Prince Ivan, A. Wolfe & A Firebird by Eric Alan Westfall Blog Tour, Guest Post, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Eric Alan Westfall - Prince Ivan, A. Wolfe & A Firebird BANNER 1

Hi guys, we have Eric Alan Westfall stopping by today with the tour for his new release Prince Ivan, A. Wolfe & A Firebird , we have a great guest post from Eric, a great excerpt and a brilliant $20 Amazon GC giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤️ ~Pixie~

Eric Alan Westfall - Prince Ivan, A. Wolfe & A Firebird Cover 74jufc

Prince Ivan, A. Wolfe & A Firebird

by

Eric Alan Westfall

Dear Reader,

What do you get when you combine a greedy Great Tsar, his two cheating, bullying older sons, his youngest esser (shh! no saying that aloud) son, stolen gold apples, a Firebird quest, A. Wolfe who has the power t’assume a pleasing shape, a magickal sandstorm, as well as two bands and a full Symphony of Gipsumies?

A rollicking, roisterous Russian Fairy Tale, with vigorous esser activities in tents, halls, bedrooms and alcoves, with and without the assistance of PSTs. Plus princely parades, a duel over Gus, new lyrics to an old drinking song, and the possibility of bits of blood, gobs of gore or moments of mayhem. As required by CORA (the Code of RFT Authors), should these occur, your author will give you timely warning.

Ah. Still not ready to part with your kopek-equivalent? Consider the fun you’ll have reading chapters like:

“To Kvetch, Or Not To Kvetch? A Reader’s Choice”

“Ivan Has A Close Encounter Of The F-Word Kind”

“Second Direction Questers vs. The Caliph’s Sayer Of Sooths”

“Will Sasha Succeed In Seducing Prince Ivan?”

“Bad Prince Ivan! No Touch Cage!”

“A Travel Pause For Gratuitous Sex In The Tent—Which Does Not Advance The Plot—At The Insistence Of The Characters”

“A Necessary Interlude To Consider The Age-Old Questing Question: What The [Expletive Of Your Choice, Dear Reader] Do We Do Next?”

If you buy it and try it, you’ll like it, or so says your most talen…er…humble author.

p.s. If Karrie Jax and I have covered you and blurbed you to buy, look for “Dear Reader, Along The Way, Did You Happen To See The Allusion To Olivier?” in the TOC. It’s a spot-the-allusions chance at gift cards of $25, $15, or $10.

166,000 words of story fun and frolic, plus a 2160-word teaser from another MM fairytale: The Tinderbox

.•.•.**❣️ Amazon US | Amazon UK | B&N | iBooks | Kobo | Smashwords ❣️**.•.•.

Continue reading “Prince Ivan, A. Wolfe & A Firebird by Eric Alan Westfall Blog Tour, Guest Post, Excerpt & Giveaway!”

Don’t Bring a Cannibal to Dinner by James Cox

James Cox - Don't Bring a Cannibal to Dinner Cover 74yhyTitle: Don’t Bring a Cannibal to Dinner

Series: Cox Fairytale 03

Author: James Cox

Genre: Fantasy

Length: Short (77pgs)

Publisher: Evernight Publishing (7th May 2019)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts

Blurb: What are you willing to sacrifice for true love?

Harris and Grant were both raised in an orphanage. They’ve known beatings, starvation—and falling in love. When the dangers become too great, they run away into the dark woods, and they come across a cottage made completely of sweet treats. What could one taste hurt? Well, it stirs the handsome witch that lives inside. Fearing his wrath, they run straight into the brutal orphanage owner they were fleeing from before. Their unlikely hero is none other than the witch, but does the handsome magician want to save them or devour them? As it turns out, a bit of both.

But when the cottage the witch is bound to is set on fire, Harris and Grant face a terrible decision. For the only way the witch can be free is by eating one of their hearts…

ISBN: 978-1-77339-959-1

Product Link: Evernight | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: I loved this take on Hansel and Gretel, it was unique and fascinating with amazing characters that really blossomed the story into a fantastic read. Harris and Grant grew up in a orphanage. Neither have had a great time of it as the head of the place is a cruel man.

The boys finally run away and find Dec, a witch in the woods. Unfortunately Mr. D finds them and what follows is decisions and futures to be made.

Twists and turns along with an amazing story line had me on the edge of my seat throughout the book. I loved it.

Fantastic read.

The Prince and the Frog by Sophie Martin

Sophie Martin - The Prince and the Frog Cover me492Title: The Prince and the Frog

Series: Stories, Tales, and Legends: Retold 01

Author: Sophie Martin

Genre: Fairy Tales/Myths, Fantasy

Length: Novella (111pgs)

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand, Inc. (13th September 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 4 1/2 Hearts

Blurb: Prince Ivan’s father believes his sons should find wives the traditional way–by going on a quest. This most fervent wish sends Ivan to his destiny. A magical forest, swamps, and strange dreams are just the beginning of the prince’s bad luck. Not only does his chosen bride prove to be a frog, she is also a he!

With an ancient magic involved, Ivan and Vasiliy the frog have no choice but to marry. But their problems aren’t over yet. First a test of worthiness threatens their blossoming relationship. Then there is the small matter of the magical curse Vasya is under. Finally, Ivan’s impatience rips the two apart.

Can the prince fulfill the impossible quest and thwart the most feared wizard in the world (aka his father-in-law) to get his frog back? And will Vasya begin an all-out magical war to return to his prince?

ISBN: 978-1-68295-476-8

Product Link: Siren-BookStrand | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: Ivan’s father loves sending his sons on quests. This time he thinks it is time for his sons to find their other halves so has them shoot fate magic arrows in different directions and follow them to where they landed. This is where Ivan meets Vasya. Unbeknownst to him Vasya is the son of a powerful wizard being punished along with his friends for a prank gone wrong. So when the two meet Vasya and his friends are in their animal skins.

