Hi guys Of Heaven & Hell is stopping by today with its amazing authors Kim Fielding, M.C. Rayne, Michael P. Thomas, Mann Ramblings, Asta Idonea, Eric Gober, Nephy Hart, Eddy LeFey, S.Zanne, Jana Denardo, Kassandra Lea so enjoy the post! <3 ~Pixie~
Of Heaven & Hell
by
Kim Fielding, M.C. Rayne, Michael P. Thomas, Mann Ramblings, Asta Idonea, Eric Gober, Nephy Hart, Eddy LeFey, S.Zanne, Jana Denardo, Kassandra Lea
Whether you like your angels and demons naughty or nice…
Whether you like them angelic or demonic, we have a story for you.
Our authors have tuned up their harp strings, and let loose their inner demons.
We have demons with inner angels itching to be let loose.
Blurb: Five years ago, Neno Kova? fled California, graduate school, and his lover, Toby Cowan, to return to his native Croatia. Since then, he’s led a quiet life as a librarian—until one November afternoon when Toby, who has never stopped loving Neno, shows up in Zagreb. When he left the United States, Neno wasn’t ready to give up his home and family to take a chance on a long-distance relationship. But Saint Martin’s Day has arrived, the day pressed grapes turn to wine and autumn turns to winter. Perhaps it will be a day when other changes are possible as well.
A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2014 Advent Calendar package “Celebrate!”.
Review: Neno lives in his hometown of Zagreb and works at the library. The town is planning for St Martin’s day. He is surprised when a vice form the past pulls him from his work.
Toby his college roommate from California has come back to see why Neno fled without keeping in touch and perhaps get closure.
This is a lovely story of two young men that loved each other but went their separate ways. I loved both men, Toby for his desire to find out why Neno never kept in touch and see if it was possible to pick up where they left off and Neno for his family responsibilities.
I like learning about other people’s customs and cultures and this story was very good describing the celebration of St. Martin’s day and the customs and cultures of Neno’s town.
If you like different cultures and customs, lands abroad, wine and sweet romance this is for you!
Author: Amy Rae Durreson, Eli Easton, Bell Ellis, Kim Fielding, Anka Grace, R.D. Hero,
Mark Lesney, Augusta Li, Mary Pletsch, Angelia Sparrow, Layla M. Wier
Blurb: Inventors, pilots, tinkers, and soldiers; magical metals to replace an aging heart or a ruined limb; steam-powered fantasy worlds of clockwork nightingales, automatons, dirigibles, and men. The stories in this anthology visit diverse times in the history of modern man, and the men who populate these tales face war and cruelty, masters and autocrats, illness and poverty and greed. Yet the heat of romance outmatches even the steam engines, and time and again, the gears of love rule the day.
Review: Steamed Up is yet another anthology I not only don’t regret but actually loved reading. Steampunk has a special place in my library, I will devour everything that belongs to the genre, but this anthology was more than just that, it was really well written, with wonderful stories that beg to be read. I think you’ll agree with me when I say that there are all kind of themes among these stories, the constant being that romantic flirtation and love in times that come with their own challenges. In my opinion, this is an anthology you don’t want to miss.
Five to One by Angelia Sparrow ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
I absolutely loved this one. Yes, it gets all my 4 Hearts effortlessly and oh, how I wish I could read the rest of Johnny and Dee’s story. What happens when they reach San Francisco, do they win the race, and do they get their hearts’ desires?
But I’m running ahead. In this little story Dee is a lovely red-haired Irish boy and tinkerer, and Johnny his roommate and friend for the past five years. Their friendship going stronger and stronger with each passing day neither man can imagine a life different from what they’d been living unless it’s slightly more comfortable in the financial department. And there comes the race. Manmade machines that can run 25 miles per hour and race from Boston to SF and the winner win one million dollars.
Can Dee create such a device? Can Johnny pedal it through the country? Can they win their prize?
While trying to make ends meet and make their dreams come true another prize must be fought for and won when in his enthusiasm Johnny realizes he’s in love with his best friend. Fears because such acts are illegal, fears of rejection, all must be put aside and risk if he wants his hearts true desire.
This story was romantic and I loved it, because it was so well described and written, I had no way to avoid getting sucked in it. I loved both characters here and they managed to make an impression on their individuality in such a short little story. The romance between them is not gradual yet it’s definitely not instant either. A brewing love was hidden beneath layers of friendship and when it took form it was not only gratifying but also sweet and tender and yet sexy and adorable at the same time.
I loved this pair and their story and yup, I want more.
The Clockwork Nightingale’s Song by Amy Rae Durreson ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Oh how lovely a story this one was. The second in this anthology and the second I loved reading. It’s wonderful how nicely the balance between romance and tinkering plot was woven. There is this slight emotional tinge between words as the main characters of this story are divided by class and rank.
Lord Gabriel Marchmont is an inventor and Shem a mechanic. While working the Flying Garden – which was a stunning description of a flying mechanical garden – Nightingale Nr 48 ceased to function properly and the inventor had to be called in to fix it, as it was quite a complex little thing. While Shem is a good enough mechanic, he had to call defeat and endure the arrogant Lord and his sneering comments.
But behind the arrogance was hidden a lonely enough heart and when both men find out that their mechanical little bird had fallen in love, hence he ceased singing when he was supposed to – they both fell into a pattern of working/thinking of ways to make the poor bird find a chance to happiness.
The real challenge for Gabriel though was making Shem let go of his safe net and risk his way for his own happiness.
It was lovely I tell you. Gabriel was an adorable character and I felt a little bit sad for him and how lonely he truly was in all that big house of his filled to the brim with brass and gears yet not a soul nearby to care for him. And poor Shem, so much scared of the rank difference and the dark side of things that he didn’t dare making that one last step and find a match for his own lonely heart.
I loved the writing style this author has. The mannerisms of her characters, the way they approached each other, the descriptions of the world where the story is set, and the way she made everything work. Yes, it was indeed a very enjoyable story.
Quite sentimental and sweet this read is a must for lovers of the genre in my opinion.
Ace of Hearts by Mary Pletsch ♥♥♥♥3.5 Hearts
Ah, a war! Boches against Albians, aeroplanes against dirigibles, and a man against his own fears.
Aeroplane Mechanic First Class William Pettigrew is well aware he is good, yet not good enough. A childish mistake cost him his eye and now his dream of being a fierce pilot is lost forever. He contains himself with being a mechanic for his mother’s lovely planes and spends his days tinkering and fixing and making modifications on them to fit the warfare’s demands. At the same time he contains himself with ogling from afar the gorgeous pilots never daring make a move on them, resenting his weak personality and the fear of rejection that weakens him every time.
But when hero Captain James Hinson makes a turn on his career leaving the dirigibles behind in favor of aeroplanes William dares dream of making a move, of reaching for something rather than lying in wait behind the shadows. As much as he pushes himself though old habits die-hard and it’s only when James is lost behind enemy lines that William is faced with his life’s dilemma: Be daring and charge in the rescue or stay hidden forever behind the shadows and perhaps lose his one chance at love…
That’s the story in a nutshell and I loved it. I loved the language and the words used in it. They were so in balance with this books setting and genre. I loved the action part of this little story so much that I didn’t mind at all the lack of romance, though it was there, subtly poking you with even subtler flirting between our characters.
