Dawn Over Dayfield by Karenna Colcroft

karenna-colcroft-dawn-over-dayfield-coverTitle: Dawn Over Dayfield 

Author: Karenna Colcroft

Genre: Mystery & Suspense

Length: Novel (200 pages)

Publisher: DSP Publications (March 1, 2016)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: After the death of his adoptive mother, Andy Forrest decides to track down his biological family. The search leads him to the struggling central Massachusetts town of Dayfield—and local historian Weston Thibeault, the town’s only other openly gay man. With the help of Weston, Andy uncovers secrets about his birth father, the youngest son of the Chaffees, the family that once owned Dayfield’s largest employer, a furniture factory that closed thirty years earlier.

As Andy and Weston work together, they find a connection to a scandal that rocked the Chaffee family over 125 years ago. But small towns like to bury their secrets, and many of the older residents of Dayfield will do anything to stop Andy and Weston from discovering the truth about the town and its inhabitants.

ISBN: 978-1-63476-466-7

Product Link: https://www.dsppublications.com/books/dawn-over-dayfield-by-karenna-colcroft-213-b

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: In finding out more about his biological father, Andy Forest travels to a quaint little town in Massachusetts where the townsfolk’s are not quite what they seem. Unfriendly and downright hateful at times this town definitely wants its secrets to remain hidden forever.

As with most secrets eventually things will come out. Upon meeting Weston they both dive into the history of the town and discover two mysterious deaths at a factory in the eighteen hundreds that seem linked to Andy’s father’s death as well as his mothers.

I really liked this story. It had all the right elements to make for a great murder mystery except for the occasional repetitive nature from time to time. The townspeople were hostile but all things considered I understood to a point. Andy and Weston worked well together to uncover the truth about past events and why. 

All in all it was an enjoyable read.

Dawn Over Dayfield by Karenna Colcroft Guest Post!

Karenna Colcroft - Dawn Over Dayfield Banner 1

Hi guys, Karenna Colcroft pops in today with her upcoming release Dawn Over Dayfield, Karenna chats about writing Dawn Over Dayfield, so check out this great book! <3 ~Pixie~

Karenna Colcroft - Dawn Over Dayfield L

Dawn Over Dayfield

by

Karenna Colcroft

After the death of his adoptive mother, Andy Forrest decides to track down his biological family. The search leads him to the struggling central Massachusetts town of Dayfield—and local historian Weston Thibeault, the town’s only other openly gay man. With the help of Weston, Andy uncovers secrets about his birth father, the youngest son of the Chaffees, the family that once owned Dayfield’s largest employer, a furniture factory that closed thirty years earlier.

As Andy and Weston work together, they find a connection to a scandal that rocked the Chaffee family over 125 years ago. But small towns like to bury their secrets, and many of the older residents of Dayfield will do anything to stop Andy and Weston from discovering the truth about the town and its inhabitants.

Release Date 1st March 2016
Pre-order: DSP Publications | Amazon | Omnilit

Continue reading “Dawn Over Dayfield by Karenna Colcroft Guest Post!”

Last Chance Tattoo by Karenna Colcroft

lastchancetattoo1Title: Last Chance Tattoo
Series: N/A
Author: Karenna Colcroft
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novella (144 Pages)
ISBN: 978-1-62300-471-2
Publisher: Loose Id (August 12th, 2014)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts
Blurb: After “failing” to make a life and a drag career in Boston, Rad Morris has returned home to Ludington, Michigan, where his primary goal is to avoid his disapproving family. Only his grandmother accepts him, and Rad feels guilty for taking her support and money. Tattoo artist Dorsey Bellamy moved to Ludington three years ago after the death of his lover in a gay bashing gone too far.

Until Dorsey meets Rad, he keeps to himself, but something about Rad catches Dorsey’s attention. They form a friendship, which soon turns sexual, and then emotions enter the picture.

But after confrontations with family members, Rad wants to leave town again, and Dorsey can only try to persuade him to stay.

