Tag: GLBT Paranormal

My Forever by Nikki McCoy

Title: My Forever

Author: Nikki McCoy

Genre: Paranormal/BDSM

Length: Novel (159pgs)

Publisher: Total E-Bound (19th September 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥4 1/2Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Two men molded by the fierceness and pain of their lives form a bond that ignites their passion, but will their love be strong enough to endure the violence of their pasts?

Lucas Matthews has loyally served his race for over two centuries, forced to kill the criminals of his own kind. When his Commander decided to take their laws into his own hands and give Lucas the choice to join his select group of rebels or die, Lucas ran. He refused to bow down to the corruption of his commander and kill humans for profit. After four years of hiding and six years of well-earned peace, his life was once more turned upside down when a small wisp of a man captured his heart.

Kyle Jennings’ desperate need to find love and acceptance landed him under the cruel domination of a sadistic boyfriend for five years. When Lucas appeared to rescue him one day, like a fierce, protective hero, he found himself succumbing to the gentle yet firm hand of the Dom. Through guidance and care, he finally found the courage to regain his independence and willingly surrender his control to Lucas.

Together, they create a soul-bond forged in love, but they must fight to keep it. With the Commander once again on Lucas’ trail, they each find themselves with a decision to make. Will Lucas have to forfeit his freedom for the sake of his love’s happiness, or will Kyle choose to sacrifice his life for his Dom?

Warning: This book may contain some content that may offend i.e. Physical abuse, BDSM, forced submission etc. etc.

Review: Lucas is a Tsielen and a Mackaeo (Tsielen police) but fled the Mackaeo when some of them became corrupt and tried to make him kill humans.  Kyle is desperately unhappy as he is stuck in an abusive relationship that his brother allows as his ‘boyfriend’ gives his brother gifts and an easy life and now he sees no way out.

This is a great paranormal story that keeps you interested from the start. Lucas owns a wine store and Kyle is his employee.   We find out early on (by his behavior) that Kyle is being abused and Lucas offer’s him help if he ever needs it.  Lucas runs to the rescue when Kyle needs it and we see the start of a beautiful relationship. This is a great story as we don’t get dumped with information too soon or too much; it’s given to us more gradually and is spaced out well. The story line is rock solid and the relationship is believable and is paced out well.   The way that Lucas supports Kyle while he deals with his injuries and nightmares is great and not rushed and Lucas also has a great friend in Bastian who also supports Kyle when he needs it.

The BDSM between Lucas and Kyle is light as they work together to get Kyle past his fear but Kyle is determined as he has a submissive nature and he just wants to take care of his Master. The sex is hot and intense, and doesn’t happen too quickly between them, although their feelings develop quickly.

All in all I’d recommend this to those who love light BDSM, paranormal, alien superpowers, sweet protective love and a great story.

 

 

Chasing the Dream – Dreamspinner Anthology

Title: Anthology – Chasing the Dream

Author: Sue Brown, G.A. Hauser, Sammy Jo Hunt, Patricia Logan and Lisa Worrall

Genre: Contemporary/Paranormal, M/M, M/M/M, BDSM.

Length: Five Novella’s (338pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (17th September 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit/Scorching

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½ (overall)

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Chasing the dream…something every one of us aspires to. But every dream is different for each individual. Some crave love, fame, or immortality. And for still others, they desire power and riches, and all that comes with it.

In this anthology, share in the vivid imaginations of five bestselling authors who are masters of the genre, each writing steamy, hot passionate stories of men loving men, men sharing their bodies, who hope to attain their own secret desires.

Come along for the sensual journey that awaits you, and get lost in this collection of must-have gay erotica. Let these stories steal you away to another world where hot men share their deepest hopes and fantasies with you, while they’re Chasing the Dream.

* * * * *

Racing raindrops by Sue Brown (56pgs) Hearts: ♥♥♥♥3 ½

Caught by an unexpected rain shower, Tony DiMarco seeks shelter in a bar. The last thing Tony expects is to be propositioned by the hot bartender and his equally hot cousin. Mac and Chase make it clear it’s his decision, but Tony is torn between his desires and his responsibilities. On a sudden whim he decides to let the raindrops sheeting down the window make the decision. If they go right he’ll say yes to a night of sex that might blow his world apart, if the rain goes left he’ll leave and never look back.

Review: Tony hides his sexuality because he knows what would happen if his father or his employer found out.  He meets Mac and Chase and they have him tempted to look for something more.

This is a cute read which is extremely hot, we see Tony battling with indecision as he tries to decide if he should take the two hunky men up on their offer.   and we see Chase and Mac want more than just one night with Tony. Not quite a HEA but a beginning …maybe?

*****

Nasty Boys by G.A. Hauser (78pgs) Hearts: ♥♥♥2 ½

Fire-fighter by day, sex god by night, ‘Clyde’ chased his dream in Hollywood to be the top gay male porn star in West Hollywood. What Clyde didn’t expect was a little help from a pretty-boy superstar. ‘Blaze’ lights this fireman’s world on fire!