What I mostly loved was the passion William displayed for his work and his planes. The description of them and the fascinating way they came into the read it was almost catching all that enthusiasm and it managed to hook me in this story so easily. Well, that along with the fact this was warfare had me enthralled within the blink of an eye.
Well what is there more to say; yet another one I loved.
Caress by Eli Easton ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts
Oh dear me, what a wonderful, wonderful story totally deserving all 5 Hearts.
The story is set in London 1857 going back in time as our genius main character Tinker remembers his life and what has happened. This character, oh my, such a lovely work from this author to gift us with such a delightful character. He’s a genius and you can see his unique mind at work when his inner thoughts break in the narration of the story. It makes you want to squeeze him tight if it weren’t for the fear of breaking him in half due to his slight and tender form. His childlike appearance has his poor heart to thank for which was way too weak to support his growth. It replacement with a machine pump, a work of art and gift from his former master didn’t help Tinker grow more, but it did give him endurance…
It is lovely seeing/reading this character. He is so bright and so lovely. His genius is of course taken advantage of and used to create weapons during the war. The deaths they cause haunting his dreams and conscience, but it is also the cause for him finding the one person who ever saw him for himself, for Tinker.
The second character of the story and Tinker’s obsession is Colin. Colin is a musician in his head though he never heard his music being played. The war took him and somehow, despite hating killing people he made to Captain only to be blown to pieces and come to Tinker’s part of the war to make a “laboratory rat”. A voluntary human for killing prosthetic arms to attach. An undoable feat yet one look at Colin’s eyes and Tinker will do whatever he can to save this man from the cruel fate of a crippled soldier, even if it means he’s turning him into a more fierce killer.
“A composer and a maker of miniatures, made to dance to the song of death.”
“An artificial heart, artificial hands, a love outside the lines.”
I just had to add these two lines from the story, they made such an impact with me. I loved this read, it was not only fascinating, it was moving and sweet, and brilliant and I simply adored it. The whole start to finish it was a fantastic read, so totally my kind of cupper, so erotic without any sex scenes in it, so sensual in its sub-lines, so beautiful a love story. I wonder if I’ve been starving for real romance because I’m utterly taken by this read. And there’s nothing more to say than go read it, it’s bound to take you for a lovely ride.
The Galatea’s Captain by Anka Grace ♥♥♥3 Hearts
Ah, the mysterious Galatea’s Captain who remained a second throughout the read to Kamil’s claim for main character. In this read, we have a philosopher, a scholar, and a pacifist Kamil who has had a bad trip overseas resulting in him losing his foot. The Duchess of Althea and her husband the Duke find the most promising man to fix him a prosthetic leg made from a rare organic metal.
This whole story takes place at Galatea, Captain Tales’ ship, but what we mostly read about is how Kamil passes his days and how he slowly begins to fall for the charming young Captain who is a master tinkerer as well.
There is no real romance here and most of the flirting between the two of them was simply mentioned rather experienced so we miss this contact with the characters, the attachment if you will. To top it all, it remains a flirt and nothing else till the day Kamil leaves the ship with his prosthetic in hand to go to the hospital and have it attached. They say good-bye there and I really felt lost at that. There is no more budding and strengthening a relationship, the pair is apart and when the end of this story came it simply held no power over me even as it had a happily ever after.
Atop all the lack of romance there was a lack of real tinkering as it happened behind closed doors and we only had a slight glimpse of a little mouse chasing a lovely bird. Other than that, though the whole Steampunk feel was a bit crippled here and in general, the read felt a bit lacking.
However, I still liked it, not only it wasn’t bad, but also it was quite decent and well I do have a love for these read. I simply wish there had been a better focus and development of the characters.
Screws by R.D. Hero ♥♥♥2.5~3 Hearts
A wanna-be inventor young Julius has to first go to University and learn tinkering. If only his father would agree and forego his dreams of seeing his son a lawyer. In an attempt to disparage Julius from his “pipe-dreams,” his father arranges a job at the screw factory for his young son.
Appalled at first Julius soon find consolation at his working buddies, especially Hank who is more than handsome and so very the material of wet dreams for young Julius. Drawn to this man, literally bewitched by him Julius gets into the routine of hard work and months go by without him noticing, his dream no longer being the obsession it once was. But Julius forgot that his father only meant to scare him with hard work, believing that Julius would soon relent and succumb to his will. Now daddy dear wants to take his only son out of the low rank factory and sent him off to higher education even if it’s that dreary engineering.
As his dream comes closer, Julius realizes he might be losing something even more important and he might never have the opportunity to chase it down again. His love for Hank needs him to be bold and finally go ahead and spell it out.
So this read is totally lacking the Steampunk quality, but it’s quite good on the romance side of the equation. Julius is young, naïve and arrogant at first verging on obnoxious even, but soon changes his tune as lust first and love later hit him head on. The classic sentence-turning-prize theme and it was quite lovely. Now if only there was some inventing happening there to balance this out and give it a bit more depth, some more story to it. I honestly expected the kid to make something and drive himself out of the slum, but the author had other intentions here.
So, while not a fascinating read to make your head spin, this was not bad either and well, Hank had a certain appeal, even as I never found out why he tolerated the little prick at the beginning.
The Clockwork Heart by Kim Fielding ♥♥♥♥3.5 Hearts
Sweet, foolish perhaps in its romantic approach my cynical side says, but sweet and lovely read.
To fall for a golem, to have your hear thaw out of its ice and to finally feel emotions but not toward other human, toward a golem, a machine.
Dante is a man lost and forgotten. His father threw him away because he couldn’t stop adding his imagination to the uninspiring clocks his father fixed or made, turning them into ornaments. His imagination crushed by his own blood and other masters, Dante preferred living on his own, resembling a beggar and quite poor, rather than being further oppressed.
He made his life searching through the scrapheap’s at the wasteland and finding, repairing, and reselling broken things. Until one day, he stumbles upon a real treasure, a golem.
Badly abused the golem at first seemed un-repairable. But a weird thing about those automatons, they were made to resemble a human a bit too much and Dante slowly succumbed to the machines moaning and pleas and put all he could to fix him up. Talon now became a source of joy and even though he could make a great deal of money out of him the very thought of selling Talon has Dante’s heartache. Weird that his heart would feel something after being convinced for so long that it might have been a clockwork instead of flesh and blood, all due to a lovely imperfect golem…
As I said, a sweet and romantic read and a very enjoyable one at that, this story is quite nicely written focusing more on emotions and a slowly growing trust/love relationship. The inner works of Talon were never closely viewed as Dante was not his creator and he didn’t know how he worked at all, so Talon retained that air of magic about him throughout the read. I actually like that, as I liked the imperfections both characters had. It made them somewhat more approachable even as I was a bit apprehensive of the human/machine relationship that unfolded.
Overall, I was left with pleasant feelings from this story going as far as saying I liked a lot. Definitely recommended.
