Tag: GLBT Dads

Protective Mate by Toni Griffin

18753627Title: Protective Mate, 2nd edition

Series: Holland Brother, #3

Author: Toni Griffin

Length: Novel (139 Pages)

Publisher: Mischief Corner Books (January 25th, 2014)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts

Reviewer: Lisa

Blurb: Life isn’t meant to be easy, but for Zachary Bennet the last two years have been downright hell. The one shining light in his life, his precious daughter, Hayley. Deciding he needs a clean break, Zack gets a new job in a small town called Leyburn in the hopes they can settle down and live a peaceful life.

Between worry over one brother’s increasingly erratic behavior and constantly walking in on the other two making out with their mates, Simon Holland is ready to pull his hair out. All he’d ever wanted in life was a mate and a family. When his wish is finally answered with Zack’s arrival, Simon finds out first-hand how far hate and bigotry can drive some people. But life wasn’t meant to be easy and Simon would protect what was his to the end.

Product Link:https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/401363

Review: This book has been re-edited. Toni has such a wonderful way with telling a story. She has such a gift with giving someone characters who they can just fall in love with and want to cheer them all the way. They have the abilities to overcome all the pain and anger from their past and move forward in their life. To be able to fall in love and create a loving family.

Zach is just a sweet, loving, and compassionate werewolf who had a loving childhood. He had met his best friend Sarah in high school. When Sarah got diagnosed with cancer, all she wanted was to be a mother. Zach agreed and became the father of a beautiful daughter Hayley. Two years later, Sarah’s family tried everything they could to take Hayley from Zach. So he moved to Leyburn where he met his mate Simon. Simon has always wanted a mate. He was slowly falling in love with Zach and was already in love with his new daughter Hayley. Simon is loving, kind, gentle and very protective. Simon will give everything in him to protect his mate and daughter. The sex is passionate, hot, and very tender, well most of the time. There are times when it is downright hot, fast and rough, just enough to set the sheets on fire.

This story has the perfect amount of danger, excitement, adventure, and kidnapping. I love how the characters can turn the misfortune and pain into compassion, empathy, and loyalty. I love to lose myself into stories when the problems of life get too hard to overcome. I especially love it when it involves two very hot and sexy men who just happen to be able to turn into wolves. This story shows you also what sometimes happen when a love one comes out. The hatred and bigotry that is shown and how the right people can make those who are full of hate disappear. It shows that with acceptance and love that it is possible to have a happy and full life with those you love. When this story first came out it was one of my favorites and since Toni added more to it, just makes it better. I am so glad to have this story in my library so that I can read it over and over. I can’t wait for the next story to come out. I would recommend starting with book one and buying the whole series because you won’t be disappointed.

Briefcase Booty by S.A. Welsh

4280briefcasebooty510w-430x645Title: Briefcase Booty

Author: S. A. Welsh

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (88 pages)

ISBN: 978-1-77111-769-2

Publisher: eXtasy Books (February 19th, 2014)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Eli

Blurb: Two men are brought together by a green pirate parrot at a Christmas work function. One is a divorced highflying lawyer with a baby and the other is an acrobatic pirate performer. The link? They were best friends until they were nine and Luka’s family moved away. Luka, the pirate, just got out of a relationship and needs a place to crash, and Peter is sleep-deprived and desperate not to lose Luka again. The problem? Luka is gay and Peter is straight. Against the odds, they come together and discover family isn’t made by blood but love. Can Christmas spirit and the love of family help them overcome their differences, rekindle the childish love they shared when they were young, and let it grow into something more?

Purchase Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/briefcase-booty/?keyword=briefcase%20booty

Review: Two little boys are best friends. They are separated by the wrongdoing of a bad parent.  Twenty years later, they meet again and what ended as simple childhood friendship is now rekindled in passion.  Peter, now a successful businessman divorcee is simply trying to live each day, be a good parent to his son, and dodge the unwanted attention of his assistant.  Luka is a performer who checks all of Peter’s never before known buttons on the sexy meter. The two men fall instantly back into the patterns of their childhood friendship.

There are a lot of insta’s going on in this story.  Peter insta-invites Luka to move into his house with him. Peter insta-ntly moves from straight to being attracted to a man. There is insta attraction between Luka and Peter. There is insta-adoration between Luka and his namesake Loukas, Peter’s infant son. Then there is the insta-love that the men feel for each other.

