Hi guys, we have Posy Roberts stopping by with her new bundle release North Star, we have a great excerpt and a fantastic giveaway, so check out the post and click that giveaway link! <3 ~Pixie~
North Star Bundle
by
Posy Roberts
Hugo and Kevin were best friends and secret lovers in high school, but a chance meeting years later proves that the spark that drew them together before is still there. In Spark, Hugo and Kevin must try to put together a relationship while overcoming the obstacles of coming out, divorce, and children. In Fusion, an unexpected illness may tear apart all they’ve been building. And in Flare, though they’ve finally settled together happily, outside forces are working hard to upset their family.
Genre: Contemporary, Coming of Age, First love – second chance
Length: 3 Novels (876 pages)
ISBN: 978-1-63477-520-5
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (5th August 2016)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating:♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Blurb: Hugo and Kevin were best friends and secret lovers in high school, but a chance meeting years later proves that the spark that drew them together before is still there. In Spark, Hugo and Kevin must try to put together a relationship while overcoming the obstacles of coming out, divorce and children. In Fusion, an unexpected illness may tear apart all they’ve been building. And in Flare, though they’ve finally settled together happily, outside forces are working hard to upset their family.
At first I was daunted by the length of this book, thinking it could have been culled a bit. The further I got, the more glued to the pages I was, however! There were many layers to this story and the quality of the authors writing is great. Often times I felt myself caught in a dreamlike mentality that was perfect for the main characters’ remembrances.
This story is about coming of age and self-discovery, yes, but it also made me examine my own relationships more closely and see things I have never considered before. There are many different types of intimacy exhibited, intimacy among best friends, lovers, family, some that are sexual, some that blur lines and I think that’s all part of the strength of this novel. Another strong theme throughout this story is the conscious part of the main characters to understand their relationships with others, both failed and successful and to understand how problematic cycles repeat, and how to break them. Kevin finally finds his way to breaking a cycle of a cruel and domineering father, so he can do better himself, and he educates himself how to be a better one for his own family. Hugo and Summer both openly discuss their own cycles of repeating bad relationships and how to avoid the same problems in the future.
Hugo, most importantly, gets over his fears and acknowledges how he doesn’t want to sabotage his renewed relationship with Kevin by hiding parts of himself. Realizing he needs to begin this second chance, with eyes wide open on both sides.
Roberts does a wonderful job setting a scene, defining that atmosphere in which an encounter or important moment takes place. She’s excellent at building up tension, and at hinting towards a major shift about to happen. I also took comfort in a familiarity with the Midwest setting, the whole lake cottage phenomenon and the language and culture of the Midwest. As a Michigan girl, I grinned at familiar phrases and past times. I read this book later into the early hours of the morning because I couldn’t put it down. As I normally read something of this length in segments that’s saying a lot! Bravo Posy, I look forward to the next installment in the series!
If you’re looking for something deeper, something special and something truly passionate…grab this book!
Fusion Review:♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
I read this story from the perspective of someone who lost her mother to cancer, discovered at stage four, that took her life fast and ugly. I cared for her at home until the moment she died in my arms. I know what the decision is like to take care of a loved one with a terminal illness and a short prognosis. It’s not really a decision. You do it, because the alternative would be even more painful, even more damaging to one’s emotions. So I totally understood Kevin’s decision to take care of Erin.
The title, Fusion, seems to be to be descriptive of how they become a family, how Kevin and Hugo become a stronger couple, forced together, permanently bound through the heat and pressure of this life changing experience. This is a tough and self-sacrificing choice that both Kevin and separately Hugo have made. Something like this takes guts and dedication for Hugo. He could have walked away. He could have simplified his life, focused on himself and his career, and saved a ton of awkwardness, heartache, and strain. But he quickly becomes my favorite character because he does not, he befriends Erin, he gives her the greatest gift anyone ever could. He allows her to die with the assurances that her children will be loved, safe, and cared for in her absence. I’ve got tears on the edge of my eyelashes as I type that comment, but it is so true.
The moments of respite written in for Kevin and Hugo is also supremely important to anyone caring for an ill loved one. Because we are no good to each other if, we’re weary beyond functioning in a healthy way. I’m glad they got their breaks, their isolation, their alone time to focus on their relationship. The only thing that threw me for a loop, though it seemed to work, was the night swimming scene between Erin, Kevin and Hugo, erotic yes, uncomfortable yes, a bit odd…glad she left the water when she did!