The Golden Goose by Mark Lesney ♥♥♥♥3.5 Hearts
Oh hilarious read this one. A thief whose luck failed him mid-robbery goes through a series of events that make you laugh and laugh, only to end up in the backyard of a crazy inventor’s house the moment he was about to be… violated. On one hand the cops chasing him on the other a gorgeous young gentleman about to be molested and possibly killed, our thief who is totally against violence manages to save his gentleman in distress.
Viscount Gordon Dennis has sold everything he had for his invention and is nearing his goal. With his former footman being a near murderer he’s left hanging and in need of help. So what better choice than the man who saved his life, even if he’s a bit shady with the police on his tail and stolen jewelry upon his clothes.
I loved the story. The plot easily captivates you and the action comes fast and furious at you. Gordon is a lovely character, a bit naïve yet so adorable and our thief, Joshua Clarridge – whose name is only mentioned once, once in the whole read – is one of those characters that are brilliant and smart and cocky and have the world against them yet they prevail only to fall for the most unlikely situations all over again. When he falls in love with the mad/naïve penniless scientist, it only made sense that it would be his luck to have a Viscount at his feet worth nothing valuable. What a thief hah!
Romance wise unfortunately, this read didn’t quite have me there. It was too fast and came out of nowhere. No grounds to base those feeling and all that risk. But in the chaos of unfortunate events it went amiss and one could easily overlook it, I think.
Overall, I loved it and had some serious laughs.
Spindle and Bell by Augusta Li ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts
An exquisite story this one traces the life of Spindle-Reed, a mix of a man from of several races, unwanted, cast off. In the times when a terrible disease plagues the country, when air is filtered and people have to walk around with masks to protect themselves, the same mask hides Spindles ugliness, or so he’s made to believe from his “charitable” caretaker who controls Spindle’s life by way of doping him with opium. As a thank you for his caretaking, Spindle uses his special talent to climb like a spider and flow through rooftops like an uncanny night-bird to steal from wealthy houses and return for more of the same. Day in, day out until one night everything changes.
When Spindle meets sick, genius, and astonishingly beautiful Bel his entire life changes and everything gains a meaning. Bel doesn’t see a mix match of an ugly man in Spindle, rather a gorgeous, marvelous creature, and he’s in awe of how could Spindle ever think he’s ugly in first place. Bel shows him a new life, gifts him with the precious gift of all, love, and yet another, freedom. But Bel is too sick, and while his genius has managed to find a cure to the plague, it’s too late for him to survive the illness.
There is nothing that can be done, but live the life that he has remained best he can, and what he wants is to spend a night, a single night free of his golden cage. That Spindle swear will gift his precious Bel no matter what. But the shadows of his life aren’t far behind and are always watching Spindle, ready to jump at him when he least expect it and drag him back to the dreamlike fog of drugs and dead-end life.
An astonishingly beautiful story, made even more so for the short length it has yet lacking no detail or development. The characters are stunning, adorable, and appealing. They make you want to read and read and hope that the story never ends. There is no happily ever after for them and indeed the story leaves you with a bittersweet taste, but it’s that that makes it so worth reading. The utter realistic approach in this total fiction is fascinating and though it could be dark and heavy, it is neither.
I also loved the take on the disease. It felt like the 18th century England with the industrial revolution thrown in there, the mankind suffering from its greed for progress with citizens being either too rich or too poor, making for a huge social gap. There is simply so much to this story without putting a burden or making it a heavy read. I loved reading it and even though the ending was near heartbreaking, I loved it more for it.
Untouchable by Lela M. Wier ♥♥♥♥3.5 Hearts
Going after Capone? Not an easy feat, that sneaky son of a bitch is slippery like eel. But Federal Agent Rawson has it in his mind to get him and shut his business down.
Meanwhile green Federal Agent Aldis is sent to “help” him and at the same time keep an eye on him and report back for any misgivings.
As things would go, the silent brooding older man is as strong an appeal as booze for an addict for young Aldis, and he can’t help being charmed by this “heartless” man.
The plot quite simple yet engaging as it gets. The stalking and observation of the suspects, finding the missing puzzle and finally getting to the bottom of the mystery while not overly complex it was still enticing, with the final big BAM giving the entire plot an increase of intensity.
The romance between the agents is subtle, hints and quiet flirting, secret and unvoiced seduction. Everything hidden in the deepest layers of the heart until the big blast makes them reckless enough to dare a move. Even that is quite slight, feather-like even and all that surrounds you is this huge sense of manly eroticism, stoic and hard, with a romantic flair you can’t help get lost in. I loved it really, Rawson being my favorite, all this macho persona with his clockwork heart and steely attitude. His softening to Aldis gentler ways was gradual and made for a lovely quality when they finally decided to move on to life together, even as there were not much said if any at all.
Overall, it was a lovely story and strongly recommended.
Swiftsilver by Bell Ellis ♥♥♥♥♥4.5 Hearts
Aww! Yes, this is one of those stories that drag that “aww” out of you no matter if you want to or not.
Seamus, oh my, what a character. An apprentice for a cruel master indeed. Not a day went by that he wasn’t reminded he was in debt to his master for taking him out of streets and given a home. Not once was he praised for his work. Not once was he given the slightest of freedom. Even his creation when sixteen, swiftsilver, had to remain in shadows, well hidden for fear of punishment. Everything that happened, from the sky pouring rain to the heat of summer was his fault, and could very well be punished for no reason at all. Yet he endured.
Thio; you simply can’t love him enough. Exuberant, overly optimistic, adventurous, and a dreamer. The cherry on top, the son of a Baron. And he went on crashing with his invention and dreams right on Seamus’ doorstep, marking the start of a unique friendship and a love like no other.
These two characters are marked by innocence, both of them but Seamus the most as he was not allowed nothing at all in his nineteen years of life beside the apothecary work. Their entire relationship at the beginning is that of two utterly different boys in station, lonely in their own way, finding a real honest friendship in each other, matching each other’s personalities and balancing them. Seamus giving steadiness and slowing Thio down a bit from his fast and furious motions, helping and smoothing his crashes, while Thio fueling Seamus’ dreams and giving him freedom he hadn’t dared dream of.
When they made that final step into being lovers, I must say it was almost magical. All their innocence was so very adorable and lovely to read while they explored each other. Youth’s enthusiasm was no match for the feeling that flowed through the text so easily and made you float with them to the wonders of lovemaking. Together they experimented with science by day and with love by night and made you feel young again, excited and happy.
This was a story that actually covered twenty years so as you imagine it was quite wholesome, the end melting you like butter on a hot pan. I feel boneless right now and so very languid, sated with reading for the time being and I’m just so satisfied with this read. A wonderful, wonderful love story.
Blurb: Best friends Scott and Marco meet on a rooftop on Christmas Eve, each temporarily escaping from his difficult home life. With no gift to share, Marco instead promises to someday rescue Scott and take him to Alaska. As the years pass, they meet—first by design, then by chance—on occasional Christmas Eves, only to find life growing increasingly difficult. They treasure the few moments they have together, but will they ever reach Alaska?
