Blurb:Love is a Mess: A Supposed Crimes Anthology contains eight stories from eight authors on the topic of misfortune at Valentine’s Day. The topics range from the fun of the moment to the power of the eternal. Lesbian, gay, and bisexual characters star in their own love and lust stories—erotic, playful, and thoughtful.
Review: Overall ♥♥♥♥this was a pretty good book with a wide variety of stories. Some were very unique and intriguing. The stories are centered on Valentines and dates that could have or do go very wrong. There are several genres, and different heat ratings so that there is a little something for everyone that likes FF and MM short reads. I have also included a separate rating and review for each book below.
Viral Valentine by L. M. Perrin FF Low heat ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts
Sometimes we set out to do things thinking it is cute or funny but do not think about the person involved. I am not a big fan of the funniest video or prank stuff and this story is a good example of why. Ellie thinks she is going to dinner on Valentines even though it’s with a stranger to find herself pranked. Paige one of the pranksters took a liking to Ellie and wanted the prank ended but Todd wouldn’t let up. Will Ellie forgive Paige?
I liked this story and would have liked more. It ended a bit so suddenly.
Date Blind by Geonn Cannon FF/Low ♥♥♥♥4Hearts Martha is waiting on a blind date when she finds out that her date Connie was her high school bully. This story took me back to my high school days of being bullied.
I liked how the characters developed through this story. I wanted more.
The Politician and the Pilot by Amber Kinsey FF/ Explicit ♥♥♥♥4Hearts Samantha is a politician sent on a punishment assignment by her boss and ex-lover. She finds herself enthralled with the young pilot Katie and after too much tequila in her bed.
This story is smoking hot! Not lot of plot but the sex scenes were actually good.
Bar Tryst by Rachael Orman FF/ Explicit ♥♥♥3 Hearts Vanessa is at a bar with her friends on Valentines she goes to the bathroom and Lisa starts talking to her. Later they end up back in the bathroom in hot sex.
This story had no plot and it just didn’t do it for me sex wise like the other. It wasn’t bad it just wasn’t my cup of tea.
Quarter Life: Energy Feed by Adrian J. Smith Ménage FMM/FFM/ Explicit ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts Faye has been told the statue of the trapped troll actually will come to life and he will be able to give her answers. She hopes he can find her a witch.
This is a dark fantasy or paranormal story that was very intriguing I would love to read more of this. There is hot sex in a MMF and also a FFM with a voyeur.
Property of Cupid by Eva Lefoy MM/ Explicit ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts
This was one of my favorite stories in the book. I loved the twist on cupid. I can’t give much away so I’ll just say read this it was awesome! I want more!
Private Dance by A. M. Leibowitz MM/ Moderate ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts
Another of my favorites in this book. Alex finds himself babysitting for a friend on Valentines with his relationship in jeopardy. Before Phinn left on his business trip, he said some pretty cruel stuff and though they have talked, it out he still knows there is work to be done. He finds himself on a scavenger hunt with his little charges in tow and a very happy surprise at the end of the hunt.
I loved this it was awesome. I did have some questions and wanted more information such as why was Phinn going away so much and what their jobs etc. were but the story line was great, and the ending even greater! This one made the entire book worth reading!
The Last Mitzvah by Michael DuPuy ?/ No heat ♥♥2Hearts
I never figured this story out so I won’t say much. I couldn’t figure out who the character was at all or why he was at the Bar Mitzvah. I am assuming he was a transsexual form what I gathered but I am not sure. I was confused throughout the entire thing
I’ll say the ending shocked the bejesus out of me!
Title: A Touch of Mistletoe Series: Less Than Three Press presents a collection of stories about people brought together by the magic of mistletoe… Author(s): J.K. Pendragon, Talya Andor, A.F. Henley, E.E. Ottoman, Megan Derr
Genre: Paranormal/Contemporary/Holiday Length: Anthology (182 pages) Publisher: Less Than Three Press (December 17th 2014) Heat Level: Mild to Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts Product Link: http://www.lessthanthreepress.com/books/index.php?main_page=product_bookx_info&cPath=125&products_id=840 Reviewer: Tams Review: Five different authors came together to share these five distinctly different stories with a little holiday flare.
Blurb:
Here for You by J.K. Pendragon Warren’s life has been shrinking ever since his wife passed away. Blind, and finding it difficult to adjust to life on his own, it’s easier to hide away in his house. When his friend Missy invites him to a Christmas party, an unexpected kiss with a stranger under the mistletoe leaves him confused and wondering…
JK Pendragon set the stage for the stories with her gay for you tale that all started with a kiss under the mistletoe. Warren is still recovering from his wife’s death when he attends his best friends Christmas party. Not really in the mood to socialize, he finds himself in the library seeking solace from the festivities, but he is not the only one to need a little peace and quiet.
Warren is confused and almost argumentative with Kyung about his sexuality, but when a second kiss leaves him wanting more, Warren quickly deals with his newfound attraction to another man.
The Christmas Spirit by Talya Andor Christmas in Japan is no big deal for Ash Harmon, with his family half a world away and supernatural problems that have no respect for the holidays. When he picks up a bodyguard job for a rising star of figure skating who seems to be encountering trouble with a restless spirit, he stubbornly resists the unexpected attraction to his charge, wary of the risks that come with relationships. But the mistletoe has other ideas…
Talya Andor turns the tables with spooky ghost story set in Japan with a burgeoning romance between a paranormal investigator and the skater he is assigned to. This shot story has a lot of content with the PNR, multi-cultural romance and mysterious aspects all vying for equal attention.
A Beautiful Thing by A.F. Henley Sometimes, Fate gets tired of being ignored. And some nights, Fate decides something will just have to be done about it. Enter Drualus, Senior Correspondent for the Collective Assembly of Christmas Fae, working with the Night Before Reach Out Program. He’s got a few short hours to change Scott Misener’s outlook on life, love, and understanding. Lucky for Scott, Dru knows a tried and true trope that might just do the trick…
AF Henley confused me with her sci-fi story that included what I think were a fairy and a guardian angel, perhaps these two thoughts of a character in my mind were one in the same? I’ll be honest, I skimmed this one, didn’t quite catch my attention.
Ad Meliora by E.E. Ottoman It’s Christmas Eve and An-An and M.C. have plans to spend Christmas in Texas with An-An’s family. But their plans are cut short when M.C. takes on a last-minute case. Thankfully, though, it should be an easy exorcism.
Until they arrive at the snowbound lodge where trouble resides, and come face to face with a demon wolf unlike anything they’ve ever encountered.
EE Ottoman transcends normality with this transgender sci-fi nod that delves into something sinister, exorcism, murder and mayhem all while one of the female leads is transitioning into her new-found identity as a male. This one calls for a girly bits warning, including the terminology for said bits.
Two Parts Mistletoe by Megan Derr Kingston has worked hard to get where he is: owner of his own shop, master potion maker, well-respected… and lonely, too busy with life to enjoy more than his regular visits to Acacia House. If he wishes his loneliness might be eased by Hux, the man he meets at Acacia twice a month, well, someday he’ll work up the nerve to ask. Maybe.
Then Hux unexpectedly visits his shop, distressed and in desperate need of help to save his employer from a love potion…
Megan Derr rounds out this stellar casting with her magical tale with a historical feel. Kingston is a potion maker that Hux has called on to help him with a potion gone wrong. As it turns out, Hux’s boss is the unfortunate recipient of unrequited love that resulted in a love potion gone wrong. But that is just the backdrop for the story, the real focus here is on the relationship between Kingston and Hux, which has been a long time coming you learn as you read the story.
As I said at the start, these are all five distinctly different stories with one common interest, love. While I skimmed through the Henley and Ottoman stories due to subject, all five stories were very well written regardless. My favorite was the budding romance between Warren and Kyung. I would love to read a full-length novel for them.
If you are looking for a variety of stories from several well-versed authors then this steamy Christmas themed anthology will be perfect for you. Romance, mystery, suspense, paranormal activity and healthy dose of passion all underneath the Mistletoe!
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Due for release on 30th December, Brit Boys: On Boys, a collection of 8 M/M novellas written by 8 top British M/M authors. This smokin’ hot box set is initially available at the bargain price of 99c/99p, that’s a steal for 147,000 words/440 pages of unforgettable M/M erotic romance that will leave your eReader, and you, burning up.
Things haven’t been going well for Cam McMorrow since he moved to Inverbechie. His business is failing, his cottage is falling apart, and following his very public argument with café owner Rob Armstrong, he’s become a social outcast.
Cam needs to get away from his troubles and when his sister buys him a ticket to the biggest Hogmanay party in Glasgow. He can’t leave Inverbechie quick enough. But when events conspire to strand him in the middle of nowhere in a snowstorm, not only is he liable to miss the party, he’ll also have to ask his nemesis, Rob, for help.
Zane’s Review: Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
Written by Joanna Chambers, “Rest and Be Thankful” introduces Rob and Cam, two lonely men, an argument/slight misunderstanding with overreactions on both parts, a friendship (possibly more) cut short by said misunderstanding… the approaching New Year… a broken down vehicle… and the chance to kindle what burned out before it really started.
A short read, this could have been rushed or lacking in substance, but it wasn’t. Well written with plenty of character back-story and detail, this story certainly fulfilled its premise. Who doesn’t want a second chance at a rich and full life? At love? I was rooting for these two from the get-go.
I really liked Cam and Rob – both individually and as a couple. Bring on the hot, broody men who find first friendship, then sexiness, happiness and a future in each other, and just in time to ring in the New Year.
Short and sweet with a bit of sexy, just the way I like my holiday stories, this one is a keeper.
Out by Harper Fox Can a stranger unlock the courage and passion in a young man’s captive heart?
It’s Christmas at Edinburgh’s magnificent Barlinney Hotel, and chief housekeeper Cosmo Grant is in charge of the festivities. He’s already got his hands full when handsome Ren Vaudrey checks in.
It soon turns out that Ren is an undercover cop. Cosmo wants to help him, but unless he can do it within the Barlinney’s walls, Cosmo is stuck. A victim of crippling agoraphobia, he’s been a prisoner in this gilded cage for over a year. Cosmo gathers all his courage to do the right thing by Ren and Sam—and as a glittering Christmas Eve descends on the city, finds himself confronting his very darkest fears.
Cat’s Review: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts (more if I can steal a few)
Cosmo loves his job working at a plush high-end hotel. He has worked up to management but his supervisor George brace is a real meany. All of the staff fear Brace. Brace is taking advantage of Cosmo but when he wants Cosmo to be an extra service to some of the guests, he tries to put his foot down.
A new guest arrives and Cosmo finds himself very attracted but when Brace send him to Ren’s room Cosmo tells Ren he won’t be one of the conveniences of the hotel. Ren lets him know right away that he wasn’t expecting that, he needed information. This is where even more twists start unraveling.
Wow this story is awesome. It was like reading a full novella in a short story. It is perfectly executed. The characters are all interesting the storyline is intriguing the romance is hot, everything is amazing.
If you like romance with a bit of mystery and intrigue, fancy hotels, cops, lots of twists and turns, sweet romance, and a good holiday story I highly, highly recommend this one!
Waiting for Winter by LB Gregg Some mistakes are worth repeating.
Luke always thought he and Winter were the perfect couple—until the day Winter announced he was taking a new job and they were uprooting and headed for Germany. No discussion. No debate. For the first time in his life, Winter miscalculated. Badly. Now Luke is trying his best to move on with his life, but Winter is back in town and he’s set on digging their relationship out of the deep freeze.
Tams’ Review: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Six months ago Luke’s boyfriend, Winter, walked out on him, their life and their home for a job in Germany. Now he’s back and he has one goal in mind, to reclaim what is his. Luke gives being angry and complacent a valiant effort, but Winter knows how to make him squirm, and it doesn’t take long until they are in very familiar territory, the bedroom. The sex is mind-blowing and reminds Luke of when they first met. He’s not going to wait around to be hurt again though, and this time he walks out on Win.
When Christmas rolls around Winter is back and once again trying to prove to Luke that he loves him and that they belong together. Luke is convinced that what happened over the summer was a mistake, the question is, was it one worth repeating?
A fast, fun read about the importance of communication and compromise. Luke and Winter have lost a year they could have spent together all because Luke wanted Winter to ask. But the blame doesn’t lie solely on Win’s shoulders, since Luke was too stubborn to be honest with him about how he felt. Now it’s Christmas, it’s snowing, they are trapped in a beautiful cabin with a glistening tree and two hearts that belong together.
Definitely worth the read and appropriate for the season!
Baby, It’s Cold by Josh Lanyon Or maybe it’s the flu. Breaking up is hard to do — especially around the holidays.
Talk about Kitchen Nightmares! TV Chef Rocky and Foodie blogger Jesse have been pals forever, so it should have been the most natural thing in the world to move their relationship to the next level. Instead, it turned out to be a disaster. But Christmas is the season of love, and someone’s cooking up a sweet surprise…
Leigh’s Review: Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts
Rocky and Jess had three months together and two months broken up. They have been friends for years prior to that. So they decided to give it a go as boyfriends. Only their own insecurities got in the way and destroyed what they were trying to have. Jesse in a last-ditch effort decides to put together a surprise dinner for Rocky. Only things to not go the way he plans. Both MCs know they made mistakes and the reason they didn’t work. It takes them finally opening up to each other to see what they should have from the start.
This was a well-written piece. However, I was not really drawn into the story. There was just something missing, maybe an emotional pull that I didn’t feel.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Author(s): edited by Elizabeth L. Brooks with stories by M. Durango, Lynn Townsend, Genna Donaghy, Lazuli Jones, Racheline Maltese, Erin McRae, Sean Michael, and Berengaria Brown
Genre: Anthology
Length: 129 pages
ISBN: 1610407687
Publisher: Torquere Press (June 18th 2014)
Heat Level: Low to Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
Reviewer: Cat
Blurb: There’s nothing like a wedding to make things interesting, for the grooms, the wedding party, the family, the friends, and even the caterer!
