Blurb:Born the son of a preacher man, Elijah Deacon always conformed to his father’s strict religious teachings. He worked hard, devoting his time and energy to the family owned construction firm, leaving little time to focus on the deplorable state of his private life. Small town America was no place to be when all a man craved was the touch of another man. Elijah hid his sexuality and tried in vain to convince himself he could be happy with a woman. Urged on by the dream of having the family he craved, Elijah couldn’t know a drunken one-night stand would see him pay the ultimate price.
Leaving the bright lights of Atlanta and placing his own life on hold, paralegal, Seth Jacobs, moved to Alabama hopeful that with a baby on the way, his twin sister Bethany would settle down. His older sister by five minutes, she gave him the confidence he needed while growing to come out and be proud of who he was. It was his turn to return the support. On arrival in Headland, Seth endeavored to make her see the dangers her behavior presented to her and her unborn child. But, to no avail.
When destiny deals a cruel blow, and the life of a newborn baby hangs by a thread, Seth and Elijah are flung together to deal with the tragic circumstances. The grief threatens to consume them, while joy and fear work to unite them. Jealousy, love, lies and bitter truths rise to the surface and threaten to tear them apart. Can the powers of love and life bring them together and heal the loneliness that death leaves behind? Or will circumstance prevail and fuel the embers of love that draw them together?
Review: Oh, honey this story reads likes a Deep South soap opera. You have twins, a preacher’s gay son, (not to mention that he’s a construction worker) a tryst with the undertakers son, illegitimate babies, manslaughter and mayhem! So if you like drama, and plenty of man love, you’ll enjoy this hot number. I love the southern accents the author writes into the language, and of course, there is nothing much sexier than two hot daddies, even if some of the circumstances are a bit too farfetched to believe. Its fun, its dramatic, and the sexy scenes are hot! There are those sweet moments where the MC’s make each other breakfast (even with the smoke alarm blaring), and take turns caring for a preemie in the NICU. But through all this drama with a capital D, can these three make it as a family? You’ll just have to read and see…
Blurb: Colin Greystone has loved one man since he understood what love was: Nikolai Markov. But Nikolai is too young and Colin makes himself stay away. By the time he decides to declare his feelings, Nikolai has earned quite the reputation as a playboy and a badass. Colin spends years trying to forget the younger man, only to have his world flipped upside down when Nikolai Markov barrels back into his life. Colin is in danger and his fathers have asked Nik to protect him. Colin is less than thrilled to be forced into spending so much time –in such close contact — with the man he swore he’d stopped loving.
At 20 years old, Nikolai Markov is well-known as a hired gun with a hot body. But now he only wants one thing: For Colin Greystone to give him a chance. Thrust into Colin’s college life — and dorm room — Nikolai unloads his charms on a resistant and unbending Colin. When the two of them are in harm’s way, Nikolai will kill anyone who threatens his man. His other mission? Making Colin fall for him.
Can a love that began at birth survive to adulthood? Or has Nikolai’s chance passed him by?
Review: Collin Greystone has known and loved Nikolai Markov since he was four years old. When Nik was kidnapped at the age of ten, he locked away part of himself so he’d never be hurt again; morphing himself into the vicious killer he is today. The trouble is when he locked away his emotions, the ones that connected him to Collin were locked up as well.
Feeling that he’d lost the boy he loved, Collin removed himself from Nik’s life to avoid any further heartbreak. He was trained to be able to protect himself; as a member of the infamous Santorno/Markov/Panchenko inner circle, the Greystone family could be put in harm’s way at any given moment. He then went to college thinking he’d finally be able to forget about young Markov. Fans of the series will know that Collin fell back into Nik’s arms, quite literally, several books back. Collin was heartbroken again when Nik didn’t even remember the love they shared as children. Nik, however, was instantly pulled into Collin’s orbit. But, young Markov has a reputation as man whore, and Collin wants nothing to do with him.
Our latest installment in the series finds Collin in imminent danger and Nik has been sent by Mark and Paul Greystone to protect their son at any cost. Determined to protect Collin and make him his own, Nik slowly starts to regain his memories of their shared past. Just when it seems that Nik will finally get his man, someone close to Collin, someone they thought they could trust betrays them. These two young men truly are destined to be together. But, will they survive the fury of Carmine Rizzo and find common ground, finally be able to love each other and set aside the past?
Gasq-Dion has yet another hit on her hands! Seventeen books into this series and she always seems to come up with something fresh for each book. Weaving well-known and much-loved characters from other books in the series into every story is her niche’. She also has a keen sense of the male anatomy. The sex scenes are passionate, sensual, sexy and just downright HOT! And if you thought she was getting close to wrapping up this series, think again. Runaways Skylar and Elijah have set their sights on a couple of our favorite shifters, and oh goddamn, I can’t wait for them to get their man!!
I whole heartedly recommend this series. If you are a fan of sex on a stick storylines, romance, intrigue, suspense, paranormal, werewolves, assassins… and oh so much more, you are going to love this series. I would say please start at the beginning with A Marked Man, but each book can easily stand alone.
Blurb: Caleb Jansen’s old life is in ruins after being possessed by the vampire spirit Gray. Now all Caleb wants is for Gray to be exorcised so he can adjust to living as a registered paranormal. Instead, District Chief Kaniyar of SPECTR offers him a new choice: be locked away for public safety, or come work for the very agency he’s spent years trying to avoid. The only good thing to come from Caleb’s possession is his relationship with federal exorcist John Starkweather, but even that seems doomed to end before it can really begin.
John’s newest case is a nightmare: someone is summoning demons and forcing them to possess women and boys snatched from the streets of Charleston. If his team can’t find the summoner soon enough, the possessions will become permanent, transforming the victims into ghouls. To make matters worse, he barely prevents Gray from feeding on their only lead.
Can John shield his heart from Caleb, who only seems interested in a temporary hook-up? Can Caleb keep Gray under control while they hunt for the summoner? Or will the cost of solving the case be higher than any of them could have guessed?
Because the master of ghouls has set his sights on a new target: Gray.
Review:This story is part of a series and is best read in order. Caleb’s life has changed since he was possessed by Gray, the vampire spirit. Now, he is waiting impatiently for SPECTR exorcist, John, to find a way to exorcise Gray, so he can return to his life. John and Caleb are thrown into a case together when Gray smells a demon. It leads them to investigate a summoner who is forcing young men and women to become ghouls. Caleb and Gray must come to an understanding so Gray doesn’t use Caleb to feed on the innocents who can be saved. John and Caleb must also defeat the summoner who has set his sight on using Gray.