Review: I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started this book and throughout it, I kept wondering will these two ever catch a break? I had a heavy heart through almost this whole book…happy when they were able to reconnect, but sad when years went by without any contact at all.
However, I NEVER gave up hope and I was thrilled by the time I got to the end of this story. Not a fuzzy, heart thumping story as there is no sex, but there is an enduring love that was awesome to witness.
Blurb: When Nicky Hauser walks in on his restaurant-owner boyfriend having sex with a waiter, Nicky loses his lover, his job, and his home all in one night. Although he’s nearly thirty, he’s never settled on a true career, and he has nothing to show for his years with Tom. Depressed and unable to find work, Nicky ends up couch-surfing with friends until he lands a house-sitting gig for a wealthy family.
When Nicky’s clients discover that he loves to clean, demand for his services skyrockets. Word of mouth leads him to Spencer Cartwright, a busy computer consultant and a slob. Spencer and his wife divorced when he came out, but he’s never found the time or courage to settle down with a man. As Nicky sets Spencer’s house to rights, the two men find friendship. But Nicky’s past experiences make him wary of risking everything on love.
Review: The world we live in has very clear rules about gender and what men and women ‘should’ do. Throw in being gay and the rules become even more confusing for those who are stuck in the rule game. Nicky Hauser likes to clean and makes a living cleaning and housesitting. He’s stuck wondering what he should do with his life when he has no marketable skills. He doesn’t value himself as much as he should. Enter Spencer who is a mess of a man who needs someone like Nicky to help organize his life and make sense of his chaos.
Nicky and Spencer begin a friendship that will become the basis of their relationship. Your lover should be your best friend and this story explores how the two men become friends and thus create the solid foundation for an eventual relationship. The theme of the importance of friendship and acceptance of self and from others is key in this story. It is only when Nicky accepts himself and the simple things in his life that he’s able to accept that he and Spencer can be more than simply employee and roommates. He must get past his hurt and his feelings that he’s not deserving in order to accept himself so that he can accept the love that Spencer wants to give him.
There’s not a lot of heat in this book between the lovers but there’s a lot of heart. So if you are looking for a hot loving, this is not the book for you, but you will get a hot scene in the beginning, but since you know it’s not ‘real’ to the story, it really doesn’t rev your engine. The heart of the story, however, is great and it focuses on how these men really find each other and how Nicky comes out of himself so that they can be together. So get a cup of cocoa and settle in. It’s that kind of story.
Blurb: William Lyon’s past forced him to become someone he isn’t. Conflicted and unable to maintain the charade, he separates from his wife and takes a job as caretaker at a former mental hospital. Jelley’s Valley State Insane Asylum was the largest mental hospital in California for well over a century, but it now stands empty. William thinks the decrepit institution is the perfect place to finish his dissertation and wait for his divorce to become final. In town, William meets Colby Anderson, who minds the local store and post office. Unlike William, Colby is cute, upbeat, and flamboyantly out. Although initially put off by Colby’s mannerisms, William comes to value their new friendship, and even accepts Colby’s offer to ease him into the world of gay sex.
William’s self-image begins to change when he discovers a tin box, hidden in an asylum wall since the 1940s. It contains letters secretly written by Bill, a patient who was sent to the asylum for being homosexual. The letters hit close to home, and William comes to care about Bill and his fate. With Colby’s help, he hopes the words written seventy years ago will give him courage to be his true self..
Review: Where to begin with this book? Well first, it’s not a titillating, exotic romance, but it is one of the best books I’ve read in months! The sexual tension is definitely there, but secondary to the main storyline. This book gives me a look into the world of psychiatric “treatment” before the science and human rights evolved to what we now recognize. The days, and sometimes this is still happening, when modern medicine thought that gay could be and should be cured. To think of the traumatic and cruel things that the Bill from the tin box letters, experienced against his will, because society’s definitions of mental illness and scientific treatment of the time allowed it. It’s terrifying! I like to skip blurbs when possible, and when I began this story, I thought immediately it would include a ghost in the big vacant mental hospital, and in a way, it did. The ghost of medical practices past haunting us today. The stories that William uncovered about how many of the mental patients including Bill, held against his own will, endured horrifying acts, are tragic and a sad loss. This sacrifice, and loss by the Bill of the past, gives William the realization that even though his life has been hard, his family turned against him, his marriage failed, and he was exposed to “cure” treatments, he still has opportunities that Bill never had. Opportunities he was wasting, hiding away by himself.
When first introduced to the character of Cody I thought, oh, boy here we go, stereotypical twink. But the author did such a good job of digging deeper and exposing this very experienced, and even world-weary man’s deeper side. It was also touching to show his vulnerability in an otherwise strong and outgoing personality.
The book is well written, the plot moves along at a quick pace, the situations are believable, and there were moments of cringe-worthiness, heart pounding lust, tears, frustration, fear, repulsion, and at last a HEA that was warm and fuzzy but so well deserved. The ending was not just for the main characters but also for the ghost of Bill, comfort for the dead. A wonderful book and a highly recommended read. I’ll be searching for Kim Fielding’s entire backlist now!
Blurb: Werewolves don’t have a how-to manual—nor do men embarking on a new life together.
It’s been a few weeks since Dylan Warner wolfed out and killed Andy, the crazed werewolf who originally turned him and later tried to murder Chris Nock. Architect Dylan and handyman Chris are still refurbishing Dylan’s old house as they work out the structure of their relationship. They come from very different backgrounds, and neither has had a long-term lover before, so negotiating their connections would be challenge enough even if Dylan didn’t turn into a beast once a month.
To make matters worse, Dylan’s house is haunted, and events from both men’s pasts are catching up with them. Dylan has to cope with the aftermath of killing Andy, and Chris continues to suffer the effects of a difficult childhood.
In his quest to get rid of the ghost, Dylan rekindles old friendships and faces new dangers. At the same time, Chris’s father makes a sudden reappearance, stirring up old emotions. If Dylan and Chris want to build a lasting relationship, they’ll have to meet these challenges head-on.
Review:This book is part of a series and is best read in order. Dylan and Chris are still working on their relationship. The foundation is solid but fitting two lives together is proving a little shaky. Throw in Dylan’s penchant to turn furry once a month and they have much to work through. But, that is the least of their worries when they discover Dylan’s house is haunted and Dylan starts digging in Andy’s (werewolf who changed Dylan) past which brings them more trouble. The two men have to stand together and strengthen their relationship to the face on going challenges. will their love be strong enough?
This story continues the story of Chris and Dylan. As Chris faces Dylan’s wolf and they build a stronger relationship which can handle the problems thrown their way. Chris and Dylan have already faced a lot. There are some mentions of what has happened previously so it’s a good idea to have read Good Bones. In this story, Dylan and Chris are refurbishing Dylan’s house and Chris is practically living with Dylan. But, neither man will broach the subject of it being permanent, as they are still unsure of what the other’s reaction will be. They discover a ghost haunting Dylan’s house and Dylan reconnects with old friends who could give him advice. But, digging through Andy’s past brings them a lot of trouble. On Chris’s part, he has to confront his past when he bumps into his father, Jimmy, and Jimmy wants to talk.
