Chase in Shadow by Amy Lane

Title: Chase in Shadow

Author: Amy Lane

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (320pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (24^th February 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Chase Summers: Golden boy. Beautiful girlfriend, good friends, and a promising future.

Nobody knows the real Chase.

Chase Summers has a razor blade to his wrist and the smell of his lover’s goodbye clinging to his skin. He has a door in his heart so frightening he’d rather die than open it, and the lies he’s used to block it shut are thinning with every forbidden touch. Chase has spent his entire life unraveling, and his decision to set his sexuality free in secret has only torn his mind apart faster.

Chase has one chance for true love and salvation. He may have met Tommy Halloran in the world of gay-for-pay—where the number of lovers doesn’t matter as long as the come-shot’s good—but if he wants the healing that Tommy’s love has to offer, he’ll need the courage to leave the shadows for the sunlight. That may be too much to ask from a man who’s spent his entire life hiding his true self. Chase knows all too well that the only things thriving in a heart’s darkness are the bitter personal demons that love to watch us bleed.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=2780

Review: This is a book that you will either love or hate. It has characters that you will love or hate and it has a story-line that you will love or hate. And the one thing I can guarantee (well nearly), is if you hate it at the beginning you will love it by the end.

Chase has been hiding for most of his life. His life has been one long painful lie. he has guilt that he doesn’t even know he feels and he is determined to do the right thing to get his perfect life. Tommy is a porn star. he meets Chase at the studio and during a week away with the rest of the guys the two become close.

I know a lot of people will be put off by the fact that Chase has a girlfriend, but to be honest with you it doesn’t signify as being that important, because the longer you read this book the more you get draw into Chase’s life and the turmoil that he is in… the shear agony of having a father like his, the suicide of his mother when he was only young, the determination to have a perfect life, to keep the promises he made to his girlfriend, even if it kills him, and his love for Tommy. That, he wants more than anything in the world, but his promises hold him back.

Tommy has the patience of a saint but even while it is killing him to see Chase with someone else. He knows that no matter what, if he really needed him, then Chase would be there. When Chase and Tommy are together it is lovely to see. they are so well suited that it breaks your heart to see Chase being pulled in different directions and Tommy suffering as well. When Chase shatters it is a heart-breaking especially as we see him still trying to take care of everything so it doesn’t impact the other people in his life.

Chase’s suicide attempt and mental breakdown was incredibly written and it shows us the depths of despair that people can fall to while trying to have an image that is expected of them. Amy Lane has written a story that is incredible in its despair, its love, its loyalty and its friendships. A story that flicks from the present to the past showing us how Chase is stood in his bathroom with a razor blade and how he has come to this point.

This story I would recommend to everyone… it shows us the heights of love, the depths of despair, love, hope, anger, fear, finding one’s self and getting the love that you want and deserve.

You've Got Male by Diana Sheridan

Title: You’ve Got Male

Series: Weekend Getaways

Author: Diana Sheridan

Genre: Erotica

Length: Short (23pgs)

Publisher: Secret Cravings Publishing (7^th December 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: A male-cherry-picker meets gay male novices online and initiates them into the wonderful world of man-to-man sex. He describes the encounters in excruciatingly hot detail.

Purchase Link: http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=9&products_id=209

Review: Flipping ‘eck this one should have a freaking scorching hot ‘read at own peril’ warning, because believe me I so did not expect it to be that scorching horny making *cough* urm I mean it is extremely erotic and explicit.

So we don’t learn the protagonist’s name (so I will just call him ‘P’) but we do learn that he likes *cherries* or rather popping them. He gives us in great detail two of his favorite stories as he is supposed to be working. ‘P’s’ first reminiscence is about ‘Ryan’ a twenty-three year old Gym trainer who he introduces the joys of gay sex to and then ‘P’ reminiscences about ‘Kevin’ an eighteen year old cherry whose house he was working on.

So really what can I tell you about this one… not much really except it is not a romance, although each encounter has something special about it. I can tell you that this is the perfect book if you want a quick sex fix that will get you hot under the collar in next to no time and leave you feeling nicely satisfied. 😉

Strawberries and the Beast by April Moone

Title: Strawberries and the Beast

Author: April Moone

Genre: Contemporary, Japan, Yaoi

Length: Novel (200pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (10^th October 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Reckless, flamboyant Keigo is bisexual. Blunt, aloof Masaki is straight. Their conflicting personalities make them unlikely friends, but after some careful maneuvering on Keigo’s part and one strawberry-flavored kiss, Masaki gives more of himself to Keigo than he ever thought possible. More than he’s willing to share with his girlfriend. But Masaki’s fear of commitment threatens to shake their rocky relationship to pieces.

Keigo’s new feelings for Masaki are confusing enough even before his on-again, off-again lover, Kaname, blows back into town. Kaname is a manipulative beast, demanding Keigo’s undying fidelity in return for his cruelty, and Keigo’s fragile relationship with Masaki cracks under the weight of his presence. If Keigo really wants to build a life with Masaki, he’ll have to discover the strength to free himself of Kaname and convince Masaki to be with him forever.