Product Link: http://www.loose-id.com/last-chance-tattoo.html

Reviewer: Tootsie

Review: Last Chance Tattoo by Karenna Colcroft is an uplifting, encouraging, story that follows along with real life situations. This is a new author for me but that did not hinder my decision to give this book a try. I’m so glad I did because it is a beautiful story centered on a beautiful soul. This is a story that does not rush to feel the pages with sex scenes. They do have sex and it is quite good when they do, however, it happened when the story called for it.

This, also, is a story about commitment and trust. One character may be committing to a partner no longer living but he feels compelled to keep their trust. Another may be committing to a grandmother who, when everyone else fails him, she stands tall by his side.

Rad left home five years ago when his family turned against him after discovering his sexuality. His grandmother was the only family member to provide unconditional love to Rad, but thank goodness, she did. He’s very disappointed in himself because even with his grandmother’s help, he wasn’t able to make it in the big city on his own. So, he does the only thing he can, he comes home. Even though grandma supports him and loves him dearly, she too, is not too keen in causing an uprising between family members. However, with her help and dedication to Rad, a family meeting is about to come together. They will accept him, love him, respect him, or grandma will be laying down some new rules.

Trying to stay out from under the feet of dear grandmother, Rad spends a lot of time exploring, walking, and taking in the scene that he hasn’t been a part of for the last few years. He stumbles on a new tattoo shop so while hiding from his brother across the road, Rad goes in.

Dorsey lost his true love 3 years ago and has not had a partner since. He came to this new town for a change of scenery and a new life. When a young man comes stumbling into his shop one day he’s not sure what to think. He finds him attractive immediately but wages war within himself that he may be cheating even though his partner is deceased. Rad and Dorsey hit it off quickly and form a friendship. They neither one have any friends so they could really benefit from their new bond.

Rad is a virgin in almost every way. He is shy and clumsy when trying to put on the moves and worries that Dorsey may not feel the same. Both the guys have a solid connection and it’s not long until their chemistry is firing on all cylinders. They share a kiss in the shop but oh, how Rad wants to take it further. Meanwhile, he doesn’t have a clue that Dorsey, also, would like to take it further if he could quit obsessing over a man who is no longer living.

While Rad is working on forming a stronger connection with Dorsey, grandmother is home rallying the troops for a family meet and greet dinner. Rad is very worried because he knows what they are like. His parents and siblings haven’t spoken to him since he left years back, he is not real hopeful that their feelings have changed. He even considers leaving again because he doesn’t want to put his grandma in this position. But leaving again would also mean leaving Dorsey. Does he really want to do that, now, that he just found him? If that is what happens, will Dorsey fight for him to stay? Or, will he let the best thing that has happened to him in over 3 years drive away without a fight?

Karenna Colcroft has written an enjoyable, engaging story about a problem, that too many face right now in their everyday lives. Every day, it seems, there is a news report about a young gay teen being evicted from their own homes. Their family members kicking them out on the streets with only the clothes on their backs. It is heart breaking and an emotional roller coaster to see this happen time and time again.

Ms. Colcroft has not cut any corners in telling Rad’s story. He has faced abuse and resentment from every person he grew up with. No concern for his well-being or the emotional toll and turmoil he was up against. All except for his grandmother, love her heart. The author, quite beautifully, tells Rad and Dorsey’s story and allows it to unfold at its own pace. When the guys want to take their attraction to the next level, they do so, but only when they are ready.

No one including we, the readers, are being rushed into scenes that only move the story forward. The character growth is inspiring to witness as both fellas find more than they ever thought possible, within the arms of each other. While there are some areas hard to read, there are many others that will keep a smile on your face.

This is a true feel good story that I would recommend to anyone to read.