I enjoyed this rather different werewolf story and the still developing relationship between Dylan and Chris. Dylan discovers more about his werewolf nature and Chris describes his awareness of what Dylan is like as a werewolf perfectly. These are great characters. Both men have insecurities about their relationship and about their lives in general. They get snarky with each other and just a touch sulky, but they love each other and really want their relationship to work. They support each other with what is going on and knock each other out of pity parties when it is needed. Their relationship is passionate and hot. Well, when they aren’t dodging a ghost anyway.
The storyline is brilliant, Dylan and Chris both reconnect to their pasts and we meet some interesting characters. We discover more about Andy and we end up actually feeling kinda sorry for him. Chris’s dad, Jimmy, has a heart to heart with Chris and you have to admire a man who admits his faults and then tries to do something about it. The ghost twist adds quite a bit to the storyline and definitely makes it more interesting. This is a really well written story that weaves Chris and Dylan’s relationship perfectly with the paranormal aspects of the storyline.
I recommend this to those who love a more human based werewolf story, some ghost hauntings, putting the past to rest, some interesting twists, a bit of danger, a lot of love and some hot sex, and a great storyline which leads to a very happy ending.
Blurb: Sequel to Speechless A Bones/Speechless Crossover
An accident in Drew Clifton’s past left the former novelist with aphasia, unable to communicate through either speech or writing. Through sheer strength of will, he built a quiet but lonely life for himself. But now he’s fallen in love with Travis Miller.
Travis has his own issues—a permanent eye injury and unemployment. But he’s determined to help Drew find ways to engage and succeed again in the wider world, and a guitar-playing gig at a local coffeehouse seems like a good start.
Dylan Warner and Chris Nock happen to be in the audience that evening, and they have a few niggling problems of their own. Perhaps a chance meeting will provide solutions that might benefit all of them.
Review: First of, as the blurb states, this short story is a sequel to Speechless – another short that is quite engaging and deliciously sweet – and a crossover between that and Bones Series by Kim Fielding, and it’s free.
That said I don’t know what to make out of this one. It’s too short and it left me the feeling that it’s a prelude to something more. If not, then I’m highly disappointed, but if indeed I’m correct then it’s definitely worth grabbing it and prepare yourself.
A quick flashback to Speechless and we remember Drew, a once very good novelist who had a car accident resulting in aphasia that left him unable to talk or write. Back then Drew had succumbed to his fate and had no expectations of a better life, and definitely didn’t expect to find love from the quiet Travis, who due to his own disability – having one good eye – had pretty much surrendered himself to a solitary life as well.
Yet, small miracles do happen and while Drew was not able to speak a single word, quiet Travis spoke enough for both of them and better yet their chemistry made it all possible for the pair to form an adorable bond. Written in a remarkable way that made you, as a reader, feel the entire relationship as if you were living it.
So in this – extremely short – sequel we see the pair again as they move on with life, trying to get out there in the world and interacting with society. Drew making his first attempts into believing he still has to give even if his talented pen is now broken and Travis trying not to fall prey of that feeling of being “unworthy” of Drew and depended on his lover due to lack of work.
We also meet Dylan and Chris from Bones as they form a bridge and literally bring a new air of hope for Travis and Drew.
In the end if this short, truth be told, I felt like it was abruptly cut short. Also, truth be told, I’m more eager than ever to see what’s next and how that is going to work. Is Ms. Fielding going to bring forth another crossover? Is it going to be focused solely on our primary protagonists? I suppose in the end this is exactly the point of this story, enticing and intriguing us and making us quite impatient of the future.
Blurb: Aside from a sympathetic parole officer, Aiden Finn is alone in the world. He knows this is his last chance—after a lifetime in and out of prison, one more mistake will land him there to stay. Unfortunately, his job as a night custodian at a motel is neither satisfying nor good for building his confidence, and booze and burglary are always just a step behind him.
Enter beautiful, exotic, and secretive Luka Gabor, the motel’s new security guard. He seems to know a great deal about literature, history, and travel but otherwise remains a mystery. Aiden has to admit, the sex has never been better, and he might even be feeling the beginnings of friendship. He dares to hope that this time, he won’t mess things up—if lurking monsters don’t ruin his plans.
Review: I was very excited reading this book and it was absolutely fascinating. The whole idea was so invigorating it made it quite a joy for me to read. In the end though, I wavered between three or four hearts.
This book starts with a powerful kick. A troubled ex-con trying to make it in a world where there aren’t many opportunities for him left. A bit his circumstances in life, a bit the wrong choices, a bit the fact that there aren’t many choices to begin with and Aiden is to his last crossroad. He has to take the hard path and keep himself clean or get lost in that abyss of nothingness forever and simply await his death. It’s his last chance, but damn it hard when you have no dreams and no expectations.
That is until he meets the new security guard at work. Luka is…well, hot. No better word for him. Luka is sexy. Luka takes one look at Aiden and he practically devours him without asking anything back. But, Luka is a living mystery. He has secrets he can’t share, but that doesn’t keep Aiden from falling for his sexy co-worker. Even if he has no expectation that a guy like Luka will stay with him in the long-term.
So the story up until 80% of this book was plain amazing. The characters both were unique. But, as we read this book from Aiden’s PoV we get to know him much better, his fears, his feelings, and his inner monster. Everything about this character screams “help me”, yet he must help himself. I loved Aiden, really, truly loved him. I loved the fact that the author chose a “flawed” character for her protagonist. It’s hard not to feel at least compassion for him and well, let’s say that his whole bad-ass description has its allure, too.
The interactions between the men are also very charming. They start with a hot scene in the break room and slowly take those steps toward dating and having something more solid. In the meanwhile, Lukas helps Aiden stand on his feet by simply being by him, giving him incentive to stay strong. And when they fall in love, it’s done beautifully in a smooth way that doesn’t grate.
As I said awesome book up until 80%.
However, Lukas’ exposure somehow threw me. His “alter ego” did not fascinate me as much. The information about his “other” life was somehow vague and the very end felt a bit rushed, abrupt. As if the book suddenly exceeded the word count and had to end. That last 20% of the book nearly killed me. I was so enthralled with my read that it somehow came as a shock. Hence, my wavering between three and four hearts.
But thing is, I did love this book ending notwithstanding. I found it remarkable and a fresh breath in the choice of character. Not to mention very nice execution and writing. So, I’ll not hesitate to recommend this to those who love strong protagonists who go through the hard way in life and still don’t give up. Those who love a good romance. And those who want a bit of vamp and blood in their reads.
Blurb: Jeff Dawkins’s last partner left him with a mortgage he can’t afford and nonrefundable tickets for a month’s vacation in Europe. Despite a reluctance to travel, Jeff decides to go on the trip anyway. After all, he’s already paid for it. He packs a Kindle loaded with gay romance novels and arrives in Venice full of trepidation. There he meets the handsome and charming expat Cleve Prieto, who offers to serve as his tour guide. Jeff has serious misgivings—he wasn’t born yesterday, and something about Cleve doesn’t sit right—but anything is better than wandering the canals alone. With Cleve’s help, Jeff falls in love with Venice and begins to reconcile with his past. For the first time, Jeff finds himself developing strong feelings for someone else. But he can’t be sure who that person is because Cleve’s background remains a mystery embroidered with lies.