Warning: Some readers may find some of the content offensive e.g. Abuse, rape and violence.

Review: Masaki is a bad boy always in getting into fights. He is brash and plain-spoken. When Keigo starts hanging around him he is brash, tries to ignore him and tries to drive him away when that fails he begrudgingly accepts him as a friend. Keigo noticed Masaki some months ago and finally found the courage to approach Masaki as he gets to know him more his feelings develop until he can’t resist making a play for him.

This is a very good story that at times makes you cringe when you see the way that Kaname treats Keigo. Keigo learns that he deserves more than what he has received at the hands of Kaname when he thinks about his relationship with Masaki and how Masaki treats him even when they are just friends. Masaki panics when he realizes that he feels a lot for Keigo and reacts by lashing out. Masaki doesn’t like to let people close as he feels like his father deserted him and his mother and then his mother died as well, he also had a difficult childhood because he was always bullied.

I enjoyed this book as it was angsty and is a gay for you, the storyline was good and the emotions and reactions of the two MCs were good. I really liked Keigo and his bravery in standing up to Kaname even though he is still stuck in that situation. Masaki’s description of the relationship between Keigo and Kaname was spot on. I will admit that you don’t always like these two main characters as sometimes Keigo comes across as spineless and weak (you want to smack him and tell him to grow a pair) and Masaki comes across as a heartless b*****d (you want to bang his head against a wall).

I will recommend this to those who like yaoi, hot sex, angst, conflict and an eventual HEA.

Closing Time by J. M. Snyder

Title: Closing Time*

Series: Working Man 02

Author: J.M. Snyder

Genre: Contemporary, Interracial

Length: Short Story (20pgs)

Publisher: JMS Books (10 October 2011) Re-release.

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Mitchell Nolan is a bartender working late on Christmas Eve. As the last patrons leave, he stays behind to clean up. Why hurry home? There’s no one waiting for him, and he knows Santa won’t bother leaving anything special for him this year.

Then he meets Romy Lariner, who ducks inside the bar when his car won’t start. Sparks fly between these two lonely men this Christmas Eve. Maybe Santa has a little something up his sleeve for Mitchell after all …

Title previously published by Aspen Mountain Press.

Review: Mitchell is feeling the loneliness of his life as he closes up the bar. Thinking back to his ex and how it ended with an ‘it’s not you’ speech, when a handsome man comes in. Romy enters the bar to use the phone when his car breaks down and gets more than he bargained for.

This is a hot short that makes you hot under the collar. There is instant attraction between these two men and it is a sensual seduction between them as they flirt and touch and then have some explosive hot sex. We don’t get to know the characters and there is no big storyline but it is one hot little short that gives us the very beginning of a relationship that hopefully lasted longer than just one night, the potential was there.

So I would recommend this to those who love short stories, instant attraction, hot bar sex and a sweet ending.

*Review copy provided by author

No Strings Attached by Lisa Worrall

Title: No Strings Attached

Author: Lisa Worrall

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Short Story (16pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (7^th October 2011 re-release)

Heat Level: Hot

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Lucas is sure he’s made a mistake—it has to be painfully obvious he’s never been to an underground gay club before. He doesn’t do things like this—he’s too shy, too reserved. He certainly doesn’t expect to be felt up by a total stranger as soon as he walks in the door. But just as he’s talking himself into leaving, the hottest guy in the place with the most beautiful green eyes he’s ever seen pulls him onto the dance floor. Green Eyes insists on “no names, no strings…” and just this once, Lucas is inclined to agree.

Second edition

First edition published by Torquere Press in 2010 under the same title.

Review: Lucas hits an underground gay club for the first time and feels completely out of his depth. He catches the eye of an attractive green-eyed guy and he experiences a night to remember.

Shy Lucas hooks up with ‘Green Eyes’ and acts out of character for the first time and loves every minute of it. This is a hot and sexy short that will get you hot under the collar and leave you panting for more. I loved it and thought the twist at the end was brilliant.

I recommend this to anyone who would love a short quick fix of hot sex and a surprise at the end.

Between Two Promises by Shelter Somerset

Title: Between Two Promises

Sequel to: Between Two Worlds

Author: Shelter Somerset

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (230pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (3^rd October 2011)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Daniel Schrock and Aiden Cermak have forged a life in the rural Montana foothills, but a shadow still lingers, made stronger when a letter arrives from Daniel’s brother Mark inviting him to his Christmas wedding. Daniel fears returning home might force what he wants to avoid: telling his family about Aiden and facing the dreaded Amish shunning.

Despite the uncertainties, Daniel and Aiden head to Illinois, where frustration will not only endanger Daniel’s relationship with his family and the church community, but his bond with his boyfriend, who leaves Daniel with a choice: him or the Amish. Before Daniel can stop Aiden, he’s gone… and threats from the past resurface, crystallizing Daniel’s fears about a murderer still at large.

As he desperately searches for Aiden and the identity of the suspected killer, Daniel will have to decide if love is important enough to risk losing everything he knows. Will Daniel choose to keep his commitment to the Amish church or will he stand by the promise he made to Aiden that first night they made love?

