Australia.
Oliver Gilsworth is getting a much-needed beach holiday ahead of taking the next preordained step his life of privilege demands of him.
Rhys Clark has finally settled into his laid-back life of very early retirement from international surfing competition.
When Ollie meets his surf instructor, sparks immediately begin to fly, but neither man is particularly interested in a brief holiday fling, and for either of them to change course at this point in his life is impossible. Or, is it?
May contain traces of Byron Bay craziness and hot men swimming naked in pools. The final book in the Country City series but can definitely be read as a standalone.
Blurb: A desperate young alpha. An older alpha with a hero complex. A forbidden love that can’t be denied.
Young Xan Heelies knows he can never have what he truly wants: a passionate romance and happy-ever-after with another alpha. It’s not only forbidden by the prevailing faith of the land, but such acts are illegal.
Urho Chase is a middle-aged alpha with a heartbreaking past. Careful, controlled, and steadfast, his friends dub him old-fashioned and staid. When Urho discovers a dangerous side to Xan’s life that he never imagined, his world is rocked and he’s consumed by desire. The carefully sewn seams that held him together after the loss of his omega and son come apart—and so does he.
But to love each other and make a life together, Xan and Urho risk utter ruin. With the acceptance and support of Caleb, Xan’s asexual and aromantic omega and dear friend, they must find the strength to embrace danger and build the family they deserve.
This gay romance novel by Leta Blake is the second in the Slow Heat universe. It’s 130,000 words, with a strong happy ending and a well-crafted, non-shifter Omegaverse. It features alphas, betas, omegas, male pregnancy, heat, and knotting. No cheating. Content warning for brief sexual violence.
Review: Alpha Heat is the second book in Leta Blake’s Heat of Love series. It takes place a couple years after the first book and there are some ongoing plot lines which makes this best to read the series in order.
After really enjoying the first book of this series I really looking forward to continuing on with the series. I really like the depth and character development Blake showed in her writing back in book one. On top of that, I have discovered a relatively recent interest for reading m-pregs. M-preg is a pretty niche sub-genre in the MM world, and so it goes without saying that if you don’t like m-pregs or it doesn’t pique your interest enough to give it a go, this isn’t the books for you.
This book is an Omegaverse book – which is where for one reason or another certain men (the Omegas) have developed the ability to become pregnant. Despite not being a shapeshifter or paranormal m-preg, we still get the interesting connection between alphas and omegas which allows men to sense their true mate. In this world women became infertile and eventually died out, forcing humanity to adapt, hence the omegas. However, since this a relatively recent change in human physiology, pregnancy for men is possibly more dangerous for the men than it had been on women. Due to these limitations, it also means that there are very strict laws dictating how omegas can deal with pregnancy (these laws are analogous to conservative anti-abortion laws which are being shown on the media now).
However, this current deals with complexities of alphas and shows that alphas that find pleasure in being dominated rather than dominating an omega. Xan is one of those alphas and society tells him that he has to be ashamed of what he is – his desires cause gossip because many traditionalist believed that men with his desires are not real alphas.
Xan has struggled his since best friend, ex-lover and alpha mated an older omega a few years prior. He has struggled with society gossip of him being “unmanned” – the term for an alpha who needs to be dominated which is seen as unnatural. But he is part of an odd little friendship group that involves the alpha who had once upon a time helped his best friend’s Omega through painful heats. Pressure from his family and luck led him to entering a mating contract with an omega who was gossiped about in society.
Caleb is an omega with a secret of his own. Unlike his mate, Caleb accepts who is and has gone years being known as a frigid omega. However, other than going through heats where his hormones take over, and even wanting have a child of his own, Caleb does not experience sexual attraction as a “good omega should”. This gives the pair two problems. Xan needs to seek physical need for another alpha elsewhere, and because of how he is, Xan cannot physically fulfil Caleb’s needs when he is in heat.
This is where alpha Urho Chase steps in. He is a doctor who has compassion in spades. He finds it abhorrent that omegas must go through pregnancy because the law it geared towards omegas pumping out babies and boosting the population. He has been in mourning for years for his omega mate and son who had died. Yet he isn’t living in the past. He has “helped” a number of omegas through their painful heats which are only relieved by having sex with powerful alphas. His best friend, Vale being one of the many omegas he has helped. Urho finds it difficult to reconcile his attraction and acceptance for another alpha, when it comes to Xan’s desires and needs. Yet he feels protective of the omega who exists in the body of an alpha. And when he finds Xan hurt, he needs to help.
Much like the first book, these characters are all just a tad different and will intrigue some readers that want something a little more different than the normal. Because yes, even in the Omegaverse there are a lot of common tropes. First off, we get the same issues with an age gap between the alpha and the omega, where there is an older omega although the age difference isn’t quite so pronounced as in book 1. The omega involved identifies as something close to asexuality (maybe I’ve interpreted that wrong but that’s how I see it), while the alpha is ashamed as he needs another alpha to sexually dominate him. And while this isn’t truly a ménage relationship – there is something similar to one going on here.
Overall, this makes for some very interesting dynamics and brings together an unconventional mating/family that really does work. There are exploding sparks of sexual attraction between Urho and Xan, and yet there is also a deep affection between and love between Xan and Caleb, with affection slowly growing between Urho and Caleb. Urho and Caleb start out together for their united desire to help Xan, but you can feel that there is an emotional connection between them much like the one between Xan and Caleb. This is truly a complex story line with a lot going on and I loved it.
Blurb: WITSEC victim Noah Bradford knows secrets that could get him killed, and staying hidden seems like a good plan. What he didn’t plan on is losing his heart to a man who is sworn to protect him.