Then a dark figure from Cleve’s past appears, and Jeff must choose whether to let Cleve flee alone or to join him on a desperate run through central Europe. Maybe Jeff will finally be able to see behind Cleve’s masks—if he survives the journey.(less)
Review: This was a very good book that I read in one sitting which is very rare for me. Kim Fielding’s writing has a way of pulling me into her stories that’s lets me escape my reality and sink into one of hers stories. It starts a little slow and rich in details, but soon I fell into the groove that transports me to the streets of Venice.
Jeff’s life has been turned upside down. He’s not exactly heartbroken about being dumped by his boyfriend of six years, but had become comfortable with his life and the change wasn’t welcomed. His mother insists on him taking the vacation his ex had planned for them as the plane tickets were non-refundable. His first two days in Venice are pleasant, but he quickly gets lonely. He’s approached by the handsome tattooed man he was caught ogling the day before to have dinner with him. Jeff thinks his vacation is looking up, but he’s disappointed to find Cleve only wants be his tour guide for cash and meals while he’s in Venice. He had been hoping that Cleve wanted him on a more personal level and not just his money, but he’s enjoyed the time they’ve spent together. Problem is he’s caught Cleve lying a couple of times, so he’s a little weary of the man. Jeff hires him on a trial basis. Cleve is fun and beautiful, but he knows you aren’t supposed to trust a drifter. Especially one so aloof about his past. Jeff can’t help his attraction to Cleve, who seems to want him too, but is he just doing it for the money? Cleve does have a rather sordid past that Jeff slowly discovers through sheer need to know about the man who has captured his attention so thoroughly. The details aren’t pretty, but Jeff realizes he doesn’t care. He wants him. Someone needs to help Cleve and he’s willing to fight for the man he loves.
This book was funny, romantic and suspenseful. The attraction between the characters is there from the beginning, but Jeff, and the reader, don’t really trust Cleve so it leaves you conflicted about him. Kim Fielding is officially an auto buy for me. Once again I don’t know if I can do her book justice in a review because she can weave subtle storylines and make them special and real. I highly recommend picking this one up.
Blurb: Brute leads a lonely life in a world where magic is commonplace. He is seven and a half feet of ugly, and of disreputable descent. No one, including Brute, expects him to be more than a laborer. But heroes come in all shapes and sizes, and when he is maimed while rescuing a prince, Brute’s life changes abruptly. He is summoned to serve at the palace in Tellomer as a guard for a single prisoner. It sounds easy but turns out to be the challenge of his life.
Rumors say the prisoner, Gray Leynham, is a witch and a traitor. What is certain is that he has spent years in misery: blind, chained, and rendered nearly mute by an extreme stutter. And he dreams of people’s deaths—dreams that come true.
As Brute becomes accustomed to palace life and gets to know Gray, he discovers his own worth, first as a friend and a man and then as a lover. But Brute also learns heroes sometimes face difficult choices and that doing what is right can bring danger of its own.
Review: I don’t know if I can write a review to do Brute justice, but I will try. This is one of those special books you would see the cover on your shelf, pick it up to read a few pages, end up finishing the entire thing in one sitting, and fall in love with it. Brute is a beautiful compelling story about a damaged hero, and his road to happiness. It’s told though Brute’s POV, and I think that’s what makes it so amazing. Reading this fabulously created fantasy world through his eyes was unique, and gave it a voice that could only be brought to us by the wonderful, gentle giant that is Brute. He’s not a big, stupid oaf like so many people seem to think, but he does have a different way of looking at things.
Brute hasn’t had a great life. He was orphaned under a dark cloud of shame, and dumped on an abusive uncle’s doorstep. Most people would look at this and think ‘how horrible’, but Brute accepts this is all he’s worth, and that some people have less than him. He lives a very simple life once he’s grown and on his own. The only thing that he has going for him is his strength and size, that gets him a laboring job, which sets up his monotonous life of working, eating, and sleeping. He knows he’s freakishly huge and ugly, and that he also prefers men. The only physical contact he knows is from saving up all year to pay a male prostitute double the usual fee for sex. Then everything changes for him, the day he saves the prince after a terrible fall. Brute loses his hand in the rescue, and a man who’s only worth is his physical strength needs his hand. Instead of a reward, the prince offers to find a job if Brute comes to the palace once he’s healed. Brute has no other options, and is quite excited about a chance at a different life, so he sets off to find out what life has in store for him now.
Once at the palace, he learns his job is to watch a single prisoner in a secluded tower. Brute is paid better than ever for his duty, fed the most wonderful food he’s ever tasted, bought a wardrobe, and his room next to the prisoner is much nicer than the one he used to rent. But he doesn’t understand why all that is provided to watch one man? He is instructed to report anything the man says at night, right away, to the guard on duty. Seems easy enough to Brute, but he soon learns why so many men have quit after a short time on the job. The truth terrifies Brute, but it’s important, and he likes having a purpose. Brute’s tender heart can’t stand the way the man is treated, so he feeds him some of his good food, bathes him, gives him blankets, and talks to him. He shows the man a kindness that has been so long missing. To the prisoner, Brute is his savior, and the two fall in love despite their bleak chance at a happy ending. It’s enough to be touched and treated like someone truly cares, for Brute, but at the same time, he can’t stand to see the man he loves spend the rest of his life in that cell. Will he give up his new life and friends and face possible death to set the man he loves free? Or will he just be happy for what he has, like always?
There are so many wonderful things about this book; I can’t possibly put them all in this review. The love story was slow but beautiful. The world building was wonderful. Everyday things seen through Brute’s eyes seemed so much more interesting, and I enjoyed every minute of this book. Immediately after finishing this book I marked three more of Kim Fielding’s book to read. If I love them half as much as I love this book, I’ll be thrilled. I highly recommend this book. One of my favorite reads of 2012.
Blurb:Reece considers holiday events wasteful. But when he’s coerced into standing in line for this year’s must-have toy, he gets trampled by the crowd. Store manager Angel rescues him–but can Angel also show Reece the joy of Christmas?
Reece is a practical, orderly man, a financial analyst who considers most holiday events wasteful. But his sister coerces him into standing in line overnight for this year’s must-have toy. Supplies of Daredevil Danny prove smaller than expected, and Reece gets trampled in the resulting stampede. Toy store manager Angel tends to Reece’s wounds. When Angel discovers Reece’s cynical attitude, he invites Reece to spend Christmas Eve with him. Over the course of the day, Angel shows Reece what Christmas means to him. With Angel’s guidance, maybe Reece can finally understand the joy of the holiday–and maybe even find love as well.
Review: Reece is stuck in line waiting for a store to open so he can buy his nephew the much longed for Daredevil Danny toy. Unfortunately, when the store opens and stock is low, Reece is hurt in the stampede. Angel, the assistant manager comes to Reece’s rescue, but the much long for toy is long gone. Angel invites Reece for a day out when he discovers how cynical he is. Can Angel get Reece to see the true joy in Christmas?
