Don't Ask, Don't Tell by Melissa Kendall

dadt2__83363.1363576049.300.450Title: Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell

Author: Melissa Kendall

Genre: Contemporary, Military

Length: Short (33pgs)

Publisher: Evernight Publishing (16th March 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 – 3 ½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Sergeant Jason Holt and his boyfriend Sergeant Patrick Wentworth have been in a secret relationship for almost ten years. When the daily paper brings news of the repeal of the military’s ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy, they think their prayers have finally been answered. Yet things aren’t always as easy as they seem, with not everybody at work supportive of their lifestyle and even their parents skeptical. Will they finally be able to be out and proud?

Purchase Link: http://www.evernightpublishing.com/dont-ask-dont-tell-by-melissa-kendall/

Review: Jason and Patrick are both military men who have been in a secret relationship for ten years. When they see the news with ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ being repealed Patrick is overjoyed that they can be open about their relationship, but Jason cautions him to be patient and wait for the right time. With hopes of being out and proud they face some opposition at work and then they have their families to face.

This is a great little short that covers a period in two military men’s lives as they come out to family, friends, and the military after the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Jason and Patrick have spent nearly ten years in the closet together, hiding their relationship from everyone else because of the stance of the military about gays. When they get the news of the repeal they are both excited and while Patrick wants to rush forward, Jason convinces him to wait until the dust has settled before they announce their relationship.

This is a hot read that is still pretty easy-going, while there is one or two moments of tension it isn’t angsty and boy do our guys show how much they still want each other, even after ten years together. These guys are perfect together and while Patrick seems the more impulsive one, he does know when to pull Jason back from confrontation, Jason is more cautious where revealing their relationship is concerned but put a homophobic asshole in front of him and he won’t back down. These guys are hot together and we have plenty of opportunity to see them both showing how much they love each other, in great detail, in some not quite appropriate places, but always enjoyable and hot.

If you love military men coming out of the closet, hot sex in every place imaginable, a solid stable relationship, and just a touch of tension, then you will want to read this book.

 

Fire for Effect by Kendall McKenna

FireForEffectKendallMcKenna3Title: Fire for Effect

Series: The Recon Diaries 02

Author: Kendall McKenna

Genre: Contemporary, Military

Length: Novella (115pgs)

Publisher: ManLoveRomance Press (12th April 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Hired to investigate the denial of a Marine the Medal of Honor, Kellan Reynolds and Jonah Carver try to untangle a web of lies, deceit, and heroism.

Two years after the events of Brothers In Arms, Kellan Reynolds and First Sergeant Jonah Carver are struggling with their bi-coastal relationship. Following the events in Iraq, Kellan’s expertise in national security is well established and he is hired to investigate the suspicious repeated denial of a KIA Marine the Medal of Honor.

Kellan brings Jonah onto his staff and into his home, but just as their relationship settles into a routine, their investigation heats up. What begins at the Pentagon, leads to Camp Leatherneck in Afghanistan, and an ambush that threatens to destroy everything they’ve built.

Purchase Link: http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=KMVFIREF

Review: This story is part of a series and is best enjoyed in order. Kellan and Jonah are reuniting after six months apart. Their long distance relationship might be a struggle, but they both think it is well worth it. Together they are to speak at UCLA on Military Infrastructure and Corruption, but they are asked a question that lingers in Kellan’s mind and leads to an investigation into the repeated denial of the Medal of Honor to a heroic Marine who was KIA.

Sometimes you come across a book that rips you out of reality and dumps you into a setting that makes you feel like you are living the experience yourself, and this is one of those books. Kendall McKenna doesn’t just give us a story, she gives us an experience. She digs into your imagination and has you sitting in a war zone reacting to bullets as they whizz past and diving as grenades explode, and has you praying that the cas-evac helicopter will make it in time. The investigation is based on a legitimate question, why are medals few and far between in the current conflict? Ms McKenna uses her military knowledge and her own imagination to give us answers and she does it with panache, and she adds in the love of two great men as they weave through their own relationship constricts.