Sean Michael’s Hammer Club favorites Billy and Montana are back in “Put a Ring On It”, a tale that begins with the celebration of their best friends’ first anniversary. In “Building Us,” by Lynn Townsend, Eric and Temple discover that, for want of a nail, a ring is lost. In “Hold Your Peace” by Lazuli Jones, Terrence’s best friend (and best man) Michael makes a confession hours before Terrence’s wedding. In “Tony’s Tiara” by Berengaria Brown, Tony’s sister’s wedding is a never-ending saga of disasters, but Josh is there to support Tony through them all.
In “Having His Cake” by Genna Donaghy, Matty Strauss is about to cater the biggest wedding in his career, but the last thing he expects is for the groom to be his former one nightstand. In “Always a Groomsman” by M. Durango, best men Doug and Garth have to keep a wedding-day disaster at bay. In “Lake Effect” by Erin McRae and Racheline Maltese, Kyle and Daniel return to their hometown to get married only to find themselves facing an obstacle course of family drama and small-town misadventure in their quest to make it down the aisle.
Review: Overall—This was a very enjoyable story. There were many that I absolutely loved. All of them were worth the read. The stories range from hot, steamy to mild, and sweet. There is something for everyone.
Put a Ring on It by Sean Michaels ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts Billy is hoping that his boy Montana wants to step up and get married like his friends have. He brings it up at the anniversary party but Montana doesn’t seem as interested as Billy had hoped.
This was a hot and sexy romp with a bit of D’s relationship and some worry between two men that have been together for a long time. I liked the fact that it showed both the emotional angst of taking the next step. My only problem with the story was that to me the dialogue seemed to be a bit juvenile at times, but having said that it was a hot and sexy story and I loved the end! A very creative and unique engagement ring.
http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=79_93&products_id=4211
Building Us by Lynn Townsend ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts Eric has a surprise for his lover Temple. He has finished building the dream home for Temple that both are supposed to be moving into together starting a new life for themselves. He is having Temple go on the top of the roof to drive the last nail in as a symbol of their new life together and has a surprise for him while there.
This was such a lovely story. I loved the surprise and then them losing something on top of the roof. I also liked having such a complete conclusion. The only thing is at first it seemed as if this may be part of a series and I wanted to read their story of how they met, but then again it went on and went several years in the future with the conclusion so I am not sure if it was part of a series. Whether it is or not this is a very good story. It is easy to follow and left me smiling and content.
http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=79_93&products_id=4205
Hold Your Peace by Lazuli Jones ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts Michael is Terrence’s best man at his wedding that is to take place in a few hours. He has been in love with Terrence since high school and has decided to take one last chance to win Terrence away from Brandon. Will Terrence join Michael in his car and drive away or will he go through with the wedding?
This was awesome! I sat on the edge of my seat waiting for Terrence’s decision! I loved the characters and the tension inn this story I will definitely be looking for more from Lazuli Jones!
http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=79_93&products_id=4207
Tony’s Tiara by Berengaria Brown ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts Tony is helping his sister with her wedding and it’s a living nightmare. She makes Bridezillas look tame. His lover Josh is helping him handle the stress the best he can. He also would like to marry Tony but isn’t sure if Tony will want to after this wild event.
I really liked this story. I loved Tony and Josh and how they handled the nightmare of Tony’s sister’s wedding. There was a bit of twist, but it all worked out in the end. I would love to see more of Tony and Josh, though I will say I am not sure I saw the significance of the Tiara, to me that sort of went over my head, unless we knew more about Tony.
http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=79_93&products_id=4212
Having His Cake by Genna Donaghy ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts Matty is happy to have landed the contract for a very upscale and public wedding. Though with the Grooms father being a senator against gay rights other gays have been turning them down. Matty is taking a chance with his peers but wants to better his business and the bride is very sweet and pleasant to work with. Things really seem to be looking up when at the club he has a hook-up with a sexy man that is until he meets the groom.
I loved this story. It was sweet and charming with a bit of a twist. It’s hot and sexy too. A great story and I loved Matty!
http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=79_93&products_id=4212
Always a Groomsman by M. Durango ♥♥♥3 Hearts Doug and Garth are groomsmen at their best friend’s weddings. It seems as if they have been doing this for a while and they have forged a very good friendship. Everything is going good then the flowers don’t show up throwing one of the grooms into a panic Garth tries to console his friend while Doug finds out the problem.
This story was short and sweet. I will have to say I kept expecting more. The main focus was on the wedding and I felt the thing with Doug and Garth was thrown in as an afterthought. I would have loved to seen more with them.
http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=79_93&products_id=4204
Lake Effect by Erin McRae and Racheline Maltese ♥♥♥3 Hearts Daniel and Kyle have returned home to get married. Kyle’s parents aren’t happy at all about this. Not only because Kyle is gay but that Daniel is 9 years older.
This story was about the conflict between Kyle and his family and a little about Daniel and his. To me it seemed like it was a part of a series so I had a hard time relating to any of the characters. I will say I would really like to see Daniel and Kyle’s story and how they got here. I love older men/younger men relationships.
http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=79_93&products_id=4208
Blurb: Scarlet Blackwell’s first collection of short stories is a mixture. Mostly contemporary, with a fantasy story and a Victorian setting thrown in for good measure, the stories feature lovelorn m/m couples from every walk of life some sportsmen, some porn stars, some mentally challenged. The common theme is love, as always and the finding of that one special person.
Review: Overall, this was a very intriguing collection of stories. There were a few I absolutely fell in love with some I liked a lot and a couple that I felt were ok. There is a bit of something for all tastes.
In My Darkness, I Found a Light ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts Robert is in a bad place in his life. He is unhappy. He doesn’t like being around people. Day to day life and loneliness is getting to him. He bumbles through life each day, depressed, sad, and alone.
This is a very morose story with a happy ending. A tragedy brings two men together. My heart went out to Robert. I see this in so many people these days. I love how the author makes the tragedy and eye-opener for Robert and hopefully anyone in that dark place.
A Tale of Two Halves ♥♥2 Hearts
Luke is a footballer and he is playing against his arch nemesis Dieter. The German is up and coming and everyone loves him even though he has come out as gay. Luke hates him and wants to do him bodily harm. In one attack, they land on top of each other and Dieter taunts him, saying he knows he wants him thrusting his hips into Luke. Luke becomes confused. They get into a fight and both penalized. They both go shower while the game goes on.
Ok. This wasn’t a bad story it just wasn’t for me. There were a lot of football terms. I didn’t quite get and I just didn’t get the violent nature. Having said that, there was a lot of sexual tension and it was hot if you like a rough and tumble type sex.
Guilt ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts Evan is in a bar. He is use to one nightstands and hook ups. He sees a sexy man and approaches. One thing leads to another and he is in Stevens. Evan thinks it’s time for a change. He likes Seven. Suddenly Steve turns on him and makes him leave. Angry Evan goes back the club later and finds Steven again to confront him.
I really liked the premise of his story. This is he sort of story that need t to be longer. I would love to rad more about both of these men. The twist through me for a loop and I sure would like to see what becomes of these two men.
RoMANce ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts Fox Reed is a major name in porn stars and works exclusively for RoMANce studios. He doesn’t like porn for porn sake and only does films with story lines. Jamie Warner is an up and coming actor at a competitor’s studio and has signed to do a movie with Fox. Jamie is always a top and Fox is surprised that Jamie is going to bottom for this film. As soon as he meets Jamie, sparks fly between them. But is there attraction more than just a job?
I have to say that normally the porn type stories aren’t my thing but having said that, this one is an exception. There is a lot of storyline in this short tale and oh, man is the sex smokin hot. It’s a wonder my kindle didn’t catch fire!
This Wave Always Breaks ♥♥♥3 Hearts Karl is faced with his past when his boss hires Daron his ex from 15 years ago as assistant manager.
There is a lot of angst and sadness in this story. There was a lot of potential. This one just fell a bit short for me. I really didn’t connect with Karl. He seemed so whiny and like a teenager not a grown man. I will say that I did find the end to this very satisfactory. There are a lot of characters for such a short story. I do think that if this were a full-length story so that we knew more about the characters and more about Karl, that it would be a pretty good story.
Happy Birthday♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts It’s Lewis’ birthday and he is alone in the office working. A man comes in and proceeds to strip. Being a loner, he can’t figure who would hire him a stripper but he is glad.
Wow. Was this hot! Then the twist came at the end turning a very graphic story into a very sweet one. I loved it.
The Long Road Home♥♥♥3 Hearts Kester has been infatuated with Melek for 5 years though he hasn’t even gone to speak to him. A stranger comes to town and things escalate.
I can’t say much more without spoiling it, but it was a sweet story.
The Rent Collector♥♥♥♥4 Hearts Jacob lives in a slum and can barely make enough to eat little less meat the rent. The collector comes by and is new. He begins having Jacob perform favors in order to stay since his rent is so far behind.
I really liked this. It is a bit angsty and could be considered dubious consent, but once the twist comes at the end, I felt a bit more like I could empathise with William. I felt it was a very sexy story with a satisfying ending. It’s not going to be for everyone but I really liked it a lot.
Homeless♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts
This is one of my favorites of the collection. Michael is a straight man who just broke off with his girlfriend he is rich, handsome and really doesn’t have to have a steady girl. Walking home drunk he stopped in the alley and a young homeless man propositioned him. He gave in and paid but only had $100, so Poe said he owed him another service. Michael swears he won’t be back.
I loved this. It is a bit angsty but it just pushed all my buttons right. I loved the feelings of confusion from Michael and Poe both. It’s sexy with a very good ending. I would have loved more of this story.
Rematch ♥♥♥3 Hearts
This is a second part to the Tale of Two halves. I have to say I liked this one somewhat better. I think if all these parts were combined and this made into a full-length story, it has potential to be very good. I would like to see what happens with Luke and Deiter.
Charlie ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts
I fell in love with Charlie. If I had to pick one favorite of the batch, it would be this one though there a couple close seconds. Charlie is mentally handicapped. He is very childlike but very handsome. Jude is shopping for stuff to make a Charlie Chaplin costume when he meets Charlie and is taken by his looks and charm, though he realizes that Charlie is handicapped and tries to stay away.
Jude has to be applauded for accepting Charlie as the man he is and eventually seeing that he is a wonderful man with needs. I applaud the author for touching on such a topic.
My Love is Me and I am Him
This is more like a poem or flash it’s so short I can say too much but I will say it intrigued me and I’d love to see these men’s story… Controversial… Yes… Intriguing idea? Absolutely.
Heat Level: varies from Low to Explicit with each story
Heart Rating: Overall ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts
Blurb: Bollocks as a word is a little naughty. It’s a little cheeky. It’s a little rude. And it’s the tongue-in-cheek theme for this collection of short stories celebrating all things English.
You’ll discover a bonk is not a typo for somewhere to keep your money.
A shag isn’t something thick and plush under your feet to keep them warm, though it is guaranteed to heat you up!
And as for a snog, the boys of Bollocks! I can assure you, it’s worth finding out what that Brit term means. The stories will make you laugh. They’ll make you snort. They’ll make you blush. Sigh—they’ll probably make you shake your head.
They may even make you want to catch the next flight to England to find something a little British of your own! It’s not just cricket, or jolly hockey sticks, it’s more… it’s the very British, Bollocks!
Reviewer: Pammie
Review: This anthology has a good mix of stories covering a variety of subjects, and genres. The stories range from warm and snuggly to hot and sexy. All feature bollocks in some way, shape, or form. As with any anthology, some stories are stronger than others are, but overall a good read.
Healing by Tabitha McGowan – ♥♥♥3 Hearts Werewolf meets human healer, and snuggling ensues… but not till the danger that’s threatening them both has been dealt with…
This is a shifter tale with a very relevant message about society targeting those who are different and don’t fit in with rigid ideas of ‘normal’. I really liked Immanuil and Tolly, and would read more of this pairing. Sheep’s Clothing Elin Gregory – ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts Meet Darren Murchison: self-employed plumber and reluctant werewolf…
Another shifter tale and I loved it. Darren and Gethin made a great pair, and I loved the way their relationship developed. The authors have their own twist around shifting which I like. Plus the boys are very hot. No Worries Mate E S Skipper – ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts “Who needs a partner when I have this?” Rangi said, opening his arms out as if to encompass the entire island and surrounding ocean. Who indeed…
A contemporary love story, beautiful and sweet, with two great characters who make a really hot couple. This story has the added bonus of being set in my own home country of New Zealand. Loved it. It Could Be You Anyta Sunday – ♥♥♥3 Hearts Ted has just won 15 million quid. Or at least, he would have won 15 million quid if he could find his bloody lotto ticket…
Another contemporary tale. Ted is hunting for his lost lottery ticket, while simultaneously trying to avoid hearing what his straight friend, roommate, and unrequited love Jenson wants to tell him. As they retrace their steps, Ted explains the reasons for the numbers, most of which have a direct connection to Jenson. A short, sweet story. Just Like Pulling Teeth L J Harris – ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts A trip to the dentist has never been so… interesting…
I could so sympathize with Aiden in regards the dentist, but unlike him, I don’t have a deliciously sexy guy looking after my teeth. I loved the ‘meddling’ sister who sets Aiden up with the dentist with a view to looking after both his wisdom teeth and his love life. A great little story and very sexy guys. DIY Delights Taylin Clavelli – ♥♥♥3 Hearts While renovating his first house with his partner, Mike, Duncan discovers a plethora of reasons to use his favorite word… Bollocks!
