Tag: GLBT Historical

Winter Duet by Anne Barwell (2nd Edition)

Title: Winter Duet (2nd edition)

Series: Echoes Rising 02

Author: Anne Barwell

Genre: Historical, Mystery & Suspense

Length: Novel (224 pages)

Publisher: DSP Publications (December 27, 2016)

Heat Level: Low – Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Germany 1944

Hunted for treason and the information he carries, Kristopher and Michel leave their safe house to journey across Germany toward Switzerland. Caught in a series of Allied bombings, they stop to help civilians and narrowly escape capture by German forces.

While investigating a downed aircraft in the Black Forest, the two men discover an injured RAF pilot. After they are separated, Kristopher and the pilot are discovered by a German officer who claims he is not who he appears to be. Determined to find Michel again, Kristopher has to trust the stranger and hope the man is not connected to those hunting him.

Meanwhile Michel is intercepted by one of the Allied soldiers he met in Berlin. His help is needed to save one of their own.

Time quickly runs out, and loyalties are tested and betrayed as their enemies close in. Michel can only hope they reach safety before information is revealed that could compromise not only his and Kristopher’s lives, but those of the remaining members of the Allied team—if it is not already too late.

First Edition published by Dreamspinner Press, 2014.

ISBN-13:  978-1-63477-192-4

Product Link: DSP Publications | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: This continues from book one. Kristopher and Michel are on the run yet again. When they stop to help civilian after a bombing they are separated. From here there are two separate journeys so to speak.

We see how Michel is with the resistance and helping them with a fellow member before it’s too late. While at the same time Kristopher is trying to survive his own dilemma. There were many variables and characters interacting throughout this intense story. 

I really felt for Kristopher and Michel as neither knew if the other was even still alive. Still they journeyed hoping against hope to one day be reunited. The Gestapo did not let up in their pursuits for a second. it lead to some raising moments throughout.

Well written and tense at times, this story grabs hold and does not let go until the last word.

Great read.

Murder In New York by C.J. Baty Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!

C.J. Baty - Murder in New York series Banner

Hi guys! We have C.J. Baty popping in today with her new release Murder In New York, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant $10 Amazon GC & a backlist title giveaway, so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~

Murder In New York

(The Pinkerton Man)
by

C.J. Baty

Coming back to New York to see her ailing father, Lizzie Ferguson did not expect to find him healthy and newly married to a much younger woman. She, also, didn’t expect to connect with an old lover and childhood friend or be accused of killing her father. But, life has a way of knocking you to your knees when you least expect it.

Stiles Long had always regretted that the killer, from his first case as a Pinkerton Agent, had got away. Now, in New York it was happening again. The Hotel Astor Bar was a meeting place for men who enjoyed the company of men. And, some of them were being brutally murdered. When one of the suspects from the original case appears at the hotel, Stiles is torn between his desire to stop a killer and kiss the man senseless.

Two different cases, but some of the faces overlap from one to the other. Stiles and Lizzie are in a race to discover who the killers are before another body gets added to the count.

Amazon US | Amazon UK

Continue reading “Murder In New York by C.J. Baty Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!” →

Murder in New York by C.J. Baty Cover Reveal!

C.J. Baty - Murder in New York series Banner

Hi guys! We have C.J. Baty popping in today with the cover to her upcoming release Murder In New York, the new addition to Pinkerton Man series, so check out the cover and enjoy! ❤ ~Pixie~

Murder In New York

(The Pinkerton Man)
by

C.J. Baty

Coming back to New York to see her ailing father, Lizzie Ferguson did not expect to find him healthy and newly married to a much younger woman. She, also, didn’t expect to connect with an old lover and childhood friend or be accused of killing her father. But, life has a way of knocking you to your knees when you least expect it.

Stiles Long had always regretted that the killer, from his first case as a Pinkerton Agent, had got away. Now, in New York it was happening again. The Hotel Astor Bar was a meeting place for men who enjoyed the company of men. And, some of them were being brutally murdered. When one of the suspects from the original case appears at the hotel, Stiles is torn between his desire to stop a killer and kiss the man senseless.

Two different cases, but some of the faces overlap from one to the other. Stiles and Lizzie are in a race to discover who the killers are before another body gets added to the count.

Release date: 27th May 2018

C.J. Baty - Murder in New York Promo 02C.J. Baty - Murder in New York Promo 03C.J. Baty Banner

About C.J.!

