Tag: Goodreads Free Read

Where Willows Won't Grow by Lia Black

91SIU40v6lL._SL1500_Note: Title was free on Amazon/Goodreads at time of posting
Title: Where Willows Won’t Grow
Author: Lia Black
Genre: Science Fiction/Futuristic
Length: Novel (157pages)
Publisher: M/M Romance Group (July 12th, 2014)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts (because I can’t give any higher)
Reviewer: Kid
Blurb: Undercover agent Alex Kley is a long way from home. Six months of investigation have brought him to Willow House, a high-class brothel on Omanai Station, as beautiful on the outside, as it is corrupt on the inside. Sold into sexual slavery to infiltrate an illegal prostitution ring, Alex must find the evidence he needs to bring down the leader of a powerful criminal cartel—a man who may not even be human.

Illythe, the manager of Willow House, is a long way from freedom. The jet-skinned beauty with the face of an angel walks the halls of Willow House with serenity and authority, but underneath his cold and beautiful facade, Illythe is as much a slave as any of the young men working in the brothel.

In an undercover operation, falling in love is the worst thing an agent can do, but Illythe is a mystery that Alex can’t resist.

It doesn’t take long for Alex to realize that Illythe is not in his role by choice. Yet Illythe holds the holds the information Alex needs. The more Alex learns, the clearer it becomes that when the cartel falls, Illythe will be buried in the rubble.

In the end, Alex must make a choice: save Illythe and forfeit the mission, or leave him behind in a place where willows won’t grow.
Purchase Link: http://www.amazon.com/Where-Willows-Wont-Grow-Black-ebook/dp/B00LR78V6U/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_img_3

http://www.mmromancegroup.com/where-willows-wont-grow-by-lia-black/
Review: There are, in my opinion, three kinds of books. Those that you read and forget or dislike the ones that leave no real impact on you. Then there’s the comfort category, the ones you read and love, that feel like coming home. But there are a few, a very few, that are higher than that. They challenge you, evoke emotions, and leave you marked. For me, Where Willows Won’t Grow is one of the third.

This was not an easy book to read, it was not pleasant at times, and there were moments I was certain that happy would be the furthest thing from possible for the characters. I was not reading, I was experiencing. Emoting. Swept away in an unblinking, no-holds-barred exploration of darkness and, by contrast, the faintest glimmer of light.

Alex Kley is not a good man. Working undercover in the Sex Crimes division of the Office of Federation Security, he did whatever he had to do for the case. A rich kid who’d found a practical application for a penchant for partying, casual sex, and the occasional exotic drug, his years with the department had started to wear on his soul. When an extremely dangerous mission comes up, one which another officer hadn’t come back from, Alex is sent far from the reach of backup to find the elusive head of a prostitution ring.

From the first paragraph, we are thrown into the spiraling sense of hopelessness and desperation. This is not a fluffy novel, nor is it the sweet kind of BDSM where there are safe words and fantasy. It has graphic rape scenes, strong allusions to childhood abuse, and more than a little violence. But there is a deftness to the way Lia Black handles every moment. Everything has a purpose. Nothing feels gratuitous even in the midst of the horror.

When Alex first sees Illythe, he thinks of him as a dark angel. And truly, that’s what he becomes. Illythe is a captured warrior prince, broken and molded into an obedient slave by truly one of the most grotesque and horrifying villains I’ve ever read. His backstory alone had my gut clenching; it makes you love the character more the more you realize the terror of his life.

Honestly, I don’t want to tell you about the plot. I want you to unpeel it, layer by layer, as I did. This was a story that I consumed in huge gulps, completely unable to look away from the page. I will tell you that it ends, as it should have, in a way that, looking back, is the only way it could have. I shed tears at a perfect moment at the end, realizing that the author had given me, and the character, resolution I hadn’t even known I craved.

I’ve never read Lia Black before. Trust me, I will again. This is a story that, in lesser hands, would have been wretched. There is no way anyone but a master could have pulled this kind of horror and darkness and twisted terror out and yet balanced it so gracefully with hope and light.

I loved this story. The fact that it is sitting free on Amazon rather than gracing bestseller shelves astounds me. This book will be staying with me for a very long time.

