Blurb: Into the paranormal world: A man’s idea of good and bad can be put to the test at the most unexpected moments.
Maelgwn, leader of a clutch of gargoyles in Durango, Colorado, only planned to be in Stone Ridge a few days to help a fellow gargoyle’s mate through laying their first egg. His plan to leave changes when he scents his mate in the hospital. He discovers his mate is Bobby Truman, a human who has no idea the paranormal world exists, even though a number of his friends are shifters. Maelgwn begins the arduous process of watching and waiting, searching for that perfect opportunity to make contact with his mate.
Bobby Truman is tired of his boyfriend, Seth’s, abusive friends, especially when Seth doesn’t do anything about their antics. The broken nose, compliments of Seth’s buddy Grant, is the final straw. When he’s attacked by muggers and rescued by a mysterious stranger in the dark, Bobby hopes it’s the opportunity he needs to make a clean break from Seth. Even if it doesn’t work out with Maelgwn, maybe Bobby can keep his new love interest’s attention long enough to prove to Seth they are really done.
Bobby thinks it’s odd that Maelgwn won’t come into the light, always meeting him after dark, but he’s nowhere near prepared for the truth when it finally comes out.
Can Maelgwn convince Bobby that the things that go bump in the night aren’t always bad and to take his place at Maelgwn’s side in a paranormal world? Even when that means uprooting his life and moving?
Review: I absolutely loved this story. It is a wonderful start to a new series. Charlie Richards has done gargoyles before, but Maelgwn and his crew are fresh and sexy. Readers first meet Maelgwn in Book 14 of the Wolves of Stone Ridge series, Gustav’s Gargoyle Adventure. http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16121818-gustav-s-gargoyle-adventure
This book is very funny and sweet at the same time. Just the kind of thing I’ve come to expect from Charlie Richards. I love the tender moments that Maelgwn and Bobby have. At first Maelgwn was afraid to let Bobby know what he truly is, a gargoyle. When Bobby does find out, it was an accident. There is also a bit of suspense thrown in, which is nice.
The sex between the two is very hot and passionate. They have a little bit of problems to work through, but love shines through. I never laughed so hard in my life. I would recommend this book to everyone.
Length: Short Story (54 pages) Publisher: Torquere Press (September 2013)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating:♥♥♥♥♥4.5 Hearts
Blurb: Steve is a human donor, making a living by allowing dying vampires to feed from him. Then he meets North, a vampire sun-damaged and terribly scarred but very much alive. As North feeds from Steve, they become friends with a strong attraction building.
Once healed, North makes Steve an offer he doesn’t want to refuse; let North hunt him through the city before being brought back to North’s home to fulfill every fantasy Steve’s shared with him.
It’s going well until a mugger threatens Steve’s life and North intervenes, creating an unbreakable bond between the two of them that threatens to ruin what they’d begun to build.
Review: I know I saw many mixed reviews for this short story, but I loved it! It was a very unique and refreshing take on vampire love. Actually, this is almost a Heathcliff and Catherine type of love hate romance. Codependency, choices taken away, even though the same choices would probably have been made. Let’s face it the vampire thing has been nearly beaten to death among writers and moviemakers, so to see this new take on things had me under the spell immediately! I also am a fan of BDSM, specifically the D/s aspects, and I really enjoyed how Steve fought his natural inclinations towards submission and how passionately North wanted, no needed to exercise his want to hunt and dominate Steve. It’s a shorty, but definitely, a goody, I found myself both gasping and laughing and smirking throughout the story! Good job Jane, I highly recommend for fans of BDSM, and vamps too!
Blurb:Fireman Gideon Sato stumbles over a man—oddly still alive and in remarkable health—in the ashes of a warehouse fire. A strange connection runs between Gideon and the man, Vanya Stravinsky, despite Vanya’s confusion and loss of memory.
Vanya, a chef, gets mugged after work one evening. He wakes up, nude, in the ashes of a fire. He doesn’t remember much of what happened, but he can guess how he got there. He too feels that connection with his rescuer, but he’s got to decide how much to tell Gideon. Not to mention, the cops think that Vanya was up to no good in that warehouse fire.
Somehow Vanya and Gideon have figure out what’s really going on and also prove Vanya’s innocence. Life just got complicated!
Review: Vanya is a chef but not just any chef he has a secret. He’s a shape shifter. After work one night he gets mugged and injured when a bullet grazes the side of his head. He proceeds to collapse to the ground only to wake up nude in the ashes of a warehouse fire in the morning. Gideon is surprised when he discovers that the naked man he found in the ashes is alive.
Gideon and Vanya have a connection. They both felt it when they first met in the warehouse. Vanya now needs to figure out how much he can tell Gideon about what he really is. The cops know its arson and believe that he may have been the one to set the fire.
This book has it all. Some romance, adventure, and a bit of mystery all rolled up into one. I like the intimacy between Gideon and Vanya. Their sex scenes are good but I would have liked to have some more detail. All together it’s a well written book that I would recommend to fellow readers.
Blurb: Into the paranormal world: It’s all fun and games until someone’s life is threatened.
Adalric Bachmeier is the leader of his vampire coven and not accustomed to being patient, but to win his beloved’s affection, he tries to be just that. Unfortunately, time runs out too soon. Adalric can’t put off returning to his coven, as well as his duties, any longer, and he plans to take Seth Goodwin with him, willingly or not.
Seth never would have believed that creatures of myth and legend existed. Coming face to face with a vindictive, bloodthirsty vampire opens his eye
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Reviewer: Lisa
Review: This is a wonderful series to read and lose yourself in. The paranormal world is a dangerous world to live in, but it is worth it when there is someone who loves you so much, that he would give you the world. Seth’s introduction into Adalric’s world is not good, he is running scared, but there is this bond he feels for Adalric. The bond of a mate. Adalric has to have great patience waiting for Seth to give in and love him back. I wish this book had a few more chapters to read, but would read it more than once.
s real quick to a whole new set of evils in the world. He can’t figure out why Adalric continues with his overtures of friendship, especially when he’s been nothing but rude and cold to the guy. After all, Seth wants nothing to do with a vampire.