This is a great paranormal possession story that has twisted betrayal and a mutual understanding with a hint of an uncertain relationship. John and Caleb are both unsure if the other wants anything more than friends with benefits. Both men actually want something more, but circumstances lead them to believe that it won’t be possible. Caleb is possessed by an old drakul spirit, Gray, and is desperate to get rid of him before it becomes a permanent possession. He also begins to want more from John, even though John works for SPECTR. John wants to banish Gray as well, but Gray is very old and very rare and finding information that could help John is scarce. It doesn’t help that John knows that Caleb will leave as soon as he is exorcised and John wants something more than a quick hook up from Caleb.
I really enjoyed this story and loved the paranormal aspects. it was intriguing to see how Caleb and Gray shared a body and communicated. I liked how the story was woven and the dangerous feel throughout. The unsureness of John and Caleb’s tentative relationship and the astounding revelation of the summoner. The sex between Caleb and John is really hot and I loved the fact that even though they were sexual together they haven’t jumped into ‘I love you’ prematurely. They have enough on their plate and I really can’t wait to see what is going to happen with Gray.
I will recommend this to those that love paranormal, complicated possessions, unsure hot men, a great storyline and a happy for now ending.
Publisher: James Crawford (Self Published) (29th April 2011)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: Every High School has their social outcasts. The band nerds, the math geeks, the chess club, the girl that chews her hair, but at Butler even the creepy nose picker in the chess club is more popular than Caleo Anima. No matter what he did, his pale skin, snow white hair, and piercing blue eyes always made him an easy target. He used to think that the only way things could get worse would be if someone found out that he was gay, but that isn’t even the tip of the iceberg of problems after a mysterious stranger shows up and changes Caleo’s life forever.
Hidden amongst our society, a secret and magical race of people known as ‘Leeches’, have been engaging in civil war for decades. Both sides are desperately searching for a weapon with unlimited power that will give them the advantage they need to rule their world. This wouldn’t mean anything to Caleo, except for one problem…He is that weapon!
Forget making it through High School. Caleo has bigger problems! As the search for him goes on, the world is quickly crumbling around him. He’s now fighting for his life and the life of what little family he has left. With the help of new friends, he has little time to try and master his newly found powers as he tries to figure out who he can trust, who is trying to use him, and who just wants him dead. One wrong step and being the awkward pale outcast will be the LEAST of his worries.
Review: Caleo has always been a social outcast. Bullied and ignored he has just one friend, Jack. But, sometimes even that doesn’t help. Caleo’s life changes the day that a strange man shows up and starts talking about powers and a hidden society of magical people. But, it gets worse when his hometown is bombed. The power struggle between The Blessed and The Rebels is tearing society apart, as they hunt for a powerful weapon. A powerful weapon that is clueless as to what is happening. But, Caleo has to master his new-found powers, if he is going to save his friends and family. And he wants nothing to do with either The Blessed or The Rebels.
Well, this is a great Young Adult paranormal story that is filled with danger, confusion and angst. Caleo is a young man struggling to get through school every day. he has one friend, Jack, who has been his best friend since they were small. Discovering he is different is a shock, but he can’t trust any of the Leeches, because they want to use him or ‘recycle’ him. Escaping from danger with his family is hard and rescuing strangers from capture is the only right thing to do, when your world is turned upside down.
This is an excellent, exciting adventure for Caleo and his friend Jack. It is action filled, dangerous, angst filled and teenaged drama filled with jealousy and despair. This story is all about seventeen year old Caleo. He is different from others and even different from the Leeches. It places him in danger, just because he is alive. Caleo and Jack face huge odds together. But with the help from Nolan, they try to survive. Caleo is a great character and he is written brilliantly. Jack is more laid back, but you can see his awkward attraction to Caleo, which Caleo misses. And Caleo is dazzled by Nolan’s Greek god beauty.
This storyline is far from straightforward. it twists and turns bringing surprises along the way. Who can you trust when it seems like everyone is trying to kill you? The loss of everything you have ever known and the insecurities of teenagers, battling with trying to hide and survive is a brilliant idea. Add in paranormal powers, warring factions of Leeches and a young man who could be The Angel and you have a great action packed read that shouldn’t be missed.
This is a great story if you want angst and danger, never knowing what will happen next and having a cliff-hanger ending that will have you reaching for the next book. So if you love any of that and adore Young Adult stories, then don’t miss this book.
Blurb: When mega movie star and two-time Academy Award winner, Austin Grainger voluntarily gave up his dazzling film career, his adoring fan base thought he’d lost his mind. For Austin, the seclusion of fifteen hundred acres in the middle of Texas sounds like paradise. No more cameras, paparazzi, or overzealous media to hound him every day and night. Little did the sexiest man alive know when one door closes, another usually opens. And Austin’s opened by way of a sexy, hot ranch owner right next door.
Kitt Kelly wasn’t your average rancher. He’s young, well-educated and has hidden his sexuality for most of his life. When his long time wet dream materializes as his a new neighbor it threatens everything he holds dear. No way the ranching community would ever accept him if he came out. With every part of his life riding on the edge, can Kitt risk it all for a chance at love or will responsibility to his family heritage cost him his one chance at happiness?
Review: Austin has had enough of living his life in the limelight as a movie star and is retiring. He has bought land in Texas, in his hometown and is planning on a quiet life away from the media and cameras and hopefully to find some happiness with a man to love him. But, Austin is still hot property and the paparazzi don’t want to let him go. With his pseudo-girlfriend spiraling out of control and his new relationship about to be blown out into the open Austin has some tough decisions to make. Kitt has worked hard to build his farm back up after his father’s death. If anyone ever found out his secret, he could lose everything. Discovering his new neighbor is hot movie star Austin, the man he has fantasized about since high school, shakes him down to his roots and starting anything with the man is risky but falling in love is hard to avoid.
This is a great story of a movie star and a cowboy, falling in love and facing prejudice, ramifications of the past and hounding of the press. Austin has come to the stage in his life where he wants to be honest about himself, but being in the limelight there is no way he can be. Retiring to his new farm, he discovers a happiness he never thought he would really have with Kitt, his hot cowboy neighbor. But, Kitt is firmly in the closet; with no way of coming out if he wants to continue supporting his stepmom and sisters. Austin might be everything he wants, but the risk is nearly too much. Kitt faces losing everything, but is love enough for him to stick by his man?