Review: Clyde wants to fulfill his dreams of being a sex god porn star and ‘Blaze’ wants a night out with the hunky Clyde.

Clyde is not quite as tough and macho as he appears wanting a gentler lover and something more than a quick hook up; we feel his longing for more.   ‘Blaze’ also wants something different and he seems to find it in Clyde. The story cuts off a bit abruptly and is a novella for the Action series so I don’t know if we will see more of Clyde. This is good for a quick scorching sex fix.

*****

The Soul Awakening by SammyJo Hunt (68pgs) Hearts: ♥♥♥♥♥5

While on promotional tour across Europe, Michael Nolan’s rental car encounters engine trouble and leaves him stranded in the dead of night. The offer of help from a tall dark stranger sets him upon a life-altering course of events. It could lead to love…but more likely, his own private hell.

Review: Michael gets lost on a dark country road when his car breaks down.   There he meets Zandor who comes to his rescue and turns his life upside down.

Zandor wants nothing more than for someone to love him and to share his lonely existence.   He finds that in Michael.   Michael wants Zandor but is too scared to give up his life and everything he knows.  Brilliant writing with a twist on vampires and the emotions from the characters are wonderful… a definite must read.

*****

Chasing Deuce by Patricia Logan (63pgs) Hearts: ♥♥♥♥♥5

Has Colt’s fantasy of bringing Slade into the bedroom with Deuce driven Deuce away for good or can Colt lure the handsome cowboy home to be loved by two instead of one? Slade has been in lust for Colt for years. Will he get the opportunity to taste the man he’s always wanted and the added bonus of his cowboy lover?

Review: Colt loves Deuce but he wants a bit of spice with Slade.  Deuce loves and adores Colt but feels betrayed that Colt needs someone other than him.   Slade has wanted Colt for many years and he’s now in his grasp.

Deuce’s feelings are fully understandable and you can sympathize with him when he leaves but he loves Colt too much and they try to work it out. The sex is outstanding and the storyline will bring out conflicting feelings in you… a definite must read now.

*****

Dreaming of You by Lisa Worrall (61pgs) Hearts: ♥♥♥♥♥5

Noah Kinkade is an up and coming designer, one of the best newcomers in the field. When he is hired to restore the old Seevers mansion to its former glory, he thinks all his dreams have come true. He doesn’t know how right he is.

Review: Noah is working all the hours that God sends on a mansion and it’s affecting his life.   Sebastian is waiting for his lost love Thomas and Noah is the spitting image of him.

This is a brilliant little novella, the storyline is fantastic and the characters are great. The sex is scorching hot and they all find love. The story also flicks to 1861 and it really adds to the book, this is great for those who love the paranormal.

 

Saving Connor by Scarlet Hyacinth

Title: Saving Connor

Series: Tides of Love 01

Author: Scarlet Hyacinth

Genre: Erotic Alternative Fantasy, Ménage Romance, M/M/M/M/M/M, Elves, Werewolves, Shape-shifters

Length: Novel (212pgs)

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand Publishing (26th September 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Thrust by chance in the waterworld of Uli, Connor finds himself falling for five gorgeous men. Rallion, Wren, Tallean, Chek and Rodrik are as different as night and day, and yet they all arouse deep feelings inside him, feelings he does not know how to deal with.

Elven princes Wren and Tallean want to protect Connor, but they do not realize how much the abyss between their social positions affects him. It is up to half-Fae Rallion to soothe Connor. But when an investigation regarding his presence on Uli begins, the situation is complicated by the appearance of Chek and Rodrik.

The two shape-shifters teach Connor and his men more about their souls and bodies than they’d ever known before. But there is a shadow watching from the darkness, hunting Connor. Can the five men save their lover before it is too late? What will these tides of love bring?

Review: Connor goes on assignment to Mexico for his paper and while he’s there he is caught in a storm that will change his life forever.

This is a well written story with good world building and in-depth characters with a really good storyline.   it is also a surprisingly good ménage-plus that really does work without trying too hard and all six men complement each other very well. You are drawn into the story and you really feel for Connor being transported to another dimension and being in a position that he has no way out of and no way of getting home.   It was also brilliant that Wren, Tallean, Rallion, Rodrik and Chek had different personalities and came together for Conner and they were not already established as lovers.

The sex scenes are hot and it was extremely nice that Connor didn’t just jump into bed with any of them and had to work through his issues about how he could feel something for all the men and how his men supported and encouraged him through these doubts.   there are D/s scenes as both Rodrik and Chek are very dominate but they are done well and it was a nice surprise that it wasn’t just Connor who acted as their sub and you can see how much thought went into this story as we see most of the men connect with each other without Connor being around.   As I said before a very well done ménage-plus.

I loved the ending as we are left with the opening for the next book of Connor’s best friend Owen, yeah can’t wait.

