Hi guys! We have Kim Fielding and F.E. Feeley Jr. stopping by today with the tour for their upcoming release Hallelujah we have a fantastic guest post, a great excerpt and a brilliant $20 Amazon GC giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤️ ~Mel~
Hallelujah
by
Kim Fielding and F.E. Feeley, Jr.
Can you hear it?
Whispering in the dark.
Secrets only the dark knows.
Joseph Moore, choir director for the First Baptist Church of Lenora, Nebraska, has secrets of his own. Terrible, lonely secrets. One that involves natural human desire. One that calls forth powers he cannot begin to understand. Both with the potential to destroy him and those he loves.
Now the world is changing. The darkness, the shadows, the ghosts, are closing in—and Joseph and his lover, Kevin, are being stalked by a merciless demon, hell-bent on possession.
Hi guys! We have Kim Fielding and F.E. Feeley Jr. stopping by today with their fantastic cover to their upcoming release Hallelujah we have a great excerpt and a brilliant $20 Amazon GC giveaway so check out the cover, enjoy the excerpt and enter the giveaway! ❤️ ~Pixie~
Hallelujah
by
Kim Fielding and F.E. Feeley, Jr.
Can you hear it?
Whispering in the dark.
Secrets only the dark knows.
Joseph Moore, choir director for the First Baptist Church of Lenora, Nebraska, has secrets of his own. Terrible, lonely secrets. One that involves natural human desire. One that calls forth powers he cannot begin to understand. Both with the potential to destroy him and those he loves.
Now the world is changing. The darkness, the shadows, the ghosts, are closing in—and Joseph and his lover, Kevin, are being stalked by a merciless demon, hell-bent on possession.
Hi peeps! We have Kim Fielding stopping by today with her upcoming release Love Has No Direction, we have a brilliant guest post from Kim and a great excerpt, so check out the post and enjoy! ❤️ ~Pixie~
Love Has No Direction
(Love Can’t 03)
by
Kim Fielding
Yet another series of poor decisions lands Parker Levin back in his mother’s house, working at her coffee shop, and feeling like a failure. Then he learns his ex-boyfriend has died by suicide and things go from bad to worse. When he meets a handsome stranger, he doesn’t have much left to lose.
Ten years ago Wesley Anker made a grave mistake. Since then he’s lived in near isolation, supporting himself by making custom furniture and only rarely connecting with other people. When he attempts to make amends, he encounters Parker, a beautiful and colorful young man, and he agrees to Parker’s impulsive request to join him.
Together, Parker and Wes find quick friendship and fierce attraction. But Wes’s past demons haunt his footsteps, and Parker’s struggle to plan a future has him stumbling through life. Then they uncover evidence that suggests Parker’s ex’s death might not have been a straightforward suicide, and every path seems to lead to dead ends and destruction. Can Parker and Wes find their way to lasting love when the route is hidden?
Blurb: Painting themselves a life together will be a royal ordeal.
Small-town boy Cal Walters doesn’t know whether he owes his phenomenal success as an artist to talent or to his connections to famous people. Doubt leaves him secluded—until a lost bet lands him on yet another blind date. But this one is different.
To Teofilo Vabriga-Kastav, playboy prince of the tiny nation of Porvunia and passionate art lover, Cal’s paintings are as intriguing as Cal himself. When Teo invites Cal to his country for an art competition, a whirlwind romance sweeps them up. But it can’t last—loyalties and obligations bind them to lives that are worlds apart.
Cal and Teo might’ve found their perfect complements in each other, but to hold on to their happiness, they’ll have to get creative.
Review: Drawing the Prince is the third book in Kim Fielding’s Stars from Peril series, which is released as part of the Dreamspun Desires house line. The series has been very enjoyable for anyone that loves a good light-hearted romance, but also as a fan of Fielding’s writing, I was more than satisfied to read the present instalment to the series.
The book works as a standalone, although there is mention of the previous two characters who are also the “Stars from Peril”. It’s a pretty cool concept, one small town in America which has produced (at this point) three celebrities – a rock star, a style guru and now an artist. Each man is gay and gets his own chance at a HEA. The artist being the subject of Drawing the Prince, obviously.
Cal Walters has become a wildly successful artist, in some part he is sure that he can attribute this to his fellow Peril celebrities, but of course he also has a measure of talent that has also made his work and commissions highly sought after. Despite his success he doesn’t have a lot of self-confidence, he doesn’t really date a lot either. The only reason he’s being sent on a blind date is because he lost a bet. Cal didn’t expect the attraction he felt to Teo, who comes from a small European principality of Porvunia (which had me thinking back to the first book in the series, The Spy’s Love Song). Teo is not only an engaging man, he is also an art lover and particularly admires Cal’s talent. Cal assumes that Teo works for the government of Porvunia, not realising that he is a prince (and an openly gay prince, to boot).
Teofilo Vabriga-Kastav (that’s a mouthful and a half), is known as a playboy prince. He works hard for his homeland, but he also knows how to appreciate the finer things and people in life. He’s been drawn to the American artist Cal Walters for a while and to meet him on a blind date is an opportunity Teo refuses to squander.