I thought this story was brilliant. Kitt and Austin are great characters. Both of them are men’s men through and through. both of them have hidden in the closet for their own reasons and when they meet the attraction is instant. The storyline is great and is kept on an even keel with just a few sparks of excitement along the way. The relationship between Kitt and Austin was well paced, even though they jump in bed after only a few days they aren’t declaring their love for each other right away, which made it more believable. The sex is mega hot, but there isn’t too much of it. It is nicely spaced out so you can enjoy the rest of the relationship with its longing, doubts and tests.
I have to recommend this to those who love cowboys and movie stars, closeted men being thrust out the door, hot sex, a tested love, finding support in unexpected places, a hidden secret and a very happy ending.
Blurb: Haunted by a recent breakup, compulsive traveler Sean finds himself trapped in a sudden blizzard. Near death, he’s rescued by a man for whom the cold holds no danger. A man with losses of his own and memories he’s never been able to share. For one night, in a tiny cabin deep in the woods, these two lonely souls will find refuge in each other. Contains explicit sexuality and some violent war imagery.
Review: Sean just can’t seem to settle. He has a feeling that there is something out in the world just waiting for him. leaving his lover Zach isn’t an easy choice, but it is one that he has to make. Stranded, alone and freezing, Sean is rescued by a man who is lost himself. What Sean and Ezra share that night has them both finding home.
This is a touching, slight paranormal with a touch of historical element. Sean is searching for something, but he just doesn’t know what. Leaving his boyfriend, Zach, he sets out to wander the country and find what is missing from his life. But, stranded and freezing, he fears that Zach’s last words to him may come true. Ezra has also been searching for something, but he knows what it is. He just can’t seem to find his way, saving Sean and bringing him back to his humble cabin, leads him to find his way home.
This is quite a poignant little story, which is brimming with heart clenching emotion. Sean at first seems to be selfish. He has a man who adores him and will travel with him when the urge hits Sean. But, he throws Zach’s love back in his face, because he has a feeling that there is something or someone out there that would just be right. When Sean finds himself freezing under a tree I couldn’t quite quench the little spark that wanted to shout ‘Karma’, but the following scenes touch your heart as he comes to realize that what he was looking for was right in front of him the entire time. Ezra has also been looking for something and spending the night with Sean shows him the way, their coming together is beautiful and isn’t a quick fix, it is a joining of souls, a sharing of lives that will blow you away.
I will recommend this to those who love slight paranormal stories, historical flashbacks, sweet loving, finding the way home and a very happy ending for all involved.
Blurb: Johnny Cairo is known as the Scaremaster. He works for Fear Asylum, his father’s traveling haunted house, and makes his living terrifying people. But Johnny has never frightened easily himself. That is, until he wakes up in the middle of the night and finds his best friend’s younger brother in his bed. Naked.
Johnny’s fought against his attraction to Brennan for years, worried that giving in to it will lead to losing the friendship he shares with Brennan’s older brother, Eddie. As much as he fights it, though, the lure of having Brennan in his bed proves too hard to resist. They start an affair that’s supposed to be no-strings-attached, but Johnny’s persistent denial of the growing feelings between them leads to a rift that might not be mendable. Then an accident at Fear Asylum nearly costs Johnny the one thing he holds dear, and he learns that while his nickname might be the Scaremaster, he knows next to nothing about real fear.
Review: This very quick story is perhaps a study in seduction. Loved it and mostly loved Brennan. His insistence was hilarious having poor Johnny scrambling for some semblance of sanity.
Johnny has crushing on Brennan for years, but Brennan being his best friend’s younger brother complicated things. Johnny has no intention of jeopardizing his friendship due to lust. While working on the Fear Asylum and keeping an eye on Brennan for his friend’s sake, Johnny fails to realize how much Brennan has really grown up. That is until one night he finds Brennan in his bed. So yes, Johnny is shocked and that keeps him from reacting and turning Brennan down… the first night. The second night he’s determined to do so, but Brennan kisses him and well, his brain melts and the third and the forth…
But eventually Johnny gets a grip in his sanity that seems to be escaping him lately and turns the young man down. A bit harsh, admittedly, but the result is the same. Problem is Johnny never thought that he’d be missing Brennan this much and the very idea of losing him forever hits the target when an accident occurs and the very possibility that Brennan with leave forever knocks on the door.
The story was very sweet and sexy. As I said I loved Brennan. He was cute and persistent even when it hurt him. And Johnny, oh dear, poor guy lost his mind. It happens, of course, but reading it just brought memories and made me smile.
Problem is that it was too short of a story and left some questions behind. First off, I have no idea how old Johnny is. Brennan is twenty and calls Johnny “old man” at some point, but I’d love to have a clearer view. And the story being so short left no room for emotions to develop. Yes, the lust was almost tangible and the intensity of the guys’ lovemaking nearly there, but that desperation for me was due to a long longing and the fact that nothing was secure between them. I’d have loved if this story was a bit longer and gave us some more “quality” time with the guys.
As it was, it was sexy and fun enough and a quite enjoyable read. The writing was easy-going and I literally inhaled it. If you’re up for this kind of read I totally recommend it.
p.s.
This is definitely one of those stories I’d love a sequel to come by and give us a bit more. It’d be such a shame for Johnny and Brennan to end here.
Blurb: Thrown out on the street by his homophobic stepfather, Dylan struggles to get his life together. Years of being used and abused have left him tough and determined to make it on his own. When he sees a dog getting beaten, his protective instincts drive him to rescue her. But as the attackers turn on Dylan, out of the shadows comes a hero. One with mysterious eyes and a shy sensuality Dylan can’t resist.
Cam Coburn can’t reveal his true identity to the man he rescues. Nor can he reveal that he’s a freak among freaks, a cockatrice shifter with an unwanted gift for seeking out conflict rather than treasure. Newly independent from his mentor, Cam sees in Dylan his first chance to test the limits of his human guise. Defying every rule, Cam succumbs to Dylan’s seduction for just one night. But Cam finds he can’t let his lover go, and Dylan breaks down every barrier. For he is the one human who can gaze in a cockatrice’s eyes without fear.