Jonah and Kellan still have to hide their relationship. DADT hasn’t been repealed yet and although they know it is just around the corner they still have to be careful. When Kellan is asked to set up a committee to investigate why a Marine has been repeatedly denied the MoH he brings Jonah on board. It leads them to an unpleasant discovery and the journey places them in danger, when the convoy they are with is ambushed. This story starts with the reuniting of lovers and heat, longing, love and hot sex, it continues on giving us a mystery that needs to be uncovered and gives us a story that is a must read.

I will recommend this to those who love military men, delving into potential political corruption, finding the truth, two men who love each other, hot sex and a great ending, this is a story not to be missed.

The General and the Horse-Lord by Sarah Black

GeneralandtheHorse-Lord[The]LGTitle: The General and the Horse-Lord

Series: N/A

Author: Sarah Black

Genre: MM / Contemporary

Length: Novel

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Reviewer: Thommie

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5 Hearts

Blurb: General John Mitchel and his favorite pilot, Gabriel Sanchez, served together as comrades and brothers-in-arms for more than twenty-five years. They followed the warrior’s path: honor first, and service, and the safety of the tribe. Their own needs for love and companionship were secondary to the mission. Retirement from the army, however, proves challenging in ways neither expected.

When old warriors retire, their armor starts falling away, and the noise of the world crowds in. That changing world sets up longings in both men for the life they might have had. After years of loving on the down-low, the idea of living together in the light seems like pure sweet oxygen to men who have been underwater a little too long. But what will it cost them to turn their dreams into truth?

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3684

Review: General John Mitchel served his country his whole life. Living the life of the warrior, honor, service and the safety of the tribe always came first. His need for love and companionship were reduced to stolen moments and fragments of memories with his beloved pilot Gabriel Sanchez also known as the Horse-Lord. For twenty-five years they served together and loved each other on the down-low.

Now, nearly a year after his retirement, John is still trying to adapt to his new life. A life without wars and fights, without the army and his fellow warriors, or so he thinks. There is at least one constant in his life now, those little moments he shares with his friend and lover. Those stolen moments from Gabriel’s family where they both can be the men they truly are.

When Gabriel announces his divorce everything changes. Now John sees the opportunity to claim what he’s always wanted and never even dreamt of having. A life with his one and only love. A life where loneliness won’t have first stage honors. Where he won’t have to sleep and wake alone, but shared happiness with his Gabriel is a possibility.

Oh.  I truly loved this book. This story is one of war outside the military. Outside in our world, where honor and dignity are not a given. Where people will use every low move they got to get what they want. where things are not as simple as a mathematic equation. And this book has so many, many characters to love and adore.

John is such an incredible man. At his fifty-two years old, he will find out that life is a constant battle. Now he has to fight for his own wants and dreams, for a place where loving the love of his life will be alright. He will have to fight for his family and his values more than he did when he was enlisted and in the middle of flying bullets. At fifty-two, John will learn to love himself and literally change his views of what he can claim and how open he will be.

Gabriel, the Horse-Lord and right hand of the General for way too many years. What a character, what bravery and passion and fierceness. How very lovable on all accounts and how very sad on some.

This pair was simply perfect together and their adaptation through their new life was just plain beautiful. In the end, I had the vision that they would reach eighty years old and still fight side by side in perfect harmony. The fear of all their enemies.

Another beautiful character here was Kim, John’s adoptive son. In this book Kim has a battle of his own to fight along with his fellow wingman, Billy. They are victims of an abusive man and while their parents will of course jump to the rescue, they will deal with this matter in their own way.  And such a beautiful one it is. Very brave characters indeed.

