Branded by Bru Baker (Mended Daily Dose) Interview, Review & Giveaway!

Bru Baker Branded Mended_FBbanner_DSP 600x222

Hey peep’s today we are welcoming Bru Baker with her Dreamspinner Press Daily Dose Branded, not only did I get to review this sweet baby but I got to have a nice chat with Bru as well which we will let you read 😉 Now you lucky guys get a chance to win Branded and all you have to do is leave a comment…. and don’t forget to click the Rafflecopter link for the chance to win all the beauties that Dreamspinner Press have in the Mended Daily Dose hmmm I do believe I set it up so you get extra points every day when you Tweet the Giveaway (unless I screwed it up LOL) <3 ~Pixie~

Oh and Sula, congratulations you are the winner of Zahra Owen’s Cleary Palit 🙂

Daily Dose MendedLG

Mended

Various Authors

Life comes with a bit of hurt, but luckily for these men, it also comes with the right amount of comfort to mend their breaks, both of the body and the heart. From facing deranged exes to economic trials, the men in these tales have faced trial by fire–or in some cases water–for the right to love and live. Step into their shoes as they rebuild their family after a gutting betrayal or traverse the stars with an unexpected partner. The Mended Daily Dose package delivers stories about all kinds of second chances built on love. 

Felicitas Ivey Zahra Owens Emily Moreton Cardeno C. S.A. Garcia Elizabeth Noble M. Lee Ellis Carrington Kim Fielding Ari McKay E.T. Malinowski Bru Baker K.C. Wells Gwynn Marssen Lee Comyn Ashavan Doyon Eli Easton Charley Descoteaux Therese Woodson MA Ford Kenzie Cade Coral Moore L.D. Blakeley Chloe Stowe Ronnie Matthews Jayden Brooks Diane Lennox C. Callenreese Mars Novak Emma Wilson

Continue reading “Branded by Bru Baker (Mended Daily Dose) Interview, Review & Giveaway!”

The Firefighter in the Snow by Leska Beikircher

81GpfmaLJZL._SL1500_Title: The Firefighter in the Snow
Series: N/A
Author: Leska Beikircher
Genre: Fantasy/ Holiday
Length: Novella (53 Pages)
ISBN: 978-1-61152-516-8
Publisher: JMS Books (December 8th, 2013)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts
Reviewer: Lisa

Blurb: Cody Laughman, a lonely firefighter in New York City, gets a blast from the past when his late father’s lawyer approaches him with news. It has been three years since Cody’s father’s death. The family house needs to be sold. Although Cody is glad to get rid of this part of his life, there is one final thing he needs to do — fly home to Muffin, Alaska, and make the property presentable.

He expects this to be a quick visit, just cleaning up some old memories he usually ignores. But memories are stubborn, and on top of everything else, he finds a real Christmas elf living in the attic of his house. Not a tiny fairy, but a full-grown, deliciously handsome man. He doesn’t even have pointed ears.

But can Cody open up to the possibility of finding love, when the ghost of Christmas past is still haunting him?
Purchase Link: http://www.jms-books.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=29&products_id=998
Review: This is a very cute story about a young man who lived the dream he once had only to find out it was not the dream he needed.

Cody was a thirty-two year old firefighter from Muffin Alaska living in New York City. He was not only alone but lonely. He had no one with him and his heart felt heavy. Then his late father’s lawyer called him to tell him that he needed to get his father’s house ready to sell, he dreaded going back to Muffin and going back to a house he no longer wanted to see. He was so mad at his father when he was alive but had no real knowledge of why. He just knew that when his mother died so did his father in a way. What he had expected was the memories and ghost from the past to be there, but what he had not expected to find was a very gorgeous man claiming to be a real Christmas elf living in his attic.

A long time ago Cody had made a wish, and Candy Cane wanted to make it come true even if it was many years late. This is a cute little story that I wished was longer. I want to know what happens in their future. It made me feel pain coming from Cody. It brings out the true feelings of family and the holidays. If you want a good story to read on a lunch break or just to pass the time, you really need to read this story. You won’t regret it.

Grand Adventures by Various Authors, Blog Tour & Giveaway!

Grand Adventure tour banner

 

Hey guys, a bunch of us bloggers have got together to show our support for T.J. Klune and Eric Arvin by joining up for the Grand Adventures blog tour. This blog tour is to bring to attention the wonderful authors who donated a story and Dreamspinners Press who are donating 100% of the income from the sale to Eric & T.J. and there’s even a great giveaway for you to enjoy!  I know the people in this genre are just incredible! So check out what the authors have to say, visit Dreamspinners Press and have a look at the great Grand Adventures goodies and click our Rafflecopter link to win some of those great goodies 🙂 ~Pixie~ p.s. I’d like to give a shout out to Brandilyn from Prism Book Alliance for pulling us bloggers together and organizing our roles in this tour 😉

 

Grand Adventures GrandAdventuresLG

Description:

On September 1, 2011, TJ Klune wrote, “…it’s not about the ending, it’s about the journey…” in a review of Eric Arvin’s Woke Up in a Strange Place. With those words, two men began a journey of love and invited us to ride along. TJ and Eric have shared so much with us: their wonderful books, their smiles, their humor, their lives, and their inspiring devotion to each other. In December of 2013, their journey took a detour when Eric was taken to the emergency room. He survived the surgery to remove a cavernous hemangioma from his brain stem, but the challenges TJ and Eric face are far from over.

The authors in this anthology donated their talent as a way to support Eric’s continued recovery, to help bring strength to TJ, and to show both of them just how much love surrounds them. Grand Adventures is a diverse range of stories about the journey of love. We’re going on some grand adventures for a great cause. Thank you for joining us.

One hundred percent of the income from this volume goes directly to TJ and Eric.

Foreword by S.A. McAuley

An Unexpected Thing by John Amory (Sequel to Protection)

The Twinkie Ignition by J.E. Birk

When Friendship Becomes More by Sophie Bonaste

Isle of Waiting by Sue Brown (A Missing Moment from Isle of Waves)

The Jogger by KC Burn

Holding Court by Cardeno C.

For Dear Life by Mary Calmes

Under the Full Moon by Ellis Carrington

Stripped by Shae Connor (2nd Edition)

That Place Across the Hall by C.C. Dado

Mistaken MD by Phoenix Emrys

Cops and Comix by Rhys Ford

Last First Kiss by LE Franks

Tomorrow by John Goode

From Fantasy to Friends by CR Guiliano (A Companion to For You)

Witness Protected by Dawn Kimberly Johnson

Water Under the Bridge by Mia Kerick (Sequel to Not Broken, Just Bent)

A Gentle Shove of Human Kindness by Amy Lane

Air (Roads #1.75 million) by Garrett Leigh (A Companion to SlideRoads: Book 1.75)

An Atheist and a Yoga Instructor Walk into a Bar by Rowan McAllister

Stalking 101 by Moria McCain

Simple Desires by Tempeste O’Riley (A Spin-off of Designs of Desire)

Object of Care by Zahra Owens (A Clouds and Rain Story)

Kid Confusion by Madison Parker (A Companion to Play Me, I’m Yours)

Fall Train by Jaime Samms

The Exhibition by Andrea Speed (An Infected Short; Infected: Roan and Dylan)

What You Will by Tinnean (A Companion to Two Lips, Indifferent Red)

Prologue by Brandon Witt

Ebook: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4873

Paperback: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4874

Small Print of cover: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4890

Large Print of cover: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4891

Grand Adventures - An Unexpected Thing_FBbanner_DSP

John Amory:

Hello everyone! My name is John Amory, and my contribution to the Grand Adventures anthology is titled “An Unexpected Thing.” This short is actually a sequel to a story that Dreamspinner published last June in its Daily Dose compilation called “Protection.” The new story picks up about two years after Jamie and Ben met; both are back from London and traveling the West Coast. Jamie is en route to a shooting competition with Ben in tow, but when their plane is diverted, they are forced to find their own way through the Cascades to Seattle. They, of course, find something else along the way.