Yet even as their bond deepens, danger closes in on them from all sides, and Cam’s dark secrets may save them—or lead to their destruction.
Yes, I’m excited and I can’t praise this book enough to my satisfaction. Some people simply have both talent and the ability to put that talent down and swipe you away in their beautiful, gorgeous, astonishing world of imagination. And no, don’t be mistaken to think that this story is place somewhere exotic, like a different world or another planet… It’s on Earth and in our times and yes there is the Church involved. Can’t help it, I’m a sucker for hidden groups that are Church/Conspiracy related, and when you throw in the mythical creatures that are bred in secrecy to be used for the High Power and a couple of hot guys, and I’m bound to melt on your feet.
Meet Cameron; oh my God what a character. He is a Cockatrice, a mythical creature whose species nearly got extinct along with the dragons centuries ago. Now his species is being bred by a secret brotherhood in the name of the God. Cam’s true form is a bit like a cock, a bit like a snake and a bit like bat (it’s his wings). However that form is subdued by a gold chain which allows him and his species to maintain their human form. Sheltered from humanity and literally not allowed to come into contact with humans, Cam feels like something is wrong with him. He is different from his kind, he feels compassion for humans and he has a special calling that urges him to help helpless people. And like this he bumps onto Dylan.
Meet Dylan; a throwaway. He never felt loved or cared. He lived on the streets and was in the wrong relationship that used and abused him. But he’s a stubborn man and doesn’t like to give up, or lose that one thing in him he holds precious, his humanity. It is like that he throws himself in front of a boot that was aimed to a poor dog. It’s like that he got nearly beaten to a pulp. And it’s like that he meets Cam, when his knight in shining armor steps in and beats his bullies away.
Cameron should have left after that and never thought it twice. He’s not supposed to contact humans and especially without his glasses. His eyes can kill yet he’s drawn to that man like the moth toward light. Dylan can’t fight the attraction either. This shy man who won’t meet his eyes call to him in strange ways, and when he finally looks him in the eyes the warmest feeling curses through his body.
Oh my God, again and again. This book is bloody fantastic. It got me from page one, from first paragraph and didn’t let me go till it ended. What a story, what a great plot and what amazing characters. I loved, loved, loved Cameron. I loved both his forms; I loved his incredible, submissive character; I loved his need to be loved and to do whatever it took to feel that feeling. But I adored Dylan; the flawed human, what some would call a lowlife. What a brilliant idea from this author to have the hero be a shabby guy nearly in the lowest step of human form. And how fantastic it was to see him rise and shine, fight for what he felt even before he knew what the heck that was. It might have been Cameron who saved his life, but damn, it was Dylan the true knight in this fantastic story.
And saying this was also one hot story, with some very heated scenes, would be the understatement of the year. Damn it, that pair of men had chemistry all over the place and you can feel it run into you while reading it. I loved how the author made it happen between them, the before and the after. Brilliant work indeed, and if there isn’t going to be a sequel for this I’m gonna be really, really disappointed. The end was a bit rushed in my opinion and while it was satisfactory, there were some questions left behind unanswered. The whole what happened to the order, what with the new species and what with the shadowy demons…
Anyway, back to this book; you’ll love it. It has action, suspense, mythical creatures, conspiracy, hot guys and an epic love story. What more do you want?
Publisher: Vinedark Publishing (2nd December 2012)
Heat: Moderate
Heart: ♥♥♥♥3½ – 4Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: It’s been several years since the end of the Mage wars. Those born with the taint of magic are sent to places like Spiretown, a city within a city that serves as a prison for its inhabitants. Logan Grey is the self-proclaimed mayor of this ghetto, but he’s suddenly found himself in some trouble, and he needs help from an unlikely source.
Templar Battalion Commander Collin Anderfels is having a very bad week. His fiancée left him for his best friend, he was blown up in a raid gone wrong, and now he’s been forced to protect a man who represents everything that Collin loathes. Worse still is the fact that Logan Grey keeps saving his life, and he seems intent on bedding the young Commander, despite Collin’s sometimes violent protests.
Somehow, beyond prejudice and deceit these two unlikely partners find themselves becoming more than just allies, but can a love born from lies survive when the gates of hell are torn open?
Review: Spiretown, a place where people born with the taint (magic) are shipped to when their magic becomes apparent. Logan is a mage, who has his own little part of the world in Spiretown. But, he needs help when he discovers the Red Seal (a group of rogue mages) are targeting him. So, he approaches an unlikely source for assistance. Collin is a Templar Commander. His group is there to keep the mages in place and to destroy any who succumb to the demons. Being approached by a mage for protection is astounding; beginning to have feelings for the mage just might destroy him.
This story is slightly dark, with prejudice, hate, anger and fear, breaking down those emotions and finding love. When Collin’s team is lead into an ambush by the Red Seal, he never thought his savior would be a mage. But, that mage wants something in return, he wants protection. Logan needs the help of the Templar if he is going to bring down the Red Seal. Saving Collin fit into his plans, and now he just needs his web of lies to come to fruition. But, neither Logan nor Collin reckoned on an emotional connection forming between them. But, it is that love that just might save them all, when the Red Seal attempt to rip open the gates of Hell.
This is a great story if you are looking for a story that is drenched in angst and darkness. After the Mage Wars, all humans showing the taint of magic were rounded up and put in places like Spiretown. Children taken from their parents were handed over to the clergy and Logan was one of those children. Templers are plainbloods (humans with no ‘taint’), who are given the task of dealing with any mages who succumb to demons. Many of them, like Collin, hate the mages due to losses of family in the Mage Wars. Logan is a special mage though; he has special abilities that the Red Seal want. Logan turns to Collin for help and it begins a complex relationship between the mage and the Templar.
I have to admit to that this story isn’t black and white. Neither character is particularly lovable due to their personalities, but the longer you read the more you understand what drives them. The storyline is brilliant, but twisted, and at times will turn your stomach, especially when it comes to Logan’s past. We see a huge development in Collin’s psyche as he comes to realize that not all mages are evil and that some humans do deserve what they get. The relationship he develops with Logan is not easy, but it is something that he would give everything up for. Logan is a very complex character and how he has been treated as a child has left scars on his soul. It has also molded him into the way he is now and it’s a miracle he isn’t completely insane.
