Tag: Gigi’s Reviews

For the Living by L.A. Witt

21898057Title: For the Living, 2nd edition

Series: N/A

Author: L.A. Witt

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (248 Pages)

Publisher: L.A. Witt (April 4th, 2014)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb: For the last year, Jay Warren has struggled to find the nerve to tell his wife he’s gay. He’s ashamed of hiding it all this time and he doesn’t want to hurt her, so every time he gets the chance to tell her, he freezes up. The guilt has been almost unbearable, but when his wife dies suddenly, Jay’s conscience threatens to eat him alive.

Funeral director Scott Lawson deals with the bereaved every day of his life, and he’s also 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 tired of being used as an emotional crutch before Jay realizes what he has?

Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/For-The-Living-L-Witt/dp/1611249163

Reviewer: GiGi

Review: I can’t imagine Jay’s regret, but the author does a pretty good job. I know that emotions are powerful and distracting after the death of a loved one, so it was not unrealistic of Jay to find himself quickly attached to Scott right away.

The attraction between the two seems natural, quickly developing and the sexual tension hot for many reasons. From natural chemistry to Jay’s restraint and denial all these years.

The turmoil between family members, when someone dies in an unexpected and tragic way, is often unexpected, hurtful and even violent. So it was not surprising to see how Jays’ in-laws treated him. I even understood what his in-laws were feeling.

The real interesting part of this plot was how the writer even has me as a reader in denial about Jay’s motives and feelings. To miss the fact that he was not grieving the real loss here and possibly using Scott as a distraction, which was silently lurking in the background the whole time and the eventual blowup…that was the climax of this story.

A fast read and a quick romance, For the Living had some nail-biting moments along with some very steamy scenes and warm and fuzzy relationship developments. Witt had my attention though the whole plot. A good rainy weather read for sure.

How to Train Your Dom in Five Easy Steps by Josephine Myles

HowToTrainYourDomInFiveEasySteps72lgTitle: How to Train Your Dom in Five Easy Steps

Series: N/A

Author: Josephine Myles

Genre: Contemporary/BDSM

Length: Novel (295 Pages

Publisher: Samhain Publishing (September 23rd, 2014)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb: Sometimes the little head really does know best.

Jeff White’s needs are simple. All he wants is a submissive to help him explore the dominant side that his ex-girlfriend couldn’t handle. Problem is, inexperience in both dating and domming has resulted in a string of rejections.

What he needs is an experienced sub willing to show him the ins and outs of controlling a scene. Unfortunately, the only one willing to take him on is male, and Jeff is straight. One hundred percent, never-gonna-happen straight.

Easygoing painslut Eddie Powell doesn’t care that Jeff is younger, working class, and shorter. Eddie likes a bit of rough, and Jeff fits the bill perfectly. The trick will be convincing him to follow Eddie’s five-step training program—which would be easy if Eddie wasn’t starting to have feelings for the rough-around-the-edges landscaper.

Once Jeff lays his hands on Eddie, things definitely get out of hand. But it’ll take more than hot, sweaty, kinky sex to persuade him to come out of the closet—especially to himself…

Product Link: http://store.samhainpublishing.com/train-your-five-easy-steps-p-73624.html

Reviewer: GiGi

Review: Hot, sweet, fun and a bit of pain for both body and soul are dished up by Jeff as he’s trained my his male sub Eddie.
I’m not huge on the gay-for-you plots, but this is more bi-for you, and the main character does not stay oblivious for long. Jeff has had some obvious marital and relationship problems and just can’t seem to figure out why.

Eddie sees the hot piece of rough meat that Jeff is and wants a bit right away. He manages to plot and scheme his way into Jeff’s bed, on his knees as a sub to help Jeff with his “problems” and introduces him into the finer tuned aspects of being a good Dom.

Before long, Eddie sees deeper layers to Jeff, layers he finds he’s starting to love and want a real bond with. Jeff is getting more and more confused each day by the fact that his successes in learning to become a better Dom are with a guy. But he finds himself attracted to more than submissive behavior in Eddie, he enjoys their banter, their easy friendship, and yes, Eddies sexual response to him.