So I recommend this to everyone who loves a great storyline, incredible hot sex, even hotter men and the promise of more for the future.

Trailmaster Phelix by Adrianna Dane

Title: Trailmaster Phelix

Series: Tales of the Midnight Pearl Brotherhood 03

Author: Adrianna Dane

Genre: Gay / Erotica / Fantasy / Witchcraft / Magic

Length: Short Story (35pgs)

Publisher: Amber Quill Press, Amber Allure (18th September 2011)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥3Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: The ancient myths of the Brotherhood of the Midnight Pearl tell of an island formed from the depths of the ocean, in the midst of a sea of mystical, sapphire beauty. It is an island paradise built on love and devotion to a common belief, a society made up entirely of handsome and desirable men. And Alonzo Smith is on a journey to discover his place among them.

The initiates are set to be tested. After a span of relatively unregulated sexual play on the beach, the real challenges begin. Trailmaster Phelix arrives, along with his apprentice, Abel, to guide these lusty young men with their raging libidos through the dangerous jungles on Mannos. Alonzo, David, Helmer, Krispin, and Parker prepare themselves for new discoveries, yet adventures in the jungle may not be quite what they expect. Master Phelix has his eye on Alonzo, and this new leg of the journey may be even more challenging than Alonzo can imagine as Master Phelix forces more of Alonzo’s dark past into the light. Past blends into present as Alonzo turns himself to serving the demands of Master Phelix.

Review: This book can be read as a standalone but it is a continuation of The Brotherhood of the Midnight Pearl series that really should be read in order.

Alonzo has to face his past and settle with the present and with the help of Trailmaster Phelix we begin to see Alonzo’s acceptance.

This book pulled me in with the first few pages as it described the Island of Mannos.   I didn’t realize that it was a part of a series until the end when it seemed to abruptly cut off. It was very well written and the world building was good, we learn a lot about Alonzo and his past.   We see how he starts to come to terms with his submissive nature.   Because, although he knows he is submissive he has never really faced up to it.

To me this seemed to be a part of a larger book which has been cut into bite-sized pieces.   In fact, I have just read the blurbs to 1 & 2 and for 4 (Expected publication: 23rd October 2011) and it basically is a larger book cut down into installments that leave you unsatisfied.

I would recommend that if you have already got 1 & 2 then you need to get this.   if you haven’t then it might be a good idea to wait until the series has ended then get them all at once and read them together as though it was just one book.

Rhapsody for Piano and Ghost by Z. A. Maxfield

Title: Rhapsody for Piano and Ghost

 Author: Z.A. Maxfield

 Genre: LGBT Paranormal/Contemporary

 Length: Novel (214pgs)

 Publisher: Loose Id (23rd May 2011)

 Heat Level: Moderate

 Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

 Reviewer: Pixie

 Blurb: Fitz Gaffney finally has some breathing room. His mother’s out of town, his piano teachers have backed off, and he gets to spend time at a school where he only has to be adequate for an entire year before all his responsibilities comes crashing back in again. With this freedom comes the realization that he’s lonely, but his first attempt at dating goes horribly awry.

Fitz’s new — but possibly imaginary — friends, Julian and Serge, want to help him find happiness. His used-to-be-stepbrother Ari Scheffield wants to help him gain confidence and a little much-needed cool. His housekeeper Marguerite wants to keep fowl in the back yard for butchering because duck confit is expensive and she has pillows to re-stuff. And his possible new boyfriend Garrett wants to prove he didn’t mean for their first date to end with Fitz lying unconscious in a dumpster.

All Fitz wants is someone who cares about him, and suddenly there seems to be a glut. How’s a shy guy to know what’s real when he’s confronted by crazy ghosts, a less than truthful boyfriend, and relatives with hidden motives? It’s a Rhapsody For Piano And Ghost.

Review: I absolutely adored this story which really surprised me because I have put off reading this book mainly because of the title.   Yeah, I know childish, but it’s been in my ‘to be read’ file for months.   So today I gritted my teeth and opened it up and wished I’d opened it ages ago.

Fitz Gaffney may be a musical genius but when it comes to interacting with others he’s a dud.  Ari Scheffield was Fitz’s step-brother (for 3 months) and has sworn to keep an eye on him for Fitz’s mother.  Garrett Fender is a student at Fitz’s school and is interested in being more.

Fitz is a man who is sweet, innocent and gullible who has been cocooned by his mother from the outside world.   He snatches at the first friendship that comes along and it embarks him on a journey of discovery and true love. Ari feels more for Fitz than brotherly love but he knows that his chances are slim especially when Fitz gets a boyfriend.  The relationship between Fitz and Ari is deeper than we first think and I liked being able to understand their relationship and see its progression.  Even when they were at each other’s throats. Fitz learns that you can’t trust everyone and that it’s okay to rely on others for support sometimes.