So I understand I’m being completely vague and perhaps not in a straight line of thought. That is due to the complex plot this story has, too many things that link with each other.  Details I don’t want to give, because this book deserves no spoilers. All I have to say is that it’s simply perfect. A book that will be enjoyable while making you think and giving it a serious thought. A book that refers to gay military men of another generation, an older one. How they were affected by their sexuality and what it meant to them back twenty years ago. What it means to them now days and how do they see themselves in comparison to the new generation. A book that will go through the fears that inflict both generation and how they deal with them. A beautiful, beautiful book.

I had a bit of an issue with the end here, of course. It felt like there was no full disclosure, or that perhaps the end deserved a bit more intel. I’m going to wonder about Juan and what was really bothering him. How did he evolved and his relationship with his father afterward. I will be wondering about Walker senior and his son.  I know they got what they deserved, but boy did I want to read it with all the gruesome details. I’m going to wonder about the ex-wife, of course. Speaking of, I am so glad that the bitch ex-wife was not given an absolution and in the end didn’t “miraculously” change and became the all compassionate and supportive ex like it happens in most books. It was so damn invigorating seeing this character. Still I’d have loved a nice little paragraph with one final scene with her. What I did loved about the end was that it ended the way it began with Abdullah al Salim. That was perfect, and perhaps the promise of a sequel?

So at this point there is really no more to say but a final recommendation. Go read it. It’s a must.

Strength of the Pack by Kendall McKenna

TheStrengthofthePackMcKenna6-651x1024Title: Strength of the Pack

Series: The Tameness of the Wolf #1

Author: Kendall McKenna

Genre: MM / Military / Were Shifters

Length: Novel

Publisher: MLR Press (January 18, 2013)

Reviewer: Thommie

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts

Blurb: A Marine werewolf and his commander bring legends to life while surviving combat deployment in Afghanistan.

Lieutenant Lucas Young doesn’t know much about shifters. When Sergeant Noah Hammond is assigned to Lucas’ platoon, the Marine Corps’ True Alpha werewolf challenges the Lieutenant’s authority and his self-control. As Lucas learns to dominate and command Noah, he struggles against a strong attraction and deepening emotional bond. During their combat deployment to Afghanistan, Lucas and Noah begin mirroring legendary partnerships. Their bond and their power grow as they survive dangerous combat and ambushes. When one of them is wounded in battle, they both must embrace the strength of their bond before they lose each other forever.

Product Link:  http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=KMSTPACK

Review: Oh my, what a book! What a ride this one was. I’m pleasantly surprised by the shifter-aspect of this novel, extremely thrilled with the military one and overjoyed with their mix.

In this novel, Ms. McKenna introduces us to a world where Shifters have co-existed with humans for years. Legends of their excellent combat skills are mostly forgotten though, because the most rare of the Werewolf-Humans relationship, that of a Dominant-True Alpha, has not happened in hundreds of years. The secret is that in relationship like that, the True Alpha Werewolf must willingly submit to his Dominant and the results of such mating are magnificent to witness.

This entire new perspective, at least for me, was thrilling to read. Up until now, shifters in books were fighting to maintain their identity secret, while in this book its common knowledge. Werewolves are maybe a little frightening, but are mostly seen from their human peers with admiration and respect for their strength. In the Armed Forces, they are considered of great value, especially their True Alpha, since he has the power to control them all.

Lt. Lucas Young though, has no experience with werewolves; his knowledge is less than basic. He is surprised when the first wolf joins his platoon and somehow exited to meet the wolf’s Pack Leader, to ask questions and to establish routine. The last thing he expected was to have the entire Marine Corps’ True Alpha assigned to his platoon. After all, he had not received the proper training on how to work with such a powerful shifter.

