Omorphi by C. Kennedy

Title: Omorphi

Author: C. Kennedy

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary

Length: Super Novel (480pgs)

Publisher: Harmony Ink Press (Dreamspinner Press) (19^th September 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: High school senior Michael Sattler leads a charmed life. He’s a star athlete, has great friends, and parents who love him just the way he is. What’s missing from his life is a boyfriend. That’s a problem because he’s out only to his parents and best friend. When Michael accidentally bumps into Christy Castle at school, his life changes in ways he never imagined. Christy is Michael’s dream guy: smart, pretty, and sexy. But nothing could have prepared Michael for what being Christy’s boyfriend would entail.

Christy needs to heal after years of abuse and knows he needs help to do it. After the death of his notorious father, he leaves his native Greece and settles in upstate New York. Alone, afraid, and left without a voice, Christy hides the myriad scars of his abuse. He desperately wants to be loved and when he meets Michael, he dares to hope that day has arrived. When one of Michael’s teammates turns enemy, and an abuser from Christy’s past seeks to return him to a life of slavery, only Michael and Christy’s combined strength and unwavering determination can save them from the violence that threatens to destroy their future together.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4220

Review: Michael hasn’t ever really had to worry about anything in his life, he’s the captain of the track team, his best friend always has his back, and his parents are wonderful. The only thing he secretly yearns for is a boyfriend to complete his happy world, but with only his best friend and parents knowing he is gay, he doesn’t think he will be finding a boyfriend any time soon. That is until he bumps into Christy, the silent pretty young man that he develops a crush on. Christy has been through hell for most of his life, slowly healing he makes a new life for himself far from Greece and he begins to yearn for friendship and love. When Christy meets Michael, he has hope that he can find love with him, but with a homophobic jock, causing problems and a man from Christy’s past determined to reclaim Christy they both face together and can only hope that their determination and newfound love can overcome the danger they face.

This is a wonderful young adult story that will make your heart bleed for the young couple as they try to find love and peace. Michael seems to have a blessed life, but he isn’t blind to what could happen if he comes out at school. He has a wonderful support system with his parents and best friend Jake, who is there for him when needed and encourage him when he begins to feel down. Christy is a young man whose life has been hell, nobody could help him until it was nearly too late and he now has much healing to do. Christy has a long journey ahead of him as he comes to terms with what happened to him and he begins to reclaim his life with the help of his new boyfriend Michael.

This is a very touching story that has a surprising amount of danger and action for the young adults of the story. Michael and Christy make a wonderful couple even with the trauma that Christy still has to overcome, but Michael proves himself the perfect person to help Christy have a normal life. Christy may be damaged and wary but he is an incredibly strong character, Michael may not know everything that has happened but he is a very surprising astute young man, Jake is an incredible best friend and the assortment of other characters we meet make this story just brilliant. Watching as the characters pull together in the face of scorn and danger was wonderful, as each of them added that something special to the storyline.

While I would love to dissect this story pointing out everything that makes it incredible I can’t, it would take too long as there were so many things that made me unable to put this story down. While some of the story was a bit hard to swallow, like the police and bodyguards seeming incompetence and the convenient way nobody could ever find Yosef or Jason, there was some incredible understanding of the effects of abuse and how it affects those around the victims.

I recommend this to those who love young adults overcoming abuse, danger and scorn, friends and family pulling together, rescues, fear, anger and finding love.

A Broken Kind of Life by Jamie Mayfield

Title: A Broken Kind of Life

Author: Jamie Mayfield

Genre: Young Adult

Length: Novel (220 pages)

Publisher: Harmony Ink Press, Dreamspinner Press (September 5^th 2013

Heat Level: Mild

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts

Blurb: Aaron Downing is broken, barely clinging to the hope that one day, he will be normal again. His life remains a constant string of nightmares, flashbacks, and fear, but he perseveres and starts college, determined to move on.

Then Aaron gets assigned to work with Spencer Thomas for his programming project. Aaron doesn’t want Spencer to think he’s a freak, but as he gets to know his new deaf friend, he figures out he doesn’t need to be “normal.” If he could just learn to control his fear, that could be enough to find his footing again.

Or so Aaron thinks until his parents begin talking about institutionalizing him to give his brothers a more stable life. He searches desperately to find a way to cope or even to fake normalcy. But his new shrink’s instability makes conquering his demons that much more difficult, and his attraction to Spencer threatens to send Aaron spinning out of control.

Adapted as a YA edition of the novel Aaron by J.P. Barnaby.

100% of the author’s royalties are being donated to help homeless LGBT kids find safe shelter.

Product Link: http://harmonyinkpress.com/new-release-a-broken-kind-of-life-by-jamie-mayfield/

Reviewer: Tams

Review: Flashes of memories cause him severe panic attacks, attacks he sometimes wonders if he’ll forever be bound to suffer. He is scared that one day he will fall into the nightmare, a memory of the attack, and be stuck within his own dark mind forever. He remembers the debate team meeting with his best friend Juliette and the life altering events that took place after. The men, the van, the garage, the violation, the knife at his throat, his best friend screaming and begging them to stop. He often wonders why he couldn’t just die that night and be done with the hell he lives in daily.

Aaron Downing is a mere shell of a human being. He is withdrawn, anti social and suffers from debilitating panic attacks. His family has supported him through everything these past two years since that fateful night, but he finds himself wondering how much longer they’ll put up with what he’s become. He puts his feet underneath him and decides to enroll in college, he wants desperately to be able to take care of himself and learn to deal with his issues, to have a life.

Spencer Thomas was born premature, his poor young life began wrapped in another random act of violence, not much different from the one Aaron suffered. His mother was attacked and shot, left for dead, but miracle of miracles, unborn Spencer survived. There was a price to pay though, his mother’s life and his hearing. He’s been picked on a ridiculed his entire young life for being different, for being deaf. He though he’d found a man to love until his then boyfriend started referring to him as “my deaf boyfriend”, well, so much for that! Then one day he runs into Aaron, literally.

The two become fast friends and develop a bond based on trust, that grows into love. Once Aaron lets his guard down and lets Spencer in, he’s surprised how much he likes him and wants to be with him. Spencer has liked Aaron since the day they met, but he gives him his space and the time Aaron needs to decide where he wants to go with the relationship. Aaron makes unbelievable progress with his panic attacks and triggers with Spencer’s dad, but when his parents learn about this new therapy, they are less than pleased. Now that boy that lived in constant fear, being set off by the sound of a car door shutting or a simple touch will have to convince his parents that this is what he wants. What he needs to get better.