Review: Aiden is sure he is right to convince Daniel to return to Henry for his brother’s wedding. But it’s not long before he is regretting his decision and doubting his relationship with Daniel. Daniel knows it’s a mistake to return to Henry and let’s Aiden know it. Can these two men sort out their problems before it’s too late?

I found that there was a lot of despair and angst and misunderstanding in this book and at one point I actually thought ‘why are these two men even bothering?’ because they just didn’t seem to get each other. I found that I learnt a lot about the Amish and their way of life is intriguing but their church very strict. I found it really hard to believe that these two men got together in the first place as in this Daniel came across as repressed and uptight always wanting his own way, while Aiden just seemed easy going but downtrodden always seeming to give into what Daniel wants.

Daniel is struggling with himself about his church, his family, his fears… well the only thing he doesn’t seem to worry about is his relationship with Aiden and that’s because for most of the book it’s as though he doesn’t give a damn about Aiden. unless Aiden does something he doesn’t like. I found it really hard to like Daniel, I mean, yes, I could understand his troubles, but not once does he actually think about how it might be affecting Aiden. Whereas with Aiden, most of what he does is for Daniel and he thinks a lot about how what he does or says affect Daniel. I really do feel sorry for Aiden as all he wants is some sort of acknowledgement or support off Daniel but he gets neither until he is in danger.

I thought this was well written and the struggles that they faced were portrayed very well; I thought that Aiden was a fantastic character and his love for Daniel came across loud and clear. Daniel, on the other hand, was too confused by his struggles for me to get a true handle on his character…he was very confusing and contradictory. The world building was good and I liked the descriptions of the surrounding community and their support of each other.

I would recommend this to those who like a strong storyline, a few twists and turns, soul-searching and a slight mystery.

Moving Forward by Lisa Marie Davis

Title: Moving Forward

Sequel to: Dreams Come True

Author: Lisa Marie Davis

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (September 21, 2011)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb: Three years after making their dreams come true, James and Payne are happily committed and living in New York. But just as they’re about to embark on a special weekend, their world turns upside down when Jamie’s mother calls to say that his sister and her husband have been killed in a horrific accident.

Helping Jamie’s mother with funeral plans and adjusting to the reality that they are now the legal guardians of Jamie’s three-month-old niece would be hard enough, but Payne and Jamie must also deal with Jamie’s alcoholic father, Russ. If Payne and Jamie want to move forward as a family, they’ll have to learn to deal with old pain, fresh grief, and new responsibilities.

Reviewer: Astrid

Review: Sequels can be tricky beasts. Can they be read as a standalone? Will the author have to dedicate a third of the book to rehashing the first book so a new reader has a clue what’s going on? And for those of us who did read the previous book…will we remember the finer points? This can be frustrating for a reader. With Moving Forward, Lisa Marie Davis made it as simple as ABC – genius! Whether you’ve read the previous story or not (I recommend you read it – ‘cause it’s wonderful), you are given a concise history that isn’t jarring and are immediately immersed into the present story.

Two beloved characters, Payne & Jamie, are back and its three years later. They are happily married and looking forward to a long weekend when tragedy strikes. Jamie and Payne are grief-stricken but their devotion to one another gives them the strength to face the nightmare, which includes a confrontation with Jamie’s father Russ aka – alcoholic, homophobe extraordinaire.

This novella packed an emotional punch, had a development I didn’t expect but welcomed (I’m not telling), and hopefully (pretty please) is the groundwork for a third i

Sam's New Family by Serena Yates

Title: Sam’s New Family

Author: Serena Yates

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Short Story (31pgs)

Publisher: Torquere Press (17^th September 2011)

Heat Level: Mild

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Sam is free of his meddling family but hardly manages to make ends meet working as a waiter. A hungry kitten in the restaurant’s back alley distracts him into missing two thugs until it’s almost too late. When Theo, Sam’s old neighbor, saves him and offers a ride home it is almost too good to be true. Sam has admired Theo for years but is afraid to become dependent again. But Sam’s apartment has been trashed and Theo insists on taking Sam home with him. Will the two men be able to build a future together?

This story is part of the 2011 Charity Sip Blitz collection. More than thirty authors have written short fiction pieces and have agreed to donate all proceeds of the sales of these stories to the It Gets Better Project. Torquere Press Inc. will match the authors’ donations completely.

Review: Sam is a down on his luck waiter who empathizes with a starving little kitten as he knows what it’s like to be cold, lonely and hungry. Theo breathes a sigh of relief that he has finally found Sam again. he’s wanted him from afar for some years and missed him terribly when he moved out of his brother’s house two years ago.

This is an incredible sweet gentle romance that makes you ache with its sweetness. these two men have yearned for each other and finally find each other in a dark dingy alley where Sam needs a white knight and Theo is that knight. You feel a compassion for Sam in his predicament when all he wants is happiness. you can’t help comparing him to the little kitten and just wanting to put your arms around him and giving him a big hug. with Theo you are rooting for him to be a complete gentleman and the white knight that Sam deserves.