Tempeh for Two by Karenna Colcroft

71sGWKorLsL._SL1425_Title: Tempeh for Two

Series: Real Werewolves Don’t Eat Meat 06

Author: Karenna Colcroft

Genre: Paranormal

Length: Novel (205 pages)

ISBN: MLR-1-02014-0231

Publisher: MLR Press (4th April 2014)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: The Anax, ruler of all werewolves in the United States, is bent on controlling the werewolf world, and only Tobias Rogan is strong enough to stop him.

Tobias Rogan never wanted to rule anyone, but in the past several months has gone from quietly running the smallest pack in the U.S. to controlling the Northeast Region. And now, to save the werewolf world, he must challenge the Anax, ruler of all werewolves in the United States. But Tobias’s mate, Kyle Slidell, is being held as blackmail, and Tobias must choose: Issue his challenge and risk Kyle’s life, or allow the Anax to declare war.

Purchase Link: http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=KCTEMPEH

Review: This story is part of a series and must be read in order. Tobias somehow found himself ruling the Northeast Region of the werewolves in the U.S.; it’s a role he never wanted but to keep the werewolves safe he accepted the position. Now Tobias knows he will have to step up again as it becomes clearer that the Anax of the U.S. is losing his grip and becoming dangerous, but the Anax has no intention of letting his position go and Tobias is facing the toughest decision yet. Kyle acted to defend Tobias but the Anax holds Kyle’s fate in his hands and gives Tobias a choice, back down and Kyle lives or challenge and Kyle dies.

You know when I first started reading this series I had no idea what would await me at the end of the series. With a series title of Real Werewolves Don’t Eat Meat, I expected a light fluffy series but I got a very pleasant surprise as the threads of each story came together to give us something that has a strong foundation and gives us excitement, conflict, great characters, and a great conclusion. Tempeh for Two brings an end to the unrest within this werewolf world with Tobias and Kyle proving to be an incredible couple that can handle anything thrown their way.

So in this story we finally see what depths the Anax will go to trying to keep his hold over the wolves, his sneak attacks, his silent threats and his blatant threats, we also see his complete disregard for all the wolves and the insanity that makes him cause strife. Kyle and Tobias find themselves in an unpleasant position when Kyle protects Tobias, having to stick to pack rules might now even help them when the Anax has his own plans. I have to say the Anax is really insane, but he puts a very good face on being sane but his actions speak for themselves.

Tobias and Kyle are still the same couple we have always known, totally in love with each other and Tobias still hating having to lead so many wolves but the strain has some effects on them and it speaks of their strength as a couple that they don’t let it pull them apart. This isn’t really a story that you can just pick up and read. It’s a story that has connections to every story that came before it, so it really does need to be read in order. You won’t be sorry though because this really is a very enjoyable series.

I recommend this to those who love shifters, conflict, and strife being resolved, brilliant characters, and an incredible ending.

 

The Pink, It Burns by Karenna Colcroft

81opx0YibHL._SL1425_Title: The Pink, It Burns

Author: Karenna Colcroft

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Short (45 pages)

ISBN: MLR-1-02014-0203

Publisher: MLR Press (February 14th, 2014)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Cat

Blurb: An upsetting Valentine’s Day encounter triggers memories from Dyer’s past, but leads to a deepening of his acquaintance with Myles.

On Valentine’s Day, Dyer’s usual morning routine of buying coffee at the shop near his job is disrupted when he realizes the child in line in front of him has been kidnapped by her father. Dyer calls the police and with the help of the barista, Myles, manages to keep the man and child in the shop until help arrives. Valentine’s Day has always been Dyer’s least favorite day and the day’s events don’t help. But an afternoon with Myles might make things better.

Purchase Link: http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=KC_TPINK

Review: I loved this story. It is sweet and charming with a bit of intrigue in the beginning.

Dyer finds himself in his favourite coffee shop as usual on Valentine’s Day. He hates all the fru-fru and especially pink. He is smacked with a balloon as he enters the shop that will dredge up painful memories and his actions could save someone from the past he had and perhaps bring forth a brighter future.

