Leta Blake: Alpha Heat ~ Audio Review

Layered, passionate, and exciting!

Title: Alpha Heat

Series: Heat of Love Book 02

Author: Leta Blake

Narrator: Michael Ferraiuolo

Genre: Non-shifter Omegaverse

Length: 15 hours and 22 minutes

Publisher: Leta Blake Books (22nd October 2018)

Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts

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. 

Product Link: Audible US | Audible UK | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Gigi

Review: A deeper read than I thought. I started with this audiobook not having read the first in the series. I’m very impressed with Michael Ferraiuolo’s narration, he delivers the right amount of passion, a variety of voices/characterizations and good tempo.

There are lots of layers to this story, set in a non-shifter Omegaverse. The world the story is set in involves status/social positions of Omega, Beta, and Alpha, and an interesting concept of being unmanned, which is what I came to learn of as “gay” for an Alpha, to be in the submissive position.
Readers are reintroduced to other couples from book one, and we get a good feel for the fact that all of the relationships in this series somehow intersect or overlap.

My favorite character, and the strongest by far is Urho. As a doctor he cares for all the characters, being wounded from loss of his spouse and son, he builds up protections around his heart. He wants Xan but denies himself until he sees that Xan is putting his life in danger and nothing other than taking him in hand, and heart, will protect him.

Caleb is an interesting balance to the trio. As an asexual Omega, Caleb nonetheless loves Xan and feels safe in their relationship, knowing Xan will not pressure him sexually but will be there to help with his heat. When Caleb sees Xan’s interest in Urho he encourages it, and fears that Xan will wind up dead if left to fill his needs with dangerous dominant alpha’s who only enjoy his pain.

The trio come together through care of friends, exile to a house out of town, and make a pact to help Caleb through his heat when the time comes.

When the story reaches its crescendo and all hell breaks loose, I wasn’t sure if my favorite character Urho could pull it off, it was intense, nail biting and exciting! You’ll know what I mean when you get there, it’s almost absurd how everything develops but there’s an HEA, don’t fret!

The sexual scenes are steamy for sure! The narrator does a good job adding passion to the worlds. I just wish I had read book one first. I recommend you read/listen in order. Looking forward to the next book!

Lost and Found by Rick R. Reed ~ Audio Review

Sweet and Sexy Romance

Title: Lost and Found

Author: Rick R. Reed

Narrator: Michael Neeb

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length: 4 hours and 5 minutes

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (28th December 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’– 5 Hearts

Blurb: On a bright autumn day, Flynn Marlowe lost his best friend, a beagle named Barley, while out on a hike in Seattle’s Discovery Park.
On a cold winter day, Mac Bowersox found his best friend, a lost, scared, and emaciated beagle, on the streets of Seattle.

Two men. One dog. When Flynn and Mac meet by chance in a park the next summer, there’s a problem—who does Barley really belong to? Flynn wants him back, but he can see that Mac rescued him and loves him just as much as he does. Mac wants to keep the dog, and he can imagine how heartbreaking losing him would be—but that’s just what Flynn experienced.

A “shared custody” compromise might be just the way to work things out. But will the arrangement be successful? Mac and Flynn are willing to try it—and along the way, they just might fall in love.
©2016 Rick R. Reed (P)2017 Dreamspinner Press

Product Link: Audible US | Audible UK | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Gigi

Review: A sweet and sexy romance! Dogs are man-magnets for sure and one sweet beagle brings Flynn and Mac together. At first Mac seems deceiving, and a bit o fa jerk, but as Flynn soon discovers, his dog-napper holds a great big heart hot enough to match his fiery red hair.

Flynn has gone through life a bit detached, not of a lot of love from his family, no big passions in life besides his beagle Barley. Until he sets his sights and his heart on Mac.
Overall this is a story about finding love in unusual places, choosing to make family from friends, and the love of four legged fur-babies.

Michael Neeb is a great narrator, giving distinct voices to each story character, and plenty of velvet to each passionate encounter.

If you love fast paced love at first sight, cute men with wounded hearts, and of course, dogs, you’ll love this sweet and sexy story by Rick R. Reed.

Ace by Jack Byrne ~ Audio Review

Title: ACE

Author: Jack Byrne

Narrator: Jonathan David

Genre: Contemporary

Length: 5 hours 37 minutes

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (31st March 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’– 5 Hearts

Blurb: Jake Tanner is a gay asexual man who finds peace on his small Australian farm and is content to lead a quiet life taking care of his animals. Then a random act of kindness on his part sets in motion a complex series of events that results in him playing the piano in a local pub and meeting Damien Jamieson, a sexy gay biker with a penchant for leather. Damien finds Jake instantly irresistible, but that could be the worst thing for their budding relationship, as Damien is determined to bed the reluctant Jake. However, Jake has no intention of going along with his plan. If there’s a chance for anything between them, Damien will have to figure out how to turn Jake on without scaring him off.