Okay this book is brilliant and funny and I loved most of the characters to death. The story is written beautifully and is extremely smooth; the characters are wonderful whose interaction is great. I loved Julian and Serge, they made me laugh and they made me want to cry. The story is rock solid and the danger was a surprise and very well done.

So I recommend this book to anyone who hasn’t already got it because it’s incredible good.

Chance's Vindication by Stephani Hecht

Title: Chance’s Vindication

Series: Lost Shifters 13

Author: Stephani Hecht

Genre: Shapeshifter/Paranormal

Length: Novella (117pgs)

Publisher: eXtasy Books (15th September 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Sometimes your biggest enemy can be the love of your life.

Raised in complete isolation, Raven shifter Chance knew little of the shifter world. While he realized that the Ravens were at war with feline shifters, he didn’t understand just how deep the hatred went until he took refuge with a coalition of felines – felines who sometimes seemed more likely to kill him than protect him from the Ravens hunting him. Living among his enemies, while being hated by his own kind, Chance withdraws into himself and begins to lose hope that he’ll ever be happy. To make things worse, Chance finds himself drawn to Thomas, a Lion shifter who despises all Ravens.

When Thomas is assigned to guard Chance, he’s not happy. His job is to kill Ravens, not babysit them. But as time passes, Thomas realizes he’s attracted to the shy, sweet man. But years of war against the Ravens, along with his own personal demons, lead Thomas to resist the draw he feels for Chance. Then Chance is taken captive and Thomas realizes how much his little Raven means to him. Will he find Chance in time, or will they both lose all hope of ever finding a happy ending?

Review: Stephani Hecht has done it again; she has brought us yet another sweet, sexy romance from the coalition of cat and hawk shifters.

Chance knows full well that nearly every shifter in the coalition hates him and all because he had the misfortune of being born a Raven, the coalition’s hated enemy.   He just wishes that one shifter in particular would like him. Thomas is a lion shifter who despises the Ravens for what they did more than twenty years ago and for making his brother feral.   But, that still doesn’t stop him from wanting the raven shifter Chance, who doesn’t smell or act like any other Raven he knows.

I loved these characters as they both have internal struggles as to what to do. Chance feels guilty because he’s a Raven and he takes a lot of crap for it but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt him. I thought he was the bigger character for it and admired him for being able to have such an open heart even after the way others treat him. Thomas understandably hates Ravens and it’s nice to see his character work through his attraction to Chance along with his guilt at that attraction (because his brother is locked in a cage due to the serum the Ravens made) and come out the other side a better shifter.

These stories don’t have to be read in order as they are easy to pick up but for you to understand everything going on it is best if you did.   As there are ongoing storylines throughout, we also get to see several shifters from several of the other Lost Shifters books and I have got to admit that my favorite is Shane and he always adds a bit of danger to every book he’s in. (I love you Shane!!)

So what would I recommend?   This is yet another sweet romance with danger, intrigue, hope, crossed-wires, hot men, hot sex and a happy ever after (well as much as you can when you’re fighting the Ravens), so I have to say read it, love it and adore it.

 

 

Mate Dance by Amber Kell

Title: Mate Dance

Series: Dragonmen 03 (2011 Edition)

Author: Amber Kell

Genre: Fantasy/Shapeshifter

Length: Novella (123pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (17 September 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥ 4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Intergalactically renowned dancer, Raven knew something was lacking in his life but it wasn’t until he rescued a little girl did he learn it was a dragon shifter prince.

Heading to a bar after a dance performance, intergalactically famous dancer, Raven, ran into a little girl beside the dead body of her grandmother. His one good deed in helping out the little girl would lead him into the arms of a dragon prince. Raven soon learns that once a dragon spots its mate it will keep him closer than gold.

Review: Okay, I know what some of you will say, it’s a re-issue what a rip off.   But I’d have to say you’d be wrong. I have read both versions of this book (well all three if you include the blog story before it was first published (God I’m really sad, I need my own padded room!!)) and I have to say Amber Kell’s writing improves each time around.

Raven is THE dance star of the known Galaxies, but at the moment he’s feeling like his spark has faded and he really needs a holiday. Crown Prince Kaemon has just discovered he has a daughter but when she arrives he finds it difficult to pull his attention away from the sexy man who found her.

As this relationship progresses we learn that Kaemon is a bit sneaky. Raven isn’t sure if he is ready to settle down. And Trisha (Kaemon’s daughter) takes after her father a lot and the nanny is a stark raving lunatic. I am sure some people will feel that Kaemon has little interest in his daughter but as I said he’s sneaky, the more Raven loves Trisha the less likely he is to leave.

This is a nice light sexy read with a sexy dragon shifter, a very bendy dancer, a cute princess and a slight bit of danger that will take you by surprise. So what are you waiting for, go help Ms Kell on her quest for World Domination and get this book.