I really enjoyed the story and the subsequent adventure these two journeyed upon. Ivan is resourceful and gets help from Vasya’s friends unbeknowst to him. I loved everything about this story. It was cute, sweet, adventurous and action packed.

Well written and intriguing. Great read.

Americana Fairy Tale by Lex Chase *Retro Review*

Title: Americana Fairy Tale

Series: Screw Up Princess and Skillful Huntsman Trilogy: Book One / A Fairy Tales of the Open Road Novel

Author: Lex Chase

Genre:  Fairy Tale, Urban Fantasy

Length: Novel (340 Pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (September 12, 2014)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts

Blurb:  Modern day fairy-tale princess Taylor Hatfield has problems. One: he’s a guy. Two: he’s Sleeping Beauty, the most useless princess in existence. Throw in his true love, Corentin Devereaux, a huntsman descended from child-eating witches, and Taylor’s younger brother, Atticus—this generation’s Snow White—who tried to kill him. That didn’t go so hot. 

For two years, Taylor and Corentin live their Happily Ever After. But Corentin is cursed to lose his memory every seven days, including his life with Taylor—a painful reminder that he can’t provide for the man he loves. Taylor insists Corentin has the strength to succeed, and when Taylor discovers a way to break the curse, he is more than willing to pay the cost. 

When an enchanted blizzard devastates Corentin’s hometown of New Orleans, Taylor is convinced Atticus is to blame and grows desperate to find him amid the Big Easy turned frozen wasteland. Corentin believes Taylor is chasing a ghost while he chases the ghosts of his own past. Old tensions scratch open scars, leaving both to wonder if they have each other’s best interests at heart. The clock is ticking until Corentin loses his memory and the rabbit hole goes so deep they may never come out.

ISBN: 978-1-63216-207-6

Product Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: This is the first book in this series but I would say you could read it separately. Now to be truthful I really did not really care for this book. It gives you a new level on the old fairy tales you grew up on. However the story itself was well written with quite a bit of detail, which is not saying the pace was right on. It seemed to go in all directions and I lost interest in the story before the second chapter.

Now this should have been a reason not to grab the book, because fairy tells creep me out. I don’t have the same beliefs as many though. So I can see others falling in love with them. It has so many twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat though.

Although I am not sure how to write the review without giving too much away. Taylor is the princess who doesn’t seem to have the curse where as his brother Atticus is pretty much Sleeping Beauty. They need their rescuer but it doesn’t work out the way it should. Nothing ever does. In fact Taylor and Corentin are at each other, but not in a good way, from the start. Then there is Corentin’s curse to get over. Taylor also has to save his brothers ass.

Now even I have to admit that this story was funny as hell. I have never laughed so hard in my life. It even had a lot of action, which did the opposite for me, it made the book dull in that part. I wasn’t too sure what to feel in the end. I was in fact bored quite a bit also. It was a mixture of feelings in the story.

It was a quirky and goofy story that should capture ones attention and be able to keep it. However it didn’t do that for me. It didn’t give me what I wanted from the book.

The book starts out at a pretty good pace then it hits a snag. I am not really sure how to put it, but right when you are getting to the good part, then wham nothing. Not that the story stopped telling but it just went downhill for me. I had wished that my feelings had changed with the story though. It has a great bit of potential though. I would recommend it because as I see it just because it didn’t do it for me, doesn’t mean that another would not love it.

His Cursed Prince by Ryan Loveless

Ryan Loveless - His Cursed Prince CoverTitle: His Cursed Prince

Author: Ryan Loveless

Genre: Fairy Tales

Length: Novella (98pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (December 28, 2018)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 4.75 Hearts

Blurb: Three facts about Tuckington Belle:

1. Given the choice between illegally scaling the royal castle’s walls to steal flowers for a client at his family’s dress shop or going on a date with a girl his brother set him up with (“He’s fertile, and he can sew!”), Tuck will scale the wall like a spider after a fly.

2. If, upon knocking himself unconscious when he falls off the wall, Tuck wakes up bruised, blindfolded, and inside the castle, where—based on the unearthly wails heard nightly—the prince no one has seen in ten years is probably a ghost, Tuck would still choose this over a date with a girl.

3. Tuck thinks it’s time to admit he’s gay.

Three facts about Prince Frederick George Deor (Read and approved with great reluctance by Lord “Protocol is Protocol. Stop Being a Pain About It” Todd):

1. He brought a curse upon himself and now bears the skin of a snake.

2. He can’t take his eyes off the injured thief recovering in the castle.

3. Friendships born from lying and insisting the other person wears a blindfold can blossom into true love—which he needs to break the curse.

ISBN-13: 978-1-64080-925-3

Product Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: I adored this story about a prince, Frederick, who complains about his looks, gets cursed by a witch who turns him into a reptile like creature, who then hides from Tuck even though he’s interested in him. Tuck falls while trying to gather flowers from the royal garden for a dress his mother is putting together. He wakes up in a darkened room with the prince hiding under the bed.

The prince has not been seen in ten years as he does not want anyone to see him as he is now. I loved how these two seemed to help the other without realizing it. There was a lot of humor in this story that fit very nicely. The insecurities the prince had were real and felt genuine.

The different ways to break the curse were funny to a point especially with Frederick and Tuck’s initial reactions to some of them. Overall an entertaining and enjoyable read to the end.

Great read.

Finding Aurora by Rebecca Langham Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Rebecca Langham - Finding Aurora RB Banner

Hi guys! We have Rebecca Langham popping in today with her new lesbian release Finding Aurora, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant $10 NineStar GC giveaway, so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~

Rebecca Langham - Finding Aurora Cover

Finding Aurora

by

Rebecca Langham

Aurora Rose slumbers in the city of Oldpass, a cursed kingdom once allied with Grimvein. The victim of a malicious spell, she is powerless to control her own fate. At least, that’s how the story goes.

Now, as Grimvein faces attack, Prince Amir has been tasked with the life-threatening rescue of Aurora, his parents hopeful he will marry the princess and secure safety for their kingdom. Talia, the strongest spellcaster in the known lands, protects and guides the prince in his quest to save a woman that threatens to change their lives forever.