This one really didn’t hit my buttons. But if you have a fetish for the word bollocks in all its many uses, and the anatomy itself, you may like this quirky little story. In The Blue Moonlight H Lewis-Foster – ♥♥♥♥3.5 Hearts A bottom bared to a local bobby means a night out Simon will never forget.
The couple in this contemporary tale have a rather unique first meeting. A sweet, romantic story where an unusual act of spontaneity has a wonderful outcome for our couple. Written in the Stars Lily Veldin – ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts Who needs a holiday when your destiny is Written in the Stars?
I loved this story. A great mix of toe-curling embarrassment, humor, and a great honesty is the best policy ending for the guys.
Author:edited by Elizabeth L. Brooks with stories from Julia Talbot, Jae Christopher, V.L. Locey, Winnie Jerome, Mychael Black, Cecil Wilde, M. Lee, Tray Ellis, Rob Rosen, L.J. Hamlin and Lorne Rodman
Genre: Anthology: Paranormal/Fantasy/Contemporary and lots of Shifters.
Length: 219 pages
ISBN: ISBN: 978-1-61040-796-0
Publisher: Torquere Press (August 20th, 2014)
Heat Level: All Levels
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
Reviewer: Cat
Blurb: In “Photorealism” by Julia Talbot, nature photographer July has no idea the wolf he’s obsessed with is also a man. In “Black, OneSugar” by Jae Christopher, David blurts out a secret over his morning coffee that could threaten his relationship with Aaron. Romance, fantasy, and danger are just over the next dune in “Night of the Jackal” by V.L. Locey. In “Raising Cain” by Winnie Jerome, a gamer meets a too-good-to-be-true hottie with a secret. In Mychael Black’s “Thrill of the Hunt,” wolf shifter Keeran finds more than he bargains for when he meets Saul Alliaume. In “Tea and Werewolves” by Cecil Wilde, Sev knows there’s more to his newest customer than meets the eye.
In “Packbond“by M. Lee, romance blossoms between Alex and Troy until a stranger with dangerous links to Troy’s past arrives on their doorstep. In “Nuts, Bolts, and Chihuahuas” by Tray Ellis, TJ and Arlo are each expected to take up their respective family businesses, but for Arlo it’s a job with real bite. Rob Rosen’s “The Dingo Ate My Dildo” is mystical, magical tale of love, lust, and things that howl in the night. In “Paw Prints on My Skin” by L.J.Hamlin, sexy werewolf tattoo artist Zack meets cute Labrador shifter Tobias. In “Search and Rescue” by Lorne Rodman, Shapeshifters Clancy needs a new partner for search and rescue work.
Review: Overall, this is a very good collection of shifter stories. There is a little something for everyone, serious, humorous, sweet and really hot. I recommend the anthology but I put my individual reviews and links below so you can pick and choose our favorites if you wish.
“Photorealism” by Julia Talbot, ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
July is on a photography journey to photograph Moose in the wild. A beautiful wolf that seems to be following him and perhaps even playing with him captivates him.
I thought this was a very good story. I was intrigued by
I thought this was a very sexy and sweet story I loved it!
http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=79_93&products_id=4257
“Black, One Sugar” by Jae Christopher- ♥♥♥♥ 4 HeartsDavid and Aaron have just begun dating when David blurts out his secret.
I liked the concept that Lycanthropy was a disease. It was almost as if it’s similar to AIDS. I liked the way these two men discussed and dealt with the topic. I found it a very sexy interesting story.
http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=79_93&products_id=4252 “Night of the Jackal” by V.L. Locey ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
I thought this was a beautifully written story. Is a fabulous tale of survival and love. I also liked that it dealt with a different kind of shifter and established couples. I loved it. It’s sweet and sexy as well.
http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=79_93&products_id=4253
“Raising Cain” by Winnie Jerome ♥♥ 2 Hearts
This doesn’t happen to me often but I just didn’t get this story. It focused so much on the gaming that it felt the shifter part was just thrown in there. I felt it wasn’t very cohesive and I never really was unable to connect to either character. However, if you are a big gaming fan you may like this story a lot. It just wasn’t my cup of tea.
http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=79_93&products_id=4258
Mychael Black’s “Thrill of the Hunt,” ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
I loved this story. It’s rather dark but I loved the take on the finding of a mate, trusting the enemy type story. I found this story very intriguing. There is lots of action and some twists. A very compelling short story.
http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=79_93&products_id=4262
“Tea and Werewolves” by Cecil Wilde, ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
I thought this was a very cute, sweet story. It has a slightly different take on the pack hierarchy and being born or bitten. I would love to read a full story on these guys.
http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=79_93&products_id=4260
“Packbond”by M. Lee, ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
I loved this story. I liked that it was set with humans knowing about Werewolves. I loved the story line and all the characters. I had one issue and it was about the bond between Ethan and Alex. I would have loved more on what happens with Ethan and Alex after all the action that was seemed to be left out. I would live to see this in a full-length story. http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=79_93&products_id=4255
Nuts, Bolts, and Chihuahuas” by Tray Ellis♥♥♥♥ 4 HeartsI absolutely loved this story. I loved that this was an entirely different take on shifters. It is so cute and sweet and lots of fun. I would have liked to read more it seemed to end abruptly.
http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=79_93&products_id=4254
Rob Rosen’s “The Dingo Ate My Dildo♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
This is a short, sassy, and steamy hot story. I love Rob Rosen and he didn’t let us down with this story. I just wish it were longer. He definitely left me wanting more.
http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=79_93&products_id=4261
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“Paw Prints on My Skin” by L.J.Hamlin ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
I really loved the different type of shifters in this story. It was very hot and sexy and yet had a softer side too.
http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=79_93&products_id=4256
“Search and Rescue” by Lorne Rodman♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
I loved that there was a lot more storyline to this one. I liked the interaction of characters and the take on a telepath and shifter teaming up to find people. Great story and also hot!
http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=79_93&products_id=4259
Title: Threshold Series: The Society of Masters, #1 Author: Lynn Kelling Genre: BDSM/Erotica Length: Anthology (50K) Publisher: Forbidden Fiction Publishing (September 9th, 2014) Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts Blurb: Seven stories from one of the masters of M/M erotic romance, Lynn Kelling. These stories give prequels and other insights into two of her most popular series, Deliver Us and Whatever the Cost—both in the world of the Society of Masters. Product Link: http://fantasticfictionpublishing.com/product/threshold-a-lynn-kelling-anthology Reviewer: Tootsie Review: Threshold is an anthology by Lynn Kelling, which corresponds with her Deliver Us Series and Whatever the Cost. She has broken this down into seven short story/novellas giving us a little more insight into the wonderful characters that we love so much.
Since I have already read the Deliver Us series and Whatever The Cost I had previous knowledge of the characters that we read about here. I think if you already know them, as I do, then this was a bonus being able to go back and see where the guys came from and what their life was beforehand. If you haven’t read the series then you are getting first-hand knowledge to their lives and the struggles they have endured giving you more insight as you go into the series. It works fine either way. No matter how you choose the order of your reading, it still is a sweet addition to the storylines. First up is:
EXPECTED LIES – Darrek and Kyle are best friends in high school and it is time for prom. Darrek is excited about going and is trying hard to convince Kyle to go with him. Of course, what Darrek doesn’t know is Kyle already knows he likes boys instead of girls. He can’t find a way to break the news to his best friend so he makes up a few lies to go around the issue. He has someone lined up to spend the evening with. He can’t help it if Darrek assumes it’s a girl.
Back at the prom, however, Darrek realizes he should have stayed with his best friend. These kids will come and go but he will always have his friend. Find out what happens when Darrek shows up early to spend the rest of his evening with Kyle? Misconception about more than one topic comes to the forefront. Will the boys be brave enough to tell their inner most secrets with each other?
DIVINE SURRENDER– Years ahead now, Kyle is looking for a Dom. Someone who is trustworthy, experienced and knows how to give him the things he needs. Things he is unable to give to himself. He sets up a meeting with Ben to see for himself if they have a connection. Ben is intrigued immediately with Kyle and after discussing the do’s and don’ts, what they each expect from the other, they sign a contract. Kyle lives by himself, he doesn’t have any close friends other that Darrek, but he hasn’t even kept in touch with him as much as he should have. He still has nightmares from a childhood experience, something he shares with Darrek, even though Darrek seems to have forgotten or blocked out most of it. Maybe it’s time to get his act together, finally take the plunge for what he needs sexually. He misses Darrek so much, but there are things working on Kyle’s mind that he is unable to share with anyone. Hopefully, now with Ben, those things will change.
Ben is beyond thrilled with having Kyle as his new sub. Gabriel tries to get information from Ben about him but he keeps it close to his chest what he really thinks about him. Kyle is due in for a session and Ben has a plan, with the help of Gabriel, to test his boundaries. Kyle has fallen backwards too many times turning to pills, dangerous sex, or just getting lost in his own head, that he really wants help. He feels certain that Ben is just the man to help him. Will Ben be able to give Kyle what he needs? And if he does, will Ben be able to stay professional about it, or has he fallen too quickly for the beautiful blonde man he now calls his sub?
NEVER HAPPENED– Gabriel has many demons of his own. He was saved close to 10 years ago by Gabriel and Trace. They gave him a home and something to cling to when he wasn’t sure where his next meal would come from. Through the years, Gabriel has worked his way inside Diadem, the BDSM club owned by Trace and up the ladder to where he is now a professional Dom, as well. Ben has always had a part of Gabriel and vice versa. That connection they share will never change. Gabriel can’t help feeling lonely, more so now than ever, since Ben has his own sub, Kyle.
Gabriel knows how to get on Ben’s bad side, something he seems to be doing a lot of lately. He’s not fooling Ben. He knows exactly what he is doing. Ben decides to play his game, but in doing so, he gives Gabriel what he needs. He needs to be dominated by Ben, worked over, and find release. Whether that is sexually or mentally, Ben will make that distinction himself. He has always known what Gabe needs, he knows how to push, how to read his signals. Regardless if Ben has his own sub now, he will not push Gabriel away or leave him to stumble on his own. Unbeknownst to them, Kyle witnesses their session. Struggling with his own feelings and reservations, he tries to do as Ben asks. Will they both be able to get what they need from Ben? Or will there be too many hurt feelings and bad mistakes to get past?
PLEASURE OR PARADISE – Gabriel and Darrek have been together two years now. After experiencing some horrible tragedies, they decide to take a break from the real world and just be together, the two of them. Everyday life has a way of intruding and before you realize you are just going along with the motions. Gabriel and Darrek agree they need time together. They want to re-energize their relationship, go back to how they were when they first came together. Taking a few months off from the real world, Gabriel and Darrek go to a tropical island in the Florida Keys. The resort is for fulltime 24/7 master/slave relationships. Everyone at the island is in the same situation. What makes the island so special, there’s no judgement or incrimination because everyone is in a Dom/Sub relationship.
Gabriel needs to push Darrek, change things up, and help him to remember what it is that makes them so special to each other. Darrek finds that even after 2 years Gabriel can still bring him to his knees, literally, with a look or a simple word. To keep from going stagnant within their relationship Gabriel tries to help Darrek come to terms with some of his hang-ups. Public viewing being one of them, but Gabriel has a plan, one he feels sure will help Darrek step out in front of all the eyes on the island. Of course, what goes around comes around. Darrek will get his time as well when they trade off positions. Will Darrek be able to do what Gabe wants him to do? He is struggling with the scene Gabriel has laid out for him. This will take all of his courage if he goes through with it. It also could strengthen their relationship, something they need desperately. Will Darrek go through with Gabe’s plan, and if he does, how will he get back at Gabriel for putting him in such an embarrassing situation?
ESCAPE– In this story, we have the previous lives of Jacen and Liam who we got to know in Whatever the Cost. Liam convinces Jacen to tell him about his abusive and torturous past. They both go under new names and identity now that they have moved on but to go back into that world, even just in their minds, is a hard thing to do.
Travis, now Jacen, back at home in his mind, tells of the struggles and mind games he had to endure as a teenager. All to the horrible, demeaning actions of his neighbour. Afraid for himself, his brother, and his family, Travis goes along with the abuse thinking he is saving the others. It was hard reading this, as no one wants to experience or be a witness to this type of sickness. However, Travis experienced it, lived it, and was brave enough to do something about it, therefore, making me want to be there for his journey. Liam is there, holding him tightly, as he subjects himself, once again, to that time in his life. He is a very brave, smart, and kind soul who, with the help of his beautiful and wonderful Liam, can now move on with his life and the future they make for themselves, together.
TRICK AND TRUTH– This story follows along with Avery and Timothy and their time in the foster care system. The boys are young and pretty much have to take care of themselves. The foster parents are in it for the money and very seldom see to the care or needs of the boys. Timothy is quite sick and not able to get out of bed often. Avery knows he needs medicine and the only way he can think to get it for him is prostituting himself for money. How hard could it be? His housemate, Jimmy, does it all the time. So with some of Jimmy’s make up and his wardrobe, Avery sets out to do what he feels he has no other choice, and that is to save Timmy, whatever the cost may be to him.
Avery succeeds in getting medicine but Timmy questions him profusely about how he was able to get it. It’s tearing him up thinking Avery may have done something horrible on his behalf. Avery cannot bring himself to tell what he went through, even though it will haunt him, to get the much needed medicine. He knows right now, with Jimmy’s failing health, it is better to lie than to upset him.
Will Avery convince him he didn’t do anything inappropriately to get the medicine? If Timmy doesn’t take the medicine, he will only get worse and that is something Avery cannot deal with. He cannot lose his Timmy, even if he has to lie.
BETWEEN HERE AND THERE – The boys have aged out of the foster care system and are now on their own. Avery and Jimmy struggle to make ends meet but they are in it together, no matter what happens. Avery is having a hard time keeping thoughts at bay as he continually remembers seeing Timmy with other guys. He even allows him to take a picture of him blissed out after incredible sex for his own. Something he can keep and look at. He definitely doesn’t want anyone else to see it, but Timmy thinks differently.