The story moves from zero to sixty in about sixty seconds.  However, the three men are very adorable as a family and so the reader will suspend their disbelief to believe in the fairy tale and the happily ever after.

Dandy's Little Girl by Ari McKay

81f6Hngk7qL._SL1500_Title: Dandy’s Little Girl

Author: Ari McKay

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (102 pages)

ISBN: 978-1-61040-645-1

Publisher: Torquere Press (February 4th, 2014)

Heat Level: Low to Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3.5Hearts

Reviewer: Eli

Blurb: Noah Coleman doesn’t do casual relationships. After losing his partner, Jeff, and raising their daughter Emily by himself, he’s not used to thinking of anyone in a romantic way. But when he moves back to Chicago and meets former classmate Andy Lane again, Andy somehow manages to worm his way into Noah and Emily’s lives – and into Noah’s heart. Noah watches Emily and Andy grow closer, but Andy doesn’t seem to want anything more from Noah than friendship. What’s a father to do when he realizes balancing love and parenthood isn’t as easy as he’d always thought?

Purchase Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=78_85&products_id=4123

Review: A delightful story about love a second time around.  Noah is a man grieving the loss of his partner while now raising their child.  When Andy Lane enters his life, he doesn’t think he’s ready for a relationship, but Lane’s quiet and non-threatening presence breaks through Noah’s grief and he begins to care. Feeling that the sentiment is not returned, he ends his lukewarm relationship with Andy, which depresses both men. 

Once Noah realizes his mistake via how heartbroken his daughter is by Andy’s absence, he swallows his pride and goes to talk with Andy, which will allow both men to talk about their misunderstandings and begin to build a relationship with each other.  The Epilogue of the story explains the title, which just makes the story all the sweeter.

The characters of Noah, Andy and Emily are well-developed and the reader roots for not just the two men to be together but also for the three of them to build a family with each other.  The power to love is infinite and often death is tragic, but that doesn’t mean that love will never ever be there again. This story is about family, trust and how love can heal anything.

Family Connections by N.J. Nielsen

18690198Title: Family Connections

Series:   The Connelly Chronicles (I’m assuming)

Author: N J Nielsen

Genre: Contemporary

Length:   Novel (254 pages)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (October 18th, 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3.5 Hearts (Should really be two stories)

Reviewer:   Eli/Mandingo

Blurb: Thrown into circumstances beyond their imagining, Ray Connelly and Christopher ‘Viv’ Vivvens must step beyond their own lifestyles to survive the future. What started out with a small white lie and two men becomes more than either of them ever dreamed. 

Ray and Viv learn that love isn’t always what they expect but in learning to deal with the road ahead, they realise change can be so worthwhile as they become a family in the greatest sense. 

When an ex makes an appearance and tries to destroy their happily-ever-after, the guys need to find out if they have what it takes to beat the odds. With the help of family and friends, Ray and Viv fight their past demons to make their future even better than they ever thought possible.

Purchase Link:   https://spsilverpublishing.com/family-connections-ebook-p-59261.html

Review: Let me start with the point that this is a long story.  It is 451 pages and is much more than just a simple love story between two men. When it states that, it is the Connelly Chronicles, which is exactly what this is.  Ray and Viv meeting and falling in love is the tip of the iceberg.  There is a LOT of family in this book and readers should not for a minute lose track or they will be lost.  I suggest a pad and pencil to keep all the players straight (so to speak). I will admit to an initial confusion when first reading. My disorientation was due to the story moving backwards and forwards between Viv and Ray’s perspective in the beginning which was a tad confusing.  Novels in a single character’s voice are easier to follow; OR if using multiple voices, separate them by chapter or some other indicator, so that the reader is cued as to when the story will be in another character’s perspective.

So let’s summarize quickly then shall we. Viv is straight, or so he thinks and claims, and Ray has not come yet out the closet; but, they embark ‘fake’ relationship for reasons which I’ll allow the reader to explore. I experienced a believability issue here because both inexperienced men seemed too “okay” with the fake relationship, especially Viv, the straight man who can’t seem to keep his hands off the NOW newly out Ray.  Yeah, issue with believability here. But it’s cute and so I kept reading.  Ray is the super nice guy who allows the sexually oriented confused Viv to take advantage of the pretend boyfriend situation way too long. On the surface the pretend situation is cute until you realize that in Viv refusing to come out and admit his feelings for Ray, Ray is left in a situation where he’s marching to Ray’s tune.  That is not a nice thing to do to anyone – but for the sake of literary love, we accept that this is part of the courting game of the two men. Then we move to my second bout with suspended disbelief: there is a LOT of hot kissing and making out between these two man-love virgins but it never leads to sex. Really? There is no way two sexually active and aware men are going to be naked in bed and sex isn’t going to happen EVEN if one claims to be straight but is wrapped around the other like a spider monkey.  Men are basic – naked beside naked equals sex – Simple as that.

