Hiya guys, we have Deanna Wadsworth stopping by today with the tour for her newest release Finding His Fantasy, we have a interview with one of the main characters Josef Debrossé, we have a great excerpt, a fantastic giveaway and Lisa’s review so enjoy the post and click that giveaway link <3 ~Pixie~
Finding His Fantasy
(1Night Stand)
by
Deanna Wadsworth
Forty-eight year old art gallery owner Paul Strait loves the nightlife—wild parties, stiff cocktails, and even stiffer men! But his decadent lifestyle has grown lonely and now he’s looking for love. Some days it seems that what he wants must be a fantasy. Hoping that the perfect guy is out there he enlists the help of Madame Eve.
After all, a fantasy service like 1Night Stand should be able to deliver his fantasy man, right?
Josef Debrossé runs an exotic gay bar in the Caribbean known only to locals and select tourists. The many patrons coming in and out of his bar ensure Josef never has a shortage of lovers but he’s grown tired of being just a vacation fling.
Josef wants to be another man’s lover and partner, not a mere souvenir from the islands.
Lost in a dance of lust and allure, both men are thrilled with Madame Eve’s choice for them and feel an intense connection the moment they meet. Flirting over drinks quickly leads to the bedroom. But after their fiery lust has been quenched, the night goes from fantasy to reality without warning. Secrets and frightening pasts threaten to shatter the magical illusion of their perfect date.
Will this budding romance survive in the face of reality?
Title: Finding His Fantasy Series: 1Night Stand Author: Deanna Wadsworth Genre: Interracial Romance Length: Novella (128 Pages) Publisher: Decadent Publishing Company (February 9, 2016) Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5 Hearts Blurb: Forty-eight year old art gallery owner Paul Strait loves the nightlife—wild parties, stiff cocktails, and even stiffer men! But his decadent lifestyle has grown lonely and now he’s looking for love. Some days it seems that what he wants must be a fantasy.
Hoping that the perfect guy is out there he enlists the help of Madame Eve.
After all, a fantasy service like 1Night Stand should be able to deliver his fantasy man, right?
Josef Debrossé runs an exotic gay bar in the Caribbean known only to locals and select tourists. The many patrons coming in and out of his bar ensure Josef never has a shortage of lovers but he’s grown tired of being just a vacation fling.
Josef wants to be another man’s lover and partner, not a mere souvenir from the islands.
Lost in a dance of lust and allure, both men are thrilled with Madame Eve’s choice for them and feel an intense connection the moment they meet. Flirting over drinks quickly leads to the bedroom. But after their fiery lust has been quenched, the night goes from fantasy to reality without warning. Secrets and frightening pasts threaten to shatter the magical illusion of their perfect date.
Will this budding romance survive in the face of reality?
Review:I have read one or two books by this author and she definitely has a flare at telling a story. I thought that the cover was refreshing and the title cute. Then I read the blurb and was just a bit apprehensive, because what I wanted was a true love story. This has a good way going, but the ending was a bit of a disappointment for me. It doesn’t leave you hanging, but in a way it tells me that there might just be a second book coming out. Which for me is a downside, don’t mind series, but not when it is about the same couple. Guess I will see what Deanna does later.
Paul is a forty-eight year old gay man who wants someone for himself. The thing with him is he doesn’t want marriage but does want the man. He is going to open another gallery but decides since he is going to do so, he might see if there is someone to hook up with. So he uses the one that he had used for his best friend. He was surprised to find Josef and was very pleased.
Josef runs a hot exotic bar for gay men in the Caribbean. Lots of hot sex and some kinky times, but he has a secret on the side. When he meets Paul it is instant lust. Things heat up but the past has a way of showing up and kicking you in the ass.
There were a few issues I had with the story that doesn’t sit well for me. I don’t like drugs and when they are mentioned in a story I usually avoid the rest of the book. It didn’t really take away from the story, but I am afraid my attention wavered quite a bit.
However that is just me, the story itself was pretty damn good. It shows sexy men that have a softer side to them and for me that is a plus.
It was a fun read and I would definitely like to see what other stories this author has out. I would recommend reading this cute little story.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Setting His Owl A-Twitter Series: Wolves of Stone Ridge, #33 Author: Charlie Richards Genre: Paranormal/ Shape-shifter Length: 106 Pages Publisher: Extasy Books (January 15, 2016) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts Blurb: Out of the Cage: Lifting the spirits of another can lift your own spirits, too.
Hector is fresh out of a cage for the first time in his memory. Learning about the world is exciting and scary, and he looks forward to experiencing life. While out having fun with his flock-mates, Hector runs across a human, Rocky, who smells amazing and makes his Scops owl flutter wildly inside his mind.
Except, the guy turns down his request to dance. He learns later that Rocky is a bouncer, so he’s at the bar working. Wanting to catch him either before or after his shift, Hector begins to regularly frequent the club. Unfortunately, that earns him the reputation of being a party-boy, which causes Rocky to keep his distance. The human claims he has responsibilities which a partier wouldn’t understand.
How can Hector, so new to freedom, convince Rocky that he can handle responsibility when the human won’t even tell him what it is?
Review: Each book in the Wolves of Stone Ridge collection features a different romantic couple. To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, I would recommend reading the series in sequential order.
There is a lot of action, danger, suspense and a bit of kink in this book. I love how it has that serious tone to it but there is so much humor in it that your attention is captivated throughout it all. I have got to say that owls are just so cute. I loved the cover and that was what caught my attention first. Although to be honest any book that Charlie writes is automatically bought by me. I just can’t seem to get enough of her stories.