Avery feels it is important for both of them to start using condoms. Timmy has put them in some bad situations so to keep things from getting worse. He hands over a condom for Timmy to use. They both know what the other is thinking but he puts it on anyway. He will do whatever is necessary to protect the person that means more to him than anything.
Lynn Kelling has put together seven stories to further complete her Deliver Us series and Whatever the Cost. She has given us a deeper insight into all the characters’ lives and the struggles they faced getting away and into a better life. I don’t normally read anthologies, mainly because I like longer, stories that are more involved. However, for me, this was a must read.
It is a remarkable gift when an author gives us more history to go along with the stories we already love so much. I have really enjoyed going through each one of these and having some questions answered and basically getting to know each one on a deeper level. Lynn has created many amazing and beautiful characters within her series and to have a chance to only increase what we already know was quite a bonus.
As I mentioned earlier, if you haven’t read the main stories already, having this beforehand will only give you a much better understanding of where they are now. Lynn Kelling is an incredible author who devotes a lot of herself, her time, and research to give us the best she can in her books. You only have to read one to figure that out. So, if you haven’t read any, I would strongly encourage you to go for it. If you have read her books, again I would strongly encourage you to pick up this anthology and savour it, like fine wine, for the gift it is.
Author: Julia Talbot, Yolande Kleinn, Missouri Dalton, Nicole McCormick,
BA Tortuga, Penn E. Loaffer, Jon Key, Mychael Black,
Genre: Western Romance
Length: Anthology~153 pages
ISBN: 978-1-61040-781-6
Publisher: Torquere Press (July 22nd, 2014)
Heat Level: Overall Explicit (some stories had low to moderate)
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
Reviewer: Cat
Blurb: It’s time to ride hard for cattle country! In “Where the Men are Men” by Julia Talbot, Skeet’s not the brightest guy around, but he still manages to surprise Donnie. In “Sage and Sand” by Yolande Kleinn, when Bram Caldwell’s stage route is attacked by bandits, his only hope lies with vigilante Marshall Maddox. In “Devilry Done” by Missouri Dalton, Luke’s out to get Ambrose back, but he might just get himself killed in the process. Birch is a champion bull rider who wants to try some of his moves out with bullfighter Lucas in “Eight Seconds” by Nicole McCormick.
In BA Tortuga’s “Hoping for a Good Break,” Colby left his man, Alan, with harsh words that are made unbearable by the misfortune of a riding mishap. “Asher, James, Glenn, and Gregg” by Penn E. Loaffer introduces us to four SoCal friends: a transplanted Colorado cowboy, two San Diego natives, and a Brit who proves that not all English are “proper.” In “Showstring” by Jon Keys, two men with wildly different backgrounds meet at the state fair, but is Jayden’s baggage going to spoil everything? In “Come Undone” by Mychael Black, Bryce Caldwell’s first impression of Ricky Clements is a whirlwind in black.
Review: Each book is also sold separately (except for Asher, James, Glenn and Gregg) in case you want to buy just one or two or have a favourite you’d like to have by itself! I have included individual reviews and buy links, but they are so good I think you will love them all!
Where the Men are Men by Julia Talbot ♥♥♥
I have to say I felt a bit lost here in the beginning. I believe this must be from a series. The sexual tension between the characters was very good. I would have liked this to have been longer and perhaps mention if it’s from a series and what it is. I could not get a good feeling of either character. I did feel however, it was a good premise to a hot sexy romance. This book can be bought by itself:
http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=66&products_id=4226
Sage and Sand” by Yolande Kleinn, ♥♥♥♥♥
Bram work at his father’s stage, normally in at the desk. His father decides he is man enough to go on the road so he is sent on a three day dangerous Journey. I can’t say very much more without a spoiler but WOW this one is really good. And hot. The action is so well depicted I could see the guns a blazing and the sex …well its smokin!! This is definitely one to read especially if you like the old west, gunfights, and steamy hot first time mansex!
You can by this book alone:
http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=66&products_id=4229
Devilry Done by Missouri Dalton ♥♥♥♥♥
Lucas has a secret his brother found out and is blackmailing him. Actually, Lucas has several secrets. Lucas sets a dangerous plan in motion that he hopes gets his brother out of his hair for good, and perhaps even brings him more. He sets himself up in danger and knows that Ambrose will come, but he isn’t sure what he will do. There is lots of action set in this old west story, with a bit of a twist, I am not sure if you would call it paranormal or not. I’ll let you decide when you meet Lulu. Overall, it’s a very beautiful story. I loved it! You can by this one by itself at:
http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=66&products_id=4232
Eight Seconds by Nicole McCormick. ♥♥♥♥
Eight seconds are yet another very lovely story. It is a modern-day bull-riding story as the title suggests. Birch is good at hanging on for his 8 seconds but isn’t all wrapped up in his notoriety and status. Lucas is a bullfighter and one of the best. Both men share an attraction with each other. Can they be more than friends? I found this to be a very beautifully written saga of two men on a path of friendship and perhaps even more. I would love to see a full story about these guys! If you want a copy of this one by itself, you can find the link here:
http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=66&products_id=4233
BA Tortuga’s Hoping for a Good Break ♥♥♥♥
Alan is out on a rodeo and one of his friends has a fall and is critically injured. Alan realizes how short life is and hopes Colby will welcome him home.
This one is a real tearjerker. My only issue was it read as if it was part of a series or something. I would have loved to know why Alan thought Colby wouldn’t welcome him home and more about each character, having said that the story was absolutely amazing and if it is part of a series, I want the books!
http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=66&products_id=4231
Asher, James, Glenn, and Gregg by Penn E. Loaffer♥♥♥♥
This story is quite different form the others so far. It is about four young men in college. At first, I was a bit shocked. Asher after being so devastated from a breakup and balking so hard at meeting Gregg, as soon as they met, they headed to bed. The sex was pretty hot though. Then there was a major twist! I cried my eyes out. This is definitely one worth reading.
http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=4228
Showstring by Jon Keys ♥♥♥♥
Ben is showing some cattle at a fair to get buyers interested in his father ranch. Jayden has always dreamed of working on a ranch or with animals and is infatuated with the animals. And the attraction to Ben goes against everything his father has instilled in him.
This is a very lovely story of a man supressing his desires in so many ways and conforming to what his father wants of him. I loved the descriptions of the animals and the budding love between Ben and Jayden. It’s beautiful and sweet. I will definitely be looking for more of Jon Keys books.
Come Undone by Mychael Black, ♥♥♥♥♥
And what a finale! I am a big Mychael Black fan and this story was amazing!
Bryce is an older man and has a small ranch out in the woods where he is away from the hustle f the world. He is in town when a young man is thrown into his life(literally) he doesn’t know why but he takes the young man out for breakfast and once he hears the man’s story he finds him-self offering a lot more.
I loved both Bryce and Ricky and would love more of their story!
I think it was my favourite of them all though they were all definitely worth reading!
http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=66&products_id=4230
Overall if you like westerns, present or past, sweet or bittersweet, steaming hot or soft and sensual, and of course cowboys…this is definitely for you!
Blurb: Porn stars, holy emissaries, demons, and even just plain humans—ninjas come in all forms and from all kinds of Hell in this erotically charged comedic Wilde City anthology! Whether it’s the world of second-rate television, fluttering ninja stars, obsessions over a bronzy-olive toned soldier, or magic backsides, your authorial guides will take you where few readers have ever dared to go…without protection. Purchase Link: http://www.wildecity.com/books/gay-mainstream/butt-ninjas-from-hell/ Review: This is an anthology and a bit of a bizarre one at that. It gives you ninja’s and hell folk all the way around. I was quite surprised by it but it was missing quite a bit for me to truly love. I love the authors imagination and gift at telling a story. It is pretty amazing, but not enough to make me want to read it again. I will tell you though it kept me laughing through the whole book, which gives it higher points all together. I love the characters you can’t help but fall in love with them. It will catch your attention and keep it all the way to end. Clean Up On Aisle Me ♥♥♥3Hearts
Jonny’s mundane life gets a stealth makeover when he discovers a band of ninjas fighting off hell spawn in the party store where he works. After a close encounter of the super-gross kind, Jonny and his ninja mentor, Bert, have an encounter of their own, this one much hotter. Jonny’s on board for joining the merry band of good guys in black—and for taking things further with Bert—but first he’ll need to prove he’s up for both tasks.
They go after phantasms, incubi, imps and even wendigo’s but Jonny seems to be going after Bert. This was funny and incredibly weird. One minute he is griping about having to work and the next he is seeing ninja’s.
It is a cute little story, but like I said weird. It is part of this strange but exciting anthology. I would recommend it for the laughs alone. Shae will give you some good stories if this one is anything to go by. A great imagination and a gift for telling a story.
Sheathing His Sword ♥♥2Hearts
It is porno time with two hot and sexy men, lots of sex and ok they never actually get to the sex part because the one who wrote the story never told his family and friends that he makes gay porn or the fact that he is gay.
Aiden and Nicky were supposed to be making a porn about a man in the kitchen getting a big surprise from a ninja breaking into his apartment. Only there is a bit of surprises to both. Well one is the father of course, but then there is this plant on the windowsill that he wasn’t expecting.
I am not sure what to say about this story other than the fact that it was funny as hell. I couldn’t even get any air in my lungs because I was too busy laughing at it. It is a cute little story that when you want a humorous story or need one this is the one to pick.
Twink Ninja Tiger, Flaxen Buns of Fury ♥♥2Hearts
Ok the first two stories in this anthology were funny but this one took the top. I mean at first it seems like it is a group of men swearing chastity, studding the ways of life and being monks, but it is a bunch of guys trying to be ninja’s. Butt Ninjas to be truthful.
“We mean no disrespect,” Master Beard attempted to put the man at ease. “We were simply expecting Father Leviticus, who’s been visiting us regularly for the past several decades, and you took us by surprise. Word is typically sent to us if there’s been a change, even a temporary one.” “This was rather sudden,” the figure explained. “Father Leviticus ate some bad shellfish and is attempting to maintain cleanliness.” “Through prayer and water?” “Mostly with Depends. Anyway, rather than get everybody’s frock and habit in a twist upstairs, he asked if I’d fill in for him since he’s been training me for it anyway. In essence, I’m the emissary for the emissary.” “I’m not entirely sure what that makes you.” “Think of me as Emissary Lite or a cousin by marriage once removed who married one of his brothers or sisters, only in a God-like way, not the Southern Baptist way, but just until I complete my training. Now—” He turned and looked around at the large welcome room, searching for anything that would indicate where the interior doors on the other side led. “Is there somewhere I can freshen up and make myself adorably cute again? I also have to drain my main boy box like there’s no mañana.”
Ashton is an emissary sent to them to study and teach, however everything that comes out of his mouth is very sexual even though it isn’t meant to. Ky is close to the end of his training, but when they are all in the bath water and Ashton is talking about daddies, sexual positions and being a virgin, well let’s just say that night he was not any longer and neither was the head of the place.
It is a funny little story but weird as can be. I am not too sure what else to say about this book, but if you want a short story that will cheer you up then this is the book to pick up.
Twerk It ♥♥♥3Hearts
What happens when a demon slayer goes hunting in Hell? Twerk it, baby.
L’lousche is a minor sex demon with short-shorts, tall boots, a Hell Kitty t-shirt, and a magic backside. When he shakes that ass, no soul in Hell or on Earth can resist the urge to sin. Not even the demon slayer who’s supposed to kill him.
Well this was one of the better stories in this book. I mean it was still funny but it had just a bit of danger to it. A major demon gets caught by a minor sex demon, gets paranoid that Satan will find out so he wants to take out the sex demon. So he hires Hugo who happens to be a demon slayer to kill L’lousche. Only Hugo see’s Llousche and wants him for his own. Now to kill the one who hired him to kill the other.
This is a cool story, better if it had been longer with more detail. It would have made an excellent novella or even a novel if it had been in more detail. It was good and I think that once you start reading it you will want to read the rest of the book.
Hell Is Where the Heart Is ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts
All he wanted was Diomede but Diomede didn’t want him. Or that was what he was told by his mother Big Deal of the Sixth Level of Hell. However, that was not the truth in fact Diomede had been told by his mother Big Deal of the Fifth Level of Hell and Noorvik’s mother.
Noorviks mother had told him it was time for grandbabies and that he was to have a mate. She started bringing out female demons but all he wanted to do was scream that he was gay. So with the help of a friend he attends a party to find a human male. What he had not expected was Dillon was in fact Diomede.
This was a better story then the others. It actually gives you something to grab on to. It gives you two sexy men or should I say demons that want each other. The problem was each time they had gotten together in the past they ended up with earthquakes, hurricanes, and other natural disasters. It is an awesome story.
Ninja, Vanish ♥♥2Hearts
Dallas, Marc, Alec, and Colt were actors. Very bored actors who did rainbow ninja’s shows on Saturday for the kiddies. Now they would do anything to get a real acting job. Although I doubt they meant to work for Hell.
Colt signed the contract that Asmodeus shows him. He works for Hell for one year to show the people who hell is where the action is. It wasn’t till the end that he finds out who not only he is working as, but also it had turned out so were his friends. Now they just have to figure out how to turn it all around.
This was one of the stranger stories, but not as bad as one expects. It has a cool plot to it, but is still very strange. It will definitely have you on the edge of your seat laughing your ass off with it though.
The Soldier and the Vagabond ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts
This was one of the cuter stories. Kioshi was the vagabond and all he had wanted was food. He was starving so one day he had coned the owner of the store to go look at some other food for him when he had stolen two apples. He had thought he had got away when a soldier caught him. He knew that in Japan the price of stealing is the loss of a hand. He had to get this soldier to spare him.