Product Link: Audible US | Audible UK | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Gigi

Review: Wow! I never understood fully asexuality and I think this story of sexual differences and strong attraction gives me a new insight. Jake Tanner has been hurt and rejected, living a life that has him both discriminated against my homophobes and ostracized as a prude by the gay men he’s been involved with in the past. No one understands, so he just avoids the frustration and heartbreak by not getting involved.

Damien is sex on a stick, with a kink for control that instantly scares Jake away. Which makes Damien’s strong attraction is pretty big problem. How can Jack not get turned on, how can he live a full life without the intense sexual interactions Damien is used to? It’s basic human nature right? Maybe the right person just hasn’t come along and Damien can convince Jack? But that can evolve into pain, and heartbreak, mistrust, and violation.

Will Jake ever find someone who understands him? Will Damien find the key to Jake’s heart and be what he needs in bed also? A great listen with surprising challenges and answers that are unique and passionate.

Jonathan’s narration is smooth with a good tempo, I only wish there was an Australian accent to go along with this outback story.

I really have enjoyed everything that Jack Byrne has put together and ACE is another excellent read.

Imperfection of Swans by Brandon Witt ~ Audio Review

Title: The Imperfection of Swans

Author: Brandon Witt

Narrator: Kirt Graves

Genre: Contemporary

Length: 10 hours 16 minutes

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (14th March 2017)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’– 5 Hearts

Blurb: Kevin Bivanti’s dream is to open a wedding dress shop, a place with the stunning gowns to make every bride-to-be feel adored. At 38, he quits a successful advertising career to buy an old brownstone in a trendy Boston neighborhood and to make his dream a reality. When one of his cosigners drops out, fate intervenes, ushering in Casper James, who hopes to open his own bakery. With Casper willing to take the risk, their ambitions meld into a wedding dress and wedding cake boutique.

Extensive renovations to the brownstone, an affair with his ex-husband, family drama with his mothers, and the anxiety of significant life changes push Kevin to the brink of a nervous breakdown. In the midst of stress and uncertainty, Casper becomes more than a business partner, a mutual attraction that adds another layer of intensity and risk.

With their dreams on the verge of reality, Kevin and Casper must find the courage to face the stress of managing their attraction, the gamble of a new business venture, and the resurgence of Kevin’s personal demons.

Product Link: Audible US | Audible UK | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Gigi

Review: Real. Powerful. Heartbreaking. Loving. Grab this book and plug in for a wonderful listen!
The narration is clean and real, no extreme character changes, the subtle tones parallel the intricate story line.

You become invested in Kevin and Casper’s individual stories. Kevin is a wounded but determined character, all about organization, planning and control. Unfortunately his control also causes him personal and physical problems too.

Casper is a more vibrant, risk taking creative baker. When the two come together it’s all business, and determination but over time this business relationship evolves into true friendship and then to physical attraction.

There are huge deep issues of eating disorders, anxieties, trust and it’s not light hearted. This story becomes gut wrenching but beautiful and I want everyone to read it, to understand, to empathize.

I found myself cheering and crying out in turn. Knowing that this story is based on real life people made it even more special for me, I felt that connection to real shared experiences.

If you’re looking for a deeply moving book grab it!

Lord Mouse by Mason Thomas ~ Audio Review

Title: Lord Mouse

Series: A Lords of Davenia 01

Author: Mason Thomas 

Narrator: Joel Leslie

Genre: High Fantasy, Action Adventure

Length: 9 hours 25 minutes

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (10th March 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’– 4 Hearts

Blurb: Scoundrel by nature and master thief by trade, Mouse is the best there is. Sure, his methods may not make him many friends, but he works best alone anyway. And he has never failed a job.
But that could change.

When a stranger with a hefty bag of gold seduces him to take on a task, Mouse knows he’ll regret it. The job? Free Lord Garron, the son of a powerful duke arrested on trumped up charges in a rival duchy. Mouse doesn’t do rescue missions. He’s no altruistic hero, and something about the job reeks. But he cannot turn his back on that much coin – enough to buy a king’s pardon for the murder charge hanging over his head.

Getting Garron out of his tower prison is the easy part. Now, they must escape an army of guardsmen, a walled keep and a city on lockdown, and a ruthless mage using her power to track them. Making matters worse, Mouse is distracted by Garron’s charm and unyielding integrity. Falling for a client can lead to mistakes. Falling for a nobleman can lead to disaster. But Mouse is unprepared for the dangers behind the plot to make Lord Garron disappear.

Product Link: Audible US | Audible UK | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Gigi

Review: If you like swashbuckling action, a good bit of grit, violence and witty main characters you’ll love Lord Mouse. I feel like this story is something of a hot action Robinhood with fast paced adventure, rebellion against evil nobles, and prison breaks. Mouse is a sharp and crafty leader even with his small stature. Don’t think dominant men can’t come in small packages either, his fierce fighting skills are equaled by his fierce sexual chemistry.