This is a fairy tale romance, so I’m not going to go further into details and spoil everything. However, if you’re one of those people that can’t resist a corny Christmas movie about Princes and Princesses and commoners, or books and movies that generally are about wealthy aristocrats/royalty falling for a “commoner”, this book will appeal to you and make you happy.
Hi peeps! We have Kim Fielding stopping by today with her upcoming release Drawing The Prince, we have a brilliant guest post from Kim and a great excerpt, so guys, check out the post and enjoy! ❤️ ~Pixie~
Drawing The Prince
(Dreamspun Desires 91 / Stars In Peril 03)
by
Kim Fielding
Painting themselves a life together will be a royal ordeal.
Small-town boy Cal Walters doesn’t know whether he owes his phenomenal success as an artist to talent or to his connections to famous people. Doubt leaves him secluded—until a lost bet lands him on yet another blind date. But this one is different.
To Teofilo Vabriga-Kastav, playboy prince of the tiny nation of Porvunia and passionate art lover, Cal’s paintings are as intriguing as Cal himself. When Teo invites Cal to his country for an art competition, a whirlwind romance sweeps them up. But it can’t last—loyalties and obligations bind them to lives that are worlds apart.
Cal and Teo might’ve found their perfect complements in each other, but to hold on to their happiness, they’ll have to get creative.
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC (28th February 2019)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 3.5 Hearts
Reviewer: Prime
Blurb: For a singer and a spy, love might be mission impossible.
Jaxon Powers has what most only dream of. Fame. Fortune. Gold records and Grammy awards. Lavish hotel suites and an endless parade of eager bedmates. He’s adored all over the world – even in the remote, repressive country of Vasnytsia, where the tyrannical dictator is a big fan. The State Department hopes a performance might improve US relations with a dangerous ene-my. But it means Jaxon’s going in alone…with one exception.
Secret agent Reid Stanfill has a covert agenda with global ramifications. Duty means everything to him, even when it involves protecting a jaded rock star. Jaxon and Reid’s mutual attraction is dangerous under Vasnytsia’s harsh laws – and matters get even worse when they’re trapped inside the borders.
Romance will have to wait…assuming they make it out alive.
Review: The Spy’s Love Song is the first book in Kim Fielding’s series Stars from Peril. I really enjoy Fielding’s writing style and so was pretty confident that I would at least enjoy this story. The writing style is easy for me to connect to and I find a majority of Fielding’s characters both relatable and entertaining.
It was actually good timing for me to listen to this audio, because I also had the ebook for book 2 in the series and I listened in case I needed a refresher. FYI: these do work as standalone book with only passing reference with the character who happens to be the famous person from the small town of Peril. In fact, the characters aren’t even physically in the town, it just happens that one MC is a small town boy who has made it famous.
The audio narration for this story was by Drew Bacca, who is a completely new narrator for me. I found his voice matched both characters and the theme of the story well. He was able to convey the emotions – the danger and the passion – pretty damn well. I look forward to hearing more performances him in the future.
For me this book is a mix between The Cold War (in the style of The Man from UNCLE) and the Seth Rogen/James Franco movie The Interview. If you don’t know what I’m talking about you could also think gay James Bond with a spoiled Rockstar and hot sexual tension. If a pseudo-James Bond minus the Bond girls is your thing in a romance this book will probably go for this one.
Jaxon Powers transformed his life and moved to the big city to try to make his big break after his parents took his coming out badly. In fact, he hasn’t spoken to them in years. But now he has made it big and a big name. He’s doing world tours, recording albums, and basically living the sex, drugs and rock n’ roll lifestyle. He is a spoiled, bored and jaded celebrity. Then one days he gets what has to be the strangest request. Apparently, the dictator of some eastern European country is a massive fan of his and requests that Jaxon fly over to perform a couple shows. The US State Department see this as the perfect opportunity to see into the country Vasnytia and get some intelligence. Vasnytia is basically like North Korea/USSR.
This is where Secret Agent Reid Stanfil comes in. He is all that is awesome and the embodiment of a secret agent man: he’s ex-military, knows the local language, sexy as well and good to have when you’re in a spot of trouble. He accompanies Jaxon to Vasnytia and goes to all lengths to ensure the man’s safety, as well as conduct any secret agent type business. They have an instant connection, but Reid is well aware of the dangers of giving into his base desires. However, things go awry, to put it nicely, and when the guys are running for their lives the last thing they have time for is to give into their feelings.
I really liked the two characters together and I love that they didn’t have sex in stupid places at ridiculous times although they had a good chemistry. I found that Drew Bacca’s performances lifted this chemistry between the characters and made the whole story a lot more relatable.
Blurb: Opposites come together for a spicy surprise.
Bradford “Tully” Tolliver has everything—money, a great car, a beautiful condo, and a promising career as one of Portland’s hottest young lawyers. Sure, he puts in long hours and has no social life to speak of, but who needs romance when corporations pay top dollar for his expertise? He hesitates when a colleague asks if her cousin can live with him, but the arrangement will last less than a year, and then the cousin—Sage Filling—will return to his tiny hometown.