This book starts out terribly sad, but as the story progresses it becomes something truly beautiful. Aaron and Spencer have suffered more loss and misery in their young lives than most grown people ever will. But together they find solace, happiness, and love. It didn’t come as a surprise to me that the first person Aaron allows to touch him without going into a full-blown attack is Spencer.

Spencer tells Aaron, “I don’t even see your scars anymore, I only see you.” And he touches him then kisses him and it’s perfect! Aaron could care less that Spencer is deaf. All he sees is the kind, patient, and determined young man who has stood by him even during an attack. It’s also absolutely fanfuckingtastic that when the time comes for Aaron to tell Spencer how he feels, he uses sign language.

I’ve been a fan of Mayfield since his since his ‘Waiting for Forever’ series, and I loved this new book just as much. Yes it’s a difficult read and covers some very troubling subjects. At times Aaron is in such a dark place, you will find yourself almost hyperventilating, wondering if this will be the time, he doesn’t come back. Oh but when he and Spencer find each other and they begin to heal its mesmerizing. If you like books that are deeply rooted in reality with hard-core subject matter, excellent writing, and extremely supportive secondary characters, I think you’ll love this book. No naughty bits really, this is a YA book. But there is a HEA!! I warn you though, make sure you have a snack a beverage and some Kleenex at the ready; you won’t be able to stop once you’ve started!

Last of the Summer Tomatoes by Sherrie Henry

Title: Last of the Summer Tomatoes

Series: None

Author: Sherrie Henry

Genre: Young Adult

Length: Novel (246 Pages)

Publisher: Harmony Ink Dreamspinner Press (July 18^th, 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts

Blurb: Kyle Jackowski, typical sullen emo teen, struggles to find a way to deal with his sexuality and finds himself in trouble with the law… again. But instead of being sent to a juvenile detention center like he expected, he is given a chance to commute his sentence by working on a farm for the summer.

Enter Sam, son of the farm owners, who shows Kyle what he feels is perfectly normal and that he doesn’t have to hide from his feelings. In turn, Sam’s parents show Kyle that his abusive stepfather and battered mother are not the norm. With their love and support, Kyle finds his place in the world—by Sam’s side.

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3998

Reviewer: John

Review: I absolutely loved is novel! Last Of the Summer Tomatoes stars Kyle. Now, Kyle is a very troublesome kid who had a very hard life. His stepfather abuses him and his mom does nothing to stop him. After getting in trouble with the law again, he’s place under a new work release program in order to avoid jail time. Kyle, being a smart guy, agrees and he is sent to work at a farm. It is there where he meets Glenda, Walt and their son, Sam.

I loved Kyle! There were several times where I simply wanted to hug him and shelter him from everyone. His stepfather, Hank, was a complete homophobic asshole! I hated him almost immediately. I loved Glenda and Walt. They were the perfect parents and instantly accepted Kyle as their own. However, to me, Sam was the bomb! Everything he did was to make sure that Kyle felt good, happy, and comfortable. There were times where I wanted to choke Kyle. He simply founded hard to let loose and love life with Sam, but I knew the reasons why. Hank did a number on him and I’m glad that at the end, he finally saw the light and let loose.

All in all, this was a great and entertaining read. I recommend this novel to anyone who is looking to read something with a lot of heart, family love, friendship, and genuine love.

On the Right Track by Sam Kadence

Title: On the Right Track

Author: Sam Kadence

Genre: YA, Contemporary

Length: Novel (184pgs)

Publisher: Harmony Ink Press, Dreamspinner Press (15^th August 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Ryunoski “Ru” Nakimura knows all about the trappings of fame. Expelled from a boy band for coming out as gay, he still wants to continue his career in music. Too bad his ex finds nothing better to do than exploit their relationship in the press, so Ru leaves California behind to lie low in Minnesota for a while.

Adam Corbin attends a Minnesota high school and wants to coast through as a typical student. He’s friends with an openly gay student, Bas Axelrod, but while Adam plays football, he also stays away from much socializing. Blending in and not outing himself has been easy because he’s never really been seriously interested in any of the guys he’s encountered.

When Adam meets Ru in a library, Adam begins to think he’s found that special young man who might make it worthwhile to just be himself. And for Ru, Adam looks like someone he might trade his fame for, if they could be together. Ru and Adam will both come to realize that courage and love must go hand in hand if they are to have a future.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4094

Review: Ru is seventeen and already knows the pitfalls of fame. As a member of a boy band, he was dumped by his band and his record company when his then lover outed him. Ru is in Minnesota to lay low, while he writes songs for his solo career and comes across a beautiful young man in a library. A young man who doesn’t know who he is and makes him feel like the teenager he really is. Adam is sixteen and is perfectly happy to keep his head down and coast through school. when he meets a gorgeous young man in the library, he is both scared and excited and finally seizes the chance to be his true self with another person. Both young men come to realize, that to be together they need courage and love.

This story is amazing. It isn’t the usual rock-star story, but a story of two teenagers who have grown up in different surroundings and finding a youthful love. Ru has been through some difficult times, since he was outed. Hounded by the media, his ex living off the fame, and the only friend he really has is Tommy his ex-band mate. When he meets Adam, he falls for the wonderful boy and tries to spend as much time getting to know him as he can. At the same time, keeping hidden his fame. Adam knows the truth of being gay where he lives, he has seen his friend Bas badly beaten after he came out and Adam is scared to death of the same thing happening to him, if anyone found out. Meeting Ru has him being himself, he discovers more confidence in himself, and when he is outed himself, he confronts his bullies head on.

I was so impressed with this story that I re-read it immediately after I finished it. and I still loved every word in it. This story is so much more than just two young men meeting and falling in love. it’s about the family and support you have and the friends who are true friends. It’s about finding the courage to hold your head up high, in spite of the insults and abuse. And that no matter what your positions in life, bullies are still bullies. We feel drawn to the boys in this story as we get to know them and their fears. we see how they become confident and how they rely on each other for support. The supporting characters are wonderful, with Tommy being the big brother that Ru desperately needs and Bas being an incredible role model and friend to Adam.

There are many things in this story that will tug at your heart. not least of which is Bas’ speech that will hit you in the heart and bring tears to your eyes. The story is wonderfully written. The storyline is interesting and holds your attention. but, it is the characters and what they are going through that makes you love this book. The fear, depression, anger, hope, love, joy, understanding, and confidence are just some of the emotions that Ru and Adam experience and you experience it with them.

I have absolutely no choice but to recommend that everyone read this. And if you know a young gay man or a support group then donate a copy because this story might just give them hope that they are not alone.