Anyhow, there is so much packed into this story, I could go on and on, but I’m glad it was told. It’s difficult material to write about but Posy did a great job! It’s honest and I have the feeling, written from an experienced perspective. A surprising, yet bolstering turn of events from book one. I’m eager for the next book!
Flare Review:♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
This book contains some very realistic scenarios of homophobia and discrimination when Hugo and the kids are bullied in many forms in this story. My heart broke for Hugo, torn between his needs, the family he loves, the man he loves, and the community he misses. People can be so narrow-minded and mean sometimes and I think the author captured that, examined it, and showed us all how to rise above it.
There are a lot of tangents in this installment, but I think it is needed to tie up loose ends for the series, but the primary focus seems to be on how this new family unit can become stronger, and how they can clear the hurdles of life more easily together than each can individually. There is also a delicate dance between the many facets of Hugo’s personality, including a close examination of what mindset he is really in with Miss Cherrie Pop!
I enjoy that the author tried to spotlight common misconceptions of why someone enjoys drag, or takes on a drag persona and what it really means for Hugo specifically. Hugo and Kevin’s love life also needed some balance, and they both found a way to get the one-on-one time they needed with a few fun kinks thrown in!
I’m in love with this series, these characters, and will miss all their adventures together. This whole series is a very worthwhile read, and a welcome addition to my permanent collection shelf!
Hi guys, we have Zane Riley popping in today with his new release With or Without You, we have a great guest post, a great excerpt and a fantastic giveaway, so check out the post and click that giveaway link <3 ~Pixie~
With or Without You
(Sequel to ‘Go Your Own Way’)
by
Zane Riley
In the much-anticipated sequel to Go Your Own Way, high school seniors Lennox McAvoy and Will Osborne pick up right where they left off—navigating the tumultuous waters of a new relationship and dealing with Will’s disapproving father.
When a violent incident forces Lennox to give up his independent ways, he must come to terms with his past just as Will is grappling with his future. As Will’s college plans become reality, will Lennox have the courage to go after the opportunities he doesn’t think he deserves?
Hi guys, we have R. Paone popping in with the tour for his re-release Love is Found, which has a shiny new cover, and we have a great excerpt so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~
Love is Found
(Only If 01)
2nd Edition
by
R. Paone
“My love for you will never die.”
A story based on true events of love, self-acceptance, and the turmoil of companionship.
“Love is Found” is the moving story about coming-of-age in suburban New York and discovering the broad concept of sexuality and love.
Based on true events of love, the story’s protagonist, Robert, finds himself thrown into the realization that upon entering graduate school he is beginning a new chapter in his adult life. Comfortable with being gay, he yearns for love but dwells on the ideal of being alone while being consumed by the world of academia. Upon starting a new job he meets a coworker, whom he begins an unlikely relationship with considering this man identifies as straight.
When sex is introduced and emotions run amok, the routine of Robert’s life is thrown into chaos with unexpected outcomes. Will Robert realize his true limits and whether he can conquer the strife of new love? Little does he know if his heart can survive the overwhelming desire and how this man will alter the course of his life just not now, but for the next decade.
The first novel in the debut “Only If…” series by R. Paone introduces the heartbreaking portrait of one young man finding love in all the wrong places while exploring themes of one’s sexual identity, passion, and nostalgia.
This edition of “Love is Found” has been newly edited and expanded containing over 10K of added content.
This contemporary work of fiction is approximately 78,000 words and contains strong thematic material that is intended for adult readers only.
Hi guys, we have Pene Henson popping in today with the tour for her new release Into The Blue, we have a short interview with Pene, a great excerpt and a fantastic giveaway! So enjoy the post and click that giveaway link <3 ~Pixie~
Into The Blue
by
Pene Henson
Tai Talagi and Ollie Birkstrom have been inseparable since they met as kids surfing the North Shore. Now they live with their best friends in a pulled-together family, sharing life and the saltwater in their veins. Tai’s spent years setting aside his feelings for Ollie, but when Ollie’s pro surfing aspirations come to fruition, their steady world shifts. Is the relationship worth risking everything for a chance at something terrifying and beautiful and altogether new?
Blurb: It’s been two and a half years since aspiring writer Yancy Bell met troubled jock Curt Donovan. Yancy works at the NY Public Library, and Curt is studying dance at Julliard. It’s summer in New York City, and the devoted couple couldn’t be happier together.