Hector and his friends are bird shifters and have spent most of their lives in cages. Hector doesn’t even remember what it was like to be a child. Now that they have been freed, he is trying to learn as much as he can. He has found his mate, but every time he asks him to date, Rocky turns him down.
Rocky has his eyes on Hector but doesn’t want a one night stand. He has a small child to think of and he doesn’t want to bring someone in just to get hurt. However he decides to give the little man a date to see. Let’s just say his eyes are about to be opened wide. He is mated to a cute little owl shifter whose heart is out there for anyone to see.
I can honestly tell you that this is going to be one of those types of series. One that I will have to read over and over. I love the way all the feelings they felt was involved in this story. It was the perfect story for me and I loved it. I can’t wait to read the next story.
When Charlie puts out a book I am usually there to eat them up. Trust me it will keep you laughing, crying, loving and having fun.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Please Understand Series: N/A Author: Fai Marie Dawson Genre: Gay Erotic Romance Length: Novel (239 Pages) Publisher: MLR Press (July 30, 2015) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts Blurb: Fox claims to be straight as an arrow, but will his life turn upside down when he meets his girlfriend’s twin brother, Tommie?
To keep his mother off his back, Fox struggles to live life as a straight man. Following his failed marriage, he thinks he’s found a piece of heaven when he meets Audrey, a sexy dark-haired beauty. When he’s introduced to her twin brother, his life turns upside down. Mrs. Jones, a regular shopper at Fox’s quaint neighborhood bookstore, steps in to referee the fall-out. Can Fox maintain relationships with both Audrey and her brother? Can a late night train chase bring Fox closer to the one he loves? How far will Fox’s mother go to keep her son tight in her clutches?
Review: Fai is a new author for me so I was a bit leery of reading it. I wasn’t sure what to expect, however I did find myself enjoying it. Although I have to tell you that I wanted to throw it during parts of it.
The first thing I want to say is that Fox’s mother is a major bitch. She gives the wicked mother a kick in the ass, because this woman was top dog. Fox on the other hands was a dream to read about or should I say I thought he was. Now Fox is straight as an arrow. That is until he meets Tommie.
He was dating Audrey and was happy with her. Audrey however is a strange duck. I mean really no sex is a bit strange. Then there is the crying, which is why I can’t stand females in a story. Although this one was a bit off. Fox however is a bit odd with her. I mean controlling, demanding and acts like a bit of a douche to her.
Then the truth comes out and it explains why Audrey never wanted sex with Fox. Audrey is in fact Tommie. Fox is in fact more of an ass to Tommie then he was when he thought Tommie was Audrey.
Let’s just say you really have to read this book. I wasn’t sure at first if I was going to end up liking this story or not. Although they have trouble communicating and Fox is an ass, these two find the perfect ending for each other. I ended up enjoying this book a lot more than I thought I would.
I would definitely recommend it.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Wildcat Heat Series: Peyton City, #5 Author: E.A. Reynolds Genre: Paranormal/ Shape-shifter/ Interracial Length: Novella (142 Pages) Publisher: Siren/Bookstrand Publishing (September 9, 2015) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 Hearts Blurb: Jessup Stone is a wildcat struggling with his pride’s refusal to accept him as a gay man. At the same time, he’s looking for love at Interracial Heat dating service. His last few dates were nothing special but this one blows him away.
Brady Lawry isn’t really looking for love, but he’s not opposed to finding it. However, he’s certain that new love won’t be an ex-baseball player. The last thing he wants is a macho man—that’s his job. But the heat of the wildcat burns away his defenses.
Jesse is walking on air until he witness a murder that turns his life upside down. Suddenly thrown head first into a conspiracy, he’s worried this will put a kink in his romantic life, but the danger only draws him and Brady into their own personal firestorm of emotion that leaves him breathless.
One wrong move could leave him mated that’s only if they both survive the killer’s games.
Review: Each book in the Peyton City collection features a different romantic couple. To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, I would recommend reading the series in sequential order.
There is nothing better than a good paranormal romance with two gorgeous men involved. I love the way this author can put together a book that not only fascinates you but draws you in. I had a blast reading this and look forward to reading more by E. A. Reynolds.
The characters are beautifully written with big hearts, however if you cross them, they have no problem putting you down. They will protect their mates with their entire lives. I had a blast reading this story. I only had one problem with this story is that it is a bit confusing trying to figure out who is against the white panthers and who is not. Well it gets confusing throughout the story to me.
Jessup is a white wildcat and he is gay. In his pride gays used to be killed however now they are forced to mate with stronger females. They are forced to become what their alpha wanted. Let’s face it this kid’s family needs to be beat. He had even signed up with a dating service to find a mate.
He had not expected a black panther though. His cat just wanted to purr at him. However he had witnessed a murder and someone was out to kill him. He needed to be protected and it looks like his mate was taking over.
Brady is a very dominant panther with quite a bit of kink to him. He comes off cold throughout the book though. I wasn’t sure I liked him, well until the end. His mate just happens to be a sexy little man, who used to play baseball. He loves his fancy nails, stylish hair and quirky attitude. He was trying to find out who was trying to kill them, and at the same time keep them safe.
There are just a few words that appear at the wrong time, but other than that my attention never wavered from the story. It had caught my attention from the moment I started reading and kept it there all the way to the end.
They do have a bit of a serious tone to them but there is a touch of humor in them that I love. It gave me everything I could want in a book.
I would definitely recommend reading this book. What is better than gorgeous men, sexy little mates, male pregnancy, excitement, some hot and kinky sex, a little bit of twists and lots of danger?