The closer they grow together, the more nervous Jeff gets about discovery, and also about accepting that he might just bit a bit gay (or a lot!!), and Eddie fears for his own heart.

Cant’ tell you much else without giving the drama away, but Five Easy Steps is a lot of sexual fun, and yet has plenty of “aww that’s sweet” moments in it. Some of the sexual scenes are a bit clinical feeling, but they are set up as lessons after all. Over all a good entertaining read with some fun British lingo.

Double Blind by Heidi Cullinan

81Y24wHn4UL._SL1500_Title: Double Blind, 2nd edition

Series: Special Delivery, #2

Author: Heidi Cullinan

Genre: Contemporary/BDSM/Ménage

Length: Novel (350 Pages)

Publisher: Samhain Publishing (re-release March 14th, 2014)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb: Know when to show your hand…and when to hedge your bets.

Randy Jensen can’t stand to just sit by and watch as a mysterious man throws money away on the roulette wheel, especially since Randy’s got his own bet going as to the reason this guy is making every play like it’s his last day on earth. The man’s dark desperation hits Randy right in the gut. Half of him warns that getting involved is a sucker’s bet, and the other half scrambles for a reason—any reason—to save the man’s soul.

Ethan Ellison has no idea what he’s going to do with himself once his last dollar is gone—until Randy whirls into his life with a heart-stealing smile and a poker player’s gaze that sees too much.
Randy draws Ethan into a series of wagers that leads to a scorching kiss by midnight, but he isn’t the only one with an interest in Ethan’s vulnerability. Soon they’re both taking risks that not only play fast and loose with the law, but with the biggest prize of all: their hearts.

This book has been previously published and has been revised from its original release.

Warning: This story contains high-stakes poker, gangsters with a weakness for kittens, foursomes, and kinky consensual sex.

Product Link: http://store.samhainpublishing.com/double-blind-p-73245.html

Reviewer: GiGi

Review: This is a perfect second installment in the Special Delivery Series! I absolutely fell for Randy in Special Delivery and knew that spitfire of a man needed his HEA, I just wasn’t sure how, or who would pull that amazing feat off. Double Blind lets us get to know Randy in a different way, and for a while apart from Sam and Mitch. But don’t worry. This just wouldn’t work without the lovely newly married couple and a fun foursome!

Randy shows his submissive, yet assertive side, his hostess skills, and his heart in this sexy story. He takes a risk on a defeated heart, by laying out all his cards for Ethan Ellison. Ethan is the perfect angry, wounded man, in need of a wake-me-up experience and Randy surely gives it to him in the form of risky business and hi-octane sex.

As Randy teaches Ethan the skills he employs in his night job, that of card shark, he begins to see the strength in him come shining through. Problem is Ethan doesn’t trust, not the people he works for, not the stability of the job, and not that he would have a future with Randy. Thanks to some of Randy’s close and critically important friends, Sam and Mitch, Ethan begins to loosen up, see what a home could be, and trust.

While Ethan is regaining his confidence, Randy begins to worry he’s gotten too big for his britches and may get into deep trouble with the casino and the retired gangster he initially sought out for help. But when all seems to be tumbling down around them both, Sam, Mitch and the rest of the gang come together to lay it all down and gamble on a new future. Will it work, or will all be lost? You’ll just have to read and find out.

This book is fun, fast paced, hot and kinky, yet soft and sweet as a baby kitten. Hearts are broken and mended, and lives are saved and rebuilt! This whole series is a winner in my book!

The Skinny on Love by Fyn Alexander

fynalexander_theskinnyonloveTitle: The Skinny on Love

Author: Fyn Alexander

Genre: Contemporary/BDSM

Length: Novel (235 Pages)

Publisher: Loose Id (April 22nd, 2014)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb: Thirty-seven-year old fitness fanatic and gym owner John Moorcroft has always known he was gay, and he has always had a problem admitting it, even to himself. After a failed attempt at a relationship with Roslyn, his long time female BFF, he knows he must take a hard look at himself. The first thing John does is to try to find out what happened to his mother who disappeared when he was four years old. Roslyn recommends Sky Cook Investigations to help him. The first time John meets Sky he finds himself extremely attracted to the man’s bear-like physique and eager to please manner.