Finally we get to where Ray and Viv are in a “real” relationship and suddenly we throw in Viv’s ex trailer trash girlfriend who’s trying to create problems.  Now I cannot even understand how she’s still in the picture with criminal act she committed. Thankfully someone got a clue and the law finally caught up in the story when she aimed to commit the same crime twice.  By the time we wrap our brains around that, suddenly there are additional siblings, surrogate babies and families. Did I mention that it’s Ray’s ex and best friend who are the surrogates? The family confusion and cross-pollination friend dynamics I will leave to each reader to unravel, remember to keep the note pad handy; and, just be warned that even while there is an ‘ick’ and ‘squick’ quality to it all, it’s still sickeningly sweet. 

There is a LOT going on in this book. Quite frankly it’s enough for two books.  If this is a series, then the first book should have focused on Ray and Viv becoming a couple and then the second book on them becoming a family with all of the ensuing drama, especially since the second half of the book is written almost entirely from Ray’s perspective. There are several stories running concurrently but they all blend since the core of the second half of story is about Viv and Ray building the Connelly family. There appears to be a sequel to the story called Beautiful Goodbyes, which I’m sure will begin with the cliff-hanger left at the end of this book (no spoiler alert here); and continue to be about Viv and Ray continuing the Connelly empire and the large group of friends and allies they’ve developed.  The book is clearly a … saga.

The story has two distinctly different feels to it. The first half of the book is clearly the typical coming out story of two men who must find each other and their HEA. The second half of the book is what happens after the HEA when life happens and these men must manage some very fantastical situations. It felt a bit like I was living in a soap opera, with the number of over-the-top things which happen to this couple; yet through it all their love and family prevail. I have only one spoiler for readers: Think John and Kate plus 8. The whole story has an air of unbelievability to it, but its sweetness and the readers desire to see Ray and Viv together as they build this remarkable family make you forgive it and chalk it up to it being entertainment so realism can be tossed out the window.

Almost Paradise, 2nd Edition by Caitlin Ricci

18500914Title:  Almost Paradise, 2nd Edition

Author:  Caitlin Ricci

Genre:  Gay/Erotic/Paranormal/

Length:  Novella (112 Pages)

Publisher:  eXtasy Books

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Reviewer:  Laurie

Blurb:  Travis has done everything to keep his daughter safe. He’s fought a long, hard battle in the courts to gain full custody and has finally found some breathing room. But that security comes at a heavy price.

Staying in a motel and living off his quickly dwindling savings is no way to raise a toddler, so when Liam steps into his life and offers him hundreds of dollars just to watch his dogs for a weekend, it almost seems too good to be true.

But when he finds out there is more to Liam than he ever thought, he has a hard decision to make. Can he and his daughter stay and be safe or will he need to leave?

Please note: This is a re-release.

Purchase Link:  http://www.extasybooks.com/almost-paradise/

Review:  This is a warm and sweetly written story which deals with a parent, Travis, having to swallow some pride when he finally wins custody of his daughter, Hannah. However, it was at the cost of everything else in his life. Down on his luck, he runs into Liam while trying to find work.

Something about the smaller man calls to Liam. It makes him want to offer help without hurting the other man’s pride more than it’s already been. Using the excuse of an out-of-town trip for his boss, who is also his Alpha, he persuades Travis to watch Lucy and Ethel, his mastiff dogs. He figures that’s a start, but how do you tell a human that you’re a shifter?

I love how Hannah knew instinctively that Liam was a shifter, by calling him Puppy every time she saw him. And, I love how Liam became a protective de facto parent around Hannah, even before he and Travis got together. His Alpha is so not happy that Hannah can see the “puppies”; it brings back the stories of hunters who can see the wolf in them. So now, Liam gets to deal with his feeling for Travis, his need to protect Hannah while getting her to stop calling them puppies and to placate his Alpha at the same time.