Adalric insists that Seth must go with him to his coven, and he uses the guise of marking him as taken—making him off-limits to other vampires—to finally sink his fangs into the human. Even though Seth finds great pleasure in Adalric’s arms, when the truth of their relationship comes out, will their fragile bond withstand the tension? Or will it snap, sending Seth running?
Review: As much as I’m attracted to paranormal stories, and yes, the vampires do hold an exquisite appeal, I’m not fond of an unchallenging plot as was the case with this one. The shallowness here was almost boring.
A Vampire coven leader finds his beloved (mate). His mate has been introduced to the paranormal world through violence and is now utterly afraid of any creature non-human. The Vampire seduces and misleads the human to get him on his grounds. The human throws a fit, and before our eyes, everything magically changes as “the bond” does its thing. Of course, to heighten the intensity, there is the bad Vampire there as well who attacks his Master’s beloved in order to throttle the Old Master and take leadership for his own. But true love prevails and Happily Ever After occurs.
I was utterly put off from the magic changing of feeling on Seth’s part. So unchallenging for Adalric, the text implication that he was wondering how to woo his beloved went out of the window in a matter of a few pages. Why couldn’t there have been more depth between the lovers? Why couldn’t there have been something in their personality, the chemistry needed to make the declaration of love credible? Why Fate is implored all the time for a feeling that is supposed to grow, evolve, and overrule all other? Would it be so hard to put the pair through some work toward that goal?
I don’t know, everything about this plot – the romance and the action – was so blasé, so been-there-done-that and read-one-read-em-all, that I found no real enjoyment in this. I simply want more and this book was found lacking for my tastes.
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (25th September 2013)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3½ – 4 Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: Joseph Anderson was heartbroken when his childhood best friend Dominick Levent moved away. Years later, Joseph is a successful real estate broker with good friends, an easy smile, and a stunning house. When he finds a dying mountain lion who miraculously shifts into Dominick’s sister, Joseph must find Dominick and reunite him with the two young sons she left behind.
When mountain lion shifter Dominick gets a call telling him his sister is dead, he rushes home to protect his nephews and avenge his sister. Seeing Joseph brings back the feelings Dominick tried to bury and he dares to hope Joseph’s newfound knowledge of shifters means they can finally be together.
Review:This book is part of a series and is best read in order. Joseph stumbles across a dying mountain lion and two young boys while hiking. He is surprised and disbelieving, when the lion changes into the sister of his childhood best friend, Dominick. She begs him to take the children and take them to Dominick. Dominick, a U.S. Marshal, is surprised when Joseph calls telling him his sister is dead and his nephews need him. He rushes home to protect his nephews and to discover what happened to his sister. But, he never forgot Joseph, the man he longed for. Now, Joseph knows the truth about shifters, Dominick can only hope that he now has a chance at happiness.
While this story is directly linked to the previous books, it is more of an offshoot wrapping up the loose ends of Riley’s confession of his pack mates in Soul Magic. Joseph gets more than he bargained for, while taking a hike in the woods. His discovery helps to explain why his best friend cut him out of his life, but Joseph isn’t prepared to forgive so easily. Dominick left Joseph behind rather than admit his secret. Now, with Joseph discovering his secret and helping to care for his nephews, Dominick hopes he will have a chance to make Joseph his. But, first, he has to discover what happened to his old pack and protect his nephews.
I quite enjoyed this story. It wasn’t as action packed or magic filled as the previous books, but it was still a very enjoyable story. Dominick left Joseph behind years ago, because his attraction to Joseph was causing his shift to become unstable. Dominick couldn’t tell Joseph his secret. Now, though, Joseph has discovered the truth and Dominick discovers the attraction is still as fierce as ever. Joseph still finds it hard to believe what he saw, but with Dominick confirming it, Joseph is overcome with hurt that Dominick never told him. While they dance around their feelings for each other, they have more important things to worry about. Like what happened to Dominick’s old pack and looking after two boys who have just lost their mother.
The relationship between Dominick and Joseph is pretty good, with just a touch of hurt feelings keeping them from acting on their attraction. Dominick and Joseph work together to look after Blake and Avery. And when they discover what happened to the pack, they have to decide together what is best for the boys. I really liked the storyline and liked how everything connected together, giving us answers and wrapping up a loose end. The way the relationship played out was quite relaxed, with no real tension other than hurt feelings. But, it takes some time for those hurt feelings to fade. The dilemma of what was best for the boys was well thought out. With the adults tense, while the boys playing nicely, unaware of the tension floating around. We do get to see Gray and Simon, as Dominick goes to them with questions, and gets a lot more answers than he thought he would.
I recommend this to those who love shifters, reuniting children, rekindling friendship and love, some smoking hot sex and two men finding their happily ever after.
Blurb: Everyone likes sexually exploring. Finding things that turn you on, experimenting to see what gets you off… Hot partners and scenarios that scare some people and make others slick with desire… But what happens when the fantasies you’re living out are in your dreams? And what happens when these dreams seem to transcend into the real world as well? Could these be the creation of your hot, sultry, and sexy mind, or is there something more to it? The Night Visitor exposes one man’s journey to sexual fulfillment and fantasy… but is it real?
Review: SHORT, SEXY AND STEAMY!! *fans self while whipping the steam off my kindle*
Kevin is having very erotic dreams. Dreams that he wakes from feeling a familiarity to, but not grasping, at the same time. As the story unfolds, the reader gets bits and pieces of Kevin’s dreams as well as his reality. Once his past comes into play, his dreams take on a whole new meaning within the context of the story.
Kevin was happy and committed to his boyfriend Hank. The two were not shy in their relationship, and putting on a show was not out of the norm for them. I can’t elaborate more on this aspect of the story, as it is a short story indeed, and I might just give every dirty detail away. I will say this was a very erotic, explicit, and sexy dreamscape. Kevin has built a new life in a new city, but the ghost of his pasts haunts him. And soon the lines between reality, fantasy, and dreams begin to blur.
Oh hell yes I recommend this one! It’s my three favorite colors and it’s downright dirty dirty. The only reason this book is getting 4 stars instead of 5 from me is the use of the term “piss slit.” Okay, yes I am a straight female. But still! It turns my blood that is running on boiling ice-cold when that term is used, there is absolutely nothing sexy about it. Please, for the love of god, let’s ban together, and stop the use of this term henceforth. Aside from that, it was sexy as hell and fantastic!!
