Hi guys, today we have Julia Talbot stopping by with her upcoming release Emerald Eyes, we have a tasty teaser of an excerpt and a fantastic giveaway so enjoy the post and click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~
Emerald Eyes
(Bloodrose 09)
by
Julia Talbot
When Jonny, the owner of club Bloodrose finds out his shifter mate Luc has a twin brother, he decides Yves needs protection from the bad guys who have tried to kill Luc. He sends Reuben, a werewolf security agent, to keep Yves safe from the killers. And from Yves himself.
Reuben has never met someone as determined to find trouble as Yves. The guy has this obsession with a set of emeralds, a dead younger brother, and some kind of demon ritual. All of this should make panther shifter Yves a bad bet as a mate, but that doesn’t keep Reuben from falling hard. Can he and team Bloodrose keep everyone alive long enough to convince Yves they’re made for each other?
Title: Found Series: Elemental Ops, #3 Author: Julia Talbot Genre: Urban Fantasy Length: Short Story (45 Pages) Publisher: Changeling Press (August 1, 2014) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts Blurb: Elemental Ops has been dealing with good dragons and bad guys for just long enough that they think they might survive. Second-in-command Jack learns to bond with his dragon companion, Serena, just in time for all hell to break loose again in the form of government analyst Lane, who shows up at the dragon stronghold to find out why the team went AWOL. Jack’s got his sense of humor, and his lusty appetite, back just in time to handle Lane while the other Ops members are still on the mend.
Lane knows he’s only on this assignment because he screwed up his last mission. What’s an analyst doing on missions anyway? Sexy agents like One-Eyed Jack are not for him, but he can’t deny their instant connection, or his new bond with baby dragon Geri. Can Jack and Lane figure out how to keep his new family safe from the government bureaucrats who want their hands on the dragons, and the Ops team?
Review: This is part of the Elemental Ops series and they need to be read in order. Each story focuses on a new romantic couple. It gives you an insight into their amazing world and lives. I have a blast every time when reading about gorgeous men and when it involves the paranormal world I am sold. I love the way the dragons make the story just so much better.
The guys were shocked to find out about the dragons and even more when they find themselves bonding with them. Jack had bonded with Serena after rejecting her at first. They are fighting the bad guys with the help of the dragons. Lane was an analyst sent there to help them, but finds himself bugged. He was sent there for more than just one reason. However, they believe that Lane is one of the good guys because of a little dragon bonding with him. Now to protect their new family and keep all safe.
This is a fascinating book and I look forward to reading many more. The only problem I found with it was the fact that it is just told to fast. I want more story with just a bit less description. It is told way to fast to truly love. I did have a blast reading this story though. It has a bit of humor mixed in with serious tones. It gave me almost everything I could possibly want in a story.
I would recommend reading this book. It will leave you wanting more.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Teamwork Series: Elemental Ops, #1 Author: Julia Talbot Genre: Action-Adventure/Suspense/Urban Fantasy/ Paranormal Length: Novella (53 Pages) Publisher: Changeling Press (February 21, 2014) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts Blurb: Dragon Guardians Keon and Ice have a lot to worry about. From the foreign soldiers out there trying to steal their dragons to the fact that Ice’s Elemental Ops team is in-house and trying to help out, the two of them are having a hard time settling into their new life together.
When members of Ice’s team start bonding with the other dragons, Keon’s first reaction is panic. The guys seem like good men, but these dragons are his life. Can he and Ice keep everyone safe, even from themselves?
Review: I have always been fascinated by dragons. There is just something so mystical about them. Mostly it is the full-grown ones that are huge that I have paid attention too, however in this story most of them are very little and are just babies. They bond with humans, but not sexually. It seems to be more like a parent than anything else. It is fascinating to read about though and I had a blast with it.
Keon is bonded with an older dragon and mated to Ice. They have many problems that they have to deal with. So many people who want the babies so Ice brings his team in. This is where it gets even stranger because two of his teammates end up bonding with dragons. Keon panic’s when Ice’s team shows up but soon realizes it might not be so bad having more help protecting the young.
It basically caught my attention with the title, but once I started reading, I was captured. I couldn’t stop reading it even if I tried. I had such a blast reading it and would recommend it to everyone. It gives you pretty much everything you could ask for in a story. Although I must admit that there are some parts where it gets a bit hard to keep up with, you however won’t be disappointed in this amazing book
Title: Rough Patches and Happy Endings Anthology Author: Julia Talbot Genre: Contemporary/Western Length: Anthology (58 pages) Publisher: Torquere Press (November 18th, 2014) ISBN: 978-1-61040-837-0 Product Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=4316 Reviewer: Prime
Splitting the Difference ♥♥♥ Hearts Singer and songwriter Dane is home in West Texas for his sister’s wedding. He’s not thrilled to be back in his childhood home, but when he meets up with his old buddy Kent, things begin to look up. Kent has changed a lot since they were kids, but Dane still thinks he’s hot, and the two find out they still have a lot in common. Will they have the time to become more than just friends?
Review: Nice short story about two childhood friends who could have been more sooner, if one hadn’t left town to become a star. Dane left his childhood hometown behind for Nashville to become a famous singer, leaving behind his friend Kent. Dane found his fame, and Kent found some trouble – I guess that’s what happens to the town “queer boy”.
Dane is back for his little sister’s wedding where he meets Dane again. While not an actual happily-ever-after type of ending, it’s enough to get an idea of what’s going on for these two hunky Texans.