I have never met TJ or Eric, but I was struck by their struggle like everyone else. We are all a family of authors and readers in this genre, and it felt like someone in our family had suddenly fallen ill. I wanted to help, especially since TJ’s book Into This River I Drown had such an effect on me. When “Protection” was accepted for publication last year, it was the first book I chose from Dreamspinner’s catalog to read, so that I could get a feel for their audience, their authors, the style of stories they publish, etc. I was blown away by River, which is, in so many ways, a really atypical (but still brilliant) M/M romance. There was so much else going on: grief, redemption, faith, closure, all of these things played into the book’s themes, and they’re all things I think TJ handled beautifully. So I began “An Unexpected Thing” as a sequel to “Protection” that contained a guest appearance by two of TJ’s characters from Roseland, which seemed only appropriate given its ties to River. I eventually re-edited the story to not include TJ’s characters (since, if all the authors did that, it would be taxing on TJ to edit and approve each story), but the essence that those characters brought to the story is still there, as well as some other Easter eggs for fans of TJ’s book. “An Unexpected Thing” is about finding love in places you never thought you would, with people you never thought you would. That’s something I got from Into This River I Drown and from TJ and Eric’s personal story, and I think it’s something universal: keep your eyes and heart open, because The One might be someone you’d never notice otherwise.

Thanks for reading and for supporting Grand Adventures! You can find me on Twitter (@JohnAmory) or on GoodReads. Feel free to drop a line! Happy reading!

About John Amory:

John Amory is and always will be a hopeless romantic, which he blames on watching too many episodes of Beverly Hills, 90210 growing up. He began writing stories and poems as a child, continuing through high school. He put writing on the backburner for a number of years, during which time he finished both Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees in English, and is thrilled to be creating again now that he knows what “free time” means.

In another life, John is a newly minted college professor, as well as an actor/director/choreographer/playwright whose work has been performed in New York City and elsewhere. He is also obsessed with television and keeps two blogs on the subject: one for general reviews and comments (faketvcritic.blogspot.com), and one devoted solely to So You Think You Can Dance (cuttingsytycd.blogspot.com).

Feel free to drop a message here or on Twitter to say hi!

Twitter: 

Goodreads: John Amory

Grand Adventures GrandAdventures_FBThumb

Sophie Bonaste:

1. Tell us about your contribution to the anthology.

My short story is called When Friendship Becomes More.

Here’s the official blurb, because it explains the story better than I could:

Despite their differences, Jamie and Roy are not only college roommates, but best friends. What Jamie doesn’t know is that Roy has had a crush on him for years. When Jamie realizes Roy’s feelings during a camping trip with friends, the attraction will either prove mutual, or it will tear their friendship apart.

 

I’m really proud of this short story. It has moments that will make you laugh and cry. I hope everyone out there loves it as much as I do. 

 

2. What is your favorite TJ and Eric memory?

Well, I haven’t been lucky enough to meet TJ or Eric in person. But I remember reading the news of TJ’s proposal in October of last year. I was instantly touched by the obvious love between the two men. It may not have been a showy proposal like that Home Depot one that went viral a few months ago, but it was one of the most love-filled proposals I’ve ever seen. And isn’t that what’s really important?

 

3. Why did you choose to participate in the anthology?

When I heard about the anthology it was a no-brainer. I knew I had to help TJ and Eric in any way I could. And since writing is one of my favorite things to do anyway, it was a win-win.

 

4. Do you have anything to say to TJ and Eric?

I just wanted to say that you two are both some of the strongest people I’ve ever known. I wish you only the best as you go forward. Let’s go, let’s go, let’s go!!!!!

About Sophie Bonaste:

Sophie Bonaste is a novelist who never set out to be a novelist. As a child, she wanted to be a Broadway actress and spent her childhood in numerous productions. But when adulthood set in and reality took over, Sophie chose to up the theater for a steady paycheck and instead turned to writing as a creative outlet. She stumbled into the M/M genre through fanfiction and never looked back. Sophie is quite happy with her change in artistic expression and doesn’t plan to stop writing for a long time.

 A self-proclaimed nerd, Sophie is an avid fan of all things Star Wars and Harry Potter. (Sophie is a member of the Slytherin house, for those who were wondering.) Sophie also spends many hours watching and re-watching nerdy television shows. When she is not obsessing over the latest and greatest in nerdy entertainment, Sophie can be found screaming at her television during American football games. (Go Pack Go!) Sophie currently lives in Pennsylvania, about twenty minutes from her childhood town of The Middle of Nowhere.

 E-mail – sophiebonaste@gmail.com
Twitter – @SophieBonaste
Facebook – Sophie Bonaste
GoodReads – Sophie Bonaste
QueerTown Abbey – Sophie Bonaste
Amazon Author Page – Sophie Bonaste

If you don’t want to talk, but you want to read more about my works, please use these links.
Harmony Ink – Sophie Bonaste
Dreamspinner Press – Sophie Bonaste

Grand Adventures GrandAdventures_headerbanner

GIVEAWAY!

20″ x 26″ (image size: 16″ x 24″) signed & matted print of the Grand Adventures cover
Grand Adventures Paperback
$30 Dreamspinner Press Giftcard

Starts: 12:01 AM EDT on 29 Mar 2014
End: 11:59pm EDT on 8 April 2014

Just click the link & enter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Grand AdventuresPrintGrand Adventures Prints_DSPsite

>

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

..

.

Don’t forget to visit the other blogs on the tour!

Grand Adventures GrandAdventureBadge1

Killing Time by Jane Davitt and Alexa Snow

jd_as_killingtime1Title: Killing Time
Series: N/A
Author: Jane Davitt & Alexa Snow
Genre: Fantasy/ Paranormal
Length: Novel (371 Pages)
ISBN: 978-1-62300-693-8
Publisher: Loose ID (February 25th, 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate to Hot
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Reviewer: Lisa

Blurb: Max and Kaelan, best friends and business partners for five years, are powerful casters with a tendency to get themselves into and out of all kinds of trouble. Pretty much the only thing they’ve been able to avoid is getting romantically involved – until now. Their sexual attraction hits them like a runaway fireball and they can’t keep their hands off each other.

While their sexual attraction burns out of control, they’ve attracted the attention of a dark caster named Jannes who’s planning a spell so potent that it could end the world. To keep them off-balance, he’s targeting Max and Kaelan through those they love, and there’s no one they love more than each other.

With friends, family to protect, and their only allies a group of casters who find it easier to fight than cooperate, the odds are stacked against them. So can Max and Kaelan keep it together and stop Jannes before he ends the world, or is the best they can do just killing time?

Purchase Link: http://www.loose-id.com/killing-time.html

Review: Kaelan had been just buying a drink when he felt a power fairly strong, so strong that he had to find out what was going on. He was a caster, could sum up portals, do spells for good, and stop those who are evil. So when he opened up a portal and found a man and woman casting evil spells, he was surprise to find someone who was blocking himself from being found out. An investigator who was also trying to do the same thing Kaelan was doing. Max was a wealthy man who wanted to figure Kaelan out.

They had agreed to never make their relationship to sexual, but there was so much fire and passion in them. The only major problem was that someone was using that feeling against them. James was planning a spell so potent that it could end the world. So to keep Kaelen and Max off-balance he uses a spell to keep them off-balance. A spell to target the people they love, well it turns out that the ones they love the most are each other. Surprise for them all the way around.
They could not figure out how they knew what each other liked when they had not had sex before, or had they and just couldn’t remember. With friends, family to protect, and their only allies a group of casters who find it easier to fight than cooperate, the odds are stacked against them. So can Max and Kaelan keep it together and stop James before he ends the world, or is the best they can do just killing time?

I love the way they are around each other. One of their major rules is that if they were bringing sexual partners home, that it was done in the bedroom no other place in the house. Of course, Kaelan broke that one once, and what Max did to him was funny as hell. I loved the cold drink against the bare skin. The sex in this story is majorly hot, sensuous and a bit kinky. You can tell from the first chapter in the book that these two want each other bad, so I loved the fact that they did hook up in the story.

They are very strong casters with lots of powers. This story caught my attention from the very beginning and kept it all the way to the end. It is told with just a hint of humor to it that I loved it even more, then the serious tone that it uses. If you love a good mystery, even though it isn’t really a mystery story then you will get a kick out of this story. It brings a fantasy to a whole new level. I have read many stories about witches and warlocks but this one shows the powers that are used for stopping evil casters from hurting others.

I would recommend this to anyone who loves sexy men fighting their attraction, loyalty between friends, powers that are used to fight the evils of the world, hot sex, and quirky attitudes. I would be reading it again, it is perfect book to read when it is cold outside, and you want to lose yourself in a good story.

The Beginning by Vicktor Alexander

1392603378Title: The Beginning

Series: Sons of Adam, #1

Author: Vicktor Alexander

Genre: Paranormal/ Shapeshifters/ Fantasy

Length: Novella (153 Pages)

ISBN: 978-0615964829

Publisher: The Rooster & The Pig Publishing (February 17th, 2014)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Reviewer: Lisa

 

Blurb:Ronny Parker has always been aware that there was more to life outside of his Harlem apartment. When he goes to work one morning at Starbucks, he finds himself coming face to face with a reality that he was not prepared for. He finds himself the eyewitness to a fight between two shifters, a wolf, and a lion, one of which bites Ronny and calls him “mate.” When Ronny wakes up the next morning, he finds himself thrust into a world neither his family, nor his teachers ever taught him about and he does the only thing he can do. He starts to investigate.