This was an enjoyable story to read, well written.  Travis, Liam and Hannah are well-rounded characters and very likable. I look forward to reading more of this series and more of this author’s work.

We are Daddy by Evelise Archer

1e45f0c7e356b0136e5f6f8c350992ee6b34fbe3Title:   We are Daddy

Series:  Weekend Getaways

Author: Evelise Archer

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Short (31 pages)

Publisher: Secret Cravings Publishing (September 19th, 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

Reviewer: Mandingo

Blurb:   Cyril Eona always had a hard life; born with a deformity and growing up in the system until he meets Devon Haley; the man of his dreams, who becomes the love of his life. Soon, their wonderful world gets turned upside down by an unexpected arrival, a daughter.

Life changes; a couple becomes three and fatherhood looms. Can Cyril get past all his insecurities and allow Devon to show him that although life as two was wonderful, life as daddy can be ultimately fulfilling?

Purchase Link:   http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=33&products_id=712

Review: This is a short erotic tale that opens with Cyril struggling with learning he’s to become a father and Devon immediately rushing in to assure him through love, understanding and physical expression that life changes need not spell the end or doom and gloom. 

Becoming a parent is a daunting task for anyone. Most people have months to get used to the idea of becoming a parent and then slowing learning who this new person in your life will be. Cyril becomes overwhelmed at becoming a parent and it takes Devon’s reassurance to help him realize that parenting does not come with a manual or a guarantee, it’s a day-to-day exercise and that mistakes and mishaps happen along the way.

This story short reaffirms that love comes in all shapes and sizes and that the love two people share can be intensified and magnified when a child is added to the mix. Additionally parenting can dramatically alter your life and you can choose to make that choice a good or bad one or one that will enhance or encumber your life.

Love, Life and Circumstances by V.L. Moon and J.T. Cheyanne

18271222Title:  Love, Life & Circumstance

Series: N/A
  
Author: V.L. Moon and J.T. Cheyanne
  
Genre:  Contemporary

Length: Novel

Publisher: Laz & Lachi Publications, L.L.C. (July 28, 2013)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:  Born the son of a preacher man, Elijah Deacon always conformed to his father’s strict religious teachings. He worked hard, devoting his time and energy to the family owned construction firm, leaving little time to focus on the deplorable state of his private life. Small town America was no place to be when all a man craved was the touch of another man. Elijah hid his sexuality and tried in vain to convince himself he could be happy with a woman. Urged on by the dream of having the family he craved, Elijah couldn’t know a drunken one-night stand would see him pay the ultimate price.

Leaving the bright lights of Atlanta and placing his own life on hold, paralegal, Seth Jacobs, moved to Alabama hopeful that with a baby on the way, his twin sister Bethany would settle down. His older sister by five minutes, she gave him the confidence he needed while growing to come out and be proud of who he was. It was his turn to return the support. On arrival in Headland, Seth endeavored to make her see the dangers her behavior presented to her and her unborn child. But, to no avail.

When destiny deals a cruel blow, and the life of a newborn baby hangs by a thread, Seth and Elijah are flung together to deal with the tragic circumstances. The grief threatens to consume them, while joy and fear work to unite them. Jealousy, love, lies and bitter truths rise to the surface and threaten to tear them apart. Can the powers of love and life bring them together and heal the loneliness that death leaves behind? Or will circumstance prevail and fuel the embers of love that draw them together?

Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/Love-Life-Circumstance-ebook/dp/B00E7YUI70/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375673946&sr=8-1&keywords=love+life+%26+circumstance

Reviewer:   GiGi

Review: Oh, honey this story reads likes a Deep South soap opera. You have twins, a preacher’s gay son, (not to mention that he’s a construction worker) a tryst with the undertakers son, illegitimate babies, manslaughter and mayhem! So if you like drama, and plenty of man love, you’ll enjoy this hot number. I love the southern accents the author writes into the language, and of course, there is nothing much sexier than two hot daddies, even if some of the circumstances are a bit too farfetched to believe. Its fun, its dramatic, and the sexy scenes are hot! There are those sweet moments where the MC’s make each other breakfast (even with the smoke alarm blaring), and take turns caring for a preemie in the NICU. But through all this drama with a capital D, can these three make it as a family? You’ll just have to read and see…

The Current Between Us by Kindle Alexander

18073891Title: The Current Between Us

Author: Kindle Alexander

Genre: Contemporary, Family

Length: Novel Plus (287pgs)

Publisher: Kindle Alexander (18th June 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Gage Synclair, international, hard-hitting investigative photojournalist, is preparing for the final special report of his career. A story of deception and murder six long years in the making. After spending ten years in some of the worst parts of the world, he’s ready to settle life down and open an art gallery in his hometown of Chicago.