Battle scarred US Marshal Robert “Mac” Mackenzie has a job to do, and guaranteeing the safety of Noah Bradford is at the top of that list. Mac will do whatever it takes to keep Noah safe, even if it means walking away.
Mac and Noah, brought together during extreme circumstances, have been separated by evil. It’s been six years, give or take, and Noah is coming for vengeance against the men who killed his mother. He’s on a collision course with Mac, who has no idea of the man Noah has become. Sparks fly and the heat sizzles when these two powerful men are reunited, but will they survive the passion the past created?
Noah had the best mom and the worst life ever. He watched his mother being murdered by his step-father. He spent most of his life in a secret hell. His step-father was evil but the man he worked for was even worse. He was seventeen when he was taken away from that hell but it didn’t mean it would end. He was falling for the one man protecting him and hiding from the two men that wanted him dead.
Mac was to go end and catch those that the US Marshal’s wanted. They had finally found out where Stevenson and Manning were. They were to go in arrest them and save those who were innocent. He had not expected to find a teenager who just so happened to be Stevenson’s stepson. He knew he was going to loose his heart to this and had to put a stop to it.
Several years go by and damn if Noah had changed so much. He was the ghost who protected the innocent and killed the guilty. But the two evil from his past were showing up once more.
I liked how it started but the jumping around from time periods was a bit off to me. Also was the fact that the story jumped from one part to another without really giving you time to adjust. However it didn’t really bother me to much. I liked all of the characters quite a bit and wasn’t to surprised by who Noah’s real father was. It was an easy guess even though it is truly mentioned. This story was very action pack and danger filled. It did have some hot sexy times though.
I enjoyed reading this and can guarantee that it will be read many times over. In fact I sit down and read this story all in one sitting. It was that entertaining. I would definitely put this on my favorite shelf.
Shorty’s Review 💖💖💖💖💖4 1/2 Hearts:
This was an amazing story about Noah and Mac. I loved how their relationship was not instant and they meet up years later. There is a lot of sexual tension between the two at the beginning but given Noah’s age nothing happens until much later.
I was proud of Noah for making something of his life after all he had been through. Being one of the deadliest in a top secret organization was a plus for him in that he could protect himself when the two men that got away come after him.
Mac was fierce in his own right and as such the two made a great couple and worked well together. This story is action packed with lots of gunfights and taking perps down. I loved all the agencies working together and Noah’s team mates were just as deadly as him. I am looking forward to the rest of the series and getting more about the characters throughout this story.
Publisher: Turtlehat Creatives (10th October 2019)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 4 – 4 1/2 Hearts Combined
Blurb: Dan White is trying to acclimate to civilian life after a long career in the military with multiple combat deployments.
Now he’s home in the Austin area, living with his brother Dixon, Dixon’s husband, Audie, and their two nine-year-olds. During the New Year celebration, Dan meets Abraham Weldon, and the connection is instant.
There’s a kiss. There’s a dance. There’s a proposition.
Then Dan finds out Weldon is bisexual. And a dad. With five kids. Five kids, one of whom is a blind fifteen-year-old.
Widower Weldon has been in love twice before in his life—with his high school best friend, Blake, and with his wife, Krista, who he met in a Dairy Queen as she was crying over a positive pregnancy test. Love number three hits Weldon like a hammer when he meets Dan.
But since Dan isn’t interested in a guy with kids, they might only get one night together.
Now I have to admit that I am not a fan of bisexual characters nor with children or female parts. Also every time I read a story where the wife tragically died leaving her husband and children behind just drives me nuts. Also the fact that she was his best friend in highschool doesn’t really connect with me either. It seems to be used quite a bit which for me is a dull moment. I want something unique and I hate to say it that this was not unique. What was unique was he married his wife, when he found her crying over being pregnant with another man’s child.
Abraham was in love with his best friend and the mother of his children. However that all changed when she passed away and left him alone with their five kids. Although the fact that his oldest is a blind teen who is not biologically his child, and as a normal teenager wants his real daddy. That was the only unique part of the whole story. It does show that Abraham is a nice guy. So his hooking up with Dan was not all that new for me. He hangs out with his friends and meets Dix’s brother Dan and of course something happens. However he just could no resist the temptation.
Dan is a military man who has been in for most of his life and is dealing with his memories. Now as many military personal he has PTSD and has trouble dealing with being a civilian at times. Now what caught my attention was the fact that his brother is blind, and Abraham’s oldest son was blind, see the theme going there. The he meets his brothers friend Abraham, and sparks fly. The problem seems to be those five kids that he has. And according to Dan, he doesn’t like kids. Really were going to go there, just seems a bit to cliche again.
Now over all this story was quite good and I did enjoy reading it. I am surprised by the amount of heat these guys have going on, even when they are fighting with each other. I liked the fact that the kids were so active in this book and even though I don’t much care for that aspect of the story it felt good. Now I will be the first to admit that I didn’t read book one so I was missing parts of the story. Which means I will have to go read the first book to check it out. It was a very catchy story that did intrigued me quite a bit. The flow was even paced and made for an enjoyable read.
Pixie’s Review: 💖💖💖💖💖 4 1/2 Hearts
Dan is recently out of the military, staying with his brother Dix and wondering what he will do with his life now. While celebrating New Year Dan meets Weldon, Dix’s neighbor, and its instant lust, but Weldon has five children and Dan isn’t ready for that type of commitment. Weldon is looking for permanence from any person he has a relationship with, but there’s something about Dan that he just has to have a taste of, they might only have one night together but it’s a night that neither man will forget.