Tamotsu was a Genin Soldier to Shonin Momochi Sandayu. This is a mercenary for the Shonin. He had stopped the young thief only to find himself wanting this man for his own. He paid the merchant for the apples and let Kioshi go. Kioshi had been attracted once more by a bully. Tamotsu saved him again and then when Kioshi looked for him, he had found himself in a little bit of trouble. Tamotsu wanted him for the rest of his life.
This story is better than a few of the others, because it actually gives you a story line that you can follow and characters that will charm you. It is cute and it will keep your attention through it all. I wished it were longer because it would have made a great long read.
A Ninja Walks Into A Bar ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts
Nikita sends Akira to bring Delos to hell. He was to do a test but either way he was not going back home. What Nikita had not realized was that Delos, also known as Dallas was actually neutral. He would never choose evil or good. Akira who is also known as Ki wants Dallas for the rest of his life but he knew that Dallas would not survive. He was to die at the hands of Nikita.
Nikita is actually Dallas father and a lord from Hell. He wants his son killed before he takes over the reins. Ki will do everything in his power to help Dallas, but he was not as strong as his lord. He was a demon ninja.
This story has way too many characters to try to figure out. It is a good story but bizarre. I think that had it been an actual novel it would get high points. It has all the major points that brings a story to an amazing end. It gives you sexy men, hot sex. There is a kink factor, danger, excitement and a bit of adventure in it.
Blurb:When architect Brian Townsend meets, a man dressed as Zorro at a Halloween party it seems like a chance hookup, but Brian is attracted and it takes more effort than he originally thought just to find out the man’s name. NYPD homicide detective Tristan Blake comes from old money, which he loathes and an idealistic streak burns within him to do a job that serves a purpose. A previous lover scorned him as a time when he was most vulnerable, after the death of friend, and Tristan is slow to trust what appears to a developing relationship between him and Brian.
Beer tasting, a broken window, a fall down a flight of stairs, a grenade and a violent attack on Brian, what do these all have in common? Each one brings Tristan an inch closer to trusting Brian with his heart.
Review: This is a collection of ten short stories all bundled into one nice package. I absolutely love Brian and Tristan. Two hot and sexy men overcoming all doubts and heartache and turning them into gifts of love and passion. I loved how Tristan has to overcome his trust issues to allow himself into falling in love with the sexy architect Brian. A.R. has a wonderful gift for storytelling. She gives you characters that you can believe in and stand beside. Ones you will fall in love with and cheer them when they need it. That is exactly what I did too when Tristan doesn’t trust Brian not to hurt him. I was cheering Brian on through the whole story.
Crimson Regret ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Brian sets out for a Halloween party dressed as the devil, but he’s not expecting to get up to anything wicked, not until he meets Zorro. Zorro is exactly what Brian needs, and everything Brian can handle. But masks and intrigue are the game on Halloween; if Brian doesn’t uncover Zorro’s true identity, how will he ever find him again?
Oh, this one is amazing. It has some bad puns, great costumes and two sexy men. Not to mention a little hot action in a closet. Which is a bit strange because you come out of the closet after telling everyone you are gay and here they go into the closet to get some hot action? Two very talented mouths.
I would definitely be recommending this story. If you love a detective and an architect, sexy men, bad puns and the closet then this story would be one you would love to read. I cannot wait to read book two, because it shows the whole story of these wonderful men. Brian goes to a Halloween party that his friend is throwing and meets sexy Tristan. Although he hadn’t known his name till his friends husband lets him know who he is. He is absolutely wanting to get to know more of this hot man.
A Taste of Darkness ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
When Brian met Tristan at a Halloween party in Crimson Regret, they were in disguise. Tristan might be a detective, but Brian’s the one who does the investigating and tracks Tristan down for a date. The chemistry is as good as ever, but Tristan brings with him a shadow that leaves Brian in the dark when it comes to making things right.
This story would make a grown man cry. It was so heart breaking what a detective has to deal with. I couldn’t believe Tristan had to deal with things like that and to see it would tear anyone up. Brian invites Tristan out for beer and they end up back at Brian’s. After some hot sex, Brian is left with questions on why Tristan is the way he is. After seeing the paper, he understands.
I absolutely loved this story and can see how hard it is for someone who is a police officer to get over certain things. I cannot wait to see where their future leads. I am so pleased with book one and two that I can imagine book three is going to be awesome.
I would recommend this story to anyone who wants to see two men showing a little emotion. It is a wonderful read.
A Glimpse Inside ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Brian isn’t sure if he and Tristan are dating, but they’re definitely seeing each other again. Tristan has always been quiet about his personal and professional life; Brian understands the latter; Tristan’s job as a homicide detective doesn’t make for light talk, but that doesn’t mean Brian doesn’t want to know more about Tristan. A little persistence goes a long way when Brian’s brief foray into Tristan’s home turns into a brief glimpse of Tristan’s life and how he became the man who Brian can’t let slip away.
Brian and Tristan are hot and heavy but Brian doesn’t really know if they are dating or just hooking up. You can tell by the way Tristan talks that in his heart he wants more, but he seems scared to try. Whereas Brian definitely wants Tristan for more than just a hookup or a couple of hours here and there.
It is told with such a tender tone. The sex is definitely heating up, but it still feels like one night stands. It does show you that there will be more, however it also tells you that you need patience to get to the really good juicy stuff. I love the way that Brian and Tristan are slowly trusting each other with some of the smaller stuff.
I would recommend reading this story because it will make you smile and sigh. It is a wonderful little story and it leads you to another story that should be just as great if not better. You get to see what is going to happen when you cross your fingers.
Windows and Walls ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Broken windows and damaged walls need mending in Tristan Blake’s turn of the century brownstone. Who better than Tristan’s new boyfriend architect Brian Townsend to aid in the repair? But there are more things broken in Tristan’s life than just a window. Running late, without time to change for a party the two are planning to attend, Tristan picks up Brian still wearing his police dress blues. Frisking might only be the beginning to hotter events.
Oh, now we are getting somewhere, Tristan and Brian still have a ways to go but now it seems that Brian might get his man. I loved this story just as much as the first three. Tristan has such a big heart and he is just learning to slowly feel something for Brian, although it is not said you can just feel it.
The sex just seems to get even better with these two. And Brian has this thing for men in uniform. Well he isn’t the only one. I would be a slave to a man in uniform, which makes these stories just hotter knowing that there is a sexy man wearing it. You can also tell that each man has deeper feelings, big hearts, and tender lives. I would definitely be recommending this book to anyone who is looking for a story that will keep you smiling and wishing these two men love forever.
Head Over Hills ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Tristan Blake’s job as a homicide detective is occasionally dangerous, but Brian tends to think of that danger in terms of guns and knives. When Tristan shows up on Brian’s doorstep late one night, injured by a tumbledown a flight of subway steps while chasing a suspect, Brian is shocked by the damage. Will Brian’s gentle care allow Tristan to edge another emotional inch closer to his lover?
Injured in an arrest, Tristan seeks out Brian for help. What he gets is an open, caring, and wonderful man. Brian not only brings him in but also tells him that he will be there for him no matter what. Tristan slowly opens up to let Brian know who had hurt him emotionally and of course, Brian wants to tear the man apart.
It is heating up and I love that about this story. It is amazing and I cannot get enough of it. I look forward to reading the next story in this wonderful book. It tells you about two very hot and sexy men, tender kisses, heartbreaking stories and some water play.
I would recommend this story to anyone looking for a little tenderness and two very sexy men. I can’t wait to read the next story telling about these wonderful men.
Police Navidad ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Detective Tristan Blake spends Christmas day at work. This is a conscious choice on his part, because it provides him with a magnificently convenient excuse to avoid his unsupportive family. It’s an equally planned choice to spend Christmas night with his lover Brian Townsend. Dinner with friends of Brian’s is followed by a heartfelt gift exchange at Tristan’s brownstone, but when the morning brings a visit from Tristan’s furious mother, can Brian weather the storm?
Now Tristan’s family needs to be hung from the rafters. What a hateful person it is who treats their family like crap for loving someone they don’t approve of. I have never understood parents. When you are given a child you are supposed to love them unconditionally and just because they love men, you put conditions on your love. That is so totally wrong.
Brian finally tells Tristan how he feels about him and it seems to be heading that away with Tristan. I love the tender way Brian cares for Tristan. It shows that he loves him even more than the words do. It makes me cry with the way they feel. I love the way these two men act with each other.
You have got to read this book. You will fall in love with these two very sexy men in a heartbeat. They are caring, open and so very loving that you can’t help but feel deeply about them. I cannot wait to read the next story.
Auld Acquaintance ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Brian and Tristan, architect and cop, are still feeling their way toward a serious relationship. Tristan, a bit of a renegade from his upper-class moneyed family, avoids the party circuit as much as possible. To please Brian, he agrees to go to an exclusive up-scale New Year’s Eve party. Unfortunately, Tristan’s narcissistic ex-boyfriend, Eric, attends the same party. Ex-lovers really can be trouble!
I hate cruel exes, especially when they are messing with the boyfriend. It just shows you how stupid people can be. It also makes me happy when that ex see’s that the man he left behind has not only found someone else but someone better.
It is cute that Tristan wants to beat the crap out of Eric for hurting his man. I can’t help but fall in love with these two very sexy men. You can just feel the love coming from them. It makes you smile just reading this book. I am so glad to have had the chance to read these wonderful stories.
Tabled Discussions ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Brian Townsend is looking forward to the weekend. He and his lover, Tristan Blake, are finally going to use the weekend reservations at a popular B&B that Tristan had given Brian for Christmas. It’s not quite Valentine’s Day, but Brian has packed a few extras to make their weekend special. The timing is excellent because Tristan’s job as a homicide detective has made it difficult for the two men to spend time together lately. Sometimes though, old baggage can interpose itself despite the best intentions of everyone concerned. Some wounds just take longer than a day or two to heal–even with a large dose of love and patience. Brian isn’t going to let go, but how far will Tristan let him in this time?
Even with the titles of the books, you can tell that there are a lot of bad puns. I can’t help but laugh at them. Each story just gets better and better what with these two sexy men finding themselves more in love than ever. Although it is not said by, Tristan you can tell by his actions that he is falling in love with Brian.
I have noticed that even though you know that Tristan was treated wrongly by not only his family but by his ex, he seems to be in so much more of a need to love than Brian. Although Brian says it first and shows it in all of his actions. It just seems that Tristan needs it more. I love that about the strong detective. His feelings are on his sleeve, even when he is hurting or angry Brian can calm Tristan down and get him to smile.
Brian also seems to want to help decorate Tristan’s house. I love this book and cannot wait to read the next book.
Pulling the Pin ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Brian is overseeing the remodel of a 40’s era home when he and his crew find someone’s souvenir from World War II: a grenade. When Tristan, Brian’s cop boyfriend, stops by with a friend from the bomb squad to check and see if their find is the real deal, Tristan gets a whole different perspective on Brian. A hardhat, work boots, denim, and flannel are not just a whole lot of sexy on the normally more professionally dressed Brian. They are kind of tough looking too. Maybe Brian can handle all the parts of Tristan’s life, even the tough bits. Sometimes, the small things can lead to some pretty big changes.
Well this had almost been an explosive day for Brian. Working on an old home they came across a grenade. I would have loved to see Tristan’s expression when Brian calls him for help. It would have been funny as hell.
I love the way they seem to be growing together. Seeing the compassion, tenderness and love each man has for the other just makes me smile. It is so breath-taking to know that two strong men can feel so much for the other and actually show it in their actions. I loved this story. In fact, as each story grows I love the next one even more.
Vulnerability ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Sometimes it takes an unexpected disaster to transform a perspective. Brian Townsend forgets some architectural plans that he needs for a project. He makes the mistake of going back and getting them–in a risky part of town, at night. Tristan Blake’s heart stops when he gets an emergency cell call from his lover Brian. When his heart starts beating again, Tristan’s view of his world is changed. It’s time to be brave. Is Tristan finally ready to knock down that last wall?
Oh, I change my mind. This story is the one I love. It was amazing, tender, caring, and so full of love. Tristan finally tells Brian he loves him. Granted Brian had scared the living daylights out of him, but it made him realize how much he loves this man. And the fact that he wants to spend the rest of his life with Brian.
I wish that there were more to this couple because it is so full of heat, passion, and love. I think that Brian and Tristan are probably the best characters I have found. It was beautifully written with a humor and a touch of seriousness and pain. It has made it into my favorite list. I would love to read more by A. R… A gift of storytelling is what this wonderful author has.
I would recommend going out and getting this wonderful book. It will make you smile, cry, and give you a bit of heart ache. It was beautifully written. With the perfect ending.
Blurb:From soldiers fighting on a virtual battlefield to werewolves and trolls living on mountains, the four short stories in this collection all take place in a world not quite our own.
In The Champion, Maxim and Dorian are secret lovers in a world where men are not allowed to love each other and wars are fought by men on a virtual battlefield. Maxim is the Black Champion, but will his bravery extend to his love life as well?
Next up is The Mountain, a fairy-tale style story featuring a village lad who is fascinated by the mountain that looms over his home, and the supposed beastly troll that lives within its caves.
Wolf Unexpected and Ten Things to Hate About Being a Werewolf are two urban fantasies featuring shapeshifters who are new to being werewolves. Can their heroes each find someone to help them find joy and happiness in their new situation?
Review: This is an anthology of four short stories that will show you a life into the paranormal world. They all take place in a world not quite their own. You have Maxim and Dorian in The Champion. Then you have Jacob and Trogarth in The Mountain Troll. Eric and Jude are from Wolf Unexpected. Last but not least are Todd and Granger from Ten Things to Hate about Being a Werewolf. Eight very hot and sexy men just trying to find their way through life. It is too short for my liking. I would hope that each story would be longer in length, showing how they got to where they were at, where they were going, what is most important in their lives. It gets you caught but then leaves you with more questions than answers.