Cole Tronk has been taught from an early age that he is never to mate a human, never reveal his true nature to a human and that he cannot be gay. But when he gets into a fight with his oldest friend outside of a Starbucks and finds himself smelling the most intoxicating scent ever, he throws all of those rules out of the window. Before long, Cole and his mate, Ronny are on the run from the governing body of the paranormals, humans who have now discovered that paranormals, magicks and supernaturals exist, and someone from Ronny’s past who is determined to kill them both.

Along the way, Cole and Ronny meet up with a group of paranormals, magicks, and supernaturals who are also gay, and who are researching the true history of the world and creation. What they find will not only change their lives, but the entire world and the future. Will Ronny and Cole’s mating survive all of these obstacles and when a millennias old lie comes back to bite them in the ass, will Ronny and Cole be able to deal with the consequences?

Purchase Link: http://www.roosterandpigpublishing.com/new-releases.html

Review: Well this one is definitely new and quite enjoyable.

 

I loved the way that Cole and Ronny had found each other. Ronny had gone to work only to hear a fight in the back. Wasn’t he surprise to see his coworker and another man fighting, but that was not the only thing that shocked him. His friend and coworker had wolf paws and the man he was fighting had lion paws. Cole was a lion shifter fighting with his best friend, till the best scent came to him. He had found his mate. Biting Ronny and bonding them together in his mind was the best thing ever, till Benjamin points out that he has also cursed them. For in their world it is death to those who show any human what they are, to be gay and to mate a human.

 

Ronny, Cole and Benjamin are in danger from all the packs, prides, and other paranormal alpha’s. They are being hunted for being mated and for letting the humans know. However, the humans had let everyone else know, so now they were being hunted by humans and the government. They managed to find a group of shifters, witches, elves, fae, and many others who were being hunted also.

 

What really shocked them was that a book had appeared in Cole’s library before they left, telling them of their past. The original bible shows how paranormals and humans at one time had been expected until the great flood. They also find out that their mates, whether male or female can get pregnant so can you imagine Ronny’s expression when that happens to him.

 

This story is amazing. It shows what happens when people are full of hate. Hate for skin color, religion, sexual orientation, and now paranormals. They fear what they don’t know and there is a few that will help the fight that is about to come. I have never understood why people have to hate others for such stupid reasons and why they see the need to harm and kill them. I love the fact that Ronny is the one who will lead the war to rescue his new family. Or at least start the fight for freedom. Even though Cole is the alpha in their relationship, Ronny is the one that will do the fighting. It is pretty amazing twist to this story.

 

I would definitely be recommending this story to anyone who loves paranormal romance, shifters, sexy men, and hot sex. I also would recommend it because it has a war for freedom, one to help equality and love for one another. There is danger, excitement, adventure, and true love in this story.

Tramps by T.A. Chase

91ZLZL7vbAL._SL1500_Title: Tramps

 

Series: The Beasor Chronicles 02

 

Author: T.A. Chase

 

Genre: Paranormal, Fantasy, Alternative World

 

Length: Novella (152pgs)

 

Publisher: Total E-Bound (20th August 2012)

 

Heat Level: Moderate

 

Heart Rating:♥♥♥♥3 ½ – 4 Hearts

 

Reviewer: Pixie

 

Blurb: Searching for a Thief accused of stealing something precious, Chal acknowledges it’s the Thief that he wants and is unwilling to give him up.

 

Being a Tramp on Beasor means Chal spends most of his time transporting items from other universes for his clients. Since Tramps are unaffected by the draining symptoms of flashing, they are perfect for retrieval missions as well. He’s watched two of his friends fall in love, and longs to find his own lover.

 

When he accepts a mission to flash to Earth, and retrieve a Thief who has stolen something important, Chal had no way of knowing his target might steal his heart as well.

 

Palmer wants to be left alone. He’s been used by the man who was supposed to be his friend, and forced to do things he didn’t want to do. When he flashes to Earth, Palmer hopes he can remain hidden and safe. Yet the moment a Tramp walks into the diner Palmer works at, he knows his life has taken a radical turn.

 

For better or worse, the Tramp and the Thief have to find out where the truth lies in the tangle of lies they’ve been given.

 

Purchase Link: https://www.totallybound.com/tramps

 

Review: This book is part of a series and best read in order. Chal is a Tramp. He is one of the most powerful of his kind and takes pride in his work. But when he is asked to do a job that seems hinky, he decides to get to the bottom of his suspicions and discovers the man he has been dreaming of. Palmer is a Thief and has finally escaped the clutches of a bent businessman, but the moment that the man he has been dreaming of walks into the diner on Earth to retrieve him he fears that his freedom has gone. Together Chal and Palmer must find if their love can survive what is about to be thrown at them.

 

This is a great story that has the world of Beasor as the main background with flashes to Earth for added excitement. Chal and Palmer are our main characters, Chal is a Tramp who can easily travel to other worlds and universes, when he is asked to do a retrieval job he becomes suspicious of the details when the client wants the Thief returned to him instead of reporting him to the Thief council. Palmer ran rather than be used to commit murder, he knows that Coldston won’t let him go and has fled to Earth to hide, meeting Chal throws him for a loop, but he is willing to trust the man won’t hand him over without getting to the truth and getting Palmer some help.

 

Chal is a Tramp who is really good at what he does and he always tries to be honest, coming across a situation like Palmer is in has him trying his best to be a champion and not just because he falls for Palmer hard. Palmer may be a Thief who needs rescuing but he is a man who is surprisingly strong-willed for his circumstances, meeting Chal just makes him that much more determined not to cave into Coldston’s demands. Together they make a great couple but they still have to navigate the council’s demands, so our delightful Beasor’s do have to live on hope and prayers for a time.

 

I have to admit to loving the Beasor world and its characters, there is just something wonderful about discovering a world that has magic and strict distinctions for each talent, being enfolded into the stories of simple people and their friends as they struggle with their love lives and the difficulties they face finding that love. Chal and Palmer are a couple where their bond is deeper due to their shared dreams, of the struggle that Palmer faces and Chal’s unswerving support. Their friends make great supporting characters and it was great to see Alden and Percy (from Gypsies) again.

 

I will recommend this to those who love discovering new worlds and universes, great characters, brilliant storylines, hot men and even hotter sex and a very happy ending.      

By a Thread by L.A. Witt

16070273Title: By A Thread

 

Author: L.A. Witt

 

Genre: Fantasy, Magic, Slight D/s

 

Length: Novella (85 pages)

 

Publisher: Amber Allure (21st October 2012)

 

Heat Level: Explicit

 

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥2 ½Hearts

 

Reviewer: Pixie

 

Blurb: Leon’s never felt as strongly about any man as he does Andrew, but when Andrew asks to meet him for dinner, Leon’s sure things are over before they’ve even started. Except Andrew isn’t coming to dinner to call things off. He’s coming to drop an entirely different bomb.

 

Andrew’s a sorcerer. He can manipulate fire, he can manipulate lightning, but like most of his kind, what he can’t do is maintain absolute control of his power when he’s sexually aroused, which is dangerous to non-magics like Leon. No matter how much the two men want each other, there’s no way around it—they’re literally playing with fire, which means someone’s bound to get burned.

 

At first, they’re both willing to back off, but as their feelings for each other deepen, their mutual desire only grows stronger, and Andrew and Leon are hanging by a thread trying to resist each other. But can they surrender to their passion without getting injured?

 

Purchase Link: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/ByAThread.html

 

Review: Leon and Andrew have been dating for a short time after meeting and corresponding on the internet, now Andrew says he needs to talk and Leon fears the worst, but the conversation takes a turn he never saw coming and now he has to decide what he really wants. Andrew has a confession to make and it is one that has lost him many potential boyfriends, but Leon is different and wants to stick around, but can Andrew and Leon make it work when every kiss could lead to danger?

 

           This is an interesting story of finding love, but it is also about trying to overcome the obstacles that try to keep them apart. Andrew is a sorcerer, while Leon is a non-magic human, the two can live peacefully together, but sexual contact can be dangerous. Having sex with a sorcerer is dangerous because as they lose themselves in passion they lose control of their powers, but Leon is willing to take the chance if it means he can be with Andrew, Andrew is terrified of what could happen though and Leon thinks he has found a solution.

