Tag: John’s reviews

Treasure of a Thousand Worlds by Shannon Rouchelle

A1waNTur6VL._SL1500_Title:  Treasure of a Thousand Worlds

Series:  Dalton Twin Mysteries #1

Author:  Shannon Rouchelle

Genre:   Fantasy, Young Adult

Length:  Novella (143 Pages)

Publisher:  Devine Destinies, Extasy Books (August 1, 2013)

Heat Level:  Low

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts

Blurb:   After the tragic death of their mother, Daniel and Ben Dalton are left orphaned and forced to move in with a neighbor.

Soon after, questions about their past begin to surface. The boys discover an eagle key and map that takes them from their home in New York to a pirate world. This startling discovery opens the doors to a whirlwind adventure filled with mystery and danger.

With fierce pirates in search of the lost treasure, Daniel and Ben must cross the high seas, battle evil villains, and trek through dangerous jungles, to unlock the mystery of a thousand worlds.

Product Link:  http://www.devinedestinies.com/treasure-of-a-thousand-worlds/

Reviewer:   John

Review:  Treasure of a Thousand Worlds is a young fantasy novel by Shannon Rouchelle. It is the first book published under of the Dalton Twin Mysteries Series. The story stars Daniel Dalton and his twin brother Ben Dalton. After the sudden death of their mother, who was a single parent, the Dalton Twins find themselves inside a new world full of mysteries and adventure.

I liked this novel. I felt so sorry for Daniel and Ben. They lost their mom and had to move in with Miss Roth, a crazy old lady. I love the relationship between the teens and their struggles to build their life after their mom died and the mystery quest that followed it. But, sadly, that’s about it.

What I didn’t like about this novel was the fact that it didn’t contain any M/M Romance. Both of the main characters were straight. Another thing that was a huge turned off was the fact that this novel was just too short. It also seemed to be too fast-paced. One second they are here and the next, they are there. This novel would be much better if it was longer and even slow-paced.

What I really loved about this novel, was the plot. It was very solid, cool, fresh, and new. I love YA Fantasy novels with amazing little twists. Yes, this was too fast-paced for me and it didn’t contain a M/M Romance, but there’s no denying that author is very talented and really good.

I recommend this novel to anyone who loves short YA Fantasy novels, pirates, a good mystery, adventure, and a solid coming of age plot.

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.

Tuckersburg by Raven de Hart

51HxlMZgQYLitle:  Tuckersburg

Series:  None

Author:  Raven de Hart

Genre:   Young Adult

Length:  Short (15 Pages)

Publisher:  Torquere Press (July 22nd, 2013)

Heat Level:  Medium

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts

Blurb:   In Tuckersburg, not a lot changes. School gets out for summer, Lydia forces her fried chicken Jell-O mold on everyone at the town’s summer picnic, and Skyler doesn’t get laid. It takes an outside force to change that paradigm, an outside force named Alex. He’s cute, he’s gay, and he finds Skyler attractive: just what Skyler always wanted. But in a small town like Tuckersburg, can they find the opportunity to act on their urges?

Product Link:  http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=3944

Reviewer:   John

Review:  Tuckersburg by Raven de Hart is very short novel staring Alex and Skyler. Now, these two met during the big barbecue that their town held every year. But, that was enough to let this two start and ignite.

I liked Alex and Skyler. Alex seemed like a very shy and nerdy guy while Skyler seemed very cool and down to earth. The one thing I didn’t like about this little novel was the fact that it was just too short. It almost seemed like a lost chapter of a longer one. I think that the author would benefit greatly by turning this into a full-length one.

I recommend this one to anyone who loves short YA novels with steamy hot sex or to anyone looking for a very short and enjoyable read.

