Midnight Rodeo: Belonging Anthology, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Anthology - Midnight Rodeo 02 - Belonging 960x350

Hi guys, we have Kiernan Kelly, Julia Talbot and B.A. Tortuga stopping by with their new release Midnight Rodeo: Belonging, we have a great excerpt and a fantastic giveaway, so enjoy the post and click that giveaway link! <3 ~Pixie~ 

Anthology - Midnight Rodeo 02 - Belonging Cover

Midnight Rodeo: Belonging

by

Kiernan Kelly, Julia Talbot & B.A. Tortuga

What happens when rodeos start to get too tough for humans to compete in? Midnight Rodeo, of course, where supernatural creatures like shifters and vampires work for the prize money, and for the awe of their audience.

Light a Rocket by Julia Talbot

Rocket is probably the worst rider in Darque and Knight rodeo troupe. This cheetah shifter is fast as the wind, but he only has so many lives in his cat body, and he spends more time injured than not. Raven Walkingman is the number one cowboy in the Midnight Rodeo, at the top of his game. The two seem an unlikely match, but Raven enjoys doing things no one expects him to, including Rocket.

Raven likes his relationships casual, though, and when Rocket starts talking mates as shifters are wont to do, Raven pulls up the stakes. He has his animal spirit guides, his good friends, and his fancy trailer. He doesn’t need a ragtag cheetah falling in love with him. His spirit guides know better. They adore Rocket and are more than happy to support him, and abandon Raven, until the stubborn fool does the right thing.

Tails and Whiskers by BA Tortuga

Tiger shifter Dmitri loves the rodeo. Darque and Knight has become his home, and he adores all of his new friends. Still, his past as a circus animal causes him to hate injustice, so when he meets a trick rider and fox shifter, Dmitri is appalled to find that the hot little kit isn’t allowed inside the rodeo ground except when he works. In fact, none of the entertainers are allowed in, all being contractors and thus bound to a different boss, who happens to be a greedy goblin.

As Dmitri and Isaac learn to love one another, they find growing dissatisfaction with the status quo, and they go to their friends for support in forcing a policy change. Too bad there’s a certain goblin who doesn’t want to give up control of his workers. Can Dmitri and Isaac find a way to be together, and to make a change for the better of everyone at D&K?

Freaked Out by Kiernan Kelly

Gargoyle-shifter Killian has spent his life living and working with all different sorts of supernatural folk, but because he had three forms instead of two like most other shapeshifters, he’s always felt like a freak. His habit of keeping to himself and minding his own business has been his shield against being hurt, and to aid in that endeavor, he’s adopted a stony personality.

When a troupe of sideshow performers are hired by Darque and Knight to augment the rodeo, he’s forced to redefine his ideas of what constitutes beauty and what defines a freak. Meanwhile, the hard, protective shell he’s erected around his heart threatens to crack wide open under the tender touch of Micah, the sideshow’s hideous Snake Man.

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Jay by Xondra Day

Title: Jay

Series: The Men of Buckshot Ranch 01

Author: Xondra Day

Genre: Western, Historical (1886 Montana)

Length: Novella (51pgs)

Publisher: Total E-Bound (12th September 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥ 3 1/2Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Jay Harnett’s predictable world is knocked upside down when he encounters the new school teacher, Will, in town. As their unlikely friendship blossoms, it turns to lust, love, and a whole lot more, surprising them both.

But when Will’s old flame suddenly leaps into the picture a decision must be made that will change all those involved.

Review: William Jon has fled the city to start a new life after being dumped for a woman.   Jay Harnett is a hand at the Buckshot Ranch and has always kept his sexuality a secret.   Meeting Will causes him to be a bit more daring.

This was a cute read with lots of sex but not much plot.  We get to know a little about each character’s past and what led them to the little town in Montana. We don’t get a real feel for the characters though.   They fall in love much too soon for the storyline and for such a short book there is plenty of sex and a little bit of bed hopping. I can fully understand Jay’s view of denying everything; especially in the year this is set.   And it makes you feel sorry for the two MCs that their entire lives are going to be hiding and whatever snatched moments that they can grab.

I would recommend this to those who like hot cowboys, sexy school teachers, hot sex and a HEA for 1886.

 

 

 

Sing for your Supper by Jaime Samms

Title: Sing For Your Supper

Author: Jaime Samms

Genre: Cowboy/Western, M/M, M/M/M

Length: Novella (68pgs)

Publisher: Total E-Bound (15th August 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Hunger can drive a man to do just about anything in order to satisfy it, but when it’s hunger of the heart, will past relationships keep three men wanting more?