Trent Cooper, electrical contractor, is surprised by the last minute request for a fast-paced electrical remodel, little did he know he’d be immediately propositioned by the gallery’s owner. Being gay in the construction industry isn’t easy, nor is being father to his two young adopted children. Trent keeps his life in separate zones to avoid a short circuit. Will their high-voltage passion break the currents between them forever?

Purchase Link: US: http://www.amazon.com/The-Current-Between-Us-ebook/dp/B00DG9L4B6

UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Current-Between-Us-ebook/dp/B00DG9L4B6

CA: http://www.amazon.ca/The-Current-Between-Us-ebook/dp/B00DG9L4B6

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-current-between-us-kindle-alexander/1115697150

Review: Gage has spent the last ten years as an international investigative photojournalist. He is about to retire and open his own art gallery, but he has one last special report to finish. A report that has been six years in the making and while he puts the final changes to his report, he oversees the remodeling of his gallery. Trent is an electrical contractor who gets a last-minute electrical gig for an art gallery. he is surprised by the owner and even more surprised when the man makes a pass at him. Trent has his children to think of and makes sure all parts of his life are separated, but Gage tempts him to mix business with pleasure.

This is a wonderful family story that has a fantastic romance and a very surprising twist. Gage has always been a very short-term type of man. He has travelled all over the world and now it is his time to retire and settle down, opening his own art gallery in Chicago. Gage never expects the love of his life to walk through his doors. But, when he does, Gage will do everything in his power to win his man and keep him and his family safe. Even if it means giving up his final dream. Trent hasn’t had much time for men. He has his children to think of, and so when he walks onto a new job site meeting, Gage knocks him for six. Being romanced by Gage slowly erodes Trent’s walls and they quickly fall in love. But, a twist of fate nearly rips them apart and could throw Trent’s family into danger.

The characters of this book are just incredible. Each and every one of them will worm their way into your heart. Gage is a wonderful man, who pursues Trent with all his wooing skills. Trent is a fantastic father, who deserves to be romanced. And his children, Hunter and Emalynn, are brilliant, and add a touch of sweetness to the story. The romance is nicely paced and I liked that Trent didn’t just jump into Gage’s arms straight away. I liked that he put his kids first and that they were an integral part of the story. I thought Gage’s determination to romance Trent was sweet, but I did think he got a bit clingy at times. I also thought that Gage’s reaction to the twist was a bit over the top, but kind of understandable. Trent handled it just right and was much more forgiving than I would have been. Gage really comes through for Trent and his family though. and you really can’t help but love a man who would go to the lengths that he did. The storyline is good with an added twist that for some reason didn’t quite surprise me. Why I don’t know, but I wasn’t really shocked by the twist.

I will recommend this to those that love family stories, hot men coming together and discovering love, a twist that will raise eyebrows and a very happy ending. 

The Reluctant Dad by Parker James

694703a44058faaf792f4ae87ec6bee5.image.200x300Title:  The Reluctant Dad

Series:  Father’s Day 2013 Collection

Author:  Parker James

Genre:   Contemporary, Father’s Day, Gay, Holiday Story, Romance

Length: Novella  (39 pages)

Publisher: Silver Publishing

Product link:  https://spsilverpublishing.com/the-reluctant-dad-ebook-p-1497.html

Heat Level:  Low

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥3Hearts

Blurb:  Channing and Jon’s marriage is tested when Jon suggests they adopt a baby. Channing struggles with indecision and a lack of confidence in his abilities to raise a child–again.

Channing, nutritionist and personal trainer, loves life with his husband of four years, Jon, a pediatrician. Jon surprises Channing with a desire to adopt a friend’s baby and Channing is thrown into a tailspin of indecision.

Channing already has a child–a twenty-year-old daughter whose transition from childhood to adulthood brought difficulties and pain for both. He struggles with the choice between making his husband happy by parenting a newborn or being satisfied with the experience he already has where the worst perils of fatherhood are already behind him.