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Hi peeps, we have CJane Elliott stopping by with her newest release Sex, Love, and Videogames, we asked CJane a couple of questions, we have a great excerpt and there’s also a fantastic giveaway, so enjoy the post and click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~
Sex, Love, and Videogames
(Serpentine 03)
by
CJane Elliott
Shy guy Jed Carter has always felt invisible next to his charismatic older brother, Kent. Kent’s master plan for Jed is simple: University of Virginia, business, sports, and ladies’ man. None of it is Jed, except for playing on the rugby team, which he joins in defiance of soccer-loving Kent. Jed comes out in his sophomore year and starts seeing Pete, an attractive junior, who uses him for sex and videogames. Jed wants more—in life and in love—and starts making his own plans. First on the list: getting to know Charlie, the handsome guy working at the local videogame arcade.
Charlie Ambrose has always felt like an oddball, and not just for his tendency to stutter. Being gay sets him apart from his African-American community, and as a “townie,” he doesn’t fit in with the college crowd. Charlie’s inspiration is his cousin, Morocco, who’s transgender and doesn’t give a fig about fitting in. Art is Charlie’s passion, and when a local videogame designer discovers him, Charlie’s living a dream. The only thing he’s missing is love. But the last person Charlie expects to find it with is a cute, white U.Va. rugby player named Jed.
Title: Big Man on the Campus Series: Campus Cravings, #20 Author: Carol Lynne Genre: Contemporary/ Interracial Length: Novella (80 pages) Publisher: Pride Publishing (Aug 4th, 2015) Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts Blurb: What happens when the man you think you want isn’t the man you need?
After his high school sweetheart breaks up with him, Benny Allenbrand arrives at college intent on winning back Chase. Unfortunately, Chase isn’t speaking to him, forcing Benny to seek comfort elsewhere.
Jamie Whitmore is the son of a conservative senator from Connecticut, and on his own after coming out to his father. His life is messy enough without falling in lust with a six-foot-seven football player who happens to be in love with another man.
What starts out as a purely physical relationship between Benny and Jamie soon has both men embroiled in political controversy. Will the media coverage tear them apart or bring them together?
Reader Advisory: This book contains some racist language.
Review: Benny heads off to college determined to win back his high-school sweetheart Chase whom has dumped him for an older man. Benny is sure once Chase sees how well toned up he is now and is seeing him on the field regularly he will be ready to take him back.
Jamie is the son of a senator that hasn’t been happy. He finally decides to dome out and pursue his degree in potter instead of political science. When his father wants him to join him to help him win over what his father calls ‘his peers’ Jamie refuses. Knowing he will be cut off he stays in his professor’s pool house waiting for a room to open. He sees Benny at the local bar and is interested right away but Benny makes it clear it is sex only until he wins Chase back.
I liked this story. It brings back some characters from Cattle Valley. It is cool seeing the kid’s from there growing up into men and dealing with new problems. I even liked the cockiness of Benny and felt sorry for him knowing he didn’t stand a chance with Chase. There were times I wanted to knock the crap out of him but his actions were true to an 18-year-old football player.
I really liked Jamie and felt sorry for him a lot. I felt the two were a perfect balance and I liked the small twists that kept the story interesting. And in true Carole Lynn style it is very sexy!
I will say I felt the epilogue was a bit rushed, but I did like seeing how the story ended!
If you like college football players, pottery, interracial romances, a touch of drama and some very hot man-sex this is for you!
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Caressed by a Wolf Series: Peyton City, #3 Author: E. A. Reynolds Genre: Interracial/Paranormal Length: Novella (115 pages) Publisher: Siren/BookStrand Publishing (April 23, 2015) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Blurb: He was only a minor player in the battle between the lions and the panthers, but a minor skirmish almost cost Taylan Marshall his life. He wakes with no memory of what he was trying to accomplish, but he does remember the man who’d stolen his heart.
Collen Pane knows the battle with the lions will come down to a war of attrition, and he might lose people he loves. Then, he almost loses the man he loves. As Collen tries to rebuild his relationship with Taylan, he discovers Taylan isn’t just his mate, but a lover with secrets that could turn the tide of the war.
As each secret is revealed, their love strengthens into an unbreakable bond that heals Taylan’s wounded heart. Then, the enemy puts its master plan into action, and Collen leads the panthers in a counter move of destruction.
When the two courses collide, who will be left standing?
Review: Each book in the Peyton City collection features a different romantic couple. To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, I would recommend reading the series in sequential order. In fact, you will have to. It is the only way not to be confused with this story. Even with time has passed, and I haven’t read the other books in a few weeks I am a bit lost with it. E. A. Reynolds has one amazing imagination. The characters are well written and developed.
Taylan has always been on the side of good but he never fully trusted him Dom. He was in love with Collen but he tried to get messages to him, but Collen never did anything about the danger. Then while meeting one of the cats, he is injured and has lost his memory. He has forgotten that he had in fact been mated to Collen.
Collen did not know what to believe, but he knew that he did love Taylan. He loved his sub but did not think they were mates. He took Taylan home after he was hurt, and kept him by his side. Now he must learn to trust what is in his heart as well as in his mind.
I came across this author some time ago and there is always a twist to the stories. I love the twist and turns to it, but it is so confusing at times especially if you haven’t read the first two books that it does the exact opposite of what one would like. You have the paranormal world mixed in with love, danger, suspense, excitement and some pretty hot action in this book. I enjoyed it enough to know that I will read them over more than once.
Of course I will start with the first book to recap what I do not remember from them.