I have to recommend this if you love angst, demons, mages, harsh lives, some hot sex, great descriptions, some horrific scenes, a love emerging against the odds and an ending that has hope.
Blurb: Adrian Matthews is a newly-minted assistant professor, and he knows it’s wrong to get involved with Dallas Palmer, a student at the university where he teaches. But the happy, exuberant Dallas is like a ray of sunshine in his shadowed life, and somehow he can’t help reaching out for the younger man’s warmth…
Review: Adrian and Dallas have been very close friends for over a year. They both want more, but Dallas is a virgin, Adrian is older and a teacher at the University Dallas attends. Dallas finally gets tired of waiting for Adrian to make a move.
I really liked this story. It was very hot and sexy. I could see how much they were in love with each other, and see Adrian’s reasoning for being so cautious. He has a lot to lose, plus a secret from his past. I only had one issue, and that was how Adrian’s past is mentioned in small bits; it feels repetitive. One reads there is a past that has similarities to what he has with Dallas a few times, but nothing is said until much later. But once it gets to Dallas and Adrian being together, and things begin to change a bit, the story picks back up.
Blurb: Ever since their chance encounter, Talon can’t seem to get Kelon off his mind or his libido. The need and allure to the potent and powerful alpha male has got him spun around, but when his grandfather calls to tell him about a dream, the attraction Talon has with this man just got complicated.
Kelon is the Alpha Guardian at the Underground Keep, a safe haven and gathering spot for the paranormal, in the heart of New Orleans. Kelon’s no stranger to the fondness of sex, but when a human man walks in and marks his soul, he not sure what to think about it. But his Rougaroux Beast and his Wolf side have already made up their minds to make Talon their mate, the Man in Kelon just needs to find a way to make it happen without killing him.
Little did either man know the solution to their mating and a long forgotten curse came in the body of an androgynous man named Mykin.
“That’d be the sexy Kelon Thorton above— just a couple of weeks ago he had a spur encounter with an Injun man named Talon {me} and damn was it hot— now he wants more— but they both come from different worlds— will the differences be too great a jump for them to come together or will the Feral Dream they touch within bring them together in a bond no animal spirit can deny?” ~ Talon ps
Review: It is one of the rare times that I find a book’s title fitting its contents so much. Feral Dream is exactly that, a feral, visceral dream.
While normally I would start with the points that I loved, this time I’ll do it differently. I’ll start with the things I disliked and annoyed the hell out of me, such as the poor editing and grammar errors. I found that this book was rushed and not properly taken care of before it went to the “shelves”. Paragraphs being repeated, errors in grammar that should’ve been obvious when proofreading and some loops and leaps that could be avoided in a simple revision had me shaking my head.
In addition to the above there was “role-playing” approach. Certainly I understand it, I’ve role-played quite enough myself, but I feel that this book would gain so much more if it was worked as a novel narrated by one all-knowing author. As it was, the frequent hopping from character to character caused me the mother of all headaches.
Now that being said, I absolutely loved and adored this book. It was so multidimensional and emotional and well… feral, that had me sticking to it despite the above mentioned problems.
The story starts in our time, seemingly contemporary, and without a prologue to clue us in. It worked and it manages to draw you right in the heart of the events, even if you don’t realize it at the moment. We jump head first into a raw, carnal relationship, or the beginning of one, between two unlikely characters.
Talon is a simple man, a human, who found himself wandering through the world aimlessly until he drops in New Orleans where some instinct tells him to settle. Though being a Native American his relationship with the spiritual world and Nature is fairly close, Talon discovers that more than that exist in the world, even more so that he just stepped into it the moment he stepped foot at the Underground Keep. There he met Kelon and the attraction between the two men was of such a deep level neither can understand. The need to be with each other, the constant pull they between them seem as old as the world itself. But Kelon has a secret, one he’s afraid not only will push Talon away from him, but will be dangerous for the mortal should they continue this madness.
Just as Talon comes to terms with Kelon being a wolf, Kelon withdraws and avoids him. In Kelon’s mind they cannot mate, as his inner beast is not in control and might unwillingly kill Talon in the process of the mating.
Up until this point I had no connection whatsoever with either character. What I read was a constant rutting and carnal sex between the two men, with Kelon keeping to his human form. The intensity of their lust was there and God it was palpable, but that was it. Just as I was thinking that I would have a hard time reading an entire book with only sex scenes there came Mykin, like a Fallen Angel, and changed the scenery in the most brilliant way.
It is at this point where I understood that this is an Epic Love Story, told in the most brutal, if you will, way. After all, a love between immortals is only logical to be followed by pain, violence and blood. A Love that began in a world when love didn’t even exist, when the world was a mere baby and the deities were all about carnal pleasure, such love was bound to be envied and cursed.
Through the millennia Mykin, Kelon and Talon have been searching for each other, pair often but never all three together, as was expected in order to end the curse. Now finally the day has come to end it once and for all, for the Heart, Body and Soul to finally be together and through eternity. If only they can manage to overcome the darkness that follows them in each lifetime…
A brilliant story indeed, a sad one I might add, a story that if you give it a chance will make or break your heart. For me it was a very rewarding read. Mind you, this is not the light read that you will gaily go through, this is not the shiny bubbles romance type, it’s more the painful side of love where you really need to work and literally fight to get to. In addition to all that this book had a take on the Were-wolf existence that I truly adore. You will not find pups, and wolves to neither pet here, nor will any of the wolf’s aspects be in pace with human logic. You will read pure, unadulterated animalistic performance, so beware. The paranormal take is incredible, carnal and even brutal.
In the end this is a story that for the fans of the genre is a must read. Overcome the poor edition and dare dive in the dark world of Feral Dream.
Blurb: The war that won the country its independence also lost many of the men who fought to achieve it, including Brom’s lover. Years later, he still feels as if he left half of himself on the battlefield. When a new schoolmaster comes to Sleepy Hollow, a spark and a whiskey-flavored kiss ignite feelings he thought were long dead. But in order to be with John, he’ll have to let the past be the past, or risks letting it destroy his opportunity to start over. And even then, loving another man is a dangerous endeavor.
Whiskey Dreams is a historical M/M romance, and contains explicit content that is suitable for adult readers only.
Prequel to the novel Haunted Passions. Both books are stand-alone titles and can be read in any order.
Whiskey Dreams is a novella of approximately 25,000 words. Also contains an additional brief (1,500 word) excerpt from Haunted Passions.