Blurb:Dying sucks, but the afterlife is one hot place to be.
Stefan wasn’t physically perfect in life, and his search for someone to love him resulted in his murder. Now he’s been dead for years, and he’s lonelier than he ever was when he was alive. His physical problems might have vanished when his body ceased to live, but his spirit has to deal with the memories of the past.
Jordan and Gideon are friends who share eager guys when they can find them. But, being in a war zone hasn’t allowed that to happen often. One roadside stop puts an end to their lives. Jordan and Gideon are at a loss to understand what happens to them, why they stay behind when others go up into the light. Searching for answers, they head to Jordan’s hometown—McKinton, Texas—but a hell of a lot of things have changed in the decade and a half since Jordan left.
Namely, the arrival of one wicked, joyful spirit named Stefan.
Reader Advisory: This book contains scenes of voyeurism.
Review:This book is part of a series and must be read in order. Stefan wasn’t mentally perfect when he was alive but now with his spirit free of human restrictions he has grown in leaps and bounds, and with everyone around him, both living and spirit, finding love he begins to long for love himself. Jordan and Gideon lose their lives in a war zone, still stuck on Earth the friends go to Jordan’s hometown puzzled and confused as to why they haven’t moved on. In McKinton they discover more than they bargained for in the form of sweet and sexy Stefan but first they have to prove their worth to Conner, Stefan’s protector.
Ah sweet Stefan’s story, this is one book that I couldn’t wait to get my hands on. We first met Stefan in Aftermath and discovered what had happened to him. If you haven’t read Aftermath, then there is a brief summation from Stefan so you wouldn’t feel like you are missing something. Now, Stefan has friends and for the most part loves his new circumstances. But, he now longs for love like all his friends have. Gideon and Jordan head to McKinton when they find themselves spirits, they have been friends for years and have shared men but have never confessed to each other the longing they both have for the other. Meeting Stefan has both men longing for the sexy mischievous spirit but they get off to a bad start and Stefan has them both confronting their feelings for each other.
This is a great little book with some mischievous high-jinx from Stefan, a spirit brawl, sexy men admitting how they feel and a very protective spirit making sure his friend is treated right. Gideon and Jordan have always fancied each other but decided their friendship was too important to chance more, but now they decide to explore their attraction but they both have their eye on sexy Stefan. Once Stefan overcomes the first disastrous encounter with Jordan and Gideon, he begins to think that he could find love, but when both Gideon and Jordan find it hard to confess how they feel for each other Stefan thinks he has lost his chance.
I really enjoyed this story and was so glad to see Stefan getting his dream and he is as wonderful as ever. Jordan and Gideon make a great addition to the spirits of McKinton and Stefan sure knows how to handle them. The way the story played out was great with the three of them sorting their problems out under the watchful eye of Conner, although I was surprised that Stefan managed to end up in so much trouble.
I will recommend this to those who love spirits finding love, some great action, some mischief and fun, hot sexy men having steamy sex and a sweet ending.
Length: 6 hours 50 minutes (e-book – 175 pages)first published January 1st 2012
Publisher: Carina Press (July 23rd 2013)
Heat Level: Moderate to Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Blurb: Daniel Van Doren was once a renowned writer, until he was blinded in the car accident that killed his lover. Now, all he sees are ghosts in need of help. They follow him everywhere, and the only way to be rid of his ethereal visitors is to help them resolve their unfinished business here on earth so their spirits can find peace.
Ghostwriter Logan Riley is assigned to pen Daniel’s biography. He plans to reveal him as a fraud, but when they meet, he’s struck by Danny’s quiet sincerity–and a growing attraction. Which makes sticking close to Danny to find out the truth more than a little distracting?
When they are attacked by a violent poltergeist Logan begins to believe Danny’s not just telling the truth, he’s in grave danger. A spirit has learned how to harness the energy of the living to break through the barrier between worlds to harm Danny. And Logan may be the one to blame…
Review: Danny is blind but extremely independent. He lost his sight in a car accident that claimed the life of his boyfriend John. Over the past two years, he’s learned the definition of resilience, becoming self-sufficient. The downside to his independence is the loneliness that comes with it. His world is a constant dark, aside from the ghosts he has been able to see since the accident.
Logan is a ghostwriter. He pens controversial biographies for famous people under the guise that they are writing the book. His latest client is Danny. Logan is confident that he can discover the truth about Danny’s “ability” to see ghosts and unmask him to the world for the con man he truly is. The instant and overwhelming attraction to Danny comes as quite a shock to him, but it quickly becomes evident that the attraction is mutual.
Throughout the book Logan, struggles with his attraction to Danny coupled with his doubts about Danny’s gift. Danny is so tired of going it alone, he longs for someone to share his life with. Slowly the author unravels each man’s past and you learn more about why Danny value’s his independence, and why Logan has issues trusting anyone. At the same time Raines builds a bond, creates a thread that ties their futures together irrevocably. But there is a ghost that haunts them, that one spirit that won’t let go of the very thin line that keeps them in our world. While Logan begins to believe Danny’s claims to see the dead, he’s beginning to fear for Danny’s safety.
Sight Unseen is paranormal romance with an edge, not a twist, an edge! Raines has done the research and easily had me seeing through the eyes of a blind man. There are a couple of twists at the end that had me holding my breath, anxious to hear the outcome. Speaking of hearing, the audio version was a great narration. It helps when a narrator can nail the personality and nuances of each character. My only complaint about the narration would be he read straight through, so at times, the scene would change and it would take a little time for me to realize, since he didn’t pause between appropriately. But for the most part, I was enthralled with the performance of the story.
This is a must read for those hopeless romantics that still believe in love at first sight. And the guy on guy action is sensual, passionate, and overwhelming. Sweaty man sex, ghosts, a pissed off poltergeist and a HEA! What’s not to love?!
Blurb: Alan and Mark are successful, rich and have a ton of friends, all thanks to a deal they made with a demon named Riskin. To hold up their end of the bargain, every now and then they have to host Riskin in the bedroom and obey his every whim. Tonight is payday, the best night of the year.