 

          Andrew and Leon are a very unusual couple, they seem to be perfect for each other but Andrew’s powers interfere whenever they try to be intimate, so what we see in this book is a lot of experimenting and also a relationship that is strong because it is built solely on emotions and the pure desire for more. The book is from Leon’s point of view and his desperation to find a solution to their problem comes through very clearly, but what is even clearer is that he isn’t going anywhere even if they never manage to have sex.

 

       I will recommend this to those who love men who find love even without the physical love, men who have a strength and determination to seek impossible answers and men who find their own happy ever afters any way they can.     

 

Another World by Vic Winters

20929351Title: Another World

Series: Anthology

Author: Vic Winters

Genre: Fantasy/ Paranormal

Length: Novella (56 Pages)

ISBN: 978-1-61040-654-3

Publisher: Torquere Press (February 25th, 2014)

Heat Level: Mild to Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5 to 4Hearts

Reviewer: Lisa

Blurb:From soldiers fighting on a virtual battlefield to werewolves and trolls living on mountains, the four short stories in this collection all take place in a world not quite our own.

In The Champion, Maxim and Dorian are secret lovers in a world where men are not allowed to love each other and wars are fought by men on a virtual battlefield. Maxim is the Black Champion, but will his bravery extend to his love life as well?

Next up is The Mountain, a fairy-tale style story featuring a village lad who is fascinated by the mountain that looms over his home, and the supposed beastly troll that lives within its caves.

Wolf Unexpected and Ten Things to Hate About Being a Werewolf are two urban fantasies featuring shapeshifters who are new to being werewolves. Can their heroes each find someone to help them find joy and happiness in their new situation?

Purchase Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=96&products_id=4138

Review: This is an anthology of four short stories that will show you a life into the paranormal world. They all take place in a world not quite their own. You have Maxim and Dorian in The Champion. Then you have Jacob and Trogarth in The Mountain Troll. Eric and Jude are from Wolf Unexpected. Last but not least are Todd and Granger from Ten Things to Hate about Being a Werewolf. Eight very hot and sexy men just trying to find their way through life. It is too short for my liking. I would hope that each story would be longer in length, showing how they got to where they were at, where they were going, what is most important in their lives. It gets you caught but then leaves you with more questions than answers.

The Champion ♥♥♥3Hearts

Black Champion Maxim has to defend his Prince on a virtual battleground. In his world of battle, love is forbidden, but his lover Dorian wants more than Maxim might be able to give. After a successful fight against the Crimson Champion, Dorian takes Maxim to the baths for his reward. Can Maxim accept Dorian’s gift of love?

This would have been a very awesome read if it were longer. I loved the characters, they way they take solace in each other. At first, you would think that since they fight on a virtual battlefield that they don’t get injured or die, but in this story that is the opposite of what happens. These two men love each other with all their hearts, but in their world they can be the solders that they are, can be whatever they want to each other, but love was not allowed. It seems very wrong to me, but who knows.

I really think that had this story been over a hundred pages longer that it would be a five-heart rating, but for such a short story, it will rate a three. I would recommend this to those who love short hot stories with very sexy men who love one another, danger and excitement.

The Mountain Troll ♥♥2Hearts

A fairy-tale style story featuring a village lad who is fascinated by the mountain that looms over his home, and the supposed beastly troll that lives within its caves. Except this beast looked human. A very hot and sexy human. Jacob always wanted if troll’s were real. So when the offerings stayed where they were, he went and checked on the troll. What he got was a scare that made him pass out.

Waking to the troll, he realized Trogarth looked human. A man that he wanted. This story was very bizarre and I am not really sure about it. It left me with lots of questions and no answers. It shows how they meet and then no real content afterwards. Then all of a sudden, he was going to live with the troll. No real sex to it at all, not really any plot at all. It was cute, but not fulfilling to me.

If you want a really cute story but only for a rush then this would be, a great read to pick up. I would however rather it had a true story line, more about each character where they come from, how they end up where they are at, just more to the story.

Wolf Unexpected ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Something very strange is happening to Eric. He’s been feeling itchy for days, as if his skin doesn’t fit him anymore. Under the light of the full moon, he takes off out of the city and finds himself on a farm, feeling more strange and confused than ever.

Jude is the son of a werewolf, and when he meets Eric, he knows exactly what the man is. Can Jude convince Eric that he isn’t going crazy, and that everything is going to be just fine, even with the worst of the unexpected going on?

Now this story is cute and very strange. I loved it. However, I would have loved it more if it would have continued. I hope that this story comes out in another book with more words added to it. Eric had been itchy for days, and he has no clue why. Then all of a sudden after taking a walk, he turns in to a wolf.

If it hadn’t been for Jude’s help he would have either lost his mind or been killed by hunters. It needs to have lots of sex added to this story. However, it really is just a sweet story about two men. I would recommend this story if you love then short and sweet, two hot and sexy men, and a bit of wishful thinking. I can see myself reading this one again.


Ten Things to Hate about Being a Werewolf ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

There are a lot of things that Todd doesn’t like about being a werewolf. In fact, he’s pretty sure he can name at least ten things he hates off the top of his head, from his new diet of raw meat to the fact that there doesn’t seem to be any other gay werewolves.

Can an encounter with a stranger who smells divine turn everything around? Or is he doomed to hate his new nature forever?

I actually laughed at this one. It is not only the title that had me laughing, but also they way it was written. It has a humors beat to it and I loved it. I would say out of this collection of short stories that this one would be number one for me. I loved the way Todd acts about being a werewolf. He was warned but hadn’t believed it when he had been asked to bitten by one of his many one night stands. Now he was stuck with no idea how he would survive or what he was to do.

Thankfully, Granger, another werewolf knew at sight that Todd was new to this life and would help him. Although it had more to do with Todd being his mate, then to actually help him. Like I said, it was a really cute story. I would recommend this to anyone who loves paranormals, shapeshifters, two hot sexy men, and a tender love story. I do wish there had been more sex in this one because I get the feeling that it would have been majorly hot.

 

Kevin Anthony Giveaway with Guest Review of Ice by Julia Talbot

Hello peeps, check out what I have for you today! Kevin Anthony has popped in to let you know all about his Giveaway where you can win a $20 eGift Card from his Dessert Menu or a copy of his MM release Forbidden Cuisine!… Ah and I might have finagled him into reviewing Julia Talbot’s newest release Ice 😉 So stick around check out Kevin’s review, have a look at his own release and then click the link to take you to the place where you can win those prizes *muah* ~Pixie~

Kevin Anthony Forbidden CuisineKevin Anthony – Forbidden Cuisine

Damien Cooper’s mind is a bit fucked up.

His condition takes his senses to new heights and makes him a walking caution. The changes don’t stop as Damien’s high school sweetheart adopts an abnormal appetite and his mother becomes obsessed with the self-help book Feast, Stray, Love.

Damien strives to tame his mind but a feud involving an overzealous preacher and a cross-dressing businessman, the deadly rise of a fast-food chain and many unusual events provide unnecessary distractions.

The culinary student’s love life and career in the kitchen are put into jeopardy, but is he willing to literary blow up any obstacle in his way to maintain his happy?

Go ahead, take the first bite.

Forbidden Cuisine – The Full Course Edition: http://www.amazon.com/Forbidden-Cuisine-Full-Course-ebook/dp/B00G2UQJ16 

Forbidden Cuisine – Sampler Tray Edition (free): http://www.amazon.com/The-Forbidden-Cuisine-Sampler-Edition-ebook/dp/B00CXADJVW  

Gigi’s review of the previously titled Feast, Stray, Love: Feast (Forbidden Cuisine – Sampler Tray Edition): http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/2013/10/14/feast-stray-love-feast-by-kevin-anthony/

Biography:

My name is Kevin Anthony and I’m a storyteller. I have a passion for telling stories and ever since the age of eighteen writing has allowed me to share my stories with thousands of people on the internet. Never do I forget the days when my work was rushed with negative reviews and I had only one dedicated reader. Those are the days I learned the most about the rights and wrongs of writing. Today, I challenge myself to write stories in every genre while I try to finish college. I enjoy dialog the most when it comes to writing and teaching people that though we all come in different shapes, sizes and personalities, we are all trapped on this wild and crazy planet together.

Click the link for the Giveaway: http://www.theforbiddencuisine.com/#!giveaway/cc90 

Julia Talbot - Ice1Title: Ice

Series: Elemental Ops 01

Author: Julia Talbot

Genre: Fantasy

Length: Short (44pgs)

ISNB: 06833-02200

Publisher: Changeling Press (21st February 2014)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Guest Reviewer: Kevin Anthony

Blurb: Ice won’t let his team at Elemental Ops go with him on what’s supposed to be a suicide mission to uncover a new biological weapon. Imagine his surprise when the biggest danger he finds himself in is being bonded to a baby dragon, and falling in love with said dragon’s Guardian, Keon. Keon isn’t worried about things like guns and governments. He has a whole host of problems in all shapes and colors.