The Champion ♥♥♥3Hearts
Black Champion Maxim has to defend his Prince on a virtual battleground. In his world of battle, love is forbidden, but his lover Dorian wants more than Maxim might be able to give. After a successful fight against the Crimson Champion, Dorian takes Maxim to the baths for his reward. Can Maxim accept Dorian’s gift of love?
This would have been a very awesome read if it were longer. I loved the characters, they way they take solace in each other. At first, you would think that since they fight on a virtual battlefield that they don’t get injured or die, but in this story that is the opposite of what happens. These two men love each other with all their hearts, but in their world they can be the solders that they are, can be whatever they want to each other, but love was not allowed. It seems very wrong to me, but who knows.
I really think that had this story been over a hundred pages longer that it would be a five-heart rating, but for such a short story, it will rate a three. I would recommend this to those who love short hot stories with very sexy men who love one another, danger and excitement.
The Mountain Troll ♥♥2Hearts
A fairy-tale style story featuring a village lad who is fascinated by the mountain that looms over his home, and the supposed beastly troll that lives within its caves. Except this beast looked human. A very hot and sexy human. Jacob always wanted if troll’s were real. So when the offerings stayed where they were, he went and checked on the troll. What he got was a scare that made him pass out.
Waking to the troll, he realized Trogarth looked human. A man that he wanted. This story was very bizarre and I am not really sure about it. It left me with lots of questions and no answers. It shows how they meet and then no real content afterwards. Then all of a sudden, he was going to live with the troll. No real sex to it at all, not really any plot at all. It was cute, but not fulfilling to me.
If you want a really cute story but only for a rush then this would be, a great read to pick up. I would however rather it had a true story line, more about each character where they come from, how they end up where they are at, just more to the story.
Wolf Unexpected ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Something very strange is happening to Eric. He’s been feeling itchy for days, as if his skin doesn’t fit him anymore. Under the light of the full moon, he takes off out of the city and finds himself on a farm, feeling more strange and confused than ever.
Jude is the son of a werewolf, and when he meets Eric, he knows exactly what the man is. Can Jude convince Eric that he isn’t going crazy, and that everything is going to be just fine, even with the worst of the unexpected going on?
Now this story is cute and very strange. I loved it. However, I would have loved it more if it would have continued. I hope that this story comes out in another book with more words added to it. Eric had been itchy for days, and he has no clue why. Then all of a sudden after taking a walk, he turns in to a wolf.
If it hadn’t been for Jude’s help he would have either lost his mind or been killed by hunters. It needs to have lots of sex added to this story. However, it really is just a sweet story about two men. I would recommend this story if you love then short and sweet, two hot and sexy men, and a bit of wishful thinking. I can see myself reading this one again.
Ten Things to Hate about Being a Werewolf ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
There are a lot of things that Todd doesn’t like about being a werewolf. In fact, he’s pretty sure he can name at least ten things he hates off the top of his head, from his new diet of raw meat to the fact that there doesn’t seem to be any other gay werewolves.
Can an encounter with a stranger who smells divine turn everything around? Or is he doomed to hate his new nature forever?
I actually laughed at this one. It is not only the title that had me laughing, but also they way it was written. It has a humors beat to it and I loved it. I would say out of this collection of short stories that this one would be number one for me. I loved the way Todd acts about being a werewolf. He was warned but hadn’t believed it when he had been asked to bitten by one of his many one night stands. Now he was stuck with no idea how he would survive or what he was to do.
Thankfully, Granger, another werewolf knew at sight that Todd was new to this life and would help him. Although it had more to do with Todd being his mate, then to actually help him. Like I said, it was a really cute story. I would recommend this to anyone who loves paranormals, shapeshifters, two hot sexy men, and a tender love story. I do wish there had been more sex in this one because I get the feeling that it would have been majorly hot.
Hey everyone, today we are bringing you a great new anthology Foolish Hearts, each story was carefully chosen by editors Timothy J. Lambert and R. D. Cochrane and our Gigi was pretty impressed with this collection of stories so take a look at what she had to say! ~Pixie~
Take a Chance on Love!
Following the critically acclaimed anthology Fool for Love, editors Timothy J. Lambert and R. D. Cochrane bring together a new compilation to appeal to sensual appetites. Foolish Hearts: New Gay Fiction is a collection of seventeen passionate yet lustful gay romance stories, ranging from the adrenaline-pumping days of youth to the heartbreaking nights of middle-aged romance. Readers are taken on a joyride through the wild memories and fantasies of well-known erotica writers, such as Felice Picano, Andrew Holleran, and Greg Herren. Escape to new worlds while rediscovering the intense and beautiful emotions associated with falling punch-drunk, head-over-heels in love.
“Every once in a while a book comes along that completely bowls me over. It shakes me out of any reading ennui I may be experiencing and reminds me once again of the reasons for my love of the written word.”
—The Indie Reviewer, (praise for Fool for Love)
About the Editors
Timothy J. Lambert is an accomplished gay erotica writer. His stories have been appeared in Best Gay Love Stories and The Mammoth Book of New Gay Erotica.
R. D. Cochrane has published short stories and two novels, Coventry Christmas and Coventry Wedding. Together they have co-published several written works, including The Deal; Three Fortunes in One Cookie;and Someone Like You. Both writers reside in Houston, TX, and can be found online at timothyjlambert.com and beckycochrane.com.
Foolish Hearts
New Gay Fiction
Edited by Timothy J. Lambert and R. D. Cochrane
$15.95, Trade Paperback
240 pages, 5 ½ ” x 8”
978-1-62778-005-6
Publishing on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2014
Contact: Eva Gantz at egantz@cleispress.com, 510-845-8000
Title: Foolish Hearts: New Gay Fiction
Series: Anthology
Author: Edited by Timothy J. Lambert and R. D. Cochrane
Genre: Contemporary/Coming of Age/Aging/Fools In Love
Length: Novel/Anthology <
Publisher: Cleis Press (2014)
Heat Level: Mild
Heart Rating:♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Blurb: The Exhilaration of Love. As gay marriage bells are finally ringing out around the world, bestselling editors Timothy J. Lambert and R. D. Cochrane celebrate with a collection of gay romance that will incite love—and lust—in every reader. A thirty-something realizes the man sleeping beside him every night is his real Prince Charming in Steven Reigns’ “On These Sheets.” Love, youth and age bump up against each other at a gay guesthouse in “Symposium,” by Andrew Holleran. A hopeless romantic finds his heart’s desire amid the temptations of Hollywood in Felice Picano’s “New Kid in Town: 1977.” Men who love men abound in this dazzling collection of deliciously sexy, romantic and tender stories.
Review: This is a collection of stories that contain honest thoughts, emotions and experiences. These authors create stories that share growing pains, relationship woes, sexual enlightenment, frustrations, unrequited love and so many more foolish and not so foolish moments of love and life. Some are sweet, some are sad, some are cute and others funny. As a collection this anthology is for the romantic, without the erotic. All are very well written, and many have touched my heart!
Hello Aloha by Tony Calvert: Being the single man out during a vacation wedding at the Magic Kingdom could stress anyone out. As best man, Chad does his job and tires not to grumble at the perky grooms-to-be, but the pressure they apply to get him to sample the sexy seven singles they invited for him gets on his nerves. Chad gives in to the whole fairy-tale theme and decides to stop grumbling when a large an irritating “Goofy” character comes up to him and begins a conversation of sorts, or as much as a nonspeaking man in a dog costume can! Funny thing is…Goofy and Chad share sympathies, secrets and it turns out attraction…one of my favorite sweet stories in this anthology!
How To Be Single at A Wedding by David Puterbaugh: Natalie and Peter, both single, and as Nat says, “Always A Bridesmaid and Never A Bride,” are once again helping their friends plan and execute their Cape Cod wedding. Natalie suggest that they should write a blog: How To Be Single at a Wedding. Throughout this short story they both grumble about singledom…about weddings, and relationships past….but by the end of this short they leave us with hope..and belief in true love after all.
Three Things I Pray by Trebor Healey: A beautifully poetic and surreal trilogy of short stories following the thoughts and lives of circus clowns, an amorous trapeze artist, and other side show lovers. A retired and lovesick clown retreats to the forgotten land of Buenos Aires, and seems haunted or hunted by angels, whom he saves, he has sexual encounters and whom he sets free. He recollects his past life and his past lover, wondering at his future, it’s relevance, and its possibility of holding love. This is an odd little story in three parts, all of which create surreal images, flowing one into the other, never really knowing for certain if we’re in the present or in a dream state. Also a bit esoteric when it comes to the exotic locale, when it comes to literary references, and cirque in general. I enjoyed it, but was also left questioning what I just read was all about.
On These Sheets by Steven Reigns: A story about true relationships. “I’m glad you got new sheets,” Timothy says when we walk into my bedroom….I ask him why he’s glad, “You’ve been with other men on that old set.” This leads to an internal struggle with the MC, does he resent his new man’s feelings, is his new man trying to make his earlier experiences shameful? What does he imply by that comment. And so the internal debate proceeds, and he decides he is happy for his earlier sexual encounters in this bed, happier to have discovered what he enjoys and that he brings experience to bed with his new lover, not shame. The question is, does Timothy feel bad about his partners past, or is he trying to say something else…a clean slate…a new adventure together ahead instead?
Victoria by Erik Orrantia: One of my favorites in this series. An older couple, both vaqueros living in Mexico having worked the same ranch together for over twenty years. Gay marriage becomes legal throughout Mexico and it brings the subject up Osvaldo’s mind. He begins to pressure Daniel into getting married, citing the reasons they need to protect themselves and their assets. Daniel can’t imagine it and sees no point, in fact he fears public recognition of their relationship, when right now the small community they live in has plausible dependability…so he ignores Aldo’s hints and please for him to consider it. But I enjoy Daniel’s epiphany, and the resulting trip to Mexico City and the experience the couple has there. A sweet story, love these two old cowboys and their simple life together!
Nude Beach by Paul Lisicky: Everyone needs a rebound after a failed relationship, something to make them believe in love again, something to make them feel worthy of that lust and love. Matthias’ passions and motivations are sparked by a chance sexual encounter on a nude beach. The sparks fly with this new mysterious man, but will Matthias jump right into the next relationship, or perhaps will he lose the man’s number and take time to consider his future options? All about reigniting passion and confidence after a broken heart and crushed ego.
Tea by Jeffrey Ricker: A coming out story, and a tragic loss of new found love. Tea is poignant, and a beautiful illustration of love, loss and acceptance. A wonderful example of understanding between mother and son.
A Royal Mess by Taylor McGrath: Another favorite in this collection! What I like the most is not that Graham is still curious, and tracks down his former lover after a breakup and resulting disappearance. It’s not the fact that he finds his lover, confronts him and finds that Ferrin has been wondering and longing for him also. It’s the fact that Ferrin found a way to look after himself, heal himself through what he was struggling with personally and is able to come back together with Graham as a healthier partner in their future instead of a needy and dependent lover. But enough of that, there are some interesting surprises in store and some beautiful honesty.
Struck by Nathan Burgoine: It’s so damn cute! Poor Chris is struggling with his infuriating manager, she’s condescending and homophobic, and if that isn’t enough he has to deal with another level of crazy when Lighting Todd comes into his store and tries to drop hints at predicting his future. While Chris deals with telling off his boss, shrugging off his crush on a friendly security guard, can he hope that Todd is right and good things are coming for him? I wont’ give away more…because I really enjoyed the twists and turns in this short treasure!
Touch Me In The Morning by Greg Herren: Greg’s sick on empty one night stands where is lover sneaks out before sunrise. He wishes just this once that his new paramour and long time friend Dennis, would be there to hold him and share the simple pleasures of a lover in the morning light. Unfortunately is doesn’t appear to be the case, and he’s just about to give up. But is he reading Dennis all wrong?
Foundations by Timothy Forry: It takes two to tango, successes and failures have two sides in every relationship. David’s partner Clause has cheated, he’s remorseful and repentant, but can David look past the hurt, the betrayal, the distrust? When a severe storm threatens their home and their lives David takes a closer look at what he holds dear and what went wrong. He realizes that his long stretches away from home, his focus on his own career, and his lack of care and communication for his lover could be the biggest part of the problem. But what’s the best way forward, revenge, dissolution? Does their relationship and their home have a strong enough foundation to weather the storms of life?
New Kid In Town:1977 by Felice Picano: Kid flees east coast to find love, fame, sex and fortune on the west coats only to be disillusioned and finds a love interest who ironically flies back home to New York, but he’ll follow too finding nothing but superficiality in WeHo.
The Green Sweater by Mark G. Harris: Man finds a note in a downstairs bathroom at a party he’s attending that’s an SOS from someone who is being bored out of his gourd by a man in a green sweater…the same color of sweater he is wearing. Man’s confidence takes a kick to the balls and he avoids the cutie he’d been hanging out with, opting for the lonely deck instead. The ending is sweet, and I was glad I kept rooting for him.
Rochester Summers by Craig Cotter: This story is another one of my faves and just melts my sentimental little heart. It’s a reflection of fond memories involving his first sweet summer crush, lots of slow admiring glances, time spent skinny dipping, whiling time away until summer and innocence ends. I don’t’ want to give away more, it’s too good to spoil.
Bothered, Bewildered by Rob Williams: Another coming of age, or at least coming to terms story complete with a sweet crush, unrequited admiration, and secret kisses in the dark by a visiting nocturnal witch! This story made me smile, warlocks and all!
Meditation by Timothy J. Lambert: A poor frustrated stressed soul searches for understanding and relaxation at a meditation retreat, only to suffer through silence, painful positions,and his attraction to Corn Fed Guy. Funny that even though he finally settles into the routine of silent meditation, and begins to focus on his life, he totally misses that it worked. His silent reflections held meaning. I was so excited, until the end….then I laughed.