Pitch by Will Parkinson

Title: Pitch

Author: Will Parkinson

Genre: YA, Contemporary

Length: Novel (180 pages)

Publisher: Harmony Ink Press (August 8^th, 2013)

Heat Level: No Sex

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4-4.5 Hearts

Blurb: The day Jackson Kern walks into Taylor Andrews’s classroom is a momentous day in Taylor’s life. He’s had crushes before, sure, but as time goes on, this is starting to look a whole lot more serious. Still, Jackson doesn’t return Taylor’s feelings.

Taylor has his own admirers, though. Kevin Richards is used to getting what he wants, and what he wants right now is Taylor, so when Taylor rejects him, Kevin retaliates. At first Taylor’s entourage rallies around him, but then Kevin takes his deception one step further and Taylor sees his support dwindle, teaching him the valuable lesson about who he can truly consider a friend.

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4078

Reviewer: Any

Review: Let me start by saying I read this in one sitting. I was hooked, and I couldn’t put the story down. Way past midnight I finished, and I think that speaks a lot for my enjoyment of this story. This was a sweet, gentle read and who cares if I was a grumpy poobum today, it was worth it.

The things I liked:

How well this story portrays the hopes, yearnings, and starry-eyed moments of youth.

That the book explored not only romance—in fact, that was almost a side story in this book—but emotions of jealousy, self-doubt, and above all FRIENDSHIP. And that last one was a real treasure to read.

The thing I LOVED most:

Benny. Can I just swoon now? Please? He totally captured my heart. He’s the warmest, truest Best Friend ever! I wanted to be sucked into the pages, into their world, just so I could hug him and say thank you personally.

The ‘not quite my thing’:

The last twist in the book.

I’m a sensitive wee soul, and I hate to see anyone get hurt. Don’t let that put you off reading—there’s a very sweet HEA, but I was ready for Taylor and Jackson to walk off into the sunset after the first villain of the story is exposed, and the two of them come together.

I also wished there was more baseball games. I thought Jax could have been tested on the pitch in some way. I kept expecting he’d lose a game and then really figure out who his friends were.

Summing up:

This is a fun YA story that certainly brought me back to my own days at high school and my own unrequited crushes! In some ways, it was almost embarrassing thinking I had mooned and moped about just like Taylor, but that’s what I like about this story—it feels real to me. Though I was never as rational and clear-headed as Taylor and Benny. Sometimes they were just a little too good.

I’m really anticipating Benny’s story now . . . there was one chapter in this book that was almost a set up for the next book, and I really want to read it from Benny’s point of view!

Can’t wait!

Don't Judge a Book by its Cover by Robbie Michaels

Title: Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover

Series: Most Popular Guy in the School, #1

Author: Robbie Michaels

Genre: Young Adult

Length: Novel (178 Pages)

Publisher: Harmony Ink Press (July 15^th, 2012)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts

Blurb: High school can be some of the best years of life-and some of the toughest. Mark Mitchell’s strategy for surviving is to emulate the mighty turtle: pull back inside his protective shell and keep a low profile to avoid trouble. And it works-nobody bothers him. Of course, nobody really knows him, either, even in a town so small it seems like everybody must know everyone else.

Mark certainly knows Bill Cromwell, whom he meets officially when his father volunteers him for manual labor at the school. Bill is his polar opposite: outgoing, gregarious, athletic. But when a massive snowstorm traps the two boys together for three days, Mark learns that being popular doesn’t mean you can’t be bullied or abused-or gay-and that bullying doesn’t stop at the school doors.

Mark isn’t naive. He’s seen the news reports of gay teen suicides, and he’s determined not to become a statistic. But it’s not himself he’s worried about.

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3731

Reviewer: John

Review: I loved the plot of this novel, but there were a few things that did not sit well with me. The story stars Mark Mitchell and Bill Cromwell. Mark is an outcast in his high school since he pulls back and tries to fly under the radar and that actually works for him. No one knows who he is or if he even exists. Bill Cromwell is the opposite of Mark. He’s popular, outgoing, athletic, and handsome. What do they have in common? They are both gay teens with unique families. When the two meet one day, there is an instant connection between them. Soon, they become good friends and then lovers.

Mark was a really amazing character just like Bill. The story is solid and there are few twists that I liked. For example, Bill is the one being abused at home by his alcoholic father. The only thing that blew me off was the way the story was written. There were a few times when Mark sounded like a teenager and in others were he sounded like a forty-year-old man. There wasn’t a constant narrative voice throughout the novel. There were a few scenarios that sounded unreal, but this is YA Fiction so that is fine by me. Besides that, I really loved the plot and characters.

I recommend this novel to anyone who loves YA novels with special little twists that will keep you wanting more.

Superhero by Eli Easton

Title: Superhero

Author: Eli Easton

Genre: Young Adult, Humor, Bisexual

Length: Novella (136 Pages)

Publisher: Harmony Ink (Dreamspinner Press) July 25, 2013

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Heat Level: Low

Blurb: It’s not easy for a young gay artist like Jordan Carson to grow up in Jefferson, Wisconsin, where all anyone seems to care about in middle school and high school are the sports teams. But Jordan was lucky. He met Owen Nelson in the second grade, and they’ve been BFFs ever since. Owen is a big, beautiful blond and their school’s champion wrestler. No one messes with Owen, or with anyone close to him, and he bucks popular opinion by keeping Jordan as his wingman even after Jordan comes out at school.

Their friendship survives, but Jordan’s worst enemy may be himself: he can’t seem to help the fact that he is head-over-heels in love with a hopeless case—his straight friend, Owen. Owen won’t let anything take Jordan’s friendship away, but he never counted on Jordan running off to find a life of his own. Owen will have to face the nature of their relationship if he’s to win Jordan back.

Product Link:http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4081

Reviewer: Cat

Review: Jordan is a young gay man; actually, when the story begins he is in Junior high or younger. He has two loves in his life. One: drawing and creating comics. Two: Owen Nelson, the star wrestler and his best friend since he was seven.

Owen has had two things in life that he couldn’t live without one wrestling the other his best friend Jordy. The only problem is Joey is gay and he isn’t. This is such a sweet story of two best friends that truly love each other. They have been inseparable since they were seven. It’s also a story of denial, but a feeling so strong that nothing can put a wedge between them. It’s rare to read a story of youth with such convictions and no drugs, alcohol or anything with clear heads on their shoulders and such strong feelings. All we ever hear is the stereotypical bad stuff when there are kids that are actually good, and confused. It’s sweet, pure, clean, funny, and very sensual. I highly recommended this to any true romance lover.

Recommendations: if you like young adult, clean, sweet, yet sensual stories, varsity wrestling, comics, super heroes, and fulfilling endings this is for you.