Taylor has left home, chased out by his family because he’s gay, and pursued across the prairies by the man who violently assaulted him in his own home. Now he’s homeless, friendless and using his charm and skills learned on his knees before his father’s farm hands to pay for his meals.

Matt sees something more than a desperate whore in the young rancher who comes to his diner in hopes a quick blow job will buy him a meal. He sees past Taylor’s current circumstances to a man who just needs a clean break.

Matt sends Taylor off to his friend Jim’s ranch hoping the older man will see the same things in Taylor and give him the opportunity to start over. No one expects the visceral attraction between the rancher and his new hire.

When Taylor’s past catches up to him, and he realizes he’s put both men in jeopardy just for trying to help him, he thinks maybe he deserves to be branded the fool he is.

Reader Advisory: This story has been previously released as part of the Saddle Up ‘N Ride anthology by Total-E-Bound

Review: Taylor is running from his past and for the past six months he’s had to do things he isn’t proud of to keep going.  He is reaching a breaking point when he meets Matt.  Matt owns a diner and he takes pity on Taylor sending him to the ranch of his friend Jim.   Jim takes Taylor on and when Taylor’s past catches up to him a few secrets are revealed.

At first, I didn’t see where this story was going but I was pleased with the unconventional storyline, Taylor’s fear and hopelessness comes across clearly, Matt seems easy-going but a bit of a riddle and we figure out something unsavory happened to him in the past and Jim is like a solid tree; standing tall and true for these two hurt men.

I really did enjoy this book and I am sure you will agree that this is not the usual type of relationship that we see in the m/m genre simply because it doesn’t follow the unspoken rules of what a happy ever after should be.

I will recommend this to anyone who loves complex men, complicated relationships, hot sex and an unconventional ending.

 

 

 

Ralston's Way by Talia Carmichael

Title: Ralston’s Way

Series: Prentiss 01

Author: Talia Carmichael

Genre: Western

Length: Novella (80pgs)

Publisher: Total E-Bound (22 August 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥3 1/2Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: When the computer guru meets the rancher who likes things his way, who will have their way?

Blayne Dalton knows from their first introduction he will need all his calm reasonable skills to deal with Morgan Ralston. The rancher is aggravating and determined to avoid him. The calm he is known for goes out of the window. He can’t decide if he’d rather deck him or kiss him senseless. How do you rope a cowboy? You teach him that not everything has to be his way.

Morgan Ralston likes things his way. On his ranch, he is the one who make the decisions. Well at least he is supposed to be. When his brother decides to hire a new office manager and cook he knows it will lead to nothing but disruptions. What he gets is not what he expected. The man who becomes his office manager is not a problem to the ranch. The trouble is of a more personal nature—to his libido. Avoiding him doesn’t work. It’s time to approach this as he does everything else. After all when it comes down to it…there isn’t any other way but Ralston’s Way.

Review: I liked this book as it was a cute read.  Morgan is a typical cowboy he’s grouchy, likes things his way and has a soft heart under a hard shell.  Blayne is not your typical computer geek and he is interested in finding out more about Morgan.

The story line was good and has laid a solid foundation for future Prentiss books. Morgan is a great guy who exhibits gruff thoughtfulness and great sense of humor.   He doesn’t come across as romantic but it is all the little things that he does that shows he cares.   Blayne is smart, sexy and has a temper (with Morgan that is) and Morgan’s behavior confuses him.   He actually asks his dad about it and he’s told that Morgan is courting him.  At times there doesn’t seem to be any emotion between the two MC’s, but I think that might be because of the way things are described.   Because, the actions of the two show us that there is quite a bit of feelings involved. The rest of the characters who we were introduced to seem cool and the interaction between them as a family was heart-warming (you know the teasing, the irritating, the annoying, the little slaps and the joking) and I look forward to the future books.

This is a lovely light read that has hot sex, a misunderstanding, lots of hot men and a happy ever after, so really what are you waiting for.

 

 

The Last Chance Ranch by D. G. Parker

Title: The Last Chance Ranch

Author: D.G. Parker

Genre: Western/Historical (1863 roughly)/Kink

Length: Novella (188pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (22nd June 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: In the rough desert country of New Mexico, Ben Johnson runs a horse ranch called the Bar J. More than a business, the ranch is home to a collection of drifters, gamblers, drunks, and gunslingers, all of whom have found a second chance at life. What’s more, the ranch is a haven for men who prefer the company of other men, like Ben himself.

 

He and his young lover, Obie, deal with the everyday running of the Bar J and try to keep their ranch hands out of trouble. But when the arrival of strangers brings threats from without and within, Obie and Ben find out who their friends truly are and whether the strength of their love can see them through.