Originally published in the Care and Feeding of Demons anthology.
Review: Why this was a surprise. I liked this short story very, very much. It was hot and it drew me into it instantly.
What’s not to like though. Make a deal with the devil and have a life people envy you for. Full of richness and happiness. Only downside is when the devil comes to collect. But is it really a downside, or is it the most perfect part of the bargain?
Take a wild guess. Yup! You guessed right if you picked the latter, for this demon is heavenly. When he comes to collect, Mark and Alan are his for three nights. The best part is that he is also theirs for that amount of time. And the demon is hot in every meaning of the word.
As for our boys, I liked the contrast between them. I loved eager Mark, and I loved brooding Alan. His pushy side would have benefited more in a slightly longer story methinks.
This story is one of those I think it’s too short and needs a follow-up, now damn it! Yeah, totally recommended!
Publisher: Wilde City Press (September 11th, 2013)
HeatLevel: Moderate
HeartRating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Reviewer: Thommie
Blurb: A quiet life. A break from the dangers of being a cop. Yep, Lex Tompkins has his future all worked out. That is, until fate—or rather the stray toddler from the house across the street—bites those plans in the ass. Well, technically Lex’s neck. Suddenly, he’s transformed into the Alpha of the secret werewolf clan hiding in the perfect, out of the way neighborhood of Lex’s dreams.
Now Lex is the unlikely leader of a dysfunctional pack… except for Spencer Robinson, the one shifter Lex can’t seem to keep his paws off. Will Spencer be able to teach Lex how to embrace who he has truly become?
Review: You get it, right? Right from the blurb you know, you just know it’s going to be hilarious. You have that expectation, and mostly you hope to whatever deity, that it will be a good read and not disappoint you. Fear not, all that hope and expectations are met head on and then some.
For crying out loud, this author has a very nice sense of humor, turning the most ludicrous, awkward, and overwhelming moments of a man losing his sanity into hilarious scenes for the reader.
Just imagine for a moment being a person that craves solitude and peace. You buy a house in the middle of freaking nowhere, assured by that idiot real estate agent that there is only one neighbor in near vicinity, but peace and solitude are never there. Why? Because that only neighbor of yours apparently has a huge freaking family. Yeah! Oh, oh, and imagine one of those family members running loose and dropping on your porch, but you can’t yell at him or scare him off because he’s a toddler, and wait it gets better, you actually have to get the kid back into a house full with people…
I don’t know, I can’t really show you how freaking hilarious I found this. I can’t possibly make you understand how much my belly hurt from laughing when said toddler bit Lex’s neck hard enough that he passed out. And the rest, oh man, it was just awesome.
But all the above only complement the humor of the text. The story itself was pretty great too, and I’m very picky when it comes to werewolves and packs dynamic. Let’s see: originality-check. Who has ever read of an accidental Alpha? This Alpha is not born into a pack, he’s chosen from a toddler Alpha, and he was human so he’s completely new to this. Not only he has changed into a werewolf, but also he’s the damned Alpha, he has a duty to protect and provide for these… strangers!
His incredulity besides being utterly hilarious (can’t say that enough) was well written. The character, Lex was so, so perfect in his confusion and his antics. The way he grows into this new life, new responsibilities, and having a big “family” was a joy to read. The way he didn’t bat an eye when time came to fight and shed some blood, oh man, that was awesome too. I loved him. I loved the plot. I loved the rest of the characters. I loved Mia, and Nathan, and Ruby, and Spencer.
I wish it were longer though. I wish there was a bit more time for a bit more development, and some questions answered. I am assuming that those questions will slowly answer themselves as the series continue, and I’m seriously hoping that we’ll see more of Lex and Spencer in those future installments.
As it is, if you’re a fan of paranormal/wereshifter stories I strongly recommend this one to you, it’s original in its theme, it’s fun and funny, and it’s really hot there when our guys get together. Just read it, you’ll love it too. 🙂
Blurb:Pack Shaman and wolf shifter, Reece, has been mated to Sean for years. Even though their love for each other is true…there has always been something left unspoken, something missing between them.
With Sean’s hybrid body warring between his vampiric thirst and his wolf’s need, he can’t believe it when the one thing he secretly wants yet can’t give his mate literally falls into his arms. How is he going to hold it together long enough to understand and accept the cost it brings, when all he can think about is getting five minutes alone with Reece?
Review: This was a first read for me written by this author. In addition, I found her world building to be exceptionally well done. Her character building is complete with both Sean and Reese being complex and well-rounded, as are the secondary character too.
Sean and Reese have been together for years and as gay male shifters, both have giving up the dream of having cubs of their own. So they are more than surprised when Reese’s spirit guide has him driving around in the dead of night, in a storm too unsettled to sleep and not knowing what he’ll find in the rain. Sean of course has gone along for the ride, he’s not about to let his mate do this alone. They are more than surprised when they find a pregnant bear shifter alone beside the road. Tehya is a Shaman too, and her guide has brought her battered body to the ones she must find.
What fate has in store for them is their hearts desire, a bear shifter cub, an adopted daughter. But, she comes at a high cost. They will have to love her, raise her and protect her from the ones who harmed her mother. Sean and Reese are more than ready for the challenge, because their world is now complete.
Blurb: Waikiki vampires Tem and Jimmy Thunder are happily undead and married, about to celebrate Christmas when their cat Moontime brings an unusual treasure to the door…a baby in a box. However, this is no cute, cuddly kid. It’s a demon baby with red eyes and razor sharp teeth. Jimmy, hopelessly besotted with his hot and sexy husband, sees his new life of man-on-man fun being wrecked by this snarling, spitting, forked-tongued little incubus that has apparently won Tem’s heart.
With half of Waikiki’s wacky residents coming to Christmas dinner, what’s a devoted husband to do? Jimmy calls in all kinds of favors to figure out the identity of the kid, how he got to them, and how to ensure this will be a merry–not marred–Vampire Christmas.
Review: Like many of A. J’s stories, there is a wonderful blend of the history of Hawaii along with his take on vampire, his walk in the sun, food eating, shopping at malls, gay ex-porn star, cursed by a high priest, vampires.