This is a superb story where love sneaks in and knocks both men for six. Dan is still finding his feet after being in the military for years, he’s finding it difficult to find a job and he suffers from the occasional nightmare from his time in combat. A relationship is something he isn’t looking for but he gets knocked off his feet by Weldon and his family. Weldon has a fantastic family; it’s been over three years since his wife died and he’s now looking for someone to share it with, Dan is honest and caring and Weldon wishes he was ready for more than just hook-ups.
Weldon’s children Jakob, Emma, Madison, MacKenzie & Caleb are little stars of this story; they are absolute holy terrors/cherubs and make you grin. While Weldon and Dan are dancing round the relationship dilemma and Dan accepts that he might want more than just a fling with Weldon the kids are all in the background and have an impact on Dan that he never thought would happen… they wormed their way into his heart.
The story is very easy going for the most part, Dan and Weldon fall into a relationship after Dan sorts himself out, but danger lurks when Jakob keeps secrets. This story isn’t just about Dan and Weldon, it’s about building a new family, dealing with settling into a new way of life and helping children deal with growing up.
I loved how this story was written, there is angst but it isn’t really coming from the adults (except parenting angst, there’s plenty of that!), we see how Dan and Weldon deal with their relationship (really easy going), we see the children dealing with a new man in their dad’s life, we see the normal sibling teasing & secrets and how it affects them and we see a strong family being built before our eyes.
I recommend this to those who love fantastic characters, who adore rambunctious children, who love a dash of tension and angst, and love characters who become exceptional when they love the right man.
Being a fierce predator—not at all adorable, despite my graceful stature—the last thing I needed was a bodyguard. Especially a wolf shifter, whose presence alone was an insult to my princely principles. As Prince of the Ocelot Shifters, I prided myself on my infallible feline instincts, uncompromisable dignity, and flawless fashion sense. If having a canine follow me around at all times wasn’t bad enough, I now faced the most important moment of my entire life. The time had come to prove I was worthy of my crown. If only I could find a way to get rid of the pesky bodyguard.
Grimmwolf
When the King of All Shifters asked me to guard Prince Owin, I admit I had no idea what to expect. Cat shifters tend to be a little intense, not to mention kinda cranky. Owin was no exception, though he seemed crankier than most. Being his bodyguard was proving to be one of the greatest challenges of my life—but not nearly as great as convincing him there was something special between us. When Owin is faced with a perilous quest to prove his worth, I was determined to keep him safe, even if the same couldn’t be said of my heart.
Review: The king has definitely been up to something. He has sent Prince Owin, ocelot shifter and his trusty bodyguard on a quest. The problem was Owin is a pain in the ass. He had even tried to shove his bodyguard off a bridge one time, to bad he forgot that wolves can swim.
Where as Grim is the next alpha to be in his pack and will be a prince as well. He enjoys driving the adorable ocelot up the wall. He likes the guy but loves to mess with him just as much. These two on a quest that might get them killed or at least killing each other might not have been the best plan but then again.
When I was given this story I didn’t glance at the blurb, just looked at the title. I am not a fan of stories that are historical or close to it, so one glance at the title and cover, well lets just say I almost pitched it back. However I have read this author’s work and even if it has a serious tone to it, there is more humor to have you laughing your ass off. Which is exactly what this story had going on.
I liked Owin more than I thought I would but once you get to know him, you can tell he hides quite a bit. It is a fascinating but strange story that caught my attention from the start and kept it all the way to the end.
I had a blast reading this and would definitely recommend it. I can also say that this one will be read many times over.
Blurb: Riordan Darcy has spent the last fourteen years building a name for himself as a notorious assassin. He travels the world taking the lives of some of the worst humanity has to offer, leaving his signature on every victim.
Riordan becomes unhappy and withdrawn from the world after a job goes horribly wrong and he makes the decision to get out of the life he was forced into, so long ago. When his meddling, older sister gives him a birthday gift that’s impossible to refuse, his plans to leave his life of crime take a backseat when he’s forced to protect the life of a veritable stranger.
When professional hugger and TLC provider, Teddy Harris, is offered a month-long companionship contract, he’s hard pressed to turn it down. Cuddler by day and a video game reviewer by night, Teddy’s need to make people feel loved and cared for is what drives him. When he meets Riordan Darcy, professional challenge and personal temptation collide, making it nearly impossible for him to endure a whole month with the gorgeous, enigmatic man without falling head over heels in love.
When a mole is discovered within Riordan’s organization, relationships are compromised, and people’s lives are in danger. Time isn’t on their side, and they discover answers can’t always be found by hugging it out when someone is hell-bent on eliminating each and every one of them. Can Riordan and Teddy survive long enough to fall in love, or will they die trying?
Review: I have to say I got a kick out of a big badass assassin having a professional hugger at his house and his reactions to the man at first. Riordan did not want anything to do with Teddy at first but slowly he realizes the man is more than he appears. I loved these two together.
Teddy is so sweet and caring yet confident. Riordan is troubled and moody given his circumstances. There is action, suspense, drama and a whole lot of hugging as well as heartfelt moments.
I loved everything about this story from beginning to end. It did not pull back it’s punches during the intense scenes and the sweet ones.
Outstanding addition to the series and highly recommended.
Blurb: Being a new member of the undead sect has its ups and downs, something that newly embraced Akio Lee is finding out first hand. Being able to spend eternity with his beloved Vincente, the man who introduced him to life in the nightside, is a definite up. Having to feed on strangers? That’s one of the downsides, and something that Akio is finding difficult to swallow. But what other option is there for a recently wed vampire couple who need blood to survive?
Finding a new donor perhaps? One who comes into the lifestyle willingly, as Akio had done, and is open to the unique and sensual relationship that develops when three men have a blood bond. A man who can exist in both the nightside and the dayside worlds. A man like Ian O’Keeffe, the handsome caretaker of the manse Akio and Vincente now call home? Ian seems to tick every box Akio and Vincente have—he’s comfortable around vampires, he’s obviously into men, he’s drop-dead gorgeous, he’s more than a little mischievous, and he’s human. Mostly.