In finding Aurora, the pair will realise the truth about themselves and each other, coming to understand just what—and who—they really want in life.

.•.•.**❣️ NineStar | Amazon US | Amazon UK | Smashwords | B&N | Kobo ❣️**.•.•.

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His Cursed Prince by Ryan Loveless Guest Post & Exclusive Excerpt!

Ryan Loveless - His Cursed Prince Banner

Hi guys! We have Ryan Loveless popping in today with her upcoming release His Cursed Prince, we have a brilliant guest post and a great exclusive excerpt, so check out the post and enjoy!  ❤ ~Pixie~

His Cursed Prince

by

Ryan Loveless

Three facts about Tuckington Belle:

1, Given the choice between illegally scaling the royal castle’s walls to steal flowers for a client at his family’s dress shop or going on a date with a girl his brother set him up with (“He’s fertile, and he can sew!”), Tuck will scale the wall like a spider after a fly.

2, If, upon knocking himself unconscious when he falls off the wall, Tuck wakes up bruised, blindfolded, and inside the castle, where—based on the unearthly wails heard nightly—the prince no one has seen in ten years is probably a ghost, Tuck would still choose this over a date with a girl.

3, Tuck thinks it’s time to admit he’s gay.     

Three facts about Prince Frederick George Deor (Read and approved with great reluctance by Lord “Protocol is Protocol. Stop Being a Pain About It” Todd):

1, He brought a curse upon himself and now bears the skin of a snake. 

2, He can’t take his eyes off the injured thief recovering in the castle.

3, Friendships born from lying and insisting the other person wears a blindfold can blossom into true love—which he needs to break the curse.

Release date: 28th December 2018
Pre-order:
.•.•.**
❣️ Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK ❣️**.•.•.

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Never by Tara Lain ~ Audio Review

Title: Never

Series: Pennymaker Tales 04

Author: Tara Lain

Narrator: Kale Williams

Genre: Contemporary

Length: 6 hrs, 41 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (27th March 2018)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts

Blurb: Wendell “Wen” Darling lives in a world of shoulds and musts. Left to care for his brother and sister by his dull drudge of a father and wacko irresponsible mother, he suppresses his creativity, slaving in an ad agency 70 hours a week, letting his no-talent supervisor take the credit.

Then his bosses blow the campaign for their biggest client and Wen gets a chance to shine – but only if he can find the artist who painted a wild, glorious wall of graffiti in the subway. Hiding behind a pillar at 2:00 a.m., Wen comes face-to-face with the scarlet-haired, elven-faced embodiment of his divergent opposite – Peter Panachek, the flighty, live-for-today painter, singer, and leader of the rock group the Lost Boys.

Everything Wen takes seriously, Peter laughs off, but opposites attract, even if their kisses always lead to battles. Peter’s devil-may-care persona hides a world of secrets, self-protection, and hidden fears, until the day a drug dealer, Vadon Hooker, threatens everything Wen holds dear. Guided by the mysterious Mr. Pennymaker, Peter has to choose between facing responsibility or burrowing even deeper into Neverland.

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

Reviewer: Prime

Review: I started listening to the audiobook of Never with mixed feelings. I really do like Tara Lain’s writing and have adored all three previous books in the Pennymaker Tales series. However, I recently had problems and just couldn’t connect to and finish two of Lain’s books in Dreamspun Beyond, so I had worried that perhaps either the author’s writing had changed or there had been a subtle change in what I like to read personally. I mean, the latter can happen at any time and has nothing to do with the author of any book.

As for the series itself I really love the concept. It is a contemporary story set against the background of well-known fairytales (ie Cinderella, Snow White, Beauty and the Beast and Peter Pan). There is also something of an urban fantasy element in the language used by Lain for one minor character who is the essence of the entire series, helping the couples to find each other, Carstairs Pennymaker.

As I said, I love all three previous points and I have to say that I was not disappointed with the fourth book, I adored Never. Lain has created a very quirky but relatable and fun world in this story that really did border into urban fantasy. The audio narration by Kale Williams was also fantastic, his naturally soft voice suited both MCs.

Never is the story of Wendell “Wen” Darling and the mysterious Peter Panachek – see the Peter Pan references rush in now. There’s a Hook[er], a Schmee, Tinkerbelle, The Lost Boys and even Neverland. However, being a Blackadder fan, jokes made about Wen’s surname also make me think of Blackadder Goes Forth with Captain Darling, named exactly for the purpose of these jokes. Being that this was based on Peter Pan there are some clear parallels in the plot line of both stories.

Additionally, those that grew up loving the movie Hook will probably find it easier to relate to the modern setting of the movie and reconciling it with the book.

Wen is a struggling advertising worker. He works crazy hours just to keep a shabby roof over the heads of himself, his eleven-year-old brother and sixteen-year-old sister. Wen is in a lot of trouble at work when his job is left on the line after a lazy manager verges on losing the ad agency one of their biggest clients after giving a stale idea for the campaign. Wen’s boss gives him a chance to make it up and it leads Wen on a crazy ride, leading him to Peter Panachek. Wen and Peter are very difficult, yet at the same time with a mysterious past its clear that Peter really isn’t all that dissimilar to Wen. Peter has a bit of a hero complex and despite being afraid that he will be found by his family after running away two years ago, he will help Wen so that he doesn’t lose his job and become unable to feed his siblings.

Both Wen come with a tonne of baggage. Peter doesn’t like the stodgy world that Wen lives in and thinks that he acts like an old man. While, on the other hand, Wen thinks that Peter is too irresponsible and vague, reminding Wen and his siblings of their absent mother.

And, of course, there is the enigmatic Carstairs Pennymaker. A seemingly rich entrepreneur who is ready to help save the day and make sure the couples find a way to see that they truly belong together. This character injects a sense of whimsy that irresistible, albeit you may need to suspend your disbelief just for moment to believe in him.