Review: Short, Sexy and Steamy! My three favorite colors! This is the prequel to Haunted Passions and introduces us to Brom, John and Katrina. It can be read as a standalone Novella, but I strongly urge that you follow it up with the more full length novel, Haunted Passions.
Brom is still recovering from the loss of his lover during the war when the Enigmatic new school teacher, John Crane, arrives in town. Brom is immediately drawn to John’s innocence, and even though he’s an educated man he has a naiveté’ about him that reel’s Brom in even further.
John hides his attraction to Brom initially until the pair shares a glass of whiskey and a passionate kiss. Then Brom slips and address’s John as his former lover while THEY are making love, quite possibly destroying any chance he had of building something with the sexy school teacher before it even begins. But loving another man is dangerous enough as it is. Even if John can get past Brom’s slip of the tongue, so to speak, can he get past the lying and sneaking around for the few stolen moments he and Brom can share?
Blending into the background we have Katrina Van Tassel, quietly planting herself into Brom’s life as well as John’s. Given the name of the town is Sleepy Hollow and the names of the characters, it’s almost immediately obvious that Rose is giving the Headless Horseman classic tale a revamp, with a heavy dose of M/M action
Blurb: Billy Lawson is jealous. Every day he watches his boss, Cole, and his boss’s lover, Jonah, prove again and again how deeply in love they are. Billy’s never had a real relationship, and he didn’t believe true love existed until Cole proved otherwise. Now, he longs for what Cole and Jonah have.
When he meets Levi, a scared, wounded shifter who needs his help, he ignores the chemistry that flares between them, thinking he’d be taking advantage of Levi at a vulnerable time in his life. Before Levi can convince Billy they were made for each other, his past catches up to him, and both men must fight for a chance at love.
Review: Billy is forced to go on a vacation by his boss, a wolf shifter. Billy’s been content to just have random sex, but now watching Cole and Jonah, he wants more.
Levi is a scared young boy, lost and alone on the streets, and on the run. Though looks can be deceiving; he is also a mountain lion.
I think the story is pretty good, though I didn’t initially realize this is a second book in a series, and was lost for a chapter or so. Eventually the backstory was filled in, sometimes in big chunks almost like dropping back and reading another book. I also find it a bit hard to believe how the shifters all live together: like Jonah being a horse, and his lover being a wolf, then bring in poor, sad, young Levi as a mountain lion to work and live on the. But, this is fiction after all, and when you set that aside and don’t overthink these things, the story is sweet and loving. I am always a sucker for hard-fought true love, so I like that the seemingly meeker Levi is more dominant in private with the more controlled Billy. I will be getting the first, and look forward to the third!
I recommend this to anyone liking unusual shifters like horses and mountain lions, or werewolves, mystery, and hot mansex.
Blurb: Jamie Nolan is a young cop on his first undercover assignment, sent to investigate Dmitri Teplov, a suspected major player in the Russian mafia. Jamie knows better than to get involved with the gorgeous, charismatic nightclub owner. But right from the start, the spark of attraction between the two of them is undeniable.
Everything about Dmitri is just so unexpected. He’s sweet and kind, and has a nerdy side that Jamie finds irresistible. Can this man really be a criminal?
No matter if Dmitri is guilty or innocent, Jamie’s big Irish Catholic family of cops and his police captain are never going to accept this relationship. Dmitri’s dangerous and manipulative gangster uncle is also none too thrilled that these two are together, and wants Jamie out of the picture. On top of that, Jamie’s still reeling from a recent breakup, and Dmitri is unavailable anyway. Isn’t he?
No way should this thing between them be happening. Getting involved with Dmitri Teplov was never part of the plan. But sometimes, the best plan is the one you make up as you go along.
Review: Jamie is handed his first undercover assignment, infiltrate a nightclub and get close to the owner, Dmitri Teplov, a suspected player in the Russian Mafia. But, things don’t go quite as planned when Jamie finds himself strongly attracted to the man, and Dmitri is nothing like a hardened criminal. Dmitri does what he has to so he can protect his family, but meeting Jamie throws him in a tailspin, getting involved with a cop could be a mistake, but falling for that cop could be deadly.
Alexa Land is a new author and I have to say that for a first self-published book this is great. It isn’t a heavy dark story of mafia vs. cops, it’s a more lighthearted story that you take with a pinch of salt and a bit of a reality check. Jamie and Dmitri meet when Jamie is sent into Dmitri’s club undercover. The attraction between them is instantaneous and it isn’t long before they are madly in love. But, nothing is ever easy and Jamie’s family are far from happy, his boss thinks he’s lost his mind and his ex thinks he’s doing it for attention. Dmitri is stuck between a rock and a hard place. He’s the name behind the Russian mafia, his uncle is forcing him to marry and his family is in danger if he doesn’t do what his uncle wants.
These characters are not what you would expect a cop and a mafia boss to be like; in fact I kept forgetting what their roles were. Dmitri is so sweet and gentle, shy and slightly submissive, he is a gem of a character, he puts his game face on when he has to, but with Jamie he is a darling. Jamie is still reeling from a break up when he meets Dmitri, but Dmitri wipes the other man from his mind. Dmitri shows Jamie a side of himself that not many people see and Jamie will take a chance on him, willing to put aside everything else for even a few months with the delectable man.
This story is cute and sweet with a touch of action, not what you would expect from a mafia, crime story, but it’s a completely great read if you want something light and enjoyable with some hot man on man action, as well as sweet loving. I recommend this story if you want a light enjoyable read.
Publisher: Anna Marie May (Self-published) (18th January 2013)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½ – 4Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb:Welcome to a hell of a different kind: Icelands. The future hangs in the balance; one sacrifice is required to save them all. The question though is: will saving the future be worth the cost of losing someone you love?
Aidan races against time to find the last Watchtower to complete the circle, only to figure out that it doesn’t end there. In order to fire up the walls of protection, one sacrifice needs to be made to safe them all. But is losing someone you love really worth the outcome? One love is needed to safe them all and doom one of them to a life of misery, struggling to find new meaning in life. Does the end really justify the means, even in a matter of the heart?
From the elegant towers of Dinas to the unyielding Cursed Lands into a hell of different kind where everything is white and cold to touch—the race is on. The only question remaining is: Will they succeed? Or will they vanish into an icy hell never to be seen or heard from again?