Sky Cook, thirty-six years old, is sweet, mild-mannered and desperately in need of a health regime. He knows he needs to lose weight but is thwarted by issues from his childhood. Sky also wants a loving, yet dominant man to direct him, so when John suggests they barter services, the perfect storm for a relationship unfolds.

Product Link: http://www.loose-id.com/the-skinny-on-love.html

Reviewer: GiGi

Review: I was skeptical about reading a book that flowed around the issue of eating disorder/weight management, but this book really surprised me and hit a much deeper note. The issues John tangles with are mistrust and hiding from himself, which his ex manages to find a perfectly good solution for…Sky Cook.

Sky is happy to avoid hard truths, and his own past. The issues of his eating are much deeper than we expect and the author does an excellent job at examining the psychological and physical reasons behind over eating or binge eating in Sky’s case.

The BDSM elements seem to be a perfect fit in this situation, because Sky needs discipline and safe controls, and John needs to be able to control something if not his own love life.
So many interesting twists and turns in this plot. There’s the mystery of John’s mother, and Sky’s past, the D/s scenes, and the obvious attraction the two have for each other.

I don’t want to give away big reveals because this book grabbed my attention and held it through as each secret was unveiled. Well written, this book moves along at a steady clip with a unique plot and very intense scenes. The Skinny On Love really evoked may reactions in me; I bit my nails, I wanted to grab a snack, I wanted to cry, I wanted to go run a few miles, I wanted to throttle both MCs at different points, and I certainly enjoyed the steamy scenes.

Very hot, very surprising, this book really impressed me!

Testing Toys at Santa's Workshop by V.J. Summers

4578testingtoysatsantasworkshop500web-430x645Title: Testing Toys at Santa’s Workshop

Series: Sequel to Santa Claus Is Coming

Author: V.J. Summers

Genre: Contemporary/Santa&Elves

Length: Short Story (46 Pages)

Publisher: eXtasy Books (August 15th, 2014)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts

Blurb: Contrary to popular belief Santa, like public school teachers, does not get his summers off to bask by the pool. This is a situation that’s been preying on the Not-So-Jolly Old Elf’s mind a lot this summer—worrying about a group of author/public schoolteachers who’ve lost their belief in Christmas magic. It takes his stunning, torch-singing, gender-bending lover Chimera to come up with a plan to bring the joy of Christmas back to Nik, and the belief in the season’s magic back to the teachers Nik cares about.

Product Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/Testing-Toys-at-Santa-%27-s-Workshop/

Reviewer: GiGi

Review: Even Santa gets frustrated and runs out of creative gift giving ideas, especially for his oh so good and long suffering teacher on his list. So Chimera gets creative with some teacher’s pet gift giving solutions! Just to make sure his ideas will tantalize those teachers Chimera decides to test them out on Santa, and give him a little cheer too!

There are a few different sexy gifts, and each one has sizzling results guaranteed to warm Santa’s heart and balls! Sexy heat results and Chimera once again works magic on our favorite jolly old elf.

A fun sexy short story, didn’t grab my heart and my lust as quick as Santa Claus Is Coming, but it’s cute, fun, and hot.

Business Strip by Jeff Erno

4533businessstrip510w-430x645Title: Business Strip

Series: Men’s Room #3

Author: Jeff Erno

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (100 Pages)

Publisher: eXtasy Books (July 1st, 2014)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts

Blurb: Whoever said business and pleasure don’t mix has never been to New Orleans.

Chad Curtiss, a thirty-five year old private equity investor, is a ruthless businessman. He believes it’s a dog-eat-dog world and doesn’t understand people not driven by the desire to acquire their own happiness. Life’s about personal responsibility and making the right choices.

Chad travels to New Orleans on occasion for business and while there, he likes to visit The Men’s Room. The hottest gay club in the city has the hunkiest dancers, the cutest bartenders and the kind of service a man like Chad knows he deserves. While at the bar, he runs into young Richard Foster, a desk clerk from the hotel where he’s staying. He has no intention of becoming involved, but there’s something about the kid Chad can’t dismiss, and that something just might change his entire outlook on life.