M/M Free Ebooks ~ 08/27/2014

M/M Kindle freebie…08/27/2014
61SJ-pafJ6L._SL1000_An Alpha on the Incan Trail
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MLHRUAS/ref=cm_sw_r_fa_dp_5GH.tb1CBN725

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Tim on Broadway: Season One (Episode 1)
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Through a Fog by Hollis Shiloh
http://www.amazon.com/Through-A-Fog-Hollis-Shiloh-ebook/dp/B00N1LNFRK/ref=zg_bs_7588788011_f_23

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Orgasmo! The Wonder Man
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Uricon
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Sex and Desperate Hearts: Tales of Muslim gays looking for love
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HXXWKM8/?tag=booklinnet-20

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Of Gods and Monsters: Meneotius
http://www.mmromancegroup.com/of-gods-and-monsters-menoetius-by-wulf-f-godgluck/

Awakenings by Jayson James

22391678Title: Awakenings
Series: Part of the Goodreads M/M Romance Group ‘Love Landscapes’
Author: Jayson James
Genre: Coming of Age/Gay for You
Length: Novella (45 pages)
Publisher: Goodreads M/M Romance Group (June 2nd, 2014)
Heat Level: Mild
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 hearts
Reviewer: Tams
Blurb: Dear Author,

I’d always considered myself sort of asexual up until now. In high school, no one interested me and I was too busy with schoolwork to date anyway. I figured I didn’t have a big sex drive or I just hadn’t met the right girl. However, the more time I spend with my roommate, Ben, the more I’m reconsidering everything.

The more he walks around half-dressed the more I keep noticing him. Even if I am attracted to him, who I’m not sure that I am, I don’t think he would be into me. He seems like the type of guy that girls flock to. He couldn’t be interested in me, could he?

Requests: Clearly, I’m angling for a gay-for-you here, folks! It can be a double or single GFY, lots of sexual tension (please!), slow build romance, lots of heat. I would rather no BDSM but some light stuff wouldn’t bother me.

8758067Photo Description:
The photo is of a muscular guy in his early 20’s with smooth tan skin and dark brown hair that is combed back to spike up. He is standing behind a vacuum cleaner in a pair of blue boxer briefs with a grin on his face in what appears to be a bedroom and the picture seems to be candid.

This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group’s “Love’s Landscapes” event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo, prompt that spoke to them, and wrote a short story.

This story may contain sexually explicit content and is intended for adult readers. It may contain content that is disagreeable or distressing to some readers. The M/M Romance Group strongly recommends that each reader review the General Information section before each story for story tags as well as for content warnings.

Purchase Link: http://www.mmromancegroup.com/awakenings-by-jayson-james/

Review: Solomon, Solo, has never really identified himself as being gay. He’s never had a boyfriend, or a girlfriend for that matter. He has dated girls, held hands, and even kissed one once. But more so to fit in with what his friends in school were doing. When he gets to college, he and his roommate instantly click and become best friends. Just normal guy stuff at the start. But then Solo finds himself noticing Ben more and more, little things, like the fact that Ben prefers being naked to clothed.

Ben is an exhibitionist of sorts. At least, where his roommate is concerned. I don’t think he intentionally tried to get a rise out of Solo. He’s just not ashamed of his body and enjoys the attention that people pay it. Over time, though something grows inside him. He finds himself attracted to Solo. Where the two have always been very flirtatious by nature, it’s never been a serious attraction or invitation to Solo to pursue. But late night mutual jack off sessions and some pretty sexy dreams are about to change all that.

I’m not entirely convinced that this is a GFY story. I think this is more of a story of two young men that identify as being attracted to each other, and that coupled with the strong bond of friendship, love and trust that they have for each other already just make that next step a no brainer.

Jayson James writing style is not for everyone. It’s very raw, realistic and young at heart. While there were a few things lacking here and there throughout the story, overall I loved the way these characters were portrayed. And for the reviewers complaining about the lack of sex, you do realize that James writes Gay YA, don’t you? Not every book in the genre has to be full of lust and passion. Sometimes young men are just getting their footing and wrapping their brain around their attraction to another guy.

Great job Jayson! Loved the story, loved the cover and I can’t wait to see more from these two young men.

 

The Field of Someone Else's Dreams by Amelia Gormley

21898162Title: The Field of Someone Else’s Dreams
Series: Saugatuck, #0.5
Author: Amelia Gormley
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: Novella (46 pages)
Publisher: Amelia Gormley (April 12th 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Reviewer: Tams
Blurb: Chris Boyden loved Matt VanderVeen since junior high. But growing up gay in the Bible belt of west Michigan was difficult, and unlike Matt, he wasn’t brave enough to face the prejudice head-on. Especially when his family told him over and over, that he wouldn’t be able to attend college without a scholarship.