Yancy’s book is the story of Curt’s survival of depression and attempted suicide. When his former English professor, Hume, encourages him, Yancy is surprised and pleased—only to be devastated when Hume commits an unethical act. This adversity leads Yancy to a new understanding of depression as he spirals down to his lowest point ever.
It’s Curt’s turn to step up to the plate and become Yancy’s hero.
Review:Good as Gold is the fourth book in Susan Laine’s series, Heroes at Heart.
Our main characters, Yancy and Curt, have come a long way since the first book where Curt’s fight with depression led him to attempting suicide in the opening pages.
Now the guys have been together for a few years. They are pretty well established in life, which why Yancy is putting more effort into the book that he is writing based on his and Curt’s experiences in an effort to highlight depression. Along the way Yancy bumps into his smarmy English Lit professor – who, straight off, you can tell there isn’t something quite right.
This is a pretty quick read but it was nice that the shoe was on the other foot, so to speak. Instead of Curt having problems with his own issues and depression, it is now Yancy that is facing the crises. I loved revisiting these guys. They are solid together, while at the same time dealing with their mental demons.
I like how Susan Laine delicately treats depression while at the same time not trivializing it. I think fans of the series will be more than satisfied by this installment of Yancy and Curtis’s story. I’m not sure if their story has ended or if there is more in store for them, but part of me hopes that this isn’t the last we see of the guys.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Hi guys, we have Charles David popping in today with his upcoming re-release Boy Midflight, we have a brilliant guest post and a great excerpt, so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~
Boy Midflight
by
Charles David
At eighteen, Ashley seems to have everything: looks, talent, and even a girlfriend. What more could a young man want? Yet something is missing, and he has to come to terms with his sexuality and the possible implications for his career in the public eye. He begins dating Chris but isn’t sure he’s head over heels in love. It’s not the knight-in-shining-armor feeling he always imagined.
When Ashley is offered a big modeling job, he leaves his university in small-town Canada for a very different life in sunny Los Angeles, California. There he meets a slightly older man who makes him feel like he’s in a storybook romance. But is Ashley ready for real love, or is it just infatuation? The world is spread out before him, at once limitless and daunting, full of endless possibilities one moment and opportunities cut short the next.
Ashley floats between certainty and confusion as he tries to unravel new feelings, deal with past pain, and decide what he wants from life—and who he wants beside him during the journey.
Blurb: Nineteen-year-old college student Levi Reed has spent his life with hollow emotions and a darkness so deep that he’s convinced he’s losing his mind. He’d give anything to feel something, anything, real.
When a mysterious stranger appears, Levi is convinced the man is trying to kill him. When he’s near, Levi experiences head-crushing pain and something surprising—real emotions for the first time. Jeb Monroe is arrogant, self-assured, closed-off, and handsome, but he isn’t the harbinger of doom Levi assumed. Jeb’s mission: help Levi find his missing soul.
Levi is pulled into the secret world of Seers and Keepers, those born with the innate ability to manipulate souls and tasked with balancing the negative energy they can produce. Levi learns he possesses a rare gift, and he’s in danger. As Jeb and Levi grow closer, they discover a group of zealots who want to harness Levi’s power to cleanse the world of damaged souls. Everyone Levi cares for is threatened unless he agrees to become their tool of death. But agreeing could spell the destruction of humankind. With no one to trust and nothing as it appears, it’s up to Levi to save them all.
Review: Levi is a young man with a severe problem. He has panic attacks so strong they are debilitating. I was truly concerned for him when he seemed to have negative or no emotions at all. Jeb was a mystery at first. He seemed so cold and distant until his story is revealed. It was horrifying what happened to him.
All throughout the story I thought I had different things figured out when a twist would suddenly happen and I realized I was wrong. This book takes you on a journey with Levi as he discovers who and what he truly is and just what he’s capable of… all the while trying to stay out of the clutches of a radical righteous group hell-bent on eradicating all seers and keepers from the earth.
I was fascinated with the Seers and Keepers as one removed a soul from a person and the other kept it safe until it was time to be returned. Although this was not as simple as it sounds I was still intrigued by it.
As the story progresses we meet several characters that add to the mystery of Levi’s condition. I was truly impressed with how well the story flowed and the right amount of suspense, action, drama and mystery that had me on the edge of my seat throughout.
I will say a good portion of the first half left me frustrated but I understood the reasoning once everything began to pick up.
This is a wonderful, engaging, well written story that will pull you in until the very end when all is revealed.