Air Demon by Stormy Glenn

Title: Air Demon

Series: Elemental Demons 02

Author: Stormy Glenn

Genre: Erotic, Paranormal, Demon, M/M Romance

Length: Novella (131pgs)

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand, Inc. (3rd September 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 1/2Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Nicholas Dane is happy that his friend Gabe has found the love of his life, even if he can never return to the surface world. The same cannot be said for Nick. He knows who his demon mate is, but Storym won’t give him the time of day.

Storym knows the surface dweller, Nick, is his Demonas Amaté. But he also knows that claiming the man would place Nick’s life in danger, and Storym can’t allow that. He has a hard enough time dealing with Nick’s need to save the world. He doesn’t need to bring more danger to the man.

Afraid that he won’t be able to deny himself if he stays, Storym leaves without saying goodbye to Nick.  He’s heart-broken.   Nick returns to the surface world to lose himself in his work as a police detective. Unfortunately, the shadow demons seem to know who he is, and they start coming after him. Nick’s only chance is to return to Jinnistan. But even there, his life is in danger because someone has their sights on Nick, and they will let nothing interfere in their plans, not even an Air Demon bent on claiming his mate.

Review: Well, it’s about time, Ms Glenn.   I thought you’d never let us have this one; it has, after all, been over a year. Ok, so maybe I like Ms Glenn’s work a little bit….ok fine… a lot, but that does not mean that I will not be brutally honest.  I will be.

Nick was dragged down to Jinnistan when his friend and work partner, Gabe, is taken there for safety.   Having his life turned upside down wouldn’t be too bad if only the demon he has the hots for would notice him. Storym is ignoring Nick as hard as he can because he knows that Nick will be in danger because of him if he caves in.  After a night of passion (really hot, sexy, gonna melt your eyeballs passion) Storym flees leaving Nick feeling betrayed, so Nick leaves for the surface.

This is a great fun read; the interaction between the characters is great (I loved the fire-ball and whirl-wind play-fight between Gabe and Nick).  The dangers are realistic to the setting and Nick isn’t a walk over (Storym has to earn his trust back).  Nick and Storym worked well as a couple but they also worked well as a team along with Gabe and Themper to solve the problems in the palace. Ms Glenn even starts this book exactly where the first one finished, so it jogs your memory.

So my totally honest opinion is this… go out buy the book, it’s great. You have got to read it even if it’s just for the sex because you would never believe what Storym does with those mini whirl-winds!!!  And if you don’t believe that I am being brutally honest then read the book and get back to me. *sly smirk*

 

 

 

 

 

Master of Wrath by Nikki McCoy

Title:  Master of Wrath

Series:  Keepers of the Gods, #2

Author:  Nikki McCoy

Genre:  Paranormal/Science Fiction/MMM ménage

Length:  Novel

Publisher: Total-E Bound (August 29, 2011)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb: As the God of Death continues his battle for supremacy, three hearts are caught in a whirlwind of danger that will test the very limits of their strength and love.

For three millennia, Cyaan has survived a warrior’s life, taking passion as it came and revenge when it was due. Yet none of that could have prepared him for his latest challenge. For five years, he has lived with the pain of having failed his mate. A man who sacrificed his freedom for the sake of another. Cyaan will do everything within his power to bring his mate’s kidnapper to justice.

But his campaign takes an unexpected turn when he discovers he has a second mate, Loken. Son of the God of Wrath, Loken lives by the blade and has no intention of losing his heart to love. Unwilling to lose yet another mate, Cyaan convinces him to aid in the rescue of the only man who can complete them.

After escaping the ruthless clutches and desires of his captor, Jace once again finds himself held captive by not one man, but two. Both fierce warriors eager to claim him as their mate and protect him at all costs. But he has been damaged almost beyond repair. It will take every ounce of Cyaan and Loken’s loving patience to convince Jace that he is more than worthy of them.

Reviewer:  Natasha

Review:   Master of Wrath continues five years after the events of Son of Death. Cyaan is on a crusade to find his mate Jace, who is a prisoner of Mikel. During one of his searches for clues to the Jace’s whereabouts, Cyaan finds Loken, his other mate. And together they combine forces to find the missing piece to complete the threesome.
First and most importantly Master of Wrath is the second book in a series in progress and it is essential that you read the first book; both to keep up with the plot and to know the characters.

Having said that, my review of the book.

Master of Wrath is an engaging story and managed to hold my attention from first page. The story flows well and the sex scenes are super hot.

At the beginning of history, Jace is traumatized by what was done to him by Mikel. But he is not broken. He has a strength that makes him an ideal partner for the two Doms which are his mates. And though their relationship is new, you can see that they are actually a ménage (and Loken and Cyaan work as a team to dominate Jace). Loken is lonely, but not by choice (his life is in danger if his existence is discovered). But, when he meets his mates, he knows just how valuable they are and so he makes a leap of faith.

Overall, Master of Wrath is an enjoyable read and a good addition to the series. And I look forward for the next book.