Caution: Some language may cause offence, but is correct for the time period.

Review: This blurb does not give you a full over view of this book, this book is so much more than this simple blurb tells you.

This book is from the POV of Temper Free a black man who was born free and has an unquenchable wanderlust and Obie, the ranch owner’s lover.   The POV is switched back and forth smoothly so it doesn’t interrupt the story or confuse you.   It also means that you get a well-rounded idea of the ranch, the town and the people.

What we have in this book is a story of strangers coming together as family and supporting each other.   We see Temper and Larry (a mute ranch hand) develop an easy sweet friendship that becomes more. Now I can’t say too much as it will give the plot away but when tragedy strikes and they lose a beloved character it all starts falling apart for the men on Bar J as Ben is overcome with grief and he pushes even Obie away and their relationship is on the brink of ruin. And just when things start to even out, disaster strikes again from an enemy but this time they find out who their true friends are.

This is one of the best westerns that I have ever read.   The setting is perfect and the characters are brilliant. The range of emotions that it pulls from you is incredible.   I think I felt everything from anger to fear and hope to grief. The story line is brilliant and doesn’t lag. You end up empathizing with the characters and rooting for them and yes, you also want to go and kick some enemy’s butt.

So what do I say…I say if you love Cowboys, historical, hot sex, danger, drama, angst and an incredible compelling story… well this is it.

 

 

 

Jack's Way by Em Woods

Title: Jack’s Way

Author: Em Woods

Genre: Western

Length: Novella (59pgs)

Publisher: Total E-Bound (25th July 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: When a down-on-his-luck architect meets a closeted cowboy with a cranky horse, can they find common ground or will ghosts from the past destroy their future?

Ben Morillo, a prominent architect, has a good life. He works for one of the leading firms in New Hampshire, owns his flat and stays out of the lime light. That is until his ex-lover shows up at his work months after their violent break-up, making a scene that gets Ben fired.

Jack Marr, ranch owner and closeted cowboy, can’t believe his bad luck when he has to pick up the handsome friend of his veterinarian. Convinced Ben won’t stick around; Jack struggles to protect his heart before the attraction between them leaves him broken.

Ben and Jack must feel their way through an amused veterinarian, a cranky horse and too many misunderstandings, but in the end, will Ben be able prove that Jack’s way is the only way for him?

Reader Advisory: This story has been previously released as part of the Saddle Up ‘N Ride anthology by Total-E-Bound

Review: Ben has lost his job after his ex turns up drunk at his work and accuses him of dubious business practice, as well as outing him to his homophobic boss, so he does what any self-respecting person does…he flees to his best friend. Jack is hit with instant lust when he sees his vet’s best friend.   As the relationship progresses Jack knows that the man will leave even when he promises to come back.

I found this book delightful as well as frustrating as these two men just didn’t know how to open up to each other.  Both of them trying to protect themselves against hurt.   Ben, because of his ex, learning to trust his instincts again and trusting that not all men are like his ex.   And Jack, because of something in his past that convinced him that he will always be left behind. These two men complement each other very well, the sex is hot and the storyline is good.  Hopefully we will get to see a story about Matt (the vet) in the future as what we see of him here will whet your appetite.

So I would recommend this for those who like hot sex, a bit of angst and a happy ever after because I really enjoyed it.

 

 

New Tricks by Kate Sherwood

Title: New Tricks

Author: Kate Sherwood

Genre: Western

Length: Short Story (31pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (7th September 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

New Tricks is the Sequel to Shying Away also by Kate Sherwood.

Blurb: Quinn Donahue’s put in a long, hard day at his lover Aaron Miller’s family horse farm, and he’s looking forward to a hot bath and a good night’s sleep. But that’s before he finds Aaron waiting for him in their dark apartment, apparently in the mood to play a game. Aaron was a virgin when he’d hooked up with Quinn, while Quinn was the furthest thing from innocent. So if Aaron wants to experiment a little, then Quinn feels privileged to play along.

Review: Aaron has it all planned out, the perfect evening for himself and Quinn and nothing is going to interrupt it not even Quinn. Quinn worries when he gets home and it’s all dark, until Aaron surprises him.

This is a beautiful little short story, it’s well written and delves in D/s but only with light rope play, and is used more as a ploy than serious D/s play.

I really do like the way that Aaron has arranged the night as Quinn doesn’t get what the true purpose for the night is really about until near the end, and the way that Aaron has gone about proving himself to Quinn was brilliant as I really don’t think any other way would have worked. So for those of us wondering what had become of Aaron and Quinn after Shying Away this is a wonderful little glimpse in their lives at a pivotal time for them.