I recommend this if you want a story that has sweetness, love, compassion and a need for family, a definite ‘feel good’ story that leaves you with a warm glow.

Loving Vicente by Serena Yates

Title: Loving Vicente

Series: Men of Riverside 06

Author: Serena Yates

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (90pgs)

Publisher: Total E-Bound (26^th September 2011)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: William loves Vicente with all his heart, but can he give him the life he deserves, free from financial worries and danger, without making Vicente lose his self-respect?

William Fortin is a forensic scientist who has returned to Riverside after six years for his first job. He wants a social life and to settle down, and when he runs into his old crush from high school, Vicente Vasquez, he knows he has found the man of his dreams.

Vicente is a shy Mexican American who works hard so he can pay for the medical care his wheelchair bound father needs. He is a courier by day and a bartender by night, just to try to make ends meet. Dating the man who was his science tutor in high school is a dream come true.

But how can they possibly be partners when Vicente is struggling just to keep the creditors at bay and his traditional family can’t possibly find out he’s gay?

Review: Yet another incredibly touching story by Serena Yates. Vicente is struggling to cope after his life took a turn for the worse when his parents were involved in a car crash. He still clings to one dream though… William Fortin the man he’s had a crush on for over six years. William has returned to Riverside after a six-year absence and is overjoyed when at his welcome home party he spots Vicente Vasquez across the room.

This is a charmingly sweet romance that warms your heart. We fall in love with these men as they fall in love with each other and we hope that everything works out for them as they have to hide their relationship from Vicente’s family because they are homophobic and would cause serious problems for them. This storyline is a realistic one where they have to balance their love with reality and family. Vicente’s independence and family duty are to be admired and so is William’s honor and support. These two men were made for each other and complement each other well.

We fully understand Vicente’s fear of discovery when his brother finds out about them and his reaction is terrifying, I thought it was really well done. I only wish that there was something about Vicente’s father finding out as I thought it left the story a little unfinished.

So I would recommend this for those of you who love sweet romance, hot sex, family in dispute, hunky men and a sweet happy ending that leaves you feeling warm and happy.

Ex's and O's by Bailey Bradford

Title: Ex’s & O’s

Series: Love in Xxchange 05

Author: Bailey Bradford

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (225pgs)

Publisher: Total E-Bound (19^th September, 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Adam Masterson paid a steep price for doing the right thing, but it might be more than worth it if he can get through tough cop Les Stanton-and if they can survive one man’s plans for vengeance.

All Adam Masterson tried to do was the right thing-stop a psychotic man from hurting anyone else. While he may have succeeded, he also put himself in the crosshairs of the man’s wealthy father, and Adam soon finds himself battered, homeless and unemployed. When his mother is also evicted from her home, Adam packs up his car and takes Charlene, his mother, with him as he heads to Texas to plead for help from someone he isn’t sure will help.

When Officer Les Stanton pulls over the beater car with Montana plates, he already knows who is in the vehicle. His friend Josh has been complaining about his partner, Nick, helping out the too-attractive blond from Montana. Les soon finds himself irresistibly drawn to Adam. Even his fear of Charlene can’t keep him away. Now, if he can just let go of the past and learn to trust, he and Adam might have a chance-unless one wealthy man swearing vengeance destroys them both.

Review: Adam does a good thing and now he’s been chased out of the city along with his mom. Les feels attraction for someone for the first time when he pulls over a car with Montana plates, now if only he can get over the fear of the man’s mom.

This is a brilliantly written story, we have big macho Les who is terrified of becoming ill and women (especially mothers) and lithe sexy Adam who knows how to fight and look after himself. These two men come together when Adam needs it most and we see them both letting down walls and letting each other in. Les has more complex issues that will break your heart and make you want to mother him. While Adam hopes that Les really is the man for him.

The storyline is good and the characters are great, we met both the MCs in the last Xxchange book and this story is fantastic for the two of them. It’s great that we get to know both of them so well. Charlene (Adam’s mother) is a fantastic supporting character as are Josh and Nick (Meant to Be). There were a few characters in this one that I would love to meet again; namely Chase, James, Billy and Talbot.

I recommend this to those who love hot sex, great men, a wonderful storyline and a great happy ending.

Condor and the Crown by John Simpson

Title: Condor and the Crown

Series: Condor 05

Author: John Simpson

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (200pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (23^rd September 2011)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: When former President of the United States David Windsor is appointed the American ambassador to the Court of St. James, it necessitates a move to England. Uprooting his family and moving his staff, David and his husband, ex-Secret Service Agent Shane Thompson-Windsor, settle into Winfield House with their adopted son, Jack, and two feisty Scottie puppies.

Life is finally settling into a routine when Jack is abducted by Libyan nationals. No longer able to call directly upon US military forces, David turns to his successor as President, Victoria Wilson, to enlist her aid and gain her approval of a daring rescue attempt, and asks his cousin King William for help luring the kidnapper to British soil for retribution. It’s a mission that will ultimately involve the British Marines and even personal phone calls to Colonel Muammar Gaddafi as David will stop at nothing to see his son safely home.