Back in high school, he worried that coming out would get him kicked off the baseball team or make recruiters reluctant to scout him. Eventually, Matt broke up with him when he couldn’t handle being Chris’s secret boyfriend any longer, but college has given them a second chance — if Chris has the courage to take it.

When a terrible injury puts Chris’s baseball scholarship in jeopardy, it reminds Chris of all the reasons he stayed in the closet to begin with, and his ultra-masculine father’s expectations and thoughtless homophobia aren’t helping. Baseball has always been Chris’s hope for the future, but now that dream could cost him Matt’s love.

NOTE: This eBook novelette is a re-release. It was originally published by the Goodreads M/M Romance group as part of their Love Has No Boundaries event in June 2013.
Purchase Link: NOTE: This book is FREE at the time of posting. http://www.amazon.com/Field-Someone-Elses-Dreams-Saugatuck-ebook/dp/B00JMXYYXK
Review: Chris and Matt have been in a relationship a couple of times now. First in high school, but Matt left Chris when he wouldn’t come out. Now in college they are trying to make a go of it again. But the same issues that drove a wedge between them before are not yet resolved. Can Chris come to terms with his sexuality and be honest with his conservative family about who he really is? Or will he allow his pride and appearances to cause the man he loves to leave him alone, again.

Chris Boyden loves baseball, he loves everything about it. The rush, the feeling and the sound when he holds that bat in his hand and hits the ball. But his reasons for playing may not be all self-serving. He feels the need to provide for his family, he doesn’t want to let them down. This is a huge factor in why he hasn’t told anyone he is gay either. But the time has come to make a decision. Either Chris comes out and lives his life in the open with Matt, or he stays in the closet and looses the one thing that matters most, Matt’s love.

Matt VanderVeen has loved Chris since they were teenagers. But he wants to love him out loud. He wants to hold hands in public, kiss him whenever he wants and take vacations together. Not lie about where they are going, who they are with or what they are doing. When Chris is injured and finally comes out to his family, it would seem that Matt is getting his wish. But the regret and the backlash may be more than his lover can handle.

This book pissed me off! But not for the reason you may think. My heart broke for Chris and the struggle he was going through. The conversation with his mother in the hospital literally floored me. I wanted to reach into my kindle and strangle her! Kudos to Gormley for making the emotions and words jump off the pages and really resonate with me. Matt was as understanding as could be expected, in his situation. And it’s not often that I read a story where the character is completely honest about his feelings. Matt told Chris straight up that he loved him and he would hold on, until he couldn’t hold on anymore.

I am completely in awe of Gormley’s writing style. There is something almost animalistic in her writing that is really engaging. I can’t wait to see what she gives us next. Be sure to grab a copy of this book, it’s free right now, and then follow up with the companion novel, Saugatuck Summer.

Animal Instincts by Kim Alan

13709340Title: Animal Instincts
Author: Kim Alan
Genre: Contemporary Romance {contains BDSM themes: mild D/s, mild bondage}
Length: Novella (53 pages)
Publisher: Kim Alan (August 25th 2013)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts
Reviewer: Tams
Blurb: This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group’s ‘Love is Always Write’ event.

Dr. Jordan Mackenzie has been alone, focused on his career and raising his son, for many years. He’s fine with that until one prickly young man’s intriguing quirks trigger a sudden need to take care of someone in an entirely different manner.

Calvin Sherbrook has issues. He knows it, and he can live with it. He’s just decided it’s better for everyone involved if he keeps to himself. And he might have succeeded too, if it wasn’t for one particularly hot veterinarian, a crazy old lady and her meddling dog.

Purchase Links: https://www.goodreads.com/ebooks/download/13709340-animal-instincts

http://www.amazon.com/Animal-Instincts-Kim-Alan-ebook/dp/B00ES4C28C

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/animal-instincts-kim-alan/1115864765?ean=2940044604131
*Free story at the time this review was written*
Review: Jordan Mackenzie is an openly gay single father with a thriving Veterinarian practice. He hasn’t really given much thought to dating, perfectly happy with his life as is. That is until Winston, the bulldog, decides to play matchmaker.

Mack definitely looks twice when Calvin Sherbrook walks into his office, but the big man is a loner with an attitude, so Mack avoids the attraction. But Winston won’t have it. The adorable bulldog seems hell-bent on making sure that Mack and Cal end up together.