Gay Honeymoon by Susan Reaves

81f5+WiPNqL._SL1500_Title: Gay Honeymoon

Series:  None

Author:  Susan Reaves

Genre:   Contemporary/Erotica

Length:  Novel (249 Pages)

Publisher:  Amazon Digital Services, Inc. (July 19th, 2013) 

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts       

Blurb:   Ever wonder how gay men in sparsely populated rural areas find love and romance? Kismet, serendipity, synchronicity, faith?

Toby lives in the remote reaches of California’s Lost Coast in Humboldt County. He tends a country store, post office, and fishing resort in Honeydew with his Uncles Butch and Jimmy, a married couple. Toby turns twenty and comes out to his uncles on his birthday- just before Halloween 2012. Together they all scheme to find him a boyfriend.

Along comes twenty-five-year-old Jacob, college grad and a former LDS missionary. Jacob is a delivery driver out of Eureka, newly assigned to ride in once a week with merchandise for their general store. The four men become fast friends and Jacob reveals that he had fallen in love with his missionary companion who dumped him at the conclusion of their mission in order to marry his high school sweetheart. Jacob came out after finishing college, was disowned by his parents and left the church. After grieving his losses, he is looking for true love.

The country gentlemen woo Jacob as a suitable suitor for Toby and sparks fly.

A first kiss at Thanksgiving leads to a whirlwind romance, a Christmas Eve engagement, a community coming out on New Year’s Eve and a Valentine’s Day wedding in New York.

Join Toby and Jacob both in and out of the bedroom. Watch their romance unfold while the nation is poised to start the tidal wave of LGBT Marriage Equality state by state that began with the 2012 election.

18+ for homoerotic content along with a sweet romance and coming of age love story.

Product Link:  http://www.amazon.com/Gay-Honeymoon-ebook/dp/B00E1VTTTC

Reviewer:   John

Review:  Oh my God! I absolutely loved this novel! Gay Honeymoon stars Toby. Now, Toby lost his dad at the World Trade Center in 9/11 and his mom a few years later. He was left all alone, but his Uncle Butch took him in and raised him as his own along with his loving partner, Jimmy. Toby, now twenty, is looking for the love of his life and he finds it, the amazing and incredible Jacob.

I loved Toby. He was very shy and quiet, but really loving and caring. I was left heartbroken after reading about his parents. That was just so tragic and sad. However, I was so happy that his Uncle Butch and Jimmy took him in. Those two were just so amazing and loving, the coolest uncles walking the face of the planet! Now, Jacob was the bomb! I fell for him instantly and I was saddened by his past as well. I was so glad that Toby and Jacob found each other because those two deserved each other.

What I liked the most about this novel was the fact that it was so realistic. There wasn’t any bizarre plot or crazy storyline that made you turn left and right, losing your way. The writing was perfect and engaging. It really showed that the author took her time doing her research and editing it thoroughly. Another thing that I loved was how religious and united the characters were. Yes, life has been hard with them, but they still kept pushing forward. I must warn you though, this novel is steamy hot. There are so many sex scenes that they will leave you at the edge of your seat.

All in all, this was an amazing little read. I recommend this novel to anyone who wants to read a very loving story about family, friendship, love, religion, life, and hot steamy 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.

Fireflies and Crickets by Jackie Nacht

3954Fireflies510w-430x645Title:  Fireflies and Crickets

Series:  Ripples in the Water, #2

Author:  Jackie Nacht

Genre:   Young Adult

Length:  Novella (85 Pages)

Publisher:  Extasy Books (June 15th, 2013)

Heat Level:  Low

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:   After enduring a painful rejection, Kennedy journeys to discover first love and support in the unlikeliest place.

Junior year has completely sucked for Kennedy. On his last day, out in his front yard, no less, he’s outed by classmates in front of his own father. When questioned about it, Kennedy comes out to his parents, only to find himself being sent to spend the summer with his aunt the very next day. Pained by the rejection, he has a hard time coping with his new environment until he meets his aunt’s neighbor, Evan. Together, the two will spend the summer enjoying friends and discovering first love. However, there’s the dark cloud hanging over their newfound relationship—thoughts of what will happen at the end of the summer and with Kennedy’s parents.