I would be happy to recommend this book to my friends.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Naughty Nekos Series: N/A Author: Shawn Bailey Genre: Interracial/ Paranormal/ Shape-Shifter Length: Novella (146 Pages) Publisher: Siren/Bookstrand Publishing (March 11, 2015) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts Blurb: Middle-school teacher Jordan James is walking home from school late one evening in the rain and sees a black cat in a box trying to keep dry. He takes the poor thing home, dries it, pets it, and feeds it some milk. The cat looks at him with beautiful green eyes and purrs at him. At that moment, the lonely introvert Jordan decides to keep the kitty as a pet.
Sasha the cat gets caught in a torrential rain fall on a deserted street in Tokyo, Japan and finds protection in a discarded box. Then along comes a man with an umbrella and a briefcase who offers him shelter from the storm. He is everything Sasha has ever wanted in a master…kind, considerate, and handsome.
But can he risk sharing his secret with someone who looks like he’s afraid of his own shadow?
Review: This is a very unique story that was a fascinating tale. I must admit that there is something about it that makes it a tad bit hard to actually fall in love with but the story comes pretty close. It is told in such a way that will keep you captivated and also wondering at the same time. I was trying to figure out how the others will meet their mate when this did not state a series, so I will sit back and hope for one.
Jordan is originally from the United States but teaches in Japan. There is a mixture of feelings coming from him about it all. He has a soft heart for others, and he proves it when he picks up a cute kitten that was stuck in the rain. Won’t he be surprised to find out that cute little kitten is in fact a full-grown man?
Sasha is a shape shifter who is also a demon. He and his brothers had been once human, until a witch cast a spell and transformed them. They had been sold several times and used for making money. Their last master was quite evil and wanted them back.
The one who holds the book of shadows and the orb controls them. When Jordan saves him, not only is he turned the hell on but he has found their new master. Now if only Jordan is just up for the whole thing. Let’s just say Sasha is very ready to fill Jordan up.
This is a cute story that has a bit of danger in it that will keep your attention. It gave me almost everything I could ask for in a story. I had a blast reading it and would recommend reading it. Sasha at first seems like a little cutie but he is in fact very strong and protective of his new mate. I am not too sure which one I love more though.
Title: Truck Me All Day Long Series: N/A Author: J.D. Walker Genre: Contemporary/ Interracial Length: Novella (50 Pages) Publisher: MLR Press (January 3, 2015) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts Blurb: Adrian Mitchell has to decide whether love and forgiveness–and being less of a control freak–are enough to win back the heart of the man who cheated on him, because he can’t live without Brandon.
Adrian Mitchell is miserable. His boyfriend, Brandon Perez, cheated on him, so he kicked him out of the house. But when a friend points out that Brandon’s cheating is a symptom of a deeper issue–Adrian being a control freak–he has to face some harsh truths about himself. To get Brandon back, Adrian will have to open up about his past, and why he’s always been afraid to give away control to anyone.
He’ll have to convince Brandon that he’s willing to change, because he can’t live without him anymore. Cheating be damned, he needs Brandon to come home.
Review: This was a cute story that had a lesson in it. I had a blast reading it, although it went way too fast for my taste. I would have loved for a longer story with more about them from the very beginning to the end. However it didn’t change my opinion on the book.
Adrian and Brandon had been together for a while, that is until Brandon cheated on him. At first the normal reactions were there, then Adrian understood that part of what happened was on him also. He was a controlling jerk and needed to fix the way he treated others. If he wanted the man he truly loved back in his life, he had to fix what was wrong.
Although I didn’t agree with Brandon cheating on him, because to me there is no way in hell I would let him back, I could see part of why he did it. Although I would have just left Adrian and started over by myself and let Adrian work at fixing it. It was a cute story and I did enjoy reading it.
I would recommend reading it. It is like what would happen in normal life, so you kind of feel like you are right there with them through it all.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Fire & Rain Author: Carter Quinn Series: Kansas, #2 (The sequel to The Way Back) Genre: Contemporary/Interracial Romance Length: Novel (205 pages) Publisher: Carter Quinn books (January 27th 2015) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5 Hearts Blurb: Eric Walker has learned hard lessons from his past. He’s no longer the alcoholic husband hiding in the closet. He’s no longer the guy who tried to steal his brother’s boyfriend. He has two items on his agenda: fix his relationship with his brother, Jason, and find his own soul mate. But when it comes to relationships, Eric’s track record looks more like a train wreck. He craves intimacy almost as much as he fears reverting to his old ways.
Johnny Osborne has watched Eric mature over the last year and a half and has fallen in love with him in the process. He’s tried being patient, but it’s gotten him nowhere. No matter how many disastrous blind dates Johnny sets Eric up on, Eric seems determined to consider everyone but the man who’s been right in front of him all along.
Eric and Johnny aren’t the only ones struggling with their emotions. After his apartment burns down, their coworker, Travis, can’t choose between the guy he’s been crushing on for months and the guy he’s afraid to love. He seems determined to re-enact every blunder of Eric’s past.
Will Travis learn from Eric’s mistakes before the man who loves him walks away for good? Will Eric ever see that best friends make the best lovers?
Review: Eric Walker didn’t make the greatest impression on readers in the first book in this series, The Way Back, as the man who would steal his brother’s boyfriend all in an effort to “find himself.” I didn’t start this book having the highest expectations for the character, and straight away, you learn that his love interest at the end of that story, Mitch, has left him. I was like, well score one for Karma! But then Eric had to go and make himself relatable, loveable and attainable, he had to go and redeem himself.