Lord Garron turns out to be a good foil for Mouse’s otherwise kill first ask questions later behavior. He’s honorable to a fault, and needs to see that sometimes breaking rules is necessary too.

Joel Leslie’s narration makes this story perfect for the audio format. The varied accents he brings to different characters keeps me intrigued and helps define characters especially when the action gets going. I read this book long before I listened to it and I recommend you definitely plug in your ears and download the audio version!

Great read.

Kairos by Marly Calmes ~ Audio Review

Title: Kairos

Series: Marshalls World Stand Alone

Author: Mary Calmes

Genre: Contemporary, Drama

Length: 5 hrs 10 minutes

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (16th March 2018)

Narrator: Michael Fell

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts

Blurb: Sometimes the best day of your life is the one you never saw coming.

Joe Cohen has devoted the past two years of his life to one thing: the care and feeding of Kade Bosa. His partner in their PI business, roommate, and best friend, Kade is everything to Joe, even if their relationship falls short of what Joe desires most. But he won’t push. Kade has suffered a rough road, and Joe’s pretty sure he’s the only thing holding Kade together.

Estranged from his own family, Joe knows the value of desperately holding on to someone dear, but he never expected his present and past to collide just as Kade’s is doing the same. Now, they’ve stumbled across evidence that could change their lives: the impact of Kade’s tragic past, their job partnership, and any future Joe might allow himself to wish for….

Product Link: Audible US | Audible UK | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Gigi

Review: A familiar light hearted drama with some corrupted cop suspense in the mix. Kade and Joe area familiar characters to any fan of Mary Calmes, and if you enjoy the Marshalls or Matter of Time series you’ll enjoy this read too. Joe is your typical fix it man, and Kade is the big dominant bad boy and together their strengths and weaknesses complement each other and make them a great couple. This biggest question in the plot is will they make it past those weaknesses to see that what they really need is right in front of their eyes.

This friends to lovers romance starts off with a bang, lots of corruption, a bit of violence, protecting witnesses and multiple investigations and then takes a detour when Joe and Kade need to get out of town fast. This detour forces Joe to confront what he has been running from, his family and what he has been longing to run into, Kade’s arms. Lots of familiar scenarios if you’re a Mary fan, and I am. This is a fun, fast paced, feel good read. I always like insta-mommies anyhow!

Michael Tell does a wonderful job reading the story smoothly, adding unique characterizations, and timing pauses and dramatic scenes perfectly.

Olive Juice by T.J. Klune ~ Audio Review

You Must Give This Book A Listen!

Title: Olive Juice

Author: TJ Klune

Genre: Contemporary, Drama

Length: 5 hrs 11 minutes

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (30th August 2017)

Narrator: Derrick McClain

Heat Level: Low – Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts

Blurb: It begins with a message that David cannot ignore: I want to see you.

He agrees, and on a cold winter’s night, David and Phillip will come together to sift through the wreckage of the memory of a life no longer lived.

David is burdened, carrying with him the heavy guilt of the past six years upon his shoulders.

Phillip offers redemption.

Product Link: Audible US | Audible UK | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Gigi

Review: You will be in awe of the Klune’s ability to capture and communicate the human condition.

This is not your traditional romance, and if you’re looking for erotica, look elsewhere. There are sexual scenes described of a highly intimate and loving nature, but that is not what this book is about. This book is about the struggles and devastation that a loving relationship comes crashing up against. Olive Juice is about pain, loss, and love. You will be moved, you will maybe cry, you will be in awe and you will stand and applaud. Don’t read spoilers, don’t ask for a bigger explanation, just dive right in. I wish I could write more but I want each reader to walk into this masterpiece blind.

The narration is perfect and powerful, Derrick McClain impresses me so much I find myself browsing his project list and grabbing books just because he’s narrated them.  

Beneath This Mask by Victoria Sue ~ Audio Review

Title: Beneath This Mask

Series: Enhanced World 03

Author: Victoria Sue

Narrator: Nick J. Russo

Genre: Paranormal, Urban Fantasy

Length: 7 hours 45 minutes

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (26th June 2018)

Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts

Blurb: Gael Peterson has spent years hiding behind the enhanced abilities he wears like a mask, even though he is an important, confident member of the FBI’s exclusive H.E.R.O. team. The hurt and betrayal of his mom’s abandonment and his father’s fists are secrets buried deep beneath the ugly scars on his face, and he doesn’t trust Jake, his new, regular human partner, with any of them. In a world where those with special abilities like Gael’s are regarded as freaks and monsters, it won’t be easy for him to rely on Jake to have his back, especially when the abilities of a vulnerable, nonspeaking, enhanced child make that child a murder suspect.

Tempers rise, and loyalties are challenged, and when the serial killer targeting the enhanced finally sets his sights on Gael, not only will Gael have to trust Jake with his secrets, he might have to trust him to save his life.