Product Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/fireflies-and-crickets/

Reviewer:   John

Review:  I loved this short novel! It was a really short and sweet. Fireflies and Crickets star Kennedy. Now, Kennedy is very shy and tiny guy trying his best to survive high school. After he comes out to his parents as gay guy, they kick him out and send him to live with his Aunt Holly. Kennedy is devastated, but after meeting Evan, his entire life changes.

I loved Kennedy! He was shy, sweet, and caring just like Aunt Holly. I hated Kennedy’s parents. Those two bigot bastards kicked him out for being himself. I’m glad that Kennedy stayed with his aunt because those two did not deserve a son like him. To me Evan was amazing! I absolutely loved him. He was always there for Kennedy, to love and protect. I was also glad to see Drew in this novel. He was the star of another short novel by the same author. I’m so glad that the author linked the two short stories because they went perfectly together.

Overall, this was an amazing little read. If you’re looking for a short, but gooey love novel about life, family, and friendship, this one is the one for you.

The Straight Road to Kylie by Nico Medina

581819Title:  The Straight Road to Kylie

Series:  None

Author:  Nico Medina

Genre:   Young Adult

Length:  Novel (295 Pages)

Publisher: Simon Pulse; Original edition (May 22, 2007)

Heat Level:  Low

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:   Life is fabulous for Jonathan Parish.

He’s seventeen, out and proud and ready to party through senior year with his posse of best girlfriends. But the year starts off with the wrong kind of bang when Jonathan — in an inebriated lapse of judgment — sleeps with a friend of his… A girlfriend!

When word gets around that hot-but-previously-unavailable Jonathan might be on the market, the school’s ‘it’ girl approaches him with a proposal: pretend to be her boyfriend, and achieve popularity like he’s never known. But popularity isn’t what Jonathan wants. And suddenly, going back into the closet becomes Jonathan’s only way to get what he’s after — a trip to see Kylie Minogue.

Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/Straight-Road-Kylie-Nico-Medina/dp/1416936009

Reviewer:   John

Review:  Wow! I loved this book. The Straight Road To Kylie stars Jonathan Parish. Now, Jonathan is an out and proud senior at Winter Park High. What is his obsession? The amazing and incredibly beautiful Kylie Minogue. And trust me; he would do anything to meet her, even turned straight. 

I loved Jonathan Parish. His obsession for Kylie reminded me so much of my obsession for Nelly Furtado. It’s just so cute and funny! Kylie means the world to him like Nelly means the world to me. I loved Jonathan’s friends. They seemed so cool and down to earth. Yes, they had their little flaws, but everyone does. I really liked Laura. Some readers won’t like her, but I fell for her. She was a really cool bitch.

All in all, I loved this novel. The plot was solid, the characters seemed real, and the Kylie Minogue references reminded me so much of her music. I love her! She may not be my favorite artist of all time, but her music is fun and I must agree with the author. It is so sad that Kylie’s music has not reach every single soul on earth. She is just fantastic.

I recommend this novel to all the Kylie fans out there and to any who wants to read something new and fresh. Trust me; you won’t get this book out of your head.

 

Breaking Out by Garry M. Tuckwell

18113194Title:  Breaking Out

Series:  None

Author:  Garry M. Tuckwell

Genre:   Young Adult

Length:  Novel (274 Pages)      

Publisher:  Amazon Digital Services, Inc. (2013)

Heat Level:  Low

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts

Blurb:   Justin Reed is sixteen and has problems. His mum died during the summer holidays, his older brother, the only person he feels he can talk to, is away at university, and he lives with a father who simply can’t deal with anything emotional. Justin tries to navigate his way through his final year at secondary school but his friends and teachers no longer seem to know how to treat him, or what to say, so they keep their distance.