Eric is now managing the gay bar Mo’s and has become a father figure of sorts to some of the younger employees there. Friend, co-worker and star of the show, Queen Johnny, keeps setting Eric up on the most hysterically disastrous blind dates. And Eric is clueless, he just keeps putting up a minimal fight, then caving and going on the dates. Until the night, he shows up and it’s Johnny on the other side of the booth. Suddenly Eric sees Johnny in a new light. He realizes that it’s been Johnny all along.
But if it’s Johnny then Eric has finally found happiness and the minute Eric lets himself be happy, lets his guard down, and assumes his emotions, his heart is safe, he gets hurt. So he damn near breaks the foundation of the relationship before it’s even solidified in an effort to get ahead of being hurt. If Eric admits how he feels about Johnny, then he has to admit to the failures of his past, and that might be more than our newfound hero is capable of.
Eric is like a flame, he burns hot and fast and his emotions are explosive. Johnny is like Rain, a steady flowing current that grounds Eric and shows him he deserves to be loved. The two sort of balance each other out. I am always amazed when an author can take a character that is hated or loathed entirely and make them do a complete 180, make them someone you are now rooting for. That is exactly what Quinn has done with Eric.
One of my favorite parts of this story was the conversation Eric had with his brother Jason when he finally swallowed his pride and approached Jason, asking for that forgiveness.
Oh but the fiery passion that Eric and Johnny share was a strong element to this story as well.
Eric has to let go of this notion he has of a the perfect soul mate, he has to get over Riley and Mitch and his ex-wife and the feeling that he has been wronged in some way before he can finally see Johnny through the eyes Johnny deserves to be loved through. And Johnny’s ever-present strength, even in the face of Eric’s denial and while always impeccable dressed and sporting 5-inch heels, well it was impressive.
Detailed, descriptive and precise with three-dimensional, flawed characters and strong secondary characters to add depth to the story. Fire and Rain is a must read if you are a fan of hard-fought happy ever afters. And if you, like me, absolutely loathed Eric after reading The Way Back, then you have to at least give him a chance at redemption by reading this follow-up novel.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Captive to his Wonder Series: N/A Author: Remmy Duchene Genre: Interracial/Contemporary Western Length: Novel (216 pages) Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (December 19th, 2014) Heat Level: Low Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts Blurb: Shipped off to boarding school at a young age, Bradley Ellesbury Jr. lacked for nothing, except the love and approval of his father. Now with his father’s recent passing, Bradley feels the sting of disapproval one last time with the reading of the will.
Forced to leave behind his glamorous Parisian lifestyle, Bradley returns to the small town of Foster Creek to do precisely what his father forbade—sell the ranch. Meeting the infuriating cowboy his father hired to run the place only makes him more determined to go against his father’s wishes.
Too old to be playing mind games with twenty-something know-it-alls, Jace Cornielle stays only because he promised the old man. Somewhere between picking fights and making snarky comments, Jace and Bradley move from annoyance to attraction. Then Bradley learns losing the cowboy means he loses everything. ISBN: 978-1-63216-474-2 Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5825 Reviewer: Prime Review: This is really difficult for me to rate. I really liked it and enjoyed it, so even though I hate to give it three hearts, I really don’t want to. To break it down, I really liked the first third of the book, the second third was okay and the final third was excellent.
Bradley returns back to the small town where he grew up after the death of his father. His father had sent him to boarding schooling in Paris as a fourteen year old and Bradley had simply stayed there. Jace is a vet and also the foreman that had been hired by Bradley Sr. to run the family ranch/farm because he wanted it to stay in the family and knew his son would otherwise sell.
Jace is a very mature type person as well, which clashes with Bradley’s more child-like personality. Bradley really didn’t come from a happy family and as a result, he’s a bit childish and selfish to start off with, particularly when it comes to his father’s estate.
The attraction between Bradley and Jace is odd too. It works, they work. They are completely hot together. However, it is an explosive attraction, which basically ends them in fighting just about all the time. The “disaster” that occurs in the last third doesn’t stop the couple from blowing up at each other, which gripes me because one of the men isn’t at full health at the time. To put it bluntly,
Bradley has a natural tendency to sabotage all the relationships in his life. He has held onto the bitterness and resentment that he held towards his father for many years. Although through his relationship with a childhood friend, Rebecca, and her daughter, you see a different side of Bradley. And as for Jace, yes, he is mature but he is stubborn as well. He also seems fond of standing on his soapbox and preaching in my opinion. Yet he too has a kind heart, as seen with his interaction with down-on-his-luck teen, Sam.
Many of the minor characters are wonderful: honourable mentions go Bradley’s friend Galen who puts up with a lot, as well as the people on the ranch, Sam, Weston and Danny, as well as Rebecca in the town. And also, Jace’s younger brother, Sean.
The story flows, but it relies on the two men fighting. As for characters, I really would have liked to see a little more development from Bradley. I say this because he had signs and actually started to act as though he had changed, but then he didn’t really in the end.
Finally, this story features one of the things that irritate me at times: age gap. So Bradley is 29 and Jace is 42, so that’s an age gap of 13 years. The way Jace carries on the age gap is wider and as if Bradley is 21, so I found him condescending at times, which is why the two argue so much.
It seems from my review that this is a book predicated on arguments. It isn’t really. It’s about two men with difficult personalities going through a difficult situation. I feel as if Bradley and Jace’s story hasn’t ended and I would love to read more about these two guys.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com
Title: A Package Deal Series: Sexy Snax Author: Jaxx Steele Genre: Contemporary Length: Novella (66 pages) Publisher: Totally Bound (August 14th, 2014) Heat Level: Low Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Heaerts Blurb: One drunken night turned Phillip’s life upside down. Could James be the man to turn it right side up?
