Blurb: In the swinging Sixties, life gets rockin’ for Jeff McInnery when a new band plays at the local pub. Caught up in lead singer Danny Speed’s cool, Jeff sneaks a kiss. But being found out as homosexual could stop Danny’s hot career fast, and even land him in jail. With harsh words, Danny leaves to head for fame and fortune while Jeff starts university. On campus, Jeff meets Archie Ballatine, a history student living as openly as possible. It’s an exciting new world of sex and friendship for Jeff, but then the band comes back to town.
Review: This is a nice, short and exceedingly charming story which I realised once I got to the end is actually meant to be more like a memoir of Jeff McInnery.
In a time where in the UK one could get arrested and gaoled for being homosexual, it’s a bit like a journey of discovery into love for Jeff and his two love interests – rock star Danny and fellow student Archie.
It’s a very light hearted/rose coloured view of this time in history but the ending is just perfect!
Review: This was a cute short story with a lot of heat in it. It is part of the Bollocks Anthology. It started off with a prank and ended up with love.
Simon and Chris have been friends for quite some time. So one night they go out, Simon tells Chris that he has always wanted to moon a cop. By doing so, Simon has caught the eye of a certain cop who loved that ass. Mark was turned the hell on, and when it comes face to face time, damn he is caught.
I got a big kick out of this. I couldn’t really go into the story too much, without giving it away. It is a fast, light-hearted read with quite a bit of meat to it, which is surprising since it wasn’t even twenty pages.
I would definitely recommend this.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Rob Roy Series:Intoxicating Fantasies, #2 Author: H Lewis-Foster Genre: Urban Fantasy Length: Novella (59 pages) Publisher: Amber Allure, Amber Quill Press (16 April 2015) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts Blurb: Museum curator Aiden has thoroughly enjoyed his six-month placement in Australia, but he’s looking forward to going home to Edinburgh in a few weeks’ time. He’s surprised when he’s offered a permanent job in Canberra, and although he loves life down under, he hates the thought of moving away from his family and friends.
While struggling to make a decision about his future, Aiden stumbles upon a bar oddly named Aidan’s Intoxicating Fantasy. Unable to curb his curiosity, he enters the establishment and drinks the Rob Roy cocktail the bartender named Solomon puts in front of him. Shortly afterward, he meets Brad, an impetuous young chef.
Brad invites him back to his apartment for dinner, and Aiden cautiously accepts. He doesn’t usually go home with strangers, but he breaks his rule for the handsome redhead. Over the next hours and days, Aiden breaks more of his rules for Brad, who relishes life as much as the fabulous food he cooks.
But after a fantastic time with Brad, Aiden is more torn than ever about his future. Will he stay with a man he barely knows or leave for his beloved home city?
Review: A hot Scotsman out of place… quite honestly, this had me at Scotsman. This is a fun read and part of Amber Quill Press’s Intoxicating Fantasies series, although it is a standalone book. The premise of these books is a bit Hotel California, mysterious bar pops up and helps gives the lonely guy his fantasy, leading to his HEA.
I found myself quickly drawn into Aiden’s story. He loves his work but doesn’t like so much that he is away from his beloved Edinburgh and stuck in Canberra, Australia. I don’t mean stuck in a bad way, but five months in a country is going to make anyone homesick.
Then again, Canberra isn’t really the typical Australian city to pop up in a book either. After drinking a Rob Roy (the recipe is at the end, looks yummy!) he soon meets Brad, an Aussie who does not take life for granted. This story goes to show when you meet the right one, magic happens.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Hi guys, we have H. Lewis-Foster and A Valet’s Duty stopping by, there’s a great excerpt and giveaway and we have reviews from both Portia and Gigi! So enjoy the post and then click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~
 A Valet’s Duty
 by
H. Lewis-Foster
At the turn of the twentieth century, Henry Simpkins is a valet at Taverslow, the Earl of Wayshaw’s Somerset home. When the Earl’s younger brother, Rafe, arrives from his villa in Italy, Henry is given the task of caring for his mischievous dogs, Pepe and Paolo. As part of his duties, he also goes to Rafe’s room each night to tidy away his clothes.