Channing has to choose whether to ultimately break his husband’s heart… or go after a complete love he never knew could exist.

Reviewer:   Pammie

Review:  Channing is thrown into a complete tailspin, when Jon casually announces over lunch that he wants them to adopt a baby. Channing has already raised one child. A daughter conceived when he and a friend were exploring their sexuality. He was assuredly gay, she straight. They remained friends, and Channing took his role as father seriously.

The first thing in Channing’s mind is re-living how he and Jon met. The next is visiting his daughter, Audrey. To his surprise, she’s delighted at the prospect of Jon and him adopting a baby.

Channing is still in turmoil when he arrives home, unsure whether he wants the responsibility of a child for a second time. Jon welcomes him home, but when he proposes a toast to the new baby, Channing blows.

However, his anger pales in comparison to Jon’s.  Jon storms off to bed, leaving Channing stunned.

By the time Channing is ready to go to bed, hours have passed. Channing has analyzed everything about their relationship, and his role in raising Audrey. However, it’s his response to seeing Jon in bed that makes him realize that their relationship isn’t just one thing or another; it’s a whole thing – complete love.

I felt more for Channing than Jon in this story, but then it was told from his perspective. I could empathize with his shock and insecurities, the way adoption was dropped into his lap. The epiphany he has when going to bed seemed a little out-of-place, but I liked that their love is strong enough so that Jon, although upset, doesn’t turn Channing away. A short, sweet Father’s Day treat.

A Gentleman's Gentleman by Shawn Bailey

AGentlemansGentleman400x600Title: A Gentleman’s Gentleman

Author: Shawn Bailey

Genre: Contemporary, Family

Length: Novella (144pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (15th June 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½ – 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: The last thing rock star Channing Anderson can handle is being in a relationship. But when the father of three takes one look into the deep violet eyes of his sons’ dapperly dressed tutor, he instantly changes his mind.

Divorced rock singer Channing Anderson is looking for a tutor for his five-year old triplets–Dominick, Destin, and Drake. They boys are a handful, and it doesn’t help matters Channing is a soft touch. He never had time for them when he was on the road and left most of their rearing to Addie, their mother. Addie left him for another man, gave him custody of the boys, and went on about her life. Channing’s sister, Virginia, thinks Channing is in way over his head. Along comes an English-born valet to put some order into the boys’ lives and a second chance for love and family in Channing’s heart.

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/a-gentlemans-gentleman-ebook-p-1484.html

Review: Rock star Channing is getting desperate, his son Dominick has been kicked out of yet another school and there are no more schools to turn to in the Greater Boston area…public or private. Virginia (Channing’s sister) comes up with a plan to hire a tutor. Broderick (Brodie) is set to make a new start in America. Discovering that he will have three charges instead of just the one he was told about might be a bit more challenging, but he thinks he can manage just fine. Channing is swept away from the first second he lays eyes on Brodie and sets about coaxing the sexy tutor into his bed. Brodie isn’t sure of his feelings though and Channing wonders if he can pursued Brodie to make their family complete.

This is a wonderful family story that warms the heart as you see the perfect family coming together. Channing came out of the closet after his divorce, his ex-wife walked out on him and their children without a backwards glance. But, being a rock star and a parent is a struggle especially when one of your children are commonly viewed as Satan’s spawn. Taking the chance on an overseas tutor, Channing comes to realize that Brodie is a blessing. Brodie embraces his new job in America, and falls hard for the father. But, his sexuality confuses him and he doesn’t want to risk the well-being of Dominick, Destin, and Drake, when he has just started making progress with them.

I enjoyed this light-hearted, feel good family story. the triplets are absolutely gems, each child unique in their own way, but oh so loveable. Channing is a wonderful father who is having a bit of a time of it and who finds himself attracted to Brodie. Quickly falling in love with the man as he gets to know him better. Brodie sweeps in like Mary Poppins, nothing ruffles his calm, and he soon puts the triplets in their place. Falling for their father wasn’t in the plan and he is really sweet as he tries to figure out how he really feels. Addie (Channing’s ex-wife) is an extremely nasty woman and you are actually glad that she left the children in the first place. The writing is pretty good and the relationship was okay, it didn’t quite rock my world though.

I recommend this to those that love family stories, three cute cherubs, a rock star and tutor falling in love and a very happy ending.