But then there’s Niall Casey; he’s funny and compassionate, and makes Justin feel things that confuse him; they make him feel wonderful but even more isolated at the same time. As if Justin’s life isn’t complicated enough, he now has to try to make sense of the thoughts and emotions that course through him every time he sees Niall.

This is a story about taking risks, facing the truth, and finding love when it seems that the whole world is against you.

Product Link:  http://www.amazon.com/Breaking-Out-ebook/dp/B00DFLJE76

Reviewer:   John

Review:  I have mix feelings about this one. Breaking Out stars Justin and Niall. Now, Justin lost his mom to cancer leaving him behind in the care of his dad, Peter, and older brother, Dan. At school, he meets Niall that comes from a very Catholic background. There is an instant connection between and they soon become one.

I liked the two main characters. The writing was really good and the story was solid. The one thing that totally blew me off was the giant gaps in the story. We only get to see what happens later on because the main characters remembered it or retold it. Another thing that I hated was the fact that we don’t really get to see what happened to Niall’s parents. Did they accept him? Did they completely walk out of their child’s life? I suspect that they did, but still, that to me was left unanswered.

I recommend this novel to anyone who wants to read a unique, sweet, and coming of age young novel with a very happily ever after.

 

 

 

Forever Young by Jeff Erno

18166416Title:  Forever Young

Series:  None

Author:  Jeff Erno

Genre:   Young Adult/Paranormal

Length:  Novel (160 pages)

Publisher:  Ai Press (July 7th, 2013)

Heat Level:  Low

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb:   In less than a summer, shy and introverted Robbie Myers goes from eighteen and never been kissed to the passionate intensity of first love that could last forever. Literally…

Eighteen-year-old Robbie Myers has difficulty talking to people. Not only is he shy, but he seems to say the wrong thing every time he opens his mouth, especially to the mysterious, handsome stranger who shows up at his supermarket job, defends him from an aggressive colleague and then asks him on a date. He can’t believe a hot, worldly badboy like seventeen-year-old Colt Abernathy is actually interested. Yet he can’t deny that the ardor burning in Colt’s dark eyes is just for him. In the space of one breath, Robbie is launched from his plan to attend community college while living at home with his mom and saving up for a car to the tender yet passionate exploration of intense first love. Little does Robbie know…

Brought across during the height of the Civil War, Colt has remained trapped in the body of a lonely seventeen year old. When he spots the slim, blond-haired, blue-eyed young man, pushing a line of shopping carts across a parking lot, Colt knows instantly they’re destined for each other. There’s just one major problem: if he survives the impending battle between vampires and the Matarians – an army of brutal vampire slayers – he’s going to live forever. Robbie isn’t…

Product Link:  http://www.amazon.com/Forever-Young-ebook/dp/B00DT9ZU9A

Reviewer: John

Review:  I absolutely loved this novel! Forever Young stars Robbie and Colt. Now, Robbie is very hardworking and sweet kid. He lives with his mom and works at a local grocery store in Boyne City, Michigan. He’s living a normal and boring life, but everything changes when he meets Colt. Why? Because Colt is a hundred and sixty-seven year old vampire.

I loved Robbie’s innocence and shyness. That made him appear weak, but I found him to be a fighter and believer. Colt, on the other hand, was freaking sexy and mysterious. He was a gentleman trapped inside a seventeen-year-old’s body. I loved Jeff Erno’s version of a vampire novel. Twilight had completely destroyed it for me and Mr. Erno made me love vampires once again. This book is filled with several intriguing characters that I found myself wanting to know more of. I really hope that Mr. Erno pens a part two for this amazing and intriguing novel.

I recommend this novel to anyone who loves supernatural novels, a good young love story fill with mystery. Trust me; you won’t regret sitting down and reading this fresh work of fiction.