Hi peeps, we have Jake C. Wallace popping in today with the tour for his upcoming release Soul Seeker, we have a brilliant guest post, a great excerpt, and a fantastic giveaway so enjoy the post and click that giveaway link <3 ~Pixie~
Soul Seeker
by
Jake C. Wallace
Nineteen-year-old college student Levi Reed has spent his life with hollow emotions and a darkness so deep that he’s convinced he’s losing his mind. He’d give anything to feel something, anything, real.
When a mysterious stranger appears, Levi is convinced the man is trying to kill him. When he’s near, Levi experiences head-crushing pain and something surprising—real emotions for the first time. Jeb Monroe is arrogant, self-assured, closed-off, and handsome, but his isn’t the harbinger of doom Levi assumed. Jeb’s mission: help Levi find his missing soul.
Levi is pulled into the secret world of Seers and Keepers, those born with the innate abilities to manipulate souls and tasked with balancing the negative energy they can produce. Levi learns he possesses a rare gift, and he’s in danger. As Jeb and Levi grow closer, they discover a group of zealots who want to harness Levi’s power to cleanse the world of damaged souls. Everyone Levi cares for is threatened unless he agrees to become their tool of death. But agreeing could spell the destruction of humankind. With no one to trust and nothing as it appears, it’s up to Levi to save them all.
Blurb: Jeremy Linden’s a PhD student researching an HIV vaccine. He’s always short of money, and when biotech startup PharmaTek reduces funding for his fellowship, he’s tempted to take a job at a men’s dining club as a serving boy. The uniforms are skimpy, and he’s expected to remove an item of clothing after each course. He can handle that, but he soon discovers there’s more on the menu here than fine cuisine. How far will he go to pay his tuition, and will money get in the way when he realizes he’s interested in more from one of his gentlemen?
Brice Martin is an attorney for a Silicon Valley venture capital firm. When he’s asked to take a client to the infamous Dinner Club, he finds himself unexpectedly turned on by the atmosphere and especially by his server, Remy. He senses there’s more to the sexy young man than meets the eye. The paradox fascinates him, and he can’t get enough of Remy.
Their relationship quickly extends beyond the club and sex. But the trust and affection they’ve worked to achieve may crumble when Jeremy discovers Brice’s VC firm is the one that pulled the plug on PharmaTek – and Jeremy’s research grant.
Review: Jeremy is trying to get his Ph.D. Money is tight, and he isn’t getting near enough tutoring jobs. With funding at his lab getting reduced, Jeremy takes an offer from men’s Dining club to help make ends meet. All he has to do is wear skimpy clothing, take off one piece at each course, as he serves wealthy men. Anything else ‘on the menu or night caps’ is strictly up to him. When he sees his first client, he thinks that a little play may not be too bad.
Brice, ‘Mr. Green’, wasn’t too keen at going to the dining club with his associate the first time until he met his serving bo. He found he could get used to having Remmy wait on him. The next time he has to take a client he chooses a different boy so he doesn’t get hung up on a guy that is working and having sex with men for money. Seeing Remmy with another man, Brice knows he is already in too deep.
I loved this story. It’s charming, sweet and sexy. The characters are well-developed, and the concept of the dirty dining is interesting. I would love to see each serving boy’s story!
I got lost in the narration, and before I knew it, my book had ended. I think I could have listened to another two or three hours!
If you like fast-paced romances, a rags to riches story, hot lawyers, sexy men for pay, gentlemen’s clubs 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
Hi guys, we have B.L. Dayhoff stopping by today with her upcoming release Growing Strong, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway so enjoy the post and click that giveaway link <3 ~Pixie~
Growing Strong
by
B.L. Dayhoff
A chance—and embarrassing—encounter brings Hunter and Chase together, but it’s patience and kindness that keep them there. Through a slow-blossoming friendship and a series of misunderstandings, Hunter finds himself fighting an attraction he thinks isn’t returned. But with the help of his roommate, Tony, he may just be able to make the leap and confess his feelings.
But love isn’t Hunter’s only concern. With his sister’s upcoming nuptials, he also must learn to face a family that hasn’t quite disowned him for his sexuality. With Chase by his side, it’s going to take strength for Hunter to stand up for himself and to hold on to what really matters.
Blurb: Touched by tragedy, love is an elusive dream never to be realized by eighteen-year-old Jax Grady–until he discovers his secret admirer and receives the sweetest gift he could ever desire.