But will the outgoing handyman be willing to offer two vampires his vein, his body, and his heart?
Review: Nightside, An Eerie Vampire Tale is a novella by VL Locey, and is from the same world as her Shifters of Lake Eerie series, although this is fine as a standalone. Its been a long while since I’ve read the Lake Eeries stories and my memory of them is quite sketchy and even so I had no issues with this novella. Although there were a number of fun call backs that did trigger my memories of the previous Eerie Tales.
Generally, I love VL Locey and everything she writes. And while I did enjoy Nightside, I have to admit that I didn’t get the usual thrill of excitement and chemistry that I’ve come to expect from Locey’s writing. I suppose I shouldn’t always expect to just connect and a love a book, because it found that it took me approximately 40% of the book to really get on board with the characters. I’m not sure what it was that was missing for me because the characters worked really well together, and I found their romance worked well. All I can say is that there was something missing for me personally. This is a little odd, because on top of loving many of Locey’s books, I also happen to love paranormal stories and I also love to read a menage romance on occasion as well.
The story starts off with Akio Lee. He has only recently become a vampire, after being turned by his beloved Vincente, so that they can spend the rest of their existence together. However, life as a vampire isn’t always simple. In Locey’s world, the vampires are truly the undead as in the old school vampire stories, this means that Akio and Vincente need a human blood donor. They want to find a human who is not only a willing donor, but is also willing to be open to the sexual pleasures that can also come about from the intimate act of feeding. Vincente wants the best for his beloved Akio, and while he is more cautious being the older, mature vampire of the two, he and Akio are on the same page in terms of what they want and need both emotionally and physically.
I think this is where things fall apart for a bit for me, because Akio had once been Vincente’s blood donor when he was human and now the couple want to find another human to not only be a donor but is also open to the possibility being a third member in their relationship. To me it becomes something of a vicious cycle.
If nothing else the paranormal community of the Eerie shifters and vampires is quite quirky. There is something about it that is almost Gothic about the world that Locey has created which has left me intrigued. Despite my thoughts on this novella (because it’s impossible to love everything), I’m definitely keen for more.
Hi guys! We have Garrett Leigh popping in today with her new release The Edge Of The World , we have a brilliant giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤️ ~Pixie~
The Edge Of The World
by
Garrett Leigh
Shay Maloney is living his dream—on tour with his pirate/folk-rock band. But you can’t know where you’re going until you know where you’re from, and that’s where moody filmmaker and researcher Ollie Pietruska comes in.
The band’s management persuades Shay to let a television company film a documentary about his roots beyond his adoptive Irish family, and Ollie comes into his life knowing more about Shay than Shay’s ever known about himself.
But while Ollie holds the key to Shay’s past, he’s also hiding deep scars. Even as the hardships of the tour bring them closer, Ollie’s demons threaten the blossoming romance. They might both reach the breaking point before Ollie realises he’s been standing on the edge of the world for too long, and it’s Shay who holds the key to his future.
A friends-to-lovers, rock star, road-tripping romance, with a guaranteed happily-ever-after.
Hi guys! We have K.M. Neuhold stopping by today with the tour for their new release Unexpected, we have a great new excerpt so check out the post and enjoy! ❤️ ~Pixie~
Unexpected
(Inked 03)
by
K.M. Neuhold
Kyle needed a place to stay, he never thought it would turn into so much more.
So, your gorgeous boss, Maverick, and his yummy husband, Ari, are letting you stay with them while you get back on your feet? Here are a few simple tips:
Don’t call his husband Daddy. I know it’ll be difficult, but seriously, don’t.
Don’t leave a pair of red, lacy panties in their bed.
If you hear interesting noises from their bedroom in the middle of the night, don’t peek in. Don’t.
And most importantly, don’t fall in love.
Follow these tips and everything should go as expected.
**This book is the third book in the Inked series, which is a spin-off of the Heathens Ink series, but it CAN be read as a stand-alone. Unexpected is a super sweet, steamy MMM story with low angst and very light Daddy kink.
Hi guys, we have Lynn Michaels popping in today with her new release Bike Business, we have a great excerpt so check out the post and enjoy! ❤️ ~Pixie~
Rescuing Kyle
(Special Forces: Operation Alpha)
by
Lynn Michaels
Kyle Blyss lives to tear up the track on his motorcycle, and touring across Europe is unbelievable. Meeting up with his cousin, an Army Ranger, who he looks a lot like, only adds to his adventure. When he meets his cousin’s friends, Kyle is excited by the lust that pulses between him and the sexy CIA agent, and he’s eager to explore the connection.
Steve Dixon always wanted to be a superspy, so he joined the CIA. His current assignment is a counterterrorist joint task force, headquartered in Germany. When he meets his co-worker’s motorcycle riding cousin, he’s overwhelmed at their mutual attraction.
Then everything goes south.
A mistaken identity, the Delta Team rescue, and a bag of gummies lead Kyle and Steve to re-examine their careers, their love…and their lives.
Blurb: Best Christmas gift ever: Finding out dragons exist and one of them is your fated mate.
Kymar Weary from centuries spent searching for my mate, I hid away in a mountain cabin until an offer from a friend leads me to the most exquisite omega I have ever seen. From the moment our eyes meet, all I want is to make him mine. A well-timed storm leaves him stranded in my lair, but when the snow melts, he insists on returning to his human life. I’m convinced we’re fated for one another. Can I make this stubborn young man believe it too?