A drunken decision in college during dare week changes Phillip Drake’s life forever. In less than two years, he becomes a nurse, a father then a widower. For a young gay man, this was way past tilt on his shock meter.
To his disappointment, the life he’d planned for himself with his lover James will never happen. A tragedy brings Phil home with his son. He learns James wants to be with him again, but Phil is hesitant. His focus is on what’s best for his son.
Could James be what’s best for both the father and son?
Review: Short and sweet, one of the best kinds of books and definitely one where you don’t have to think too much beyond the words. Phillip returns home after disappearing three years ago out of the lives of his mother, sister and his then boyfriend, James. James clearly never got over Phillip and has been both heartbroken and confused about what actually happened to his lover.
I never tend to think as this type of story as interracial because even though the men have different skin colour I don’t see that as important to the relationship. I’m also not particularly fond of labelling a book as interracial because even though the characters are indeed of different race, except when dealing with racists, it’s a bit of a non-event for me. But in this case, it was the African-American family that were the racists in the piece. I found it interesting that learning about one’s culture was also based on skin colour here, I wonder if that is true in real life?
I would have liked there to be more details regarding James and what happened to him because he seemed just too willing to fall back into his relationship with Phillip. I cannot work out the exact nature of James and Phillip’s relationship prior to Phillip disappearing, except I know that they were having sex.
The other thing is that the events leading to Phillip’s son being conceived just seemed a little too convoluted. It would have been better if it simply remained as vague as a drunken night out with the frat boys while Phillip tried to play it straight. However, I can’t work out the rationale behind Phillip cutting himself off from his family, because both his mother and sister were very supportive. So are James and his mother for that matter.
In general, the plot of this story is good despite the lack of character development. Read it but don’t over analyse it and you’ll enjoy it.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Red Tails in the Sunset Series: N/A Author: Deidre O’Dare Genre: Contemporary/Action-Adventure/ BDSM (light)/ Interracial Length: Novella (51 Pages) Publisher: Amber Allure, Amber Quill Press (July 30, 2014) Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts Blurb: Former military pilot Blaine Darby carries a load of guilt and pain from the harm he may have caused in wartime. Now he seeks to earn some good karma by fighting wild land fires while holding on to his great love of flying. But reporters like young Daz Contreras scare him—one of the few things that do—because he shuns the public eye.
Freelance investigative journalist Daz Contreras is convinced terrorists are behind at least some of the wild land fires plaguing New Mexico. All he needs is enough proof to break the story. As he pursues leads, he begins to shadow pilot Blaine Darby and, in the process, develops a gigantic case of hero-worship.
When Daz is allowed to ride with Blaine one time, he hopes the adventure will help him to uncover the proof he seeks. Yet when a near tragedy unexpectedly develops and Blaine puts his life on the line to save a trapped hotshot firefighting crew, Daz realizes he’s an eyewitness to what may be a bigger story than the one he planned. But will the reclusive Blaine actually allow Daz to report the news as he sees fit, even as they grow closer?
Review: This was a fascinating story with a bit more added in that I had not expected. It was a blast to read and I look forward to reading more by this amazing author. Blaine is known around as a recluse with a war record and a great standing in life. He was the leader of a group of plans that would put out fires. Ever since being a war pilot, he came back with a lot of guilt and pain, that he kept from others. That is until a sexy reporter shows up wanting help.
Daz was a freelance reporter and right this minute he wanted to help find out who was setting the fires that Blaine and the others were fighting. When he went to Blaine, he was star struck and blinded. However, he wanted to help and needed the help also. Things heat up between them both and I had a blast reading about it.
This was a fascinating story that had a bit of kink in it. It was a fascinating story with very few words put into such a dynamic story. I had a fun time reading this and look forward to some more stories by Deidre. I would recommend reading this especially if you love daredevils, excitement, danger, adventure, and gorgeous men. It gave me almost everything I could ask for in a story and my attention was caught with it.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Blurb: Wheelchair-bound, Kyle Brynn loves his home above the bakery he owns and runs. He’s proud of everything he’s managed to accomplish since the accident six years ago that took the use of his legs. At the age of twenty-six, he’s an independent man living on his own, despite the protests from his family.
However, with his independence comes loneliness. It’s not the townspeople’s fault that they see him as less of a man, it’s his.
Darshawn ‘Gill’ Gilling quit professional football at the height of his career without a word to the press as to why. Now settled in Cattle Valley, Gill’s happy running his garage and gas station. His life is much easier since coming out of the closet to his friends and family. He just wishes he’d had someone to come out for.
Most folks in town tend to be a little awestruck when Gill comes around, but if he wanted fans, he’d have stayed in football. What he really wants is that cute little baker down the street.
Review: This is book three in this amazing series and you should read the books in order to get a full idea of each wonderful character. This story I think is my absolute favorite one so far. I think it is because it is so tender and caring. I loved it so much even more than the last. The pain the Kyle feels when he thinks that he will always be alone because he is stuck in the wheel chair makes me want to cry sometimes. He feels that no one will want him, but he’s so very wrong. Gill wants him whether he is in a wheel chair or not. Gill is falling in love with the little man.
At first, Kyle puts up roadblocks, but Gill wins him over. Then one day his doctor had told him that his kind of spinal injury wasn’t as bad as they thought. That with the use of a physical therapist he might be able to walk again. The only thing was there was not one in Cattle Valley, and he didn’t want to go for fear that Gill would find someone else to love. He has lots of feelings, but he is so insecure in others. He doesn’t trust that someone would stay with him no matter what.