Review: Another incredible story from John Simpson. David Windsor and Shane Thompson-Windsor are back along with their adopted son Jack in this new exciting installment of Condor. In this one, David and Shane work together along with the American Government to rescue their son from Libyan nationals; dealing with the fall out and exacting their revenge.

This is a brilliant addition to the Condor series and doesn’t let it down. The anger and fear that David and Shane feel when they find out that Jack has been kidnapped comes out of the pages at you. The way that Jack tries to be brave for his dads is heart-breaking and the rage and vengeance that they feel to their son’s kidnapper is understandable.

I also loved that we saw quite a bit of Darren Wilson (President Victoria Wilson’s son) and he met a new love interest. I also liked all the details that were invested in this story as the descriptions of the Palaces were quite knowledgeable. I was a bit thrown with King William not being married in this and Prince Harry having two sons.

(Sorry…but this is a bug bear of mine.) I would also like to point out that in England (where I live ;-)) the police do not pull up in front of you to stop you, (as David told Shane they did). They signal you with lights and sirens to pull over and they pull in behind you. It is true that a diplomat is not required to stop though.

So all in all a brilliant story that I will recommend to everyone and advise them to buy, a definite for the ‘read now’ list.

Profound in his Silence by G. R. Richards

Title: Profound In His Silence

Author: G.R. Richards

Genre: Contemporary/ Interracial / Multicultural / Ménage (M/M/M) / Exhibitionism / Public Places

Length: Novella (68pgs)

Publisher: Amber Quill Press (Amber Allure) (11^th September 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 1/2Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Will an opera novice snag the leading role…or the leading man?

For a cocky young opera performer, there sure are a lot of things Charles has never done. Until he snags the title role in a new production of Debussy’s impressionist opera Pelléas et Mélisande, he’s never even played a part outside the men’s chorus.

Rehearsals are hell with a merciless director like Jean-Luc, but Charles’s conversations with co-star Bo make the days bearable. In fact, things just keep getting better when the director finally admits that his artistic vision involves strong homoerotic overtones. Charles can get on board with that idea, on stage and also in his budding relationship with Bo, but in this domain, too, there are things Charles has never done.

Can Bo assuage Charles’s fears on his own, or will the director need to take charge once again?

Review: Ok, I have to say this one grew on me the longer I read it. Charles is acting his first lead character role in an Opera and he is very nervous but Charles has a problem… when he is nervous his mouth runs away with him. Bo is also a lead character and is more of a strong silent type.

Charles at first came across as a spoiled brat because his mouth ran away with him a lot. But, he was actually nervous and I was quite shocked at how explosive his coming together with Bo was for the first time as there wasn’t a lot of indication that there was an attraction between them. Bo was quite sweet in his acceptance of Charles’s fear and I wasn’t at first sure how to take his solution to the problem and am still slightly conflicted about it. We don’t get to know any of the characters all that well and we rarely see any of them outside the rehearsals. I was disappointed that we only really saw them once as a couple outside the rehearsal and even then it was before they got together and you know that they have gotten closer when we haven’t been looking.

The sex is hot and there is one m/m/m scene but it is essential to the story and the progression of Bo’s and Charles’s relationship. So hot sex, an ok storyline and a happily ever after.

Ex Equals by L. A. Witt

Title: Ex Equals

Author: L.A. Witt

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Extended Novella (152pgs)

Publisher: Amber Quill Press/Amber Allure (18^th September 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: On the first day of his new career as a community college math teacher, Chris Reuben gets an unexpected—and most unwelcome—blast from the past: one of his students is his former navy shipmate…and ex-boyfriend.

Justin Hayes isn’t after a second chance when he signs up for an algebra class taught by his ex. All he wants besides a passing grade is a chance to make amends with the man he loved and hurt while they were deployed together three years ago.

Pain, guilt, and bitterness aren’t the only lingering feelings, though, and even if three years is enough to melt the ice between them, they’ve already risked their careers for each other once. Can Justin convince Chris that what they once had is worth putting careers and hearts on the line again?

Review: I have to say that this was a great read. Chris has just started working at the college as a teacher when his ex walks through the door and he is soooo not happy to see him. Justin has signed up for Chris’s class as a way to confront the past. He knows he hurt Chris three years ago and now he wants to make amends.

I have to say this story touched my heart. With the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell repeal just being passed this is a fitting story. After a brief relationship that went horrible wrong when Justin got promoted and made Chris’s life a living hell it was understandable for Chris’s reaction to having Justin back in his life was not a happy one. Justin does try his best to get through to Chris but I don’t think he understood just what he did to Chris. It wasn’t just that he dumped Chris; it was that he undermined his authority at work and made it impossible for him to carry out his job. So even if Chris had decided to re-enlist Justin had effectively ruined his career. I found that I respected Chris more because even though he still loved Justin he would no longer let him walk all over him and I know it would have been really hard for him to forgive the way that Justin treated him.