To make things worse the moment Lucas lays eyes on Sergeant Hammond, strong feelings assail him, attraction being one of them. How is he supposed to work with such an incredible shifter, who resembles a Nordic God, having him push at all his buttons, constantly challenging him and be insanely attracted to him? Through his inexperience and absolute lack of guidance from his Captain, Lucas misunderstands the relationship he’s developing with Noah, and when the later submits to him, Lucas believes that it’s just a werewolf ritual concerning the Pack and buries his own “selfish” feelings for Noah. In Lucas mind, he will not take advantage as a commanding officer but will do his outmost to help the Alpha deal with his Werewolf needs.

The entire book is a beautiful introduction to combat fights, war and one of the rarest relationships ever encountered. The bond that is inevitably blooming between Lucas and Noah is constantly questioned and taken apart by Lucas’ human beliefs. While he tries to give Noah everything he needs to keep control of the Pack and be more than efficient in their war, he holds back his own feelings. Their fame grows to legendary proportions due to their amazing connection, so does their frustration because this connection does not escalates beyond their duty.

In the end it takes a severe wound to make them both see things a bit more clearly. The magnitude of how much this affects both of them is not lost on Lucas, but he is still confused from the battle tales Noah has told him. He still doesn’t believe that Noah wants him as a lover, trapped in his false knowledge of the Dominant/True Alpha relationship…

I loved this book! I loved it so much I’m re-reading it. It was so much more than the stereotypical Were-books you usually encounter and adding to the pleasure there were Marines. Incredible! So very interesting, such enticing characters, such an appealing plot. You start reading it and your heart-beat starts picking up, higher and higher while the story goes, until it reaches the high peak where I frankly exclaimed out loud “It was about damn time already”. The slow building and boiling on low temperature had me frustrated at some point, yeah. J The end was a bit calmer than the rest of this novel though. It was a bit disappointing, or it was just my insatiable side manifesting, but I wanted one more glorious battle for our human/wolf pair. It felt as if it was an introduction to what is to come on the next book of the series, and yeah I would love to read Tim’s story. All in all, this book was a must read and then re-read for me.

Wholeheartedly recommended.

 

Once a Marine by Cat Grant

Once-A-MarineTitle:  Once a Marine

Series:  None

Author:  Cat Grant

Genre:   Contemporary

Length:  Novel (197 Pages)

Publisher:  Riptide Publishing (October 30, 2011)

Heat Level:  High

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:   “Love is a battlefield.”

Discharged under Don’t Ask Don t Tell, former Marine major Cole Hammond is struggling to find a new identity. But PTSD casts a pall on everything, and his hard-nosed, homophobic father can t even bear to look him in the eye. To top it all off, he’s pretty sure he’s flunking out of law school.

Marc Sullivan is a kind, sensitive romance author-slash-waiter with a thing for men in uniform. Cole’s not wearing his anymore, but there’s no mistaking the warrior Marc meets in the diner one rainy afternoon. Cole’s sexy smile and Carolina drawl prove irresistible, but Marc’s played this game before, and he always loses. Once a Marine, always a Marine, and if there’s one thing Marc knows about such men, it’s that they all leave him in the end. It doesn’t t help that Cole’s practically closeted in public, or that he refuses to seek treatment for his PTSD.

But like any good Marine, Cole’s willing to fight for what matters. And like the characters in Marc’s stories, he’s certain that if they try just hard enough, together they can find their own happily ever after.

Product Link: http://riptidepublishing.com/titles/once-marine

Reviewer:   John

Review:  Marc Sullivan is a struggling author who waits tables in order to make ends meet after being a college professor. His passion is writing, not teaching little frat boys. Marc also has a weird fetish and that is men in uniform. Cole Hammond is handsome and the drop-dead gorgeous type of guy. He has recently been discharged from the Marines under the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell scenario. He returns to college to study law, after spending his entire professional life with the persons who turned their backs on him for being gay. He has a homophobic father, financial problems and is on the verge of failing law school. What do these to need? Each other.