Product Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/Business-Strip/

Reviewer: GiGi

Review: The plot was predictable, but the temporary escape both men provided for each other, all hot and steamy, was a lot of fun. We’ve seen this primetime movie before, bedraggled do-gooder meets handsome prince, well handsome business shark, and even though he tries not to, falls head over ankles on shoulders.

Chad is the perfect bad guy we love to hate, and hate to lust after, but the fireworks between he and Richard are hot and fast.
Richard is getting walked on by everyone in his life from his slutty ex to his boss, and all he’s trying to do is hold it together for his family, save his sister’s life, and hopefully keep his job.

When all the cards come tumbling down and his mother loses her job, Richard has to walk out on his, and his sister’s surgery might not happen, he discovers the person behind the curtain is the sexy executive Richard didn’t even want to fall for.
Can Richard and Chad possibly salvage what has just started to bloom between them? Yes, there is a predictable, but aw shucks, kind of ending. This is a romance after all, can’t have a sad ending right. So all’s well that ends well. Predictable, but it is what it is, hot sexy fun for a short time.

Love Lessons by Heidi Cullinan

LoveLessons72lgTitle: Love Lessons

Series: Love Lessons, #1

Author: Heidi Cullinan

Genre: Contemporary/College Days/Disney Fetish

Length: Novel (379 Pages)

Publisher: Samhain Publishing (October 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb: Love doesn’t come with a syllabus.

Kelly Davidson has waited what seems like forever to graduate high school and get out of his small-minded, small town. But when he arrives at Hope University, he quickly realizes finding his Prince Charming isn’t so easy. Everyone here is already out. In fact, Kelly could be the only virgin on campus.

Worst of all, he’s landed the charming, handsome, gay campus Casanova as a roommate, whose bed might as well be equipped with a revolving door.

Walter Lucas doesn’t believe in storybook love. Everyone is better off having as much fun as possible with as many people as possible…except his shy, sad little sack of a roommate is seriously screwing up his worldview.

As Walter sets out to lure Kelly out of his shell, staying just friends is harder than he anticipated. He discovers love is a crash course in determination. To make the grade, he’ll have to finally show up for class…and overcome his own private fear that love was never meant to last.

Warning: This story contains lingering glances, milder than usual sexual content for this author, and a steamy dance-floor kiss. Story has no dairy or egg content, but may contain almonds.

Product Link: http://store.samhainpublishing.com/love-lessons-p-73022.html
Reviewer: GiGi

Review: This is a perfect happily ever after, not too much angst and suffering, which is surprising for this author. Normally her writing is super edgy, angsty, dark and highly kinky. But it’s pleasant to know her repertoire goes beyond those tasty nuggets into the super sweet, awe shucks, twu-wuv wins out happily ever after. This series is all about discovering yourself, finding help and love in others, creating a community when going off to college, and starting your life. Sweet, fresh outta the closet freshman virgin is stuck rooming with the tomcat of campus and due to Kelley’s morals and Walter’s fear of commitment and abandonment, they steer clear until the sparks can’t be avoided. It’s so damn precious, and a fun loveable read.

Yes, there are plenty of dysfunctional families, but compare to so many in this genre, a little manic depression almost seems mild, almost. But I feel there is a strong personal connection with the mother’s mental illness to the author’s experience here, it’s authentic, and I feel Walter’s guilt and pain.

My favorite part of this story has to be when the sweet apple cheeked virgin seduces the campus man-whore and knocks his socks off! Yep, Kelley’s a virgin, but he knows what he wants and he knows he has Walter by the balls and the heart.

Okay I have another favorite part. The college advisor, aka the prof everyone talks to, is a focus in each of these books. It’s important to believe there are still great professors like this out there. That part of the job is guiding, and supporting your students, not just spewing a lecture, marking down grades and grabbing a paycheck. Everyone has a fond memory of a prof that helped them, inspired them, and mothered them a bit in the right direction, or at least I hope so.

The writing is always smooth with this author, she has good editors, and the woman knows how to pull you in. Yes, there were some areas that my cynical heart wanted to grumble at, but like the Disney movies Kelley is so fond of, you can’t help but like the sweeping romantic gestures and the fact that the boy gets the boy in the end!