THE SWEETEST GIFT
Tragedy and horror shaped Jackson Grady’s life, leaving him orphaned and scarred. At eighteen he’s ready to claim his future, but who could love his disfigured face and damaged soul? Definitely not a big, burly, beautiful Irish Traveller who is entirely the stuff of dreams.
Dare Rowan didn’t mean to become obsessed with the blue-eyed man he first saw across a field, but that porcelain skin and innocent air demanded another meeting. Jax has the face of a wounded angel, and the rest of the young man is as heart-breakingly perfect.
Jax is beautiful in every way and teaching him about love and life will be something Dare will embrace. Like unwrapping and savoring the candy at the shop where he works, Dare will show this young man everything Jax desired but never thought he’d have, and take Jax to new highs while he holds him through the lows.
Between them, they’ll find out just how sweet life can be.
Review: Jackson Grady has experienced far more trauma at the tender young age of 18 than many people twice his age. First his father re-married, a woman with her own teenage son, neither new wife or new step brother caring much for Jackson. In the hospital with scars on the outside as well as in, caused by said step brother, his father dies of a heart attack. Not only does Jackson miss the funeral, his step monster sells everything and leaves Jackson to fend for himself. Thankfully, his father thought ahead and left his son a trust.
Kildare Rowan, known to most as Dare, is drawn to Jackson from afar. He sees the scars, he realizes that the object of his affection has been hurt by the way he carries himself, guarded and curt. Jackson sees himself as broken, ugly and unwanted.
But Dare sees him as his Angel, the scars and the painful past bringing Dare’s protective instincts to the surface. It’s a rocky start for these two. Between the age difference, Jackson’s trust issues that are absolutely and completely warranted, and Dare’s inability to communicate appropriately early on, they have a few hurdles to jump.
Just when I think Mac Nicol has covered every possible angle for a story in this series, she surprises me yet again. I loved the pairing of Jackson and Dare. Jackson so fragile, innocent and uncertain… Dare’s brooding and bodyguard mentality that presents itself as love and protection… they come from different worlds, but they manage to find a way to make it work.
The writing is superb as usual, the romance and passion these two share is on a different level and expresses itself in a different way, but I really liked that about the story.
Definitely a must read for fans of the Author and/or the series, but I feel that anyone that reads the genre would enjoy the story. A damaged character finding love, a big guy that just wants someone to cherish finding the perfect person for him, a different kind of love story.
Although you could probably read this book as a standalone story, several characters from the past books make an appearance and their impact on this book might not make as much sense if you haven’t read them all.
Blurb: Two years have passed since that long, dark, night of despair and near death when English-lit geek Yancy Bell met dancing jock Curt Donovan. Now a couple living in New York, they appear happy and well suited to one another.
But appearances can be deceptive.
Yancy feels Curt is growing distant, and they barely see each other. At Juilliard, Curt has bonded with a new friend, Greg. Yancy fears his relationship with Curt is coming to a head. Meanwhile, Curt harbors a secret that could spell the end of Yancy’s love for him.
Yet neither man dares to confront his fears—or the other.
Will their fate be a code yellow or a golden opportunity?
Review:Code Yellow is the third book in Susan Laine’s series Heroes at Heart. I’m not sure how this would go as a standalone book as this one picks right up from the second book, Yellow Streak. Besides which, if you feel this is your type of book, you’d be doing yourself a great disservice by not reading the first two books.
We meet up with MCs, Yancy and Curt, as they are trying to make things work for them in NY, between school, jobs and their tiny apartment they share. We last left them moving to NY and Curt was on top of his depression and now starting at Julliard to study dance and works part-time as a bar tender.
Yancy on the other hand has now landed himself a full-time job at the New York Public Library. The plot line surrounds the horrible suspicion that came up by the end of the second book, is Curt cheating on Yancy? All the signs are there. Yancy is now trying to keep it together, even with thanksgiving coming up and the guys are hosting their friends and family in their apartment.
I am really in love with this series. While there was much less of Curt’s depression taking centre stage in this book, we actually see both Curt and Yancy develop a lot more depth. This is a relatively quick novella to read and the pace was nice and steady – I didn’t put it down until I finished it.
This is a wonderful addition to the series and those following Yancy and Curt’s journey will not be disappointed.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Hi peeps, we have A.M. Leibowitz stopping by with hir newest release An Act of Devotion, we have a short interview with A.M., ze has also brought along a great excerpt and a fantastic giveaway, Cat has done an exceptional review so check that out. So guys, enjoy the post and click that giveaway link <3 ~Pixie~
An Act of Devotion
by
A.M. Leibowitz
Adam Lansing has always relied on his charm to get by. Sure, he’s starting over—new school, new graduate assistant position—but he knows he won’t have any trouble working his magic on anyone he chooses.