His Grandfather's Watch by N.R. Walker

16153509Title: His Grandfather’s Watch

Series: None

Author:  N.R. Walker

Genre:   Young Adult

Length: Novella (57 Pages)

Publisher:  Free Read at Author’s Site

Heat Level:  Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb: It was just an ordinary day for Alex Harper at Harper’s Antiquities, until Callum Winters walked in with a watch.

“It was my Grandfather’s. I was hoping you could tell me something about it.”

A love story of two couples, generations apart.

Disclaimer: This is a rewritten fanfiction. And is available only as a free read. Do not pay to download.  It has not been professionally edited. 

Product Link:  http://nrwalker.blogspot.com.au/p/free-reads.html

Reviewer:   John

Review:  I really loved this short but sweet story. This novel stars Alex Harper and Callum Winters. Alex works at an antique shop and his specialty are watches. He knows everything about them. One slow day, Callum walks in with his Grandfather’s watch. This is the moment where the story takes off.

I loved Alex. He was sweet, sensitive and had the best family ever. Callum was the bomb for me. He was a little shy since he was still not comfortable parading his sexuality around. Both main characters somehow helped and balanced each other off. The story behind Callum’s watch was tragic and sad. Callum’s grandfather (Hale) was in love with another young man named Billy. When Billy’s father caught them in a compromising situation, he forced Billy to enroll in the army and Hale to marry Bill’s younger sister, Mary. When Billy dies, Hale is forced to move on with only his memory and his new wife.

I recommend this novel to anyone who wants to read a sweet little story about two couples, generations apart. 

Hushed by Kelley York

11842962Title: Hushed        

Series:  None

Author:  Kelley York

Genre:   YA

Length:  Novel (229 Pages)

Publisher:  Entangled Publishing (December 6th, 2011)

Heat Level:  Low

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts *

Blurb:   Eighteen-year-old Archer couldn’t protect his best friend, Vivian, from what happened when they were kids, so he’s never stopped trying to protect her from everything else. It doesn’t matter that Vivian only uses him when hopping from one toxic relationship to another-Archer is always there, waiting to be noticed. Then along comes Evan, the only person who’s ever cared about Archer without a single string attached. The harder he falls for Evan, the more Archer sees Vivian for the manipulative hot-mess she really is. But Viv has her hooks in deep, and when she finds out about the murders Archer’s committed and his relationship with Evan, she threatens to turn him in if she doesn’t get what she wants… And what she wants is Evan’s death, and for Archer to forfeit his last chance at redemption.

Product Link: http://www.entangledpublishing.com/hushed/

Reviewer:   John

Review:  I have to admit, Hushed was pretty awesome. I absolutely loved this novel! Now, Hushed stars Archer Pond. Archer is a very special kid. Why? He is a serial killer.

I loved Archer with his flaws. The reason why he was killing people wasn’t justifiable. It was more of a private vendetta against a group of assholes that ruined his best friend’s life and his life in the process. His best friend is Vivian. I pitted her so much, but at the same time, I hated her because she was the reason why Archer went mad with rage. Archer’s plan was going great until Evan showed up.

I loved Evan! He was Archer’s voice of reason and the only one that proved to Archer that he really cared. Evan guided him in the right path and showed him the light. This story is very dramatic and very entertaining. The ending was tragic, so be prepared.

I recommend this novel to anyone who wants to read a very psychotic young novel that will keep you in the edge of your seat, wanting more

Out by J.W. Kilhey

16006042Title:  Out

Series:  None

Author:  J.W. Kilhey

Genre:   YA

Length:  Novel (234 Pages)

Publisher:  Amazon Digital Services, Inc. (August 4th, 2012)

Heat Level: Medium

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5

Blurb:   Joe Dawson is a driven young man, hard working, and eager to please his father. But Joe has a secret…perhaps he has a few. In small town like Holton, South Carolina, Joe is the biggest thing around: young, talented, destined for greatness. As the pressure builds from the outside, Joe feels close to snapping. He is not being honest with himself about who he is and what he wants. He must make a choice: be what everyone else wants him to be or strike out and be his own man.

Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/Out-ebook/dp/B008T8PDR0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1372121756&sr=8-1&keywords=out+by+kilhey

Reviewer:   John

Review:  What an emotional ride this was! Whoa, I absolutely loved this novel. Yes, there were times I wanted to strangle Joey, the main guy, but at the end, he came through.

Okay, this very interesting novel stars Joey. Now, Joey is a very sexually confuse jock who would let his geeky friend, Darwin, blow him from time to time. Joey lived for the game and his dad would bully him to make him better (Yeah, what an asshole!). I hated Joey’s dad more than anything in the word. Joey’s relationship with his dad reminded me so much of One Tree Hill’s Nathan Scott with his father.

I don’t want to give the plot away, but this book was really good. Joey went through a lot in his senior year as he came face to face with his sexual orientation. My heart went out to Darwin. He went through hell for Joey, but at the end, everyone found happiness.

This novel is fascinating and I cannot recommend it enough. Yes, there will be times that you would want to kill Joey and Darwin, but just keep on reading and you will end up loving it as much as I did.

The Celestial by Barry Brennessel

 

15836460Title:  The Celestial

Series:  None

Author:  Barry Brennessel

Genre:   YA/Historical

Length:  Novella (180 Pages)

Publisher:  MLR Press (September 7th, 2012)

Heat Level:  Low

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:   Love was the last thing Todd Webster Morgan expected to find while searching for gold in 1870s California. But that was before he met Lâo Jian.

Hardened beyond his nineteen years, Todd Webster Morgan is determined to find gold high in the Sierra Nevadas. But his dream is violently upended. Complicating matters even more, he meets a young Chinese immigrant named Lâo Jian, whose own dreams of finding gold have been quashed by violence.

But life back in Sacramento isn’t any easier. Todd’s mother struggles to make ends meet. His invalid uncle becomes increasing angry. Todd seeks employment with little success. Meanwhile his friendship with Lâo Jian turns to love. But their relationship is strained as anti-Chinese sentiment grows.

Todd vows not to lose Lâo Jian. The couple must risk everything to make a life for themselves. A life that requires facing fear and prejudice head on.

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

Reviewer:  John

Review:  I really wanted to like this novel. It was well written and thought out. The historical pieces in the novel seemed legit and it showed that the author really did his research; however, this wasn’t my thing.

The Celestials stars Todd Morgan. Now, Todd comes from a very humbled home. He’s very small and people still call him kid even though he’s an adult. Now, Todd wants to find gold in Nevada, but what he finds is the love of his life, a Chinese guy name Lao Jian.

I really liked Todd. He was very determined and outspoken. I loved the fact that he took matters into his own hand and decided to move to Nevada to find gold and a better life for his Ma and Uncle Ed. I also liked Lao Jian. He was sweet, but a part of me didn’t connect with him. There was one character that peek my interest and that was Breandan. He seemed like the perfect guy to take the lead role in the novel, but sadly, he died.

I wanted to like the novel, but after Breandan’s death, I lost interest in it. I liked Todd, but Lao Jian seemed un-relatable to me. What I did like about this novel was the historical parts. The way the Chinese were treated back then was horrible and sickening.

I recommend this novel to anyone who is into old western novels with a very unique young adult couple who would do anything to be together. You may like it. Give it a try.

Gives Light by Rose Christo

15810499Title:  Gives Light

Series:  Gives Light #1

Author:  Rose Christo

Genre:   YA

Length:  Novel (315 Pages)

Publisher:  Rose Christo (July 10th, 2012)

Heat Level:  None

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:   “Skylar is my name, tragically.”

Sixteen-year-old Skylar is witty, empathetic, sensitive–and mute. Skylar hasn’t uttered a single word since his mother died eleven years ago, a senseless tragedy he’s grateful he doesn’t have to talk about.