But Sage is handsome and intriguing, and his cooking makes Tully swoon. Sage has obligations back home, though, and Tully has offers he might not refuse from a persistent—and very wealthy—ex. Since Tully and Sage each have a full plate, can they make room for a side of love?
Review: A Full Plate is a novel by Kim Fielding from the Dreamspun Desires line. I’ve read this book in the past and have enjoyed it, I love the ease of the audio format for my commute and so enjoy listening to books that I’ve read and liked in the past.
I’m also always curious because sometimes narration can help me enjoy the story more. This story was excellently narrated by Kenneth Obi, a narrator I’ve become more familiar with in the past 6 or so months and I’ve never had an issue with his narration. I really enjoyed the he gave to the characters and the tone used throughout the book. It worked well. I think the only reason why his narration didn’t allow me to enjoy the story so much more than when I read it is probably because I felt that the story was a tad slow in the middle leading up to when the characters get their butts into action. Not to say that this was a bad story, because obviously, I don’t think that at all.
The story is about high-power lawyer Bradford Tolliver, better known as Tully to his friends, and Sage Filling, the cousin of one of Tully’s friends. At first it seems like these guys are complete opposites. Tully is a well-educated city boy, whereas Sage is a country boy who had spent so much time and energy running his family’s diner in his home town. Sage needs to make money and he can’t do it at the old diner anymore, so he’s in the city where he is a line cook at a greasy burger joint. Sage also happens to be a cooking prodigy; his only problem is that he doesn’t have the fancy education to be much more than a line cook anywhere. Tully takes Sage in as a roommate, in exchange for his room and board, Sage does all the cooking.
These guys don’t come together easily. Their road to each other is a little bumpy to say the least, mostly because Sage doesn’t want to start a relationship when he is only going to be in Portland for less than a year. Tully will take anything he can with Sage, even if he knows it will end in heartache. Regardless, these guys are clearly made for each other and their subtle romance is something that I cheered on. The most telling part was when their lives meshed together so easily and both men displayed some misplaced jealousy.
If you’re into a sweet romance between a country and a city boy this is the story for you. I enjoyed the lack of ego and these guys just being average guys trying to make their lives work.
Series: Dreamspun Desires 82 / Stars from Peril 02
Author: Kim Fielding
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novel (220 pages)
ISBN: 978-1-64405-106-1
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (21 May 2019)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts
Reviewer: Prime
Blurb: Love never goes out of style.
Landry Bishop fled his tiny hometown and never looked back. Now his expertise in food, fashion, and décor has earned him all of Hollywood’s glittering perks. But with his husband deceased and his personal assistant retired, Landry has nobody to rely on—and no one to help him indulge his secret cravings.
Casual, plainspoken Jordan Stryker seems a dubious choice of a PA for someone as formal and self-controlled as Landry. Jordan’s questionable fashion sense and limited kitchen skills don’t exactly enhance his résumé. But as Landry soon realizes, Jordan has many attractive qualities too.
With a strong pull toward Jordan, new career opportunities on the horizon, and a persistent tug from family back home, Landry is in a quandary. He can advise others on how to make their lives special, but what should he do about his own?
Review: Redesigning Landry Bishop is the second book in Kim Fielding’s Stars of Peril series for Dreamspun Desires. In the past I’ve enjoyed a lot of Fielding’s stories, though while I can say that she is an author that I enjoy, I would be hard pressed to specifically name books, unfortunately. I have to admit that I had to go back and check which was the first book in this series and if I had read it – which I did (The Spy’s Love Song), one that I enjoyed well enough for the reading but I think I much preferred the audio (but that’s a review for another time).
You don’t need to have read the first book in the series, both books act as standalone books, about men from the small town of Peril who became famous in their respective industries. Except for brief mentions in both books about “the other famous guy from Peril” there are no other solid links between the two.
Landry Bishop fled the small town where he grew up for the glittering lights of LA, where he has eventually become a style, food and home décor guru catering to the rich and famous, as well as making appearances on day time TV. He is essentially Karamo, Bobby and Antoni from the new Queer Eye all rolled into one package. However, at the moment life is a little stale and part of that is because his husband had died a couple years earlier which is he hasn’t quite yet taken the final step in grieving, coming to grips and moving on. But hey, everyone mourns different. It was a complicated relationship but it was a happy one. But now Landry is losing his beloved PA and needs a new one. His PA chose her replacement in her sister’s brother in law (or something as complicated as that) and Landry is trying to avoid the new changes in his life at every turn.
Jordan Stryker needs a job and is given the opportunity of a lifetime, although he isn’t about the glitz and glamour of LA and is a really down to earth sort of guy. This makes him perfect as Landry’s PA, as soon as Landry gets used to that, but it also makes him perfect as Landry’s love interest because these are the qualities that Landry absolutely needs in his life. Jordan is also quite funny because he is so different to Landry, he can’t cook, he can’t choose an outfit to save his life and that keeps Landry on his toes. When things turn romantic a whole new world opens up for both guys as they adjust to the changes in their lives and learn how they can be together in this crazy world.