One night, Rafe tentatively asks Henry to go beyond his valet duties to relieve Rafe’s sexual tensions. Henry enjoys their increasingly intimate encounters, but he’s soon disturbed to find he feels more for Rafe than mere physical attraction.
Now, Henry faces a difficult decision. Can he remain in the same house as Rafe if his affections are not returned?
Heat Level: varies from Low to Explicit with each story
Heart Rating: Overall ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts
Blurb: Bollocks as a word is a little naughty. It’s a little cheeky. It’s a little rude. And it’s the tongue-in-cheek theme for this collection of short stories celebrating all things English.
You’ll discover a bonk is not a typo for somewhere to keep your money.
A shag isn’t something thick and plush under your feet to keep them warm, though it is guaranteed to heat you up!
And as for a snog, the boys of Bollocks! I can assure you, it’s worth finding out what that Brit term means. The stories will make you laugh. They’ll make you snort. They’ll make you blush. Sigh—they’ll probably make you shake your head.
They may even make you want to catch the next flight to England to find something a little British of your own! It’s not just cricket, or jolly hockey sticks, it’s more… it’s the very British, Bollocks!
Reviewer: Pammie
Review: This anthology has a good mix of stories covering a variety of subjects, and genres. The stories range from warm and snuggly to hot and sexy. All feature bollocks in some way, shape, or form. As with any anthology, some stories are stronger than others are, but overall a good read.
Healing by Tabitha McGowan – ♥♥♥3 Hearts Werewolf meets human healer, and snuggling ensues… but not till the danger that’s threatening them both has been dealt with…
This is a shifter tale with a very relevant message about society targeting those who are different and don’t fit in with rigid ideas of ‘normal’. I really liked Immanuil and Tolly, and would read more of this pairing. Sheep’s Clothing Elin Gregory – ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts Meet Darren Murchison: self-employed plumber and reluctant werewolf…
Another shifter tale and I loved it. Darren and Gethin made a great pair, and I loved the way their relationship developed. The authors have their own twist around shifting which I like. Plus the boys are very hot. No Worries Mate E S Skipper – ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts “Who needs a partner when I have this?” Rangi said, opening his arms out as if to encompass the entire island and surrounding ocean. Who indeed…
A contemporary love story, beautiful and sweet, with two great characters who make a really hot couple. This story has the added bonus of being set in my own home country of New Zealand. Loved it. It Could Be You Anyta Sunday – ♥♥♥3 Hearts Ted has just won 15 million quid. Or at least, he would have won 15 million quid if he could find his bloody lotto ticket…
Another contemporary tale. Ted is hunting for his lost lottery ticket, while simultaneously trying to avoid hearing what his straight friend, roommate, and unrequited love Jenson wants to tell him. As they retrace their steps, Ted explains the reasons for the numbers, most of which have a direct connection to Jenson. A short, sweet story. Just Like Pulling Teeth L J Harris – ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts A trip to the dentist has never been so… interesting…
I could so sympathize with Aiden in regards the dentist, but unlike him, I don’t have a deliciously sexy guy looking after my teeth. I loved the ‘meddling’ sister who sets Aiden up with the dentist with a view to looking after both his wisdom teeth and his love life. A great little story and very sexy guys. DIY Delights Taylin Clavelli – ♥♥♥3 Hearts While renovating his first house with his partner, Mike, Duncan discovers a plethora of reasons to use his favorite word… Bollocks!
This one really didn’t hit my buttons. But if you have a fetish for the word bollocks in all its many uses, and the anatomy itself, you may like this quirky little story. In The Blue Moonlight H Lewis-Foster – ♥♥♥♥3.5 Hearts A bottom bared to a local bobby means a night out Simon will never forget.