When Skylar’s father mysteriously vanishes one summer afternoon, Skylar is placed in the temporary custody of his only remaining relative, an estranged grandmother living on an Indian reservation in the middle of arid Arizona.

Adapting to a brand new culture is the least of Skylar’s qualms. Because Skylar’s mother did not die a peaceful death. Skylar’s mother was murdered eleven years ago on the Nettlebush Reserve. And her murderer left behind a son.

And he is like nothing Skylar has ever known.

Product Link:  https://www.createspace.com/4005338

Reviewer:   John

Review:  Gives Light is a very touching story. This novel stars Skyler St. Clair, a half Native American boy who lost his mom when he was six. His mom was murdered at their home and he was attacked by her attacker that slit his throat, rendering him mute. I really liked this story, but it just wasn’t for me.

After Sky father’s disappears one day, he goes to the police and he’s put under the protection of his grandmother at a Native American Reserve. Skyler and his dad left the reserve many years ago after the murder of his mother. It is there where he meets Rafael, the son of his mom’s murderer and that’s where the story takes off.

I really liked this novel. I just don’t know why it didn’t appeal to me. The story was well written and planned out. It instantly pulls you into a very rich and cultural world. My respect goes to the Native Americans in the USA. Their culture is rich and very inspirational. Sadly, this novel was not for me. I did appreciate the culture portrayed in this novel though. It was really sweet and a learning experience.

I recommend this novel to anyone who wants to read a very detailed and cultural novel about friendship, love, family, and forgiveness.

 

 

 

The Year of Ice by Brian Malloy

147993Title:  The Year of Ice

Series:  None

Author:  Brian Malloy

Genre:   YA

Length:  Novel (272 Pages)

Publisher:  St. Martin’s Griffin (October 11th, 2003)

Heat Level:  None

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:   It is 1978 in the Twin Cities, and Kevin Doyle, a high school senior, is a marginal student in love with keggers, rock and roll, and–unbeknownst to anyone else–a boy in his class with thick eyelashes and a bad attitude. His mother Eileen died two years earlier when her car plunged into the icy waters of the Mississippi River, and since then Kevin’s relationship with his father Patrick has become increasingly distant. As lonely women vie for his father’s attention, Kevin discovers Patrick’s own closely guarded secret: he had planned to abandon his family for another woman. More disturbingly, his mother’s death may well have been a suicide, not an accident.

Complicating the family dynamic is the constant meddling of Kevin’s outspoken Aunt Nora–who will never forgive Patrick for Eileen’s death–along with Patrick’s inability to stay single for very long. His loyalties divided between his father and his aunt, between his internal reality and his public persona, Kevin is forced to accept his gay identity and reevaluate his notions of family, and love as painful truths emerge about both.

Product Link:  http://us.macmillan.com/theyearofice/BrianMalloy#buy-the-book

Reviewer:   John

Review:  I absolutely loved The Year of Ice. This novel starred Kevin, a secret closet case who was madly in love with Jon, a straight kid. I fell for Kevin instantly. He lost his mom at a very young age in a car accident and he was left under his dad protection. But as his senior year advances, Kevin becomes a young man and he begins to see his father under a new light.

Kevin, to me, was the bomb. He was the Alpha of his group and loved bossing Jon around just to have him close. In other words, he was simply trying to attract his attention. I also loved Aunt Nora. Yes, she was a little crazy, but she was real and I really liked her. I HATED Kevin’s dad. Yes, he took care of him, but as the story unfolded, we got to see the trash he truly was. Trust me, I was shocked that he was that kind of person because at first glance, he seemed so nice and the perfect dad. Maybe, he was the reason why I fell for Aunt Nora.

You have to read this novel. Kevin’s life was really interesting and entertaining. The one thing I didn’t like was that there were a few spelling errors and missing punctuations throughout the book. Maybe, that happened when they transformed the novel into an eBook format. Overall, this story is pretty awesome since it tells the story of a father and a son as they discover their paths in life.