ISBN: B075TJJ34V

Product Link: Audible US | Audible UK | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Gigi

Review: Oh my god! I totally lurve the great big strong damaged hero with a super soft heart and the need to be dominated. I now think Gael is my favorite Enhanced World character. Scarred, damaged, big tough man on the outside…..I just want to hug him and squeeze him and make him my own. But alas, we need a good match for Jake. Jake, the ever patient. Victoria has shown us her softer side, her lovey dovey underbelly, and then she throws us into the mire with a serial killer!

As for the love scenes, oh yeah, that big tough guy goes down hard and begs for it, Jake is ready to give him everything he needs. Yeah…let me get some ice water…..

Once again, good mystery, lots of action, a bit of gory goodness, and lots of tears and melty hearts.

I knew it…figured it out in the first few minutes….but the web was well spun anyhow. I enjoyed figuring out how all the pieces fit together for the unsub. I also enjoyed the super ooey-gooey lovable ending to Gael and Jake’s story. I may need to see the dentist now.

I love this entire series, and I am always impressed with Nick J Russ’s narration…..the man has mad skills!

Who We Truly Are by Victoria Sue ~ Audio Review

Title: Who We Truly Are

Series: Enhanced World 02

Author: Victoria Sue

Narrator: Nick J. Russo

Genre: Paranormal, Urban Fantasy

Length: 7 hours 45 minutes

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (2nd February 2018)

Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts

Blurb: Talon’s deadly abilities are spiraling out of control. Desperate to keep Finn safe, Talon struggles to protect the man he loves with all his heart and not become the greatest risk to Finn’s life.

Finn has no choice but to offer himself as bait for the evil forces kidnapping enhanced children, facing danger he is untrained and unprepared for, and he will have to do it alone.

Does Talon have one last fight in him? Will he slay everyone who wants to destroy Finn and the team, or will he finally discover that to defeat their enemy and the ultimate threat, the biggest battle he has to face is one with himself?

Product Link: Audible US | Audible UK | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Gigi

Review: We now have a tighter team with the H.E.R.O’s of the Enhanced World. But as Finn fights to carry his own weight with the team, Talon fights against his own fears and constantly jumps in to protect him. You can imagine where this puts strain on a newly formed relationship.

What I enjoyed about this book the most was seeing Finn develop stronger friendships with other team members. The author gives us a broader picture of not just Talon but Vance, Gael, Sawyer and others.

There’s a mystery, action, detective work, missing kids, and plenty of tension both sexual and emotional between Finn and Talon again. We learn more about different team member’s enhanced abilities and that Talon’s is changing, and he’s uncertain about his own control over it. When the story comes to it’s climax we’ll find out if Talon is truly as strong as Finn believes him to be. Talon will have to learn to give all his trust to the love of his life, his very life depends on it.

Victoria Sue also does sexy-times with flair and plenty of passion. I’m never disappointed, though I could always beg for more.

Nick Russo’s narration is smooth, varied voices for each character, and has great emotional attributes throughout. Did I mention I REALLY like his vocal characterization of Talon. Mmmm-mmmm, good!

If you enjoy the X-Men/Thirds kind of world building you’ll love Five Minutes Longer and the entire Enhanced World series by Victoria Sue! Hold on tight, you’re in for a ride and an all-nighter!

Five Minutes Longer by Victoria Sue ~ Audio Review

Hold on tight, you’re in for a ride and an all-nighter!

Title: Five Minutes Longer

Series: Enhanced World 01

Author: Victoria Sue

Narrator: Nick J. Russo

Genre: Paranormal, Urban Fantasy

Length: 7 hours 36 minutes

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (25th September 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts

Blurb: Talon Valdez knew when he transformed into an enhanced human, his life and his dreams were finished. Reviled, mistrusted, and often locked away, the enhanced were viewed as monsters, despised by the public, and never trusted to serve in the military or any law enforcement agency.

Years later he gets a chance to set up a task force of enhanced to serve in the FBI, but with one proviso: each enhanced must partner with a regular human.

Finn Mayer dreamed of joining the FBI from the time he was fourteen and made every possible sacrifice to make it happen, including living with his selfish mother and bullying, homophobic brother and never having a boyfriend. But his undiagnosed dyslexia stopped his aspirations dead in their tracks. His last chance is to partner with Talon, an enhanced with deadly abilities who doesn’t trust regular humans with their secrets and wants Finn to fail.

Four weeks to prove himself to the team. Four weeks for the team to prove itself to the public. And when another group threatens their success—and their lives—four weeks for them to survive.