 

Variant Breed: Chris and Zach by D. H. Starr

Title: Chris and Zach

Series: Variant Breed 01

Author: D.H. Starr

Genre: Paranormal

Length: Novella (83pgs)

Publisher: Ai Press (23rd August 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥ 4 1/2Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Across time, two hot immortals find each other. But is mutual passion enough?

Chris Molina is a MAP, a molecularly advanced person. Rejected by his family in the 18th century and sent out into the world alone at the age of twenty-five, he wanders through time, craving love and companionship. He finally settles down and establishes a homestead in Virginia where he meets the first of his own kind, Abigail DuMonte. Together they start a life, one where they can live openly and honestly. However, in spite of the love and friendship they share, something else important is missing: Soul-searing passion. Until…

When Chris meets Zachary Bishop, he’s found everything he’s ever wanted. Zach is handsome, intelligent, sweet, and craves the same things he does. However, Chris soon realizes that his dreams may come true at a cost. Although Abby is not his lover, they have a long and close history together that Chris doesn’t want to jeopardize. Is there room in his life for both Abby and Zach? What if he can never really find the family he’s longed for? Will Zach become simply a memory of erotic passion and unfulfilled longing? Three immortals on the brink of change…

Review: This is an incredible paranormal romance.  Chris has been longing for a family for over two hundred years and even though he has his good friend Abigail who has been with him for a hundred and fifty years, he yearns for more.   For that one man to complete him.  Zach also longs for a family of his own, for someone to accept all of him and to be there for him.

The complex relationship of Chris and Abigail confused me at times; it felt like there was more to their relationship that we weren’t seeing. The tension between Zach and Chris is palpable, the longing to have someone who is the same as you, who understands and accepts you, is tangible, the attraction scorches the air and the friendship is deep and unbreakable.

The struggle these two men have as they realize that they can have everything they have always wanted, for Zach to overcome his fear of rejection and for Chris to balance out having his best friend and rock Abigail and the love of his life Zach without taking anything from either of them.

When these two men come together to make love it is intense and explicit. Feelings, longing, touch and taste are described in such detail that you could almost be there and you feel like you want to weep at the beauty before you.

The storyline was inspired, human beings who are more advanced with abilities from empathy to healing but are also immortal, and that some of these immortal’s can’t handle it and can become mental unstable because of it, is a brilliant turn and completely refreshing.

So I recommend this to everyone, so what are you waiting for …don’t just sit there.

 

 

 

Trompe L'oeil by K. C. Burn

Title: Trompe L’oeil

Author: K.C. Burn

Genre: LGBT Paranormal/Mystery

Length: Short Novel (152pgs roughly)

Publisher: Loose Id (30th August 2011)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: When Maxwell, a Depression-era artist, spurns the attentions of his sponsor, he ends up cursed to live out eternity in a painting. The man who cursed him delighted in playing the exhibitionist for Maxwell, and by the time the old man dies, Maxwell longs for his life and body back but he’s pretty sure he never wants to watch anyone have sex ever again. Until he discovers who his new owner is.

Tyler isn’t sure what to do with a life-sized painting of a nude man, but it was a gift from his sister to ease the pain of a disastrous break up and subsequent coming out. The gorgeous subject of the painting disappeared without a trace decades ago, rumored to have been killed by the painting’s previous owner in a jealous rage.

Becoming more and more fascinated by the man in his painting, Tyler uses his resources as a history professor to solve the mystery of Maxwell’s disappearance. He finds himself spending more time in his bedroom, talking to the painting, researching and aching to know the man in person. Maxwell falls under Tyler’s sweet spell, discovering the thickness of canvas might be an insurmountable distance to cross.

Review: This is a true romance story. Max has been trapped inside a painting for 76yrs.  When the person who trapped him in the painting dies he is passed on to Tyler. Tyler has moved into a new apartment and his sister has bought him a nude painting as a house-warming gift.

Right from the being Tyler is drawn to the painting and the mystery surrounding the subject’s disappearance.   As he delves into the mystery, he begins talking to the ‘subject’, Max.  Max is trapped in the painting but, he is aware of Tyler talking to him.   He watches Tyler with longing and despair knowing that breaking the curse is next to impossible. We get to know Max well from his own inner monologue, flashbacks and his journal that Tyler finds.

I liked this book.   It was quite simple in its explanations, we know that Max was trapped in the painting and instead of coming up with a long-winded theory it was so simple it was refreshing.   The story moved smoothly along and the characters were a nice bunch.

So this is for anyone who likes gentle romance with an interesting mystery thrown in.

 

 

I, Omega by Kari Gregg

Title: I, Omega

Author: Kari Gregg

Genre: BDSM LGBT Shape-shifter Paranormal

Length: Short Novel (138pgs)

Publisher: Loose Id (6th September 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥3Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: After one mind-shattering night with a stranger at a local leather bar leaves him forever changed, Gabriel lives on the streets as a vagrant to elude the master who hunts him, but the were shifter is a fierce, stubborn predator who reclaims him soon enough. Gabriel is carried away to the pack’s home territory where his instruction on what it means to be the pet of an alpha begins. Gabriel isn’t just any pet, though. He is the rarest among their kind: a human omega.