This is a super sweet romance, with a sprinkling of small town roots and a sprinkling of celebrity, it is the classic boss falls for assistant type book, and if that’s your thing, you will not be disappointed at all.
Hi peeps! We have Kim Fielding stopping by today with her upcoming release Redesigning Landry Bishop, we have a brilliant guest post from Kim, a great excerpt and Prime’s review, so guys, check out the post and enjoy! ❤ ~Pixie~
Redesigning Landry Bishop
(Dreamspun Desires 82 / Stars In Peril 02)
by
Kim Fielding
Love never goes out of style.
Landry Bishop fled his tiny hometown and never looked back. Now his expertise in food, fashion, and décor has earned him all of Hollywood’s glittering perks. But with his husband deceased and his personal assistant retired, Landry has nobody to rely on—and no one to help him indulge his secret cravings.
Casual, plainspoken Jordan Stryker seems a dubious choice of a PA for someone as formal and self-controlled as Landry. Jordan’s questionable fashion sense and limited kitchen skills don’t exactly enhance his résumé. But as Landry soon realizes, Jordan has many attractive qualities too.
With a strong pull toward Jordan, new career opportunities on the horizon, and a persistent tug from family back home, Landry is in a quandary. He can advise others on how to make their lives special, but what should he do about his own?
Blurb: It’s time for Austin Beier to grow up. His car is falling apart, his roommates are less than ideal, and he’s just been fired for the umpteenth time. His love life hasn’t evolved past bathroom hookups at his favorite clubs. Forced to borrow money from his father yet again, Austin is walloped by an epiphany—he needs someone to mentor him into maturity. And who better to teach him how to be an adult than Ben, his father’s office manager? Cute in a nerdy sort of way and only a few years older than Austin, Ben is a master of organization and responsibility. But as he gets to know Ben better, Austin learns that whether you’re eight or twenty-eight, growing up is never easy.
Review: First off, the cover had me laughing. I’m sure many will recognise as a parody of that painting of Venus in a half shell (Birth of Venus by Boticelli), which is very symbolic because this is all about Austin Beier (in his late twenties) putting on his big boy pants and growing up. The more I think about it, the smarter I think it is.
Austin is a party boy and has difficulty keeping down a job. He has an interesting family dynamic, though his father and stepfather are wonderfully supportive (even if there is no appearance of his stepfather). A talk to his father and his own intuition makes Austin realise he has to grow up. So he turns to his father’s long time employee, Ben, only a couple years older he is highly organised and has his life on track, albeit a somewhat lonely one.
This is a fun read and for the most part is light-hearted, with a sprinkling of humour. I loved both characters and I particularly like the development that Austin goes through in his endeavour to “grow up”.
Authors: Michael Murphy, Anna Martin, Grace R. Duncan, Kim Fielding and Sean Michael
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Collection (5 full length novels)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (5th May 2017)
Overall Heat Level: Explicit
Overall Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts
Blurb: Enjoy a selection of the greatest hits of gay romance published by Dreamspinner Press combined into one exclusive volume: by Anna Martin: Five Times My Best Friend Kissed Me, a story of a boy who he wanted to marry his best friend at age six, and the journey that finally gets them there; by Sean Michael: The New Boy, a romance between a shy photographer new to the scene and an experienced model and Dom; by Grace R. Duncan: Beautiful boy, about a Dom with a hurtful past and the sub who shows him love again; by Kim Fielding: Rattlesnake, where a drifter on a quest finds hope and a home; and by Michael Murphy: The President’s Husband, in which the first openly gay president and first husband of the United States must deal with the pressures of their demanding new jobs.
Review: I always like to have a bit of look over of Dreamspinner’s Greatest Hits collection at the end of every year. For the most part, I am always satisfied by the novels featured. I’m going to change up the review format to include an individual heat and heart rating for each of the five books featured. I’m not going to go into too much detail either, just a quick summary on my thoughts of the book and an equally brief summary on the overall plot.
Five Times My Best Friend Kissed Me by Anna Martin and One Time I Kissed Him First
Rating: Low
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 3.5 Hearts
This is a friends to lovers type of story, between two besties who have been fighting an attraction between each other since they were children. I’m not entirely familiar with Anna Martin’s work, so this was an interesting one for me. This is a charming tale and quite cute. I love how we get to know the characters so deeply before they get their HEA. I understand that this is greatly due to the format of the novel, the five times Scott kissed Evan is presented to us out of chronological order. Despite liking the premise (usually a sucker for these types of novels), I personally didn’t mesh well with the format and thought that it prevented me from relating to the characters, though I’m sure others will enjoy this one.
The New Boy by Sean Michael
Heat Rating: Explicit
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts
The New Boy is the first book in the Iron Eagle Gym series by Sean Michael. I was curious about this book because I love Sean Michael, although for me BDSM books are usually hit and miss for me. I think I enjoy books by authors that understand the lifestyle, rather than others that make the book seem like a flimsy porno. And so, long story short, I did enjoy The New Boy. Lance is a photographer just won a once in a lifetime contract to shoot photos of models in an exclusive BDSM club, the only problem he has is finding models. One model that he does meet is Tide, he is not only a model but he’s also a Dom. I loved the introduction to the host of characters and the careful way in which the relationship between Lance (the sub) and Tide (the Dom) is defined and how it works. They are contrasting characters, Lance is quiet and shy (almost naïve), while Tide is in your face, a little cocky and knows what he wants. In short they are the typical sub/Dom duo. The only issue I found was that there was not a lot of development of either main character.