Product Link: Audible US | Audible UK | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Gigi

Review: I really wanted to hate Talon. The team got on my nerves and I felt the anxiety Finn carried on his shoulders as he charged bravely into the unknown world of this new enforcement agency, mixing the worlds of the enhanced and regular humans like himself. These tensions are exactly what Victoria Sue wants to build up in us while we read and listen to her beautifully spun story. When those tensions do finally burst, flames erupt, physically and metaphorically. Action packed, all emotions, and sizzling hot sexual encounters build this loose knit team of talented if frustrating hooligans into a functional team of heroes with strong bonds.

Nick Russo’s narration is great. I really like the voice he has for Talon..mmmmmm, so fine! Narration is smooth, varied, and has great emotional attributes throughout.

If you enjoy the X-Men/Thirds kind of world building you’ll love Five Minutes Longer and the entire Enhanced World series by Victoria Sue! Hold on tight, you’re in for a ride and an all-nighter!

Once Upon A Wolf by Rhys Ford ~ Audio Review

A refreshingly new, tender-hearted slow burn from Rhys Ford!

Title: Once Upon A Wolf

Series: Wayward Wolves 01

Author: Rhys Ford

Narrator: Derrick McClain

Genre: Paranormal

Length: 3 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (16th May 2018)

Heat Level: Low – Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts

Blurb: Gibson Keller’s days are fairly routine: wake up early, get some work done, drink lots of coffee, and take care of Ellis, his older brother, stuck in wolf form after coming home from the war. It’s a simple life made up of long runs on two legs—or four—and quiet evenings…. Until Ellis chases a handsome man off a cliff and into the frozen waters beside their cabin, changing Gibson’s life forever.

For Zach Thomas, buying an old B&B is a new start. Leaving behind his city life, he longs to find peace and quiet, and hiking the trails behind his property seems safe enough—right up to the moment an enormous black wolf chases him into a lake, nearly drowning him. Discovering werewolves are real astounds him, but not as much as the man who rescues him from the icy water, then walks into Zach’s heart as if he owns it.

Loving a werewolf—loving Gibson with all his secrets—has its challenges, but Zach believes their love is worth fighting for, especially since his heart knows the big bad wolf is really a prince in disguise.

Product Link: Audible US | Audible UK | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: A new series with a new feel by Rhys Ford. I must say I’m really proud of this author for flexing her creative muscle and diversifying her writing style. Too often authors get stuck into a cookie cutter format, due to pressure and demands of their readers. If you’re used to Rhys’ in your face, shock and awe, often crazy violent and bloody, hot and sexy reads, this one will surprise you. Once Upon A Wolf is still packed with action, but of a different kind. The opening chase between a dark wolf and Zach, the conflicts between Gibson, Ellis Zach and an enraged officer, all add drama that we expect from Rhys. But the slow build, the sweetness and the flow of the characters discovering each other is unique to this first novella of her new series. This book is a slow sweet burn, leaving me want for more…. I think it’s a good thing! Though I might have wanted a teenie weenie bit more ravaging, these guys were more patient that I was!

The narrator Derrick McClain, was perfect and refreshingly new also, good variance on the different characters’ voices, good tempo, no complaints at all. I’ll have to look for more narration by Derrick for sure!

The sexual encounters take a while to arrive, which I find refreshing, and are passionate, creating soul deep connections between the characters.

Refreshing, new, another side of Rhys Ford’s writing prowess. I recommend Once Upon A Wolf if you’re in need of some adventurous, loving, slow discovery romance. A tender balm to the chaos of our times.

Flare by Post Roberts Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

Posy Roberts - Flare RTBanner

Hi guys, we have Posy Roberts popping in today with her the tour for new re-release Flare, we have a great excerpt, a fantastic giveaway and Gigi’s review so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~

Flare

(North Star 03)
by

Posy Roberts

After tremendous loss, Hugo and Kevin seek stability for themselves and the kids. They never expected family and friends to toss obstacles in the way of their happily ever after.

Love and family to fight for.

Hugo and Kevin strive to put their lives back together after tragedy, doing everything in their power to create a stable life. Hugo’s acting career is back on track, and Kevin hires a nanny to help with the kids as they discover their new normal. But when Erin’s parents seek full custody of Brooke and Finn, that stability is shattered.

With Hugo working in LA or New York, the distance from his new family gets to him. At home, the nanny’s hands-on approach leaves Hugo feeling pushed out, so he leaves his beloved apartment and eclectic neighborhood behind to move in with Kevin.

Hugo has a hard time fitting in with the suburbanites with Kevin’s passive-aggressive “friends” making Hugo feel anything but welcome. As the custody case heads to mediation, Brooke is bullied about having two dads, and Hugo realizes his mere presence might be doing more harm than good.

Hugo must decide to stay and fight for his family or leave and let them live in peace.

 Amazon US | Amazon UK

Continue reading “Flare by Post Roberts Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!”

Fusion by Posy Roberts Blog Tour, Review & Giveaway!