Newly married Tem and Jimmy are having their first family Christmas together, with everyone invited. But, how do you cover up the fact that you’re a vampire, and the baby brought to your doorstep by your cat is a dead demon baby? What follows is a search for answers to how the baby was brought back from the dead, how it has to do with Jimmy’s family curse, the small pox epidemic of 1853 and Jimmy’s grandfather. Along with meeting of parents, and other assorted family members, Christmas dinner, a screaming demon baby, horror legends to frighten Hawaiian children come to life and the secrets of their family doctor.
Another humorous, fun story from A. J. I love how he writes his characters with their fun, sometimes snarky sense of humours. Their sexy, can’t keep their hands to themselves sex scenes are hot but with a real loving relationship feel to them. I love reading books by
Blurb: Simon may be the best tracker out there, but somebody else is on his trail, and if he doesn’t watch it, they may just catch him and not release him.
Raised to never trust any other shifters outside his inner circles, the last thing Simon wants to do is to work with a Wolf, much less an Omega.
Finn doesn’t want to work with Simon any more than Simon wants to be with him. Not only does the assassin intimidate him, but also Simon is nothing more than a jerk.
But, despite all that, Finn finds himself growing attracted to Simon, which is crazy because he hates Simon. Will Finn and Simon be able to put their differences aside to give love a chance?
Review:This story is part of a series and is best read in order. Simon is an assassin, he is the best tracker in the group, but when hunting for some giant baby spiders he is assigned The best tracker the wolves have… an omega. Finn really doesn’t want to work with an assassin, but if he wants more missions than he has to prove he can handle himself, but damn Simon is a jerk! As the two work together, they surprise each other and soon their attraction flares to life but will their budding love survive when they face opposition from Finn’s brothers.
This is a great addition to Wayne County Wolves with us being introduced to more shifters who have suffered in the past. When Simon and Finn first meet neither man is really impressed with the other, they might look good enough to eat but first impressions are poor. Working together, they see beneath the surface and their attraction flares, but they both want to see what they can have together before broadcasting it to the world. Finn has his brothers to think about, especially his protective older brother Tate, but his feelings for Simon won’t be denied. Simon has only ever had his fellow assassins and has never really cared for anyone before, but Finn has shattered all Simon’s defenses to worm his way into his heart.
So we meet new characters in this installment of Wayne County Wolves and I have to say that I really hope that two of them will be getting stories of their own. We meet Finn who isn’t like normal omegas, he knows how to fight and has a super sensitive nose, he wants to do more for the pack, but his older brother is protective. Simon is an assassin and Finn is the one who finds the chink in his armor, showing Simon himself that he can have more than meaningless sex and that he is more than just an assassin. They get to know each other before they act on their attraction and then wait longer before they finally admit how they feel about each other, but they have to bring Tate around because he is opposed to the relationship. Finn also has to make his twin brother, Kline, let him go and make Tate accept that Kline should also have a life of his own.
I really enjoyed this story and loved the way that neither Finn nor Kline is a typical omega, both of them learning to fight and protect after their parents were killed. Both brothers are unique and I think they make a great addition to the series, Finn and Simon’s story is great, and we see them clearing all the spiders that escaped in The Leopard Who Changed His Spots.
I recommend this to those who love shifters overcoming their pasts, danger, great characters, hot sex, tension and a great ending.
Blurb: Sold as a pleasure slave to a werewolf, Eton’s survival depends on the love of Raz. Can the tiger shifter rescue him before certain death on the full moon?
In love with a slave from another realm, the Tull Alpha, Raz, plans to free Eton and take him for his lover. However, politics cause a delay and Raz arrives late at the auction to find Eton’s master has sold the handsome young man as a pleasure slave.
Six months later, Raz discovers Eton dancing to entice customers in the infamous Den of Depravity at Tennabolt Gate. The knowledge that the Beast of Darktrees has bought Eton for his own form of wickedness throws Raz into an impossible position. To rescue his young man means war between the shifters and the werewolves. He must regain Eton’s affection because his love is all the slave has to sustain him in the hands of the Lycaon.
Reader Advisory: This book contains forced, non-consensual sex, whipping, prostitution, torture, and voyeurism, which readers may find distressing.
Review: I did not like this book. The reasons don’t lie in the fact that there were forced, non-con, torture scenes etc. It was rather the other way around.
Now I find great pleasure in well-written fiction that contains abuse of all sorts, what can I say? I’m a perv. I find a deep interest when the tortured character is depicted rather realistically, and I thrive in scenes that contain explicit sexual acts of all sorts.
This book failed at all the above, even as the implication was there. The distress of being a pleasure slave was implied on behalf Eton, his despicable life was also implied, his shattered mind was somehow implied, and his pain from being betrayed by his loved one and left to rot in a hellhole was implied indeed. Not once did I felt any of the above. Even the inner thoughts of a slave forced to sex with numerous men with no consideration for his life or wellbeing were mild at least. I can’t even say Eton appeared detached, or shell-shocked, or hardened by his life. He was plain, simple, bland, and quite normal. Oh yes, he “said” he was affected, many times at that, but did he show it? No!
And there was Raz, the Supreme Alpha of the Cat. I cannot say how displeased I am with this character. This entire book revolves around the fact that Eton is a slave, and while Raz wants to rescue him because he’s his mate, he can’t, so Eton must rescue himself. The only real action we saw from a “powerful” Alpha was in the end when he managed to kill the Beta Werewolf who’d been using his mate, while leaving the “spawn of the devil” the creator of werewolves himself escape… You cannot image my distress at that scene. Even there this character managed to fail every idea of an Alpha I’ve gathered through the years reading about shifters. I suppose the bad guy had to survive in order for a reason this series to continue, but that bad judgment on behalf of Raz after failing again and again to save his mate was the final point in weakening his image even more in my eyes.