Symposium by Andrew Holleran: A couple of gay authors recall the glory days and share their woes and concerns of the present and future of the gay writing scene while presenting at a writers retreat. Electronics have ruined everything! They contemplate love, sexuality and writing with a younger writer at the retreat, and confess that life as a writer has very little excitement, and very cold and lonely hotel rooms even with success. Cute, sad and probably very honest! An interesting choice of closer for this collection, the hopeless romantic in me wanted the two men to find their way home…together!
Author: Jambrea Jo Jones, Kendal McKenna, and Cherie Noel
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal and shifter
Length: Novel (279 Pages)
ISBN: 978-1-60820-9163
Publisher: MLR Press LLC, January 23rd, 2014
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5 Hearts
Reviewer: Lisa
Blurb:Welcome to the Big Bone Lick Pack: A more friendly and hospitable group of werewolves you’ll never meet! Visit with; ‘Devil Dog & Bad Wolf’, a ‘Big Bad Bear’ and enjoy some ‘Shifty Fox Shenanigans’. Watch yourself, ’round the state park, ’cause we had a grizzly on the loose, just a bit ago. Our brave men and woman of the Boone County Sheriff’s Department have everything under control. (Except maybe their own love lives!) But if find yourself needing a doctor, head on down to Rabbit Hash clinic, or St. Elizabeth’s Hospital is just up the road a piece. We hope you enjoy your stay.
Review: Altogether, this anthology is one of the best I have come across. It shows the way true love should be, the way everyone dreams about. It has wonderful characters that you cheer on, their world you want to dwell in, a place to call home. This has three wonderful stories, which involves wolves, bears, and foxes. Six very sexy men all looking for the same thing love. I hope you enjoy them. Here is more about each one and their own review.
Devil Dogs and Bad Wolf ♥♥♥♥♥ 4.5 Hearts
I always love marines and when you throw in one hell of a werewolf, you have a great read.
When trying to prove that werewolves do not exist, it ends up having Seth camping in Kentucky. A marine a bit terrified a funny sight of wild animals. It was fun to hear about. What was unexpected though was one very big grizzly bear. A very pissed off bear attacks for no reason, ends up with a fight between the bear and a wolf. A wolf who is in fact a werewolf. One very sexy werewolf named Asa.
Seth was on leave from the Marine’s trying to decide if he wants to stay in or get out. He loved the Marines but he wondered what he truly wanted to do. So camping to prove his brother wrong was one way to get out of the house and just think. He is sexy as hell, funny, compassionate, and down to home guy. He never really thought about having a boyfriend or anything more than what he would do with his life. However coming across Asa and being injured has left him confused and horny as hell.
Asa on the other hand is a werewolf who didn’t believe in true life mates till he came across Seth. Trying to keep Seth alive and his feelings at bay were two of the hardest things to do, but first he had to get his mate to feel the same thing. Asa is a powerful and kind alpha of his pack. He is loved by all and is one hell of a good alpha. Now he just had to come to terms that mates really do exist. And he had one hell of a sexy mate to love.
I loved how both characters got along from the start, how they always looked for the other one and wanted them with them. The sex between them is gentle, caring and loving, well till Seth heals because there is just a hint of what is to come. It is full of passion and love. I would recommend this to anyone who loved to hear about a military man and a werewolf, two very hot and sexy men, great sex and all together fantastic life ahead of them. I really do hope that there are more of these types of story from Kendall because I will definitely be buying more of her stories.
The Big Bad Bear ♥♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Well now, this book tops all books for being funny. The big bad grizzly turns out to be Dov and he had a really good reason for attacking Seth. Not really, a good reason but a reason nonetheless.
Dov had started out on a bike when he crashed into the woods. After suffering a massive head injury, he is stuck in his grizzly bear form. Confused, thinking like a bear his thoughts made him think that Seth was invading his home. After realizing that Seth and the wolf were not intending harm but the wolf keeping Seth safe, he runs off. Confused and stuck in bear form has him running quite awhile before taking refuge at the bank of the river.
Kane, beta to Asa is sent to look for the bear and to figure out what has happened. What he comes across though is his mate. A mate that has no real idea what is going on and stuck in his animal form. Knowing the dangers that could happen if he doesn’t get Dov to shift back to human form, he pushes Dov. Thankfully, it worked, but now he has a very big mate who definitely wants to mate him. Funny as hell is what it is. Both powerful in their own way they have a lot of things to overcome.
I loved this book but I needed more to this one. I did laugh at some good parts of it. I wish it had been longer though, because I want to see Asa’s reaction when Kane brings Dov to meet his alpha. I want to know how they all react to each other and I want to know more about Dov’s motorcycle accident. Was it an accident or was it more….I would recommend this book to anyone who loves two very sexy men who can’t keep their hands off of each other, bear shifters and werewolves, and great sex.
Shifty Fox Shenanigans ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Simon is in for a surprise of his life in more way then one. He was the nurse who had taken care of Seth when he was hurt by the Grizzly Bear who turned out to be Dov. He is a funny character what with his crazy attitude, clumsy ways and just completely loveable. You can’t help but fall in love with him. It turns out he is a very cute fox shifter. He just didn’t know it.
Josiah is the head shrink that works for the hospital and is also an omega wolf. The low man on the pole so to speak. When Simon falls into his lap, literally by accident he finds his mate. Now all he has to do is get the courage up to ask him out. He had been gone quite awhile from the pack so things were a bit different then they had been in the beginning. For one Asa was now alpha and he was mated now.
This story had me laughing my ass off throughout the story. I would definitely be recommending this story to anyone who loves sexy characters and a multitude of different shape shifters. Now in my reviews I stated I wish there was more to it…Well there is a surprise at the end just for you. It takes the stories and combines them in the end. It is an amazing anthology one that I hope I will read more than once. I also will be checking Kendall, Jambrea and Cherie’s book for future reads. Their gifts of storytelling give you a wonderful world to lose yourself into when times get tough. I hope you enjoy this great story.
Blurb:Any hunter will tell you part of the satisfaction is in the chase as well as the triumphant capture of their prey. In Snatched, the focus is on the eroticism of the power play between men and their male captors. Sometimes romance ensues, sometimes just a good amount of steamy sex, but in all cases, the effects of one character being in utter control of the man he has captured takes center stage. The appeal is in the erotic dominance and the way the captive would try to escape if he could, whether he truly wants to deep down or not.
Thomas is determined not to let the fights with his boyfriend, John, ruin his vacation in the tropical rainforests of Equador. But when he steps off the trail, he steps into danger, as he is taken captive by guerilla freedom fighters. Held against his will, he nonetheless finds himself developing an attraction to the man who both arouses and repels him. And as his captivity weighs on him, Thomas finds that being “The Guerilla’s Plaything” is not the worst fate he can envision…
Bryce’s life changes forever the night that he and his boyfriend are brutally attacked by creatures that seem like they can only be demonic. He’s sure, when they carry him off, that he’s being packed off for lunch, so it’s a shock when he finds that one of his captors is not the horror that he expected. As their attraction grows, it could be “The Two of Us” against the world.
As a member of the lesser nobility, Micah has never truly been able to “Feel the Wind” of freedom, and he and his family are not exempt from the brutality of the highest of the nobles. When he is imprisoned, hunted for sport, and captured by Ari, one of the realm’s Princes, he feels that his life is over. But when an escape attempt leads him to the bed of Dhea, Ari’s brother, he finds that there is much more to live for… and at the same time, so much more danger than he knows.
Thommie’s Review: I can’t resist seduction. There’s something about it that makes my blood heat, but when we talk forced seduction that blood goes overboard and right into boiling stage. This Anthology was an eye-catcher for me and I simply could not resist it. Finishing it, I was left with sated feelings and a slight smile. Definitely recommended to all those that are even a little bit like me. Enjoy!
The Guerrilla’s Plaything by Tilly Hunter ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts
This story is a bit thought-provoking. We have a tourist being captured and the circumstances are a bit at odds. His captor is clearly toying with him sexually and evoking reactions that are in fact a bit humiliating for the captive. The fact that the captive’s lifestyle leans on the side of bondage doesn’t help matter much, because every time he’s in a vulnerable situation his libido make a presence. Truth be told, I was half expecting the whole scene to be invented by the captive’s boyfriend as a gift, but when it proved not to be so my feeling on this read started confusing me a bit.
For example, I did not appreciate much the fact that Thomas let himself be taken by Alvaro while he is in a relationship with John. If this entire story was a scene directed by John to spice up their life with games I’d be totally in for it, but as it was I disliked the fact that Thomas proved to be a cheater. Yes, some would argue with me that he didn’t have that much choice, that there was a blur line in the consent factor, but Thomas did never protest to any of the ministrations received from Alvaro. In addition the way the story ended “happily” was a bit surreal as well, convenient perhaps.
All in all, though, I did enjoy the psychological part of it. The way it focused on the victim and his thoughts/reactions, the way one’s lifestyle might make a difference in how one views a situation and copes with it. Since that was the point of writing this story in first place, I think the author managed well. The end result despite the surreal situation was very enjoyable and well written.
The Two of Us by Lor Rose ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
What an intriguing and enticing story this one was. I have no words on the characters’ personality development. Our main character Bryce, the victim, is a chillingly cold person inside, with no feelings running his nature. No wants, no emotions. He witnesses the death of his sex partner, sees him being eaten alive and still the only thing he feels is fascination. How cold, yet how very intriguing at the same time. How risky having one such person as your protagonist.
Xanthos on the other hand is a creature of the paranormal world, horse-like, a movable stone who hasn’t felt anything but pain – and that slightly due to his enhanced healing – for years, so it makes sense for him to be vicious and cold. Hunting and eating his prey is part of his existence. Oh and I just loved the name/word play for Xanthos. As it is Xanthos in Greek stands for blond, and that put a smile in my face because damn, the author did research on that and it makes me appreciate the read even more.
In the grand scene these two characters, hunter and prey, captor and captive, they work together well, they seem to fit perfectly and complement each other well. Their lovemaking seemed almost inevitable, something that couldn’t be avoided, and it definitely held a powerful punch of chemistry. The sensations that come through the text are quite potent as Xanthos has been deprived from sensing anything for thousands of years and now finally he’s feeling them all again. In my opinion, the author here achieved to make what her characters did reach us and captivate us as well, and it made for a highly enjoyable read.
Overall, this has been one very interesting and fun story to read, one that I highly recommend to those who like the sinister side of paranormal.
Feel the Wind by Ann Anderson ♥♥♥♥ 3.5 Hearts
Well if this story wasn’t highly amusing and entertaining. I think I loved every aspect of it except for the happily for now ending. The story is set in a world where people are gifted. Our main character has the gift of the wind and it’s that treat that grands him the opportunity to escape his imprisonment if he managed to escape captivity for a whole day. Nobles will hunt him down, everyone using their gifts as well, and if they capture him, he’ll be their slave and bound to do whatever they wish. If not, he wins his freedom.
As much as it killed me to see Micah lose his freedom, it also rather thrilled me that he managed to pick his captor somehow. He falls prey to one of the Princes and the story of his enslavery inside the palace grounds begins.
The plot was not only engaging but also surprising. Ari, the prince, was a lovely character, but his brother Dhea was the star for me. I was shocked at how the author spun the story, but it was a pleasant one and I enjoyed the events that followed immensely. The ménage scene was the best part of all, making the three men balance superbly.
What followed that though kind of soured the story for me, mostly because I never understood the reason behind Ari’s behavior. It was never explained and it left a hole in the storytelling and admittedly, it still nags at me.
Overall, though this was a great read, a recommend one to all those who love romance wrapped in a forced seduction package.
Gigi’s Review: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts This fast and fun anthology of three stories of kidnapping, chase, and captivity leaves you not only cheering for the captives, but also for the captor! From hot steamy jungles to mysterious fantasy worlds….
The Guerrilla’s Plaything by Tilly Hunter: A contemporary case of kidnapping. Grumbling on vacation, by himself, Thomas Jones get’s kidnapped by rebel groups for information and possibly ransom. But his sexy captor, Ramirez, quickly realizes Thom has a bit of kink for bondage, and takes advantage of those rope bindings! The leader of the Guerrilla faction isn’t as kind and may have a different kind of suffering in mind for Tom. Tom’s original handler, Ramirez takes the opportunities that arise to both help Tom and help himself to Tom! Will they both escape? How will Tom explain his sexy assailant to his lover if he does return home?
The Two of Us by Lor Rose: A paranormal chase. What would you do if you were being chased down by bloodthirsty stone stallions hell-bent for your flesh? Hmm… Bryce decides he’s share his flesh with Xanthos…but can he turn his hell-raising lover’s heart from stone to hot tenderness? This odd yet fascinating short is loosely based, I think, on the four horsemen….though they have turned into human heart-eating savages…only true love can change their hearts.
Feel the Wind by Ann Anderson: A paranormal fantasy setting. Micah is being chased, with the possibility he could win his freedom if he can avoid capture for a complete cycle. When things get helpless, he decides that if he will be caught, he’d rather choose his captor. His punishment: being the plaything of a prince…. Once he sacrifices his virginity to Prince Ari, with pleasant results, Prince Dhea’s interest peaks thinking that Ari can deliver on his own kinks. Being the pet of princes causes problems, jealousy, squabbling, attempted escape, and attempted murder…a very exciting adventure indeed!
Heat Level: Explicit NOT romantic
Heart Rating:♥♥♥♥4HEarts
Blurb: Immerse yourself in the intriguing but often tragic lives of those who exist on the margins of society. The dispossessed, the discarded, and the delinquent all get to tell their stories. But in amongst the anger and alienation comes a fascinating truth. These people operate by their own, often flawed, values. Watch a nurse deal with her bulimic patient, observe the rage of a high school student slashing the tires of his teacher’s cars, and witness the goings on behind the closed doors of a drug rehab center.