Sweet, romantic read, highly recommended to recharge your feel good batteries.

Enlightened by Joanna Chambers

917pK9P6RVL._SL1500_Title: Enlightened
Series: The Enlightenment series, Book #3

Author: Joanna Chambers

Genre: Historical (Industrial Revolution England)

Length: Novel (192 Pages)

Publisher: Samhain Publishing (May 6th, 2014)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb: Five months ago, David Lauriston was badly hurt helping his friend Elizabeth escape her violent husband. Since then, David has been living with his lover, Lord Murdo Balfour, while he recuperates.

Despite the pain of his injuries, David’s time with Murdo has been the happiest of his life. The only things that trouble him are Murdo’s occasional bouts of preoccupation, and the fact that one day soon, David will have to return to his legal practice in Edinburgh.

That day comes too soon when David’s friend and mentor takes to his deathbed, and David finds himself agreeing to take on a private mission in London. Murdo is at his side in the journey, but a shocking revelation by Murdo’s ruthless father leaves David questioning everything they’ve shared.

As tensions mount and the stakes grow higher, David and Murdo are forced to ask themselves how far they’re prepared to go—and how much they’re prepared to give up— to stay together. And whether there’s any chance of lasting happiness for men like them.

Product Link: http://store.samhainpublishing.com/Enlightened-p-73400.html

Reviewer: GiGi

Review: This is a great series for those historical romance lovers out there! Be sure to read all three in order, or the plots won’t make sense. The writing grabs hold of my attention quickly, and my mind begins to wander with the possibilities. Much of the beginning of the book is all about Murdo and David living and working together, getting to really know and enjoy each other in a safe, private environment. I think that really was important to help cement their relationship.

From the beginning of the series, I loved the dominance and heavy-handedness of Murdo. He’s powerful, he’s independently and inheritably wealthy, he’s defiant, he’s nobility, but he has a weak spot, David.

David is the perfect foil for Murdo. He’s highly intelligent, he has submissive tendencies, but book three shows he can equal the playing field just fine. He’s strong enough to stand up to Murdo, he’s strong enough to be what Murdo needs, now if they can just admit to each other what their needs and wants really are. Admitting to love, when their kind of love doesn’t stand a chance in society, seems foolish to David.

But they do, and where there’s a will….Murdo finds a way. I thought the solution the author weaved up was perfect. I knew all along it would involve Chalmers’ daughter, but the oh so clever Joanna Chambers came up with a perfect social explanation that would last Murdo and David’s lifetime, and a happy lifetime together it should be.

The dominant role Murdo has played through the series mellows a bit, and David finally admits to his true desires, his true love and let’s go of others’ expectations. I like how Chalmers, David’s mentor, is actually the person to allow David to let go, to admit to his feelings and have the hope and courage to grab hold of his dreams.

A great trilogy, I look forward to more from this author for sure!

The Caldwell Ghost by K.J. Charles

71yxDOrJ-FL._SL1500_Title: The Caldwell Ghost

Series: The Secret Casebook of Simon Feximal #1

Author: K.J. Charles

Genre: Historical Industrial Revolution/Paranormal/D/s

Length: Short Story (17 Pages)

Publisher: Torquere Press. (October 8th, 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb: When Robert Caldwell inherits a haunted house, he calls on ghost-hunter Simon Feximal to rid him of the supernatural menace. But the ghost is stronger than either man realizes — strong, angry, and desperate for release. Trapped in a haunted house with a dangerously attractive ghost-hunter and a sexually frustrated spirit, can Robert survive the night intact…and will he want to?

Product Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18656381-the-caldwell-ghost

Reviewer: GiGi

Review: I’ve got to say K.J. Charles is quickly becoming one of my top five favorite authors of the mystery and m/m genre. I can really sink my teeth into her characters, and she illustrates her worlds with words so well that I can feel, smell and nearly tough the settings her stories are part of. And while I’ve read some of her longer novellas, Charles is queen of the short story. The plots feel complete, yet leave me hungry for more, more… more!

I admit I read this series in an odd order, starting with Remnant and then picking up with Caldwell Ghost and then Butterflies. But I decided to read the earlier installments because I was fixated with the character of Simon Feximal. He’s disturbed, obviously haunted by a dark past, inked with powers of sorcery, and his dominant streak….oh hells yeah that’s frickin’ hot!