The story flips between the past and the present from both MCs point of views, so we can fully understand what happened between them. It also shows their fear that although DADT is no longer in effect that it won’t make much difference to the higher-ups if Justin did come out, and that he would be hounded out of the Navy.

I really enjoyed this book and I think it showed a more realistic view of how people behave when they are scared of being outed and a very valid point that although DADT has gone it won’t change some people’s attitudes. So I recommend this as a ‘must read’.

Protecting Francis by Amber Kell

Title: Protecting Francis

Series: Yearning Love #2

Author: Amber Kell

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella

Publisher: Total-E Bound (September 19, 2011)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥Hearts

Blurb: Francis thought he had it all until danger came into his life…and he realized the man he’d always liked had become the one man he longed to love.

When Francis agreed to let his cousin stay at his place, he had no idea it would trigger a chain of events that would change his life forever. Bill Timmons had watched Francis for months waiting for the perfect time to insert himself into the other man’s life. When Francis gets into trouble, Bill decided this time nothing was going to stop him from protecting Francis.

Reviewer: Portia

Review: In my humble opinion, Amber Kell is the Queen of the Novella. She manages to churn out sweet romances with just enough heat to keep me coming back for more. Protecting Francis is the second in the Yearning Love series. I liked it better than Taking Care of Charlie. In that book, Charlie had issues and Marcus was his knight in shining armor. In Protecting Francis, Francis is so not in need of protecting. On one hand he is very limp-wrist cliché, on the other he has a mean left hook and is not afraid to use it.

I wish the other MC, Bill could have been developed more. But, it was really sweet to watch him try to get close to Francis without scaring him off. God bless him, I just wanted to hug him and tell him “it would be all right.” (Because, I know Amber Kell ALWAYS finds a way to bring a happily ever after.)

If you are into sweet romance, sweet loving and a bit of suspense…this is a must read.

Bondi Beach Boys by Rhian Cahill

Title: Bondi Beach Boys

Author: Rhian Cahill

Genre: Erotic Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Etopia Press (May 6, 2011)

ISBN: ISBN: 978-1-936751-29-7

Length: Novella

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥2.5Hearts

Reviewer: Artemis

From the Publisher: What’s a girl to do with two sexy Aussie surfers? Ride the waves, of course…

After weeks of lusting over a couple of hot surfers, Piper Doyle has the opportunity to turn fantasy into reality. There’s just one problem—they’re her new clients. When the men offer a no-strings-attached affair, Piper has a decision to make, one her body made for her weeks ago when she first started watching “her boys.” She can’t risk the job that could make or break her career, but she sure as hell isn’t going to pass up this chance to live out her wildest dreams…

Sam Bridges and Nate Russo share everything, from their home to their business to the occasional woman. Even themselves. But they’ve never shared what they feel for Piper. What starts out as hot sex with a willing woman turns into something none of them expected—but what’s wrong with a few strings on a hot summer day at the beach…

About the Author: Years of slavery to four young aliens and their sire failed to squash the love of writing or reading hiding behind the facade of a boring stay-at-home mum. Escaping from the mother-ship with vivid imagination intact, Rhian uses her superpowers for good.

Okay, so that’s not quite how it happened. Married to her very own hero for over 20 years and raising a family of four kept writing on the back burner but with more time to spend on the things she loves most, Mr. Muse and Rhian have taken over.

Writing a multiple of genres keeps life interesting and busy. Rhian can be found in numerous places online where her love of talking is well satisfied. An Aussie, who’s spent years living overseas, Rhian and family are now happily residing back in their native land of down under.

My Review: This book started off on a very positive note. I could really imagine that I was sitting beach side and watching the waves, enjoying a fruity beverage, and ogling the sexy scenery as it walked by! As each character was introduced, they seemed very charismatic and I really wanted to get to know them all a little bit better.

What really bugged me was that by page 15 we have our 2 main male characters having sex. I am all for M/M sex but I like to get to know the characters in a book before they start fooling around…the buildup, the tension, the sexual frustration all makes that first sex scene something worth waiting for.

Soon after the rushed sex scene we had another one of my personal dislikes…a fainting female. Just the mere site of her object of desire causes Piper to faint right there on the porch step? Maybe it’s just me but I like my women with a little bit more backbone than that!

The story line itself was promising. Up and coming web designer gets hired by 2 cute male business partners who happen to enjoy each other’s company as much as that of a woman. I think more time should have been spent developing the story and really creating the characters. With the descriptive and smooth writing style that Ms. Cahill has, I think she could have really weaved a bit more story into the sex that is so predominant in this book.

When Love is Not Enough by Wade Kelly

Title: When Love Is Not Enough

Author: Wade Kelly

Genre: GLBT Contemporary

Length: Novel

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (August 28, 2011)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts

Blurb: A six-year downward spiral into a world of lies and deception leads to the end of one man’s life when self-discovery crosses the line between being the perfect son or following his heart.

Jimmy Miller never intended to lead a double life starting the day he fell in love with Darian, but his parents’ divorce, fighting in school, and constantly keeping secrets for his closeted best friend and protector, Matt, force his hand. Jimmy finds the demands too great to withstand and ends it all prematurely, leaving behind an angry best friend and a shattered lover.