C.J. Baty (author) CJ Baty lives in southwest Ohio with her very patient husband and two encouraging children. Her heart however, lives in the mountains of Tennessee where she hopes to retire some day. The mountains have always provided her with inspiration and a soothing balm to the stresses of everyday life.

The dream of writing her own stories started in high school but was left on the back burner of life until her son introduced her to Fan Fiction and encouraged her to give it a try. She found that her passion for telling a story was still there and writing them down to share with others was much more thrilling than she had ever expected.

One thing she has learned from life and she is often heard to say is, “You are never too old to follow your dream!”

Blog/Website | Facebook | Twitter | Google+ | Pinterest | MeWe (C.J. Baty)

The Left Hand Of Calvus by Ann Gallagher

Title: The Left Hand of Calvus

Series: Warriors of Rome 01

Author: Ann Gallagher

Genre: Historical Rome, Trans

Length: Novel (200pgs)

ISBN: 978-1-943426-30-0

Publisher: Ann Gallagher/L.A. Witt (4th November 2016)

Heat Level: Nil

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Former gladiator Saevius is certain Fortune’s smiling on him when a Pompeiian politician buys him to be his bodyguard. That is until his new master, Laurea Calvus, orders Saevius to discover the gladiator with whom his wife is having a sordid affair. In order to do that, Saevius must return to the arena, training alongside the very men on whom he’s spying. Worse, he’s now under the command of Drusus, a notoriously cruel—and yet strangely intriguing—lanista.

But Saevius’s ruse is the least of his worries. There’s more to the affair than a wife humiliating her prominent husband, and now Saevius is part of a dangerous game between dangerous men. He isn’t the only gladiator out to expose the Lady Verina’s transgressions, and her husband wants more than just the guilty man’s name.

When Saevius learns the truth about the affair, he’s left with no choice but to betray a master: one he’s come to fear, one he’s come to respect, and either of whom could have him killed without repercussion.

For the first time in his life, the most dangerous place for this gladiator isn’t the arena.

This 52,500 word novel was previously published under the pseudonym L.A. Witt, and has been lightly revised.

Purchase Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK 

Review: Just three fights short of his freedom Saevius is bought by a Pompeiian politician, although his chance of freedom is gone Saevius is just glad that the life as a gladiator is behind him, that is until his new master orders him back to the arena to search out the man his wife is having an affair with. Discovering that man’s name is hard which is made even harder but the eagle eyes of his new Ianista Drusus, a man whose name is well known by gladiators around the country, a man who is spoken about with fear and hate.

This is a very well-crafted story; it pulls you in quickly as we see everything through Saevius’ eyes. Saevius has lived his life as a gladiator and is looking forward to never fighting again when he is sold to Laurea Calvus and thrown right back into the life he hoped he’d never see again. He finds himself in a situation he never thought he could possibly be in, torn between his master Calvus, his new Ianista and his fellow gladiators.

I liked this story a lot, especially about the everyday life of the gladiators, seeing through a gladiator’s eyes and having his thoughts and feelings about everything was fascinating and really does pull you in. I wasn’t sure about this story when I first picked it up, I’m not into first person narrative but this really was an interesting read. I will admit that at times I did wish we could see things from Drusus’ perspective especially after we discover the truth because that would be just awesome, the story from Drusus’s view would be a must read.

We get pulled into a world filled with intrigue, danger and just a dash of mystery, Saevius really does find himself with an impossible task, spy for his master, spy for his Ianista, keeping his fellow gladiators off his back, lying to his master, his Ianista and fellow gladiators, facing punishment from all three… damn Saevius just can’t do anything right with being hemmed in on three sides and with his back to a wall full of spikes!

Now I do view this as a romance, it is slight but it is there but I also view this as a mystery because finding out who Calvus’ wife’s lover is was the main storyline.

I do feel that the story did gloss over Saevius feelings, because I’ll tell you if I had a glimpse of freedom and it was snatched away at the last moment I’d be storming mad and spitting feathers while railing at the Gods sick twisted humor. I also think the author took a couple of liberties with the way that women and gladiators interacted, because while it may have happened it happened in secret where no one could see and many mouths were firmly shut on pain of death.

I recommend this to those who love ancient Rome, Gladiators, intrigue, danger, a hint of romance and an ending that is definitely happy for our earnest while gladiator.