As for the bad guy here, Alverez, the Cursed One, the creator of all werewolves, he is often described in the book with not so flattering adjectives. He is supposed to be evil beyond imagination. People talk about him in hushed voices, and are afraid of the very mention of the strong Alpha. The sex slaves dread the chance of being bought by him, and rumors of the Leader Werewolf killing his slaves by splitting them open with his big appendage and driving into them till they die cause even the braves of them to faint in horror. What I actually read though, was this very considerate werewolf who feared he’d damage his new slave if he used him directly, thus started using different sizes of plugs to slowly make the new slave used to bigger ones. What I also saw is that although this horrible evil werewolf bought the slave Eton specifically for his pleasure and had all guards stay the hell away from him, he allowed his Beta to keep Eton for himself as a mate since his Beta seemed so much in love with Eton and Eton always said it was his pleasure to be near the Beta…
I might be the crazy one here, but according to the realm’s laws about slavery, that damned Alverez guy seemed pretty decent and extremely lonely to me. Heavens but I felt bad for the bad guy.
Anyway, despite the sometimes hilarity of certain events the whole of the book did not do it for me. The narration, the characters, the story as it unfolded didn’t do their magic and left me not liking this book at all.
Blurb:Out of the Cage: When taking on a wild animal, prepare to be bit.
Persecution from Jason Truollo’s immediate family becomes too much—his stepfather’s backhand to the jaw is the final straw—and he heads toward the only family who had understood when he came out, his Uncle Raul Braga. When he gets there, he’s shocked when not only does his uncle welcome him with open arms, but he finds his uncle in a committed relationship…with a man. Not only that, but many of Uncle Raul’s friends are gay, too.
Finally, Jason feels like he’s found a place he fits in. Even better, he meets a man who pushes all his buttons, Michel McDover, but surely, the sexy rugged mountain man can’t possibly be gay. Except he is, and he makes his interest in Jason plain. Deciding learning the joys of sex from an older man is perfect; Jason begins a torrid fling with Michel. A surprise encounter with some strangers in the woods makes Jason realize he may have far more to learn than he ever thought possible. For the hope of love and acceptance, is he willing to keep an open mind?
Review:This story is part of a series and must be read in order. Jason leaves home and sets off for his uncles when his stepfather goes too far and hits him, he has put up with verbal abuse, but the violence is too much. When Jason arrives at his uncle Raul’s he is pleased when Raul welcomes him with open arms and discovers that Raul has a male partner and that most of his friends are gay, it makes him feel safe. Michel is living up in the mountains putting distance between himself and the town. While visiting his packmate Raul, he discovers his mate. And as he gets to know Jason, disaster strikes and Michel has a lot of explaining to do.
This is a good addition to the Wolves of Stone Ridge series, but was a bit of a letdown, as well. Michel has been around for a long time and is happy to have found his mate, but his mate Jason is a lot younger than him and he isn’t sure how Jason will react to being his mate. Jason is hoping to be welcomed by his uncle Raul (Choosing His Christmas Miracle) but fears rejection, but meeting his uncle and his friends eases him and he jumps at the chance of a date with the sexy mountain man. Just as things seem to get interesting between them, strange visitors drag Jason into a world Michel hasn’t had a chance to inform him about. Just as Jason seems to have wrapped his head around it all a misunderstanding happens that nearly drives them apart.
While I did enjoy this story I found it to be a little strained, as though everything that could happen has happened and it was a strain to come up with something new. Jason’s predicament with his stepfather seemed a convenient excuse for Jason to visit his uncle; I mean suddenly after years of knowing that Jason is gay his stepfather starts to verbally abuse him and then hits him. It was pushing the boundaries of reality a bit. When I first started reading the story I thought Jason must be around eighteen but he was twenty-two, but really came off as younger. Another thing that was a bit unbelievable was when Michel was thinking about how he had removed himself from the human society, so he can reappear in the future with a new name. Living a long time can cause problems and the only hope is that he will be forgotten. But, ten years really isn’t that long and unless all the town members have really bad memories then someone would recognize him.
But, saying all that, I have a soft spot for Charlie Richards wolves. Jason and Michel are one hot couple, and while they have misunderstandings and a bit of danger, it is a nice little story for them. The conclusion to the mad scientist plot was a fizzle, which really surprised me, after all the effort that has gone into that storyline both with Wolves of Stone Ridge and Kontra’s Menagerie; I was expecting something a lot more explosive. I still enjoyed this story though but not as much as I have the previous books.
I recommend this to those who love shifters, hot sex, and new characters, a touch of shock and danger, misunderstandings, hot making up and a very happy ending.
Blurb: Cursed to be a Three Form, blessed to be a True Mate, Austin’s life is a nightmare. He is hated and bullied by his pack because under his timid exterior lies the strength and savagery of a Hybrid werewolf. Only the thoughts of his True Mate, and his desperate desire to escape his pack, sustain him through the daily abuse.
When Cristiano finds Austin, things go from bad to worse. The True Mates must keep their connection a secret as Cris is inducted into a conspiracy for rebellion. The pack’s trust in Cris grows even as their loathing for Austin spirals into escalated violence. Soon Cris and Austin are drawn into a battle for control over Austin’s pack. Both sides will gladly exploit Austin — his strength, the venom in his claws and bite, and his inability to leave the pack.
However, though Austin is both gentle and savage, more than anything he is vulnerable. He and Cris have one last chance at getting away and finding a new pack to take them in. Because unless he and Cris can get out, neither of them is likely to survive the coming storm.
Review: Austin’s life has been hell ever since his first change and he was discovered to be a Three Form, hated and bullied he has lived with daily abuse, and the only thing he has had to cling to is the promise of his True Mate. Cristiano has been lavished with love and honor, he is a True Mate and has lived the life of one of the blessed, and when the urge to find his True Mate becomes too strong, he heads to America to find the man he will love forever. When Austin and Cris meet the connection is instant, but Cris discovers it isn’t going to be as easy as he hoped to settle with his mate. Austin has to show his mate the truth about his life and they both have to hope that they can get away from a pack bent on violence.
This story is absolutely amazing, the brutality and prejudice, the abuse and despair, along with the thread of hope and love just jump off the pages as we are told the tale of Austin and Cris. Cris really has no clue what he is heading into when he begins the journey to find his True Mate, he never imagined that his mate would have lived a life of abuse or that he would be a Three Form, the most fear and hated wolf. Austin has lived with the hope of his True Mate for many years, it is the only thing that keeps him going each day and the only reason that he doesn’t turn on his abusers.