Gill come up with a plan to prove that he would stick through it all for the love of his man. However, it backfires and hurts them both. Kyle thinks that Gill is like everyone else so he doesn’t trust his motives and leaves. I love the way they are together though. You can that these two men love each other and that Kyle have to overcome his pain and anger to move forward.
I think that this story has more feeling in it. It makes what is happening so much more real to you. The fact that he was hurt in a car accident after drinking one night when he was younger and giving up is something that a lot of people do. However, he had chosen to move forward, by moving out, owning his own business and just living again, he just thought he was going to have do it alone. Gill proves him wrong all the way around and I love that about Gill. He is so supportive and caring to Kyle that you love him even more.
I would definitely be recommending this story to those who loves two hot and sexy men, difficult decisions, overcoming all challenges set in front of you, passionate sex, and amazing people. I loved it and cannot wait to read book four.
Title: The Boss Series: N/A Author: E.M. Leya Genre: Contemporary/Interracial Length: Novel (190 pages) Publisher: E.L. Publishing (July 31st, 2014) Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts Blurb: Stephen has lived in the shadow of his powerful father for years, learning how to succeed in the world by watching him, problem is, power and money can change a person, and not always for the good.
Martin has suffered working with Stephen for years, standing by as he chased off one employee after another with his temper. He hates his boss and wishes someone would give the spoiled rich kid the spanking he deserves.
When the two face off, things get heated, but finding a solution might be easier than either thought. They come to an agreement to help keep Stephen’s temper under control and stop him from following his father’s example.
Trouble is, what starts out as simple office discipline soon isn’t enough, and with forces working against them, the two will have to try hard to overcome everything and everyone that is trying to keep them apart.
Review: I absolutely love Emma’s writing! I really liked this book although the beginning almost made me stop reading.
When Martin challenged Stephen and called him out for being a terrible boss and horrible person to his employees, I cheered him on…however, the spanking punishment was a bit of a stretch for me. It was a bit unbelievable that an employee who hated his boss so much would initiate such a sexual act. I understand it was the start of their sexual relationship and the foundation to the story but it was a little too much.
That being said, I did really like the rest of the story. Martin was lead a simple life…content to work hard to get what he wanted. He was a bit reclusive and closed off. Stephen was raised by money and social status. He was uptight and self-doubting, always trying to live up to his dad’s unrealistic expectations. He found security in the money he made but really wanted independence from his father. Martin and Stephen really balanced each other well. Once they were able to see past the masks in place and move from the superficial start, they became a beautiful couple.
Stephen’s dad was an insufferable, bigoted homophobe. He stressed the importance of social status and wealth over family and molded Stephen to follow in his footsteps. His role in the book leads to most of the angst and a surprisingly heartbreaking twist near the end.
The few secondary characters in the book worked really well. Overall, a pretty good, typical book for Ms. Leya.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Drafted Series: N/A Author: DJ Liamson Genre: Contemporary/Sports/Ménage Length: Short (31 pages) Publisher: Dark Hollow Press (April 26th, 2014) Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts Blurb: Darius Mackenzie is the first gay, African-American player drafted to the NFL. After starting with the team, he experiences discrimination in the locker room, which crushes his spirit. It’s not until he meets fellow gay, closeted player Carlos Cortez that he finds the strength to persevere.
But Darius’s newfound friendship with Carlos causes trouble at home with his long-time boyfriend, Tanner Smith. Tanner’s always worried that Darius is going to leave him for someone better—or another player. To show Tanner that Carlos is just a friend, Darius invites Carlos over to dinner.
But when Carlos misinterprets Darius’s friendly dinner invitation as an invitation for something more, will Darius and Tanner’s relationship survive?
Review: This is a very erotic short and for its length, it’s pretty good and very hot! The story centers on the first openly gay football recruit, Darius and his long-term boyfriend, Tanner. Immediately I thought that they were a wonderful couple and very cute together. But then Darius is picked up for a professional football team, there is instantly threats in the form of the closeted players.
In all I liked the plot – there was some insecurity and a lot of sexual tension. I found it a rather satisfying read until the ending. It just felt too abrupt for me, jumping from the last chapter to the epilogue, the previous events weren’t forgotten but I don’t feel like they were dealt with properly. A sexy and sweet read, I suppose you could call it and definitely good when you got a spare half hour or so.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Faded Star Series: N/A Author: Shawn Bailey Genre: Contemporary/Interracial Length: Novella (59 pages) Publisher: Amber Allure, Amber Quill Press (October 26th, 2014) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts Blurb: A news report about his sexuality, followed by a car accident, leaves movie star Heath Evans helpless and bitter. Physical therapist Seiji Kichida has lived a lonely life till now, but the future looks brighter for both men as they find healing and hope in each other.
Drunk and distraught over a news report about his sexuality, movie star Heath Evans accidentally drives his truck into a freeway embankment. Expecting to be ostracized by family and fans alike, he welcomes death.
Physical therapist Seiji Kichida doesn’t let the often rude actor faze him with his insults and stereotypical comments. His job is to tend Heath’s injured body, not heal his injured soul, but lonely Seiji has idolized Heath since he first arrived in America. Can he help Heath face his future as an openly gay man? He’ll need to stand up to Heath’s rage, but will he succumb to the actor’s sensual glances and tender advances?