This story was a little bit all over the place, but the premise was so unique that it kept me intrigued. Mack is obviously a Dom and though Cal is initially portrayed as the bigger, dominating personality type, he turns out to be the submissive personality after all. It’s when they each let down their guard and truly open up to the other that they are the sexiest. But ultimately, Mack’s son’s best friend and the gay match making gay bulldog stole the show! No, I’m not trying to confuse you, grab a copy and see what I’m talking about. It’s free!

A little more cohesion to the overall story and just a skoch more development to Mack and Cal’s back-story would have given this one higher marks. But overall, it’s just a fast fun read that I think you’ll enjoy.

Altered States by L.E. Harner

13704772Title: Altered States

Series: Altered States #1

Author: L.E.  Harner

Genre: Paranormal / Vampires

Length: Novella (41 pages)

Publisher: Published May 28th 2012 by M/M Romance Group @ Goodreads

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: New Orleans Police Detective Sam Garrett can’t believe his bad luck when he’s assigned to investigate a string of gay-bashings turned deadly in the French Quarter. Especially when he realizes Travis Boudreaux, his new, hot, and most-likely-straight partner, plans to use him as bait. The worst part? They’ve got no back up because the rest of the city is preoccupied by another series of killings — the victims drained of blood.
Note: This book was written as part of the Love is Always Write event for the M/M Group. It is available free at All Romance eBooks.

Original Prompt:
This son of a bitch has been underneath my skin ever since he transferred into the department. Word has it that he’s one of the best damn homicide detectives in the city, but the fact of the matter is that he’s a Grade A arrogant asshole. Pretty much every time he opens his mouth, I want to slug him – or stick my tongue down his throat, I’m not always really sure which, or even if I want to choose one. My libido doesn’t seem to give a tinker’s damn that I’m pretty sure he’s straight, and while jerking off in the shower is starting to get pretty damn old, I foresee a lot more of it in my future – because the Chief just paired us up to work a new case…

Product Link: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/886052-le-harner-altered-states

Review: This is a lovely, lovely read. No, there are no vampires starring in this novella, though they are mentioned and rumored to exist. And yes, by the end of the story those rumors turn to facts, but this first book has two lovely, completely humans as main characters and their story is fascinating.

NOPD Sam Garret is an out of the closet and proud man, with a skin not light enough to be white and not dark enough to be black. Yeah, he knows racism well. When he’s assigned a new partner, he thinks his little spot in Hell is going to get a tad bit hotter. Travis Boudreaux is hot, charming, and probably straight. That doesn’t stop Sam from banishing improper thoughts from his head though. When their gay-bashing case points that all victims are gay men of dark skin, and Travis has him go undercover, Sam believes that all his tortured have manifested…

I loved how their relationship started and escalated from there. The chemistry between this pair is excellent and they make a very intense couple to begin with. It comes as no surprise that Trav is not gay in the end, but the road they took till the moment Trav came out to Sam, how he did it and what followed after, for me that was a perfect plot, with a perfect intimate scene following. And as the air between the crackles, the reader easily captures that and the flowing emotions, the longing and the doubts that follow this pair.

The story turns a bit dark as it moves along. Not only there are people hunting and killing men right after raping and beating them, but also there are more corpses to be found, drained of blood, and rumors about vampires hunting the city are skyrocketing. Just when Sam and Trav were about to get their criminals, their case is pulled off due to unwanted media thinking they were among the vamp-victims. With no one to back them up, right at the last-minute Samn and Trav must deal with their stalkers/criminals on their own. Thing don’t always go according to plan though…

The romantic part was woven exquisitely with the action plot. No dragging there, nothing to make you feel awkward. The crime was solved in a most credible way, and the fact that the story didn’t shy away from the violence that is to be expected from such crimes was perhaps the best part of the book for me. And there are the shy tendrils of the paranormal world slowly making an appearance.

The end itself was a beautiful turn, the perfect shot of addiction, and if you had any lingering thoughts about the next book in the series, any doubts whether you’d grab it or not, they manage to vanish with a magic pop by the time the final line of this book enters your brain.

A lovely crime/suspense story that introduces you with an effortless way into a new world (paranormal) order. Strongly recommended.