Matt and Darian cling to one another in the aftermath of their loss, forging a new friendship immediately tested by the truths of their relationships with Jimmy that are hidden in the pages of Jimmy’s journals. Will Matt and Darian discover what truly happened to their friend? And will this tragedy birth something beautiful between them as they learn the balance between life, family, and friendship when love is simply not enough?

A Bittersweet Dreams title: It’s an unfortunate truth: love doesn’t always conquer all. Regardless of its strength, sometimes fate intervenes, tragedy strikes, or forces conspire against it. These stories of romance do not offer a traditional happy ending, but the strong and enduring love will still touch your heart and maybe move you to tears.

Reviewer: Astrid

Review: This was an exceptionally difficult read for me. I know firsthand the sorrow those left behind suffer when a loved one feels no alternative to ending their life.

The story begins with alternating internal dialogue of two characters. You don’t know who they are, but you are plunged into the static of their echoing emotions. It’s messy, chaotic and so profoundly real that you are compelled to keep reading.

Matt and Jamie are best friends. Jamie and Darian are lovers. Yet neither Matt nor Darian have crossed paths with one another over a six-year period. How is that possible? One confused and determined young man. Jamie’s conflicting emotions for both boys/men had him struggling for balance and left him feeling the only option was to compartmentalize and separate each relationship.

The journey truly begins at the end, when Matt finds the journals Jamie left behind. The head hopping and time jumping can be a little difficult to follow at times. What proved the most overwhelming chapter for me was when Matt came to Jamie’s final few journal entries and the scene of Jamie’s last moments – disturbing, heartbreaking and raw.

Matt and Darian are thrown together by their grief, each seeking solace and answers. I know some are going to be appalled with Matt and Darian for the timing of their first encounter and how quickly their connection developed. I did have a hard time with it myself but that’s the woman in me. We want our significant other to move on if we die… after a respectable <long> mourning period. Men are different creatures entirely. Matt is depicted as somewhat reckless with sexual encounters. Darian has a clear fear of abandonment and he’s just been abandoned with no hope for Jamie’s return. So I understood their need for one another and forgave the timing.

This story isn’t about Matt and Darian falling in love. It’s about Jamie’s life and the impact he had on their lives. My romance junky wants the guaranteed HEA, I want to believe they find a way to support each other and make it together, but their story ends at the beginning. You’re left with hope.

The Six Year Itch bt Neil Plakcy

Title: The Six Year Itch

Series: Got 15 Minutes? (Various Authors)

Author: Neil Plakcy

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Short Story (57pgs)

Publisher: MLR Press (July 2011)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Spencer and Armando have built themselves a beautiful world– a two-story apartment atop a building they own on South Beach, full of sensual domesticity. But is that enough to keep them together, when things start getting stale, and they begin keeping secrets from each other? Can their love survive the handsome men and daring distractions of South Beach?

Review: I really liked this book as the two main characters are not in the first blush of love, but have been together for 6yrs.

Spencer and Armando are in a rut; Spencer especially is feeling it and is becoming more despondent about their love life. For although the connection is there and the tenderness is apparent, there is no passion and it has become routine and predictable. He’s also noticed that Armando is hiding something from him and he fears the worst. Spencer is also keeping a secret and his eye is beginning to rove. Armando is quite happy with his relationship, he knows he’s not as passionate as Spencer, he also knows that he controls their love-making and is satisfied with that, but now he has to keep a secret from Spencer.

I liked seeing these two men sort out their problems and being truly honest with each other as they both realize that they have taken each other for granted. I also liked the fact that they were complete opposites with Spencer being the out-going, passionate and a bit of a drama queen and Armando being dignified, reserved and a bit staid, but, they complemented each other well. I think this is a cute little read that should be on everyone’s ‘to read’ list.

The Raw Prawn by Connie Bailey

Title: Raw Prawn

Author: Connie Bailey

Genre: GLBT Action/Adventure

Length: Novella

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (August 23, 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb: When backpacker Jarold Lake runs out of money in Australia, an acquaintance gives him an address where he can find an under-the-table job without needing a work visa. He’s greeted by Russ Bridger, who none too subtly lets him know that the “job” involves being filmed having sex… with a man. Jarold is open to new experiences, but when he decided to take a trip Down Under, he never expected this!

Before long, Jarold is tangled up in the underworld dealings of Russ’s boss, Jason Leith. Leith runs an empire on betting, pornography, and prostitution, and he is devoid of sympathy, among other human feelings. When Leith shows too much interest in Jarold, Russ decides it’s time to get out of the low life, something much easier said than done. But for Jarold, Russ will take the risk.

Reviewer: Portia

Review: Raw Prawn makes me think of the kind of porn a woman would write and direct…lots of hot, nasty sex with a plot. A damn good plot.