Sometimes life blinds you to what is right in front of you. The simple joy in the small things. Reece is a practical man. His idea of a perfect gift for a child is cash towards his college fund. When his sister calls in a favor, he finds himself sat outside a store freezing cold waiting to buy an action figure in the middle of the night. But, things don’t go as he expected and he ends up injured and being taken care of by a gorgeous man. Angel firmly believes in spreading the joy, discovering that Reece doesn’t seem to have any has Angel inviting him for a day out so Reece gets a dose of the real joy of giving.
This is quite a good story about discovering the joy of Christmas that was lost. Reece is a very practical, cynical man, while Angel looks for the joy in everything. Putting these two together makes for a great story, but although we get a feel for both characters and what their relationship might be like this story is mainly about the joy of Christmas, so any relationship is just faint tendril of hope in the background. We do get to see the very beginning as they share a brief kiss or two and they talk together a lot, but this is definitely a story of Christmas joy and hope, with a hint of happiness and love in the future.
I will recommend this to those who want a story of Christmas joy, with some faint stirrings of relationship hope, with two great characters and the beginning of a new relationship.
Author: Heidi Champa, Cari Z., Matthew Vandrew, Chris T. Kat, Avery Vanderlyle, Kim Fielding, R. Cooper, Emily Gould, A.J. Marcus, Skylar Jaye, Minerva Wisting, Lily Velden, Kate Pavelle, Liz Makar, G.S Wiley
Genre: Anthology
Length: 352 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (August 13, 2012)
Heat Level: Moderate (total book)
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Blurb: Lions tigers and bears Oh! My! Whether ist a dog or cat or something more exotic, the animals in this collection of m/m stories serve as the catalyst for bringing lovers together. No matter how the encounter begins, by the end of each story, with a little help from their finned, furred, or feathered friends, our heros have discovered some animal magnetism of their own.
This is a great collection of 15 stories where animals of some sort are catalysts for romance. Some are sweet and some are very hot. All were very cute and fun to read. I will break each down with a heat rating for ya!
Review:
A Few Too Many by Heidi Champa
Heat Level: Explicit
Ted takes his dog, Jake, to the annual Highland Games. After winning, Jake gets into the cups sitting around of booze and gets sick. Ted rushes him to the vet to find that the usual veterinarian isn’t in. a new very sexy vet is there instead.
I found this story so cute, I laughed until I about cried. Then it got so hot at the vet’s office.
If you like dogs, men in kilts, hot vet, and hot man-sex you will love this.
Having a Ball by Cari Z.
Heat Level: Explicit
Jimmy comes to snake sit at his older brother, Michael’s, house, after, Michael’s wife died in an accident. Michael had to take his daughter, Kelly, to visit her deceased mom’s family for two weeks at Christmas. Jimmy is left with instructions of how to care for the snake and an emergency contact in case of problems. The emergency contact is a neighbor upstairs. Circumstances bring Jimmy to call on the neighbor. What happened that he had to call the neighbor? What happened after he called the neighbor? All I’m telling ya is read this story… it’s cute.
This one was sweet, also. You can’t help but feel for Jimmy being creeped out about babysitting a snake. Things that happen afterward are pretty hot.
If you like sort a sad stories, snakes, friends to lovers, History lessons, and hot man-sex you will love this one.
Along Came Spiders by Matthew Vandrew
Heat Level: Mild
Hedge is on his way to work when an earthquake hits. A woman says a man may be injured and has a basement full of spiders. Hedge is a nurse and goes to help. Alec a police officer that was just going off duty tries to keep Hedge from going in, but Hedge insists. They get trapped temporarily inside with loose spiders.
This was such a sweet romantic story even if it had spiders on the loose.
If you like police officers, male nurses, a sweet romance and spiders you will love this one!
Cuddling Up by Chris T. Kat
Heat Level: Explicit
Paul was leaving work and it was raining cats and dogs (sorry, I couldn’t resist the pun), so he goes back into the big cat house at the zoo where he works. (Real cats like lions and leopards and stuff)When he gets inside he finds Noah, his relief cuddled up with the Snow Leopard and her cubs. He watches, afraid if he startles them the leopard will hurt him. When Noah finally exits the cage, Paul confronts him and an argument ensues. Paul goes into the shower to cool himself off and get out of his wet clothes. Noah follows him in.
I loved this story it was so sweet the scene with Noah and the snow leopard and the story of why he was in the cage. The sex was really hot, too.
I recommend this if you like, Snow Leopards and cubs, sweet stories, and hot man-sex.
New Tides by Avery Vanderlyle
Heat Level: Mild
Steve had to take a job on the east coast and his boyfriend Eric had stayed on the West Coast. He works in aquatics with crabs. After three years and trying the long distance relationship and failing they still kept in touch some and Steve really hadn’t moved on. Eric had. Steve’s favorite possession is a pencil with a crab on it that Eric had bought him when he graduated school. His pencil keeps coming up missing and found in strange places. The new co-worker, Jan, studies octopi and has one named Cleo that he is studying its behavior. How does Cleo Bring Jan and Steve together when octopi aren’t one of Steve’s favorite marine animals?
I love this story it. It’s a sweet story about a man not wanting to let go of his love, but a strange occurrence helps him put Eric in his past and find new love. Even with no sex mentioned this story was so good and exciting.
I recommend this story to anyone that likes a sweet story with no sex, Octopi, crabs, marine biology and sexy men.
Care and Rehabilitation by Kim Fielding
Heat Level: Mild
Ira is a history professor he is in mourning of losing his long- time partner to leukemia. He has his partner’s dog, a St. Bernard and she finds a baby bird. Ira is told of a person the takes birds in to rehabilitate. When he gets there, he finds the person is an ex student of his, that he had a mild crush on when he was in Ira’s class. Ironically, Caleb had had a major crush on Ira, too. Caleb is also in mourning of losing his mother a year ago and had taken over her business of taking in the injured birds that needed rehab. Can a baby bird and a St. Bernard be the path to both Ira and Caleb’s healing?
I absolutely loved this story. It has no actual sex, but the story is so sweet, yet sad with a happy ending.
If you love Birds, dogs sad but sweet stories of love lost and having to move on this one is super great!
Butterbean and the Pretty Princess Make A Home by R. Cooper
Heat Level: Moderate
Riley and Eli are roommates. Eli is the best roommate Riley ever had. But, Eli and Riley are so different. Eli is quiet, large, and hairy, and from a wealthy family. Eli has tattoos, designs them and runs around with his friends that talk about Eli. Riley has been staying home more finding he enjoys Eli’s company. One night on his way home he finds two kittens in a box in the trash. He brings them in and Eli flips out. He is terrified, and thinks he has allergies. Can two abandoned kittens bring together two friends?
This story was so cute. Eli’s reaction to the kittens is hilarious.
If you like friends to lovers romance, a cute funny story, tattoos, and kittens you will love this one.
Jonno by Emily Gould
Heat level: Mild
Ethan took a job in the wildlife park because his partner Louis had been giving him a hard time about not working. Their relationship seemed to be falling apart. On his first day at work a squirrel named Jonno bit him. He had to go to the onsite medic, Mitchell. He and Mitchell become good friends. Can A mean squirrel bring two friends together?