 

Sticking It by K. Vale

18073228Title: Sticking It

Series:  Love Has No Boundaries

Author:  Kimber Vale or K. Vale

Genre:   Young Adult

Length:  Novella (45 Pages)

Publisher:  M/M Romance Group @ Goodreads (June 4th, 2013)     

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:   Dear Author,

I know I’m not supposed to be on the equipment after hours, but when my frat brothers dared me to strip down to my skivvies and start scissoring, who was I to say no? We snuck in and now, here I am. We all do dumb shit when it’s just the guys, after all, right? And I mean, clearly they’ve seen me before when I was competing on the college team, but I guess it’s an understatement to say that they’ve never seen me perform in such― ahem― brief attire.

Most of the guys looked uncomfortable, but I noticed one of them looking at me like he had something else in mind. He’s new and kinda one of the more quiet ones among us, so I don’t know much about him. I’ve only just started to realize that I might… well, kinda sorta totally… like guys and not girls. Is it possible he could maybe be… like me?

Photo Description: DanielGarofalibyRickDayforC-In2Underwear-Prompt_zpsb6fc1ca8

A young, heavily muscled man, with his dark hair in a pompadour, is performing a gymnastics routine on a pommel horse wearing only his underwear.

This story was written, as a part of the M/M Romance Group’s “Love Has No Boundaries” event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.

Product Link:  http://www.mmromancegroup.com/?p=3543

Reviewer: John

Review:  I loved this novel. Sticking It by Kimber Vale stars Adam and Dane. Now, Dane is a very talented gymnastic student who meets Adam after a friend tricks him and makes him do a small routine in his underwear. This little incident brings them together as one.

I liked Dane. He was hot and very sexy. He genuinely seemed to be a great guy. Adam was awesome too. He was the nerdy and hot guy that everyone loves. I felt a little sorry for Adam since he went through hell in his previous school because his sexual orientation. Now, he feels guarded and won’t let Dane in. I’m glad they managed to work something out and live happily ever after.

The one thing that I didn’t like about this novel was the fact that it was just too short. Other than that, the plot was solid and the characters were amazing. I recommend this novel to anyone looking for a short YA little read with lots of sex, love and more sex.

The Touch of Hope by Brandon Shire

18103307Title: The Touch of Hope

Series:  Love Has No Boundaries Series

Author:  Brandon Shire

Genre:   Young Adult

Length:  Novella (46 Pages)

Publisher:  M/M Romance Group @ Goodreads (June 19th, 2013)

Heat Level:  Low

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts

Blurb:   Dear Author,

I got tired of my dad using me as a punching bag, so I packed some clothes and left our apartment one day while he was at work. Life is tough, but I learned that living on the streets is even tougher.

When I thought things couldn’t get much worse, Erik suddenly appeared before me, just like an angel. Is this a dream or are the drugs making me hallucinate? What is he running from? Why won’t he tell me about his past? Can I trust him?

Photo Description: tumblr_lc8oe9Wzyw1qf2u9po1_500

Two slightly lanky, dark-haired boys are embraced, one behind the other. One boy has his hands inside the pockets of the hoodie of the boy in front of him. This small gesture hints at an unfamiliar reassurance that he plans to make his intimacy more than words will allow.

This story was written, as a part of the M/M Romance Group’s “Love Has No Boundaries” event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.

Product Link:  http://www.mmromancegroup.com/?p=3581

Reviewer:   John

Review:  I have to admit something. I loved this novel! The Touch of Hope stars Jonathan. Now, Jonathan ran away from home and has been living in the streets. One day, he bumps into Erik and that’s where the story takes off.

I loved Jonathan and understood why he had to run away from home. His dad was an asshole and his mom lived in another world. All I wanted was to hug and protect him. I loved Erik. He was strong and a complete survivor. The one thing that turned me off was the fact that this novel was just too short. I wanted more! I really hope that the author continues with this story or expands it into a full-length one. The characters were just too good and lovable.

I recommend this little short to anyone who wants to read about the sad reality that millions of homeless teens around the world have to go through every day. Trust me, it will touch your soul and leave you wanting more.

Entangled by Lex Valentine

13699777Title:  Entangled

Series:  This was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group’s ‘Love is Always Write’ event

Author:  Lex Valentine

Genre:   Contemporary Romance

Length:  Novella (46 pages)

Publisher:  M/M Romance group @Goodreads (May 29th 2012)

Heat Level:  Moderate to Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:   A rainy night brought him to me. Now, he sits nude, (wrapped in the smallest blanket I found) nursing a brandy and telling me his life story. Which I’m not really listening to, since I’m busy planning the way to make this straight buddy bend for me – or vice versa, I really don’t care, as long as we end up tangled and satisfied. Please, don’t think I’m a selfish jerk, because my crush on him is epic.