Holden I rode on a dragon’s back. A real, live dragon. In his human form, Kymar is so gorgeous I can hardly breathe around him. I’m drawn to him by a force too strong to ignore, but, magical creature or not, I can’t get involved with him. Happiness never lasts. I’ve learned that lesson again and again. After I walk away, my longing to return grows worse every day until I start to wonder if I can find to courage to believe what my heart and my dragon say is true—Kymar and I are meant to be together.
Review: The Snow Dragon’s Mate is the second book in Silvia Violet’s Lonely Dragons Club series. The books works as a standalone, although we met both MC’s in book one and we also have a few scenes with them as well. However, by and large this is the romance of Kymar and Holden.
I like the premise, which is a group of dragons who are about 1000 years old all long for their mates, living rather solitary lives except when they get together on occasion. With the coming Christmas season gives at least a couple of dragons hope for their HEA. This is a totally enjoyable read for anyone that likes shifters and m-preg but not looking for anything too heavy. This is just purely a romance without no angst.
Like with the first book, this is a relatively quick holiday read and you read in the blurb is essentially what you get, so I’m not going to get into too many details.
I totally loved the first book in this series and quickly had to read this one as well. Honestly, I can’t wait for book three either. If you are intrigued by a Christmas story with an alpha shifter and his omega human mate and throw in some M-preg then you should probably give this one a go. The only word of advice I will give is to those that don’t like insta-love (i.e. the whole fated mate thing in shifter romances) or pushy alpha getting their omega partner into bed. Although, I will admit that Holden is refreshing in that he does push back against the mate bond.
Kymar and Holden meet by chance. Kymar has been asked by his friend Laszlo to pick up a pesky, clingy omega (not Holden) and Holden is checking up on his best friend after Roman had gone off with an alpha he didn’t know (totally against his usual behaviour). Holden is definitely intrigued and instantly attracted to Kymar when he learns about dragon shape shifters by chance in a baptism of fire. Kymar is equally intrigued by Holden, but being a dragon he is sure that there is more between them than simple attraction. Holden isn’t adverse to one night stands and so he is happy to go and spend the night with Kymar. The only problem that Kymar really has is that he has to convince that this isn’t a one time thing and that they have something very important between them.
Blurb: Detective Jamal Tuma was used to life not going his way. As an omega in an alpha dominated world, he’d experienced more than his fair share of bigotry when he’d decided to enter the police force. His life had been put in danger more times than he could count for no other reason than alphas above him thought it wouldn’t matter if he’d died on the job. Yet, in the six years he’d been a cop, he’d never come quite so close to death as he did when an alpha doctor didn’t feel it necessary to treat his gunshot wound.
Brace Jacobs had never given much thought to the omegas in their world. As a doctor, he’d taken an oath to heal, no matter their color, creed, sex, or even their omega status. But not everyone felt the way he did. It didn’t sit well with Brace, but he didn’t go out of his way to fix the problem, either. That was until Detective Jamal Tuma came through those doors and nearly died with Brace’s hands deep in his body as he fought to save the omega.
Warning: Hijinx and mayhem will ensue as these two fight the world around them, as well as their own ridiculous preconceived notions, as they hope to build a future together. But that might be easier said than done when there are stalkers, assholes, idiots, and one very determined Patient Care Coordinator, who will kick everyone’s ass while planning a circus, if that’s what it takes for them to begin Breaking Barriers.
Review: From the moment Brace meets an omega with a gunshot to the abdomen he has been at the man’s side waiting for him to come out of his coma. The new patient coordinator, Shale is a blast as he doesn’t crap from anyone. This was a delightful story to read with colorful characters, a mysterious stalker and alphas who are bigots trying hard to stop the changes implemented at the hospital.
I loved how Jamal stood up for himself even against Brace. He’s as fierce as Shale when he is determined about something. Jamal and Brace were off the charts cute together. Even though we still don’t know who the stalker is I enjoyed the story. I really felt for omegas as some alphas see them as less than. It really angered me that some police and doctors who are sworn to protect and serve everyone shun them.
I am honestly intrigued with this series so far and am looking forward to getting to know the characters more as the series progresses.
Blurb: Audie Barrack is in it up to his elbows with a sick calf when his son’s school calls. Seems Grainger has gotten into yet another fight. When he walks into the principal’s office, he’s shocked to find his son has been fighting with a little girl named Randi.
A little girl with one blind dad and one dad who recently passed away.
Goddammit.
Dixon has lost his sight, his career, and his husband. Thank God for his brothers, Momma and Daddy, and his little girl, or he would simply give up. The last thing he needs is for Randi to start trouble at school, especially trouble that puts him in contact with another dad who might expect him to be a functional human being.
Dixon is struggling to live as a blind man, Audie is terrified someone might see he has a closet to come out of, and everyone from the school to both men’s families is worried for the men and their children. Unless they get themselves together and commit to change, neither of them stands a chance.
Review: Audie is gay though no one knows except his family and they prefer he keep it secret thinking it will go away. He is surprised in more ways than one when he gets a call from school that his son has been fighting. When he gets there he finds out Randy is Randi and a girl. She just lost one dad and the other dad is gay. Oh yeah and most importantly blind. He never had any idea how much one little phone call could change his life.
Dix feels useless and wishes he had died in the accident t times if only it was t for his daughter Randi. She is also struggling with the loss of one dad all the changes of moving and her other dad not being able to see and do anything.
I loved this story. I loved that neither man is perfect and how much each man loves their child. I also liked how it seems as if fate brings them together through their children. It is a beautiful story of love, tragedy, and need.
I am a big character lover and I loved every single character in this book including the children. Each one played their parts well giving the story interest.