Treasured? Or cursed?

As Gabriel’s father, the Distinguished Gentleman from Pennsylvania and stalwart of the conservative party, pushes the considerable resources at his disposal to locate his missing son, Gabriel explores who and what he is under his master’s careful protection. Gabriel falls for the shifter who is both lover and destroyer, owner and…friend?

Caution: This book may contain scenes that offend. Humiliation, dubious consent etc.

Review: Gabriel the man has run and hid, he doesn’t want the shifter that ruined his life to find him, but the submissive in him and the thing that he is changing into wants his master to find him, when his master finds him his human side retreats; overwhelmed by the scent of his master the submissive breaks through willing to do anything for the shifter who owns him. The man in him is fighting to understand what is happening to him, he doesn’t want to be owned completely, yes he loves to play hard but when he wants to, not at someone else’s command. He likes his life, likes his work and doesn’t want to give it up to be a full-time slave.

This book is intense as Gabriel is given no real guidance, he is left to struggle between his human side and his newly emerging Omega side trying to find a balance between the two and he has to find it himself, it’s a painful struggle for him as he doesn’t understand what is wanted of him besides the sex and the submission. Cal his master is the Alpha, you don’t really find out much about him and he does come across as cruel as he forces his pet to accept things with no explanation. It’s only later as Gabriel thinks back on his time with Cal that we see the more caring side of Cal.

The sex is hot, explicit and intense and if you are into BDSM and like angst then this book is for you.

 

 

 

Shattered Secrets by Diane Adams and RJ Scott

Title: Shattered Secrets

Series: In the Shadow of the Wolf 01

Author: Diane Adams & R.J. Scott

Genre: Action/Adventure, Crime (police/detectives/PI), Gay, Shape-Shifter

Length: Novel (181pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (27th August 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewers: Pixie/Portia

Blurb:  Jamie is human and he’s a wolf. Werewolves aren’t just some supernatural fairytale. They are a living breathing part of society. Once they hid their true natures, but now they are out and proud. Wolves are an accepted part of society, but even with all the new laws, it’s not easy.

Race relations made society complicated enough, and then came the gay rights movement adding a whole new dimension to the struggle for acceptance. Add a new species to the list and you have a whole different world

Rob is a cop and has just passed his thirtieth birthday, being promoted to a special police task force specializing in wolf / human cases. He sees it all. The seedy underbelly of city life, the fights, the murders, and the parts of human / wolf interaction that people would rather ignore. He meets a young man, Jamie, at a club and embarks on the hottest one night stand of his life. Little does he know that his lover is a shifter. He has no worries with wolves, but interspecies relationships are not on his to-do list.

When a case involving kidnappings of young werewolves lands on Rob’s desk the ugly face of the werewolf sex trade is something he has to deal with. With Jamie seemingly at the centre of it all can Rob push past his prejudices and keep his lover alive?

Pixie’s Reader’s Review:  I really enjoyed this one, it was a refreshing change to read a shifter book that wasn’t all about sex and mates; although there is a lot hot sex and some discussion about mating.

Rob is horrified when he finds out that Jamie is a Wolf.   He has nothing against them personally but he wouldn’t have sex with one…if he had a choice.  Jamie doesn’t usually sleep with humans but there is just something about Rob.   When Rob kicks him to the curb, Jamie realizes what has happened too late.

I thought the way that Rob handled everything was masterful, Jamie was headstrong and willful the supporting characters were incredible, too.   They really added to the story. The story line is fantastic and written really well. Hopefully, this is opening up a new avenue in shifter stories where we have more realistic story lines and a different aspect to the ‘mating’ rules.

If you love shifter stories, hot men and crime stories then this is for you.  Diane Adams & R.J. Scott, I can’t wait for the next one.

Portia’s Writer’s Review:  For those of you thinking about writing a paranormal series, Shattered Secrets would be an excellent case study.  Scott and Adams took a lot of time world building, without distracting the reader away from the main plot.  The characters are wonderfully developed.  I especially like the evolution of Rob.  The attraction between Rob and Jamie is instant, but the love match takes a lot longer to develop.

Since this is obviously part of a series, there are some nice tidbits that will make you want to read the next story.  The problem, if not the actual bad guys, is identified and the book ends on a deliciously suspenseful note.  But, I didn’t have that unsatisfied feeling of incompletion that is too often present in series novellas.  If I never read another book in this series, I felt that Scott/Adams wrote a complete story.

RJ Scott and Diane Adams are both phenomenal writers individually.  Together they have created a series that is smart and sexy.  May the literary gods bless this union for a very long time.