Posy Roberts - Fusion RTBanner

Hi guys, we have Posy Roberts stopping by today with the tour for her new re-release Fusion, we have a fantastic giveaway and Gigi’s review so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~

Fusion

(North Star 02)
by

Posy Roberts

Kevin and Hugo make plans to blend their lives, but bleak news changes everything. Building a future together is still a priority, but only if their relationship can survive.

Love strengthened by adversity.

Everyone in Kevin’s life knows him as straight rather than bisexual. There was no need to come out until now, but loving Hugo is worth any prejudice he’ll encounter. Hugo does his best to be patient while Kevin navigates his way toward openness, but he refuses to be put back in a closet for long.

Kevin wants to tell his kids without screwing up their newfound stability, and he worries about telling his ex because Erin might use the truth against him to renegotiate custody. Kevin wants it all finalized, but time isn’t on his side.

When Erin gets grim news, it shakes everyone to the core and rips Kevin away from the life he planned with Hugo. The news brings Hugo’s past hurts bubbling to the surface. Yet when Erin turns to Hugo for support, their new connection shows him how essential he is to Kevin and his kids.

Despite the chaos, it’s clear Hugo is very much a part of this unconventional family.

Continue reading “Fusion by Posy Roberts Blog Tour, Review & Giveaway!”

All the Heaven Will Allow by D.W. Marchwell

Title: All That Heaven Will Allow

Author: D.W. Marchwell

Genre: Contemporary 

Length: Novel (200 Pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (21st November 2014)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3.5 Hearts

Blurb: Jimmy Campbell has owned his own bar for the past twenty years. While his past is troubled, his present and future make life worth living. He has good friends, more than enough money, and he volunteers—along with his Yorkie, Bozo, and his Maine coon cat, Miss Alicia—at the local hospital every Friday. He couldn’t ask for more. That is, until he meets Derek “Dizzy” Roberts.

Derek is a musician who tours the country with his band. He’s an ex-cop, was married once, and has the bitter ex-wife and two spoiled children to prove it. He’s finally living his dream, and that includes bedding all the groupies who think he’s every bit as good as his music. He doesn’t worry much about the future, until he meets Jimmy.

The two men begin a long-distance romance, sneaking weekends here and there, until a tragedy forces them to realize they might lose the only thing they both want–a future together. Now, they’re asking for everything heaven will allow.

ISBN-13: 9781632161673

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer:  GiGi

Review: If you like sugar-sweet romance, long distance romance, slow build-up romance…this is the book for you. It was nearly too sweet for me, but hey it’s a warm and fuzzy feel good read.

Jimmy owns his own bar, is a bit of a control freak in all areas of his life, and he REALLY loves his animals. He’s such a do-gooder he volunteers his time not only helping out rescued animals, bit then trains them to be therapy dogs and brings them into hospitals and yes….children’s hospital wards. Do your teeth hurt yet?

Now Derek is a playboy. Recently out of the closet and divorced he’s been eating at the man-candy buffet for a while and knows he’s a hot package. Only his one-liners don’t’ seem to work on a cute, sexy bar owner, that’s Jimmy, and it immediately snags his attention. He’s ready for more than a one-nighter, but Jimmy is putting him through his paces.

The two develop their courtly romance the old fashioned way, emails, texts, letters, dates….actually getting to know each other before jumping each other’s bones…which when they do is really hot.

But both have a past, that combined with fate may destroy these two…or who knows….tests of faith may bring them closer.

A slow build, in more ways than one, and again….cotton candy sweet. If you need a break from angsty, kinky reading…this is a good diversion.

Spark by Posy Roberts Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

Posy Roberts - Spark RTBanner

Hi guys, we have Posy Roberts stopping by today with the tour for her new re-release Spark, we have a great excerpt, a fantastic giveaway and Gigi’s review, so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~

Spark

(North Star Trilogy 01)
by

Posy Roberts

A love story with a seventeen-year intermission.

Hugo Thorson fell in love when he was sixteen. He’s maybe been in love since, but probably not. He’s been too busy directing plays to devote much time to men who can’t accept all of him. No one ever made him feel like his first love did.

Kevin Magnus married a woman and has two children, but the marriage wasn’t happy. In the shadow of divorce, he’s striving to be a better father, but he’s still a work in progress.

When Hugo and Kevin bump into each other at the lake, memories of their last kiss incite a new first kiss. Visions of the life they always wanted are vivid, but so much stands in the way of their dreams. Hugo is out and proud but no one knows Kevin’s bisexual. If Kevin comes out, he risks losing custody of his kids. If he doesn’t walk hand in hand with Hugo, he risks losing the love of his life.

The curtain may never rise on their second act.

Continue reading “Spark by Posy Roberts Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!”

For The Living by L.A. Witt Retro Review & Audio Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

L.A. Witt - For The Living RTBanner

Hiya guys, we have L.A. Witt popping in today with the tour for both the ebook and audiobook of For the Living, we have a great excerpt, a brilliant giveaway and Gigi’s review, so chekc out the post and enter the giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~

For The Living

by

L.A. Witt

For the last year, Jay Warren has struggled to find the nerve to tell his wife he’s gay. Every time he gets the chance, though, he freezes up. He’s ashamed of hiding it all this time, he doesn’t want to hurt her, and the guilt has been almost unbearable.