The Sister of Seven Ravens by Sophie Martin

Title: The Sister of Seven Ravens

Series: Stories, Tales, and Legends: Retold 02

Author: Sophie Martin

Genre: Fairy Tales, Myths, Fantasy

Length: Novella (138pgs)

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand, Inc.

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4 1/2 Hearts

Blurb: A horrible curse turned Yasko’s brothers into ravens changing his life forever. After embarking on an adventure he finds a way to ease their suffering. It leads him into the middle of an ancient forest and requires a great sacrifice.

Duke Casimir’s had enough of his mother’s schemes. When he asks the soothsayer for help on his hunt he is thinking about finding a husband.

Lost in the middle of an ancient forest Cas is saved by Yasko. The two men fall in love and Yas agrees to go with Casimir.

But someone doesn’t want Yasko as Casimir’s husband and they’ll do anything to force them apart.

Magical forces, hidden foes, and a war brewing on the horizon all stand in their way, but with some help from new friends, the support of his brothers and Yasko’s sheer stubbornness they might yet come out of the ordeal stronger than before.

ISBN: 9781642431834

Product Link: Siren-BookStrand | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: Yasko and his brothers suffer from a curse brought on by his ailing mother’s mental state after a devastating plague affects her. Yasko goes in search of a cure that will turn his brothers back into humans. Instead he finds out that is not possible to permanently restore his brothers. He is given a long task and explicit instructions to complete so his brothers can have some semblance of normalcy.

He meets Duke Cas and romance blossoms. He agrees to go back with the man but then runs into problems with the heinous duchess, Cas’ mother. I hated this woman. She was spiteful and hurtful. The things she did was despicable all in the name of keeping her power. What really pissed me off was how Cas turned a blind eye to the way she behaved. That was unacceptable to me as he was the duke.

All in all it was a wonderful retelling of a story I enjoyed.

Great read.

Sinders and Ash by Tara Lain ~ Audiobook

Tara Lain - Sinders and Ash Cover AudioTitle: Sinders and Ash

Series:  Pennymaker Tales 1

Author: Tara Lain

Narrator: Kale Williams

Genre: Contemporary, Urban Fantasy

Length: 4 hrs, 52 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC (29th February 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Housekeeper Mark Sintorella (Sinders) works diligently at a resort hotel while designing clothes anonymously, hoping to get into fashion school. Then his carefully planned life is upended with the arrival of Ashton Armitage, son of the fifth richest man in America – and the most beautiful guy Mark has ever seen. Ash must find a wife or he’ll lose his grandfather’s inheritance, and he settles on Bitsy Fanderel. But secretly Ash is gay, and the guy who cleans the fireplaces sets his heart ablaze.

Further stirring the pot is the little elf of a man, Carstairs Pennymaker, who has Mark wearing his own designs and masquerading as a girl to impress the fashion investors in the hotel. When the clock strikes 12, two beautiful princesses line up for the wedding – but one isn’t a woman. Will the slipper fit? Only Mr. Pennymaker knows for sure.

Product Link: Audible US |  Audible UK

Reviewer: Prime

Review: Sinders and Ash is, as you can tell from the title, a modern reimagining of the Cinderella. I was totally and completely charmed by this story. I loved it all, from the actual storyline, to the characters and the excellent narration by Kale Williams, who brought every emotion to life fantastically.

Mark Sintorella (Sinders) is a poor housekeeper who does his best to keep his head down and not make any waves at the resort he works at. He’s had a hard life mainly because he was rejected by his family for being gay. Now at the resort his bosses are not kind to him, a sleazy cook constantly hits on him and other workers who whisper words about him behind his back. Everything changes for him when he meets mysterious guest, Carstairs Pennymaker, which also happens to be the day that he meets the son of one of the richest men in the country, Ashton Armitage.

I suppose there are a number of aspects of this story which force you to suspend your disbelief for the entirety of the book. I think the biggest one for me to wrap my head around was Mark’s continuing to appaear as a female when dressing in the clothes he makes – which are, like in any fairytale, are runway worthy, I think. I think it just got to the point where at the end I was thinking “why?”

All in all, I loved this fairytale of poor boy meets rich boy and they fall in love. Carstairs Pennymaker, the whimsical elven guy (seriously, wtf is he??) is as lovable as the two main characters. A real satisfying read and I can’t wait to get to book 2!

Driven Snow by Tara Lain ~ Audiobook

Tara Lain - Driven Snow Cover AudioTitle: Driven Snow

Series:  Pennymaker Tales 2

Author: Tara Lain

Narrator: Kale Williams

Genre: Contemporary, Urban Fantasy

Length: 6 hr, 45 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC (23rd June 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Young Snowden “Snow” Reynaldi is brilliant, beautiful, and alone. Though he’s shy, weird, and tolerated by the NorCal University students because he’s a renowned whiz at chess and helps put the school on the map, that doesn’t keep him from dreaming of the object of his desires: Riley Prince, championship quarterback.

When Riley needs a physics tutor, Snow jumps at the chance, and their relationship heats up – but Riley has to come out of the jock closet to get anywhere. Meanwhile, Snow’s one true friend and mentor, Professor Kingsley, marries a woman who secretly wants the chess tournament glory and money for herself. Soon after, the professor collapses and Snow finds himself underwater – literally. In a car!

Seven frat brothers from Grimm College rescue Snow just in time for his life to get even worse, and Snow discovers the one relationship he always wanted slipping away. With evil looming at every turn, Snow must survive if only to prove he’s the fairest of them all and regain the trust of his handsome prince.

Product Link: Audible US |  Audible UK

Reviewer: Prime

Review: Everything about Driven Snow is absolutely awesome! This is a reimagining of the Snow White fairytale, so luckily you don’t need to read book 1 (based on Cinderella) to get all the characters. Once again the narration by Kale Williams just tops off a most wonderful and whimsical tale which takes us into the world of college and grand chess masters.