The Left Hand Of Calvus by Ann Gallagher Retro Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

Ann Gallagher - The Left Hand Of Calvus RTBanner

Hi guys, we have Ann Gallagher stopping by today with her retro tour for The Left Hand of Calvus, we have a great excerpt, a brilliant giveaway and my review, so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~

The Left Hand of Calvus

by

Ann Gallagher

Former gladiator Saevius is certain Fortune’s smiling on him when a Pompeiian politician buys him to be his bodyguard. That is until his new master, Laurea Calvus, orders Saevius to discover the gladiator with whom his wife is having a sordid affair. In order to do that, Saevius must return to the arena, training alongside the very men on whom he’s spying. Worse, he’s now under the command of Drusus, a notoriously cruel—and yet strangely intriguing—lanista.

But Saevius’s ruse is the least of his worries. There’s more to the affair than a wife humiliating her prominent husband, and now Saevius is part of a dangerous game between dangerous men. He isn’t the only gladiator out to expose the Lady Verina’s transgressions, and her husband wants more than just the guilty man’s name.

When Saevius learns the truth about the affair, he’s left with no choice but to betray a master: one he’s come to fear, one he’s come to respect, and either of whom could have him killed without repercussion.

For the first time in his life, the most dangerous place for this gladiator isn’t the arena.

Continue reading “The Left Hand Of Calvus by Ann Gallagher Retro Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!” →

The Vampire’s Angel by Damian Serbu Blog Tour, Interview, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Damian Serbu - The Vampire's Angel BT Banner

Hi guys! We have Damian Serbu stopping in today with the tour for his new release The Vampire’s Angel, we have a brilliant interview with Damian, a great excerpt and a fantastic giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~

The Vampire’s Angel

(The Realm of the Vampire Council 01)
by

Damian Serbu

As Paris devolves into chaos amidst the French Revolution, three lives intertwine.

Xavier, a devout priest, struggles to hold on to his trust in humanity only to find his own faith threatened with the longing he finds for a mysterious American visitor. Thomas fights against the Catholic Church to win Xavier’s heart, but hiding his undead nature will threaten the love he longs to find with this abbé. Xavier’s sister, Catherine, works with Thomas to bring them together while protecting the family fortune but falls prey herself to evil forces.

The death, peril, and catastrophes of a revolution collide with a world of magic, vampires, and personal demons as Xavier, Thomas, and Catherine fight to find peace and love amidst the destruction.

Warning: Graphic violence, murder, and mentions of off-page rape

Continue reading “The Vampire’s Angel by Damian Serbu Blog Tour, Interview, Excerpt & Giveaway!” →

Tomboy by Janelle Reston Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Janelle Reston - Tomboy RB Banner

Hi guys! We have Janelle Reston stopping by today with her new release Tomboy, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~

Tomboy

by

Janelle Reston

Some kids’ heads are in the clouds. Harriet Little’s head is in outer space.

In 1950s America, everyone is expected to come out of a cookie-cutter mold. But Harriet prefers the people who don’t, like her communist-sympathizer father and her best friend Jackie, a tomboy who bucks the school dress code of skirts and blouses in favor of T-shirts and blue jeans. Harriet realizes she’s also different when she starts to swoon over Rosemary Clooney instead of Rock Hudson—and finds Sputnik and sci-fi more fascinating than sock hops.

Before long, Harriet is secretly dating the most popular girl in the school. But she soon learns that real love needs a stronger foundation than frilly dresses and feminine wiles.

Continue reading “Tomboy by Janelle Reston Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!” →

The Vampire’s Angel by Damian Serbu Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Damian Serbu - The Vampire's Angel RB Banner

Hi guys! We have Damian Serbu stopping in today with his new release The Vampire’s Angel, we have a great excerpt and a fantastic giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~

The Vampire’s Angel

(The Realm of the Vampire Council 01)
by

Damian Serbu

As Paris devolves into chaos amidst the French Revolution, three lives intertwine.

Xavier, a devout priest, struggles to hold on to his trust in humanity only to find his own faith threatened with the longing he finds for a mysterious American visitor. Thomas fights against the Catholic Church to win Xavier’s heart, but hiding his undead nature will threaten the love he longs to find with this abbé. Xavier’s sister, Catherine, works with Thomas to bring them together while protecting the family fortune but falls prey herself to evil forces.

The death, peril, and catastrophes of a revolution collide with a world of magic, vampires, and personal demons as Xavier, Thomas, and Catherine fight to find peace and love amidst the destruction.