When his wife dies suddenly, Jay’s conscience threatens to eat him alive.

Funeral director Scott Lawson deals with the bereaved every day, and he’s all too familiar with the inside of the closet. He offers Jay some much-needed compassion and understanding, and from that connection comes a friendship that quickly – perhaps too quickly – turns into something more.

But are grief, guilt, and loneliness the only things tying them together? Or, will Scott get fed up with being used as an emotional crutch before Jay realizes what he has?

 ebook: Amazon US | Amazon UK
Audio:
 Audible US | Audible UK | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Continue reading “For The Living by L.A. Witt Retro Review & Audio Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!”

Hidden Gem by Lissa Kasey ~ Audiobook

Title: Hidden Gem

Series: Hidden Gem 01

Author: Lissa Kasey

Genre: Science Fiction

Narrator: Adam McLaughlin

Length: 9 hrs 36 min

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (16th December 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Narration: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Misaki “Aki” Itou is a psi – a person with mutated DNA granting him psychic abilities. He’s also a contracted companion – a whore. It may not be the perfect profession, but having a roof over his head, food to eat, and not being subjected to torture is a dream come true. He is the top companion at the Hidden Gem, and it makes him enough money to buy the prettiest, most sparkly shoes he can find.

Shane McNaughton is an Irishman who survived the Third World War and works as a cop. As head of Missing Persons, he’s good at finding people, but after the plague mutated his DNA, he has a hard time letting anyone see the monster inside. He’s been paying for Aki’s services for two years, both the psi and the sexual kind, but he wants more from the companion.

Shane needs Aki’s ability to see into another person’s past to track down a serial killer murdering the children of rich and powerful men, but the more they work together, the clearer it becomes that they are linked through a darker past than either of them realizes.

Product Link: Audible US | Audible UK

Reviewer: Gigi

Review: An alternative reality, where society has gone through World War II and the US is divided into North and South, with scientists experimenting on human DNA to create clones, and super soldiers, concentration camps, and many societal horrors are the backdrop for an unusual romance. 

Each character is fascinating in a way only sci-fi can make them. Aki feels safe in his home, The Hidden Gem, working as a high end prostitute/companion. Sure beats living on the streets, starving, abused and rejected without much of a glimmer in his memory of his true past. Not only does he now live a plush, protected life, as a companion Aki is limited to oral sex and hand jobs because he can’t touch or be touched without a barrier due to his sci ability. But that’s also something he desperately craves, the companionable touch of a lover, Shane in particular. 

There are so many characters, and each one piques my curiosity, especially Paris, but I think that’s a whole new book. Candy is one of my favorites, because each MC needs a bestie. The different characters including the owners of the Hidden Gem, and the investigators, and people from Aki’s past all have so much more to mine…lots of back story and so much possibility. I feel like I’ve barely scratched the surface of the support characters. 

On top of Aki’s drive to control his mutant abilities, he has to confront and understand his past, so that he no longer needs to live in fear of the future….one he hopes can involve a certain strong, sexy Irish detective. 

The narration is really good, sometimes the distinctions feel over the top, but it makes each character very clear and I love that. The sexual content is hot, right up until…..well. I’ll save that surprise. I can’t really tell a lot more about this book without dropping so many spoilers.

If you love a little mystery, action, and science fiction with your MM romance, you’ll love Hidden Gem! 

Power Bottom? by Rowan McAllister ~ Audiobook

Title: Power Bottom?

Author: Rowan McAllister

Genre: Contemporary

Narrator: Nick J. Russo

Length: 7 hrs 38 min

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (17th April 2017)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Narration: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Can a pickup line from a stranger completely change the way an ordinary man sees himself?

Adrian wouldn’t have thought so, but after an ugly breakup where his self-esteem took a serious beating, he’s willing to try just about anything to repair the damage…even return to a secluded bar in rural Maryland and the intriguing stranger whose words have been on his mind since they met.

Biker, bouncer, bartender, and tattoo artist, Wyatt is a rolling stone. After 15 years, he is tired of a life on the run, but he isn’t sure he knows how to do anything else or if he has anything besides a physical relationship to offer.

What’s supposed to be a one-off turns into another and another, and the relationship looks promising until the mob and the FBI come knocking on Adrian’s door.

Product Link: Audible US | Audible UK

Reviewer: Gigi

Review: A fun ride, a terrible ex, and a man searching for what went wrong. I love that Adrian was willing to take a chance after his whiny ex trampled all over him! A fun read, full of steamy scenes, action and even a bit of mystery. Fun twists and turns throughout! 