Snowden Reynaldi, aka Snow, is a champion chess player and a feather in the cap to his college because he is basically unbeatable. He’s shy and super smart and basically the type of nerd everyone can love, especially if you can relate to him. His Prince Charming is the popular jock, Riley Prince. The problem being for any romance is that Riley is deep inside the closet. With a beloved teacher/chess mentor/father figure in addition to a conniving witch who doesn’t want Snow to succeed at the chess championships, all our players are in place.

Well most of them – after all the traditional story is “Snow White and the Seven Dwarves”. I have to admit, I was really curious about how this part was going to play out, although the blurb does tell us it’s seven frat brothers from nearby Grimm College but that was only enough information to pique my curiosity. Plus, you know, that whole glass coffin thing – I was really wondering if there was more to that too than we see in the blurb. I have to say that I loved the frat guys, they were all funny and at one point they definitely had more brains than Prince Charming!

Of course being a Pennymaker tale, I was looking forward to the appearance of the fairy godfather elven man himself (I still don’t know what he is). He isn’t in the story as much as I would have liked but he definitely has a helper in the guise of Riley’s friendly neighbor, a kind old lady who is something of a fairy godmother. And now I want to get into book 3 because I am totally charmed by the worlds that Tara Lain has woven using the modern world and fairytales!

Boots by Angel Martinez (2nd Edition)

Angel Martinez - Boots CoverTitle: Boots

Author: Angel Martinez

Genre: Fantasy and Fairytales, Paranormal

Length: Novella (92 pages)

Publisher: Pride Publishing (December 6, 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Willem’s lost his job and his boyfriend, and now possibly his mind when his cat calls him a nitwit.

Willem’s father never approved of his artistic talents, his choices in life, or the fact that he’s gay. When the only thing Horst leaves to Willem is the family cat, he thinks it’s his father’s last insult from the grave. That is, until the cat starts talking to him.

Though Willem’s lost his boyfriend, his home, and his job, Kasha, who claims to be a magic cat, reassures him that all will be well. All he needs is Willem’s trust and a good pair of boots. But giving boots to a talking cat has unexpected consequences when odd events ambush Willem at every turn, such as the appearance of a handsome stranger in his arms at night. While he begins to suspect Kasha’s plans might be dangerous for all involved, how can he distrust such a charming kitty in cowboy boots?

Reader Advisory: This book contains a scene of flexible autoerotica.

Publisher’s Note: This book has previously been released elsewhere. It has been revised and re-edited for re-release with Pride Publishing.

ISBN: 978-1-78651-496-7

Product Link: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/boots

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: Such a wonderful story that had me from the start. Willem, upon his father’s death, inherits a cat, Puss. With no home or job Willem thinks he is losing his mind when the cat begins talking to him. 

We learn who Puss really is as the story continues. I loved the details that went into this story. From the ex, to the goddess everything had me spellbound. I don’t want to give anything away so I’ll just say read the book. You won’t be disappointed in the least as it has romance, adventure, action, magic and fantasy all woven into one story.

Fantastic read. Highly recommended.

Wild Rose, Silent Snow by Angel Martinez (2nd Edition)

Angel Martinez - Wild Rose, Silent Snow CoverTitle: Wild Rose, Silent Snow

Author: Angel Martinez

Genre: Fantasy and Fairytales

Length: Novella (124 pages)

Publisher: Pride Publishing (November 18, 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: A huge bear at the door, a handsome, naked stranger in the snow, magic fish, enchanted beards—and Rowan thought his life was odd before.

Content with the quiet isolation of their lake house, Snowden and Rowan Hadley survive on summer jobs and winter hunting, unable to move on since their parents died. Their peace is shattered by a strange, human-acclimated bear who insists on following Rowan like a giant hunting dog and again by the discovery of a naked, surly stranger in the snow.

Both bear and man lead the Hadley brothers into a strange, surreal world where sorcery and RPG software intertwine. Curses and magical traps lie in wait around every turn. Rowan and Snowden will need to adjust their view of how the world works, and quickly, if they want to live through rescuing their enchanted princes.

Publisher’s Note: This book has been previously released elsewhere. It has been revised and re-edited for re-release with Pride Publishing.

ISBN: 978-1-78651-500-1

Product Link: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/wild-rose-silent-snow

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: Another fantastic fairy-tale inspired book. I loved the impaired twins, Snowden and Rowan. The bear that follows Rowan home and slowly takes his place among them was no real shock to me as I guessed he was more than he seemed. I was happy I was right. Amid the closeness that happens between bear and Rowan lies an undercurrent of mystery in the form of a stranger with a beard.

A magical tale full of twists and turns that leave you spellbound and intrigued to the very end. I truly enjoyed the entire book and hope that Snowden will get his own story as well to see what awaits him. Fantastic read.

Highly recommended.

The Servant by Mary Calmes ~ Audiobook

Marcy Calmes - The Servant Cover audioTitle: The Servant

Series: N/A

Author: Mary Calmes

Narrator: Greg Trembly

Genre: Fantasy, Fairytale Redux

Length: 5 hrs 10 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (18th March 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: After saving his younger brother’s child, Daemon Shar is cursed by a witch and runs far from home, a stray who will seemingly never be anything more. But destiny is hard to outrun, even for a man who is now more cat than man beneath his robes and cowl.

A chance battlefield meeting between him and Ehron, a foreign lord, gives him purpose amid the darkness of his accursed life. Soon Daemon finds that his true nature cannot be corrupted no matter the form he inhabits. As Ehron’s consul, Daemon plots and plans to shape his new lord’s future so that he may leave it blessed when he runs away yet again. But he never counted on his soul hungering for Ehron’s brother, Gareth, or for his past to catch him by the tail at last.