Warning: Graphic violence, murder, and mentions of off-page rape

Continue reading “The Vampire’s Angel by Damian Serbu Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!” →

The Moth and Moon by Glenn Quigley Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Glenn Quigley - The Moth and Moon Tour Banner

Hi guys! We have debut author Glenn Quigley stopping by today with his debut novel The Moth and Moon, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~

The Moth and Moon

by

Glenn Quigley

In the summer of 1780, on the tiny island of Merryapple, burly fisherman Robin Shipp lives a simple, quiet life in a bustling harbour town where most of the residents dislike him due to the actions of his father. With a hurricane approaching, he nonetheless convinces the villagers to take shelter in the one place big enough to hold them all—the ancient, labyrinthine tavern named the Moth & Moon.

While trapped with his neighbours during the raging storm, Robin inadvertently confronts more than the weather, and the results could change everything.

Continue reading “The Moth and Moon by Glenn Quigley Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!” →

Conjoined at the Soul by Huston Piner Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Huston Piner - Conjoined at the Soul Banner

Hi guys! We have Huston Piner stopping by today with his new release Conjoined at the Soul, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~

Conjoined at the Soul

(Seasons of Chadham High 02)
by

Huston Piner

Randy Clark has just looked in the mirror and figured out he’s gay. So now, all he needs is a boyfriend, and finding one should be easy enough, right? The trouble is Randy has a knack for being attracted to the wrong kind of guy, like the one who hasn’t spoken to him since he told him he had pretty eyes. Then there’s that locker-room jock who’s always putting him down. And new student Kerry Sawyer would be perfect—except for that girlfriend he left behind.

Obviously, when it comes to finding a boyfriend, Randy’s got a lot to learn. So for dating tips, he turns to friends Jeremy Smith and Annie Brock. But although Annie’s more than willing to help him find the right guy, between his own bad luck and her less than helpful advice (date a girl?), things are getting out of control fast. And while Randy struggles with bullies, bigotry, and his own self-doubts, he quickly finds that searching for love can be pitted with embarrassing misunderstandings, humiliating encounters, and hilarious missteps.

All in all, Randy’s sophomore year is shaping up to be one to remember—if he can just live through it.

Continue reading “Conjoined at the Soul by Huston Piner Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!” →

Lost In Time by A.L. Lester

Title: Lost In Time

Series: Lost In Time Universe 01

Author: A.L. Lester

Genre: Time-Travel, Historical (1918 – 1921), Paranormal

Length: Novel (202pgs)

ISBN: 9781634865319

Publisher: JMS Books (6th January 2018)

Heat Level: Nil

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Lew’s life is pleasantly boring until his friend Mira messes with magic she doesn’t understand. While searching for her, he is pulled back in time to 1919 by a catastrophic magical accident. As he tries to navigate a strange time and find his friend in the smoky music clubs of Soho, the last thing he needs is Detective Alec Carter suspecting him of murder.

London in 1919 is cold, wet, and tired from four years of war. Alec is back in the Metropolitan Police after slogging out his army service on the Western Front. Falling for a suspect in a gruesome murder case is not on his agenda, however attractive he finds the other man.

They are both floundering and out of their depth, struggling to come to terms with feelings they didn’t ask for and didn’t expect. Both have secrets that could get them arrested or killed. In the middle of a murder investigation that involves wild magic, mysterious creatures, and illegal sexual desire, who is safe to trust?

Purchase Link: JMS Books | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Lew searches desperately for his foster sister Mira when she messes with The Border, something she doesn’t understand; now Lew is stuck in 1919 trying to find his feet and his missing sister… but something is lurking in the shadows, something that followed them from the Outlands.

Alec Carter has settled back into life as a police Inspector at the station he served at before the war, when he’s called into investigate mysterious deaths at a hospital. Stumped, it isn’t till a brutal murder that he gets any leads and his suspicion rises about the photographer who has secrets.

This is a great story that plunges you into the life of London in the 1920’s, it adds a twist of paranormal and a dose of forbidden longing.

The story is mainly from Lew’s perspective with Alec’s perspective thrown in at times; there isn’t a real romance just a promise of something lingering throughout the story. The story is mainly focused on finding Lew’s sister and then finding the creature that is hunting in London, we discover slowly over time the role of the Workers and The Border and what they think the creatures are.

I really liked this story and enjoyed following Lew along as he gets settled in a new time and finds his feet. Alec looks to be an interesting man and I can’t wait to see how their relationship progresses in future books.

The storyline is good and flows quite well once you understand the concept of The Border and how both Mira and Lew found themselves in the 1918 & 1919. We discover that Mira and Lew have more allies than they thought and that there just might be lives for the both of them in the time they discover themselves in.

I recommend this if you love time-travel, historical’s, mysterious creatures from another place, and the beginning of something forbidden between two men.

Lost In Time by A.L. Lester Blog Tour, Guest Post, Review & Giveaway!