 

Always Been You by Jess Buffett

always-been-you400x600Title: Always Been You

Author: Jess Buffett

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (118pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (4th May 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Seth returns home and Jared is determined to finally make Seth his. Unfortunately not everyone wants that to happen.

Seth Hall returns to his hometown for the first time in eleven years. Now a father of two, he vows not to let his past intervene when he sets up a happy, stable life for them. That is, until Jared, the boy who had broken his heart all those years ago turns up wanting a chance with him.

Jared Stewart thought he had lost his only chance to be with Seth. When Seth finally comes home, Jared makes it his mission to catch Seth once and for all but unfortunately not everyone wants that to happen.

Will they be finally able to make a life for themselves together? Or will they be torn apart again, by people they thought they could trust?

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/always-been-you-ebook-p-1460.html

Review: Seth returns to his hometown eleven years after having his heart broken by his high school crush. Now he’s starting a new life with his children and starting up his new bakery, when his long ago crush walks back into his life. Jared never understood why Seth left him behind and now he has the chance to make Seth his. But, first they have to put the past to rest and sort out misunderstandings. But, someone doesn’t want them to be together and sets out to tear them apart.  Can Jared convince Seth to stick around and fight for their love?

This is a great story of two young men who were driven apart by malicious friends, and then reuniting years later to discover love. Seth has been through hell. Returning to his hometown with his children is the only thing he wants to do, but running into the man who broke his heart years before isn’t something he needed on his first day. Jared is excited that Seth has come home. He is determined to make Seth his and getting to the bottom of why Seth ran all those years ago is the first step. Jared is a very confident man, although he hid a part of himself when Seth left him. But, after learning that Seth was injured, Jared finally admitted to everyone what he really wanted and now he sets out to get it. Seth is a much more unsure character. He was ridiculed in school and then was hurt by Jared, so he is still sore years later. Add that to his recent loss and brush with death he does get emotional when those close to him are threatened.

Both characters are great and although at first there is some angst between them, they both recover quickly and dive into a rekindling of their feelings for each other. The relationship develops quickly and is both hot and loving. the children are sweet and cheeky and extended family wonderful. The storyline is good with a touch of malicious mischief, threats and a very unstable woman. I really liked how the story played out and I understood Seth’s reactions to the threats he received. I know some people don’t like crying men, but it really fits with the circumstances and wasn’t over the top.

I will recommend this to those who love reuniting high school crushes, an unstable threat, danger, hot sex, settling the past and a very happy ending.

 

Blue LIne by Kim Henkel

Blue-Line_thumbTitle: Blue Line

Author:  Kim Henkel

Genre:  Contemporary

Length: Novel (147 pages)

Publisher:  Silver Publishing (March 9th, 2013)

Hearts: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Heat: Moderate

Blurb:  Noah Lethem is 29 years old and raising his sister Hannah’s two small children. Resigned to a life of permanent chaos, he has given up on romantic relationships. Then, when his neighbor Marcy encourages him to visit the local rec center for a pick-up game of floor hockey, he meets Dillon Greer; and though they are both interested in starting a relationship, Noah remains wary of shaking up the kids’ lives. Of course, their lives might be shaken up anyway, if Hannah has her way and takes them away from the home they share with Noah to live with her new boyfriend. Now, Noah must learn to balance his new romance with his imperfect family or risk losing both.

Product Link:  https://spsilverpublishing.com/blog/2013/03/02/blue-line-by-kim-henkel/

Reviewer: Cat

Review: Noah is raising his sister’s kids and her most of the time. He has put his life on hold to do this. His best friend and babysitter is concerned for him and insists he take a night to himself, if it’s  just to go play hockey There  he meets Dillon and  though  he is very interested, he is sure that the man wouldn’t be interested in the baggage of his life.

This is such a lovely sweet story. Though it has some sadness and a bit of suspense it is still a sweet loving story. I couldn’t put it down. It’s one of those stories’s that makes you sigh and wish you could find a man like either Noah or Dillon or both!  I highly recommend this one!

Recommendations: If you like men raising family’s children, sweet story with some angst, true love, hot sensual sex, not explicit sex, a great story, this one is for you!

 

The Perfect Gift by Lisa Worrall

4b3434b466abc6e6e368585eb0b2cf07.image.200x300Title: The Perfect Gift

Series: Mr. Popsalos 02

Author: Lisa Worrall

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (128pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (29th December 2012)

Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Jamie and Luke’s first anniversary is fast approach and Jamie knows exactly what he wants to give Luke. The platinum wedding bands have been burning a hole in his suitcase in the attic for two months. But before he can say those four life-changing words, an accident throws their well-ordered lives into disarray.