Have you ever found yourself in a situation that you knew you should say or do something but didn’t? Or saw something going on and you felt you should intervene but was afraid to? Dyer finds himself in that situation. Though he has been on the other end where no one had intervened. He finds the courage to actually do something to try to help a little girl he is sure has something going on wrong. Dyer is a very good character. He is very concerned and takes action person. I loved it. I also loved Myles and the fact he wasn’t exactly Dyers type but they both took the step to be friends.

I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a sweet story with a little action and no sex. I’d love to see a book evolve of Myles and Dyer.

Try the Tofu by Karenna Colcroft

18275323Title: Try the Tofu     

Series: Real Werewolves Don’t Eat Meat 04 

Author: Karenna Colcroft     

Genre: Paranormal     

Length: Novel (243pgs)     

Publisher: Man Love Romance Press (2nd August 2013)   

Heat Level: Explicit     

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥3 – 3½ Hearts 

Reviewer: Pixie     

Blurb: A challenge to the Arkhon of the Northeast Region proves to be part of a larger plan, and it’s up to Tobias Rogan to take back the region and protect its werewolves.

As he and his mate Kyle Slidell prepare to travel to Pennsylvania for the twice-yearly regional Alpha gathering, Tobias Rogan knows something will go wrong. His fears are proven correct when a visiting werewolf from another region challenges Arkhon Zane Wolfskin for leadership of the Northeast–and wins.

Tobias and his allies learn the challenge was part of a larger plan to destroy their region, and Tobias will not allow it to happen. But can he defeat the new Arkhon and take charge of the region himself?     

Purchase Link: http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=KC_TTOFU    

Review: This story is part of a series and must be read in order. Tobias and Kyle are having difficulty in their relationship; they are under each other’s feet and arguing quite often. When Tobias has to go to the regional gathering he takes Kyle with him grudgingly, they both know something is going to happen after Mikey’s premonition and plan to be on guard. Things happen rapidly though and with the loss of two alphas and the defeat of the Arkhon to a weaker visiting wolf, Tobias and Kyle figure out that there is a much larger plan and Tobias has to make a choice challenge the new Arkhon and defeat him or allow utter chaos as the packs fall apart. 

This is a great paranormal shifter story that shows the struggles of a mated pair when everything seems to constantly go wrong. Tobias and Kye are feeling the strain on their relationship after everything that has happened; they are still trying to reinforce their bond when they have to go to the Alpha gathering. The events at the gathering forces Tobias to act, he knows he is up against a formidable enemy but can’t share his fears with anyone other than Kyle. As Tobias prepares to act, he has to open up to Kyle and start to repair their relationship. 

I really liked this story and it was nice to see that even though Tobias and Kyle are mates they still have to work at their relationship. It was really nice to see that even when they were at loggerheads they still loved each other; they are just struggling to connect to each other. The whole Alpha gathering and the storyline surrounding it gave more substance to the previous difficulties they have suffered, and, it gave us answers to questions we never knew we had. Tobias really has to step up in this story and with Kyle’s help he finally sees the bigger picture to all their packs troubles, it also leaves us with a longing for the next book as you know they will be facing their biggest challenge ever. 

Although I did enjoy this story, I found it to be very repetitious, going over the same stuff again and again, giving us the same information as though I had forgotten it from several pages before. The story also dragged for the first half but it really picked up for the second half and that is where all the excitement and action happens, it is also where we get all the information about what has really been going on and the suspicions that form. 

I recommend this to those that love shifters, working on a relationship, discovering the truth behind the troubles, fighting for what is right and a great ending that makes you want the next story. 

Changing Planes by Karenna Colcroft

kc_changing_planesTitle: Changing Planes

Series: N/A

Author: Karenna Colcroft

Genre: Erotic Romance

Length: Novella

Publisher: Loose Id (June 4th, 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥2 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: Oliver Sheehan is on his way from Boston to California to marry his fiancée and start a new life, but he isn’t sure Sophia and Sacramento are what he truly wants. On the second leg of his flight, Oliver meets Colin Traynor, a flight attendant with a wicked sense of humor and smile to match, and the attraction is immediate. It isn’t the first time Oliver’s been interested in a guy, but it’s definitely the most intense.