Haffling by Caleb James

Title: Haffling

Series: Haffling, 01

Author: Caleb James

Genre: Contemporary Fantasy/Young Adult,

Length: Novel (274 pages)

Publisher: Harmony Ink Press Dreamspinner (July 11^th, 2013)

Product link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3976

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts

Blurb: All sixteen-year-old Alex Nevus wants is to be two years older and become his sister Alice’s legal guardian. That, and he’d like his first kiss, preferably with Jerod Haynes, the straight boy with the beautiful girlfriend and the perfect life. Sadly, wanting something and getting it are very different. Strapped with a mentally ill mother, Alex fears for his own sanity. Having a fairy on his shoulder only he can see doesn’t help, and his mom’s schizophrenia places him and Alice in constant jeopardy of being carted back into foster care.

When Alex’s mother goes missing, everything falls apart. Frantic, he tracks her to a remote corner of Manhattan and is transported to another dimension—the land of the Unsee, the realm of the Fey. There he finds his mother held captive by the power-mad Queen May and learns he is half-human and half-fey—a Haffling.

As Alex’s human world is being destroyed, the Unsee is being devoured by a ravenous mist. Fey is vanishing, and May needs to cross into the human world. She needs something only Alex can provide, and she will stop at nothing to possess it… to possess him.

Reviewer: Pammie

Review: A YA fantasy tale, first in the Haffling series.

I found this book quite hard going, although by the end I was rooting hard out for Alex and Jerod. The fey here are far from friendly. The world is complex, and interwoven with fairy tales we all know. Given it’s YA, some of the things that didn’t appeal to me, like the TV setting used, may appeal to a different audience. Alex and Jerod make a good team, and I really hope they ultimately have a HEA. May is a thoroughly nasty piece of work, instead of trying to save her own world, she seeks to enter the human world, and rule there, using Alex as her bridge. The power struggle to free Alex from her domination was edge-of-seat stuff.

If you like fantasy, twists on familiar fairy tales, series, YA, and a HFN, this is for you.

Seidman by James Erich

Title: Seidman

Series: None

Author: James Erich

Genre: YA

Length: Novel (210 Pages)

Publisher: Harmony Ink (May 31^st, 2012)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb: In Viking Age Iceland, where boys are expected to grow into strong farmers and skilled warriors, there is little place for a sickly twelve-year-old boy like Kol until he catches the eye of a seið-woman—a sorceress—and becomes her apprentice. Kol travels to the sorceress’s home, where her grandson, Thorbrand, takes Kol under his wing. Before long Kol discovers something else about himself that is different—something else that sets him apart as unmanly: Kol has fallen in love with another boy.

But the world is changing in ways that threaten those who practice the ancient arts. As Kol’s new life takes him across the Norse lands, he finds that a new religion is sweeping through them, and King Olaf Tryggvason is hunting down and executing sorcerers. When a decades-old feud forces Thorbrand to choose between Kol and his duty to his kinsman, Kol finds himself cast adrift with only the cryptic messages of an ancient goddess to guide him to his destiny—and possibly to his death.

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3734

Reviewer: John

Review:

I have to admit that when I saw this novel and read the name, I thought I was in for a very boring book. But, after reading the first pages, I knew I had made a big mistake: I judged a book by its cover.

Seidman stars Kol. Now, Kol is a little farm boy who never seemed to fit in with his family. His dad found him weak and his brother hated him for being weak. But one day, he meets Alfdis, a powerful sorceress, and his life completely changes.

I don’t want to give the story away, but this novel takes place during the Viking Age. So you might find the names of several persons, places, and things a little bit confusing. What I loved about this novel was the paranormal element in it. I found the goddesses, gods, and spirits fascinating and thrilling.

I absolutely loved Kol. He was like the Viking Harry Potter of his era. He was very shy, but incredibly brave. Even when death was staring him in the face he stood stall and strong. I loved Thorbrand. There was something in him that I loved. Maybe, it was the way he was so overprotective of Kol. He won my heart completely and the ending was very thrilling and exciting, especially, the final battle.

I recommend this novel to anyone who is looking for a very entertaining and historical book depicting young love, magic, and adventure. Trust me, you will not be disappointed.

Banned Books by R.J. Astruc

Title: Banned Books

Series: None

Author: R.J. Astruc

Genre: YA

Length: Novella (70 Pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (June 27^th, 2013)

Heat Level: None

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb: A Harmony Ink Press Young Adult Title

At St. Peter’s, an exclusive British boarding school for boys, a teacher’s word is law—and Anthony Parker is leading a rebellion. When he is found reading a book containing “questionable content,” he receives a reprimand from the headmaster. Parker responds by secretly lending questionable materials to other students, aided by his best friend and long-time crush, Rafe.

The situation escalates when their draconic literature teacher discovers their subterfuge and compiles a banned books list. Parker and Rafe fall in with Peter Fritz, a broody outcast who’s turning the ban in his favor by buying and lending banned books to students—for a price. As the banned books library grows and hidden feelings threaten the boys’ burgeoning partnership, they discover that the challenges of growing up might outweigh the rewards of bucking the system.

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3979

Reviewer: John

Review: I liked Banned Books. It was a very entertaining read and you learn a lot about books in this short little novel. Now, Banned Books stars Anthony Parker, a normal gay kid who is attending an exclusive British boarding school for boys. Everything in his life is normal and boring until he is caught reading a very controversial book by Miss Lowry.

I liked Anthony. He was smart, young, and naive. He is in love with his straight best friend, Rafe, who loves him like a little brother. I loved their relationship and Rafe is a really nice guy. I liked Fritz. He was unique and a rebel with a cause. He hated how society works and following its rules.

The one thing that turned me off about this novel was the ending. It was so vague and you don’t really know if Anthony got his happy ending after all. I recommend this novel to anyone who wants to read a short story about a group of friends who rebel against society and follow their own rules.

Everything We Shut Our Eyes To by Gene Gant

Title: Everything We Shut Our Eyes To

Series: N/A

Author: Gene Gant

Genre: Contemporary/Young Adult

Length: Novella

Publisher: Harmony Ink Press (May 23rd, 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: Crushing on your straight best friend will make any normally outgoing high school football player withdraw from his friends. Unrequited love can do that to you. But when Dwight Varley’s mom dies, he’s also left with a burden of guilt he finds difficult to shake. To make matters worse, Dwight must cope with his distant, grieving father, who spirals into depression.

Playing it straight helps Dwight save face temporarily, but living a lie tears his insides apart. Tell his dad…. Don’t tell his dad…. Some choices seem too hard to make. Besides, what if coming out sends his dad over the edge?

A Bittersweet Dreams title: It’s an unfortunate truth: love doesn’t always conquer all. Regardless of its strength, sometimes fate intervenes, tragedy strikes, or forces conspire against it. These stories of romance do not offer a traditional happy ending, but the strong and enduring love will still touch your heart and maybe move you to tears.