The couple in this contemporary tale have a rather unique first meeting. A sweet, romantic story where an unusual act of spontaneity has a wonderful outcome for our couple. Written in the Stars Lily Veldin – ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts Who needs a holiday when your destiny is Written in the Stars?
I loved this story. A great mix of toe-curling embarrassment, humor, and a great honesty is the best policy ending for the guys.
Hi guys, we have a brief stop with H. Lewis-Foster and her latest release In The Blue Moonlight, there’s a cute excerpt, a great giveaway and my review to enjoy, so get to it guys and then click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~
In The Blue Moonlight
(A story from the Bollocks! anthology)
by
H. Lewis-Foster
Simon has a good job and a nice house, and according to his best friend Chris, he’s turning into a boring old fart. So it’s totally out of character when Simon bares his bum to the local constabulary on a night out with his brother’s student mates. He hopes he’s put the incident behind him, when Simon bumps into one of the officers. Simon fears he’s in trouble, then thinks he’s in luck when PC Mark Timmis buys him a drink – but life in a rural English town is never as simple as it seems.
Blurb: valet at the Earl of Wayshaw’s Somerset home, Henry Simpkins is pleasantly surprised when the Earl’s younger brother, Rafe, makes an unusual request. But a series of simple sexual favours leads to emotional drama for Henry.
At the turn of the twentieth century, Henry Simpkins is a valet at Taverslow, the Earl of Wayshaw’s Somerset home. When the Earl’s younger brother, Rafe, arrives from his villa in Italy, Henry is given the task of caring for his mischievous dogs, Pepe and Paolo. As part of his valet’s duties, he also goes to Rafe’s room each night to tidy away his clothes.
One night, Rafe tentatively asks Henry to go beyond his valet’s duty to relieve Rafe’s sexual tensions. Henry enjoys their increasingly intimate encounters, but he’s soon disturbed to find he feels more for Rafe than mere physical attraction. Henry faces a difficult decision, as he knows he cannot remain in the same house as Rafe if his affections are not returned.
Review: Henry was simply a valet that ended up doing such and taking care of two dogs. But things get rather interesting when Rafe comes into his life.
He finds himself able to love someone. To feel worthy of someone and all too happy to see how things work out.
The story is well structured and well written. It is a great adventure for those that like history, London, and romance between those that are fortunate and less fortunate. I find it is a great book to read.
Though a short story, it gives the illusion of being as good as a novel.
Blurb: Intelligent and confident, Australian cricketer Nat Seddon is one of the world’s best bowlers. He’s openly gay, but keeps his private life to himself, everything under control. But on the last day of his team’s “Ashes” tour of England, he meets Scott Alverley, England’s promising new batsman. Nat tries not to be attracted to Scott, but he can’t help finding the privileged young man handsome and endearing. Nat is tempted by a little end of tour fun, but finds himself playing agony uncle to a virgin. Instead of going home to bask on a beach, he spends a wet week in the north of England with Scott. Try as he might to resist, he can’t help falling hopelessly in love.Â
The hectic sporting calendar is a persistent obstacle to their growing romance; Nat and Scott are rarely even on the same continent. They make the most of the time when they can be together, but the months apart take a toll on Scott, professionally and personally. The possible solutions are nearly unthinkable, but if they are willing to make sacrifices that will change their lives forever, they might hold on to the love they found in the Ashes.
Review: I’m from the British West Indies so I get and understand the whole deal with cricket. If you aren’t British, then the fact that the whole story centers around cricket may not be exciting to you. But I appreciate a story that is breaking the macho world of sports.
The story begins by focusing very carefully on the two men and the people who are their immediate spheres of reference. As their relationship matures, the reader is introduced to more and more characters. This technique allows the reader to learn more about Nat and Scott as they interact with others. It also broadens their lives and the reader is able to see the characters as more three-dimensional and not just fixated on each other – they have lives, friends, families and careers which must be accounted for amidst their love for each other.