Beautiful Boy by Grace R. Duncan
Heat Rating: Explicit
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖 2.5 Hearts
You know how I was just talking about those hit and miss BDSM novels? Yep, this is one of the misses for me. In part I think it’s because of the couple of Grace R. Duncan books I’ve either heard the audio for or read, I’ve always found myself struggling with connecting to the characters I think it’s now safe to say that I find the author’s style not to my taste.
This is an insta-love BDSM romance, so I know that will turn off a number of people alone. Also, I know people that don’t like orgasm denial in BDSM, yet the BDSM itself is very basic, so there is not really a lot of balance in terms of the sex play. Mal is the Dom and after tragedy struck in an ill fated relationship, he decided to turn his back on the lifestyle. But Kyle, a sub he wins at a charity slave auction, is the young man that brings him back into the lifestyle. There is danger in the form of a serial and a heck of a lot of baggage from both men.
The other thing is, I swear I’ve read a book with a very similar storyline. I’m certain it’s a different book and one that I read sometime in the past couple years – I’ve definitely not read this book before. There are details that I remember from the other book that aren’t in this one. Regardless, I can’t remember what book it was, so maybe I’m wrong.
Rattlesnake by Kim Fielding
Heat Rating: Low
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 4.5 Hearts
This is a charming book. Although I missed it’s initial release earlier in the year I looked forward to it mostly because I love Kim Fielding’s writing. This story has a lot of heart and a sweet romance between drifter, Jimmy Dorsett and small town, average guy Shane Little. Jimmy’s encounter with a hitchhiker has him heading to Rattlesnake to deliver a letter that has come so many years too late. Shane helps Jimmy when he breaks down and the sparks light immediately between the guys. Jimmy first fights his drifter instincts, but later this turns into fighting to keep them when the prospect of settling down with Shane scares him. These guys are great together, they have a lot of chemistry but the romance is sweet.
The President’s Husband by Michael Murphy
Heat Rating: Low
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts
By far my favorite book of the collection. This is a novel from the Dreamspun Desires line, which I fell in love with earlier in the year when I heard the audio for the book. My initial thoughts haven’t changed between hearing the audio and reading the novel. Essentially, this is a story of a relationship that becomes strained due to stress. Specifically, it’s the new POTUS and his husband who are struggling between the sudden inauguration from Vice President to POTUS within the space of an hour, and the President’s husband who wants to maintain his life as doctor and med school professor while battling the conservatives that believe that the very male President’s husband cannot be in the spot light.
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (15th November 2017)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖 3 Hearts
Blurb: Love is a high-stakes game.
A century and a half ago, Ante Novak died on a Croatian battlefield—and rose three days later as a vampire. Now he haunts Las Vegas, stealing blood and money from drunken gamblers and staying on the fringe of the powerful vampire organization known as the Shadows. His existence feels empty and meaningless until he meets beautiful Peter Gehrardi, who can influence others with his thoughts.
An attraction flares instantly, bringing a semblance of life to Ante’s dead heart. But the Shadows want Peter too, and they’re willing to kill to get him. As Ante and Peter flee, they learn more about themselves and each other, and they discover that the world is a stranger place than either of them imagined. With enemies at their heels and old mistakes coming back to exact a price, how can Ante and Peter find sanctuary?
Review: Ok, so, I’m just going to get right into this one. Normally, I very much enjoy and look forward to Kim Fielding’s books, particularly the contemporary novels. This is, in fact, the first paranormal book that I’ve read by the author. Although, truth be told, I actually listened to the audio of this book before reading. Sometimes I find that I enjoy one format over the other. In this case, I have to admit, despite giving ebook and audio formats the same 3/5 rating, I think that I did enjoy the audio more than the text format.
The is about vampire Ante Novak (pronounced Ahn-tay), who was human until he died two hundred years prior on a bloody Croatian battlefield. He found himself in Las Vegas where he subsists on sex and blood from random hook ups, often stealing money from the men. Unlike vampires in many stories, he has no money. He grew up as a human peasant, working his family’s land and just never cared enough to get ahead or settle down somewhere permanently. Las Vegas is run by the vampire mob, called the Shadows, of which he knows the leader. Ante doesn’t has always refused to work for them but he knows he is on borrowed time where they are concerned.
Between all this, Ante meets Peter Gerhardti, who appears to be very human but that is called into question from the outset. Ante is instantly attracted to the man who sates him in more ways than one. When the Shadows set their eyes on Peter, Ante finds a reason to fight for the first time since he was killed in battle. The mad dash the two men make is what I find to be the best part of the book
The story itself is original and was enjoyable for the most part, I will admit that much.