Product Link:  http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/882553-lex-valentine-entangled

Reviewer:   Tams

Review:  Short, Sexy, and Steamy… say it with me, my three favorite colors!

Daren and Taylor have been best friends for years. They’ve also been secretly in love with each other since about 5 minutes after they met. Daren never acted on his feelings for Taylor, assuming he was straight. Taylor definitely lived up to his rocker, bad boy, girl on each arm image. One rainy night after Taylor’s recent show, his relationship with Daren will change, for better or for worse, forever.

What was once thought of as unrequited love quickly becomes unconditional love in this heartwarming short. Extremely hot, sexy and passionate. Daren and Taylor explore the depths of their newly discovered long-term attraction to one another with wanton desire and years of pent-up sexual frustration.

If you are looking for something quick and sexy, just go grab this one now. Valentine manages to capture an actual story in the few pages of this novella, adding some steamy sex as frosting!

Deep in the Count by Madison Parker

17854024Title:  Deep in the Count (Love Has No Boundaries)

Author:  Madison Parker

Genre:   Contemporary

Length:  65 pages

Publisher:  Published July 5th 2013 by M/M Romance Group @ goodreads

Heat Level:  Low

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥4.5 hearts

Blurb:   Brandon plays baseball for Virginia Tech. Although his coach is confident he has a successful career ahead of him, Brandon’s not so sure. What if he doesn’t make it? What will he have to fall back on? He wishes he were smarter. He looks at his friend’s roommate and thinks he’d give anything for that confidence and those brains. Because brains and confidence? That’s sexy! If only he could get Corey to notice him, come up with a plan that would appeal to Corey’s inner geek… 

Corey’s program of study and academic standing are sure to land him a good job in his chosen career field: cryptology. Those popular kids? They think that because he’s a “geek” he’s missing out on life, but they’re wrong. He’s got his eye on the prize and doesn’t need the distractions of a social life. So why is he having such a hard time ignoring his roommate’s flirty friend?

This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group’s “Love Has No Boundaries” event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.

Product Link:  http://www.mmromancegroup.com/?p=28549

Reviewer:   Any

Review:  Madison Parker is an autobuy author for me. This short story sealed the deal. What a funny, sweet, well-developed jock/nerd romance.

What I really LOVED about the story was:

The details. This story didn’t feel generic, it felt like Brandon and Corey were real people each with their own likes and dislikes that gave them distinct personalities. Particularly the scenes from Corey’s perspective. These really got into his ‘nerd’ voice, and his inner ramblings on math and deciphering encryptions were a treat to read. It really proved to me that this character was real, instead of just being told he was super brainy, etc. So A+ there, dear author. No 93% for you. (Readers of this lovely story will get that joke).

Also, I really loved the development between Brandon and Corey. It’s only a short story, but thankfully they didn’t get it on in the opening pages. The pacing felt smooth, and except for one scene in the middle, was pitch perfect.

Another thing this book is: interactive. It’s fun with all the encrypted messages that Corey has to decode, and it certainly gets the mind buzzing: Now, what could that mean?

Well, I’ll leave you to discover the fun of this short, free story for yourself.

It’s a QT ∏ of a story.

The Lion and the Crow by Eli Easton

17855574Title: The Lion and the Crow

Series: Love Has No Boundaries (Goodreads)
  
Author: Eli Easton
 
Genre: Historical/Medieval

Length: Novella (32,000 words)

Publisher: Goodreads (June 4th, 2013)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb: This is a tale about two medieval English knights—Sir William Corbet, aka the Lion, and Sir Christian Brandon, aka The Crow. In a time when duty was everything, personal honor was more valued than life itself, and homosexuality was not tolerated by the church or society, how can these two men reconcile their deepest, most secret yearnings to love another man?

Sir Christian was raised in a household where he was hated for his unusual beauty and for the sake of his parentage. Being smaller than his six brutish half-brothers are, he learned to survive by using his wits and developing a gift for strategy. He feels little loyalty to the system that’s abused him since birth.