The story is told by both Nat and Scott and fluctuates between both their voices so there is a very balanced view of the characters. BUT, if you are looking for a story with extraordinary heat and sizzle, then Burning Ashes is not for you. However, if you are looking for a story that tells the tale of two men who meet, learn to love each other and face some obstacles to be together, then you will enjoy this story. Nat and Scott’s tale in Burning Ashes covers a few years and so is different from the normal fare in that while there is insta-love, the story is about what it takes for these two men to sustain their relationship past the first blush of attraction.
Blurb: Edward, Lord Hadnall, leads a hedonistic life in Regency London, along with his friend and occasional lover, Charlie Brabinger. The only blot on Edward’s carefree horizon is the insistence of his female relations that he settle down and get married. He intends to ignore their pestering for as long as he can, and continue his decadent lifestyle of dances and debauchery. But then Edward meets Charlie’s cousin, Arthur Hathwaite, a kind and honorable country gentleman.
Edward accepts Arthur’s invitation to visit his Yorkshire home and is surprised to find life on the rural estate extremely agreeable. He enjoys Arthur’s company immensely and they become firm friends. But when Edward makes an unexpected discovery, he is left in a moral dilemma. Will Edward follow his usual indulgent urges or do the right thing for once in his life? Or might he be lucky enough to do both?Â
Review: I certainly enjoy a good regency read, what can I say, the era appeals to me. This one was quite enjoyable on many accounts. It had the erotic sensuality I come to expect from this kind of setting. The language and mannerisms were fitting of the era even explicit sex scenes were described, and that made me one satisfied reader. I loved how the shallow Lord was painted, how his lifestyle was described and how in contrasts his northern noble friend was to his city gent mannerisms. There was a certain care when it came to relying gentlemanlike behaviors and attention/respect for the female family members. The expectations of “society” versus the guilty pleasures, the duty one had to their titles and station in life versus the wants and their personal longing was exquisite. All in all, I loved the writing style of this short story.
Romance-wise I was elated to see how this story developed. The happy end was to be expected, but it came in such a beautiful order. It was filled with the “romance” and the elegance the setting demanded. The growth that occurred for Lord Hadnall was lovely. He matured so wonderfully that I came to adore him in the end. All his playboy behavior shattered in the wake of noble feelings and love were simply delightful. As for Arthur, he somewhat surprised me with his surety and confidence, I expected him to be the seduced not the seducer, but the end result was gorgeous. It displayed his hunger for things he thought he’d never have with a very gentle way. He was a lovely character all over.
All in all, this was a very tasteful and enjoyable read I’d love to recommend for fans of the genre.
Blurb: On the advice of his best friend, recent unemployed graduate Paul bets there’ll be snow in London on Christmas Day. Four months later, he finds work as an au pair for newly widowed Ben and his two-year-old son. But as Christmas approaches, Paul finds himself looking to Ben for more than just a paycheck.
Review: Paul has just graduated from University and on a tip from his friend, Steve, places a bet that it would snow in London on Christmas day. A few months later, Paul is desperate for work and takes a chance on an ad for a male au pair. Something he has no idea about, but he soon becomes close to his charge, George and the little boy’s father, Ben.
This is a cute story that has Christmas cheer and an au pair to lover storyline. Paul is a nice man who tries his luck at a job he hasn’t got a clue about, and he is in luck as Ben really needs the help for his two-year old son, George. Ben lost his partner eleven months before in an accident and although he loves George, Ben just isn’t the stay at home type and George has driven away all the female au pairs. Ben and Paul gradually become close and after Ben makes some painful admissions they end up in bed together.
This is a slow and gentle heart-warming story.  It isn’t rushed and the men get to know each other before jumping into bed. Both characters are well written and the storyline is good.  George is a sweet kid who gives the adults a run for their money. The bet doesn’t have a direct effect on the story, but it is a nice tweak for the ending and it is a very happy ending.
I recommend this to those who love Christmas love, a cute kid, a struggling father and a struggling graduate and a very happy Christmas ending.
Title: When the Band Came to Town
Title: In the Blue Moonlight
Title: Rob Roy