When Ice accidentally bonds with one of his baby dragons, Keon is more worried about getting the man to come in from the cold and find a place in their bizarre little family. Can these two find common ground, and keep the dragons safe?

Purchase Link: http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=2200 

Review: Alright, before we dive into the plot let’s focus on the writing and the cover.

First impressions, I was not looking forward to reading this. I’m not a big fantasy fan and the cover was not selling me. I can admit that I was wrong to judge this book by the cover because I enjoyed it from start to finish. The writing is good; this author now has the freedom to focus on just creating engaging plots and not stressing about what’s the difference between a comma and apostrophe.

Let’s get back to the cover. How cool would it have been if the cover featured a nude guy with a dragon wrapped around him as if they were getting ready to make out? Use a lot of black, grey and blue with some ice as if they were trapped inside a freezer for too long and that cover would’ve sold me. The original cover features Ice and Keon, but honestly their relationships with the dragons were more intriguing.

The plot is simple; a soldier named Ice goes to spy on Keon. One of Keon’s dragons ends up bonding to Ice and thus a relationship between these two strangers emerges. As I mentioned, their relationships with the dragons is what makes this short interesting.

The dragons were just amazing, they all had their own personalities and I loved how they communicated with the humans. They “spoke” like animals would sound in my opinion. The dragons didn’t sound like an English major ::cough::Smaug::cough::.

A lot of other small things I liked about this short included, cold spunk, cooking, it making me want to watch Game of Thrones, and it teaching me how to properly make love to a man, something my parents neglected to teach me…sigh. The penis goes in the butt, now I know.

Overall, I want to thank the author for writing this piece. It was a true joy to read.

4 out of 5 dragon claws, because you can improve the cover, this story deserves better.

My name is Kevin Anthony and if you enjoyed my review visit my website www.theforbiddencusine.com to find out how you can be featured and possibly reviewed by me someday. Not only do I do features, but I also run Giveaways often because I like giving away free eBooks and eGift Cards.   

The Faery Truth by Vicktor Alexander

19211851Title: The Faery Truth, 2nd edition

Series: Tonawanda Faery Tales

Author: Vicktor Alexander

Length: Novel (200 Pages)

Genre:  Fantasy

Publisher: Silver Publishing, August 21, 2013

Heat Level: Moderate ~Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3 Hearts

Reviewer: Lisa

Blurb: Princess Eeirena of the Seelie court is summoned by her brother Eeian for help regarding his human mate, Thomas. At first resentful, Eeirena searches for a solution, only to have visions and dreams about her own human mate. She races through the veil to give the answer to Eeian, but collides with him and closes off the portal to anyone wanting to enter. Eeirena also transforms into a man, now named Eeiran, something he always felt he was meant to be.

Philip Sands enjoys his job as a manager at McDonald’s. He doesn’t like being single and alone, dreaming about the man of his dreams. When he meets Eeiran, Philip finds himself inexplicably desperate for the guy. But when Philip finds out Eeiran’s many secrets–that he’s Fae, royalty, a Seer, and used to be a woman–he rejects his mate, which puts Eeiran’s life at risk.

Product Link:https://spsilverpublishing.com/the-faery-truth-ebook-p-1511.html

Review: Vicktor Alexander has a gift for storytelling. The abilities to bring a world to life with such fantastic characters who go through hardships, trials, pain, anger, and joy are amazing. I have always been drawn to the paranormal world especially when it involves hot and sexy men. Well, in this case Eeiran did start off, as a woman. However, it is still a pretty amazing tale.

Princess Eeirena has always felt that she was meant to be a man. She hated the way that they as fae had to sleep with everyone to find out who was their true mate. She has had visions and reams of her human mate. There were rules as a royal that even if they have human mates they still had to come back to their world to live. Her brother had found his mate and that mate had a family. Trying to find a way to help them stay in the human realm she would risk everything to help. When she is asked for help by her brother Eeian she starts trying to find that way, but there is an accident when crossing worlds and it closes off her portal to reenter their world. There is a surprise when she turns into a he. Finding her mate over joys her, but Philip finds out that Eeiran is not only fae, but also royalty, seer and used to be a female he rejects Eeiran. Not realizing that it places his mate in danger. They must find a way to make it through this and go forward in their lives. At first Eeiran comes off as a selfish person who only thinks of herself, you soon realize that it is actually the opposite. He is kind, gentle, caring, and loving with a mixture of feelings he would do anything to help and keep his family safe. Philip is confused, angry, hurt but in the end, you could tell he is falling in love with his mate. All he had to do is get over the little bit of information he became privy to. The sex is hot and sensuous.

I admit that at first this story comes off as a bit hard to get into. I just couldn’t get my head into the twist and turns that you get from this story. However, once you get to start reading it you get caught in the story. It has the right amount of danger, excitement and adventure, with the mix of feelings that make you cry in parts, laugh in others. I do love how they can overcome all their problems and turn them into rewards for each other. It is a story that you can get lost into, make your troubles disappear. I would recommend reading this story.

Crow and Crown by Sam C. Leonhard

CrowandCrownLGTitle: Crow and Crown

Series:  Sequel to Crow and Firefly

Author: Sam C. Leonhard

Genre: Fantasy, Shifter

Length: Novella (84 pages)

ISBN: 978-1-62798-426-3

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (22nd January 2014)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Four years after Ari and Dagur’s forced marriage, not many know the man at the future king’s side. Dagur, the king’s nephew, is convinced secrecy is necessary for Ari’s safety. Ari, on the other hand, doesn’t mind that not many know of his existence. Let alone what he looks like. But one day, everything changes. The king dies and Dagur is called to court—alone. When he’s attacked on the way, it’s up to Ari to find out who the enemy is. And if that’s not enough, he also has to figure out who wants the king dead, deal with a wayward healer, and find a missing fiancé.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4640

Review: This story is part of a series and must be read in order. Even after four years of marriage not many people know that Ari is Dagur’s husband, Ari doesn’t like it and isn’t sure of Dagur’s reasons for keeping it quite but accepts them. Now though everything is about to change, Dagur disappears without leaving a message and Ari heads out to find him and uncovers a plot against Dagur and his uncle, the King. Ari has his hands full when he finds that Dagur is being lured into a trap, the king is being poisoned and Ari has to track down a missing fiancé for a fellow two-colored (shape-shifter).

So the story of Dagur and Ari continues with this new installment which starts four years after the previous story finished, and I will begin with a brief recap. Dagur and Ari are two-colored, shapeshifters with two different colored eyes. Dagur is the nephew of the King and was touring the country looking for a suitable spouse when he met Ari, a fellow two-color. Ari reluctantly married Dagur believing Dagur was a monster who abused people but found a very different person in the man underneath the image of a tyrant. Now they are happy together, but Ari’s identity is hidden because of the enemies that target Dagur and Ari discovers that Dagur’s caution was well founded.

This story has a great opening scene of Ari flying desperate to find his missing husband and we are quick to discover why Dagur fled from his home without escort, it then flashes back a couple of days to Ari making a promise to one of his fellow villager’s and Ari finding Dagur gone. It then progresses smoothly as we see Ari discover the truth of the summons and the plot falls into place with the missing fiancé playing a large part in helping Ari and Dagur out.

I really do love this series and I can’t stress enough that the Crow and Firefly has to be read before this story. There is no recap of previous events or the world building that was in the first story so you would be at a loss for explanations. Now, this is a great story that is easily picked up if you have read the previous book, Ari and Dagur are still wonderful characters although Ari feels a bit lost that Dagur keeps him so well hidden as his spouse. The plot for this story is really good and although this is only 84 pages long it fits everything in brilliantly without being overly complicated, it’s a very simple storyline that does a cracking job of entertaining us.

I recommend this to those that love shape-shifters in a medieval setting with a solid background story, great characters, a well dodged trap, uncovering a sinister plot and a great ending.   

 

Prince Magnus and the Carpenter by Lyssa Samuels

ls-rmld-princemagnus3131107_0248Title: Prince Magnus and the Carpenter

Series:  Royal Mates: Love’s Diamonds

Author: Lyssa Samuels

Genre: Fantasy/Light Bondage

Length: Novel (228 pages)

ISNB: 9781627408011

Publisher: Siren Publishing (November 19th, 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Eric

Blurb: Prince Magnus Sorenson is a warrior who is used to the isolated life of a soldier. He is responsible for the safety of his royal family and their subjects and is haunted by his failure to protect his parents. Magnus never expected to find his aheri—his beloved mate. He didn’t deserve him.