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3829

Review: Oh m., the emotional charge this book has is beyond words. This is the story of a fifteen year old boy who is realizing that the feelings he has for his best friend are more than brotherly… and they are not going away. We view this story entirely from his perspective. We are inside his mind and soul, and I can’t stop thinking how perfectly the puberty phase is captured and described. The way Dwight shuts his emotions deeply inside him, the way he tries not to even think about what’s going on with his sexuality, yet never able to truly escape it is incredible. And heartbreaking.

And as if his life isn’t already messed up in all those crazy emotions, he is burdened with the loss of his mother. with the guilt that he caused his mother’s death,( that is simply a distorted notion in his head), and with a father that dives head first into depression, Dwight’s entire world keeps sinking and the way his emotions are described can’t feel more real for me. It is almost unbearable witnessing how scared and powerless this kid is. It is gut wrenching when he eavesdrops on his father telling his best friend about his dead wife’s suspicions of Dwight being gay and how he would rather have no son. And it’s downright soul-shattering witnessing this young child feeling the guilt of letting down his father, thus trying to be straight for him.

I loved this book, really did, even though there were instances that it hurt too much reading it. Even though I got too attached to the character and thus too invested, experiencing many feelings on his behalf, or perhaps due to all these reasons, I found it brilliant. I think this book addressed so many issues and problems teenagers face nowadays and with a gorgeous writing skill. I even loved how things turned out in the near end. The fact that they went even worse, the fact that it had my jaw hanging there thinking that, come on, life can’t be crueler to this kid. It was just too damn realistic and I’m a sucker for all that. My one and only disappointment was the very way this book ended. I felt as if it was too abrupt, or as if there is a whole new story there to follow. I simply wish there is a sequel to this book, because damn I didn’t get a closure from this one.

So heads up, this is not a HEA or a HFN, this is downright life-sucks-reality and while a brilliant work, keep in mind you’ll get too emotional reading this book. If, however, you are like me and in need of some serious slap in the face story, with no happy endings there because life isn’t always fun and games, then I suggest you read this one. Totally worth it.

End of the Innocence by John Goode

Title: End of the Innocence

Series: Tales from Foster High #4

Author: John Goode

Genre: Young Adult

Length: Novel (300 Pages)

Publisher: Harmony Ink (November 15^th, 2012)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb: Kyle Stilleno is no longer the invisible boy, and he doesn’t quite know how he feels about it. On one hand, he now has a great boyfriend, Brad Greymark, and a handful of new friends, and even a new job. On the other hand, no one screamed obscenities at him in public when he was invisible.

No one expected him to become a poster boy for gay rights, either—at least not until Kyle stepped out of the closet and into the limelight. But there are only a few months of high school left, and Kyle doubts he can make a difference.

With Christmas break drawing closer, Kyle and Brad are changing their lives to include each other. While the trials are far from over, they have their relationship to lean on. Others are not so lucky. One of their classmates needs their help—but Kyle and Brad’s relationship may be too new to survive the strain.

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3715&cPath=54_538

Reviewer: John

Review: I loved this novel and the previous ones as well. End of the Innocence is the continuation to Brad and Kyle’s love story at Foster High. Now, if you have not read the previous ones, you have to read them because they are so thrilling and exciting. These kids have been through hell and survived, but all of that was just the beginning.

Now, this novel, however, basically revolves around The Party. Every year, Kelly throws the party of the century and the last one promises to be the best one yet. There are several new characters introduced in this novel. For example, Sammy and Jennifer. They are so freaking awesome and I absolutely loved them! Now, at The Party, Kelly confesses to Kyle that he’s gay and he’s in love with Brad. But, unbeknown to them, someone records their conversation and all hell breaks loose.

This novel is very sad since it deals with cyber bullying. An issue that is affecting our youths these days and sometimes forcing them to choose between life and death. Sadly, many are making the wrong decisions. John Goode did an excellent job portraying this disease with his novel and I simply can’t wait to see what will happen next.

All in all, you have to read this novel. Its twist and turns will leave you wanting more.

Distant Rumblings by John Goode

Title: Distant Rumblings

Series: (Lords of Arcadia #1)

Author: John Goode

Genre: Young Adult

Length: Novel (200 Pages)

Publisher: Harmony Ink (March 15^th, 2012)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb: Lords of Arcadia: Act One Kane Vess may be gay, but he is also extraordinarily ordinary a crushing weight in Athens, Iowa, where a person s worth is measured by his uniqueness. But when he meets the school s newest student, Kane s ordinariness seems to evaporate. He is desperate to get to know the mysterious stranger and that leads him into danger. Hawk is an exile from his homeland, an otherworldly traveler with impossible abilities and a changeling bodyguard. He s generally disappointed in Earth, which seems common except for Kane. But while Hawk and Kane explore their mutual interest, the forces that made Hawk an exile are busy tracking him down. Kane s newfound feelings pull him into Hawk s shadowy fantasy world, where he learns he needs to grow up fast. Kane s life may now be extraordinary, but if he isn’t t careful it could cost him everyone he holds dear including Hawk.

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3740&cPath=816_817

Reviewer: John

Review: I absolutely loved this novel, but the one thing that turned me off was the damn cliff-hanger at the end. UGH!

After getting that off my chest, I can tell you that this story stars Kane Vess. He lives in Athens, Iowa, where being unique is ten times more important than wearing a damn label on your forehead. I loved Kane so much. He was unique and funny. Hawk, on the other hand, was the bomb. He was so mysterious that he immediately caught Kane’s attention. But as I said before, being unique was ten times more important in Athens. And Hawk was very unique.

Kane slowly begins to see that only he can see the mysterious and handsome boy. After being stabbed by Hawk without receiving any damage, Kane slowly finds himself between two worlds or…nine. For you see, Hawk, is the next king of Arcadia and ruler of all nine worlds. He, along with his Changeling protector, Spike, was sent to Athens to hide from the Dark assassins who want to see him dead so that they can take over his kingdom. Pretty cool, huh?

From the moment he made his appearance, I hated Spike. He betrays Hawk and tries to kill Kane because Hawk fell in love with him. He pissed me off so much! With that off my chest, this novel was awesome! It reminded me so much of I am Number Four and Thor. The way Hawk acted was exactly the way Thor acted in the film. Boastful and proud, but sweet and caring. I honestly want to read more. You have to read this novel. It is new, refreshing, funny and fun.