A.L. Lester - Lost In Time RTBanner

Hi guys! We have A.L. Lester popping in today with the tour for her new release Lost In Time, we have a brilliant guest post by A.L., a brilliant $10 Amazon GC giveaway and my review, so check out the post and enter the giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~

Lost In Time

by

A.L. Lester

Lew’s life is pleasantly boring until his friend Mira messes with magic she doesn’t understand. While searching for her, he is pulled back in time to 1919 by a catastrophic magical accident. As he tries to navigate a strange time and find his friend in the smoky music clubs of Soho, the last thing he needs is D etective Alec Carter suspecting him of murder.

London in 1919 is cold, wet, and tired from four years of war. Alec is back in the Metropolitan Police after slogging out his army service on the Western Front. Falling for a suspect in a gruesome murder case is not on his agenda, however attractive he finds the other man.

They are both floundering and out of their depth, struggling to come to terms with feelings they didn’t ask for and didn’t expect. Both have secrets that could get them arrested or killed. In the middle of a murder investigation that involves wild magic, mysterious creatures, and illegal sexual desire, who is safe to trust?

Continue reading “Lost In Time by A.L. Lester Blog Tour, Guest Post, Review & Giveaway!” →

Lost In Time by A.L. Lester Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

A.L. Lester - Lost In Time RTBanner

Hi guys! We have A.L. Lester popping in today with the tour for her new release Lost In Time, we have a great excerpt, a brilliant $10 Amazon GC giveaway and my review, so check out the post and enter the giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~

Lost In Time

by

A.L. Lester

Lew’s life is pleasantly boring until his friend Mira messes with magic she doesn’t understand. While searching for her, he is pulled back in time to 1919 by a catastrophic magical accident. As he tries to navigate a strange time and find his friend in the smoky music clubs of Soho, the last thing he needs is D etective Alec Carter suspecting him of murder.

London in 1919 is cold, wet, and tired from four years of war. Alec is back in the Metropolitan Police after slogging out his army service on the Western Front. Falling for a suspect in a gruesome murder case is not on his agenda, however attractive he finds the other man.

They are both floundering and out of their depth, struggling to come to terms with feelings they didn’t ask for and didn’t expect. Both have secrets that could get them arrested or killed. In the middle of a murder investigation that involves wild magic, mysterious creatures, and illegal sexual desire, who is safe to trust?

Continue reading “Lost In Time by A.L. Lester Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!” →

Seven-Sided Spy by Hannah Carmack Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Hannah Carmack - Seven-Sided Spy Banner

Hiya guys! We have Hannah Carmack popping in today with her debut historical (cold war era) novel Seven-Sided Spy, we have a great excerpt and a fantastic $10 NineStar Press gift code giveaway, so check out the post and enter the giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~

Seven-Sided Spy

by

Hannah Carmack

In the midst of the cold war, the CIA’s finest and most fatal female agent, Diana Riley, vanishes. Kidnapped by the KGB and taken to the backcountry of North Carolina, she and her team of unsavory partners are forced to undergo illegal experimentation.

But, when the experiments leave them horribly deformed and unable to reenter society without someone crying monster, the previously glamorous and high-maintenance spies must escape KGB captivity and avoid recapture at the hands of Nikola, a ruthless KGB agent with an intense and well-justified grudge against her former flame.

Continue reading “Seven-Sided Spy by Hannah Carmack Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!” →

Lost In Time by A.L. Lester Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!

A.L. Lester - Lost In Time RBBanner

Hi guys! We have A.L. Lester popping in today with her new release Lost In Time, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant $10 Amazon GC giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~

Lost In Time

by

A.L. Lester

Lew’s life is pleasantly boring until his friend Mira messes with magic she doesn’t understand. While searching for her, he is pulled back in time to 1919 by a catastrophic magical accident. As he tries to navigate a strange time and find his friend in the smoky music clubs of Soho, the last thing he needs is D etective Alec Carter suspecting him of murder.

London in 1919 is cold, wet, and tired from four years of war. Alec is back in the Metropolitan Police after slogging out his army service on the Western Front. Falling for a suspect in a gruesome murder case is not on his agenda, however attractive he finds the other man.

They are both floundering and out of their depth, struggling to come to terms with feelings they didn’t ask for and didn’t expect. Both have secrets that could get them arrested or killed. In the middle of a murder investigation that involves wild magic, mysterious creatures, and illegal sexual desire, who is safe to trust?

Continue reading “Lost In Time by A.L. Lester Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!” →