Archer Stockton is a humble carpenter who plays baseball with his buddies on the weekends. Archie is a gentle giant with a pure heart who was beaten by his father for being gay, causing him to have to learn to talk, read, and walk again. He knew he wasn’t much of a catch. Mag deserved better.

Magnus knows Archer is perfect for him. Archer brings love and gentleness into his life. Miraculously, Archer can see through the glamour of Mag’s world. He also sees the beauty of their future and the babies they will have together. Magnus is a soldier who is afraid. Afraid to hope.

Purchase Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/prince-magnus-and-the-carpenter

Review: I found this novel to be like the others in this series. It is much more likable and less dark, but it is still a delight to have read. The characters were right on the money as to what I liked to read and the plot was as strong as the other two were. I would highly recommend Lyssa Samuels. She knows how to keep us interested.

Song of the Spring Moon Waning by E.E. Ottoman

18753657Title: Song of the Spring Moon Waning

Author: E.E. Ottoman

Genre: Fantasy, Trans

Length: Novella (106 pages)

ISBN: 9781620043004

Publisher: Less Than Three Press (15th January 2014)

Heat Level: Low – Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Upon waking up one morning, Wen Yu is surprised to find a note asking him to return the song thrush given into his care while the owner was sick. The only problem is that Wen Yu was never given a song thrush. 

Though he has no time for distractions from his studies for the palace examination, Wen Yu goes in search of the unknown Liu Yi who left him the note. What he finds is a beautiful imperial eunuch, a talking tortoise, and a collection of mysterious moon poems that force Wen Yu to question what path in life he is truly meant to be walking …

Purchase Link: http://www.lessthanthreepress.com/books/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=92&products_id=551

Review: Wen Yu is an honorable scholar student who is determined to live up to his father’s expectations of him, but when he finds a note asking for the writers song thrush returned it leads to a path that has Wen Yu questioning what he really wants. Liu Yi is an imperial eunuch and he has suffered from a mystery illness his entire life, when the Moon Poems are left in his care he believes there might be a cure hidden in the mysterious language. The two are brought together by a song thrush and a talking tortoise but can Wen Yu really help with the Imperial Exams so close, and, can he really reveal his dark secret to the eunuch he is falling in love with?

This is a wonderful little story that is filled with a slight whimsical fantasy thread, old world tales coming to life and a sweet love developing between two young people. Wen Yu has had his life planned out for him by his father, honor and family has been drilled into him from a young age, and his commitment to study is now engrained in him. Liu Yi is looking for his song thrush to be returned but meets a studious student instead, when he discovers that Wen Yu was directed his way he begins a tentative friendship Wen Yu and asks for his aid with the Moon Poems.

I must admit that I was drawn to this story from the opening scene, the Dragon of Jade Mountain and the Jade Rabbit of the Moon Palace, two lonely immortals, exchanging poems across realms but their chance to meet is lost and the Dragon sets off to recover the missing pearl. That scene does link in later with the main storyline of Wen Yu and Liu Yi and we are left wondering if there will be more to come at a later date. Liu Yi and Wen Yu’s relationship is a sweet one with both of them accepting the other and the storyline of the moon poems and the Dragon and Jade Rabbit are intriguing.

I became confused as to Wen Yu’s gender because I found myself becoming lost with descriptions and explanations… was Wen Yu a girl, made to act as a boy (Wen Yu’s explanation of his father’s secret) or was Wen Yu a hermaphrodite (sexual descriptions), I have gone over the book three times to see if I missed something, but I am left with the same confusion each time. Other than that I found the story to be enjoyable and liked seeing Wen Yu make his own decisions for his future, Liu Yi is a lovely young man who showed Wen Yu another future, a very cute couple who finally find the love they both deserve.

I recommend this to those who love sweet love stories, finding your own future, resolving a mystery, and an ending that is also a beginning.  

Tainted Blood by Sam C. Leonhard

TaintBldLGTitle: Tainted Blood

Series: Tainted 01

Author: Sam C. Leonhard

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Alternative World

Length: Novel (296pgs)

ISNB: 978-1-61581-411-4

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (3rd May 2010)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Gabriel Jordan lives a lonely life on the streets, taking the rare job that usually means spending hours in the cold, waiting for a chance to take a photograph of a cheating spouse. That’s how he meets Dr. Aleksei Tennant—who he sees suspiciously jumping from a window of a woman’s apartment. Tennant introduces Gabriel to the hidden worlds, magical worlds connected to this one by portals. Gabriel is eager to learn the runes for opening them, Tennant is eager to teach, and a fragile friendship develops amidst a series of murders.

These aren’t just any murders. The killer has a grudge against the mixture of other races: he doesn’t kill humans, only those of the hidden worlds who are producing children of tainted blood. When the killer attacks them directly, Gabriel and Tennant have to team up to find the murderer, even though they’re putting themselves, their love, and any chance at a future together, in danger.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=1816

Review: Well, well, well what to say? Hmmm… Brilliant, Fantastic, Awesome and Fabulous. Gabriel lives on the streets and makes ends meet by doing crappy jobs for an investigator, he has always known that he is different but he finds out that he is even more different than he thought when he sees a man float down from an apartment window. Tennant (Aleksei) knows that no-one should have seen him so he is fascinated by the young man who saw him leave the apartment; he takes him home and starts to make startling discoveries and the young man becomes involved in a mystery that he is trying to solve.

This story is set in an alternative world where humans know of paranormal portals but do want any interaction with them. Gabriel is twenty-seven but looks about twenty and he’s part werewolf part human and part something else? So he has to keep a low profile otherwise will end up in prison or worse, Tennant is something else entirely and begins to teach Gabriel about runes and portals while trying to get to the bottom of Gabriel’s heritage and trying to solve a murder. Gabriel and Tennant become good friends but between misunderstandings and lies, it doesn’t look like they will come to their senses anytime soon.

I really enjoyed this story as although there is a bit of romance and some really hot sex near to the end, the story was more based on the murders, mystery, and Gabriel’s heritage. The descriptions in this book are wonderful I especially liked how it wasn’t easy travelling through the portals and the descriptions of the other worlds are good. I really liked the seagull bit as well. I was a bit disappointed that we didn’t find out anything concrete about Gabriel’s heritage but then right at the end of the epilogue it’s there… a cliff-hanger where we are given a tantalizing glimpse about Gabriel and a tantalizing taste that something is going to go horrible wrong in the next book. (Grrr, I have to wait for the next book, now.)

So honestly, I have to recommend this to those who love paranormal, fantasy, developing love, hot sex, gruesome gory scenes, magic (runes) and a happy for now ending.  

 

Bad Slave by Kay Berrisford

20526359Title: Bad Slave

Author: Kay Berrisford

Genre: Fantasy, BDSM

Length: Novel (189pgs)

ISNB: 978-1-62300-690-7  

Publisher: Loose Id (28th January 2014)

Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½ – 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: When the king commands former war hero Captain Jay Ghair to find him the perfect royal sex slave, Jay’s quiet new life, as a librarian is shattered. Jay discovers the boy he’s looking for in Alix, a lowly miner and wannabe court scientist, whom Jay can’t help but secretly adore. However, teaching the rebellious Alix to be a docile slave is difficult. Alix will behave for just one man, and it isn’t the king. It’s Jay.

Standing by while the king’s treatment of Alix becomes cruel is torturous for Jay. He longs to return to his library, yet he can’t bear to leave Alix, or his people, unprotected. To rescue Alix—and save the realm from the increasingly tyrannical king—Jay must confront the demons of his military past and take up the sword again. But his most important battle must be won through returning Alix’s love and learning to master this bad slave who submits only for him.

Purchase Link: http://www.loose-id.com/bad-slave.html

Review: Since the end of the war ten years ago, Captain Jay Ghair has lived the quiet life as a librarian in a quiet town, but his quiet life is shattered when he receives a summons from the king and discovers he is being tasked to find the king a new sex slave. Disgusted, Jay sets out to find the king a new slave and discovers him in a man about to be lynched, but getting Alix trained isn’t easy when the only man he will respond to and obey is Jay. While the despot king’s behavior becomes more erratic Jay has to stand by and watch as Alix is treated like an object and treated cruelly, but when the behavior of the king puts the people and the kingdom at risk Jay has to face his demons and also accept his feelings for Alix, the bad slave.