The one issue I had was it switches quickly from one view to the other. I was able to follow but at times I had to read back a bit to figure out who was talking or thinking. It didn’t slow me down or keep me from enjoying the story.
I applaud B. A. for making Dixon blind and not where he magically gets better or can even be surgically fixed but permanently blind and Dixon having a child as a teen and taking responsibility showing some men do actually do what is necessary and life changing. I have to say that I really enjoyed the cute baby talk on occasion from the kids it lightened up the sadness. (I can’t wait to see if Dan gets a story)
If you live a sweet romance with a touch of angst, some tragedy, cute kids, cowboys, musician’s horses, damaged men, handicapped men and some pretty sensual and hot man-sex this is definitely for you!
Blurb: After his father’s heart attack, Isaiah Morrell gave up cooking in his own high-end Atlanta restaurant to return home to Reynolds, North Carolina, in order to help his father Thomas heal and to keep an eye on his business Neighborhood Shindig. A collection of food trucks and other small businesses, Shindig is a popular destination in this college town, but Isaiah longs for the fast pace of a big-city kitchen. Until he meets Joel…
Joel Fisher has been out of commission from a serious illness for the better part of a year, but now he’s ready to reclaim his life—except his apartment has been sublet, his partner is missing, and their shared food truck is stripped of everything not attached. In short, Joel has nothing. After an uncomfortable night sleeping on the food truck floor, Isaiah and Thomas Morrell give Joel an offer he can’t refuse: a rented room in their house, as well as their help creating a new food truck concept. Joel hates accepting charity, but he’s hit rock bottom and has nowhere to go but up.
Working with seemingly uptight Isaiah is actually pretty fun, and the pair bonds over a challenge to create a unique grilled cheese sandwich. Light flirting melts into a deeper connection neither man expects, but Isaiah isn’t in Reynolds for much longer, and Joel can’t get attached to the gorgeous professional chef. As Isaiah’s feelings for Joel strengthen and grow, he entertains the idea of staying in Neighborhood Shindig for good—but Joel hasn’t asked him to…
Welcome to Neighborhood Shindig, a friendly place where you can snack on a lamb kebab while getting your hair done, pick up your favorite herbal tea blend, and then go listen to live music under the pavilion. We’re happy to have you.
Review: Isaiah heads back home to help his father recover and keep a lookout on his business. After suffering a long time serious illness Joel is ready to reclaim his life. Things do not go the way he planned when he realizes he’s lost everything. A unique opportunity arises when Isaiah and his father Thomas offer Joel a chance he can not afford to say not to.
I love Isaiah and Joel. Those two and their bantering at times had me laughing especially about the recipes. Despite Isaiah not being in town for long he falls for Joel. Joel for his part has his fears so is cautious.
Blurb: Sonny and Leo are settling into their relationship, but there are just a couple of problems. Leo hasn’t claimed Sonny as his mate, and Sonny hasn’t met Leo’s family. Sonny may be a talented kitchen witch that can make perfect honey cakes, but he can’t read his bear’s mind. All he knows is that Leo isn’t acting like a shifter that has found his mate.
Every day, Leo fights with his bear about claiming Sonny. A long courtship isn’t something that shifters usually do, but Sonny is a witch, not a bear shifter. Leo doesn’t want to move too fast and scare his mate off. Then there’s his family. He knows if his family gets a whiff of their relationship, they’ll descend like the pack of bears they are. Leo is learning to be more confident in himself, but he’s afraid to take a chance and ruin the best thing that’s ever happened to him.
A family gathering to celebrate Christmas and the winter solstice may change everything. Well, it might if annoying siblings, self-doubt, and powerful eggnog doesn’t ruin it all.
Review: Sonny and Leo are mates but neither has told the other. Sonny is afraid that it might not be true since Leo didn’t introduce him to his family, however Leo is afraid his family will run his mate off. Sonny is a witch where Leo is a bear shifter, and never mention honey cakes to a bear shifter.
These two are so cute that it isn’t the honey cakes that gives one cavities. Leo’s family could jump of a bridge the way they act towards Sonny. It is a good holiday little story that will be read many times over.
I enjoyed it quite a bit and can guarantee that it is one of those stories that will be read many times over. I just wished it was longer.
Blurb: A lustful young alpha meets his match in an older omega with a past.
Professor Vale Aman has crafted a good life for himself. An unbonded omega in his mid-thirties, he’s long since given up hope that he’ll meet a compatible alpha, let alone his destined mate. He’s fulfilled by his career, his poetry, his cat, and his friends.
When Jason Sabel, a much younger alpha, imprints on Vale in a shocking and public way, longings are ignited that can’t be ignored. Fighting their strong sexual urges, Jason and Vale must agree to contract with each other before they can consummate their passion.
But for Vale, being with Jason means giving up his independence and placing his future in the hands of an untested alpha–as well as facing the scars of his own tumultuous past. He isn’t sure it’s worth it. But Jason isn’t giving up his destined mate without a fight.
This is a gay romance novel, 118,000 words, with a strong happy ending, as well as a well-crafted, non-shifter omegaverse, with alphas, betas, omegas, male pregnancy, heat, and knotting. Content warning for pregnancy loss and aftermath.
Review: Slow Heat is the first book in Leta Blake’s Heat of Love series.
I’m not overly familiar with Blake’s work. I’ve read one other book by her, and that one wasn’t even m-preg (male pregnancy). But I have discovered a relatively recent interest for reading m-pregs. M-preg is a pretty niche sub-genre in the MM world, and so it goes without saying that if you don’t like m-pregs or it doesn’t pique your interest enough to give it a go, this isn’t the books for you.