Nothing But Trouble ♥♥♥♥3.5 Hearts Bryce is an old west bank robber, on his way back to Texas for trial. When he meets up with young deputy Abel, he notices right off that the man is fascinated with him. Bryce issues a challenge that Abel can’t refuse, offering to teach the young man a thing or two about pleasure in exchange for going free. Will Abel turn out to be nothing but trouble?
Review: This story is good for what it is. It’s an illicit romp between a law man and a criminal in the Wild West. I can’t say there was anything about it that I didn’t like. I just think the length of the story meant that I knew it was going to be over pretty quickly. Also, law man and criminal, there’s rarely a happily ever after when it comes to that combo. Well, there might be a few Wild West solutions to the problem anyway, one which gives us a satisfying conclusion.
Acting Out ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts Bull rider and adrenaline junkie Colby is mid-jump in his ATV when his old rooming buddy Sean drives back into his life, sending him flying off his vehicle. Sean wants Colby to come to Hawaii for a charity event. Colby agrees to attend, but only if he and Sean can share a room again, just like in the old days.
Can these two rough-riding cowboys recapture a piece of the past, or can they do even better this go-round?
Review: An enjoyable, sexy short story. My only problem is the short part of it all. Colby Dannis is a bull rider, although he’s partial to any daring stunt to get the adrenaline pumping. Sean Landry is Colby’s former friend and lover. As said in the blurb, Sean wants Colby to attend an event in Hawaii.
Colby and Sean’s past gives this story a boost of emotion and tension. The chemistry between the couple is great. The stark difference in character of the two men was a drawing point and what made them as a couple. But as I said, it was just too short for my liking although the ending will satisfy most.
Crash and Burn ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts Danny’s career in Motocross is over, thanks to a bad pair of knees, and maybe too much hard living. When his sponsors and friends take off, all he has left is his pain in the butt assistant, Todd. He’s never seen Todd in the light he does now, but it may be too late. Todd thinks Danny has a new life, one he has no place in. Can they see how much they need each other before they crash and burn?
Review: It’s hard not to feel sorry for motocross rider, Danny, in this short story. He’s the classic description of lonely celebrity. When the goings tough, he has no one he can turn to, expect for his PA Todd. Danny is wallowing in self-pity and the only person he has to help is Todd.
At first, Todd just comes across as though he is part of the background, or part of the furniture, which is good because that is how Danny sees him. However, it is also clear from what he has to put up with, that Todd is very understanding, compassionate, loyal and caring. Sounds like the perfect man to me!
All I can say is that this is an excellent story. If adrenaline junkies are your thing, then this short story is for you.
Mind in the Middle ♥♥♥♥3.5 Hearts Tyler Anderson is on track for winning it all in the bull riding championships this year, if he can just get over being dumped by another rider. Veteran rider Andy West wants to see Ty succeed, and he knows all about how fickle Tyler’s ex can be. When the two of them get together, Andy is determined to shore up Tyler’s confidence, and show the young champ that some men can be faithful. Will Tyler win it all in the end?
Review: Tyler Anderson is definitely having a rough patch in his career, despite the fact that he is so close to winning the bull riding championships. He’s had an injury and a bad draw, but he’s also having man problems. Enter Andy West, a real sweetie who really just starts looking out for Tyler as a friend.
A really quick read, I can’t say that there is a true HEA – that is left to the imagination. It’s a bit of a hot romp between two hot cowboys.
**It should be noted that this book is also available through Torquere in their Sips range of stories. **
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
TITLE: Ringmaster SERIES: Cirque Caprice 4 AUTHOR: Julia Talbot GENRE: Paranormal/Dark fantasy LENGTH: Short (32 pgs) PUBLISHER: Changeling Press (April 15th, 2012) HEAT LEVEL: Explicit HEART RATING: ♥♥♥3Hearts BLURB: Amadeo may be the most charismatic ringmaster Cirque Caprice has ever seen, but security head Jon doesn’t trust him. Jon knows too many of Amadeo’s secrets.
Amadeo knows he’s changed, but he has no idea he has to prove it to Jon until it may be too late.
Can Amadeo show Jon that a leopard can change its spots?
PRODUCT LINK: Single Title – https://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1721 Box Set – http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=2251 REVIEWER: Prime REVIEW: Amadeo is the ringmaster of Cirque Caprice. Jon is described as head of security, but Some people may think, like me, that means Jon is like the Cirque’s personal cop/security guard, but he is more what I would call the occupational health and safety officer and staff security rolled into one. I say OH&S officer because Jon is busy pissing Amadeo off by not clearing the safety procedures for the new stage set up. Because of this, Amadeo thinks Jon is a menace and yet at the same time he has the niggling suspicion that Jon is familiar.
I liked this story a lot. I have to admire the fact that Jon really knows how to hold a grudge despite the fact I want to kick him. Amadeo doesn’t use his powers to influence people without permission so I was feeling sorry for the poor guy in a number of places. I found the thread of where Jon flagging Amadeo’s background checks has set some bad things in motion against Amadeo a bit pointless.
Regardless, it helped Jon get over himself (give him the kick I wanted to give), so in the end things worked out as they were meant to between Amadeo and Jon.
Title: Coming Out Wolf Series: Getting Better Author: Julia Talbot Genre: Paranormal Length: Short (13 pages) Publisher: Torquere Press (November 18th, 2014) Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts Blurb: The worst thing in the world isn’t being gay. Not even close. It’s not even being a werewolf. The worst thing in the world is being in love with your roommate and having that love be unrequited. No matter what Steve does, Rick just isn’t responding. Will he give up too soon on making Rick his mate? Product Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=195&products_id=4319 Reviewer: Shorty Review: Steve has done just about everything to get his hot roommate Rick’s attention. Finally, he takes Rick up on his offer of them going out on the town. But they end up staying at home.