Unlikely Hero by Beau Schemery

Title: Unlikely Hero

Series: Verses of Vrelenden 01

Author: Beau Schemery

Genre: High Fantasy, Young Adult

Length: Novel (160pgs)

Publisher: Harmony Ink (Dreamspinner Press) (15^th April 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Despite the suspicions Mother Dragon shared with Celestrian before her death, he may be the last surviving unicorn of Vrelenden—though most may simply think him some crazy person with a horn attached to his forehead. Nevertheless, Trian has nothing to hold on to but hope, and he’s about to hang that hope on an unlikely hero named Renwald Mallorian. Ren may have been born an accountant’s son, but he’s longed to be a professional hero for as long as he can remember, and he’s read every book on the subject he could get his hands on. When Trian arrives and hires him to find the last remaining unicorns, Ren jumps at the offer and their quest begins.

But the evil Father Denkham is intent on obtaining the last unicorn and sets a deadly assassin on their trail. If that isn’t bad enough, they’ll face a Vampire, Dragon, bandits, and zombies. Their only hope now is for Ren to prove he’s the hero he always dreamed of becoming—but no book in the world could have prepared him for what’s in store.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3743

Review: Celestrian (Trian) has lived with Mother Dragon since he was a small foal. But, now it is Mother Dragon’s time to pass and she has some last words of wisdom for the young unicorn; find a Hero to help him look for the last remaining unicorns. Renwald (Ren) wants to be a Hero more than anything. He has read every book he could find on Heroes and adventuring and now he has overextended himself buying two Elven-made Named blades and he owes a lot of gold to the local coin lender. Trian walks into an Inn looking for a Hero and Ren is drinking and contemplating his sorrows. together they join up to go on the Quest to find the last unicorns. But, the rumor of a unicorn reaches the ears of Father Denkham who sends an assassin on their trail. But, that is the least of their worries as they face bandits, Zombies, Ogres, Trolls and Orcs.

This is a brilliant young adult story that will appeal to high fantasy fans of all ages and who like their Heroes less than perfect. Trian is a wonderful character who has a delightful outlook in life; he also has a trusting nature and believes everything Ren tells him. Ren is a bit of a bumbling Hero. He fumbles with his heroic duty and realizes that it is a lot harder than the books say. Together they make a great team who face dangers and discover a love between them that is tested to its limits.

There are many things to enjoy about this book from the characters and the dangers, but I have to admit to enjoying the bumbling ‘Monty Python’ moments best. they were absurd, funny and ridiculous but so suitable to the general feel of the book. Ren isn’t perfect and when Trian crosses his path he seizes the opportunity to take advantage of Trian’s trusting nature. Oh, he also thinks Trian is insane. Trian knows that they will face possible dangers in their quest to find any other unicorns and thinks he has chosen wisely in his Hero. When he discovers that Ren isn’t as experienced as he claimed accepts that Heroes have to start somewhere.

Ah, this book at times reminded me of my youngest son playing on his Xbox 360. Slashing and bashing as he screams at his online friends to grab health packs and dishing out his wisdom with weapon advice. The storyline is great, the flow perfect and the sexual elements we do see are nicely done. Just giving us enough so that we know what’s going on even if we don’t get all the detail, it is perfectly done for young adults. The adventure keeps you reading and so does the desperate need to see what Ren is going to do next. Trian is a great character, but it is Ren that makes this book special. Although we don’t get a happily ever after at the moment, we are left with hope for the future.

I have to recommend this to those who love high fantasy, young adult, adventure, developing love, great characters and whetting the appetite for further adventures.

The 7th of London by Beau Schemery

Title: The 7^th of London

Author: Beau Schemery

Genre: Steampunk, Young Adult

Length: Super Novel (350pgs)

Publisher: Harmony Ink (1^st December 2012)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: After his parents and family die, Seven escapes his factory job. By wits and will alone, he survives in a London divided into the affluent Fairside and the squalor of London’s industrial Blackside, where many struggle to eke their existence out of despair. But Seven has to fight for more than just food and shelter.

All over Blackside, a secret cabal of prominent citizens and the mysterious Mr. Kettlebent are snatching children. Rumor has it a wizard is controlling the queen, and the country’s most notorious villain is the only one who wants to stop him. Seven is determined to find out why.

Hired by the criminal Jack Midnight to steal the evil wizard’s spellbook, Seven soon discovers the mystery runs deeper than he suspected. But events spiral out of control and it isn’t long before the intrigue sweeps Seven into its deadly current.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3713

Review: Seven lives by his wits on the streets of London’s Blackside, dodging the men that hunt him since his escape from the factory that cost him his family. Seven keeps in the shadows taking odd jobs where he can and an odd figure of Mr. Kettlebent catches his eye. When Seven is approached to do a job for criminal mastermind Jack Midnight, Seven is pulled into a world of intrigue, danger and a mysterious old civilization. To save the children of London they have to save the Queen from a manipulating wizard, but keeping an old foe at bay is becoming difficult and joining an underground revolution is just the beginning.

Steampunk fascinates me to no end and Beau Schemery has created a wonderful Steampunk world. Seven is a great character. He is only about fifteen, but he survives on his own wits and refuses to give up. He has survived hell and although he feels guilt he is strong in mind and spirit. The other characters in this book are incredibly written and as we get to meet them they each become special to you. I must admit that out of all of them Jack Midnight is my favorite. He is a complete psychopath, but he is such an endearing psychopath that you can’t help like him. Tesla is a genius ten-year old, Annie is a young prostitute, Rat is a young messenger, Waverly works in a pub, Silas is a young revolutionary and all these are characters who make this story great.

The setting for this story is wonderful, London is split in two. Fairside where the well-to-do and the aristocracy lives, Darkside is like the slums and the air is foul, steam power is all the rage and Queen Victoria is being controlled by the wizard Fairgate. There’s a secret revolution being built beneath the streets of London in a long forgotten underground city and these are the things that Seven discovers when he is hired to steal the wizard’s journal. There is a slow love story in this book and it is between Seven and Silas. They somehow manage to fall in love while chaos ensues around them. This story is jam-packed with action, adventure, danger and hope glimmering through all the loss and devastation.

There are some scenes where there is torture and it is nasty. The person responsible, Fervis, has hunted for Seven for years, but you know the saying ‘what goes around comes around’? Well, Fervis gets his *evil cackle*. The ages of the characters vary, you have many young characters but there are also a select few adults who are trusted. I know some people may have concerns about young characters being portrayed as prostitutes and having relationships at such a young age, but the setting is 1865 when the age of consent was twelve. There is never any on page sexual content except one or two kisses shared by Seven and Silas.

I will recommend this to those who love Steampunk, Young Adult, rewritten history, spunky characters, a sweet love, an inventive storyline and a fantastic ending.