I loved Marc. He was the nerdy type of guy who left everything just to do what he loves, writing gay romance novels. He has had it tough, but he keeps fighting and moving on in life. I absolutely loved Cole! He was that amazing and perfect to me. My heart broke after learning about his troublesome past. At first, he seemed dazed, lost and confused with Marc, since everyone had turned his back on him for being gay. But, he proved himself to be a charmer and a sweetheart. I don’t blame him for running away from the fact that he was gay at first and being jumpy about it. When these two let their guards down and let love fill their hearts, I completely fell in love with this story. They grew in each other arms and became one in the process.

I recommend Once a Marine to anyone who is looking for a historical and classical love story between two very diverse characters. I must warn you; this novel will take you through the biggest emotional ride of your life.

Cancel Christmas by Cameron Lawton

200x300cancel_christmas_final121218_0542Title: Cancel Christmas

Series: Yours to Command 02

Author: Cameron Lawton

Genre: Contemporary, Military Police, Christmas

Length: Novella (125pgs)

Publisher: MLR Press (15th December 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½ – 4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: The Military Police boys are back and this time it’s murder.

A fast-paced murder mystery featuring the two Military Police investigators from “Yours To Command”. Plans for the holidays are scrapped when a body is found on an Army base in Germany. Still firmly in the closet at work, they stay in a hotel and indulge in some midnight room-hopping but will Rory be able to cope with his assistant’s newly discovered dominant streak? Who killed the translator and why in such a grisly way? Is there a connection to a recent suicide bomb attack in Afghanistan? Killing doesn’t stop just because it’s Christmas, especially in the British Army.

Purchase Link: http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=CLCANCLX

Review: This book is part of a series and although I recommend reading them in order, this book can be read as a standalone. Jack is frustrated when his leave is cancelled, but is thankful for a few extra days with his lover, Rory. Working together in the British Army, they have to be extra cautious in their relationship, because discovery could ruin them both. Being called to a Germany base to investigate the brutal murder of a Territorial Army translator gives them the chance for some room hopping, but the investigation takes a sinister turn as they dig deeper and they discover a connection to a suicide bomber in Afghanistan.

This is a great story based within the British Military and following the Military Police as they investigate a murder. But, we also get to delve into the relationship of Jack and Rory and see how it’s progressing. Jack is looking forward to visiting his parents in Spain for Christmas, while Rory has New Year’s off. But, Jack’s plans are thrown into chaos when his leave is cancelled at the last minute and he and Rory have to go to Germany and get to the bottom of a grisly murder.

We get to see how both Jack and Rory struggle with the strictures placed on them in their relationship by them both being in the Army, especially with Rory being a Captain and Jack a Staff Sergeant. They are cautious, but Rory is extra cautious because of what happened in the past and Jack learns he doesn’t know his lover as much as he thought he did. We also see Rory’s jealousy of Jack’s loving family, but it doesn’t interfere with their relationship. These men are very hot together and make a well suited couple even if they are forced to stay in the closet.

The investigation is really good with some interesting characters. The language is blunt and there is no beating about the bush in this book or political correctness… all the characters are blunt and to the point. I liked the way that even though Jack and Rory’s relationship is very important it faded into the background when it came to the investigation. Because damn, was that part of the story great with both Rory and Jack using any means necessary (well nearly) to get to the truth.

I will recommend this to those who love their men blunt and manly, their sex hot and rough at times, their murders gruesome, their military British, strict and blunt and their men getting a happy for now ending.

 

Tuck and Cover by SJD Peterson

tuckcoverTitle: Tuck and Cover

Series: Rough Rangers 02

Author: S.J.D. Peterson

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (121pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (24th November 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: You may have heard the story of my time in boot camp and Ranger School in Shane Tucker’s published diary entitled Battle Buddy. Some of the events he didn’t get exactly right. Here’s the way I remember it going down.