 

 

 

 

The Incident by Xavier Axelson

Title:  The Incident

Author:  Xavier Axelson

Genre:  GLBT Contemporary

Publisher:  Seventh Window Publication

Length:  Novella

Heat Rating:  Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer:  Portia

Blurb:  In the line of duty, decisions that will change your life forever are made in a split-second. Nobody knows that better than Officer Michael Carmac, whose fatal split-second decision haunts his days. Tormented by guilt, Michael seeks solace in a bottle and the friendship he has with his partner, Officer Bertram Angel. But the more he leans on Angel for support, the more Michael discovers a longing that he’s kept hidden for too long. Can Angel help ease the pain of guilt or will Michael’s hidden desires be the end of their friendship?

Review:  When I first went to rate this I scored it kinda low.  But, that didn’t feel right.  It’s been a while since a book had me as twisted up as this one.  It wasn’t until I stopped trying to make The Incident a love story, could I truly appreciate its literary value.

Sure, there is a romantic sub-plot, but this is the story of Michael’s road of discovery and recovery.  Angel is just a piece of the puzzle.  The Incident shakes Michael on a core level.  He is a true Alpha personality and mistakes are something that other people commit.  I love the way Axelson doesn’t sugarcoat the harsh reality of post-traumatic depression and recovery.  Loving Angel might have given him the strength to make healthy choices, but Michael had to want his healing for himself as much as for his lover.  I also really appreciated the fact that the road to happily ever after included more than just some “love conquers all” bullsh*t.

This story is not for the faint of heart.  It’s raw and dirty, yet absolutely beautiful.  I highly recommend adding this to your library.

 

Equilibrium

Title: Equilibrium

Author: Katey Hawthorne

Genre: Paranormal

Length: Novella

Publisher: Loose Id, LLC.

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥

Reviewer: Beatrice

Blurb:  Econ student Hansen Marks has been hot for Sam MacLeod since they first bonded over their secret superpowers – literally hot, since Hansen can produce fire from thin air. But soccer star Sam was always covered in girls, so Hansen kept his attraction in the closet and convinced himself that “best friends” was better than nothing.

When Sam’s electrical powers freak out in public, Hansen has a sinking feeling they’ve been spotted by unfriendly eyes. While dealing with the fallout, Sam’s emotional dependency on Hansen forces their mutual attraction to the surface. Even after they give in, Hansen is afraid to admit he’s in love. Sam doesn’t really like guys, he’s just feeling vulnerable…right?

Just as their nights are heating up, it becomes clear Sam’s electrical explosion was seen, and now someone has it in for both of them. They’ll have to save each other, both from the haters and from their own fears, if they want to maintain equilibrium.

Publisher’s Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: male/male sexual practices.

Review:  This book was… Quite different, frankly. I know these types of books are out there, but this is the first M/M book I’ve read that has a superpower theme. I was a bit apprehensive, of course, just like the way people are when trying out something new. But a lot of things worked here for me – and I’m not even sure if I can list down all the reasons why I liked this book a lot. Because honestly? Some part of me still isn’t sure what I liked so much about this.

What I do know is the fact that Hansen was an incredible narrator. His voice is really wonderful; it’s casual and simple but his personality really pulls through from the pages. He’s dorky, but he doesn’t push any stereotypes. I thought his explanations about equilibrium were pretty fitting – they held my attention, something I can’t really say about game theory and economics in general. Sam was a cool character, too. These two are definitely interesting characters, and from the first page I already rooted for Hansen and Sam to get together. They pretty much do so early in the book, but of course they have their issues to straighten out.

However, there are no huge misunderstandings that force a rift to grow in between these two young men. I liked that a lot. For once, we have protagonists who actually communicate – albeit they do so in their own silly way. Sometimes their conversations come in late, but these guys aren’t fast in making conclusions. They did have their own insecurities, though. These same insecurities made way for a considerate amount of minor angst (which, in turn, actually caused a lump to form in my throat in some scenes), but nothing was overdone. Their chemistry was absolutely great! This is essentially a friends-to-lovers type of story, and there is an easy camaraderie between these two. Their friendship isn’t compromised by their new relationship (although Hansen seems to think so). Also, I found myself not really minding Nessa at all. I liked her, in some ways, and an author who can write an ex-girlfriend whom I don’t find annoying is always a good author.

Like Ami said in her review, I could have benefited more from more world-building. I couldn’t understand terms like “EMF” (which I eventually figured out was electromagnetic field, or something) and “sleeper” – plus we don’t really know why these awakened people have powers, other than the mention of an organ in passing. I also would’ve appreciated a bit more elaboration on what happened with Uncle Neil and on the sleepers who go witch-hunting. What do these witch-hunters do and how bad can their actions be? I am of the understanding, though, that there will be more stories set in the same universe, and hopefully we’ll get more answers by then.

So, overall, I enjoyed this book a lot. It’s quite different from the normal stuff – which sets this apart and makes it memorable. It combines a lot of unusual aspects, like superpowers and game theory, and actually makes it work. I’ll gladly read it again at some point.