Evolution by Sam Kadence

Title: Evolution

Author: Sam Kadence

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Young Adult

Length: Novel (230pgs)

Publisher: Harmony Ink (Dreamspinner Press) (1^st May 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½ – 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Gene Sage has only ever wanted to sing, but his band, Evolution, is pushing him toward the big time. He finds it hard to focus on making musical history when he’s dreaming of graveyards and seeing ghosts. And while all he can think of is hiding who he is from a world unforgiving of anyone different, he discovers he’s also the ultimate snack for vampires and demons. When Gene literally runs into—over—his idol, Kerstrande Petterson, rock god, vampire in hiding, and music cynic, his life falls over the edge into chaos.

Jaded by the world and nearly a decade in the music business, Kerstrande thinks Gene wants to use him to make Evolution immortal in more than one way, but he can’t seem to brush aside the young singer’s enthusiasm.

Getting involved with Kerstrande drags Gene into otherworldly power struggles. Between the ghosts stalking them, the media painting supernaturals as villains, and a vampire out of control in the city, the only way for Gene and Kerstrande to survive is for Gene to embrace his powers—and his destiny.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3827

Review: Genesis (Gene) only wants to sing with his band Evolution. he doesn’t care about fame and fortune just the music. When Gene hits a man with his car, he is shocked to discover it is retired rock star, Kerstrande (KC) and his life is about to get even more out of control. Seeing ghosts and people’s auras, and dreaming of graveyards is the norm for Gene, but being the chew toy for vampires isn’t. Being attracted to Kerstrande, Gene refuses to let Kerstrande push him away, and Gene is dragged into the paranormal world that he has always ignored. Kerstrande thinks Gene only wants him for the riches and power that he possesses, but his own pull towards the young man won’t let him walk away. Having to confront old friends to keep Gene safe and fighting his own past demons, Kerstrande has to accept Gene means more to him than he wanted him to.

This is quite a good fantasy novel from a first time published author. Gene is different from most people… he can see and speak to ghosts. He can also see the auras of people and read their moods and Gene is about to discover that he is even more different from he thought. KC is a retired rock star; he’s also a vampire in hiding and one with a dark past. When KC and Gene collide, it is the beginning of a reluctant relationship laced with bitterness and resentment before blooming into more.

The storyline is one where you learn as you go. We slowly discover the paranormal beings. we piece together what is happening with Gene and what he is becoming and watch as Gene and KC struggle to find balance in their relationship. I must admit I began to like Gene a hell of a lot more when he started to stand up for himself, instead of letting people walk all over him. Some of his so-called friends were just manipulative, but some of them were real gems like Cris. KC has been used and manipulated in the past so he is very wary of Gene, pushing him away with his nasty attitude. Gene won’t give up, though, until he has cracked KC’s shell.

I will admit that while I liked this story I found it to be a bit creepy as well. Gene is seventeen and by his own admission has been sexually active for a couple of years, and what I found creepy was that although some of the men he slept with looked the same age they were much older. What I liked about this book was the paranormal aspect and the strange relationship between Gene and KC. the paranormals are known to humans and there are laws in place and there’s even a group called Preservation Group who want to wipe out the paranormals. The vampires have their good and bad, there’s an incubus and maybe a demon. It is all really vague and mysterious and you keep hoping something more will be revealed. I will also add a warning here that there is a near rape scene and some scenes of apparent orgies.

I will recommend this story to those that love paranormal, young adult, danger, discovery, a strange relationship and an ending that could mean there’s more to follow.

Fate Lends a Leg by Jax Cordoba

Title: Fate Lends a Leg

Author: Jax Cordoba

Genre: Young Adult/Contemporary

Length: Novel (237 pages)

Publisher: Harmony Ink Press (September 1, 2012)

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Heat Level: Low

Blurb: Teenage Olympic running hopeful Calvin Granger arrives in his new town angry about changing schools again and sad about leaving his boyfriend behind. Then he meets skittish cyclist Bill Moilet, and soon strange dreams and thoughts of Bill distract Calvin from his misery… until Calvin breaks his leg and his Olympic ambitions crumble.

Cal’s injury does have one upside: it brings him closer to Bill, who offers to help him out while he’s recovering. But whenever they start to get too close, Bill clams up or disappears. To add to Cal’s frustration, living with a full-leg cast proves to be a miserable experience.

When Bill finally begins to open up to Cal, the strange dreams become more vivid—dreams, Cal learns, that they share. Can the boys decipher what their subconscious minds are trying to tell them, or is history doomed to repeat itself?

Product Link: http://harmonyinkpress.com/new-release-fate-lends-a-leg-by-jax-cordoba/

Reviewer: Cat

Review: Cal is new in town and finds the new paperboy fascinating. He also finds him elusive and distant. Fate steps in and he breaks his leg in an effort to ride a bike to impress Bill. Bill has a secret and finds it hard to get close to someone he is attracted to. Ever since he laid eyes on Cal he started having some strange dreams.

I loved this story. It is such a sweet charming love story about two boys with big secrets. I loved the twist of the dreams and fate. The story is well written and interesting. Keeping you wanting to know more about the boys and also the dreams. Both boys have their struggles, both physical and personal. I was slightly disappointed at the end with the dream. I guess I expected much more, but it was still such a wonderful book to read. Absolutely charming!

Recommendation: If you like YA, friends to lovers, a sweet charming romance with a twist of fate, stories of love and destiny, sweet suggested loving sex no actual sex scenes I highly recommend this.

Tapestry by Hallie Burton

Title: Tapestry

Author: Hallie Burton

Genre: High Fantasy, Young Adult

Length: Novel Plus (276pgs)

Publisher: Harmony Ink Press (Dreamspinner Press) (15^th March 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: In Ollas, anything that stirs the emotions is forbidden by the governors—especially music. So when Tallie Tarmelin, a farm boy from a lower-tier guild, is offered a scholarship for his talent in design, he keeps his head down and follows the rules. He’s terrified of breaking one of his society’s many laws and ruining his future. But feeling lost and alone in an unfamiliar city takes its toll, and Tallie accepts sympathy from a guildless social outcast even though he knows it could destroy his reputation.

Despite the rules against casual touching and fraternizing in public, Jonis Sinter offers Tallie comfort instead of denouncing him for an excessive emotional display, and they fast become friends. Secret friends, though, because Worran, the respectable son of a governor, has asked Tallie to be his partner.

When Worran’s mother learns of Tallie’s association with an outcast, she dispatches the militia. Worran sends Tallie a warning, and Tallie flees the city and civilization with Jonis. Surviving the wilds will take every ounce of perseverance they can muster, and the rediscovery of music might be their only solace— unless they recognize the love that’s growing between them.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3694

Review: Tallie is quite happy with his life. He is about to become a Journeyman in the Design Guild. He has a Master who will guide him and he is about to accept the partnership of a wonderful man. But, it all begins to fall down around his ears when his friendship with Jonis, a guildless Bonder, is discovered. Fleeing from the militia for breaking a secret Fundamental law, Tallie and Jonis begin a journey that will bring love and hope back to all the people of Ollas.