At first I thought Power Bottom was going to be about kink, but really it’s about soul searching with a bit of comedy and adventure thrown in to the  steamy scenes. This story has so much going on you don’t expect the curves and plot twists until they hit and throw you! 

Adrian and Wyatt have great chemistry, and their story develops in quirky and interesting ways. I really enjoyed the action scenes, and when you get to it you’ll understand, but the dog lover in me was shouting at my speakers when I thought tragedy struck out one of my favorite furry characters. The somewhat predictable mystery and action combine to keep this story moving swiftly, not a moment of down time which I like. 

The narration is great, keeps you on your toes, very distinct character voices, and the steamy scenes are very well done. 

A great entertaining read! 

A Matchless Man by Ariel Tachna ~ Audiobook

Title: A Matchless Man

Series: Dreamspun Desires 19

Author: Ariel Tachna

Genre: Contemporary

Narrator: John Solo

Length: 5 hrs 22 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (6th October 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Narration: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

Blurb: Lexington Lovers – None of the matches caught his eye as much as the matchmaker himself.

Growing up poorer than poor didn’t leave Navashen Bhattathiri many options for life outside of school. All of his concentration was on keeping his scholarships. Sixteen years later, he’s fulfilled his dream and become a doctor. Now he’s returning home to Lexington and is ready to prove himself to the world. In doing so, he reconnects with Brent Carpenter – high school classmate, real estate agent, all-around great guy, and closet matchmaker.

Brent makes it his mission to help Navashen develop a social life and meet available, interesting men. Unfortunately Navashen’s schedule is unpredictable, and few of those available, interesting men value his dedication like Brent does. Brent’s unfailing friendship and support convince Navashen he’s the one, but can he capture Brent’s heart when the matchmaker is focused on finding Navashen another man?

Product Link: Audible US | Audible UK

Reviewer: Gigi

Review: Slow and sweet! Filled with moments that stress how very important family, career and friendship is. A Matchless Man takes a nice slow stroll with Navashen through the transition from wrapping up a long medical education to relocating back home to the family and community of his youth to settle into his career, rejoin his family, help his brother bloom, and hopefully start lasting relationship of his own.

There is a lengthy bit about what it’s like to buy a house, and the whole real estate bit gets long even though Navi has his eye on Brent, his realtor, long-time friend, match-maker and crush. Maybe I’m alone in this, but there is nothing sexy about moving and finding a house, it’s actually very stressful, but Brent makes the move as smooth as possible. 

There is a significant amount of time spent on family, what it’s like to be the son of immigrant parents, and what it’s like to raise and live with a brother with disabilities. IT’s very heart-warming and sweet, a kind, mellow read.

A long slow burn from realtor, to friend, to matchmaker and finally can romance blossom here???? If a spark does unite can it last? You’ll have to listen and find out!

The narrator does a good job making the story flow smoothly, though he makes Brent sound a lot like a slick salesman…it’s odd. 

Five Times My Best Friend Kissed Me by Anna Martin ~ Audiobook

Anna Martin - Five Times My Best Friend Kissed Me Cover AudioTitle: Five Times My Best Friend Kissed Me

Author: Anna Martin

Genre: Contemporary, Coming Out

Narrator: Jesse Cota

Length: 6 hrs 17 min

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (26th January 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Narration: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: When you realize you want to marry your best friend at age six, life should follow a pretty predictable path, right? Maybe not.

As a kid, Evan King thought Scott Sparrow was the most amazing person he’d ever met. At 17, his crush runs a little deeper, and nothing seems simple anymore. Scott is more interested in football and girls than playing superheroes, and Evan’s attention is focused on getting into art school. A late-night drunken kiss is something to be forgotten, not obsessed over for the next 10 years.

When life suddenly brings them back together, it doesn’t take much for the flame Evan carried for Scott nearly all his life to come roaring back, and Evan discovers that life sometimes has a strange way of coming full circle.

Product Link: Audible US | Audible UK

Reviewer: Gigi

Review: Our lives take unseen and unpredictable turns, and the people in our lives often cross paths at different intersections, sometimes walk the path with us for great lengths before trotting off on their own journey. This lovable story is a lot about that, how important people in our lives come and go, all the while making an impact present or not. It’s about best friends, growing up together, first attraction, first loves, self-questioning… all of those deep and common experiences. 

Evan and Scott have an interesting and endearing dynamic as friends and eventually as a couple, but I appreciated that other people were allowed to come into their lives throughout the story, it was realistic in that sense, and helped the overall theme resonate with me.

The passionate scenes were steamy yet realistic, beautiful descriptors and romantic settings. The narration was good, not as diverse as I like for different characters but Jesse Cota’s voice suits the youthful journey these characters take from childhood to young adulthood and he reads well. 

Anna Martin’s writing is always fluid and crafted expertly. A heart-warming story of a life journey from school yard pals to lifetime lovers, you’ll enjoy Five Times My Best Friend Kissed Me, a great warm and endearing read.Â