Hmmmm fantasy, a kingdom at risk, a cheeky bad slave and a reluctant war hero, mix them together, throw in a dash of BDSM and we get a wonderful story that has you hooked. Jay is a man of high principles, after retiring he has settled into a quiet life but when he is dragged back to the capital, he is disgusted by what he finds. Having no choice but do as his king bids Jay does his best, but as he grows closer to Alix, the thoughts running through his head would have him killed. Alix is a miner when one of his experiments goes wrong and he is rescued by Jay, he jumps at the chance to serve the king, Alix sees it as a way to get patronage for his scientific experiments but it isn’t long before he realizes he would much prefer to serve Jay.

Well, I have to tell you that Alix in no way comes across as a submissive of any kind, until he is under the gaze of Jay and then he turns into an eager student but only for Jay. When we first meet Alix he is a wily young man who will risk his life for his experiments, so when he eagerly accepts the role of sex slave to the king you aren’t really surprised, especially with all his thoughts focusing on worming his way into a patronage. But, Alix soon learns that a king who is focused only on his own pleasure will never see him as anything but a plaything. Jay does his best with Alix but a twisted king is far from easy to please. Alix and Jay’s relationship is one of instant attraction on both sides but neither man thinks there could be anything more for them, so don’t be surprised if the gushing of feelings doesn’t happen until near the end of the book.

I have to admit to really liking the action in this story but I was also drawn to the tension between Alix and Jay, them having to hide their feelings from the king so he couldn’t exploit it but them also hiding them from each other as well. This is a very good story where there is also concern about an outcry from the people as the king’s tyrannical behavior pushes them too far, but the kings’ solution places everyone in danger and it is our quite Captain who has to save the kingdom again. Perfectly written, nicely timed, and paced with some angst and danger but with some beautiful D/s moments. And yes, there are some sever punishments from the king that while shrouded by BDSM is actually twisted torture.

I recommend this to those who love medieval type fantasy, delicious D/s, brutal BDSM, a great storyline, a hot hero and an ex-miner finding love… oh and rescuing a kingdom!  

Battle of Will by Sasha L. Miller

Title: Battle17130362 of Will

Author: Sasha L. Miller

Genre: Fantasy

Length: Super Novel (470 pages)

ISBN: 9781620043073

Publisher: Less Than Three Press (1st January 2014)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: At a memorial service meant to honor the dead and mark the beginning of a truce between Skirfall and Morcia, Ackley spies a figure who does not belong—a mage interrogator whose presence will only cause harm should the Morcians realize who he is and all the people he has tortured. But the problem rapidly grows much worse than that when Ackley realizes his true purpose is assassination of the Morcian crown prince—an assassination Ackley prevents, but at great cost.

Banished from his own country, bound magically to the crown prince of his enemies, Ackley is certain of just one thing: whether he can figure out how to break the spell or not, his death is assured.

Purchase Link: http://www.lessthanthreepress.com/books/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=92&products_id=557

Review: Ackley of Skirfall jumps into action when he realizes that the memorial service to honor the dead and seal the peace between two warring country’s is really a trap. Ackley spots Daralis, a mage interrogator, lurking in the crowd and realizes he is set on assassination and Ackley acts at great cost to himself. Now tied to the crown prince of Morcia, Beorn Ealdwin, Ackley has to find a way to break the bond whilst being dragged into a plot by some members of Ealdwin’s own council.

This is a brilliant enemy to lovers’ story; it’s a story of trust being built and of attraction building and two men finding love from a difficult situation. Ackley is a magic user and through one impulsive act, he finds himself bound to a man whose country outlaws magic. Ackley has to discover the counter spell that will set him free, but it is far from easy as he is looked upon with mistrust. Ealdwin doesn’t trust Ackley but has no choice in following Ackley’s advice… both their lives depend on it. Both Ackley and Ealdwin have to work together as they try to discover the traitor in Ealdwin’s own council, and Ackley begins to run out of time and just might have to choose between his magic and his freedom.

This is a great fantasy story of two men from different sides of a war who have to work together if they want their freedom. I found the story to be very in-depth with the ongoing war and the political maneuvering taking center stage, with Ackley’s search for a counter spell coming in a close second and the developing relationship between Ackley and Ealdwin being left till last. I liked the way the story progressed with Ackley and Ealdwin working together and the trust between them building slowly over time, when they did admit their feelings it felt more genuine because of the time they spent getting to know each other. This is far from an instant attraction story or men falling headlong in love, it’s a building of trust and affection.

Both Ackley and Ealdwin are interesting characters and their relationship is based on necessity which then takes its time developing into something more. I really enjoyed the main storyline of breaking the spell and discovering who is making a play against the throne and found it well drawn out. The setting is perfectly written *sigh* I love stories that have a medieval feel to them and I absolutely adore them when magic is thrown into the mix. I must admit though that I got thrown at times with the changing of Ealdwin’s name, at times he was Ealdwin and others he would be called his other name Beorn and it would take me a moment or two to remember they were the same person *shush*.  

I recommend this to those who love fantasy, brilliant characters and an intriguing storyline with magic, political sneaky dealings, betrayal and a relationship built on trust.   

Kept Tears by Jana Denardo

20576412Title: Kept Tears

Series:   N/A

Author: Jana Denardo

Genre: Fantasy

Length:  Novel (210 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (January 27th, 2014)

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Eli/Mandingo

Blurb:  Having left most of his arm and his self-confidence behind in the Afghanistan desert, young veteran Aaron Santori has enough on his plate learning to use his prosthetic arm. Attending graduate school at the University of Pittsburgh makes life both interesting and challenging. Mentally, he’s ill prepared for meeting Rhys Edwards, a young-adult novelist from Wales and everything Aaron could want in a man. Between the scars from the explosion and his PTSD, he’s reluctant to date. Ready or not, though, Aaron finds himself jumping into the deep end of the relationship waters. 

What Aaron couldn’t possibly know is that Rhys isn’t human at all. As a prince of the Tylwyth Teg, Rhys is fae, with a list of enemies he’s accumulated over the past few centuries—among them a former lover, Morcant, who is back to make Rhys’s life miserable. An unwitting pawn in their Machiavellian fae politics, Aaron only knows he’s falling in love, never suspecting love might be his death sentence.

Purchase Link:   http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4658

Review: These would ordinarily be two totally separate stories.  The first would be the gay PTSD survivor and the second would be the fae cohabiting with the human story. The book, however, blends these two elements and that proves to be rather interesting.  The story begins with Aaron simply absorbing the fact that despite his disability, someone is attracted to him. Then he embarks upon a relationship with this man.  Without his even knowing it, Aaron becomes the pawn in a dangerous game of a scorned lover where he becomes the target of his anger.  The intrigue swirls around Aaron without his ever knowing what is going on.  By the time, Aaron is clued in to what is happening. His reality is thrown a curve ball as he realizes that there is an alternate universe.  Now the story moves from a simple love story into a paranormal intrigue adventure.

There are lots of turns and unexpected plot twists in this story.  Aaron’s character runs true to form a strong military type/survivor with PTSD, and his pairing with Rhys is well done.  Both characters are well written and the paranormal realm blends well with reality making the story seem much more contemporary and less like fantasy.  The intrigue is well placed and keeps the story moving and gives it an edge that makes the story more than a simple love story between a fae and a human.

In the end, however, what makes the story endearing is how the two men, especially Rhys cares for Aaron and how Aaron is able to come out of his shell and deal with his PTSD.  The families of both men are very entertaining and provide a great backdrop for the story that unfolds about both the men as well as the action adventure portion of the story.  Excellent blending of two genres. Two thumbs up!

Crow and Firefly by Sam C. Leonhard

16077792Title: Crow and Firefly

Author: Sam C. Leonhard

Genre: Fantasy, Shifters

Length: Short (78pgs)

ISNB: 978-1-62380-067-3

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (31st October 2012)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: The laws of man and nature are harsh and decisive: Unwed mothers are not allowed to raise their children, and shapeshifters must wed and consummate the marriage to satisfy the magic that would otherwise render them beasts forever upon the morning of their twenty-third birthday.

With the life of his sister and newborn nephew at stake, Shapeshifter Ari is trapped in a castle and compelled to accept a situation he’d dreaded: he is forced to marry Lord Dagur, a man he’s never met. A man called “The Cruel.” A man he fears, and not just because he fancies someone else.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3331

Review: Ari is fast approaching his twenty-third birthday and if he fails to wed and bed before then, he will forever change into one of his animal forms. Ari’s sister, Lilja, is unmarried and pregnant, if discovered her child will be taken off her and given to a couple far away from their village. In one fell sweep, their world is forever changed when the kings’ nephew, Lord Dagur, passes through their village and his Priestess spots Lilja.