Promiscuous is not for the faint of heart. These fifteen hard-hitting short stories explore the darker side of the human condition, getting into characters’ minds and telling life like it is with no apologies.
Review: First, I want to be clear, and I think the author is, that these stories are not romances. They are a window to the ugly side of humanity. They show humans at their weakest points, struggling and losing to addictions, hurting each other, alienating weaker people, being dishonest, generally speaking showing us what happens when we fail ourselves….fail each other.
At first, I did not like this anthology and didn’t want to finish it…but then I realized this author was a genius! I wanted to avoid these stories just like I want to avoid these darker situations when I come across them in real life, put them out of sight, pretend we’re all better than this. But the truth is we are not, well maybe we don’t all get to the extremes portrayed in these stories, but we all fail, and we all eventually fail some person we could have helped.
I think these stories are an eye opener, and maybe instead of just being repulsive, they will make us think harder next time we are about to make a bad choice, or the next time we confront the darker part of society. Not a feel good read, rather a feel bad and maybe do something about it read.
Blurb: Five smoldering tales of gay submission and domination! Five best-selling erotica authors bring you their hottest gay historical stories of desires that cannot be denied.
From ruthless sultans, cruel emperors, and barbarian war chiefs, to captive warriors, arrogant princes, and thieves caught in the act, some men must dominate…, and some men must submit.
83 pages of sizzling sensuality! These stories are available only in this collection.
“Captured by the Sultan,” by Cherry Dare. A tale too hot for the Arabian Nights! When a young jewel thief is captured in the sultan’s bedchambers, the sultan makes him an offer: he can face the consequences for his crimes, or he can spend one night doing everything he can to please the dominating sultan!
“Caught by Scylla,” by Isabel Dare. A beautiful but arrogant prince sails too close to the lair of the legendary Scylla. The monstrous being’s slick tendrils caress the humiliated prince everywhere, while an entire ship full of sailors watches!
“Bound for Pleasure,” by Calandra Hunter. When the Roman commander Titus is captured by barbarian war chief Brinno, Titus uses his body to barter for his freedom. Titus thinks his only desire is to escape, but will he change his mind when he experiences the pleasures of submission for the very first time?
“He Whom the Gods Love,” by Lyla Luray. Hades, the god of the underworld, burns with frustration while his wife Persephone is away. So his lusty brother Poseidon arranges an encounter with a gorgeous young man, Lysander. Pierced by love’s arrow, Lysander experiences his first time in Hades’s powerful arms!
“The Emperor’s Pet,” by Dawn South. When Cornelius is imprisoned by the Roman emperor, he finds solace in bonding with the other captives. But they must all publicly perform for the emperor’s pleasure… and Cornelius’s new friends must break him in!
Review: As most anthologies go, there are always some stories that stand out more than others do. As a whole, this was a worthwhile read, but two stood above the others for me, Bound for Pleasure by Calandra Hunter and Captured by the Sultan by Cherry Dare.
Bound for Pleasure is a sure winner just because it features a Roman warrior and a barbarian, I mean, come on sexual tension and reluctant submission turned hot passion! I can’t blame him for not wanting to escape after those hot encounters! And everyone loves a fairytale prince, or sultan, and he’s wicked smart too! Tempting a tricky and elusive cat burglar into his bed is easy and sexy in the end!
All the stories seem to contain the usual light-hearted, sexy BDSM fare, with the exception of Caught by Scylla by Isabel Dare. Being captured by a sea monster, a scary tentacled molestation turned orgasm filled encounter…that one was one of the most creative yet not quite convincing scenes for me! I pondered that one for quite a while afterward!
Fun short reads to put a grin on your face and a flush on your cheeks.
Marty Sheer, one of the stars of a B-rated sci-fi show “Centrifical,” receives a phone call letting him know that his old friend Jim Sheppard, who left years ago and has since become
an acclaimed rock star, has bought a new home close by. Renewing their friendships is easy—becoming something more is a challenge that makes fame look easy.
FRINGE BENEFITS by Diana Sheridan
Depressed after the death of his lover, and having lost his job at the same time, Dale distracts himself by going to see one of his favorite rockers. But a simple concert and trip backstage lands him an unexpected job as her new assistant, and brings him into the path of her intriguing, appealing make-up artist and hairdresser, Luis. But if there’s one thing that Dale has learned, it’s that life is never easy and love doesn’t always last.
COURAGE WOLF NEVER SINGS THE GORRAM BLUES by Talya Andor
Bailey Kravitz, lead singer of Courage Wolf, is a high-strung, perfectionist diva of a front man. Gunner Lansing, bassist of Courage Wolf, is a laid-back, hang loose ladies’ man who is only serious about guitars and sex. They say opposites attract, but Bailey’s terminal crush on oblivious Gunner is tearing the band apart. Meanwhile, his longtime friend, quiet but intense
guitarist Tor Macleod, helps him pick up the pieces yet again. Between annihilation of everything, they’ve built or reeling from total rejection, there may be a third option Bailey has been overlooking all this time. Problem is, Bailey’s always been more than a little difficult when he’s out to get his way, and that may ruin his prospects after all.
PUT YOU IN A SONG by Lacie J. Archer
Ten months ago, on a whirlwind New Year’s Eve, Garrett and Rich enjoyed a wild night together. Back in town for the final performance of his band’s tour, Rich can’t wait to see Garrett again, unable to forget him. But a wild night and a lifetime are two different things, and the first real challenge they face may be more than their fragile new relationship can take.
A HAUNTED MELODY by Angel Propps
A decades old tragedy, an old guitar, and a bright new star … A struggling musician on the verge of losing her band, Kara spies a guitar in a pawnshop that she can’t resist. One year later she’s on the verge of fame, and meets a woman who not only can help her get there, but introduces Kara to an intriguing, beautiful woman … But bad history is coming back to haunt, and Kara stands to lose not just fame and love, but her life.
Review: Like a CD or Playlist instead of Chapters Rock Star has Tracks. Edited by Samantha Derr, overall the first volume of short story collections in the Rock Star Anthology is bang on. We, the reader, are treated to contemporary slices of life from the current mega Rock Star, to the musician, to the assistant, to the Legend Taken Too Soon.
♥♥♥♥4 out of 5 Hearts CENTRIFICAL (Sol Crafter) – A wonderfully written story of friendship between long time friends Marty and Jim. The story seemed familiar I must admit. And then I realized why. I have read the and-then-this-happened sequel to this story one time too many times. I must say, I loved Sol Crafter’s prequel.
♥♥♥♥3 1/2 out of 5Hearts for FRINGE BENEFITS (Diana Sheridan) – Music hath charms…. should be one of the tag lines for this short. Dale and Luis, the romantically entwined, are overshadowed by the rocker in this story, Diva Granny Glam. Even though this is Dale’s story of love lost and found, I wanted more Granny Glam!!! Sorry. I’m back. Fringe Benefits is well crafted, though at times moves along at jerks and starts.
♥♥♥3 out of 5Hearts for COURAGE WOLF NEVER SINGS THE GORRAM BLUES (Talya Andor) – Band mates Baily, Gunner, and Tor (Yes… yes – I truly gave ½ a star for being able to keep the characters straight because they seemed to come out of the woodwork after awhile) grapple with indecision and complications while touring. Talya Andor gives us a short with meat but without the sides or even a nice bit of beverage to wash it all down.
♥♥♥3 out of 5 Hearts for PUT YOU IN A SONG (Lacie J. Archer) Rich and Garrett’s complicated relationship needs a bit of rearranging. A sizzling slice of life short from Lace J. Archer crafted with long time friends with Rich as the Rocker and Garrett needing something more.
♥♥♥♥4 out of 5 Hearts for A HAUNTED MELODY (Angel Propps) – How else does one end an Anthology other than with an ending? Angel Propps (if this is a pen name it is well chosen, especially for this tale) gives us a wonderful and believable ghost story. Well done, done well. So well that it crosses cultures. Cudos.
Author: Kiernan Kelly, Ba Tortuga, Julia Talbot, Sean Michael
Length: Full length Anthology (223 pages)
Publisher: Torquere Press (September 24th, 2013)
HeatLevel: Explicit
HeartRating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts
Reviewer: Thommie
Blurb: Do you like your bartenders hot and sexy? Do you like it when they get up close and personal with some of their patrons? Then you’ll love Bar None!
Kiernan Kelly goes into outer space for Kind of a D.R.A.G., the story of bartender Max and a robot who’s more than your standard nuts and bolts. On the other hand, Julia Talbot’s men stay firmly planted on earth, and in nature, as werebear Seamus deals with grumpy bar owner and werewolf Hugh and a dangerous animal poacher in The Blue Moon Bar.
BA Tortuga revisits Shane and Galen from the Stormy Weather series in Bartender Rescue. This time Shane’s the one working too hard and Galen has to remind his bartender how to have fun before they forget how to be a couple. In Flair, Sean Michael goes to the Hammer club where flair expert Nathan is hired by Xavier to teach the staff some bartending tricks, but it’s Dom Jarrod who winds up showing Nathan a few tricks of his own.
Don’t miss out on these four sexy tales of bartenders and the men who love them.
Review: Four stories that have you glimpse at sexy bartenders in hot and needy situations. Admittedly, not one of the stories resembles the other and that is a great plus in my books. Here is a more specific review for each of them. Enjoy!
Bartender Rescue by BA Tortuga 2.5~3 Hearts
Hmm, well this was definitely not the fun, happy-go-lucky kind of read I thought it would be. It rather had this melancholic vibe, a bit depressing, and it took a lot of the fun away. This story follows Shane and Galen, and if you’ve read The Stormy Weather Series then you already know these characters. If not it’ doesn’t matter because the story stands easily alone and you can follow it without a hitch.
Shane is finding himself in a weird situation where he’s literally transformed from a beach bum to a five bar owner. It’s a big success really, but with it comes great responsibility and stress. Things are going so bad that from his point of view everything is going down and fast. Running five bars is not an easy thing to do when everything depends on you. The only constant in his life his love for Galen, but now even Galen is not enough to help him from this dead-end situation. If something doesn’t give, he might just lose it.
Galen on the other hand has everything he ever wanted. Most of all and everything he got Shane, but lately Shane is rarely there always running to one bar or the other, rarely sleeping and day by day seeming more lost than ever. Along with him, Galen feels at a loss of what to do and how to help his lover overcome this thing that is literally killing him.
It’s a rescue mission kind of read, but I’m afraid I didn’t enjoy it much. The erotic part was hot as hell, but it had me thinking it was too much and always so tinged with despair. I still feel like I have a heavy burden pressing down my chest and can’t really breathe. Weird reaction!
Kind of a D.R.A.G. by Kiernan Kelly 3.5 Hearts
Oh, my. This story was fun. It certainly brought a smile or rather smiles on my face.
Artificial Intelligence, outer space, superior androids, and a plot filled with surprising twists that leave you in a dreamy land of possibility and charming emotions. Yup, I liked this story.
Max is a bartender in a remote prison planet hating his life. His Boss went off the planet for vacations without leaving any way of contact behind, his second in command popped dead. The two Queens androids started a destruction phase from cutting off a stripper’s penis and setting him on fire to messing up the D.R.A.G. machine after creating the most disturbingly HOT android ever made. Disturbingly HOT because there is no way you look at “Ben Dover” and not get instant erection. With everything falling apart and Max not being able to control or put a full stop on this destructive wave he fears he’s going to get his ass handed when Boss finally gets back… Let the twists begin!
From that moment on, this story is incredibly funny. Yes the Queens’ antics were hilarious (loved their names by the way), Ben Dover the new stripper was a huge surprise, Max’s life as it unfolded was a knock over, but what I pissed myself laughing was the part when Boss came… back.
Yeah definitely a worth reading space tale this one.
The Blue Moon Bar by Julia Talbot 3 Hearts
A bear behind the bar and a wolf as a boss, now there is a combination that is bound to bring sparks and fireworks.
Hugh is the most grumpy, growly, irritating boss ever made. Seamus is seriously trying to control his bear and not rip this crazy wolf’s head off. He loves his job, his boss trust him more than one would think, but that riding his ass as hard as he can is getting old news. Perhaps the crazy wolf needs to get laid and get rid of his irritation. And wouldn’t Seamus love to be the one to relax that sexy son of a bitch.
This was a nice story, with growls and fights in place to make you appreciate the wild side of these shifters. We even have poachers hunting for bears and a rescue mission that while it failed, or was a bit late, it led to some hot erotic scenes. If only the villain of the story wasn’t so flat, it would’ve been a much better one.
Still quite a nice read and the wolf-bear mating was one I liked a lot.
Flair, a Hammer Story By Sean Michael 4 Hearts
Oh damn, this Hammer story is one of the best I’ve read so far. So freaking fun, hot, sexy, and sweet. Damn great!
Nathan is a professional bartender, an entertainer. Writing books, traveling and training other bartenders. He’s hot really and the picture painted is so appealing, he’s simply irresistible. A honey trap for Jarrod who enters Hammer Club only to see him there while training the other subs/bartenders. He can’t help but ask Nate for dinner and from that moment on, the flirt begins. Only problem is Nate isn’t into the lifestyle and is a bit scared of anything involved. But there is a bright side that Jarrod can’t ignore; Nathan is a natural sub without even knowing it. And what a wonderful challenge to explore this man and open his eyes to the world of BDSM.
As I said this is one of the best Hammer stories ever. The sensuality in this read is huge and drags you in its depth like a drug-induced dream. The sensations are sublime, the plot actually intriguing and enticing, the characters both are quite alluring and Jarrod’s confidence make your heart beat faster whether you like it or not. Loved it!
Title: Love is a Mess