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/products_id/1368

Tissue Alert: Please keep a box of tissues handy to stem the flow of tears.

Review: This story is part of a series that is best read in order. Jamie and Luke are coming up to their one year anniversary and Jamie has plans to celebrate, but before they come to fruition he has to get through the Christmas school play and Luke has a promotion in his sights, but an accident throws their entire world into chaos.

This isn’t your typical Christmas story, it is funny and heart wrenching and joyful and loving. Jamie and Luke have been together for nearly a year and they have become a family. Reggie is an adorable child and his relationship with both Luke and Jamie is wonderful. Seeing how Jamie has slotted into their family is really nice and the way that Jamie and Luke are together is really sweet. Jamie is my hero in this story and his actions with Reggie and Luke makes you love him to death, and his love for his family is astounding, that man can do no wrong in my eyes.

I am not going into the storyline, all I will tell you, is that it will affect you and make you sniffle into a tissue. There was one bug bear for me and that was we never heard anything about the circumstances of the accident i.e. why it happened. Other than that this story was perfect and I loved the incredible writing, the characters were perfect and really well-developed, the storyline is shocking but brilliant and the ending is incredibly sweet.

Lisa Worrall will tear your heart out, throw it around, jump up and down on it, and throw it in a blender before piecing it back together in a story that will make your eyes fill and tears trickle down your cheeks, before giving you an ending that is pure love and happiness. This is a must read book, so add it to your bookshelf and buy some tissues.

Countdown to Santa by K-Lee Klein

Countdown_to_SantaTitle: Countdown to Santa

Series:  MLR Holiday 2012

Author:  K-Lee Klein

Genre:   M/M Holiday

Length:  Novelette

Publisher:  MLR Press (December 16th, 2012)

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥2.5Hearts

Blurb:   Gabe and Matteo have settled into the highs and lows of new fatherhood—exhaustion, dirty diapers, baby bottles and a whole lot of love. But as their first family Christmas looms on the horizon, Matteo is worried about how his partner is handling his new role as Papa Gabe.

There’s no doubt Gabe adores the twins, but his libido, his sense of proportion and perhaps his sanity seem to have disappeared under the strain. Matteo is determined to make their new family work, but it may take thinking outside the box to get back the calm, sensible Gabe he planned to share fatherhood and the rest of his life with.

Product Link:  http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=KKCSANTA

Reviewer:   Thommie

Review:  Oh dear me, what a story…I must confess that I did think when starting this book that I was in for a ride. Well, I was in for a ride alright, but not the expected one. I think I’m freaked out from the memories this book awakened and the frustration that had its hold on me for almost the entire read.

Gabe and Matty are new to the fatherhood lifestyle and of course like all parents, they try to find their path. While Matty seems to be dealing with it pretty good, Gabe has gone crazy with his OCD and shopping mania.

And oh my God, the flashbacks, the déjà vu, and the agony all that brought to me. Sweet Jesus, I thought I’d left all that behind.

As is normal when you have a new baby in the house, the nerves and your sanity takes a good hit, having twins just doubles all that. Eventually the pair goes from the happy place of having the babies to the accusations of you do too much and you don’t do nearly as much and pointing fingers and having fights to the point of breaking up.

What really got me the most during this read was their “talks” (not fights because they did not fight, they were having a discussion, right?) and how real they were. The fact that each of them only said their peace, intentionally blinding themselves to their own mistakes, and oh dear, the misunderstanding of each word was so real to me. I’m still cringing inside.

Anyway, of course the story ends well. The new daddies find their peace after an honest talk that to my eyes felt surreal because you do NOT overcome such emotions with a simple talk and a make-up sex. But even if I do acknowledge the well written part of their problems and agony over their new life, this story didn’t make much sense to me. The end was a bit… I don’t know what the point was and add that to the fact that emotionally and sexually I did not feel the pair’s chemistry at all. This story left me baffled. The only reason for the 2.5 stars I’m giving this story is the realistic portrayal of those oh-so-awful-days when hormones hit you and you barely can cope with the changes of your reality. Other than that, I really needed more and didn’t get it. For me, this story was far off the Christmas spirit with nothing to do with the Holidays at all.