Antonio “AJ” Mancuso is deep inside his own head. He’s cool, calm, and confident. Despite all the friends around him, he often feels like he straddles two worlds. Is there anyone who could love him for everything that defines him—past and present?
From the first time they meet, Adam is determined to get gorgeous AJ to notice him. But just as the heat is cranking up between them, Adam spots AJ with another man. Adam strikes back through a fling with an ex. When he discovers the truth behind AJ’s behavior, he realizes that his magic won’t clean up for him this time.
Blurb: Romance trades the open road for the high seas in the latest from the author of Focus on Me and Trust the Focus…
Perpetually shy, Quinn Mathers is content to remain in the shadow of his brash best friend Jess Hartman. But before their college graduation, he and Jess have planned one last hurrah: a spring break Caribbean cruise.
And it won’t be just any cruise. On board are members of the reality show Trip League, which follows young twenty-somethings on adventures around the world. Since the show’s beginning, Quinn has been fascinated by J. R. Butler, with his amazing body, warm eyes, and killer grin. Unfortunately, he’s straight—or so the world thinks.
At nineteen, J. R. signed a contract to play straight for the show, and there’s no way to get out of it now. Yet with each passing day, Quinn and J. R. find it harder to keep their hands off each other and to keep out of the camera’s frame. But when the lens finally focuses on them, J. R. must decide if he’s willing to risk his career by admitting his bisexuality, and Quinn must determine if he’s bold enough to stand in the spotlight with the man of his dreams…
Review: This is my least favorite of Megan’s books to dat., which is a pity considering how much I liked the previous stories in this series. I’m not exactly sure what happened or why the book didn’t leave an impression, it’s mostly a mixture of things.
First of all, the whole reality show J. R. was part of was what mostly put me off this book. I don’t make a habit of watching reality shows, so I’m not familiar with the type of show this was. But I could easily imagine something along the lines of Jersey Shore. Ugh!
J. R. Butler (I hate that name and the space between the initials, which bugged the hell out of me) is part of the Trip League reality show, whose producers made a habit of stereotyping and hiding the true nature of the participants.
J. R. is the black, angry kid on the show, the heterosexual who’s in a committed relationship with his girlfriend Andrea. If the public only knew J. R. is not as angry as he comes across, Andrea exists only in his imagination, and he’s not exactly straight. Admitting to his bisexuality would mean a breach of contract and would make his brother’s much-needed surgery that much harder to get.
Quinn has lived his whole life in a bubble of parental protection. He’s been the good boy who never crossed any boundaries and has never broken any rules. Spending a week away on spring break on a Caribbean cruise with his best friend Jess opened his eyes to how much fun the real world can be. But it also brought him face to face with J. R., the TV personality he’s always had a crush on.
There’s instant chemistry between them and as hard as J.R. tries to ignore his attraction towards Quinn, it isn’t happening. Trying to take advantage of the time they have together and avoiding the cameras in a desperate attempt to stay out of focus puts a lot of pressure on J. R.
There was something off when it came to Quinn and J. R. and I can’t put my finger on it. The whole teenager vibe and the fact that J. R. was thinking of Quinn as a kid was irritating as hell since he’s on 19 years old himself. I guess something didn’t click for me because I wasn’t crazy for them as a couple and I found their story to be too predictable. I felt some of that chemistry but I didn’t get the feeling that they were made for each other.
There are a lot of secondary characters. From the guys we met in the previous books to the fellow cast members, but my favorite of them all is Levi. Oh my god, I love him so much and can’t wait for his book because I bet it’s going to be awesome.
This was a nice, easy read, low in angst and very predictable, but I wasn’t blown away. This was a solid 3 Hearts for me.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Hi guys, we have Robin Lippincott & Julia Watts popping in with their upcoming new adult release Rufus + Syd, they’re letting us have a peek at an excerpt so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~
Rufus + Syd
by
Robin Lippincott & Julia Watts
Vermillion, Georgia, is the small town that time forgot, or at least that’s how it feels to fifteen-year-old Rufus. As if being a scrawny ginger called “Matchstick” isn’t bad enough, Rufus is also gay, an artist, and the son of conservative religious fanatics. He doesn’t have a prayer of fitting in in the Bible Belt—at least not until he meets Syd, a spiky-haired girl in black eyeliner. Sick of being the adult her mother can’t seem to be, Syd hides behind a snarky attitude and takes refuge in classic movies, and eventually, her friendship with Rufus.