The interesting twists this ghost haunting takes had been quickly planted and the seeds grew into something wickedly sexy, if not a bit multi-generationally incestual. But hey, kissing cousins and all that.

Robert Caldwell seems to be a perfect foil for Simon Feximal and I can’t wait to read more about this adventurous, mystery solving couple.

Passage by Evey Brett

81V7ZsduXnL._SL1500_Title: Passage
Series: Capriole #3

Author: Evey Brett

Genre: Contemporary/Paranormal

Length: Novel (195 Pages)

Publisher: Loose Id (April 28th, 2014)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb: Born with a gift for sensing plants that leaves him tied to his citrus farm, Andy has despaired of having anything but an isolated existence with his overbearing mother. When handsome Enrique arrives looking for work, Andy dares to dream of a different, happier life-one, which includes Enrique in his bed.

Half-incubus Enrique doesn’t expect to fall for the lonely and virginal Andy. Neither does he intend to submit to Andy’s repeated attempts at seduction, but Andy’s fine young body proves so irresistible that Enrique gives him a birthday present neither will forget.

When hunters from Enrique’s past lay waste to the farm, leaving Andy critically ill, Enrique must find a means to help and heal him which comes in the form of Andy’s long-lost family. But can Andy accept Enrique’s terrible secrets and can they–and their love–survive the monsters set on tearing Enrique and his life apart?

Product Link: http://www.loose-id.com/passage.html
Reviewer: GiGi

Review: An interesting and dare I say unique twist to paranormal! I’ve read plenty of empath, and incubus scenarios, but the writing and storyline in Passage is refreshing and engrossing! Evey had me captured from the first pages, and I read through the night until the very end.

The way the history of Andy’s life develops, I both love and hate his mother. I admire her courage and detest her fears and prejudices. It’s very rare when a true love hate relationship develops with a character.

The paranormal twists are interesting. I had not read Capriole and Lavade prior to this book, and I’m not sure why this isn’t listed as a continuation of that series. It most certainly is. I felt the history and the missing pieces in the very first chapter. Yet this book stands alone quite nicely. Not having read the two previous books kept this story and its plot more of a surprise for me. Otherwise, I would have made the connection between the conditions of Andy’s birth with his missing/dead father much faster.

Andy has many layers. At times, I feel he’s selfish and very naïve in a youthful way, other times I forgive those flaws because of how isolated and troubled he is by hiding his secrets. He needs some maturity under his belt, but he’s got the bones to be a very strong and deep character.

Enrique is such a tortured character. He’s on the run from extreme abuse, from his brother who sacrificed his humanity to save him, from the killers who held him captive, and from his own demons. He knows what he is, and does not want to subject Andy to his demon side, yet Andy does everything humanly possible to tempt him.

Just a fair warning, there is extreme violence, and plenty of heartbreak, but everything comes full circle in the end. The story ends perfectly set up to continue with Enrique’s brother’s journey. So I look forward to the next book, and I’m excited to go back and read Capriole and Lavade to pull all of the puzzle pieces together.

Snowcroft Lost by Christi Snow

911vumIjoKL._SL1500_Title: Snowcroft Lost

Series: Snowcroft Book, #1

Author: Christi Snow

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Length: Novel (295 Pages)

Publisher: Christi Snow (March 19th, 2014)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts

Blurb: Secrets and Lies…Everyone has them. Big ones. Little ones.

For Trevor Mayne and Jamie Vaughn, secrets and lies are how they’ve made their fourteen-year friendship work. Don’t talk about it. Ignore it and it won’t be real. Pretend like everything’s fine between the two of them.

Jamie can’t live like this anymore. He’s in love with Trevor, his best friend who just happens to be straight. Tired of hiding his feelings, he decides to walk away. From their friendship. From his hometown. From his business.

But before Jamie gets a chance to leave, a freak accident leaves Trevor with amnesia. A new blank perspective leaves him confused about the inconsistencies of what he’s told his life should be vs. the feelings that he knows he has. Now those secrets and lies, that should be safer than ever, are suddenly front and center and changing everything between them.