You may have heard the story of my time in boot camp and Ranger School in Shane Tucker’s published diary entitled Battle Buddy, but he didn’t get all the details exactly right. Tuck will argue the point; but I assure you, a few facts he definitely got wrong. I don’t blame him or claim that he lied intentionally. At the time he was, if you remember, a little sexually frustrated; and it may have skewed his thinking just a wee bit. To this day, I still tease him about it. This is my take on our wild and crazy ride.

“Rangers Lead The Way!”

Owen

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/products_id/1309

Review: This story is part of a series and must be read in order. Owen Bradford is now giving us his side of what happened when he first met Shane Tucker. From the first second that he laid eyes on Shane all the way to a blissful Christmas holiday, explaining everything from his point of view.

Woo-wee, get ready to fan yourself down as we join this very horny young man, Owen Bradford, as he takes us back to his first meeting with Shane Tucker and his steady pursuit whenever he laid eyes on the sexy man. Owen wants to set the record straight, while Shane’s diary is pretty accurate there are one or two things that Owen wants cleared up… just so we all know the truth. As we journey back to the first time Owen saw Shane, we see a brash, cocky young man who set his sights on a man he lusts after and we see how his feelings change over time.

Well, what can I say, but hot damn? Owen, you are one cock sure honey, who completely gets what he wants. This time around it is Owen’s turn to tell us how his relationship with Shane started and how it all really was in his eyes. from the first flush of lust that nearly knocks him on his arse, to the harsh realizations of enduring a forbidden longing, all the way to finally getting his man. Owen has always worked hard for what he wants, he might be brash and cocky, but he is good at what he does, and after catching sight of Shane for the first time, he decides he wants that man and goes about getting him.

Owen is completely full on in this story and you swagger through every page with him. Owen and Shane are two men that together could overpower you with their testosterone. They are both macho men, who love what they do, but they also love men and putting them together is asking for passionate, primal sex, as both clash as their lust gets the better of them. Seeing things from Owen’s point of view is great, as we get to see inside his head as he himself struggle with the feelings that Shane evoked, the background that has led him into the Rangers and the determination to be the best of the best. All the while knowing that to be gay was still taboo in the army. Oh and when they exchange gifts *squee* so cute and sweet, it melted my heart.

I have to recommend this to those who love army men who get hot and sweaty, primal hot sweaty sex, passionate sex, getting to know Owen better and the faint stirrings of hope for our horny young Rangers.

 

A Ring and a Promise by Devon Rhodes

Title: A Ring and a Promise

Author: Devon Rhodes

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella

Publisher: Total-E-Bound Publishing (February 13th, 2012)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb: Careers in military service are never easy on relationships—even less so when both lovers are in different branches…and both are men.

Naval Academy graduation now under their belts, Cary Barrientos knows the reality of the upcoming separation from his roommate of the past four years. Owen is more to him than just his best friend—he is the one person Cary can see spending his life with.

Owen Marsh knew that when he became Cary’s lover, the day would come when he would have to walk away. Now that day has come, and he’s having a hard time convincing himself that it’s just sex between them. Even with DADT repealed, there is no way a Marine and a Navy flier can be together. He’s just being realistic not expecting more.

When Cary switches their Academy rings, hoping Owen won’t notice, he makes a vow—he will do whatever he has to do, including believing enough for the both of them, to make their unlikely relationship stand the test of time. But when his Marine is called up for duty overseas, can a piece of jewelry and a promise be enough to get them through?

Reader Advisory: This story has been previously released as part of the His Hero anthology by Total-E-Bound

Product Link: http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=1525

Reviewer: Adrienne

Review: This quick read begins when Owen and Cary graduate from the Naval Academy, with Cary entering the Navy as a pilot, and Owen becoming a Marine. The young men had been roommates and friends throughout their Academy years, only becoming lovers in their last year of school. While Cary hopes to continue their relationship, Owen is more self-contained and Cary all but loses hope for their future together. A Ring and A Promise follows Cary and Owen for several years, and offers small glimpses into their lives, both together and individually. A sweet, heartfelt read that neatly avoids being overly sappy despite occasionally high emotional content.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beyond Duty by S. J. D. Peterson