Product Link: Audible US | Audible UK | Audible AU

Reviewer: Gigi

Review: As I recall reading this book from 2011, it was part of a collection of stories where authors rewrote a classic fairytale and made the MC’s both men. A fun collection to read for sure! The Servant seemed loosely based upon The Master Cataa, or Puss in Boots

Daemon hides his secret away after being cursed by a witch, sacrificing family and brotherhood to live out his life in the shadows, serving the best causes he can find. So he makes it his life goal to do whatever needs be done to promote the wellness and advancement of Ehron. Much like the prince who was shoved in the river with no clothes to gather the attention of passing nobility in Puss In Boots, Daemon does many fantastical things to ensure Ehron gets noticed by important people too. 

There is plenty of adventure, fantasy, and action in this book and the plot diverges enough from the old fairytale to become an original. I enjoyed the romance, the humor and the nail-biting tension in this story. I also enjoyed the steamy connection between Gareth and Daemon, that would have changed this childhood favorite for sure! 

The only downside, which did slow things down for me, was the extensive list of proper nouns. The plot could have been much smoother if some locations, country names, unnecessary character names, could have been generalized. There were too many to keep track of. I think a quarter of this book was spent introducing names, ranks, and country names of characters and places that really did not hold a significant role in the plot. But that is my only complaint, so if you can speed read/listen past those stagnant introductions and just pay attention to the main characters, you’re going to love this. True fantasy romance! Swash buckling, superhuman feats, and bonds of love that stand the test of time and turmoil! What more can I ask for? 

Oh yes, I can ask for an amazing narrator! Did I mention Greg Tremblay is a rock star? He gives wonderful variations to each character and breathes much passion into the dialogue. I’ll listen to any project he works on! 

Urban Fairy Tale by Lex Chase

Lex Chase - Urban Fairy Tale CoverTitle: Urban Fairy Tale

Series: Screw-up Princess and Skillful Huntsman Trilogy 03

Author: Lex Chase

Genre: Urban Fantasy, Fairy Tales

Length: Novel (274pgs)

ISBN: 978-1-63477-158-0

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (19th August 2016)

Heat Level: Low – Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4 ½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: A Fairy Tales of the Open Road Novel

Modern-day fairy-tale princess Taylor Hatfield has problems. One, he’s a guy. Two, he’s an insomniac Sleeping Beauty. Three, his practically perfect brother, Atticus Hatfield, this generation’s Snow White, has been irrevocably corrupted by the Witchking. The Library, a clandestine organization, seeks to write “The End” on Atticus, and Taylor is given the impossible task when his own parents endorse his brother’s demise. With his true love, the huntsman Corentin Devereaux, at his side, they once again set out to find Atticus, but Atticus won’t go down without a fight. 

The quest ends how it began. But instead of the quirky, corkscrewing Americana road trip, Taylor and Corentin must contend with the dangers of the urban jungle. With an unexpected ally at their side, they’re forced to question all they know about the legacy of Snow White. 

As the world of the Enchants and the mundane hang in the balance, Taylor knows what he must do: go pick an apple.

Purchase Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/urban-fairy-tale-by-lex-chase-7365-b

Review: This story is part of a series and must be read in order.

Okay, so we re-join Taylor and Corentin in Lex Chase’s completely off the wall Fairy Tales of the Open Road series (aka Screw-up Princess and Skillful Huntsman), now you can’t just pick this story up and join the series (because it would be a serious mind fuck) you have to read this series from the beginning to even have a clue what was going on and to understand what’s happening.

Being honest I’m completely flummoxed on how to write this review, because everything that’s happening in this book is the result of what happened in the previous books… *shakes head* bloody Atticus. Okay I’ll give it my best shot!

After Atticus steals The Book from the Library Taylor and Corentin are given the task of finding a certain object that will finally bring an end to Atticus’ reign of terror, but they have to work with Idi the Witchking (who is Atticus’ true love) and then the journey of ‘OMG what the hell is going on’ begins. Hmmm yeah Lex Chase takes us on yet another journey with Taylor and Corentin that is just too crazy for words.

So loads of ‘huh’ moments, quite a few ‘what the hell’ moments and several ‘bloody Atticus has lost his freaking mind’ moments. This is an amazing story that has so many things going on/ overlapping that you can just keep the thread of the story while personally wishing you could get your hands on Atticus and shove the ‘certain object’ down his throat yourself.

There’s plenty of danger, lots of more danger and some more danger to boot, there some shocking betrayals, a couple of Wandering Path journeys, seeking help from a troll, facing The Emeraldine Beast, and the final showdown. There are twists and turns, ducking and diving, hunting and hiding and just… hell I told you it would be hard to describe.

This is a fantastic story that is brilliantly written and will take you on a journey that is just brilliant, it might make you wish that you’d never begun the journey but you’ll enjoy being dragged every step of the way. Lex Chase has written a trilogy that has ended in an explosive ending and it’s not till the last couple of pages that you find out if true love actually won out!

I recommend this to those who love urban fantasy, who adore journeys into the unknown, who love characters that you adore and those you hate/sympathise with, who love well-crafted stories, and just maybe a true loves ending.

Beauty, Inc. by Tara Lain

Tara Lain - Beauty Inc CoverTitle: Beauty, Inc.

Series: The Pennymaker Tales #3

Author: Tara Lain

Genre: Gay Erotic Romance, Contemporary

Length: Novella (121 Pages) 

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (July 8, 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate 

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts 

Blurb: Is beauty only skin deep?

Chemist Dr. Robert “Belle” Belleterre loves flowers, green trees, his best friend Judy, and “his baby”: the new face cream he developed to help put his father’s small cosmetics company on the map. Sadly he gets no help from his alcoholic, gambling-addicted father who loses Belle in a poker game to Magnus Strong, the CEO of Beauty, Inc. the largest American cosmetics company—a man infamous for his scarred ugliness.

Belle finds himself uprooted from his home, living in a wildly crazy apartment in New York owned by Mr. Pennymaker, and completely unprepared for his mad attraction to the charismatic Strong. Feeling like a traitor, Belle fights his passion only to see more and more of the goodness and humility hidden by Strong’s ugly face. But when Belle’s family starts manipulating his life again, the odds turn against happiness for beautiful Belle and his beloved beast. 