Very cute short story about two roommates who like each other but don’t do anything about until now. Hot sex between Rick and Steve.
Good read.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com*
Hi guys, we have Torquere Press’s Julia Talbot visiting today with her latest release Georgia Knights, Julia also brings along a tasty teaser and there’s a great giveaway. We’ve added Cat’s review so we hope you enjoy the post… Click that Rafflecopter link! <3 ~Pixie~
Georgia Knights
by
Julia Talbot
When anthropologist Georgia Cortez heads to rural Georgia from New Mexico, she’s on the trail of a juicy old legend. Haley Falls seems like just the place for old-time ghost stories and spooky hauntings, but she’s on the hunt for something far rarer, a survival of an old sect of medieval knights.
Caid and Alton are Haley Fall natives, and they used to be best friends. A falling out years ago ended in them not speaking, even after Alt left town and returned older, if not wiser. They unite when it comes to a nosy scholar like Georgia picking apart their heritage, and putting their whole town in danger. When boys meet girl, though, they decide wooing is far better than scaring the lady off, and they set about distracting Georgia in the best way.
While their three way romance heats up, so does the intrigue in Haley Falls, until the three of them are facing a danger far worse than falling in love with each other.
Hey peeps, today we have three great authors popping by with their anthology Midnight Rodeo: Homecoming, now if you love paranormal and the supernatural and if you love rodeos then you will absolutely love these stories in this gem of an anthology. We have a short excerpt to whet your appetite and a great giveaway where you can win your own copy of Midnight Rodeo: Homecoming and you can enjoy my review 🙂 so guys enjoy the post and click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~
Midnight Rodeo: Homecoming
(Anthology)
by
B.A. Tortuga, Kiernan Kelly & Julia Talbot
What happens when rodeos start to get too tough for humans to compete in? Midnight Rodeo, of course, where supernatural creatures like shifters and vampires work for the prize money, and for the awe of their audience.
In Welcome to the Pack by BA Tortuga, when head bullfighter Denton is killed by a demon bull, his twin, Denver, comes back to take his place. Denver was gone for years, working mundane rodeos and missing his twin. He’s not sure the pack can heal him since the other bullfighters challenge Denver at every turn. All except Blaine, who’s an outcast himself, and who knows Denver is like no one he’s ever met.
In Oklahoma Rain by Kiernan Kelly, psychic Blaze scouts locations for the rodeo company, Darque and Knight, where he finds another psychic talent, Zack, who’s hot as the Fourth of July. Zack is complicated, though, thanks to his sidekick, Mikey, a damaged kid. Blaze invites the pair back to the rodeo, but not everyone is as happy as Blaze to have them there.
In Big Bear, Little Bear, by Julia Talbot, bear shifter Ben is returning to the rodeo after a long injury recovery. Big bear shifter Ozzie is the barrel man and clown, and he’s been waiting for Ben to come back to the big show. But is Ben ready to ride again, let alone be the lover Ozzie is ready to take on?
Blurb: Coy is a big city werewolf who heads to mountain Colorado on the word of the team at Full Moon Dating, a paranormal dating service. He’s not sure Denver Allen is the vamp for him, but it can’t hurt to take a vacation and get a little hot loving in the process.
Denver knows Coy is the one for him when they meet, but there’s the whole issue of who the ultimate predator is between them. There’s also the problem of all that biting. Can Denver and Coy work out their troubles before it’s too late for both of them?
Review: This book was amazing if not bizarre. I love the paranormal worlds especially when it involves two very hot and sexy men. Julia has a great ability to write such wonderful stories. The abilities to mix such emotions and feelings between two wonderful men who only want a mate.
Coy is a werewolf and Denver is a vampire pretty unique characters who only want to find love. Although they were not the ones who actually signed up for the paranormal dating service, they did find true love. They have their strengths and weaknesses that complement each other. Coy is a cowboy who originally thinks vampires are stiff and uppity with attitudes. However they are both shocked when they realize they definitely have the hots for each other and it goes even further for they are falling for each other fast.
I hope there is more to this story. It would make for a great series, although I wished that it were longer in length with more description and action. It was pretty hot but I want to know more about where each other come from, how they got to where they are, now and where they want to head. It does make for a quick read with bits of humor throughout. I did like the story.
Hello peeps, check out what I have for you today! Kevin Anthony has popped in to let you know all about his Giveaway where you can win a $20 eGift Card from his Dessert Menu or a copy of his MM release Forbidden Cuisine!… Ah and I might have finagled him into reviewing Julia Talbot’s newest release Ice 😉 So stick around check out Kevin’s review, have a look at his own release and then click the link to take you to the place where you can win those prizes *muah* ~Pixie~
Kevin Anthony – Forbidden Cuisine
Damien Cooper’s mind is a bit fucked up.
His condition takes his senses to new heights and makes him a walking caution. The changes don’t stop as Damien’s high school sweetheart adopts an abnormal appetite and his mother becomes obsessed with the self-help book Feast, Stray, Love.
Damien strives to tame his mind but a feud involving an overzealous preacher and a cross-dressing businessman, the deadly rise of a fast-food chain and many unusual events provide unnecessary distractions.
The culinary student’s love life and career in the kitchen are put into jeopardy, but is he willing to literary blow up any obstacle in his way to maintain his happy?
Go ahead, take the first bite.
Forbidden Cuisine – The Full Course Edition: http://www.amazon.com/Forbidden-Cuisine-Full-Course-ebook/dp/B00G2UQJ16
Gigi’s review of the previously titled Feast, Stray, Love: Feast (Forbidden Cuisine – Sampler Tray Edition): http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/2013/10/14/feast-stray-love-feast-by-kevin-anthony/
Biography:
My name is Kevin Anthony and I’m a storyteller. I have a passion for telling stories and ever since the age of eighteen writing has allowed me to share my stories with thousands of people on the internet. Never do I forget the days when my work was rushed with negative reviews and I had only one dedicated reader. Those are the days I learned the most about the rights and wrongs of writing. Today, I challenge myself to write stories in every genre while I try to finish college. I enjoy dialog the most when it comes to writing and teaching people that though we all come in different shapes, sizes and personalities, we are all trapped on this wild and crazy planet together.
Click the link for the Giveaway: http://www.theforbiddencuisine.com/#!giveaway/cc90
Title: Ice
Series: Elemental Ops 01
Author: Julia Talbot
Genre: Fantasy
Length: Short (44pgs)
ISNB: 06833-02200
Publisher: Changeling Press (21st February 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
Guest Reviewer: Kevin Anthony
Blurb: Ice won’t let his team at Elemental Ops go with him on what’s supposed to be a suicide mission to uncover a new biological weapon. Imagine his surprise when the biggest danger he finds himself in is being bonded to a baby dragon, and falling in love with said dragon’s Guardian, Keon. Keon isn’t worried about things like guns and governments. He has a whole host of problems in all shapes and colors.
When Ice accidentally bonds with one of his baby dragons, Keon is more worried about getting the man to come in from the cold and find a place in their bizarre little family. Can these two find common ground, and keep the dragons safe?
Review: Alright, before we dive into the plot let’s focus on the writing and the cover.
First impressions, I was not looking forward to reading this. I’m not a big fantasy fan and the cover was not selling me. I can admit that I was wrong to judge this book by the cover because I enjoyed it from start to finish. The writing is good; this author now has the freedom to focus on just creating engaging plots and not stressing about what’s the difference between a comma and apostrophe.
Let’s get back to the cover. How cool would it have been if the cover featured a nude guy with a dragon wrapped around him as if they were getting ready to make out? Use a lot of black, grey and blue with some ice as if they were trapped inside a freezer for too long and that cover would’ve sold me. The original cover features Ice and Keon, but honestly their relationships with the dragons were more intriguing.
The plot is simple; a soldier named Ice goes to spy on Keon. One of Keon’s dragons ends up bonding to Ice and thus a relationship between these two strangers emerges. As I mentioned, their relationships with the dragons is what makes this short interesting.
The dragons were just amazing, they all had their own personalities and I loved how they communicated with the humans. They “spoke” like animals would sound in my opinion. The dragons didn’t sound like an English major ::cough::Smaug::cough::.
A lot of other small things I liked about this short included, cold spunk, cooking, it making me want to watch Game of Thrones, and it teaching me how to properly make love to a man, something my parents neglected to teach me…sigh. The penis goes in the butt, now I know.
Overall, I want to thank the author for writing this piece. It was a true joy to read.
4 out of 5 dragon claws, because you can improve the cover, this story deserves better.
My name is Kevin Anthony and if you enjoyed my review visit my website www.theforbiddencusine.com to find out how you can be featured and possibly reviewed by me someday. Not only do I do features, but I also run Giveaways often because I like giving away free eBooks and eGift Cards.
Blurb: Demon hunter Skye isn’t terribly stable to begin with, but when he loses his twin sister to a demon swarm, the big bosses decide he needs retraining. Laurent, head trainer for the organization, is assigned to Skye’s case, much to his dismay. The last thing Laurent needs is a crazy berserker to deal with, no matter how hot the man is. He can’t help but admire Skye, though, and working together turns out to be easier than Laurent expects. They’re both determined not to get emotionally involved, but that’s easier said than done, especially when they have to depend on each other to survive.
Can Skye let go of what he’s lost in time to figure out what Laurent can give him?
Review: I have never been a fan of short stories, there has to be a certain way they are written for me to get into them. This story was amazing even if it was too short. I wish there had been more to it, more description but he had a great amount of action and danger. It has a really good story line that once you start reading you get caught. It kept my attention through the whole thing.
Skye was a demon hunter who had lost his twin sister. It had been hard for him to get over it but with the help of Laurent, he manages it. He gets someone to love also. He is strong and has a will that is forceful. He is also loving and tender at times. Laurent is at first temperamental and pretty much a pain in the ass. However, once he meets and gets to know Skye, he knows that he wants to be with him forever. He loves hard and fights for what he wants even harder. The sex between them is gentle and loving with lots of passion.
I was amazed with this story, but wished for more to read. I will definitely be reading it again.
Blurb: Jack hates going back to the East Texas town where he was raised. Even as a successful chef in Austin, he feels like that awkward gay kid all over again. But his dad is sick, and wants Jack’s famous hollandaise sauce for holiday breakfasts. When Jack finds out his old flame Kent is in town for Christmas, too, he thinks things can’t get much worse. Can Kent convince him Christmas miracles can happen?
Review: Already unhappy at coming home, with its bad memories as well as his father’s advancing Alzheimer’s, Jack thinks things can’t get any worse when he bumps into his old flame Kent. To add insult to injury, even after ten years, Kent is as beautiful as ever.
They arrange a get together to give Jack a break from being at his parent’s home, and quickly find that the spark between them is still there. In fact, it never went away. They make love as if they’ve never been apart.
Now that they’re older and wiser, they’re less likely to end up in a fistfight if the going gets tough. They even find they both live in Austin. Perfect.
This is a nicely crafted piece with a second chance at love and happiness for the guys.
If you like sexy couples, happy endings, second chances, and hot sex, this is for you.
Blurb: Paranormal resort Cereus is running like clockwork, but in these three stories, a whole new crop of employees and guests, like bears, vampires and fallen angels, might require some extra training.
In Ursa Minor, by Julia Talbot and BA Tortuga, little bear Dakota is losing his sight, and is causing some serious damage trying to wait tables. Resort owner Jonny thinks he knows just what Dakota needs. His name is Cord, and the big grizzly shifter is more than willing to take Dakota on. In Heaven and Hell by Sean Michael, fallen angel Uri has no idea how to be mortal. Luckily, demon Quake is happy to show Uri all about the pleasures of being flesh and blood. Finally, in Weed and Feed, by Julia Talbot and BA Tortuga, Terry and Boone are young werewolves who need a firm hand. Alpha wolf Jackson and vampire Cian are willing, and able, to provide just that.
Cereus: Training takes up where Building and Opening began, with all the fun chaos only Cereus can provide!
Review: Cereus Training Anthology; Seriously fun anthology if you ask me. Well it’s a resort, people are there to calm and vacation and I believe we all get the picture about what happens when you have all the time in the world and the premises to do whatever you feel like. In this anthology, you have a vast range of paranormal, werewolves, vampires, angels, and demons, even bears and bear-cubs, you name it. The stories vary from romantic to highly erotic – really a demon is involved, what d’ya expect? – and the most playfully erotic story ever. Young wolves need a leash I tell ya. So if you’re a fan of biting, nibbling, caressing, furs and all kinds of erotic scenes, this is the anthology for you. Enjoy!
Ursa Minor by Julia Talbot and BA Tortuga ♥♥♥3 Hearts
Dakota, a bear shifter, is going blind. A genetically disease that can’t be cured by the shifter’s healing abilities and coping with it is so hard on the little man. Jonny and Luc send him over at the Cereus Resort and he finds a job as a client’s personal attendant.
Cord is a grizzly shifter and he finds the little bear charming. Everything about Dakota suits him, even his blindness. He helps him cope with it with the use of blindfold, as Cord is a fan of blindfold play. Could they be more suitable for each other?
But losing one’s sight is not easy to deal with. Fears nearly cripple Dakota and the almost permanent state of panic makes him clumsy. In order for him to relax, accept, and deal with his new life, he’s going to blindly trust the big bear, trust him with his whole life.
The story is nice and easy, a bit emotional, a bit dramatic. A love blooms steadily while the two men try to be there for each other. Yes Dakota is a needy character here by default, he is in a bad place, but Cord needs him too, he needs someone to understand him, understand his bear nature, and not judge him. A failed relationship help a great deal for Cord to understand and truly appreciate how important it is for him to have a mate, to love and care with the simplistic way the bears do by their nature.
The story while easy and not overly complex has a way of making you feel heavy inside. I can’t really point a finger to it, but the dialogues and inner thoughts made me sigh a bit too much, feeling overwhelmed by simple things when I shouldn’t. Other than that, there wasn’t really much going on to keep me interested, it was one simple love/mating story albeit with peculiar characters. If you expect a wild side from these bears, you’ll be disappointed. They are the lazy kind, they are in a resort after all, and they simply chill around lying in wait for Dakota to go totally blind and finally accept that as a fact in his life. Even the “mating” is a bit tame and slow and easy here, mostly lovemaking with a special brand of romance, one that doesn’t require too many words to be told. That, I actually liked and felt good reading it. It suited this read a lot.
Heaven and Hell by Sean Michael ♥♥♥♥3.5 Hearts
A Fallen Angel or… a pushed one as the case seems to be, Uri is unable to cope with what happened. To be damned for Eternity for helping his friend, for saving his life against the rules. But rules are to be obeyed and the fact that he didn’t repent and would do it again is what caused him his ripped wings.
Now the transaction from ethereal to corporeal is something Uri can’t understand, can’t deal with and Nathan’s only choice is to ask for help for Uri’s sake.
Quake! A demon… A sadist demon… A Master in a BDSM resort…
Yes, yes, someone had the brilliant idea to get a demon helping a Fallen Angel and oddly enough, it’s the perfect match. No, you won’t see BDSM scenes here, unless you count a scene with a very light binding of the wrists Quake uses to make Uri focus on feelings alone. No, you won’t see the sadistic side of the demon here on glorious display, and frankly I’d be a bit put off if that what the case. What you’ll read about is the most fantastic and fun falling in love, demon/angel making mountains tremble and a great deal of sexual scenes, erotic, sensual, glorious even.
I’ve read many food-on-the-bed scenes, but nothing more erotic, more sinfully delicious that Uri and Quake. Damn, hot damn! Everything about this pair is just that, HOT! Immortality suits marathon sex a lot, innocence suits the angel and depriving him from that suits the demon, and endless circle that makes you pant in the end.
Now if I was a religious person, that violence that came from above would have put me off a great deal in this story, but since I’m not, and I’m in favor of let fiction be I went with it. However, a heads up for Uri suffers a great deal of pain and violence from “Them” and a great deal of love and understanding from his demon.
In the end, this was a great love story dipped in a lot of delicious, sinful scream evoking, erotic scenes. Loved it!
Weed and Feed by Julia Talbot and BA Tortuga ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Oh my God, what a furious read this one. Happy, joyful, fun, and sexy as hell. Ok people, there are two lovely wolves who are in need of discipline. They can’t stop fooling around with each other, romping and rutting. It’s like that they manage to get Cian’s attention. The vampire hates to slow, lazy life of the resort and just as he’s about to give it up and go back to the city, here come those two little teases. Terry and Boone are perfect and call to his need for sexual adventure.
Just as he makes plans for the three of them that evening, the two wolves manage to drag into their play a strong and kinky Alpha. However, instead of that making things awkward Jackson (the Alpha) and Cian decide to share.
Boon takes it pretty well, being the most carefree one of them two and more than intrigued with the Vampire, but Terry is all challenging the big, bad Alpha wolf earning himself quite some spanking.
Need I say more? Orgies!!! Oh my, I sound ridiculous screaming that in my room while writing this review, but yeah, this was one heck of a read. Probably the best I’ve read from this duo of authors, and certainly the best of the anthology. I loved the pairs here. Jackson and Terry, and Cian with Boon, they were all delectable. If I had to pick and choose, I think the vamp/wolf pair would win, but only with a small difference because the all-wolves pair was pretty hot too. The entire read is sex, sex, sex. The erotic level here skyrockets and you need to keep up because it doesn’t let go. Jac/Terry combo is the kinkiest pair with Cian/Boone being more snuggly and adorable. It was odd seeing Cian falling for Boone, it was done so well. He simply floated around that emotion like a damn snowflake and his indulging Boon’s every whim was just so perfect (yeah, I want a Cian of my own). Jacson on the other hand was admirable in his insistence, as Terry was more than a handful. At times, I wondered if the big Alpha would simply let him go and abandon the case.
Ah, such an intense read this one. Lovely and fun and a heck of a ride.
Blurb:Bartholome would give anything to get his young lover Rene to stop running away from him. Years ago, he made a stupid mistake, letting the rest of their wolf pack come between them, but he knows better now. Rene’s not sure he can believe Barthe will ever want him. Can they come back together before they lose their chance forever?
Review: WoW. It’s amazing exactly how much heat can be packed into 38 pages! The story is very short and actually has two plotlines. The first story is about Bartholome and Rene and Rene accepting that he and Bartholome are meant to be together. There are some small insecurities to overcome for said acceptance to occur. Once that acceptance happens, the second story begins which is about Bartholome’s best friend and what (no the what is not in error) appears might be his mate as well. The author is clearly setting the reader up for the next story that will follow this one.
At first, I thought that this as a light BDSM sex romp type of book and then I realized that the author had snuck in a theme of belonging and creating your own family that you are comfortable with. Not only do Bartholome and Rene find each other and begin their HEA, but also his BFF is apparently well on his way to doing the same. The four will create their own pack and begin a new reality. So there’s lots of steam as we have come to expect from a paranormal romance and a solid literary theme thrown in for good measure.
Author: Kiernan Kelly, Ba Tortuga, Julia Talbot, Sean Michael
Length: Full length Anthology (223 pages)
Publisher: Torquere Press (September 24th, 2013)
HeatLevel: Explicit
HeartRating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts
Reviewer: Thommie
Blurb: Do you like your bartenders hot and sexy? Do you like it when they get up close and personal with some of their patrons? Then you’ll love Bar None!
Kiernan Kelly goes into outer space for Kind of a D.R.A.G., the story of bartender Max and a robot who’s more than your standard nuts and bolts. On the other hand, Julia Talbot’s men stay firmly planted on earth, and in nature, as werebear Seamus deals with grumpy bar owner and werewolf Hugh and a dangerous animal poacher in The Blue Moon Bar.
BA Tortuga revisits Shane and Galen from the Stormy Weather series in Bartender Rescue. This time Shane’s the one working too hard and Galen has to remind his bartender how to have fun before they forget how to be a couple. In Flair, Sean Michael goes to the Hammer club where flair expert Nathan is hired by Xavier to teach the staff some bartending tricks, but it’s Dom Jarrod who winds up showing Nathan a few tricks of his own.
Don’t miss out on these four sexy tales of bartenders and the men who love them.
Review: Four stories that have you glimpse at sexy bartenders in hot and needy situations. Admittedly, not one of the stories resembles the other and that is a great plus in my books. Here is a more specific review for each of them. Enjoy!
Bartender Rescue by BA Tortuga 2.5~3 Hearts
Hmm, well this was definitely not the fun, happy-go-lucky kind of read I thought it would be. It rather had this melancholic vibe, a bit depressing, and it took a lot of the fun away. This story follows Shane and Galen, and if you’ve read The Stormy Weather Series then you already know these characters. If not it’ doesn’t matter because the story stands easily alone and you can follow it without a hitch.
Shane is finding himself in a weird situation where he’s literally transformed from a beach bum to a five bar owner. It’s a big success really, but with it comes great responsibility and stress. Things are going so bad that from his point of view everything is going down and fast. Running five bars is not an easy thing to do when everything depends on you. The only constant in his life his love for Galen, but now even Galen is not enough to help him from this dead-end situation. If something doesn’t give, he might just lose it.
Galen on the other hand has everything he ever wanted. Most of all and everything he got Shane, but lately Shane is rarely there always running to one bar or the other, rarely sleeping and day by day seeming more lost than ever. Along with him, Galen feels at a loss of what to do and how to help his lover overcome this thing that is literally killing him.
It’s a rescue mission kind of read, but I’m afraid I didn’t enjoy it much. The erotic part was hot as hell, but it had me thinking it was too much and always so tinged with despair. I still feel like I have a heavy burden pressing down my chest and can’t really breathe. Weird reaction!
Kind of a D.R.A.G. by Kiernan Kelly 3.5 Hearts
Oh, my. This story was fun. It certainly brought a smile or rather smiles on my face.
Artificial Intelligence, outer space, superior androids, and a plot filled with surprising twists that leave you in a dreamy land of possibility and charming emotions. Yup, I liked this story.
Max is a bartender in a remote prison planet hating his life. His Boss went off the planet for vacations without leaving any way of contact behind, his second in command popped dead. The two Queens androids started a destruction phase from cutting off a stripper’s penis and setting him on fire to messing up the D.R.A.G. machine after creating the most disturbingly HOT android ever made. Disturbingly HOT because there is no way you look at “Ben Dover” and not get instant erection. With everything falling apart and Max not being able to control or put a full stop on this destructive wave he fears he’s going to get his ass handed when Boss finally gets back… Let the twists begin!
From that moment on, this story is incredibly funny. Yes the Queens’ antics were hilarious (loved their names by the way), Ben Dover the new stripper was a huge surprise, Max’s life as it unfolded was a knock over, but what I pissed myself laughing was the part when Boss came… back.
Yeah definitely a worth reading space tale this one.
The Blue Moon Bar by Julia Talbot 3 Hearts
A bear behind the bar and a wolf as a boss, now there is a combination that is bound to bring sparks and fireworks.
Hugh is the most grumpy, growly, irritating boss ever made. Seamus is seriously trying to control his bear and not rip this crazy wolf’s head off. He loves his job, his boss trust him more than one would think, but that riding his ass as hard as he can is getting old news. Perhaps the crazy wolf needs to get laid and get rid of his irritation. And wouldn’t Seamus love to be the one to relax that sexy son of a bitch.
This was a nice story, with growls and fights in place to make you appreciate the wild side of these shifters. We even have poachers hunting for bears and a rescue mission that while it failed, or was a bit late, it led to some hot erotic scenes. If only the villain of the story wasn’t so flat, it would’ve been a much better one.
Still quite a nice read and the wolf-bear mating was one I liked a lot.
Flair, a Hammer Story By Sean Michael 4 Hearts
Oh damn, this Hammer story is one of the best I’ve read so far. So freaking fun, hot, sexy, and sweet. Damn great!
Nathan is a professional bartender, an entertainer. Writing books, traveling and training other bartenders. He’s hot really and the picture painted is so appealing, he’s simply irresistible. A honey trap for Jarrod who enters Hammer Club only to see him there while training the other subs/bartenders. He can’t help but ask Nate for dinner and from that moment on, the flirt begins. Only problem is Nate isn’t into the lifestyle and is a bit scared of anything involved. But there is a bright side that Jarrod can’t ignore; Nathan is a natural sub without even knowing it. And what a wonderful challenge to explore this man and open his eyes to the world of BDSM.
As I said this is one of the best Hammer stories ever. The sensuality in this read is huge and drags you in its depth like a drug-induced dream. The sensations are sublime, the plot actually intriguing and enticing, the characters both are quite alluring and Jarrod’s confidence make your heart beat faster whether you like it or not. Loved it!
Blurb: When Army Golden Knight Derek is assigned to tandem jump with an old flame, he tries to get out of the assignment. Former CIA operative Kane is nothing but trouble, after all. Now an activist for the environment, Kane knows a man can change. Can he convince Derek to take a new leap of faith?
Review: Now this was an interesting short story. Derek and Kane had once upon a time been lovers, but Kane had his sights on his career and made a choice. A choice that left loud and clear the fact that he’d Lost Derek forever. Now many years later Derek founds out that his tandem jumper is none other but the infamous Kane.
At this point, we get the impression that the tension is going to skyrocket the moment these two are going to get in the same room. Secretly I was expecting a bit of a fight, some punches flying, you know. That didn’t happen, but the author made a good job with the tension thing. Their first meeting after so many years was a bit of a rocker as Kane was nothing Derek expected. Kane had turn a one-eighty and the trouble Derek expected came in a completely different way.
A point that drove itself home once the jump took over.
The story being so short did not have much of a romance, but we got the feelings and what would be pretty loud and clear. I wished at some point for a small flashback in the days when this pair was together. I wished at some other point for a glimpse in the near future. I also wished for that chemistry that was all around the place to have taken a more solid outlet. While those wishes remained moot points, I did enjoy this read a lot. It was fast, it was solid, and it made my heart beat a bit faster.
Blurb: When Aiden goes to Wyoming on the dime of the Full Moon Dating service, he doesn’t really think he and country wolf Ben will be right for each other. He just wants some time off from city life.
Ben knows better right away. He and Aiden are meant to be together, despite Aiden’s city ways and cluelessness about being a werewolf. Can he convince Aiden to stay with him, or will Ben and Full Moon Dating have to write this one off as a mistake?
Review: Quirky little story about an unusual dating service for the paranormal and one of their pairings. There a small side plot of intuition versus technology in which one would pair couples better.
Not using the normal process for pairing, Full Moon Dating sends city boy Aiden to Wyoming to meet Ben. Ben knows from the first meeting that Aiden was his, his mate. But, Aiden grew up in the city and isn’t in tune with his wolf, doesn’t understand or know what his wolf’s life should be about. Ben needs to take over and teach Aiden all he needs to know.
When Aiden panics after waking up in wolf form, Ben has to hunt him down and reassure Aiden that it’s a normal part of their life. Something that Aiden should have learned in puberty, but with so few wolves in Dallas, his parents limited his time in wolf skin.
In some ways, this story could have benefited from a long length. A longer building of the relationship between Aiden and Ben would have been nice. Over all this was an enjoyable story.
Blurb:Damon McTavish is a demon hunter. He’s pretty damn good at the job, too. There’s just one thing his boss wishes he wouldn’t do — sleep with the pretty ones before he sends them back to Hell.
Alisdair is an old demon who wants his humanity back and sleeping with Damon is how he plans to do it. First, he has to convince Damon to participate in a little sex magic, though, so it’s a good thing just a touch between the two is electrifying.
Can demon and demon hunter make a little magic and come out unsinged?
Review:Damon is a demon Hunter that likes to have sex with the good-looking ones before sending them back to Hell. Alistair is a demon that needs Damon to help him perform sex magic to get back his humanity.
This is a cute quick read. The story is funny and charming with some hot sex. I didn’t quite get the ending though or what the magic was to accomplish if it did.
I recommend this if you like short, sweet, hot stories with a happy for now ending.
Blurb: New Orleans is beautiful, mysterious, and above all, sexy. Po’ Boys explores all the dark alleys and shadowy cemeteries the city has to offer, with all the heat you expect from the Deep South.
In Ghost Hunting with the Stars by Lydia Nyx, Harley Weston is an average guy. So when Jackson Carney, America’s favorite gay ghost hunter, comes to film a TV show at the haunted French Quarter hotel Harley works in, Harley isn’t impressed. However, Harley does admire Jackson’s surprisingly down-to-earth attitude.
In Bubba’s All Night Diner and Bait Shop, by Kiernan Kelly, you’ll find muffuletta and murder at Bubba’s, where the danger is as thick as the accents, and the sex is as spicy as the jambalaya.
In Sexual Frankenstein, by TC Blue, friends and band mates Darian Jones and Tony Delacourt think they know each other well. When an opportunity for the band falls into their laps, it seems like a dream come true, but between their unacknowledged attraction, and some questionable decisions, they must decide whether to play it safe, or risk it all.
Finally, in Link to the Crescent, by Julia Talbot and BA Tortuga, werewolf Landry is sent to New Orleans from his home in the swamp, told he’ll meet his destiny. What he meets is vampire, Thierry, who might just be exactly what Landry’s looking for.
Review: Having lived in the Gulf Coast area for many years, I fell in love with all things Cajun. So, I was really looking forward to reading this book. It is made up of 4 different stories, all set in or around New Orleans,
In Ghost Hunting with the Stars, by Lydia Nyx, Harley meets Jackson Carney, America’s favorite gay ghost hunter, and immediately thinks he resembles a perfectly decorated cake. All pretty on the outside but weirdly fake. Harley is just an average guy and has no interest in celebrities, but as he gets to know Jackson he starts to realize that America’s favorite gay ghost hunter is really a pretty nice guy.
I loved the author’s writing style and she created two very likeable characters. They had an easy way of bantering with each other that made me smile. I also enjoyed the secondary characters she added into the story. Harley’s best friend Keith was funny and a bit crass and Jackson’s assistant Amanda was slightly scattered and frantic.
This story had a little bit of ghost hunting, a little bit of sex, some real life stuff thrown in and really well written characters and dialogue. Very enjoyable!
In Bubba’s All Night Diner and Bait Shop by Kiernan Kelly,Jackson shows up at the diner looking for the Malvin brothers and Bubba offers to show him the way to their cabin. Bubba is the diner’s owner and has an accent as thick as the gumbo they serve. Jackson looks like an FBI agent, but is really looking for the Malvin brothers to get their signature on the paperwork that will give his company rights to the natural gas reserves hidden underneath the swamp. Too bad the Malvin brothers are too dead to sign anything!
Bubba and Jackson get acquainted during the murder investigation and subsequent arson investigation and hospital stay. When the whole thing finally unravels, Bubba and Jackson are more than happy to keep seeing each other, even if they do come from two totally different worlds.
I liked the story the author created and it really was true to life with gators and shotguns and everything else you find in the back woods of the bayou. I admit, though, I am never a huge fan of trying to read accented speech. It makes it very realistic, but there are a few too many aint’s in the story.
In Sexual Frankenstein by TC Blue, Darien and Tony have been in the band with each other for a couple of years, each one secretly crushing on the other and assuming they have no chance. An amazing gig falls in their laps and during the course of the night they find themselves getting involved with other people. These brief liaisons serve to open their eyes to what they COULD have if they just manage to find the courage to grab it!
When Tony and Damien finally acknowledge their attraction to each other and end up in bed it is sweet and hot and a little bit frantic and even just a tad bit awkward. Just what you would expect of 2 college kids who have been suffering from unrequited love for the last 2 years!
The author created a group of very likeable characters and I loved that there was an epilogue at the end to let us know how things ended up after the initial craziness of the new relationship.
In Link to the Crescent by Julia Talbot and BA Tortuga, Thierry is bored. He has been around a long time and has lost interest in life. Landry is a werewolf, sent from his pack, in search of his destiny. He is young, but denies it, and hungry and wanting to play. Thierry offers him a nice rare steak and a bit of fun and they quickly move forward to a fiercely loyal and protective relationship. Unfortunately, another pack has already claimed this area for themselves and Landry and Thierry need to stake their own claim.
This was a fast paced story with thoroughly enjoyable characters. Thierry is protective and loving and Landry is adorably playful and willing to please. I found it interesting how the author blended the wolf and the human in some scenes. It was often difficult to determine which one was actually in charge. Throughout the story, I could really feel how much they cared for each other. I wish the story had gone a little farther, I didn’t want it to end!
These four stories are all very different, but if you love the bayou and all things Cajun I think you will really have fun with this anthology!
Title: Found