Austin and Cris are a brilliant couple but they face manage challenges as they maneuver through pack politics, prejudice, danger and psychotic pack mates. We are pulled into a story that is much more than just a love story and we get a wealth of information about the structures of the packs and their backgrounds and roles. Austin’s pack is a mess compared to others and as it begins to implode Austin and Cris get caught up in it, even as they try to leave. We are with them every step of the way as they try to find a pack who will take them, it isn’t easy because of Austin being Three Form, and somebody doing their best to sabotage them, we are with them as they make new friends and fight against the pack who won’t let them go. We are also with them and their friends as they face loss and suffering and Austin finally finds his place in the world.
I loved this story, it was just so involved, and we get a full story even though it would have been easy to split it into two books. We meet a wealth of characters who enrich this story and I would love to see get their own stories. We feel frustration and anger at Austin’s pack and we feel gratitude to the pack who is willing to give them a chance. And at the end, we find it very hard to find pity for those who have hurt Austin when the full story emerges, you really can’t help but feel that they got what they deserved.
I recommend this to those who love shifters, danger, finding an escape route, working through difficulties to get what you want, love and happiness, fantastic characters and a brilliant ending.
Blurb: Vampire prince Thomas Vanderguard has been alone for over two hundred years – ever since the deathblow that killed his companion Jacob. For centuries, Drones have sought to eradicate his family’s royal lineage so that a rival family may seize the throne and gain control of their territory. But Thomas’s life of self-imposed solitude came to an end a little over a year ago when Daniel Alexander walked into his life. After months of refusal, Thomas finally gives in to Daniel’s request to change him into a vampire even though he fears Daniel will meet the same fate as Jacob.
With a possible eternity of happiness stretched out in front of them, can Thomas keep his lover safe or is history about to repeat itself?
Review: Thomas has refused to love for two hundred years. The loss of his lover, Jacob, to the Drones scarred him deeply and he hasn’t been able to give his heart again. Since then Thomas has swore to destroy the Drones who want to wipe out his family, the Royal vampire family, but one night his world is turned on end when he meets Daniel. Daniel won’t take no for an answer and Daniel stumbles into Thomas’ world of danger, but Daniel knows what he wants and he wants eternity with the vampire he loves.
This story is a pretty good vampire story of love and determination. The story starts now, as Thomas is turning his lover Daniel, we get his worry and his feelings of love for Daniel and the loving support of Thomas’ family. It then goes back into the past to when Thomas and Daniel first met and the beginning of their relationship; we see how their attraction is instant but the different reactions to that attraction by the two men. Thomas pushes Daniel away, determined to keep him from his dangerous world, and Daniel is gung-ho on pursuing Thomas.
We get a very good feel for the history of the war between the vampires and the Drones and the reason behind it all, we see the danger that stalks the vampires and can fully understand Thomas’ reluctance to bring another lover into his world. Daniel falls into the world anyway and you admire his determination to pursue what he wants, even when he is scared. Their relationship is rocky at first, but evens out when Thomas opens his heart. But, that doesn’t mean it is all perfect. Because Daniel wants forever and Thomas still wants to keep Daniel safe from his world.
While Daniel and Thomas’ relationship progresses there is still the war with the Drones going on and we see the development of that as well, the losses and how it affects the characters, the devastation and the determination to wipe out the Drones. We also get to see the end of the war in an unusual conclusion.
So I found this story to be full of action, love, and worry. I am gunna have to recommend this to those who love vampires at war, finding and accepting love in trying conditions, hot sex and sweet love and a great ending.
Blurb: Major Tim Madison has his hands full. A young Alpha werewolf has stormed into his personal life, while Tim struggles to keep military werewolves from safe on the front lines.
After a fiery exit from Afghanistan, Tim Madison is promoted to major. Jeremy Wagner is a civilian, just beginning his Transition to True Alpha. As a lone wolf, he has no one to teach him the vital principles of strong leadership. After a volatile chance encounter, Tim and Jeremy form an intimate bond. As Jeremy prepares to someday lead his own pack, Tim struggles with military werewolves being needlessly maimed in combat, as well as specifically targeted by hostile forces. Despite Tim and Jeremy’s feelings, werewolf and human politics or family conflict could prevent their mate-bond.
Review: This book is part of a series best read in order.
Early this year we were introduced to The Tameness of the Wolf Series written by McKenna, and all of us who read it were ecstatic with the first book. There we met LT Young and Sgt Hammond, and their epic story took us into a wild ride suffused with all kind of action, be it military or romantic. Among the many characters that were deeply involved in the first book, Tim Madison caused great curiosity and admiration of the readers. A Captain back then, Tim gets a promotion to Major in this book, which follows his life and his struggles. However, a word of advice for new readers, Noah and Lucas follow along with Tim, they are a strong part of this book as well, and you might want to pick up book #1 first to get properly mind-blown and second to get a good idea on this world’s mechanics and rituals.
Now, what a freaking awesome story yet again!
See, I just had to exclaim and shout it our loud (literally as well as in writing) because damn it, McKenna does it again. I admit that the first book was of a faster pace, the angst and tension were higher there due to the fact that the story was happening in the middle of a freaking battlefield in addition to the True Alpha/Dominant epic relationship that Lucas was making a big issue of not falling for, for most of the story.
Here we have our team, Major Madison, Captain Young, and SSgt Hammond (yes, yes the promotion is a big deal) back in US trying to re-write the lost knowledge of were-soldiers, making things easier for them to follow pack rules, and protecting them from unnecessary harm. The night our guys and their friend celebrate their promotions, a funny thing happens. A kid challenges Noah right outside of their restaurant. The ludicrous idea, the unbelievable scene, and the intensity that follows after is amazing.
Meet Jeremy, a civilian werewolf going through Transition of True Alpha. Status: Lone Wolf, Cast Out from his former pack due to Pack’s Leader’s fear of Challenge. Basically, we have a young man who at one point is insecure and mild-mannered, and the next he goes bat-shit crazy.
Now put this petulant brat in the presence of Major Tim… Add in their hormones, lust, and pure hotness, and take a wild guess of what you get.