Sir William, a large and fierce warrior, has pushed his unnatural desires down all his life. He’s determined to live up to his own ideal of a gallant knight. But when he takes up a quest to rescue his sister from her abusive lord of a husband, he’s forced to undertake a journey with Christian. It’s a partnership that will test every strand of his moral fiber, and, eventually, even his understanding of the meaning of duty, honor, and love.

This story is offered free as part of Love Has No Boundaries Event

Product Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17855574-the-lion-and-the-crow

Reviewer:   GiGi

Review: I’ve always enjoyed a good medieval romance about knights, kings, conquerors and the rough times they lived. This is a wonderful and convincing blend of those gallant men and how an m/m romance may have played out. There is deceit, adventure, bloodletting, battle scenes, heroic rescue, and of course daring love scenes. I won’t give it away, but I love the scheme the MC comes up with to save the day and attempt to rescue the damsel in distress. If you love tales of knights and castles, you’ll love this gem of a story.

The Tail of a Dog by Summer Devon

18038958Title: The Tail of a Dog

Series: Love Has No Boundaries
  
Author: Summer Devon
 
Genre: Contemporary/Pet’s POV

Length: Short Story (36 pages)

Publisher: Goodreads (June 4th, 2013)
Heat Level:  Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3

Blurb: Dear Author,
This is me, the adorable one in the picture, yes the one on the left. You won’t believe what I had to go through with the two cuties next to me! And what will lie ahead of us? Please help telling our story!

Photo Description:
A smiling dark-haired guy in his twenties or thirties is apparently driving a car. Another man, perhaps a little younger, also with short dark hair, is resting his head on the driver’s shoulder, eyes closed, and a faint smile on his face. Behind them on the backseat is a dog, probably a Weimaraner, and all we see of it is the dog’s big head, eyes closed, its chin on the resting man’s neck. All three look utterly contented.tumblr_mg05ha7hrR1rj4an5o1_500

This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group’s “Love Has No Boundaries” event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story


Product Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18038958-the-tail-of-a-dog

Reviewer:   GiGi

Review: If you are a dog lover, this story will melt your heart. It is from the lost dog’s POV, so of course you have dog humor, odd scents, puppies, and puppy love. There is only a bit of alluded to physical love, but our Main Character, or main dog as it were, sure does do a great job of bringing her two rescuers together. Short, but sweet, and loveable if you love dogs…and even if you’re a cat person. 🙂

Prisoner 374215 by Angel Martinez

18005142Title: Prisoner 374215
Series: Love Has No Boundaries
Author: Angel Martinez
Genre:  Sci-Fi/Space Travel
Length: Novella (10,361 words)
Publisher: Goodreads
Heat Level:  Medium
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts
Blurb:

PHOTO DESCRIPTION:
While the cell is sparse and cold, at least this one has a bed. The figure resting there is too thin; too still, the prominent bones the result of long starvation, the stillness the product of too much anguish and abuse. He watches, though. An anxious, intelligent mind still occupies this frail and failing body, one that watches and wonders about the new guard occupying his cell each night.prisoner

STORY LETTER:
Dear Author,

He enters my cell daily at ten pm. He leaves in the morning at six am. He never says a word. Never moves from where he sits right beside the thick steel door. He does not beat me. He doesn’t take me to the tiled room at the end of the corridor. He doesn’t goad me, smirk when I wince afterwards, cry, or scream. I’m not sure what he does when I drift off, into deep, exhausted, pain-drenched sleep. I think he just watches. A fixture, a security, so they may state that I’m not left unattended. Sometimes I wish…

I would prefer that this is realistic, no character death, no paranormal/urban fantasy story. Sci-Fi and historical are okay though. I do not need sex, some cuddling would be fine, hurt/comfort is fine. No need for a HEA, I’m happy with a HFN or the hope for a HFN.

Bonus points if you don’t turn this into a BDSM story, and instead go for the chamber drama of prison life, potentially in a non-democratic country or dystopian world.

Please have fun writing it!

Sincerely,

Steelwhisper

Content warnings: violence, medical experimentation, attempted rape, semi-explicit descriptions of past abuse and torture.

This story was written, as a part of the M/M Romance Group’s “Love Has No Boundaries” event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo, prompt that spoke to them, and wrote a short story.

Product Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18005142-prisoner-374215

Reviewer:   GiGi

Review: I’m an admitted fan of sci-fi and this story contains a bit of that, but the main concept is of imprisonment, surviving torture, psychological manipulation, and a cunning brilliant rescue attempt. It’s dark and edgy, and intriguing. A great mind teaser!