ISBN: 978-1-62380-890-7 

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/beauty-inc-by-tara-lain-7042-b

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: When I first started reading this I did not even connect it to the fairy tale “Beauty and the Beast”. Actually I admit it, it didn’t connect till after I read the story. I have not really read any stories by this author, so you can imagine my surprise. This was one of the most beautiful stories that I have ever read. There is a touch of humor in it that was quite pleasant but most of the story has a serious tone to it. 

It is not very often that an author takes me by surprises, but Tara Lain has found a spot in my heart. She gives her readers sexy men who have a hard story to tell. In this one, it is about their loved ones and friends who are battling cancer. The heart ache that it felt can actually be felt by the readers. I loved the pace to this story; it came off perfect to me. The story might not be long, but there was so much meat to it that surprised me. Small packages can hold such sweet dynamite surprises in them.

Belle’s family are not what I would call family. He is a sweet young man who is brilliant when it comes to work. He is a scientist and helps make beauty creams that are perfect for women. His dad is an alcoholic who gambles, whereas his brothers are just asses. They own a beauty company but their dad is gambling the money away. Then he committed the worst crime, he lost all of his stock and turned around and gave Belle away to their biggest competitor. 

Magnus lost his mother not to her cancer, but to a car accident. The same car accident that scarred his face. He felt guilty and felt that he deserved what had happened to him. He gave so much to charity and helped women who were in need. He had seen Belle and wanted him in more ways than one. So he made a big gamble to get what he wanted. He just had not expected Belle to want him, the way he wanted him. 

This move took Belle away from his family, away from Oregon and away from his best friend. Despite his fears and reservations he starts to love where he was living. Not always does a job come with not only his own driver but an apartment that has not only beautiful atrium but amazing people. However he is pulled in two directions. His father wants him to still help his company, while Belle doesn’t want to cause issues with his new job. Now he has to deal with his feelings for his boss and a very jealous man who has it out for him. Drama just seems to keep coming for him.

I loved the twists that this story seems to have. Which as I have already admitted, I didn’t realize the theme. I loved how Magnus has a heart of gold and a sparkling personality. He was amazing and so was Belle. I even loved how they interacted with everyone. I had not had a chance to read the first two books in this series, but nothing was missing at all.

I absolutely loved this story and cannot wait to read the next story. What an amazing job this author has done with this book.

Driven Snow by Tara Lain

Tara Lain - Driven Snow CoverTitle: Driven Snow

Series: The Pennymaker Tales #2

Author: Tara Lain

Genre: Gay Erotic Romance, Contemporary

Length: Novel (210 Pages) 

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (November 25, 2015)

Heat Level: Moderate 

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts 

Blurb: Young Snowden “Snow” Reynaldi is brilliant, beautiful, and alone. Though he’s shy, weird, and tolerated by the NorCal University students because he’s a renowned whiz at chess and helps put the school on the map, that doesn’t keep him from dreaming of the object of his desires: Riley Prince, championship quarterback.

When Riley needs a physics tutor, Snow jumps at the chance, and their relationship heats up—but Riley has to come out of the jock closet to get anywhere. Meanwhile, Snow’s one true friend and mentor, Professor Kingsley, marries a woman who secretly wants the chess tournament glory and money for herself. Soon after, the professor collapses and Snow finds himself underwater—literally. In a car!

Seven frat brothers from Grimm College rescue Snow just in time for his life to get even worse, and Snow discovers the one relationship he always wanted slipping away. With evil looming at every turn, Snow must survive if only to prove he’s the fairest of them all and regain the trust of his handsome prince.

ISBN: 978-1-63476-267-0 

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/driven-snow-by-tara-lain-5268-b

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: When I first started reading this I did not even connect it to ‘Snow White’, actually I admit it, and it didn’t connect till after I read the story. I have not really read any stories by this author, so you can imagine my surprise. This was one of the most beautiful stories that I have ever read. There is a touch of humor in it that was quite pleasant but most of the story has a serious tone to it. 

It is not very often that an author takes me by surprises, but Tara Lain has found a spot in my heart. She gives her readers sexy men who have a hard story to tell. In this one, it is about their loved ones and friends who battle jealousy and greed. The heart ache that it felt can actually be felt by the readers. I loved the pace to this story; it came off perfect to me. 

I loved how this story was full of amazing characters and our very own fairy godparents were a big hit for me. You also have the evil villains who are always trying to overthrow our heroes. I also did not think chess would be so interesting and so costly. The humor was a big hit for me, but the serious tone made the story just so damn fun. The characters were fully developed and it felt like I knew them all.

Snow is a sexy young man who is not only one of the smartest men that I know but is a master at chess. He has a game that would be the biggest win of his life, if someone wasn’t trying to kill him. He lost his parents when he was but a small child, raised by his grandmother who also passed on, he was always alone. The only one he could call family was his chess mentor. That is until he is asked to tutor the one man that makes his toes curl.

Riley is the star of football and pretty damn smart on his own. He only has problems in one class, and he needs someone to help him. He has one secret that he has hidden from almost everyone. However he has wanted Snow from the first time he had seen him and he now has a chance to make the man his. 

This story unfolded perfectly for me and the characters were beautiful and strong. I loved the suspense you get from it as well as the excitement and drama. This story kept me on the edge of my seat wanting to know more. 

I loved this and can’t wait to read more from this author. I loved the twists that this story seems to have. Which, as I have already admitted I didn’t realize the theme. I absolutely loved this story and cannot wait to read the next story. What an amazing job this author has done with this book. 

If you love fairy-tales, sweet stories, and some amazing heat, plus excitement, danger and suspense then this story will be for you.