However, I have heard good things about this series and I looked forward to reading it. Something else that I think will interest people is that not only does this story feature a couple with an age gap (about 12 years?), it is the omega who is the older of the couple, rather than the alpha. This is something common in May- December type romances of any genre, the perceived weaker character, or the bottom, is usually younger than the dominant partner.
This book is an Omegaverse book – which is where for one reason or another certain men (the Omegas) have developed the ability to become pregnant. Despite not being a shapeshifter or paranormal m-preg, we still get the interesting connection between alphas and omegas which allows men to sense their true mate. In this world women became infertile and eventually died out, forcing humanity to adapt, hence the omegas. However, since this a relatively recent change in human physiology, pregnancy for men is possibly more dangerous for the men than it had been on women. Due to these limitations, it also means that there are very strict laws dictating how omegas can deal with pregnancy (these laws are analogous to conservative anti-abortion laws which are being shown on the media now).
The story starts with young alpha Jason Sabel. Jason is from a very well to do family and is the only child of his alpha and omega fathers. His fathers are quite traditional too. So things get interesting when Jason, while on campus of his university, finds the omega that is his true mate.
The complication is that this omega, Vale Aman, is a thirty-something year old professor who has never found his alpha mate. Vale also has an interesting and mysterious past, which he still needs to come to terms with, as well as come clean to Jason. Although nothing seems to be stopping Jason.
Courting the older omega according to tradition is a steep learning curve for the twenty-something year old alpha. On top of that, finding his mate means that he is also discovering some truths when it comes to omegas and their physiology that allows for pregnancy. Being so young, Vale doesn’t want to tie Jason to a relationship where if he could even get pregnant could kill Vale, if not any child as well. Jason needs to convince Vale and it seems his friends and parents, that Vale is the man that Jason needs in his life.
This is a fantastic start to the series. I loved the two characters, their differences (and not just their ages) make them fascinating and their sparking attraction is on point. I like that there isn’t any strong feeling of insta-love, there is even talk that the men won’t suit, so we get to see the relationship evolve in a more believable manner. The emotion that develops between and the complexity of their friendships makes their courtship realistic despite having the true mate connection.
Hi guys! We have Melissa E. Costa popping in today with the lovely cover to her upcoming release Cat Escort, we have a brilliant excerpt so check out the post and enjoy! ❤️ ~Pixie~
Cat Escort
by
Melissa E. Costa
A night of passion with a Cat Shifter escort becomes everything for a man with poor self-esteem.
To mend his broken heart, Seth purchases a date with a Cat Shifter Escort. The sex was so amazing, it let him forget his pain. Seth never expected to see him again.
Nao couldn’t forget the client who’d cried in his arms, so destroyed from love gone wrong. He wanted nothing more than to help the beautiful, broken man.
Their night was supposed to be a one time thing, but six months later, everything changed when they met again.
Release date: 6th February 2020
Pre-order: .•.•.**❣️ Amazon US | Amazon UK ❣️**.•.•.
Blurb: Atlanta’s notorious narcotics task force is at it again. They are stronger, bigger, and better than ever. Especially when a city councilman sends RECON Marine Edwin Steele – who’s been black-listed from his Oakland department – to join the team.
Steele was ready to hang up his shield. He was done fighting with bigoted bastards that couldn’t respect the job. He was good at fighting; he just needed the right team to fight with. When his uncle – City Councilman Rasmus Steele – shows him a video of God’s team in action, he knows right away it’s where his nephew belongs in order to restore his faith.
Steele was skeptical about his new placement, but when he meets God’s technology special-ist/computer genius, “Tech”, he’s willing to give it his all, and he definitely shows and proves. Tech is stunning. His sweater vest and khakis, a stark contrast to the blue-jeaned roughnecks he works with. A beautiful sheep amongst the wolves. Steel thinks there’s no way the brilliant man would be interested in a hardhead like him, but Tech has a few badass hidden talents of his own and manages to surprise him…surprise all of them.
Review: Nothing Special V is (obviously), the fifth book in AE Via’s Nothing Special series. I have absolutely loved this series from the start, although I’ve not read it and only been listening to the audio. Which I at first found out, because this book has some very long and steamy sex scenes, which usually I find rather boring. However, Via does an excellent job of writing multiple, very explicit scenes into books that actually fit in the flow of story, as opposed to being crow-barred in because hey, let’s have characters have sex in stupid places (Via doesn’t do the latter, but it’s one of my pet hates in romances, erotic or otherwise).
The audio narration is performed by Aiden Snow, which summed up in one word is sublime. Each book, although has one couple which is the primary focus, features a whole cast of characters which become more complex and developed throughout the course of the books. At this point we’re talking seven or eight sets of lovers with a handful of other characters who have popped up more than once in the course of the series. What I love the most about Snow’s audio is how he gives these very complex characters distinctive voices and feels. I felt this more so in this book because at the end we have a character with an English accent pop up, and another with a Southern drawl also pop up. This was a totally amazing performance that reflected Snow’s skill and versatility to narrate a story and perform the characters in a way that does the writing justice.
Nothing Special V brings technical, computer and communications specialist for the Atlanta PD’s most successful narcotics squad, Tech. Tech joined the team as part of a deal, which Lieutenants God and Day helped him get a deal when he was caught hacking into government databases while trying to find his brother. Tech is smart as hell, he’s been to MIT and only got caught hacking that one time. He joined the unit as their tech specialist, but he continued to become a detective in his own right. However, being much younger than his colleagues, as well as having a much more slight build with significantly less muscle, means that he feels his team are over protective of him. But Tech has been working and training because it is his dream to become a field officer, as well as help with the technical side of things.