Review: This story is part of a series and must be read in order. Aidan has no clue where he might find the last Watchtower. So he sets off with Belze (his familiar) to find clues and to find someone who can help him with his powers. On his journey, Aidan is attacked by an unknown foe and it leads him to the fourth Watchtower. Now, Aidan has to admit the truth to his friends, one of them has to sacrifice their life in order for the Watchtowers to work, leaving behind the one that they love. Is the sacrifice too much to ask for? And, how much more do the Watchtowers require before their world is safe?
Icelands is an exciting addition to the Watchtower series. Aidan is still frustrated about his lack of control of his powers, he decides that he has to find a sorcerer to help him and sets off on a journey with Bleze (who complains every step of the way). On his journey he is attacked and we finally discover who has been trying to kill King James. Discovering the fourth tower by accident nearly kills Aidan. Having to explain the truth of the focal point to his friends devastates them all. But, the journey to the Icelands could just destroy them all.
I really enjoyed this story and the seamless way it continued from Out of the Werewolf (Closet. in this addition, we discover just who has been trying to kill James, we find that the friends might not have circumvented the Golden Legend and that sacrifice is hard to face. Aidan, James, Raphael, Vivian and Bleze have to travel across the lands into burning hell that brings a foe that they dread and to the coldest Icelands where they lose one of their own.
I must admit that I wish that there was someone who could help Aidan with his magic, as he seems to fumble around trying to save the world while he really hasn’t got a clue what he is doing. James, Raphael and Vivian are more in the background in this story. I would have liked to get their thoughts and feelings about what was happening and what they faced. I hope that we will discover more in Raphael’s story Siren Song.
I will recommend this to those that love fantasy, surprise danger, magic, discovering deceit, fantastic landscapes, having love, losing love and an ending that is tainted with sadness.
Blurb: Rory A. Phillips is sick of being haunted. Sick of hurting. Sick of being so fucking lost. Whenever he ‘sees’ his best friend William, he’s packing up his motorbike and on the move. But is there a place he can run to that will ever be free of William? A place where he could ever learn to love? A place he can call home?
After losing his last living relative, Eric Graham moves to Wellington to start a new job and a new life. Alone—save for his grandpa’s ashes he can’t bring himself to scatter in the sea. The only guy in the city he knows is a homophobic prick that he’d rather have nothing to do with—but he just can’t stop running into him.
Rory and Eric, both grieving and alone, are searching for a way to move on.
Review: Another poignant story from Anyta Sunday, this delves more into the grief and loss of losing people who are close to you. We met Rory and Eric in William’s story, and Rory is plagued by that same loss. Hiding in the closet, from everyone, especially himself, Rory has a difficult path to follow. He can choose to deny himself and his memories, and live in constant misery, or he can choose to face himself and his fears, and embrace life. An ally from an unexpected quarter got me teary-eyed. Uninhibited acceptance is something we all seek, no matter the orientation. Now if only Rory can trust his instincts.
Eric is William’s best friend, and an out gay man. Having just lost his last relative, his grandfather, he is having trouble letting go, and carries his grandfather’s ashes around in an urn, contrary to what was requested. He has so much guilt for one so young, but that allows him to see what is going on with Rory. Despite Rory having been a right homophobic jerk to him in the past, something makes him want to help him. Now, if only he can let go of the past and trust Rory.
Blurb: Ryan is assigned to Jamie Peterson for his class’s secret gift exchange. If word gets out that he has to make a handcrafted gift for flamboyant and openly gay Jamie, Ryan will be the laughing-stock of the school. It’s a good thing no self-respecting boy would be caught dead in a craft store, because otherwise he’d be at risk of being spotted when his mom drags him to her weekly craft workshops. He hopes Jamie will appreciate all the trouble he’s going to for this assignment. Finding the perfect gift is gunna be tricky. Jamie deserves something good, though, after all the crap he has to put up with at school. At least, Ryan tells himself that’s the reason he’s putting so much thought into the gift. It couldn’t be that he has feelings for Jamie, could it?
Review: Ryan is a closeted gay teen who has been living in the shadows all his life. In high school, he keeps hiding because he fears the retribution of his peers, since being gay is not acceptable by them. He tries to go under the radar and live a normal life, like everyone else. Jamie Peterson is the opposite of Ryan. He is the most flamboyant gay kid in school. His sexual orientation makes him the center of every joke and prank by his classmates. When Mrs. Keats assigns Jamie for Ryan’s secret Santa gift exchange program, their paths intercept and we get to see a new side of these two boys.
I love Ryan. He is a normal gay kid trying to survive an environment where being gay is totally unacceptable and lands you a spot on the hot seat. He has to hide who he is in order not to be the center of brutal jokes. When he has to make three gifts for Jamie for the secret Santa gift exchange program, he begins to let loose and gets to know the flamboyant boy. Jamie was as sweet as sugar. Even though he was the center of attacks by his classmates, he did not let them get to him. The kid fought back. That was something that Ryan could not do. He could not come out as a gay kid and tell the world to screw off. After following Jamie around, he falls in love with him. Yes, he messes up sometimes, but he quickly does something that makes you continue loving him. I loved the ending since Ryan got the courage to tell everyone how much he loves Jamie and what he means sot him.
This is one of the sweetest and shortest stories that I have ever read and I hope that there is a sequel to it because I want to read more about these two characters. Madison Parker is a fresh voice to the writing community and I know that great things will come her way if she continues writing sweet little stories with happy endings. I recommend this novel to anyone who wants to treat their eyes with a loving story about love, acceptance and courage for this Christmas season.
Publisher: Amazon Digital Publishing (August 25, 2012)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Blurb: Todd Hoffman, age sixteen, doesn’t have an easy life. Not only does he live with his alcoholic mother in a rundown mobile home, but he’s also a bit of a social outcast at school. He doesn’t have the nice clothing, shoes, and car the other students have. He has only one really close friend, Shannon, but even she doesn’t understand him completely. He knows he can never confide in her his deepest secret. He can’t tell anyone, not even his favorite teacher.
But Todd finds a way to express his feelings when he learns about fan fiction. Being a gifted writer, Todd begins to write stories–gay stories–about another boy he’s secretly crushing on. He posts the stories on a fan fiction website.
When the object of Todd’s affection one day notices him and asks him out, Todd feels like he is suddenly living a dream, that his literary fantasy is becoming real. Soon, however, he realizes that reality and fantasy are two different things, and he has to determine if Galen, the high school soccer team captain, is the boy of his dreams or just another dumb jock.