Jarold is a bit of a lost soul. He’d wandered around until his money ran out. That’s how he ends up in Australia willing to perform in an x-rated flick for some quick cash. Something about Russ seduces him into crossing from bi-curious to full on bisexual in one afternoon. The chemistry between Russ and Jarold is off the charts.

There is a tad bit of insta love, but it’s not too sappy. Russ seems to temper Jarold’s wanderlust. While Jarold helps Russ to value himself and believe there is still good in the world.

Throw in a crazy man trying to kill them and more hot sex and you have an excellent erotic romance.

Tricks by Rick R. Reed

(I teased Rick R. Reed that I wanted to read one of his books, but I was scared of the dark. Some have called Rick, the Stephen King of gay fiction. He is best known for some very dark horror. He let me know he was more versatile and sent Tricks in for review. I may have to get a nightlight, because I know that I want to read more of Rick’s writing. Portia♥)

Title: Tricks

Author: Rick R. Reed

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (196pgs)

Publisher: MLR Press (14^th October 2010)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 1/2Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Tricks can mean many things: sex partners, deceptions, even magic. In Rick R. Reed searing love story, it means all three. Arliss is a gorgeous young dancer at Tricks, the hottest club in Chicago’s Boystown. Sean is the classic nerd, out of place in Tricks, but nursing his wounds from a recent break-up. When the two spy each other, magic blooms. But this opposites-attract tale does not run smooth. What happens when Arliss is approached by one of the biggest porn producers in the business? Can he make his dreams of stardom come true without throwing away the only real love he’s ever known? And will this question even matter if the mysterious producers realize their dark intentions?

Review: Arliss is an exotic dancer who hates his job. He finds it degrading and demeaning to be pawed by these men but he needs the money to survive. When he spots Sean in the club, he’s intrigued as Sean doesn’t look at all comfortable in the club. Sean has recently split from his boyfriend of 3 years and has decided to try his hand in the city’s gay nightclubs. After finding himself uncomfortable in all the clubs he walks down to the shore of Lake Michigan. As Fate would have it, he bumps into one of the dancers from one of the clubs and it’s the start of something beautiful.

This is a romance that will have you at the edge of your seat as you root for these two sweet men. These two men are complete opposites. Sean is an average looking geek and Arliss is a smoking hot dancer. It amazed me how innocent and naive Arliss was considering the things that he’d had to do to survive and I could soooo completely understand Sean’s reaction to Arliss when he told him he wanted to do a porn movie.

The suspense will grip you as you watch these two men try to work thru Arliss’s decision and the repercussions as part of the truth of the porn shoot comes out and Arliss realizes that he might have just signed his life away when he signed the contract.

I really cannot recommend this book enough as you have love, romance, suspense and drama.

Stolen Summer by S. A. Meade

Title: Stolen Summer

Author: S. A. Meade

Genre: GLBT Contemporary

Publisher: Total-E Bound

Length: Novel

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts

Blurb: The horror of Evan and Colin’s stolen summer may be over but the nightmares remain. Can their love survive the fallout?

The last thing journalist Evan Harrison expects to hear, when he returns from covering the war in Afghanistan, is that his best friend, Colin Williams, is in love with him.

Colin, an Oxford Professor with a poet’s soul and a roving eye, turns out to be a temptation Evan can’t resist. What he discovers is that sex with Colin is hot, wild and relentless. The two of them embark on a passionate affair and Evan knows he’s going to spend his days with Colin – after one last assignment.

A western journalist in Pakistan is too tempting a target for local insurgents. Evan’s ‘Oh-shit’ sense fails dismally when he is taken hostage and spends four months refusing to let his captors grind him down by clinging to memories of the lover he left behind. Freedom from captivity, however, doesn’t bring freedom from terror. The legacy of Evan’s ordeal results in meltdowns and nightmares that threaten to destroy his life with Colin. He can’t even seek comfort in lovemaking because the pills intended to save his sanity kill his desire.

Evan seizes a chance to put his nightmares behind him by taking one final assignment, covering unrest in Jordan. Colin sees Evan’s decision as the end of a relationship he fought hard to save. If Evan makes it back to England in one piece, winning Colin back will be the toughest assignment he’s ever faced.

Reviewer: Portia

Review: I hated this book. Hated it so much, I couldn’t put it down for two days. I guess I was expecting a cutesy little story about a bi-curious guy’s first time. And I did get that. But, I also got a very poignant story of a young man’s journey through a harrowing experience and his subsequent recovery.

I spent more than half the book waiting for someone to die. There was just a dark foreshadowing that kept me waiting for the next shoe to drop. What happens, instead, is worse in a lot of ways. Wonder if Colin and Evan would ever get their Happily Ever After kept me turning pages. Wondering how Colin would respond to Evan’s choices kept me up way past my bedtime. Stolen Summer is an amazing book. It’s not your average war story, as neither Colin nor Evan is a soldier. But it does give the reader a glimpse into war-torn areas. Not just the atrocities of war, but the humanity of regular folks caught up in a hell that they didn’t create.

The loving is hot and sweaty. The British dialogue is a hoot and the story is very well told. I highly recommend this book and look forward to S. A. Meade’s next work.

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