Review: This is an enjoyable coming out story. Call me twisted, but I’m also partial to reading about someone having to overcome some physical injury, as in Heath’s car crash in this one.
To be honest, this story probably doesn’t cover all of Heath’s issues. He’s a closeted actor whose ex (also an actor) out him, so Heath gets drunk, then drives his car before nearly killing himself in the crash.
The issue that I don’t of Heath’s that isn’t touched on is alcohol. I don’t think he is an alcoholic but something needed to be addressed there. Particularly because Seiji, Heath’s new nurse, is instructed before he starts the job, to keep all alcohol and drugs locked up. However, all that aside, Heath is an interesting character. He’s about as unlikable as you can get for a main character, but it didn’t take long for me to come to an understanding about him.
Seiji is a wonderful character. I loved him from the start. He’s strong and more than competent at his job. I like that his background is of a poorer Japanese family that immigrated to the US or a new life – I like that it provides a different view of Japan we normally see with all its pretty lights, massive building, lots of money and businesses, karaoke and anime. I enjoyed his whole demeanour and just how understanding and protective he is when it comes to Heath. Really, as he is meant to, he makes Heath a better person.
A random side note: I also found it interesting how chapter one started out from the POV of Heath’s sister. It would have been cool to hear more of her, even though she is a minor character.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Dream Boy Series: N/A Author: Shawn Bailey Genre: Contemporary/New Adult/Sports/Interracial Length: Novel (148 pages) Publisher: Amber Allure, Amber Quill Press (July 13th, 2014) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts Blurb: Being gay and in love with the most sought-after college quarterback did nothing for Hiro Aoki’s heart except make it break every time he saw Christian Hill parading around town with pretty girls on his arm. Christian also dated debutants and got invited to the most popular parties, while Hiro and his friends stayed home on weekends studying and trying to improve their GPA. What good did it do Hiro to be smart when the love of his life didn’t return his feelings?
But to Hiro’s surprise, when he agrees to tutor Christian in math, he realizes the football star may be harboring a secret longing for him also. Can the two young men actually become lovers and keep their growing relationship a secret from their families, the rest of the students, and the bullies on the football team?
Review: This is my type of book: I love a good romance that features at least one athlete and I love a book that features someone of the “geek” or “nerd” persuasion. I’m also a bit partial to the college age romances. Being that I’m a nerd myself and I happen to think many athletes are hot, it’s not hard for me to enjoy this. If you’re someone who is critical of stereotypes in books, this might be a difficult read. For everyone else, this was a fun read. It’s cute and sweet, both the stories and the characters.
Hiro and Christian are basically polar opposites and despite the fact that they’ve known each other since primary school, they never had the opportunity to become friends. Well, Hiro did try to he does explain in the book what happened when they were children. All that’s important to know at this point that Hiro is the Student Council President and Christian is the quarterback – so they’re really are leaders in their social own circles.
However, both guys are really nice and it’s interesting to see how things change around them as their relationship changes throughout. The start of their relationship is basically stereotypical and clichéd – the first of many I might or might not point out. However, it is an immensely enjoyable stereotype. Hiro especially is absolutely adorable!
This leads me to the cast of minor characters. I’m not sure if there are going to be more books about these characters. Not all the members of the student council are not outright gay, just most of them are it seems. Some of them are just seem fluid, more into people than gender. Among all the duties of the student council, most of these guys also tutor some of the struggling students. The football team has their token bigot (who is probably gay), as well as a couple other nice guys. Perhaps it is stereotypical, but more than one member of the football team requires some tutoring.
It’s a well-paced book and the plot is straightforward. In saying that, I never found my attention wandering or was bored. If you’re like me who has just read a number of more action orientated stories, this is a definite change in pace. But it’s a good change of pace. This is one of those books you either love or hate, it’s fun and I loved all the characters.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Marked! Series: Lust Bites Author: Jaxx Steele Genre: Contemporary/Interracial Length: Short (49 pages) Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing (October 3rd, 2014) Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4 ½ Hearts Blurb: Sharing what you know with your lover can give him the power he needs to win, especially when he’s fighting a rogue wolf.
Mark Delonco was betrayed, ostracized, rejected, beaten, and left for dead by a pack brother. As he wanders the forest, an unfamiliar scent brings him to a gruesome scene—and his betrayer. Another confrontation brings not only victory for the moment but also the possibility for love and redemption.
Victor Bradley could never maintain a relationship with anyone and he didn’t know why. It wasn’t that something was wrong with the men he chose, it was just that no one ever felt right to him. While visiting his forest home, a stranger appears at the door and changes his life. How can he know a man he has never met?
Reader Advisory: This book contains scenes of violence.
Publisher’s Note: This book was previously released by another publisher. It has been revised and re-edited for release with Totally Bound Publishing.
ISBN: 9781784302252
Product Link: https://www.totallybound.com/marked
Reviewer: Shorty
Review: Mark has been betrayed and cast out of his pack. Years later with the help of his mate, he reclaims what was taken from him. I loved how Mark came to Vicktor’s defense when he was just a baby.
Then when Vicktor was old enough for Mark to claim Vicktor came to his defense while he battling Raymond to the death.
I really enjoyed the whole story. Amazing details and hot sex between Mark and Vicktor and an intense battle to the death made for a great read.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com*
Title: Finding His Fantasy
Title: Setting His Owl A-Twitter
Title: Please Understand
Title: Wildcat Heat
Title: Big Man on the Campus
Title: Caressed by a Wolf
Title: Naughty Nekos
Title: Truck Me All Day Long
Title: Fire & Rain
Title: Captive to his Wonder
Title: A Package Deal