I would recommend this to anyone who loved Shying Away and also to those who want a sweet short that is hot, erotic and romantic.

 

 

 

 

 

Simple Treasures by Alan Chin

Title: Simple Treasures

Author: Alan Chin

Genre: Western/Native Indian/Native American

Length: Novella

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (August 30, 2011)

Heat Level: Mild

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 1/2Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Newly released from a mental institution, Simple’s first job is caring for Emmett, a crusty drunkard dying of cancer on a ranch in Utah. Simple’s first fragile friendship is with Emmett’s grandson Jude, a gay youth in Gothic drag who gets nothing but grief from his grandfather. In an attempt to help both men, Simple, a Shoshone Indian decides to perform a ceremony that will save Emmett by transferring his spirit into the body of a falcon.

Working to capture a falcon will bring Emmett and Jude closer as Jude and Simple’s growing love for each other blossoms, but all is not well. When the ranch, Jude’s future, and Simple’s happiness are threatened, more than Emmett’s spirit faces a bleak future.

Review: This is not your usual romance; this book touches you with its simplicity. There are no huge sex scenes, there’s some conflict but mostly it’s about life.

Simple has just been released from a mental institution where he did not belong.  he doesn’t look back just forward.   he reads the last ten pages in his journal every day; as he can now no longer remember anything from the day before, he writes his life down so he can manage.  Jude wants to live his life away from this town; he plans to move to San Francisco as soon as he has enough money.   Simple fascinates him and he plans to get to know him better.

At first, I thought that Simple truly was nuts, but he really isn’t.   he is just very immersed in his Indian roots. His interaction with Emmett is brilliant and his encouragement to Jude in reconnecting with his grandfather is good.  I thought Emmett was brilliant for such an ornery old man and the way he embarked on becoming a warrior.  Jude starts to change and maybe learn some control.

There were one or two things that I wasn’t sure about and was left too unresolved for me, what happened to the guys from the Institute that tried to grab Simple? What about the men that Lance tried to sell the ranch to?

I really enjoyed this book and recommend this to anyone who wants a simple gentle romance.

 

 

 

Lorcan's Desire by SJD Peterson

Title: Lorcan’s Desire

Series: Whispering Pines Ranch 01

Author: S.J.D. Peterson

Genre: Western

Length: Novel

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (May 30, 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb:  Despite the loving support of his family, Lorcan James wants to try life on his own, so at twenty-one, he finds himself walking half way across the country in search of adventure. What he finds is desperation, desperation that leads him straight to the Whispering Pines Ranch and right into the path of its strong, arrogant, gorgeous owner, who awakens something in Lorcan he didn’t even know, existed.

Quinn Taylor is up to his neck in grief and frustration dealing with a neighboring rancher who wants nothing more than to see him go belly-up. He doesn’t need more complications, but from the moment he lays eyes on Lorcan, his world turns upside down. Despite finding in Quinn what his heart craves, Lorcan refuses to be Quinn’s dirty little secret—and Quinn isn’t the only one vying for Lorcan’s attention. Ranch hand Jess will happily declare his love for Lorcan to the world, something Quinn won’t offer—something Lorcan needs above all else.

Review:  Now don’t fall over in shock, but I had no choice but to give this book a 5 heart rating. Yes, I know, I’m more of a 4 heart rating kinda girl, but what can I say, this book is brilliant and the author is evil for the way we have been left hanging and panting for the next book.

I am not giving anything away about this book because you have to experience it for yourself but this I will tell you; we get to know the characters well, we end up loving and hating them and wishing they were real so we can shout at them and tell them to pull their heads out of their butt’s. And I mean the three main characters here; the supporting characters are lovable and sweet.

You end up nodding your head in understanding, shaking your head in bewilderment and muttering to yourself about stupid men who just don’t talk. The sex scenes are hot, the frustration and disappointment feel real and the heartbreak is touching, this book does not end how you want it to (no matter how you beg and plead it to), which is why I am waiting with hope for the sequel. I actually want to do a Kathy Bates (for those of you who haven’t heard of her read Misery by Stephen King) and make this author write at least 5,000 pages more, but I suppose I will have to wait just like everyone else for books 2 & 3. Just don’t make me wait too long… Bwahaha Mwahaha. (Sorry that just slipped out. Lol)

So what would I recommend…? Get the book, read it, and then hang there for ages waiting for the next one. (Yeah ‘cuz I have to (boo hoo)) Buy the book and wait for the other books to be released. (Wish I had that option) but whichever one you decide to do I will always recommend that you buy this book ‘cuz it is BRILLIANT.