However, for me, there were a few things that just didn’t suit me well at all. Firstly, the pace of the story was a little too choppy, the pace went up and down like waves and I found it hard to get into the book and relate to the two MCs. Furthermore, I found myself a little disappointed that it took 4 chapters for the two MCs to meet, let alone end up in bed, and a few more chapters after that before their stories merged. Within this time, we also had to hear about the vampire MC’s one-night stands where he would feed. I know that this will be a hard thing for some readers to get into because, let’s face it, it’s not really what we’re here for.
The saving grace of this book was the last few chapters, on the other hand, were good – well paced, full of action and I was now much more certain in the chemistry and emotion between the two MCs. I think because they took so long to get together I didn’t really connect to Ante or Peter until I finally got my head around who they were.
Blurb: After the hard winter of 1888 ended Alby Boyle’s work as a Nebraska ranch hand, he returned to New York City in search of his long-lost family. His mother and brothers are nowhere to be found, however, and after Alby’s years of absence, Five Corners no longer feels like home. His prospects seem as dim as the nighttime alleys.
When Alby pauses to admire an angel ornament in a department store window’s Christmas display, he meets Xeno Varnham-Summerfield. Wealthy, handsome, and enthusiastic, Xeno brings Alby some temporary cheer. But for Alby to achieve his dreams of love and a real home, well, that may take a bit of holiday magic.
Review: Alby returns to New York City after a freezing hard winter finished the Nebraskan ranch he worked at, he’s decided to try and track down the family he hasn’t seen since he was thirteen but the building they used to live in is long gone.
When Alby pauses to admire a Christmas Angel in a department stores window he meets Xeno who offers advice, and when Alby keeps bumping into the man outside the department store Xeno makes his interest clear.
This is a wonderful little story that transports you to the streets of New York City in 1888, the setting is brilliantly described and you can immerse yourself in what life was like back then.
Alby is a wonderful character who is comfortable in himself and his skills, he might just be a ranch hand but he still manages to find a job working with horses with the help of Mr. Caruthers the manager of the YMCA. But it doesn’t stop him from being drawn to the department store and Xeno.
Alby is the focus of this story and we learn about his life from childhood to adulthood, you find out some interesting little tidbits about America in 1888, we root for Alby as he tries to find his family and hope that his families fortunes had turned and they were all okay.
While we find out a bit about Xeno it’s in short bursts and while he might come across as a bit forward (hell you don’t just flirt and compliment a guy in 1888), we don’t actually get what he was thinking or what signs he’d seen that would indicate that Alby might be amenable, he comes across as a man who knows what he wants and will aim to get it.
Other than not getting Xeno’s side of the tale I enjoyed this story and admired both men, their relationship is sweet and Xeno’s father very accepting for that time. That they could build a life together and have acceptance from those closest to them was just wonderful and leaves you with warm fuzzy feelings.
I recommend this to those who love historical romances, who adore characters who are interesting and sweet, and who adore happy endings.
Hi guys, we have Kim Fielding popping in today with the tour for her new release in the Christmas Angels series Summerfield’s Angel, we have a fantastic giveaway and my review so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~
Summerfield’s Angel
(Christmas Angel 02)
by
Kim Fielding
After the hard winter of 1888 ended Alby Boyle’s work as a Nebraska ranch hand, he returned to New York City in search of his long-lost family. His mother and brothers are nowhere to be found, however, and after Alby’s years of absence, Five Corners no longer feels like home. His prospects seem as dim as the nighttime alleys.
When Alby pauses to admire an angel ornament in a department store window’s Christmas display, he meets Xeno Varnham-Summerfield. Wealthy, handsome, and enthusiastic, Xeno brings Alby some temporary cheer. But for Alby to achieve his dreams of love and a real home, well, that may take a bit of holiday magic.
This story is one of seven stories which can all be read and enjoyed in any order.
Blurb: For a singer and a spy, love might be mission impossible.
Jaxon Powers has what most only dream of. Fame. Fortune. Gold records and Grammy awards. Lavish hotel suites and an endless parade of eager bedmates. He’s adored all over the world—even in the remote, repressive country of Vasnytsia, where the tyrannical dictator is a big fan. The State Department hopes a performance might improve US relations with a dangerous enemy. But it means Jaxon’s going in alone… with one exception.
Secret agent Reid Stanfill has a covert agenda with global ramifications. Duty means everything to him, even when it involves protecting a jaded rock star. Jaxon and Reid’s mutual attraction is dangerous under Vasnytsia’s harsh laws—and matters get even worse when they’re trapped inside the borders. Romance will have to wait… assuming they make it out alive.
Review:I was looking forward to reading the Spy’s Love Story for two reasons. One is that I have discovered that I really enjoy Kim Fielding’s books. The writing style is easy for me to connect to and I find a majority of Fielding’s characters both relatable and entertaining, at least on some level. The other reason I was drawn to and looking forward to reading the book is completely shallow – I don’t normally make a comment on the front cover but for me this book’s cover was… well in a word, hot. Basically, red/auburn haired men are completely my type, so the cover model hooked me when I saw the cover on the Dreamspinner website. I like to think I’m rational, but I can be as fickle as the next person, I suppose.