To make this more complicated, we multiple storylines from multiple characters. In particular, the first couple that started this series, God and Day, the leaders of the squad. After becoming engaged, and despite working together and living together, fears and insecurities have caused a breakdown in communication. While they aren’t all out brawling there is a lot of tension. I liked this particular aspect because not only did it reflect the characters past. I liked how the tension showed that things aren’t always rosy in a relationship, especially with the dangerous and stressful job they have, even though they have their HEA.
Lieutenant Godfrey of the APD isn’t took happy when he is forced to take a new member on his squad. They aren’t even recruiting and he and Day haven’t asked for more boots on the ground. But he has a new guy and that man is ex-marine, medal of honour recipient Steele. Since leaving the service Steele has found it difficult to find his place in a career as a police officer. But it is his uncle who pulls some pretty serious strings to join a team that would better fit him before Steele’s dependence on alcohol got any worse. Steele isn’t exactly happy that his uncle did what he did, despite being his only surviving family, and it also has Steele living in the same state as his uncle once more. Yet when he first lays eyes on Tech, he is instantly intrigued. Suddenly, his new job is looking better and better, and he finds out his uncle left out a few important details when he had shown Steele a video of the APD team in action.
The book is full of passionate love scenes, a number of comedic moments and plenty of action. This is a must read (or listen) series for anyone that loves to read about rough and tough law enforcement guys. They work and play hard. This is an ongoing story, so it’s vital to start this series from the start and not treat this as a standalone book.
The end of this audio also features a short story which involves the brother and the adopted son of some of our most beloved characters from the APD Narcotics squad. It was a nice little story, and while it’s removed from the world of cops and action, I really liked how well developed the romance and characters felt – both have changed a lot since we first met them in earlier novels of this series and have been written into very mature young men that reflect the values of the cops in their lives.
There is one more book in this series, the set up for it was laid towards the end of Nothing Special V, and I can’t wait to hear the audio for it and get what I’m sure will be another stellar performance by Aiden Snow.
Blurb: Juan Vega lives in a town full of loving families and happy couples. As he watches his best friends fall in love, he can’t help but wish for his own omega. He’s been in love with Jackson since he met him, but it doesn’t look like there will ever be a future for them. When Bennett Wilson urges Juan to make a Christmas wish, everything changes.
Jackson Potts may be young, but he has plenty of experience with overbearing, abusive alphas. After watching the way his own biological alpha grandfather and father treated their omegas, Jackson swears he will never date an alpha. He knows there are good alphas out there, but he can’t bring himself to trust his own heart to any, even his own friend. The problem is, a certain alpha is very hard to resist.
With a little holiday luck, these two men may just find happiness.
Review: Juan and Jackson are best friends, but both of them want more. Jackson had not had a good experience with alphas so he was terrified of trusting one. However in his heart he wanted Juan. Juan has always loved Jackson but was afraid of going any further, then Jackson kissed him.
This is one of those stories where you have alphas and omegas, however they don’t change into an animal. I have never been a fan of paranormals that are only that way because the omega can get pregnant. However this author is different. She makes them funny as hell and the characters are ones that you will definitely fall in love. Now if I had a way I would definitely beat the tar out of Juan’s alpha father, what an ass. I would have liked to hear more about Jackson’s pregnancy though.
I love a good story that will have me in stitches. There is a serious tone to it but it is over powered by the funny parts. Who knew that llama’s belonged in the house.
I had a blast reading this and can’t wait to get my hands on the next story. This is one of those stories that will be read many times over.
Blurb: Ethan is finally free. He’s left the Cabal behind and embraced a civilian life with Jack, the man he loves. The only problem is that the Cabal isn’t willing to let him go. A call in the middle of the night and a threat to Jack’s family, and Ethan is back in the game. The only way out is to take on the organization that spent years warping his life.
Jack’s boyfriend has a way of vanishing on him, but this time Ethan’s disappearance is more frightening than ever. A trail of mysterious clues, a hit against his family, and the handprint of the Cabal on everything means the greatest test of love and determination Jack has ever endured.
Torn apart by forces greater than they are, Jack and Ethan must fight harrowing battles to get back to each other. The Cabal is the greatest foe either of them has had to face. Ethan is willing to throw away everything to bring an end to the Cabal’s evil. And Jack is willing to do the same to make sure Ethan comes out the other side alive.
CW – teen suicide, suicidal thoughts, child abuse, graphic violence.
It’s as much a treat for me as the previous books have been, even though I was feeling like yo-yo during much of the book – dangling on a string.
It’s not just the plot– which is very good, it’s the way the narrative unfolds– we get only pieces of information, layers upon layers forming what’s attention grabbing, hair rising and heart melting story.
It was outstanding!
This time we get introduced to big evil just hinted at in previous book – namely Cabal, which is trying to regain their control of Ethan. Jack is standing in their way, determined to help his lover. The story is jumping from point to point in time, each piece giving different view of situation, underscoring just how desperate Jack and Ethan’s position is. I kept reminding myself there is a happy end and my fingers itched to jump pages. I couldn’t tear myself from the story. It was brimming with twists and turns causing adrenaline rush. It’s ultimate thrill ride!
Despite unrelenting action, there is emotional component to the story. Cabal is part of Ethan’s past and the story doesn’t stint on his reaction to shadowy manipulations that ruined so much of his life, we do find out more about Jack. It seems like all the ghosts from his pasts aren’t buried and they started popping up. While Ethan and Jack are separated through good part of the book their relationship only grows stronger as they risk everything for each other. The ending was really, really sweet and I hope we see what author teased in following books (notice I’m hoping for plural).
The plot ends are all tied up nicely (and boy, does Hayward have a devious mind – surprises abound!) but the ending allows plenty of opportunity for Jack and Ethan to get into more trouble.