This is book three of the Dumb Jock series, and the story is linked to the previous books by featuring several common characters. Jeff and Brett are present as are Adam and Trevor. Book three is a continuation of the first two installments, but also serves as a standalone read.
Review: I love a good nerd/jock novel. I find them fresh and interesting even though some people claim that they have been retold a hundred times. But have they? If you go looking for them, you could only come across one or two. So, when Jeff Erno came out with the third installment of the Dumb Jock series, I had to read it.
The story starts with Todd Hoffman. He has had a pretty rough life since his mom is an alcoholic and they basically live in a trailer park. He is an outcast of life who finds comfort in writing gay fan fiction. His life completely changes after he wins an essay contest at school and his secret crush, Galen Caulfield, notices him and asks him. Galen is the local high school soccer team captain and heart robe. Sparks fly and soon, they find themselves madly in love with each other. But, things are not perfect since their relationship is forbidden by several factors. You have to read this story to find out what they are.
I loved the fact that several previous characters of the series are featured and are linked perfectly well. The one think that I didn’t like was the ending. It was just too sudden. I was expecting a few more chapters, but that left me wanting to read part two of this tale. Overall, Dumb Jock 3:Appearances Matter was an amazing read. I highly recommend this novel to everyone who has read the previous book in the series and for those who enjoy a good nerd/jock theme novel.
Blurb: Prince Dashan has been used to getting things his own way, with servants to cater to his every whim. As the crown prince, it is essential that he is protected and he is followed everywhere by his bodyguard, Ryland. Dashan can’t even head to a tavern with his friends without Ryland somehow turning up and spoiling his fun.
Dashan disguises himself as a peasant one night and sneaks off to the brothel that he’s heard rumors about – a brothel that caters for men who like men. The prince finds it difficult to admit to himself what his true desires are – he yearns to submit his will to someone else. And Ryland is just the man to show him what that truly means.
Review: Prince Dashan rebels against the strictures on his freedom. Every time he turns around Ryland, his bodyguard and captain of the royal guard, is there. Dashan is desperate to explore his needs, needs that are frowned upon and disguises himself as a peasant and ends up with much more than he bargained for.
This is a very hot short story that scratches some itches, but leaves other itches untouched. Dashan has tried ducking his guard repeatedly, but has never managed to elude him. But, this time Dashan is determined to get away, as he has a certain place in mind to go. Ryland has to look out for the prince and this time he decides to give the prince exactly what he wants.
This is a story that aims for the erotic and hits its target. Ryland is very masterful and knows exactly what Dashan needs. He has seen the way Dashan looks at men and Dashan’s behavior deserves punishment. Dashan wants to be mastered by a man, but because of his circumstances doubts it will ever happen. So he decides to settle for just one experience with a man. Combining both together is heaven for Dashan, but they both know Dashan will have to do his duty.
I must admit I liked this story and the way it played out for both Ryland and Dashan. But, I was left disappointed with the ending as it could be loosely termed as a ‘happy for now’ ending. The sex and kink are very hot and they are a very matched pair in bed.
I will recommend this to those who love fantasy, kink, hot sex, good characters, a very hot short story and an ending that leaves you wanting more.
Blurb: Army sharpshooter and deserter Cooper Chance is trapped. Recruited from Iraq to fight in an African country ravaged by a chronic civil war, Cooper wants nothing more than to go home. Unfortunately, the only thing waiting for him in America is jail, and Cooper is acutely claustrophobic. Whether he likes it or not, he now leads the life of a mercenary, in a gritty world filled with thugs, prostitutes and corrupt cops.
To survive his desperate circumstances, Cooper trades diamonds. One day he wanders into a diamond shop, where he meets Sadiq, a young merchant as lost in the world as he is. As they fall in love, Cooper has no idea Sadiq has ulterior motives. Meanwhile huge oil reserves are discovered nearby, and the CIA offers Cooper a way home without jail time if Cooper agrees to carry out a risky, high-stakes mission.
Cooper will do anything to get home – except sell his soul to the devil. But when a teenage prostitute he has promised to save suddenly disappears, Cooper finally relents. Unfortunately, he has no idea that unexpected consequences wait.
Review: I should start off by saying this was a more somber read than my normal books of choice. That being said, I was compelled to read it and the sad truths it held. I was wary about starting it, but once I did, Mr. Smith hooked me. Cooper is a soldier trapped in Lalanga. He’s forced to leave his post because of an affair with his CO, who is in denial of his preference for men. The situation was life or death for Cooper. Leaving meant he was a deserter. So he’s trying to survive when he happens upon one of Lalanga’s many brothels and meets a girl name Lulay whom he has an instant need to protect. She says she seventeen, but it’s closer to fifteen. It’s not like there aren’t hundreds like her, but this one girl gives him a purpose beyond surviving the hot hell that is Lalanga. He’s in no position to save her so he does the best he can. Buys her time, condoms and protects her when he can. To make money he buys stolen blood diamonds from the children who work the mines. It’s dangerous to steal from the Colonel Diamond, but the living conditions are so poor they risk the danger.
Cooper sells the diamonds to diamond business man in town. One day he walks into the shop and sees a beautiful boy named, Sadiq, the owner’s son. Cooper is immediately intrigued by the boy and seeks him out whenever possible. They develop a friendship while Cooper secretly hopes for more. The duties expected of Sadiq as the only son of his family make admitting his preference for men impossible. So they steal away moments of passion where they can.
When Cooper is busted by the local dirty police chief, he’s pushed into a situation needing the help of an annoyingly ever-present CIA agent. The agent requests Cooper’s help with a major task based on his special skills. Cooper refuses until the situation with Lulay is dire. Her owner has plans to sell her to a possibly worse situation. Cooper can’t buy anymore diamonds to sell. When he goes to find her he learns she’s been sold. Frantic with worry he goes to the CIA agent to make a deal for finding Lulay. The tension builds as the books final pages play out.
I, of course, won’t give away the ending, but it’s safe to say this wasn’t an easy read. The conditions these people lived in hurt my heart. This is a tale of girls and boys being sold or tricked into prostitution, ruthless evil men doing as they please and a lovely but tragic possible romance between two men hoping for the chance to love.
Title: Love, Life & Circumstance