Their world is at risk because their secrets and lies aren’t the only ones at play here. There’s a bigger lie out there and it could just destroy everything, as they get closer and closer to the secret hidden in depths of the Snowcroft forest.

Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/Snowcroft-Lost-Men-Christi-Snow-ebook/dp/B00ISY115S
Reviewer: GiGi

Review: This is a kind of interesting twist on the gay-for-you theme. Trevor is found unconscious and injured on the side of a trail he has run regularly. When he wakes, he has amnesia, and seems to also have forgotten that he’s a player, for the boys who like girls team. Jamie doesn’t know if this is the biggest blessing of his life, or if he cursed to have his heart broken by the time Trevor regains his memories.

All along, we are woven into a plot about kidnapped LGBT kids, an evil youth correction camp leader who happens to be Trevor’s uncle, and many suspects with guns. It’s adventuresome, full of action and some bromance, and some odd angles. I like that Jamie designs houses, and runs a construction company, it’s the creative ones that turn my crank. There were a ton of secondary characters introduced and that made my head spin a bit. That also made for a huge list of suspects that totally twisted and had me taking backwards steps to see how I guessed wrong, then right, then wrong again.

While the murder/kidnapping/mystery story line develops, Trevor does begin to gain some of his old memories back, and still has a powerful attraction to Jamie. He is convinced that such a basic natural instinct can’t be wrong. After Jamie’s insistence that they not act on their desires until after Trevor talks to a therapist about it, the sparks really begin to fly. Unfortunately, they are interrupted many times throughout the story, but not to worry, they finally get their moment just right.

I love a good mystery, and I was surprised by the who and why of this one. Though there is a very painful climax at the end of the story, I’m sure it was to set up the next book with an emotional investment. Overall, I was entertained, though too many characters needed more back story, more development. I got confused for a bit. It will be interesting to see where the author brings the story next, and how the characters grow and become interconnected.

Legally Bound by J.R. Gray

legally_bound3__55699.1395684723.300.450Title: Legally Bound

Series: Bound Book, #1

Author: J.R. Gray

Genre: Contemporary/BDSM/Legal Suspense

Length: Novel (220 Pages)

Publisher: Evernight Publishing (March 24th, 2014)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts

Blurb: The last thing Daniel, a hard-working public defender, expected to see the morning after a one night stand was his hook-up staring back at him from the wrong side of the law. Assigned to work his case, Daniel vows to keep things professional with Rafael but has a hard time controlling his craving for dominance, the control, and the connection they shared. Rafael, a paid Dominant in the Chicago underworld, has been dealing with a cop problem for far too long. Used to sex with no emotion, he’s entranced with Daniel’s submission, his innocence, and…could there be something more? Can Daniel clear Rafael’s name, keeping him out of jail and in his life, with the odds, a cop, and the mounting evidence against them?

Product Link: http://www.evernightpublishing.com/legally-bound-by-j-r-gray/
Reviewer: GiGi

Review: This was like a legal/BDSM comedy of errors. The lawyer who tricked with a Dom unknowingly, and then sees his one night stand in court the next day. Even though he knows there’s a legal conflict, Daniel and Rafael are like teenagers in heat and can’t keep their hands of each other.

For me, most BDSM books are pretty heavy, lots of psychological content and for good reason, dominance, and submission is a physical yes, but mostly psychological practice. So I was a bit turned off that the characters took it rather lightly, and sometimes almost comically, Daniel jumping in to sample the lifestyle and submit like it was nothing big.

I do like the fun sexual heat between Rafael and Daniel, and the humorous relationship that Daniel has with his co-worker and superior Jesse.

Through the legal battles, BDSM scenes, and suspenseful set-up’s by the cop trying to put Rafael in jail, all that drama was overshadowed by two side characters. Jesse and “the King,” George, totally captured my attention. I like the strangeness of the King’s personality as a top Dom, his attire, his entire persona and the way he reacts to Jesse. Jesse, forever making jokes about avoiding his wife, puts on a pretty straight front, until the end of the story as we see him react to George.

I’m glad Daniel and Rafael get their HEA, but I was totally grabbed by Jesse and George and look forward to reading their story!