Bad Magic by Evelyn Elliott

BadMagicLGTitle: Bad Magic

Series: Spell Slave, #1

Author: Evelyn Elliott

Genre: High Fantasy/Fairy Tale

Length: 161 pages

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (October 28, 2015)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5 Hearts

Blurb: Morality is relative. At least that’s what young sorcerer Regis Teller convinces himself. He’s done what he must to survive: working for a witch since he was nine, helping her throw the kingdom into anarchy, and taking his only comfort in her mysterious son, Crow. And soon, Regis is going to commit his first murder.

A do-gooder named Jonathan White has information the witch needs, and it’s Regis’s job to get that information and slit Jonathan’s throat. But then Regis actually meets Jonathan. And Jonathan is perfect—a hero with a passion for justice and little regard for civility.

Lucky for Regis, Jonathan has a weakness for attractive men. Lucky for Jonathan, Regis is fast developing a conscience and a heart. But for Regis, keeping both of them alive at their adventure’s end means breaking a magical oath and surviving his ruthless boss—all without telling Jonathan the truth.

Falling in love is never easy, especially when everyone involved is lying through their teeth.

ISBN: 978-1-63476-636-4

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=7012

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Every once in a while you come across an author that will fascinate you and for me Evelyn Elliott has done this. She is a new author for me, so I was a bit leery of reading this story. I love the magical part of this story. However, I wished that Crow would have had a better hand in this. He is very loveable to me.

What caught my attention was the cover and how it shows you the fantasy side to the story. Then I read the blurb and I knew that I had to read it. It didn’t catch my attention right at the start. like it should have. But, it turned around pretty fast. The characters and plot were well detailed and fully fleshed out. It also had just a hint of humor. Which for me was a plus.

Regis has learned to survive from such a young age. He worked for this evil witch since he was nine years old. Helping her take over and create trouble throughout. The only thing that helped was Crow. That all ended, when he was to kill Jonathan. Jonathan is one of those good guy/hero types, who has some information that the witch wants. Regis is to kill him, but instead finds himself caught.

Being with Jonathan, Regis is getting his heart back. His feelings come alive and he has to keep them both safe. Which is a bit hard when your boss is a powerful witch who likes to cause pain. Now, I disagreed with the not telling Jonathan everything, though. Especially, since his world is about to go crazy.

I was quite shocked by this story. It turned out way better than I had originally thought. And makes me want to see what other stories this author has out. I had fun reading this and look forward in reading her next story.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Bad Magic by Evelyn Elliott Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

Evelyn Elliott - Bad Magic _FBbanner_DSPEvelyn Elliott - Bad Magic 960x350

Hi peeps, we have Evelyn Elliott popping in with the tour for her debut story Bad Magic, we have a great excerpt, a fantastic giveaway and Lisa’s review, so enjoy the post and click that giveaway link <3 ~Pixie~

Evelyn Elliott - Bad Magic Cover

Bad Magic

(Spell Slave 01)
by

Evelyn Elliott

Morality is relative. At least that’s what young sorcerer Regis Teller convinces himself. He’s done what he must to survive: working for a witch since he was nine, helping her throw the kingdom into anarchy, and taking his only comfort in her mysterious son, Crow. And soon, Regis is going to commit his first murder.

A do-gooder named Jonathan White has information the witch needs, and it’s Regis’s job to get that information and slit Jonathan’s throat. But then Regis actually meets Jonathan. And Jonathan is perfect—a hero with a passion for justice and little regard for civility.

Lucky for Regis, Jonathan has a weakness for attractive men. Lucky for Jonathan, Regis is fast developing a conscience and a heart. But for Regis, keeping both of them alive at their adventure’s end means breaking a magical oath and surviving his ruthless boss—all without telling Jonathan the truth. Falling in love is never easy, especially when everyone involved is lying through their teeth.

Continue reading “Bad Magic by Evelyn Elliott Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!”

Beastly Businessmen and Guitar Gods by Asta Idonea Release Day Blast & Audio Excerpt!

Asta Idonea - Beastly Businessmen and Guitar Gods banner s

Hi guys, we have Asta Idonea popping in with her brand new release Beastly Businessmen and Guitar Gods, we also have a audio excerpt! So check out that the post and listen to the excerpt! <3 ~Pixie~

Beasty Businessmen cover

Beastly Businessmen and Guitar Gods

by

Asta Idonea

Fairytales and Myths for the Modern Gay

The modern age is devoid of magic.

Or is it?

How else could a stolen guitar or a lost shoe lead to love?

What but magic could spark romance at a workplace assessment?

Or turn a mean-spirited monster into a man?

Six fairytales and myths are given a contemporary MM twist in this collection of stories, proving that sometimes the mundane can be magical too.

DRAGGED INTO LOVE (Þrymskviða)

When Theo’s landlord steals a prized guitar in lieu of rent owed, he informs Theo he will return the instrument on one condition: he wants a date with Theo’s twin sister.

LOVE’S CODE (Ariadne and Theseus)

Andre must pass the examination if he wants to keep his job.

However, he is distracted by his unspoken love for fellow programmer, Eren.

GUESSING GAMES (Rumplestiltskin)

Sasha told a little white lie in his job interview and it won him the role.

Only now he is faced with a pile of work he doesn’t know how to complete.

ASSIGNATIONS AND ULTIMATUMS (The Strange Elopement of Tinirau)

Hunter and Ross are in love, but Ross’ father keeps trying to set him up with undesirable, yet powerful, older men, the latest of whom happens to be Ross’ boss.

LOST AND FOUND (Cinderella)

Cillian is dreading the work masquerade ball, but once there he finds himself romanced by a dashing stranger, only to flee when he discovers the man’s identity.

A DEBT IS A DEBT (Beauty and the Beast)

Dunstan Griffin is not a man to let a debt slide, so when debtor Alfred Siskin offers the EA services of his son, Wynn, in lieu of payment, Dunstan accepts.

Don’t miss the March Sale! All Wayward Ink Titles titles are 35% off on the WIP website, 30% off on AllRomance, and 30% off on Amazon.  

Continue reading “Beastly Businessmen and Guitar Gods by Asta Idonea Release Day Blast & Audio Excerpt!”