Even after he arrives in Sacramento, Oliver can’t quite put Colin out of his mind, and when his engagement to Sophia unravels in the wake of her confession that she’s fallen in love with a woman, Oliver turns to Colin for friendship and comfort. Although Colin refuses to start a relationship with Oliver so soon after the break-up, they can’t keep their hands to themselves when Oliver crashes in Colin’s hotel room for the night. Following that, a month of texting and video chats–not entirely G-rated–leads to a hot weekend at Oliver’s new apartment back in Boston to make up for lost time. In bed and out, Oliver knows he wants Colin in his life; he just hopes Colin wants the same.

Product Link: http://www.loose-id.com/changing-planes.html

Review: I didn’t really like this book. It was weird and not well written for me to actually enjoy it, not to mention the insta-love and the rapid changing that is completely not my thing.

As it was the main character, Oliver, is still a mystery to me. His actions made no sense most of the time and his tendency for over thinking things and changing his mind in a heartbeat didn’t make him a darling. We meet him when he flies to Sacramento to marry his Sophia, a woman with whom he has never lived with. They’d been “together” for two years but they only saw each other during weekends (not every weekend of course) and the most time they spend together was a week.

Right there I’m thinking “what the heck?” but I’m going on with the story and reading the many second thoughts Oliver has. He is uprooting himself from his work and city, his entire belonging traveling across country, yet he finds this moment for second thoughts that he has been having an inkling of for a while. His train of thought didn’t make much sense there and instantly had me wondering why was this character marrying in first place? The answer was given in the form of society’s expectations, yet Oliver is alone in the world being thrown out from his family and he has no friends, so that was weird as well.

He meets Colin on the plane, there is some flirting going on, and while they don’t act on their attraction, not giving names or phone numbers they do get in touch with each other the next day in town. From that moment on it was a fast forward thing to read. Oliver cancels his wedding with Sophia, the cancelation being mutual, a weird confrontation with his almost in-laws, a weird sex scene with Sophia as a “yay! We broke up” gift, following with him getting back to Boston and trying to make a relationship with Colin.

I know I’m repeating myself, but that was weird. Really crazy at some points, how fast they moved and how fast the words “I love you” and “husband” were mentioned. The way Oliver over thought everything in his mind, the way he wanted so much not to be alone, the way he gave himself to Colin, the way everything they did came to comparison with everything he did with Sophia, Good God.

Perhaps I wouldn’t mind so much if there was some sort of connection between me and the characters but the telling and the hazy intimacy didn’t help create that bond. Every emotion was lost to me, the only thing that consumed me was Oliver’s need to love and be loved, right here, right now. In the end I couldn’t even focus properly in the book, it felt as the lines were repeating over and over again.

 

A Little Christmas Cheer by Karenna Colcroft

KC_A_Little_Christmas_CheerTitle: A Little Christmas Cheer

Series: Holiday 2012

Author: Karenna Colcroft

Genre: Christmas, M/M

Length: Novelette (11,000 word)

Publisher: MLR Press  (December 7th, 2012)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts ~ liked it

Blurb: Will Braden Porter give his lover Vince Gutierrez the gift of moving in together?

Braden Porter and Vince Gutierrez have been a couple for nearly a year. But because of Braden’s fear of being outed, their relationship has moved slowly. Too slowly for Vince. Braden knows that if he doesn’t take the next step and ask Vince to move in with him, he might lose Vince for good. A chance encounter during a towing job to Boston helps Braden make his decision, but will he dare to tell Vince his choice?

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

Reviewer: Patrick

Review: Not much in the way of eroticism truly, but great little romance story about overcoming fears. A perfect little read. This is an example of a story that could most definitely be fleshed out into a story of overcoming adversity in a small town. Definitely something I would be interested in seeing happen. Wouldn’t have to be set during Christmas either.