This was another cute sweet story. I felt so sorry for Ethan. Louis is such a prick. Ethan and his squirrel Jonno’s relationship is absolutely hilarious. The buildup of Mitchell and Ethan’s relationship is so sweet.
If you like squirrels, funny stories, sweet romances, and friends to lover’s romance. Stories with a great relationship with no sex this one is a must read.
On Eagles Wings by A. J. Marcus
Heat Level: Moderate
One day out hunting with his eagle, Gavin, a Falconer, finds Heath, a ranger on a cliff. He had been pushed by a poacher and broke his leg. Gavin rescues him. They both have been friends for a while and both live out in the wild alone. They find themselves even closer.
This is a very sweet story of a rescue that brings friends to lovers.
If you like eagles, hunting, wilderness, sweet hot man-sex and friends to lovers check this one out.
Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road by Skylar Jaye
Heat Level: Mild
Gabe has chickens as pets. His neighbors don’t mind since he shares the eggs. Tracy and her son just moved across the street. Tracy came back to the country sick to spend the rest of her time. Aaron is having a hard time adjusting. One of Gabe’s chickens keeps getting out and going to Tracy’s, Aaron keeps returning her. Aaron isn’t into one night stands and Gabe isn’t into commitment. Can a wandering chicken bring these two together?
This is another really cute sweet story of an animal bringing to men together as friends and possibly more.
If you love the country, stories with a bit of angst, chickens and friends to lovers, this one is a must read.
Tears for a Broken Sun by Minerva Wisting
Heat Level: Explicit.
Akira runs a flower shop his parents left him. He has a crush on a customer that comes in every Friday. they have even had dinner a few times as friends, but he thinks Luca is straight. Wan, Akira’s dog is acting strangely this day. An earthquake comes and its bad and his house is wrecked inside. He starts walking the dog seeing people leaving for the shelters afraid of a tsunami. Wan keeps acting strangely so they head to shelter after seeing people on buildings. Luca comes up on a bicycle and gets Akira to run. A tsunami comes and they barely make it to a deserted building. Akira is upset his entire house is destroyed and his shop. Why did Luca come to save him?
A very exciting keeps you on the edge of your seat story.
If you like a story with excitement, sadness, and a sweet friends to lovers. This one is great!
Stripped Bare by Lily Velden
Heat level: Explicit w/some slightly vulgar language
Nick is an artist and at one of his exhibits a handsome stranger comes in. He eyes one of the works then leaves. The next day he shows up at a talk and asks so many questions Nick feels he was stripped bare. After the talk, the customer meets with him and wants him to hold the three orbs until he can meet with his partner. Michael shows up at his shop one day and Nick’s parrot, Ollie, that has a foul mouth talks way too much. Does the fowl mouthed fowl bring them together?
This was a cute fun story. I loved the descriptions of the art and the story behind Ollie. It’s hilarious and hot.
If you like art, parrots and hot man-sex give this a go. It’s hilarious. Fun and fast paced.
Wild Horses by Kate Pavelle
Heat level: Mild
Kai is nearly homeless and having to scrounge for food. Desperate, he picks a man’s pocket. He gets 60 dollars and a new iPhone. Atilla raises horses and runs a teaching school and his entire life is on the phone. He has money and doesn’t care about the 60 bucks. He sends a message and says you can keep the money, but please return the phone. He leaves another message you are much better than this. Kai feels bad and finally decides to return the phone. He goes all the way to Atilla’s horse ranch and gets overheated. One of Atilla’s horses that are wild and the only horse Atilla hasn’t been able to train takes up with Kai. How does a wild horse change a homeless desperate man’s life?
I liked this story. It was interesting how Atilla was so kind and generous to Kai. I had one problem with this story, however. I was reading and rooting for Kai and Atilla and the story just stopped. It really didn’t end or allude to an ending. It just felt like she ran out of time and cut off the story. I would have loved to found out what happened to Kai and Atilla.
If you love horses, stories full of desperation and a Good Samaritan keeps returning her. This one is for you.
Show and Tell by Liz Makar
Heat Level: Explicit
Damian is a kindergarten teacher and self-professed animal killer. Sam is the new owner of the local pet store. Damien is blackmailed by one of his students to get a new classroom pet after his latest tragedy. He goes to the shop to find a snake and meets the new owner, Sam.
I think this was one of my favorites. It’s fast past sweet and so funny. These kids… the things they say. The story is sweet, hot and full of humor.
I recommend this one to everyone. But especially if you like snakes, turtles, dogs and funny kindergarteners, and hot man-sex.
The Conch Republic by G. S. Wiley
Heat Level: Mild
Randy is unemployed and living with his mom in Key West. He gets a job in a tourist shop and meets Jack. Jack collects Conch shells and has a conch museum.
This is a sweet romance. I found it a bit rushed and it just suddenly ended. I’d have loved to see more of the romance between Jack and Randy maybe less of Randy’s sister Brett.
If you like beaches, Conch museums, stories about authors and book readings. Try this one.
Blurb: If words are the bridge between two people, what will keep Travis and Drew together?
Travis Miller has a machining job, a cat named Elwood, and a pathetic love life. The one bright spot in his existence is the handsome guitar player he sometimes passes on his way home from work. But when he finally gathers the courage to speak to the man, Travis learns that former novelist Drew Clifton suffers from aphasia: Drew can understand everything Travis says, but he is unable to speak or write.
The two lonely men form a friendship that soon blossoms into romance. But communication is only one of their challenges—there’s also Travis’s inexperience with love and his precarious financial situation. If words are the bridge between two people, what will keep them together?
Review: Oh, my God. What a story. So sweet, so gentle, so different. Unexpectedly, I found it to cling at my heart. There is no agony or angst in this story to make you bounce around and eat your fingernails. Well, except for when Travis leaves town, but even that was manageable. This was all sugar, but not the least corny. A wonderful story with beautifully flawed people. Travis is a man more ordinary that most people. He is a machinist and his life is a boring repetition of going to work and returning home. Well, except a gorgeous man, sitting on his doorsteps, playing the guitar. Travis sees him most days, when the weather is good, on his way back home. One day he makes up him mind and gathering those loose nerves he stops to talk to him. Instead of words though the gorgeous man gets out a card, where there’s written some information about the stunning man. Bottom end, he’s name is Drew and he has aphasia, so he can’t talk or write. Travis doesn’t mind though, he speaks well enough for both of them and they seem to be able to communicate perfectly together. They gradually start dating, the dates turn to snuggling around and spending every free time they have together, and that turns to six months’ worth of a very good, steady, and relaxed relationship. At least until Travis’ job closes in Portland and if he wants to keep his job he has to go and live to Omaha. Putting his need to be a man, able to pay his own bills, Travis chooses to go.
As I said there is nothing extraordinary in this plot to make you jump and say, oh dear. this is great, yet somehow, the simplicity of the love revealed in this story and the beauty of the characters made up for it. If you’re a romance lover (I guess I am a damn romantic fool myself) I totally recommend this. You’ll love it!
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