This story is of an incredible journey of two young men who discover that the restrictive society that they have grown up with has been stifling the spirit and the joy that can be discovered in a simple life. Tallie is a young man who has gone along with the rules set down by those before him. But, when his friend Jonis breaks a law that they don’t even know about and the militia comes for both of them, they flee to the wilds and begin to discover what the Governors have been suppressing for three hundred years. Sharing their discovery with others is risky, but both Tallie and Jonis agree that the joy they feel must be shared and it begins a change within Ollas that can only make a better life.

This is a very in-depth story of a very repressed society, where anything that could entice emotions is banned and you could get punished for the simplest of touches. I found this story to be fascinating. Nobody but the governors knows what the Fundamental laws are, but the breaking of a Fundamental law is severely punished, so you could break a law and not even know about it. Jonis and Tallis’s journey is incredible as they set out to survive in the wilds while dodging the militia who won’t stop hunting them, falling in love along the way and discovering the true tapestry of life.

This story is well written and the storyline is really good. An entire society will be changed by the simple discovery by two young men. The descriptions are wonderful and at times feel spiritual, but not in a religious way, more pure and celebrating life type of way. The characters are wonderful and they pull together well. Slowly realizing that what has been hounded into them since they were young isn’t right. The characters face danger and love and they buck against a system that is draining the life out of them. They all end up on a journey of discovery, with Jonis and Tallis leading the way and having, sometimes, dangerous brushes with nature.

I have to recommend this story to those who love shaking the foundations of society, finding love, discovering joy and bringing people together, and a happy ending.

A Star is Born by Robbie Michaels

Title: A Star is Born

Series: Most Popular Guy in the School #3

Author: Robbie Michaels

Genre: Young Adult

Length: Novel (200 Pages)

Publisher: Harmony Ink Press (September 14^th, 2012)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3. 5Hearts

Blurb: Having left New York and their old lives behind them, Mark and Bill are settling into their new home in California, their jobs, and their college courses. At least Mark is, but when Bill’s acting career takes off, Bill leaves college – and Mark – behind to film around the world. Learning to live together was hard – being the boyfriend of a budding superstar is almost inconceivable. Though it’s a struggle to stay relevant to each other when they live in different worlds, Mark is committed to Bill and their relationship.

When Mark gets an unexpected long weekend, he decides to surprise Bill on location in Maui. After all, it’s Mark’s birthday, and he wants to spend it with his boyfriend. But when he gets there it is Mark that is surprised when he finds Bill and his costar in bed together. The combination of fame, fortune and infidelity seems to spell the end for Bill and Mark – until a personal tragedy drags them back to New York, where it all began, and reminds them what really matters.

Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/Star-Born-Popular-School-ebook/dp/B009B1AVVC/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1361976083&sr=1-3

Reviewer: John

Review: Okay. I don’t know how to start this review. A Star is Born is book three of the Most Popular Guy in the School Series. I loved book one and two even with their flaws. Many would have given up on the series and moved on to something else, but I kept holding on. The story continues with Mark and Bill. I loved Mark and started to dislike Bill in book two. For some reason, I didn’t believe or trust him. Now, I disliked Mark so much.

I love him as a person, don’t get me wrong, but I just can’t understand him sometimes. In book two, rumors surfaced about Bill cheating on him and Mark went psycho on his ass. Now, in book three, he caught him cheating and he takes it so…easily. He goes and has a blast with his credit card? What? I would have burned Derrick St. James’ house to the ground along with them and threw their remains into a volcano. That’s just me though. I have no idea why Mark stayed with him, but I don’t blame Bill for cheating on him either. What Mark got was coming since book two. He was not giving Bill what he wanted so he found it elsewhere. That still DOES NOT give him the right to cheat on Mark. He should have kept his dick in his pants. I guess, those two are meant for each other after all.

All in all, this was an awesome read. Yes, I hated the characters, but that just shows that Mr. Robbie Michaels got what he wanted. To have people on both sides, loving and hating the main characters. That to me; makes an awesome read. Another thing that I loved was the fact that I couldn’t find any plot holes. Maybe there were some, but I didn’t found any. That was a huge improvement from the previous novels.

Go West Young Man by Robbie Michaels

Title: Go West Young Man

Series: Most Popular Guy in the School #2

Author: Robbie Michaels

Genre: Young Adult

Length: Novel (260 Pages)

Publisher: Harmony Ink Press (August, 2012)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts

Blurb: “The Most Popular Guy Trilogy: Book Two” A few short months ago, Mark Miller was a shy nerdy kid who kept his head down and stayed off the radar. He had nothing in common with the in-crowd. But then he got snowed in with Bill Cromwell and learned not to judge a book by its cover. One thing led to another, and now Mark has a boyfriend. A “popular” boyfriend. A boyfriend who wants to go to prom with him. But Mark worries that Bill is risking too much-his popularity, his friends.

Then there’s graduation: caps, gowns, and a whole new world awaiting Mark and Bill in faraway California. They rent an apartment, join the workforce, and start college. It’s the beginning of the journey of their lives, and they should be enjoying it-but amid uncertainty, temporary separations, and bad communication, Mark and Bill have to struggle to hold on to the fledgling relationship that grounds them when the outside world seems to move too fast.

Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/West-Young-Man-Robbie-Michaels/dp/1613727151

Reviewer: John

Review: The second installment of Robbie Michaels’ the Most Popular Guy in the School Series is better than the first. The story continues where the first book left off. It starts with Bill’s birthday and continues with their journey in California. Just like the first, this one suffered from one or two plot holes that left me wondering. Also, sometimes the scenes and dialogues appeared to be a little too unrealistic. But guess what? It’s fiction! I do however; want to know what the hell happened with Sue and the jocks? Did they end up in jail? Did they get away with it? I read that chapter twice and couldn’t find my answer so I moved. Maybe, I missed it. I still do want to know though.

In California, I liked Mark and Bill together as a couple. They seemed perfect and meant for each other. Mark was awesome and geeky, just like how I like them. I started to dislike Bill after the rumors about his affair with Derrick St. James. I disliked Derrick St. James. I don’t know why, but I knew he was trouble the moment he walked into the picture.

Overall, I loved the story since it was the tale of a couple trying to make it work in life. That seemed very realistic to me. In life, there are so many trials that push couples to the breaking point. Some stay together, some, walk away. I liked that these two stuck together and proved their love to everyone even against me.

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this: