Mongrel Trilogy Bundle by K.Z. Snow

k-z-snow-mongrel-trilogy-bundle-coverTitle: Mongrel Trilogy Bundle

Series: Mongrel 1-3

Author: K.Z. Snow

Genre: Ghosts, Spirits, Mystery, Suspense, Steampunk, Vampires

Length: Novel (475 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (April 29, 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: One day a shadow is cast on the Mechanical Circus, a rollicking seaside carnival where imagination meets machinery, when a tall, cloaked figure approaches the stand of Will Marchman, a young patent-medicine salesman. Thus begins the adventures of Will; Fanule Perfidor, commonly known as the Dog King; vampire Clancy Marrowbone; and Clancy’s former lover, the mortal Simon Bentcross.

ISBN: 978-1-63477-449-9

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/mongrel-trilogy-bundle-by-kz-snow-6743-b

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review:

MongrelHeart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Fanule Perfidor, leader of the mongrels, sees a shining star, Will Marchman, in his otherwise chaotic life. Famile is on a mission to uncover the secret as to why the mongrels are being incarcerated and persecuted. With Will and his best friend Clancy, vampire, and Simon’s, hunter, help discover why Mongrels are disappearing. Fantastic cast of characters, action, suspense and mystery made for an incredible read.

Merman: Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Clancy returns to find out what his ex-lover Simon is up to and discovers a merman, Jordan Hawkes is a man he used to feed, washed up on the shore. He also discovers Simon has been commissioned to build a submersible. There is also a mystery as to the suspicious treatment of prisoners. This is another wonderful story with characters that add depth to the book, as well as the interactions between Simon and Clancy. I loved the mystery aspect and finding out what was going on.

Machine: Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

This book is the conclusion of the mongrel series and ties everything up. Both couples are back, William and Fan start arguing and eventually they split up. A mysterious stranger from fan’s past shows up and chaos ensues. This mysterious stranger has a machine that can alter beings and humans alike. Will and Clancy are kidnapped then returned less than what they were. Although both couples suffer greatly they eventually find their HEA. I felt the villain’s so-called takedown was a bit of a let-down considering all the lives he disrupted or destroyed. I expected a big showdown between Fan and him but got none. Other than that I loved the story as it revealed more about Fan’s background. 

Overall the series was an amazing adventure of two couples. They struggle to make a go of their relationships and find their HEA. At the same time they access and confront threats to them and the town along the way. Great descriptions and plot made for an interesting read. I loved it.

Ben Raphael's All Star Virgins by K.Z. Snow

BenRaphaelsAllStarVirginsLGTitle: Ben Raphael’s All Star Virgins
Author: K.Z. Snow
Genre: Young Adult/Contemporary
Length: Novella (124 pages)
ISBN: 978-1-63216-257-1
Publisher: Harmony Ink Press, Dreamspinner Press (September 25th, 2014)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Reviewer: Zane
Blurb: Sixteen-year-old Jake McCullough and his friends Rider, Brody, Carlton, and Tim are the invisible boys of Ben Raphael Academy, an exclusive co-ed prep school. Brody decides they need “mystique” to garner attention. “Nobody has more mystique than a desirable virgin,” he declares. Thus is born Ben Raphael’s All-Star Virgin Order or BRAVO.

The boys polish their appearances. Brody launches a subtle but canny publicity campaign. Soon, the boys are being noticed. But they’re emotionally fragile. Two have succumbed to a seductive female teacher. Jake and Rider, roommates and best friends who are attracted to one another, fear the stigma of being gay.

It takes an unspeakable tragedy to make the BRAVO boys realize what’s important in life, and that “virginity” has more than one meaning.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5477

Review: Friendship is tough to navigate at any age, but what about when you’re still growing into who you are and who you want to be? At the youthful age of sixteen, to these boys, away at school, their friends are their family. As close as they are, even families have their secrets, and as we know, secrets always come out. For Brody, Tim, Carlton, Rider and Jake, life is about to change, in a big way.

Though we don’t get a deep insight into all of the characters we get a basic idea of who they are via their interactions. Mr. Ringleader, Brody, has big plans to get them noticed by “the girls”. While the five boys follow through with these plans, there are other forces at work, things going on ‘behind the scenes’ if you will, much like what occurs in real life.

The story delves deepest into Jake and Rider, who give us their tale of young teens discovering and accepting their sexuality individually, as well as their feelings for one another, unbeknownst to the rest of their circle. I loved their friendship and watching it blossom into love. I enjoyed being privy to Jake’s thoughts, and having a front row seat to his and Rider’s self-discoveries. As they navigate young adulthood, things come to light that affect them all, and they way things are handled brings about drastic repercussions for not just the two of them, but for all of their friends, which causes them to lose the biggest virginity of all – loss of the innocence of youth.

There are very serious and controversial (and somewhat taboo) issues at hand here. And KZ Snow does not shy away from these. She has given us a very well written novella with believable characters and a strong storyline. If you’re looking for something light and sweet, this is not your book. However, if you are looking for compelling characters, a coming of age story, and an author willing to tackle the hard issues, look no further.

Though not a lengthy book, it does pack a punch. When the dust (and possibly a tear or two) settles, you’ve got a great coming of age story with love, friendship and a happy for now ending that works perfectly for those with the rest of their lives ahead of them.

Mongrel series by K.Z. Snow Book Blast, Giveaway & Interview!

K.Z. Snow - Mongrel series Machine_banner

Hey peeps, today I am handing over the blog to Cat and K.Z. Snow to have a chat about the Mongrel series, we also have Cat’s reviews for Mongrel, Merman & Machine for you to enjoy. So come have a peek at this steampunk series that has our Cat desperate for more! K.Z. is also having a Giveaway over on her blog so click the link for her Giveaway for a chance to win 🙂 <3 ~Pixie~

Cat & K.Z. Chat!

Hi Everyone! I am so excited! Our Lovely Mistress Portia and Book Goddess Pixie asked me if I’d want to do an interview with the talented K.Z. Snow about her paranormal steampunk Mongrel series. I jumped at the chance.

Cat: Welcome K.Z to our lovely dungeon oops I meant workroom, don’t pay any attention to the minions chained to desks or the floggers and other implements hanging on the wall.

KZ: Hi, Cat, and thanks for the invite! Don’t worry; I was warned how crazy you ladies can be, so I mentally prepared myself. 🙂

Cat: I just finished book three of your Mongrel series and absolutely loved it. What inspired you to write this series?

KZ: When I discovered the genre known as steampunk, I was fascinated. I liked its combination of history, fantasy, and sci fi. I liked its grittiness. Some steampunk even had a slightly dark edge, and I liked that type the best. But there was virtually no m/m romance set in a steampunk world. I took that as a challenge. How could love, especially love between two men, flourish in a grungy, often oppressive environment that paralleled the late 19th century?      

Cat:  Did you know it was going to be a series when you started or did it just keep growing?

KZ: I didn’t know! When I finished Mongrel (Book 1), I went on to other projects. But the enthusiasm of certain readers combined with my own love of the characters persuaded me to return to that world and explore it further.   

Continue reading “Mongrel series by K.Z. Snow Book Blast, Giveaway & Interview!”

Machine by K.Z. Snow

MachineLGTitle: Machine

Series: Mongrel, 03

Author: K.Z. Snow

Genre: Mystery/Suspense/Steampunk/Paranormal

Length: Novel (224 pages)

ISBN: 978-1-62798-484-3

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (April 30th, 2014)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Cat

Blurb: Mongrel Trilogy: Book Three

The closing-day flea market at the Marvelous Mechanical Circus always draws a colorful crowd, but salesman Will Marchman doesn’t expect to see a large, elaborate gold wagon on the plaza—especially one called the Spiritorium. The wagon’s exotic looking owner claims he can perform “cleansings and siphonings” via a miracle-working machine housed within. He can supposedly flush the wickedness out of people and places.

The Spiritorium appears in the Mongrel village of Taintwell the next day, setting off a potentially tragic chain of events that begins with a shocking revelation. To make matters worse, Fanule Perfidor, de facto mayor and Will’s lover, has been neglecting to take the tonic that stabilizes his moods. Besieged by his illness, Fan drives Will away. Then Fan’s best friend, vampire Clancy Marrowbone, vanishes, causing a rift between him and his mortal lover. Then Will disappears.

As Fan regains control of his mind, he knows what he must do to save his village and the people most important to him. He must solve the mystery of the Spiritorium and confront a man he’d hoped never to see again.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4950

Review: This is the third book of the Mongrel series. Each book can be read as a standalone but I suggest you read them in order to get the full impact. I hope this isn’t the last, since I would love more and I’d really love Clancy’s and even Elizabeta’s story and more on how the mongrels came to be. (Yes K. Z… this is a hint… Actually, I have nothing against blatantly begging).

Machine is a fitting title as are all of them. I love the titles and covers of these books. The story starts out with the appearance of this strange cart and man. I love the ominous feel of this sort of prologue type page. Then the first chapter fed off the feel and I will say the eerie, ominous feel had my hairs on the back of my neck standing on end.

Fan has taken to actual physically working with his hands again since being the Eminence of Taintwell isn’t enough to keep him busy and he misses the physical labour.
Will is finishing up his season at the mechanical circus and missing Fan.
A strange cart is there with an even stranger man. The man claims to be able to help cleanse or siphon evil.

I loved how Will’s thoughts and feelings revolve around Fan. It is very erotic yet more sensual. I absolutely love the connection between these two, but it’s not so simple. I absolutely love everything about this story from the character’s, the plot, the setting…Everything.
The beginning sucks you in and holds you until the very fabulous end. The story is complete, no leaving you wondering what’s next or hanging. It’s a gripping, mysterious, suspenseful page-turner with sensuous, hot sex spun cleverly within. I loved the old world feel with the steampunk take.

I highly recommend this if you have ever thought of trying some steampunk but wasn’t sure if you’d like it, this is the one to try. (Of course start with book one Mongrel) If you like steampunk, old-world feel, Machines, Vampires, Witches, healers, other paranormal creatures, twists and turns, suspense, mystery, true love, and some moderately hot, sensual mansex this is definitely for you!

Mongrel by K.Z. Snow

9596433Title:  Mongrel

Series: Mongrel, Book #1

Author:  K.Z. Snow

Genre:  Paranormal/Steampunk

Length:  Novel (202 pages)

Publisher:Dreamspinner Press (Dec 8th, 2010)

Heat:  Moderate

Heart: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Reviewer:  Cat

Blurb:  Hunzinger’s Mechanical Circus, a rollicking seaside carnival where imagination meets machinery, shines as the only bright spot in the dreary city of Purinton. A shadow is cast there one day when a tall, cloaked figure approaches the stand of Will Marchman, a young patent-medicine salesman. Fanule Perfidor, commonly known as the Dog King, isn’t welcome at the Circus. No resident of Taintwell is; they’re all Branded Mongrels, officially shunned. But Will is beguiled by the stunning, mysterious Perfidor. Their mutual wariness soon gives way to desire, and a bond forms.

Soon the naive but plucky pitchman becomes embroiled in a dangerous quest. Fanule suspects Alphonse Hunzinger and Purinton’s civic leaders are responsible for the disappearance or incarceration of countless Branded Mongrels. But why? As Will’s passion and regard for his tormented lover grow, he’s determined to help Fanule get answers and prevent any further persecution… or worse. They just have to stay together—and stay alive long enough—to see their plan through

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=2069

Review: I love this series and the covers!

Fanule is a branded mongrel, and the elected official of Taintwell. He is finding more and more mongrels are being arrested or disappearing. also his madness is getting worse.

Will is a hawker at the Mechanical Circus selling an elixir. Until he finds its mongrel, blood used to make it. He meets Fanule by happenstance and they immediately become fond of each other. But, developing feelings could be dangerous to both of them, since Fan has a bounty on his head.
Simon is a bounty Hunter, but has a conscience. He had been seeing Will only for physical pleasure, then meets Clancy Marrowbone, the vampire, at Will’s one night. He likes Clancy’s company and joins Clancy and Fan to help find out what is going on with the missing mongrels.

This is a fabulous story set in an intriguing Steampunk setting, with lots of steam, mechanisms, an old-fashioned backdrop, with different unique types of part human creatures and vampires. The story is intriguing, fast paced, sensual and mysterious. There are twists and turns around every corner.

I read the second book first and had to read this one. I love all the characters but especially Fanule. He is dark, sexy mysterious, dangerous, but also caring and devoted. My kind of man. My only issue is the relationships are skirted around too much, id have liked more detail especially on how Clancy and Simon ended up together. I will say the names and cities are a bit cheesy, but add to the unique style of this story. I love it!


I highly recommend this if you like Steampunk, old-fashioned settings, vampires, mongrels, and sensuous love stories.

 

Carny's Magic by K. Z. Snow

Title:  Carny’s Magic

Series:   N/A

Author:  K. Z. Snow

Genre:  Paranormal

Length:  Novel

Publisher:  Loose Id (May 29th, 2012)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts-liked it

Blurb:   Carny Jessup here. The best part of my life began when my aunt’s homophobic squeeze smashed his fist into my face. I already knew a wizard named Jackson Spey lived on my side of town, so I figured I’d turn things around by becoming his apprentice.

Problem was, Spey didn’t want an apprentice. He was going through a midlife crisis. All he wanted was to build beautiful furniture and get cozy with his beautiful husband, Adin. He still took me in, though. Guess he felt sorry for me. And he was intrigued by the red paths I’d been seeing in the air.

I’m only 19, so how could I have foreseen the rest? That I’d fall for a breathtaking boy named Peter, who was at the center of some strange magic tied to Jackson’s past. And that I’d have to deal with a sorcerer named Bezod, an evil pig who plagued all four of us and threatened to destroy our relationships.

Hey, sometimes you just have to fight for what’s right. Like love. I might’ve been new to the boyfriend gig and Jackson might’ve been a reluctant wizard, but when the time came, we were ready to kick some supernatural ass.

Product Linkhttp://www.loose-id.com/Carnys-Magic.aspx

Reviewer: Cat

Review:   When I first started reading this book, I loved it. It was in Carny’s POV and had a very sweet but dry sense of humor… then we get to part two and what happened? It switches to Jackson and Adin without warning and it’s like Carny disappeared and the sense of humor. It was as if an entirely different writer took over… but towards the end it switched back and redeemed itself. All in all it was a pretty good book. A great romance and good plot.

Carny is an abused boy, well just become a man actually at 19. He is fed up with being unwanted and beaten on by his aunt’s boyfriends, so he makes a decision to leave. He had heard his other aunt mention a wizard and he has checked him out. Strange things start to happen as soon as he decides to go meet Jackson Spey. He starts seeing paths; he meets a young boy and a very handsome young man. Not to forget Jackson himself is hot and his roommate/ lover even hotter.  Carny’s life takes a drastic change. So does Carny find the wizard he is looking for? Does magic really exist? Does Carny meet a lover or two or three? Who is Jackson Spey really?

I am not gonna tell you. Get the book and see for yourself

I recommend this book to anyone that loves Magic, Wizards, sorcerers, Vampires, and a nice sweet romantic love story.

 

 

The Zero Knot by K. Z. Snow

Title: The Zero Knot

Author: K. Z. Snow

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (October 14, 2011)

Genre: M/M Contemporary

ISBN: 978-1613722046

Format: eBook

Length: 498 KB (Novel)

Heat Rating: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Reviewer: Artemis

From the Publisher:   Eighteen-year-old Jess Bonner is casting off pretense—and, with it, some friends from his past who aren’t particularly trustworthy. In just a few months he’ll be starting college, and it’s time for him to admit the truth: he’s gay, not bi, and only one of his old friends holds any kind of real interest for him. When Dylan Finch, aka Mig, follows his lead and puts some distance between himself and the old crowd, he and Jess give in to a mutual attraction that’s been building for years.

But navigating a fledgling relationship isn’t easy for beginners, and forces they can’t seem to control keep tripping them up: sexual appetite, personal insecurities, fear of discovery, and more. They need clarity. They need courage. Just as they’re on the verge of finding both, a vindictive act of jealousy sends one of them to jail. All their hard-won victories are in danger of falling to dust. And the only way to save what they have is to recognize it for what it is… and fight for its integrity.

About the Author (from the Publisher)   If there’s one thing K. Z. Snow loves more than indulging her wayward imagination, it’s the natural world and, especially, animals. She’s been a companion to most domesticated creatures and a good number of the feral ones commonly known as men. After too many turbulent years, her life in the upper Midwest is finally boring as hell—an achievement as well as a blessing.

She’s overeducated, underskilled, and has written a lot of stuff. Her only awards are two medals she received, obviously out of sympathy, for playing the bassoon and making it sound like a malfunctioning chainsaw.

Visit K.Z.’s blog at http://kzsnow.blogspot.com or her web site at http://www.kzsnow.com/ or e-mail her at kzsnowflake@gmail.com.

Product link:  http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=2565

My Review:   This book is the perfect blend of drama and self discovery and it snagged my attention right from the beginning. Jesse and his small group of friends have been playing at being bisexual for a while now…the whole purpose of their ‘club’ The Zero Knot revolves around their sexual choices. At 18 and newly out of high school, however, Jesse is ready to admit he is gay, not bi. He is also ready to start making hard choices when it comes to who he really wants to call ‘friend’. Jesse has always viewed Dylan Finch (Mig) as one of his best friends and he is ready to admit to himself that he cares about him quite deeply. Turns out, Dylan has been hiding the very same secret!

As with any teenage romance (gay or straight!) there is quite a bit of angst to deal with. Jesse and Dylan don’t know the first thing about being in a relationship. I found it touching to see them struggle through learning how to express their emotions without feeling stupid and ‘girly’. And, of course, along with this relationship comes jealousy…between themselves and from outside influences. Bran (one of their club members) does everything in his power to keep the two of them apart, preferring that he, himself, remain the center of attention. And he takes his mission to the extreme.

The author does a great job at writing this book to the YA market…the language, situations, and even the sexual explorations are appropriate for characters that are 18 and not 38. Any teenager coming of age and struggling with being gay would benefit from reading this book.

I loved the secondary characters, as well. Jesse’s father and brother are truly unique and really add a nice touch of humor and realism to the scenes. In the end, Jesse and Dylan realize that the chance of their relationship lasting forever is slim (they are only 18 after all) but are willing to put all their effort into making it the best relationship they can.

Overall, a wonderful book with touching characters, a nice plot, and just the right amount of drama!

 

Abercrombie Zombie by K. Z. Snow

Title: Abercrombie Zombie

Author: K.Z. Snow

Genre: Fantasy/Paranormal

Length: Novella (136pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (9th August 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb:  A tale of life, love, death, and other mysteries of the universe… including the importance of a good wardrobe.

Dead folks are the best friends of Quinn McConnell and Hunter Janz. Dead folks pay the bills for this team of psychic mediums . . . but just barely. To make it into the financial comfort zone, they need to outshine their competition.

Quinn needs even more than that. He’s been infatuated with his partner for the nearly three years they’ve been together, and if he can’t either get over his crush or make something happen with Hunter, they’ll have to split up. Sexual tension and unrequited love can wreak havoc with a psychic’s reception.

Salvation comes hobbling along in the form of a well-dressed but ravaged-looking man who can clearly see and converse with the dearly departed. Why? Because, he claims, he has something in common with them: He’s also been dead. The zombie who calls himself Dustin DeWind needs the psychics’ help in finding the man who made him what he is. In return, he promises to steer them toward the often elusive spirits that are their stock in trade.

But something more goes on when Quinn and Hunter forge an uneasy alliance with Dustin DeWind. It seems he’s also nudging them toward each other …

Review:  This is a great Paranormal/Fantasy which I enjoyed reading. Quinn McConnell and Hunter Janz are psychic mediums, they can feel the emotions of the spirits, Hunter mainly mentally and Quinn mainly physically. They work well together and are currently helping the police with a missing person case when they are approached by a man who needs help finding his lover, a man who claims there are wizards and he is a zombie.

These two men have been work partners and friends for three years and Quinn has fallen for Hunter even though he says he is straight, even if he does have flashes of attraction towards men. Working with Dustin DeWind and finding out his story, these two men face up to how they really feel about each other.

This is a smooth story that will interest you as it isn’t a typical zombie story; Quinn and Hunter are an interesting couple even when they just work together, as the interaction speaks of how close they really are. I also liked Dustin DeWind who is a great supporting character.

I will recommend this book to anyone who loves Fantasy/Paranormal, hot sex and a good story line.