This is a great short story and the opening scene certainly sets the mood for the rest of the book. Ari is a Shapeshifter living with his sister on the outskirts of a village; both of them are less than welcome with Ari and his two-tone eyes being nearly shunned, and Lilja an unwed expectant mother barely tolerated. Lord Dagur’s nickname is well cultivated and earned and when he passes through a village while on the hunt for a husband he spots the perfect man and sets out to manipulate the situation when his priestess spots the unwed mother.

I found this book to be extremely intriguing with the shifter aspect as it was a completely new theme, nobody knowing if they are a shifter or not until their eyes change to two-tone, and from then on being unable to have sex unless it is with another shifter, it’s made even worse when they have to be wed and bedded before their twenty-third birthday. I found it to be a wonderful twist, what I found stupid was the law that only married couples could have children. I also found Lord Dagur’s theatrics to be over the top, it made for a lot of unnecessary angst and drama, but it was still good.

Ari seems to be a great character with a lot of strong will, he has made up his mind what he needs to do, but he also loves his sister and will do what has to be done to ensure her safety, even marry, and bed a man he has never even met and who he expects will abuse him. Lord Dagur is far from what you expect so is a really nice surprise, his explanation to Ari is quite sweet but Ari’s anger is very understandable after everything he went through. Ari and Dagur are really hot together, well when Ari’s temper dies down.

I am going to recommend this to those who love shifters with a twist and compelling story, a high positioned man who has to ensure his survival and a happy ending for all involved… oh and don’t forget the hot sex. 

 

The Forester II: Lost and Found by Blaine D. Arden

19571614Title: The Forester 2: Lost and Found

Series: The Forester Trilogy #2

Author: Blaine D. Arden

Genre: Fantasy / Mystery-Suspense / MMM

ISBN: 978-1-62757-085-5

Length: Novella (88 pages)

Publisher: Storm Moon Press (Dec 21st 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: “The Guide mentioned puddles, but I envisioned lakes, deep treacherous lakes, and I was drowning.”

One turn has passed, another Solstice is just around the corner, and having an illicit affair with not one but two lovers—smith Ianys and shunned Forester Taruif—is taking its toll on Truth Seeker Kelnaht.

If it isn’t sneaking around to find some quality time with his lovers, it’s heavy rainfall hiding traces of a missing stripling, or waiting for the elders to decide whether or not to set Taruif free.

And if that’s not enough, Kelnaht fears that in gaining one lover, he might be losing another, as Ianys seems to be pulling away from them, and it looks like someone is, once again, trying to frame Taruif.

Product Link: http://www.stormmoonpress.com/books/The-Forester-2-Lost-and-Found.aspx

Review: What a lovely read, again. I’m really obtaining an obsession with this world/series. There’s just something really attractive about these elves, the way they use their magic that is so composed, the way they live their life… It’s alluring I tell you. You only want more after each installment is done and you dread the moment when all is going to come to an end.

This is the second part of the Forester trilogy that follows the life and hardships of Truth Seeker Kelnaht, the Forester Taruif, and the smith Ianys. Yes, the trilogy follows a triad and boy are they hot, even as the text does not contain explicit sexual scenes. This triad is a challenge, a relationship born in the shadows, stolen moments, and obstacles that go beyond death.

The second part follows our men a year after Kel claims Taruif in the privacy of darkness, away from the public eye. Taruif is still shunned and Kel with Ianys are barely holding it together with the long time that’s pasted since they learned that Taruif’s sentence might be reduced in half. Both men want their lover free, even as Taruif being free doesn’t necessarily mean that they can all be together and finally start their lives without fear. After all, the promise given to the dead still hangs over their head, cutting short any chance for a non-guilty relationship.

In addition, there is a young apprentice missing, traces of the abduction missing and hard to get, and someone trying to frame the Forester in a crime, yet again.

Kel’s just as beautiful in this second part as he was in the first. I love the fact that there characters actually get tired. There is no “supernatural” stamina going on here and the realistic effect of a person trying too hard, getting exhausted with all the shit happening in his life, make this read even more approachable. His love for Tauif is just as sweet, his anger with Ianys’ situation just as beautiful in its frustrating state, and his angst to find an innocent child while saving his forbidden lover make your heart beat in tandem with the rising agony.

As for Taruif, damn he was fantastic when he finally got his freedom back. The emotions and bewilderment that followed gave the book a heartfelt touch and makes the reader want to grab him and shelter him from further pain. He was gorgeous, simply fantastic.

Ianys though, I’m didn’t get much from Ianys at all in this book. While he was there and he was seriously upset with the events, he was more withdrawn this time around to the point he didn’t feel much part of the triad. Honestly, I can’t wait for the final part when all his issues will finally be dealt with.

As for the rest of the story, this time it was much more hmm, melancholic perhaps. It had sadness in it that continued to exist till the end. The bad guy here was not sharply drawn out, he existed inside blurred lines making you not know what to feel exactly, not know what you wanted his story to end. A sad story indeed.

The end was promising and a bit of a cliffhanger making it clear that there is more to come. Yes, we knew it, but just in case we forgot, it was made crystal clear. In addition, it gave so much food for thought, so many possibilities hanging in there about what might come in the future. Are going to see the tree elves take a giant leap of faith and go with the currents…?

Overall, this book was as lovely and enticing as the first one. I enjoyed my favorite triad immensely, but now more than ever I can’t wait for the final part to come. As for you, keep in mind that this story – one I strongly recommend if you’re fan of the genre – is part of a series and it is best read in order. 

 

The Forester by Blaine D. Arden

13107565Title: The Forester

Series: The Forester Trilogy #1

Author: Blaine D. Arden

Genre: Fantasy / Suspense-Mystery / Fae

ISBN: 9781937058418

Length: Novella (50 pages)

Publisher: Storm Moon Press (December 22nd, 2011)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5~4 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: Kelnaht, a cloud elf, is a truth seeker caught between love and faith. Worse, a murder committed ten days before Solstice reveals an illicit affair between two tree elves he desires more than he can admit: Kelnaht’s former lover Ianys, who once betrayed him, and the shunned forester named Taruif, who is not allowed to talk to anyone but The Guide, their spiritual pathfinder. When Taruif turns out to be the only witness for the crime, Kelnaht has to keep Ianys from sacrificing himself and losing his daughter, while at the same time realizing he’d gladly sacrifice himself to end Taruif’s loneliness.

Product Link: http://www.stormmoonpress.com/books/The-Forester.aspx

Review: Okay, so after reading Oren’s Right – book #2 in Tales of the Forest series – I had this feeling I’m going to like this world. No, scratch that, I already liked this world, now I simply love it.

So I went back and picked up book #1, because yeah I do that sometimes, start a series backwards that is. I felt like I just had to read the first book and wait for the last one to come, you know, there was this pull from this world I couldn’t resist, and the writing, well the writing is just so easy and smooth, flows like water and all you have to do is let it carry you along. And I let it, and I’m so glad I did.

Kelnaht is a Truth Seeker (aka a cop/investigator for the elves’ community) and he’s tasked with finding the elf responsible of a hideous act; murder. During his investigation, he discovers that his ex (who dumped him) is having an illicit relationship with the Forester (who he secretly desires but can’t have). Choices, choices… If he turns his ex to the Elders’ council, his ex will be shunned just like the Forester. His feeling for both men are stronger though and his call as a Truth Seeker is battling with his desires. Not to mention that there’s a killer there loose. So Kelnaht does what every man would do. Deals with one problem at a time, focusing on the killer at the moment. Problem is, the Forester is a witness that can help the investigation, and Kel is being granted permission to speak with him.

Okay so, the mystery-suspense parts were good, not too much, but not full of plot-holes, either. For such a short read, it was really good. The lows and highs were nicely balanced and made for a fun murder case to read. The romance was even better. We had a law officer (kind of), we had the ex who still haunts his wet-dreams, we have the new object of desire who just makes everything mouth-watering, and damned it all to Hell, this author needs to let go more, because this plot was so raw material for an all-out carnal erotica *sigh*. As it is, the intimate parts tend more toward romance and sensuality, leading you to thoughts that burn, but not blatantly saying it on the text. Sneaky.

As I felt with Oren’s Right, this book too ended on a satisfying note for such a short length. I mean it’s a 50 pages read and it has a very nice structure to it, makes a whole circle and the end leaves you wishing for no more. Well, no more from this story, because frankly it would be a shame to abandon this fascinating world. Fairies are plenty out there, but original, unique characters such as we encounter on this series? Let’s just say it is invigorating seeing authors take risks and make their fae unique.

So, overall I loved this story and totally recommend it for fans of the genre. As for me, I have The Forester II: Lost and Found waiting for me the moment I end this review. Enjoy!