As isolated as they feel in Vermillion, Rufus and Syd soon discover they’re not as alone as they thought. Josephine, an aging free spirit who once ran a repertory cinema in Chicago, and Cole, a middle-aged gay man living with a brain injury as a result of a violent homophobic attack in his youth, offer help as the two teens struggle to discover who they are, what they want, and where they might belong. But not everyone in their town is so freethinking or open-minded.
When things become unbearable, where do two outspoken atheists turn? Trusting in each other and standing together is their only chance of making it through the opposition on all sides.
Blurb: Angus Conrad (Gus) McRae is a privileged Charlestonian following family tradition and attending the Citadel, harboring big dreams of a military career. With the infamous Hell Week behind him, he quickly realizes being a Knob (a freshman cadet) is just as tough—especially for a man like Gus who must keep his sexuality a secret. Then a sudden dorm reassignment lands him with a roommate in the form of one of the football team’s top players—working-class jock Stewart Adam (Sam) Morley—and life gets increasingly complicated.
Gus can’t imagine a man like Sam as gay, yet there’s something between them—exchanged glances, the occasional innuendo. Sexual tensions rise, leaving them more than friends but less than lovers. Gus and Sam know there’s too much to lose and they must keep their attraction hidden.
If they fail, they risk destroying their hopes and dreams for a prosperous future in a military world that’s not yet ready to accommodate masculine gay men.
Review:Knobs (get the dick jokes out of your head now, it’s not that) is the type story that is for people that enjoy a bit of young adult/college and want to mix it with military-style/military school action.
That’s pretty much the book in a nutshell.
The story follows Gus (Angus) and Sam (Stewart), who are new cadets to the prestigious Charleston military academy, the Citadel. For those of us not in the know (mostly those of us who aren’t American), the Citadel is a very real military college.
Sam is going to the Citadel on a full football scholarship as he comes from a very poor single-parent family. He has spent much of his childhood helping his mother raise his younger siblings. Gus is the complete opposite, he is from a rich family – his father and grandfather both attended the Citadel. He is less than enthusiastic about going to the Citadel but is determined to make it work.
The guys make it through their first week alone before a change in room assignment has them as roommates. The guys are like chalk and cheese. It does help that Sam is intent on judging Gus as a rich prick before getting to know him. But things change and epiphanies happen. Being gay, they have to make sure that their secret doesn’t come out to the rest of the school. Sam also needs to get over feelings of being a “charity case”.
This is a really enjoyable story about two guys that need to find themselves as well as work out their relationship in a confining environment where they cannot be themselves. It is full of heart and the characters develop really well throughout the story. Although I would say that there is a lot more room for development. These guys are complex.
I’m not sure if Scotty Cade has more in mind for these guys, but I would read a sequel for Sam and Gus in a heartbeat.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Hiya guys, we have the super sweet Scotty Cade stopping by with his upcoming release Knobs, we have a fantastic guest post where Scotty tells us where he discovered the inspiration for Knobs, we have a great excerpt and a fantastic giveaway, so enjoy the post and leave a comment to enter the giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~
Knobs
by
Scotty Cade
Angus Conrad (Gus) McRae is a privileged Charlestonian following family tradition and attending the Citadel, harboring big dreams of a military career. With the infamous hell week behind him, he quickly realizes being a Knob (a freshman cadet) is just as tough—especially for a man like Gus who must keep his sexuality a secret. Then a sudden dorm reassignment places him in a room with one of the football team’s top players: working-class jock Stewart Adam (Sam) Morley—and life gets increasingly complicated.
Gus can’t imagine a man like Sam as gay, yet there’s something between them—exchanged glances, the occasional innuendo. Sexual tensions rise, leaving them more than friends but less than lovers. Gus and Sam know there’s too much to lose and they must keep their attraction hidden. If they fail, they risk destroying their hopes and dreams for a prosperous future in a military world that’s not yet ready to accommodate masculine gay men.