Title: Beyond Duty

Author: S.J.D. Peterson

Genre: Military, DADT, Slight BDSM

Length: Short (28pgs)

Publisher: Goodreads M/M Romance Group & S.J.D. Peterson (4th June 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Part of the Goodreads M/M Romance group’s Love is Always Write event. Story Prompt

PHOTO DESCRIPTION: Sexy Marine sitting on the floor, shirtless with just fatigue pants, another sexy Marine leaning down with his hand resting on the other Marine’s lower stomach. Matching tattoos on their shoulders and upper arms.

STORY LETTER:

Dear Author,

He’s been in my life for two decades. Don’t Ask Don’t Tell ended too late for us as we were months from retirement. We spent so much of our lives in the closet, hiding our love that I worry if we can hold it together when we’re out. I’m scared of losing him. For me, he’s the hottest thing I’ve ever seen still and I know he could get guys half my age without trying hard. Why would he stick with me now? But he always knows…he knows when I need him to center me—to remind me of what we have. We’re in it together to the end.

If an author selects this…I LOVE BDSM. Please, please…

Edited to clarify: I see the man facing forward as a sub and the other man as his Dom. They’ve had stolen moments over the years but never the time and privacy to truly explore their D/s needs at the level they have desired. Now they do since they have retired. I enjoy a little angst (no cheating) but definitely want a HEA. Moderate BDSM would work great. Author, up to you if you take this mind. Ultimately, author, if you pick this one I’ll be pleased no matter what you do to give my guys a story!

Sincerely,

Virginia

FREE STORY

Purchase Link: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-beyondduty-820729-145.html

Review: Gunnery Sergeant Gunther ‘Gunny’ Duchene & Macalister ‘Mac’ Jones are both Marines who are coming up for retirement, now DADT is two months from being repelled and it gives Gunny an added worry that Mac will now go looking elsewhere as he no longer has to hide.

Oh, SJD.  give you a little prompt and two military men, and you pull up your big girl panties and come up with a right sparkling little gem. Gunny and Mac have been exclusive for the last ten years, after Mac had a brief brush with blackmail. But, now as they come to the end of their careers, Gunny is starting to panic a little and he has no idea why, until it hits him that Mac could have anyone he wanted now without having to hide. Mac has a different idea about what will happen with their retirement, but he notices a change in Gunny and gives him what he needs most, together they can both lay their fears to rest.

A very well written short story that amazingly shows the needs and fears of Gunny very well (I mean amazingly because it’s so short, not because of the writing or anything like that 😉 ). Gunny has been coasting along very well for the last twenty years having Mac as his best friend and f**k buddy; although for the last ten it has been exclusive. But, now as the time of their retirement approaches he is beginning to panic as he realizes that retirement means Mac could go off in his own way and find someone new. This I found to be a very angsty part as Gunny is too scared to broach the subject with Mac and it was very telling that Gunny never even thought about himself looking elsewhere even before his revelation. Mac has his own plan and that plan very much includes Gunny, but as Gunny is a bit off kilter, Mac decides to help him clear his head with a little light bondage.

So, all in all…a really good short that was worth every penny. Oh hang on, it was free. Okay, so it was still really good and it has a very good selection of emotions that Gunny works through. The sex is mega hot, the slight BDSM is very well portrayed and carried out well, and Gunny final sees his relationship with Mac for what it really is. Mac is a very sure character, there wasn’t any doubt in his mind what he wanted, and I just don’t think he ever realized that Gunny was unsure of him.

Well, hot sexy military men, a touch of BDSM, some angst, a sharing of feelings and a happy ending what more could you want in a book? It’s free as well… fine, it’s a great story that you really get into if you read the blurb/introduction, as that gives you a good mind-set as to the main characters state of mind. I highly recommend that you read this story because it will have something for everyone.