Oh. My. God! It was fantastic I tell you. This is what I like about Kendall’s werewolves and mate-pairs, when it hits them they don’t instantly know. They don’t go all crazy, “oh, I’m mated. It’s fate,” and all that crap. Kendall’s wolves and their mates seriously work their relationship hard to reach at any point of true intimacy and knowledge of their mate. It’s a work in progress and not instant brainwashing that makes these pairs so freaking unique.
And oh, my God (again), the sexual scenes are plain hot, freaking steamy, unbearable porn! Of the kind that makes you pant and want to do something about it before you seriously burst a vain in your damned brain. If you thought book #1 was good, you have no freaking idea what the chemistry between Tim and Jeremy is like. It’s Fever! It’s the damned Sahara! Your mouth with go completely dry while your body won’t know what the Hell hit it. God! Kendall’s choices of scenes are evil beyond imagination. And to top it all, they are un-relentless as they keep going for a substantial amount of time of text space or length, whatever you want to call it. Yeah ok, I am partial to Noah and Lucas, but this pair rises right there up with them when it comes to hot were/human sex. Where is that fan I bought just for this book again?
Back to the story, I will not go ahead and give out spoilers, at least no more than I’ve already have. This story however is a mixture of romance, military fights – as our officer to go back and forth in Iraq to supervise how their suggestions are working- and civilian human as well as werewolf things. We get a closer look to Tim’s family. We get a closer look to hidden family secrets that cause so emotional drama. We meet Adam, Tim’s brother, (is there a story coming out from him? I sure hope so). We also see Jeremy’s change from that petulant kid, to a full-blown Alpha under Noah’s (surprise!) supervision. All right, Tim helps too what with his Marine mentality bleeding into Jeremy’s core. We get to see Lone Wolves runs and mostly we get to see a pretty cool Challenge. Now if I’m gonna be totally honest I would’ve loved it if the Challenge were a bit harsher on those freaks, but never mind me, I’m always pro blood when it comes deep down to it.
So wrapping this up, I don’t need to recommend this book at all to the fans of the series. They must have already gotten a copy and dived right in, feeling ecstatic and overjoyed, even as anticipation for the next one already has made its presence. If however you’re new to the series, don’t know them, are a fan of military/werewolves then don’t wait, go grab it, grab the previous one as well, and make it a marathon out of it. Not to be missed!
Blurb: For the last six hundred years or so, the only things reminding Lochlann Doran he’s a Fae have been his faceted aquamarine eyes and the fact that he can’t die. He’s been a wanderer for so long in the human world – over two thousand years – that he’s lost his magick, including the gift of healing that goes along with being a Fae of the Demesne of Water. Finding his SoulShare might get it back for him. But it might kill him, too. Garrett Templar has been living on borrowed time, in a sense, since he was eighteen, when one of the johns he entertained to pay the bills while he danced at Purgatory infected him with HIV. It was always supposed to be a “manageable” disease, though, at least until a cure was found. Except he’s just found out that the virus in his system has inexplicably mutated into full-blown AIDS, and no known drug cocktail can even slow it down. And when Lochlann and Garrett find each other at last, on Purgatory’s dance floor, the only thing as urgent as their need for one another is the hunger of an ancient evil to do whatever is necessary to possess Lochlann’s magick…
Review:This story is part of a series and must be read in order. Lochlann was the first through the Pattern, the guinea pig, and has been wandering Earth for over two thousand years; he lost his magic six hundred years ago during the Black Plague and now, he has finally met his SoulShare. Garrett has had bad news, his HIV has mutated into full-blown AIDS, when he meets Lochlann he is still reeling from the shock and tries to push the Fae away. Lochlann needs his magic back to heal Garrett, and to get his magic back he has to complete the SoulShare with Garrett, but Garrett is scared to put Lochlann in danger and neither know if Lochlann would survive after so many years. Janek and the Marfach are still desperate for the power and they will do anything to possess it.
This is a brilliant addition to the SoulShare series, we discover more about the Loremaster’s and the creation of the Pattern, and we see a new pairing of Fae and human and the difficulties they face. Lochlann has roamed Earth for over two thousand years and never seen another Fae, but the night he discovers his SoulShare Garrett he meets another Fae and discovers that his ex-friend Cuinn is still floating around and boy does Lochlann have a bone to pick with him. Garrett knows he will never have a real intimate relationship again and that his health is seriously depleted, but although he tries to push away the sexy Fae, he can’t help but have that touch of hope. But danger is heading their way, as the Marfach is getting impatient for magic.
I loved this installment of the series and the new developments that was revealed. Lochlann and Garrett have a terrible journey ahead of them as they come together; their budding joining is nearly torn apart not only by the Marfach but also by death. We see the characters from previous stories Tiernan and Kevin (Hard as Stone) and Conall and Josh (Gale Force) and Cuinn as Lochlann and Garrett face challenges to be together. Although there were, some trying times in the previous books, this story has the most harrowing as Janek and the Marfach take extreme measures to try to get what they want.
I recommend this to those that love Fae, danger, a long reaching plot, hope, great characters, more maneuvering of the Loremasters, an interesting storyline and a great ending.
Blurb:With his cousin laid up from a broken ankle, Lee agrees to help him out and combine a beach vacation with a bit of legwork to scope out a haunted lighthouse. That his cousin agrees to pay for the vacation certainly makes a cheesy ghost tour bearable. Lee’s plan is to get the work out of the way quickly, then spend the rest of his time on sun, sand, and all the blood and sex a vampire can stand. But, the cute hotel clerk he picks out proves to be anything, but an easy snack.
Review: Engaging beach read, short and kind of sweet little story about what you think you want isn’t always what you need or should have. The characters are fun and written as well-rounded people. The writing flows, the setting is clear in your mind.
Lee, a vampire, is just looking for a summer vacation of love um, bite um and leave um while helping his cousin out. And the cute guy at the hotel counter is looking like a good bet. Except Jayden doesn’t fall for Lee’s vampire glamour or enthrall. Hmm, why would that be? Well maybe because Jayden’s a Hedge witch, one of the few paranormals that are resistant to vampires. Now intrigued, he gives up his idea of love/bite and leave um to pursue Jayden.
I truly enjoyed this story and am looking forward to reading more from this author
Title: Trill To Me Sweetly 