Right. So. Onto the story.
For me this book is a mix between The Cold War (in the style of The Man from UNCLE) and the Seth Rogen/James Franco movie The Interview. These were the movies/television that became my pop culture reference for the book, so if you don’t know what I’m talking about you could also think gay James Bond with a spoiled Rockstar and hot sexual tension. If a pseudo-James Bond minus the Bond girls is your thing in a romance this book will probably go for this one.
As I said, we have a spy and a Rockstar.
Jaxon Powers transformed his life and moved to the big city to try to make his big break after his parents took his coming out badly. In fact, he hasn’t spoken to them in years. But now he has made it big and a big name. He’s doing world tours, recording albums, and basically living the sex, drugs and rock n’ roll life style. He is a spoiled, bored and jaded celebrity. Then one days he gets what has to be the strangest request. Apparently, the dictator of some eastern European country is a massive fan of his and requests that Jaxon fly over to perform a couple shows. The US State Department see this as the perfect opportunity to see into the country Vasnytia and get some intelligence. Vasnytia is basically like North Korea/USSR.
This is were Secret Agent Reid Stanfil comes in. He is all that is awesome and the embodiment of a secret agent man: he’s ex-military, knows the local language, sexy as well and good to have when you’re in a spot of trouble. He accompanies Jaxon to Vasnytia and goes to all lengths to ensure the man’s safety, as well as conduct any secret agent type business. They have an instant connection, but Reid is well aware of the dangers of giving into his base desires. However, things go awry, to put it nicely, and when the guys are running for their lives the last thing they have time for is to give into their feelings.
I enjoyed the book, though I kept thinking back to the movie The Interview more often than not. I really liked the two characters together and I like that they didn’t have sex in stupid places at ridiculous times although they had a good chemistry. I’ll admit that the chemistry was a little flat at the beginning, but I got on board by the end of the story.
Hi guys, we have Kim Fielding popping in today with her new release in the Christmas Angels series Summerfield’s Angel, we have a fantastic giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~
Summerfield’s Angel
(Christmas Angel 02)
by
Kim Fielding
After the hard winter of 1888 ended Alby Boyle’s work as a Nebraska ranch hand, he returned to New York City in search of his long-lost family. His mother and brothers are nowhere to be found, however, and after Alby’s years of absence, Five Corners no longer feels like home. His prospects seem as dim as the nighttime alleys.
When Alby pauses to admire an angel ornament in a department store window’s Christmas display, he meets Xeno Varnham-Summerfield. Wealthy, handsome, and enthusiastic, Xeno brings Alby some temporary cheer. But for Alby to achieve his dreams of love and a real home, well, that may take a bit of holiday magic.
This story is one of seven stories which can all be read and enjoyed in any order.
A century and a half ago, Ante Novak died on a Croatian battlefield – and rose three days later as a vampire. Now he haunts Las Vegas, stealing blood and money from drunken gamblers and staying on the fringe of the powerful vampire organization known as the Shadows. His existence feels empty and meaningless until he meets beautiful Peter Gehrardi, who can influence others with his thoughts.
An attraction flares instantly, bringing a semblance of life to Ante’s dead heart. But the Shadows want Peter too, and they’re willing to kill to get him. As Ante and Peter flee, they learn more about themselves and each other, and they discover that the world is a stranger place than either of them imagined. With enemies at their heels and old mistakes coming back to exact a price, how can Ante and Peter find sanctuary?
Review: I’m going to be upfront and admit that this book gave me some mixed feelings. I really do enjoy Kim Fieldings’ writing and many of her previous works. I particularly enjoy her contemporary works. In fact, one thing that I do like about this one is that it is quite an original story and I found it enjoyable for the most part.
However, for me the pace of the story was a little too choppy. I found myself a little disappointed that it took 4 chapters for the two MCs to meet, let alone end up in bed, and a few more chapters after that before their stories merged. Within this time, we also had to hear about the vampire MC’s one night stands where he would feed. The last few chapters, on the other hand, were good – well paced, full of action and I was now much more certain in the chemistry and emotion between the two MCs.
Yet, I did love the narration by Andrew McFerrin – in fact, I think that was kept me going when I found my attention wandering from the plot line. I liked the voice and tone that he provided to all the various supernatural characters, including our MCs.
The is about vampire Ante Novak (pronounced Ahn-tay), who was human until he died two hundred years prior on a bloody Croatian battlefield. He found himself in Las Vegas where he subsists on sex and blood from random hook ups, often stealing money from the men. Unlike vampires in many stories, he has no money. He grew up as a human peasant, working his family’s land and just never cared enough to get ahead or settle down somewhere permanently. Las Vegas is run by the vampire mob, called the Shadows, of which he knows the leader. Ante doesn’t has always refused to work for them but he knows he is on borrowed time where they are concerned.
Between all this, Ante meets Peter Gerhardti, who appears to be very human but that is called into question from the outset. Ante is instantly attracted to the man who sates him in more ways than one. When the Shadows set their eyes on Peter, Ante finds a reason to fight for the first time since he was killed in battle. The mad dash the two men make is what I find to be the best part of the book.