Rough In the Saddle by Hennessee Andrews

18040767Title: Rough In the Saddle

Series: Love Has No Boundaries (Goodreads)
  
Author: Hennessee Andrews
 
Genre: Rodeo/Cowboys/Coming Out

Length: Novella (76 pages)

Publisher: Goodreads (June 5th, 2013)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb: Dear Author,
These two guys were childhood friends. They tried to hide their relationship in the rodeo but they got caught, so they ran away. That is when they found the gay rodeo.

Photo Description:tumblr_ltzqzbrhwk1qdkrbko1_1280
Two men in ball hats, plaid shirts, jeans, and boots sprawl in their seats in a rodeo grandstand. Their heads rest together and their shoulders touch, and the man on the right has his hand around the other man’s thigh. They are clearly friends, probably lovers. At the rail in front of and below them, three cowboys watch the action in the arena.

66wyvdThis story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group’s “Love Has No Boundaries” event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.

Product Link:   http://www.mmromancegroup.com/?p=2668

Reviewer:   Gigi

Review: What’s hotter than cowboys? Two hot rodeo cowboys in love. Even more that they’re team ropers. Left to hide their relationship and live separately after coming out in their small town. When another rodeo cowboy approached them with an amazing offer to work with their gay rodeo team and live on their ranch to train to take nationals, will they be brave enough to leave what’s familiar for what’s true to their souls? To be able to live and love each other in the open doing what they love, rodeo, is it too good to be true? You’ll just have to read and find out how this short, very hot, and sexy romance turns out! Great story.

Friends or Lovers by Sara York

Young businessmanTitle:  Friends or Lovers

Series:  Love Has No Boundaries

Author:  Sarah York

Genre:   Contemporary

Length:  Short (14 pages)

Publisher:  Goodreads MM Romance Group

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:   Dear Author,

It was supposed to be my dream honeymoon with my partner of five years. Yeah, I knew that he was reluctant to make our partnership legal but I thought that he would eventually be as happy to be my husband as I was going to be his. Nick tried to warn me, though I didn’t listen. It’s funny how my best friend Nick seems to be right about a lot of things lately… like how I should go on the honeymoon that I spent forever planning even though Mark and I aren’t together anymore. Taking Nick with me so that the extra ticket wouldn’t go to waste was another great idea. Just wish I knew how we ended up in bed like this…

Photo Description:
Two men are in bed with an empty champagne bottle and two glasses.champagneduo2

This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group’s “Love Has No Boundaries” event.

Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.

Product Link:  https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/324524

Reviewer:   Tams

Review:  Shane has been left standing at the altar, so to speak, by his boyfriend Mark. His best friend Nick who was already by his side is there to pick up the pieces. When Shane wakes up in his “honeymoon” suite wrapped up in the sexy giant that is Nick, all he can think is that he’s ruined their friendship for one drunken night of passion.

It’s been three days and he hasn’t heard a word from Mark, until now. Will Shane allow the man that he practically had to force to agree to marry him, that left him alone the day of back into his life? Or will he realize that the previous night of passion with Nick, a night like he never had with Mark, might not have been a mistake after all.

More of a synopsis than a book at only 14 pages, but I liked it. If you are looking for something really quick and fun to lift your spirits, grab a copy, it’s free right now through Smashwords. I’m hopeful that York will continue this story, the sneak peek I got was well written and I’m intrigued.

No Fault of His Own by Sara York

Title:  No Fault of His Own

Series:   N/A

Author: Sara York

Genre: Contemporary /Free Read

Length:  Short Story

Publisher: Goodreads

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb:   He says he can’t believe that I would fall in love with someone like him but I’m the one who is in awe every day that he loves me. I know we both have our faults but together we are perfect. The only thing that would make us better is if he says “Yes” when I ask him to marry me.

Photo Description: Two guys lying in bed together. The bed has striped sheets, mostly tan with thin red stripes. One of the guys is in jeans, the other looks like he’s wearing pj’s.

This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group’s ‘Love is Always Write’ event.

Product Link: http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/882510-sara-york-no-fault-of-his-own

Reviewer:  Cat

Review this was a very good romantic love story. I loved both characters a lot. The story was sweet and loving and just made you want to sigh and say I wish I had a love like that.

I recommend this story to anyone that loves a sweet friends-to-lovers story, Love at first sight, a sad conflict, and really hot mansex

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.