Hi peeps, we have Annabeth Albert popping in with her newest release Knit Tight, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway so enjoy the post and click that giveaway link <3 ~Pixie~
Knit Tight
(Portland Heat 04)
by
Annabeth Albert
It’s no secret that Portland, Oregon, has some of best restaurants, shops, and cafés in the country. But it’s the hard-working men who serve it all up that keep us coming back for more…
One of Portland’s hottest young baristas, Brady is famous for his java-topping flair, turning a regular cup of joe into a work of art. Every Wednesday—aka “Knit Night”—hordes of women and their needles descend on the coffeehouse, and Brady’s feeling the heat. Into the fray walks a tall, dark, and distractingly handsome stranger from New York. His name is Evren, and he’s the sexy nephew of Brady’s sweetest customer, the owner of the yarn shop down the street. He’s also got a killer smile, confident air, and masculine charm that’s tying Brady’s stomach in knots. The smitten barista can’t wait to see him at the next week’s gathering. But when he tries to ask Evren out, his plans unravel faster than an unfinished edge. If Brady hopes to warm up more than Evren’s coffee, he’ll have to find a way to untangle their feelings, get out of the friend zone, and form a close-knit bond that’s bound to last a lifetime…
New to the hallowed halls of the prestigious, all-male Ledwich University, Ward fully intends to skate by on wealth and minimal effort all the way to graduation. He has no desire to make friends or revive his interest in rowing, but when luck hands him the deciding vote over another student’s admission to the club, Ward chooses discretion over decency and finds himself juggling both.
Angry, bellicose Dylan is nothing like Ward’s wealthy peers. One of a handful of scholarship students, Dylan appears to have little sense of self-preservation and a grudge against the crew captain to match. But despite ruining his chances, Ward can’t get him out of his head.
As Ledwich slowly reveals its darker side and myriad cruelties begin to play out around and because of Ward, his fascination with Dylan becomes too much to conceal. Ward and Dylan may well be the products of two different worlds, but their chemistry burns too hot to ignore. If having him means hiding, then so be it. Ward may not be certain of much anymore, but what he wants, he gets.
Reader Advisory: This book contains dubious consent and coersion and scenes of attempted sexual assault, mental and physical abuse. This book also contains D/S dynamics and poor BDSM etiquette.
Publisher’s Note: This book is best read in conjunction with Surface Tension serial published with Totally Bound Publishing.
Review: This rather interesting read by Helena Maeve is the type of book that you pick up when you got the time to just plow through a book in a few hours and you just want to get caught up in drama other than your own. Caught in the Undertow is the type of young adult book that would not have universal appeal. As in, some young adult books easily work for people of most tastes, but I found that this was strictly a young adult book. I feel like that I’m being particularly blunt in my writing, but that is exactly how I feel.
Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the novel. It was full of passion – both on the water with the rowing team, and between the students of the prestigious Ledwich University. But I just couldn’t get completely taken away by it.
The book follows Ward, the son of a rich guy who has been kicked out of Yale and plans on just coasting by until he finally graduates uni. As his father brides Ward’s way into Ledwich Uni, Ward finds the rowing team holding tryouts. He may be a slacker but the guy can row.
This is where we are exposed to a host of unlikable and a handful of characters who could find redemption. The rowing team and its entourage are held together by bullies. It is also with the rowers that he observes Dylan. Dylan is shunned by most of the wealthy body of Ledwich Uni because he is a scholarship holder – basically, he’s poor.
However, Dylan represents the source of Ward’s redemption as he becomes more a man. His situation and Ward’s entrance into Dylan’s life also presents a change in direction for the exclusivity that the rowing team prided themselves on with their captain leading the charge.
I suspect some of the reason is purely because of the country where I am from and how we experience university, which is totally different to the US – to me it just felt like the guys were in their senior year of high school and lacked the independence that comes with university.
To me that is a particularly important connection to make since I am a postgraduate researcher and regularly teach undergraduates. The book reminded me somewhat of the movies School Ties (the one with Brendan Fraser where he is a Jewish kid post WWII and going to a prestigious school after receiving a scholarship) and Cruel Intentions (the movie with Sarah Michelle Gellar). I loved both movies, so I’m pretty sure that’s a good thing.
I’m finding it difficult pin point my exact feelings but the main reasons why I could not get into this was the intensely unlikable and extremely unrelatable characters. But I did enjoy the unfolding drama and the glimpses of redemption that were seen throughout the book.
If you like your school melodrama slightly on the evil side, hence the Cruel Intentions reference, this is the book for you.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: North Star Bundle Books 1 – 3
Spark Review: 
Fusion Review: 
Flare Review: 
Title: Good as Gold
Title: Soul Seekers
Title: Dirty Dining
Title: Damaged Goods
Title: Code Yellow
Title: Out of Frame
Title: Knobs
Title: Caught in the Undertow