Blurb: Opposites come together for a spicy surprise.
Bradford “Tully” Tolliver has everything—money, a great car, a beautiful condo, and a promising career as one of Portland’s hottest young lawyers. Sure, he puts in long hours and has no social life to speak of, but who needs romance when corporations pay top dollar for his expertise? He hesitates when a colleague asks if her cousin can live with him, but the arrangement will last less than a year, and then the cousin—Sage Filling—will return to his tiny hometown.
But Sage is handsome and intriguing, and his cooking makes Tully swoon. Sage has obligations back home, though, and Tully has offers he might not refuse from a persistent—and very wealthy—ex. Since Tully and Sage each have a full plate, can they make room for a side of love?
Review: I always look forward to reading Kim Fielding’s work, particularly those in the Dreamspun Desires line. Full Plate did not disappoint me one bit. It was fun and sweet. The two MCs were completely relatable, lovable and their chemistry was on point.
The story is about high power lawyer Bradford Tolliver, better known as Tully to his friends, and Sage Filling (yes you’re allowed to laugh at his name), the cousin of one of Tully’s friends. At first it seems like these guys are complete opposites. Tully is a well educated city boy, Sage is a country boy who had spent so much time and energy running his family’s diner in his home town. Sage needs to make money and he can’t do it at the old diner anymore, so he’s in the city where he is a line cook at a greasy burger joint. Sage also happens to be a cooking prodigy; his only problem is that he doesn’t have the fancy education to be much more than a line cook anywhere. Tully takes Sage in as a roommate, in exchange for his room and board, Sage does all the cooking.
These guys don’t come together easily. Their road to each other is a little bumpy to say the least, mostly because Sage doesn’t want to start a relationship when he is only going to be in Portland for less than a year. Tully will take anything he can with Sage, even if he knows it will end in heartache. Regardless, these guys are clearly made for each other and their subtle romance is something that I cheered on. The most telling part was when their lives meshed together so easily and both men displayed some misplaced jealousy.
If you’re into a sweet romance between a country and a city boy this is the story for you. I enjoyed the lack of ego and these guys just being average guys trying to make their lives work.
Hi peeps! We have Kim Fielding stopping by today with her upcoming release The Spy’s Love Song, we have a brilliant guest post from Kim and a great excerpt, so guys, check out the post and enjoy! ❤ ~Pixie~
The Spy’s Love Song
(Dreamspun Desire 67 / Stars from Peril 01)
by
Kim Fielding
For a singer and a spy, love might be mission impossible.
Jaxon Powers has what most only dream of. Fame. Fortune. Gold records and Grammy awards. Lavish hotel suites and an endless parade of eager bedmates. He’s adored all over the world—even in the remote, repressive country of Vasnytsia, where the tyrannical dictator is a big fan. The State Department hopes a performance might improve US relations with a dangerous enemy. But it means Jaxon’s going in alone… with one exception.
Secret agent Reid Stanfill has a covert agenda with global ramifications. Duty means everything to him, even when it involves protecting a jaded rock star. Jaxon and Reid’s mutual attraction is dangerous under Vasnytsia’s harsh laws—and matters get even worse when they’re trapped inside the borders. Romance will have to wait… assuming they make it out alive.
Blurb: Born into poverty and orphaned young, Daveth Blyd had one chance for success when his fighting prowess earned him a place in the Tangye city guard—a place he lost to false accusations of theft. Now he scrapes out a living searching for wayward spouses and missing children. When a nobleman offers him a small fortune to find an entertainer who’s stolen a ring, Daveth takes the case.
While Jory Pearce may or may not be a thief, he certainly can’t be trusted. But, enchanted by Jory’s beauty and haunting voice, Daveth soon finds himself caught in the middle of a conspiracy. As he searches desperately for answers, he realizes that he’s also falling for Jory. The two men face river wraiths, assassins, a necromancer, and a talking head that could be Daveth’s salvation on their quest for the truth. But with everyone’s integrity in question and Death eager to dance, Daveth will need more than sorcery to survive.
Review: Great story about the differences between populations, mystery and romance. I loved both Daveth and Jory. They both fascinated for different reasons. Daveth’s determination to do better for himself inspired me. Jory’s a mystery that had me from the start. I enjoyed reading about him immensely.
While they are getting to know one another they are both caught up in a mystery that they desperately try to understand. While some of the story had me scratching my head it fit with the overall setting. Nothing is as it seems and trust is something both men need if they are to survive.
Twists and turns are around every corner in this fascinating tale. I truly loved the dynamics as Jory and Daveth fought to keep ahead of the surprises that awaited them. Great cast of characters that added to an already good story.
Title: Dreamspinner Press Year 9 Greatest Hits
Five Times My Best Friend Kissed Me by Anna Martin
The New Boy by Sean Michael
Beautiful Boy by Grace R. Duncan
Rattlesnake by Kim Fielding
The President’s Husband by Michael Murphy
Title: Summerfield’s Angel
Title: The Spy’s Love Song
Title: Ante Up
Title: Full Plate
Title: Blyd and Pearce